Let’s have a look at today’s top stories.
Planes grounded after Ethiopian Airlines crash: Live updates
What we’re covering here What we’re covering here Planes grounded: Some countries – including the UK, China and Australia – and airlines are grounding Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft following a deadly Sunday crash in Ethiopia. Two crashes in less than six months: A new Lion Air Boeing 737 MAX 8 flight went down over the Java Sea last October, killing 189 people.
Cardinal George Pell sentenced to six years in prison for child sex abuse
Cardinal George Pell, the most senior Vatican official to be convicted of sex abuse to date, has been sentenced to six years in prison for the “callous” assault of two choirboys in the late 1990s.
Ronaldo hat-trick keeps Juve’s Champions League dream alive
Cristiano Ronaldo was under no illusions when he signed for Juventus last July.
US begins work on new missiles after pulling out of arms control treaty with Russia
The Pentagon is taking steps to develop new missiles, following the Trump administration’s decision to suspend the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, a 1987 arms-control agreement that the Trump administration has said it plans to exit due to Russian violations.
Joe Biden teases possible 2020 run: Save your energy, ‘I may need it in a few weeks’
Democratic office holders who have spoken to former Vice President Joe Biden told CNN Tuesday that Biden’s team expects a final decision on his 2020 plans imminently and an official announcement in the spring, as soon as April.
Can Saudi Arabia turn its airline into a real rival to Emirates and Qatar?
Saudi Arabia is hosting its first international air show as it seeks to turn its national airline into a global player.
Why the 2019 Indian election feels different to 2014
India’s ruling Hindu nationalist party, which stormed to power five years ago in the world’s biggest democracy, is on the defensive as the next general election approaches but the opposition Congress has failed to press home its advantage.
‘At least 500 killed’ in DR Congo attack
A UN investigation says violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo last year may amount to crimes against humanity. It says at least 500 people were killed, including families burnt alive in their homes and a two-year-old who was thrown into a septic tank.
MPs to vote on leaving EU with no deal
MPs will vote later on whether to block the UK from leaving the EU without a deal on 29 March, after again rejecting the PM’s withdrawal agreement. The deal was defeated in the Commons on Tuesday evening by 149 votes.
California governor to halt executions
California Governor Gavin Newsom will announce a moratorium on executions and a temporary reprieve for all 737 inmates on death row in the state. US media report he plans to sign an executive order later on Wednesday, describing the death penalty as “inconsistent with our bedrock values”.
Africa Live: Flogging dropped for female protesters
That’s all from BBC Africa Live for now. Keep up-to-date with what’s happening across the continent by listening to the Africa Today podcast or check the BBC News website. A reminder of today’s wise words: And we leave you with this bird’s eye view from Rio Lifune in Angola: Elections have been inconclusive – and will have to be re-run – in six governorship votes in Nigeria.
Last photos of Kenya’s ‘elephant queen’
“If I hadn’t looked upon her with my own eyes, I might not have believed that such an elephant could exist in our world.” For more than 60 years, the elephant known as F_MU1, roamed the plains of Tsavo, Kenya.
The College Admissions Process Is Already A Scam
On Tuesday, dozens of parents were among 50 people charged with participation in a widespread college admissions scam. The parents ― who included famous actors, financial leaders and other successful business people ― allegedly were part of a scheme in which athletic coaches and exam proctors were bribed to get an illegal leg-up for their children, even after the kids had gotten the advantages of a privileged upbringing.
All Boeing 737 MAX Flights Have Been Suspended Across Europe
The European aviation regulator has suspended flights of the Boeing 737 MAX in EU airspace following the crash of an Ethiopian Airlines flight on Sunday. The move came after Britain’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said that it had “closely monitored” the situation in the east African country and had decided to stop airlines using the US-made jet for flights to, from or over Britain.
Nancy Pelosi Boots Pence From His House Office
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has reportedly had Vice President Mike Pence kicked out of a little-used office that was given to him when Republicans were in control of the chamber. Pence’s nameplate was yanked from its position over the door at the direction of Pelosi, NPR reported.
Pentagon Sets Limits On Transgender Troops
WASHINGTON, March 12 (Reuters) – The U.S. Defense Department signed a memo on Tuesday that would enforce limitations on transgender people serving in the military, a policy that has been the subject of court challenges. The policy will take effect on April 12 and will bar most transgender individuals from serving if they require hormone treatments or transition surgery.
Black Actors, Models Discuss Lack Of Stylists Who Can Do Black Hair
A number of black models, actors and actresses are having a continuing conversation on Twitter about black hair and the importance of working with hairstylists who know how to style and care for black hair textures.
Dad Transforms Daughter Into Captain Marvel In Epic Photos
“Captain Marvel” made a splash over the weekend, opening with a $455 million global box office gross. To celebrate the movie’s release, a California photographer and father of two planned a special surprise for his daughter. Josh Rossi ‘s 5-year-old Nellee loves female superheroes.
Dad Gets Pranked On Birthday When Sons Put His Phone Number On Billboard
It’s a sign of the times from two Florida men who gave their dad a billboard instead of a card on his 62nd birthday. Chris Ferry’s sons wanted to wish him a happy birthday, but they were in the Sunshine State and he was back home in New Jersey.
Amazon removes books promoting misinformation on autism cures
Amazon has reportedly pulled books relating to autism cures and anti-vaccination misinformation. As reported by NBC News, the titles Healing the Symptoms Known as Autism and Fight Autism and Win are no longer available on its marketplace.
Disney’s first full ‘Aladdin’ trailer shows extended look at Will Smith in all his Genie glory
The latest trailer for Disney’s live-action Aladdin – the longest one yet – sets aside the teasing and gives us a look at the movie’s story, along with some of the big musical numbers and Will Smith’s approach to genie comedy. It’s… Aladdin!
Mitt Romney’s unusual technique for blowing out birthday candles is puzzling the internet
It’s Mitt Romney’s party, and he can blow out his candles however he wants to. Senator Mitt Romney posted a video on Twitter showing his staffers surprising him with a cake for his birthday on Tuesday made out of his favorite snacks, Twinkies.
The ‘Dark Knight’ trilogy is returning to theaters for a 70mm IMAX tour
Time to dust off that Bane impression: The Dark Knight trilogy is headed back to the big screen. In honor of Batman’s 80th birthday later this month, Director Christopher Nolan is taking his beloved trio of Christian Bale-starring Batman flicks on the road for an anniversary tour/movie marathon.
Mozilla launches Firefox Send, a free self-destructing file-sharing service
Mozilla’s latest service might make you feel like a secret spy. The nonprofit behind the popular open-source Firefox web browser has launched its new encrypted self-destructing file-sharing platform, Firefox Send . Mozilla’s latest offering has been in beta since 2017. It officially launched on Tuesday.
Huawei caught using stock images to promote smartphone’s camera
One of the photos, which features a young child and three ducklings, was actually taken four years ago by photographer Jake Olson. In an email, Olson told PCMag that Huawei didn’t get permission to use his photo, but he said the picture was available on Getty Images.
