Former Afghanistan commander warns of plans to cut troops

Former Afghanistan commander warns of plans to cut troops



The former top U.S. commander in Afghanistan says that withdrawing up to half the 14,000 American troops serving there reduces the incentive for the Taliban to negotiate a peace deal after more than 17 years of war.

via FOX NEWS https://fxn.ws/2EWOYHY

American Is Arrested in Moscow on Spying Charges

By NEIL MacFARQUHAR from NYT World https://nyti.ms/2CIEbzD

Your Monday Briefing

By CHRIS STANFORD from NYT Briefing https://nyti.ms/2BQthGn

London police arrest 39 for attempted murder after stabbing

London police arrest 39 for attempted murder after stabbing



British police said 39 people were arrested Monday on suspicion of attempted murder following a stabbing in west London.

via FOX NEWS https://fxn.ws/2VmOr8a

2 dead, nearly 30 wounded in bomb blast at Philippine mall

2 dead, nearly 30 wounded in bomb blast at Philippine mall



Suspected Muslim militants remotely detonated a bomb near the entrance of a mall in the southern Philippines on Monday as people did last-minute shopping ahead of New Year's Eve celebrations, killing at least two and wounding nearly 30, officials said.

via FOX NEWS https://fxn.ws/2QeNqv1

Congo counts votes in presidential election, after delays

Congo counts votes in presidential election, after delays



Congo's election officials are counting votes Monday in a presidential election that the opposition and observers say has had numerous irregularities.

via FOX NEWS https://fxn.ws/2EXjUb0

Rights group urges Sudan to halt use of lethal force

Rights group urges Sudan to halt use of lethal force



Human Rights Watch urged Sudan's government on Monday to instruct security forces not to use lethal force against protesters, citing independent groups as saying that 40 people have been killed since protests demanding President Omar al-Bashir's ouster erupted nearly two weeks ago.

via FOX NEWS https://fxn.ws/2SsLd0V

2 dead, 21 wounded in bomb blast at Philippine shopping mall; Muslim militants eyed

2 dead, 21 wounded in bomb blast at Philippine shopping mall; Muslim militants eyed



A Philippine general says at least two people were killed and 21 others wounded when a bomb believed to be detonated remotely by suspected Muslim militants exploded near the entrance of a mall in the country's south.

via FOX NEWS https://fxn.ws/2EXKpxR

Russia reportedly detains American over suspected spying

Russia reportedly detains American over suspected spying



An American citizen has been detained in Russia over spying allegations leveled by the country’s domestic security service, Reuters reported early Monday.

via FOX NEWS https://fxn.ws/2Rkfyl1

Gambia's journalists, free from dictator, work to win trust

Gambia's journalists, free from dictator, work to win trust



Journalists in Gambia have launched a self-regulatory body they hope will offer legitimacy, and far more freedom, to media emerging from a dictatorship that ruled the tiny West African nation for more than two decades.

via FOX NEWS https://fxn.ws/2AmL20b

AP Investigation: Food aid stolen as Yemen starves

AP Investigation: Food aid stolen as Yemen starves



Day after day Nabil al-Hakimi, a humanitarian official in Taiz, one of Yemen's largest cities, went to work feeling he had a "mountain" on his shoulders.

via FOX NEWS https://fxn.ws/2F0ZheM

Election official says Bangladesh's ruling alliance won vote

Election official says Bangladesh's ruling alliance won vote



An election official says Bangladesh's ruling alliance led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has won Sunday's election with 288 seats giving it enough to form the government.

via FOX NEWS https://fxn.ws/2GM2S21

Merkel vows Germany will keep pushing for 'global solutions'

Merkel vows Germany will keep pushing for 'global solutions'



Chancellor Angela Merkel says Germany will keep pushing for global solutions to challenges in 2019 and also has to take greater responsibility in the world.

via FOX NEWS https://fxn.ws/2s3sKfy

Indian commits suicide in UAE due to 'health issues'

Prasad Sreedharan, a social worker affiliated with a medical committee constituted by the Consulate General of India in Dubai.

from Hindustan Times - world http://bit.ly/2ViSh1Y

Sheikh Hasina: Bangladesh's democracy icon-turned-iron lady

The 71-year-old, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is lauded by supporters for overseeing a decade of impressive economic growth in the impoverished South Asian nation that was more commonly known for its frequent floods and cyclones.

from Hindustan Times - world http://bit.ly/2CGm0ud

Taking down holiday decorations? Avoid these 7 mistakes everyone makes year after year

Taking down holiday decorations? Avoid these 7 mistakes everyone makes year after year



No, you can't just toss those lights in a bag and be done with it.

via FOX NEWS https://fxn.ws/2EWHlRP

Scarlett Johansson speaks out against fake AI-generated sex videos

Scarlett Johansson speaks out against fake AI-generated sex videos



Actress Scarlett Johansson is speaking out against fake AI-generated sex videos online.

via FOX NEWS http://bit.ly/2QgskMU

Computer virus cripples Tribune Publishing, Los Angeles Times

Computer virus cripples Tribune Publishing, Los Angeles Times



A computer virus hit newspaper printing plants in Los Angeles and at Tribune Publishing newspapers across the country.

via FOX NEWS https://fxn.ws/2TlmVWI

After Facebook apologizes for ban, Franklin Graham says tech giant should have standard based on 'God's word'

After Facebook apologizes for ban, Franklin Graham says tech giant should have standard based on 'God's word'



Facebook apologized to evangelical leader Franklin Graham for a 24-hour ban last week over a 2016 post about North Carolina's H.B. 2, known as the "bathroom bill," saying that one of its content moderators made a mistake.

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2018: The Year in Visual Stories and Graphics

By THE NEW YORK TIMES from NYT U.S. https://nyti.ms/2GLlDTy

Hearing Loss Threatens Mind, Life and Limb

By JANE E. BRODY from NYT Well https://nyti.ms/2AofpTL

Joyful Headlines About Race and Equality

By ADEEL HASSAN from NYT U.S. https://nyti.ms/2QcRyvw

Congratulations on the Promotion. But Did Science Get a Demotion?

By AARON E. CARROLL from NYT The Upshot https://nyti.ms/2RoLapw

NASA’s New Horizons Will Visit Ultima Thule on New Year’s Day

By KENNETH CHANG from NYT Science https://nyti.ms/2RqYh9J

Shopping for Tumblers

By TIM McKEOUGH from NYT Real Estate https://nyti.ms/2s0yg2z

The Origins of the Times Square Ball Drop

By RAILLAN BROOKS and ALEXANDRIA SYMONDS from NYT Reader Center https://nyti.ms/2CGuZvr

N.Y.’s New Attorney General Is Targeting Trump. Will Judges See a ‘Political Vendetta?’

By JEFFERY C. MAYS from NYT New York https://nyti.ms/2QcY5Gh

Castro Takes Manhattan: Vintage Pictures of the Cuban Conqueror as Tourist

By BILL KELLER from NYT New York https://nyti.ms/2QcY5WN

A Little Bit of Excess in a Sensible Package

By GENEVIEVE KO from NYT Food https://nyti.ms/2EVkExw

‘Help, My Boss Has Breasts!’

By CHOIRE SICHA from NYT Business https://nyti.ms/2QZlss9

Superb Oddities: Robert Gottlieb Reviews a Biography of Edward Gorey

By ROBERT GOTTLIEB from NYT Books https://nyti.ms/2Vk7ccd

The World Cup was the only thing that mattered to Putin

Over the past year, special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation has circled closer to President Donald Trump, surfacing new revelations about links between Russia and people in the President's orbit during the 2016 campaign and transition.

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Russia detains US citizen on suspicion of spying

Russia has detained a US citizen on the suspicion of spying, according to the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB).

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Why President Macron's U-turn is a warning for climate leaders

The humiliation of President Emanuel Macron should be a cautionary tale for any world statesman or woman considering taking on the mantle of climate leadership.

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Tokyo court extends Carlos Ghosn's detention by another 10 days

Former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn is set for an even longer stay in a Tokyo jail cell.

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Scarlett Johansson speaks out on fake, AI-generated sex videos online

Scarlett Johansson speaks out on fake, AI-generated sex videos online



"Avengers" star Scarlett Johansson is one of many women and several stars who've been targeted by sex videos generated by artificial intelligence.

via FOX NEWS https://fxn.ws/2QcLtPs

Bangladesh’s Leader Wins a Third Term but Opposition Contests Results

By JULFIKAR ALI MANIK and MARIA ABI-HABIB from NYT World https://nyti.ms/2CI02qY

An American Photographer’s Pilgrimage to the Italian Village of Luzzara

By JOSEPH SCIORRA from NYT Lens https://nyti.ms/2Qd6cCI

The Ethiopian Prime Minister who captured Africa's imagination

At the beginning of 2018, Africa watchers were still reeling from the departure of Robert Mugabe. The Zimbabwe leader's 37-year tenure had been figuratively bayoneted by his own army in an apparent coup.

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The Honda Civic Type R looks crazy so it doesn't drive that way

The Honda Civic Type R looks crazy so it doesn't drive that way



Lots of little things add up.

via FOX NEWS https://fxn.ws/2EY9tVI

Oracle's Larry Ellison named to Tesla board

Oracle's Larry Ellison named to Tesla board



Part of SEC settlement.

via FOX NEWS https://fxn.ws/2ETf1Rh

3 Dead and Scores Missing in Russia Building Collapse

By NEIL MacFARQUHAR from NYT World https://nyti.ms/2VkIfxm

Germany: Hannover Airport intruder ordered held in custody

Germany: Hannover Airport intruder ordered held in custody



Police say a judge has ordered the continued detention of a young Polish man who forced open a locked perimeter gate at Germany's Hannover Airport and drove his car onto the airfield.

via FOX NEWS https://fxn.ws/2Stt9n8

New world news from Time: A Suspected Gas Explosion at a High-Rise in Russia Has Killed at Least 3 People

Bangladesh election: PM Sheikh Hasina set to win record fourth term

According to local TV channel, Hasina’s alliance easily crossed the 151 seats required to form a government.

from Hindustan Times - world http://bit.ly/2EZo5nH

In wall-stalemate, Trump blames Democrats for migrant children's death

President Donald Trump has come under criticism for blaming Democrats for the death of two migrant children in the custody of US authorities over the past few weeks as the partial shut down of the federal government entered the ninth with signs it is likely to continue into next year.

from Hindustan Times - world http://bit.ly/2EU6EnI

Pakistan procuring 600 tanks to bolster capability along border with India: Intelligence...

Apart from battle tanks, Pakistan Army is also procuring 245 150mm SP Mike-10 guns from Italy out of which it has already received 120 guns, sources said.

from Hindustan Times - world http://bit.ly/2RlkZQK

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina heading for landslide win after deadly election day

The BNP-led opposition alliance Sunday accused Hasina’s party of using stuffed ballot boxes and other illegal means to fix the result, which was to be announced Monday.

from Hindustan Times - world http://bit.ly/2GOI9e0

Oklahoma's most expensive home is right across from an art museum

Oklahoma's most expensive home is right across from an art museum



A sprawling mansion next to the Philbrook Museum in Tulsa, OK, is currently the most expensive piece of property in the state.

via FOX NEWS https://fxn.ws/2AlT0q2

NASA pioneer Nancy Grace Roman the ‘Mother of Hubble,’ dead at 93

NASA pioneer Nancy Grace Roman the ‘Mother of Hubble,’ dead at 93



NASA pioneer Nancy Grace Roman the ‘Mother of Hubble,’ died at the age of 93. Roman was the first chief of astronomy in the office of space science at NASA headquarters.

via FOX NEWS http://bit.ly/2SnzLUa

NASA pioneer Nancy Grace Roman, the 'Mother of Hubble,' dead at 93

NASA pioneer Nancy Grace Roman, the 'Mother of Hubble,' dead at 93



Nancy Grace Roman, known as the "mother" of the Hubble Space Telescope and the first woman to hold an executive position at NASA, died on Christmas Day at the age of 93.

via FOX NEWS https://fxn.ws/2GNQzT7

First right whale calf of season seen by endangered-species observers, Florida wildlife officials say

First right whale calf of season seen by endangered-species observers, Florida wildlife officials say



Wildlife officials in Florida celebrated the spotting of a right whale calf, which they said was the first sighting so far this season.

via FOX NEWS https://fxn.ws/2SrPYb4

Rare, nearly extinct duck finds new home at lake in Madagascar

Rare, nearly extinct duck finds new home at lake in Madagascar



A species of duck that was once thought to be extinct for more than a decade has found a new home on a lake in northern Madagascar, the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) in the U.K. announced this week.

via FOX NEWS https://fxn.ws/2EUb1z9

High rise building collapses in Russia, at least two dead: Reports

Media outlets in the city, located 1,700 km (1,050 miles) east of Moscow in the southern Urals, said it was unclear how many people were trapped in the debris, but cries for help could be heard from beneath the rubble.

from Hindustan Times - world http://bit.ly/2TpmlY7

Lion kills intern after escaping locked area at US wildlife park

Alexandra Black, 22, of New Palestine, Indiana, was killed Sunday after being attacked by the lion in an enclosure that was being cleaned at the Conservators Center, news outlets reported, citing a statement from the Caswell County Sheriff’s Office.

from Hindustan Times - world http://bit.ly/2s3HCKU

Death toll in Philippine storm rises to 68, rains hamper rescue efforts

Fifty-seven people died in the mountainous Bicol region, southeast of Manila, while 11 were killed in the central island of Samar, mostly due to landslides and drownings, the officials said.

from Hindustan Times - world http://bit.ly/2LG5RrP

'Want the war to stop': 8-year-old's tragic story makes her symbol of Yemen unr...

Images of Buthaina’s rescue and a picture of her swollen and bruised at a hospital trying to force open one of her eyes with her fingers were beamed worldwide.

from Hindustan Times - world http://bit.ly/2s3HBGQ

Iraq hints at bigger role in Syria after US withdrawal

Iraq’s prime minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said Iraq sought to move beyond its current arrangement with Syria - under which it launches air strikes against Islamic State militants in Syrian territory - but did not got into more details.

from Hindustan Times - world http://bit.ly/2Q9EoPS

Bangladesh's Hasina wins election by landslide as opposition demands new vote

The opposition alliance accused Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s party of using stuffed ballot boxes and other illegal means to fix the result.

from Hindustan Times - world http://bit.ly/2VjoVR3

The many challenges for Donald Trump in 2018

Donald Trump effectively began 2018 with a one-page To-Do List. The most important bullets were domestic: eviscerate welfare programmes such as Obamacare, build legal and physical walls against immigrants, and spend $1 trillion on infrastructure. Foreign policy made a brief mention - big vague things like recalling US troops from around the world or waging a trade war on China.

from Hindustan Times - world http://bit.ly/2Q9PN1X

Congo voters barred over Ebola vote anyway, by the thousands

Protests followed the decision as people demanded to vote with the rest of the country.

from Hindustan Times - world http://bit.ly/2EW7Cj6

Afghanistan presidential election delayed until July 20

The presidential ballot was originally scheduled for April 20.

from Hindustan Times - world http://bit.ly/2RlPLJ8

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte under fire for saying he 'touched' maid

Duterte frequently sparks uproar with his comments on women, including rape jokes and boasting about adultery.

from Hindustan Times - world http://bit.ly/2Ss1ovv

New world news from Time: Sheikh Hasina-led Alliance Has Won Bangladesh Polls, Election Official Says

New world news from Time: Ex-U.S. Commander in Afghanistan Warns That Cutting Troops Hurts Leverage With Taliban

New world news from Time: 16 People Reported Dead in Election-Related Violence in Bangladesh

Kim Jong Un's 2019 game plan for North Korea awaits

Kim Jong Un shocked the world in 2018 by transforming his image from nuclear-armed tyrant to global statesman.

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Retired general hits Trump as immoral and dishonest

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The US is much less inclusive than it was two years ago. Here's why

If it feels like the US has become increasingly divided along race, gender, and other identity lines — it's because it has.

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Trump hits pause on Syria plans, senator says

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said on Sunday that withdrawing US troops from Syria could directly result in the deaths of Kurdish people there and that he plans to make a case to President Donald Trump today to reconsider his plans.

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Lion escapes at US zoo, kills intern

A lion killed a worker Sunday at a North Carolina zoological park after it escaped a locked enclosure during a routine cleaning, officials said.

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Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte claims he abused maid as teenager

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has claimed he molested a maid while in high school -- comments his spokesman later said were "made up."

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6.8-kilogram baby is twice the size of most newborns

A baby born in Arlington, Texas, weighed nearly 15 pounds; mother and son are both healthy.

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Fisherman pulls up suspected cocaine

A fisherman returning to land in Monroe County, Florida, pulled almost 60 pounds of suspected cocaine out of the water on Saturday morning.

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In holiday message, Putin says Russia 'open to dialogue' with US

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia was "open to dialogue" with the US in a holiday message to President Donald Trump.

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Bangladesh PM wins 3rd term in vote marred by violence

At least 15 people were killed in election-related clashes in Bangladesh on Sunday, local police officials told CNN.

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Bald eagle makes surprise landings on football fans

A bald eagle failed to return to its handler during the national anthem at the Cotton Bowl, instead opting to land on two fans in the stadium. HLN's Coy Wire explains.

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I hope someone beats my records: Shiffrin

Mikaela Shiffrin began 2018 with a New Year's Day victory in Oslo, she ended it with the most World Cup wins by any competitor in a calendar year and surpassing her childhood idol as the most successful female slalom skier in history.

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Year-End Storm in the Philippines Kills More Than 60

By JASON GUTIERREZ from NYT World https://nyti.ms/2R55gWI

Philippine President Says He Sexually Abused Housemaid as a Teenager

By JASON GUTIERREZ from NYT World https://nyti.ms/2AqsfRv

C.I.A.’s Afghan Forces Leave a Trail of Abuse and Anger

By MUJIB MASHAL from NYT World https://nyti.ms/2EZjOjT

In Orange County, a Republican Fortress Turns Democratic

By ADAM NAGOURNEY and ROBERT GEBELOFF from NYT U.S. https://nyti.ms/2F0FQSR

Consejos para vivir mejor en 2019

By Por MARINA FRANCO from NYT Universal https://nyti.ms/2QXpu4p

‘The Train Was So Packed That It Was Difficult For Me to Do What I Always Did’

By Unknown Author from NYT New York https://nyti.ms/2SrN1ar

2 of New York’s Most Influential Offices Are About to be Held by One Person

By J. DAVID GOODMAN from NYT New York https://nyti.ms/2Tllzvc

What’s on TV Monday: New Year’s Eve Celebrations and Taylor Swift

By SARA ARIDI from NYT Arts https://nyti.ms/2AmjsAe

Armed Man in Tactical Clothing Headed to a Texas Church to ‘Fulfill a Prophecy,’ Police Say

By SANDRA E. GARCIA from NYT U.S. https://nyti.ms/2CH9f2G