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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Will Step Back as Senior Royals and Work to Become Financially Independent

Lisa.Felice
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Will Step Back as Senior Royals and Work to Become Financially Independent
Image source Getty Image

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have announced they will step back as “senior” royals and work to become financially independent.

In a statement, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex also said they plan to split their time between the UK and North America.

According to the UK’s media outlets, no other royals – including Queen Elizabeth II or Prince William – was consulted before the statement and Buckingham Palace is “disappointed”.

Senior royals are understood to be “hurt” by the announcement.

In October 2019, Prince Harry and his wife publicly revealed their struggles under the media spotlight.

In their unexpected statement on January 8, also posted on their Instagram page, Prince Harry and Meghan said they made the decision “after many months of reflection and internal discussions”.

“We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Name Royal Baby Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor

Meghan Markle Makes Final Appearance in Suits

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex said they plan to balance their time between the UK and North America while “continuing to honor our duty to the Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages”.

“This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity.”

A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said discussions with the royal couple on their decision to step back were “at an early stage”, adding: “We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through.”

Over Christmas, Prince Harry and Meghan took a six-week break from royal duties to spend some time in Canada with their son, Archie, who was born in May.

After returning to the UK on January 7, Prince Harry, 35, and Meghan, 38, visited Canada’s High Commission in London to thank the country for hosting them and said the warmth and hospitality they received was “unbelievable”.

During the visit, Meghan said it was an “incredible time” to enjoy the “beauty of Canada”.

She said: “To see Archie go ‘ah’ when you walk by, and just see how stunning it is – so it meant a lot to us.”

Former actress Meghan Markel lived and worked in Toronto during her time starring in the popular American drama Suits, and she has several Canadian friends.

Prince Harry’ move was compared by specialists to Edward VIII’s abdication in 1936 in order to marry twice-divorced American Wallis Simpson.

The Duke of Sussex is sixth in line to the throne – behind Prince Charles, Prince William and his three children.

In an ITV documentary in 2019, Meghan Markle admitted motherhood was a “struggle” due to intense interest from newspapers.

Prince Harry also responded to reports of a rift between him and his brother William, the Duke of Cambridge, by saying they were on “different paths”.

In October, Meghan began legal action against the Mail on Sunday over a claim that it unlawfully published one of her private letters.

Prince Harry also began legal action against the owners of the Sun, the defunct News of the World, and the Daily Mirror, in relation to alleged phone-hacking.

What to Do After a Truck Accident? 5 Important Steps People Forget

Dana R
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What to Do After a Truck Accident? 5 Important Steps People Forget

Have you gotten into a truck accident today? It can be stressful. Especially if you got hurt. Here are a few steps you should take next to get compensation.

How deadly are accidents involving trucks? According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, over 4,000 Americans died as a result of large truck crashes in 2018. Of those, the majority — 67 percent — were drivers or passengers in automobiles. 

Do you know what to do in the event that you are a victim of a truck accident today? Read on to refresh your memory about the essential steps to take.

1. Stay Calm and Keep Quiet

An accident can rattle even the calmest, most laid back person. However, it’s important to keep your wits about you. First, assess the safety of the situation and determine if you or one of your passengers are injured. Then take a few moments to breathe deeply and center yourself before exiting the vehicle.

It’s human nature to place blame on the other driver, but whatever you do, do not come out swinging. Antagonizing them could cause the situation to go from bad to worse. Conversely, if you admit responsibility or apologize, they might use that against you when it comes to assigning fault.

In the event that the other driver is shouting or swearing at you, lock your car door, call 911, and wait for the authorities to arrive.

2. Call for Help

Even if there don’t seem to be any serious injuries or damage to the vehicles, you need to call 911. Filing an accident report is the law, for starters. 

Moreover, it’s simply smart to have the incident documented. You may develop injuries later on that can be traced back to the accident. One of the most common delayed injuries is whiplash, but there are many other issues that can develop long after the dust settles. 

There is also the possibility that other people involved may decide to bring legal action against you.

3. Use Your Cell Phone to Capture Evidence

As you are waiting for police and paramedics to arrive, take out your smartphone and start snapping pics. You can also record video. Make sure to capture any damage to the vehicles as well as road conditions or weather that may have led to the accident.

If there are witnesses, take down their contact information so police can follow up with them if necessary. Of course, you should also exchange info with the other driver, including the details of their insurance.

4. Seek Medical Attention ASAP

Often, the 911 dispatcher will send an ambulance to the accident scene, just as a precautionary measure. If you are not seen by EMTs or paramedics then and there, however, go get checked out by your doctor. You can also visit an urgent care clinic.

Don’t delay; seek medical attention no later than the day after the crash. Again, having this documentation could prove essential to a favorable legal outcome.

5. Secure the Services of an Attorney

Speaking of favorable legal outcomes, another important step in the wake of an accident is contacting an attorney. Accident attorneys offer complimentary consultations to determine whether their services are necessary.

Getting a truck accident lawyer doesn’t necessarily mean you have to file a lawsuit. They can help you in negotiations with insurance companies as well, to guarantee that you get a fair shake.

A Truck Accident Today Can Result in Heartache Tomorrow

In the aftermath of a serious crash, it’s common for a person’s common sense to fly out the window! You can never be too prepared to deal with a truck accident today, tomorrow, or next year. Keep your head, document everything you can, and enlist the assistance of law enforcement, medical personnel, and attorneys.

Have you ever been in a serious crash with a truck? Do you have any tips for dealing with the pain or other problems that accidents cause? Leave a comment below.

Ukraine Plane Crashes in Iran Killing 176

Diane A. Wade
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Ukraine Plane Crashes in Iran Killing 176
Image source: Wikipedia

More than 170 people died after a Ukrainian Boeing-737 crashed in Iran on January 8.

Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 to Kyiv, carrying 176 on board, went down after taking off from Imam Khomeini airport in Tehran at 06:12 local time.

According to officials, there is no chance of finding survivors.

The majority of passengers were from Iran and Canada.

The embassy of Ukraine in Tehran initially blamed engine failure but later removed the statement.

It said any comment regarding the cause of the accident prior to a commission’s inquiry was not official.

Iran Launches Ballistic Missile Attack on US Air Bases in Iraq

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky warned against “speculation or unchecked theories regarding the catastrophe” until official reports were ready.

Iranian media blamed technical problems and quoted an aviation official who said no emergency had been declared.

In a sign of the potential difficulties facing crash investigators, Ali Abedzadeh, the head of Iran’s civil aviation organization was quoted as saying the Ukrainian plane’s black box would not be handed over, either to Boeing or the Americans.

Ali Abedzadeh said “terrorism” had played no role in the crash, Iran’s conservative Mehr news agency reported.

Debris and engine parts from the Boeing 737-800 NG plane were found some 6 miles from the airport and rescue workers with face masks searched the wreckage for victims.

Throughout the morning, Red Crescent workers laid out a long line of body bags.

Hours before the plane came down Iran carried out a ballistic missile attack on two air bases housing US forces in Iraq. However, there is no evidence that the two incidents were linked.

A series of airlines announced on January 8 that they were avoiding both Iranian and Iraqi airspace.

KLM and Air France said they would use alternative routes while Lufthansa said it was also canceling its daily flight to Tehran. Air India, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines, and Malaysia Airlines were among other airlines taking action.

According to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko, among the victims were 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians, 11 Ukrainians including all nine crew, 10 Swedes, four Afghans, three Britons and three Germans,

Ukrainian officials said that 169 people had bought tickets for the flight but two had not boarded the plane.

Iran Launches Ballistic Missile Attack on US Air Bases in Iraq

Roy Siemens
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Iran Launches Ballistic Missile Attack on US Air Bases in Iraq

In retaliation for the US killing of General Qasem Soleimani, Iran has carried out a ballistic missile attack on air bases housing US forces in Iraq.

More than a dozen missiles launched from Iran struck two air bases in Irbil and Al Asad, west of Baghdad.

At this moment, it is unclear if there have been any casualties.

The initial response from Washington has been muted.

President Donald Trump tweeted: “All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning.”

Two Iraqi bases housing US and coalition troops were targeted, one at Al Asad and one in Irbil, at about 02:00 local time on January 8. It came just hours after the burial of Qasem Soleimani, who controlled Iran’s proxy forces across the Middle East.

Donald Trump Warns of Severe Sanctions for Iraq if US Troops Are Expelled

Qasem Soleimani: Iran’s Top General Killed in Baghdad Air Strike Ordered by President Trump

Iraq: US Embassy in Baghdad Attacked by Protesters

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei said the attack was “a slap in the face” for the US and called for an end to their presence in the Middle East.

Echoing him, President Hassan Rouhani said Iran’s “final answer” to Qasem Soleimani’s assassination would be to “kick all US forces out of the region”.

Iraq’s PM Adel Abdul Mahdi said Iran warned him that an attack was imminent and only areas with US troops would be targeted. There were no reports of Iraqi casualties, he said.

Just hours after the missile strikes a Ukrainian airliner crashed in Iran shortly after take-off. There is no evidence that the two incidents are linked.

Several airlines have announced they are avoiding both Iranian and Iraqi airspace amid the rising tension.

This is the most direct assault by Iran on the US since the seizing of the US embassy in Tehran in 1979.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said the attack was in retaliation for the death of Qasem Soleimani on Friday – killed in a missile strike outside Baghdad airport on the orders of President Trump – and warned US allies that their bases could also be targeted.

Iran’s Defense Minister Amir Hatami said his country’s response to any US retaliation would be proportional to the US action.

However, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the attack was self-defense and denied seeking to escalate the situation into war.

He tweeted: “Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched.

We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression.”

Harvey Weinstein Threatened with Jail for Using Phone in Court

Lisa.Felice
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Harvey Weinstein Threatened with Jail for Using Phone in Court
Image source Wikimedia

Former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has been threatened with jail for using his phone in a New York City court where a jury is being picked for his rape trial.

Judge James Burke asked him: “Is this really the way you want to end up in jail for the rest of your life, by texting and violating a court order?”

The judge instructed Harvey Weinstein, who is out on bail, not to answer the question.

He faces five charges and possibly life in jail if convicted.

The allegations include rape and assault relating to two unnamed accusers. He is charged with raping one woman in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013, and performing a forcible sex act on the second woman in 2006.

On January 6, Harvey Weinstein was charged with an additional two counts in Los Angeles: rape and assault.

He has denied all charges and insists any encounters were consensual.

According to local media, on January 7, Harvey Weinstein, 67, was caught using two mobile phones in court. He had already been admonished by Judge Burke at previous court appearances for using a handset.

Judge Burke said: “What did I say would happen if he so much has a cellphone or electronic device since there have been repeated violations of this, including some on the record?”

“I believe you said remand,” Harvey Weinstein’s lawyer replied after a heated exchange, meaning to put his client in jail.

Harvey Weinstein Reaches $25 Million Civil Settlement with Dozens of Accusers

Harvey Weinstein’s Accuser Told by Police to Delete Phone Files

Annabella Sciorra Accuses Harvey Weinstein of Rape and Daryl Hannah Shares a Story

Natassia Malthe Accuses Harvey Weinstein of Raping Her after BAFTA Awards Ceremony

Lead prosecutor Joan Illuzzi urged Judge Burke to jail Harvey Weinstein, who is out on $5 million bail. He is required to wear an electronic tracking device.

“There is a grave risk that this defendant at some point will realize that the evidence against him is imposing and overwhelming” and he will try to escape, Joan Illuzzi said.

Judge Burke ultimately declined to revoke Harvey Weinstein’s bail, but told the former movie mogul he would not get any further warning.

“I’m not looking for apologies,” Judge Burke said.

“I’m looking for compliance.”

In court, Harvey Weinstein’s lawyer, Arthur Aidala, asked Judge Burke to delay jury selection, arguing that the jury pool had been tarnished by the extensive press coverage of the Los Angeles charges filed on January 6.

Judge Burke rejected the defense request.

After jury selection, Harvey Weinstein’s New York trial is expected to begin in around two weeks.

Venezuela: Juan Guaido Storms Parliament to Be Sworn In as Speaker

Diane A. Wade
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Venezuela: Juan Guaido Storms Parliament to Be Sworn In as Speaker
Photo: EPA

In a chaotic scene, Venezuela’s opposition leader Juan Guaidó has forced his way into the National Assembly (the country’s parliament) building after being stopped by troops. The incident occurred as his rival for the position of parliamentary speaker held a session inside.

Juan Guaido, who was re-elected on January 5 to a second one-year term as head of the opposition-held congress, had pledged to preside over January 7 opening session after security forces blocked him from the building over the weekend to allow allies of President Nicolas Maduro to swear in their own speaker, Luis Parra.

Venezuela: Juan Guaido Accused of Coup Bid

Venezuela Crisis: Russia Condemns Foreign Powers for Backing Juan Guaido

Venezuela Elections 2018: Nicolas Maduro Wins Another Six-Year Term Amid Opposition Boycott

On January 5, security forces blocked him to enter the parliament. He tried again to break through a cordon on January 7. He and his supporters managed to push through the riot police. Their arrival prompted pro-government lawmakers to leave.

Juan Guaidó went on sit down in the Speaker’s chair. He and his supporters sang the national anthem before he was sworn in as Speaker during a power cut which forced people to use phone lights.

Qasem Soleimani Burial: 50 Dead and 200 Injured in Funeral Procession Stampede

Roy Siemens
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Qasem Soleimani Burial: 50 Dead and 200 Injured in Funeral Procession Stampede

At least 50 people have been killed and more than 200 injured in a stampede as Iranians gathered for the funeral procession of General Qasem Soleimani, who was killed in a US drone strike in Baghdad last week.

The deaths in the top military commander’s hometown of Kerman led to the burial ceremony being delayed.

Qasem Soleimani’s burial is the last in a series of funeral events that have brought millions on to the streets in Iran.

His killing has raised fears of a conflict between the US and Iran.

Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Quds force, was tasked with defending and projecting Iranian interests abroad, and was hailed as a hero by many in his home country. Immediately after his death, Iran threatened retaliation.

To the US, Qasem Soleimani was a terrorist, and in explaining why he ordered the strike, President Donald Trump said he was acting on an “imminent” threat.

The crush in Kerman happened at the start of a funeral procession that had drawn vast numbers of people on January 7, ahead of the planned burial.

Qasem Soleimani Death: Thousands of Mourners Gathered in Ahvaz to Receive General’s Remains

Qasem Soleimani: Iran’s Top General Killed in Baghdad Air Strike Ordered by President Trump

Iraq: US Embassy in Baghdad Attacked by Protesters

According to officials, quoted on Iran’s Isna news agency, the death toll at 50, with those injured numbering more than 200.

Video online showed people on the ground with their faces covered by clothing.

Iranian media later reported that the burial had resumed. Video footage showed the procession of Qasem Soleimani’s casket. People threw items of clothing which officials touched against the casket before returning them.

Top Iranian officials renewed their threats of revenge. “The martyr Qasem Soleimani is more powerful… now that he is dead,” the Revolutionary Guards’ top general, Maj. Gen, Hossein Salami, told crowds in Kerman.

The Guards were set up to defend Iran’s Islamic system and are a major political and military force. The Quds Force is its overseas operations arm.

According to local reports, mourners in Kerman chanted “death to America” and “death to Trump”.

BAFTA’s Nominations 2020: Full List

Sonia Pantiss
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BAFTA’s Nominations 2020: Full List
The BAFTAs can be an indicator of which films go on to win Academy Awards two weeks later
The BAFTAs can be an indicator of which films go on to win Academy Awards weeks later

Joker has received 11 nominations for the British Academy of Film and Television Arts’ annual awards. 

This year’s BAFTA Awards will be handed out at a ceremony on February 2 at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Here is the full list of this year’s nominations:

Best film

  • 1917
  • The Irishman
  • Joker
  • Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood
  • Parasite

Outstanding British film

  • 1917
  • Bait
  • For Sama
  • Rocketman
  • Sorry We Missed You
  • The Two Popes

Leading actress

  • Jessie Buckley – Wild Rose
  • Scarlett Johansson – Marriage Story
  • Saoirse Ronan – Little Women
  • Charlize Theron – Bombshell
  • Renée Zellweger – Judy

Leading actor

  • Leonardo DiCaprio – Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood
  • Adam Driver – Marriage Story
  • Taron Egerton – Rocketman
  • Joaquin Phoenix – Joker
  • Jonathan Pryce – The Two Popes

Supporting actress

  • Laura Dern – Marriage Story
  • Scarlett Johansson – Jojo Rabbit
  • Florence Pugh – Little Women
  • Margot Robbie – Bombshell
  • Margot Robbie – Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood

Supporting actor

  • Tom Hanks – A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
  • Anthony Hopkins – The Two Popes
  • Al Pacino – The Irishman
  • Joe Pesci – The Irishman
  • Brad Pitt – Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood

Director

  • Sam Mendes – 1917
  • Martin Scorsese – The Irishman
  • Todd Phillips – Joker
  • Quentin Tarantino – Once Upon A Time… In Hollywood
  • Bong Joon-Ho – Parasite

EE Rising Star Award (voted for by the public)

  • Awkwafina
  • Jack Lowden
  • Kaitlyn Dever
  • Kelvin Harrison Jr
  • Micheal Ward

Outstanding debut by a British writer, director or producer

  • Bait – Mark Jenkin, Kate Byers, Linn Waite
  • For Sama – Waad al-Kateab, Edward Watts
  • Maiden – Alex Holmes
  • Only You – Harry Wootliff
  • Retablo – Álvaro Delgado-Aparicio

Film not in the English language

  • The Farewell
  • For Sama
  • Pain and Glory
  • Parasite
  • Portrait of a Lady On Fire

Documentary

  • American Factory
  • Apollo 11
  • Diego Maradona
  • For Sama
  • The Great Hack

Animated film

  • Frozen 2
  • Klaus
  • A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon
  • Toy Story 4

Original screenplay

  • Booksmart – Susanna Fogel, Emily Halpern, Sarah Haskins, Katie Silberman
  • Knives Out – Rian Johnson
  • Marriage Story – Noah Baumbach
  • Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood – Quentin Tarantino
  • Parasite – Han Jin Won, Bong Joon-ho

Adapted screenplay

  • The Irishman – Steven Zaillian
  • Jojo Rabbit – Taika Waititi
  • Joker – Todd Phillips, Scott Silver
  • Little Women – Greta Gerwig
  • The Two Popes – Anthony McCarten

Original score

  • 1917 – Thomas Newman
  • Jojo Rabbit – Michael Giacchino
  • Joker – Hildur Guđnadóttir
  • Little Women – Alexandre Desplat
  • Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker – John Williams

Cinematography

  • 1917 – Roger Deakins
  • The Irishman – Rodrigo Prieto
  • Joker – Lawrence Sher
  • Le Mans ’66 – Phedon Papamichael
  • The Lighthouse – Jarin Blaschke

Costume design

  • The Irishman – Christopher Peterson, Sandy Powell
  • Jojo Rabbit – Mayes C Rubeo
  • Judy – Jany Temime
  • Little Women – Jacqueline Durran
  • Once Upon A Time… In Hollywood – Arianne Phillips

Editing

  • The Irishman – Thelma Schoonmaker
  • Jojo Rabbit – Tom Eagles
  • Joker – Jeff Groth
  • Le Mans ’66 – Andrew Buckland, Michael McCusker
  • Once Upon A Time… In Hollywood – Fred Raskin

Production design

  • 1917 – Lee Sandales
  • The Irishman – Bob Shaw, Regina Graves
  • Jojo Rabbit – Ra Vincent, Nora Sopková
  • Joker – Mark Friedberg, Kris Moran
  • Once upon a Time… In Hollywood – Barbara Ling, Nancy Haigh

Make-up and hair

  • 1917 – Naomi Donne
  • Bombshell – Vivian Baker, Kazu Hiro, Anne Morgan
  • Joker – Kay Georgiou, Nicki Ledermann
  • Judy – Jeremy Woodhead
  • Rocketman – Lizzie Yianni Georgiou

Sound

  • 1917 – Scott Millan, Oliver Tarney, Rachael Tate, Mark Taylor, Stuart Wilson
  • Joker – Tod Maitland, Alan Robert Murray, Tom Ozanich, Dean Zupancic
  • Le Mans ’66 – David Giammarco, Paul Massey, Steven A. Morrow, Donald Sylvester
  • Rocketman – Matthew Collinge, John Hayes, Mike Prestwood Smith, Danny Sheehan
  • Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker – David Acord, Andy Nelson, Christopher Scarabosio, Stuart Wilson, Matthew Wood

Best special visual effects

  • 1917 – Greg Butler, Guillaume Rocheron, Dominic Tuohy
  • Avengers: Endgame – Dan Deleeuw, Dan Sudick
  • The Irishman – Leandro Estebecorena, Stephane Grabli, Pablo Helman
  • The Lion King – Andrew R Jones, Robert Legato, Elliot Newman, Adam Valdez
  • Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker – Roger Guyett, Paul Kavanagh, Neal Scanlan, Dominic Tuohy

Best casting

  • Joker – Shayna Markowitz
  • Marriage Story – Douglas Aibel, Francine Maisler
  • Once Upon A Time… In Hollywood – Victoria Thomas
  • The Personal History of David Copperfield – Sarah Crowe
  • The Two Popes – Nina Gold

British short film

  • Azaar
  • Goldfish
  • Kamali
  • Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You’re a Girl)
  • The Trap

British short animation

  • Grandad Was A Romantic
  • In Her Boots
  • The Magic Boat

Outstanding Contribution

TBC

IKEA Agrees to Pay $46 Million over Malm Dresser Child Death

Nancy Clayson
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IKEA Agrees to Pay $46 Million over Malm Dresser Child Death
Photo IKEA

IKEA has agreed to pay $46 million to the parents of a child who was killed when a chest of drawers fell on him.

Two-year-old Jozef Dudek suffocated in May 2017 when Ikea’s Malm drawers toppled over at the family’s California home.

The item, which weighs 70lbs, had been recalled a year earlier over safety concerns after three other children were killed.

According to lawyers, it is the largest child wrongful death settlement in US history.

A spokeswoman for the Swedish furniture giant said: “While no settlement can alter the tragic events that brought us here, for the sake of the family and all involved, we’re grateful that this litigation has reached a resolution.”

IKEA Agrees to Pay $50 Million to Settle Child Deaths Case

IKEA Recalls 29 Million Malm Chests of Drawers over Child Deaths

In a statement, Jozef’s parents, Joleen and Craig Dudek, said they were “devastated” by the loss of their son.

They said: “We never thought that a two-year-old could cause a dresser just 30 inches high to topple over and suffocate him.

“It was only later that we learned that [it] was unstable by design.”

“We are telling our story because we do not want this to happen to another family,” the couple added. They urged anyone who still has a recalled Ikea dresser to return it.

Joleen and Craig Dudek also said they would donate $1 million of the settlement to groups working to protect children from dangerous products.

In 2016, Ikea recalled millions of Malm chests of drawers in North America over safety concerns. It was the largest recall in the company’s history.

Initially, Ikea warned customers to use wall mounts with them, but the death of a third child prompted the action.

Curren Collas, 2, Camden Ellis, 2, and 23-month-old Ted McGee were all crushed by the product.

In December 2016, Ikea agreed to pay $50 million in a combined settlement to the families of the three toddlers.

Under that settlement, the company agreed to only sell chests in the US that meet or exceed the national voluntary safety standard for clothing storage units.

The deaths prompted the US Consumer Product Safety Commission to launch an education campaign about the risk of falling chests of drawers.

In 2017, Ikea re-launched the recall in the US and Canada. The Swedish furniture giant said items in its Malm range and other chests and dressers pose a “serious tip-over and entrapment hazard” if not secured to a wall.

Donald Trump Warns of Severe Sanctions for Iraq if US Troops Are Expelled

Roy Siemens
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Donald Trump Warns of Severe Sanctions for Iraq if US Troops Are Expelled
Image source Wikipedia

President Donald Trump has threatened Iraq with severe sanctions after its parliament called on US troops to leave the country.

The president told reporters: “We have a very extraordinarily expensive air base that’s there. It cost billions of dollars to build. We’re not leaving unless they pay us back for it.”

Tensions are high after the US assassinated Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad last week.

Meanwhile, Iran has vowed “severe revenge”.

The 62-year-old general spearheaded Iranian military operations in the Middle East and was regarded as a terrorist by the US.

Qasem Soleimani’s remains have now returned to Iran, where mourners packed the streets of Tehran on January 6.

Esmail Qaani, the new head of Iran’s Quds force – which Qasem Soleimani led – has vowed to expel the US from the Middle East.

Iran’s state radio quoted Esmail Qaani as saying: “We promise to continue martyr Soleimani’s path with the same force… and the only compensation for us would be to remove America from the region.”

The air strike that killed Qasem Soleimani also claimed the life of Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, a top Iraqi military figure who commanded the Iranian-backed Kataib Hezbollah group.

Speaking from the presidential plane, President Trump said that if Iraq asked US forces to depart on an unfriendly basis, “we will charge them sanctions like they’ve never seen before, ever. It’ll make Iranian sanctions look somewhat tame”.

Some 5,000 US soldiers are in Iraq as part of the international coalition against the ISIS group.

On January 5, the coalition paused its operations against ISIS in Iraq, and Iraqi lawmakers passed a non-binding resolution calling for foreign troops to leave.

The resolution was pushed through by the parliament’s Shia Muslim bloc – which is close to Iran.

Qasem Soleimani Death: Thousands of Mourners Gathered in Ahvaz to Receive General’s Remains

Qasem Soleimani: Iran’s Top General Killed in Baghdad Air Strike Ordered by President Trump

Iraq: US Embassy in Baghdad Attacked by Protesters

Meanwhile, Iran has announced it will no longer abide by restrictions imposed by the 2015 nuclear deal, under which it agreed to limit its sensitive nuclear activities and allow in international inspectors in return for the lifting of economic sanctions.

President Trump abandoned the deal in 2018, saying he wanted to force Iran to negotiate a new deal that would place indefinite curbs on its nuclear program and also halt its development of ballistic missiles.

However, Iran refused and had since been gradually rolling back its commitments under the deal.

In a statement, Iran said it would no longer observe limitations on its capacity for enrichment, the level of enrichment, the stock of enriched material, or research and development.

European leaders, from Germany, France and the UK – which were all signatories to the 2015 deal, alongside China and Russia – responded with a joint statement urging Iran to refrain from “further violent action or proliferation”.

Golden Globes Winners 2020: Full List

Sonia Pantiss
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0
Golden Globes Winners 2020: Full List

The 77th Golden Globe Awards ceremony took place in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles on Sunday, January 5, 2020.

Here is the full list of winners and nominees of this year’s awards:

Best motion picture – drama

  • WINNER: 1917
  • The Irishman
  • Joker
  • Marriage Story
  • The Two Popes

Best actress in a motion picture – drama

  • Cynthia Erivo – Harriet
  • Scarlett Johansson – Marriage Story
  • Saoirse Ronan – Little Women
  • Charlize Theron – Bombshell
  • WINNER: Renée Zellweger – Judy

Best actor in a motion picture – drama

  • Christian Bale – Ford v Ferrari
  • Antonio Banderas – Pain and Glory
  • Adam Driver – Marriage Story
  • WINNER: Joaquin Phoenix – Joker
  • Jonathan Pryce – The Two Popes

Best motion picture – musical or comedy

  • Dolemite Is My Name
  • Jojo Rabbit
  • Knives Out
  • WINNER: Once Upon a Time In Hollywood
  • Rocketman

Best actress in a motion picture – musical or comedy

  • Ana De Armas – Knives Out
  • WINNER: Awkwafina – The Farewell
  • Cate Blanchett – Where’d You Go, Bernadette
  • Beanie Feldstein – Booksmart
  • Emma Thompson – Late Night

Best actor in a motion picture – musical or comedy

  • Daniel Craig – Knives Out
  • Roman Griffin Davis – Jojo Rabbit
  • Leonardo DiCaprio – Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood
  • WINNER: Taron Egerton – Rocketman
  • Eddie Murphy – Dolemite is My Name

Best motion picture – animated

  • Frozen 2
  • How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
  • The Lion King
  • WINNER: Missing Link
  • Toy Story 4

Best motion picture – foreign language

  • The Farewell
  • Les Miserables
  • Pain and Glory
  • WINNER: Parasite
  • Portrait of a Lady on Fire

Best actress in a supporting role in any motion picture

  • Kathy Bates – Richard Jewell
  • Annette Bening – The Report
  • WINNER: Laura Dern – Marriage Story
  • Jennifer Lopez – Hustlers
  • Margot Robbie – Bombshell

Best actor in a supporting role in any motion picture

  • Tom Hanks – A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood
  • Anthony Hopkins – The Two Popes
  • Al Pacino – The Irishman
  • Joe Pesci – The Irishman
  • WINNER: Brad Pitt – Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Best director in a motion picture

  • Martin Scorsese – The Irishman
  • Quentin Tarantino – Once Upon a Time In Hollywood
  • Bong Joon Ho – Parasite
  • WINNER: Sam Mendes – 1917
  • Todd Phillips – Joker

Best screenplay – motion picture

  • Noah Baumbach – Marriage Story
  • Bong Joon Ho, Han Jin Won – Parasite
  • Anthony McCarten – The Two Popes
  • WINNER: Quentin Tarantino – Once Upon a Time In Hollywood
  • Steven Zaillian – The Irishman

Best original score

  • Motherless Brooklyn – Daniel Pemberton
  • Little Women – Alexandre Desplat
  • WINNER: Joker – Hildur Gudnadottir
  • 1917 – Thomas Newman
  • Marriage Story – Randy Newman

Best original song – motion picture

  • Beautiful Ghosts – Cats
  • WINNER: I’m Gonna Love Me Again – Rocketman
  • Into the Unknown – Frozen 2
  • Spirit – The Lion King
  • Stand Up – Harriet

Best television series – drama

  • Big Little Lies
  • The Crown
  • Killing Eve
  • The Morning Show
  • WINNER: Succession

Best actress in a drama series

  • Jennifer Aniston – The Morning Show
  • WINNER: Olivia Colman – The Crown
  • Jodie Comer – Killing Eve
  • Nicole Kidman – Big Little Lies
  • Reese Witherspoon – The Morning Show

Best actor in a drama series

  • WINNER: Brian Cox – Succession
  • Kit Harington – Game of Thrones
  • Rami Malek – Mr Robot
  • Tobias Menzies – The Crown
  • Billy Porter – Pose

Best television series – musical or comedy

  • Barry
  • WINNER: Fleabag
  • The Kominsky Method
  • The Marvelous Mrs Maisel
  • The Politician

Best actress in a television series – musical or comedy

  • Christina Applegate – Dead to Me
  • Rachel Brosnahan – The Marvelous Mrs Maisel
  • Kirsten Dunst – On Becoming a God in Central Florida
  • Natasha Lyonne – Russian Doll
  • WINNER: Phoebe Waller-Bridge – Fleabag

Best actor in a television series – musical or comedy

  • Michael Douglas – The Kominsky Method
  • Bill Hader – Barry
  • Ben Platt – The Politician
  • Paul Rudd – Living With Yourself
  • WINNER: Ramy Youssef – Ramy

Best television limited series or motion picture made for television

  • Catch-22
  • WINNER: Chernobyl
  • Fosse/Verdon
  • The Loudest Voice
  • Unbelievable

Best actress in a limited series or TV movie

  • WINNER: Michelle Williams – Fosse/Verdon
  • Helen Mirren – Catherine the Great
  • Merritt Wever – Unbelievable
  • Kaitlyn Dever – Unbelievable
  • Joey King – The Act

Best actor in a limited series or a motion picture made for television

  • Chris Abbott – Catch-22
  • Sacha Baron Cohen – The Spy
  • WINNER: Russell Crowe – The Loudest Voice
  • Jared Harris – Chernobyl
  • Sam Rockwell – Fosse/Verdon

Best actress in a supporting role in a series, limited series or a motion picture made for television

  • Meryl Streep – Big Little Lies
  • Helena Bonham Carter – The Crown
  • Emily Watson – Chernobyl
  • WINNER: Patricia Arquette – The Act
  • Toni Collette – Unbelievable

Best actor in a supporting role in a series, limited series or motion picture made for television

  • lan Arkin – The Kominsky Method
  • Kieran Culkin – Succession
  • Andrew Scott – Fleabag
  • WINNER: Stellan Skarsgård – Chernobyl
  • Henry Winkler – Barry

Golden Globes 2020: Full List of Nominees

Sonia Pantiss
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Golden Globes 2020: Full List of Nominees

The 77th Golden Globe Awards take place in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California on January 5.

English comedian, actor and writer Ricky Gervais is back to present the Golden Globes for the fifth time this year. The 58-year-old says this will be his “very last” time fronting it.

The awards, which celebrate excellence in film and TV, are dished out on behalf of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) – who’ll be hoping to set the agenda once again ahead of next month’s Oscars.

On January 2, the Golden Globes announced a raft of celebrities who will hand out individual awards on the night, including nominees Margot Robbie, Rami Malek, Scarlett Johansson, Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Charlize Theron and Daniel Craig.

Here is the full list of this year’s Golden Globes nominees:

Best motion picture – drama

  • 1917
  • The Irishman
  • Joker
  • Marriage Story
  • The Two Popes

Best performance by an actress in a motion picture – drama

  • Cynthia Erivo – Harriet
  • Scarlett Johansson – Marriage Story
  • Saoirse Ronan – Little Women
  • Charlize Theron – Bombshell
  • Renee Zellweger – Judy

Best actor in a motion picture – drama

  • Christian Bale – Ford v Ferrari
  • Antonio Banderas – Pain and Glory
  • Adam Driver – Marriage Story
  • Joaquin Phoenix – Joker
  • Jonathan Pryce – The Two Popes

Best motion picture – musical or comedy

  • Dolemite Is My Name
  • Jojo Rabbit
  • Knives Out
  • Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood
  • Rocketman

Best performance by an actress in a motion picture – musical or comedy

  • Ana De Armas – Knives Out
  • Awkwafina – The Farewell
  • Cate Blanchett – Where’d You Go, Bernadette
  • Beanie Feldstein – Booksmart
  • Emma Thompson – Late Night

Best performance by an actor in a motion picture – musical or comedy

  • Daniel Craig – Knives Out
  • Roman Griffin Davis – Jojo Rabbit
  • Leonardo DiCaprio – Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood
  • Taron Egerton – Rocketman
  • Eddie Murphy – Dolemite is My Name

Best motion picture – animated

  • Frozen 2
  • How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
  • The Lion King
  • Missing Link
  • Toy Story 4

Best motion picture – foreign language

  • The Farewell
  • Les Miserables
  • Pain and Glory
  • Parasite
  • Portrait of a Lady on Fire

Best performance by an actress in a supporting role in any motion picture

  • Kathy Bates – Richard Jewell
  • Annette Bening – The Report
  • Laura Dern – Marriage Story
  • Jennifer Lopez – Hustlers
  • Margot Robbie – Bombshell

Best performance by an actor in a supporting role in any motion picture

  • Tom Hanks – A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood
  • Anthony Hopkins – The Two Popes
  • Al Pacino – The Irishman
  • Joe Pesci – The Irishman
  • Brad Pitt – Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Best director in a motion picture

  • Martin Scorsese – The Irishman
  • Quentin Tarantino – Once Upon a Time In Hollywood
  • Bong Joon Ho – Parasite
  • Sam Mendes – 1917
  • Todd Phillips – Joker

Best screenplay – motion picture

  • Noah Baumbach – Marriage Story
  • Bong Joon Ho, Han Jin Won – Parasite
  • Anthony McCarten – The Two Popes
  • Quentin Tarantino – Once Upon a Time In Hollywood
  • Steven Zaillian – The Irishman

Best original score

  • Motherless Brooklyn – Daniel Pemberton
  • Little Women – Alexandre Desplat
  • Joker – Hildur Gudnadottir
  • 1917 – Thomas Newman
  • Marriage Story – Randy Newman

Best original song – motion picture

  • Beautiful Ghosts – Cats
  • I’m Gonna Love Me Again – Rocketman
  • Into the Unknown – Frozen 2
  • Spirit – The Lion King
  • Stand Up – Harriet

Best Television series – drama

  • Big Little Lies
  • The Crown
  • Killing Eve
  • The Morning Show
  • Succession

Best performance by an actress in a drama series

  • Jennifer Aniston – The Morning Show
  • Olivia Colman – The Crown
  • Jodie Comer – Killing Eve
  • Nicole Kidman – Big Little Lies
  • Reese Witherspoon – The Morning Show

Best performance by an actor in a drama series

  • Brian Cox – Succession
  • Kit Harington – Game of Thrones
  • Rami Malek – Mr Robot
  • Tobias Menzies – The Crown
  • Billy Porter – Pose

Best television series – musical or comedy

  • Barry
  • Fleabag
  • The Kominsky Method
  • The Marvelous Mrs Maisel
  • The Politician

Best performance by an actress in a television series – musical or comedy

  • Christina Applegate – Dead to Me
  • Rachel Brosnahan – The Marvelous Mrs Maisel
  • Kirsten Dunst – On Becoming a God in Central Florida
  • Natasha Lyonne – Russian Doll
  • Phoebe Waller-Bridge – Fleabag

Best performance by an actor in a television series – musical or comedy

  • Michael Douglas – The Kominsky Method
  • Bill Hader – Barry
  • Ben Platt – The Politician
  • Paul Rudd – Living With Yourself
  • Ramy Youssef – Ramy

Best television limited series or motion picture made for television

  • Catch-22
  • Chernobyl
  • Fosse/Verdon
  • The Loudest Voice
  • Unbelievable

Best actress in a limited series or TV movie

  • Michelle Williams – Fosse/Verdon
  • Helen Mirren – Catherine the Great
  • Merritt Wever – Unbelievable
  • Kaitlyn Dever – Unbelievable
  • Joey King – The Act

Best performance by an actor in a limited series or a motion picture made for television

  • Chris Abbott – Catch-22
  • Sacha Baron Cohen – The Spy
  • Russell Crowe – The Loudest Voice
  • Jared Harris – Chernobyl
  • Sam Rockwell – Fosse/Verdon

Best performance by an actress in a supporting role in a series, limited series or a motion picture made for television

  • Meryl Streep – Big Little Lies
  • Helena Bonham Carter – The Crown
  • Emily Watson – Chernobyl
  • Patricia Arquette – The Act
  • Toni Collette – Unbelievable

Best performance by an actor in a supporting role in a series, limited series or motion picture made for television

  • lan Arkin – The Kominsky Method
  • Kieran Culkin – Succession
  • Andrew Scott – Fleabag
  • Stellan Skarsgård – Chernobyl
  • Henry Winkler – Barry

Qasem Soleimani Death: Thousands of Mourners Gathered in Ahvaz to Receive General’s Remains

Roy Siemens
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0
Qasem Soleimani Death: Thousands of Mourners Gathered in Ahvaz to Receive General’s Remains

Thousands of Iranians have gathered in the city of Ahvaz, southwest of Iran, on January 5 to receive the remains of General Qasem Soleimani, who was killed in a US airstrike in Baghdad.

The mourners beat their chests and chanted “death to America”.

Qasem Soleimani was the architect of Iran’s sphere of influence across the Middle East and he was considered to be the country’s second most powerful man.

The assassination of the top military commander marked a significant escalation between Iran and the US.

Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, who had a close personal relationship with Qasem Soleimani, warned of “severe revenge” for the attack.

President Donald Trump, who authorized the attack on Qasem Soleimani on January 3 – an option refused by both Presidents Bush and Obama as too risky – said in a tweet that the US was ready to strike 52 sites “important to Iran & the Iranian culture”.

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In a series of tweets likely to raise concerns about a path to war between the two countries, President Trump said the US would strike Iran “VERY FAST AND VERY HARD” if Iran targeted American bases or troops.

He said the 52 targets identified by the US represented 52 Americans who were held hostage in Iran for more than a year from late 1979 after they were taken from the US embassy in Tehran.

President Trump warned: “The United States just spent Two Trillion Dollars on Military Equipment. We are the biggest and by far the BEST in the World! If Iran attacks an American Base, or any American, we will be sending some of that brand new beautiful equipment their way…and without hesitation!”

Iran’s foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif responded on Twitter, saying that the killing of Qasem Soleimani was a breach of international law and that any targeting of cultural sites would be constitute a war crime.

Thousands of black-clad mourners gathered early on Sunday morning in the streets in Ahvaz, where Qasem Soleimani’s body had arrived before dawn.

The Irib state news agency showed footage of Qasem Soleimani’s casket, wrapped in an Iranian flag, being unloaded from a plane as a military band played, before it was flown on to Ahvaz.

The channel showed crowds gathered in the city’s Mollavi Square, waving flags and holding aloft portraits of Qasem Soleimani, who is seen by many in Iran as a hero because of his role as a soldier in the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s and his closeness to the supreme leader.

In the capital Tehran, members of parliament chanted “death to America” for a few minutes during a session of the house, the ISNA news agency reported.

Rod Stewart and His Son Charged After Allegedly Punching Florida Hotel Security Guard

Lisa.Felice
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0
Rod Stewart and His Son Charged After Allegedly Punching Florida Hotel Security Guard
Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Rod Stewart has been charged by police after allegedly punching a security guard at a hotel in Florida.

According to a police report, the altercation occurred after the 74-year-old singer and his companions, including his son Sean, failed to gain access to a private event on New Year’s Eve.

Sean Stewart allegedly pushed the security guard and Rod Stewart struck his chest “with a closed fist”, the report says.

Rod Stewart and his son were both charged with “simple battery”.

The security guard at the Breakers Palm Beach Hotel, named as Jessie Dixon, told officers that he saw a group of people near the check-in table of the private event in the children’s area, trying to enter without permission.

Jessie Dixon told police that the group “began to get loud and cause a scene”, refusing to leave.

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According to the affidavit, Sean Stewart got “nose to nose” with the security guard, who told him to back away.

The report then alleges that Sean Stewart, 39, shoved Jessie Dixon backwards, before Rod Stewart stepped towards the security guard and threw a punch, hitting him in the left ribcage.

The arresting officer says in the report that he made contact with Rod Stewart, who said he and his family approached the check-in table to try to gain access to the event for their children.

According to the affidavit, Rod Stewart told police that after the family were denied access, Jessie Dixon became argumentative with them, causing his family to become “agitated”.

The singer apologized for his role in the incident, the officer’s report says.

The officer says the altercation was witnessed by two other hotel employees, who signed witness statements confirming they saw the push by Sean Stewart and the punch by Rod Stewart.

Video footage also revealed Sean Stewart and his father as the “primary aggressors” in the confrontation, according to the report.

Both Rod and Sean Stewart were charged and are due to appear at the Palm Beach County Criminal Justice Complex on February 5.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kc6QXZxuhoY

Qasem Soleimani: Iran’s Top General Killed in Baghdad Air Strike Ordered by President Trump

Roy Siemens
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Qasem Soleimani: Iran’s Top General Killed in Baghdad Air Strike Ordered by President Trump
Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Iran’s military commander Qasem Soleimani was killed by an air strike at Baghdad airport on January 3 ordered by President Donald Trump, the Pentagon has confirmed.

The 62-year-old general spearheaded Iran’s Middle East operations as head of the elite Quds Force.

President Trump said the US took its action to stop, not start, a war. However, the killing marks a major escalation in tensions.

According to US officials, 3,000 additional troops will be sent to the Middle East as a precaution.

Qasem Soleimani was widely seen as the second most powerful figure in Iran, behind Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Quds Force, an elite unit of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), reported directly to the ayatollah and Qasem Soleimani was hailed as a heroic national figure.

Under his 21-year leadership of the Quds Force, Iran bolstered Hezbollah and other pro-Iranian militant groups in Lebanon; expanded its military presence in Iraq and Syria; and orchestrated Syria’s offensive against rebel groups in that country’s long civil war.

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Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the US wanted to de-escalate the situation, but that the strike was “lawful” and “saved lives”.

Later he thanked Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for Saudi Arabia’s “steadfast support” and “for recognizing aggressive threats posed by Iran’s Quds force”, the state department said.

Meanwhile, tens of thousands of Iranians have been holding rallies in Tehran and other cities, denouncing what they call US crimes.

Meanwhile, global oil price rose sharply in the wake of the attack.

Iran’s Ayatollah Khamenei said “severe revenge awaits the criminals” behind the attack. Qasem Soleimani’s death would double “resistance” against the US and Israel, he added.

The ayatollah also announced three days of national mourning. He would lead prayers at a funeral ceremony for the general in Tehran on January 5, Iranian media quoted Qasem Soleimani’s family as saying.

Later, the Supreme National Security Council, Iran’s top security body, said the US would be held responsible for its “criminal adventurism”.

It said in a statement: “This was the biggest US strategic blunder in the West Asia region, and America will not easily escape its consequences.”

Iran’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif called the attack an “act of international terrorism”.

FDA Issues Ban on Some Flavored E-Cigarettes Following Deaths Linked to Vaping

Kathryn R. Bown
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FDA Issues Ban on Some Flavored E-Cigarettes Following Deaths Linked to Vaping

A countrywide ban on some e-cigarette flavors has been announced in the US amid concerns about vaping among teens.

The FDA ban applies to mint, candy and fruit flavors that are offered in cartridge-based e-cigarettes, like the popular pods sold by Juul.

However, the US will continue to allow menthol and tobacco flavors, as well as fruit flavors delivered in other ways.

The action has been under consideration for more than a year, with several states passing similar rules.

Brazil, India and South Korea are among the dozens of countries that have announced sweeping vaping bans. Others, like China, have announced restrictions.

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said the Trump administration wanted to continue to offer adults an alternative to traditional cigarettes, while responding to concerns about growing addiction to a new product among teens.

He said: “By prioritizing enforcement against the products that are most widely used by children, our action today seeks to strike the right public health balance.”

According to health regulators, 55 people have died and more than 2,500 people have been hospitalized with injuries linked to vaping.

Investigators have said they believe vitamin E acetate, which is sometimes added to marijuana vaping products, is playing a role.

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Citing the crisis, President Donald Trump said in September the US would ban all e-cigarette flavors except tobacco, but the administration loosened its position after pushback from the industry.

This week, President Trump said: “We have to protect our families. At the same time, it’s a big industry. We want to protect the industry.”

Juul, the biggest e-cigarette company in the US, had already pulled its flavored pods from the market, but the action taken on January 2 forces competitors to make a similar move, within 30 days.

Advocates for stricter rules have said that teens will switch to menthol if other options are eliminated.

However, officials said they would take steps against menthol and tobacco flavored e-cigarettes if the FDA sees that their use among teens is rising.

The age for purchasing tobacco products has been recently raised to 21. E-cigarettes are also governed by those rules.

Iraq: US Embassy in Baghdad Attacked by Protesters

Roy Siemens
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0
Iraq: US Embassy in Baghdad Attacked by Protesters
Image source: Reuters

The US embassy compound in Baghdad has been attacked by protesters angered by recent deadly US air strikes targeting an Iranian-backed Iraqi militia.

US troops fired tear gas to disperse a crowd that breached the outer wall of the embassy, which is in Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone.

A guard post on the street nearby was also set alight.

President Donald Trump accused Iran of “orchestrating” the attack and said it would be “held fully responsible”.

At least 25 fighters died when the US bombed bases associated with the Kataib Hezbollah militia in western Iraq and eastern Syria on December 29.

The US said it was retaliating for a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base in Kirkuk on December 20 that killed an American civilian contractor.

Iraq’s PM Adel Abdul Mahdi said on December 30 that the strikes had violated his country’s sovereignty and would force it to review its relations with the US.

Kataib Hezbollah’s commander, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, warned that the militia’s response “would be very tough on the American forces in Iraq”.

Iran described the attacks as a “clear example of terrorism”.

The protest took place on December 31 after funerals were held in Baghdad for the militia fighters who were killed in the US strikes.

Thousands of mourners – including Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis and several other senior militia and paramilitary leaders – marched towards the Green Zone, where many Iraqi government offices and foreign embassies are located.

They were allowed by Iraqi security forces to enter the zone and gather on a street outside the US embassy compound.

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Waving Kataib Hezbollah and other militia flags, and chanting anti-American slogans, the protesters threw stones at the compound’s main gate, pulled down security cameras, attacked empty guard posts, and started several fires.

The situation later escalated when the embassy’s wall was breached.

The Associated Press reported that a gate used by cars was smashed open and that dozens of people pushed about 16ft into a corridor leading to the main embassy building before being forced to retreat by tear gas fired by US troops.

Iraqi soldiers and riot police were reportedly later deployed in the area, and PM Adel Abdul Mahdi told the protesters to leave the compound immediately.

He added: “Any aggression or harassment of foreign embassies will be firmly prohibited by the security forces.”

The Popular Mobilization, a paramilitary force dominated by Iran-backed Shia militias, reported that 20 protesters were wounded by live rounds and tear-gas canisters.

According to Al-Sumaria website, Kataib Hezbollah meanwhile called for protest in front of the embassy until it was closed and the ambassador was expelled from Iraq.

President Trump tweeted: “Iran killed an American contractor, wounding many. We strongly responded, and always will. Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. They will be held fully responsible. In addition, we expect Iraq to use its forces to protect the Embassy, and so notified!”

There was no immediate response from the Iranian government.

It was not clear whether civilian staff were inside the compound during the attack.

There were reports that the US ambassador, Matthew Tueller, had been evacuated.

Happy New Year 2020! Auckland Becomes World’s First Major City to Celebrate Start of 2020

Nancy Clayson
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Happy New Year 2020! Auckland Becomes World’s First Major City to Celebrate Start of 2020
Photo via Good Free Photos

It’s already 2020 in New Zealand – a new decade!

And Auckland has become the world’s first major city to celebrate the start of 2020 with a bang.

The city’s fireworks display erupted from its 328-metre tall Sky Tower as New Zealand enters the New Year.

The huge fireworks have been attended by thousands of watchers.

The iconic Sky Tower has views of Viaduct Harbour, which is full of superyachts and lined with bars and cafes.

Happy New Year Auckland! Wishing you a joyous start to 2020.

Sudan: 29 Sentenced to Death over Ahmad al-Khair’s Killing in Custody

Roy Siemens
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0
Sudan: 29 Sentenced to Death over Ahmad al-Khair’s Killing in Custody
Image source: Twitter

Twenty nine intelligence officers have been sentenced to death in Sudan for the torture and killing of Ahmad al-Khair, a 36-year-old teacher.

Ahmad al-Khair, a teacher in Khashm al-Qirba, in the eastern state of Kassala, was killed in custody on February 1, during protests that led to the overthrow of the Bashir regime.

These are the first sentences handed down over the crackdown on pro-democracy activists in the months before Omar al-Bashir was toppled in April.

The prosecution said the death sentences were a just punishment.

After the sentencing, the judge asked Ahmad al-Khair’s brother, Sa’d, whether he wanted the 29 men to be pardoned – but he said he wanted them to be executed instead.

A lawyer for the defense said he would appeal.

The court found that Ahmad Al-Khair was beaten and tortured to death by the officers at a detention center in the eastern state of Kassala.

Under the former President Omar al-Bashir, Sudan enforced the death penalty, and two people were executed in 2018.

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Ahmad Al-Khair’s case drew widespread attention in the country, and his killing fuelled the protests against the 75-year-old Omar al-Bashir. A huge crowd rallied outside the court in Omdurman, the twin city of the capital, Khartoum, to hear the verdict.

At least 170 people were killed during the months-long crackdown against the protest movement. Omar al-Bashir was eventually overthrown by the military, 30 years after he took power in a coup.

Earlier this month, the former leader was sentenced to two years for corruption. The court ruled that Omar al-Bashir should serve the sentence in a correctional facility, as he was too old to be in prison.

The corruption case was linked to a $25 million cash payment he received from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Omar al-Bashir also faces other charges – including some related to the 1989 coup that brought him to power, along with genocide and the killing of protesters.

Omar al-Bashir claimed the payments were made as part of Sudan’s strategic relationship with Saudi Arabia, and were “not used for private interests but as donations”.

Hanukkah Attack: NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio Announces Measures to Tackle Anti-Semitic Crisis

Diane A. Wade
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0
Hanukkah Attack: NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio Announces Measures to Tackle Anti-Semitic Crisis
Image source: Wikimedia Commons

A series of measures have been announced by NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio to tackle a “crisis” of anti-Semitic attacks, following a mass stabbing on December 28.

A man brandishing a machete attacked a Hanukkah celebration at the rabbi’s property in Monsey, north of NYC – an area with a large population of ultra-Orthodox Jews. The incident happened at about 22:00 on December 28.

The mayor said security would be stepped up in Jewish areas and schools would teach students to tackle hate.

At least five people were injured in the knife attack at a rabbi’s house in Monsey.

President Donald Trump called for unity to fight “the evil scourge” of anti-Semitism following the attack.

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Witnesses said the attacker burst into the house, which was hosting a Hanukkah celebration, pulled out a large knife and began stabbing people.

The suspected knifeman, named by police as 37-year-old Grafton Thomas from Greenwood Lake, NY, has been charged with attempted murder. The attacker pleaded not guilty, and is being held in jail with his bail set at $5 million.

Grafton Thomas’ lawyer, Michael Sussman, issued a statement on behalf of his family which said the suspect “has a long history of mental illness and hospitalizations”.

The statement said: “He has no history of like violent acts and no convictions for any crime.

“He has no known history of anti-Semitism and was raised in a home which embraced and respected all religions and races. He is not a member of any hate groups.”

Just a day before the attack, Mayor de Blasio had announced extra police patrols in three areas of Brooklyn with large Jewish populations following a spate of anti-Semitic incidents.

He told reporters on December 29: “The spirit we bring today is one of resolve and relentlessness. We will keep adding as many measures as it takes to end this crisis.”

Bill de Blasio said additional officers would now be deployed to the districts of Williamsburg, Crown Heights and Borough Park.

He said: “People in the community will see our officers present in front of houses of worship and out on the streets. We have to give people a sense of security, and we have to show that this horrible trend we’ve seen over the last weeks will be stopped dead in its tracks.”

The mayor said changes would be made to the curriculum at schools in Brooklyn starting from next month. He said they would focus on “stopping hate… on building mutual respect, to help young people understand what hate crimes really mean and the dangers they pose to all of us”.

Vladimir Putin Thanks President Trump for Helping to Foil Acts of Terrorism on Russian Soil

Roy Siemens
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0
Vladimir Putin Thanks President Trump for Helping to Foil Acts of Terrorism on Russian Soil
Image NBC News

Russian leader Vladimir Putin has thanked President Donald Trump for intelligence that helped foil “acts of terrorism” on Russian soil, a Kremlin statement announces.

Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump spoke on the phone on December 29, the statement said.

According to the Kremlin, the information came via intelligence services, but it provided no further details.

Russian media is reporting the discovery of a plot to attack St Petersburg over the New Year period.

According to Tass news agency, two Russian nationals have been arrested and plans to attack a mass gathering were seized, according to a spokesperson from the FSB, the Russian intelligence agency.

President Donald Trump Denies Working for Russia

Trump-Putin Summit: Donald Trump Defends Russia over Claims of Election Interference

President Putin and President Trump have spoken on the phone and in person various times since the latter took office.

Records from the conversations show they have often talked about Syria, as well as nuclear agreements, North Korea and trade.

In December 2017, Vladimir Putin thanked President Trump for another warning from US intelligence agencies, which again apparently prevented a terrorist plot in St Petersburg, according to a White House account.

During that call, the Kremlin said President Putin had promised to reciprocate with information about terrorist threats to the US.

The US and Russian relations plummeted after Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula from neighboring Ukraine in 2014.

They were also strained when US intelligence agencies concluded that Russia had interfered in the 2016 presidential election.

Despite this, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin have appeared to be on good terms personally – and they have vowed to co-operate on terrorism.

President Trump has indicated he is considering attending the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow next May, after an invitation from President Putin.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBCEYaZEkdk

Melanie Panayiotou Dead: George Michael’s Sister Dies on Christmas Day, Exactly Three Years after Her Brother

Sonia Pantiss
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Melanie Panayiotou Dead: George Michael’s Sister Dies on Christmas Day, Exactly Three Years after Her Brother
Image source Wikimedia

Melanie Panayiotou, the younger sister of George Michael, has died on Christmas Day, at the age of 55, exactly three years after her brother.

Her death has been confirmed by her family in a statement. It reads that Melanie “passed away suddenly” over Christmas.

George Michael died on Christmas Day of 2016 at his home in Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. He was 53.

Andrew Ridgeley, George’s former Wham! band mate, described Melanie’s death as “utterly tragic” and said his thoughts were with her family.

Melanie Panayiotou and George Michael are survived by their father Kyriacos, known as Jack, and their oldest sister Yioda, 57. Their mother, Lesley, died in 1997.

George Michael Dead: Pop Superstar Dies on Christmas Day Aged 53

George Michael Cause of Death Announced

In a statement, released through lawyer John Reid, the Panayiotou family said: “We would simply ask that the family’s privacy be respected at this very sad time.

“There will be no further comment.”

London Police also confirmed the death in a statement, which read: “Police were called by London Ambulance Service at approximately 1935hrs on Wednesday, 25 December to reports of the sudden death of a woman, aged in her 50s.

“The death is not being treated as suspicious by police.”

In the last month’s edition of The Big Issue, Melanie Panayiotou spoke about her hopes for the recently-released romantic comedy Last Christmas, which was inspired by George Michael’s music.

She said: “My family and I hope you all enjoy the film, and Yog’s [George’s] music old and new, woven beautifully into this fun, easy tale of love and self-love.

“As many of you know, Yog adored Christmas and he loved the idea of this film. I am sure he will be enjoying seeing Emilia [Clark]’s amazing light bulb smile, something they share, across the celestial miles!”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwvmFZj7NO4

Typhoon Phanfone Hits Philippines on Christmas Day Killing at Least 10

Nancy Clayson
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Typhoon Phanfone Hits Philippines on Christmas Day Killing at Least 10
Image source: Wikipedia

At least 10 people have been reported dead in the Philippines after Typhoon Phanfone hit the center of the country, leaving a trail of devastation through.

The storm, also known as Ursula, carried gusts of close to 118 mph and made landfall several times across various islands, officials say.

Tens of thousands of people were left stranded in ports as they tried to make their way home for Christmas.

Phanfone struck close to regions devastated by Typhoon Haiyan in 2013.

More than 6,000 people were killed in November 2013, making it the Philippines’ deadliest storm. With winds of more than 193mph, it was the most powerful storm to ever make landfall.

Phanfone first made landfall on Christmas Eve, but continued to pass over the many islands of the central Philippines throughout Christmas Day. However, the extent of the damage began to emerge only on December 26.

Local media say at least 10 people have died – including a three-year-old boy – with most deaths occurring in Iloilo and Capiz provinces.

AFP quotes officials as saying that at least 16 people died.

Typhoon Haiyan death toll rises to 5,209 in Philippines

Typhoon Haiyan affected 11 million people in Philippines

One family was killed when they were swept away by a flash flood as they attempted to get to higher ground, the Philippine ABS-CBN network reported. It added that at least 12 people were missing in Iloilo province alone.

The popular tourist island of Boracay appears to have suffered damage, although the extent is unclear.

In the city of Tacloban, a large fire broke out as the winds rose, but the city escaped the worst of the damage.

Tacloban suffered enormous damage during Typhoon Haiyan when a storm surge pushed water into the low-lying city of more than 220,000 people.

On December 26, typhoon Phanfone headed out towards the South China Sea.

Trump Impeachment: Republicans and Democrats Clash over Senate Impeachment Trial Rules

Diane A. Wade
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Trump Impeachment: Republicans and Democrats Clash over Senate Impeachment Trial Rules
Image source AP

Democratic and Republican leaders in the Senate have clashed over the rules of President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial.

Democrats want assurances witnesses and documents will be allowed, to enable what they term a fair trial.

Chuck Schumer says the recent release of an “explosive” email about aid to Ukraine is a reminder of why openness is necessary.

Republican leader Mitch McConnell says he has not ruled out witnesses.

However, he stopped short of agreeing ahead of time to take testimony during the trial.

President Trump was formally impeached by the House last week for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

Donald Trump is the third president in US history to be impeached. However, he is unlikely to be removed from office, as his Republican party has a majority in the Senate, where the trial will be held as stipulated in the US Constitution.

He is accused of pressuring Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky to start an investigation into his political rival, Democratic presidential front runner, Joe Biden.

President Trump is accused of doing this by withholding military aid and making a White House visit contingent on co-operation.

The trial is expected to begin next month, after the holiday break.

Trump Impeachment: White House Sought to Freeze Ukraine Aid After July Call

President Donald Trump Impeached by House of Representatives

What Is Impeachment and How Does It Work?

However, Democrats have so far refused to hand over the articles of impeachment voted through in the House – the charges – to the Senate.

They want assurances from Mitch McConnell that their chosen witnesses – at least four current and former White House aides with knowledge of the Ukraine affair – will be allowed to testify.

He suggested holding a trial similar to former President Bill Clinton’s in 1999, in which senators decided which witnesses to call after opening arguments and a written question period.

Mitch McConnell accused Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi of holding “an absurd position” for delaying handing over the impeachment articles and said she is “apparently trying to tell us how to run the trial”.

Democrats renewed their demand for witnesses over the weekend after an email emerged suggesting the White House sought to freeze aid to Ukraine just 91 minutes after President Trump spoke to President Volodymyr Zelensky by phone in July. That call is at the center of the allegations against President Trump – charges he denies.

Chuck Schumer said he and his Republican counterpart remain at an impasse after holding a “cordial” meeting on December 19 to discuss trial rules.

During a news conference in New York on December 22, Chuck Schumer said Republicans “have come up with no good reason why there shouldn’t be witnesses, why there shouldn’t be documents”.

He added: “We don’t know what the witnesses will say. We don’t know how the documents will read. They might exonerate President Trump or they might further incriminate him. But the truth should come out on something as important as an impeachment.”

Democrats argue that Republicans will not act as impartial jurors during the impeachment trial, after Mitch McConnell pledged last week to work in “total co-ordination” with the White House. Meanwhile, House of Representatives officials raised the possibility of a second impeachment if new evidence of obstruction by President Trump came to light. The suggestion came in court papers filed by Democrats as they seek the testimony of White House counsel Don McGahn.

NORAD Santa Tracker 2019

Lisa.Felice
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NORAD Santa Tracker 2019
Image source: NORAD

For over 60 years, NORAD and its predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) have tracked Santa’s flight. Follow Santa on his Christmas Eve journey on NORAD website…

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