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Democratic Debate 2016: Candidates Clash on Gun Control and Healthcare

Diane A. Wade
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Democratic Debate 2016: Candidates Clash on Gun Control and Healthcare

Democratic candidates have clashed on gun control and healthcare in their liveliest TV debate so far.

Hillary Clinton attacked Bernie Sanders’ record on gun control, and said his healthcare plan risked derailing recent legislation.

Bernie Sanders accused Hillary Clinton of being in the pocket of financial institutions responsible for the 2008 crisis.

While Hillary Clinton leads nationwide, Bernie Sanders is a threat in key states.

Hours before the debate in South Carolina, Bernie Sanders – a Vermont senator – had unveiled a healthcare plan for all American citizens.

This was the final Democratic debate before caucuses in Iowa on February 1 show who the state’s voters prefer as their candidate.

Former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, who is trailing Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders in polls, also took part in the lively debate in which personal attacks were few and far between.

Photo AP
Photo AP

Bernie Sanders announced his universal healthcare plan two hours before the debate started.

Hillary Clinton said any moves to scrap the current Affordable Healthcare Act risked plunging the Democrats into “contentious debate”. Instead, the party should work on improving the program, known as ObamaCare.

Bernie Sanders responded: “Nobody is tearing this up.”

He said he wanted to build on ObamaCare.

Gun control was the first subject in the two-hour debate, that was held near a church in Charleston where nine parishioners were shot dead in June 2015.

Hillary Clinton released an advertisement this week attacking Bernie Sanders for his attitude towards gun control. His home state, Vermont, has one of the highest rates of gun ownership in the US, with close to one in two households owning a weapon.

In the debate, Hillary Clinton again highlighted legislation she said showed that Bernie Sanders supported the gun lobby.

However, Bernie Sanders told the debate he had a “D minus voting record” from the National Rifle Association, and fully supported moves by President Obama for tougher background checks on gun buyers.

Martin O’Malley pointed out restrictions he passed against combat assault weapons in Maryland, adding: “I have never met a self-respecting deer hunter who needed an AR-15 [semi-automatic rifle] to down a deer.”

Polls indicate Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders are neck-and-neck ahead of the caucus in Iowa, where voters will decide who they want as their preferred candidate. She had once commanded a large lead.

In New Hampshire, Bernie Sanders holds a lead in polls ahead of voting in the primary there eight days later.

Oxfam Report 2016: Richest 1% Has as Much Wealth as the Rest of the World Combined

Clyde K. Valle
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Oxfam Report 2016: Richest 1% Has as Much Wealth as the Rest of the World Combined

According to Oxfam’s latest report, the world’s richest 1% now has as much wealth as the rest 99%.

The organization uses data from Credit Suisse from October 2015 for the report, which urges leaders meeting in Davos this week to take action on inequality.

Oxfam also calculated that the richest 62 people in the world had as much wealth as the poorest 50% of the global population.

It criticized the work of lobbyists and the amount of money kept in tax havens.

Oxfam predicted that the 1% would overtake the rest of the world this time last year.

It takes cash and assets worth $68,800 to get into the top 10%, and $760,000 to be in the 1%. That means that if you own an average house in London without a mortgage, you are probably in the 1%.

Photo Reuters
Photo Reuters

The figures carry various caveats, for example, information about the wealth of the super-rich is hard to come by, which Credit Suisse says means its estimates of the proportion of wealth held by the 10% and the 1% is “likely to err on the low side”.

As a global report, the figures also necessarily include some estimates of levels of wealth in countries from which accurate statistics are not available.

According to Oxfam, the 62 richest people having as much wealth as the poorest 50% of the population is a remarkable concentration of wealth, given that it would have taken 388 individuals to have the same wealth as the bottom 50% in 2010.

“Instead of an economy that works for the prosperity of all, for future generations, and for the planet, we have instead created an economy for the 1%,” Oxfam’s report says.

The trend over the period that Credit Suisse has been carrying out this research has been that the proportion of wealth held by the top 1% fell gradually from 2000 to 2009 and has risen every year since then.

In fact, it is only in the 2015 figures that the proportion held by the top 1% overtakes the share taken by them in the first report in 2000.

Oxfam calls on governments to take action to reverse this trend.

It wants workers paid a living wage and the gap with executive rewards to be narrowed.

It calls for an end to the gender pay gap, compensation for unpaid care and the promotion of equal land and inheritance rights for women.

Oxfam wants governments to take action on lobbying, reducing the price of medicines, taxing wealth rather than consumption and using progressive public spending to tackle inequality.

Iran Nuclear Deal: US Imposes Fresh Sanctions over Ballistic Missile Test

Roy Siemens
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Iran Nuclear Deal: US Imposes Fresh Sanctions over Ballistic Missile Test

Fresh sanctions have been imposed on Iranian companies and individuals by the US over a recent ballistic missile test.

The new sanctions prevent 11 entities and individuals linked to the missile program from using the US banking system.

The move came after international nuclear sanctions on Iran were lifted as part of a deal hailed by President Barack Obama on January 17 as “smart”.

Four American-Iranians were also freed in a prisoner swap as part of the deal.

Among them was Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian – whom President Barack Obama described as “courageous”. A fifth American was freed separately.

Jason Rezaian and two of the others freed flew to a US base in Germany via Geneva for medical evaluation.US imposes new sanctions on Iran

Another, Nosratollah ­Khosravi-Roodsari, did not fly out with the others, US officials said. A fifth man, Matthew Trevithick, was freed in a separate process.

Meanwhile the US said it had offered clemency to seven Iranians being held in the US for sanctions violations.

Negotiations in December over the prisoner exchange delayed the US Treasury’s imposition of the latest sanctions.

They were only announced once the plane containing the former prisoners had left Iran, reports said.

They were triggered by Iran conducting a precision-guided ballistic missile test capable of delivering a nuclear warhead last October, violating a UN ban.

“Iran’s ballistic missile program poses a significant threat to regional and global security, and it will continue to be subject to international sanctions,” said Adam J. Szubin, US acting under-secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence.

Moments later, President Barack Obama hailed the nuclear deal, which is being implemented following verification by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that Iran had restricted its sensitive nuclear activities.

“This is a good day because once again we’re seeing what’s possible with international diplomacy,” he said.

“For decades our differences meant our governments almost never spoke – ultimately, that did not advance America’s interests,” Barack Obama said.

The deal meant “Iran will not get its hands on a nuclear bomb”, he said.

Barack Obama said differences with Iran remained, and the US would “remain steadfast in opposing Iran’s destabilizing behavior elsewhere” – such as its missile tests.

The president defended a separate settlement at an international legal tribunal which will see the US repay Iran $400 million in funds frozen since 1981 plus a further $1.3 billion in interest – saying there was no point “dragging this out”.

Earlier, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the nuclear deal opened a “new chapter” in the country’s relations with the world.

Iran nuclear deal has been welcomed by many governments, the UN and EU – but disparaged by some US Republicans and Israel, which says it allows Iran to continue to “spread terror”.

Pope Francis Welcomes Thousands of Refugees at St. Peter’s Square

Diane A. Wade
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Pope Francis Welcomes Thousands of Refugees at St. Peter’s Square

Pope Francis has welcomed several thousand refugees in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican as the Catholic Church marked a day dedicated to them.

He said the refugees carried within themselves “a history, a culture, precious values” and urged them not to give up hope.

The refugees – including many asylum seekers – waved their nations’ flags during the address.

Europe is struggling to cope with an influx of refugees.Refugees at Vatican

Pope Francis has repeatedly called on European states to welcome people fleeing war and poverty.

Later the pontiff became only the third pope to visit Rome’s main synagogue.

Hundreds of armed police and security personnel were deployed for the occasion.

Rome’s chief rabbi, Ricardo Di Segri, has said the visit is considered as a sign of 50 years of improving Jewish-Catholic relations.

In December, the Vatican said that the Roman Catholic Church did not support efforts to convert Jews to Christianity.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uemll0PSQSc

Citigroup Profits Jump in Q4 2015 after Big Fall in Legal Costs

Clyde K. Valle
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Citigroup Profits Jump in Q4 2015 after Big Fall in Legal Costs

Citigroup’s Q4 2015 profits jumped compared with a year earlier, helped by a big fall in legal costs.

The bank said its net profit rose to $3.34 billion compared with $344 million in the last quarter of 2014 when it paid $3.5 billion in legal and other charges.

The bank’s legal and repositioning costs fell to $724 million for this quarter.Citigroup profits Q4 2015

Citi – which is undergoing a restructuring – is the third largest US bank when ranked by assets.

The picture at Citi echoed that at JP Morgan Chase, which reported results on January 14. Profits there also jumped thanks to lower legal expenses and better cost control.

Citigroup has been restructuring to focus on more profitable businesses and markets, and has closed consumer operations in 11 overseas markets.

Operating expenses fell 23% to $11 billion, partly thanks to the fall in legal-related costs.

Citigroup CEO Michael Corbat said: “We have undoubtedly become a simpler, smaller, safer and stronger institution.

“We have sharpened our focus on target clients, shedding over 20 consumer and institutional businesses in the process.”

Europe Car Sales Reach 14.2 Million in 2015

Clyde K. Valle
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Europe Car Sales Reach 14.2 Million in 2015

European auto sales rose 9.2% in 2015 reaching 14.2 million vehicles.

However, it still remained below levels prior to the economic crisis.

The 9.2% increase was driven in large part by incentive schemes, according to the Brussels-based trade body, the Association of European Carmakers.

Several auto makers achieved double digit growth, including Daimler (17.7%) and Fiat-Chrysler (13.6%).

Amid the emissions scandal, VW’s sales climbed only 6.2% and the group’s market share slid from 25.5% to 24.8%.Europe car sales 2015

The annual figures were boosted by a strong December when sales jumped 15.9% to nearly 1.16 million, marking the 28th consecutive month of growth.

The figures include all EU members except Malta, and the three European Free Trade Association countries, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland.

Sales grew strongly in Spain (20.9%) and Italy (15.8%) in 2015, helped by government incentive schemes to encourage buyers. Sales also rose in the other major markets of France (6.8%), the UK (6.3%) and Germany (5.6%).

Car sales in the EU and the wider EFTA free trade area reached a peak of nearly 16 million in 2007. They subsequently fell to a low of just over 12.3 million in 2013 before rising again in 2014.

The association said the trend in 2015 was “positive, but in absolute terms, volumes remain low”.

Jakarta Attacks Death Toll Rises to Eight

Roy Siemens
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Jakarta Attacks Death Toll Rises to Eight

Jakarta attacks death toll rises to eight after an Indonesian wounded in the January 14 incidents dies in hospital, police said.

Officials originally believed there were five attackers, but later said one man thought to be a militant was actually a civilian.

All of the attackers, including two previously convicted militants, were killed.

ISIS has claimed it carried out the attacks.Jakarta attacks death toll

At least 20 people were injured, several of them in a serious condition.

One of the militants seen carrying a gun and rucksack during the attacks was named as Afif Sunakim. He was previously given a seven-year jail term for attending a militant camp.

The others have been identified as Dian Joni Kurniadi, M Ali, and Ahmad Muhazan bin Saron.

The attacks began with a series of bomb blasts at an intersection near a shopping mall and a Starbucks coffee shop. As people inside ran out, two gunmen waiting outside opened fire.

At least two militants also attacked the police box in the centre of the intersection in a suicide bomb attack.

The attackers planned to target government offices and foreigners in other Indonesian cities, a spokesman said.

So far, 12 arrests have been made and police have also shut down at least 11 websites and social media accounts.

The attackers are thought to have belonged to an ISIS faction made up mainly of Indonesians and Malaysians. The guns they used came from the Philippines, officials said.

Hundreds of people from Southeast Asian countries with significant Muslim populations have travelled to Syria and Iraq to fight with the group.

Michigan State of Emergency over Contaminated Water

Diane A. Wade
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Michigan State of Emergency over Contaminated Water

President Barack Obama has signed an emergency declaration for the city of Flint, Michigan, where the water has become contaminated with lead.

Flint’s water became contaminated after a change in supplier in 2014. Corrosive water leached lead from old pipes into the water supply.

The emergency declaration will unlock $5 million in federal funding.

Earlier in the week, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder had requested $31 million from the federal government.

Rick Snyder said the need in the city of almost 100,000 people “far exceeds the state’s capability” and sought a disaster declaration.

Photo Getty Images
Photo Getty Images

However, reports in Michigan said Barack Obama denied that request that would have freed up more than the $5 million, as such declarations are only made for natural disasters.

In October, testing revealed increased lead levels in water supplies and in children’s blood. Lead exposure can cause learning disabilities and behavioral problems in children.

Before then, residents had complained of discolored water, bad smells and headaches and rashes from using the water from the city’s new supplier.

Flint switched its water source from the city of Detroit to the Flint River in 2014. It has since switched back to Detroit’s water.

Michigan’s attorney general has said he will investigate the water crisis to see whether any state laws were violated.

The lack of clean water in Flint “is a human tragedy in which families are struggling even with the most basic parts of daily life”, said Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette.

Rick Snyder has already declared an emergency in Flint due to the water situation. Local officials deemed it a public health emergency in October.

He has been criticized for his handling of the water crisis, with protesters calling for him to resign.

As a result of Barack Obama’s announcement, officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will co-ordinate the response in Flint.

On January 16, Cher said she would donate bottled water to Flint residents, with some 180,000 bottles to be shipped.

“This is a tragedy of staggering proportion and shocking that it’s happening in the middle of our country,” the singer said.

Celine Dion’s Older Brother Dies of Cancer Only Two Days after Her Husband

Sonia Pantiss
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Celine Dion’s Older Brother Dies of Cancer Only Two Days after Her Husband

Celine Dion’s older brother, Daniel, has died of cancer, two days after husband Rene Angelil also died.

Daniel Dion, 59, died on January 16 near Montreal, a statement by Celine Dion’s spokeswoman said.

Celine Dion’s family paid tribute to the father-of-two, calling him “a gentle and reserved man of many talents”.

Photo Facebook
Photo Facebook

The singer’s husband and former manager, Rene Angelil, died on January 14 aged 73.

Rene Angelil’s death in Las Vegas came after two bouts with throat cancer.

Daniel Dion was the eighth of 14 children, and performed with his siblings in their parents’ piano bar in Quebec province.

He had been suffering cancer of the throat, tongue and brain, his sister Claudette told the Journal de Montreal newspaper.

“He was ready, and isn’t suffering anymore,” she said.

“He was at peace.”

The funeral of Rene Angelil, who helped to launch Celine Dion’s career, will be held on January 22 in the Notre Dame basilica in Montreal, where the couple married.

Iran Sanctions Lifted after Complying with Nuclear Deal Obligations

Clyde K. Valle
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Iran Sanctions Lifted after Complying with Nuclear Deal Obligations

The economic sanctions on Iran have been lifted after the country’s compliance with obligations under its nuclear agreement with world powers was certified.

The EU foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, announced the lifting of sanctions in accordance with the deal “as Iran has fulfilled its commitment”.

International nuclear watchdog IAEA said its inspectors had verified that Iran had taken the required steps.

A deal between Iran and world powers was agreed in July 2015.

The IAEA’s Director General Yukiya Amano said it was “an important day for the international community”.Iran sanctions lifted 2016

Lifting the international sanctions on Iran will unfreeze billions of dollars of assets and allow Iranian oil to be sold internationally.

As part of the deal, Iran had to drastically reduce its number of centrifuges and dismantle a heavy-water reactor near the town of Arak, both of which could be used in creating nuclear weapons.

Iran has always maintained its program is peaceful, but opponents of the deal – such as some US Republicans – say it does not do enough to ensure the country cannot develop a nuclear bomb.

Secretary of State John Kerry has ordered that US nuclear-related economic sanctions against Iran be lifted.

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani congratulated the nation following the IAEA announcement. The deal “had “borne fruit,” Hassan Rouhani tweeted, adding that he took “a bow before a patient nation like ours”.

On the same day it emerged that Iran had released Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian and three other Iranian-American prisoners in an apparent prisoner swap with the US.

Jason Rezaian, 39, was jailed on charges, including espionage, in November 2015.

America said it was offering clemency to seven Iranians being held in the US for sanctions violation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiKr5lic8S4

Merck Settles Vioxx Lawsuit for $830 Million

Clyde K. Valle
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Merck Settles Vioxx Lawsuit for $830 Million

Merck has agreed to settle a lawsuit with investors related to statements the company made about the safety of its painkiller, Vioxx.

The American drug maker will pay $830 million to investors who bought Merck securities between 1999 and 2004.

The lawsuit stemmed from statements Merck made about the cardiovascular safety of Vioxx.

Vioxx was withdrawn from the market in 2004 after evidence showed it doubled the risk of heart attack and stroke.Vioxx lawsuit settlement

In 2011, Merck pleaded guilty to federal charges of violating marketing laws related to its sale of Vioxx.

Federal officials accused Merck of making false statements and illegally marketing Vioxx as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis to increase sales.

The company said this latest settlement with investors did not constitute an admission of guilt by the drug maker.

Merck still faced a number of individual lawsuits related to Vioxx.

Jason Rezaian: Washington Post Reporter and Three US Prisoners Released in Iran

Roy Siemens
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Jason Rezaian: Washington Post Reporter and Three US Prisoners Released in Iran

Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian and three other Iranian-American prisoners have been released in Iran as it anticipates the lifting of international sanctions.

Jason Rezaian, 39, was convicted of espionage in Iran in 2015.

Iranian state TV named the other three as Saeed Abedini, Amir Hekmati and Nosratollah Khosravi.

Iran said they were being swapped for seven Iranians held in American prisons but there was no immediate US confirmation.

The Iranian state news agency listed the seven as Nader Modanlo, Bahram Mechanic, Khosrow Afghani, Arash Ghahreman, Tooraj Faridi, Nima Golestaneh and Ali Saboun.

In addition, Iranian state TV said 14 Iranians sought by the US would be removed from an Interpol wanted list.

News of the releases came after Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif predicted that international sanctions against his country would be lifted on January 16.

Javad Zarif is in Vienna for talks with Secretary of State John Kerry over Iran’s nuclear deal.

Photo EPA
Photo EPA

The international nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, is expected to confirm that Iran has scaled back its atomic activities in line with the agreement.

Billions of dollars of frozen Iranian assets are expected to be released and the sale of Iranian oil on the world market will again be permitted.

Lifting sanctions would unfreeze billions of dollars of assets and allow Iranian oil to be sold internationally.

Jason Rezaian, the Washington Post‘s Tehran correspondent, had been detained in Iran for more than a year before his sentencing last November. The WP has dismissed the charges as absurd.

Saeed Abedini, 35, is a Christian pastor who had been imprisoned since July 2012 for organizing churches in people’s houses.

Amir Hekmati, 32, is a former Marine who spent more than four years in prison on spying charges following his arrest in August 2011 during a visit to see his grandmother.

The detention of Khosrawi had not been previously released.

The Associated Press news agency had named the fourth prisoner known to be held in Iran as Siamak Namazi, a businessman and the son of a politician from the shah’s era.

The news agency added that a former FBI agent, Robert Levinson, had disappeared in Iran in 2007 while working for the CIA on an unapproved intelligence mission.

The Washington Post said in a report that there had been no official US confirmation of the release.

Burkina Faso Splendid Hotel Attack Leaves at Least 23 People Dead

Roy Siemens
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Burkina Faso Splendid Hotel Attack Leaves at Least 23 People Dead

Twenty three people of 18 different nationalities are now known to have been killed after Islamist militants attacked Splendid Hotel in Burkina Faso.

Al-Qaeda militants attacked the luxury hotel in Ouagadougou as well as a cafe and another hotel nearby.

Four attackers – two of them reportedly women – died in the assaults.

The siege at the Splendid hotel was declared over after a joint operation by local and French security forces.

The Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) militant group has said it carried out the attack, which began on January 15.

Bukinabe President Roch Kabore, who arrived at the scene on January 16 amid tight security, announced the death toll and the liberation of at least 150 hostages.Burkina Faso Splendid Hotel attack

The French Ambassador, Gilles Thibault, gave a higher death toll of 27 and denied any women were among the militants killed at the hotel.

In another development, an Austrian doctor and his wife were kidnapped on January 15 in northern Burkina Faso near the border with Mali, Burkinabe officials said. AQIM said it kidnapped the couple.

In November, an AQIM attack on a hotel in Bamako, the capital of neighboring Mali, left 19 people dead.

Militants attacked the Splendid and the nearby Cappuccino cafe on Friday evening, setting off several explosions. Both places are popular with UN staff and foreigners.

Survivors described how the militants went from person to person, touching their bodies to see if they moved.

Burkina Faso’s Interior Minister Simon Compaore said 10 bodies had been found on the cafe terrace alone. He added that at least 33 hostages had been injured.

As the end of the siege at the Splendid was being announced, reports came in that militants had taken up position at the Yibi hotel, a short distance away. One attacker was killed at the Yibi, officials said later.

Simon Compaore said two black Africans and an Arab were among the militants killed.

Taiwan Elections 2016: Tsai Ing-wen Becomes First Female President

Diane A. Wade
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Taiwan Elections 2016: Tsai Ing-wen Becomes First Female President

Tsai Ing-wen has become Taiwan’s first female president after winning the island’s election on January 16.

The 59-year-old leads the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) that wants independence from China.

In her victory speech, Tsai Ing-wen vowed to preserve the status quo in relations with China, adding Beijing must respect Taiwan’s democracy and both sides must ensure there are no provocations.

China sees Taiwan as a breakaway province – which it has threatened to take back by force if necessary – and is bound to be watching the election closely.

January 16 polls come just months after a historic meeting between the leaders of the two sides, the first in more than 60 years when outgoing Kuomintang (KMT) President Ma Ying-jeou met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Singapore in November for talks that were seen as largely symbolic.

It is the flagging economy as well as Taiwan’s relationship with China that are the key issues for voters.Taiwan elections Tsai Ing wen

This is the second-ever victory for the DPP.

The first was by pro-independence advocate Chen Shui-bian – during his time as president between 2000 and 2008 tensions escalated with China.

Tsai Ing-wen has not made her stance clear. A former scholar, she has said she wants to “maintain [the] status quo” with China.

However, opponents say relations will deteriorate as she does not recognize the “one China” policy. She became chairwoman of the DPP in 2008, after it saw a string of corruption scandals.

Tsai Ing-wen lost a presidential bid in 2012 but has subsequently led the party to regional election victories. She has won increased support from the public partly because of widespread dissatisfaction over the KMT and Ma Ying-jeou’s handling of the economy and widening wealth gap.

Eric Chu, 54, is the mayor of New Taipei City and stepped up to become chairman of the party in October. The KMT is at risk of losing its majority in the legislature for the first time in history.

The former accounting professor is popular with young people in the party, but has not been able to change public opinion that is increasingly unhappy with the party’s friendly stance towards China and the island’s economic travails.

In 2014, hundreds of students occupied the parliament in the largest show of anti-Chinese sentiment on the island for years. Labeled the Sunflower Movement, protesters demanded more transparency in trade pacts negotiated with China.

Taiwan’s election has an unlikely third main protagonist – 16-year-old Chou Tzuyu of South Korean girl band Twice.

The Taiwanese singer has appeared in a video bowing and apologizing after being seen waving a Taiwan flag – in a row that has dominated local media coverage.

Chou Tzuyu said she felt “proud to be Chinese” and said there was “only one China” – but many on the island felt she had been coerced into saying sorry.

Presidential frontrunner Tsai Ing-wen insisted holding a Taiwan flag was “a legitimate expression of national identity”, however Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office said the row was being exploited to “stir up feelings”.

Dan Haggerty Dies from Cancer Aged 74

Sonia Pantiss
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Dan Haggerty Dies from Cancer Aged 74

Dan Haggerty known for staring Grizzly Adams in the 1970’s film and TV series has died at the age of 74.

The actor’s manager Terry Bomar told ABC News that Dan Haggerty had been suffering from cancer.

Before starring as the nature-loving Grizzly Adams, Dan Haggerty worked as a stuntman and an animal handler in Hollywood.Dan Haggerty Grizzly Adams

Dan Haggerty also guest starred in numerous TV shows such as CHiPs, Charlie’s Angels and The Love Boat.

The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams tells the story of a mountain man who is forced to live in the wilderness after being wrongly accused of murder.

While on the run, the woodman adopts an orphaned grizzly bear and names him Ben.

The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams became the seventh high-grossing film of 1974 and the NBC network aired a TV series of the same name, which ran from 1977 to 1978.

The film and the TV series were loosely based on the life of James Capen Adams who trained bears in California in the mid-19th Century.

Mos Def Banned from South Africa for Five Years over Fake Passport

Sonia Pantiss
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Mos Def Banned from South Africa for Five Years over Fake Passport

Mos Def has been ordered to leave South Africa within 14 days after being arrested for breaking immigration laws.

The American rapper, now known as Yasiin Bey, was held at Cape Town International Airport on January 14 after trying to leave South Africa with unrecognized papers.

South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs said the 42-year-old singer produced what he called a “world passport”.Mos Def arrested in South Africa

It said Mos Def had overstayed his tourist visa, obtained in 2013.

Born Dante Smith in New York, Yasiin Bey is now banned from South Africa for five years, but has been allowed to appeal. He had been living in Cape Town since May 2013, South African media said.

“Further investigation into the matter revealed that Mr. Smith’s wife, mother and four children had overstayed and were sojourning in the country illegally,” a statement by the Department of Home Affairs said.

As well as being nominated for six Grammy Awards, Mos Def has appeared in a number of movies, including The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Be Kind Rewind and The Italian Job.

Venezuela Declares 60-Day Economic Emergency

Diane A. Wade
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Venezuela Declares 60-Day Economic Emergency

Venezuela has declared a 60-day economic emergency as the country deals with its worsening crisis.

President Nicolas Maduro will govern by decree for two months.

The edict includes tax increases and puts emergency measures in place to pay for welfare services and food imports.

The government’s move came as official figures released by the central bank showed that the Venezuelan economy had contracted by 4.5% in the first nine months of 2015.

The emergency was declared hours before President Nicolas Maduro delivers a State of the Nation address to Congress for the first time since his centre-right opponents took control of the legislature.Venezuela economic crisis

The decree also instilled more state controls on businesses, industrial productivity and on electronic currency transactions.

Venezuela has the world’s biggest known oil reserves but the huge fall in oil prices in the past 18 months has slashed its revenues by 60%.

Annual inflation up to September 2014 is said by the Venezuelan Central Bank to have reached 141%.

President Nicolas Maduro and new Economy Minister Luis Salas have argued for the need to protect social program established by his predecessor, former President Hugo Chavez, from the global drop in oil prices.

Oil exports account for as much as 95% of Venezuela’s revenue.

The government says the country’s soaring inflation and basic goods shortages have been induced by political opponents.

Correspondents say Venezuelans will be watching carefully to see if the opposition-dominated Congress will support President Nicolas Maduro.

If it does not, the Maduro administration could appeal to the Supreme Court of Justice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WU4R7V3bI2w

Walmart to Close 269 Stores Globally

Clyde K. Valle
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Walmart to Close 269 Stores Globally

Walmart has announced it will close 269 stores globally as it struggles to compete with online retailers like Amazon.

The news came on January 15 as US retail figures showed lower than expected holiday sales figures across the market.

Sales rose just 3% in November and December, falling short of the expected 3.7% growth according to the National Retail Federation.

The Walmart closures will affect 10,000 US workers and 16,000 worldwide.

The announcement came three months after Walmart CEO Doug McMillon told investors the company would focus on becoming more nimble.Walmart store closing

“Closing stores is never an easy decision. But it is necessary to keep the company strong and positioned for the future,” Doug McMillon said in October 2015.

The national shortfall in holiday shopping came even as retailers offered steep discounts to attract customers.

Online retailing did see a significant increase, rising 9% to $105 billion, but it was not enough lift the overall figures.

Concerns about holiday shopping added to market concerns as stocks fell sharply. The Dow Jones fell 400 points in morning trading.

The weak economic outlook was not confined to the service sector.

On January 15, the Federal Reserve reported industrial production in December shank by 0.4% the second month of contractions.

Industrial production, which includes manufacturing, mining and utilities has been hit by a strengthening dollar and global economic weakness.

Warm weather also hit industrial production figures.

The unusual temperatures pushed utility output down 2% in December following a 5% decline in November.

Matthew Perry Will Miss Friends Reunion

Sonia Pantiss
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Matthew Perry Will Miss Friends Reunion

Actor Matthew Perry will not attend Friends reunion show due to rehearsals for his West End play.

His spokeswoman said “Matthew may tape something” for the tribute to Friends creator James Burrows.

In other words, this is not the reunion people have been hoping for,” Lisa Kasteler told Us Weekly.

Matthew Perry’s former co-stars, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer and Matt LeBlanc are all expected to take part in the special.Friends reunion 2016

The Friends reunion is set to be aired on NBC on February 21.

Friends ended in 2004 after 10 series. As well as Friends, James Burrows worked behind the camera on sitcoms including Cheers and Frasier.

Matthew Perry has written and will star in the play The End of Longing… which is set to run in London’s West End from February 2 until May 14. It will be directed by Lindsay Posner.

The dark comedy follows four disparate people approaching middle age, who meet in a bar one night.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCgAgqWZ7Mo

Jakarta Attacks: Police Identify Four out of Five Suspects

Roy Siemens
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Jakarta Attacks: Police Identify Four out of Five Suspects

Indonesian police have identified four out of five of the Jakarta attackers.

Two were previously convicted militants.

Police named one of them as Afif Sunakim. He was seen carrying a gun and rucksack during the attacks. He was given a seven-year jail term for attending a militant camp.

All five died in January 14 attacks, which left two civilians dead and were claimed by ISIS.

Three arrests were made on January 15 but it is unclear if they are connected.

Security forces battled militants for hours in the busy commercial district where the militants struck.

A Canadian and an Indonesian national died, and at least 20 people were injured.Jakarta attacks suspects arrested

The assault ended when two attackers died in a suicide bombing, police say, with the other three killed in gun battles.

Following recent ISIS threats, Indonesia, which had been attacked by Islamist militants several times in the past, had been on high alert.

Gen. Badrodin Haiti, the national police chief, said Afif Sunakim and one other attacker had both been convicted criminals.

Jakarta’s chief of police, Insp. Gen. Tito Karnavian, said a hunt was under way for terror cells believed to be behind the attack.

Three men were arrested near Jakarta, police told local media.

A police spokesman, Anton Charliyan, confirmed on that those who organized the attacks were associated with ISIS.

Two of the perpetrators, he added, were “known to have committed similar radical activities some time ago”.

Earlier, Bahrum Naim, an Indonesian believed to be fighting with ISIS in Syria, was named as the suspected co-ordinator.

Insp. Gen. Tito Karnavian said Bahrum Naim’s “vision” was to unite various ISIS-supporting groups across South East Asia.

ISIS released a statement saying it had targeted citizens of countries which are part of the international coalition fighting the group, which controls parts of Syria and Iraq.

Insp. Gen. Tito Karnavian said Indonesia had significantly developed its understanding of domestic militant networks since the 2002 bomb attack in Bali, which killed 202 people.

Some 1,000 people linked to radical networks had been brought to justice in Indonesia since 2000, he said, but some had since been released from prison and had “the potential to pose a threat”.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo tweeted on January 15 that there was “no place for terrorism on Earth” and that “every citizen in the world” needed to fight it.

Indonesia has suffered militant attacks in the past, but has been relatively successful in curbing home-grown Islamist extremism after a spate of attacks in the last decade.

Singapore Tops Quality Of Life Index, Named Best Place To Move Abroad

Dana R
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Singapore Tops Quality Of Life Index, Named Best Place To Move Abroad

A recent study by expat company, InterNations, reveals that Singapore is the best place to move abroad. According to metrics including quality of life, security, and healthcare, the country comes out on top. Ecuador and Austria took second and third place, respectively. Interestingly, many South American countries ranked highest for happiness. There must be something in the water there! Back in Singapore, it’s clear that the modern mix of business, social life, and public services puts it on top. We decided to take a look in more detail.

singapore

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Economy – The World Bank recently named Singapore as the best country on the planet to do business. With its crucial position within emerging Asian markets, there is a HQ here for nearly every major company. Finding a job certainly isn’t difficult here, and the salaries are higher than back home. Meanwhile, starting a business takes only three days on the island, so entrepreneurs will feel at home here. High wages and high-tech economy defines Singapore. Find out more about the Singapore economy at doingbusiness.org.

Housing – There is no shortage of good quality housing here in Singapore. In fact, the country has the fourth fastest-growing real estate market on the planet. It’s a great place to make an investment in property. Even the rental market looks good here, with stunning high rise flats, and generous condos. Take a look for yourself at GreyLoft.com, and get settled into the Asian lifestyle.

Public services – One of the biggest reasons for topping the quality of life index is the public services. Yes, you’ll pay more tax here. But, in return, you get access to wonderful services. The healthcare system is affordable, even to foreigners. As for the public transport, making your way around the small island is easy. These services are what gives expats a feeling of security while living here.

singapore-city

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Low crime rate – The locals and expats also feel incredibly safe on the streets of Singapore. There’s a strict no-tolerance policy to drugs here, and they crack down hard on crime. Having said that, you’ll rarely see a policeman on the streets, and public disturbance is rare. There’s a safe and comfortable feeling in the city, even at night.

Education – If you’re looking to bring children up in Singapore, you’re well catered for. The schools here are impeccable, with very high standards. All children are required to learn a second language, so everyone grows up bilingual. They also place an importance on arts and sports here, so every child gets a fully rounded education. The private schools are much more expensive, but that is the case across the globe.

Weather – If there’s one thing that always affects our quality of life, it’s the weather. When you move to Singapore, you enjoy year-round sun and warm temperatures. It’s hard to feel downhearted when it feels like summer all the time. There is one caveat here though, it rains a lot! So, keep an umbrella handy at all times.

If you’re looking for a change in the pace of life, consider making the move to Singapore. Great for business, great for public services, and great for your quality of life.

Republican Debate 2016: Donald Trump Attacks Ted Cruz over Canada Birth

Diane A. Wade
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Republican Debate 2016: Donald Trump Attacks Ted Cruz over Canada Birth

Donald Trump has attacked Ted Cruz over his birth in Canada in the latest Republican debate for White House hopefuls.

The Republican front-runner said Texas Senator Ted Cruz’s birth in Canada raised questions about his presidential eligibility: “There’s a big question mark over your head.”

The constitution mandates the president be a “natural born citizen” of the US.

Issues of national security, the economy and foreign policy have also played heavily in the debate.

In the polls, Donald Trump and Ted Cruz are leading the five other candidates who were also on the stage in North Charleston.

The debate came just two weeks before the first real test of the campaign, when voters in Iowa pick their Republican and Democratic choices for president.

The event hosted by Fox Business Network came after days of Ted Cruz and Donald Trump taking shots at each other, shattering a months-long period of goodwill between the two men.

The start of hostilities began a week ago when the billionaire businessman started raising questions about whether the Texas senator’s birth in Canada put his eligibility in doubt.

Photo Reuters
Photo Reuters

However, on the debate stage on January 14, Ted Cruz said there was “zero chance” of a lawsuit succeeding, because the constitution’s definition of “natural born citizens” included people born to an American parent.

Ted Cruz was born in Calgary to an American mother and a Cuban father.

Donald Trump stood firm, noting that a Harvard law scholar had raised doubts and Ted Cruz could face lawsuits by Democrats wishing to challenge his qualification.

They also argued over the meaning of “New York values”, which Ted Cruz threw at the New York billionaire as a slur on his conservative credentials.

Donald Trump said that was an insult to the “great people” who pulled together after the 9/11 attacks.

After the debate, Donald Trump told reporters: “I guess the bromance is over.”

All the candidates targeted leading Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, who was repeatedly attacked for her time as Secretary of State.

The primary contests, in which each party picks their nominee for president, begin in February and the presidential election is in November.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0t6YxyAe5cc

Jimmy Morales Inauguration: Former Comedian Sworn in as Guatemala’s New President

Diane A. Wade
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Jimmy Morales Inauguration: Former Comedian Sworn in as Guatemala’s New President

Former comedian Jimmy Morales has been inaugurated as Guatemala’s new president.

Jimmy Morales was elected in October after huge anti-corruption demonstrations that led to the prosecution of a former president and vice-president.

He has no previous experience in government. In his inaugural address, Jimmy Morales promised to fight against corruption.

US Vice-President Joe Biden attended the ceremony.

It was the first time in 30 years that such a high-ranking American official was present at a Guatemalan inauguration.

Photo Getty Images
Photo Getty Images

In a wide-ranging speech, Jimmy Morales praised the anti-corruption movement and said Guatemala was going through a “renaissance”.

He also promised money for health and education.

“We want quality education for everyone, which prepares our children for a modern technical world,” Jimmy Morales said.

His critics said President Jimmy Morales gave few clues as to how he was going to fight corruption and how he was going to deal with Guatemala’s high levels of violence, poverty and social inequality.

Last week legal proceedings began against an aide to Jimmy Morales who is suspected of human rights abuses related to Guatemala’s long and bloody armed conflict which ended in 1996.

Fourteen former military officers – many supporters of Jimmy Morales’s party – were arrested on similar charges.

Jimmy Morales has denied links to the former military officials.

Rene Angelil Dies from Throat Cancer Aged 73

Sonia Pantiss
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Rene Angelil Dies from Throat Cancer Aged 73

Celine Dion’s husband and former manager Rene Angelil has died at the age of 73, the singer has announced.

Rene Angelil, who Celine Dion married in 1994 and with whom she has three children, died at home in Las Vegas from throat cancer.

Celine Dion took two career breaks to look after Rene Angelil after he was diagnosed with throat cancer, first in 2000.

Rene Angelil was born in Montreal in 1942. After managing groups in Canada, he was approached to manage Celine Dion by her parents when she was aged 12.

In August 2015, Celine Dion told USA Today she was preparing for her husband’s death.Rene Angelil dead at 73

“When it hits me, it’s going to hit me,” the singer said.

“But my biggest job is to tell my husband, we’re fine. I’ll take care of our kids. You’ll watch us from another spot.”

According to the Montreal Gazette, Rene Angelil mortgaged his house to finance Celine Dion’s first album.

Celine Dion has recorded 25 studio albums, and is the fifth-best-paid recording artist in the world, with a value of some $630 million.

In 1999, her song My Heart Will Go On, from the soundtrack of the Titanic movie, won two Grammy awards.

She has been a regular performer at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas since 2003.

Celine Dion returned to performing in 2015 after a year-long hiatus to look after Rene Angelil.

Rene Angelil stepped down as Celine Dion’s manager in 2014.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O30AUSwx-8U

Is Foreign Currency Trading Online Really Worth It?

Clyde K. Valle
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Is Foreign Currency Trading Online Really Worth It?

Trading online is just one of the many investment strategies that people employ in order to make more money. It’s easy to buy and sell stocks over the Internet, and you can do it all from the comfort of your own home. In the same vein that you can make a great deal of money, online trading also has the ability to clean you out. As with any type of an investment strategy, you can bet there are benefits and risks involved when it comes to foreign currency trading online.

No Broker Required In Foreign Currency Trading

Before the heyday of the Internet, you needed a broker in order to make a trade. For those that were never able to trade since they didn’t have the connections, foreign currency trading really looked enticing. With just a few short clicks, you can trade and sell without ever needing to consult a broker. Though brokers are necessary in order to facilitate the trade when you click the button, you don’t have to communicate with them in any way.

Save Money On Trades

Cutting out the middleman means that you no longer have to pay a broker fee in order to trade. The Internet makes trading online simple and cost-effective for people of all backgrounds. Of course, there’s still a fee attached to every trade that you make, but the costs can hardly equate to what it would cost to employ the help of a full-time broker. Many online brokerages allow investors to make trades for under $10, and still more don’t even require a minimum.

You Can Check Your Trading Online Status

One of the biggest advantages of foreign currency trading is your involvement with your trades. You can constantly monitor how your trades are performing and it’s easy to check throughout the day using your phone or computer. Most trading brokerages have user-friendly interfaces that allow traders to make important decisions by always having the most up-to-date data present. You can check out https://www.xtrade.com/ if trading online on a user-friendly interface is what you are after.

Stay In Control Of your Investments

You can trade when you want and how you want when you don’t employ a broker. The problem is that when you deal with a broker directly, there is always a delay in making your trades. This can be a costly problem, but with the help of the Internet, it can be eliminated entirely. You don’t need to rely on a broker to tell you what to do, and you can gauge the situation for yourself. In fact, when you do decide to make a trade, you can do so instantaneously without waiting for the broker to get back to you.

It’s important, however, to take into consideration that online trading removes broker input entirely. Unless you’re well-versed in the world of foreign currency trading, it leaves plenty of room for errors that can be dire and costly in the long-run. Additionally, relying on technology completely can also cause a number of problems and error if the brokerage interface isn’t working properly or you have serious issues with your Internet connection at home.

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