world news: 2018-02-04

Saturday 10 February 2018

A timeline of the Porter scandal engulfing the White House

Who in the White House knew, and when did they know it?

Kim Jong-un's Sister Is Making History at the Winter Olympics. Here’s What We Know About Her

“She’s the one who watches Kim Jong-un's back"

George W. Bush says Russia meddled in 2016 US election

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Former President George W. Bush said on Thursday that "there's pretty clear evidence that the Russians meddled" in the 2016 American presidential election, forcefully rebutting fellow Republican Donald Trump's denials of Moscow trying to affect the vote.

Isis militants hunted down in Syria after intelligence extracted from captured members of 'The Beatles' cell

Intelligence extracted from two British Isis militants captured in Syria has already sparked operations hunting other jihadis down, security sources have told The Independent. Alexanda Kotey and El Shafee Elsheikh were the last two members of the British Isis cell known as “The Beatles” to remain at large until they were detained by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) last month.

Barb From 'Stranger Things' Received The Best Coffee Cup Message From A Barista

Barb’s tragic disappearance from the “Stranger Things” universe is still a sore point for Canadian barista Abigail Bahnman.

As Trump attacks U.S. law enforcement, another top official quits

By John Walcott and Sarah N. Lynch WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Justice Department's third-ranking official, Rachel Brand, plans to step down and take a senior job at Walmart Inc , sources familiar with her decision said on Friday, at a time when President Donald Trump has taken aim at senior law enforcement officials. Brand was next in line of succession to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein for oversight of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into potential collusion between Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and Russia and whether the Republican president has unlawfully sought to obstruct the ongoing probe.

Catt Sadler Says She Left E! To Avoid 'Collaborating With An Evil System'

Catt Sadler says she left E! in December for bigger reasons than getting only half the salary of her male co-star.

After Jet Crashes, Israel’s Military Strikes Syria and Seizes Iranian Drone

By ISABEL KERSHNER from NYT World http://ift.tt/2EhLosG

Winter Olympics 2018: Live Results and Schedule

By VICTOR MATHER from NYT Sports http://ift.tt/2BPoMyq

Leadership urges House Democrats to vote against budget deal as shutdown looms

Will there be a government shutdown? House Speaker Paul Ryan looks like he'll need Democratic votes on the Senate budget deal — and it's not clear where Democrats stand.

Mike Pence Left Out In Cold At Winter Olympics VIP Reception

Vice President Mike Pence didn’t get the VIP treatment at a VIP reception before the Winter Olympics opening ceremony on Friday.

South Korea's Olympic Stadium Will Host Just 4 Events Before It's Torn Down

Pyeongchang, South Korea, built itself a brand-new $109 million stadium to host the 2018 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Death toll tops 220 in four-day regime assault on Syria rebel enclave

Syrian regime jets have pounded Eastern Ghouta, sending the death toll from a four-day assault on the rebel enclave on the outskirts of Damascus soaring past 220. Violence also flared in eastern Syria on Thursday, where the US-led coalition said it had killed at least 100 pro-regime fighters to fend off an attack on its Kurdish allies. The clash marked a fresh escalation between Washington, which has threatened the regime over its alleged use of chemical weapons, and Damascus, which labelled the latest incident in eastern Syria a "war crime".

CNN Host Tells Holocaust-Denying Congress Candidate: 'You'll Go Down In Flames'

A Republican candidate for an Illinois seat in Congress on Thursday openly denied the Holocaust and said, “You jews media, you’ve gone absolutely nuts,” during an appearance on CNN’s “New Day.” Arthur Jones, the self-described former leader of the American Nazi Party, called the Holocaust a “scam” and an “extortion racket” as “New Day” host Alisyn Camerota challenged him.

Fox News Predictably Quiet On Former White House Aide's Abuse Allegations

White House staff secretary Rob Porter announced his departure from his post this week amid reports that he allegedly abused his two ex-wives.

Koreas share historic handshake at Olympic opening ceremony

PYEONGCHANG, South Korea (AP) — It was a historic moment, and it happened even before the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics had officially begun.

British Isis fighters known as 'the Beatles' captured in Syria

The pair were captured by the American-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, reports said. Two British Isis militants implicated in brutal acts of torture and execution, have been captured by US-backed Kurdish fighters in Syria. The two men, Alexanda Kotey and El Shafee Elsheikh, formed part of a group of four fighters nicknamed “the Beatles” due to their British accents and are allegedly responsible for murdering approximately two dozen hostages in Syria.

Poll finds almost no one thinks Trump's military parade is a good idea

President Donald Trump made waves this week as reports emerged that he had asked the Pentagon to work up plans for a massive military parade akin to the type normally seen in countries like Russia and North Korea.

Olympic Skier Lindsey Vonn Gives Tearful Interview About Late Grandfather

Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn teared up while speaking of her beloved late grandfather during a news conference Friday in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

Pence's bid to isolate North Korea at Olympics falls flat

PYEONGCHANG, South Korea (AP) — For all of Vice President Mike Pence's efforts to keep North Korea from stealing the show at the Winter Olympics, the images of the two Koreas marching together — and their officials shaking hands — at a time of heightened tensions on the peninsula proved impossible to counteract.

Rob Porter's Ex-Wife Warns Hope Hicks That He Will Turn Abusive 'If He Hasn't Already'

It was a serious warning by one of the ousted White House adviser's former wives.

U.S. Men's Skating Favorite Nathan Chen Is Off to a Rough Start at the Olympics

Nathan Chen had a disastrous debut on Olympic ice, but he wasn’t the only one struggling

Syrian forces capture 2 members of Islamic State 'Beatles'

WASHINGTON (AP) — The American-backed Syrian Democratic Forces captured two notorious British members of an Islamic State insurgent cell commonly dubbed "The Beatles" and known for beheading hostages, U.S. military officials said Thursday.

Activist Ravi Ragbir Thwarts ICE's Attempt To Deport Him, For Now

A well-known immigrant rights activist who was on the cusp of being deported this week has filed a lawsuit that allows him to stay in the U.S., for now. Ravi Ragbir, executive director of the immigrant advocacy group New Sanctuary Coalition, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials in January during a routine check-in with the agency. Despite his release, Ragbir was still scheduled for deportation for Saturday, Feb. 10.

Flu season still getting worse; now as bad as 2009 swine flu

NEW YORK (AP) — The flu has further tightened its grip on the U.S. This season is now as bad as the swine flu epidemic nine years ago.

Mike Pence denies claims gay Olympian Adam Rippon refused to meet him

Mike Pence has dismissed reports the first openly gay US Olympian rejected an invitation to meet him in protest against his position on homosexuality. The Vice President claimed he had never extended an invitation to Adam Rippon, the 2016 US men’s figure skating champion, and labelled reports “fake news”. According to USA Today, a member of Mr Pence’s staff contacted the US Olympic Committee to arrange a meeting between the 58-year-old politician and 28-year-old athlete back in January.

Omarosa Turns On Trump: Wouldn't Vote For Him Again 'In A Million Years'

Omarosa Manigault Newman appears to be done with President Donald Trump.

Spirit Airlines Slams Student Who Claims She Was Forced to Flush Emotional Support Hamster Down Toilet

"It is incredibly disheartening to hear this Guest reportedly decided to end her own pet’s life"

White House admits 'we all could have done better' on Porter departure

Deputy press secretary Raj Shah addresses criticism of the Trump administration’s handling of multiple domestic abuse allegations against former staff secretary Rob Porter.

The Latest: YPG official confirms British extremist detained

LONDON (AP) — The Latest on the capture of two British Islamic State members (all times local):

2 Koreas Make History Marching Under Unified Flag In Olympics Opener

North Korean and South Korean athletes participating in the 2018 Winter Olympics marched as one during Friday’s opening ceremony, gleefully entering the ring as a unified team sharing a flag.

The Most Dazzling Moments From The 2018 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony

The 2018 Winter Games kicked off Friday in Pyeongchang, South Korea, with an opening spectacle for the ages, complete with dancing, drones, fireworks and even a little diplomacy.

Trump Points To Rob Porter's Denials In First Remarks On Abuse Allegations

President Donald Trump on Friday spoke for the first time about the resignation of former White House staff secretary Rob Porter, who stepped down this week after allegations of abuse from both of his ex-wives became publicly known.

As Britain Stumbles Over Brexit, Support Grows for 2nd Vote

By STEPHEN CASTLE from NYT World http://ift.tt/2CacdZW

Lawrence: Why John Kelly is hiding from the American people

The White House says the Chief of Staff only just "became fully aware" of abuse allegations against Rob Porter, but the FBI reportedly informed him in November. O'Donnell says Kelly is afraid to tell the American people what he knew and when he knew it.

Broadcom offers $8 bn to Qualcomm if deal is blocked

Singapore-based Broadcom said Friday it would pay rival Qualcomm $8 billion if regulators fail to approve a proposed merger between the two computer chip giants. The "termination fee" offer came a day after California-based Qualcomm rejected a record $121 billion hostile bid as too low, while citing a risk that the proposed tie-up could be blocked by regulatory authorities. Broadcom chief executive Hock Tan said he welcomed Qualcomm's offer of talks on the takeover bid and suggested a meeting in the coming days.

Speed Skater Shani Davis: Team USA Chose Olympics Flag-Bearer ‘Dishonorably’

American speed skater Shani Davis was not pleased about how Team USA selected its flag-bearer for the opening ceremony of the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.

The Latest: Senate passes massive budget agreement

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on Congress and spending legislation (all times local):

South Korea’s President Meets With Kim Jong Un’s Sister as Olympics Get Underway

It's the most significant diplomatic encounter between the rivals in years

McDonald's giving away 18 karat gold 'Bling Mac'

If you love Big Macs, then you will really want to try the "Bling-Mac." It's an 18 karat gold, gem-encrusted version of the classic sandwich.

A timeline of the Porter scandal engulfing the White House

Who in the White House knew, and when did they know it?

South Korea's Olympic Stadium Will Host Just 4 Events Before It's Torn Down

Pyeongchang, South Korea, built itself a brand-new $109 million stadium to host the 2018 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Shoot me, don't jail me, Philippines' Duterte tells Hague court prosecutor

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday told the International Criminal Court (ICC) to go ahead and investigate him for crimes against humanity, and said he would prefer to face a firing squad than be jailed. ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said on Thursday the preliminary examination into Duterte's campaign sought to establish whether it had the jurisdiction, and if crimes against humanity had been committed.

Mexico arrests Zetas drug cartel boss wanted in US

Mexican marines have captured a kingpin in the violent Zetas drug cartel who had a $5-million reward on his head in the United States, authorities said Friday. Jose Maria Guizar Valencia, alias "Z43," was arrested Thursday in the upscale Mexico City neighborhood of La Roma "without the use of force," the head of the National Security Commission, Renato Sales, announced in a press conference. "He is believed to be responsible for trafficking drugs from South America to the United States, and was one of the main drivers of violence in the states of southeastern Mexico," said Sales.

Government Runs Out Of Money Again As Congress Fails To Reach A Deal

UPDATE: The Senate voted 71-28 to reopen the government by passing its budget deal early Friday morning. WASHINGTON ― The federal government ran out of money for the second time in a month early Friday morning, as lawmakers were unable to come to an agreement to prevent another lapse in funding. The White House began advising parts of the government to prepare for another shutdown late Thursday night, but there were still questions on whether the government would technically close, as Congress still had the ability to prevent the furlough of government workers if the House and Senate could pass a bipartisan bill overnight.