General news

• Skeleton assembly of pro-Maduro lawmakers elect new president amid fistfights and chaos

  05-01-2020 23:46 via cnn.com
  
  The fate of the only opposition-controlled political institution in Venezuela was left hanging on Sunday, as pro-government lawmakers claimed to swear in a new president of the National Assembly.
  
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• Fate of Venezuela's only opposition-controlled political body hanging in balance

  05-01-2020 23:46 via cnn.com
  
  The fate of the only opposition-controlled political institution in Venezuela was left hanging on Sunday, as pro-government lawmakers claimed to swear in a new president of the National Assembly.
  
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• GOP candidate: Trump is absolutely incompetent and unfit

  05-01-2020 23:33 via cnn.com
  
  Former congressman and Republican presidential candidate Joe Walsh slams President Trump for deciding to use Twitter to notify Congress of possible further actions taken against Iran.
  
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• Taiwan election is make or break for fleeing Hong Kong protesters

  05-01-2020 23:30 via news.yahoo.com
  
  A small but growing number of Hong Kong protesters who fled to Taiwan for safety over the past few months fear an opposition victory in the island's election this week will put them in peril and force them to leave.The mostly young men and women who came to Taiwan after taking part in increasingly violent protests in support of democracy in Hong Kong have no legal way to gain permanent asylum, but President Tsai Ing-wen's broadly sympathetic government has allowed about 60 of them to temporarily
  
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• Nigerian police on heightened alert after U.S. killing of Iranian commander

  05-01-2020 23:24 via news.yahoo.com
  
  Nigerian police have been placed on a heightened state of alert after the U.S. killing of a top Iranian military commander in Iraq sparked fears of public disturbances in the West African country, the police said on Sunday.Qassem Soleimani was killed on Friday in a U.S. drone strike on his convoy at Baghdad airport.The attack has prompted concern of ramping tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
  
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• Oklahoma Suspects Murdered Teen as ‘Payback’ for STD: Cops

  05-01-2020 23:22 via news.yahoo.com
  
  Oklahoma prosecutors charged two people on Friday for the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old girl in what is reportedly a case of ‘payback’ over a sexually transmitted disease. Andrew Hall, 30, and Cheyenne Blalock, 17, were charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Kirstan Patterson, 17, according to court documents. Patterson’s mother and stepfather reported the teenager missing on New Year’s Day and her body was found hours later near the Spring
  
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• Pompeo scrambles to defend Trump claim killing Suleimani will save US lives

  05-01-2020 23:18 via news.yahoo.com
  
  * Secretary of state attempts to defend legality of air strike* Pete Buttigieg: ‘Pompeo did not prove strike prevented attack’The Trump administration was scrambling on Sunday to justify its claim that the killing of Iran’s most powerful general was about stopping a war rather than starting one, as tensions spiralled by the hour.Amid growing scepticism over the intelligence behind the lethal strike against Qassem Suleimani, the US president and Iranian officials hurled increasi
  
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• Iran drives another stake into heart of nuclear deal

  05-01-2020 23:17 via cnn.com
  
  The nuclear deal painstakingly negotiated by the international community with Iran has become the first victim of the crisis provoked by the killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad in a US drone attack.
  
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• Germany seeks crisis meeting of EU foreign ministers

  05-01-2020 23:16 via news.yahoo.com
  
  German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas called on Sunday for a crisis meeting of his European Union counterparts this week to discuss escalating tension in the Middle East following the killing of a top Iranian military commander in Iraq by the United States."As Europeans, we have tried and tested and resilient channels of communication on all sides, which we must make full use of in this situation," Maas said in a statement.Maas has proposed to EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell that a meeting o
  
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• US troops in Iraq: new pressure to pull out

  05-01-2020 23:11 via news.yahoo.com
  
  The US military could face its second forced exit from Iraq in a decade after the parliament in Baghdad voted on Sunday in support of the expulsion of American forces.The Iraqi parliament held an extraordinary session after the killing of Qasem Soleimani, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guards leader who wielded influence in Iraqi politics and was popular among the majority Shiites.The US invasion in 2003 to overthrow Saddam Hussein's regime and subsequent occupation did not require Iraq's agr
  
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• Biden Blames Trump for Causing New ‘Cycle of Violence’ with Iran

  05-01-2020 23:10 via news.yahoo.com
  
  Des Moines—While campaigning in Iowa on Saturday night, former vice president Joe Biden criticized President Trump’s decision to kill Iranian Quds Force general Quasem Soleimani and said that any further military action would require congressional approval. He also blamed the start of the “cycle of violence” with Iran on President Trump’s decision to exit the nuclear deal between the Obama administration and Iran.“President Trump has no authority to take us to
  
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• Rockets were launched at the US Embassy in Baghdad for the second night in a row

  05-01-2020 23:08 via news.yahoo.com
  
  US entities have been increasingly under fire in recent weeks and the killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani stoked fiery responses from Iraq and Iran.
  
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• Rockets were launched at the US Embassy in Baghdad for the 2nd night in a row

  05-01-2020 23:08 via news.yahoo.com
  
  US entities have been increasingly under fire in recent weeks, and the killing of Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani stoked fury from Iraq and Iran.
  
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• Three Americans killed in terror attack on Kenya military base

  05-01-2020 22:58 via cnn.com
  
  A US service member and two civilian contractors working for the Defense Department were killed in an attack by Al-Shabaab in Kenya on Sunday, US Africa Command announced.
  
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• 3 Americans were killed in an attack by the Shabab militant group at a Kenyan airfield used by US forces

  05-01-2020 22:56 via news.yahoo.com
  
  One US service member and two Department of Defense contractors were killed Sunday in an attack by the African militant group al-Shabab.
  
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• The killing of Iran's top general won't stop a war. The US and Iran have already been fighting for more than 40 years

  05-01-2020 22:51 via cnn.com
  
  US President Donald Trump says he ordered the assassination on Friday of Iran's top general, Qasem Soleimani, "to stop a war." But that's simply not true.
  
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• Boeing 737 Max investigation after several plane crashes revealed additional concerns with wiring and engines

  05-01-2020 22:51 via news.yahoo.com
  
  Software played a role in two deadly crashes that grounded the Boeing 737 Max, but the investigation also unearthed concerns with wiring and engines.
  
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• Trump's threatened attack on Iranian cultural sites could be a war crime if carried out

  05-01-2020 22:48 via cnn.com
  
  • Senior official: Widespread opposition inside Trump admin. to threat
  
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• Someone released bedbugs in a Pennsylvania Walmart

  05-01-2020 22:41 via cnn.com
  
  A Walmart in Pennsylvania is facing a bedbug infestation after someone released the parasitic insects in a men's changing room, state police said.
  
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• Thousands of koalas burn to death as Australia fears native wildlife may never recover from bush fire disaster

  05-01-2020 22:31 via news.yahoo.com
  
  At least 25,000 koalas are believed to have died in a horrific wildfire in South Australia that may have devastating consequences for the survival of the species.   The fire on Kangaroo Island, which was considered a koala safe-have because its population had escaped a devasting Chlamydia epidemic, was described as “virtually unstoppable” on Saturday by firefighters.   On Friday, koala rescuer Margaret Hearle told The Telegraph that another important koala populat
  
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• Somali jihadists kill 3 Americans in attack on Kenya military base

  05-01-2020 22:31 via news.yahoo.com
  
  Jihadists from Somalia's Al-Shabaab group on Sunday stormed a military base used by US forces in Kenya's coastal Lamu region, killing three American citizens and destroying several aircraft and military vehicles, officials said.Attackers breached heavy security at Camp Simba at dawn but were pushed back and four jihadists killed, said army spokesman Colonel Paul Njuguna.Al-Shabaab has launched regular cross-border raids since Kenya sent troops into Somalia in 2011 as part of an African Union for
  
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• An entire denomination may split up over LGBTQ issues

  05-01-2020 22:29 via cnn.com
  
  United Methodist Church leaders are proposing a split into more than one denomination in a bid to resolve years of debate over LGBT clergy and same-sex weddings, according to the church's official news agency. CNN's Natasha Chen reports.
  
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• 'Scale of the disaster is enormous': Bush fires, politics intensify as Australia burns

  05-01-2020 22:27 via news.yahoo.com
  
  Scott Morrison, prime minister of Australia, unveiled a two-year plan Sunday aimed at recovering from the historic blazes that have been ravaging the nation.
  
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• Iran ex-Guards chief vows to turn Tel Aviv 'to dust'

  05-01-2020 22:24 via news.yahoo.com
  
  A former head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards threatened on Sunday to turn the Israeli cities of Haifa and Tel Aviv "to dust" if the US attacks targets in Iran."If America takes any measures after our military response, we will turn Tel Aviv and Haifa to dust," Mohsen Rezai, who currently heads the Expediency Council, a top state body, said in a Tweet.
  
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• Oreo has two new flavors for the new year

  05-01-2020 22:14 via cnn.com
  
  O-R-E-Oh wow. The classic chocolate sandwich cookie is out with two new flavors to kick off the new year, and they look scrumptious.
  
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• Germans who live near wind turbines should be paid compensation, says government minister

  05-01-2020 22:13 via news.yahoo.com
  
  Germans who live near wind turbines could be paid compensation by the government under a proposal to boost supplies of renewable energy. Matthias Miersch of Germany's Social Democrat party (SPD) said his scheme would encourage Germans to move near the controversial wind farms as well as rewarding those who already do. The payments would either be made to community organisations and municipalities, or directly to home-owners. Mr Miersch told the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung &ldquo
  
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• Iraqis Push for U.S. Troop Withdrawal in Symbolic Vote

  05-01-2020 22:11 via news.yahoo.com
  
  The move is largely symbolic
  
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• Russian government to 'use the advantages' of climate change

  05-01-2020 22:07 via news.yahoo.com
  
  Russia is planning to “use the advantages” of warmer temperatures brought about by climate change, according to a document published by the government at the weekend. The report notes increased opportunities for navigation and trade as ice melts in the Arctic, an area where Russia has also boosted its military presence in recent years. The two-year, “first stage” plan lists other advantages including decreased spending on heating over the winter and the possibility of new
  
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• Iraq votes to expel U.S. troops after Iran Gen. Qasem Soleimani's killing

  05-01-2020 22:05 via news.yahoo.com
  
  About 5,000 American troops are in various parts of Iraq. After Qasem Soleimani's killing, Iraq wants them to leave.
  
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• US official dismisses 'desperate' move to oust Venezuela's Guaido

  05-01-2020 22:02 via news.yahoo.com
  
  A senior US official on Sunday dismissed as "desperate" a move by Venezuelan police to prevent opposition leader Juan Guaido from entering the National Assembly, where he had hoped to be voted in for a second term as speaker.Guaido's position as speaker was the justification he used in proclaiming himself the country's acting president nearly a year ago, alleging that President Nicolas Maduro's 2018 re-election was fraudulent."The desperate actions of the former Maduro regime, illegally forcibly
  
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• Students, youth wing of pro-ruling party outfit clash in India's capital

  05-01-2020 22:01 via news.yahoo.com
  
  Clashes broke out late on Sunday between students of New Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), who were protesting against a fee hike, and youth wing members of a group closely tied to India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), injuring over a dozen people, witnesses and officials said.Sahiba Mazid, who spoke by telephone from inside one of the university hostels, said many men wearing masks and carrying batons had entered the hostel.JNU students on social media blamed members of the Akhi
  
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• Steve McQueen's 1968 'Bullitt' car set for record auction

  05-01-2020 22:01 via cnn.com
  
  Made famous by the 1968 film's iconic car chase scene, the original Bullitt Mustang car used by Steve McQueen himself is up for auction with no reserve.
  
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• McQueen's 'Bullitt' car set for record sale

  05-01-2020 22:01 via cnn.com
  
  Made famous by the 1968 film's iconic car chase scene, the original Bullitt Mustang car used by Steve McQueen himself is up for auction with no reserve.
  
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• Guaido’s Power Base Snatched From Him in Parliamentary ‘Coup’

  05-01-2020 21:53 via news.yahoo.com
  
  (Bloomberg) -- Opposition leader Juan Guaido saw his power base crumble Sunday when Venezuelan government and rebel opposition lawmakers ousted him as president of the National Assembly, in what some deputies called a parliamentary coup.As security forces blocked Guaido and other opposition lawmakers entering the building, Luis Parra, a deputy ensnared in a corruption scandal, declared himself the new leader of the chamber by megaphone amid chaotic scenes.“This is farce,” said opposi
  
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• Trump warns US may strike back in ‘disproportionate manner’ if Iran attacks American people or targets

  05-01-2020 21:46 via news.yahoo.com
  
  Donald Trump has threatened to “quickly and fully strike back” if Iran attacks any American citizens or targets in retaliation for the assassination of Qassem Soleimani.The president also warned the US could respond in a “disproportionate manner” to any potential attack in a post on Twitter, which he suggested served as a “legal notice” to congress.
  
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• Germany seeks early meeting of EU diplomats over Mideast

  05-01-2020 21:39 via news.yahoo.com
  
  Germany's foreign minister said Sunday that he has proposed bringing forward a regular meeting with counterparts from other European Union countries to the coming week amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.Germany has about 130 soldiers in Iraq as part of an international assistance and training mission.
  
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• Homeless infractions cleared in exchange for shelter stays

  05-01-2020 21:37 via news.yahoo.com
  
  Homeless people facing a ticket or arrest by San Diego police could have the infractions cleared if they agree to stay for 30 days in one of the city’s shelters, according to a newspaper report Sunday.The program could help stabilize lives and get people connected with services, while also allowing officers to enforce laws on the street, San Diego police Capt. Scott Wahl told the Union-Tribune.The San Diego Police Department launched a neighborhood policing division in 2019 that includes o
  
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• Vince Carter just made NBA history

  05-01-2020 21:25 via cnn.com
  
  When Vince Carter of the Atlanta Hawks took the floor Saturday night he made history, becoming the first NBA player to suit up in four different calendar decades --the 1990s, 2000s, 2010s and 2020s.
  
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• Here's what's in the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran that the country withdrew from amid heightened tensions with the US

  05-01-2020 21:22 via news.yahoo.com
  
  Since Trump withdrew the US from the deal, tensions between the US and Iran have steadily risen and reached a boiling point in recent months.
  
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• Cambodia building collapse death toll hits 36 as rescue called off

  05-01-2020 21:22 via news.yahoo.com
  
  The search for victims in the rubble of a collapsed building in southern Cambodia drew to a close Sunday with the final death toll at 36 -- the latest tragedy in a string of deadly construction accidents.Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen, said 23 people had been pulled alive from the rubble of the seven-storey hotel, which crumpled to the ground in seaside Kep on Friday afternoon."This is yet another tragedy," said Hun Sen, who promised families of victims would get $50,000 each in compensation, w
  
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• Illinois Rakes in Nearly $3.2 Million in Recreational Marijuana Revenue on First Day of Legal Sales

  05-01-2020 21:21 via news.yahoo.com
  
  The 37 dispensaries that are currently open are just the beginning
  
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• Prosecutors want to make public more details about Manafort lies to Mueller

  05-01-2020 21:20 via cnn.com
  
  Prosecutors told a federal judge on Sunday they are nearly ready to unseal details from court proceedings about how President Donald Trump's former campaign chairman Paul Manafort lied during his cooperation, including about efforts to sway the President's approach to Ukraine.
  
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• Trump returns to Washington to face a pair of challenges

  05-01-2020 21:17 via news.yahoo.com
  
  His 17-day holiday stay at his Florida resort over, President Donald Trump returned to the White House on Sunday night facing twin challenges: the fallout from the strike he ordered to kill an Iranian general and his looming impeachment trial in the Senate.
  
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• Massive pileup in Pennsylvania kills 5 and injures about 60 others

  05-01-2020 21:17 via cnn.com
  
  A massive pileup involving two tractor-trailers, a tour bus and passenger cars killed five people and injured at least 60 others in western Pennsylvania Sunday morning, authorities said.
  
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• Saudi 'not consulted' over US strike that killed Iran general

  05-01-2020 21:16 via news.yahoo.com
  
  Saudi Arabia was not consulted by its ally Washington over a US drone strike that killed a top Iranian general, an official said Sunday, as the kingdom sought to defuse soaring regional tensions.Saudi Arabia faces a "heightened risk" of missile and drone attacks, the United States warned, after Tehran vowed "revenge" following the strike on Friday that killed powerful commander Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad."The kingdom of Saudi Arabia was not consulted regarding the US strike," a Saudi official to
  
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• Ex-CIA director says Soleimani killing 'bigger than Bin Laden'

  05-01-2020 21:13 via news.yahoo.com
  
  "This is bigger than Bin Laden, it's bigger than Baghdadi," Petraeus told CBS News anchor Margaret Brennan, referring to the U.S. military operations that killed the former head of al-Qaeda in 2011 and took out the self-proclaimed caliph of Islamic State in 2018.Petraeus called Soleimani, who commanded an elite unit within Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, "the equivalent, in U.S. terms, of the CIA director, CENTCOM commander, JSOC commander, and presidential envoy for the region."Solei
  
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• Red skies are blanketing southeast Australia as hundreds of fires ravage the country

  05-01-2020 21:12 via news.yahoo.com
  
  Australia's devastating fires have reached an unprecedented peak in the first few days of January, according to officials.
  
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• Dozens brutally attacked at Delhi university after opposing 'anti-Muslim' citizenship law

  05-01-2020 21:12 via news.yahoo.com
  
  Around 200 masked men from a right-wing Hindu nationalist group stormed a university in Delhi tonight, attacking terrified students and their professors with wooden sticks and stones. The student body at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has vocally opposed a new 'anti-Muslim' citizenship law ever since it was introduced by Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, on December 11. The exact number of the injured is unknown but students said around 20 people were seriously injured and a further 50 nu
  
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• Iran will no longer abide by limits of its 2015 nuclear deal

  05-01-2020 21:10 via news.yahoo.com
  
  Iranian state TV has reported that Iran will no longer abide by any limits of its 2015 nuclear deal.
  
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• US service member and 2 contractors killed in Kenya attack

  05-01-2020 21:07 via cnn.com
  
  A US service member and two civilian contractors working for the Defense Department were killed in an attack by Al-Shabaab in Kenya on Sunday, US Africa Command announced.
  
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