Maryland police officer charged with murder in killing of handcuffed man
The officer shot a man who was handcuffed inside a patrol car seven times, police say.
BBC News,
Coronavirus evacuations begin as China cases outstrip Sars
Japan and US airlift hundreds out of Wuhan as death toll rises to 132 with almost 6,000 confirmed cases inside China
Japan and the US have airlifted hundreds of their citizens from Wuhan, the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak, as officials in China said the death toll from the disease had risen sharply overnight to 132, with nearly 1,500 new cases in the country.
A government-chartered plane carrying 206 Japanese nationals arrived in Tokyo from Wuhan on Wednesday morning. Officials said four of the passengers – a woman and three men – had coughs and fevers and had been taken to a hospital in separate ambulances for treatment and further tests.
Continue reading...The Guardian,
United Arab Emirates announces first confirmed case of Chinese coronavirus in the Middle East
United Arab Emirates announces first confirmed case of Chinese coronavirus in the Middle East
ABC News,
Sports grants: PM won't concede fault but says clubs may get a second chance
Scott Morrison says he will work with the treasurer to find money to support ‘even more’ sports projects
Scott Morrison has signalled sports clubs that missed out in a controversial $100m grants program may be given funding in future, promising to work with the treasurer on more funding, despite conceding no fault in his government’s handling of sports grants.
The offer comes as clubs recommended by Sport Australia but rejected by former sports minister Bridget McKenzie come forward to complain of their disappointment at missing out under the community sport infrastructure grant program, which the auditor general found was skewed towards marginal seats.
Continue reading...The Guardian,
Indian ministries buy more air purifiers as capital battles toxic air
India's government has stepped up the purchase of air purifiers over the last two years, taking the number of devices in ministries to protect against deteriorating air quality to nearly 300, government data seen by Reuters showed.
Reuters,
Malaysia in talks to evacuate its citizens from Wuhan: PM Mahathir
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Wednesday Kuala Lumpur was in talks with China to evacuate its citizens from Wuhan, the Chinese city at the center of the outbreak of the new coronavirus.
Reuters,
Trump to sign North American trade pact at White House; key Democrats not invited
U.S. President Donald Trump will sign a new North American trade agreement on Wednesday in an outdoor ceremony at the White House to be attended by about 400 guests - but not the key Democrats who helped secure congressional passage of the deal.
Reuters,
Fed likely to keep interest rates on hold, focus on balance sheet
The Federal Reserve will conclude its latest policy meeting on Wednesday with interest rates almost certainly to remain on hold but officials likely to discuss possible changes to how they manage the U.S. central bank's key overnight borrowing rate.
Reuters,
China flexes oil refining muscle, upping pain for Asian rivals
China is set to further expand its massive oil refining capacity this year, offering support to global oil prices, and U.S. producers in particular, but its plans spell more gloom for Asia's hard-hit refining industry.
Reuters,
Hong Kong stock market takes a tumble on reopen
Coronavirus fears see the Hang Seng Index drop 3% after re-opening following the Chinese New Year break
BBC News,
Oil gains amid assessment of China virus impact, possible OPEC supply cuts
Oil prices rose for a second day on Wednesday, standing on firmer ground after a five-day rout on talk that OPEC could extend oil cuts if a new coronavirus hurts demand, while data showing a decline in U.S. stockpiles also helped steady prices.
Reuters,
France moves to ban mass live-shredding of male chicks
Agriculture minister announces an end to cruel mass culling method, and castration of piglets without anaesthesia
France has said it will ban the controversial but widespread practices of live-shredding male chicks and castrating piglets without anaesthesia, in a move cautiously welcomed by animal welfare activists.
Some 7bn male chicks, unwanted because they provide neither meat nor eggs, are culled around the world every year. Many are ground up alive, others are gassed, electrocuted, or asphyxiated in plastic bags.
Related: Slaughter of the songbirds: the fight against France's 'barbaric' glue traps
Continue reading...The Guardian,
The strikes may be impressive, but French unions are not as strong as they seem | Cole Stangler
Their fight against Macron’s pension reforms highlights the need to turn public support into active membership
When France is viewed from abroad, the strength of its unions is taken for granted. And sure enough, as strikes over proposed pension reforms have taken off since early December, the English-language press has been peppered with references to France’s “powerful unions” and talk of the country being “paralysed” by strike action. If only.
In reality, the movement has revealed some of the limitations of French trade unionism today. While polls show that the majority of people continue to both oppose the government’s reforms and support the strikes, protest turnout has gradually declined over the course of several national mobilisations.
Related: We won’t back off on pension protests, union ‘Asterix’ warns Macron
Continue reading...The Guardian,
Michelin launches 2020 guide amid controversy over Bocuse downgrade
Head of guide defends stripping late chef’s Auberge du Pont de Collonges of coveted third star
The 2020 edition of the Michelin guide, the “gastronomy bible” that can make or break restaurant reputations, has been launched amid fresh controversy over a leak that revealed it had downgraded the oldest three-star restaurant in the world.
After a year in which the little red book’s ratings have been challenged in court the loss of a coveted third star for the late chef Paul Bocuse’s Auberge du Pont de Collonges near Lyon sparked anger in the restaurant world.
Continue reading...The Guardian,
Valaris settles with Luminus, hands board seat to hedge fund
Oil drilling firm Valaris PLC reached a settlement with Luminus Management and said on Monday that it has appointed one of the hedge fund's partners to its board.
Reuters,
French NGOs and local authorities take court action against Total
Groups claim that the oil giant has not done enough to tackle climate change
An alliance of 14 French local authorities and several NGOs will take unprecedented court action this week against the French oil firm Total to try to force the firm to drastically reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.
It is the first climate change litigation against a private company in France. Campaigners want the court to ensure Total does more to curb its emissions.
Continue reading...The Guardian,
'Arrow' finale looks to the past, while planting seeds for the future
The following contains spoilers about the "Arrow" series finale.
CNN,
National Television Awards highlights in two minutes
The winners include Mrs Brown's Boys, Jesy Nelson, Sir Michael Palin and of course... Ant and Dec.
BBC News,
Ella Eyre: 'I feel like a boss woman'
One of the UK's best vocalists prepares her comeback after a period in the pop wilderness.
BBC News,
Sex Education: 'I wish I knew sex could be fun growing up'
The cast of Sex Education tell us why they wish the show had existed years ago.
BBC News,
Director Matsoukas says 'Queen & Slim' debut tells story of 'my people'
Director Melina Matsoukas said making the jump from directing music videos for Beyonce to directing "Queen & Slim" for the big screen has given her the chance to tell what she calls a "necessary" story about "black people, my people."
Reuters,
'Fast & Furious 9' trailer is coming Friday but here's a taste
A threat that is even more furious than you've seen in eight other films is coming.
CNN,
National Television Awards 2020: Red carpet in pictures
The biggest names in telly step out in force for the 25th NTA's.
BBC News,
Grammy winner Cara bags most nominations in Canada's 2020 Juno Awards
Grammy award-winning artist Alessia Cara picked up six nominations for the 49th annual Juno Awards, celebrating Canadian music, with stars including Shawn Mendes, Bryan Adams and Sum 41 among those also nominated on Tuesday.
Reuters,
Arts Collective Founder to Lead a Children’s Museum
Seth Cameron of the Bruce High Quality Foundation will be the next head of the Children’s Museum of the Arts.
The New York Times,
Harriet Frank Jr., Writer of Challenging Screenplays, Dies at 96
She and her husband, Irving Ravetch, were among Hollywood’s most successful and literate script writers, collaborating on movies like “Hud” and “Norma Rae.”
The New York Times,
J. Crew Names Former Victoria’s Secret Executive Its C.E.O.
Jan Singer will take over the struggling retailer, which has been without a permanent leader since late 2018.
The New York Times,
How the Star of ‘1917’ Pulled Off That Thrilling Final Run
George MacKay tried to dodge extras in a scene that took hours to set up. So when he unexpectedly collided with them — twice — he kept going.
The New York Times,
‘Housewives’ Star and Dogs Toast Avenue Magazine
And stars of NBC shows reunite midseason.
The New York Times,
Was Letterman Really Such a Bad Oscar Host? He Still Thinks So
In an interview, he describes it as “the greatest professional embarrassment I’ve ever endured.” But we’d argue he was actually one of the better hosts the ceremony has seen.
The New York Times,
‘Beanpole’ Review: The War Has Ended. Their Fight Is Endless.
Set in the aftermath of World War II, this dazzling movie centers on two friends who are each casualties of a historical trauma.
The New York Times,
NBA roundup: Middleton scores 51 as Giannis-less Bucks explode
Khris Middleton scored a career-high 51 points, Milwaukee recorded a franchise-record 88 first-half points, and the Bucks held off a second-half surge to beat the visiting Washington Wizards 151-131 on Tuesday.
Reuters,
Muguruza downs Pavlyuchenkova to reach Australian Open semis
Garbine Muguruza stormed back into the Grand Slam big time with a 7-5 6-3 win over Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova to reach her first Australian Open semi-final on Wednesday.
Reuters,
Kobe Bryant Saw His Greatness Mirrored in Gianna
In this week’s newsletter, Marc Stein talks with God Shammgod about the time Kobe called in the elite ballhandler to teach Gianna his signature move.
The New York Times,
Halep going shopping after romp to last four in Melbourne
Simona Halep needed just 53 minutes to thrash Estonian Anett Kontaveit 6-1 6-1 to reach the semi-finals of the Australian Open on Wednesday, a whirlwind victory that gives the fourth seed more time to go "shopping".
Reuters,
Site of Kobe Bryant's fatal helicopter crash cleared of debris, remains
The tall hillside where Los Angeles Lakers basketball great Kobe Bryant, his daughter and seven others perished in a helicopter crash was cleared on Tuesday of all wreckage and human remains as the on-scene phase of the investigation drew to a close.
Reuters,
Chilean scientists scramble to save last of desert frogs from extinction
When Chilean scientists last year discovered 14 Loa water frogs struggling to survive in a nearly dry river bed in the country's northern desert, the clock began ticking.
Reuters,
The Killer Neural Wiring That Links Eyes and Wings in 2 Predators
An ancient ancestor’s visual system helps dragonflies and jewel wing damselflies capture prey in very different ways.
The New York Times,
U.S. Accuses Harvard Scientist of Concealing Chinese Funding
Prosecutors say Charles M. Lieber, the chair of Harvard’s chemistry department, lied about contacts with China’s Thousand Talents Program, a state-run initiative that seeks to draw foreign-educated talent.
The New York Times,
Antarctica melting: Journey to the 'doomsday glacier'
Scientists are studying why the Thwaites Glacier is melting quicker than previously thought.
BBC News,
Coronavirus Live Updates: Death Toll Surpasses 100; More Than 4,000 Infected
The total known cases of a mysterious new virus spreading across China increased nearly 60 percent overnight from 2,835 to 4,515.
The New York Times,
Chair of key U.S. House subcommittee eyes online election content changes
The chair of a key U.S. House Committee on consumer protection said she is exploring legislation around a federal law that exempts online platforms from legal liability for the material their users post, focusing on online content posted on elections.
Reuters,
Former Tinder COO to replace Mandy Ginsberg as Match Group CEO
Tinder-owner Match Group said on Tuesday Chief Executive Officer Mandy Ginsberg was stepping down after 14 years and would be replaced by her long-time deputy Sharmistha Dubey, sending its shares down 1.6% after the bell.
Reuters,
How will the Huawei 5G deal affect me?
The UK has decided to let Huawei continue to be used in its 5G networks but with restrictions, despite pressure from the US to block the firm.
BBC News,
How Facebook thinks its independent oversight board should work
Facebook Inc recommended rules on Tuesday for how its independent oversight board will work and said a former human rights group director will lead the board's administrative staff.
Reuters,
U.S. files lawsuits over robocall scams, cites 'massive financial losses'
The U.S. government on Tuesday sued five U.S. companies and three individuals, alleging they were behind hundreds of millions of fraudulent robocalls that scammed elderly Americans and others into "massive financial losses."