Other News

Man gets 25-year sentence for London acid attack

LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — A British court Tuesday slapped a 25-year sentence on a man for an acid attack in a nightclub in London, where such crimes have spiraled and prompted government intervention. Arthur Collins looked pale as he was sentenced over the April attack which left 22 people injured, 16 of whom suffered serious burns. “This was a despicable act,” judge Noel Lucas told the 25-year-old convict. “You knew precisely what strong acid […]

Saudi says it intercepted Yemen rebel missile over Riyadh

by Abdul Hadi Habtor and Rania Sanjar Agence France Presse RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AFP) — Saudi Arabia said it shot down a ballistic missile Tuesday over Riyadh fired from Yemen by Iran-backed Huthi rebels, who announced that the target was the official residence of King Salman. The audacious attack aimed at the heart of Saudi power follows the downing of another missile last month near Riyadh airport that triggered the tightening of a Saudi-led blockade […]

Canada, US to host N. Korea crisis talks in January

OTTAWA, Canada (AFP) — Canada and the United States announced Tuesday they will host a summit of foreign ministers in Vancouver on January 16, including envoys from Japan and South Korea, to seek progress on the North Korean nuclear crisis. “We believe a diplomatic solution to the crisis is essential and possible,” Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland told a joint press conference with visiting US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. © Agence France-Presse

China slams US security strategy as ‘Cold War mentality’

BEIJING, China (AFP) — China on Tuesday decried US President Donald Trump’s first National Security Strategy, which described Beijing as a challenge to American power, as a “Cold War mentality” that will only harm Washington. “Any country, or any report, which distorts the facts, or maliciously slanders will only do so in vain,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a regular news briefing. The two countries have been locked in an increasingly acrimonious battle over […]

After US Republicans’ tax elation, a hangover may loom

by Douglas Gillison Agence France Presse WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — President Donald Trump and his Republican Party are in a party mood as they prepare to enact the most sweeping tax cuts in three decades — but analysts warn the country may wake up to a hangover. The centerpiece of the $1.5 trillion legislation is a series of deep cuts for businesses that Republican leaders say will spur productivity and job creation and nudge […]

NBA: Lakers honor Kobe Bryant by retiring his 8 and 24 basketball jerseys

  By Kenneth Cruz EBC Sports International, Los Angeles Bureau LOS ANGELES (Eagle News) – For 20 years, Kobe Bean Bryant entertained, inspired, and motivated millions upon millions of basketball fans all over the world. For all 20 of those years, Bryant suited up with only one team’s jersey: the Los Angeles Lakers. However, Bryant represented two different jersey numbers: 8 and 24. Bryant won three championships wearing #8, and two championships as an elder […]

YouTube seals deal with top music label amid streaming moves

 NEW  YORK, United States (AFP) — YouTube said Tuesday that it had sealed a licensing agreement with the world’s largest music label conglomerate Universal as the video behemoth explores creating a new streaming service. YouTube, which is part of Google, said it reached a long-term agreement with the Universal Music Group, months after a deal with competitor Warner Music. A joint statement did not specify the terms but hinted that the agreement would address compensation by YouTube, […]

Tax cut passes US House, heads to Senate for crunch vote

by Michael Mathes Agence France-Presse WASHINGTON, United States – The Republican-controlled US House of Representatives passed a landmark tax overhaul Tuesday, bringing Donald Trump one step closer to a major legislative triumph as the first year of his presidency draws to a close. Republicans received zero Democratic support as they passed the contentious $1.5-trillion package of tax cuts for businesses and individuals that critics say will particularly benefit the wealthy. The most comprehensive revamp of the nation’s […]

After US veto, UN assembly to vote on Jerusalem resolution

UNITED NATIONS, United States (AFP) –The UN General Assembly will hold an emergency session Thursday to vote on a draft resolution rejecting President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital after the United States vetoed the measure at the Security Council. Turkey and Yemen requested the urgent meeting of the 193-nation assembly on behalf of the Arab group of countries and the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The two countries circulated a draft resolution on […]

Saudi says it intercepted Yemen rebel missile over Riyadh

by Abdul Hadi Habtor and Rania Sanjar Agence France-Presse RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia said it shot down a ballistic missile Tuesday over Riyadh fired from Yemen by Iran-backed Huthi rebels, who announced that the target was the official residence of King Salman. The audacious attack aimed at the heart of Saudi power follows the downing of another missile last month near Riyadh airport that triggered the tightening of a Saudi-led blockade on hunger-stricken Yemen. For […]

1,000 days into Yemen’s ‘forgotten’ war, NGOs urge action

by Katy Lee  and Valérie Leroux Agence France-Presse (PARIS, France) – A thousand days of bloodshed: as Yemen prepares to mark Wednesday’s grim anniversary, aid workers are urging world powers to bring an end to a “forgotten” conflict. Photographs of children starving to death have failed to spur the international community into ending the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, which charities warn is deepening by the day. “There are things that could happen tomorrow that could stop children from […]

Iraqi Kurdistan protests turn deadly

by Shwan Mohamad Agence France-Presse (SULAIMANIYAH, Iraq) – Five people were killed and dozens wounded in Iraqi Kurdistan on Tuesday as security forces opened fire during clashes with protesters amid growing anger over a failed push for independence. Demonstrators in the autonomous Kurdish area in the north of the country torched the offices of a mayor and political parties as protests broke out for a second day over the disastrous fallout from a September referendum. The vote delivered […]