Skimm Quizlet - 1/10 Quiz

Wed 1/9 - Quote of the Day

"He is survived by none" - George, the last living tree snail of its kind, died. He'll be missed...by the people reading this.

Mon 1/7 - Quote of the Day

"I then went into action" - A karate instructor who saved a woman from an alleged kidnapper in a karate studio. Not all heroes wear black belts...but this one does.

Tues 1/8 - Wikileaks

"It is false and defamatory to suggest that Ecuador asked Julian Assange to improve his hygiene" - WikiLeaks wants you to know Assange doesn't stink. He smells like pine needles and has a face like sunshine. ---- WikiLeaks sent an unsolicited email to reporters Sunday asking them to stop reporting a list of 140 "false and defamatory" statements about founder Julian Assange, ranging from Assange bleaching his hair to stories about him walking into meeting rooms at the Ecuadorian embassy in his underwear. Assange has been holed up in Ecuador's embassy in London since 2012, living there as a political refugee. He hasn't left out of fear of legal extradition because of several leaks WikiLeaks has facilitated, and because of rape allegations he faced in Sweden (which have since been dropped). The US Department of Justice reportedly filed charges against Assange under seal, and some view WikiLeaks as a tool of Russian intelligence, given Russia's interference in the United States 2016 presidential election and Wikileak's role in releasing private emails from Hillary Clinton aide John Podesta.

Fri 1/4 - Quote of the Day

"The VP at Tesla" - Lindsay Lohan on where her character from "Herbie Fully Loaded" would be IRL today. If only.

Thu 1/10 - Paris

"We will only remember the good moments" - Paris's first nudist restaurant is closing because who wants to eat in a restaurant full of naked people. Answer: apparently no one.

Tues 1/8 - Donald Trump

9pm ET. Oval Office. This'll be the first time he ever addresses the nation from there. All major networks will air the address. And Dems have asked for "equal airtime" to respond to what they say will probably be statements full of "malice and misinformation." Speaking of, the four living former presidents came out saying they're not on the same page as the current prez regarding the wall. ------------------- All major networks on Monday confirmed that they will air President Trump's Oval Office address on the government shutdown live, after some initial uncertainty over how the organizations would handle the speech. CBS, NBC, ABC, Fox News, Fox Business and CNN all confirmed to The Hill that the prime-time speech will air on their channels Tuesday night. CNN reported that local Fox stations and MSNBC also intend to carry the address live. CBS said in a statement to The Hill that the address will start at 9:01:30 p.m., and the White House informed the network it will last no longer than eight minutes ----- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer released a joint statement on Monday night asking to be "immediately be given equal airtime," after networks indicated they will air President Donald Trump's scheduled Tuesday night Oval Office address. "Now that the television networks have decided to air the President's address, which if his past statements are any indication will be full of malice and misinformation, Democrats must immediately be given equal airtime," the statement reads.

Tues 1/8 - French author

A popular French author and television presenter has caused outrage after claiming he was "incapable" of loving a woman aged over 50. Yann Moix, 50, told a glossy magazine: "Come on now, let's not exaggerate! That's not possible ... too, too old." In the interview with Marie-Claire magazine's French edition, Moix, the author of several prize-winning novels, added that women in their 50s were "invisible" to him. "I prefer younger women's bodies, that's all. End of. The body of a 25-year-old woman is extraordinary. The body of a woman of 50 is not extraordinary at all," he said, adding that he preferred to date Asian women, particularly Koreans, Chinese and Japanese. "It's perhaps sad and reductive for the women I go out with but the Asian type is sufficiently rich, large and infinite for me not to be ashamed."

Wed 1/9 - Carbon Dioxide Emissions

A report came out that says that the US's carbon dioxide emissions in 2018 had the biggest increase in eight years. You probably already know that countries aren't doing enough to slow down climate change. And that the US has gotten heat (literally) for exiting the Paris climate agreement as one of the world's biggest carbon polluters. This new report says that carbon emissions in the US are on the rise again after three years of declining. And that the drastic increase in 2018 was thanks to things like higher oil and gas use during a cold winter, and the country's lack of strategy for not reducing emissions. It's not all bad news though. We also learned yesterday that the cancer death rate in the US is on the decline, and has been dropping for at least the last 25 years. Oh and here's a fun fact for your next group dinner: apparently millions of Americans think they have food allergies...but they really don't. ------------------------------------ Carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S. are on the rise again after several years of decline, and a booming economy is the cause. That's according to a report out today from the Rhodium Group, an independent research firm that tracks CO2 emissions in the U.S. "It appears based on preliminary data that emissions in the U.S. grew by the highest rate since 2010 when we were recovering from the great recession," says Trevor Houser, a partner at Rhodium and an author on the new estimate. Emissions rose roughly 3.4 percent in 2018, he says. ---------------- Countries are failing to take the action needed to stave off the worst effects of climate change, a UN report has found, and the commitments made in the 2015 Paris agreement will not be met unless governments introduce additional measures as a matter of urgency. New taxes on fossil fuels, investment in clean technology and much stronger government policies to bring down emissions are likely to be necessary. Governments must also stop subsidising fossil fuels, directly and indirectly, the UN said. "Only a rapid turnaround here can help. Emissions must be reduced by a quarter by 2030 [to keep warming to no more than 2C (3.6F) above pre-industrial levels] and for 1.5C emissions would have to be halved." --------------- The U.S. cancer death rate has hit a milestone: It's been falling for at least 25 years, according to a new report. Lower smoking rates are translating into fewer deaths. Advances in early detection and treatment also are having a positive impact, experts say. But it's not all good news. Obesity-related cancer deaths are rising, and prostate cancer deaths are no longer dropping, said Rebecca Siegel, lead author of the American Cancer Society report published Tuesday.

Wed 1/9 - Federal Government Shutdown

About 420,000 federal employees are working without pay. And 380,000 are on unpaid leave. If the shutdown keeps going like this, the admin and Congress are trying to make sure there's no impact on food stamps and tax refunds. -------- Food stamp recipients will have access to their full benefits for February, even if the partial government shutdown continues, U.S. Department of Agriculture officials announced Tuesday night. USDA said they will work with states to load benefits onto recipients' cards by Jan. 20, just within the deadline for a provision that allows them to pay out benefits, even without a budget. Food and Nutrition Service Administrator Brandon Lipps told reporters they expect to pay out the full $4.8 billion in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits for February, which should cover full benefits for all 38 million Americans that use the program commonly known as food stamps. ---------- Democrats are eager to force Republicans to choose between funding the Treasury's Internal Revenue Service - at a time when it should be gearing up to issue tax refunds to millions of Americans - and voting to keep it partially shuttered. In a countermove, the Trump administration said that even without a new shot of funding, the IRS would somehow make sure those refund checks get sent.

Thu 1/10 - Millenials & Debt

Authorities have arrested a California man they say tried to steal his roommate's $10 million winning lottery ticket. Vacaville police arrested 35-year-old Adul Saosongyang Monday at a California Lottery office in Sacramento where he'd been told to go to collect his winnings. Police said the winning Scratchers ticket was bought on Dec. 20 in Vacaville. CBS Sacramento reports the roommate paid $30 for it. The player suspected a roommate had switched tickets while he slept and called police. Sure enough, Saosongyang arrived at the lottery's Sacramento office with the real ticket and was told it was worth $10 million, not $10,000 as the roommate had thought, CBS Sacramento says.

Fri 1/4 - Nancy Pelosi

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) She became the first female House speaker back in 2007 - but had to give up the gavel in 2011 after Republicans took the House. Yesterday, she got the job back - and made history as the first person in more than six decades to return to the job after losing it. She's also the most powerful elected woman in politics. Yes and no. Once the House turned blue in November, everyone expected her to become speaker again. But she faced challenges from some Dems who wanted new leadership. She agreed to only stay speaker for four years if she got the Dem votes she needed. She did. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) nominated her, saying the House was "down with NDP." Let's see if that nickname sticks.

Wed 1/9 - Dems

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said that Trump is "holding the American people hostage" with this shutdown and "manufacturing a crisis." She and Sen. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said that Dems and the prez both want border security. But they called a wall "ineffective," "expensive," and "unnecessary." As Schumer put it, the "symbol of America should be the Statue of Liberty, not a 30-foot wall."

Fri 1/10 - Who else got sworn in?

Congress's new freshman class, which is the most diverse ever. More than 100 women were also sworn in - a new record. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) grabbed a lot of headlines for giving a nod to suffragettes. And for dancing...in college. ------- Rep. Deb Haaland made history as one of two Native American women elected to Congress. The daughter of a Marine Corps and Navy veterans, she is an enrolled member of Pueblo of Laguna. Haaland served as President Barack Obama's Native American vote director during his 2012 re-election campaign. Haaland replaces former Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham who successfully ran for Governor. ----- Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is the youngest woman ever elected to Congress at age 29. She defeated former Rep. Joe Crowley, in a June primary. Crowley was the chair of the House Democratic Caucus. This was Ocasio-Cortez's first campaign for office but prior to her campaign she worked as an organizer for Bernie Sanders's 2016 presidential campaign. --------------------- Omar, who represents ***Minnesota'***s 5th Congressional District, and fellow Democrat Rep. Rashida Tlaib, who represents *****Michigan****'s 13th Congressional District, are the first Muslim women to serve in Congress. The two worked alongside each other when Tlaib campaigned with Omar during her primary. Ilhan Omar - Minnesota 5th Rashida Tlaib - Michigan 13th -------- Ayanna Pressley, the first black woman to be elected to Congress from Massachusetts; ----- Veronica Escobar, one of the first two Latina women ever elected to Congress from Texas. ------- In the 116th Congress, 126 women are serving overall, increasing the percentage of women in Congress from 20 percent to almost 24 percent, according to the Center for American Women in Politics. Forty-three women of color were elected to the House and four were elected to the Senate. **24% of Congress ppl = WOMEN** **43 women of color in House, 4 in Senate**

Fri 1/4 - House Agenda

Expect to hear about issues like income inequality, climate change, and health care. Also, investigations on President Trump, Trump, and more Trump.

Wed 1/9 - Paul Manafort

He allegedly shared polling data with an accused Russian operative...

Mon 1/7 - Conditions at the Border

In a letter to Dems from over the weekend, the Trump admin said he wanted to set aside hundreds of millions of dollars to improve humanitarian conditions at the border, apparently including better medical treatment, tens of thousands more detention beds, and thousands more law enforcement officials. Dems are saying 'let's reopen the gov, then we can talk about this.'

Wed 1/9 - EU

It came out yesterday that the Trump admin downgraded its delegation in DC without giving the EU a heads up. Meet, the diplomatic version of changing your relationship status without telling your SO. The admin has been known for being critical of international groups (see: this, this, this, this). The move was made last year and means the EU rep gets a title change: from 'ambassador' to 'head of delegation.'

Tues 1/8 - Trump's Border Plans

It's day 18 of the government shutdown. Trump plans to visit the border later this week - if there isn't an agreement between him and Congress before then, it will be day 20 of the partial shutdown. Until then, he's taking his case directly to the American public. ----- Trump will be taking a visit to the U.S.-Mexico border on Thursday that White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said will see him "meet with those on the frontlines of the national security and humanitarian crisis."

Mon 1/7 - Jazmine Barnes

Jazmine Barnes. Last week, the seven-year-old was killed in a shooting in Houston, TX. There were questions around whether the shooting was racially motivated. But over the weekend, authorities arrested a suspect and said her death was probably a case of "mistaken identity." Investigators are looking into a second person potentially involved in the shooting. ---------------- The death of a 7-year-old girl in a drive-by shooting in Houston was most likely a case of "mistaken identity" involving two suspects, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said Sunday. Jazmine Barnes was riding in a car with her mother and sisters on December 30 when someone in another vehicle shot her in the head. Eric Black Jr., 20, was arrested Saturday in a traffic stop for not using his turn signal. He is accused of driving the car used in Jazmine's death, Gonzalez said in a news conference Sunday. He faces a charge of capital murder. The sheriff declined to name the second person, citing the pending investigation, but prosecutors identified Larry Woodruffe as the second suspect in a court hearing for Black Saturday morning, the Houston Chronicle reported.

Mon 1/7 - Golden Globes

Last night, the Golden Globes happened. "Bohemian Rhapsody" beat out "A Star Is Born." "Green Book" took home a lot of gold ---------- Regina King won best supporting actress for her role in Barry Jenkins' 'If Beale Street Could Talk.' --------------------- Carol Burnett is glad she and TV audiences had some time together when they did. In a speech accepting a new Golden Globe award named in her honor, Burnett talked about the effort it took to put on her variety show that ran for 11 seasons starting in 1967. "Sometimes I catch myself daydreaming about being young again and doing it all over," she said. "Then I bring myself up sharp when I realize how incredibly fortunate I was to be there at the right time." ---------------- The host is the first woman of Asian descent to win the award since 1981, when Yoko Shimada won for 'Shogun.' Killing Eve star Sandra Oh took home the Golden Globe for best actress in a television series, drama on Sunday night, becoming the first Asian-Canadian and first actress of Asian descent to do so since the 1981 show, when Yoko Shimada won for Shogun. Oh also made history as the first person of Asian descent to host the Golden Globes. ----------- Christian Bale Thanks Satan in Globes Speech for Inspiring His Role as Dick Cheney

Mon 1/7 - Syria

Last month, President Trump said the US has defeated ISIS in Syria and would start pulling troops out soon. Except ISIS still controls a small portion of territory (around 2% of what it previously had). And there are worries that leaving right now could help the terror group make a comeback. Or leave a power vacuum that countries like Iran and Russia might fill. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle criticized the move. Defense Sec Jim Mattis resigned. And people were especially worried about what would happen to the US's Kurdish allies. --------- The United States will pull out of Syria only with assurances Turkey will not attack Kurdish allies there, national security adviser John Bolton told journalists on Sunday, according to reports. The added condition to the US' withdrawal of troops from Syria contradicts President Donald Trump's announcement via Twitter last month that US troops would withdraw from the country "now" as he declared that ISIS had been defeated. --------- Trump shocks allies and advisers with plan to pull US troops out of Syria Administration nears end of campaign to retake territory once held by Isis as Trump tweets: 'We have defeated Isis in Syria ------ DONALD TRUMP'S SYRIA WITHDRAWAL ISN'T SUPPORTED BY MATTIS, POMPEO OR THE TROOPS, LINDSEY GRAHAM SAYS

Thu 1/10 - Rod Rosenstein

Let's talk transition. Yesterday it came out that Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein plans to leave his job once President Trump's AG pick is confirmed. Rosenstein and Trump haven't always been on the best terms. Rosenstein oversees the special counsel's Trump-Russia investigation right now, but the new AG - which is expected to be nominee William Barr - would take it over. Barr has been critical of the special counsel's investigation in the past. But apparently now says 'he's got nothing but respect' for special counsel Mueller. His confirmation hearings are scheduled for next week. In other names you keep hearing about, Michael White. Yesterday, Iran confirmed that it detained the US Navy vet...but didn't say why. White is the latest of several Americans Iran has kept behind bars. Tensions between the US and Iran aren't anything new. But this latest arrest comes during an especially strained time between the two, ever since the US dropped out of the Iran nuclear deal last year and reimposed sanctions. ------------------ Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, the most visible Justice Department protector of special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation and a frequent target of President Donald Trump's wrath, is expected to leave his position soon after Trump's nominee for attorney general is confirmed. The departure creates uncertainty about the oversight of Mueller's team as it enters what may be its final months of work. But the attorney general nominee, William Barr, moved quickly Wednesday to quell concerns that his arrival could endanger the probe, telling lawmakers during Capitol Hill visits ahead of his confirmation hearing that he has a high opinion of Mueller. ------------------------- As the Senate Judiciary Committee prepares for hearings on William Barr's nomination for attorney general, one person will loom large in the room: special counsel Robert Mueller. Several Senate Democrats on the committee plan to grill Barr at his confirmation hearing next week on his views on Mueller's Russia investigation, focusing on a controversial memo Barr wrote last year to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. In that memo, Barr criticized Mueller's investigation into possible obstruction of justice as "fatally misconceived." Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on Wednesday said Barr should be disqualified from leading the DOJ in part because of the memo. ------------------- US Navy veteran Michael White is in Iranian custody, the Islamic Republic's Foreign Ministry said Wednesday, confirming claims made by White's mother a day earlier. "Michael White was arrested in the city of Mashhad a while ago, and within a few days after his arrest the US government was informed of the arrest through the Swiss Embassy in Tehran," ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi said. In the absence of relations, the Swiss Embassy represents US diplomatic interests in Iran. The holy city of Mashhad is in northeastern Iran, 80 kilometers (about 50 miles) from its border with Turkmenistan. Ghasemi denied allegations that White, who hails from Imperial Beach, California, has been mistreated in prison

Tues 1/8 - Maori Davenport

Maori Davenport sat in her principal's office in silence for 45 minutes, trying to make sense of the news. Moments earlier, she was prepping for her pregame meal. It was Nov. 30, and the star 6-foot-4 forward/center was getting ready for the fifth game of her final basketball season at Charles Henderson High School in Troy, Alabama. That's when she got the summons to Brock Kelley's office. Kelley and coach Dyneshia Jones told Davenport that she had been ruled ineligible for the rest of her senior season. At issue was a stipend check for $857.20 sent to Davenport by USA Basketball. Davenport had led Team USA in rebounding and blocks en route to a gold medal in Mexico City at the FIBA Americas U18 Championship in August. Typically, USA Basketball confers with high school federations to determine if players are allowed to accept payments. But due to an error USA Basketball admits it made, no call was made to the Alabama High School Athletic Association, which does not allow payments of more than $250.

Tues 1/8 - Mastercard

Mastercard has dropped the word "Mastercard" from its logo. It will now appear as just the two intersecting circles of red and yellow, with orange in the middle. The move comes as digital payments become more ubiquitous and Mastercard tries to get customers to view it as a tech company instead of a credit-card company.

Mon 1/7 - CFP National Champ

No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 2 Clemson for the national title looks very good on its own. But ESPN's MegaCast presentation of the College Football Playoff National Championship will provide more unique viewing options than ever before. Philadelphia Eagles also beat Bears because Chicago Bears field goal Cody Parkey dude missed it

Tues 1/8 - College Football Playoff

Nope. Last night, the Clemson Tigers beat the Alabama Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff national championship. Rawr. The game marked the fourth year in a row that the two faced off in the CFP.

Fri 1/4 - PAYGO

Ok, so it's the "pay as you go" rule. Meaning: an increase in spending has to be offset by cuts in other programs to stop the deficit from increasing. But some progressive Dems aren't down with PAYGO because it could make it harder for them to pass legislation for potentially high-cost programs they want (like Medicare for all). Yesterday, the House approved a larger rules package that included the PAYGO provision.

Fri 1/4 - Golden Globes

This Sunday, the 2019 awards season kicks off with the Golden Globes. Andy Samberg, of "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," and Sandra Oh, of "Killing Eve," are this year's hosts.

Wed 1/9 - NASA

Three new planets and six supernovae outside our solar system have been observed by Nasa's planet-hunting Tess mission in its first three months. Since it started surveying the sky in July, the MIT-led Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite project has identified Pi Mensae c, a "super-Earth" that travels around its star every six days, and LHS 3844b, a rocky world with an orbit of only 11 hours. The most recent exoplanet discovery, named HD 21749b, has the longest orbital period at 36 days. It orbits a bright, nearby dwarf star about 53 light years away in the Reticulum constellation, and is thought to have a surface temperature of about 150C (300F). This is relatively cool considering its proximity to its star.

Fri 1/4 - Pope Francis

Pope Francis. This week, the Pope sent a letter to US bishops calling them out for their handling of recent sex abuse scandals...but offered no specific solutions. He says that the clergy has been hurting the church's credibility by trying to blame each other and by engaging in cover-ups. And that in order to address the credibility issue, bishops need to go back to the basics and focus on spirituality and unity. Some saw this letter as a positive step on Francis's part in confronting sex abuse in the church. Others say the letter didn't do nearly enough to address the root of the problem - the abuse. They think the letter shows Francis is focused more on the church's reputation, and less on the victims and on holding abusers accountable. This isn't the first time the Pope has been criticized for his response to these crises. He's scheduled to meet up with some clergy members next month to talk about this in person. --------- Pope Francis bluntly criticized Catholic bishops in the US for their approach to the church's sexual abuse crisis, saying that their finger-pointing, abuses of power and "playing the victim or the scold" have undermined the church's credibility. "The church's credibility has been seriously undercut and diminished by these sins and crimes," the Pope said of the abuse of children by Catholic clergy, "but even more by the efforts made to deny or conceal them." Francis also said the bishops' disunity and blame-shifting have led to mistrust and pain among the church's followers.

Mon 1/7 - Hungary

Protests in Hungary. Thousands showed up this weekend to rally against the country's so-called "slave law." Since the prime minister's 2010 election, he and his party have been getting more and more powerful (think: rewriting the constitution, creating new courts that could be manipulated, and taking control over state media). But last month, he pushed through a law that allows companies to ask employees to work up to 400 hours of overtime a year - that would be almost one extra day per week. It gets worse: employees apparently aren't guaranteed immediate pay. Cue outrage. Over the weekend, at least 10,000 people showed up to protest that and other things like bias in the state-controlled media. The gov is claiming that Hungarian-American billionaire George Soros is funding the protests and encouraging migration to the EU. Protests could continue this month. ---------- Thousands of protesters in Hungary braved snow and freezing temperatures on a march against Viktor Orbán's rightwing government, denouncing harsh new legislation that has been dubbed the "slave law". Passed in December, it allows companies to demand that staff work up to 400 hours overtime a year - or the equivalent of an extra day a week. Hungary's opposition has been fractured and ineffectual as Orbán has steadily amassed power since he was elected prime minister in 2010, but the "slave law" has created a rare rallying point. -------------- For a sixth straight night, thousands of people in Budapest took to the streets to protest Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his Fidesz party. Several thousand people demonstrated outside the headquarters of Hungary's state-run TV MTVA, chanting anti-government slogans and shouting "We've had enough," pictures from the scene showed Monday. Protesters have been angry about what they call a "slave law," new legislation allowing employers to ask workers to take on up to 400 hours of overtime a year.

Thu 1/10 - R Kelly

R. Kelly. The singer's name has been everywhere since the docu-series "Surviving R. Kelly" aired last week - which highlighted women who accuse him of abuse and pedophilia, among other things. It's led to renewed calls to #MuteRKelly, a campaign you saw last year to get music venues, streaming platforms, and artists to cut ties with him. This docu-series has put the spotlight right back on the issue. And since it came out, there've been reports that prosecutors in Georgia and Illinois could be investigating the singer. Yesterday, it came out that an arrest warrant was reportedly issued for Kelly's manager last summer for allegedly threatening to kill a man who claims Kelly has manipulated and isolated his daughter. Kelly has denied accusations against him. His manager isn't commenting. -------------------- The Time's Up campaign is taking aim at R. Kelly over allegations he has sexually abused women. The organization devoted to helping women in the aftermath of sexual abuse issued a statement Monday urging further investigation into Kelly's behavior, which has come under closer scrutiny over the last year as women have come forward to accuse him of everything from sexual coercion to physical abuse. Kelly has denied such charges. "We demand appropriate investigations and inquiries into the allegations of R. Kelly's abuse made by women and their families for more than two decades now. And we declare with great vigilance and a united voice to anyone who wants to silence us — their time is up," the statement said ---------------------------- CNN has learned an arrest warrant was issued over the summer for R. Kelly's former manager, James Mason, after Mason was accused of threatening to kill the father of Joycelyn Savage, one of the women featured in "Surviving R. Kelly." The incident, which allegedly took place in May 2018, was reported by Timothy Savage to Henry County police. Savage claims his daughter is being held against her will by R. Kelly and Mason threatened him for speaking out about it. Reached by phone Wednesday morning, Mason told CNN he had "no comment" and referred additional questions to his attorney.

Wed 1/9 - Sears & Kroger

Sears may have found a way to stay in business. Emphasis on the 'may.' In other cart-related news, the grocery giant Kroger is partnering with Microsoft to pilot two high-tech grocery stores. They will apparently have things like image recognition and digital displays to take your grocery game up a notch. Take that, Amazon and Walmart. -------------------- Sears reached an 11th-hour deal Tuesday to remain open -- at least for now. Attorneys for Sears said they had reached an acceptable agreement with a hedge fund controlled by Eddie Lampert, the chairman and former CEO of Sears, after a series of last-minute negotiations. Without an agreement, Sears faced the possibility of liquidation. The deal, a revised version of a $4.4 billion bid Lampert submitted in December, would keep 425 of the stores open if certain conditions are met. ------------------------ Emphasis on the 'may.' In other cart-related news, the grocery giant Kroger is partnering with Microsoft to pilot two high-tech grocery stores. They will apparently have things like image recognition and digital displays to take your grocery game up a notch. Take that, Amazon and Walmart. -------------------------- Kroger, America's largest grocery store chain, has partnered with Microsoft to create a pair of hi-tech grocery stores. The stores, which are located in Washington and Ohio, are filled with digital shelf labels and image recognition cameras, and aim to create a retail environment that's easier for both customers and retail employees to navigate. The two companies also hope to use the digital signage to sell targeted ads based on customer demographics.

Fri 1/4 - Bernie Sanders

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT). This week, he acknowledged that more could have been done to protect female staff members from sexual harassment and other issues during his 2016 presidential campaign. The issues include things like women allegedly getting paid less than their male counterparts or being tasked with less important work - issues that were reported on by multiple outlets this week. Sanders says he didn't know about these allegations at the time. If he runs again in 2020, he says he'll step it up. ------ the senator's former campaign manager acknowledged Wednesday that there had been "a failure," and Sanders is promising to make sure the same problems do not emerge if he runs in 2020. Over the past week, alumni of Sanders' presidential campaign have stepped forward to allege inappropriate behavior and unfair treatment of women. Numerous individuals said that staff on the campaign had not taken a complaint about sexual harassment seriously and had treated women unfairly.

Tues 1/8 - Rahaf Mohammed Alqunun

She's the 18-year-old Saudi woman who's trying to claim asylum after renouncing Islam and fleeing to Thailand. She was supposed to be deported to Kuwait, where her family was apparently waiting for her. But she said they'd kill her, and barricaded herself in her hotel room. Now, after international attention on her case, authorities say she can stay in Thailand while the UN refugee agency reviews her case. ------------- An 18-year-old Saudi woman who fled her family over alleged abuse and barricaded herself in a Bangkok airport hotel room in a desperate bid for asylum will be allowed to stay in Thailand while her case is evaluated by the U.N. refugee agency, immigration authorities said Monday. Rahaf Mohammed Alqunun grabbed global attention when she sent out pleas for help via social media, saying she feared for her life if she were put on a plane back to Kuwait, where she had slipped away from her family, or her homeland. Instead, she has been allowed to enter Thailand temporarily under the protection of the U.N. refugee agency, which was expected to take about five to seven days to study her case and her claim for asylum. She said she wants to go to Australia to seek refuge there.

Tues 1/8 - Cyntoia Brown

She's the alleged victim of sex trafficking who killed a man who paid her for sex when she was 16. She was convicted in 2006 and sentenced to life in prison. Last year, many people - including celebs like Rihanna and Kim Kardashian West - advocated for her release. And yesterday, Tennessee's governor granted it, saying she'll be released on parole in August. Brown thanked the governor and said "my hope is to help other young girls avoid ending up where I have been." --------- She was granted clemency after 15 yrs

Thu 1/10 - Government shutdown

Someone's gotta budge. Yesterday, President Trump and Democrats met up to discuss a deal to re-open parts of the gov. Neither side budged on their demands over funding for the US-Mexico border wall. Trump walked out of the meeting he called "a total waste of time." Speaking of time, today's day 20 of the partial shutdown. Meanwhile, it turns out the border isn't the only thing Trump's getting tough on. Yesterday, the president threatened to stop sending federal aid to California unless state officials "get their act together." Last year, CA wildfires killed at least 89 people and left thousands homeless. Trump has blamed state officials for mismanaging the forests, though CA's forests are generally managed by federal agencies. Since then, more than 6,600 people have applied for aid to get temporary housing. More than $48 million in aid has been approved. Now, Trump says he told FEMA to cut off the money.

Fri 1/4 - Gov Shutdown

Still a thing. Last night, the House passed legislation to reopen part of the gov, though it didn't include any money for Trump's border wall. Don't expect the Senate to give it its blessing. Congressional leaders are expected to head to the White House to talk about all this today. Speaking of the border, Mexico asked the US to look into border officials using tear gas against migrants earlier this week and late last year. -------------- That begs the question: what was the longest shutdown in US history? That would be the 21-day clash between President Bill Clinton and the GOP Congress that stretched from December 1995 to January 1996.

Tues 1/8 - Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was not on the bench on Monday to hear arguments in the first case brought to the high court since she underwent cancer surgery last month. Ginsburg, 85, has not missed a day of argument since President Bill Clinton appointed her to the bench 25 years ago. This is believed to be the first time she has missed a day for any reason outside of recusal. In a brief address at the start of the court session Monday, Chief Justice John Roberts said Ginsburg was "unable to be present today" but added that she will still participate from home. The court then proceeded to hear arguments in the first case of the day.

Mon 1/7 - CBS

Susan Zirinsky, a 46-year veteran of CBS News and the top producer of the "48 Hours" newsmagazine, is about to become the first woman to run the network's news division. CBS News president David Rhodes is stepping down in March. Zirinsky will succeed him.

Wed 1/9 - Wall & Trump

That there is a "growing humanitarian and security crisis" on the US-Mexico border. That tens of thousands of undocumented children were smuggled into the country last month. That this is putting a strain on public resources and hurting jobs and wages - especially for black and Hispanic Americans. That women and kids making the trek are the biggest victims here. That he's determined to end this "cycle of human suffering" and protect the country. That Democrats have supported a physical barrier in the past. And that it's now their fault the government is shut down over this.

Tues 1/8 - World Bank

The World Bank is getting a new president. Yesterday, the current prez resigned almost three years early, meaning President Trump has the authority to appoint the next one. ******The US has always appointed World Bank presidents***** but this time, Trump's expected to get pushback, since he hasn't exactly been supportive of international orgs like the World Bank. ----------------------- World Bank President Jim Yong Kim abruptly resigned nearly three years ahead of schedule on Monday, setting up an opening for President Donald Trump to fill -- and a potential clash with other countries over the long-standing practice of the US making the appointment. Trump has repeatedly voiced disdain for multilateral institutions and questioned US foreign aid commitments, making it likely his authority to name a new president will be challenged by emerging economies that have in recent decades grown increasingly opposed to US dominance over the global development bank. The White House did not immediately say on Monday whether Trump plans to name a new president or provide a list of potential The Trump administration has enjoyed a close working relationship with Kim. Ivanka Trump, the President's daughter and senior adviser, developed a woman's entrepreneurship initiative in partnership with the World Bank in 2017 with the goal of providing more than $1 billion in financing for small-business owners. FUN FACT: The leader of the World Bank's sister organization, the International Monetary Fund, has always been European

Thu 1/10 - Opposition leader won?

That's what it looks like. But it gets tricky. Pre-election polls showed the other opposition candidate Fayulu in the lead. And there were fears that the current prez was going to try to rig the vote in favor of his candidate. Or work out a deal with Tshisekedi to somehow share power. So now that Tshisekedi won, there's questions over how legit this all is. And things had been so tense leading up to the results, that riot police had been ready to go. The Roman Catholic Church (which has a lot of sway there) has been monitoring the election and trying to ensure a peaceful power transition. But the church reportedly found that Fayulu is actually the one who won the election. ------------------ The runner-up in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's presidential election has called on his followers to resist "a grave attack on the country's dignity and people", as the Catholic church said official results did not reflect polling station data. Felix Tshisekedi, leader of DRC's main opposition party, was declared the surprise winner of the 30 December presidential election in the early hours of Thursday, beating another opposition figure, Martin Fayulu, to second place. The result theoretically means the first electoral transfer of power in 59 years of independence in the DRC, but was deeply controversial because Fayulu had held a healthy lead in pre-election polling. It has also surprised some observers who believed authorities would ensure victory for the government candidate, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, who was handpicked by the outgoing president, Joseph Kabila, as his successor. -------------------- Vote tallies by Congo's Catholic church (CENCO) showed second-placed opposition candidate Martin Fayulu as victor, according to two diplomats briefed on the findings.

Thu 1/10 - Jeff Bezos/Amazon

The Bezos announced via social media they are splitting after 25 years of marriage. The Amazon boss is reportedly worth $137 billion. Amazon CEO and founder Jeff Bezos on Wednesday took to social media to announce that he and wife MacKenzie Bezos are divorcing after 25 years. ------- Issa Rae Becomes 13-Year-Old's Assistant in 'Little' Trailer

Tues 1/8 - Angela Davis

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is dealing with some backlash for rescinding an honor to Angela Davis, a civil rights activist who's also known for her membership in the Black Panther Party and Communist Party, and for her support of the movement to boycott Israel over its treatment of Palestinians. It's unclear why the honor was revoked, although the museum says it's because she didn't meet the criteria. And the mayor says it is because the "local Jewish community and some of its allies" were protesting - a turn of phrase that he's reportedly gotten pushback for. -------- The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute in Alabama has come under fire after it rescinded a decision to honor the activist and academic Angela Davis. Davis, a Birmingham native, has spent decades fighting for civil rights. She was an active member of the Black Panther party, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and the US communist party. She is now an outspoken supporter of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement that protests Israel's treatment of Palestinians. It is this ideological affinity that appears to have inspired the revocation of the BCRI honor. BCRI president and chief executive Andrea Taylor said in October the institute would be "thrilled to bestow this honor" on Davis, who she said was "one of the most globally recognized champions of human rights, giving voice to those who are powerless to speak".

Mon 1/7 - Why's that?

The Kurds are a stateless ethnic group in Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Turkey that have been pushing for more autonomy for decades. In Turkey, this has led to years of conflict. There are fears that when the US backs out of Syria, Turkey will start cracking down on Kurdish fighters. Yesterday, national security adviser John Bolton gave a speech saying 'don't worry' - the US won't withdraw from Syria until it has promises from Turkey that America's Kurdish allies will be safe. Meaning, US troops could remain there for months or years to come.

Fri 1/4 - Sports (eyeroll)

The State Attorney's Office in Florida has dropped a misdemeanor domestic violence charge against Washington Redskins linebacker Reuben Foster, according to Hillsborough County court records. The charge stemmed from a Nov. 24 incident between Foster and his ex-girlfriend, Elissa Ennis, the night before his former team, the San Francisco 49ers, played the Buccaneers in Tampa

Mon 1/7 - Shutdown

The Trump admin and Democrats still can't agree on whether to fund a steel barrier ("Formerly known as the Border Wall"). Yesterday, Trump said that if talks don't improve, he's considering declaring a national emergency to bypass Congress and get the wall built on the grounds that this is a security issue. It's unclear if it's legal. So for now, he's still trying to get Democrats on board. ----------------- Two weeks into a partial government shutdown triggered by an impasse over the money President Donald Trump demanded for his promised border wall, Trump said he could declare a state of emergency and build his wall without congressional approval. "I can do it if I want," he told reporters at the White House on Friday. "We can call a national emergency because of the security of our country. We can do it. I haven't done it, I may do it." --------------- President Trump said Sunday that his administration is pushing for a steel barrier rather than a concrete wall along the southern border, calling it a "good solution" amid a partial government shutdown centered on discussions over funding for the structure.

Wed 1/9 - Iran

Yesterday, the EU sanctioned the Iranian intelligence ministry. The reason? Its alleged involvement in a series of attacks in Europe since 2015. That includes a failed bomb plot in Paris last year, and the killings of two Dutch nationals of Iranian origin in the Netherlands. It's the first time the EU's sanctioning the Iranian gov since the 2015 nuclear deal. -------------------------------------------- The European Union on Tuesday froze the assets of an Iranian intelligence unit and two of its staff, as the Netherlands accused Iran of two killings on its soil and joined France and Denmark in alleging Tehran plotted other attacks in Europe.

Mon 1/7 - Malaysia

Time to shake things up, just like Malaysia's king. Yesterday, the palace announced the king is stepping down - the first time a king has abdicated in the country. In Malaysia, nine royal houses alternate the throne among each other every five years. Think: if the Houses in "Game of Thrones" were down to share power. This king has had the throne for two years, so he's peacing out three years early. The palace didn't give a reason for why...but this is all happening after photos made the rounds online late last year appearing to show him marrying a former Russian beauty queen. The palace hasn't commented on that. Nothing says 'honeymoon' like early retirement. ------------------- Malaysia's King Muhammad V abdicated on Sunday, the palace said, after two years on the throne, the first time a monarch has stepped down before completing their five-year tenure. The king's resignation took effect immediately, the National Palace said in a statement. No reason was given and palace officials did not respond to requests for comment. A week ago, the king, 49, had resumed duties after spending two months on medical leave. Images purporting to show him getting married in Russia appeared on social media in December. The palace did not respond to requests for comment on the photos or reports of a marriage.

Mon 1/7 - No Solution (Alg 2????)

Until a funding deal is reached, hundreds of thousands of federal workers are on unpaid leave or working without pay. Courts, national parks, and airports are struggling to run smoothly. And there's no solution in sight. ------------ The system has enough money left over from fees and other sources to run through Jan. 11, according to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, which supports the judiciary. After that, nonessential workers at the 94 federal district courts, and at higher courts across the country, may have to stay home even as skeleton crews show up -- without pay -- to handle matters deemed essential under U.S. law, including many criminal cases. ------------- Hundreds of Transportation Security Administration officers, who are required to work without paychecks through the partial government shutdown, have called out from work this week from at least four major airports, according to two senior agency officials and three TSA employee union officials. The mass call outs could inevitably mean air travel is less secure, especially as the shutdown enters its second week with no clear end to the political stalemate in sight. ---------- Park Service takes 'extraordinary step' of dipping into entrance fees to bolster operations at popular sites

Tues 1/8 - What was the dramatic announcement?

Well, for one, it wasn't very dramatic. He went on the offensive to say he wants to be able to confront his accusers in person. And said it would be unfair to have an indictment close to elections. Some of his rivals criticized him for wasting time with the address, and at least one TV channel cut off his speech. Supporters believe Netanyahu's innocent, and that this is all politically motivated. After the address, the country's justice ministry came out with a statement to defend its investigation into him. ------------- On Monday afternoon, Israelis were mystified by an announcement from the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: At 8 p.m., the prime minister would deliver a "dramatic address to the nation." About what? The announcement didn't say. Netanyahu's Likud Party leaked tantalizing hints of "new revelations regarding the investigations against the prime minister" as the clock ticked toward the appointed hour. The Israeli leader is under multiple corruption investigations, and both the police and the state attorney have called for his indictment. However, the speech, when it came, revealed nothing more dramatic than a jittery Netanyahu decrying the injustice of his predicament.

Tues 1/8 - Progressive Democrats spread fake news

a campaign by progressive Democrats to spread fake news in the 2017 special election for Alabama's Senate race. According to the report, Dems were behind an effort to associate Republican candidate Roy Moore with a fake campaign to ban alcohol in the state. This followed other recent reports that some Dems had engaged in an effort to try to link Moore's campaign with Russian social media accounts. And surprisingly enough, there's more news out of Alabama. -------------------- A secret effort to influence the 2017 Senate election in Alabama used tactics inspired by Russian disinformation teams, including the creation of fake accounts to deliver misleading messages on Facebook to hundreds of thousands of voters to help elect Democrat Doug Jones in the deeply red state

Tues 1/8 - Japanese Twitter Retweet

What's more popular than chicken nuggets on the internet? A cash giveaway. A tweet by Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa, founder and CEO of Japan's largest online fashion retailer Zozotown—and the man who will go to the Moon with Elon Musk in 2023—posted on Saturday (paywall) promising to dole out ¥100 million ($920,000) in cash to 100 people who follow his account and retweet his post by today (Jan. 7) is now the most shared tweet ever on the social network. As of local time this afternoon, the tweet has been shared over 4 million times. Maezawa's tweet is now more popular than the previously most retweeted one ever, a plea in 2017 by a Nevada teenager to get free chicken nuggets from Wendy's for a year contingent on him getting 18 million retweets. That tweet has over 3.8 million retweets. Actor and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres's 2014 selfie with a bunch of celebrities while hosting the Oscars is the 3rd most retweeted. The Japanese entrepreneur announced his giveaway as a way of saying thanks to customers after Zozotown's New Year's sale reached ¥10 billion yen at the fastest pace ever, he said. His tweet was hashtagged "a New Year's gift for going to the moon." Maezawa tweeted (link in Japanese) his thanks for setting a new world record for most retweeted tweet ever this afternoon local time. In response to Maezawa's tweet, electronics maker Sharp—itself known in Japan for putting out unusually irreverent and humorous tweets—said: "With our gratitude, we would be grateful if many more than 100 people could buy ¥1 million of products (totalling ¥10 billion). The application method doesn't involve having to RT or follow us, you can just buy it from any store. Taking applications forever."

Wed 1/9 - Fact Check

What's true...that a large number of women are estimated to have been sexually assaulted on their trek to the border. Also, that some Dems supported a physical barrier in the past. But heads up: that was for several hundred miles of fencing along the border, not a wall. What isn't true...that even though Trump's asking for Congress to set aside funding for the wall, Mexico would basically be paying for it with the new US-Mexico-Canada trade deal. If the deal is passed and it brings the US more money, Congress would still need to set aside the cash for the wall. What needs more context...Trump said that 90% of heroin comes through the US-Mexico border. It's true that a majority of heroin comes through the southern border. But it mostly comes from legal points of entry, so it's unclear how it would be affected by a border wall.

Tues 1/8 - Israel

Yesterday, Israel's prime minister used a prime-time address to defend himself against allegations of corruption. Benjamin Netanyahu is one of the longest-serving PMs in Israel's history. But he's facing multiple corruption allegations (see: this). Last year, police recommended multiple charges against him. Now, it's up to Israel's attorney general (who Netanyahu appointed) to decide whether to indict him. Netanyahu has denied all accusations. And said he won't resign even if he gets indicted. Some people thought he might call early elections in the hopes of showing he has the public's support despite all this. And he did. Yesterday, he took it one step further and gave a speech that was supposed to be a "dramatic announcement." --------------- In what was billed as a "dramatic announcement," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used a prime-time address on Monday to again dismiss a series of corruption allegations against him. Netanyahu said that it would be "unjust" for him to be indicted ahead of early elections called for April 9 without a chance to respond to the claims against him. He said authorities had denied his requests to confront state witnesses in person, and he offered to do so on live television. "What are they afraid of? What do they have to hide?" he said.

Thu 1/10 - DRC

Yesterday, the Democratic Republic of Congo found out who will probably be the country's next president. Eh, here's some background: President Joseph Kabila has been in power for almost two decades. In '16, Kabila's time in office officially expired. He called new elections under pressure, but stuck around for another two years. There had been deadly clashes leading up to last week's election. The country has been waiting for results since. Earlier today, the country's electoral commission said opposition leader Felix Tshisekedi won the presidency with more than 7 million votes. Trailing behind him, another opposition candidate - businessman Martin Fayulu. And behind him, a candidate hand-picked by the prez that some saw as his attempt to stay in power. ---------------- Congo opposition leader Felix Tshisekedi has been declared the winner of the long-delayed presidential election, the electoral commission announced early Thursday to the surprise of many, as the vast country braced for possible protests over alleged rigging. Tshisekedi, who received more than 7 million votes, or 38 percent, had not been widely considered the leading candidate and is relatively untested. The son of late opposition leader Etienne, who pursued the presidency for many years, he startled Congolese shortly before the election by breaking away from an opposition effort to unite behind a single candidate. ---------- Just 10 days from a momentous presidential election in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a warehouse fire in the capital has severely complicated the country's preparations. The blaze, which broke out around 2 a.m. local time Thursday, destroyed the voting equipment for 19 of Kinshasa's 24 polling stations.