Monday, September 25, 2017

Iraq refuses talks with Kurdistan about independence referendum results

BAGHDAD (Reuters) – The Iraqi government will not hold talks with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) about the results of the "unconstitutional" referendum on independence held on Monday in northern Iraq, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said.

U.S. Navy Pacific commander misses promotion, to retire after deadly collisions

TOKYO (Reuters) – U.S. Pacific Fleet commander Admiral Scott Swift said he will retire after being passed over for promotion to the chief of all military forces in the region in the wake of two deadly collisions involving U.S. warships.

What's in your copy of The Star today? (Sept 26)

Check out these exclusives in your newspaper today.

Canada's Lucara sells world's largest uncut diamond for $53 million

VANCOUVER (Reuters) – A tennis ball-sized rough diamond unearthed nearly two years ago by Canada's Lucara Diamond Corp has been sold for $53 million (39.36 million pounds), the Vancouver-based company said on Monday.

Brazil house speaker says Temer charges must be taken together

BRASILIA (Reuters) – The speaker of Brazil's lower house of Congress, Rodrigo Maia, said on Monday that two new charges against President Michel Temer in a corruption case should be considered together when they reach the floor of the chamber on Tuesday.

European ambassadors to U.S. back Iran nuclear pact

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The ambassadors to Washington from Britain, France, Germany and the European Union all strongly backed the international nuclear agreement with Iran on Monday, as long as Tehran continues to comply with the pact.

U.S. citizen detained in Yemeni capital Sanaa – colleagues

DUBAI (Reuters) – Yemen's Houthi forces have detained a U.S. citizen in the capital Sanaa for reasons that were not immediately clear, two colleagues of the man said on Monday.

Venezuela slams U.S. travel restrictions as 'political terrorism'

CARACAS (Reuters) – Venezuela on Monday accused U.S. President Donald Trump of conducting "political terrorism" through travel restrictions on eight countries including the socialist-run South American nation, which is already at loggerheads with Washington.

U.S.- backed alliance says Russian jets struck its fighters in east Syria

BEIRUT (Reuters) – U.S.-backed Syrian militias said Russian warplanes struck their positions in Deir al-Zor province on Monday, which Moscow denied, generating friction between two rival campaigns against Islamic State.

Nazir: Launderette 'misrepresenting Islam'

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Nazir Razak says the "Muslim only" policy adopted by a self-service launderette in Muar, Johor is "a misinterpretation of Islamic teaching".

Austria's far right gives two cheers for German sister party's success

VIENNA (Reuters) – Austria's anti-immigration Freedom Party (FPO), seeking to soften its image before Austrians go to the polls next month, offered only lukewarm praise on Monday for a record election showing by its sister party in neighbouring Germany.

Brooking no dissent, Marine Le Pen takes grip on French far-right

PARIS (Reuters) – Marine Le Pen has acted to reassert her authority over France's far-right National Front with the forced departure of her deputy, but still faces a struggle to persuade the party base that she has what it takes to win an election.

Naked man found dead roadside with trousers nearby

BANGKOK: An unidentified man wearing no clothes was found dead in the ditch in the middle of a road in Kamphaeng Phet’s Mueang district on Monday.

U.N. seeks increase in aid for Rohingya; Myanmar hunts for bodies

DHAKA (Reuters) – Muslim refugees seeking shelter in Bangladesh from "unimaginable horrors" in Myanmar face enormous hardship and risk a dramatic deterioration in circumstances unless aid is stepped up, the head of the U.N. refugee agency said on Monday.

Russian occupation of Crimea marked by grave human rights violations – U.N.

GENEVA (Reuters) – Russia is committing "grave" human rights violations in Crimea, including its imposition of citizenship and by deporting prisoners, a U.N. human rights report said on Monday.

Japan's Abe announces snap election amid worries over North Korea crisis

TOKYO (Reuters) – Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he would dissolve parliament's lower house on Thursday for a snap election, as he seeks a fresh mandate to overcome "a national crisis".

Iraqi Kurds shrug off threats to stage independence referendum

ERBIL/SULAIMANIYA, Iraq (Reuters) – Voting began in northern Iraq on Monday in an independence referendum organised by Kurdish authorities, ignoring pressure from Baghdad, threats from neighbouring Turkey and Iran, and international warnings it may ignite yet more regional conflict.

A-G's Chambers receives report on tahfiz fire

KUALA TERENGGANU: The police have sent their report on the fire that claimed 23 lives at a religious residential school here to the Attorney-General's Chambers.

French unions block fuel depots in protest against labour reforms

PARIS (Reuters) – French trade unionists blocked access on Monday to several fuel depots in protest against an overhaul of employment laws, seeking to test the government's will to reform the economy.

Sunday, September 24, 2017

Pakistani asylum seeker goes missing

KLANG: When Ata ul Mohsin and his family came to Malaysia last year to apply for asylum at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office in Kuala Lumpur, they believed their troubles were over.

Chinese scooter shop owner fined for staging 10-man ‘pyramid’ bike stunt

The police report said that the people involved were guilty of assorted offences, including riding without safety helmets and having too many people on a single vehicle.

Thumbprint screening for car travellers at Tuas, Woodlands checkpoints as part of trial

SINGAPORE: People arriving and departing through the Tuas and Woodlands checkpoints by car will soon need to have their thumbprints scanned at immigration counters.

Japan PM Abe to hold news conference at 0900 GMT – Jiji

TOKYO (Reuters) – Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe plans to hold a news conference at 6 p.m. (0900 GMT/ 1000 British time) on Monday at his official residence, Jiji Press reported.

Supreme Court has option to duck travel ban ruling

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The Trump administration's announcement on Sunday that it is issuing new travel restrictions on people entering the United States from eight countries could lead to an upcoming Supreme Court case on its previous more controversial ban ending in a whimper rather than a bang.

New Zealand PM says likely weeks before country has new government

WELLINGTON (Reuters) – New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English said on Monday it could take weeks for the country to form a new government after a weekend general election left a nationalist minor party in the role of kingmaker.

Germany's Syrian refugees celebrate Merkel win but fear rise of far-right

BERLIN (Reuters) – Syrian refugees rejoiced on Sunday at the news that Angela Merkel had secured a fourth term as German chancellor, but said they were alarmed by the rise of the far-right AfD party, which they feared could push her to tighten asylum rules.

European Jews concerned by far-right breakthrough in German election

BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The European Jewish Congress on Sunday expressed alarm at the far-right Alternative for Germany's success in Germany's parliamentary election and urged other parties not to form an alliance with the AfD.

Reactions to German national election

BERLIN (Reuters) – Germans voted on Sunday in a federal election that saw Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives come in as the strongest parliamentary group and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) enter parliament for the first time.

Merkel on track for fourth term after German election – exit poll

BERLIN (Reuters) – Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives secured a fourth consecutive term in office on Sunday in an election that brought a far-right party into the German parliament for the first time in more than half a century, exit polls indicated.

I'm no populist, says new leader of Italy's 5-Star

RIMINI, Italy (Reuters) – The new leader of Italy's anti-establishment 5-Star movement says it is not a populist party and will make cutting waste and reducing debt its priority.

Catalan separatists take to the streets ahead of referendum

BARCELONA (Reuters) – Demonstrators calling for Catalan independence gathered in hundreds of towns across the region on Sunday following Madrid's actions last week to try to block a referendum on self rule that it considers illegal.

Zahid to attend 86th General Assembly of Interpol during China visit

BEIJING: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will begin his working visit to China on Monday.

Iran launches war games near Iraqi Kurdistan border, Turkey hits militant positions

DUBAI/ISTANBUL (Reuters) – Iranian forces have launched war games in an area near the border with Iraq's Kurdistan region, Iran's state media reported on Sunday, a day before a Kurdish independence referendum in the region.

Man found dead at Taman Connaught entertainment outlet

KUALA LUMPUR: A 34-year-old man was found dead at an entertainment outlet at Taman Connaught here after attending a birthday party there with some friends.

Yemen's Hadi sees only a military solution to crisis – Arabiya TV

DUBAI (Reuters) – A solution in Yemen's two and-a-half year-old civil war will likely come through military rather than political means, the country's Saudi-backed president said, blaming the Iran-aligned Houthis of obstructing chances of peace.

Liow: Don't impose blanket ban on foreigners coming for beer festival and gay party

KUALA LUMPUR: The Immigration Department should not impose a blanket ban on individuals who could be entering the country for the banned Better Beer Festival and gay party, said Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

U.N. medics see evidence of rape in Myanmar army 'cleansing' campaign

COX'S BAZAR, Bangladesh (Reuters) – Doctors treating some of the 429,000 Rohingya Muslims who have fled to Bangladesh from Myanmar in recent weeks have seen dozens of women with injuries consistent with violent sexual attacks, U.N. clinicians and other health workers said.

North Korea quake not a nuclear test, say China experts

BEIJING (AFP) – A shallow 3.5-magnitude earthquake which hit North Korea near the country's nuclear test site on Saturday was not the result of a fresh nuclear test, China's seismic service said, after initially reporting a "suspected explosion".

Saturday, September 23, 2017

MIC requests PM to consider previous Cabinet decision on unilateral conversion

KUALA LUMPUR: MIC has asked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to consider a 2009 Cabinet decision on unilateral conversion that states the religion of a child will remain as it was at the time of birth until age 18.

Trump tweets threats against North Korea after U.N. speech

(Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump said on Twitter on Saturday North Korea's Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho and leader Kim Jong Un "won't be around much longer" if Ri echoed the thoughts of "Little Rocket Man", an apparent reference to Kim.

Former bodybuilder dies after AFC bout in Singapore

SINGAPORE: Tragedy struck at the inaugural Asia Fighting Championship on Saturday night at the Marina Bay Sands here as World Bodybuilding & Physique Sports Federation (WBPF) President Pradip Subramanian died after his muay thai match.

You can't flush money down the toilet in Geneva

GENEVA: Swiss prosecutors are looking into a series of bizarre deposit as toilets in a bank and three restaurants here were blocked by tens of thousands of euros in high-denomination banknotes last Monday.

New Zealand Labour leader says will not yet concede election

WELLINGTON (Reuters) – New Zealand Labour leader Jacinda Ardern said on Sunday it would be difficult to complete coalition talks before all votes were tallied in an election that left both major parties needing the nationalist New Zealand First party to form a government

US to probe fake evacuation alerts

SEOUL: The US military said it has opened an investigation into fake mobile phone alerts and social media messages advising US military personnel and their families to evacuate the Korean Peninsula.

Germany votes as history beckons for Merkel, and far-right

BERLIN (Reuters) – Germans vote in a national election on Sunday that is likely to see Chancellor Angela Merkel win a historic fourth term and a far-right party enter parliament for the first time in more than half a century.

Melania Trump invites Prince Harry to White House, thanks U.S. Invictus team

TORONTO (Reuters) – U.S. first lady Melania Trump, on her first solo international trip, on Saturday invited Britain's Prince Harry to visit the White House.

Tullow to ramp up TEN output after Ghana, Ivory Coast ruling

DAKAR (Reuters) – Tullow Oil said on Saturday that an international ruling on an ocean boundary between Ghana and Ivory Coast would leave its TEN fields within Ghanaian waters, allowing it to resume new drilling around year end.

One French soldier killed in Iraq-Syria area – French Presidency

PARIS (Reuters) – One French soldier from the 13th regiment of para-troopers was killed on Saturday morning while fighting in the Iraq-Syria region, the French Presidency said on Saturday.

Italy's 5-Star names youthful new leader as election nears

RIMINI, Italy (Reuters) – Italy's anti-establishment 5-Star Movement, riding high in opinion polls, on Saturday named 31-year-old Luigi Di Maio to lead it into parliamentary elections early next year, which could see the maverick party win national power.

Women allowed into stadium as Saudi Arabia promotes national pride, part of reform push

RIYADH (Reuters) – Saudi Arabia is celebrating the 87th anniversary of its founding this weekend with an unprecedented array of concerts and performances, including allowing women into King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh for a Saturday evening operetta – a first in the conservative Islamic kingdom.

Latest Mexico quake spreads alarm, rescue efforts suspended

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) – A magnitude 6.2 earthquake shook southern Mexico on Saturday and spread alarm in the capital, where rescuers temporarily suspended a search for survivors of a bigger tremor earlier this week out of fear of further building collapses.

Spain, Catalonia clash over policing as illegal independence vote nears

MADRID (Reuters) – The mounting political crisis in Spain over Catalonia's campaign for independence intensified on Saturday with a new row over the control of the local police force as the regional government pressed ahead with plans to hold an illegal vote next weekend.

MCA: Kit Siang should apologise to Liow

PETALING JAYA: DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang should apologise to MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai for misleading the public over the cancelled Better Beer Festival 2017, said Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker.

Court draws ocean border favouring Ghana in Ivory Coast dispute

DAKAR/ACCRA (Reuters) – The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea on Saturday drew an ocean boundary that appeared to favour Ghana in a dispute with its neighbour Ivory Coast, ruling that Accra had not violated Ivorian rights in drilling for oil.

Turkey plans security steps over Iraqi Kurdish referendum

ISTANBUL/BAGHDAD (Reuters) – Turkey said on Saturday it would take security and other steps in response to a planned independence referendum in northern Iraq's Kurdish region that it called a "terrible mistake", as a Kurdish delegation was in Baghdad for talks on the crisis.

National Party leads in New Zealand polls; NZ First still likely kingmaker

WELLINGTON (Reuters) – Votes cast for New Zealand's ruling National Party hit 46.5 percent on Saturday evening with 70 percent of results counted, putting the centre-right party in the lead as it vyes for a fourth term in government, according to the Electoral Commission.

#WiseUpWithWan campaign aims to end cyber-harassment

PETALING JAYA: The rise of online bullying and cyber harassment has increased in recent years, with Malaysia's growing internet penetration rate and high usage of social media tools.

France's far-left to take to the streets against Macron

PARIS (Reuters) – French far-left opposition leader Jean-Luc Melenchon‏ is rallying his supporters in Paris on Saturday against Emmanuel Macron's labour reforms, in a test for both men that could be key to the implementation of the centrist president's policies.

China trade with North Korea at $604.27 million in August

SHANGHAI (Reuters) – China's total trade with North Korea was $604.27 million in August, up from $456.16 million a month earlier, data from China's General Administration of Customs showed on Saturday.

Friday, September 22, 2017

Alleged American paedophile arrested in Koh Samui

BANGKOK: Police in Koh Samui arrested an alleged American paedophile while he was buying a ticket for a ferry boat to travel to Bangkok.

U.S. Senator McCain opposes Obamacare repeal bill, a possible fatal blow

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Senator John McCain said on Friday he opposes the latest Republican bill to dismantle Obamacare, dealing the measure what could be a fatal blow given the party's slim Senate majority.

Hopes dimming under rubble, Mexico woman's texts help save her

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) – Trapped under tons of rubble and in complete darkness, Diana Pacheco's hopes were fading fast for making it out alive from a collapsed office building after a huge earthquake in Mexico City, despite rescuers' frantic attempts to reach her.

Wisconsin, Ohio, Minnesota among states targeted by Russian hackers in 2016 race

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Wisconsin, Ohio and several other states said on Friday they were among 21 states that Russian government hackers targeted in an effort to sway the 2016 presidential election in favour of Donald Trump though no votes were changed.

Brazil army deploys in Rio slum as drug-related violence worsens

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) – Hundreds of Brazilian soldiers poured into Rio de Janeiro's Rocinha slum on Friday in a bid to help the cash-strapped state government quell the drug-related violence that authorities blamed for at least four deaths and several injuries there this week.

Cuba urges U.S. not to politicise allegations of harmed diplomats

UNITED NATIONS/HAVANA (Reuters) – Cuba urged the United States on Friday to cooperate with its investigation into incidents that the U.S. says have harmed its diplomats in Havana and not to politicise the matter, days after Washington said it was considering closing its Cuban embassy.

Trump yet to decide on new travel restrictions – officials

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The acting secretary of Homeland Security has notified President Donald Trump of countries that do not meet new U.S. vetting standards and has recommended "tailored" and "tough" restrictions on their citizens' entry into the United States, U.S. officials said on Friday.

Polish PM – Want to ensure rights of Poles in UK in Brexit talks

WARSAW (Reuters) – Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo said on Friday that for Poland the key issue in Brexit negotiations is to focus on the rights of Polish citizens in Britain and issues related to the EU budget.

U.S. special envoy says Kurdish referendum has 'a lot of risks'

NEW YORK (Reuters) – The U.S. presidential envoy to the coalition fighting the Islamic State insurgent group said on Friday that a referendum on Kurdish independence in northern Iraq "carries a lot of risks."

Hey Chrissy Teigen, This Is the Secret Ingredient You Actually Need for Amazing Banana Bread

Chrissy Teigen was on the hunt for brown bananas yesterday, but there’s another ingredient she may want to add to her banana bread recipe for a healthy boost.

Poland says full protection of EU citizens' rights in UK key in Brexit

WARSAW (Reuters) – Poland's Deputy Foreign Minister Konrad Szymanski, commenting on Brexit proposals presented on Friday by British Prime Minister Theresa May, said that protecting the rights of European Union citizens in the United Kingdom was one of the key conditions.

The 25 Greatest Kitchen Hacks Every Cook Should Know

Genius ideas from the Cooking Light brain trust show you how to save time, minimize effort, make do deliciously, and not let anything get in your way when it comes to cooking.

German election campaign largely unaffected by fake news or bots

BERLIN/FRANKFURT (Reuters) – Germany is on guard against any last-minute meddling in Sunday's election but experts have seen only isolated attempts to swing votes during the campaign.

May says Brexit talks have been at times tough but made progress

FLORENCE, Italy (Reuters) – Prime Minister Theresa May said on Friday that negotiations on Britain's departure from the European Union had been tough at points but made concrete progress.

MACC: Detention of three Subang MP aides not linked to politics

KUALA NERUS: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has denied that the detention of three staff members of an opposition MP in Selangor was politically motivated.

Russian submarine fires cruise missiles at jihadi targets in Syria

MOSCOW (Reuters) – A Russian submarine fired cruise missiles at jihadi targets in Syria's Idlib province on Friday, the Russian Defence Ministry said, saying it had targeted Islamist militants who had tried to trap a group of Russian military policemen earlier in the week.

Kurds press historic independence vote despite regional fears

ERBIL, Iraq (Reuters) – Iraqi Kurds are expected to vote on Monday to back an independence drive that neighbouring countries and Western powers fear could break up the country and stir broader regional ethnic and sectarian conflict.

A North Korea nuclear test over the Pacific? Logical, terrifying

SEOUL/TOKYO (Reuters) – Detonating a nuclear-tipped missile over the Pacific Ocean would be a logical final step by North Korea to prove the success of its weapons programme but would be extremely provocative and carry huge risks, arms control experts said on Friday.

Rockets hit Damascus airport area in probable Israeli attack-report

BEIRUT (Reuters) – Two rockets hit near Damascus airport at dawn on Friday, Lebanese TV station al-Mayadeen reported, in an attack it said had probably been carried out by Israeli warplanes from outside Syria's borders.

Mexicans respond with faith and charity as hope fades for quake survivors

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) – Tears flowed at Our Lady of Carmen and Saint Joseph Parrish on Thursday night as the families of two dead children killed when a powerful earthquake toppled their school a few blocks away interred their ashes

Thursday, September 21, 2017

TMJ meets with David Beckham

PETALING JAYA: Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim met with David Beckham and presented him with a Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) shirt bearing the former English football star's trademark No. 7.

Witnesses yell ‘he can’t hear you’ as cop shoots deaf man

CHICAGO Police in Oklahoma came under intense scrutiny on Thursday for fatally shooting a deaf man who failed to respond to their commands, even as neighbours were alerting officers of the man's disability.

Reliving China's Long March ahead of party congress

JINGGANGSHAN, China (Reuters) – A man in "Red Army" garb hits the pavement during a simulated attack during a re-staging of part of the Long March.

Foreign workers band to help car stranded on staircase

SINGAPORE: Garett Lim was jogging past Waterway Point in Punggol on Thursday evening when he heard a loud crash.

North Korean leader to consider 'highest level of hard-line measure' against U.S

SEOUL (Reuters) – North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un said in a rare statement on Friday the North will consider the "highest level of hard-line countermeasure in history" against the United States in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to "totally destroy" the North.

May seeks Florentine renaissance for deadlocked Brexit talks

FLORENCE, Italy (Reuters) – British Prime Minister Theresa May will try to rescue stalled Brexit talks on Friday with a speech in the Italian city of Florence she hopes will convince the European Union she is ready to cut a fair divorce deal.

Istanbul's Ataturk airport reopens after jet crash, Turkish Airlines CEO says

ANKARA (Reuters) – Istanbul's main Ataturk airport was reopened to traffic on Thursday after a private jet crashed on the runway, causing authorities to suspend flights, the head of Turkish Airlines said on Twitter.

Power crews scramble to Puerto Rico after Maria smashes its grid

NEW YORK (Reuters) – Utility crews from the U.S. mainland were scrambling to Puerto Rico on Thursday after Hurricane Maria left nearly the entire U.S. territory, and many of its Caribbean neighbours, without power, according to officials.

German officials receive threatening letters, fake anthrax, police say

Berlin (Reuters) – Five top German politicians received envelopes on Thursday that contained threatening letters and a white powder the letters said was anthrax, which turned out to be harmless, Berlin police said.

Ukraine President says Trump backs U.N. deployment along border with Russia

KIEV (Reuters) – Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Thursday said U.S. President Donald Trump had expressed his support for the deployment of U.N. peacekeepers across Ukraine's eastern conflict zone and along its whole border with Russia.

Syria's Kurds to hold historic vote in 'message' to Assad

BEIRUT (Reuters) – Kurdish-led regions of northern Syria will hold elections on Friday, a historic expression of free will and a message to President Bashar al-Assad as he seeks to reassert control over the whole country, a senior Syrian Kurdish politician said.

Chinese college offers classes on how to become an Internet celebrity

Students offered training to become live-streaming stars

Cops nab five men over Kepong restaurant robbery

SENTUL: Police have arrested five suspects believed to have robbed customers at a restaurant in Kepong.

Iran nuclear deal cannot be renegotiated – president Rouhani

BEIRUT (Reuters) – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Thursday the nuclear deal between the Islamic Republic and six world powers cannot be renegotiated.

Turkey, Iran, Iraq consider counter-measures over Kurdish referendum

ANKARA (Reuters) – Turkey, Iran and Iraq have agreed to consider counter-measures against Kurdish northern Iraq over a planned independence referendum, Turkey's foreign ministry said on Thursday.

France's National Front number two quits; far-right opposition in turmoil

PARIS (Reuters) – The right-hand man of French National Front chief Marine Le Pen quit the party on Thursday, a split that opens the way for policy changes in the far-right party and shows the depth of internal feuding after Le Pen's presidential election defeat.

Category 3 hurricane Maria could strengthen further – NHC

(Reuters) – Hurricane Maria is continuing to lash the northeastern Dominican Republic and could strengthen in the next day or so, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said on Thursday.

From new tax office, Catalonia hopes to grab billions from Madrid

BARCELONA (Reuters) – In a glass building overlooking Barcelona's port, empty desks and computers wait for new workers of Catalonia's tax agency.

China says North Korea situation shows importance of Iran nuclear deal – state media

BEIJING (Reuters) – The recent tensions on the Korean peninsula underlined the importance of the Iranian nuclear deal, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, according to state radio on Thursday.

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Legendary 'mole' rescuers heroes again on Mexico City home turf

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) – After earning fame burrowing into piles of rubble in disasters the world over, including the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, Mexico's "mole" rescue workers are on tragically familiar ground, pulling people from ruins in their home city.

Mexico politicians fear flunking quake test before 2018 vote

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) – Less than a year before a presidential election, Mexico's ruling party and its coalition partners are fearful they could be punished by voters for any misstep in responding to two major earthquakes that killed more than 300 people this month.

Investigators ask White House for details on FBI director firing, Flynn ouster – NYT

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The special counsel investigating Russian interference in the U.S. presidential election has asked the White House for documents on a range of subjects including President Donald Trump's firing of the FBI director and his son's meeting with a Russian lawyer, the New York Times reported on Wednesday.

Trump campaign manager Manafort offered to brief Russian billionaire during 2016 race – Washington Post

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Paul Manafort, President Donald Trump's former campaign manager, offered to provide briefings to a Russian billionaire with close ties to the Kremlin on the status of the 2016 U.S. presidential election less than two weeks before Trump accepted the Republican nomination, the Washington Post reported on Wednesday.

Pence tells U.N. that America first does not mean America alone

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – President Donald Trump's policy of "America First does not mean America alone," Vice President Mike Pence told the U.N. Security Council on Wednesday as he urged reform to make peacekeeping missions more efficient, effective, accountable and credible.

Togo security forces clash with protesters in north, killing boy

DAKAR (Reuters) – Security forces in Togo used batons, tear gas and live bullets against anti-government protesters in northern cities on Tuesday, killing a child and injuring several other people, according to an Amnesty International official.

Afghan president says Trump war plan has better chance than Obama's

(Reuters) – Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said on Wednesday that U.S. President Donald Trump's strategy to win the war in Afghanistan will work where his predecessor's failed because the Afghan army is stronger and Trump wants a regional approach and a harder line with Pakistan.

Your Ultimate Sports Shaving Guide


Article

Sep 20, 2017

Whether you love playing tennis or football, enjoy hair-free legs with Dorco's easy how-to guide to fuss-free pins this season

Ukraine's Poroschenko rejects Russia's 'hybrid' peackeeping offer

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko dismissed a Russian proposal to deploy U.N. peacekeepers in eastern Ukraine as an effort to legalize its proxies and freeze the conflict.

Trump, Mexican president speak after latest quake – White House

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump and Mexican President Pena Nieto spoke at length on Wednesday following the second powerful earthquake that hit Mexico within the past two weeks, according to the White House.

Record number of states punishing human-rights activism, U.N. says

(U.N. corrects to say the list includes nine, not 11, current members of the Human Rights Council)

Trump signalled dislike, but not demise of Iran deal – envoy

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump is unhappy with the Iran nuclear deal but has not signalled he will abandon it, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations said on Wednesday.

Dozens of states sign nuclear weapons ban treaty at United Nations

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – Dozens of countries signed a treaty to ban nuclear weapons on Wednesday amid tensions over North Korea's nuclear and missile tests, although the United States, Britain, France and others boycotted the event at the annual United Nations gathering of world leaders.

Plane stuck in mud as rain causes Mumbai airport chaos

Mumbai (AFP) – Dozens of flights were diverted from Mumbai after a SpiceJet plane overshot the runway and became stuck in the mud as heavy rain lashed India's financial capital and caused travel chaos Wednesday.

Hillslope erosion causes longhouse cave-in

MIRI: Part of a rural longhouse in northern Sarawak's Marudi district caved in following the erosion of a hill slope.

Wan Azizah: Anwar is fine, it was a scheduled check-up

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail has thanked doctors and concerned parties on behalf of her husband Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, after news of him going to a hospital was highlighted by the media recently.

Hindus fleeing Myanmar violence hope for shelter in Modi's India

KUTUPALONG, Bangladesh/NEW DELHI (Reuters) – Caught in the crossfire between Myanmar's military and Rohingya insurgents, hundreds of Hindus who have fled to Bangladesh are placing their hopes on the Hindu nationalist government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in neighbouring India.

Myanmar's Suu Kyi denies going "soft" on military

YANGON (Reuters) – Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has rejected a suggestion she is soft on the military, which the United Nations has accused of ethnic cleansing, saying her relationship with the generals was normal and her objective was national reconciliation.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Sarawak teacher arrested over rape of Form Two girl

KUCHING: Police arrested a 51-year-old teacher for allegedly raping a Form Two student.

6 women turn up at Sydney wedding in identical outfits, insist they are not bridesmaids

SYDNEY: Talk about long odds – not one, not two but six women turned up at a wedding in Australia wearing the same dress, sparking a viral reaction when a photo was posted on social media.

At U.N., Trump's tough talk opens door for Macron's diplomacy

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – French President Emmanuel Macron cast himself as the antithesis of Donald Trump at the United Nations on Tuesday, a position that could enable him to play the honest broker in international conflicts.

How to Make the Protein-Packed Breakfast Mindy Kaling and Jessica Alba Love

The Mindy Project star stole this "dope breakfast sandwich" recipe from her pal.

Leaders clash at U.N. over Iran's regional activism, nuclear deal

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – Western leaders clashed on Tuesday over how to stop what they view as destabilizing behavior by Iran as the United States and Israel denounced an international nuclear accord with Tehran while France defended it.

Egypt's Sisi urges Palestinians to unite, co-exist with Israelis

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi urged the Palestinians to overcome their differences and be ready to co-exist with each other and with Israelis in safety and security.

Are Eggs Actually Good for You?

How healthy are eggs? We’ll explain why the breakfast staple has caused so much controversy.

U.N. seeks to rally foreign backing for new Libyan peace plan

TUNIS (Reuters) – The United Nations is seeking to marshal international support this week for a new push to break a political stalemate in Libya and end the turmoil that followed the country's 2011 uprising.

Major earthquake of 7.4 magnitude hits southern Mexico – USGS

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – An earthquake of 7.4 magnitude hit southern Mexico on Tuesday, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

These Are the 50 Most Popular Trader Joe’s Products of All Time

How many have you tried? 

Hamas asks Abbas to lift Gaza sanctions after disbanding shadow government

RAFAH, Gaza Strip (Reuters) – Hamas called on Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday to respond to the disbanding of its shadow government in the Gaza Strip by ending his sanctions on the impoverished enclave.

Britain says suspends training of Myanmar military following violence

LONDON (Reuters) – Britain has suspended its training programme for military in Myanmar due to the violence in Rakhine state, a British government spokesman said on Tuesday.

At U.N., Trump says U.S. may have to 'totally destroy' North Korea

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump warned on Tuesday that the United States will be forced to "totally destroy" North Korea unless Pyongyang backs down from its nuclear challenge, mocking North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as a "rocket man" on a suicide mission.

Catalan mayors exercise right to remain silent in referendum questioning

BARCELONA (Reuters) – The first of hundreds of Catalan mayors summoned to answer questions on why they have backed a banned Oct. 1 referendum on independence from Spain appeared before the state prosecutor on Tuesday amid cheers and chants from supporters.

Israel shoots down Iranian-made drone over Syrian frontier -military

JERUSALEM (Reuters) – Israel shot down a pilotless plane over the Golan Heights on Tuesday and said it was probably an Iranian-built aircraft on a reconnaissance mission for the Lebanese Hezbollah militant group along Israel's frontier with Syria.

Anwar hospitalised at HKL

PETALING JAYA: Former Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was sent to Hospital Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.

U.N. mission asks for more time to investigate Myanmar violence

GENEVA (Reuters) – The head of a U.N. investigation into violence in Myanmar asked on Tuesday for more time to look into allegations of mass killings of Rohingya Muslims, as well as torture, sexual violence and the burning of villages.

Factbox – Reactions to speech by Myanmar's Suu Kyi on violence in Rakhine State

NAYPYIDAW (Reuters) – Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Tuesday gave her first address to the nation since attacks by Rohingya Muslim insurgents on Aug. 25 sparked a military response that has forced more than 410,000 Rohingya into neighbouring Bangladesh.

Well-preserved wreck of WWI German submarine found off Belgian coast

BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The well-preserved wreck of a World War One German submarine, possibly still containing the bodies of 23 crew members, has been found off the Belgian coast, Belgian broadcaster VRT said on Tuesday.

U.N. investigator wants more time to probe Myanmar violence

GENEVA (Reuters) – The head of a United Nations investigation into violence in Myanmar asked the U.N. Human Rights Council on Tuesday for more time to probe allegations of mass killings, torture, sexual violence, the use of landmines and the burning of villages.

Monday, September 18, 2017

Myanmar's Suu Kyi condemns all rights violations in Rakhine State

NAYPYITAW (Reuters) – Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi condemned all human rights violations on Tuesday and said anyone responsible for abuses in troubled Rakhine State would face the law, and she felt deeply for the suffering of everyone caught up in conflict there.

Former AG’s son last witness to take the stand at RCI

PUTRAJAYA: The Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) is expected to close its proceedings Tuesday after calling its 25th witness here.

Police deploy in Iraqi oil city Kirkuk after deadly clash

KIRKUK, Iraq (Reuters) – Police deployed overnight Monday in the northern Iraqi oil city of Kirkuk to prevent a deadly dispute from developing into ethnic clashes ahead of a referendum on Kurdish independence, local residents said.

Jokowi announces wedding date for daughter

JAKARTA: President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo held a press conference at his private residence in Surakarta, Central Java on Sunday announcing the wedding date of his daughter Kahiyang Ayu.

What's in your copy of The Star today? (Sept 19)

Check out these exclusives in your newspaper today.

Trump talks Paris agreement, Iran with France's Macron – official

NEW YORK (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump told French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday that he believed the Paris climate agreement was unfair to the United States but looked forward to discussing the issue further, a U.S. official said.

Mattis hints at military options on North Korea but offers no details

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis hinted on Monday about the existence of military options on North Korea that might spare Seoul from a brutal counterattack but declined to say what kind of options he was talking about or whether they involved the use of lethal force.

Venezuela opposition blames Maduro for activist's jail death

CARACAS (Reuters) – Venezuela's opposition blamed President Nicolas Maduro's government on Monday for the death of a sick activist in jail, saying he was framed and then denied medical help.

Myanmar adviser: Rohingya can return but process to be discussed

NEW YORK (Reuters) – Myanmar national security adviser Thaung Tun told Reuters on Monday that Rohingya Muslims who had fled to neighbouring Bangladesh to escape violence in Rakhine State would be able to return but the process would have to be discussed.

Syrian army sends more troops across Euphrates, close to U.S.-backed forces

BEIRUT (Reuters) – Syrian troops crossed to the eastern side of the Euphrates river in Deir al-Zor on Monday, state media and a monitoring group reported, increasing their presence in an area where U.S.-backed forces have also advanced.

Turkey starts trial of 30 newspaper staff for links to coup attempt

ISTANBUL (Reuters) – Thirty journalists and newspaper executives from a Turkish newspaper which was shut down last year went on trial on Monday, facing life sentences over charges that they had links to a failed coup attempt.

5 Savory Oatmeal Recipes to Make Over Your Breakfast Bowl

Who says oatmeal has to be sweet? These tasty recipes are full of antioxidant-rich spices and veggies.

In first visit, Trump urges reform so U.N. can meet full potential

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the United Nations for bloated bureaucracy and mismanagement on his first visit on Monday to U.N. headquarters, calling for "truly bold reforms" so it could be a greater force for world peace.

Three suicide bombers kill 12 in northeast Nigeria – emergency agency

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (Reuters) – Suspected suicide bombers killed at least 12 people and injured 26 others on Monday in northeast Nigeria's state of Borno, epicentre of the Islamist militant Boko Haram insurgency, the chairman of the state emergency management agency said.

Islamic State families moved to site north of Mosul, Iraq confirms

BAGHDAD (Reuters) – About 1,400 foreign wives and children of suspected Islamic State militants have been moved to a new site north of Mosul, Iraqi authorities confirmed on Monday, dismissing the concerns of aid organizations, who were not warned about the move.

Police cripple Macau Scam syndicate in Ayer Keroh

MELAKA: Police have crippled a Macau Scam syndicate following the arrest of 29 people here.

Merkel silent on finance ministry speculation at Schaeuble's birthday bash

BERLIN (Reuters) – German Chancellor Angela Merkel lauded her veteran finance minister Wolfgang Schaeuble at a birthday party in his honour on Monday, as a potential coalition partner laid claim to his ministry as their price for keeping her in power.

Men in viral caning video surrender to police

KLANG: The man who ‘disciplined’ an odd job worker with a rattan baton and the man who filmed the incident have turned themselves in to the police.

Rohingya refugees tell of new violence; call for Myanmar sanctions

COX'S BAZAR, Bangladesh (Reuters) – Rohingya Muslims fleeing a Myanmar military offensive arrived in Bangladesh on Monday with fresh accounts of violence and arson as a rights group called for sanctions and an arms embargo to stop what the United Nations has branded ethnic cleansing.

Credit manager nabbed over Jalan Imbi bank robbery

KUALA LUMPUR: A credit manager has been arrested over a robbery at a bank along Jalan Imbi here recently.

France plans new incentives to phase out polluting vehicles

PARIS (Reuters) – The French government is planning a series of new incentives and taxes to phase out polluting vehicles and to boost energy-saving insulation in houses, the environment minister said.

Late summer rains, private food supplies limit impact of North Korea drought

SEOUL (Reuters) – Late summer rains and the growing importance of privately produced crops mean North Korea will likely avoid acute food shortages this year despite earlier fears of drought and mounting international sanctions, defectors and experts say.

Sunday, September 17, 2017

DBKL pulls the plug on beer festival

KUALA LUMPUR: Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) has rejected an application to hold the "Better Beer Festival 2017" planned for Oct 6 and 7 at Solaris Damansara here.

Dr M takes the stand at RCI

PUTRAJAYA: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has sworn in to testify before the Royal Commission of Inquiry into foreign exchange losses suffered by Bank Negara Malaysia in the 1990s.

North Korea fuel prices soar after U.N. sanctions capping supply

(Reuters) – Gasoline and diesel prices rose sharply in North Korea after its sixth nuclear test and as the U.N. Security Council imposed new sanctions capping fuel supply, market data analysed by Reuters on Monday showed.

Singing through triumph and disaster, the earthquake amputee whose courage captured the hearts of the Chinese nation

Woman who lost both legs in Sichuan disaster took centre stage on a TV talent show but is now struggling to raise the funds to buy new set of prosthetic limbs

Trump, Nikki Haley to share U.S. spotlight at U.N. gathering

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – When President Donald Trump takes the world stage at the United Nations for the first time this week, he will share the spotlight with his envoy Nikki Haley, who has emerged as the surprising public face of U.S. foreign policy.

Battered Caribbean islands threatened by another powerful storm

(Reuters) – Tropical Storm Maria is likely to reach hurricane strength on Sunday, prompting U.S. weather forecasters to issue warnings and watches for a string of Caribbean islands, some of which were battered by powerful Irma less than two weeks before.

Storms tear through western Romania, five dead, dozens injured

BUCHAREST (Reuters) – A strong storm tore through western Romania on Sunday, killing five people and injuring dozens as it snapped trees, ripped off roofs and smashed into road signs, emergency services officials said.

Exclusive – 'We will kill you all' – Rohingya villagers in Myanmar beg for safe passage

SITTWE, Myanmar (Reuters) – Thousands of Rohingya Muslims in violence-racked northwest Myanmar are pleading with the authorities for safe passage from two remote villages that are cut off by hostile Buddhists and running short of food.

Tillerson says U.S. could stay in Paris climate accord

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States could remain in the Paris climate accord under the right conditions, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on Sunday.

Rejuvenated Berlusconi lays out vote platform, eyes victory in Italy

ROME (Reuters) – Former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, marking a formal return to Italy's political stage, laid out his policy priorities on Sunday for the forthcoming election, portraying himself as a pro-European moderate.

No logic in deploying U.N. forces on Russia-Ukraine border – Putin ally

MOSCOW (Reuters) – One of President Vladimir Putin's top allies said on Sunday she saw no logic in deploying U.N. peacekeepers along the border between Russia and Ukraine, something Kiev and Washington favour.

Gay activists march through Serb capital behind police lines

BELGRADE (Reuters) – Serbian gay right activists marched with their first openly lesbian prime minister through the streets of Belgrade on Sunday, protected by police in riot gear as a helicopter flew low overhead.

Iran leader Khamenei warns against U.S. 'wrong move' on nuclear deal

DUBAI (Reuters) – Iran would react strongly to any "wrong move" by the United States on Tehran's nuclear deal, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said, after President Donald Trump accused Iran of violating the "spirit" of the agreement.

Najib welcomes Mat Taib back into Umno

PETALING JAYA: Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has welcomed former Umno vice-president Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib back to the fold and said that he is expecting great things from the ex-Selangor mentri besar.

Aid group warns of death among Rohingya in Bangladesh

COX'S BAZAR, Bangladesh (Reuters) – Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh could die due to a lack of food, shelter and water, given the huge numbers fleeing violence in Myanmar, an aid agency warned on Sunday, as authorities began moving people to camps to streamline the distribution of help.

Najib arrives at party headquarters for highly-awaited media conference

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has arrived at the party's headquarters here for the much-anticipated media conference.

Syrian army, allies close in on Islamic State in Deir al-Zor

BEIRUT (Reuters) – Syrian troops seized a suburb of the eastern city of Deir al-Zor on Sunday, tightening the noose around Islamic State militants, a military source said.

Hamas dissolves Gaza administration in Palestinian unity bid

CAIRO (Reuters) – Palestinian Islamist Hamas group said on Sunday it has dissolved its administration that runs Gaza and agrees to hold general elections in order to end a long-running feud with President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah movement.

Saturday, September 16, 2017

St. Louis protest turns violent after peaceful rallies against police acquittal

ST. LOUIS (Reuters) – Clashes between demonstrators and riot-clad police marred the end of what had been a largely peaceful second day of protest rallies in St. Louis following the acquittal of a white police officer in the fatal shooting of a black man.

Charred body of senior citizen found at dump site

KULAI: The charred body of a senior citizen was found at a rubbish dumping ground in Taman Putri here.

Philippine army captures key pro-IS base in besieged city

Marawi (Philippines) (AFP) – The Philippine military said Sunday it had captured the command centre of Islamic State group supporters who have besieged a southern city for nearly four months.

Japan's PM Abe mulling snap election as early as October – media

TOKYO (Reuters) – Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is considering calling a snap election as early as next month to take advantage of an uptick in approval ratings and disarray in the main opposition party, domestic media reported on Sunday.

PM Najib set to make major announcement

PETALING JAYA: Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is set to make a major announcement at a media conference on Sunday afternoon.

After Irma ravages Havana, city highlights housing replacement drive

HAVANA (Reuters) – After Hurricane Irma wrought havoc on Havana's decrepit buildings and killed four in building collapses there, city authorities held a rare media briefing to stress they were prioritising solving the capital's longstanding housing needs.

U.N. provides Cuba with food aid after Irma rips up coast

HAVANA (Reuters) – The United Nations' World Food Programme said on Saturday it was launching a $5.7 million operation in Cuba to help feed nearly 700,000 people in areas most affected by Hurricane Irma.

More Florida Keys residents return home to survey Irma's destruction

KEY LARGO, Fla. (Reuters) – More residents who had fled the Florida Keys ahead of Hurricane Irma were allowed to return to their homes on Saturday, as authorities prepared to reopen Key West at the end of the devastated archipelago on Sunday.

Wife of Princeton scholar jailed in Iran calls on U.S. to do more to free him

PRINCETON, N.J. (Reuters) – When Xiyue Wang sleeps in his cell in Iran's Evin Prison, he sometimes dreams he is back at Princeton University, working in the school's main library on his dissertation comparing governance systems in Central Asia.

Venezuela's Maduro upbeat on talks, opposition fear 'show'

CARACAS (Reuters) – President Nicolas Maduro has predicted a new foreign-led effort to mediate Venezuela's political crisis would produce a deal soon, but the opposition said on Saturday it would not accept another time-wasting "show".

Car bomb kills one, wounds 10 in disputed Iraqi oil city

KIRKUK, Iraq (Reuters) – A car bomb killed one person and injured ten in Kirkuk, an Iraqi oil city where local Kurdish authorities plan to hold a referendum on independence despite opposition from the central government and the region's non-Kurdish population.

Catalan mayors defy Spanish courts ahead of independence vote

BARCELONA (Reuters) – More than 700 mayors from across Catalonia gathered in Barcelona on Saturday to confirm their support for a planned independence referendum that Madrid has declared illegal.

At least 30 Burundian refugees die in clashes with Congolese security forces

KINSHASA (Reuters) – At least 30 Burundian refugees have been killed in clashes with Congolese security forces over plans to send some of them home, a Reuters witness and local activists said on Saturday.

Nazri: Maju Holdings’ ‘proposal’ to no raise of toll rates is big windfall

KUALA LUMPUR: Cabinet Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz has given his thumbs up to the offer made by Maju Holdings that it will not raise toll rates for 20 years if it is successful in acquiring PLUS highways.

Iceland president accepts request for early vote, November 4 possible date – PM

REYKJAVIK (Reuters) – Iceland's prime minister said on Saturday the president had accepted his request for a snap parliamentary election, and Nov. 4 had been discussed as a possible date.

Air strikes hit U.S.-backed militia in Syria's Deir al-Zor – SDF

BEIRUT (Reuters) – Syrian government or Russian air strikes targeted U.S.-backed Syrian militias in Deir al-Zor province at dawn on Saturday, a militia official told Reuters.

Iraq announces offensive on Islamic State in Syria border area

BAGHDAD (Reuters) – Iraqi armed forces said on Saturday they had started an offensive to dislodge Islamic State from an area on the border with Syria south of the Euphrates river.

Religious school fire: Special task force team visits school

KUALA LUMPUR: The special task force set up to investigate the Darul Quran Ittifaqiyah tahfiz school fire has visited the religious school.

Man who dragged dog behind speeding bike arrested

BANGKOK: A man has been arrested for dragging a dog along a Bangkok road behind his motorcycle.

Friday, September 15, 2017

Penang floods: Body of missing woman found in Bukit Jambul river

GEORGE TOWN: The flash floods that hit Penang on Friday have killed a 30-year-old factory worker.

Bangladesh warns Myanmar over border amid refugee crisis

DHAKA (Reuters) – Bangladesh has accused Myanmar of repeatedly violating its air space and warned that any more "provocative acts" could have "unwarranted consequences", raising the possibility of a deterioration in relations already strained by a refugee crisis.

Malaysian companies rake in more than RM400mil in sales at China-Asean Expo

NANNING: Malaysian companies raked in more than RM400mil in sales at the four-day China-Asean Expo (CAExpo) here.

Large crowd kick-starts Malaysia Day as #anakanakmalaysia

BATU KAWAN: Batu Kawan came alive at dawn with a large turnout for the #AnakAnakMalaysia Walk 2017 in Penang.

Defense for Brazil's Temer asks Supreme Court to send back new charges

BRASILIA (Reuters) – Lawyers defending Brazilian President Michel Temer on Friday asked Supreme Court Justice Edson Fachin to send back to the prosecutor's general office the new graft charges that were presented against Temer on Thursday.

U.S. judge will not dismiss accused Mexican drug lord El Chapo's indictment

NEW YORK (Reuters) – A U.S. judge on Friday rejected an effort by Joaquin Guzman, the accused Mexican drug lord known as "El Chapo," to dismiss a massive international narcotics conspiracy indictment on the ground he was extradited improperly to Brooklyn.

Russia to the United States – Stay in Iran nuclear deal

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – Russia's U.N. ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, said Moscow's message to the United States during a likely meeting of the parties to the Iran nuclear deal next week on the sidelines to the United Nations General Assembly was to stay in the deal.

Peru's Kuczynski eyes naming VP as new prime minister – sources

LIMA (Reuters) – Peruvian President Pedro Kuczynski is considering appointing Martin Vizcarra, his vice president and former transportation minister, as his new prime minister in a swearing-in ceremony for a new cabinet scheduled for Sunday, two government sources said Friday.

Euro zone enlargement call sparks backlash in Germany

TALLINN (Reuters) – After years of bailing out Greece, the idea of letting more poorer states into the euro zone has sparked controversy, particularly in Germany, where Chancellor Angela Merkel is seeking re-election in two weeks time.

Russia – Syria government forces now on east bank of Euphrates river

MOSCOW (Reuters) – Advance units of the Syrian government army have crossed the Euphrates river and taken up position on the eastern bank, a Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman said on Friday.

Switzerland voters likely to weigh in on facial covering ban

ZURICH (Reuters) – Switzerland could become the latest country to ban facial coverings worn by some Muslim women after activists collected more than the 100,000 signatures required to put the proposal to a national vote.

Pakatan leaders slammed for mocking Najib-Trump meeting

PETALING JAYA: Four Pakatan Harapan leaders' mockery of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's meeting with US President Donald Trump has backfired, with many slamming their antics.

Two women injured by hammer-wielding attacker in eastern France

LYON, France (Reuters) – Two women were injured on Friday by an attacker wielding a hammer and shouting Allahu Akbar in the eastern French town of Chalon-sur-Saone in Burgundy, local officials said.

Rights group condemns apparent Saudi crackdown on critics

(Reuters) – Rights group Human Rights Watch condemned on Friday the arrest by Saudi authorities of some 30 clerics, intellectuals and activists this week as "a coordinated crackdown on dissent".

Police making urgent inquiries to find who was behind metro incident

LONDON (Reuters) – London police said on Friday they were making urgent inquiries to track down who was responsible for an explosion at a metro station, which officers are treating as a "terrorist incident."

East Timor swears in new prime minister

Dili (East Timor) (AFP) – East Timor swore in a new government Friday, led by a returning prime minister who experts say will need to wean the country off its reliance on oil revenues and diversify the economy.

KPMG South Africa clears out top leadership over Gupta scandal

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – Global auditor KPMG said on Friday its South African chief executive, chairman and six top partners had resigned over work done for the Guptas, businessmen friends of President Jacob Zuma accused of improperly influencing government contracts.

Pacific nations crack down on North Korean ships as Fiji probes more than 20 vessels

WELLINGTON (Reuters) – South Pacific island nations are scouring shipping records for vessels with links to North Korea after Fiji said it had identified 20 falsely flagged ships it suspects the isolated regime is using to evade United Nations sanctions.

Ukraine's Poroshenko says anti-corruption chamber more feasible in short-term

KIEV (Reuters) – Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Friday said he hoped an anti-corruption chamber would be created next month, expressing doubt that an independent court could be established before 2019.

Myanmar says aid access to conflict area not blocked but security an issue

YANGON (Reuters) – Myanmar insisted on Friday it was not barring aid workers from Rakhine State, where a counter-insurgency campaign has sparked an exodus of Muslim Rohingya refugees, but said authorities on the ground might restrict access for security reasons.

Thursday, September 14, 2017

Taiwan jails mainland Chinese student on national security charge

TAIPEI (Reuters) – A Taiwan district court on Friday sentenced a mainland Chinese student to 14 months imprisonment for breaching national security laws.

'Missile launch, take cover': Japan's terrifying wake-up call

Tokyo (AFP) – "Missile launch! Missile launch! A missile appears to have been launched from North Korea. Take cover in a building or underground."

Driver baffles passersby by changing tyre caught in wheel clamp, but still pays fine

BANGKOK: Usually when drivers find their cars immobilised by wheel clamps in no-parking zones, they usually rush to the nearest police station to pay the fine and return to their the cars to wait for police remove the impediment.

Latin American nations seek Venezuela crisis mediation

SANTO DOMINGO/CARACAS (Reuters) – Four Latin American nations will join an attempt to mediate Venezuela's political crisis in new talks later this month, the president of the Dominican Republic said on Thursday.

What's in your copy of The Star today? (Sept 15)

Check out these print exclusives in your newspaper today.

North Korea fires missile from Pyongyang towards the east – South Korea

SEOUL (Reuters) – North Korea early on Friday fired an unidentified missile eastward from the Sunan district in its capital, Pyongyang, South Korea's military said.

U.S. judge presses Trump administration on Dreamer deadlines

NEW YORK (Reuters) – A U.S. judge on Thursday repeatedly pressed the Trump administration to extend an October deadline for some immigrants to reapply for a program that shielded children brought to the United States illegally by their parents from deportation.

In Her New Book, Hillary Clinton Shares Everything She Ate on the Campaign Trail, Down to Her Go-To Condiment

What Happened covers what she had for breakfast, her favorite snacks and dessert, and other details about how the former First Lady fueled up during her historic bid for the White House.

Trump says he will visit Japan, South Korea, China in November

ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he would visit Japan, South Korea and China in November, a trip he added would possibly include Vietnam for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference.

Najib meets Theresa May in London

LONDON: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak met his British counterpart Theresa May at 10, Downing Street here Thursday.

U.S. sanctions seven Iranian individuals, two entities

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States on Thursday slapped sanctions on seven Iranian individuals and two entities, alleging involvement in either malicious cyber activities or enabling Tehran's nuclear programme.

EU executive warms to Franco-German call on emergency border checks

BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The European Union's executive offered initial backing on Thursday to a Franco-German proposal to allow more permanent border checks within the bloc's free-travel zone.

U.S. considering wider Iran threat as part of its policy on nuclear deal – Tillerson

LONDON (Reuters) – The U.S. government is continuing to develop its policy on Iran and will consider the wider threat it poses beyond its nuclear capabilities, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on Thursday.

21-Day Healthy Lunch Challenge

Hammond says UK 'very close' to deal on EU citizens' rights

BUDAPEST (Reuters) – Britain is very close to reaching an agreement with the European Union on how to protect the rights of citizens after it leaves the bloc, British Chancellor Philip Hammond said on Thursday.

Trump says 'fairly close' to deal with Democrats on immigration issues

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday he and lawmakers are close to a deal on protections for illegal immigrants brought to the United States as children, but stressed any such deal would need to include border security measures.

With China in mind, Japan, India agree to deepen defence

GANDHINAGAR, India (Reuters) – The leaders of India and Japan agreed on Thursday to deepen defence ties and push for more cooperation with Australia and the United States, as they seek to counter growing Chinese influence across Asia.

Russian submarines fire cruise missiles at Islamic state in Syria

MOSCOW (Reuters) – The Russian Navy on Thursday fired seven cruise missiles at Islamic state targets in the suburbs of Syria's Deir al-Zor, the Russian Defence Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

In the weeds – How top official got tangled in Nigerian aid scandal

WACHAKAL, Nigeria (Reuters) – When millions of people in northeast Nigeria faced hunger and attacks by Islamist militant group Boko Haram in March 2016, the government acted: it decided to spend $1.4 million cutting down weeds around the village of Wachakal in order to stop flooding.

Chinese man puts crocodile meant for the pot in communal fish pond

Residents given a shock after neighbour bought rare animal to eat and decided to keep in compound’s pool

Religious school fire: DNA samples needed to identify victims

KUALA LUMPUR: The victims of Thursday's religious school fire can only be identified after DNA samples are obtained from family members, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam.

Burger seller charged with raping daughters

JOHOR BARU: A burger seller was charged in the Sessions Court here on Thursday with 12 counts of raping his two daughters.

Senior unconscious after scuffle with foreign neighbour

SEOUL: An argument between a local resident from the US and an older Korean man escalated, leaving the latter with a cerebral hemorrhage, according to investigators in Muan, South Jeolla Province, Wednesday.

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Thesis or your life? South African student resists armed robbers to hold on to master's thesis

JOHANNESBURG: Faced with the prospect of losing the only copy of her master's thesis, South African student Noxolo Ntusi resisted armed robbers despite having a gun pointed to her head.

Superman confronts a new villain: White supremacists

Washington (AFP) – No longer are planet-destroying extra-terrestrials or billionaire evil geniuses the villains: Superman, the DC Comics superhero, has a new mission protecting hard-working immigrants from white supremacist bullies.

Trump says rich might pay more in taxes, talks with Democrats

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that taxes on rich Americans might rise, as he pursues a tax code overhaul and reaches out to both Democrats and Republicans in a push to win support for a plan still far from complete.

Magnitude 4.6 quake shakes Tokyo, eastern Japan

TOKYO (Reuters) – An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 4.6 shook eastern Japan on Thursday, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

A caring Ruler and a father figure

ALOR SETAR: The late Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah was not just a caring ruler but also one who was looked up to as a father figure.

Region must do more to pressure South Sudan leaders to end conflict -US diplomat

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – African countries should do more to pile pressure on South Sudan's political leaders, who seem incapable of resolving the country's four-year civil war, a top U.S. diplomat said on Wednesday.

Lawyer for murdered Italian student's family detained in Egypt

CAIRO (Reuters) – An Egyptian lawyer who represents the family of murdered Italian student Giulio Regeni was prevented from flying to a U.N. conference and detained by a special prosecutor, his supporters and a security source said on Wednesday.

One dead, others wounded in Washington state school shooting

(Reuters) – One person was killed and at least several others wounded when a suspect opened fire on Wednesday at a high school near Spokane, Washington, police and local media said.

Fearing Russia, Sweden holds biggest war games in 20 years

GOTHENBURG, Sweden (Reuters) – Neutral Sweden has launched its biggest war games in two decades with support from NATO countries, drilling 19,000 troops after years of spending cuts that have left the country fearful of Russia's growing military strength.

Guinean forces kill one, wound several in bauxite mining town riot

CONAKRY (Reuters) – At least one person was killed and several wounded when Guinean security forces opened fire to break up a riot in the bauxite mining hub of Boke, witnesses said on Wednesday.

These Cappuccino Brownies With Coconut Cream Are the Answer to Your Sweets Craving

Utilities in U.S. Southeast restore power to nearly half of those hit by Irma

NEW YORK (Reuters) – Utilities in the U.S. Southeast returned power to almost half of the homes and businesses knocked out by Hurricane Irma, leaving about 4.3 million customers in the dark as of midday Wednesday, in one of the biggest restoration efforts in U.S. history.

Factbox – About 4.3 million still without power in U.S. Southeast after Irma

(Reuters) – Some 4.3 million homes and businesses, or about nine million people, were without power at midday on Wednesday in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas after Hurricane Irma battered the region, down from a peak of more than 7.8 million customers on Monday, local utilities said.

U.S. says air strikes in Somalia kill six al Shabaab fighters

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. military said on Wednesday it had carried out air strikes in Somalia against an al Qaeda-allied Islamist group and killed six militants.

China backs U.N. call for justice in Yemen, U.S. and Saudis don't

GENEVA (Reuters) – China signalled on Wednesday it was willing to back an international inquiry into atrocities in Yemen, as demanded by the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, but Saudi Arabia and the United States said they did not support the idea.

Spain calls to summon Catalan mayors over independence vote

MADRID (Reuters) – Spain's public prosecutor on Wednesday asked local authorities to summon over 700 Catalan mayors who have backed a referendum on regional independence which Madrid has branded illegal.

EU's Juncker – seize Brexit chance to forge tighter union

STRASBOURG (Reuters) – European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker called on EU governments on Wednesday to seize a window of opportunity from Brexit and economic growth to forge a tighter union built around the euro currency and a pivotal role in global trade.

Singapore names first woman president, raising eyebrows over election process

SINGAPORE (Reuters) – Singapore named a former speaker of parliament as the multicultural city-state's first woman president on Wednesday while critics expressed dismay that other candidates were disqualified and the election went uncontested.

Former assistant accuses exiled Chinese tycoon of rape in lawsuit

BEIJING (Reuters) – A former personal assistant to an exiled Chinese-born billionaire, who has made claims of high-level Communist Party corruption, has filed a lawsuit in New York accusing him of raping her, court documents show.

Erdogan adviser sees recovery in Turkey ties with Germany, EU

ANKARA (Reuters) – Ankara's relations with NATO ally Germany, hit by a deepening row, are expected to improve alongside a general upturn in ties with the EU early next year, boosting Turkish export and tourism prospects, an adviser to President Tayyip Erdogan told Reuters.

Turkey orders 79 school employees detained in post-coup probe – NTV

ANKARA (Reuters) – Turkish authorities issued detention warrants for 79 former school employees on Wednesday over alleged links to last year's failed military coup, broadcaster NTV said.

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

China says futile to use trial of Taiwanese activist to attack Chinese law

BEIJING (Reuters) – Attacks on China's legal or political system using the trial of Taiwanese activist Lee Ming-che will prove futile, China's Taiwan Affairs Office said on Wednesday after Lee's wife and supporters rejected the authority of the court that tried him.

South Korea confirms traces of radioactive gas from North Korea's nuclear test

SEOUL (Reuters) – South Korea said on Wednesday traces of radioactive xenon gas were confirmed to be from a North Korean nuclear test earlier this month, but it was unable to conclude whether the test had been for a hydrogen bomb as Pyongyang claimed.

Hormone check: why you may not be losing stubborn fat in problem areas

 

How do your hormones affect your ability to move stubborn fat? We turned to head trainer Alexa Towersey for her insight.

 

Why we store fat where we do is a product of our hormones and their interaction with the environment – a combination of nature and nurture. Our hormones either work for us or against us, and when even one is out of balance, it has a domino effect on the rest.  Any kind of hormonal imbalance can make losing weight an uphill struggle.

Hormones are in constant fluctuality and are affected by all our training, nutrition and lifestyle choices: how long and how hard we train, what we put in or on our bodies, when we go to sleep, how much water we drink and how much we stress. Hormones can explain why some women have slender stomachs but thunder thighs, and why getting older often requires different tactics.

The three most common female ‘problem areas’ are the stomach, the hips and the thighs.

1. Belly: cortisol

This is correlated to high levels of the stress hormone cortisol over a prolonged period of time. Cortisol is essentially responsible for our fight or flight response, but is only designed to be secreted over a short period of time. Any excess cortisol circulating in the body is converted to fat. The majority of our cortisol receptors are in the abdomen, hence this becomes the primary storage area. Stressful situations are not just emotional but include food intolerances, digestive issues, malnourishment, poor sleep, dehydration, overtraining and under-recovery. For the stress puppy, a solid plan of attack would be a periodised strength and hypertrophy weights program, HIIT, minimal caffeine and sugar, and a huge emphasis on stress management practices (yoga, meditation and massage).

2. Thighs: oestrogen

Oestrogen balance is essential for achieving and maintaining fat loss, but too much causes toxic fat gain, water retention, bloating and a host of other health issues.  There are two ways to accumulate excess oestrogen in the body: we either produce too much of it on our own (endogenous) or acquire it from our environment (exogenous). We are constantly exposed to oestrogen-like compounds such as plastics, pesticides and parabens. These are toxins and toxins are stored in fat cells, with the majority of female fat cells in the thighs. Women with oestrogen dominance tend to have success with training protocols that involve high volume and low rest with a focus on weight training for the lower body; a nutrition plan high in fibre and green cruciferous vegetables and a heavy emphasis on detoxification strategies (infrared sauna, Epsom salt baths, lymphatic drainage massage and acupuncture).

3. Hips: insulin

An excess of body fat around the hips suggests issues with insulin resistance, carbohydrate tolerance and blood sugar management. When we eat, the sugar in our blood stimulates the secretion of insulin from the pancreas. Insulin binds to cell membranes and when there is too much insulin in the blood, the cell body becomes stressed and the insulin receptors are shut off. The excess sugar in the blood is stored as fat. Essentially this is your nutrition site and fixing the problem is all about eating the right foods at the right time in the right amounts.

Ultimately our bodies are very clever, and by learning to listen to what they have to say, we are able to develop personalised long-term strategies for successful fat loss.

 

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From Beyonce to Clooney, stars unite for hurricane relief telethon

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – A cadre of Hollywood celebrities gave passionate speeches, moving performances and hit the phones on Tuesday at a live televised telethon to raise funds for the survivors and victims of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

U.S. Supreme Court allows broad Trump refugee ban

WASHINGTON/SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed President Donald Trump to broadly implement a ban on refugees entering the country from around the world.

Brazil's top court approves new graft probe of President Temer

BRASILIA (Reuters) – A Brazilian Supreme Court judge on Tuesday authorized an investigation of President Michel Temer for suspected corruption involving a decree regulating ports, adding to graft allegations the president has so far parried with backing from Congress.

U.S. Senate leader opposes 'lecturing' Myanmar leader Suu Kyi

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said on Tuesday he would not support a resolution targeting Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi over the treatment of the country's Rohingya Muslims, and said Washington should not be "lecturing" her.

U.S., Russian crew blasts off for space station

BAIKONUR COSMODROME, Kazakhstan (Reuters) – Two U.S. astronauts and a Russian cosmonaut blasted off from Kazakhstan on Wednesday for a six-hour trip to the International Space Station, a NASA TV broadcast showed.

15 Sheet Pan Dinners That Will Make Weeknight Meal Prep a Breeze

Looking for the easiest weeknight supper ever? These quick sheet pan recipes are packed with flavor and good-for-you nutrients—and they're simple enough that anyone can make them.

More arrests in apparent Saudi campaign against critics – activists

(Reuters) – Saudi Arabia has detained more clerics and intellectuals, activists said on social media on Tuesday, widening an apparent crackdown on potential opponents of the conservative kingdom's absolute rulers.

Macron vows to cut red tape to rebuild French Caribbean after Irma

PORT-AU-PRINCE (Reuters) – French President Emmanuel Macron pledged to cut through red tape to quickly rebuild the islands of the French Caribbean during a visit on Tuesday meant to dispel anger at his government` s response to Hurricane Irma, which killed at least 43 people in the region.

Bahrain King issues decree reorganising National Security Agency

DUBAI (Reuters) – Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa issued a decree on Tuesday reorganising the National Security Agency and appointing Lieutenant General Adel bin Khalifa Al Fadhel as its new president, effective immediately, the state news agency said.

Norfolk Southern resumes limited trains service in Irma-hit areas

(Reuters) – Norfolk Southern Corp <NSC.N> said on Tuesday some rail routes closed by Hurricane Irma were being restored to service as it was safe to do so, and has started to run trains accordingly.

Turkey says German foreign minister's remarks on arms sales inappropriate

ANKARA (Reuters) – German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel's comments about stopping arms exports to Turkey are not appropriate for a foreign minister, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Tuesday.

Riot police, hooded youths clash in Paris at labour reform protest

PARIS (Reuters) – Riot police clashed with hooded youths on the fringe of a protest in central Paris against French President Emmanuel Macron's reforms to loosen labour regulations.

U.N. ban on North Korean textiles will disrupt industry and ordinary lives, experts say

BEIJING (Reuters) – United Nations sanctions on North Korea's important textiles industry are expected to disrupt a business largely based in China and pose compliance headaches for clothing retailers around the world.

Spain's Constitutional Court suspends second law linked to Catalan referendum

MADRID (Reuters) – The Spanish Constitutional Court has suspended a Catalan law outlining a legal framework for an independent state, a court source said on Tuesday, an expected move after it suspended a law approving an Oct. 1 independence referendum last week.

Russian Islamic State fighter sentenced to hang in Iraq

BAGHDAD (Reuters) – A Russian Islamic State fighter was sentenced to death by hanging in Iraq on Tuesday, authorities said, a rare conviction of a foreign militant on terrorism charges.

Japan's Abe to launch $17-billion Indian bullet train project as ties deepen

NEW DELHI/TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will lay the foundation stone for India's first bullet train in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state this week, in a tightening of ties just days after New Delhi ended a dangerous military confrontation with China.

New UN sanctions on North Korea: what do they mean?

SEOUL: The UN Security Council has unanimously adopted new sanctions on North Korea, including restrictions on oil shipments, to punish Pyongyang for its sixth and largest nuclear test.

German prosecutor demands life for neo-Nazi suspect Zschaepe

MUNICH, Germany (Reuters) – Germany's federal prosecutor said on Tuesday that Beate Zschaepe, the main surviving suspect in a trial of neo-Nazis accused of murdering 10 people, should be given a life prison sentence.

Tuanku Abdul Halim's passing a huge loss to the nation, says Zahid

ALOR SETAR: Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah's passing is a huge loss to the country, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Monday, September 11, 2017

Philippine police halt drug tests after residents petition court

MANILA (Reuters) – Police have been forced to stop conducting drug surveys and testing in the Philippine capital's biggest and most populous area after a lawyers' group representing residents filed a petition before a court, a police chief said on Tuesday.

Man dies after crashing car into toll plaza road barrier

ISKANDAR PUTERI: A jobless man was killed after he crashed his car into a road barrier at the Lima Kedai toll plaza here on Monday night.

Irma weakens into tropical depression – NHC

(Reuters) – Irma, having weakened from a hurricane to a tropical storm, has further weakened to a tropical depression and is likely to degenerate into a remnant low by Monday evening, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said.

Man escapes unhurt after car swept away in river

KOTA KINABALU: A swift-flowing river almost cost a man his life when strong currents swept away the car he was driving.

Sweden, Britain seek U.N. meeting on situation in Myanmar

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – Sweden and Britain on Monday requested a closed-door United Nations Security Council meeting on the "deteriorating situation" in Myanmar's Rakhine state, home to the majority-Buddhist nation's Rohingya Muslims, diplomats said.

Guatemalan president survives congressional vote on immunity

GUATEMALA CITY (Reuters) – Guatemala's Congress on Monday voted to preserve President Jimmy Morales's immunity from prosecution after the attorney general's office submitted a request to investigate him over suspected financing irregularities during his 2015 election campaign.

Merkel calls on Hungary to implement court ruling on refugee distribution

BERLIN (Reuters) – German Chancellor Angela Merkel has urged Hungary to quickly implement a ruling by the European Union's top court that member states must take in a share of refugees who reach the continent.

Macron's labour reforms face protests across France

PARIS (Reuters) – President Emmanuel Macron faces the first challenge on the streets to his business-friendly reform agenda on Tuesday, when workers from the hard-left CGT union will march through French cities to protest a loosening of labour regulations.

U.S. high court justice temporarily preserves Trump refugee ban

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy on Monday put a temporarily hold on limits imposed by a lower court on President Donald Trump's order barring most refugees from entering the United States.

Russia sanctions should be phased out if Ukraine ceasefire holds – Germany's Gabriel

BERLIN (Reuters) – European sanctions imposed on Russia over its role in the Ukraine crisis should be phased out gradually if an internationally agreed ceasefire deal was implemented, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said on Monday.

Russia urges U.S. to start finding way to resolve problems

MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov urged U.S. Undersecretary of State Thomas Shannon to stop destroying Russia-U.S. relations and to start finding a way to resolve their problems, Russia's Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

Turkey says U.S. indictment of former minister amounts to 'coup attempt'

ANKARA (Reuters) – Turkey said on Monday its former economy minister, indicted in the United States for conspiring to violate U.S. sanctions on Iran, acted within international law and that charges against him amounted to a coup attempt through American courts.

Six outstanding individuals receive prestigious Merdeka Awards

KUALA LUMPUR: Six distinguished individuals who made outstanding and lasting contributions to the nation and the people of Malaysia were recipients of the prestigious 2017 Merdeka Awards here Monday night.

3 Instant Pot Recipes That Are Packed With Fall Superfoods

We're obsessed with these healthy dishes that can be ready in just 40 minutes or less using your trusty Instant Pot.

Pakistan PM warns U.S. sanctions would be counter-productive

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) – Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said it would be counter-productive for the United States to sanction Pakistani officials or further cut military assistance, warning it would hurt both countries' fight against militancy.

Bangladesh seeks support to move fleeing Rohingya to remote, flood-prone island

DHAKA (Reuters) – Bangladesh is seeking international support for its plan to relocate Rohingya Muslims fleeing violence in Myanmar to a remote Bay of Bengal island that critics say is flood-prone and unliveable.

Pope says humanity will 'go down' if it does not address climate change

ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE (Reuters) – Pope Francis said the recent spate of hurricanes should prompt people to understand that humanity will "go down" if it does not address climate change and history will judge those who deny the science on its causes.

Circle of life – Japan's homeless banish despair through dance

TOKYO (Reuters) – Penniless and subsisting only on water for three weeks, Tokyo street-dweller Tokuchika Nishi thought he had come to the end of his life.

Merkel plans phone call with Putin in North Korea – spokesman

BERLIN (Reuters) – Chancellor Angela Merkel plans to discuss the crisis in North Korea in a telephone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, her spokesman Steffen Seibert said on Monday.

China court releases video of Taiwanese activist confessing to subversion

BEIJING (Reuters) – A Taiwanese activist on trial in China confessed on Monday to attempting to subvert the Beijing government, according to videos of his hearing released by Chinese authorities, although his wife refused to recognise the court's authority.

Crimean Tatar leader jailed for stirring anti-Russia protests

SIMFEROPOL, Crimea (Reuters) – A court in Crimea handed down a prison sentence of eight years on Monday to a Crimean Tatar leader, Ahtem Chiygos, found guilty of stirring up mass disorder, his lawyer told Reuters.

China says diplomacy needed to rid Korean peninsula of nuclear weapons

BEIJING (Reuters) – Denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula should be achieved through peaceful and diplomatic means, China's foreign ministry said on Monday, as the United Nations discusses fresh sanctions against North Korea following its latest nuclear test.

Late Philippines strongman Marcos' 100th birthday draws praise, protests

MANILA (Reuters) – Supporters of late Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos gathered on Monday to celebrate his 100th birthday outside his resting place, amid protests against what his foes believe are moves to restore his powerful family's tainted image.

Sunday, September 10, 2017

Russia sends 175 de-miners to Syria's Deir al-Zor – Interfax

MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia is to send 175 de-mining engineers to defuse mines in Syria's Deir al-Zor, Interfax news agency quoted Russia's Defence Ministry as saying on Monday.

Retiree fined over offensive Facebook post

KUALA LUMPUR: A retiree has been fined RM5,000 for making a post on Facebook with the intent to offend others.

Irma's winds buckle three giant cranes in South Florida

MIAMI (Reuters) – Cranes at three South Florida high rises under construction collapsed in the face of heavy winds as Hurricane Irma ripped through the area on Sunday, days after authorities warned about dangers to cranes from the approaching storm.

Singapore Airlines investigating case of pet dog that died at Changi Airport

SINGAPORE: Singapore Airlines (SIA) is investigating an incident where a pet dog died while being transferred to one of its aircraft at Changi Airport on Sept 2, amid claims that the airline was negligent in its handling of the dog.

Do your best, Mahdzir tells UPSR candidates

KOTA KINABALU: Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid has advised students sitting for the UPSR examination to keep calm and do their best.

What's in your copy of The Star today? (Sept 11)

Check out these print exclusives in your newspaper today.

North Korea warns U.S. will pay due price for spearheading U.N. sanctions

SEOUL (Reuters) – North Korea warned on Monday the United States would pay a "due price" for spearheading a U.N. Security Council resolution against its latest nuclear test, as Washington presses for a vote on a draft resolution imposing more sanctions on Pyongyang.

Saudi Arabia arrests prominent cleric – social media

DUBAI (Reuters) – A prominent Saudi religious leader has been arrested, according to social media postings on Sunday, in what appears to be a crackdown on Islamists seen as critics of the conservative kingdom's absolute rulers.

Israel's Netanyahu says will meet Trump in New York next week

JERUSALEM (Reuters) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday he would meet U.S. President Donald Trump in New York later this month during a visit to New York, where he will address the United Nations General Assembly on Sept. 27.

Brazilian billionaire Joesley Batista surrenders to police

BRASILIA (Reuters) – Billionaire Joesley Batista, one of the owners of JBS SA, the world´s largest meatpacker, and executive Ricardo Saud surrendered on Sunday and were arrested by Brazilian police, their lawyer said.

Syrian rebels say U.S. allies push for retreat from southeast Syria

AMMAN (Reuters) – Two Western-backed Syrian rebel groups fighting the Syrian army and Iranian-backed militias in southeastern Syria have been asked by their Western and Arab backers to pull out of the area and retreat into Jordan, rebels and diplomatic sources said on Sunday.

France's Macron will travel to Saint Martin on Tuesday

PARIS (Reuters) – French president Emmanuel Macron will travel to the battered Dutch-French island of Saint Martin on Tuesday following the passage of hurricane Irma and fellow storm Jose.

Pope bumps head, hurts left eye, but is well – Vatican

CARTAGENA, Colombia (Reuters) – Pope Francis lost his balance while riding in the popemobile through a crowd in Cartagena, Colombia, on Sunday, bruising his left cheekbone and eyelid, but he was not seriously hurt.

Wait, what has happened to my favourite news portal?

It's been more than 20 years since we launched The Star Online, Malaysia's first news portal , but we have never rested on our laurels.

Exclusive – Iraq holding 1,400 foreign wives, children of suspected ISIS fighters

SOUTH OF MOSUL, Iraq (Reuters) – Iraqi authorities are holding 1,400 foreign wives and children of suspected Islamic State fighters in a camp after government forces expelled the jihadist group from one of its last remaining strongholds in Iraq, security and aid officials said.

About 1.1 million lose power in Florida from Irma, utility says

(Reuters) – About 1.1 million homes and businesses have lost power in Florida as Hurricane Irma pummelled the southern part of the state, Florida Power & Light (FPL) said on Sunday.

FPL shut one reactor at Florida Turkey Point ahead of Irma

(Reuters) – Florida Power & Light (FPL) said it had shut one reactor at its Turkey Point nuclear plant on Saturday but will leave the other operating, after the forecast track for Hurricane Irma shifted toward the west and away from the South Florida plant.

Kedah cops seeking man who allegedly tried to steal donations from police HQ mosque

ALOR SETAR: Police are looking for a man who allegedly tried to steal from the donation box in a mosque located at the state police contingent headquarters here.

Man suffers heart attack on highway, crashes car and dies

PETALING JAYA: A man suffered a fatal heart attack before crashing his car while driving on the North Klang Valley Expressway here Sunday.

Hurricane Irma's fierce winds blast into Florida

Miami (AFP) – Hurricane Irma regained strength Sunday as it began pummeling Florida, lashing its southern island chain with hurricane-force wind gusts and threatening landfall within hours.

Merkel and the refugees – How German leader emerged from a political abyss

BERLIN (Reuters) – Near the end of a recent campaign speech in northern Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel turned to Europe's refugee crisis of 2015 and offered her audience a comforting dual message.

Australia gay marriage rally draws record crowd ahead of postal vote

SYDNEY (Reuters) – More than 20,000 people rallied in Sydney on Sunday urging the legalization of same-sex marriage, days ahead of a contentious postal survey on the issue that has divided the country.

Wife of detained Taiwan activist to attend his trial in China

TAIPEI (Reuters) – The wife and mother of detained Taiwanese rights activist Lee Ming-che were due to arrive in China on Sunday to attend his subversion trial on Monday, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said in a statement, calling for Lee's safe return home.

Saturday, September 9, 2017

Jake Gyllenhaal finally plays superhero in 'Stronger'

Toronto (Canada) (AFP) – A man who lost both legs in the Boston Marathon bombings inspired moviegoers Saturday, walking the red carpet at the Toronto film festival for the premiere of "Stronger."

Police record statement from woman who threatened council officer

PETALING JAYA: Police have recorded a statement from the woman who was seen in a viral video threatening a municipal council officer with a steering lock.

Two killed, four injured in three-vehicle accident

KOTA KINABALU: Two people were killed when the car they were travelling in was involved in an accident with two four-wheel drive trucks about 250km from here.

NCCIM's youth council set up to promote business networking

KUALA LUMPUR: The youth council of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM) was set up on Sunday.

North Korea's Kim Jong Un fetes nuclear scientists, holds celebration bash

SEOUL (Reuters) – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un hosted a massive celebration to congratulate his nuclear scientists and technicians who steered the country's sixth and largest nuclear test a week ago, its official news agency said on Sunday.

Penang Starwalk kicks off

GEORGE TOWN: More than 20,000 people were in high spirits as they hit on the new trail of Penang Starwalk which is into its 40th edition this year.

Havana braced for floods after Hurricane Irma rakes Cuban keys

HAVANA/CAIBARIEN (Reuters) – Hurricane Irma uprooted trees and tore off roofs in Cuba on Saturday with 125-mile-per-hour (200-km per hour) winds that damaged hotels in the island's best-known beach resorts and forced evacuations as far along the coast as low-lying areas of the capital Havana.

Merkel suggests Iran-style nuclear talks to end North Korea crisis

BERLIN (Reuters) – German Chancellor Angela Merkel told a newspaper she would be prepared to become involved in a diplomatic initiative to end the North Korean nuclear and missiles programme, and suggested the Iran nuclear talks could be a model.

Greek PM vows bailout exit in 2018, help for workers, youth

ATHENS (Reuters) – Greece will exit successfully its bailout programme in 2018 helped by strong growth, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said on Saturday, vowing to support workers, young Greeks and small businesses as the economy recovers.

Hurricane Jose moves away from Leeward Islands, fears recede

(Reuters) – The powerful Hurricane Jose was moving away from the northern Leeward Islands on Saturday, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said, giving some relief to the Caribbean archipelago battered by the massive storm Irma earlier this week.

Kosovo PM designate pledges dialogue with Serbia, graft fight

PRISTINA (Reuters) – Kosovo's prime minister designate, ex-guerilla commander Ramush Haradinaj, pledged on Saturday to maintain dialogue with a former foe Serbia and put an end to endemic corruption.

Lebanon arrests former mayor in border town near Syria – security sources

BEIRUT (Reuters) – Lebanese security forces arrested a former mayor of the town of Arsal near the Syrian border on Saturday in connection with the capture of Lebanese soldiers, security sources said.

Syrian army, allies reach airbase besieged by IS in eastern Syria – commander

BEIRUT (Reuters) – The Syrian army and its allies reached an air base besieged for years by Islamic State militants on the outskirts of the eastern city of Deir al-Zor on Saturday, said a commander in the alliance fighting in support of President Bashar al-Assad.

MATTA: Food stalls outside PWTC a safety hazard

KUALA LUMPUR: An influx of food stalls operating in front of the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) here is posing a safety hazard to the public, claims the Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA).

Cops arrest teenager allegedly involved in 11 armed robberies

BUKIT MERTAJAM: A teenager, suspected of involvement in 11 armed robberies reported in the Seberang Perai Tengah (SPT) district has been detained by the police.

Turkey kills 99 Kurdish militants in latest operations – military

ANKARA (Reuters) – Turkish security forces have killed 99 Kurdish militants, including a high-ranking one, in operations in southeast Turkey over the last two weeks, the armed forces said on Saturday.

Nur Jazlan: Malaysia ready to accept more Rohingya refugees

JOHOR BARU: Malaysia is ready to accept more Rohingya refugees following the escalating trouble in the Rakhine state in Myanmar, but is wary of militant factions also making their way here, says Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed.

Irma seen costing more than 1 billion euros in Saint Martin, Saint Barth

PARIS (Reuters) – The cost of Hurricane Irma, described as one of the most powerful Atlantic storms in a century, is seen costing at least 1.2 billion euros (£1.1 billion) in Saint Martin and Saint Barthelemy, a French public reinsurance body said on Saturday.

Storm Katia rapidly weakens after making landfall near Tecolutla, Mexico

(Reuters) – Storm Katia rapidly weakened on Saturday after it made landfall near the working-class beach resort of Tecolutla in the state of Veracruz on the Mexican Gulf coast, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said.

Cat stuck in letterbox at Singapore apartment rescued

SINGAPORE: A SingPost officer helped to rescue a cat from a locked Housing Board letterbox after a woman was alerted to the trapped animal by the sounds of mewing.

Friday, September 8, 2017

Pope to see a Medellin that has put drug wars in its past

MEDELLIN, Colombia (Reuters) – Pope Francis on Saturday travels to Medellin, once notorious as the stomping grounds of drug lord Pablo Escobar, to find a city transformed since his predecessor Pope John Paul visited in 1986.

French pranksters replace holy water with brandy

BESANON (France): Tourists visiting a church in the picturesque French town of Chateau-Chalon were surprised to discover that local pranksters had replaced the fonts’ holy water with alcohol, the local tourism office said Friday.

Naked motorcyclist’s cross-country joy ride ends in Bangkok

BANGKOK: A motorcyclist, apparently drunk, with no licence plate on his bike – and completely naked – was pulled over and arrested on the Din Daeng-Rama IV elevated expressway on Friday morning.

Officials found list of targets with 5,000 names in east German raid- media

BERLIN (Reuters) – German officials found lists with over 5,000 names of possible targets, including over 100 politicians, during the raids on the homes and workplaces of two terrorism suspects in the east German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern last week, Die Welt newspaper reported on Friday.

Trump speaks with leaders of Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump spoke separately on Friday with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, United Arab Emirates Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the White House said in a statement.

Brazil prosecutor charges members of Temer's party with criminal organization

BRASILIA (Reuters) – Brazil's top prosecutor on Friday charged six lawmakers from President Michel Temer's Brazilian Democracy Movement Party (PMDB) with forming a criminal organization, the latest in a barrage of charges in Brazil's sprawling corruption scandal.

Son of Russian lawmaker pleads guilty in cyber crime cases

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The son of a Russian lawmaker accused of stealing credit card data and other personal information has pleaded guilty in two separate criminal cases stemming from a probe into a $50 million identity theft scheme, the U.S. Justice Department announced on Friday.

U.S.-backed SDF to announce operation in Syria's Deir al-Zor – SDF official

BEIRUT (Reuters) – The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces are set to announce an operation against Islamic State in the north of Deir al-Zor province, a senior SDF official told Reuters on Friday.

U.N. aviation agency to call for global drone registry

MONTREAL (Reuters) – The United Nations' aviation agency is backing the creation of a single global drone registry, as part of broader efforts to come up with common rules for flying and tracking unmanned aircraft.

South Africa's Dlamini-Zuma, ANC leadership contender, to become MP

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – South African veteran politician and anti-apartheid activist Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, a leading contender to take over as head of the ruling ANC in December, will be sworn in as a member of parliament next week, a senior party official said on Friday.

Yes, Cotton Candy Grapes Are Real—Here’s Where to Find Them

But due to a short season, they are incredibly difficult to find.

'Ghost boats' drop Tunisian migrants onto sunny Italian tourist beaches

ROME (Reuters) – The figures jumping from a small boat into the clear shallow waters and running ashore on an Italian beach look like troops practicing a D-Day-style landing, but this is no drill, and these are not soldiers.

King: Malaysians must safeguard unity

KUALA LUMPUR: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V has called on Malaysians to be mindful on the importance of preserving solidarity and unity, as well as to be cautious of elements that could destroy the country.

Syrian government denies U.N. chemical attack report – SANA

BEIRUT (Reuters) – The Syrian government has denied a U.N. report accusing it of dropping sarin on a rebel-held town in Idlib province in April, state news agency SANA said on Friday.

Kenyan opposition chief to focus on corruption in election re-run

NAIROBI (Reuters) – Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga says he will make the mismanagement of last month's annulled presidential vote the focus of his new election campaign, linking it to a series of political scandals.

At least 32 die after massive quake off southern Mexico

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) – At least 32 people were killed after a massive 8.1 magnitude earthquake, one of the biggest recorded in Mexico, struck off the country's southern coast late on Thursday, causing cracks in buildings and triggering a small tsunami, authorities said.

Weeks after row over academic articles, China says imported publications must be legal

BEIJING (Reuters) – Chinese importers of foreign publications must verify the products are legal, China said on Friday, weeks after a British academic publisher which blocked access to hundreds of scholarly articles in the country reposted the material.

Turkish court orders release of pro-Kurdish party's former spokesman – party official

ANKARA (Reuters) – A Turkish court has ordered the release of a parliamentarian who was the former spokesman for Turkey's pro-Kurdish opposition party, a party official said on Friday.

Spectacular Northern Light display illuminates Finnish sky

(Reuters) – Green, purple, pink and yellow lights danced across the sky in striking aurora displays over northern Finland early on Friday.

India bars 'unruly' passengers from flying for three months to over two years

NEW DELHI (Reuters) – India has issued new norms barring unruly passengers from flying for a minimum of three months to more than two years depending on the nature of the misdemeanour, the government said on Friday.

Police on the trail of man who sexually assaulted learning-impaired girl

SIBU: The police are looking for a man who has gone into hiding after sexually assaulting a learning-impaired teenage girl here.

Thursday, September 7, 2017

Driver who hit Paralympians charged in magistrates court

KUALA SELANGOR: The driver involved in the accident that caused multiple injuries to four Paralympian cyclists and their head coach has been charged at the magistrate court here.

Hurricane Katia strengthens en route to eastern Mexico – NHC

(Reuters) – Hurricane Katia has strengthened slightly as it swirls toward eastern Mexico and remains on track to gain major hurricane strength upon landfall, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said on Thursday.

Man jailed 4 weeks for offering bribe to officer who stopped him from urinating in public

SINGAPORE: An Indian national who tried to bribe an auxiliary police officer was sentenced to four weeks' jail on Thursday, the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) said in a statement.

“I’m sorry, I have financial problems,” armed robber apologises to bank teller

BANGKOK: “I’m sorry, I have financial problems," that’s what a lone gunman told a teller of a Thanachart Bank on Rama III Road on Thursday before escaping with Bt270,000 (RM34,254) in cash.

U.S. appeals court rejects Trump's bid to bar most refugees

NEW YORK (Reuters) – A U.S. appeals court on Thursday rejected the Trump administration's effort to temporarily bar most refugees from entering the country, ruling that those who have relationships with a resettlement agency should be exempt from an executive order banning refugees.

What's in your copy of The Star today? (Sept 8)

Check out these print exclusives in your newspaper today.

Egypt blocks Human Rights Watch website amid widespread media blockade

CAIRO (Reuters) – Egypt has blocked the website of Human Rights Watch just one day after the organisation released a report on systematic torture in the country's jails.

Google says it has no evidence of Russian ads about U.S. election

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – Search engine Google said on Thursday it had seen no evidence on its advertising platforms of the kind of suspected Russian propaganda campaign that Facebook Inc says appeared on its network before and after last year's U.S. presidential election.

Trump's son says met Russian lawyer for damaging information on Clinton

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump's eldest son told Senate investigators on Thursday that he had set up a June 2016 meeting with a Russian lawyer because she might have had damaging information about Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

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U.S requiring enhanced screening of cargo coming from Turkey

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Transportation Security Administration said on Thursday it is issuing a new security directive requiring enhanced screening of cargo coming from Turkey.

South Sudan judges end strike to return to huge legal backlog

JUBA (Reuters) – South Sudanese judges ended a five-month strike without a pay deal on Thursday, saying they had to clear a massive backlog of cases.

France paying close attention to U.N. report on chemical attacks in Syria

PARIS (Reuters) – France said on Thursday it was paying close attention to evidence from a U.N. investigation that shows Syrian forces used chemical weapons in different attacks in 2017 and before.

UK's post-Brexit plan for Irish border 'will not happen' – EU's Barnier

BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The European Union's chief Brexit negotiator said on Thursday that Britain's plans for a special border arrangement with Ireland after it leaves the EU were unacceptable.

German, Chinese leaders agree on need to tighten North Korea sanctions

BERLIN (Reuters) – German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed in a telephone call on Thursday about the need to tighten sanctions against North Korea in light of Pyongyang's latest nuclear weapons test, a spokesman for Merkel said.

Merkel call to stop Turkey's EU bid draws mixed response

TALLINN/PARIS (Reuters) – German Chancellor Angela Merkel's call to stop Turkey's European Union accession talks drew a mixed response from the bloc's foreign ministers on Thursday, while French President Emmanuel Macron said Ankara remained a vital partner of the EU.

China tightens control of chat groups ahead of party congress

BEIJING (Reuters) – China issued new rules on instant messaging chat groups on Thursday, tightening control over online discussions ahead of a sensitive leadership reshuffle next month.

China tightens regulation of religion to 'block extremism'

BEIJING (Reuters) – China's cabinet on Thursday passed new rules to regulate religion to bolster national security, fight extremism and restrict faith practised outside organisations approved by the state.

Teenager pleads guilty to throwing firecrackers following Malaysia-Thailand match

SHAH ALAM: A 16-year-old boy pleaded guilty to setting off and throwing firecrackers after the SEA Games football final match between Malaysia and Thailand last Tuesday.

Father sentenced to 10 years jail for breaking son's left hip during beating

KUALA LUMPUR: A 27-year-old father was sentenced to 10 years in prison for breaking his five-year-old son's left hip when beating him.

Viral message about child abduction debunked by police

SANDAKAN: A widely-circulated viral message about a child being abducted by two men at a village has turned out to be a misunderstanding among families.

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

AirAsia bags Asean Business Award 2017

KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia Bhd has bagged this year's Asean Business Award (ABA) for Priority Integration Sector – Tourism, for its outstanding performance in the region's priority integration sector of tourism.

Man in Taiwan gets engaged to pregnant girlfriend at her funeral

TAIPEI: A 30-year-old Taiwanese man got engaged to his girlfriend at her funeral on Wednesday, touching the hearts of those who attended the ceremony.

U.S. warns of sanctions on any country trading with North Korea

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said on Wednesday that if the United Nations does not put additional sanctions on North Korea over nuclear tests, he has an executive order ready for President Donald Trump to sign that would impose sanctions on any country that trades with Pyongyang.

Irma wreaks 'absolute devastation' on Caribbean isle of Barbuda

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) – Hurricane Irma left a trail of "absolute devastation" as it tore across the tiny Caribbean island of Barbuda on Wednesday with 185-mile-per-hour (295-kph) winds, destroying houses, snapping trees and killing at least one person

Ex-minister accuses former Brazil president Lula of accepting bribes

BRASILIA (Reuters) – The former finance minister under Brazil's Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Wednesday accused the ex-president of receiving bribes from contractor Odebrecht [ODBES.UL], adding to a list of corruption accusations that threaten Lula's ability to run in 2018.

In Harvey's aftermath, a flood of emotions as rebuilding begins

HOUSTON (Reuters) – For Texas residents affected by Hurricane Harvey, life in the storm's aftermath involves juggling insurance claims, home repairs and work. But coping with loss is stirring very different feelings.

Pope arrives in Colombia on mission to promote peace

BOGOTA (Reuters) – Pope Francis arrived on a five-day trip to Colombia on Wednesday with the hope his presence will unite a nation deeply divided by a peace deal that ended a five-decade war with Marxist FARC rebels.

France's foreign minister sees 'positive' signs after Libya peace talks

PARIS (Reuters) – France's foreign minister said on Wednesday he had seen "positive elements" that may help end the Libyan crisis, after meeting warring parties in the country earlier this week.

Iraqi military student pilot dies in F-16 crash in Arizona

PHOENIX (Reuters) – An Iraqi military student pilot died when his F-16 fighter jet crashed in a desert area in southeastern Arizona, officials said on Wednesday, in the second fatal crash involving an Iraqi pilot training in the state.

Exclusive – U.N. expects up to 300,000 Rohingya could flee Myanmar violence to Bangladesh

COX'S BAZAR, Bangladesh (Reuters) – Up to 300,000 Rohingya Muslims could flee violence in northwestern Myanmar to neighbouring Bangladesh, a U.N. agency official said on Wednesday, warning of a funding shortfall for emergency food supplies for the refugees.

Casualties in explosion at airfield near Kabul – U.S. military

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – An explosion at an entry control point at Bagram airfield near the Afghan capital Kabul caused a small number of casualties, the U.S. military said on Wednesday.

Pope heads to Colombia to help heal wounds of 50-year war

BOGOTA (Reuters) – Pope Francis arrives in Colombia on Wednesday with a message of unity for a nation deeply divided by a peace deal that ended a five-decade war with Marxist FARC rebels but left many victims of the bloodshed wary of the national healing process.

Young generation revulsed by Breivik may sway Norway's election

HAMAR, Norway (Reuters) – Young Norwegians, politicised by the massacre of 77 people by far-right militant Anders Behring Breivik, will play a key role in an election next week that could hinge on issues close to their hearts such as climate change.

Labourer arrested for allegedly raping teen daughter

SARIKEI: A 38-year old labourer has been arrested for allegedly raping his 15-year-old daughter.

Erdogan says Turkey will send 10,000 tonnes aid to Myanmar's Rohingya

ANKARA (Reuters) – Turkey will provide 10,000 tonnes of aid to help Rohingya Muslims who have fled violence in Myanmar, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday.

Top EU court rules eastern states must take refugees

LUXEMBOURG (Reuters) – The European Union's highest court ruled on Wednesday that EU states must take in a share of refugees who reach Europe, dismissing complaints by Slovakia and Hungary and reigniting an angry row between east and west.

Germany climbs in development ranking by taking in refugees

COPENHAGEN (Reuters) – Germany has jumped 10 slots from last year to fifth place on a list ranking how well rich countries' policies help improve lives in the developing world, mainly thanks to its willingness to take in refugees – a hot topic in its Sept. 24 election.

South Korea's Moon seeks Russia's cooperation over cut in North Korea oil supplies – Yonhap

SEOUL (Reuters) – South Korea's President Moon Jae-in on Wednesday said a cut in oil supplies to North Korea was inevitable, and he had asked Russia to cooperate, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported from Vladivostok.

Hong Kong's vanishing archives and the battle to preserve history

HONG KONG (Reuters) – For anyone digging into Hong Kong's history, the official archives might not be the place to look.

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Myanmar's Suu Kyi denounces terrorists, silent on Rohingya exodus

DHAKA/SHAMLAPUR, Bangladesh (Reuters) – Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday blamed "terrorists" for "a huge iceberg of misinformation" on the violence in Rakhine state but made no mention of the nearly 125,000 Rohingya Muslims who have fled over the border to Bangladesh since Aug. 25.

Japan PM says North Korea has 'no bright future' if it continues current path

TOKYO (Reuters) – Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Wednesday that he wants North Korea to understand it has "no bright future" if it continues on its current path and that the reclusive country needs to change its policies.

Three nabbed after Kuching robbery spree

KUCHING: Swift action by the police put the brakes on a convenience store robbery gang believed to have committed four robberies within two days.

U.S. House panel issues subpoenas to Justice Dept. over Trump dossier – Democrat

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. House Intelligence Committee has issued subpoenas to the Justice Department and FBI for documents related to a dossier that alleged Russia collected compromising material on Donald Trump, the panel's top Democrat said on Tuesday.

Key U.S. senator says time not right for new North Korea legislation

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Any U.S. response to North Korea's latest nuclear weapons test is unlikely to include new sanctions legislation from the U.S. Congress, at least in the short term, an influential lawmaker said on Tuesday.

U.S. states, immigrant groups to fight Trump's Dreamer decision

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Several U.S. states and immigrant advocacy groups vowed on Tuesday to fight President Donald Trump's decision to end a programme that protects people brought illegally to the United States as children from deportation. But legal experts said the challenges will face an uphill battle.

Bodies of 16 migrants found in Libya's eastern desert – official

BENGHAZI, Libya (Reuters) – Libyan security forces said on Tuesday that the bodies of 16 migrants had been found in the desert near the country's border with Egypt.

U.N. enacts sanctions against anyone hindering Mali peace

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – The United Nations Security Council established a Mali sanctions regime on Tuesday that allows the body to blacklist anyone who violates or obstructs a 2015 peace deal, hinders the delivery of aid, commits human rights abuses or recruits child soldiers.

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French see far-left's Melenchon as Macron's strongest opponent – poll

PARIS (Reuters) – French voters view far leftist Jean-Luc Melenchon as the strongest opponent of President Emmanuel Macron, according to a new poll on Tuesday that highlights the weakness of mainstream opposition.

U.N. chief warns Myanmar violence could destabilise region

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed to Myanmar authorities on Tuesday to end violence in the country's Rakhine state, which he warned was "creating a situation that can destabilise the region."

Trump orders end to 'Dreamer' immigration programme

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Donald Trump on Tuesday scrapped a programme that protects from deportation almost 800,000 young men and women who were brought into the United States illegally as children, ordering a phased-out dismantling that gives a gridlocked Congress six months to decide the immigrants' fate.

North Korea warns of 'more gift packages' for United States

GENEVA (Reuters) – North Korea is ready to send "more gift packages" to the United States, one of its top diplomats said on Tuesday, dismissing the international uproar over his country's latest and biggest nuclear weapons test.

Vietnam protests over Chinese live-fire drills in South China Sea

HANOI (Reuters) – Vietnam on Tuesday issued a strong condemnation of Chinese military live-fire exercises in the disputed South China Sea, amid rising tension between the two countries.

Italy investigates malaria death of child who had not been abroad

ROME (Reuters) – A four-year old girl has died of a severe form of malaria contracted in Italy, where the disease is supposed to have been eradicated years ago nearly half a century ago.

Kidnapped Red Cross staff released in Afghanistan after seven months

KABUL (Reuters) – Two Red Cross staff members kidnapped early this year in Afghanistan have been released, the International Committee of the Red Cross said on Tuesday.

Syrian army breaks Islamic State siege in eastern city – state media

BEIRUT (Reuters) – Syrian government forces advanced against Islamic State on Tuesday to reach troops surrounded for years by the jihadists in a government-held enclave in the eastern city of Deir al-Zor, pro-Damascus media outlets and a monitoring group reported.

Putin warns U.S. not to supply Ukraine with defensive weapons

XIAMEN, China (Reuters) – Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that any decision by the United States to supply defensive weapons to Ukraine would fuel the conflict in eastern Ukraine and possibly prompt pro-Russian separatists to expand their campaign there.

Chinese woman charged over fatal Australia breast implant surgery

SYDNEY: A Chinese national was charged with manslaughter Tuesday over an alleged botched attempt at breast augmentation surgery at a Sydney beauty clinic that led to the death of the salon's manager.

Kenya's Odinga rejects election re-run date without 'guarantees'

NAIROBI (Reuters) – Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga said on Tuesday his coalition would not participate in a re-run of a presidential election proposed for Oct. 17 unless they are given "legal and constitutional" guarantees.

Putin – Russia may order U.S. to cut further its diplomatic staff in Moscow

XIAMEN, China (Reuters) – Russia reserves the right to further reduce the number of U.S. diplomatic staff in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday, adding that Moscow would not do that for now.

Monday, September 4, 2017

India's Modi heads to Myanmar as Rohingya refugee crisis worsens

NEW DELHI (Reuters) – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will discuss rising violence in Myanmar's western Rakhine state during a visit that begins on Tuesday, and push for greater progress on long-running Indian infrastructure projects, officials said.

Trump poised to rescind Dreamer programme, pressure Congress to fix

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Donald Trump on Tuesday is expected to rescind a programme shielding from deportation some immigrants who came to the United States illegally as children, throwing their fate to Congress, which would have six months to find a fix.

Report on Mexican attorney general's Ferrari drives corruption debate

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) – A report that Mexico's attorney general owns a Ferrari registered at an unoccupied house has added a twist to a growing political battle over who will lead a new institution designed to battle corruption.

China's Xi says nations need to oppose protectionism

XIAMEN, China (Reuters) – Countries need to work closely to build an open world economy and not to lose sight of growing risks and downward pressure on the economy, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday.