(2020-01-01). Numerous cars TORCHED during New Year's Eve mayhem in Strasbourg, France (VIDEOS). rt.com 
Vandals in Strasbourg, France, marked the start of 2020 by setting countless vehicles on fire. Videos on social media purportedly show shocking acts of arson that took place across the city. | Police have not disclosed how many cars were torched, but a source told AFP that the figure was larger than the previous year. A number of arrests and some minor injuries have also been reported. | Pendant que les Franàßais fêtaient tranquillement la nouvelle année, la racaille n'a pas pu s'empêcher de déroger à ´ ses ª traditions. | Voitures brûlées, jets de projectiles sur pompiers et policiers : des s…
(2020-01-01). Pope Francis repeatedly SLAPS woman's hand after she YANKS him toward her (VIDEO). rt.com 
The world saw a different side of Pope Francis on New Year's Eve after the pontiff tore himself free from a woman who had grabbed his hand and pulled him toward her. | A woman seeking the Pope's blessing on New Year's Eve instead ended up enraging the pontiff after grabbing his arm to get his attention. A video of the altercation shows Francis walking through Vatican City as he greeted pilgrims. After reaching out to touch a child, a nearby woman seized his hand, jerking the religious leader around — a yank that appeared to cause him pain. | This evening after visiting the Nativity scene in St. Peter's Sq…
(2020-01-01). From dream to reality: Russia's 'Silicon Valley' to mark 10-year anniversary with new projects. rt.com 
Russia's Skolkovo innovation center, which is marking 10 years since its founding, has ambitious plans for 2020 and beyond to continue promoting technology and helping small innovative startups grow into profitable companies. | Skolkovo Technopark was built from scratch almost a decade ago to create a platform for research and innovation in key spheres such as energy, IT, space, biomedicine, and nuclear technology. Now the complex has facilities spread around 800,000 square meters and hosts around 500 startups, while there are an additional 1,500 enterprises beyond its campus. Skolkovo hosts around 50 research…
(2020-01-01). OMG! Mini Cooper catches fire & drives ON ITS OWN in stunning VIDEO. rt.com 
Onlookers in Slovenia's capital, Ljubljana, captured the gut-wrenching moment a car was engulfed by flames and started moving with no driver inside, ploughing into vehicles parked nearby. | The video shows a crimson Mini Cooper — with flames coming out of the hood — start its engine and begin driving. The burning vehicle then rams into another car blocking its way, trying to push it aside. In a matter of minutes, a police patrol arrives to try and put out the fire. | A while later, something explodes inside the engine, hopefully without affecting the first responders. The incident was filmed in Ljubl…
(2020-01-01). Keep Ron going! Juventus considering new deal to keep Cristiano Ronaldo at club until age of 38 — reports. rt.com 
Juventus are considering offering Cristiano Ronaldo a contract extension which could keep the Portuguese ace at the club until the age of 38, according to reports in Italy. | Ronaldo, 34, penned a four-year deal with the Turin giants when he joined for a fee of €100 million (US$112 million) from Real Madrid in the summer of 2018. | But according to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, Ronaldo and Juventus have both shown intere…
(2020-01-01). Terrorist YPG/PKK kills 2 civilians in northern Syria. yenisafak.com The YPG/PKK terror group killed at least two civilians and wounded four in a car bomb attack in northern Syria, Turkey's National Defense Ministry said on Monday.The ministry said on Twitter that YPG/PKK terrorists had targeted the town of Tal Abyad but a Turkish military checkpoint blocked them from entering the town, and it exploded on the outskirts.The terrorist suspected of being responsible for the attack was arrested.The YPG/PKK terror group is targeting settlement areas under control of the Syrian National Army (SNA), which fought alongside the Turkish forces in Turkish-led anti-terror operations in northe…
(2020-01-01). 'Plans excluding Turkey in the region are doomed to fail'. yenisafak.com No plan in the region which excludes Turkey has any chance of success, said Turkey's vice president on Wednesday."Turkey's economy was balanced and disciplined in 2019, and now 2020 will see the start of new revival," Fuat Oktay told Anadolu Agency's Editors' Desk.On Turkey's pact with Libya last November demarcating maritime boundaries, he said it had foiled a plot to confine Turkey to land."No matter who is involved, no plan in the region which excludes Turkey has any chance of success," he stressed.Saying that Turkey is very active in the area designated in the deal with Libya, he said the deal is also benefic…
(2020-01-01). New Year's fire at German zoo kills ALL animals inside monkey sanctuary (VIDEO). rt.com 
A fire reportedly caused by New Year's Eve fireworks burnt down the monkey house at a zoo in Germany, killing all of the chimpanzees, orangutans and gorillas inside. More than 30 animals died in the horrific blaze. | Krefeld Zoo announced that it had suffered an "unfathomable tragedy" on New Year's Eve, after its monkey sanctuary "burned down to the foundation." Fruit bats and birds were also killed in the accident, according to media reports. | The zoo confirmed that there were no survivors in the ape house, but said the nearby exhibit — which houses a gorilla and his family — escaped unscathed.
(2019-12-31). 'Art against austerity': Paris Opera gives free street performance amid strikes over pension reform. rt.com 
Paris Opera musicians on strike over unpopular pension reform plans proposed by the French government delighted passers-by with a free New Year's Eve concert on the steps outside the Bastille opera house. | In the Tuesday evening show, the musicians performed classics like the Dance of the Night from Sergei Prokofiev's 'Romeo and Juliet' and Damnation of Faust by Hector Berlioz, as well as offering a rousing rendition of La Marseillaise, France's national anthem. | #Paris Opera gives street performance amid strikes over pension refor…
(2019-12-31). France's Undocumented Migrants Are Fighting for Their Rights. thenation.com France's Undocumented Migrants Are Fighting for Their Rights…
(2019-12-31). Smoke and Tears: A Decade of War in Middle East, North Africa. telesurenglish.net The 2010s can be described as a decade that began with hope with popular uprisings across the Middle East and North Africa, but that quickly turned to despair as political turmoil, foreign interventions, and war pushed the region into crisis. | RELATED: | 10 Trends and Events that Marked the Decade in Europe | As the decade ends, teleSUR looks back to the ten most important events that have shaped the lives of millions across the region: | 1. The Arab Spring: Tunisia and Egypt: | The 2010s began with what became known as the Arab Spring when a wave of protests rocked several Arab countries. In Decem…
(2019-12-31). Portway handling workers in Portugal set to continue strike. peoplesdispatch.org Portway handling workers in various Portuguese airports have decided to continue their protest demanding that the Vinci Group — owner of the Portway Handling de Portugal, SA — comply with the agreement signed in 2016 to 'unfreeze' careers from last November. Workers of the Lisbon, Porto, Faro and Funchal airports, under the leadership of the National Union of Civil Aviation Workers (SINTAC), embarked on a three-day strike from December 27. Overtime and weekend workers will go on strike from January 1 to the end of March 2020. | SINTAC has alleged that Portway Handling de Portugal "has begun to cut socia…
(2019-12-31). Headlines for December 31, 2019. democracynow.org Protests Rage Outside U.S. Embassy in Iraq After U.S. Airstrikes Kill 24, Hate Crime Charges Filed Against Suspect in Hanukkah Stabbing in NY, Texas Church Shooter Had Long Criminal History, NYT: Top Officials Failed to Convince Trump to Release Withheld Ukraine Aid, Death Toll from Crackdown on Protests in India Rises to 27, Five Kashmiri Political Leaders Released from Detention, Sudanese Court Sentences 29 to Death for Killing Teacher in Anti-Protest Crackdown, Thousands Flee to the Ocean to Escape Australia Wildfires, Former Nissan Head Flees Japan to Lebanon to Escape Trial on Financial Crimes, New York Sett…
(2019-12-31). How Nationalism is Transforming the Politics of the British Isles. counterpunch.org National identities and the relationship between England, Scotland and Ireland are changing more radically than at any time over the last century. It is worth looking at the British archipelago as a whole on this issue because of the closely-meshed political relationship of its constituent nations. More
(2019-12-31). 10 Trends and Events that Marked the Decade in Europe. telesurenglish.net As the decade ends, teleSUR looks back to the ten most important events that have shaped the lives of millions across the region. | 1. The Rise of Far-Right: | One of the most concerning trends that have hit not only the United States and many other South American countries, the last decade has seen numerous parties from the ultra-right gaining momentum and in some cases, winning elections, like Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Hungary, Poland's ruling nationalist Law and Justice (PiS), or Italy's former Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, whose League party became the driving eurosceptic force until the rece…
(2019-12-31). Evo Morales Condemns Expulsion of Diplomats from Bolivia. telesurenglish.net The expulsion of diplomats from Mexico and Spain by the de facto Bolivian regime is an act of contempt for international law, the democratically elected President Evo Morales said on Tuesday. Morales condemned the move by "the coup plotters," highlighting the fact that they have been hurting the Andean nation's diplomatic ties. | RELATED: | Spain Expels 3 Bolivian Diplomats in Tit-For-Tat Move | "The coup plotters seek legitimacy, but only exert violence against sister countries," Mora…
(2019-12-31). 20 Years of Vladimir Putin: His Top Domestic and Foreign Policy Successes. globalresearch.ca Vladimir Putin assumed office as Russia's Acting President 20 years ago on 31 December, 1999, after which he speedily proceeded to transform both his country and the rest of the world in the two decades since. | President Putin became his …
(2019-12-31). 'China's GDP to Reach $14.37 Trillion in 2019', President Xi. telesurenglish.net During the New Year speech delivered on Tuesday, China's President Xi Jinping reviewed the economic, social, political, and scientific achievements of his country and announced that over 10 million people were lifted out of poverty in 2019. | RELATED: | China, Russia, Iran Hold Drills at The 'Maritime Safety Belt' | "Thanks to our steady pursuit of high-qualit…
(2019-12-31). Russia: Iran Deal on Brink of Collapse Because of Washington. telesurenglish.net The international nuclear deal signed with Iran in 2015 is on the brink of collapse because of Washington's decision to withdraw, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday following a meeting with his Iranian counterpart, Mohammad Javad Zarif. | RELATED: | Trump Warns Syria, Russia, Iran Over Idlib Campaign | "This extremely important international diplomatic achievement, the Joint Plan of Action (JCPOA) for the Iranian nuclear program, is about to collapse," Lavrov told the pr…
(2019-12-31). The impeachment crisis and US war plans against Russia. wsws.org The ferocity with which the entire US national security apparatus responded to a temporary delay in sending anti-tank missiles and radar to Ukraine raises the question: Is there a timetable for using these weapons in combat against Russia?
(2019-12-31). Fires create hellish conditions across Australia. wsws.org An unprecedented mass evacuation order for an area half the size of Belgium gave tens of thousands of residents and holidaymakers just hours to pack up and leave.
(2019-12-31). In 2020, Ukrainians Gain Whistleblower Rights Trump Has Forsaken Here. commondreams.org Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch is surrounded by lawyers, aides, and journalists as she arrives at the U.S. Capitol October 11, 2019 in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/yovanovitch.jpg …
(2019-12-31). France's Macron: I Want Solid Ties With Post-Brexit Britain. telesurenglish.net French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday that he wanted a strong relationship with post-Brexit Britain. | RELATED: | France Transport Strikes Among Longest In Country's History | During his traditional end-of-year televised address to the nation, Macron said: "The UK's exit from the European Union is a test for our country. I will strive to maintain…
(2019-12-30). French unions want retirement 'reform' scrapped. workers.org 
It was a tough holiday for transportation strikers in France. Their pay packet for December was basically empty. A dancing picket line, Paris, Dec. 24 The struggle on the national railroad (SNCF) at 23 days is longer than a similar struggle over the SNCF retirement plan in 1995 and shows . . . | Continue reading French unions want retirement 'reform' scrapped at Workers.org
(2019-12-30). Trump tied with Obama for 'most admired man' of the year. rt.com 
Despite years of 'Russiagate' accusations and an ongoing impeachment drive against him, President Donald Trump has tied with former President Barack Obama as America's most admired man of 2019, according to a new poll. | In the survey, published by Gallup on Monday, 18 percent of respondents named the current occupant of the White House as their most admired man, while another 18 percent named his predecessor. No other man – in a top ten that included entrepreneur Elon Musk, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, and the Dalai Lama – scored higher than two percent. | 2019 marks Obama's 12th year in the top spot, but…
(2019-12-30). Cracks in the neoliberal wall. peoplesdispatch.org The last year saw major protests erupt across the world against neoliberal, anti-people regimes, such as in Chile, Lebanon, Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Haiti and France. We review some of the largest struggles, the reasons people are fighting, and what they are fighting for.
(2019-12-30). Headlines for December 30, 2019. democracynow.org Man Stabs 5 Jewish Worshipers Celebrating Hanukkah at Rabbi's Home in New York, Gunman Shoots and Kills 2 Worshipers During Church Service in Texas, U.S. Launches Airstrikes in Iraq & Syria After U.S. Contractor Killed in Iraq, 250,000 People Flee Syrian Government Offensive in Idlib, Bombing Kills 79 in Mogadishu, Somalia, Taliban Agrees to Temporary Ceasefire in Afghanistan, 10 Killed in Strike on Military Parade in Southern Yemen, Politico: Democratic Party Insiders Now Think Sanders Could Win Nomination, WaPo: Giuliani Held Back-Channel Call with Maduro, France: Strikes Against Pension Overhaul Enter 25th Day…
(2019-12-30). Iran, Russia and China hold joint naval drills in Indian Ocean amid US war threats. wsws.org The exercises are a signal that a US-led war targeting Iran could rapidly escalate into a global conflict involving the major nuclear powers.
(2019-12-27). Romania: 30 years removed from socialism. liberationnews.org 
Capitalism's restoration in Romania and the former Socialist Bloc has brought with it all its inherent contradictions.
(2019-12-27). Accelerating towards a fairer future. news.un.org Cutting child mortality by a third in Brazil, reaching carbon neutrality in Finland and redirecting trillions of dollars of investment to funds that promote sustainability: these are some examples of initiatives from governments, civil society and the private sector, designed to speed up the UN's goal of achieving a fairer society for all.
(2019-12-26). After Democrats Push Bill to Send Fracked Gas to EU, Trump Includes in Budget. therealnews.com 
The European Energy Security and Diversification Act, legislation offering $1B to promote sending U.S. fracked gas to EU countries, was inserted into the federal budget bill signed into law by President Donald Trump. Democrats invoked "Russiagate" in their PR push for the bill.
(2019-12-26). UN refugee agency welcomes move to register all births in Kazakhstan. news.un.org The decision to ensure that all babies born in Kazakhstan are registered at birth and issued birth certificates has been welcomed by the UN refugee agency, UNHCR.
(2019-12-24). In the UK Do Subjects Deserve their Rulers? dissidentvoice.org I constantly receive such letters; letters which repeat, again and again, year after year, basically the same thing: "If only we would have an opportunity to vote out our damn system!" Such letters, emails and messages keep coming to me from the United States, but also from the United Kingdom. Particularly, after certain events, like …
(2019-12-24). Commentary: 'Ukrainegate' and impeachment. fightbacknews.org Milwaukee, WI – Near the end of August, a whistleblower released a document uncovering a private conversation between U.S. president Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The fact that the two of them were talking is not newsworthy; what was revealed and is of some import, however, was the specific content of their exchange. | The whistleblower's report lays out how Trump attempted to strongarm Zelensky and the Ukrainian government into reopening an investigation into Hunter Biden, the son of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden. The younger Biden was involved in a number of questionable…
(2019-12-23). A revelatory performance of Erich Korngold's opera 'Der Ring des Polykrates'. peoplesworld.org 
LOS ANGELES—The recently formed Numi Opera's second production in its inaugural season was the rarely performed Der Ring des Polykrates (The Ring of Polycrates) by composer Erich Korngold (born in Brno, Austria-Hungary, 1897, died in Los Angeles, 1957). The 1914 one-act opera, composed when the precocious Korngold was but 17 years old, is in a …
(2019-12-23). Headlines for December 23, 2019. democracynow.org White House Halted Ukraine Aid 91 Minutes After Trump & Zelensky Phone Call, U.S. Considering Plan to Deport Mexican Asylum Seekers to Guatemala, WaPo: White House Pushes to Use Migrant Children to Ensnare Parents, Saudi Arabia Sentences 5 People to Death for Khashoggi's Murder, ICC Takes Step to Investigating Israel for War Crimes, India: Protests Continue as Modi Defends "Anti-Muslim" Citizenship Law, Iraq: Thousands Demand Appointment of Independent Prime Minister, Reuters: Up to 1,500 Dead in Iran's Bloody Crackdown Against Nov. Protests, Pentagon: U.S. Soldier Killed in Afghanistan, French Unions Continue St…
(2019-12-22). Seemingly Coordinated ISIS/al-Qaeda Attacks On Syrian Oil/Gas Fields & US' Russia/Libya Hypocrisy. thelastamericanvagabond.com Welcome to The Daily Wrap Up, a concise show dedicated to bringing you the most relevant independent news, as we see it, from the last 24 hours (12/21/19). As always, take the information discussed in the video below and research it for yourself, and come to your own conclusions. Anyone telling you what the truth …
(2019-12-20). Democrats Invoke Russiagate to Advance Bill Lobbied for by Big Oil. therealnews.com 
Two bills that would allow the United States to expand its fossil fuel infrastructure in the European Union and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries have advanced to the the Senate—and Democrats backing them have invoked "Russiagate" to push them through.
(2019-12-19). Queen's Speech takes 'wrecking ball' to Scotland's foundations, SNP claims. thecanary.co The SNP has accused Boris Johnson and the UK Government of "taking a wrecking ball" to Scotland with its plans in the Queen's Speech. | SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford spoke out after a speech that did not mention Scotland by name — although the queen said the "integrity and prosperity" of the United Kingdom was of "the utmost importance" to the UK Government. | Blackford argued the Withdrawal Agreement Bill that ministers will bring forward will hurt Scotland's economy and cost thousands of jobs north of the border. | He was also critical of plans on immigration and said the UK Government was failing…
(2019-12-18). A Secret CBP Team is Targeting and Detaining Innocent Travelers. We're Suing. aclu.org U.S. Customs and Border Protection is deploying secret teams that target, detain, and interrogate innocent travelers. We're suing to expose their activities. | In November 2018, three CBP officers detained Andreas | Gal, a former chief | technology officer at Mozilla Corporation and current Apple employee, at San | Francisco International Airport after he landed from a business trip to Sweden. | Andr…
(2019-12-16). IG report exposes FBI, Congressional, and media deceit in Russia probe. thegrayzone.com A new report from DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz confirms that the FBI relied on the Steele dossier — a…
(2019-12-13). Someone Interfered in the UK Election, and It Wasn't Russia. theantimedia.com Hardly anyone will care because this election interference has been happening right out in the open, and was perfectly legal.
(2019-12-13). UN Counters US Claims Of "Proof" Iran Attacked Saudi Arabia, Netanyahu Impunity & Turkey Sanctions. thelastamericanvagabond.com Welcome to The Daily Wrap Up, a concise show dedicated to bringing you the most relevant independent news, as we see it, from the last 24 hours (12/12/19). As always, take the information discussed in the video below and research it for yourself, and come to your own conclusions. Anyone telling you what the truth …
(2019-12-10). US Army Prepares Biggest Deployment to Europe in 25 Years. theantimedia.com In 2020, the US Army will be carrying out its biggest deployment in 25 years into Europe.
(2019-12-09). Finland's Economy Really Is Highly Socialized. peoplespolicyproject.org Over the weekend, Anu Partanen and Trevor Corson published a piece in the New York Times that argues Finland is actually a capitalist paradise. The article is a very familiar one to those who keep track of this debate. It notes that Finland has high taxes and a generous welfare state, but then says that it is otherwise quite capitalist and perhaps even more capitalist than America. | Unlike most people who write this sort of piece, the authors here are not being m…
(2019-12-04). Red Cross Chief: Venezuela Aid Being Politicized to 'Destabilize the Country'. venezuelanalysis.com Francesco Rocca slammed the underfunding of aid programs as a problem of "political will."
(2019-12-02). Can the Italian 'sardines' movement put an end to right-wing hegemony? greenleft.org.au 
ant-racism Daniele FulviIssue 1248 Italy rise of the far rightDecember 2, 2019About 15,000 people gathered in Piazza Maggiore, Bologna, on November 14, for a flash mob to countermobilise against right-wing politician Matteo Salvini's assembly nearby. | The mobilisation was…
(2019-10-23). US Renews Chevron License as European Refiner Cuts Venezuela Ties over Sanctions. venezuelanalysis.com Finnish-Venezuelan refiner Nynas is one of PDVSA's few remaining cash buyers.
