ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS

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December 13, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) - East County Magazine's World Watch helps you be an informed citizen on important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views.  Top world and U.S. headlines include:

U.S.

WORLD

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.

U.S.

Democrats pull off an upset in Alabama: Doug Jones defeats Roy Moore to trim G.O.P. majority (NY Times)

Mr. Jones and the Democrats were able to capitalize on sexual misconduct accusations against Mr. Moore to pull out a rare victory in a staunchly Republican state. The race captivated the nation, not only for its debates over party loyalty and morality, but also for its also immense implications for both parties and the Trump presidency.

Macron to award U.S. climate scientists “make our planet great again” grants (The Hill)

French President Emmanuel Macron will award U.S. climate scientists with grants to conduct research in France for the remainder of President Trump’s current presidential term.

President falsely claims that he doesn’t know his accusers (CNN)

…At least 15 women have come forward with a wide range of accusations against Trump, spanning from sexual harassment and sexual assault to lewd behavior around women... Trump has denied all the allegations…..Video and photographs from the time prove Trump has met and interacted with multiple women who have accused him of sexual assault or harassment. At least six of his accusers have offered proof that the businessman-turned-president spent some time with them, despite Trump saying he either didn't know or has never met them.

NYC terror attack suspect claims he did it for ISIS (CBS)

A man detonated an improvised explosive device in an underground passageway at a major commuter hub in New York City Monday morning, officials said. New York Police Commissioner James O'Neill identified the suspect as Akayed Ullah, 27, who sustained injuries from the blast and was in police custody. Several people near the blast suffered minor injuries. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said the incident was an attempted terror attack. "Thank God the perpetrator did not achieve his ultimate goals," de Blasio said.

Why are America’s farmers killing themselves in record numbers? (Guardian)

The suicide rate for farmers is more than double that of veterans. Former farmer Debbie Weingarten gives an insider’s perspective on farm life – and how to help

Special Report: Unfettered construction raises U.S. hurricane costs (Reuters)

Across the country, newer construction in flood-prone areas generated more than $9 billion in claims for structural damage on the cash-strapped flood insurance program between 2000 and 2015. 

Houston man arrested for trying to aid Islamic State: U.S. government (Reuters)

 An 18-year-old Houston man was charged on Monday with trying to support the radical group Islamic State and distributing information about how to make bombs, the U.S. Justice Department said.

Minnesota Lt. Governor to replace Franken, run for seat in 2018 (The Hill)

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton (D) on Wednesday named Lt. Gov. Tina Smith (D) to fill Sen. Al Franken’s (D) soon-to-be vacated Senate seat….Franken announced his resignation last week in the wake of accusations that he groped and kissed women without their consent.

Justice Dept. Opposes Mandatory Union Dues for Public Employees, Reversing an Old Position (Reason)

The Department of Justice is recommending that the Supreme Court rule that public sector employees cannot be forced to contribute dues to unions, even when they're not members.

WORLD

Protests in Lebanon Near U.S. Embassy After Trump’s Jerusalem Decision  (New York Times)

Lebanese security forces fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse thousands of protesters outside the embassy near Beirut.

Tense scene in West Bank after Trump decision (CNN)

CNN's Ian Lee reports live from the West Bank where Palestinians have clashed with the Israeli army.

Saudi Arabia Announces Opening of Cinemas for First Time In 35 Years (NPR)

The announcement is part of social and economic reforms undertaken by the kingdom's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Deadly Blast at an Austrian Gas Hub Prompts a State of Emergency in Italy (NPR)

The shock waves of the blast have already been felt far beyond the boundaries of the station, which serves as a crucial hinge point between gas suppliers in Russia and Norway and pipelines sending that gas on to Italy, the U.K. and other European countries.

Names Written in Blood and Rust: Documenting Syria's Disappeared (NPR)

Political prisoner Mansour Omari hid the names of fellow inmates, penned in makeshift ink, in the lining of his shirt. Now free, he tries to keep a promise to ensure the world does not forget them. 

 German City Bans Refugees from Settling There, Other Cities May Follow (NPR)

Refugees are no longer allowed to settle in one western German city. Such bans are expected to be introduced in other cities as more Germans complain that there are too many refugees. 

Firebombs hurled at Swedish synagogue after Jerusalem protest march (Jerusalem Post)

More than a dozen men hurled firebombs at a synagogue in Gothenburg in southern Sweden hours after locals marched in the city against the United States’ recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.  ...the attack happened a little after 10 p.m. while youths from the local Jewish community were attending a party inside the synagogue complex.


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