Boris Johnson's landslide victory in Britain
Prime Minister Boris Johnson won in a landslide in Britain's general election on Thursday, Dec. 12. The polls earlier had given Johnson's Conservative Party an advantage but it wasn't even close and now Brexit appears likely to move forward. And, the US-China trade war might be closer to ending. Officials in Washington and Beijing have confirmed they've reached a preliminary agreement on a trade deal. And, a historic electric aircraft flight took place in Canada.
Voters head to the polls in Algeria and the UK
Voters in the United Kingdom and Algeria are holding general elections Thursday. And in Israel, people woke up to learn that they will vote yet again — for the third time in less 12 months — in a national election, now set for early March. In non-election-related news, the "Christmas Book Flood" is about to hit Iceland. It's a tradition when publishers flood the shelves with new releases, setting up books as a gift-giving tradition.
NAFTA gets an update
In an era of extreme partisanship in Washington DC, Democrats and Republicans cooperated to get a trade deal done updating the North American Free Trade Agreement. US President Donald Trump hailed the new US-Mexico-Canada Agreement as "the best and most important trade ever." House speaker Nancy Pelosi said it was "much better than NAFTA...
The House moves forward with articles of impeachment
Lawmakers in the US House of Representatives presented formal articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump Tuesday. The first article is on abuse of power and the second is on obstruction of Congress. And, 'fly less' is one of the big messages from climate activists in Europe, where the EU is considering measures to limit short-haul flights...
Ukraine and Russia peace talks begin
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is in Paris on Monday to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time at a summit hosted by Germany and France. Plus, the story of Aung San Suu Kyi's testimonies in The Hague this week in support of Myanmar's government. Also, a new generation in Finnish politics has helped make Sanna Marin the new prime minister. At 34, Marin has become the world’s youngest prime minister.
Russia and Ukraine set for peace talks
On Monday, the leaders of Ukraine and Russia are set to meet in Paris for the start of peace talks over the war in eastern Ukraine — we have a preview. And in India, police in Hyderabad took four men accused of rape and murder back to the scene of the crime. The suspects allegedly tried to steal weapons, and police shot the four men dead. Also, Barcelona is one of Europe’s top tourist destinations. But all those visitors are taking a toll on the people who actually live there.
Widespread strikes over pension reform shutdown France
President Emmanuel Macron's promise to reform France's pension system triggered massive protests and strikes around the country Thursday. And, a nationwide measles outbreak has closed businesses and schools in Samoa. Also, the European Union has declared "balsamic" a general term, striking down attempt by vinegar makers in Modena, Italy, to have the label exclusively for themselves.
How do you define impeachable behavior?
Four constitutional scholars testified Wednesday at the House Judiciary Committee and tried to tackle how to define impeachable behavior as part of the next phase of the impeachment inquiry into US President Donald Trump. Also, the summit of NATO leaders wrapped up in the United Kingdom with a joint statement and photo op — but the show of unity masks tensions. Also, Native American children in Canada and Alaska have declared a climate emergency...
Tension between allies as NATO summit begins
All eyes are on NATO as the 70th anniversary summit gets underway in London. We speak with Ambassador Karen Pierce, the UK's representative to the United Nations, about the tension that's opened up between US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron. Also, Trump is making additional international headlines while in London by threatening new tariffs against Argentinian and Brazilian steel, along with some French luxury goods. And, "Baby Shark" gets a Navajo language cover.
London knife attack enters the political debate
Friday's stabbing in London has now become a campaign issue in the UK's snap general election, which is set for Dec. 12. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is blaming the opposition Labour Party for the incident — which has upset many, including the father of one of the victims. And, NATO is celebrating 70 years this week in London. It will be a low-key affair, considering US President Donald Trump's dismissive statements about the mutual defense treaty...