IS militants 'caught trying to escape' last Syria enclave
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-47468228
About 400 Islamic State militants have been captured trying to escape the last piece of land the group holds in Syria, a US-backed militia says.
A Syrian Democratic Forces commander said the jihadists were caught overnight as they attempted to slip out of Baghuz with the help of smugglers.
Hundreds of others have surrendered and been evacuated from the village with thousands of civilians in recent days.
It comes after US forces and the SDF stepped up their bombardment of Baghuz.
Once the village is taken, the US and its allies are expected to formally declare the end of the "caliphate" proclaimed by IS in 2014.
Last Friday, the SDF said it had launched its final assault on Baghuz, declaring that nothing remained in the village "except for terrorists".
After a weekend of intense air and artillery strikes, the alliance said it had to slow down the offensive "due to a small number of civilians held as human shields".
SDF spokesman Mustafa Bali said about 3,000 people were evacuated on Monday and another 3,500, including 500 militants who surrendered, followed on Tuesday.
國際時事政治選舉新聞張貼及討論區（六）
Filibuster_HK
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其實國債都係問題
我印象中今年又要校高舉債上限
我印象中今年又要校高舉債上限
九月就會冇晒錢，又冇得借
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2019/02/26/treasury-run-out-money-september-unless-congress-acts-cbo-says/?utm_term=.d3ee025f6076
The Treasury Department will probably run out of money to pay the nation’s bills by the end of September unless Congress takes action, the Congressional Budget Office said Tuesday, raising a scenario that could cause financial havoc and shake the foundations of the global economy.
The U.S. government has been spending more money than it brings in for years, forcing the Treasury to borrow money by issuing bonds. But Treasury is allowed to issue only so much debt before it bumps up against the “debt ceiling,” a borrowing limit set by Congress.
Congress had previously agreed to suspend that limit until March 2. But when the limit comes back into effect, Treasury will not technically have the authority to borrow additional funds. This scenario has happened numerous times in recent years, and both Republican and Democratic administrations have resorted to what have been dubbed “extraordinary measures” to be able to keep paying the government’s bills — at times for several months after the debt ceiling is reached. But those efforts can keep the bills paid for only so long.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2019/02/26/treasury-run-out-money-september-unless-congress-acts-cbo-says/?utm_term=.d3ee025f6076
The Treasury Department will probably run out of money to pay the nation’s bills by the end of September unless Congress takes action, the Congressional Budget Office said Tuesday, raising a scenario that could cause financial havoc and shake the foundations of the global economy.
The U.S. government has been spending more money than it brings in for years, forcing the Treasury to borrow money by issuing bonds. But Treasury is allowed to issue only so much debt before it bumps up against the “debt ceiling,” a borrowing limit set by Congress.
Congress had previously agreed to suspend that limit until March 2. But when the limit comes back into effect, Treasury will not technically have the authority to borrow additional funds. This scenario has happened numerous times in recent years, and both Republican and Democratic administrations have resorted to what have been dubbed “extraordinary measures” to be able to keep paying the government’s bills — at times for several months after the debt ceiling is reached. But those efforts can keep the bills paid for only so long.
Huawei sues US government over product ban
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-47478587
Huawei has filed a lawsuit against the US government over a ban that restricts federal agencies from using its products.
It said the US failed to provide evidence to support the ban, and the firm also rejected claims it had links to the Chinese government.
The US has restricted the use of Huawei products over national security concerns.
It has also been lobbying allies to shun the Chinese telecoms firm.
Huawei is one of the world's largest telecommunications equipment and services providers.
The lawsuit is part of a wider push by the company in recent months to challenge claims its products pose security risks.
"The US Congress has repeatedly failed to produce any evidence to support its restrictions on Huawei products. We are compelled to take this legal action as a proper and last resort," Huawei Rotating Chairman Guo Ping said in a statement.
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-47478587
Huawei has filed a lawsuit against the US government over a ban that restricts federal agencies from using its products.
It said the US failed to provide evidence to support the ban, and the firm also rejected claims it had links to the Chinese government.
The US has restricted the use of Huawei products over national security concerns.
It has also been lobbying allies to shun the Chinese telecoms firm.
Huawei is one of the world's largest telecommunications equipment and services providers.
The lawsuit is part of a wider push by the company in recent months to challenge claims its products pose security risks.
"The US Congress has repeatedly failed to produce any evidence to support its restrictions on Huawei products. We are compelled to take this legal action as a proper and last resort," Huawei Rotating Chairman Guo Ping said in a statement.
Thailand elections: Party that nominated Princess Ubolratana for PM dissolved
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47482040
Thailand's top court has dissolved an opposition party that nominated the king's sister as its candidate for prime minister.
Thai Raksa Chart is backed by exiled ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra, who was deposed by a military coup in 2006.
Analysts say dissolving the party will make it harder for Mr Thaksin's supporters to win the national election due later this month.
Thailand is run by the military, which took over in a coup five years ago.
The Constitutional Court, which issued Thursday's ruling, said Princess Ubolratana's nomination threatened the neutrality of the monarchy.
The party's executive board members have been banned from politics for 10 years, and it can no longer contest the election.
"The monarchy is above politics, and to maintain political neutrality, the king, the queen and princesses can never exercise political rights by casting votes," Judge Nakharin Mektrairat said at the end of an extensive ruling.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47482040
Thailand's top court has dissolved an opposition party that nominated the king's sister as its candidate for prime minister.
Thai Raksa Chart is backed by exiled ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra, who was deposed by a military coup in 2006.
Analysts say dissolving the party will make it harder for Mr Thaksin's supporters to win the national election due later this month.
Thailand is run by the military, which took over in a coup five years ago.
The Constitutional Court, which issued Thursday's ruling, said Princess Ubolratana's nomination threatened the neutrality of the monarchy.
The party's executive board members have been banned from politics for 10 years, and it can no longer contest the election.
"The monarchy is above politics, and to maintain political neutrality, the king, the queen and princesses can never exercise political rights by casting votes," Judge Nakharin Mektrairat said at the end of an extensive ruling.
Brexit: UK urged to submit 'acceptable' backstop remedies
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-47476942
The UK has been urged to submit fresh proposals within the next 48 hours to break the Brexit impasse.
EU officials said they would work non-stop over the weekend if "acceptable" ideas were received by Friday to break the deadlock over the Irish backstop.
The UK has said "reasonable" proposals to satisfy MPs' concerns about being tied to EU rules had already been made.
Chancellor Philip Hammond has warned Brexiteers to vote for the PM's deal or face a delay to Brexit.
The PM is seeking legally-enforceable changes to the backstop - an insurance policy designed to prevent physical checks on the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, but there have been few visible signs of progress.
MPs are due to vote for a second time on the Brexit deal next week. If they reject the deal again, they will get to choose between leaving without a deal or deferring the UK's exit from the EU beyond the scheduled date of 29 March.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Mr Hammond refused to be drawn on how he would vote if Mrs May's deal is defeated.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-47476942
The UK has been urged to submit fresh proposals within the next 48 hours to break the Brexit impasse.
EU officials said they would work non-stop over the weekend if "acceptable" ideas were received by Friday to break the deadlock over the Irish backstop.
The UK has said "reasonable" proposals to satisfy MPs' concerns about being tied to EU rules had already been made.
Chancellor Philip Hammond has warned Brexiteers to vote for the PM's deal or face a delay to Brexit.
The PM is seeking legally-enforceable changes to the backstop - an insurance policy designed to prevent physical checks on the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, but there have been few visible signs of progress.
MPs are due to vote for a second time on the Brexit deal next week. If they reject the deal again, they will get to choose between leaving without a deal or deferring the UK's exit from the EU beyond the scheduled date of 29 March.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Mr Hammond refused to be drawn on how he would vote if Mrs May's deal is defeated.
Ilhan Omar: US House votes amid anti-Semitism row
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-47488272
The US House of Representatives has voted to condemn "hateful expressions of intolerance" amid a row over anti-Semitism.
Minnesota congresswoman Ilhan Omar has prompted sharp objections recently for frequently criticising Israel and pro-Israel lobbyists in Washington.
Her Democratic party was split over how and whether to censure the freshman lawmaker.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi has denied the resolution was made to rebuke Ms Omar.
"It's not about her. It's about these forms of hatred," Ms Pelosi told reporters, denying suggestions the measure was "policing the speech of our members".
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-47488272
The US House of Representatives has voted to condemn "hateful expressions of intolerance" amid a row over anti-Semitism.
Minnesota congresswoman Ilhan Omar has prompted sharp objections recently for frequently criticising Israel and pro-Israel lobbyists in Washington.
Her Democratic party was split over how and whether to censure the freshman lawmaker.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi has denied the resolution was made to rebuke Ms Omar.
"It's not about her. It's about these forms of hatred," Ms Pelosi told reporters, denying suggestions the measure was "policing the speech of our members".
Paul Manafort: Ex-Trump campaign chief jailed for fraud
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-47491688
US President Donald Trump's former campaign manager Paul Manafort has been sentenced to 47 months in prison for tax and bank fraud.
He was convicted last summer of hiding millions of dollars of income from his political consulting in Ukraine.
He is due to be sentenced in another case next week related to his illegal lobbying.
The charges stem from an inquiry into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia to win the 2016 election.
US Department of Justice Special Counsel Robert Mueller is thought to be finishing up his 22-month investigation, which has dogged the Trump presidency.
"To say I am humiliated and shamed would be a gross understatement," he added, asking Judge TS Ellis to be "compassionate".
He also said: "I know it is my conduct that brought me here. My life, personally and professionally, is in shambles."
Judge Ellis said he was surprised that Manafort did not "express regret for engaging in wrongful conduct".
But he said the sentencing guidelines cited by prosecutors calling for between 19.5 and 24 years in prison were excessive.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-47491688
US President Donald Trump's former campaign manager Paul Manafort has been sentenced to 47 months in prison for tax and bank fraud.
He was convicted last summer of hiding millions of dollars of income from his political consulting in Ukraine.
He is due to be sentenced in another case next week related to his illegal lobbying.
The charges stem from an inquiry into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia to win the 2016 election.
US Department of Justice Special Counsel Robert Mueller is thought to be finishing up his 22-month investigation, which has dogged the Trump presidency.
"To say I am humiliated and shamed would be a gross understatement," he added, asking Judge TS Ellis to be "compassionate".
He also said: "I know it is my conduct that brought me here. My life, personally and professionally, is in shambles."
Judge Ellis said he was surprised that Manafort did not "express regret for engaging in wrongful conduct".
But he said the sentencing guidelines cited by prosecutors calling for between 19.5 and 24 years in prison were excessive.
Ex-Trump lawyer Cohen sues Trump Organization to pay $1.9M in bills
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2019/03/07/Ex-Trump-lawyer-Cohen-sues-Trump-Organization-to-pay-19M-in-bills/4801551984223/
March 7 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump's former attorney, Michael Cohen, is suing the Trump Organization, alleging it failed to pay his legal bills.
The suit, which was filed Thursday in the New York State Supreme Court and obtained by CNN, Cohen said the Trump Organization owes him $1.9 million in unpaid legal fees and costs.
Cohen was known as Trump's "fixer" for real estate deals, including shelved plans for a Trump-branded property in Moscow, and hush-money payments to cover up alleged affairs prior to Trump's election as president, the complaint alleges.
The 22-page filing said the Trump Organization agreed to pay his legal bills "in or around July 2017," nearly a year before the April 2018 FBI raid on his home and Park Avenue hotel room, related to Special Counsel Robert Mueller's probe into possible Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and the Trump campaign's potential role in that effort.
The Trump Organization hasn't paid Cohen's legal fees since May of 2018, a month after the raid, the suit alleges.
He is owed $1.9 million in unpaid legal fees and costs as of Jan. 25, according to the complaint.
Cohen called Trump a "con man" in his testimony last week before the House oversight committee and said he was ashamed of his "misplaced loyalty."
In November, Cohen pleaded guilty to lying to Congress about the timeline of plans to build a Trump Tower in Moscow.
A month later, he was sentenced to three years in prison. He had pleaded guilty earlier to federal charges that included five counts tax evasion and one count each of excessive campaign contribution, unlawful corporate contribution and false statements to a bank.
He is scheduled to begin his prison sentence on May 6.
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2019/03/07/Ex-Trump-lawyer-Cohen-sues-Trump-Organization-to-pay-19M-in-bills/4801551984223/
March 7 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump's former attorney, Michael Cohen, is suing the Trump Organization, alleging it failed to pay his legal bills.
The suit, which was filed Thursday in the New York State Supreme Court and obtained by CNN, Cohen said the Trump Organization owes him $1.9 million in unpaid legal fees and costs.
Cohen was known as Trump's "fixer" for real estate deals, including shelved plans for a Trump-branded property in Moscow, and hush-money payments to cover up alleged affairs prior to Trump's election as president, the complaint alleges.
The 22-page filing said the Trump Organization agreed to pay his legal bills "in or around July 2017," nearly a year before the April 2018 FBI raid on his home and Park Avenue hotel room, related to Special Counsel Robert Mueller's probe into possible Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and the Trump campaign's potential role in that effort.
The Trump Organization hasn't paid Cohen's legal fees since May of 2018, a month after the raid, the suit alleges.
He is owed $1.9 million in unpaid legal fees and costs as of Jan. 25, according to the complaint.
Cohen called Trump a "con man" in his testimony last week before the House oversight committee and said he was ashamed of his "misplaced loyalty."
In November, Cohen pleaded guilty to lying to Congress about the timeline of plans to build a Trump Tower in Moscow.
A month later, he was sentenced to three years in prison. He had pleaded guilty earlier to federal charges that included five counts tax evasion and one count each of excessive campaign contribution, unlawful corporate contribution and false statements to a bank.
He is scheduled to begin his prison sentence on May 6.
econ 101: 貿易赤字即係經常帳赤字, 但理論上資本帳會有返相應盈餘, 兩邊會balance
所以只係睇經常帳赤字無乜意思, 特別係美元係世界儲備貨幣, 有時間可以讀下面呢篇, 係n年前一面國會聽證會證詞黎, 將個flow同歷史解得幾淺白清楚
睇完你就會明白, 其實要快速解決貿易逆差好簡單, 美國大蕭條就得
https://www.cato.org/publications/congressional-testimony/americas-misunderstood-trade-deficit
所以只係睇經常帳赤字無乜意思, 特別係美元係世界儲備貨幣, 有時間可以讀下面呢篇, 係n年前一面國會聽證會證詞黎, 將個flow同歷史解得幾淺白清楚
睇完你就會明白, 其實要快速解決貿易逆差好簡單, 美國大蕭條就得
https://www.cato.org/publications/congressional-testimony/americas-misunderstood-trade-deficit
Shamima Begum: IS teenager's baby son has died, SDF confirms
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-47500387
The baby son of Shamima Begum - who fled London to join the Islamic State group - has died, a spokesman for the Syrian Democratic Forces has said.
The group, which runs the camp where the teenager has been living, confirmed the death on Friday.
The baby died of pneumonia, according to a medical certificate. He was less than three weeks old.
A UK government spokesman said the death of any child was "tragic and deeply distressing for the family".
The spokesman said the government had consistently advised against travelling to Syria and would "continue to do whatever we can to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism and travelling to dangerous conflict zones".
A paramedic working for the Kurdish Red Crescent in the camp told the BBC that the baby, called Jarrah, had been suffering from breathing difficulties.
He was taken to a doctor on Thursday morning before being transferred to hospital, along with his mother, but died at 13:30 local time that day, the medical worker added.
Ms Begum has since returned to the camp and her child was buried there yesterday.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-47500387
The baby son of Shamima Begum - who fled London to join the Islamic State group - has died, a spokesman for the Syrian Democratic Forces has said.
The group, which runs the camp where the teenager has been living, confirmed the death on Friday.
The baby died of pneumonia, according to a medical certificate. He was less than three weeks old.
A UK government spokesman said the death of any child was "tragic and deeply distressing for the family".
The spokesman said the government had consistently advised against travelling to Syria and would "continue to do whatever we can to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism and travelling to dangerous conflict zones".
A paramedic working for the Kurdish Red Crescent in the camp told the BBC that the baby, called Jarrah, had been suffering from breathing difficulties.
He was taken to a doctor on Thursday morning before being transferred to hospital, along with his mother, but died at 13:30 local time that day, the medical worker added.
Ms Begum has since returned to the camp and her child was buried there yesterday.
Algerians gather in largest protest against Bouteflika
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-47496856
Algerians protesting against the rule of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika have staged huge demonstrations in the capital, Algiers, and other cities.
Riot police fired tear gas to prevent protesters reaching a road leading to the presidential palace, but the rallies were mostly peaceful.
Local reports said nearly 200 people were detained by the security forces.
A wave of unrest began last month after Mr Bouteflika announced he would seek a fifth term in office in April.
The president, who is currently in hospital in Switzerland, has ruled Algeria for 20 years but has rarely been seen in public since he had a stroke in 2013.
He has warned that the protests could plunge the country into "chaos".
In a letter published by Algeria's official APS news agency on Thursday, the 82-year-old leader urged "vigilance" against "domestic and foreign" forces that might infiltrate the demonstrations.
But he also praised the demonstrators for "peacefully expressing their opinions".
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-47496856
Algerians protesting against the rule of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika have staged huge demonstrations in the capital, Algiers, and other cities.
Riot police fired tear gas to prevent protesters reaching a road leading to the presidential palace, but the rallies were mostly peaceful.
Local reports said nearly 200 people were detained by the security forces.
A wave of unrest began last month after Mr Bouteflika announced he would seek a fifth term in office in April.
The president, who is currently in hospital in Switzerland, has ruled Algeria for 20 years but has rarely been seen in public since he had a stroke in 2013.
He has warned that the protests could plunge the country into "chaos".
In a letter published by Algeria's official APS news agency on Thursday, the 82-year-old leader urged "vigilance" against "domestic and foreign" forces that might infiltrate the demonstrations.
But he also praised the demonstrators for "peacefully expressing their opinions".
China exports saw biggest fall in three years in February
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-47492397
Chinese exports saw the steepest fall in three years in February, adding to worries about growth in the world's second largest economy.
Official data show exports from China plunged 20.7% from a year earlier, as its trade war with the US took a toll.
Imports fell 5.2% and the figures sent Asia stock markets sharply lower.
Economists caution the data for the first two months of the year can be affected by the Lunar New Year holiday.
The fall in exports was far bigger than the 4.8% drop forecast in a Reuters poll of economists.
Imports also saw a sharper than expected fall of 5.2% year-on-year, the data showed.
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-47492397
Chinese exports saw the steepest fall in three years in February, adding to worries about growth in the world's second largest economy.
Official data show exports from China plunged 20.7% from a year earlier, as its trade war with the US took a toll.
Imports fell 5.2% and the figures sent Asia stock markets sharply lower.
Economists caution the data for the first two months of the year can be affected by the Lunar New Year holiday.
The fall in exports was far bigger than the 4.8% drop forecast in a Reuters poll of economists.
Imports also saw a sharper than expected fall of 5.2% year-on-year, the data showed.
North Korea 'preparing rocket launch', images suggest
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47504723
Satellite images of a facility near Pyongyang suggest that North Korea may be preparing to launch a missile or a satellite.
The increase in activity is around a site known as Sanumdong, where North Korea assembled most of its ballistic missiles and rockets.
It comes after reports earlier this week that North Korea's main rocket launch site at Sohae had been rebuilt.
Work to dismantle Sohae began last year but stopped as US talks stalled.
On Friday US President Donald Trump said he would be disappointed if North Korea was to resume weapons testing.
"I would be surprised in a negative way if he did anything that was not per our understanding. But we'll see what happens," he said.
"I would be very disappointed if I saw testing."
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47504723
Satellite images of a facility near Pyongyang suggest that North Korea may be preparing to launch a missile or a satellite.
The increase in activity is around a site known as Sanumdong, where North Korea assembled most of its ballistic missiles and rockets.
It comes after reports earlier this week that North Korea's main rocket launch site at Sohae had been rebuilt.
Work to dismantle Sohae began last year but stopped as US talks stalled.
On Friday US President Donald Trump said he would be disappointed if North Korea was to resume weapons testing.
"I would be surprised in a negative way if he did anything that was not per our understanding. But we'll see what happens," he said.
"I would be very disappointed if I saw testing."
Venezuela power cuts: Blackouts continue as protests loom
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-47504722
A widespread power cut affecting much of Venezuela continued throughout Friday ahead of planned protests on Saturday.
President Nicolás Maduro and the US-backed opposition trying to oust him have blamed each other for the outage.
Hospitals struggled to cope and at least one hospital patient died when her respirator stopped working.
The power cuts, which started on Thursday, have been caused by problems at a major hydroelectric plant.
Venezuela depends on its vast hydroelectric infrastructure, rather than its oil reserves, for its domestic electricity supply. But decades of underinvestment has damaged the major dams, and sporadic blackouts are commonplace.
Some parts of Caracas and the rest of the country have had their electricity supply restored and Venezuelans are now bracing themselves for a weekend of pro and anti-government protests.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-47504722
A widespread power cut affecting much of Venezuela continued throughout Friday ahead of planned protests on Saturday.
President Nicolás Maduro and the US-backed opposition trying to oust him have blamed each other for the outage.
Hospitals struggled to cope and at least one hospital patient died when her respirator stopped working.
The power cuts, which started on Thursday, have been caused by problems at a major hydroelectric plant.
Venezuela depends on its vast hydroelectric infrastructure, rather than its oil reserves, for its domestic electricity supply. But decades of underinvestment has damaged the major dams, and sporadic blackouts are commonplace.
Some parts of Caracas and the rest of the country have had their electricity supply restored and Venezuelans are now bracing themselves for a weekend of pro and anti-government protests.
Thousands protest Russia's 'internet isolation'
https://www.yahoo.com/news/thousands-protest-russias-internet-isolation-131540227.html
Moscow (AFP) - Thousands of people rallied against Russia's increasingly restrictive internet policies Sunday which critics say will eventually lead to "total censorship" and isolate the country from the world.
The rally in Moscow and smaller events in other cities was called after the Russian lower house of parliament backed a bill to stop Russian internet traffic from being routed on foreign servers, in a bid to boost cybersecurity.
Critics say this is the latest attempt to control online content under President Vladimir Putin, with some fearing the country is on track to completely isolate its network, as in North Korea.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/thousands-protest-russias-internet-isolation-131540227.html
Moscow (AFP) - Thousands of people rallied against Russia's increasingly restrictive internet policies Sunday which critics say will eventually lead to "total censorship" and isolate the country from the world.
The rally in Moscow and smaller events in other cities was called after the Russian lower house of parliament backed a bill to stop Russian internet traffic from being routed on foreign servers, in a bid to boost cybersecurity.
Critics say this is the latest attempt to control online content under President Vladimir Putin, with some fearing the country is on track to completely isolate its network, as in North Korea.
Trump expected to ask for $8.6B for wall in budget
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/433370-trump-will-ask-for-86b-for-wall-in-budget-request-report
President Trump intends to request $8.6 billion for his long-promised wall along the border with Mexico when he submits his 2020 congressional budget on Monday, likely igniting another funding standoff with Congress.
A senior administration official confirmed the figure, which is expected to be used to build or replace roughly 700 miles of barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Reuters reported early Sunday that funding for the wall would pull $5 billion from the Department of Homeland Security budget and $3.6 billion from the military construction budget at the Pentagon.
The budget proposal also would reportedly include $3.6 million in military construction funding to help fund projects affected by the wall.
In addition to wall funding, Trump's proposal calls for the hiring of an additional 2,800 law enforcement and other personnel to reinforce the border and 100 immigration judge teams, Reuters reported.
Trump's proposal will face stiff opposition in the Democrat-held House.
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/433370-trump-will-ask-for-86b-for-wall-in-budget-request-report
President Trump intends to request $8.6 billion for his long-promised wall along the border with Mexico when he submits his 2020 congressional budget on Monday, likely igniting another funding standoff with Congress.
A senior administration official confirmed the figure, which is expected to be used to build or replace roughly 700 miles of barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Reuters reported early Sunday that funding for the wall would pull $5 billion from the Department of Homeland Security budget and $3.6 billion from the military construction budget at the Pentagon.
The budget proposal also would reportedly include $3.6 million in military construction funding to help fund projects affected by the wall.
In addition to wall funding, Trump's proposal calls for the hiring of an additional 2,800 law enforcement and other personnel to reinforce the border and 100 immigration judge teams, Reuters reported.
Trump's proposal will face stiff opposition in the Democrat-held House.
SDF attack Islamic State group's Syria enclave Baghuz
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-47518129
The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have launched another assault on the Islamic State group's last enclave in Syria.
Head of the SDF media office, Mustafa Bali, tweeted their troops were in "direct violent clashes".
Islamic State militants are centred in the town of Baghuz in eastern Syria.
Once the village is taken, the US and its allies are expected to formally declare the end of the "caliphate" proclaimed by IS in 2014.
After five years of fierce battles, local forces backed by world powers have driven IS out of all but a few hundred square metres near Syria's border with Iraq.
Sunday's attack began at about 18:00 local time (16:00 GMT), with air strikes aimed at weapons stores.
SDF and coalition planes are involved in the assault, and the militant camp is now ablaze.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-47518129
The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have launched another assault on the Islamic State group's last enclave in Syria.
Head of the SDF media office, Mustafa Bali, tweeted their troops were in "direct violent clashes".
Islamic State militants are centred in the town of Baghuz in eastern Syria.
Once the village is taken, the US and its allies are expected to formally declare the end of the "caliphate" proclaimed by IS in 2014.
After five years of fierce battles, local forces backed by world powers have driven IS out of all but a few hundred square metres near Syria's border with Iraq.
Sunday's attack began at about 18:00 local time (16:00 GMT), with air strikes aimed at weapons stores.
SDF and coalition planes are involved in the assault, and the militant camp is now ablaze.
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Brexit: EU says it is now up to MPs to decide next steps
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-47519637
The EU has said it is now up to MPs to decide the next steps for Brexit and it remains "committed" to agreeing a deal in time for the UK to leave this month.
Officials said they had offered fresh assurances on the issue of the Irish backstop ahead of Tuesday's second vote by MPs on Theresa May's deal.
It was "now for the Commons to take an important set of decisions", they said.
Labour and Tory MPs have told the PM she must honour her commitment to put her deal to the vote again on Tuesday.
Amid speculation the vote could be postponed or downgraded, No 10 confirmed it remained the plan to go ahead with another "meaningful vote", with the motion to be debated to be published later on Monday.
Downing Street said the PM's focus was "getting on with the work required to allow MPs to support the deal and to bring this stage of the process to an end".
The UK is due to leave the EU on 29 March but MPs rejected the withdrawal deal on offer in January and demanded major changes.
Brexit: No 10 says meaningful vote will go ahead and plays down reports motion will be conditional - Politics live
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2019/mar/11/brexit-latest-news-vote-tuesday-tories-suspect-may-could-pull-tuesdays-key-vote-after-talks-fail-to-deliver-progress-politics-live
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-47519637
The EU has said it is now up to MPs to decide the next steps for Brexit and it remains "committed" to agreeing a deal in time for the UK to leave this month.
Officials said they had offered fresh assurances on the issue of the Irish backstop ahead of Tuesday's second vote by MPs on Theresa May's deal.
It was "now for the Commons to take an important set of decisions", they said.
Labour and Tory MPs have told the PM she must honour her commitment to put her deal to the vote again on Tuesday.
Amid speculation the vote could be postponed or downgraded, No 10 confirmed it remained the plan to go ahead with another "meaningful vote", with the motion to be debated to be published later on Monday.
Downing Street said the PM's focus was "getting on with the work required to allow MPs to support the deal and to bring this stage of the process to an end".
The UK is due to leave the EU on 29 March but MPs rejected the withdrawal deal on offer in January and demanded major changes.
Brexit: No 10 says meaningful vote will go ahead and plays down reports motion will be conditional - Politics live
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2019/mar/11/brexit-latest-news-vote-tuesday-tories-suspect-may-could-pull-tuesdays-key-vote-after-talks-fail-to-deliver-progress-politics-live
Venezuela power cut: Lootings as desperation grows
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-47522208
Venezuela's government has ordered schools and businesses to remain closed on Monday as a power cut drags into a fifth day. The opposition says at least 17 people have reportedly died as a result of the blackout. Residents in the capital, Caracas, told the BBC's Will Grant of their growing despair.
Each hour that passes without power in Venezuela brings more havoc and stress to a country already on edge.
Pro-government motorcycle gangs, known here as "colectivos", roam the dark streets enforcing order at gunpoint while there were sporadic episodes of looting amid the desperation.
By its very nature, a clear picture of the blackout has been difficult to obtain over the past four days.
Many parts of the country are still cut off and it is hard to get a full account of their situation. Even when the electricity returns, it is often patchy and only lasts for a few hours before dropping out once again.
What is clear, though, is that since the power outage hit on Thursday, huge swathes of Venezuela have been struggling to cope.
Without internet, mobile phones, banks, credit-card machines, electric cookers or air-conditioning, ordinary life is bordering on the unbearable for many people, especially in low income communities.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-47522208
Venezuela's government has ordered schools and businesses to remain closed on Monday as a power cut drags into a fifth day. The opposition says at least 17 people have reportedly died as a result of the blackout. Residents in the capital, Caracas, told the BBC's Will Grant of their growing despair.
Each hour that passes without power in Venezuela brings more havoc and stress to a country already on edge.
Pro-government motorcycle gangs, known here as "colectivos", roam the dark streets enforcing order at gunpoint while there were sporadic episodes of looting amid the desperation.
By its very nature, a clear picture of the blackout has been difficult to obtain over the past four days.
Many parts of the country are still cut off and it is hard to get a full account of their situation. Even when the electricity returns, it is often patchy and only lasts for a few hours before dropping out once again.
What is clear, though, is that since the power outage hit on Thursday, huge swathes of Venezuela have been struggling to cope.
Without internet, mobile phones, banks, credit-card machines, electric cookers or air-conditioning, ordinary life is bordering on the unbearable for many people, especially in low income communities.
Paris okays proposed French-German parliamentary assembly
https://www.dw.com/en/paris-okays-proposed-french-german-parliamentary-assembly/a-47862751
French National Assembly president Richard Ferrand (pictured above) said Monday the chamber had approved the combined Franco-German parliamentary body conceived in January in Aachen — despite objections from France's radical left and far right.
"Building such a unique parliamentary institution is a sign of the intensity of our relationship," said Ferrand, referring to Paris' and Berlin's renewal in Aachen in January of the Elysee Treaty, their 1963 post-war reconciliation pact.
Still awaited is German Bundestag approval of the new body, expected when Berlin votes to ratify the new Treaty of Aachen.
The assembly would meet twice a year, would comprise 100 members — drawing 50 parliamentarians from each assembly — and would be able to propose but not dictate joint resolutions to the National Assembly and Bundestag.
https://www.dw.com/en/paris-okays-proposed-french-german-parliamentary-assembly/a-47862751
French National Assembly president Richard Ferrand (pictured above) said Monday the chamber had approved the combined Franco-German parliamentary body conceived in January in Aachen — despite objections from France's radical left and far right.
"Building such a unique parliamentary institution is a sign of the intensity of our relationship," said Ferrand, referring to Paris' and Berlin's renewal in Aachen in January of the Elysee Treaty, their 1963 post-war reconciliation pact.
Still awaited is German Bundestag approval of the new body, expected when Berlin votes to ratify the new Treaty of Aachen.
The assembly would meet twice a year, would comprise 100 members — drawing 50 parliamentarians from each assembly — and would be able to propose but not dictate joint resolutions to the National Assembly and Bundestag.