The U.S. Air Force began flying tons of aid to a Colombian town on the Venezuelan border on Saturday as part of an effort meant to undermine socialist President Nicolas Maduro and back his rival to leadership of the South American nation. The first of three C-17 cargo planes took off from Homestead Air Reserve Base in Florida and landed in the Cucuta. That border city, swollen by a flood of migrants from Venezuela, is a collection point for aid that's supposed to be distributed by backers of Juan Guaido, the congressional leader who is recognized by the U.S. and many other nations as Venezuela's legitimate president. Previous aid shipments came on commercial planes, which is aimed at dramatizing the economic crisis — including hyperinflation and shortages of food and medicine — gripping Venezuela under Maduro. Critics say last year's re-election was fraudulent, making Maduro's second term illegal. Maduro has been using the military, which remains loyal, to help him … [Read more...] about US Military Planes With 180 Tons of Food, Health Supplies for Venezuelans Head to Colombia
Daughter takes over seat of longest serving state senator
Kim Chandler, Associated Press Updated 1:51 pm CST, Saturday, February 16, 2019 In this Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019 photo, former Alabama State Sen. Hank Sanders, left, a nine-term member of the Alabama Legislature, who is being replaced in the Alabama Senate by his daughter Sen. Malika Sanders-Fortier, right, attend a press conference to discuss preparation for the annual voting rights match commemoration in Selma, Ala. Sanders-Fortier was elected in November. less In this Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019 photo, former Alabama State Sen. Hank Sanders, left, a nine-term member of the Alabama Legislature, who is being replaced in the Alabama Senate by his daughter Sen. Malika ... more Photo: Kimberly Chandler, AP Photo: Kimberly Chandler, AP Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Image 1 of 1 In this … [Read more...] about Daughter takes over seat of longest serving state senator
Astros reliever Joe Smith, wife continue battle against Huntington’s disease
By Chandler Rome, Houston Chronicle Published 1:23 pm CST, Saturday, February 16, 2019 PHOTOS: Feb. 16 - spring training Astros pitcher Joe Smith and wife, Allie LaForce at luncheon they hosted benefiting Help Cure HD. >>>See photos from the Astros' spring training in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019 ... less PHOTOS: Feb. 16 - spring training Astros pitcher Joe Smith and wife, Allie LaForce at luncheon they hosted benefiting Help Cure HD. >>>See photos from the Astros' spring training in West Palm Beach, ... more Photo: Gary Fountain/Contributor Photo: Gary Fountain/Contributor Image 1 of / 34 Caption Close Image 1 of 34 PHOTOS: Feb. 16 - spring training Astros pitcher Joe Smith and wife, Allie LaForce at luncheon they … [Read more...] about Astros reliever Joe Smith, wife continue battle against Huntington’s disease
R.E.M. responds to Trump lifting ‘Everybody Hurts’ for a mocking meme: ‘World Leader PRETEND!!!’
By Chris Willman | February 16, 2019 at 8:19 am The former members of R.E.M. are becoming old hands at responding to Donald Trump appropriating their music for his own purposes. And they’re actually getting kinder and gentler — or maybe just more sardonic — in their reactions. When the president retweeted a meme that makes a mocking use of “Everybody Hurts” to mock Democrats on Friday, the band struck back by invoking another of their classic songs. “World Leader PRETEND!!!” the group said in a statement. “Congress, Media — ghost this faker!!! Love, R.E.M.” That was in response to Trump spreading a video that rips off R.E.M.’s 1992 ballad of consolation amid emotional devastation — a song that’s been associated with suicide prevention causes — as the soundtrack for a montage of Democratic lawmakers with glum or stern faces during his State of the Union address. In prior instances of Trump borrowing the … [Read more...] about R.E.M. responds to Trump lifting ‘Everybody Hurts’ for a mocking meme: ‘World Leader PRETEND!!!’
Two Northern Ireland benefit fraudsters walk free
Two Northern Ireland benefit fraudsters walk free BelfastTelegraph.co.uk Two people have walked free from courts in Northern Ireland after claiming thousands in benefits they were not entitled to. https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/two-northern-ireland-benefit-fraudsters-walk-free-37821280.html https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/incoming/article37821592.ece/0b687/AUTOCROP/h342/courts-gavel.jpg Email Two people have walked free from courts in Northern Ireland after claiming thousands in benefits they were not entitled to. Irene Wilson (66), of Belfast Road, Bangor claimed Housing Benefit of £10,785 while failing to declare a non-dependent was living in the household. She was given a conditional discharge for 12 months at Ards Magistrates Court yesterday. Separately, Shane McGleenon (40), of Keady Road, Armagh was convicted at Armagh Magistrates Court for claiming Housing Benefit of £9,674 while failing to declare he was living together with a … [Read more...] about Two Northern Ireland benefit fraudsters walk free