Good morning,
Amidst the various news which one can find when reviewing over 50 news sources from around the world, the dominant items relate to the deadly earthquake and subsequent tsunami that has hit yet again Indonesia and the latest developments related to Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination for the Supreme Court.
Here is your morning briefing for today.
The Latest
The Indonesian disaster agency says that hospitals in the earthquake and tsunami-stricken city of Palu reported 48 deaths. A powerful M7,.4 earthquake hit the island Sulawesi on Friday and triggered a tsunami. (AP)
Federal judge rules that lawsuit by Democratic lawmakers against Trump over foreign payments to business can proceed. (CNN)
Donald Trump after having praised Brett Kavanaugh after hearing, adding that ‘Democrats’ strategy of search and destroy is disgraceful, has ordered a supplemental new FBI probe into sexual assault against Kavanaugh. (Fox News / Politico)
Six Palestinians died after being shot by Israeli soldiers along the fence that separates Gaza and Israel, according to Palestinian officials. (CNN)
A demonstrator was escorted out of a press conference in Berlin between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. (Euronews)
The new Italian government’s proposed budget has created a new divisive issue between the Deputy Prime Minister Di Maio and the technocrats in the Finance Ministry. (Corriere Della Sera)
Meanwhile, the Italian budget has rekindled EU fears of populist instability and its fear on the stability pact and the Eurozone wellbeing. (FT)
Facebook said that 50 million user accounts were impacted by a security flaw that allowed attackers to steal access tokens, allowing them to take over user accounts. (CBS)
Police have arrested and Afghan teenager over a triple stabbing in a southwestern German town. The victims, two Syrian asylum seekers aged 19 and 20 and a 52 year-old German man – were taken to the hospital. Although the motive was not clear, authorities ruled out terrorism. (DW)
UN human rights council renews Yemen war crimes probe despite Saudi, Yemeni objections. (France 24)
Former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has told Sky News that Prime Minister Theresa May’s Chequers plan for Brexit would be a “Political triumph” for the EU. (Sky News)
Boris Johnson’s ‘super Canada’ alternative Brexit plan rubbished by various furious ministers in May’s cabinet (The Guardian)
British Prime Minister Theresa May said that her government will back a potential joint UK and Ireland bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. (Sky News)
A new cut off date for Canada to join US-Mexico trade deal has been announced by Mexico’s president-elect. (AFP)
A staff walkout at Ryanair grounded planes in six European countries on Friday disrupting the plans of more than 40,000 passengers. (France 24)
The US Securities and Exchange Commission charged TESLA CEO Elon Musk with securities fraud, alleging he misled investors last month on tweets about taking the company private.
The Review
The Times speaks to Police Inspector Joseph Busuttil who said that the vice squad has increased its efforts to investigate human trafficking.
L-Orizzont publishes a story on the same theme, after a conference of human trafficking held yesterday. The newspaper said that the Nordic Model for prostitution is the best system to combat human trafficking.
The Times also reveals in another story that 335 minors are in Malta demanding international protection.
The Malta Independent quotes Health Minister Chris Fearne who says that the case of a Nursing Aide held at Mount Carmel Hospital is being investigated and that the report will be finalised next week.
L-Orizzont says that national debt decreased by €200 million while the spend on cancer treatment increased to €5.5 million.
Another story in L-Orizzont follows up on the announcement of plans for Paceville and says that another seven areas will undergo similar transformations.
The Malta Independent says that PN Leader Adrian Delia wants an investigation into how the Planning Authority is using funds, after it emerged that a member of the PA Board was flown in by private jet for the hearing on City Centre project.
In-Nazzjon, too, carries the story and quotes Adrian Delia in comments during a press conference outside the PA offices that the government does not know what good government means.
CD
