World

By Raphael Satter The Associated Press Elena Becatoros Sat., Dec. 15, 2018 PARIS—Tear gas billowed Saturday across the French capital’s protest-scarred Champs-Elysees after a day of largely peaceful demonstrations and water cannons shot into the crowds on the fifth straight weekend of protests by the country’s “yellow vest” movement. The demonstrations against France’s high cost of living — sapped by cold weather, rain and recent concessions by French President Emmanuel Macron — were significantly smaller Saturday than at previous rallies, some of which scarred parts of Paris with vandalism and looting. A few thousand people marched up and down the famed shopping street in Paris, a spirited yet peaceful gathering that edged into violence as the afternoon wore on. Riot police clashed with demonstrators as the occasional tourist darted from their hotel or a brave Christmas shopper took a peek at the … [Read more...] about Fewer demonstrators seen in fifth consecutive weekend of Paris protests

By Ellen Knickmeyer The Associated Press Jonathan Lemire Sat., Dec. 15, 2018 WASHINGTON—Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, who is facing federal investigations into his travel, political activity and potential conflicts of interest, will leave the administration at year’s end, U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday. Trump, in tweeting Zinke’s departure, said the former Montana congressman “accomplished much during his tenure” and that a replacement would be announced next week. The Cabinet post requires Senate confirmation. Zinke is leaving weeks before Democrats take control of the House, a shift in power that promised to intensify probes into his conduct. His departure comes amid a staff shake-up as Trump heads into his third year in office. The president on Friday named White House budget director Mick Mulvaney as his next chief of staff Zinke, 57, played a leading part in Trump’s efforts to roll back environmental … [Read more...] about Trump says Interior Secretary Zinke leaving administration

RIYADH: Western tourists, a rarity in Saudi Arabia, visited this weekend under a new visa system, as one of the world's most inaccessible countries tries to open up its society and diversify its economy away from oil.Thousands of fans flocked to Riyadh's historic Diriyah district for Formula E, a motor sports tournament using electric vehicles, and concerts including by David Guetta and Black Eyed Peas.Most were Saudis still unaccustomed to such entertainment in their own country, where cinemas and public concerts were banned until changes by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the past two years.Despite an international outcry over the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the Saudi-led war in Yemen, some Westerners also seized the opportunity to visit a country that still largely restricts foreigners to resident workers and their dependents, business visitors, and Muslim pilgrims.An American named Jason is spending a week here with his German wife, riding quad bikes in the desert … [Read more...] about Western tourists trickle into Saudi Arabia as it tries to open up

World U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke will be leaving the administration at the end of the year after serving for almost two years, U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted on Saturday without giving a reason for Zinke's departure. 15 Dec 2018 10:50PM Bookmark WASHINGTON: U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke will be leaving the administration at the end of the year after serving for almost two years, U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted on Saturday without giving a reason for Zinke's departure."The Trump administration will be announcing the new secretary of the Interior next week," Trump said on Twitter.Zinke has come under scrutiny for his use of security details, chartered flights and a real estate deal.(Reporting by Lesley Wroughton; Editing by James Dalgleish) … [Read more...] about Trump says Interior’s Zinke to step down at end of year

By Frank Jordans The Associated Press Sat., Dec. 15, 2018 KATOWICE, POLAND—A deal on the rules that govern the Paris climate accord appeared within grasp Saturday, as officials from almost 200 countries worked to bridge remaining differences after two weeks of UN. talks in Poland. The 2015 Paris Agreement was a landmark moment in international diplomacy, bringing together governments with vastly different views to tackle the common threat of global warming. But while the accord set a headline target of keeping average global temperatures from rising by more than 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) — or 1.5 C (2.7 F) if possible — much of the fine print was left unfinished. The meeting in Poland’s southern city of Katowice was meant to finalize how countries report their emissions of greenhouses gases — a key factor in man-made climate change — and the efforts they’re taking to reduce them. Poor countries also wanted assurances … [Read more...] about Light at the end of the tunnel for UN climate talks