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Dead Guatemalan girl dreamed of sending money home to poor family

Nery Caal, 29, and his daughter Jakelin were in a group of more than 160 migrants who handed themselves in to U.S. border agents in New Mexico on Dec. 6. Jakelin developed a high fever and died hours later while in the care of U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. "Because she'd never seen a big country, she was really happy that she was going to go," she added, explaining how her husband had gone to the United States to find a way out of the "extreme poverty" that dictated their lives.

Photos of the week: 12/7 - 12/14

Donald Trump's former personal attorney Michael Cohen was sentenced this week.

Wisconsin, Michigan Republicans enact lame-duck limits

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republicans in Wisconsin and Michigan enacted last-minute limits on Democratic power Friday, with outgoing GOP governors in both Upper Midwest states signing measures protecting their priorities before leaving office in less than a month.

Isil defeated in its last Syrian town as jihadists mount final stand

The last Syrian town under the control of Islamic State fell on Friday, marking a defeat for the jihadists which will prove difficult to come back from. The flag of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the US and UK-backed fighters battling Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil), was erected in the central square in Hajin, eastern Deir Ezzor province. The Kurdish-dominated SDF faced one of their toughest battles in the war against Isil in Hajin, a nondescript town which had become the site of Isil’s last major stand in Syria. “Just about every Daesh we came across had a suicide belt,” said one commander involved in the battle, using the Arabic acronym for the group. “They saw it as end of days and were using every weapon they had.” Isil is thought to now only have a few hundred militants left holding out in villages around Hajin and in the small sliver of land left between Syria and Iraq. A Syrian displaced woman carries her child inside a refugee camp of al-Hol in Hasakeh governorate in northeastern Syria  Credit: AFP Most of Isil’s remaining senior leaders had been in the town in recent months, but it is not clear whether they have been killed or managed to escape to desert land along the border before the SDF established its chokehold. All recent US intelligence also suggests Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, Isil’s leader, is alive and hiding out among the group’s final vestiges. “This was always going to be a fight to the death,” Nouri Mahmoud, spokesman of the Syrian Kurdish militia known as People's Protection Units or YPG - the main component of SDF, told the Telegraph during a visit trip to northern Syria. “A lot of senior fighters and commanders had spent months preparing for this fight and were not about to give up.” The operation on Hajin was launched on September 10 and took a heavy toll, according to figures collected by the UK-based monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which show at least 900 jihadists and 500 SDF fighters were killed in the fighting. Isil launched a particularly deadly counterattack in early November, which saw the jihadists use the cover of a sandstorm to overrun an SDF base and capture dozens. #SDF flag in #Hajin bazaar place, center of the town. via @ciyager_rojavapic.twitter.com/OVn4ffdAMf— zana amed (@zana_med) December 13, 2018 The battle was then briefly paused after Turkey, which considers the YPG a terrorist group because of its organisational links to the insurgent Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), began shelling Kurdish troops over the border. Fresh Turkish threats could jeopardise the last stage of the SDF offensive. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey’s president, this week warned it is planning a new assault on the Kurds - this time east of the Euphrates river. A spokesman for the Turkish-backed opposition National Army said up to 15,000 Syrian rebels were ready to join Turkey's forces. The US, which has warned Turkey against such a move, will have to decide whether to back the Kurds and risk confrontation with a Nato ally, or effectively give Turkey a green light. The Kurds have warned that any attack from Turkey would distract the SDF from the battle against Isil, which could risk giving the group the oxygen to regroup in Deir Ezzor. Brett McGurk, the US anti-Isil envoy, also cautioned earlier this week that the “battle against (Isil) in the Middle Euphrates Valley” was not over yet. “It’s going to take time, but it will get done,” McGurk continued. “It’s a very difficult campaign.” The Trump administration has said it will remain in Syria for as long as it takes to defeat Isil, but it remains uncertain if the SDF has the manpower and resources to keep control of the vast territory it has captured once their ally is gone.

Pacific Life Yanks Ads After Tucker Carlson's Dig That Immigrants Make U.S. 'Dirtier'

Prominent insurance company Pacific Life has pulled its commercials from

Mueller investigation: Special counsel attacks Flynn criticism of FBI interview

Special Counsel Robert Mueller has urged a federal judge to reject an attempt by Michael Flynn “to minimise the seriousness” of him lying to the FBI. Mr Mueller’s team was responding to a sentencing memo from Flynn’s lawyers criticising the FBI interviews with their client, saying agents did not provide him “with a warning of the penalties” for misleading investigators. In a note to a judge in Washington DC, he added: “He does not need to be warned it is a crime to lie to federal agents to know the importance of telling them the truth.

EU's Tusk says no more Brexit negotiations

By Gabriela Baczynska and Jan Strupczewski BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Council President Donald Tusk said on Friday he had no mandate to reopen Brexit negotiations with Britain, while the head of the bloc's executive, Jean-Claude Juncker, said he "admired" Prime Minister Theresa May. Tusk and Juncker were speaking at a news conference after two days of talks at an EU summit that were dominated by the issue of Brexit and saw the other 27 national leaders of the bloc offer May only vague assurances over their Brexit deal. "I have no mandate to organize any further negotiations. ...

Death row inmate seeks execution; judge to decide competency

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A Mississippi judge will decide whether a death row inmate who says he wants to be executed is mentally competent to waive all his appeals.

Mulvaney adds chief of staff to his responsibilities

The Trump administration's top budget official will serve as acting White House chief of staff; reaction and analysis from the 'Special Report' All-Stars.

Australia warns citizens ahead of expected Jerusalem move

Australia on Friday warned citizens to take care while travelling in neighbouring Muslim-majority Indonesia, ahead of an expected but contentious move to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Prime Minister Scott Morrison is expected to announce -- as soon as Saturday -- that his government will follow US President Donald Trump's lead and recognise the contested city as Israel's capital. Scores of Australians preparing to jet off to Bali and other tropical island destinations for upcoming summer holidays should "exercise a high degree of caution", the Department of Foreign Affairs warned.

Egypt unearths tomb of ancient high priest 

Egyptian archaeologists have discovered the tomb of a priest dating back more than 4,400 years in the pyramid complex of Saqqara south of the capital Cairo, authorities said Saturday. "Today we are announcing the last discovery of the year 2018, it's a new discovery, it's a private tomb," Antiquities Minister Khaled el-Enany told an audience of invited guests including reporters. "It is exceptionally well preserved, coloured, with sculpture inside. It belongs to a high official priest... (and) is more than 4,400 years old," he said. The tomb belongs to "Wahtye", a high priest who served during the fifth dynasty reign of King Neferirkare, the antiquities ministry said. A view of the newly-discovered tomb of 'Wahtye' Credit: Reuters His tomb is decorated with scenes showing the royal priest alongside his mother, wife and other members of his family, the ministry said in a statement. It also contains more than a dozen niches and 24 colourful statues of the cleric and members of his family, it said. In November archaeology officials announced the discovery in Saqqara of seven sarcophagi, some dating back more than 6,000 years, during excavation work started in April by the same archaeological mission. An external view of the site Credit: Anadolu Three of those tombs contained mummified cats and scarabs. The Saqqara necropolis south of Cairo is home to the famous Djoser pyramid, a more than 4,600-year-old construction which dominates the site and was Egypt's first stone monument. The tomb, built by the master architect Imhotep for the Pharoah Djoser, stood 62 metres tall originally and is considered the oldest building in the world built entirely of stone.

Man who sexually assaulted woman on flight while she slept is jailed for nine years

Prabhu Ramamoorthy, 34, was also sitting next to his wife on the overnight flight in January. Ramamoorthy had molested the victim while unbuttoning her blouse and unzipping her trousers as she slept. US attorney Matthew Schneider said: “Everyone has the right to be secure and safe when they travel on aeroplanes.

Our Plastic Addiction Has Reached A New Crisis Level

This is not a good look. Humans are using more oil-based plastic than ever,

Sign-up deadline is Saturday for ACA health law coverage

WASHINGTON (AP) — Saturday is the last day to sign up for health insurance next year under the Affordable Care Act in most of the country.

Delaying Brexit Beyond March Is Easier Than You Might Think

(Bloomberg) -- Prime Minister Theresa May is struggling to save her Brexit deal and the danger of the U.K. crashing out of the European Union is on the rise. How hard would it be to delay Britain’s departure date?

Infiniti's Next Concept Car Previews a New All-Electric Crossover

It will pay homage to the pioneering FX45 while looking to Infiniti’s electrified future.

Investigators Call Missing Colorado Mom`s Disappearance `Suspicious,` Search Fiance`s Property

Authorities in Woodland Park searched the property of Kelsey Berreth`s fiance, Patrick Frazee, Friday morning. The 29-year-old mom was last seen shopping at a Safeway on Thanksgiving Day.

Mick Mulvaney will be just the acting chief of staff 'because that's what the president wants,' White House says

President Trump's search for a new chief of staff is over, at least for now.

The Latest: Italian journalist among the dead in Strasbourg

STRASBOURG, France (AP) — The Latest on France attack aftermath and death of suspect (all times local):

Fiat 500 earns place in New York's Museum of Modern Art

Fiat's iconic 500 F city car has been selected by the Museum of Modern Art as a primary exhibit for its The Value of Good Design exhibit next year

Australia recognises west Jerusalem as Israel’s capital

Australia has decided to formally recognise west Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, but won’t move its embassy until there’s a peace settlement between Israel and Palestinians, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced Saturday. He said in a speech that Australia will recognise east Jerusalem as Palestine’s capital only after a settlement has been reached on a two-state solution. The Australian Embassy won’t be moved from Tel Aviv until such a time, he said. While the embassy move is delayed, Mr Morrison said his government will establish a defense and trade office in Jerusalem and will also start looking for an appropriate site for the embassy. "The Australian government has decided that Australia now recognizes west Jerusalem, as the seat of the Knesset and many of the institutions of government, is the capital of Israel," Mr Morrison said. He said the decision respects both a commitment to a two-state solution and longstanding respect for relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Mr Morrison had earlier floated the idea that Australia may follow the contentious US move of relocating its embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, but it was seen by many Australians as a political stunt. Critics called it a cynical attempt to win votes in a by-election in October for a Sydney seat with a high Jewish population. The consideration had sparked backlash from Muslim-majority Indonesia and Malaysia, threatening a free trade deal which has now been delayed. Opposition leader Bill Shorten said Saturday that the decision to recognize west Jerusalem as Israel’s capital but not move the embassy there was a "humiliating backdown" from the October by-election campaign. "What I’m worried is that Mr. Morrison put his political interest ahead of our national interest," Shorten told reporters.  

Indiana State University group to honor Jamal Khashoggi

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) — A journalism group at Indiana State University is taking steps to honor alumnus and slain Saudi columnist Jamal Khashoggi.

You Can Now Build Your Own 2020 Jeep Gladiator without Any Regard to Price

We don't know how much the new Jeep pickup costs, which makes the online configurator even more fun to play with.

CBS Pledges $20M From Les Moonves' Severance To Combat Sexual Harassment

Scandal-ridden CBS is shelling out $20 million to more than a dozen

White House says probe of inauguration funding has 'nothing to do with the president'

The White House is brushing off reports that federal prosecutors are investigating the over $100 million that was raised from donors for President Trump’s inauguration last year.

Florida tale of infidelity and homicide ends with conviction

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — After a spellbinding five-day trial that featured tales of infidelity and a multimillion dollar insurance payout, a jury on Friday convicted a Florida woman of helping mastermind the killing of her husband nearly two decades ago.

Want your gifts by Christmas? Order by these dates

Order your gifts from retailers like Nordstrom, Target, Amazon, Sephora and more by these dates to ensure they arrive by Christmas.

What the New Court Ruling Striking Down the ACA Means for Your Health Insurance

Just as the sign-up window for individual health insurance for 2019 is closing, a legal ruling is creating new uncertainty about the future of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and could potentially ...

EU to Step Up Plans for No-Deal Brexit as Bloc Plays Hardball With May

May had come to Brussels hoping to secure some additional "assurances" on the most controversial part of her Brexit deal -- the so-called Irish border backstop. “Theresa May has led a courageous fight but unfortunately we are not seeing the results," European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker told reporters.

Brazil take first step in program to join nuclear-powered sub club

President Michel Temer and his right-wing successor, President-elect Jair Bolsonaro, both pressed the button that lowered into the sea the 1,700-ton submarine named Riachuelo at a Rio de Janeiro naval base. Temer's wife, Marcela, had christened the vessel, by smashing a champagne bottle against its hull. The submarines being built by the Brazilian Navy in partnership with France's defense company Naval Group, formerly known as DCNS, are a modified version of the Scorpene class diesel-powered submarine.

Russian Orthodox church calls on UN for help in Ukraine

MINSK, Belarus (AP) — The Russian Orthodox Church on Friday called on the United Nations, the leaders of Germany and France, the pope and other spiritual leaders to protect believers in Ukraine in the face of pressure on Moscow-affiliated clerics.

First new Mustang Shelby GT500 to be sold by Barrett-Jackson

The buyer gets to pick the color and the options for their special muscle car

US Senate votes to end support for Saudi-led Yemen war, blasts MBS

The US Senate dealt President Donald Trump a double blow over Saudi Arabia on Thursday, approving a resolution to end US military support for Riyadh's war in Yemen, and another holding the Saudi crown prince responsible for the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. On the Yemen measure, which more broadly attacks the president's prerogative to launch military actions, 49 Democrats or their allies voted in favor, along with seven Republicans, while another three Republicans abstained.

Mueller's rush to sentence Trump associates - an unusual way to treat cooperating witnesses - suggests Russia investigation is ending

Amid the whirlwind of hearings, guilty pleas and sentencing memos that has been Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia probe in the last few weeks, an unusual pattern has emerged. One of Mueller’s biggest successes as his team investigate 2016 election meddling and possible collusion between Moscow and Donald Trump’s campaign team, has been his ability to get former associates of the president to “flip” and cooperate with him. Among the more high-profile are Trump’s former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen, former White House national security advisor Michael Flynn, and former campaign foreign policy advisor George Papadopoulos.

Montana man pleads guilty to killing 2, putting them in acid

MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) — A Montana man pleaded guilty Friday to stabbing two people to death, including a teenage girl, dismembering their bodies and then trying to dissolve them in tubs filled with acid in the basement of a home.

Buy a gift card, get a freebie at these restaurants, businesses

This holiday season, when you purchase gift cards at many popular restaurant chains including Applebee's and the Cheesecake Factory, get a bonus.

Huawei case must remain apolitical: Freeland

Canada and the United States agreed on Friday that politics should be kept out of the process to extradite senior Huawei Technologies Co executive Meng Wanzhou, who is being held on a U.S. extradition warrant, Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said. Rough Cut (no reporter narration).

Best Air Fryers of 2018

Crispy fries without all the oil? That's the golden promise of air fryers, and it probably explains why roughly 4 million were sold over a recent 12-month period in the U.S. That represents a ten...

The Latest: Palestinian police end Hamas' West Bank protest

RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — The Latest on the violence in the West Bank (all times local):

The 2019 BMW X5 Is the Brand's Most Accomplished SUV Yet

Its G05 codename may never rank with E46 or E39, but the latest X5 is still plenty good.

Trump team defends Saudi ties after Senate rebuke on Yemen

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday again defended US ties with Saudi Arabia on national security grounds after the Senate voted to end support to the kingdom's war in Yemen. In a rare rebuke of President Donald Trump, the Republican-controlled Senate voted Thursday to end US backing for the Saudi-led coalition whose campaign in Yemen has contributed to what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis. "We certainly have great respect for what the legislative branch does and we're in constant contact with members on Capitol Hill so we understand their concerns," Pompeo told reporters.