Germany adopts third gender identity for intersex people

As of 1 January, intersex Germans can now legally identify themselves as a third gender.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2EYktkU

As the Rose Bowl Arrives, the Pac-12 Struggles to Keep Up

Underperforming media deals have left the conference falling behind its peers off the field. That might be the root of its problems on it.

from NYT > Sports https://nyti.ms/2Apytkx

Farmers in Bangladesh survive the monsoon by building floating farms

Villagers in flood-prone Bangladesh are learning to survive by building floating farms.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2LFWU1I

The Indian woman who makes 'fake food' for a living

Shilpa Mitha quit her job to pursue her hobby of making miniatures of classic Indian dishes.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2rXL2PA

New Horizons: Nasa waits for signal from Ultima Thule probe

Nasa's New Horizons spacecraft is due to fly past the most distant object ever explored in the Solar System.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2Tk2vNU

Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader to take office

Ex-army captain Jair Bolsonaro is a divisive figure who won on a promise of driving down crime.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2CJ9Xws

Van ploughs into Tokyo pedestrians headed for New Year's prayers

The street, sealed off to traffic, was packed with people heading to a shrine for New Year's prayers.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2GQSfeu

Colombia Farc: 85 ex-rebels killed since peace deal

The UN urges Colombia to do more to protect former Farc rebels after 85 were killed in two years.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2GPy68J

Kim Jong-un warns of change in direction on denuclearisation

The North Korean leader wants the US to "keep its promises" in exchange for denuclearisation.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2EWh1Ig

Recycling: Where is the plastic waste mountain?

A year ago China imposed a ban on waste imports, so what's happened to the UK's plastic?

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2EXOSzO

Why wealthy sports stars get passionate about charity

From global superstars to lower league footballers, sportspeople are spending money and time to back causes close to their hearts.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2F0FtYZ

Letter from Africa: Beyoncé, Bashir and Big Brother to dominate 2019

Kenyan journalist Joseph Warungu writes about what he will be looking out for in 2019.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2VoCONJ

On Pro Football: Firing of Several Black Coaches Puts N.F.L. Hiring Under Scrutiny

There are now only two African-American head coaches, after five others were fired. Newly revised rules compel owners to more seriously consider minority candidates.

from NYT > Sports https://nyti.ms/2F2jAJ9

Wanted: A Jets Coach that Suits Sam Darnold

The quarterback won’t have a say in who will be his next coach, but the team is looking for a coach that can complement their future star.

from NYT > Sports https://nyti.ms/2QZb8R8

Kristi Toliver, an N.B.A. Assistant Who’s Paid Like an Intern

A rule limiting how much W.N.B.A. teams can pay their players in the off-season has the Mystics star making just $10,000 to be an assistant coach for the Wizards.

from NYT > Sports https://nyti.ms/2AnbhDG

WATCH: New Years Eve Revelers Gather In Times Square

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to convene in Manhattan to watch the ball drop and see performances by stars such as Snoop Dogg, Sting and Paulina Rubio.

(Image credit: Julie Walker/AP)

from News : NPR https://n.pr/2QfI2aP

Dr Hook's Ray Sawyer dies aged 81

The singer, who was known for his distinctive eye patch and cowboy hat, has died aged 81.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2SsMlBF

The Top 10 Films Of 2018, Plus A Few Extras

As 2018 comes to an end, movie critic Bob Mondello takes a look at the year's best films.

from Movies : NPR https://n.pr/2s4j6t7

'Keep The Faith In Our Country And Hold Fast,' Mattis Tells Defense Department

Monday is the Defense Secretary's last day on the job. He urged people to "to support and defend the Constitution while protecting our way of life."

(Image credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

from News : NPR https://n.pr/2BTv4uf

Stock Market Gyrations Making You Dizzy? Get Used To It, Analysts Say

With the Dow swinging up and down hundreds of points in a day, investors are feeling queasy. One economist says uncertainty in the stock markets may mean turbulence will continue in the new year.

(Image credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

from News : NPR https://n.pr/2CHa8bF

Fox News Breaking News Alert

Fox News Breaking News Alert

Stocks end December, 2018 sharply lower, despite day's gains

12/31/18 1:07 PM

Russia Misses Deadline to Provide Doping Data

The failure to comply with the request from the global antidoping regulator could mean renewing penalties that kept Russia out of international sport for cheating.

from NYT > Sports https://nyti.ms/2RkVkaP

Intern Killed By Lion At North Carolina Animal Center

Alexandra Black, 22, "was a beautiful young woman who had just started her career," her family said. It's not clear how the male lion escaped a holding area during a routine enclosure cleaning.

from News : NPR https://n.pr/2GK279M

As Government Shutdown Drags On, So Do Economic Worries

The partial government shutdown is hurting the pocketbooks of 800,000 federal workers. But it also could effect consumer and business confidence down the line.

(Image credit: Win McNamee/Getty Images)

from News : NPR https://n.pr/2AnQHmy

Get a new Apple Watch Series 4 for one of the lowest prices we've seen

In Pictures: New Year 2019 celebrations around the world

Skies are illuminated above cities around the world as revellers welcome the arrival of the New Year.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2Tm9qWJ

Serena Williams and Roger Federer to Face Off for First Time Ever

The 37-year-olds have never played against each other before, but a New Year’s Day doubles exhibition in Australia changes that Tuesday in what Williams calls a “dream come true.”

from NYT > Sports https://nyti.ms/2EV7gcJ

Australian cane toads hitch ride on python's back

Paul Mock filmed the toads riding the python after a thunderstorm in Kununurra, Western Australia.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2SvOY5y

What Does Winning an Olympic Gold Medal in Curling Do? Crazy Things

“It is the world’s greatest coaster,’’ and other insights from the United States men’s curling team’s monthslong, wacky tour after the Pyeongchang Games in February.

from NYT > Sports https://nyti.ms/2BVvP6i

Democrats Plan Vote To Reopen Government On Jan. 3, When They Take Over House

The incoming House leadership plans legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security for a month. President Trump shows no sign of agreeing to their terms, digging in on funding a border wall.

(Image credit: J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

from News : NPR https://n.pr/2EW2Ulo

Stories From Around The World You May Have Missed This Year

Here is a selection of original reporting from NPR's international correspondents that may have slipped under your radar amid the heavy barrage of news in 2018.

(Image credit: Yasuyoshi Chiba/AFP/Getty Images)

from News : NPR https://n.pr/2TioYe4

Venice to charge tourist entry fee for short stays

Day-trippers will pay up to €10 each as the city struggles to cope with mass tourism.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2Tjd6IU

Serena Williams And Roger Federer To Face Off For The First Time

The tennis legends will meet at a mixed doubles match in Perth, Australia. They have been on the international tennis circuit for decades and hold 43 Grand Slam titles between them.

(Image credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

from News : NPR https://n.pr/2R575mx

Cronyism, 'Wasteful' Spending Accusations Roil Government Publishing Office

NPR has obtained an internal investigative report that alleges mismanagement at a little-known federal agency in charge of producing and distributing official documents, including 2020 census forms.

(Image credit: Eslah Attar/NPR)

from News : NPR https://n.pr/2Qb02TX

Four More N.F.L. Coaches Get the Axe, Including Marvin Lewis

Vance Joseph was fired by the Broncos, Steve Wilks by the Cardinals, Lewis by the Bengals, and Adam Gase by the Dolphins.

from NYT > Sports https://nyti.ms/2SuF6ZV

Yemen war: WFP accuses Houthi rebels of diverting food aid

The WFP demands that Yemen's rebel Houthi movement stops diverting food aid meant for civilians.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2QeLBOw

DR Congo election: Internet shut down after presidential vote

The opposition says the government ordered the move to avoid broadcasting their win.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2Rs2aew

Parkland school shooting survivors' anger at Louis CK routine

Survivors of the Florida school shooting hit out after the comic poked fun at them in a stand-up set.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2GNMaQ4

The Best Tiny Desk Concerts Of 2018

Watch 25 of the year's greatest, most surprising Tiny Desk performances, featuring just a sampling of the gifted artists who passed through NPR Music's office this year.

(Image credit: Eslah Attar/NPR)

from News : NPR https://n.pr/2BRHByd

Syria conflict: Trump slows down troop withdrawal

The US president confirms reports that the withdrawal of US forces will be slower than he promised.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2TeFz2q

A Menstruation Movie Is On The Short List For An Oscar Nomination

It all started when a guy wanted to create a better sanitary pad for his wife. And now there's a new documentary about the impact of his work.

(Image credit: Anand Brian)

from Movies : NPR https://n.pr/2VlMusz

Jair Bolsonaro, A Polarizing Figure, Prepares To Become Brazil's President

On New Year's Day, Jair Bolsonaro will be sworn in as president. He's an admirer of Donald Trump, and his rise to power has created — and reflected — deep divisions among Brazilians.

(Image credit: Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

from News : NPR https://n.pr/2Vm9kAc

US senator Elizabeth Warren takes step toward presidential run

The US Democratic senator announces she has set up an exploratory committee to consider a 2020 bid.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2s3Y6Tz

U.S. Citizen Arrested In Moscow On Suspicion Of Spying

Russia says Paul Whelan was detained on Friday while on a spy mission. He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted on espionage charges.

(Image credit: Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP)

from News : NPR https://n.pr/2Ti4dzd

A Menstruation Movie Is On The Short List For An Oscar Nomination

It all started when a guy wanted to create a better sanitary pad for his wife. And now there's a new documentary about the impact of his work.

(Image credit: Anand Brian)

from News : NPR https://n.pr/2GL1qNl

Chickpeas Sit In Silos As Trump's Trade Wars Wage On

The largest importers of crops like lentils, garbanzos or peas — China and India — aren't buying, due to trade wars and tariffs. But farmers already planted in anticipation of sales.

(Image credit: Anna King/Northwest News Network)

from News : NPR https://n.pr/2ViMAkw

The Top WIRED Photo Stories of 2018

Want to give your eyes a break from the news cycle? Start here.

from Feed: All Latest http://bit.ly/2ThCrmk

The 2018 Internet Moments That Made Being Online Worth It

'A Star Is Born' birthed great memes and Zendaya was Meechee.

from Feed: All Latest http://bit.ly/2CIRakR

12 Teams, One Goal: A First Look at the N.F.L. Playoffs

Recent history suggests the playoffs are stacked in favor of just a few teams.

from NYT > Sports https://nyti.ms/2EZj12E

Elizabeth Warren Launches Exploratory Bid For President In 2020

The 69-year-old law professor turned consumer advocate is a liberal icon but faces a crowded field of Democrats eager to challenge President Trump in 2020.

(Image credit: Carolyn Kaster/AP)

from News : NPR https://n.pr/2GNGl5a

Fox News Breaking News Alert

Fox News Breaking News Alert

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., announces she’s forming an exploratory committee in step toward 2020 presidential run

12/31/18 5:39 AM

US zoo intern fatally attacked by lion in North Carolina

Alexandra Black, 22, had recently graduated and started working at the centre only 10 days before.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2EXJcWs

If you have an older Mac, don’t forget about the SD Card slot

Pete Tong NYE 'balloon drop' cancelled after protests

Organisers had planned to release 130,000 balloons at a Manila nightclub to ring in the new year.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2s13rLt

2 Movie Reviewers Pick This Year's Standout Films

Noel King talks to Claudia Puig and April Wolfe of the Los Angeles Film Critics Association about their favorite films of 2018.

from Movies : NPR https://n.pr/2EZMM2f

Iran TV chief sacked over uncensored Jackie Chan sex scene

A regional TV channel broadcast Jackie Chan's Shinjuku Incident without censoring an "immoral" part.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2EZkNRs

The 10 best Mac games of 2018

Big Tech Is Here to Help You Fight Excessive Phone Use—Kinda

How Google, Apple, and Facebook turned "digital wellness" into a Goopified trend that gives them a new way to market themselves.

from Feed: All Latest http://bit.ly/2F0skzn

How to Follow New Horizons' Historic Flyby of Ultima Thule

On New Year's Eve, NASA's probe will reach Ultima Thule, an icy body at the edge of our solar system. Here's its timeline.

from Feed: All Latest http://bit.ly/2Rr10zU

The Worst Hacks of 2018: Marriott, Atlanta, Quora, and More

From the Marriott and Facebook meltdowns to state-sponsored assaults, 2018 was an eventful year for cybercrime.

from Feed: All Latest http://bit.ly/2H0KeE3

2019: The New Year begins with a bang in New Zealand

Auckland has said goodbye to 2018 and got the world's New Year celebrations officially underway.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2Ss0PBN

Hopman Cup: Serena Williams & Roger Federer to play for first time

Roger Federer and Serena Williams will meet on court for the first time at the Hopman Cup on Tuesday.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2AmrZTG

Eufy RobotVac 30C review: A reliable cleaner gets app control and smart-home integration

This budget-priced robot vacuum from Eufy gets new features while remaining affordably priced.

from Macworld http://bit.ly/2EYzzrq

Gjemeni USB couch review: You’ll get a charge out of this versatile convertible sofa

What better place for USB charging ports than the furniture you sit in every day? Gjemeni goes the extra mile to build 110-volt AC outlets into its tech-savvy couch.

from Macworld http://bit.ly/2EYhlWj

The old guard of Mac indy apps has thrived for more than 25 years

Amal Fathy: Egypt court imposes jail term over harassment video

Amal Fathy faces two years in jail for criticising the state for failing to tackle sexual harassment.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2Rkn27y

Australian cane toads hitch a lift on python's back after storm

Paul Mock filmed the cane toads riding the python, known as Monty, after a bad storm in Kununurra.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2GOcA4a

Way Beyond Pluto, An Icy World Is Ready For Its Close-Up

Minutes after the turn of the new year, NASA's New Horizons probe will fly by a minor planet in the most distant exploration of a world ever attempted.

(Image credit: JPL/NASA/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/Southwest Research Institute/Steve Gribben)

from News : NPR https://n.pr/2AxOGED

How Sen. Orrin Hatch Shaped America's Health Care In Controversial Ways

Republican Orrin Hatch is leaving the Senate after 42 years. He led bipartisan efforts to get more kids and AIDS patients health care. He also thrived on donations from the drug industry.

(Image credit: Bloomberg/Getty Images)

from News : NPR https://n.pr/2EViFZQ

Bangladesh PM Wins 3rd Term After Violent Election, Accusations Of Rigging

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her ruling alliance handily won Sunday's general election, which saw at least 17 people killed during voting. The main opposition party rejects the results.

(Image credit: -/AFP/Getty Images)

from News : NPR https://n.pr/2Rselb6

When Too Cute Is Too Much, The Brain Can Get Aggressive

Adorable babies and cute puppies can make us happy. But researchers say their cuteness can be so overwhelming that it unleashes some ugly thoughts.

(Image credit: Disney Junior/Disney Channel via Getty Images)

from News : NPR https://n.pr/2AppYWS

Is Coconut Oil All It's Cracked Up To Be? Get The Facts On This Faddish Fat

In the past few years, enthusiasts have touted coconut oil as the next great health food. But it contains high levels of saturated fat, which is associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

(Image credit: Russ Rohde/Getty Images/Cultura RF)

from News : NPR https://n.pr/2Sp3Gvf

Mother of the Hubble: Tributes paid to Nasa scientist

Dr Nancy Grace Roman, the first woman to hold a senior leadership position at NASA, has died at 93.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2SoZ7kp

Russian security agency arrests 'US spy' in Moscow

The FSB security agency says a US man named Paul Whelan has been charged with spying.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2CHzCFI

Duterte: Outrage as Philippines president says he touched a maid

Rights groups call Rodrigo Duterte's comments "repulsive" and "unworthy of his position".

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2VjtESU

Deadly blast ruins Russia housing block in Magnitogorsk

At least three people died in a suspected gas explosion in the city of Magnitogorsk.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2EYqvTq

Philippines deadly storm and landslides kill more than 60

An official says people did not take precautions as the storm was not classed as a typhoon.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2VkEYy4

Angela Merkel: Germany to take on greater global responsibility

Germany will assume greater international responsibility, Angela Merkel says in her New Year address.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2SzaEhv

Affordable Care Act Can Stay In Effect While Under Appeal, Judge Says

The federal judge in Texas issued a stay on the health care law more than two weeks after ruling it unconstitutional due to a recent elimination of a tax penalty on uninsured people.

(Image credit: AP)

from News : NPR https://n.pr/2AlczyY

What it’s like to be Black and Argentine

Afro-Argentines often feel like they’ve been written out of history and are mistaken for foreigners in their own country.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2s2fJ6c

Lederhosen love among Austria's millennials

Lederhosen and dirndl dresses are making a comeback in Austria.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2AmkSL1

Female fightback... 2018 in hashtags

A look at the year's most influential hashtags used by women on social media.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2RntUB7

Syria conflict: Trump 'committed to defeating IS', says Lindsey Graham

A top Republican says President Trump remains determined, despite deciding to withdraw all US troops.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2SrBV5i

Spoken word poet Dylema: On a stroll through Africa in 2018

Dylema leads us through key events on the continent this year in a specially commissioned poem.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2BZzjVp

'Dangerous orange pill' prompts Australia festival warning

Festival-goers are told that a "dangerous" drug is circulating in Australia, following a man's death.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2AmSDfb

Ravens and the Eagles Squeeze Through the Door to the Playoffs

In final week of the regular season, there was also good news for the Chiefs (home-field advantage in the A.F.C.) and the Patriots and Rams (first-round byes).

from NYT > Sports https://nyti.ms/2TlUKHa

On College Football: Alabama and Clemson Are Putting a Trademark on the Title Game

For the third time in four seasons, the two schools will meet in college football’s championship game. And the one time they didn’t, they met in the semifinal.

from NYT > Sports https://nyti.ms/2EVSbaF

In search of Leonard, my martyred ancestor

Eli Melki looks for traces of a relative who was killed at 33 during a wave of attacks against eastern Turkey's Christians.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2BMln0I

2018 in news: The alternative end-of-the-year awards

From the ridiculous to the more ridiculous, here are the weird stories that caught our eye this year.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2s3oDAp

Why legalising gay sex in India is not a Western idea

India's decision to decriminalise gay sex has taken the country back to its roots, some historians say.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2ApBWzF

Remembering the entertainment and arts figures we lost in 2018

Remembering some of the figures from music, film, TV, radio and literature who died in 2018.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2F03HlD

Bangladesh clothing factories: Are they safe now?

Are garment factories in Bangladesh safe five years after the Rana Plaza disaster?

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2s3oVat

Africa's year in pictures 2018

A selection of the best photos from across and about Africa this year.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/2GIKAyK

Cowboys Send Giants to Another Late Loss

The Cowboys scored with just over a minute left in the fourth quarter to earn a win that gave them some momentum ahead of their wild-card game next weekend.

from NYT > Sports https://nyti.ms/2TlRkUQ

Premier League Is Left Flat-Footed as New Leader Suddenly Backs Out

Susanna Dinnage was named to the league’s top post just last month but has now reversed course and will not take the highly influential job.

from NYT > Sports https://nyti.ms/2EWqMp2

Patriots 38, Jets 3: Jets’ Season Ends With a Rout and Questions About Todd Bowles’s Future

Multiple reports indicated that Bowles would be on his way out regardless of the result on Sunday after an underwhelming fourth season.

from NYT > Sports https://nyti.ms/2EXWrX7

Minimum Wages Rising In 20 States And Several Cities

The minimum wage will increase on or around January 1 in 20 states and 21 cities, impacting millions of American workers. Twenty-nine states will have set minimum wages above the federal level.

(Image credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

from News : NPR https://n.pr/2BN8KTd

More Than A Million Florida Felons Aren't Sure Yet Whether They Can Register To Vote

The incoming Florida governor and other politicians in the state say they will need to weigh-in before the amendment passed by voters in Nov., giving voting rights back to felons, is implemented.

(Image credit: Wilfredo Lee/AP)

from News : NPR https://n.pr/2QW8tI3

American Flown To Nebraska After Possible Ebola Exposure

The University of Nebraska Medical Center is monitoring an American health care worker who may have been exposed to the Ebola virus after treating patients in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

(Image credit: Alexis Huguet /AFP/Getty Images)

from News : NPR https://n.pr/2BOVygq