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Everything you need to know about the world this morning, curated by VICE.Trump Cites 'Bigger… More Powerful' Nuclear Button Than Kim Jong-un
The president has responded to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's claim that he has a nuclear button on his desk. Trump tweeted: "Will someone… please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!" Trump also used Twitter to threaten to cut off US aid to Palestinians this week, and made a similar threat aimed at Pakistan.—VICE News/The GuardianMitt Romney Has Clear Path Back to Relevance
Utah senator Orrin Hatch has announced he will retire at the end of his term, paving the way for former GOP presidential nominee and Trump critic Mitt Romney to campaign for his seat. Romney has already switched his Twitter location from Massachusetts to Utah, while Trump reportedly lobbied against Hatch's retirement, apparently worried about the possibility Romney could enter the Senate.—VICE News/CNNHarvey Weinstein Cases Referred to LA Prosecutor
After probing two allegations of sexual assault against the former Hollywood producer, the Beverly Hills Police Department has filed paperwork for the cases with the Los Angeles County district attorney. A spokesman for the DA’s office said case details have been “under review” since last month.—The Hollywood ReporterWinter Storm Set to Rock the East Coast
The National Weather Service (NWS) warned that a winter storm will bring freezing rain, sleet, and snow to the eastern seaboard from Wednesday through Friday. A “bomb cyclone” is expected to form off the New England coast, potentially creating hurricane-like winds. Forecasters said there was a risk of power outages in New England.—The Washington PostNorth Korea Restores Hotline Link with South Korea
North Korea has re-established emergency dialogue—or at least the means to conduct one—with its southern neighbor. An official said Pyongyang would communicate in “a sincere and faithful manner” about possible participation in the 2018 Winter Olympics using a phone hotline. South Korea said it had received a call via the line in the demilitarized zone at 3:30 PM local time Wednesday. Such conversations had broken off in early 2016.—BBC NewsIran's Leader Blames Protests on Foreign Powers
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has suggested "enemies of Iran" provided support to anti-government demonstrators in order “to create troubles for the Islamic Republic.” The secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council specifically claimed the US, the UK, and Saudi Arabia were responsible for the unrest. "We all know that's complete nonsense," responded Nikki Haley, US ambassador to the UN.—ReutersDozens Killed in Bus Crash in Peru
At least 48 people were left dead when a bus was hit by a tractor-trailer, sending it over a cliff on a coastal road north of Peruvian capital Lima. Six others were injured and were taken to the hospital. According to Peru’s transport ministry, both the bus and tractor trailer were traveling beyond speed limits.—CNNFormer Taliban Hostage Charged in Canada
Joshua Boyle, the Canadian held hostage with his wife and children in Afghanistan for five years, has been charged with 15 offenses, including eight counts of assault, two counts of sexual assault, and two counts of unlawful confinement. The offenses allegedly occurred in Ottawa after the family was rescued in October of last year.—CBC NewsThe Weeknd, Eminem, Beyoncé to Headline Coachella
The festival revealed its full 2018 lineup on Tuesday, featuring Migos, Cardi B, Tyler, the Creator, alt-J, Fleet Foxes, War on Drugs, and St. Vincent. Tickets for the April dates in Indio, California, go on sale Friday at 12 PM.—Rolling StoneChris Cantwell Sues Anti-Fascist Activists
Christopher Cantwell, who helped lead the deadly white supremacist rally in Charlottesville and went viral after crying in a video about his arrest warrant, has filed a lawsuit against two people, claiming they sprayed mace on themselves as part of an Antifa plan to “discredit, vex, and harass him.”—VICE NewsRose McGowan Is Getting Her Own Documentary Series
The actress and #MeToo activist is producing and starring in a five-part series for E! called Citizen Rose. McGowan said the show, which premieres January 30 alongside the release of her book Brave, will follow “my mind and world” over the past few months.—VICEMake sure to check out the latest episode of VICE's daily podcast. Today we're discussing what it means to be addicted to video games.
US News
The president has responded to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's claim that he has a nuclear button on his desk. Trump tweeted: "Will someone… please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!" Trump also used Twitter to threaten to cut off US aid to Palestinians this week, and made a similar threat aimed at Pakistan.—VICE News/The GuardianMitt Romney Has Clear Path Back to Relevance
Utah senator Orrin Hatch has announced he will retire at the end of his term, paving the way for former GOP presidential nominee and Trump critic Mitt Romney to campaign for his seat. Romney has already switched his Twitter location from Massachusetts to Utah, while Trump reportedly lobbied against Hatch's retirement, apparently worried about the possibility Romney could enter the Senate.—VICE News/CNN
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After probing two allegations of sexual assault against the former Hollywood producer, the Beverly Hills Police Department has filed paperwork for the cases with the Los Angeles County district attorney. A spokesman for the DA’s office said case details have been “under review” since last month.—The Hollywood ReporterWinter Storm Set to Rock the East Coast
The National Weather Service (NWS) warned that a winter storm will bring freezing rain, sleet, and snow to the eastern seaboard from Wednesday through Friday. A “bomb cyclone” is expected to form off the New England coast, potentially creating hurricane-like winds. Forecasters said there was a risk of power outages in New England.—The Washington Post
International News
North Korea has re-established emergency dialogue—or at least the means to conduct one—with its southern neighbor. An official said Pyongyang would communicate in “a sincere and faithful manner” about possible participation in the 2018 Winter Olympics using a phone hotline. South Korea said it had received a call via the line in the demilitarized zone at 3:30 PM local time Wednesday. Such conversations had broken off in early 2016.—BBC NewsIran's Leader Blames Protests on Foreign Powers
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has suggested "enemies of Iran" provided support to anti-government demonstrators in order “to create troubles for the Islamic Republic.” The secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council specifically claimed the US, the UK, and Saudi Arabia were responsible for the unrest. "We all know that's complete nonsense," responded Nikki Haley, US ambassador to the UN.—Reuters
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At least 48 people were left dead when a bus was hit by a tractor-trailer, sending it over a cliff on a coastal road north of Peruvian capital Lima. Six others were injured and were taken to the hospital. According to Peru’s transport ministry, both the bus and tractor trailer were traveling beyond speed limits.—CNNFormer Taliban Hostage Charged in Canada
Joshua Boyle, the Canadian held hostage with his wife and children in Afghanistan for five years, has been charged with 15 offenses, including eight counts of assault, two counts of sexual assault, and two counts of unlawful confinement. The offenses allegedly occurred in Ottawa after the family was rescued in October of last year.—CBC News
Everything Else
The festival revealed its full 2018 lineup on Tuesday, featuring Migos, Cardi B, Tyler, the Creator, alt-J, Fleet Foxes, War on Drugs, and St. Vincent. Tickets for the April dates in Indio, California, go on sale Friday at 12 PM.—Rolling StoneChris Cantwell Sues Anti-Fascist Activists
Christopher Cantwell, who helped lead the deadly white supremacist rally in Charlottesville and went viral after crying in a video about his arrest warrant, has filed a lawsuit against two people, claiming they sprayed mace on themselves as part of an Antifa plan to “discredit, vex, and harass him.”—VICE NewsRose McGowan Is Getting Her Own Documentary Series
The actress and #MeToo activist is producing and starring in a five-part series for E! called Citizen Rose. McGowan said the show, which premieres January 30 alongside the release of her book Brave, will follow “my mind and world” over the past few months.—VICEMake sure to check out the latest episode of VICE's daily podcast. Today we're discussing what it means to be addicted to video games.