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The VICE Morning Bulletin

The VICE Morning Bulletin

DC rocked by Trump's "shithole countries" remark, Myanmar admits soldiers killed (just) ten Rohingya, White House expected to stand by Iran nuclear deal for now, and more.
Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Everything you need to know about the world this morning, curated by VICE.

US News

‘Shithole Countries’ Raises Bar for Racism from Trump
In a discussion with lawmakers at the White House about protections for immigrants from Haiti, El Salvador, and African nations, President Trump reportedly asked: “Why are we having all these people from shithole countries come here?” According to those present, Trump said he would prefer immigrants from countries like Norway. Despite widespread outrage about Trump’s apparent preference for white immigrants, few Republican lawmakers condemned his remarks. Rep. Tim Walz of Minnesota did say: “This is racism, plain and simple, and we need to call it that.”—VICE News / Washington Post

Trump Cancels Visit to the UK
The president claimed on Twitter he had canceled a trip to one of America's closest allies because the US embassy in London had been relocated. Trump blamed Obama for selling the old embassy for “peanuts,” despite the fact that the decision to move was made during George W. Bush’s presidency. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan claimed Trump had “got the message” his visit would be met with mass protests.—VICE News

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White House Expected to Stand by Iran Nuclear Deal
President Trump was expected to let stand the landmark 2015 agreement with Iran to halt its nuclear program, declining to reintroduce US sanctions, according to two sources. However, Trump was reportedly set to instead impose new, personal sanctions on Iranian officials over alleged corruption and human rights violations.—The New York Times

International News

Myanmar Admits Soldiers Killed Just Ten Rohingya
Myanmar’s military chief Min Aung Hlaing said his soldiers were involved in the killing of ten Rohingya Muslims in Inn Din after their remains were found in a mass grave outside the village. James Gomez, the regional director for Amnesty International, described the deaths as “beyond comprehension” and called for a “serious independent investigation into what other atrocities were committed.”—Al Jazeera

Angel Merkel Moves Toward Forming Government
The German chancellor and her Christian Social Union and Christian Democratic Union (CSU and CDU) colleagues have agreed to a preliminary deal with the Social Democrats (SPD) to form a coalition government after September’s election results failed to net a clear winner. A 28-page policy document will act as an outline for formal negotiations.—Reuters

Wrecked Oil Tanker Moves into Japanese Waters
An Iranian tanker, still on fire almost a week after crashing into another ship off the coast of China, has floated into Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) thanks in part to strong winds. The vessel held nearly a million barrels of crude oil.—Reuters

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Everything Else

Motörhead Guitarist Dies at 67
The death of “Fast” Eddie Clarke, the last member of the legendary British metal band’s signature lineup, was announced on the group's Facebook page. The feed stated: “Keep roaring, rockin’ and rollin’ up there… your Motörfamily would expect nothing less!!!”—Noisey

Jay Rock Releases ‘Black Panther’ Track
The rapper dropped “King’s Dead” on Thursday, his collaboration with Future, Kendrick Lamar, and James Blake for the Marvel movie’s official soundtrack. The song will also appear on Jay Rock’s forthcoming album.—Billboard

David Simon Examining James Franco Allegations
The co-creator of HBO’s The Deuce said he was “trying to discern what is or isn’t there” regarding allegations made against one of his show’s leading actors and sometimes director. Five women came forward to accuse Franco of sexual misconduct in a story published by the LA Times.—The Hollywood Reporter

Taylor Swift Drops New Video
The pop star released a video for her new single “End Game” off Reputation, featuring Future and Ed Sheeran. The rapper parties with Swift on a yacht in Miami and the British songwriter drinks with her in Tokyo.—Rolling Stone

Vast Majority of Americans Do Not Want Federal Crackdown on Weed
The latest Quinnipiac University poll showed 70 percent of voters opposed Attorney General Jeff Sessions's efforts to impose federal marijuana laws on states that have made the drug legal. “The demographics say pot is here to stay,” said Quinnipiac’s Tim Malloy.—VICE

Carrie Brownstein Memoir to Become a TV Show
The Sleater-Kinney guitarist and Portlandia star is developing a new show based on her autobiographical book Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl. The new series, entitled Search and Destroy, will be made for Hulu.—i-D

Make sure to check out the latest episode of VICE's daily podcast. Today we’re taking a look at what could be the first ever male sex robot, set to debut this year.