Tuesday, January 7, 2020

Puerto Rico is largely without power following a magnitude 6.4 earthquake off its southern coast early Tuesday. A 5.8 magnitude quake rattled parts of southern Puerto Rico on Monday, collapsing a landmark coastal arch.

by Korva Coleman and Jill Hudson

First Up

U.S. Army soldiers from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Task Force-Iraq man a defensive position at Forward Operating Base Union III in Baghdad last month.
Task Force-Iraq Public Affairs via Reuters

Here's what we're following today.

There was confusion Monday after the Pentagon sent Iraqi leaders a letter implying U.S. troops were in the process of withdrawing from Iraq. Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters that the letter was "poorly worded." Some forces are being repositioned inside Iraq, not leaving the country, said Secretary of Defense Mark Esper.

State television in Iran says a deadly stampede erupted Tuesday during a funeral procession for Gen. Qassem Soleimani in his hometown of Kerman. At least 40 people were killed and more than 200 others were injured. Iran says Soleimani’s burial is now being postponed.

Senate Democratic leaders are still seeking to call witnesses in the Senate impeachment trial of President Trump. Former national security adviser John Bolton said he is willing to testify if he’s subpoenaed.

Puerto Rico is largely without power following a magnitude 6.4 earthquake off its southern coast early Tuesday. A 5.8 magnitude quake rattled parts of southern Puerto Rico on Monday, collapsing a landmark coastal arch.

Former movie mogul Harvey Weinstein was charged with four felony counts of sexual assault in Los Angeles County on Monday, the same day jury selection began in his New York trial for similar charges. 

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Today's Listens

A herd of goats spent the fall in and around Deer Canyon Park in Anaheim, Calif., helping to keep grasses and other potential wildfire fuels in check.
Megan Manata

California has gone through several devastating fire seasons in recent years. Now, some cities are investing in a rather unconventional fire prevention method — herds of grass-eating goats. (Listening time, 3:39)

Writer Ada Calhoun interviewed many Gen X women about the angst they feel when they hit midlife. Her new book, Why We Can’t Sleep, focuses on the high expectations society sets for middle class women, while offering very little support to actually achieve them. (Listening time, 7:16)

Before You Go

Rihanna performs with Pharrell Williams at her fifth annual Diamond Ball on Sept. 12, 2019. This January marks four years since her last full-length release.
Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images

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