Nine ex-minsters from the dissolved Catalan parliament appeared at Spain’s high court on Thursday accused of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds. All, with exception of bailed former Business Minister Santi Vila were detained, while ousted Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont remains in Belgium and was one of five separatist politicians not to answer the summons in Madrid. Spanish Prime Minster Mariano Rajoy imposed direct rule upon Catalonia last week after lawmakers in the region voted to declare independence on the back of the October 1 referendum that was deemed illegal by Spain’s national government....

That prospect unnerved Algeria’s Arab neighbors and sent tremors as far away as Egypt, Turkey and France. And at the epicenter, Algeria’s French-speaking elite is panicking. “As a woman, this is the worst thing that ever happened to me,” says a 28-year-old Algiers pharmacist. “If the FIS takes control, I vow I’ll be out of the country within a year.” Mainstream newspapers called for an Army coup to reverse the voters’ verdict, and the defeated “democratic” parties flooded the courts with accusations of election fraud....

Aubameyang has made an astonishing impact for his new club, scoring nine goals in his first 10 games. Against Real Madrid in Sunday’s Clasico, the 32-year-old was rampant, scoring twice and assisting another in a statement 4-0 victory. Aubameyang was at the centre of all that Barcelona did well, which was rather a lot. “We are back” Gerard Pique tweeted after Barca’s win at the Santiago Bernabeu. Joan Laporta said something similar a few weeks ago, but many believed the Barcelona president had spoken prematurely....

“The NHL’s title for their annual diversity campaign, ‘Hockey is For Everyone’ makes me crack up,” Aliu wrote in a powerful essay for The Players’ Tribune that was posted on Tuesday morning. “Because, right now, hockey is not for everyone.” Taking aim at the NHL’s “Hockey is for Everyone” campaign, which “uses the game of hockey — and the league’s global influence — to drive positive social change and foster more inclusive communities,” Aliu detailed the racism he experienced over the course of his career and insisted the time is now for the league to step up....

He has that little-kid smile, the charm and charisma that draws people to him and makes you want to give him a hug. Add in the fact he decimates his opponents, knocking them to the canvas at will, smiles and then tells the fans, “Welcome to the Big Drama Show,” and you have most dangerous fighter in boxing. MORE: Boxers to watch | Mayweather was wise to dodge Golovkin...

As the bombing continues in the urban centers of the country, people will flee their homes, becoming either internally displaced or leaving the country altogether, creating a refugee crisis along the borders of Turkey, Iran, Jordan, Syria, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Assuming an American victory, the occupying power or new postwar government will be obligated to meet the humanitarian needs of the Iraqis who remain, as well as those who have escaped and want to return....

Posting on social media yesterday, State Rep. Larry Pittman said he would tell police officers to take back the Seattle Capitol Hill Occupied Protest (CHOP) area and shoot anyone who resisted if he was in charge of the city. The North Carolina Republican also described protesters in the area as “domestic terrorists” forming a “lawless, godless mob” who wanted to destroy the U.S. “I am thoroughly disgusted by the gutless wonders in public office who are bowing down to Black Lives Matter,” Rep....

According to the company’s press release, the deal includes a new apparel line based upon Jackson’s “Get the Strap” trademark as well as the integration of his elite champagne brand, Le Chemin du Roi, at future Bellator events. BELLATOR 206: Date, time, how to watch “We are thrilled to partner with such a legendary icon who has been a friend to the Bellator family for quite some time,” said Scott Coker, president of Bellator MMA....

In Egypt, this is not the case. On this day six years ago, the thugs of the incumbent president at the time, former General Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, descended on the squares of Rabaa and al-Nahda, killing more than 900 peaceful demonstrators. Human Rights Watch has called it one of the largest killings of demonstrators in a single day in recent history, and a probable crime against humanity. The paranoia and subsequent violence that Sissi showed in the days leading up to and during the massacre have continued, albeit in a different form....

Authorities in Beijing, who’ve been criticized for supporting the Burmese junta, have reason to be queasy about monk-led protests both at home and abroad. Opposition to the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1951 erupted first in Buddhist monasteries. Resentment still simmers. On Nov. 19, two teenage Tibetan monks quarreled with a Chinese shopkeeper and were detained. Some 200 sympathizers protested and five were arrested for “fanning the riot,” according to the state-run Xinhua news agency....

Here’s a look at early developments at Kansas. MORE: Kurt Busch’s challenge grows | Answers blowing in the wind | How they started — Kurt Busch made up track position in a hurry. Forced to start at the rear of the field after going to his backup car, Busch was up to 27th after 10 laps. Tight early, Busch got the adjustments he needed on early stops. — Brad Keselowski, meanwhile, was going backwards early....

By Tim Schranck First of all, I think most objective observers would say that few if any candidates in either party put as much thought and substance into putting forth specific policy proposals as Fred did, and whether they fit your political bias or not, they were policies that were roundly hailed by leading conservative publications such as National Review and the WSJ. Rather, the biggest beef against Fred seemed to be that he didn’t act like other politicians who only know they want to be president, not what they want to accomplish as president....

“We’ve had some nibbles,’’ Incognito told USA Today in a Friday story. The former Dolphins guard implicated in last year’s bullying scandal said his agent was exploring opportunities, but added, “I’m not talking until I get picked up. I’m standing pat on that.'' Incognito was suspended by the Dolphins after the harassment of teammate Jonathan Martin went public in October, then was not re-signed after the season. He spoke to the paper from Scottsdale, Ariz....

The Spanish goalkeeper made a terrific save with his feet to deny Joel Matip from point-blank range, helping his side head into the break level at Anfield. And that save proved to be the fifth he’s made this season to deny clear-cut, ‘big chances’, with no goalkeeper in England’s top flight having made more than the former Atletico Madrid man. De Gea has already kept six clean sheets from United’s opening seven matches and was in top form once again against Jurgen Klopp’s side as he kept out Matip with his left boot....

The crew are currently orbiting Earth at a distance of roughly 370 miles, at 22 times the speed of sound. The launch from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, was preceded by intense planning, design, and training. Below are some images of the moments leading up to the historic three-day mission. The Inspiration4 Crew Prepares for Launch On September 11, the Falcon 9 rocket that carried the Dragon spacecraft into low-Earth orbit was pictured on the launch pad at Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center....

A host of high-profile figures were in attendance for the unveiling of the attraction at the Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California, on Wednesday—which proved to be a delight for devoted fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But it was a Spider-Man “Stuntronics” robot—leaping high into the sky and over buildings in humanlike form before achieving the perfect landing—that truly impressed onlookers. The new robot acrobat, which can perform such high-flying aerial stunts as single and double backflips in graceful—and, more importantly, safe—form could well be the future of action movies as they alleviate strain on human performers....

The video was taken by Dean Spraakman of Sea Dragon Films, who was diving off the Neptune Islands, Australia. The film was originally uploaded in January, but recently went viral on several subreddits. You can watch the video on Sea Dragon Films YouTube channel here. What caused the injuries to the male shark is unknown. However, as they mostly appear to be concentrated on one side of the shark’s body, Spraakman suggests it may have been hit by a boat....

On the field, the Texans defensive end easily has his way with opposing offenses. He racks up sacks. He recovers fumbles. Heck, he scores touchdowns, too! Simply put, he’s unstoppable. MORE: Watt gets swatted | Watt’s MVP case | Week 17’s must-see photos The legend of Watt just got a little bit more spooky. When a house fire left a family near Houston reeling, it was Watt’s poster that brought a smile to their face....

On Monday, the U.K.’s government eased the travel restrictions on more than 50 countries but excluded many from the developing world. The New Delhi government on Friday imposed reciprocal restrictions on travelers from Britain to India, requiring British citizens to undergo COVID-19 testing and quarantine for 10 days, similar to the restrictions placed on Indian residents visiting the U.K. A spokesman for the British High Commission in India said the U....