The European Union today formally approved a 15-month, 500-strong mission to train the Malian army.

The decision, taken by foreign ministers from the 27 member states, was the last step in a process that began in the middle of last year. Provisional approval to the mission was given in December.

The 200 trainers and roughly 300 ancillary staff – a protection unit, medical teams and administrators – are due to be deployed in mid-March. An advance group of 70 EU military personnel is already in Mali.

The training mission is one of the EU’s two contributions to an international military effort that has been planned since last March, when Islamists captured the north of the country. The other element is a financial contribution, currently amounting to €50 million, to support the creation of an African military combat force originally scheduled to be operational by this autumn.

However, a southward offensive on 11 January by the Islamist groups – some indigenous to Mali and some from Arab in origin – prompted France to intervene, at the request of the Malian government, and accelerated the deployment both of the EU’s training mission and of the African force.

The offensive also added urgency to other EU efforts to support the country. The EU last Tuesday (12 February) released €250 million in aid that had been suspended following a military coup last March, and last Friday (15 February) said that it has earmarked €20 million from its Instrument for Stability to help in areas recaptured from the rebels.

Also today, the president of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, met Mali’s Prime Minister Diango Sissoko and announced the EU would host a donors conference in mid-May in Brussels, to follow up on a meeting in Addis Ababa on 29 January. The EU on 5 February hosted a meeting of the principal international contact group formed to address the crises in Mali.

The Islamist rebels have now been forced to out of Mali’s major towns and cities. However, the challenge of ensuring security has been underscored by reports of human-rights abuses by the Malian army and renewed evidence of divisions within the military. Earlier this month (8 February), soldiers loyal to the leader of last year’s coup attacked a camp belonging to the presidential guard, killing one and wounding five. Nonetheless, the leader of last March’s coup, Amadou Sanogo, was appointed head of a committee charged with reforming the military last Wednesday (13 February). His appointment was part of a roadmap towards elections slated for later this year.

Patrick de Rousiers, the French general who leads the EU Military Committee, today said that the challenge for EU military trainers is to build “a new army”.

The composition of the training mission is still being decided, but 16 EU member states – plus Norway – have agreed to contribute.

Member states will cover the salaries of their nationals, as well as the costs of their deployment, while €12.3 million in general costs will be paid for by the EU.

Officials in Michigan, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington, D.C., have shuttered all K-12 schools, following the lead of a couple of other states amid the continued spread of the coronavirus.

According to Education Week, “at least 10,600 schools have been closed or are scheduled to close, affecting at least 4.9 million students,” as of Thursday evening.

The announced duration of the school closings has varied from state to state. New Mexico, Ohio and Michigan schools are closed for the next three weeks, while schools in Oregon and Maryland are closed for the next two weeks.

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Washington, D.C., announced early Friday that its public schools would be closed for two weeks starting Monday.

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Of these states, Oregon has the most reported cases of the virus at 19 and borders Washington state, the most affected area of the U.S.

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown (D) said in a release late Thursday that “it has now become impossible to functionally operate schools due to workforce issues and student absences.”

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) called the closures a “necessary step.”

In the U.S., there have been more than 1,700 diagnoses of COVID-19 with at least 40 deaths.

A committee of member state representatives gave their approval this morning to a revision of European Union tobacco law that will, controversially, tightly regulate the content and marketing of electronic cigarettes.

The e-cigarette issue had threatened to derail talks between the European Parliament and member states. MEPs insisted that the devices should be regulated for general sale. National governments, concerned about the unknown long-term health effects, wanted them to be regulated as medicines. Member states also wanted to ban refillable cartridges over concerns about safety and nicotine content.

But MEPs, under intense pressure from e-cigarette manufacturers and users who said such restrictions would kill off a valuable tool to quit smoking, refused to allow such a ban.

A compromise was agreed Monday night (16 December), but it had to be approved by EU countries today because it went beyond the mandate given to the Lithuanian government, which is conducting negotiations on behalf of member states.

Under the deal, e-cigarettes will be regulated for general sale at EU level, but member states would be allowed to regulate them as medicines if they so choose. Refillable cartridges will not be banned. However member states can ban specific types of cartridges, if the ban can be justified by safety concerns. If three member states adopt a ban on a specific cartridge, the European Commission can unilaterally impose an EU-level ban, without approval by Parliament or member states. Although the deal on Monday would have capped cartridge size at 1ml, this was raised today to 2ml on the advice of the Commission.

E-cigarettes will be limited to a maximum permitted nicotine concentration level of 20mg/ml, equivalent to roughly one pack of regular cigarettes.

Reaction from e-cigarette companies and users was mixed. Some fear that provision allowing national bans on specific refillable cartridges will eventually mean an effective EU ban on all refillables, if member states begin banning most types of cartridges. The Parliament would be powerless to stop such an effective ban. They are also concerned about a provision requiring the issue to be revisited in 2016.

Fraser Cropper, chief executive of e-cigarette manufacturer Totally Wicked, said that while the final deal is a “significant improvement” from the original Commission proposal thanks to the work of MEPs, it leaves great uncertainty for the future. He said clarity needs to be brought to the proposal

Traditional tobacco

Though the e-cigarette issue became the most contested part of the legislation in its final weeks, the revision of the EU’s Tobacco Products Directive will mean big changes for traditional cigarettes as well.

All characterising flavours will be banned, though the menthol flavour will be given a four-year derogation. Menthol cigarettes will be banned in 2020. Manufacturers and importers must submit reports on the use of these additives within 18 months.

Graphic pictorial health warnings will now be required. They must cover 65% of both the front and back of cigarette packs. In order to address the concerns raised by manufacturers about increased ease of counterfeiting using the labels, the law will set up an EU-wide tracking and tracing system to combat illicit trade of tobacco products.

Member states may ban cross-border distance sales of tobacco products, for example through online purchasing. Snus, the oral tobacco which was at the heart of a scandal last year which resulted in the resignation of former health commissioner John Dalli, will see no change in its legal status. It is banned in the EU except for Sweden.

The Commission proposal to ban slim cigarettes was rejected. But perfumed ‘lipstick’ cigarettes will be banned.

Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, the Lithuanian health minister, said today that the agreement “is just a first, but crucial step in protecting the public health and in harmonising the market of tobacco products at the Union level.”

Tonio Borg, the current European commissioner for health who replaced Dalli after he resigned, said that he believes that “prominent visual warnings will serve as effective reminders of the severe health consequences of smoking and help people make well-informed choices.”

“The prohibition of characterising flavours such as fruit or menthol, which appeal to young people, will make smoking initiation less appealing,” he added.

Health campaigners also welcomed today’s result. “We have good reasons to celebrate”, said Florence Berteletti, director of the Smoke Free Partnership: “As a result of the TPD’s negotiations, the EU will force tobacco companies to make tobacco products less attractive to young people; this is exactly what tobacco companies feared the most and why they deployed such an “army” against the Tobacco Products Directive over the past 6 years. Yet, they lost.”

Tobacco companies maintained their opposition to the changes. “The TPD has been negotiated hastily, pushed by political agendas, with little consideration given to the effectiveness of the numerous measures and the costs entailed for EU member states and businesses,” said Ben Townsend, head of EU affairs for tobacco company JTI.

The deal must still be rubber-stamped by health ministers and the full Parliament. This final approval is expected in March.

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Several Senate Democrats introduced a bill Thursday that would expand free tests to confirm the COVID-19 infections regardless of health care coverage. 

The bill, dubbed the Free COVID-19 Testing Act, is led by Sens Tina SmithTina Flint SmithDemocratic Senators introduce bill to provide free coronavirus testing Democratic senators ask prison operators for answers on coronavirus plans Democratic candidates gear up for a dramatic Super Tuesday MORE (Minn.), Gary PetersGary Charles PetersDemocratic Senators introduce bill to provide free coronavirus testing GOP senator announces intention to subpoena firm tied to Burisma GOP chairman cancels Hunter Biden-related subpoena vote MORE (Mich.), Patty MurrayPatricia (Patty) Lynn MurrayDemocratic Senators introduce bill to provide free coronavirus testing Ed Markey: ‘Let’s celebrate St. Patrick’s Day’ by adopting Irish sick leave policy Democrats push for paid leave in coronavirus response MORE (D-Wash.), Ron WydenRonald (Ron) Lee WydenBill to protect children online ensnared in encryption fight Democratic Senators introduce bill to provide free coronavirus testing Vermont attorney general sues controversial facial recognition company over privacy violations MORE (D-Ore.), along with Senate Minority Leader Charles SchumerCharles (Chuck) Ellis SchumerDemocratic Senators introduce bill to provide free coronavirus testing Senate confirms Trump pick for energy commission seat Progressives urge Democrats to hear from federal judge deeply critical of Roberts, conservatives MORE (D-N.Y.). 

“It is not only morally wrong if people are forced to forgo testing because they can’t afford it, but also a serious risk to everyone in their community,” Schumer said. “Time is of the essence — this legislation must be passed without delay.”

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Concerns over access to coronavirus testing and treatment have dominated the conversation on Capitol Hill in recent days as the disease continues to spread throughout the country. As of Thursday night, the U.S. has more than 1,600 confirmed cases as of the virus. 

At a Thursday evening speech from the oval office, President TrumpDonald John TrumpThe Hill’s Morning Report — Coronavirus tests a partisan Washington The Memo: Virus crisis upends political world Bill to protect children online ensnared in encryption fight MORE said that health insurers had pledged to eliminate “all co-payments for coronavirus treatments.” Medicare and Medicaid are covering the cost of testing, though it’s still unclear how much tests will cost for the uninsured. 

“We have not yet finalized our uninsured patient price,” Quest Diagnostics, one of the largest private testing companies told The Washington Post. “Our goal is to enable broad access.”

There has been mixed messaging from the White House on the availability of tests. Last week, Trump  told reporters “anybody that wants a test can get a test,” though health officials have reported they are limiting tests to those who fit certain criteria due to shortages.

Senators from both sides of the aisle voiced concern Thursday over the status of “millions” of test kits to Vice President Pence, who is leading the administration’s response. The vice president told them the tests would be available by the end of the week. 

“We are going to have — and I suspect are having, and I think they alluded to it in there — a supply chain problem,” said Sen. Marco RubioMarco Antonio RubioDemocratic Senators introduce bill to provide free coronavirus testing Overnight Health Care — Presented by Philip Morris International — Why canceling events makes sense amid coronavirus | Ohio official says 100K people in state may have virus | Latest on talks over economic plan | Trump weighs emergency declaration Top health official Fauci: People in US not easily getting coronavirus testing ‘is a failing’ MORE (R-Fla.).

The Senate bill comes as the House scrambles to reach an agreement on an economic relief package in response to the coronavirus. On Thursday, Speaker Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiThe Hill’s Morning Report — Coronavirus tests a partisan Washington The Memo: Virus crisis upends political world Coronavirus shakes up K Street MORE (D-Calif.) said they’re “close” to reaching a deal with the White House, which will likely come Friday.

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Stocks cratered Thursday as the escalating coronavirus pandemic and lingering questions about President TrumpDonald John TrumpThe Hill’s Morning Report — Coronavirus tests a partisan Washington The Memo: Virus crisis upends political world Bill to protect children online ensnared in encryption fight MORE’s response drove the worst day of losses for Wall Street since the 1987 crash.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed with a loss of 2,352 points, dropping 10 percent for its steepest loss by percentage since falling 22.6 percent on Oct. 19, 1987.

The Dow’s Thursday losses also exceeded its 7.87-percent plunge on Oct. 15, 2008, which was the index’s most recent record for the steepest single-day drop by percentage.

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The S&P 500 fell 9.5 percent to join the Dow in bear market territory — a 20 percent decline from a stock or index’s 52-week peak. The Nasdaq composite also dropped 9.4 percent, bear market territory.

Thursday’s record-breaking losses come amid increasing panic over the humanitarian and economic toll of the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. Public health and government officials are urging Americans to adopt social distancing practices to avoid a sharp increase in confirmed U.S. coronavirus cases, which exceeded 1,000 on Wednesday and has claimed more than 30 lives in the U.S.

President Trump and lawmakers are facing growing pressure and a narrowing window to bolster the federal government’s fight to mitigate the spread of the virus and limit the deep economic damage it is likely to cause. Economists warn that without robust and rapid action to improve the country’s medical response and protect the economy, the U.S. will likely slip into a recession.

Trump said during an address from the Oval Office on Wednesday that he plans to take “targeted” action to help Americans who will miss work or lose their jobs due to the coronavirus and businesses likely most vulnerable to steep declines in consumer spending.

The president said Wednesday night he would instruct the Small Business Administration (SBA) to increase loans to help businesses overcome the slowdown, take unspecified executive actions to protect workers and seek Congressional approval of a payroll tax cut that has fallen flat among lawmakers.

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Stocks futures plummeted after Trump’s remarks, in which he also announced travel restrictions on European travel to the U.S., and projected a steep loss heading into Thursday trading.

“Nothing happened overnight to soothe investors. In fact, you could argue things seem even more grim this morning,” wrote JJ Kinahan, chief market strategist at TD Ameritrade, in a Friday research note. “The travel ban and so many big events closing or being limited in scope seem to have ratcheted up worries about a recession.”

Stocks tanked throughout Thursday as Trump and lawmakers negotiated over a bill to boost the government’s virus mitigation efforts and shore up economic protections for the most vulnerable Americans. 

The market rebounded slightly after the Federal Reserve announced it would offer $1.5 trillion in short-term loans meant to stabilize financial markets, but sunk again as lawmakers struggled to strike a deal.

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The Democratic-led House was set to vote on a bill Thursday morning with the hopes of forcing the Senate into action before a previously scheduled congressional recess. The Democratic bill included provisions to ensure paid sick leave for all workers, expand unemployment insurance, guarantee free coronavirus testing and expand federal food assistance for low-income families and children.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellOvernight Health Care — Presented by Philip Morris International — Why canceling events makes sense amid coronavirus | Ohio official says 100K people in state may have virus | Latest on talks over economic plan | Trump weighs emergency declaration On The Money: Stocks suffer worst losses since 1987 crash amid coronavirus panic | Wall Street clamors for stimulus | Pelosi open to tweaking virus bill but won’t wait long for GOP Stocks suffer worst losses since 1987 crash amid coronavirus panic MORE (R-Ky.) dashed hopes of easy passage Thursday, denouncing the Democratic offering as an “ideological wish list” and canceling the Senate’s planned break, pushing the House to do the same.

Updated at 4:32 p.m.

The Pentagon’s top leaders on Thursday confirmed that Iranian-backed militia groups were behind the rocket attack in Iraq that killed two U.S. troops and one British soldier a day earlier, saying that “all options are on the table” for a response.  

“Yesterday’s attack by Iranian-backed Shia militia groups consisted of multiple indirect fires that originated from a stationary platform and was clearly targeting coalition and partnered forces on Camp Taji,” Defense Secretary Mark EsperMark EsperUS retaliates with missile strikes in Iraq Overnight Defense: Pentagon confirms Iran behind recent rocket attack | Esper says ‘all options on the table’ | Military restricts service member travel over coronavirus Graham warns of ‘aggressive’ response to Iran-backed rocket attack that killed US troops MORE told reporters at the Pentagon.

“Let me be clear, the United States will not tolerate attacks against our people, our interests or our allies,” Esper added.

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“All options are on the table as we work with our partners to bring the perpetrators to justice and maintain deterrence. … We will take any action necessary to protect our forces in Iraq and the region,” he said.

The U.S.-led coalition in Iraq on Wednesday evening announced that 18 Katyusha rockets hit Camp Taji north of Baghdad, killing three and wounding 12. Iraqi forces found a rocket-rigged truck a few miles from the base, the coalition said.

Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley, who spoke alongside Esper, echoed that all options are on the table and “we’re looking at everything,” as a potential response.

“You don’t get to shoot at our bases, kill and wound Americans and get away with it,” Esper said.

The Pentagon chief also said he spoke to President TrumpDonald John TrumpThe Hill’s Morning Report — Coronavirus tests a partisan Washington The Memo: Virus crisis upends political world Bill to protect children online ensnared in encryption fight MORE on Wednesday about the attack and the president gave him all the authority he needs to possibly respond.

Esper replied that he’s “not going to take any option off the table right now,” when asked if a U.S. military response could include strikes on Iran.

U.S. officials previously blamed Kataib Hezbollah for a rocket attack in December that struck a base near Kirkuk, killing one U.S. contractor and wounding four U.S. troops.

That December attack set off an escalating cycle that brought the United States and Iran to the brink of war, culminating with a U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani.

Iran, in turn, followed with a missile attack on bases in Iraq that gave more than 100 U.S. troops brain injuries.

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When negotiations between the top Democrat and Republican on the Senate Commerce Committee over the country’s first online privacy bill broke down late last year, two other lawmakers on the committee pledged to forge ahead with their own separate effort, reminding their colleagues that any successful privacy legislation will need bipartisan support to gain traction in the Senate.

Now, even those talks – between Sens. Jerry MoranGerald (Jerry) MoranGOP senator introduces privacy legislation after bipartisan talks break down Experts sound alarm over online scams against the elderly The Hill’s Morning Report — AG Barr, GOP senators try to rein Trump in MORE (R-Kan.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) – have fractured, as well, with both senators conceding that their disagreements over the federal privacy bill were insurmountable after months of negotiations. 

Moran on Thursday introduced his privacy bill, the Consumer Data Privacy & Security Act, which would create new safeguards around how tech companies like Facebook, Google and Twitter are allowed to collect and use the personal information of their billions of users. And it would require those companies to protect that data from hacks and breaches.  

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“It is clear that Congress needs to act to provide consumers and companies with a clear federal standard that lays out robust protections for consumers’ personal data,” Moran said in a statement, “and I encourage my colleagues to support the Consumer Data Privacy and Security Act as the federal standard for comprehensive privacy legislation.” 

Moran’s bill includes provisions that would protect users’ privacy as well as keep their data secure from intrusion. The legislation would allow people to access, correct and erase the personal data companies have collected about them, and require businesses to take “precautionary steps” to protect that information.

It would also offer the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state attorneys general new resources to enforce those privacy standards.  

A spokesman for Moran told The Hill that Blumenthal and Moran agreed on a “significant portion of the substantive consumer protections that a federal privacy framework would contain,” but they ultimately disagreed over how to enforce those standards.

“There were potentially harmful provisions pertaining to enforcement that the senators could not agree upon,” the spokesman said. “Sen. Moran believes the Consumer Data Privacy and Security Act is a comprehensive bill that should receive support from both sides of the aisle.”

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Meanwhile, Blumenthal said the senators “always knew these issues would be tough to solve.”

“This anticipated framework reflects Senator Moran’s priorities, just as the statement of principles I joined reflect mine,” Blumenthal said in a statement to The Hill, referring to a set of privacy bill priorities offered by key Democrats on the Senate Commerce Committee last year.

“I appreciate Senator Moran’s collaboration and look forward to continuing the conversation with him and our colleagues,” Blumenthal added.

The breakdown on Thursday is only the latest episode in a series of complicated and tense negotiations between Democrats and Republicans who have been unable to come to significant consensus over how a privacy bill should look. 

Last year, Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Roger WickerRoger Frederick WickerGOP senator introduces privacy legislation after bipartisan talks break down Hillicon Valley: Lawmakers seek 5G rivals to Huawei | Amazon, eBay grilled over online counterfeits | Judge tosses Gabbard lawsuit against Google | GOP senator introduces bill banning TikTok on government devices Lawmakers look for 5G competitors to Huawei MORE (D-Miss.) and ranking member Maria CantwellMaria Elaine CantwellThe Hill’s Morning Report – Trump takes unexpected step to stem coronavirus GOP senator introduces privacy legislation after bipartisan talks break down Senate staffer tests positive for coronavirus MORE (D-Wash.) offered dueling versions of legislation to create more privacy for Americans online, with both sides pointing fingers at the other for failing to cooperate after a months-long effort to put out a bipartisan bill.

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All of the proposals show some substantive common ground, but there are still stark differences over how far to go and where to draw the line. 

Moran’s legislation would override state laws, a top Republican priority in the privacy talks. It does not include a provision that would allow individuals to sue companies over privacy violations, a key element that Democrats have pushed for and remains a sticking point in congressional negotiations.

Right now, the U.S. is one of the only countries in the Western world without a comprehensive law providing safeguards around how corporations collect personal information on their users. 

It’s unclear if there is any path forward for privacy legislation over a year after talks began. 

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President TrumpDonald John TrumpThe Hill’s Morning Report — Coronavirus tests a partisan Washington The Memo: Virus crisis upends political world Bill to protect children online ensnared in encryption fight MORE on Thursday signed into law a bill banning the use of federal funds to purchase equipment from telecom companies deemed a national security threat, such as Chinese telecom group Huawei.

The Secure and Trusted Communications Act, which the Senate passed in February and the House approved last year, will also require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a $1 billion fund to help small telecom groups remove existing equipment that is deemed to be a threat. 

“Securing our networks from malicious foreign interference is critical to America’s wireless future, especially as some communications providers rely on equipment from companies like Huawei that pose an immense threat to America’s national and economic security,” the bill’s House sponsors, House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone Jr. (D-N.J.), ranking member Greg WaldenGregory (Greg) Paul WaldenHillicon Valley: Facebook, Twitter dismantle Russian interference campaign targeting African Americans | YouTube to allow ads on coronavirus videos | Trump signs law banning federal funds for Huawei equipment Trump signs law banning use of federal funds to purchase Huawei equipment Trump coronavirus travel ban comes under criticism MORE (R-Ore.), and Reps. Doris MatsuiDoris Okada MatsuiHillicon Valley: Facebook, Twitter dismantle Russian interference campaign targeting African Americans | YouTube to allow ads on coronavirus videos | Trump signs law banning federal funds for Huawei equipment Trump signs law banning use of federal funds to purchase Huawei equipment Hillicon Valley — Presented by Facebook — Federal court rules tech giants can censor content | Trump upends surveillance fight | Senate passes bill barring federal funds for Huawei equipment MORE (D-Calif.) and Brett GuthrieSteven (Brett) Brett GuthrieHillicon Valley: Facebook, Twitter dismantle Russian interference campaign targeting African Americans | YouTube to allow ads on coronavirus videos | Trump signs law banning federal funds for Huawei equipment Trump signs law banning use of federal funds to purchase Huawei equipment Hillicon Valley — Presented by Facebook — Federal court rules tech giants can censor content | Trump upends surveillance fight | Senate passes bill barring federal funds for Huawei equipment MORE (R-Ky.), said in a statement.

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Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Roger WickerRoger Frederick WickerHillicon Valley: Facebook, Twitter dismantle Russian interference campaign targeting African Americans | YouTube to allow ads on coronavirus videos | Trump signs law banning federal funds for Huawei equipment Trump signs law banning use of federal funds to purchase Huawei equipment Senate Republicans poised to reject House coronavirus relief bill MORE (R-Miss.), whose committee has made 5G security a priority, praised Trump for signing the bill into law.

“This legislation lays the foundation to help U.S. firms strip out vulnerable equipment and replace it with secure alternatives,” Wicker said in a statement. “Today marks an important victory for our economy and national security.”

The new law marks a major effort to eject Huawei and another Chinese company, ZTE, from U.S. networks. Both were previously designated national security threats by the FCC in November. The FCC also previously voted unanimously to ban the use of FCC funds by groups deemed to be threats.

A spokesperson for Huawei declined to respond to The Hill’s request for comment. The company has repeatedly pushed back against criticism, and is suing the FCC. 

Concerns around Huawei stem from a 2017 Chinese intelligence law that requires companies and citizens to assist in state intelligence work if requested, including sharing data and information. American prosecutors also recently charged Huawei with conspiracy to commit racketeering, which followed previous charges of stealing intellectual property, wire fraud and obstruction of justice.

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Huawei is the largest provider of 5G equipment in the world, with no American company currently able to compete. Its two biggest competitors are European groups Nokia and Ericsson. Lawmakers used a recent Senate hearing to explore use equipment from these companies.

The new law will likely have a major impact on rural networks. The Rural Wireless Association (RWA) estimated in 2018 that about 25 percent of its member networks use some equipment from Huawei or ZTE. 

RWA said in a statement following the Senate’s passage of the new law last month that the funds in the bill marked “an important first step in securing the communications network supply chain.” 

Other measures against Huawei have already been taken, including the addition of the group to the Commerce Department’s “entity list” last year, effectively blacklisting Huawei. On Thursday, bipartisan lawmakers in the House and Senate introduced a bill that would add the company to the Treasury Department’s Specially Designated Nationals list and freeze Huawei out of the U.S. financial system.

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The Scotland international was on target in a derby date with Manchester City and is looking to become more consistent in that side of his game

Scott McTominay is looking to add more goals to his game against Manchester United after experiencing the highs of scoring in a derby date with arch-rivals City.

The Scotland international stepped off the bench to seal a 2-0 victory over the Blues at Old Trafford.

His last-gasp effort was aided considerably by Ederson, with the Brazilian goalkeeper bowling the ball out to his feet and leaving an empty net unguarded.

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Lorsqu’elles se retrouvent, ça n’est pas pour jouer Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Oublié les dialogues sulfureux et le scènes torrides. Dans l’intimité, nos trois brunes sont déconcertantes de banalité.

Elles ont 35 ans, elles sont belles, épanouies, heureuses en amour et en carrière.

Longoria,

,

: trois drôles de dames, trois destins hollywoodiens, trois copines qui se retrouvent pour parler de tout… et surtout de rien!

?Elle forme avec le basketteur Tony Parker, le couple le plus glamour de la planète. Craquante, sexy et bling-bling Gabrielle Solis dans la série télé Desperate Housewives, la mutine Eva Longoria est une bombe d’origine mexicaine, pin-up ex-Miss Corpus Christi devenue actrice caliente et olé-olé.

Autre grâce épicée, Posh Spice. Cette British férue de shopping et de musique a épousé, avec succès, David Beckham, le footballeur de son cœur. Fashionista et maman-star de Brooklyn (10 ans), Romeo (7 ans) et Cruz (4 ans), la diva Victoria est aussi une businesswoman avertie. Pas une journée ne passe sans que l’on ne parle de cette créatrice de mode et flambeuse professionnelle.

Plus discrète, Kate Beckinsale a tout de même été élue «femme la plus désirable au monde». Impossible que vous n’ayez jamais croisé son regard foudroyant ou succombé à sa plastique gainée par une combinaison de latex noire dans Underworld. Née à Londres, diplômée d’Oxford en littérature française et russe, cette femme de tête a fait tourner celle de Josh Hartnet, Ben Affleck, Leonardo DiCaprio et Hugh Jackman.?.. au cinéma, s’entend!

Maman d’une petite Lily (11 ans) avec l’acteur Michael Sheen, mariée depuis 2004 avec Len Wiseman, cette jolie vamp(ire) mène une vie de famille exemplaire.

Idoles des jeunes filles en fleurs, reines des gazettes, nos trois vedettes prennent pourtant un malin plaisir à éviter les soirées branchées, les débauches d’alcool et les lieux fréquentés par la jet-set de L.A.

La fiesta, elles détestent. Ce qu’elles préfèrent? Les soirées pyjamas à discuter froufrous et jouer aux dés. Eva Longoria Parker confie ainsi au magazine OK!: «Toutes les trois, nous n’aimons vraiment pas boire. Kate, Vicky et moi sommes en fait des nanas très casanières, très ennuyeuses. Nous préférons rester l’une chez l’autre. Soit nous allons chez Victoria, soit elles viennent chez moi. Nous grignotons et papotons. Le plus sympa? Kate ramène souvent des jeux de société, une vraie folie, la partie peut durer jusqu’au bout de la nuit!».

Cabotines peut-être, mais vraiment pas rebutantes…

J.B

Vendredi 26 mars 2010

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