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TODAY’S INSTALMENT (13 January) of the CommonSpace daily news roundup includes: Trump administration in military escalation with China before it even comes to power, Scottish Government increases rate of welfare payments in first ‘social security’ act, and is black Friday lucky for some?
News: War of words heats-up between incoming Trump administration and China
Rex Tillerson makes provocative statements about Chinese presence in South China sea
Donald Trump’s incoming administration have clashed for a second time with the Chinese Government, before the president elect has even been sworn in. Secretary of state nominee Rex Tillerson has said the US could block Chinese developments in creating new islands in the South China sea, eliciting an angry response from Chinese news papers.
Politics: Scottish Government deploys welfare powers with universal credit change
First use of welfare powers used to give claimants greater budget flexibility
The Scottish Government has deployed new welfare powers for the first time, to allow Universal Credit claimants to access payments bi-weekly instead of monthly. Social Security minister Jeane Freeman told the BBC the move was designed to cater to low income benefit claimants and give them greater flexibility.
Sport: Andy Murray set to face Ilya Marchenko in Australian Open
World number one Murray looks to continue good form
World Tennis number one Andy Murray is set to play Ukrainian Ilya Marchenko in the first leg of the Australian Open.
Culture: Glasgow Comedy festival announces programme
Frankie Boyle, Jimmy Carr and Russell Howard among acts
The programme of the Glasgow Comedy Festival has been released, and includes a range of well established and up-and coming talent.
Weather: Bit calmer and a bit sunnier
Strong winds have largely dissipated
The weather is a bit calmer and at bit sunnier today than the last few days, though there is still plenty of cloud cover across the country. Temperatures have also increased slightly, with highs of 7 degrees in Aberdeen.
And another thing: Friday the 13th
Unlucky for some, lucky for others but for me…
…an unlikely opportunity, to publish a picture of a lovely, lucky black moggy. Awwww.
Picture courtesy of Rob Marquardt, lady_lbrty, Phil Shirley, Marianne Bevis, tom_bullock, Defence Images
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