>> announcer: this is al jazeera. ♪ welcome to the nows hour i'm darren jordan. these are the main stories. the once influential uncle of a north korean leader is tried and executed for treason. 600 people with killed in the central african republic. seeking a solution to the crisis, ukraine's president sits

down with opposition leaders. and green peace says russia won't let its activists go home despite an international court ruling. muse ♪ welcome to al jazeera. north korea's neighbors are trying to figure out what the execution of one of the most powerful leaders could mean for them. it could mean the beginning of a wider purge. >> reporter: this was the final chapter in jang song-thaek's downfall. on his way to summary execution. the course of the tribunal revealed an astonishing detail. >> translator: he was worse than a dog, perpetuating acts of

treachery. >> reporter: they cataloged his crimes attempting to overthrow the leadership, trying to take the reins of the economy, and even failing to applaud properly when kim jung un was first promoted. >> translator: for this group of traitors who were going to destroy our single-hearted unity, execution is too lenient. they should be torn up and thrown into the rubbish bin of history. >> reporter: a leadership that always strives to maintain a image of perfect unity has acknowledged a large and powerful threat from within. >> they announced what was wrong with jang song-thaek, and executed him very quickly, so this means that they tried to

prevent other counterattack from jang song-thaek's supporters. >> reporter: one possibility is that internal strife could translate into another round of provacative behavior targeting the south. >> translator: our government expects that north korea's recent develop could bring a bloody purge and reign of terror. we're watching for possibilities of rebellion by terrorist groups. >> reporter: one interpretation is that kim jung un is stronger than ever, having dealt with a potential threat, but at the same time this spasm of very public discord at the top could be a sign that the current order really did feel under threat. no wonder goes in the region and beyond are watching kim jung un

even more keenly than they were before. in author says this is an attempt by kim to consolidate his rule. >> it would no be unreasonable to expect that other members of jang's circle could be facing execution. we certainly would not expect the north korean government or their central news agency to say that the reason for the execution was for corruption. because that would raise more questions about the quality of governance. it's a safe -- it's a safe story to say that the reason was for treason, for an attempted coup, something like along those

lines. north koreans are adapt at reading between the lines, so the government would be careful about what they put on the lines. kim jung un is trying to become the leader in his own right without having to depend on the -- what some people call the regency of his father, and he is moving away from his father and grandfather to a certain extent. he is putting his own thumbprint on the system. in the central african republic, aid agencies have warned of a growing humanitarian crisis. living conditions in makeshift camps continue to worsen. more than 600 people have been killed in the capitol over the last week 38,000 people are camped out at the airport, but there is no sanitation or running water. >> reporter: what is clear is

that the country is going to lead a lot more soldiers to bring calm to the streets. things are still uneasy here as the fighting earlier between french forces and selica fighters in a part of town where we have seen trouble before, and it's not just here, the figure of 600 dead, that's in the city. around the coup try, we are hearing of more massacres. we're hearing of one massacre in a village about 60 kilometers away in the west of this country, we're hearing anti-ballica forces, that's the mainly christian militia, may have killed 27 muslims in that village. at the airport there are still around 40,000 people. some of those people are sleeping under old aircraft.

they are receiving a bit of food and assistance, gu nothing like what they need at least one protester has been killed in scuffles with police in egypt. there were similar confrontations in cairo where tear gas was fired at protesters. the u.s. secretary of state says he is confident of a final peace deal between the israelis and palestinians, and it will be achieved by the end of april. and israel will release more palestinian prisoners attend of december. a new united nations report says chemical weapons have been used at least five times during the war in syria, but the report doesn't mention who carried out the attacks. a spokesman for the syrian

national coalition told al jazeera the world needs to act on the breach of the so-called red lines. >> i think there is a bigger question, because everybody knows the regime used chemical weapons, the russians know this, the iranians know it very well, our allies know this very well, so we know this. so the question so what? what is the world going to know about this knowledge? and unfortunately this does not translate into actions at this point. a u.s. drone attack at killed at least 15 people in yemen. most of the dead are expected to be civilians. abbul was hanged for war crimes committed during the 1971 war of independence.

nicole johnson explains how his death and the trial of other members of his party have split the country. >> reporter: these are his relatives. they just met him in prison, however, they didn't expect this would be the last time they would see him. >> translator: according to the jail card he is to be given seven days. he'll not give any decision now. >> reporter: but in this the end there were no more chances. the supreme court jekted his appeal, and on thursday night he was executed. a special tribunal found him guilty of crimes carried out over 40 years ago. >> translator: we just found out he has been hanged, and i think it is a victory for us after 40 years of independence.

>> reporter: but not everyone was so happy about it. as news of his death got out, his supporters rallied and their demonstrations turned violent. houses ander cars were set on fire, and roads blocked, a number of people were killed. there has been trouble in bangladesh ever since elections were announced in january. since october more than 100 people have been killed. now since the execution, it seems things will only get worse. u.s. second quarter john kerry says he continue to push for the release of an american missing in iron. but has refused to discuss u.s. media reports that he was taken into custody while working on an unapproved mission from the cia nearly seven years ago. >> reporter: he is now in the eyes of some, the longest-held american hostage in history.

his family last received a video of him back in 2011. >> i'm not in very good health. i am runninger very quickly out of diabetes medicine. i have been treated well, but i need the help of the united states government. >> reporter: but in the past almost three years there has been nothing to confirm he is still alive. he was on a business trip when he disappeared but now the associated press is reporting that leverson was in iran on an unapproved intelligence mission for the cia. john kerry wouldn't confirm he was spying, but urged iran to provide more details of his where abouts. >> i don't have any comment whatsoever on the -- the condition with respect to employment or any other issue except to say to you that we have raised the issue of his

whereabouts on a continuous basis. and we will continue to try seek his release and return to the united states. >> reporter: the news agency theys the cia paid the family $10.5 million. in a statement they say . . . the iranians insist they do not know where bob levinson is, and there is no evidence he is in the country. the evidence was sent from a

pakistani cafe, but then the trail grows cold. alan fisher, al jazeera, washington. lots more still to come here on the news hour, including syrian refugees try to keep warm as lebanon and other countries across the middle east shiver in the snow. and a final rush to say good-bye to nelson mandela ahead of his burial on sunday. and robin has your sport, including details of how australia's cricketers managed to recover. more on that. ♪ ukraine's president has offered an amnesty to protesters. let's get more from lauren. over to you. >> darren thanks very much. it was viktor yanukovych's first

attempt to reach a deal. they reiterated their demands for the government to standown. the different sides are still far apart in this three-week crisis, and thousands more protesters are pouring in this to kiev for another mass rally on sunday. what has been discussed? >> reporter: the opposition have made a number of key demands that you were referring to there. first and foremost the release of people detained in early disturbances when the police used a lot of force, a lot of violence against them when they were gathered here a few weeks ago, and that has been a key priority of this opposition,

because they feel these people were innocent. and they also want this government held accountable for that, and gave the orders for the coup the elite militias as he gave the order for them to come in and use that force. and they are still calling for the resignation of this government. this government that they believe is not interested in taking this country in the direction of europe that they had been hoping for, that they say the country had been expected and hoping for the last few years. one of the main political leaders said that the president was -- the round table was only held to demonstrate; that not a single demand of his is likely to be met. they don't trust him. of course they are still out here in large numbers as they have been doing ever since the police tried to break up the rally a couple of days ago.

one thing you'll notice is out there this time that they have been protesting, you are always seeing clergymen walking around, lots of priests from the various denominations in this coup try, from the greek catholic church and the orthodox church, and religion in this country still has an important role to play. in ukraine many churches support the pro european movement. st. michaels cathedral gave protesters beaten by riot police two weeks ago, refuge. >> translator: the question is either europe or a new confrontation. the kremlin, i don't mean russia has been constantly trying to rebuild the russian empire. >> reporter: some priests have

criticized european intervention. >> translator: all of them, our children are delivers and we'll be treating them like christians in a christian way. >> reporter: the greek catholic church has always shown support just by being there. the political crisis has reached such proportion in ukraine in such a religious country, it's impossible for faith to stay out of the equation. on the square they fear the corruption of the ukrainian state. other feel the corrupting influencing of europe. ukraine is facing a political and religious struggle. >> robin are more people expected to turn out in the square in the hours and days ahead? >> yes, there are plans for big

rallies again this weekend, both on behalf of the opposition movement here, we have seen buses coming in particularly from the west where the pro european movement strongest. and also the government is going to be holding a progovernment rally. there will be a lot of people coming in from areas where russian is more approved of. and this is all taking face against the backdrop of more talks with europeans about possibly signing this important trade agreement that would help with its modernizing and reforms, and the prospects of presidenti yanukovych to go to russia to have a meeting with

the kremlin on a way to pull this country out of the economic struggles they are having. and there could be problems when these two groups converge, because these two rallies will be taking place very close to each other, and there is concern that there could be prove indicators trying to cause problems. but the people here say they are going to try to keep it peaceful. at the same time we are hearing from president yanukovych that he'll do he can to ensure that no violence takes place, that police do not impose another rush on this square, but people are skeptical. >> robin thanks very much indeed. russia's supreme court has ordered a review of the case against the two members of the protest punk group, pussy riot.

the ruling could lead to shorter sentences for the two, or even to a reversal of their convictions. they are due to be released in march. russian authorities have told the green peace campaigners that they cannot leave the country. this defies an international court ruling which ordered they should be able to home immediately. they were released on bail last month after spending several weeks in in jail. peter wilcox is captain of the arctic sunrise. >> i think if our supporters hadn't made enough noise, we would still be in jail, so i'm very grateful for the support we have gotten for everybody all over the world.

i hope the russians will change their mind and allow us to go home for christmas and certainly be prepared to come back if they want to hold the trial. the italian people have arrested 30 people linked to the italian mafia. it is their attempt to capture a leader who hah been at large since 1993. those targeted are a sister, and cousin, accused of helping him on the run. pollution in paris has hit the top level on the measure used. the severe smog poses a potential health risk. the paris region is on its fifth day of pollution alert. and prince harry has reached the south pole with three teams of wounded soldiers. he made the journey with

amputees to raise money for military charities. it was initially a race, but the competitive element was dropped because of the harsh conditions. now back to darren. >> lauren, thank you. now, the body of nelson mandela has been moved to a military hospital before his burial on sunday. the ceremony will be in his ancestral home. hundreds of thousands of people paid their last respects as his body laid in state for the last three days. >> reporter: a steady stream of people flowing down the steps having paid their last respects to nelson mandela. tens of thousands of people have filed past the casket where he lies in state. as many as 100 people every minute viewing the body, paying the last respects, and those who

have been here, old and young. [ singing ] >> reporter: this group of children sing a song in nelson mandela's native language. we thank tutu mandela. he gave us education. food, and freedom. the final day of nelson mandela's lying in state in coming hours he will be transported from the military base where his body has been kept overnight to his home village where the state funeral will be held on sunday. but left behind here in the union buildings will be a tangible reminder of nelson mandela, a statute that will be publicly unveiled on monday, signalling an end of the formal mourning period, but also fittingly celebrating a national holiday, the day of

reconciliation. >> as you have been hearing mandela will be laid to rest in an elaborate state funeral. but the people of his ancestral village also plan to send him off the traditional way. >> reporter: this woman teachers her granddaughters about traditions. >> sometimes when there is a funeral. >> reporter: they are going to wear these clothes to nelson mandela's funeral on sunday. she says south africa's first black president wanted a traditional fairwell and to be buried in his ancestral village. >> so just whatever. we usually wear this when we are to attend the funerals of traditional leaders or weddings or fastings. as a result, we are going to wear this during his funeral on

sunday because we do believe that that's what he loved. >> reporter: this is one of mandela's grandson's and the chief of his village. he believes a person's spirit will appear to people in dreams if they are not at peace in in the after life. >> once those type of dreams come up, we know we omitted certain things with him at times of arranging for a burial, and it will now have to be redone. >> reporter: one important ritual is the slaughtering of ox. it's now a national heritage site, but years ago nelson mandela shared this hut with his cousin. and this is where nelson mandela

slept. the anti-apartheid looked after cattle while growing up. people here want to give him a traditional sendoff so his spirit can be welcomed by the ancestors. still to come here on the news hour, why cotton farmers in senigal say it's increasingly difficult to make a decent living. plus -- a fireman worked all night at the scene of a horrific accident, yet managed to attend a scottish cut football match later that day. ♪

>> al jazeera's investigative unit has tonight's exclusive report. >> stories that have impact... that make a difference... that open your world... >> this is what we do... >> america tonight weeknights 9et / 6pt only on al jazeera america >> al jazeera america is the only news channel that brings you live news at the top of every hour. >> here are the headlines at this hour. >> only on al jazeera america.

[♪ somber music ] ♪ welcome back. a quick recap of the top stories here on al jazeera. south korea is deeply concerned after north korea executed an uncle of leader kim jung un. jang song-thaek was found guilty of treason, some think this could signal the start of a wider purge. the united nations says days of

fighting in the central african republic have killed 600 people in the capitol alone. and the body of nelson mandela has been moved to a hospital before the burial on sunday. a hundred thousand people are said to have come to pay their respects over the last three days. getting reports that gunmen in iraq have shot dead 18 oil workers, most of them iranians working on a gas pipeline. more on that as we get it. now europe's response to syria's refugee crisis has been described as pitiful. over to you lauren. >> yes, the rights group, amnesty international says european countries are only taking in a faction of the people who had to flee the war.

only half of a percent of the people have been offered refuge in europe. >> reporter: escape from syria. as down breaks, mohammed runs from his country, and makes it across the border to turkey. now he'll meet the smuggling gangs who say they can take him to europe for a price. >> translator: i have got a two year old dauth and when planes.commed our town at night, she hid in the corner and covered her ears and screamed dad they are bombing us. if there is a person you can kill them. but fear is a plane in the sky, and who can deal with that. mohammed meets other syrians including this 8-year-old who has traveled here without her father. they plan to go to greece by

boat, but she does not know how to swim. it's a dangerous and illegal journey, but there's no easy way for syrian refugees to get into europe. germany is the most generous eu country, offering to take 10,000 syrians. the other 27 countries have offered to take just over 2,000 between them. france has offered 500 places. spain 30. 18 eu countries including britain and italy have not offered places at all. >> there has been money given, but we need to help the people on the ground, people who are really suffering and cannot get the care they need. people who are a security risk because of who they are, and they need a safe place to go to. >> reporter: in sweden 20,000

syrians have found refuge, but most had to make the long and dangerous journey themselves without help. other countries have helps form camps on syrias borders, saying this is the best way to help many people. mohammed does arrive in greece. he ends up in a crowded camp on an island. he too wants to go to sweden, but for now that is just a dream. talk now more about this, european leaders amnesty says should hang their heads in shame. what is your response to that? >> well, i think we have to make distinction there. let's not forget that the european union has been

providing up to now 2 billion euros to help the people fleeing syria. at the same time, around 60,000 syrians have come to the eu. >> sorry, can i ask you -- >> it's true the numbers are quite appalling, and these numbers don't surprise us. these are the same numbers that we have announced in december when we pointed out to eu leaders that there is a big problem with resettlement, and that the current numbers are not enough, especially if we want to prevent tragedies like the one in lampedusa, because of course these people will put their life in the hands of these traffickers who are behind the tragedies. >> is there a deliberate policy though to avoid offering settlement to avoid an influx of

people coming in? because of the fear that people will start riving in large numbers? >> no, that's not the reason. people who are fleeing syria, let's face it, most of them they want to stay in the neighboring country, because they would like to go back to their home or their cities when the situation will get better, so there is their first aim. of course there are a number of people, especially the most vulnerable ones who need international protection, shelter, who need assistance and who would like toment come to the eu. for these people it is very difficult, and this is just a journey that can really be very, very risky because it has to be done by smugglers without any other consideration than their profits so -- >> so --

>> -- especially to the most vulnerable ones. >> can i just -- i just want to ask you -- in the past europe has managed to change the rules. say for the financial crisis they have come up with new rules to do things, is this one of those cases where they need to get together and come up with something drastic? >> well, it is. but it's impact on the eu as far as the number of syrians coming -- arriving in the eu are for the moment limited in the sense that if you look at the 60,000 syrians who have come to europe, their rate of protection for them is up to 95%. this means they find the protection they are entitled to. the real problem is for people in camps in other countries. these are often vulnerable people and they need to come

safely to the eu, because we have to avoid making them easy victims for the traffickers and the smugglers. what they are doing at the eu level, we have european framework, and we are also offering financial support. and we can help -- with logistics and [ inaudible ]. but let's be clear, this is a choice in the hands of member states. some firth could be a [ inaudible ] factor. and there's those less familiar with being asylum. and this must be a turning point for them. they really have to face the responsibilities now. >> thank you very much indeed. appreciate your time. >> thank you. and that's the news from europe. back to darren in doha. thank you, lauren.

parts of the middle east are experiencing some of the heaviest snowfall in decades. knee-high levels of cutoff roads. some gools and government offices have been closed. schools in jerusalem were also closed. it is the third day of snowfall there. roads have been blocked in parts jordan too. and power has been disrupted inment some residential areas. meanwhile hundreds of thousands of syrian refugees are struggling with the harsh conditions. >> reporter: syrian refugees struggle to keep the snow off of their doorsteps and out of their homes. despite the freezing temperatures, most of the children at this makeshift camp have no coats, hats, proper shoes, or socks. this 11 year old says there is

not even a heater inside his family tent, only a few blankets to wrap themselves with at night. aid agencies have tried to alleviate some of the suffering, offering extra blankets and additional food rations, but it's hardly enough. this woman is five month's progress and says her 11 mold babe boy has diarrhea, but no doctor or medicine is available. lebanese government is frustrated. only half of the money prommise have been given, and they say alone they can't meet the needs of the hundreds of thousands. it is especially hard for the newcomers. this woman came here two weeks

ago with her husband and two children. heraldest son is traumatized. >> he was so cold he started crying hard wanting to go back to our old home. >> reporter: winter has only just begun here and the snow is not likely to melt away any time soon. fuel shortages in gaza are causing frequent electricity outages. >> reporter: the lights go out a lot in gaza. every six hours they pull the power plus of a shortage of fuel. so you will find batteries in doors. they drift enough electricity to

bring the lights back on when it goes off. this man says they are essential even if the batteries don't give off much juice. >> if my wife wants to wash, she is supposed to be waiting until the electricity came. sometimes the electricity came at 4:00 a.m. so she has to wake up and go use the washing machine. >> generators are expensive, unreliable and not easy to run in a place where fuel is hard to come by. smuggling tunnels used to be the main way in, but the authorities have now destroyed many. there is another way of charging the batteries, and that is solar power the problem is the cost. this would come in at around

2,500 usd, which is fine for the middle class, but for many people here, getting hold of that kind of money is just impossible. this man's family has managed to scrape the cash together. he says there is little choice. palestinians have to be inventive if they want a chance at leading an ordinary life. >> translator: the solar panels are expensive, but not dangerous. >> reporter: the factories which make the converters that charge the batteries are making a raid. for those without the money candles will still have to do until the power comes back on, albeit for a few precious hours.

time for a short break. when we come back -- >> translator: now we don't get acid on our fingers anymore. myanmar's opposition makes an appearance at the asian games.

♪ welcome back. it's one of the world's favorite nuts, but the ka shoe is at the center of a global row. fair trade activists are urging

the eu to set up proper conditions. >> reporter: europeans love cashew nuts. more than a quarter of all ka shoe nuts processed in in india end up here in europe, with the uk, france, and germany accounting for about half of the salty snack consumption. it's the cashews that end up in supermarkets which is the vast majority that have fair trade campaigners up in arms. trade craft researched the average wage for workers, and calculated for the average $4.10 bag of nuts, the supermarket earns $1.69 while the factory worker earns $0.05. by that calculation, 60% of the

entire value of the cashew is kept in europe. retailers campaigners say must be rained in. >> more than half of the world's cashew cuts are processed in in india. >> reporter: these women are just a few of the nearly 1 million cashew workers across india. at this government-run facility not much as changed since the industry took over in the 1920s. here cashews grown locally or imported are opened and roasted before being peeled and sorted. for the shellers, it is back breaking work, literally. >> translator: many women here have pain in their back and knees. i even know people who have died from medical problems, but now we don't get acid on our fingers anymore. >> reporter: this government

facility is better than most private ones. but they still have to squat on the floor for more than seven hours every day, and that causes long-term pain in their knees and backs. no one knows that better than this woman. deshelling cashews for 34 years has led to major body pain. now the 63 year old helps current and retired workers. >> translator: at least the necessary medical care we should get. government facilities give medical treatment, but only sometimes. we have had to strike a few times just to get our pay or pension. so any amount is not enough. >> reporter: the go body says medical facilities are available

to workers, and the government has looked at ways to make the cashew peeling process better. >> we have tried to do better by sitting chairs, but most of our people that think the floor is more comfortable for them. >> this woman doesn't buy that. she believes while processors and retailers are making money from the cashews, it's workers like her who are paying the real price. cotton is one of the most used fabrics in the world, but despite its popularity, many african growers say there's barely any money to be made. nicholas reports now from senegal. >> reporter: fashion starts

here. in two months the cotton here will be picked, processed and shipped to asia. cotton is candy for the fashion industry. but for this farmer, in crop is not treat. he has no irrigation system and no machinery to help him. the cotton is handpicked. >> translator: they say hand-picked cotton is better quality, but it is hard work for little money. >> reporter: these men in new york decide the price of his cotton, and the small african producers are up against the major farms in the united states. the obama administration subsidize their farms so they can sell cotton for prices they can't compete with. they launched a complaint in

2001. they are still waiting. the problem is, no one is buying the fair trade cotton. >> translator: when there's an economy crisis, people in the west might continue to buy organic because it is healthy, but cotton that we grow is ignored. >> reporter: there's a growing sense of injustice among farmers. many say cotton is simply not worth growing anymore. but cultivating anything is a challenge. more sunshine, less rain, the climate is changing and sko are the harvests. farmers also face severe food shortages. sgrrng it remains critical for a region where the rate of poverty

is very, very high. and poverty will explode more and more than where we are today. >> reporter: he is struggling, but optimistic. he believes no matter what the season, african cotton will always be in fashion. nicholas, hawk, al jazeera, senegal. >> all right. time for the sport. >> thank you very much. england had secured an early advantage in cricket. the home side were 143-5 at one point. but steve will resume on 103. >> it is probably right up there for me in my career. i'm under pressure coming into

this game having not scores a lot of runned, and from ball one today i felt pretty good, and i think i summed up the conditions pretty well, and it paid off in the end. swan managed to pick up two wickets for 71. australia leads the series, and in this test, we'll see the ashes return down under for the first time since 2007. manchester united robin van percy has been ruled out for over a month due to side injury. he could miss eight games. united are currently ninth and face aston villa on sunday. >> we expect to win all of the games.

and that's the fact, and that's why if you lose one or two, then things get said. but i knew that was the situation when i came here. so i do think there are a lot of games we can pick up points. not talk about it, but make sure it happens on the board. now to football, and argentinian police say a 19-year-old has been killed. thousands were gathered for the festivities in the capitol, but fans who clashed with police, through rocks and bottles. a female reporter was shot in the head and later died on way to hospital. authorities are invest gaiting to find out who was to blame. one in scotland makes a general claim to their title. frank worked all not at the

scene after a helicopter crash that killed ten people. yet later that say he managed to captain his club. >> reporter: a typical friday night in a glasgow bar ended in scenes of horrible. a helicopter plunged into the roof. frank is also a footballer, and later that day he was needed to cap feign his club in their scottish cup match against clyde. >> it is a job just like anybody else has a job to do. and you think quite honestly i adopt blame the families, and you just have to do your job. and answer the call as smoothly as possible. you know? sgrfrmgs what time did you leave

the crash scene. >> maybe half 7:00. and then right home and then off to football. i was glad that i got to play, you know. >> while his teammates can rely on their captain, he knows how important their support has been too. he says this squad is like ament family. >> deep down, gnaw guy he is, you know. but double check and make sure. i'm not going to be in session for them. >> reporter: but the semiprofessional playing in the third tier of the scottish league, and in this case there was a cup replay against clyde. formed in 1870, the third oldest club in scotland. and they responded by scoring

four goals of their own. the one that put them in front was scored by frank. one more win will equal their best-ever position. it was remarked that football is not a matter of life and death. it is more important than that. >> it is just a game at the end of the day, and it effects a lot of people, but it is just a game, and it makes you appreciate what you have got. it makes you appreciate how luge you are. from football let's get you caught up on the latest baseball news. jacoby elsbury has agrees to a

contract to the yankees. he will wear the number 22 jersey. the southeast asia games continued in myanmar on friday. she was there to watch her stallian in action at the equestrian event. the princess of thailand made an appearance. get the latest sport on our website, aljazeera.com/sports. >> all right. thank you very much indeed. stay with us here on al jazeera. another full bulletin is

straight ahead. thanks for watching. bye-bye. this is a compromise of the sort that people have been asking for for quite some time. the bottom line here, those conservative objections are getting some traction, but the betting is now this evening that this is going to pass the house of representatives on thursday and go to the senate the next week and end up on the president's desk, joie. >> mike, thanks for being with us. we'll follow up. ahead. the international space station marks 15 years. are we getting enough bang for our buck, or is it just taking up space? get it?

have been telling you in the san joaquim river, freeze warnings in effect. never seen too much in terms of rain. los angeles, you are going to be seeing some beautiful weather all the way to sunday even into the low 70 did or high 60s, partly cloudy conditions, overnight, about 44 degrees. texas also dry for you as well. we saw rain showers and a mix of precip just a little bit up here towards the north. temperatures for dallas at about 42. san antonio at 55. for houston, well, you are going to be seeing rain by the time we end the week. 59 degrees there. that will will last one day. your weekend should look better with a high of 63. over here towards the southeast, some rain showers pushing through orlando right now. atlanta is going to be about 56. an american auto maker making history. the newer ground general motor is making as it names its latest ceo.

welcome to al jazeera america. i'm del walters. guns in america, al jazeera's in depth investigation into gun violence in the u.s. and resettling syrian refugees. forecasters are saying a big snow storm headed our way again. this is a scene that could play out in several states. ♪ tomorrow marks one year since the sandy hook shootings. 20 children and six adults