5 Things posted Dec 12, 2019 @ 08:00am by Josh Duncan

5 things you need to know this morning: Dec. 12, 2019

Start your day off right with five things you need to know this morning.

Five things you need to know

1. Britain goes to the polls today

A lot is hinging on today’s election in Britain. By the end of the day, Conservative leader Boris Johnson or Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn will be the man in charge of the United Kingdom. Both have very different visions for the future of the UK and how to proceed over the controversial Brexit movement. Polls close at 10 pm GMT.

"A normal-sized polling error is the difference between a Labour minority government or a Conservative landslide."

Read more:https://t.co/HAyRv1yW18

— Britain Elects (@britainelects) December 11, 2019

2. Death toll rises to 8 after New Zealand volcano eruption

The death toll is now eight after Monday volcanic eruption on White Island in New Zealand on Monday. That number rose after two more victims died from their injuries and it is expected to rise again, as eight are still missing on the island and presumed dead. Another 23 people also remain critically injured in hospital.

White Island Disaster: An attempt will be made 'at first light' to recover the bodies from the island tomorrow says @nzpolice Police Deputy Commissioner Mike Clement. "A lot has to go right for this to work." #WhiteIsland #7NEWS https://t.co/rzkymi8UvJ
— 7NEWS Australia (@7NewsAustralia) December 12, 2019

3. Kawhi Leonard gets love and a championship ring in Toronto

The Los Angeles Clippers were in Toronto to play the Raptors on Wednesday, which meant it was time to honour Kawhi Leonard at the Air Canada Centre. The fans in Toronto gave Leonard an extended standing ovation and chanted MVP as the superstar was presented with his championship ring from the Raptors 2019 title run. The Clippers beat the Raptors 112-92.

What a moment as Kawhi Leonard receives his ring in Toronto. 💍

Goosebumps.@Raptors • @LAClippers pic.twitter.com/cwmrJv234q
— FOX Sports San Diego (@FOXSportsSD) December 12, 2019

4. Trinidad and Tobago passes bill to decriminalize marijuana

The Caribbean country of Trinidad and Tobago has made the move to decriminalize marijuana. A bill was passed on Wednesday, which allows for the possession of certain amounts of cannabis. Many Caribbean countries are making moves to do a similar thing to try and tap into the global medical cannabis industry, valued at more than $150 billion.

BREAKING: Trinidad & Tobago's Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill, which decriminalizes the possession of certain amounts of cannabis, has been passed in the country's House of Representatives after over 8 hours of debate & several amendments in the committee stage @CannabisWire. pic.twitter.com/DpvCdgJ9f9
— Clydeen Seeorne McDonald 🇹🇹 (@ClydeenMcDonald) December 12, 2019

5. Human remains found after crash of Chilean military plane

Authorities have confirmed that some human remains have been found as crews continue to search the general area where a military plane crashed. The plane went out of contact on Monday afternoon with 38 people on board as it travelled from Chile to Antarctica.

Human remains found in search for Chilean plane, provincial leader sayshttps://t.co/zBRjRXs7hF pic.twitter.com/KNiSHlgfok
— AFP news agency (@AFP) December 12, 2019