Trump tweets anew about NFL players, national anthem protest

WASHINGTON (AP) " President Donald Trump on Saturday night stoked the controversy over his call for punitive action against NFL players who take a knee or otherwise protest during the national anthem, tweeting anew that they should remain standing out of respect for the nation and its flag.Trump took time from a Twitter rant against criticism of the federal response to hurricane damage in Puerto Rico to tweet: "Very important that NFL players STAND tomorrow, and always, for the [...]

The Latest: Trump blasts media coverage of Puerto Rico

BRANCHBURG, N.J. (AP) " The Latest on President Donald Trump and Puerto Rico (all times local):9:20 p.m.President Donald Trump is criticizing the media and citing praise for the federal response to help Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. That comes after he accused the San Juan mayor of poor leadership and being unable to get workers to help Puerto Rico recover.Trump says in a tweet that some on the U.S. territory "want everything to be done for them." San Juan Mayor [...]

Price's exit further complicates GOP health care push

BRANCHBURG, N.J. (AP) " The ouster of Tom Price as President Donald Trump's health secretary is yet another self-inflicted blow for Republicans wishing to put their own stamp on health care " and the latest distraction for a White House struggling to advance its agenda after months of turmoil.Price resigned Friday amid investigations into his use of costly charter flights for official travel at taxpayer expense. His exit makes it even more unlikely that Republicans will be able to [...]

Trump lashes out at San Juan mayor who begged for more help

BRANCHBURG, N.J. (AP) " President Donald Trump on Saturday lashed out at the mayor of San Juan and other officials in storm-ravaged Puerto Rico, contemptuous of their claims of a laggard U.S. response to the natural disaster that has imperiled the island's future."Such poor leadership ability by the Mayor of San Juan, and others in Puerto Rico, who are not able to get their workers to help," Trump said in a series of tweets a day after the capital city's mayor appealed for help "to [...]

Democrats in Iowa looking for ways to win back Trump voters

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) " Iowa Democrats are looking for the prescription that will help them emerge from their withered condition, after dominating just a decade ago.After sending progressive Tom Harkin to the Senate for 30 years and twice delivering the state for Barack Obama, Democrats are powerless in the House, Senate and statehouse, and remain stunned by President Donald Trump's solid Iowa victory last year.While it's a familiar scenario across the upper Midwest, the [...]

The Latest: Tim Ryan among Dems in Iowa to plan for 2020

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) " The Latest on Iowa Democrats (all times local):11:45 p.m.A Democratic congressman weighing a 2020 presidential campaign has some ideas about how his party can better compete in closely contested states that Republicans have begun to control.Ohio Rep. Tim Ryan is in Iowa, as the keynote speaker at a Democratic Party picnic in Des Moines on Saturday. He is urging his party to present a simple, economic message that appeals across race, religion and [...]

Race to decide if West Coast keeps its only GOP-led chamber

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) " The Washington state Senate is the only Republican-led legislative chamber on the West Coast, and a special election in Seattle's wealthy eastern suburbs has drawn millions of dollars and national attention to two political newcomers vying for the seat in November.Democrat Manka Dhingra and Republican Jinyoung Lee Englund are seeking to serve the last year of a four-year term left vacant by the death of Republican Sen. Andy Hill.Republicans, with the help [...]

Trump lashes out at San Juan mayor who begged for more help

BRANCHBURG, N.J. (AP) " President Donald Trump on Saturday lashed out at the mayor of San Juan and other officials in storm-ravaged Puerto Rico, contemptuous of their claims of a laggard U.S. response to the natural disaster that has imperiled the island's future."They want everything to be done for them when it should be a community effort," Trump said in a series of tweets a day after the capital city's leader appealed for help "to save us from dying.""Such poor leadership [...]

The Latest: Trump snaps at San Juan mayor over storm efforts

BRANCHBURG, N.J. (AP) " The Latest on President Donald Trump and Puerto Rico (all times local):7:45 a.m.President Donald Trump is lashing out at the mayor of Puerto Rico's capital city in a war of words over recovery efforts after Hurricane Maria smashed into the U.S. territory.Trump is out with a series of tweets criticizing San Juan Carmen Yulin Cruz for criticizing the Trump administration's hurricane response. The major has accused his administration of "killing us [...]

Trump seeks new health chief after Price resignation

WASHINGTON (AP) " President Donald Trump is seeking a new health secretary to take the place of Tom Price, ousted after an outcry over flying on costly private charters for official travel.The Health and Human Services chief oversees a $1 trillion department, with 80,000 employees and jurisdiction over major insurance programs, advanced medical research, drug and food safety, public health, and disease prevention.The administration will also have to contend with renewed [...]

Google cooperating with Russia probe after Twitter slammed

MENLO PARK, Calif. (AP) " Google says it is digging into its vaults for evidence of Russian meddling in the 2016 election, after Virginia Sen. Mark Warner slammed Twitter for a response to a congressional probe he called inadequate.The search giant said in a statement Friday evening that it is cooperating with inquiries and is looking for how it can help with any relevant information.Google, Facebook and Twitter have all been invited to appear at public hearings in October by [...]

Being called a 'good man' by Trump is sometimes an omen

BRANCHBURG, N.J. (AP) " Sometimes it's better not to be a nice guy.President Donald Trump has dismissed and accepted the resignations of a growing list of administration officials, including Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price.Trump said before the news broke that he was disappointed with Price for reportedly taking numerous, expensive charter flights, when cheaper commercial options were available. But he also offered compliments."He's a very, very fine man," [...]

EPA says dioxins might have washed downriver during Harvey

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Environmental Protection Agency says an unknown amount of a dangerous chemical linked to birth defects and cancer may have washed downriver from a Houston-area Superfund site during the flooding from Hurricane Harvey.EPA said Thursday night it has ordered the companies responsible for the San Jacinto River Waste Pits site to immediately address damage to a protective cap of fabric and rock intended to keep sediments highly contaminated with dioxins from spreading. [...]

AP sources: Note in church shooting refers to Roof shooting

WASHINGTON (AP) " A note found in the car of a man charged with spraying deadly gunfire at a Tennessee church made reference to revenge for a white supremacist's massacre at a black church in Charleston, South Carolina, two years earlier, law enforcement officials told The Associated Press.The note could offer a glimpse into Emanuel Kidega Samson's mindset at the time of Sunday's shooting and a possible motive for the rampage, which left a woman dead and six other people wounded. The [...]

In Puerto Rico, mayor begs for aid as Trump praises response

WASHINGTON (AP) " President Donald Trump pledged Friday to spare no effort to help Puerto Ricans recover from Maria's ruinous aftermath even as San Juan's mayor, her voice breaking with rage, accused his administration of "killing us with the inefficiency."Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz implored Trump from afar to "make sure somebody is in charge that is up to the task of saving lives," while the president asserted that U.S. officials and emergency personnel are working all-out against [...]

The Latest: Americans advised to stay away from Cuba

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Latest on the U.S. policy on Cuba (all times local):9 p.m.The United States is warning Americans to stay away from Cuba and has ordered more than half the U.S. diplomatic corps to come home.The actions follow months of mysterious health ailments afflicting U.S. diplomats in Havana.The Trump administration has shifted to calling the episodes "attacks" rather than "incidents."The U.S. actions are sure to rattle already delicate ties [...]

Trump's health secretary resigns in travel flap

WASHINGTON (AP) " President Donald Trump's health secretary resigned Friday, after his costly travel triggered investigations that overshadowed the administration's agenda and angered his boss. Tom Price's regrets and partial repayment couldn't save his job.The Health and Human Services secretary became the first member of the president's Cabinet to be pushed out in a turbulent young administration that has seen several high-ranking White House aides ousted. A former GOP congressman [...]

The Latest: Study says wealthy would get most from tax plan

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Latest on President Donald Trump's tax overhaul plan (all times local):4 p.m.President Donald Trump insists his new plan to overhaul the tax system will benefit middle-class Americans " not wealthy people like him.Not so, says a study out Friday. It finds that about 80 percent of the tax benefit would go to the top 1 percent " with income above $730,000 annually " by 2027.The new analysis by the Tax Policy Center, a joint venture of the Urban [...]

The Latest: John Kelly given authority over Cabinet travel

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Latest on Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price's resignation from the Trump Cabinet (all times local):7:45 p.m.The White House is giving chief of staff John Kelly authority to sign off on government travel on government-owned, rented, leased or chartered aircraft.The change comes after Tom Price resigned Friday as President Donald Trump's health secretary over his costly travel.White House budget director Mick Mulvaney has issued the [...]

US to Americans: Stay away from Cuba after health 'attacks'

WASHINGTON (AP) " The United States delivered an ominous warning to Americans on Friday to stay away from Cuba and ordered home more than half the U.S. diplomatic corps, acknowledging neither the Cubans nor America's FBI can figure out who or what is responsible for months of mysterious health ailments.No longer tiptoeing around the issue, the Trump administration shifted to calling the episodes "attacks" rather than "incidents."The U.S. actions are sure to rattle already [...]

The Latest: Price's ouster sparks partisan responses

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Latest on Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price's resignation from the Trump Cabinet (all times local):5:55 p.m.The resignation of Tom Price as secretary of Health and Human Services is drawing partisan responses from Republican and Democratic lawmakers.Price resigned Friday amid investigations into his costly travel on charter flights.The Republican House speaker, Paul Ryan, is praising Price, saying that the former Georgia [...]

Report finds GOP tax plan benefits top 1 percent

WASHINGTON (AP) " The new GOP tax plan delivers a big tax cut to the wealthiest Americans while some in lower tax brackets would end up paying more, according to an analysis Friday from prominent nonpartisan researchers.The plan being touted by President Donald Trump as the biggest tax cut ever delivers 50 percent of its total tax benefit to taxpayers in the top 1 percent, those with incomes above $730,000 a year, according to the Tax Policy Center of the Urban Institute and Brookings [...]

The Latest: Trump says 'very bad things' happened in Cuba

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Latest on the U.S. policy on Cuba (all times local):3:50 p.m.President Donald Trump says some "very bad things" happened to American diplomats who were harmed by unexplained health "attacks" in Cuba.Trump is offering his first public comments on the attacks that have harmed at least 21 American diplomats and their families. He responded to a shouted question before departing the White House, hours after the State Department announced it is pulling [...]

AP sources: Trump says Price's travel becoming a distraction

WASHINGTON (AP) " President Donald Trump has been telling associates that his health chief has become a distraction, overshadowing his agenda and undermining his campaign promise to "drain the swamp" of corruption, according to people familiar with the discussions.Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price was trying to hang on to his job Friday amid continuing questions over his use of private charter flights on official business at a cost of several hundred thousand dollars. [...]

Puerto Rico angry at Trump official 'good news story' remark

WASHINGTON (AP) " President Donald Trump pledged a relentless effort to help Puerto Ricans recover from hurricane devastation Friday after his homeland security chief stirred a tempest of her own making by declaring the federal response a "good news story."Elaine Duke, the department's acting secretary, drew a sharp rebuke from San Juan's mayor for seeming to play down the suffering."When you don't have food for a baby, it's not a good news story," Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz told [...]

APNewsBreak: Church suspect had note referencing Roof case

WASHINGTON (AP) " A note found in the car of a man charged with spraying deadly gunfire at a Tennessee church made reference to revenge for a white supremacist's massacre at a black church in Charleston, South Carolina, two years earlier, law enforcement officials told The Associated Press.The note could offer a glimpse into Emanuel Kidega Samson's mindset at the time of Sunday's shooting and a possible motive for the rampage, which killed a woman and wounded six other people. The [...]

The Latest: Senator calls Cuba 'untrustworthy and malicious'

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Latest on the U.S. policy on Cuba (all times local):1:25 p.m.A senator says the State Department's decision to withdraw large numbers of its staff from the U.S. embassy in Havana demonstrates just how "untrustworthy and malicious" the Cuban government is.Republican Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas also is criticizing former President Barack Obama for seeking to normalize ties between the two former Cold War rivals. The United States and Cuba reopened [...]

The Latest: Trump official praises Puerto Ricans' resilience

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Latest on (all times local):11:30 a.m.The acting U.S. homeland security secretary is praising the resilience of Puerto Ricans and says daunting work lies ahead to help recover from hurricane devastation.Elaine Duke made the comments upon landing in San Juan. She drew a sharp rebuke from the city's mayor for saying Thursday that the federal relief effort is "a good news story."Asked about the reaction to her remark, Duke says: "There is so [...]

New Senate GOP budget would pave way for tax rewrite

WASHINGTON (AP) " Senate Republicans have unveiled a budget plan that's the first step to overhaul the nation's tax system. An overhaul is the top legislative priority for President Donald Trump and the GOP.House and Senate passage of the budget blueprint would allow Republicans to pass follow-on tax legislation later this year.The ambitious tax plan would lower rates for businesses and tax plans, and Trump is promising Americans it will be the biggest tax cut ever.The [...]

The Latest: Price becoming a distraction for White House

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Latest on Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price's travel on charter flights:___11:50 a.m.:AP sources say President Donald Trump has been telling associates that health secretary Tom Price has become a distraction, undermining his "Drain the Swamp" campaign promise.Price is engulfed in a controversy about his use of costly charter planes on government business. His public regrets and partial repayment don't seem to have calmed the [...]

EPA finds Harvey damage at Houston Superfund site

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Environmental Protection Agency says an unknown amount of a dangerous chemical linked to birth defects and cancer may have washed downriver from a Houston-area Superfund site during the flooding from Hurricane Harvey.EPA announced Thursday night it has ordered the companies responsible for the San Jacinto River Waste Pits site to take immediate action to address damage to a protective cap of fabric and rock intended to keep sediments highly contaminated with [...]

AP sources: US cuts embassy staff, urges no travel to Cuba

WASHINGTON (AP) " The United States is warning Americans against visiting Cuba and ordering more than half of U.S. personnel to leave the island, senior officials said Friday, in a dramatic response to what they described as "specific attacks" on diplomats.The decision deals a blow to already delicate ties between the U.S. and Cuba, longtime enemies who only recently began putting their hostility behind them. The embassy in Havana will lose roughly 60 percent of its U.S. staff, and [...]

Nobel Peace Prize: The winners that soared and sank

STAVANGER, Norway (AP) " The Nobel Peace Prize does more than recognize the past achievements of individuals. By honoring causes and movements, the five-member Norwegian Nobel Committee often is encouraging future work toward peace.But promising initiatives and peace processes sometimes flicker out, frustrating the committee's optimistic intentions. Other laureates go on to surpass the deeds that won them the Peace Prize.As the committee prepares to announce the winner of the [...]

Trump to travel to 5 countries in Asia in November

WASHINGTON (AP) " The White House announced Friday that President Donald Trump will take a five-nation trip to the Asia Pacific region in November as the U.S. seeks to curb North Korea's growing nuclear threat.The White House said Trump will travel to Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines from Nov. 3-14, a trip that will also include a stop in Hawaii. It will be Trump's first visit to the region as president, and it comes as North Korea moves closer to its goal of [...]

Trump: 'Big decisions' to be made on cost of rebuilding PR

WASHINGTON (AP) " President Donald Trump is defending his response to Puerto Rico's hurricane destruction and says "big decisions" are coming on the cost of rebuilding the island.Trump is quoting praise from Puerto Rico's governor, Ricardo Rossello, who says the president and the Trump administration have "delivered" for the U.S. territory.Trump writes on Twitter: "The fact is that Puerto Rico has been destroyed by two hurricanes. Big decisions will have to be made as to the [...]

At high court and others, Trump reverses legal course

WASHINGTON (AP) " Backing employers over employees. Backing the state of Ohio over groups involved in voter registration. Backing a narrow reading of a sexual discrimination law over a broad one.Those are just some of the legal about-faces President Donald Trump's administration is making at the Supreme Court and in lower courts.The Trump administration has found itself in court defending a variety of new policies: the president's travel ban, the phasing out of a program [...]

Trump to promote tax plan in address to manufacturers group

WASHINGTON (AP) " President Donald Trump will promote his plan for a sweeping rewrite of the tax code to an audience eager for the proposed change.Trump is set to address the National Association of Manufacturers on Friday in Washington. A senior administration official says Trump will promote the tax plan as one that will help make American businesses more competitive. The official insists on anonymity to discuss the speech ahead of time.The president and congressional [...]

Protesters at Harvard greet DeVos speech on school choice

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) " A speech on school choice by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos drew student protesters on a variety of issues at Harvard University.The protest Thursday was mostly silent, although some students snapped their fingers or cheered in support of some questions during a question-and-answer session.Some of the protesters called for protections for victims of campus sexual assault. Others were critical of what they see as the Trump administration's lack of [...]

Senator slams Twitter over suspected accounts tied to Russia

WASHINGTON (AP) " Social media giant Twitter told congressional investigators it has suspended at least two dozen accounts that may have been tied to Russia, but the top Democrat on the Senate intelligence committee was anything but satisfied.Virginia Sen. Mark Warner said Twitter's explanations of its actions against Russia-linked accounts were "deeply disappointing," and he suggested the company doesn't understand the seriousness of Congress' investigation into Russian interference [...]

The Latest: Trump praises Puerto Rico relief efforts

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Latest on Washington's response to help hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico (all times local):8 p.m.The Trump administration says its relief efforts in Puerto Rico are succeeding, but people on the island say help is scarce and disorganized while food supplies are dwindling in some remote towns eight days after Hurricane Maria.President Donald Trump on Thursday cleared the way for more supplies to head to Puerto Rico by waiving restrictions on foreign [...]

DeVos met by protesters at Harvard speech on school choice

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) " Students at Harvard University staged a protest Thursday as Education Secretary Betsy DeVos delivered an address on school choice.Some held up fists. One held up a sign reading, "White supremacist." Others called for protections for victims of campus sexual assault.DeVos last week revoked Obama administration guidance that instructed colleges on how to handle sexual assault cases.She did not interrupt her speech Thursday to address the protesters, [...]

Puerto Ricans says US relief efforts failing them

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) " The Trump administration declared Thursday that its relief efforts in Puerto Rico are succeeding, but people on the island said help was scarce and disorganized while food supplies dwindled in some remote towns eight days after Hurricane Maria devastated the U.S. territory of 3.4 million people.President Donald Trump cleared the way for more supplies to head to Puerto Rico by issuing a 10-day waiver of federal restrictions on foreign ships delivering cargo [...]

Red Cross will soon see American IS fighter held in Iraq

WASHINGTON (AP) " The International Committee of the Red Cross will soon visit an American citizen who was picked up on Syria's battlefield two weeks ago and is being held by U.S. forces in Iraq, U.S. officials said Thursday. The Pentagon has accused the man of fighting for the Islamic State group.The unidentified American surrendered to U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces around Sept. 12, and has been detained since then as an unlawful enemy combatant.He is being held at a [...]

The Latest: HHS chief repays nearly $52,000 for charter cost

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Latest on HHS Secretary Tom Price's travels on charter flights (all times EDT):5:35 p.m.Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price is writing a check for nearly $52,000 to cover the cost of his own travel on charter planes while on government business.A department spokesman has disclosed the amount after Price apologized for flying on charter aircraft.He apologized to taxpayers a day after he received a public rebuke from President Donald [...]

Illinois governor agrees to allow Medicaid for abortions

CHICAGO (AP) " Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner ended months of speculation Thursday and signed legislation allowing state health insurance and Medicaid coverage for abortions, as the first-term Republican reversed his stance on the proposal from last spring.The General Assembly controlled by Democrats approved the measure in May but delayed sending it to Rauner until Monday, in part because he has changed his mind about support of the plan.As a candidate in 2014, Rauner said he [...]

Senate confirms Huntsman as US ambassador to Russia

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Senate has confirmed the nomination of former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman to serve as U.S. ambassador to Russia.Senators approved his selection by voice vote Thursday.Huntsman takes over a high-profile diplomatic post amid ongoing investigations into Russia's election intrusions and potential contacts between Russian officials and the Trump campaign. Huntsman says there's no question Moscow meddled in the 2016 presidential election.Huntsman has twice [...]

US Ambassador: Israel occupies just 2 percent of West Bank

JERUSALEM (AP) " The U.S. ambassador to Israel raised eyebrows Thursday by saying that Israel occupies a tiny portion of the West Bank " just 2 percent " and that settlements there are part of the Jewish state proper.The comments angered the Palestinians and are at odds with decades of U.S policy in the Mideast."I think the settlements are part of Israel," American Ambassador David Friedman said in an interview with the Israeli news site Walla.He refrained from answering [...]

Job in jeopardy, HHS chief promises to repay charter costs

WASHINGTON (AP) " A day after President Donald Trump's rebuke, health secretary Tom Price promised Thursday to reimburse taxpayers for his cost on charter flights taken while on government business. He issued a public apology as he fought to keep his job."I regret the concerns this has raised regarding the use of taxpayer dollars," Price said in a statement. "I was not sensitive enough to my concern for the taxpayer."The Health and Human Services secretary said he'll swear off [...]

Facing criticism, Trump clears way for more Puerto Rico aid

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) " President Donald Trump cleared the way Thursday for more supplies to head to Puerto Rico and tweeted that relief was getting through, but on the island food and water remained scarce in devastated towns where a growing number of people decried the federal response as an uncoordinated disaster.Nine days after Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, Trump issued a 10-day waiver of federal restrictions on foreign shipments of cargo to the island. And House Speaker [...]

Twitter execs talk to House, Senate in Russia probe

WASHINGTON (AP) " Executives of the social media giant Twitter spoke with House and Senate investigators Thursday at the Capitol about Russian interference in the 2016 elections and anonymous "bots" that can spread misinformation.Twitter executives visited both the Senate and House intelligence committees, briefing staff members in closed-door meetings that lasted several hours. The executives included attorney Elizabeth Banker; Emily Horne, global policy communications director; [...]

The Latest: Pentagon sending general to Puerto Rico

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Latest on Washington's response to help hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico (all times local):3:25 p.m.The U.S. military is sending a three-star general to Puerto Rico to help direct the response to the hurricane as the Defense Department works to send several thousand more troops to the island.Lt. Gen. Jeff Buchanan, commander of U.S. Army North, will be arriving in Puerto Rico on Thursday evening.John Cornelio, spokesman for U.S. Northern Command, [...]

The Latest: Trump economic adviser Cohn says he'll stay put

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Latest on President Donald Trump's economic adviser and his tax plan (all times local):3:25 p.m.President Donald Trump's top economic adviser says he's sticking around in the Trump administration for the chance to rewrite the nation's tax laws.Gary Cohn had sharply denounced Trump's response to the racial violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, last month. Cohn, who is Jewish, was so upset that he considered resigning, according to news reports. [...]

The Latest: Senate passes aviation, hurricane tax bill

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Latest on a bill to prevent a shutdown of federal aviation programs and provide tax relief to hurricane victims (all times local):1:45 p.m.The Senate has passed a bill to prevent a shutdown of federal aviation programs and provide tax relief to hurricane victims.GOP leaders used expedited procedures to pass the bill and send it back to the House " after stripping provisions that would have expanded the private flood insurance market.The House [...]

Senators urge US sanctions over Myanmar 'atrocities'

WASHINGTON (AP) " Members of Congress are sharpening their criticism of Myanmar's crackdown that has forced a half-million Rohingya Muslims to flee to Bangladesh. Republicans and Democrats said Thursday they want the Trump administration to consider sanctions against the perpetrators and to re-evaluate U.S. policy toward the Southeast Asian nation.Twenty-one senators said in a letter to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson that there's a risk of genocide against the Rohingya, who have [...]

First lady listens and learns about opioid crisis

WASHINGTON (AP) " Melania Trump is listening and learning about the nation's opioid epidemic.The first lady heard Thursday from experts and people affected by addiction to drugs whom she invited to the White House for a discussion.Mrs. Trump said she is concerned about the well-being of children and wants to help as many as possible with the issues they face growing up."I am here today to listen and learn from all of your stories, and hope you will feel free to give me [...]

Supreme Court, new term near, to hear challenge to unions

WASHINGTON (AP) " Its conservative majority restored, the Supreme Court said Thursday it will return to an issue with the potential to financially cripple Democratic-leaning labor unions that represent government workers.After the justices deadlocked 4-4 in a similar case last year, the high court will consider a free-speech challenge from workers who object to paying money to unions they don't support.The court, with conservative Justice Neil Gorsuch on board, could decide to [...]

Tribal head who led Dakota Access pipeline fight voted out

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) " The Native American official who has been the face and voice of the fight against the Dakota Access oil pipeline has been voted out of office.Unofficial results from the Standing Rock Sioux tribe's general election Wednesday showed that Dave Archambault received only 37 percent of about 1,700 votes cast. His opponent, longtime tribal councilman and wildlife official Mike Faith, received 63 percent, according to the totals released Thursday.Archambault [...]

House passes aviation, hurricane tax relief bill

WASHINGTON (AP) " The House passed a bill Thursday to avoid a partial shutdown of federal aviation programs, and also wrapped in tax relief for hurricane victims and an expansion of the private flood insurance market.The Senate still must act, but it doesn't have much time. House Republican leaders are gambling that the Senate will pass the bill without changes before the end of the federal budget year at midnight on Saturday when authority for the Federal Aviation Administration and [...]

Court to rule when lawyer says 'guilty,' but client objects

WASHINGTON (AP) " The lawyer for a Louisiana man facing murder charges decided to concede the man's guilt in the hope of sparing him the death penalty.The client, lawyer Larry English told jurors in his opening argument, "committed these crimes."But there was a problem: Defendant Robert McCoy repeatedly proclaimed his innocence and objected to the lawyer's approach.Now the Supreme Court will consider whether it violates the Constitution when a lawyer ignores his client's [...]

Supreme Court to hear new challenge to labor unions

WASHINGTON (AP) " A Supreme Court with a reconstituted conservative majority is taking on a new case with the potential to financially cripple Democratic-leaning labor unions that represent government workers. The justices deadlocked 4-4 in a similar case last year.The high court agreed Thursday to again consider a free-speech challenge from workers who object to paying money to unions they don't support.The court could decide to overturn a 40-year-old Supreme Court ruling that [...]

Trump inaugural committee to give millions in hurricane aid

WASHINGTON (AP) " President Donald Trump's inaugural committee will donate money to hurricane relief efforts.A White House spokeswoman, Lindsay Walters, says the committee will contribute $3 million to hurricane recovery.The New York Times first reported on the plans " saying the money would go to the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and the Samaritan's Purse.The inaugural committee raised an unprecedented $107 million about eight months ago. But as of several [...]

Trump waives cargo restrictions to speed help to Puerto Rico

WASHINGTON (AP) " Under pressure to do more for hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico, President Donald Trump is waiving federal restrictions on foreign ships' transportation of cargo to the island.White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said on Twitter Thursday that Trump has authorized a waiver for the U.S. territory for a little-known federal law that prohibits foreign-flagged ships from shuttling goods between U.S. ports.She said Trump was responding to a request from [...]

Trump's still criticizing NFL owners over players who kneel

WASHINGTON (AP) " President Donald Trump says National Football League team owners are "afraid of their players." And he's still calling for action against those who kneel during the national anthem to protest racial injustice.Trump says he began criticizing the players because he has "so many friends that are owners." He adds: "I think they are afraid of their players, if you want to know the truth, and I think it's disgraceful."The president spoke in an interview that aired [...]

The Latest: Trump adviser calls $5.8T tax cut 'a great deal'

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Latest on President Donald Trump's tax cut proposal (all times local):7:15 a.m.President Donald Trump's White House economics adviser is asserting that the administration's proposed tax cut is "purely aimed at middle class families."Gary Cohn says in a nationally broadcast interview that a hypothetical family of four should have "a substantial tax decrease."Pressed on this point in an appearance Thursday on ABC's "Good Morning America," Cohn [...]

First lady to host discussion on opioid crisis

WASHINGTON (AP) " Melania Trump has invited experts and people affected by addiction to opioids to the White House for a listening session and discussion about the epidemic.The first lady is hosting Thursday's event in the State Dining Room and has invited journalists to attend a portion of the meeting to help raise awareness. She joined President Donald Trump at a briefing on the crisis during the president's vacation last month at his New Jersey golf club.Stephanie Grisham, a [...]

Twitter to talk to House, Senate in Russia probe

WASHINGTON (AP) " Social media giant Twitter will visit Capitol Hill Thursday as part of the House and Senate investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 elections.Twitter's closed-door meetings with staff follow similar briefings from Facebook earlier this month, and the House and Senate panels have invited both tech giants, along with Google, to appear at public hearings this fall. The committees are scrutinizing the spread of false news stories and propaganda on social [...]

Giving the gift of green in the "District of Cannabis"

WASHINGTON (AP) " In the District of Columbia, an ordinary black t-shirt can cost $45 and a baseball cap can cost $50. That's because both purchases come with a free "gift"--a small amount of marijuana.In the so-called "District of Cannabis" it's legal to consume marijuana, but illegal to buy or sell it. The result of this unique legal grey area is a thriving industry of businesses using the "gifting" loophole. So far the city government and police are letting it happen.A [...]

Trump, unpredictable ally for GOP, tests influence on taxes

WASHINGTON (AP) " When President Donald Trump announced plans to go to Indiana Wednesday to sell the GOP tax overhaul plan, party leaders cheered his engagement on the high-stakes issue. When the White House said one of Trump's traveling companions would be Indiana's Democratic Sen. Joe Donnelly " a top target in next year's midterm elections " the hopes turned to head-smacking disbelief.The episode underscores the extent to which Trump has been an uneven " or at best, unpredictable " [...]

Trump unhappy with top health official over travel

WASHINGTON (AP) " President Donald Trump declared Wednesday that he's "not happy" with his top health official, putting Tom Price's job in jeopardy after his costly charter flights triggered a congressional investigation of administration travel.Asked whether he's planning on firing Price, Trump responded: "We'll see."A former GOP congressman from Georgia, Price played a supporting role in the fruitless Republican effort to repeal Barack Obama's health care law, which has been [...]

The Latest: Trump says he can work with Paul on health care

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Latest on President Donald Trump's plans for the health care overhaul (all times local):7:05 p.m.President Donald Trump says he thinks he can get Sen. Rand Paul "on board" a Republican effort to repeal and replace "Obamacare."Trump tells reporters as he returns from Indiana Wednesday night, "I think Rand will be there for us."Trump said Wednesday he was considering signing an extensive order that would allow people to purchase health [...]

Dark days for Senate Leader McConnell as losses cast doubt

WASHINGTON (AP) " Senate Republicans reckoned Wednesday with an insurgent's win in Alabama that poses clear threats to their own grip on power and the leadership of Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.Nearly $10 million spent by a McConnell-backed super PAC couldn't save incumbent GOP Sen. Luther Strange, who had been endorsed by President Donald Trump as well. It came the same day that McConnell, short of votes, pulled the plug on the latest and possibly final GOP effort to repeal and [...]

Trump, an uneven ally for GOP, tests his influence on taxes

WASHINGTON (AP) " When President Donald Trump announced plans to go to Indiana Wednesday to sell the GOP tax overhaul plan, party leaders cheered his engagement on the high-stakes issue. When the White House said one of Trump's traveling companions would be Indiana's Democratic Sen. Joe Donnelly " a top target in next year's midterm elections " the hopes turned to head-smacking disbelief.The episode underscores the extent to which Trump has been an uneven " or at best, unpredictable " [...]

Default rate on federal student loans inches up

WASHINGTON (AP) " Government records show the number of people who are defaulting on their federal student debt is increasing.The Education Department says more than 580,000 students who started repaying their debt in fiscal year 2014 defaulted on their loans by the fall of 2016. That puts the default rate at 11.5 percent. The figure was 11.3 percent for the previous year.Seven for-profit schools, two public and one private institution with high default rates are at risk of [...]

Trump admin defends new refugee cap of 45,000 in coming year

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Trump administration defended its decision Wednesday to sharply curtail the number of refugees allowed into the United States to 45,000 next year, even as global humanitarian groups decried the move and called the number far too low.The 45,000 cap, to be formally announced by President Donald Trump in the coming days, reflects the maximum the U.S. will admit during the fiscal year that starts Sunday, although the actual number allowed could be far lower. Even if [...]

Corker: 'Chances are low' that Peyton Manning will run

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) " Retiring Republican Sen. Bob Corker downplayed the notion that former NFL and University of Tennessee star Peyton Manning may run for his seat next year, saying he thinks the "chances are low.""Is there a chance down the road that he can be enticed to run for the United States Senate or something like that? I hope so," Corker told reporters in Washington on Wednesday.Corker said the quarterback texted him after his announcement and pleaded with the [...]

Trump pitches tax cut as 'middle class miracle'

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) " Promising a "middle class miracle," President Donald Trump on Wednesday was in full salesman mode as he tried to build momentum behind his plan to overhaul the nation's tax code and revive his moribund legislative agenda.Hours after the White House and congressional Republicans released a framework for sweeping changes to the tax system, the president told hundreds of supporters at the Indiana State Fairgrounds the plan was "a once-in-a-generation opportunity. [...]

Trump in salesman mode as he tries to score a tax cut win

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) " In full salesman mode, President Donald Trump promised "historic tax relief to the American people" on Wednesday as he tried to build momentum behind his plan to overhaul the nation's tax code and revive his moribund legislative agenda in Congress.Hours after the White House and congressional Republicans released a framework for making sweeping changes to the tax system, the president told hundreds of supporters at the Indiana State Fairgrounds the plan was "a once- [...]

The Latest: Trump calls current tax system a 'relic'

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Latest on the Republican plan to overhaul the tax code (all times local):3:50 p.m.President Donald Trump is calling the current tax system a "relic" and a "colossal barrier" that's standing in the way of the nation's economic comeback.Trump says at an event in Indianapolis that his tax proposal will help middle-class families save money and will eliminate loopholes that benefit the wealthy.Trump says the wealthy "can call me all they want. [...]

The Latest: House Freedom Caucus backs tax plan

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Latest on the Republican plan to overhaul the tax code (all times local):1:37 p.m.A vocal group of the most conservative House Republicans has come out in support of a draft tax plan endorsed by both President Donald Trump and top congressional GOP leaders.The House Freedom Caucus endorsement is noteworthy because it could ease House passage of a budget plan that's the first step to advancing the tax cut measure through Congress.The group [...]

VA running out of money for private health care program

WASHINGTON (AP) " Weeks after a veterans' health initiative received $2.1 billion in emergency funding, the Trump administration says the private-sector Veterans Choice health care program may need additional money as early as December to avoid a disruption of care for hundreds of thousands of veterans.The Department of Veterans Affairs said in a statement that it hoped to move quickly on a proposed long-term legislative fix that would give veterans even wider access to private [...]

The Latest: Trump draws red line on tax overhaul

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Latest on the Republican plan to overhaul the tax code (all times local):11:21 a.m.President Donald Trump has two red lines that he refuses to cross on overhauling taxes: the corporate rate must be cut to 20 percent and the savings must go to the middle class.Gary Cohn, the president's top economics aide, says any overhaul signed by the president needs to include these two elements.Trump had initially pushed for cutting the 39.6 percent [...]

Trump's tax plan: business owners win, deficit hawks lose

WASHINGTON (AP) " Small business owners, large corporations and the super wealthy could fare well under President Donald Trump's tax plan. The middle-class could come out ahead, too, but the plan has too many holes to determine how individual taxpayers would be affected.The plan would reduce the number of tax brackets from seven to three " 12 percent, 25 percent and 35 percent. But it doesn't specify the income levels for each bracket. Those are important details, which will be sorted [...]

Trump calls Facebook 'anti-Trump' after it aids Russia probe

WASHINGTON (AP) " President Donald Trump is calling Facebook "anti-Trump." His tweet Wednesday comes days after the social media company agreed to provide material to congressional investigators probing Russia interference in the 2016 election.Trump tweeted: "Facebook was always anti-Trump.The Networks were always anti-Trump hence,Fake News, @nytimes(apologized) & @wapo were anti-Trump. Collusion?'Trump's comments came days after Facebook said it will provide the contents of 3, [...]

Trump, GOP tax plan cuts rates, nearly doubles deduction

WASHINGTON (AP) " President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans are proposing a far-reaching plan to cut taxes for individuals and corporations, simplify the tax system and nearly double the standard deduction used by most Americans."Too many in our country are shut out of the dynamism of the U.S. economy, which has led to the justifiable feeling that the system is rigged against hardworking Americans," says the blueprint, obtained by The Associated Press. "With significant and [...]

The Latest: GOP tax plan nearly doubles standard deduction

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Latest on the Republican plan to overhaul the tax code (all times local):9:20 a.m.President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans are proposing a tax plan that they say will be simple and fair.In a document obtained by The Associated Press on Wednesday, their outline a blueprint for almost doubling the standard deduction for married taxpayers filing jointly to $24,000, and $12,000 for individuals.The plan calls for cutting the corporate [...]

Former Clinton aide Jennifer Palmieri has book deal

NEW YORK (AP) " Hillary Clinton's former director of communications has her own story to tell.Jennifer Palmieri is working on a "book of lessons" for future women leaders, Grand Central Publishing told The Associated Press on Wednesday. The book is called "Dear Madam President," an "open letter" drawing upon Palmieri's experience in politics, including her time with Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign and her years as communications director during the Obama administration. [...]

Congress at crossroads after another GOP health care failure

WASHINGTON (AP) " Congress is at a crossroads after Republicans' stinging failure to repeal Barack Obama's health care law. But what's next " more partisan conflict, or a pragmatic shift toward cooperation?Unless Republicans and Democrats in Congress can work together " and bring along an often unpredictable President Donald Trump " political conflict over health care may spread. Bipartisan talks on legislation to stabilize the health law's shaky insurance markets are on again, but [...]

Fire erupts at Ecuadorean Embassy in District of Columbia

WASHINGTON (AP) " A fire broke out early Wednesday at the Ecuadorean Embassy in the nation's capital.District of Columbia fire and EMS described it in a Twitter post as a two-alarm fire and reported the blaze had been brought under control. Flames could be seen rising from the roof of the structure, just after midnight Wednesday, in a neighborhood that is home to some embassies.Emergency equipment was remaining on the scene as daybreak approached, and traffic congestion was [...]

In Alabama, a McConnell rebuke, a Trump miscalculation

HOMEWOOD, Ala. (AP) " A firebrand Alabama jurist wrested a U.S. Senate nomination from an appointed incumbent backed by millions of dollars from national Republicans, adding a new chapter Tuesday to an era of outsider politics that ushered Donald Trump into the White House yet leaves his presidency and his party in disarray.Roy Moore's 9-point victory over Sen. Luther Strange, backed by the White House and Republican leaders on Capitol Hill, ranks as a miscalculation and temporary [...]

Some in administration use personal phones, despite advice

WASHINGTON (AP) " White House officials are clearly instructed not to use their personal phones for official business. But some aides appear to have done it anyway, and it's getting fresh scrutiny along with questions about the use of personal email accounts.The inquiries into private communication could prove uncomfortable for President Donald Trump, who relentlessly attacked Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton for her use of a private email account and server during her time as [...]

Trump promises visit, aid to storm-ravaged Puerto Rico

WASHINGTON (AP) " Suddenly, just about all President Donald Trump can talk about is Puerto Rico.After not mentioning the hurricane-devastated island for days, Trump on Tuesday pushed back aggressively and repeatedly against criticism that he had failed to quickly grasp the magnitude of Maria's destruction or give the U.S. commonwealth the top-priority treatment he had bestowed on Texas, Louisiana and Florida after previous storms.Trump announced that he would visit Puerto Rico [...]

Trump suddenly focuses on Puerto Rico, promises visit, aid

WASHINGTON (AP) " Suddenly, just about all President Donald Trump can talk about is Puerto Rico.After not mentioning the hurricane-devastated island for days, Trump on Tuesday pushed back aggressively and repeatedly against criticism that he had failed to quickly grasp the magnitude of Maria's destruction or give the U.S. commonwealth the top-priority treatment he had bestowed on Texas, Louisiana and Florida after previous storms.Trump announced that he would visit Puerto Rico [...]

Republican Sen. Corker announces he won't seek re-election

WASHINGTON (AP) " Republican Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee, the chairman of the powerful Foreign Relations Committee and a political force on financial issues, announced Tuesday he would not seek re-election.The 65-year-old lawmaker, who recently had been encouraged by President Donald Trump to seek a third term, made the surprise announcement hours before a showdown vote in an Alabama Senate runoff that pitted the establishment favorite against firebrand Judge Roy Moore."After [...]

FEMA head says more ships and troops headed to Puerto Rico

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Trump administration said Tuesday it was sending a flotilla of ships and thousands more military personnel to Puerto Rico to address the growing humanitarian crisis caused by Hurricane Maria.The administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Brock Long, said the devastation wrought by the Category 4 storm presented logistical challenges, with badly damaged airports and seaports making it difficult to get aid and personnel to the stricken island. [...]

Panel approves Huntsman's nomination to be envoy to Russia

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has approved the nomination of former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman to serve as President Donald Trump's ambassador to Russia.The panel recommended by voice vote Tuesday that the full Senate consider Huntsman's selection.If he's confirmed, Huntsman would take over a high-profile post amid ongoing investigations by special counsel Robert Mueller into Russia's election intrusions and potential contacts between Russian officials [...]

Interior chief's loyalty comments draw widespread criticism

WASHINGTON (AP) " Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke faced a storm of criticism Tuesday after he said nearly one-third of employees at his department are not loyal to him and President Donald Trump.Zinke said that when he took over the 70,000-employee department in March, "I got 30 percent of the crew that's not loyal to the flag" and compared Interior to a pirate ship.Rep. Raul Grijalva of Arizona said Zinke should "apologize to the public servants he is supposed to be leading. [...]

Trump plans to slash US refugee admissions

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Trump administration will allow no more than 45,000 refugees into the United States next year, officials said Tuesday, in what would be the lowest admissions level in more than a decade.President Donald Trump is expected to announce the cap on refugee admissions following a lengthy debate within his administration about whether to go higher or lower. The figure represents the maximum number of refugees the U.S. would be willing to accept. The actual number of [...]

US Senators grill SEC chair on disclosure of data breach

WASHINGTON (AP) " U.S. senators from both parties on Tuesday grilled the chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission " the agency responsible for policing Wall Street " on its handling of a 2016 data breach that was disclosed only last week.The hack breached the SEC's system for handling corporate filings intended for investors, known as EDGAR. That has raised concerns that the hackers may have gained advance looks at filings and engaged in insider trading.The SEC's [...]

Latest: Adidas executive charged in NCAA birbe scheme

NEW YORK (AP) The Latest on fraud and corruption charges announced against people associated with college basketball (all times local):11:10 a.m.The director of global sports marketing for Adidas is among those charged in a bribe-paying scheme that federal authorities say was designed to match agents and advisers to players before they became NBA stars.James Gatto was arrested Tuesday along with nine others, including four assistant basketball coaches from Arizona, [...]

The Latest: Puerto Rico Gov. 'confident' Trump understands

MIAMI (AP) " The Latest on Hurricane Maria (all times local):11:55 a.m.Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello says he's spoken "as recently as last night" to President Donald Trump about the crisis Hurricane Maria caused on the island. He says he's "confident the president understands the magnitude of the situation."Speaking to reporters Tuesday at a Puma gas facility in San Juan, Rossellosaid "the president has offered a waiver on matching funds" for aid from the [...]

Dunford says NKorea military posture unchanged amid tension

WASHINGTON (AP) " The nation's top military officer said Tuesday he's not seen any shifts in North Korea's military posture despite the reclusive nation's threats to shoot down U.S. warplanes amid the "charged political environment" between Washington and Pyongyang.Marine Corps Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that "we haven't seen military activity that would be reflective of the charged political environment that [...]

Trump says he'll visit Puerto Rico next Tuesday

WASHINGTON (AP) " President Donald Trump says he'll visit Puerto Rico next Tuesday to survey damage caused by Hurricane Maria.Trump announced the visit after the administration was criticized for the pace of its response to widespread damage on the Caribbean island that is home to more than 3.4 million U.S. citizens. Puerto Ricans have been coping with shortages of food, drinking water, electricity and various forms of communication ever since the Category 4 storm slammed into island [...]

The Latest: SEC chair won't comment on Equifax exec trades

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Latest on SEC Chairman Jay Clayton's appearance before the Senate Banking Committee (all times local):11:50The chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission refused to comment Tuesday when asked if executives at Equifax engaged in insider trading when they sold shares after the company learned of a massive data breach but before it disclosed the hack to the public.Jay Clayton told Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., that he couldn't comment on an issue [...]

Report: Iran says it files charges against Telegram app CEO

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) " A semi-official news agency in Iran says authorities have filed charges against the CEO of the popular encrypted messaging app Telegram.The comments carried by the ISNA news agency represent the latest back-and-forth between the Iranian government and Telegram, which millions of Iranians use.ISNA's report Tuesday quoted Tehran prosecutor Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi saying Telegram's popularity with the Islamic State group, as well as the ease by which child [...]

Titanic 'fatberg' of congealed waste clogs Baltimore sewer

BALTIMORE (AP) " A gigantic glob of congealed fat, wet wipes and other waste " deemed a "fatberg" because of its iceberg-like size " has been blamed for a sewer overflow in Baltimore.The overflow discharged about 1.2 million gallons of sewage into the Jones Falls waterway last week.The Baltimore Sun reported Monday that the fatberg was discovered in a sewer main near Baltimore Penn Station.Public works officials said the walls of a century-old 24-inch wide pipe were [...]

The Latest: Dems say Trump doesn't grasp PR crisis severity

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Latest on President Donald Trump and Puerto Rico (all times local):11:40 a.m.Congressional Democrats say President Donald Trump is not acknowledging the gravity of the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.Rep. Nydia Velazquez, D-NY, says she is concerned that Trump's continued tweets about NFL players show he doesn't grasp the severity of the crisis.She warned Trump that, "If you don't take this [...]

Trump and former adviser loom large in Alabama Senate race

FAIRHOPE, Ala. (AP) " Sen. Luther Strange and firebrand jurist Roy Moore faced off Tuesday in the GOP primary runoff for an Alabama U.S. Senate seat in a race where Moore ended his last full day of campaigning by whipping out a handgun as he lashed out at attack ads run against him.The contest to fill the remainder of Attorney General Jeff Sessions' Senate term has pitted President Trump against his former strategist, Steve Bannon. Trump supported Strange with a Tweet sent before [...]

Russia threatens to block Facebook over data storage

MOSCOW (AP) " In its latest attempt to wrest control of the Internet, Russia's communications agency on Tuesday threatened to block access to Facebook if the company refuses to store its data locally.Alexander Zharov, chief of the Federal Communications Agency, told Russian news agencies on Tuesday that they will work to "make Facebook comply with the law" on personal data, which obliges foreign companies to store it in Russia. Critics have slammed the law, which went into effect in [...]

The Latest: More than 10,000 flee Outer banks ahead of Maria

MIAMI (AP) " The Latest on Hurricane Maria (all times local):9:45 a.m.Officials in North Carolina estimate more than 10,000 people have left the Outer Banks as Hurricane Maria moves closer.Dare County Emergency Management Director Drew Pearson said Tuesday morning that it's impossible to get exact figures on how many people evacuated Hatteras Island after they were ordered to do so. But Pearson said officials think between 10,000 and 12,500 people have left the island [...]

The Latest: White House holds out hope for GOP health bill

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Latest on the Republican effort to overhaul the Obama health law (all times local):9:35 a.m.The White House says it believes a Senate health care bill that appears headed for defeat is "still good legislation."Spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders says the White House is "fully committed" to improving the health care system and that the Senate bill would do that.With no Democratic support expected, three "no" votes from Republicans would appear [...]

The Latest: SEC chairman faces Congress after data breach

NEW YORK (AP) " The Latest on SEC Chairman Jay Clayton's appearance before the Senate Banking Committee (all times local):9:35 a.m.Jay Clayton, the chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, is likely to face tough questions from a Senate banking panel, after the agency acknowledged that it also was a victim to a hack.Two major issues in the SEC breach are the potential any information obtained was used for insider trading and whether the SEC knew about the [...]

Parents of Ohio student speak out against North Korea

CINCINNATI (AP) " The parents of a young Ohioan who was detained for more than a year and died soon after being released by North Korea are describing his condition when he arrived home as they blast "terrorists" they say tortured him.Fred and Cindy Warmbier (WARM'-beer) talked Tuesday in a "Fox & Friends" interview amid an escalating war of words between the Trump administration and North Korea.Otto Warmbier's father says they wanted to speak out after hearing North Korea [...]

Police: Drunken woman drives to pick up arrested drunken man

CANTON, Ohio (AP) " Police say an Ohio woman drunkenly drove to a sheriff's office after receiving a call to pick up her boyfriend, who had already been arrested for drunken driving.WEWS-TV reports (http://bit.ly/2yF1eHI ) a sergeant at the Stark County Sheriff's Office talked to the woman by phone last week and told her that her boyfriend wanted her to pick him up. The sheriff's office says the sergeant noticed she sounded drunk [...]

The Latest: North Carolina's Outer Banks brace for Maria

MIAMI (AP) " The Latest on Hurricane Maria (all times local):7:30 a.m.North Carolina's Outer Banks are bracing for the effects of Hurricane Maria, even though the storm is expected to pass the state at least 150 miles (240 kilometers) offshore.Schools were closed Tuesday in all of Dare County because of expected tropical storm conditions. Dare County includes much of the Outer Banks, as well as some inland areas along Pamlico Sound.The National Weather Service in [...]

Visitors abandon vacations as Maria churns near Carolinas

MIAMI (AP) " Hundreds of visitors have abandoned their vacation plans and left North Carolina's Outer Banks ahead of Hurricane Maria as it moves northward in the Atlantic, churning up surf and bringing the possibility of flooding.The hurricane that battered the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico last week has weakened slightly with maximum sustained winds Tuesday morning near 75 mph (120 kph). The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Maria is expected to keep gradually weakening and is [...]

Trump begins the morning by slamming the NFL

WASHINGTON (AP) " President Donald Trump is up and tweeting, and his target is the NFL.Trump says "ratings for NFL football are way down except before game starts when people tune in to see whether or not our country will be disrespected."He also says that booing at the Dallas game Monday night when the team dropped to its knees was the "loudest I have ever heard."Following a weekend of kneeling and protesting across the NFL, the Cowboys and their owner displayed their [...]

Twitter explains why Trump NKorea tweet wasn't removed

WASHINGTON (AP) " Twitter is citing "newsworthiness" and the public interest as reasons why it didn't remove President Donald Trump's declaration in a tweet that North Korean leaders may not "be around much longer."Trump tweeted Saturday : "Just heard Foreign Minister of North Korea speak at U.N. If he echoes thoughts of Little Rocket Man, they won't be around much longer!"Twitter's rules state users "may not make threats of violence or promote violence, including threatening [...]

Russia threatens to block Facebook next year

MOSCOW (AP) " Russia's communications watchdog has threatened to block the access to Facebook next year if the company does not store its data locally.Alexander Zharov, chief of the Federal Communications Agency, told Russian news agencies on Tuesday that they will work to "make Facebook comply with the law" on personal data, which obliges foreign companies to store it in Russia. Critics criticized the law that went into effect in 2015 for potentially exposing the data to Russian [...]

Trump looms large in Alabama Senate race

FAIRHOPE, Ala. (AP) " Sen. Luther Strange and firebrand jurist Roy Moore face off in Alabama's U.S. Senate runoff Tuesday in a race that will reverberate through the Republican Party and has pitted President Donald Trump against his former strategist, Steve Bannon.Trailing in the polls, Strange has looked to the White House to help make up ground against Moore, who is best known for defiant stands against gay marriage and for the public display of the Ten Commandments. Vice President [...]

In Ivanka Trump's China, business ties shrouded in secrecy

SHANGHAI (AP) " It is no secret that the bulk of Ivanka Trump's merchandise comes from China. But just which Chinese companies manufacture and export her handbags, shoes and clothes is more secret than ever, an Associated Press investigation has found.In the months since she took her White House role, public information about the companies importing Ivanka Trump goods to the U.S. has become harder to find. Information that once routinely appeared in private trade tracking data has [...]

GOP, White House prepare to roll out tax cuts

WASHINGTON (AP) " The White House and congressional Republicans are finalizing a tax plan that would slash the corporate rate while likely reducing the levy for the wealthiest Americans, with President Donald Trump ready to roll out the policy proposal at midweek.The grand plan to rewrite the nation's tax code would be the first major overhaul in three decades, delivering on a Trump campaign pledge and providing a sorely needed legislative achievement. It also is expected to eliminate [...]

As health bill teeters, Medicaid recipients watch nervously

With the latest Republican health care overhaul teetering near collapse, one group in particular is watching with heightened anxiety.The debate in Congress is personal for many of those who gained coverage through Medicaid in the 31 states that expanded the program under former President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act.Alan Purser, who lives in eastern Arkansas, credits expanded Medicaid with saving his life, after a routine doctor's visit ended with him being hospitalized [...]

WhatsApp service disrupted in China as censorship tightens

BEIJING (AP) " The encrypted messaging service WhatsApp is suffering intermittent disruptions in China as communist authorities tighten censorship controls ahead of a major ruling party meeting.Attempts to set up new WhatsApp accounts on some Chinese mobile phones on Tuesday were met with network error messages. Others reported difficulty sending images and video.Chinese authorities are tightening controls on social media ahead of the party congress next month at which [...]

In Ivanka's China, business ties shrouded in secrecy

SHANGHAI (AP) " It is no secret that the bulk of Ivanka Trump's merchandise comes from China. But just which Chinese companies manufacture and export her handbags, shoes and clothes is more secret than ever, an Associated Press investigation has found.In the months since she took her White House role, public information about the companies importing Ivanka Trump goods to the U.S. has become harder to find. Information that once routinely appeared in private trade tracking data has [...]

SEC chairman faces questions from Congress after data breach

NEW YORK (AP) " The chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission is likely to face an especially tough hearing in front of Congress on Tuesday, after the agency acknowledged that it also was a victim to a hack.News about the breach of an SEC network that delivers company news and data to investors follows the disclosure of the massive data breach from credit company Equifax that allowed hackers to access or steal the personal information of 143 million Americans.Jay [...]

Philadelphia to honor black activist with City Hall statue

PHILADELPHIA (AP) " A century before the fight to end Jim Crow segregation laws, Octavius Valentine Catto was leading a civil rights movement in Philadelphia.The 19th-century educator and activist fought for a better education for black students, led efforts to desegregate the city's street cars and pushed for equal voting rights " all before he was killed at age 32. His contributions to American democracy rival some of the country's most celebrated patriots, yet his story has [...]

The Latest: Trump slams McCain for opposing health bill

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Latest on the Republican effort to overhaul the Obama health law (all times local):9:30 p.m.Republican Sen. John McCain's opposition to the latest GOP health care bill is drawing an angry tweet from President Donald Trump.Trump tweeted Monday night: "A few of the many clips of John McCain talking about Repealing & Replacing O'Care. My oh my has he changed - complete turn from years of talk!"Trump's tweet accompanied six minutes and 24 seconds [...]

Police officer shot, wounded in suburban New York City

YONKERS, N.Y. (AP) " A police officer has been shot and wounded in suburban New York City.It happened just before 8:30 p.m. Monday in Yonkers.The Yonkers Police Department confirms there was an officer-involved shooting, but has declined to give any additional information.A dispatcher at the Yonkers Fire Department says the officer was alert and speaking while she was being taken to a hospital in the Bronx, but could not give the officer's current condition.Police [...]

Police: Man killed at Vegas hospital had guard's stun gun

LAS VEGAS (AP) " An officer shot and killed a suicidal man in police custody in a Las Vegas emergency room Monday after the suspect took a stun gun from a jail guard's bag that was left in a room with him and pointed it at security guard and a nurse, officials said.Investigators will look into whether the corrections officer violated policies and procedures by leaving the suspect alone in the room with the bag, police said.The incident came amid questions about other police use [...]

Fight over young immigrants ensnares aviation bill

WASHINGTON (AP) " In a fight with the GOP over immigration, House Democrats on Monday blocked a bill to extend federal aviation programs and provide tax breaks for hurricane victims.Republicans had hoped to pass a package of legislation addressing the Federal Aviation Administration and the tax breaks, but opposition from Pelosi and other Democrats stopped the bill from being passed on an expedited basis. The vote was 245-171, short of the two-thirds majority needed to pass. [...]

Uber wields new weapon in fight with London: diplomacy

LONDON (AP) " In past skirmishes with local regulators, Uber's playbook under co-founder and now-ousted CEO Travis Kalanick was simple: fight.Now, as brand-new CEO Dara Khosrowshahi deals with a stunning rebuke from London, the playbook gets another page: fight, but offer some diplomatic humility.On Friday, just hours after Greater London's transport authorities decided not to renew Uber's operating license, citing a lack of corporate responsibility, Uber wound up for its first [...]

The Latest: Senator casts doubt on fate of health care bill

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Latest on the Republican effort to overhaul the Obama health law (all times local):5:55 p.m.A top Senate Republican say he doubts whether the latest GOP health care bill will even come up for a vote this week. And another top Republican says a meeting on Tuesday of all Senate Republicans will decide the measure's fate.Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah was asked on Monday if Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will bring the bill up for a vote. Hatch replied, "I [...]

Puerto Rico remains dark as damage assessments begin

The lights are back on at a couple major hospitals, but most of Puerto Rico is still in the dark " and likely to remain without power for days, weeks or even months.Hurricane Maria smashed a power grid that would be considered antiquated on the U.S. mainland. Generators are providing power to the few who have them, but nearly all the island's 1.6 million electricity customers were still without power as of Monday afternoon.A long delay in getting power restored will mean even [...]

Baby left on side of Oklahoma freeway in car seat with cash

A 1-month-old baby found on the side of an Oklahoma interstate in a car seat stuffed with $5,500 in cash and a birth certificate was in state custody Monday as authorities continued to investigate why the boy was abandoned.Oklahoma City police said a church group returning from an amusement park spotted the child Saturday about 10 feet (3 meters) from the shoulder of Interstate 40. Sgt. Gary Knight said Monday that officers also found a Social Security card with the baby.Police [...]

Concerns raised about arrests at suburban St. Louis protest

ST. LOUIS (AP) " Several elected officials and faith leaders on Monday called for an investigation into the way police arrested and incarcerated protesters at a suburban St. Louis mall, with many referring to the altercation as a "police riot."Police from both agencies involved in the arrests defended officers' actions, saying demonstrators got out of hand Saturday at the St. Louis Galleria in Richmond Heights, Missouri, and officers had no choice but to take some of them to the [...]

US says it's not pushing for regime change in North Korea

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Trump administration said Monday it's not seeking to overthrow North Korea's government after the president tweeted that Kim Jong Un "won't be around much longer" and called Pyongyang's assertion absurd that Donald Trump's comment amounted to a declaration of war.Still, the fiery rhetoric carrying over from a week of threatening exchanges at the U.N. General Assembly only further fueled fears the adversaries might stumble back into open military conflict. The [...]

What the latest health overhaul push means for consumers

Only one thing is certain for insurance shoppers if the latest attempt to replace former President Barack Obama's health care law succeeds: Uncertainty.Will you be able to get coverage? How much will it cost? Will it cover my conditions?It depends.The proposal, sponsored by Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, would shift funding and key coverage decisions for both private insurers and Medicaid to states instead of the federal government. [...]

Violence in US rises for second straight year

WASHINGTON (AP) " Violent crime in America rose in 2016 for the second straight year, driven by a spike in killings in some major cities, but remained near historically low levels, according to FBI data released Monday.The Trump administration immediately seized on the figures as proof that the nation is in the midst of a dangerous crime wave that warrants a return to tougher tactics like more arrests and harsher punishments for drug criminals. But criminologists cautioned the new [...]

The Latest: Veterans groups criticize NFL player protests

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Latest on President Donald Trump's criticism of protesting athletes (all times local):3:25 p.m.The leaders of the nation's two biggest veterans' groups are criticizing NFL player protests during the national anthem.American Legion National Commander Denise Rohan chided what she called the politicization of sports events. She says the playing of the national anthem should be a time of unity, and that professional athletes who fail to show respect are [...]

Uber fights with London regulators, but also tries diplomacy

LONDON (AP) " In past skirmishes with local regulators, Uber's playbook under co-founder and now-ousted CEO Travis Kalanick was simple: fight.Now, as brand-new CEO Dara Khosrowshahi deals with a stunning rebuke from London, the playbook gets another page: fight, but offer some diplomatic humility.On Friday, just hours after Greater London's transport authorities decided not to renew Uber's operating license, citing a lack of corporate responsibility, Uber wound up for its first [...]

No more flying with reindeer: Unique Alaska planes to retire

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) " Claire Richardson remembers taking off in an airplane uniquely configured for Alaska when a horrible smell seeped into the passenger area.The captain soon came on the speaker to apologize for the odor, which was coming from 70 skittish baby reindeer headed for Texas. "Guess they all pooped as we lifted off from the runway," Richardson said.Those days will be coming to a close as the special plane that hauls people, goods and even animals on the same [...]

'We will listen': New Uber CEO apologizes for past mistakes

LONDON (AP) " The new CEO of Uber apologized for past mistakes on Monday in a public attempt to show London authorities that the company, known for aggressive tactics, is willing to change to retain its right to operate in the city.Days after London's transport authorities decided not to renew Uber's license to operate, citing a lack of corporate responsibility, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi acknowledged that the company "has got things wrong" during its global expansion.Uber will [...]

Zuckerberg visits Philly, orders cheesesteak like a local

PHILADELPHIA (AP) " When Mark Zuckerberg comes to Philadelphia, he does as Philadelphians do.The Facebook CEO on Sunday posted a picture of himself ordering a cheesesteak at one of the city's most well-known eateries. The caption reads: "Traveled all the way to Philadelphia for the best cheesesteak in the land."Employees of The Original Pat's King of Steaks say the tech billionaire even knows how to order the sandwich like a local, saying "Whiz wit" to let cooks know that he [...]

New model confirms endangered right whales are declining

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) " Researchers with the federal government and the New England Aquarium have developed a new model they said will provide better estimates about the North Atlantic right whale population, and the news isn't good.The model could be critically important to efforts to save the endangered species, which is in the midst of a year of high mortality, said Peter Corkeron, who leads the large whale team for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Northeast [...]

New Alaska highway stripes are crooked, paint staining cars

KETCHIKAN, Alaska (AP) " New yellow painted highway lines in the Alaska's Panhandle city of Ketchikan are crooked and the paint that's been used by state transportation officials has stained cars, officials said.Among those affected was Ketchikan Gateway Borough Mayor David Landis, whose car ended up with yellow paint on it."You come to expect having highway striping like that to be straight and have orderly looking lines and be professionally applied," Landis said. "Something [...]

Deloitte says email cyberattack affected 'very few clients'

LONDON (AP) " Accounting firm Deloitte says it has launched a thorough investigation into a cyberattack that hit its email system.The company said in a statement Monday that the breach had affected "very few clients" and that government authorities were notified.The Guardian newspaper reported Monday that the breached system had information from a range of clients, including large companies and U.S. government departments.The newspaper says hackers gained access through [...]

Treatment restores signs of awareness in brain-injured man

NEW YORK (AP) " French researchers say they restored some signs of consciousness in a brain-injured man who hadn't shown any awareness in 15 years.During months of experimental treatment, his gaze could follow a moving object and he turned his head toward people speaking to him. He could also turn his head when asked to do so, and his eyes widened when a researcher suddenly came very close to his face, the researchers reported.The treatment involved implanting a device in the [...]

Key events in ex-US Rep. Anthony Weiner's career, downfall

Key events in the saga of Anthony Weiner, the former New York congressman who pleaded guilty Friday to transmitting sexual material to a minor:___1998Nov. 3: Weiner, a Democrat, is elected to Congress.___2005Sept 13: Weiner comes in second in a bid for the Democratic nomination for mayor of New York City.___2010July 10: Weiner weds Huma Abedin, a close aide to then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Former President Bill Clinton [...]

The Latest: Lewis says Trump NFL coments 'beneath dignity'

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Latest on President Donald Trump's criticism of athletes (all times local):11:40 a.m.Democratic Rep. John Lewis of Georgia, a prominent civil rights leader, says that President Donald Trump's comments about protesting NFL players were "beneath the dignity of the president."Trump used profanity in referring to NFL players who don't stand during the national anthem.Lewis says he couldn't believe what he heard during the president's campaign [...]

House speaker promises aid for Puerto Rico hurricane victims

WASHINGTON (AP) " House Speaker Paul Ryan promised Monday that Washington will make sure that the people of hurricane-devastated Puerto Rico will "have what they need."The Wisconsin Republican's statement came as authorities struggle to provide adequate relief to the more than 3 million U.S. citizens on the island territory, which is without power and has seen terrible devastation.Ryan said Congress is working with the administration to make sure Puerto Rico gets all of the [...]

The Latest: Pelosi calls for military help in Puerto Rico

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Latest on Congress' response to hurricane devastation in Puerto Rico (all times local):11:45 a.m.The top Democrat in the House is calling upon President Donald Trump to deploy the military to help with the humanitarian crisis in Puerto Rico.The island territory of more than 3 million U.S. citizens is reeling in the devastating wake of Hurricane Maria. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi says Pentagon resources are needed for search-and-rescue [...]

The Latest: Trump blasts McCain over health bill vote

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Latest on the Republican effort to overhaul the Obama health law (all times local):11:40 a.m.President Donald Trump says Arizona GOP Sen. John McCain delivered "a tremendous slap in the face of the Republican Party" by voting to kill the party's July effort to repeal the Obama health care law.McCain returned to the Senate after being diagnosed with brain cancer and voted against the bill in a dramatic post-midnight roll call. He was the third [...]

Anthony Weiner sentenced to 21 months in sexting case

NEW YORK (AP) " Former Rep. Anthony Weiner was sentenced Monday to 21 months in prison for sexting with a 15-year-old girl in a case that rocked Hillary Clinton's campaign for the White House in the closing days of the race and may have cost her the presidency.Weiner, 53, dropped his head into his hand and wept as U.S. District Judge Denise Cote handed down her sentence. After the hearing ended and the judge left the bench, Weiner sat in his seat for several minutes, continuing to cry. [...]

German police arrest wanted man after he tries to vote drunk

BERLIN (AP) " A drunk German man who insisted on voting in Sunday's election despite lacking the necessary documents has landed in jail " after police discovered he was wanted for arrest.The unidentified 46-year-old tried to cast his ballot in the eastern town of Guben, but was turned away by election officials.The inebriated would-be voter caused a scene, prompting officials to call police.German daily Potsdamer Neueste Nachrichten reported Monday that officers checked [...]

Microsoft AI in use at Macy's, handling service requests

Microsoft, through its research into artificial intelligence, has created a virtual assistant that can be used by companies to respond to customer service requests.At the company's Ignite conference in Orlando, CEO Satya Nadella said Monday that Macy's and Hewlett-Packard have already begun to use the technology.In a push to prioritize its year-old workplace chat software, Microsoft Teams, the company also said Monday that it's folding Skype for Business into Teams. The [...]

Republican states also among losers in health bill

WASHINGTON (AP) " Memo to Republican senators: Many of the states President Donald Trump won last year would lose significant federal financing under the last-ditch Republican health care bill headed for a possible showdown in the Senate this week.Among states expected to lose are Arizona, Florida, Kentucky, and Ohio, where cuts could swell the number of uninsured people. That has political implications for Republicans girding for congressional midterm elections next year, as well as [...]

Semi-autonomous Cadillacs en route to dealerships

DETROIT (AP) " General Motors' Cadillac luxury brand is embarking on a cross-country drive to show off its version of a car that almost drives itself on the freeway.A dozen Cadillac CT6 sedans will leave the brand's New York headquarters Monday and head for Los Angeles as cars with the "Super Cruise" system start arriving at dealerships.Cadillac calls Super Cruise the first hands-free driver-assist system for freeways. The system was delayed a year as GM worked out the kinks [...]

Weiner arrives in court for sentencing in sexting scandal

NEW YORK (AP) " Anthony Weiner arrived at a New York courthouse Monday morning to be sentenced in a sexting scandal that some blame for Hillary Clinton's presidential loss.The former New York congressman faces up to 27 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to one charge of transferring obscene material to a minor. Prosecutors say he broke the law by having illicit contact with a 15-year-old girl, including asking her to "sexually perform" for him in conversations on Skype and [...]

Trump replaces travel ban with new restrictions

WASHINGTON (AP) — Citizens of more than half a dozen countries will face new restrictions on entry to the U.S. under a proclamation signed by President Donald Trump on Sunday that will replace his expiring travel ban.The new rules, which will impact the citizens of Chad, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen — and some from Venezuela — will go into effect on October 18.The restrictions range from an indefinite ban on visas for citizens of [...]

Trump associates to talk to House panel in Russia probe

WASHINGTON (AP) " The House intelligence panel will interview two of President Donald Trump's associates behind closed doors this week as congressional committees step up their investigations into Russian meddling in the 2016 election.Longtime Trump associate Roger Stone and former staffer Boris Epshteyn will talk to the House panel. Stone confirmed his interview, which will be held Tuesday. Epshteyn will also speak to the committee this week, according to a source familiar with the [...]

Uber CEO apologizes to London users for company's mistakes

LONDON (AP) " The new CEO of Uber offered contrition for past mistakes on Monday, just days after London's transport authority said it would scrap the company's operating license.Dara Khosrowshahi issued a letter to London's Evening Standard newspaper acknowledging that the company "has got things wrong along the way" as it expanded. He confirmed the company will appeal the London decision but will do so "with the knowledge that we must also change.""We won't be perfect, but we [...]

Rangers: Woman armed with frying pan helped stop forest fire

BEDDINGTON, Maine (AP) " Maine forest rangers say the quick actions of a woman armed with a frying pan helped stop a forest fire.Rangers say Nancy Weeks used a frying pan to carry water back and forth between the flames and a nearby pond in a wooded area near Beddington. WGME-TV reports (http://bit.ly/2wNjKv0 ) Weeks kept the fire under control until crews arrived.Officials say the fire was sparked by an unattended camp fire. [...]

McCain calls brain cancer prognosis 'very poor'

WASHINGTON (AP) " U.S. Sen. John McCain says doctors have given him a "very poor prognosis" as he battles brain cancer.McCain underwent surgery in July for a brain tumor that was later found to be a form of glioblastoma, the same type of cancer that took the life of his former Senate colleague Edward M. Kennedy in 2009. McCain tells CBS' "60 Minutes" in an interview that aired Sunday night that he thinks about Kennedy a lot. He says Kennedy continued to work despite the diagnosis and [...]

The Latest: Mideast airlines say they're aware of travel ban

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Latest on President Donald Trump's travel ban (all times local):___4:30 a.m.The three major long-haul airlines of the Gulf say they are aware of the new travel restrictions implemented by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration.Dubai-based Emirates said in a statement to The Associated Press: "With regards to entry requirements for travel to/from the USA, Emirates continues to take guidance provided to us by the U.S. Customs and Border [...]

Trump promising huge tax cut; focus on taxes vs health care

WASHINGTON (AP) " Poised to reveal a tax plan that is a pillar of "his economic policy and delivering on a campaign pledge, President Donald Trump is promising "The largest tax cut in the history of our country."Trump's declarations came as the health care legislation brought forward by Republicans teetered near failure. He said his "primary focus" is the tax overhaul plan, which would be the first major revamp of the tax system in three decades.Trump has promised economic [...]

Memo to GOP: Red states also among losers in health bill

WASHINGTON (AP) " Memo to Republican senators: Many of the states President Donald Trump won last year would lose significant federal financing under the last-ditch Republican health care bill headed for a possible showdown in the Senate this week.Among states expected to lose are Arizona, Florida, Kentucky, and Ohio, where cuts could swell the number of uninsured people. That has political implications for Republicans girding for congressional midterm elections next year, as well as [...]

Trump's travel ban unlikely to affect North Korea

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) " Even though President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation imposing strict new restrictions on visitors from North Korea and several other nations, the move is largely symbolic for the North because not many people from the country visit the United States.The North Korean government, led by dictator Kim Jong Un, disallows most of its 24 million people to travel to foreign countries including the United States, except in special cases like jobs that bring in [...]

Army looks for new ways to address misbehaving generals

WASHINGTON (AP) " Struggling with an embarrassing series of misconduct and behavior problems among senior officers, the Army is putting together new mental health, counseling and career management programs to shape stronger, more ethical leaders.The programs stem from a broader worry across the military about the need to bolster professionalism within the officer corps while holding accountable those who abuse their power. The Army plan appears to focus more on building character than [...]

Studying 1 million people to end cookie-cutter health care

WASHINGTON (AP) " U.S. researchers are getting ready to recruit more than 1 million people for an unprecedented study to learn how our genes, environments and lifestyles interact.Today, health care is based on averages, what worked best in short studies of a few hundred or thousand patients. The massive "All of Us" project instead will push what's called precision medicine, using traits that make us unique to forecast health and treat disease.The goal is to end cookie-cutter [...]

Japan's baby panda now has a name: Xiang Xiang, or fragrance

TOKYO (AP) " Japan's baby panda now has a name: Xiang Xiang, or fragrance.Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike announced Monday that the 3-month-old giant panda is called Shan Shan in Japanese, or Xiang Xiang in Chinese.The name, whose Chinese characters mean fragrance, was chosen from more than 320,000 suggestions and was approved by Chinese authorities.The Ueno Zoo in Tokyo says the panda is healthy and growing rapidly. She now weighs 6 kilograms (13 pounds) and measures 65 [...]

Travel limits to affect few NKoreans; most in US are envoys

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) " North Korea hasn't reacted yet to newly announced U.S. travel restrictions on its citizens, but they are largely a symbolic measure for the North Asian country already under severe sanctions because of its nuclear weapons program.Most or all of the North Koreans living in the United States are based at the country's diplomatic mission to the United Nations.The restrictions in the proclamation President Donald Trump signed Sunday include the suspension [...]

Australia to create its own space agency for economic boost

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) " Australia announced on Monday it would create its own space agency to increase its share of the $330 billion space economy.Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the agency would be part of Australia's development of an innovation and science economy. But the government has provided few specifics."It's a small agency to coordinate and lead," Turnbull told reporters. "The space sector, of course, is one of enormous potential."Acting Minister for [...]

Weiner due in court for sentencing in sexting scandal

NEW YORK (AP) " Anthony Weiner is scheduled to be sentenced on Monday in a sexting scandal that some blame for Hillary Clinton's presidential loss.The former New York congressman faces up to 27 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to one charge of transferring obscene material to a minor. Prosecutors say he broke the law by having illicit contact with a 15-year-old girl, including asking her to "sexually perform" for him in conversations on Skype and Snapchat.The Democrat's [...]

Convicted Craigslist killer appeals death sentence

AKRON, Ohio (AP) " A man convicted of killing three down-and-out men lured by bogus Craigslist job offers is appealing his death sentence to Ohio's highest court.The Akron Beacon Journal reports (http://bit.ly/2fAPduF ) the Ohio Supreme Court will hear the appeal of 58-year-old Richard Beasley Tuesday morning.Beasley was convicted of partnering with a teenage boy in 2011 to lure victims with promises of jobs on a southeast [...]

'The Codfather' to be sentenced for evading fishing quotas

BOSTON (AP) " A U.S. fishing magnate known as "The Codfather" who pleaded guilty to evading fishing quotas and smuggling money to Portugal is set to be sentenced.Carlos Rafael is the owner of one of the nation's largest commercial fishing operations. It includes a fleet of more than 30 vessels, 44 commercial fishing permits and the Carlos Seafood business in New Bedford.His sentencing is scheduled to begin in Boston's federal court on Monday and could extend into Tuesday. [...]

Republicans make desperate bid to save health care bill

WASHINGTON (AP) " Republican opposition to the GOP health care bill swelled to near-fatal numbers Sunday as Sen. Susan Collins all but closed the door on supporting the last-ditch effort to scrap the Obama health care law and Sen. Ted Cruz said that "right now" he doesn't back it.In a late bid to win votes and stave off defeat, Republicans were adding $14.5 billion to the measure for states, according to documents obtained late Sunday by The Associated Press.White House [...]

The Latest: Senate Republicans offer new health bill

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Latest on the Republican push on health care (all times local):11:55 p.m.Senate Republicans are adding billions of dollars to their teetering health care bill, hoping to win support from GOP senators who may be opposing the legislation.According to documents obtained by The Associated Press, a new version of the measure would add $14.5 billion for states.Part of that money is aimed at sparsely populated states. Maine GOP Sen. Susan Collins on [...]

EPA clarifies earlier FEMA statement on Texas toxic sites

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Environmental Protection Agency said Sunday it has recovered 517 containers filled with unidentified, potentially hazardous material found floating in or washed up along Texas waterways after the devastating floods from Hurricane Harvey receded.The agency's statement sought to clarify an earlier media release saying the containers were recovered from highly contaminated toxic waste sites. EPA said that statement issued Friday night by the Federal Emergency [...]

Trump replaces travel ban with new restrictions

WASHINGTON (AP) " Citizens of more than half a dozen countries will face new restrictions on entry to the U.S. under a proclamation signed by President Donald Trump on Sunday that will replace his expiring travel ban.The new rules, which will impact the citizens of Chad, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen " and some from Venezuela " will go into effect on October 18.The restrictions range from an indefinite ban on visas for citizens of countries like Syria to [...]

After 66 million years, creature wins state dinosaur honor

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) " It took about 66 million years, but a duck-billed creature has finally won recognition as California's state dinosaur.Gov. Jerry Brown announced Saturday the signing of a bill making Augustynolophus (Aw-gus-tin-o-lo-fus) morrisi the official dinosaur of the Golden State.Fossilized remains of the duckbilled creature that lived anywhere from 100 million to 66 million years ago have been found only in California.Several other states and Washington, [...]

Mexico border crossing to reopen 12 hours ahead of schedule

SAN DIEGO (AP) " The busiest border crossing in the United States was set to reopen about 12 hours ahead of schedule Monday after it closed for the weekend to travelers who normally drive through to Mexico.The San Ysidro Port of Entry connecting San Diego to Tijuana closed at 3 a.m. Saturday for work on a $741 million expansion project. Four out of five southbound lanes were expected to reopen at midnight Monday, officials said.One lane will remain closed for further [...]

Trump replaces travel ban with new restrictions on 8 nations

WASHINGTON (AP) " Citizens of eight countries, including North Korea and Venezuela, will face new restrictions on entry to the U.S. under a proclamation signed by President Donald Trump on Sunday that will replace his expiring travel ban.The new rules, which will impact the citizens of Chad, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen, will go into effect on October 18.The restrictions range from an indefinite ban on visas for citizens of countries like Syria [...]

Trump signs proclamation restricting travel from 8 countries

WASHINGTON (AP) " Citizens of eight countries will face new restrictions on entry to the U.S. under a proclamation signed by President Donald Trump on Sunday.The new rules, which will impact the citizens of Chad, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen, will go into effect on October 18.The restrictions rage from full travel bans on nationals from countries like Syria to more targeted restrictions. A suspension of non-immigrant visas to citizens for [...]

The Latest: Trump administration announces new travel ban

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Latest on President Donald Trump's travel ban (all times local):7 p.m.Travelers from eight countries will face restrictions on entry to the U.S, ranging from a total ban to more targeted restrictions, under a new proclamation signed by President Donald Trump Sunday.The new rules, which will impact the citizens of Chad, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen, will go into effect on October 18. Officials stressed that valid [...]

After 66 million years, California gets a state dinosaur

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) " It took about 66 million years, but California finally has a state dinosaur.Gov. Jerry Brown announced Saturday the signing of a bill making Augustynolophus (Aw-gus-tin-o-lo-fus) morrisi the official dinosaur of the Golden State.Fossilized remains of the duckbilled creature that lived anywhere from 100 million to 66 million years ago have been found only in California.Several other states and Washington, D.C., also have official dinosaurs. [...]

Right-wing activist holds short, small California rally

BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) " A weeklong conservative free speech showcase at famously liberal University of California, Berkeley was supposed to start Sunday. But it apparently ended the same day after a blink-and-you-miss-it appearance by right-wing firebrand Milo Yiannopoulos and angry shouts from small groups of competing protesters who came to celebrate and condemn him.Yiannopoulos blew kisses, posed for selfies and briefly addressed a few dozen supporters at the campus while a [...]

Gunman opens fire in Nashville church; 1 dead, 7 wounded

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) " A masked gunman invaded a Tennessee church Sunday and opened fire, walking silently down the aisle as he shot unsuspecting congregants. At least one person was killed and seven others wounded, authorities said.An usher confronted the shooter, who apparently shot himself accidentally in the struggle, authorities said.No motive for the shooting was immediately determined. Investigators said they were not aware of any relationship between the gunman and any [...]

7 charged with rioting after protest in St. Louis County

ST. LOUIS (AP) " Seven people are facing rioting and resisting arrest charges for their role in a protest that turned unruly at an upscale St. Louis County shopping mall.Overall, 22 people were arrested Saturday at the St. Louis Galleria in Richmond Heights, Missouri. It was one of several protests since Sept. 15, when a judge acquitted former police officer Jason Stockley in the 2011 killing of a black drug suspect, Anthony Lamar Smith.The protest began peacefully before some [...]

Latest: Right-wing activist holds short California rally

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) " The Latest on a planned speech by a right-wing provocateur at the University of California, Berkeley (all times local):12:45 p.m.Milo Yiannopoulos was whisked away in a car after a brief appearance at the University of California, Berkeley that drew a few dozen supporters and a slightly larger crowd protesting the right-wing provocateur.Yiannopoulos made a few comments from the steps of Sproul Hall shortly after noon Sunday. He blew kisses, posed for [...]

Officials: 1 dead, 7 victims hurt in church shooting

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) " A masked gunman entered a church in Tennessee on Sunday and opened fire, killing at least one person and injuring seven others before apparently shooting himself, an official said.Don Aaron, spokesman for the Metro Nashville Police Department, said the gunman arrived at the parking lot in a blue vehicle as services were ending at the Burnette Chapel Church of Christ in the neighborhood of Antioch.Aaron said the suspect - wearing a half mask - fatally [...]

Black lawmakers ponder Trump agenda at annual gathering

WASHINGTON (AP) " On the campaign trail last year, then-Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump sought the support of black voters by asking them, "What the hell do you have to lose?"An answer came during the Congressional Black Caucus' annual legislative conference this past week: Everything."We are losing essential freedoms," said Brittany Packnett, who became an advocate for criminal justice reform after the 2014 police killing of Michael Brown and subsequent protests [...]

President's criticisms spark more protests at NFL games

President Donald Trump's comments about owners firing players who kneel during the national anthem sparked a mass increase in such protests around the National Football League Sunday, as more than 130 players sat, knelt or raised their fists in defiance during early games.A week ago, just four players didn't stand and two raised their fists.Defensive star Von Miller was among the majority of Denver Broncos who took a knee in Buffalo Sunday, where Bills running back LeSean McCoy [...]

Opposition from GOP senators grows, jeopardizes health bill

WASHINGTON (AP) " Republican opposition to the GOP health care bill swelled to near-fatal numbers Sunday as Sen. Susan Collins all but closed the door on supporting the last-ditch effort to scrap the Obama health care law and Sen. Ted Cruz said that "right now" he doesn't back it.White House legislative liaison Marc Short and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., one of the measure's sponsors, said Republicans would press ahead with a vote this week. But the comments by Collins and Cruz left [...]

Official says at 8 wounded in Tennessee church shooting

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) " Authorities in Tennessee say eight people were injured in a shooting at a church in the Nashville area.Nashville fire department spokesman Joseph Pleasant tells the Tennessean newspaper that the wounded were being transported to Vanderbilt Medical Center. The nature of the injuries weren't immediately known.A dispatcher quoted by the newspaper said that the scene was still "active" at the Burnette Chapel Church of Christ as of 11:40 a.m. Sunday. Multiple [...]

The Latest: Sen. Cruz says he's against GOP health bill

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Latest on the Republican push on health care (all times local):12:35 p.m.Sen. Ted Cruz says he's against the Republican bill that would erase much of President Barack Obama's health law.If the Texas Republican sticks to that stand, GOP leaders will have little hope that their 11th-hour Senate push will survive.Cruz spokesman Phil Novack says the senator said Sunday in Austin, Texas, that "right now, they don't have my vote."The bill [...]

White House says tax plan to help business, middle class

SOMERSET, N.J. (AP) " A proposed tax overhaul set to come out this week from Republicans will offer help for the middle class and businesses, President Donald Trump's Treasury secretary said.The developing plan "''creates a middle-income tax cut, it makes businesses competitive and it creates jobs," Steven Mnuchin said in a television interview Sunday, adding there are changes, too, for the "high end," including "getting rid of lots of deductions."He did not offer specifics. [...]

Treasury chief: First Amendment for players _ off the field

SOMERSET, N.J. (AP) " Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin thinks pro football players lose their right to free speech once they don pads and take the field.Mnuchin said on ABC's "This Week" they have "the right to have the First Amendment off the field."He's defending President Donald Trump's attacks on football players kneeling during the national anthem. Mnuchin says standing during the anthem shows respect for the military and first responders. He says: "They can do free [...]

It took 66 million years, but California gets state dinosaur

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) " It took about 66 million years, but California finally has a state dinosaur.Gov. Jerry Brown announced Saturday the signing of a bill making Augustynolophus (Aw-gus-tin-o-lo-fus) morrisi the official dinosaur of the Golden State.Fossilized remains of the duckbilled creature that lived anywhere from 100 to 66 million years ago have been found only in California.Several other states and Washington, D.C., also have official dinosaurs. [...]

California lawmakers look to free older and younger inmates

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) " To ease overcrowding in state prisons, California lawmakers want to release more of the state's older prisoners and more of the inmates who were young when they committed their crimes.The two bills sent to Gov. Jerry Brown in the waning days of the legislative session are the latest attempt to keep the prison population below the cap set by federal judges, with the goal of eventually ending federal oversight.One requires parole officials to consider [...]

Aid begins to flow to hurricane-hit Puerto Rico

GUAJATACA, Puerto Rico (AP) " Large amounts of federal aid have begun moving into Puerto Rico, welcomed by local officials who praised the Trump administration's response but called for the emergency loosening of rules long blamed for condemning the U.S. territory to second-class status.In northwest Puerto Rico, people began returning to their homes Saturday after a spillway eased pressure on a dam that cracked after more than a foot of rain fell in the wake of the hurricane. [...]

Sen. Collins likely against GOP health bill in latest blow

WASHINGTON (AP) " Sen. Susan Collins on Sunday all but closed the door to supporting last-ditch Republican health care bill, leaving her party's drive to uproot President Barack Obama's health care law dangling by an increasingly slender thread.Already two GOP senators, Rand Paul of Kentucky and John McCain of Arizona, have said they would vote against the legislation, and if Collins, a Maine moderate, were to join them, the bill would die. All Democratic senators oppose the measure, [...]

Weiner faces sentencing in latest chapter of sexting drama

NEW YORK (AP) " It seemed as if Anthony Weiner had hit rock bottom when he resigned from Congress in 2011."Bye-bye, pervert!" one heckler shouted as the Democrat quit amid revelations that he had sent graphic pictures of himself to women on social media. Time has shown his self-destructive drama had only just begun.Weiner, 53, is set to be sentenced Monday for sending obscene material to a 15-year-old girl in a case that may have also have played a role in costing Hillary [...]

Immigrants touched by Mexico quake, try to help from afar

LAS VEGAS (AP) " When Luis Ramirez finally reached his mother after the powerful Mexico earthquake, he learned her home was so badly damaged that it had to be demolished.He considered getting on a plane from New York to help her find a new home, but it was too risky now that the program that has been shielding him from deportation is being phased out. He tried to send money, but the usual courier that he uses shut down because of the damage from the 7.1-magnitude quake in his home [...]

Trump travel ban expires Sunday; new restrictions expected

WASHINGTON (AP) " President Donald Trump is expected to announce new restrictions on travel to the United States as his ban on visitors from six Muslim-majority countries expires Sunday, 90 days after it went into effect.The Department of Homeland Security has recommended the president sign off on new, more targeted restrictions on foreign nationals from countries it says refuse to share information with the U.S. or haven't taken necessary security precautions.Officials haven't [...]

Classified US spy satellite launched from California

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AP) " A U.S. spy satellite atop an Atlas V rocket blasted off on a classified mission Saturday night from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.U.S. officials have not revealed what the spacecraft will be doing or what its orbit will be, which is standard for missions by the National Reconnaissance Office.All systems were going well when the launch webcast concluded about three minutes into the flight.The launch was conducted by [...]

Trump comments on Curry, NFL protests anger athletes

SOMERSET, N.J. (AP) " President Donald Trump denounced protests by NFL players and rescinded a White House invitation for NBA champion Stephen Curry in a two-day rant that targeted top professional athletes and brought swift condemnation Saturday from league executives and star players alike.Wading into thorny issues of race and politics, Trump's comments in a Friday night speech and a series of Saturday tweets drew sharp responses from some of the nation's top athletes, with LeBron [...]

Trump points to Iran missile test in criticizing nuke deal

WASHINGTON (AP) " President Donald Trump on Saturday pointed to a reported missile test by Iran to renew his criticism of the nuclear agreement it reached with the U.S. and other nations.Iran's Revolutionary Guard on Friday displayed its latest ballistic missile capable of reaching Israel and much of the Middle East. The U.S. opposes Iran's ballistic missile program and Trump signed a bill last month imposing penalties on those involved with it.Video of the test firing of a [...]