Police in Mexico find bullet-ridden bodies of 15 men crammed into pickup
MEXICO CITY — Police in western Mexico have found the bullet-ridden bodies of 15 men crammed into a pickup truck left on a roadside.The prosecutors' office in the western state of Michoacan says the bodies were found Friday in the rural township of Aquila.The office says one of the dead men has been identified as a local member of the Knights Templar cartel, whose gang has been involved in drug trafficking, kidnapping, extortion and killings.The beige truck was splattered with blood and scrawled messages on the side suggested the men were killed "because they were kidnappers."The area around Aquila was the scene of an uprising by armed vigilantes against the Knights Templar cartel in 2013.
MEXICO CITY — Police in western Mexico have found the bullet-ridden bodies of 15 men crammed into a pickup truck left on a roadside.The prosecutors' office in the western state of Michoacan says the bodies were found Friday in the rural township of Aquila.The office says one of the dead men has been identified as a local member of the Knights Templar cartel, whose gang has been involved in drug trafficking, kidnapping, extortion and killings.The beige truck was splattered with blood and scrawled messages on the side suggested the men were killed "because they were kidnappers."The area around Aquila was the scene of an uprising by armed vigilantes against the Knights Templar cartel in 2013.
President Trump orders huge tariffs on China, raises trade war worries
WASHINGTON — Primed for economic combat, President Donald Trump set in motion tariffs on as much as $60 billion in Chinese imports to the U.S. on Thursday and accused the Chinese of high-tech thievery, picking a fight that could push the global heavyweights into a trade war.China threatened retaliation, and Wall Street cringed, recording one of the biggest drops of Trump's presidency.
WASHINGTON — Primed for economic combat, President Donald Trump set in motion tariffs on as much as $60 billion in Chinese imports to the U.S. on Thursday and accused the Chinese of high-tech thievery, picking a fight that could push the global heavyweights into a trade war.China threatened retaliation, and Wall Street cringed, recording one of the biggest drops of Trump's presidency.
Vladimir Putin overwhelmingly wins another 6 years as Russian leader
MOSCOW — Vladimir Putin rolled to a crushing re-election victory Sunday for six more years as Russia's president, and he told cheering supporters in a triumphant but brief speech that "we are bound for success."There had been no doubt that Putin would win in his fourth electoral contest; he faced seven minor candidates and his most prominent foe was blocked from the ballot.His only real challenge was to run up the tally so high that he could claim an indisputable mandate.With ballots from 80 percent of Russia's precincts counted by early Monday, Putin had amassed 76 percent of the vote.
MOSCOW — Vladimir Putin rolled to a crushing re-election victory Sunday for six more years as Russia's president, and he told cheering supporters in a triumphant but brief speech that "we are bound for success."There had been no doubt that Putin would win in his fourth electoral contest; he faced seven minor candidates and his most prominent foe was blocked from the ballot.His only real challenge was to run up the tally so high that he could claim an indisputable mandate.With ballots from 80 percent of Russia's precincts counted by early Monday, Putin had amassed 76 percent of the vote.
US narrows travel alert for Mexico's Playa del Carmen
MEXICO CITY — The U.S. Embassy in Mexico has narrowed its travel warning for the Caribbean resort city of Playa del Carmen amid what it calls an unspecified "ongoing security threat" just as the spring holiday season is kicking into high gear.In a notice posted Friday on its website, the embassy also said the U.S. Consular Agency in the city would reopen and resume normal operations Monday after a shutdown of several days — "absent additional changes in the security situation."The revised restrictions say U.S. government employees must avoid five neighborhoods in and around a downtown tourist zone filled with hotels, restaurants, shops and bars.But they lift a blanket ban issued this week for the city that had covered several all-inclusive resorts.
MEXICO CITY — The U.S. Embassy in Mexico has narrowed its travel warning for the Caribbean resort city of Playa del Carmen amid what it calls an unspecified "ongoing security threat" just as the spring holiday season is kicking into high gear.In a notice posted Friday on its website, the embassy also said the U.S. Consular Agency in the city would reopen and resume normal operations Monday after a shutdown of several days — "absent additional changes in the security situation."The revised restrictions say U.S. government employees must avoid five neighborhoods in and around a downtown tourist zone filled with hotels, restaurants, shops and bars.But they lift a blanket ban issued this week for the city that had covered several all-inclusive resorts.
Pres. Trump accepts offer to meet Kim Jong Un by May
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- North Korea has invited President Donald Trump to meet their leader Kim Jong Un, and President Trump will meet with the North Korean leader by May, the South Korean national security adviser announced Thursday at the White House.President Trump told reporters Thursday that South Korea will make a "major announcement" concerning North Korea at 6 p.m. CT.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- North Korea has invited President Donald Trump to meet their leader Kim Jong Un, and President Trump will meet with the North Korean leader by May, the South Korean national security adviser announced Thursday at the White House.President Trump told reporters Thursday that South Korea will make a "major announcement" concerning North Korea at 6 p.m. CT.
Russian cargo plane crashes in Syria, 39 dead
MOSCOW — A Russian military cargo plane crashed as it was descending to land at an air base in Syria on Tuesday, killing all 39 people onboard, the Russian Defense Ministry said.The Russian military said an An-26, with 33 passengers and six crew members onboard, crashed just 500 meters (1,600 feet) from the runway.
MOSCOW — A Russian military cargo plane crashed as it was descending to land at an air base in Syria on Tuesday, killing all 39 people onboard, the Russian Defense Ministry said.The Russian military said an An-26, with 33 passengers and six crew members onboard, crashed just 500 meters (1,600 feet) from the runway.
Report: Army mishandled bomb-sniffing dogs from Afghanistan
WASHINGTON — A report finds that the Army failed to do right by some of the more than 200 bomb-sniffing dogs that served with U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan, detecting roadside bombs and saving lives.The Defense Department's inspector general has determined that, after the program ended in 2014, some soldiers struggled or were unable to adopt the dogs they had handled.This included two dogs among 13 that were given to a private company to be used as service dogs for veterans but then abandoned at a Virginia kennel.The report says Congress amended the law in 2015 to give handlers top priority in adopting their dogs.The inspector general also faults the military for not properly screening those adopting the dogs, including law enforcement agencies and private individuals.
WASHINGTON — A report finds that the Army failed to do right by some of the more than 200 bomb-sniffing dogs that served with U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan, detecting roadside bombs and saving lives.The Defense Department's inspector general has determined that, after the program ended in 2014, some soldiers struggled or were unable to adopt the dogs they had handled.This included two dogs among 13 that were given to a private company to be used as service dogs for veterans but then abandoned at a Virginia kennel.The report says Congress amended the law in 2015 to give handlers top priority in adopting their dogs.The inspector general also faults the military for not properly screening those adopting the dogs, including law enforcement agencies and private individuals.
Dog rescued from South Korean meat trade by Olympian up for adoption
EL CAJON, Calif. - Olympic snowboarder Maddie Mastro saved a dog from the meat trade while she was in South Korea, and now Jadu is up for adoption in Southern California.“She’s got a remarkable, amazing disposition.
EL CAJON, Calif. - Olympic snowboarder Maddie Mastro saved a dog from the meat trade while she was in South Korea, and now Jadu is up for adoption in Southern California.“She’s got a remarkable, amazing disposition.
Hope Hicks declines to answer some questions in Russia probe
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump's longtime aide Hope Hicks is declining to answer questions about her time in the White House in a closed-door interview with the House intelligence committee.The panel is investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election and any contacts between President Trump's campaign and Russia.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump's longtime aide Hope Hicks is declining to answer questions about her time in the White House in a closed-door interview with the House intelligence committee.The panel is investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election and any contacts between President Trump's campaign and Russia.
IOC recommends upholding ban of Russia through Winter Games
PYEONGCHANG, South Korea — The International Olympic Committee executive board has recommended upholding the ban of Russia from the Pyeongchang Winter Games.The full membership is to vote on the proposal Sunday ahead of the closing ceremony, and exclusion would mean the 168 athletes competing here as "Olympic Athletes from Russia" would not be able to march under their own flag.IOC President Thomas Bach said a condition for Russia's reinstatement is no further positive drug tests at these Olympics.
PYEONGCHANG, South Korea — The International Olympic Committee executive board has recommended upholding the ban of Russia from the Pyeongchang Winter Games.The full membership is to vote on the proposal Sunday ahead of the closing ceremony, and exclusion would mean the 168 athletes competing here as "Olympic Athletes from Russia" would not be able to march under their own flag.IOC President Thomas Bach said a condition for Russia's reinstatement is no further positive drug tests at these Olympics.
UN to vote Saturday on humanitarian cease-fire in Syria
UNITED NATIONS — The U.N. Security Council delayed a vote on a resolution demanding a 30-day humanitarian cease-fire across Syria until Saturday in hopes of closing a gap over the timing for a halt to fighting.Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia has called an immediate cease-fire unrealistic.After six hours of negotiations, Kuwait's U.N. Ambassador Mansour Al-Otaiba, the current council president, told reporters Friday evening that members "are so close" to agreement, and negotiations are continuing.He said the council will meet at noon EST on Saturday and there will be a vote.The resolution sponsored by Kuwait and Sweden calls for a cease-fire to take effect 72 hours after its adoption, followed immediately by access for humanitarian convoys and medical teams to evacuate the critically ill and wounded.It states that 5.6 million people in 1,244 communities are in "acute need," including 2.9 million in hard-to-reach and besieged locations.A Russian-proposed amendment, which the sponsors rejected, would have ruled out an immediate cease-fire.
UNITED NATIONS — The U.N. Security Council delayed a vote on a resolution demanding a 30-day humanitarian cease-fire across Syria until Saturday in hopes of closing a gap over the timing for a halt to fighting.Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia has called an immediate cease-fire unrealistic.After six hours of negotiations, Kuwait's U.N. Ambassador Mansour Al-Otaiba, the current council president, told reporters Friday evening that members "are so close" to agreement, and negotiations are continuing.He said the council will meet at noon EST on Saturday and there will be a vote.The resolution sponsored by Kuwait and Sweden calls for a cease-fire to take effect 72 hours after its adoption, followed immediately by access for humanitarian convoys and medical teams to evacuate the critically ill and wounded.It states that 5.6 million people in 1,244 communities are in "acute need," including 2.9 million in hard-to-reach and besieged locations.A Russian-proposed amendment, which the sponsors rejected, would have ruled out an immediate cease-fire.
Helicopter on earthquake mission flips in Mexico, kills 13 on ground
MEXICO CITY — A military helicopter carrying officials who were assessing damage from a powerful earthquake flipped as it was attempting to land in southern Mexico, crashing on top of people who had fled their homes and were spending the night outside.
MEXICO CITY — A military helicopter carrying officials who were assessing damage from a powerful earthquake flipped as it was attempting to land in southern Mexico, crashing on top of people who had fled their homes and were spending the night outside.
Steve Bannon interviewed in Mueller's Russia investigation
WASHINGTON — Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon, whose involvement in President Donald Trump's White House and the president's election campaign makes him knowledgeable about matters related to Russian meddling and potential obstruction of an ongoing federal inquiry, was interrogated over two days this week by investigators for special counsel Robert Mueller, according to a person familiar with the process.The person, who declined to be named because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the investigation, said Bannon answered every question that was put to him.Bannon's interview by Mueller's team came just before he visited Capitol Hill on Thursday to answer questions as part of the House intelligence committee's own Russia probe.
WASHINGTON — Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon, whose involvement in President Donald Trump's White House and the president's election campaign makes him knowledgeable about matters related to Russian meddling and potential obstruction of an ongoing federal inquiry, was interrogated over two days this week by investigators for special counsel Robert Mueller, according to a person familiar with the process.The person, who declined to be named because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the investigation, said Bannon answered every question that was put to him.Bannon's interview by Mueller's team came just before he visited Capitol Hill on Thursday to answer questions as part of the House intelligence committee's own Russia probe.
After South Korea visit, VP Mike Pence insists 'no daylight' on North
ABOARD AIR FORCE TWO — Vice President Mike Pence's efforts to keep North Korea from stealing the show at the Winter Olympics proved short-lived, drowned out by images of the two Koreas marching and competing as one -- and as the South appeared to look favorably on warming ties on the Korean Peninsula, Pence insisted Saturday, Feb. 10 "there is no daylight" among the United States and allies South Korea and Japan in intensifying pressure on the North over its nuclear and missile programs.Pence spent the days leading up to the Pyeongchang Olympics warning that the North was trying to "hijack the message and imagery" of the event with its "propaganda." But the North was welcomed with open arms to what South Korean President Moon Jae-in called "Olympic games of peace."It was the U.S. that appeared to be the one left in the cold, especially after the sister of the North Korean dictator extended an invitation from her brother for Moon to visit the North.
ABOARD AIR FORCE TWO — Vice President Mike Pence's efforts to keep North Korea from stealing the show at the Winter Olympics proved short-lived, drowned out by images of the two Koreas marching and competing as one -- and as the South appeared to look favorably on warming ties on the Korean Peninsula, Pence insisted Saturday, Feb. 10 "there is no daylight" among the United States and allies South Korea and Japan in intensifying pressure on the North over its nuclear and missile programs.Pence spent the days leading up to the Pyeongchang Olympics warning that the North was trying to "hijack the message and imagery" of the event with its "propaganda." But the North was welcomed with open arms to what South Korean President Moon Jae-in called "Olympic games of peace."It was the U.S. that appeared to be the one left in the cold, especially after the sister of the North Korean dictator extended an invitation from her brother for Moon to visit the North.
Russian airliner crashes near Moscow after takeoff; 71 dead
MOSCOW -- A Russian passenger plane carrying 71 people crashed Sunday near Moscow, killing everyone aboard shortly after the jet took off from one of the city's airports.The Saratov Airlines regional jet disappeared from radar screens a few minutes after departing from Domodedovo Airport en route to Orsk, a city some 1,500 kilometers (1,000 miles) southeast of Moscow.Fragments from the twin-engine Antonov An-148 airliner were found in the Ramenskoye area, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the airport.
MOSCOW -- A Russian passenger plane carrying 71 people crashed Sunday near Moscow, killing everyone aboard shortly after the jet took off from one of the city's airports.The Saratov Airlines regional jet disappeared from radar screens a few minutes after departing from Domodedovo Airport en route to Orsk, a city some 1,500 kilometers (1,000 miles) southeast of Moscow.Fragments from the twin-engine Antonov An-148 airliner were found in the Ramenskoye area, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the airport.
Come visit: South Korea's leader invited to North Korea
PYEONGCHANG, South Korea — A rare invitation to Pyongyang for South Korea's president marked Day Two of the North Korean Kim dynasty's southern road tour Saturday, part of an accelerating diplomatic thaw that included some Korean liquor over lunch and the shared joy of watching a "unified" Korea team play hockey at the Olympics.Nothing has been settled on any trip north by South Korean President Moon Jae-in.
PYEONGCHANG, South Korea — A rare invitation to Pyongyang for South Korea's president marked Day Two of the North Korean Kim dynasty's southern road tour Saturday, part of an accelerating diplomatic thaw that included some Korean liquor over lunch and the shared joy of watching a "unified" Korea team play hockey at the Olympics.Nothing has been settled on any trip north by South Korean President Moon Jae-in.
Pentagon: Afghan war costing US $45 billion per year
WASHINGTON — Forty-five billion dollars.
WASHINGTON — Forty-five billion dollars.
US says Syria may be making new types of chemical weapons
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration says Syrian President Bashar Assad's government may be developing new, more sophisticated chemical weapons.U.S. officials say the characteristics of recent alleged attacks suggest Syria is producing chemical weapons despite a 2013 deal to destroy its program.
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration says Syrian President Bashar Assad's government may be developing new, more sophisticated chemical weapons.U.S. officials say the characteristics of recent alleged attacks suggest Syria is producing chemical weapons despite a 2013 deal to destroy its program.
Bomber in ambulance detonates at Afghan checkpoint; 95 dead
KABUL, Afghanistan — A suicide bomber drove an ambulance into a commercial area by pretending to be carrying a patient to a hospital and then detonated his explosives at a checkpoint near the European Union consulate, killing at least 95 people and wounding 158 more in an attack claimed by the Taliban, authorities said.Saturday's powerful explosion, which came a week after Taliban militants killed 22 people at an international hotel in Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, was felt throughout the city and covered the blast area in smoke and dust.
KABUL, Afghanistan — A suicide bomber drove an ambulance into a commercial area by pretending to be carrying a patient to a hospital and then detonated his explosives at a checkpoint near the European Union consulate, killing at least 95 people and wounding 158 more in an attack claimed by the Taliban, authorities said.Saturday's powerful explosion, which came a week after Taliban militants killed 22 people at an international hotel in Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, was felt throughout the city and covered the blast area in smoke and dust.
Pence says troops should not have to worry about shutdown, says "stay focused on your mission"
WASHINGTON — Vice President Mike Pence is making his fourth visit to Israel, returning to a region he's visited "a million times" in his heart.An evangelical Christian with strong ties to the Holy Land, Pence this time comes packing two key policy decisions in his bags that have long been top priorities for him: designating Jerusalem as Israel's capital and curtailing aid for Palestinians.Pence departed as scheduled Friday evening as U.S. lawmakers sought to avert a federal government shutdown at midnight.
WASHINGTON — Vice President Mike Pence is making his fourth visit to Israel, returning to a region he's visited "a million times" in his heart.An evangelical Christian with strong ties to the Holy Land, Pence this time comes packing two key policy decisions in his bags that have long been top priorities for him: designating Jerusalem as Israel's capital and curtailing aid for Palestinians.Pence departed as scheduled Friday evening as U.S. lawmakers sought to avert a federal government shutdown at midnight.