General news

• US allows 'El Chapo' to write to wife from behind bars

  04-05-2017 23:56 via yahoo.com
  
  A US judge on Thursday relaxed slightly the stringent custody conditions of Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, allowing him to correspond with his beauty queen wife.The 60-year-old kingpin, accused of running one of the world's biggest drug empires, has been held in solitary confinement since being extradited to New York on January 19.Federal Judge Brian Cogan ruled that Guzman, one of the world's most notorious criminals, could send written messages to his wife -- provided they were p
  
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• GOP health care bill a win for Trump, but it could be short-lived

  04-05-2017 23:53 via cnn.com
  
  In a major victory for President Donald Trump, the House has voted to dismantle the pillars of the Affordable Care Act and make sweeping changes to the nation's health care system.
  
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• U.S. House Intelligence Committee has 'successful' Russia hearing

  04-05-2017 23:52 via yahoo.com
  
  By Patricia Zengerle and Jonathan LandayWASHINGTON (Reuters) - The leaders of a House of Representatives probe of possible Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. election said they had a "successful" hearing on Thursday, projecting unity after a partisan division had threatened to derail their investigation.Representatives Mike Conaway, the new Republican leader of the House Intelligence Committee probe, and Adam Schiff, the top Democrat, addressed reporters together after Federal Bureau of Investiga
  
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• Pentagon to request thousands more troops for Afghanistan next week

  04-05-2017 23:49 via yahoo.com
  
  The Pentagon will ask the White House next week to send thousands more troops to Afghanistan to break a deadlocked fight with the Taliban, a senior official said Thursday.After a steady downsizing of US troop numbers since 2011, US military commanders say they need to strengthen the numbers on the ground to better support Afghan forces and help retake territory lost to the Taliban.According to US media, the Pentagon will ask for 3,000 to 5,000 more soldiers, mainly to be assigned to advise and t
  
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• Here's a photo of Republicans celebrating the health care bill. Guess what they have in common.

  04-05-2017 23:41 via yahoo.com
  
  If you are a woman, a person of color, LGBTQ, a person with disabilities, elderly, or maybe even a person who struggles with anxiety/depression: House Republicans have failed you today. While Republicans voted to pass the controversial American Health Care Act through the House of Representatives, it's important to remember exactly who those lawmakers are.  We'll let this picture from a press conference held after the passing of the bill do the talking. SEE ALSO: People can't get over this
  
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• GE is hoping that an Alexa-powered lamp will be the next lightbulb

  04-05-2017 23:41 via yahoo.com
  
  Amazon seems to be the early winner of the home AI assistants market. The Alexa-based products are best sellers over on Amazon, and the company isn’t done creating devices that incorporate its voice recognition and AI technology. If that’s not enough, other device makers are coming up with their own creations to compete against the Echo family of products. Google has a Google Home device, and Apple is also expected to soon launch a competitor for Amazon Echo. Then, there's a variety
  
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• Obama endorses a French presidential candidate

  04-05-2017 23:40 via yahoo.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Barack Obama endorsed a candidate in the race for France's presidency on Thursday, taking his first dive back into international politics since leaving the White House in January.
  
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• Trump signs religious liberty order

  04-05-2017 23:28 via cnn.com
  
  President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday that could allow churches and other religious organizations to become more active politically. CNN's Rene Marsh reports.
  
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• Official: Cindy McCain eyed for senior State Dept. role

  04-05-2017 23:23 via yahoo.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — Cindy McCain, the wife of Republican Arizona Sen. John McCain, is expected to be offered a prominent role in the Trump administration's State Department, two individuals familiar with the discussions said Thursday.
  
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• Reporter says Fox News fired her for using harassment hotline

  04-05-2017 23:20 via yahoo.com
  
  A Fox News radio correspondent filed a lawsuit on Thursday claiming she was fired for complaining about sex discrimination, after the U.S. television network encouraged employees to report harassment amid a barrage of legal claims.Jessica Golloher, who covers the Middle East and North Africa for Fox News Radio Network, says in the lawsuit that instead of addressing complaints, Fox is using the harassment hotline "to paint targets on the backs of employees."In the lawsuit, filed in New York state
  
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• Here's What You Need to Know About the Health Care Bill

  04-05-2017 23:14 via nbcnews.com
  
  After a failed attempt, House Republicans are on the verge of passing a revamped healthcare bill that would repeal much of Obamacare.
  
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• How GOP health care bill may affect women

  04-05-2017 23:07 via yahoo.com
  
  The House has passed a bill that imposes Planned Parenthood restrictions for Medicaid. ABC News' Amna Nawaz, MaryAlice Parks and Rick Klein discuss how the bill could further impact women
  
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• Gustavo Dudamel attacks Venezuelan president Maduro: 'Enough is enough'

  04-05-2017 23:05 via theguardian.com
  
  LA Philharmonic director speaks out against president amid political crisisAt least 36 have been killed during wave of unrest in beleaguered nationThroughout Venezuela’s slow descent into its current political and humanitarian crisis, the country’s most famous musical ambassador has chosen to remain largely silent. Related: Venezuelan police fire teargas at street protesters – in picturesContinue reading...
  
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• Gustavo Dudamel attacks Venezuelan president Maduro: 'Enough is enough'

  04-05-2017 23:05 via yahoo.com
  
  Throughout Venezuela’s slow descent into its current political and humanitarian crisis, the country’s most famous musical ambassador has chosen to remain largely silent.At least 36 people, including supporters and opponents of the government, have been killed in more than a month of unrest triggered by Maduro’s efforts to consolidate his rule.
  
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• ABC News' Lana Zak Rep. Steve King reacts to newly passed GOP health care bill

  04-05-2017 23:03 via yahoo.com
  
  speaks to Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, moments after House passed the GOP health care bill.
  
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• Trump health care victory lap scales back Turnbull visit

  04-05-2017 22:51 via cnn.com
  
  President Donald Trump may have been hoping to smooth ties with his Australian counterpart Malcolm Turnbull Thursday.
  
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• US family: we were kicked off Delta flight for refusing to give up son's seat

  04-05-2017 22:36 via theguardian.com
  
  California family says they were threatened with jail on flight from HawaiiAirline says: ‘We’ll be talking to them to better understand what happened’A California family says they were forced off a Delta plane and threatened with jail after refusing to give up one of their children’s seats on a crowded flight.A video of the incident on 23 April was uploaded to YouTube on Wednesday and adds to the list of recent encounters on airlines that went viral, including the draggin
  
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• Julian Zelizer: Obama's legacy is in jeopardy

  04-05-2017 22:29 via cnn.com
  
  Today's vote in the House of Representatives should be a loud wake-up call for anyone who has been dismissing President Trump. The vote to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act demonstrates the serious threat that the President, when he is able to work in tandem with the Republican Congress, poses to President Obama's legacy.
  
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• At least nine Donald Trump transition staffers ‘register as lobbyists’ despite US President's promised six-month ban

  04-05-2017 22:25 via yahoo.com
  
  At least nine members of Donald Trump’s transition team have reportedly registered as lobbyists, despite the US President temporarily barring them from doing so.
  
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• Trump lauds House vote to repeal and replace Obamacare – video

  04-05-2017 22:16 via theguardian.com
  
  Donald Trump and Mike Pence celebrated with House Republicans at the Rose Garden after the House of Representatives voted to repeal major parts of the Affordable Care Act and replace it with their own healthcare plan. ‘We suffered with Obamacare,’ Trump said at the White House. ‘We’re gonna get this passed through the Senate, I feel so confident’House Republicans pass healthcare bill in first step toward replacing Obamacare
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• Trump and Ryan celebrate passing of health care bill and more: May 4 in photos

  04-05-2017 22:15 via yahoo.com
  
  President Trump applauds after the House pushed through a health care bill; tourists take photos of Russian jets flying over the Kremlin during a rehearsal for the Victory Day military parade; demonstrators protest in New York ahead of Trump’s arrival in the city for the first time since taking office. These are some of the photos of the day.
  
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• Fury in Argentina over ruling that could see human rights abusers walk free

  04-05-2017 22:08 via theguardian.com
  
  Supreme court ruling opens door to early release of hundreds of abusersLuis Muina, convicted of torture in military dictatorship, has sentence reducedActivists in Argentina have reacted with fury after two supreme court judges appointed by the centre-right government of President Mauricio Macri cast their votes in favour of of a ruling that opens the door to the early release of hundreds of convicted human rights abusers.The court ruling, which was delivered late on Wednesday, reduces the senten
  
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• Delta Boots Family With Small Child Off Overbooked Red Eye Flight: 'I Paid for This Seat'

  04-05-2017 22:08 via yahoo.com
  
  Video of the incident is yet another black eye for the airline industry.
  
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• Putin Has a New Secret Weapon in Syria: Chechens

  04-05-2017 22:04 via yahoo.com
  
  The quiet deployment of roughly 1,000 Muslim special forces from Russia’s southern regions shows that Moscow is serious about upping its ground game in Syria.
  
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• WATCH: Labrador puppies learn to howl

  04-05-2017 22:01
  
  Litter of 3-week-old Labrador puppies learn to howl in the cutest way possible.
  
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• 'Gray death' is the latest opioid street mix causing worry

  04-05-2017 22:00 via yahoo.com
  
  COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — It's being called "gray death" — a new and dangerous opioid combo that underscores the ever-changing nature of the U.S. addiction crisis.
  
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• The Latest: District attorney complained about cop's conduct

  04-05-2017 21:58 via yahoo.com
  
  BALCH SPRINGS, Texas (AP) — The Latest on the shooting of a 15-year-old black teen by a white police officer in suburban Dallas (all times local):
  
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• WATCH: Rainbow forms at Yosemite Falls

  04-05-2017 21:57
  
  Water and sunlight combine at Yosemite Falls, creating a majestic rainbow and mesmerizing display at Yosemite National Park.
  
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• Russia, Turkey, Iran sign deal to set up Syria safe zones

  04-05-2017 21:54 via yahoo.com
  
  Russia, Iran and Turkey on Thursday signed an agreement to set up four safe zones in Syria that the United Nations described as a promising step to wind down the brutal six-year war.The United States however gave an extremely cautious welcome, citing Iran's role as a guarantor even as it expressed hope that the deal could set the stage for a settlement.
  
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• Hero Cop Describes Tense Moments in Rescue of Boy With Autism Who Fell in Pond

  04-05-2017 21:52 via yahoo.com
  
  Officer Bulmer's bodycam captured the entire heroic act.
  
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• Trump just won his health care battle - can he win the war?

  04-05-2017 21:49 via cnn.com
  
  House Republicans cobbled together 217 "yes" votes Thursday for a health care plan aimed at repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act, an accomplishment that looked unlikely as recently as 48 hours ago.
  
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• Should Trump celebrate health care win?

  04-05-2017 21:49 via cnn.com
  
  House Republicans cobbled together 217 "yes" votes Thursday for a health care plan aimed at repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act, an accomplishment that looked unlikely as recently as 48 hours ago.
  
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• Briton who tried to grab policeman's gun 'to kill Donald Trump' is freed

  04-05-2017 21:44 via theguardian.com
  
  Michael Sandford, who has autism, returns to UK after serving five months of year-long jail sentence imposed for Las Vegas crimeA British man jailed in the US for trying to grab a policeman’s gun at a Donald Trump rally – in order “to shoot and kill” the then presidential candidate – has returned to the UK.Michael Sandford landed at Heathrow airport on Thursday, having been released nearly five months into a year-long sentence, his family’s lawyer said. Contin
  
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• Trump’s executive order disappoints religious conservatives

  04-05-2017 21:43 via yahoo.com
  
  An executive order by President Trump meant to reward religious conservatives for their support fell short of what many hoped for and drew widespread criticism.
  
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• George Will: Trump Has a 'dangerous Disability'

  04-05-2017 21:35 via yahoo.com
  
  Conservative Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist George F. Will joins Lawrence O'Donnell to discuss Donald Trump's "dangerous" inability "to think and speak clearly" and what Americans must do about it.
  
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• US House passes Republican healthcare bill – video

  04-05-2017 21:25 via theguardian.com
  
  The House of Representatives approved a bill on Thursday to repeal major parts of the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare, and replace it with a Republican healthcare plan, handing Donald Trump his biggest legislative victory but setting up a tough fight in the Senate. Republicans passed the American Health Care Act with one vote to spare, following a dramatic series of negotiationsHouse Republicans pass healthcare bill in first step toward replacing Obamacare
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• Tests Show SUV Tires Can Smartly Balance Car Ride and Truck Grip

  04-05-2017 21:05 via yahoo.com
  
  Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Choosing tires has become more confusing over time for many consumers. Tires traditionally have been distinguished as ei...
  
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• Schiff: Health Care Cuts Will Haunt GOP

  04-05-2017 20:48 via yahoo.com
  
  Congressman Adam Schiff talks with Rachel Maddow about the Republican perspective that values tax cuts for the wealthy over more people having health care and the likely backlash Republicans will face in 2018 for gutting Obamacare.
  
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• Think tank: Coverage to plummet, cancer treatment costs to skyrocket

  04-05-2017 20:42 via cnn.com
  
  A liberal think tank says hundreds of thousands of Americans would be left without coverage under the so-called Upton amendment, the Republican plan to cover Americans with pre-existing conditions under the health care overhaul passed on Thursday.
  
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• Think tank: Coverage to fall, cancer treatment costs to skyrocket

  04-05-2017 20:42 via cnn.com
  
  A liberal think tank says hundreds of thousands of Americans would be left without coverage under the so-called Upton amendment, the Republican plan to cover Americans with pre-existing conditions under the health care overhaul passed on Thursday.
  
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• Russia, Iran, Turkey sign on 'de-escalation zones' in Syria

  04-05-2017 20:42 via yahoo.com
  
  BEIRUT (AP) — Russia, Iran and Turkey agreed to establish "de-escalation zones" in Syria, signing on to a Russian plan under which President Bashar Assad's air force would halt flights over designated areas across the war-torn country.
  
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• GOP Uses Health Care As Means to Tax Cuts

  04-05-2017 20:39 via yahoo.com
  
  Jonathan Gruber, professor of economics at M.I.T. and an architect of the Affordable Care Act, talks with Rachel Maddow about how Republicans are using cuts in Medicaid as a stepping stone to make their upcoming tax plan easier to pass.
  
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• State Department Going After Visa Applicants' Social Media Accounts

  04-05-2017 20:37 via yahoo.com
  
  The Department of State is hoping to check visa applicants' social media account use for past five years.
  
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• The Latest: 14 Missouri River levees losing flood battle

  04-05-2017 20:35 via yahoo.com
  
  ST. LOUIS (AP) — The Latest on flooding in the Midwest (all times local):
  
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• Syria: Russia, Turkey, Iran agree on safe zones

  04-05-2017 20:29 via cnn.com
  
  Russia, Turkey and Iran agreed Thursday to create four de-escalation zones in Syria, Russian and Turkish state media reported, in the latest effort to resolve that country's six-year conflict.
  
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• The Seven Key Consequences of GOP Health Care

  04-05-2017 20:27 via yahoo.com
  
  Rachel Maddow reviews what it would mean if the new House Republican health care bill were to become law.
  
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• Girl's tries to livestream suicide, but is saved by deputies

  04-05-2017 20:26 via yahoo.com
  
  MACON, Ga. (AP) — Authorities say a Georgia teenager who took pills, placed a bag over her head and tried to livestream her suicide on Facebook Live was saved by deputies after viewers watching the haunting scene called 911.
  
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• Obama backs Macron in last-minute intervention in French election

  04-05-2017 20:17 via theguardian.com
  
  Former US president says centrist, who faces far-right Marine Le Pen in runoff, appeals to hopes not fearsBarack Obama has made a last-minute intervention in the French presidential election in support of Emmanuel Macron, saying “the success of France matters to the entire world”.Macron, a centrist, faces Marine Le Pen of the far-right Front National in a runoff vote on Sunday. Polls put him 20 points ahead. Continue reading...
  
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• Miraculously, no one was injured in this explosive plane crash caught on video

  04-05-2017 20:11 via yahoo.com
  
  What appeared to be a catastrophic, potentially deadly accident turned out to be far less serious than the footage would have you believe. Earlier this week, a driver by the name of Guanting Li (Simon Li on YouTube) captured a dash cam video of a small plane crashing and exploding near a busy intersection in Mukilteo, Washington, clipping power lines and hitting cars on its way down.According to local news station KIRO 7, plane fuel and fire poured down on to unsuspecting motorists fro
  
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• The Latest: US cautious about Syria deal struck in Astana

  04-05-2017 20:10 via yahoo.com
  
  BEIRUT (AP) — The latest on the conflict on Syria and the agreement reached on Russia-led talks in Kazakhstan (all times local):
  
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