| Trump Follows China's Lead On Press Freedom, Doesn't Take Questions From Reporters Posted: 09 Nov 2017 11:39 AM PST  WASHINGTON ― President Donald Trump, whose presidential campaign featured plenty of tough talk about China, took a more cordial tone with Chinese President Xi Jinping while visiting Xi's country this week.
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| From 'step aside' to Biblical citations, how Republicans responded to the Roy Moore scandal Posted: 10 Nov 2017 11:50 AM PST  Republicans officials have had a range of responses since the Washington Post published a bombshell story Thursday afternoon quoting a woman alleging that Republican Senate candidate Roy Moore had attempted sexual relations with her when she was 14 and he was 32.
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| Air Force Academy Says Offensive Graffiti Was Fake, But Racism Is Real Posted: 09 Nov 2017 03:23 AM PST  The discovery of racist graffiti that sparked an uproar at the United States Air Force Academy turned out to be a hoax.
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| Texas Church Shooter Claimed He Used Dogs As Target Practice, Says Former Colleague Posted: 10 Nov 2017 09:43 AM PST  A former Air Force colleague of the man who killed 26 people at a church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, has come forward with disturbing details about the shooter.
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| Deported 'dreamer' arrested again for trying to enter US Posted: 08 Nov 2017 06:15 PM PST ![Deported 'dreamer' arrested again for trying to enter US]( "Deported 'dreamer' arrested again for trying to enter US") CALEXICO, Calif. (AP) — An immigrant who had been shielded from deportation but was sent back to Mexico has been arrested for returning to the United States for the second time this year, authorities said Wednesday.
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| Puerto Rico Slammed By Massive New Power Outage Posted: 09 Nov 2017 06:56 PM PST  San Juan and at least six other cities in Puerto Rico were plunged into darkness again Thursday morning when a major transmission line failed, authorities reported.
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| Mark Cuban again speaks to a potential 2020 bid: I'd have to convince my wife Posted: 09 Nov 2017 12:08 PM PST  Mark Cuban continued to speak to the possibility of his running for president on Thursday, this time noting his wife's reaction to such a future political endeavor.
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| GOP figures call on Moore to leave Alabama race after allegations of sexual misconduct Posted: 09 Nov 2017 12:19 PM PST  Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and a slew of other Republicans called on Senate candidate Roy Moore of Alabama to "step aside" if new allegations that he had sexual contact with a 14-year-old girl — in 1979, when he was 32 — are true.
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| Trevor Noah Declares The Real Election Winner: 'Karma' Posted: 09 Nov 2017 05:39 AM PST  Ralph Northam's victory over Ed Gillespie for governor in Virginia headlined a triumphant election night for many Democrats.
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| The Funniest Tweets From Parents This Week Posted: 10 Nov 2017 10:54 AM PST  Kids may say the darndest things, but parents tweet about them in the funniest ways.
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| Rand Paul's accused attacker pleads not guilty to assault Posted: 09 Nov 2017 01:19 PM PST  Rene Boucher, 59, waived the formal reading of the charge at a hearing in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Warren County Attorney Amy Milliken said by telephone. Boucher, the Republican senator's neighbor, is charged with fourth-degree assault causing minor injury, for which he faces up to a year in jail if convicted. Paul, 54, told police that Boucher came onto his property in a gated community near Bowling Green and tackled him from behind, the Bowling Green Daily News reported, citing an arrest warrant.
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| The Latest: Lebanon minister says probe 'libelous' Saudis Posted: 10 Nov 2017 10:15 AM PST  BEIRUT (AP) — The Latest on developments surrounding Lebanon's Prime Minister Saad Hariri who resigned from Riyadh last week and the crisis between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon (all times local):
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| The U.S. Marines Need These 5 Weapons to Crush North Korea in a War Posted: 09 Nov 2017 05:30 PM PST  In the event of a conflict on the Korean Peninsula, U.S. and South Korean forces will root and and destroy the regime of Kim Jong-un. The need to properly secure the country's weapons of mass destruction will necessitate an invasion of North Korea, much of which will come by sea. Leading the way will be the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC).
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| 34 Ridiculously Good Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Recipes Posted: 10 Nov 2017 02:32 PM PST |
| So many politicians gave the same terrible response to the Roy Moore abuse allegations Posted: 09 Nov 2017 06:03 PM PST  The Washington Post has published a detailed account of allegations that Republican Senate candidate Roy Moore initiated a sexual encounter and pursued a relationship with a 14-year-old girl when he was 32. As politicians — and most Republicans — responded to the shocking story of underage sexual abuse, a problematic theme emerged. Each statement relied on the phrase "if proven true," or a variation of that. That might sound logical on its face — the allegations against Moore, now 70, haven't been adjudicated in a court of law — but the phrase allows the commenting politician to have it both ways while relying on negative stereotypes about survivors of abuse. Sex abuse is objectively bad, "if proven true" seems to say, but let's not forget that these women could be lying. Here's an idea that you'd think we might have learned after the flood of disturbing allegations against movie mogul Harvey Weinstein — instead of relying on milquetoast statements that inherently blame victims, believe women. SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about the cartoon villain who is Roy Moore The Post's report also details the accounts of three additional women who allege inappropriate relationships initiated by the former judge when they were teenagers. The Post's reporters wrote that they talked to 30 different sources before publishing the accounts. A statement from the Moore campaign called the allegations "completely false and a desperate political attack." Few public figures are taking a hard line against Moore and his alleged predatory behavior — most are instead opting for the most non-committal of condemnations while saving themselves a politically advantageous out. It's beyond pervasive — take a look at the tweets and statements that came in all day Thursday: From PENCE's press sect. on Moore: "The Vice President found the allegations in the story disturbing and believes, if true, this would disqualify anyone from serving in office." — Matthew Nussbaum (@MatthewNussbaum) November 10, 2017 JUST NOW: @lisamurkowski on WaPo Report on Roy Moore: "I'm horrified and if it's true he should step down immediately." — Frank Thorp V (@frankthorp) November 9, 2017 Sen. Toomey: "All I️ can say is, if there's a shred of truth to it, then he needs to step aside." — Lissandra Villa (@LissandraVilla) November 9, 2017 Sen. Jeff Flake says "of course" he's concerned about the Roy Moore story in WaPo. Asked if Moore should withdraw, Flake said: "if these prove true, yes." — Emma Loop (@LoopEmma) November 9, 2017 STATEMENT ON ROY MOORE: "If the deeply disturbing allegations in the Washington Post are true, Senator Hatch believes that Judge Moore should step aside immediately."Attributable to me (Matt Whitlock, Hatch Spokesman) — Matt Whitlock ���� (@mattdizwhitlock) November 9, 2017 If there is any truth at all to these horrific allegations, Roy Moore should immediately step aside as a Senate candidate. — Sen. Susan Collins (@SenatorCollins) November 9, 2017 The allegations in the Washington Post story are deeply disturbing, and if proven true, Judge Moore should immediately step aside — Mark Meadows (@RepMarkMeadows) November 9, 2017 Statement from Sen. Cruz on Roy Moore: "These are serious and troubling allegations. If they are true, Judge Moore should immediately withdraw. However, we need to know the truth, and Judge Moore has the right to respond to these accusations" — Abby Livingston (@TexasTribAbby) November 9, 2017 SEN. LEE, who endorsed Roy Moore, said he should step aside if allegations are true. — Marianna Sotomayor (@MariannaNBCNews) November 9, 2017 JUST IN: Sen @SteveDaines , who endorsed Roy Moore: "These are very serious allegations and if true he should step down" — Frank Thorp V (@frankthorp) November 9, 2017 Rob Portman on Roy Moore: "I think if what we read is true, and people are on the record so I assume it is, then he should step aside." — Dylan Scott (@dylanlscott) November 9, 2017 WH director of legislative affairs Marc Short on @CNNSitRoom says if accusations against Roy Moore are proven to be true he should step aside - but says process needs to play out — Cassie Spodak (@CassieSpodak) November 9, 2017 Senate Leadership Fund statement pic.twitter.com/IEBwMPDiH3 — Daniel Strauss (@DanielStrauss4) November 9, 2017 Some Democrats fell into the same problematic language: These sexual acts against underage girls by Roy Moore would upset God. Also, his alleged acts violate criminal law. If true, he needs to withdraw from the Senate race. https://t.co/LFm4ZNYeFn — Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) November 9, 2017 Today's allegations against Roy Moore are deeply troubling. If true, Moore should step aside from his campaign immediately. Alabama voters deserve a candidate they can trust and who represents decency. — Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) November 9, 2017 To Republican Sen. John McCain's credit, he went all in and called for Moore to end his campaign, no qualifying statements needed. Others followed suit, like Rep. Dina Titus, a Democrat from Nevada. The allegations against Roy Moore are deeply disturbing and disqualifying. He should immediately step aside and allow the people of Alabama to elect a candidate they can be proud of. — John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) November 9, 2017 Roy Moore always has been and always will be unqualified to serve. https://t.co/cI0Kx3jkyN — Dina Titus (@repdinatitus) November 9, 2017 The "if proven true" statements are bad, but other responses were, shockingly, far worse. Take this defense citing the Biblical story of Joseph and Mary to justify underage molestation. Wow. This defense of Roy Moore from AL state Auditor Jim Ziegler:"Take Joseph and Mary. Mary was a teenager and Joseph was an adult carpenter. They became parents of Jesus."https://t.co/IhaWiCEFmq — Aaron Blake (@AaronBlake) November 9, 2017 The same politician, Alabama state auditor Jim Zeigler, also made this ridiculous statement defending Moore: "It's much ado about very little." Alabama State Auditor Jim Zeigler, a Moore backer: "Even if you accept the Washington Post's report as being completely true, it's much ado about very little. " #ALSEN #alpolitics — Brian Lyman (@lyman_brian) November 9, 2017 Moore too posted about the article and blamed the "Obama-Clinton Machine's liberal media lapdogs" without outright denying any of the allegations. The Obama-Clinton Machine's liberal media lapdogs just launched the most vicious and nasty round of attacks against me I've EVER faced!We are are in the midst of a spiritual battle with those who want to silence our message. (1/4) #ALSen — Judge Roy Moore (@MooreSenate) November 9, 2017 Other terrible responses skirted around the issue by attacking the quality of the reporting and motivations of the Washington Post. Alabama Sec. of State John Merrill questions timing and source of allegations against Moore https://t.co/F2ib9oKi5a pic.twitter.com/bbrueHVWmI — Igor Bobic (@igorbobic) November 9, 2017 After a long pause, Alabama Bibb County Republican chairman Jerry Pow tells me he'd vote for Roy Moore even if Moore did commit a sex crime against a girl. "I would vote for Judge Moore because I wouldn't want to vote for Doug," he says. "I'm not saying I support what he did." — Daniel Dale (@ddale8) November 9, 2017 Still others went all in on the time-honored tradition of victim blaming. Alabama Geneva County GOP chairman Riley Seibenhener, who called me back, says he doesn't believe the allegations are true, but if they're true he won't support him - but, at the same time, it's not "forcible rape.""I know that 14-year-olds don't make good decisions," he adds. — Daniel Dale (@ddale8) November 10, 2017 Breitbart and Drudge Report were unsurprisingly reluctant to report straightforwardly about the allegations against Moore. Breitbart relied on some, um, creative, defenses, such as nitpicking about the alleged victims' ages and Moore's marital status at the time (single). In an interview on MSNBC the ridiculous defenses came pouring in. Breitbart editor says it's totally cool if Roy Moore preyed on teen girls... because he was single when he did ithttps://t.co/DvPUuciKIU via @shareblue — Caroline O. (@RVAwonk) November 9, 2017 How it's playing on Drudge ���� pic.twitter.com/h1JdHnKWDL — Al Weaver (@alweaver22) November 9, 2017 Moore, who was twice removed from the Alabama Supreme Court, doesn't look like he's going anywhere. A fundraising email sent shortly after the story published quoted the former judge as saying, "I refuse to stand down." Further, the statute of limitations for sexual abuse of a minor is three years in the state of Alabama. It's been 38 years. Moore's up for the Senate seat vacated by Attorney General Jeff Sessions in a special election in Alabama on Dec. 12. WATCH: The hands of this giant clock are drawn in real time by what seems to be a human painter
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| It Sure Seems Like Paul Manafort Is Misleading A Federal Judge So He Can Winter In Florida Posted: 09 Nov 2017 02:30 PM PST  WASHINGTON ― A lawyer for Paul Manafort, the former Donald Trump campaign manager who was indicted on federal charges last week, told a judge on Monday that Manafort is working with a company in Florida that's developing secure, "virtually indestructible" cellphones.
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| How Good Are the Walmart Black Friday TV Deals? Posted: 09 Nov 2017 08:39 AM PST  If you're eager to get a jump on your Black Friday shopping, check out Walmart's deals. TVs will play a big part in the retailer's in-store and online offerings, including a 39-inch Element smart...
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| Texas and Florida carry out executions on same day Posted: 08 Nov 2017 10:26 PM PST ![Texas and Florida carry out executions on same day]( "Texas and Florida carry out executions on same day") Ruben Cardenas, 47, the Mexican national, died by lethal injection at the Texas death chamber in Huntsville at 10:26 p.m. local time, Jason Clark, deputy chief of staff for the state Department of Criminal Justice, said by phone. "This is my statement: My final words.
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| Philippines' Duterte thanks Putin for weapons aid Posted: 10 Nov 2017 02:06 AM PST  Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday warmly thanked Russian leader Vladimir Putin for shipping weapons to his struggling military, adding that he will buy more Russian arms in the future. "I want to pass on words of thanks from the Philippine people for the timely aid that Russia provided by giving us trucks and weapons," he said as the two met on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Danang, Vietnam. Last month Russia handed over army trucks and thousands of Kalashnikov assault rifles to Duterte during a visit by Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, a first-ever visit by a Russian defence minister to the US ally.
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| Rex Tillerson warns Iran and Saudi Arabia: don't use Lebanon for 'proxy conflicts' Posted: 10 Nov 2017 03:34 AM PST  Rex Tillerson, the US secretary of state, warned Saudi Arabia and Iran yesterday not to use Lebanon as "a venue for proxy conflicts" amid fears that their power struggle would destabilise the small country and cause fresh chaos in the region. One week after after Saad Hariri, the Lebanese prime minister, abruptly resigned during a trip to Saudi Arabia questions continued to mount over whether he was being effectively held prisoner in Riyadh. The tensions over Mr Hariri's fate and other issues prompted the United Nations secretary general to appeal for calm and warn that a fresh conflict in Lebanon would have "devastating consequences" for the Middle East. "The United States supports the stability of Lebanon and is opposed to any actions that could threaten that stability," Mr Tillerson said in a statement. "The United States cautions against any party, within or outside Lebanon, using Lebanon as a venue for proxy conflicts or in any manner contributing to instability in that country." Without naming specific countries or groups, he said all regional players must "respect the integrity and independence" of the Lebanese government and military and called Mr Hariri "a strong partner of the United States". Emmanuel Macron spent two hours in Saudi Arabia meeting with Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's powerful crown prince His statement came amid concerns that Mr Hariri had been forced to resign by Saudi Arabia as part of its efforts to counter Iranian influence in Lebanon. It also contrasted with tweets from Donald Trump, who said he had "great confidence" in Saudi Arabia and the leadership of its aggressive young crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman. Mr Hariri has remained in Saudi Arabia since resigning on Saturday, and while he has met with Western diplomats he has not done any interviews nor made contact with some of his closest aides. Many Lebanese suspect he is under house arrest in and Lebanon's president has said he will not accept his resignation until he returns to the country to deliver it in person. Even Mr Hariri's own political party, the Future Movement, has indicated he is being held against his will. Emmanuel Macron, the French president, visited Riyadh briefly on Thursday and the French government gave mixed signals over whether it felt Mr Hariri was at liberty or not. Jean-Yves Le Drian, the French foreign minister, said he though the Lebanese politician was "free of his movements" but a spokesman later appeared to walk the comment back and called for him to be able to return to Lebanon. Posters in solidarity with Mr Hariri have gone up in parts of Lebanon Credit: REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir Both the US and Germany said they had seen no evidence that Mr Hariri was being held captive. The leader of Hizbollah, the Shia militant group which plays a major role in Lebanon's politics, said Mr Hariri was a prisoner in Saudi Arabia and that his detention was an insult to all Lebanese. António Guterres, the UN secretary general, expressed fears that the tensions would lead to a fresh conflict in Lebanon, eleven years after fierce fighting between Israel and Hizbollah left thousands dead. "It is essential that no new conflict erupt in the region," Mr Guterres said. "It would have devastating consequences." Most analysts expect that neither Hizbollah nor Israel are seeking war and that if Saudi Arabia does lash out against Lebanon it is likely to be in the form of economic sanctions, like those it imposed on Qatar.
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| Sen. Rand Paul's neighbor pleads not guilty in attack Posted: 09 Nov 2017 12:13 PM PST  BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Rand Paul's longtime neighbor pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges that he assaulted the Kentucky Republican while the senator was mowing his lawn.
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| Corey Haim's Mother Names the Man She Alleges Sexually Abused Her Son Posted: 10 Nov 2017 03:08 PM PST  During an appearance on The Dr. Oz Show on Friday, Judy Haim addressed a recent National Enquirer report in which former actor Dominick Brascia, who was close with Haim, alleged that a 19-year-old Charlie Sheen sexually assaulted a 13-year-old Haim
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| 2 GOP Senators Drop Endorsements Of Roy Moore Posted: 10 Nov 2017 03:25 PM PST  Two Republican senators withdrew their endorsements of Republican Senate candidate Roy Moore on Friday evening, adding to mounting pressure on Moore to drop out of the Alabama race over accusations of sexual misconduct with a minor.
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| China serves Trump a very Americanized Chinese meal at its official state dinner Posted: 10 Nov 2017 01:56 AM PST  For China's official state dinner hosting U.S. President Donald Trump, the Asian superpower decided on a Chinese menu that looks...kind of American. The Thursday evening affair, hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping at Beijing's Great Hall of the People, was a glitzy event, attended by the country's business leaders. SEE ALSO: 6-year-old Arabella is still Trump's greatest diplomat in China Thanks to Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun who was present, and posted the menu on Weibo, we know what they ate. Image: lei jun/weiboThe Menu Starter: Hors d'Oeuvres Main: Coconut Flavored Chicken Soup Seafood Chowder Kung Pao Chicken Stewed Beef Steak in Tomato Sauce Braised Vegetables in Premium Broth Grouper Fillets in Hot Chili Oil Dessert: Pastries Fruits & Ice Cream Coffee/Tea Drink: Red Wine Great Wall 2009, Hebei China White Wine Great Wall 2011, Hebei China The official inviteImage: lei jun/weiboThe items are, by Chinese standards, unadventurous to say the least. Kung Pao chicken, a stir-fry chicken dish, is technically Chinese — but if last night's version didn't come with spicy Sichuan peppers, it's more likely the Panda Express version, and not traditional. But perhaps stewed beef steak in tomato sauce is the biggest offender. For Trump, who's been known to like his steaks well-done with ketchup, it probably suited him quite well. Citing a Chinese People's Daily report, the South China Morning Post noted that chefs designing a menu for an official dinner like this one would have taken into account a guest's "tastes, age and state of health." Perhaps that's why for lunch with the U.S. leader earlier this week, Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe served up a well-done hamburger at a golf club. Just the way he likes it. Donald and Melania Trump arrive for the state dinner.Image: AFP/Getty Images Dinner was a glitzy affair.Image: AFP/Getty Images WATCH: Would you cook your steak in a water tank?
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| Here Are the Best Black Friday Deals That Are Leaked Online Posted: 09 Nov 2017 12:11 PM PST  If you haven't made a game plan yet, you're already behind.
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| Italy's 'smiling pope' inches closer to sainthood Posted: 09 Nov 2017 02:23 AM PST  Pope John Paul I, who served for just 33 days as Pontiff in 1978 before his abrupt death, has moved a step closer to sainthood, the Vatican said on Thursday. Known as the "smiling Pope" because of his good nature, Albino Luciani's reign as head of the Catholic Church was the shortest in modern times and his shock demise fueled press speculation that he might have been murdered. The Vatican has always denied the rumors, saying he died of a heart attack.
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| Indian city bans begging ahead of Ivanka Trump's visit Posted: 10 Nov 2017 02:29 AM PST  A city in southern India has banned begging in public places ahead of a three-day summit that Ivanka Trump is due to attend, police said Friday. The daughter of the US president will join India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Hyderabad later this month.
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| Creamy crunchy green bean casserole is what you'll want this Thanksgiving Posted: 10 Nov 2017 06:25 AM PST  This creamy and crunchy green bean casserole is a must this Thanksgiving! 襤
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| The Latest: Man convicted of 2 killings executed in Florida Posted: 08 Nov 2017 05:57 PM PST  STARKE, Fla. (AP) — The latest on the execution of a Florida inmate (all times local):
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| Reckoning in Saudi Arabia Posted: 09 Nov 2017 05:19 PM PST  Aaron David Miller, Richard Sokolsky
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| Pink And Her Daughter Rocked The CMA Awards Red Carpet Together Posted: 09 Nov 2017 08:21 AM PST  There were lots of awesome looks at the Country Music Association Awards Wednesday night, but perhaps the coolest red carpet attendees were Pink and her daughter Willow.
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| Quotes from US President Donald Trump's Asian tour Posted: 10 Nov 2017 06:34 AM PST  President Donald Trump is making his first trip to Asia as leader of the United States. His 12-day tour includes stops in Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines. Here is some of what he has had to say:
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| LA earthquake today: Los Angeles rocked by magnitude 3.2 quake Posted: 10 Nov 2017 01:35 AM PST  Los Angeles has been rocked by a magnitude 3.2 earthquake. "Felt quite a strong shake in downtown LA," tweeted another. In 2008, the US Geological Survey found there was a greater than 99 per cent chance of an even stronger earthquake hitting California, which sits on the San Andreas fault, in the next 30 years.
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| Puppy thieves return dog to little girl, after seemingly feeling bad about the whole thing Posted: 09 Nov 2017 05:36 PM PST  An eight-week-old puppy that was stolen from a house in Melbourne, Australia, has been returned to a "devastated" family after local police launched a public appeal. A number of items including a laptop, an iPad and jewellery were also stolen from the home on Monday. SEE ALSO: Sony's robot dog is back and better than ever Yet it was the missing labrador, Sasha, that distressed the family most — especially the daughter of the dog's owner, four-year-old Maia. "We've only had her a week, but she's part of the family. She was my daughter's best friend, and those two spent each night falling asleep together in the dog bed," Sasha's owner, Ryan Hood, told Today. Detectives are investigating after an 8-week-old puppy was stolen during a burglary in Croydon Hills on Monday https://t.co/dwhGC4VuJO pic.twitter.com/i0f7mpfid4 — Victoria Police (@VictoriaPolice) November 7, 2017 Police failed to find the dog anywhere in the home or in the neighbourhood, and a investigation was launched. But on Thursday, Sasha mysteriously returned to the family's home. Hood's wife woke up to make a coffee, when she noticed a moving figure by the kennel. It turned out to be their missing dog. "We think that whoever took her had either a conscience, or got scared and dropped her over the fence ... we don't care to be honest. We're happy to have her back," Hood told Today on Thursday. Hood said his daughter, Maia, was "ecstatic" as was the dog. The dog appeared to be unharmed and in good health, although has a fascination with shoes now. None of the other stolen items were returned, and Victoria Police said it'll still be investigating the burglary. Through all the bad, fortunately there's still a little bit of good left in this world. Labrador Sasha is home! What a great start to the day for this family, reuniting with their stolen pup. Read more ➜ https://t.co/lGdYPQvbB4 pic.twitter.com/CwLuRcNmHk — Victoria Police (@VictoriaPolice) November 8, 2017 WATCH: This has to be the world's smallest washing machine
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| 4 People and Dog Found Shot to Death in Apparent Murder-Suicide, Police Say Posted: 10 Nov 2017 09:02 AM PST  They were found thanks to a concerned neighbor
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| Dueling Republican tax plans advance in Congress Posted: 09 Nov 2017 03:57 PM PST  U.S. Senate Republicans unveiled a tax plan on Thursday that differed from the House of Representatives' version on several key fronts, including how they treat the corporate tax rate, the tax deduction for state and local taxes, and the estate tax. Complicating a Republican push for the biggest overhaul of U.S. tax law since the 1980s, senators said that, like the House, they wanted to slash the corporate tax rate to 20 percent from 35 percent, but in 2019, not right away. The House was set to vote on its measure next week after its tax-writing Ways and Means Committee approved the legislation on Thursday along party lines, with Democrats united in opposition.
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| Tearful meeting between woman and man who received face transplant from her dead husband Posted: 10 Nov 2017 09:36 AM PST  Andy Sandness pulled the trigger, and immediately knew he had made a terrible mistake. It was two days before Christmas in 2006 and Mr Sandness, then 21, had been drinking too much in his rural Wyoming home, and battling depression. He took a rifle out of the cupboard, placed the barrel under his chin, and fired. Against all odds he survived, telling the arriving police officer, as he cradled him in his arms: "Please, please don't let me die! I don't want to die!" Lilly Ross feels the beard of face transplant recipient Andy Sandness during their meeting at the Mayo Clinic Credit: AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall Ten years later, and 500 miles east from Wyoming, another 21-year-old also pulled the trigger. Calen "Rudy" Ross killed himself in rural Minnesota in June 2016, leaving behind his 19-year-old wife Lilly, eight months pregnant. Ross had designated that he wanted to be an organ donor, and so his heart, lungs, liver and kidneys could be donated. But additional screening determined he could do even more: He was a good match for a man awaiting a face transplant – Mr Sandness. Face transplant recipient Andy Sandness holds 17-month-old Leonard Ross Credit: AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall "I was skeptical at first," said Mrs Ross. "I didn't want to walk around and all of a sudden see Calen." But she was reassured the donor had his own eyes and forehead, and would not be recognisable as her husband. After consulting with her husband's best friend, she gave her consent, and the 56-hour operation was carried out in late June 2016. Last month, Mrs Ross came face-to-face with the man now wearing her husband's face. "I wanted to show you that your gift will not be wasted," said Mr Sandness, as he hugged a tearful Mrs Ross in photos published on Friday. Mrs Ross touched his face, relieved that he did not resemble her late husband – except for a small hairless patch on his chin, where his facial hair didn't grow. "That's why he always grew it so long, so he could try to mesh it together on the chin," she explained. Mr Sandness told her how he shared her late husband's love of hunting and fishing in the wilderness; Mrs Ross was astonished at how similar their attitudes were. Lilly Ross, right, reacts as she talks with face transplant recipient Andy Sandness during their first meeting at the Mayo Clinic Credit: AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall And from spending a decade afraid of mirrors, reclusive and avoiding the frightened stares of children, Mr Sandness is now rediscovering life. "Those were real tough times for him," said his father, Reed. "He was insecure. Who wouldn't be?" Now he has been promoted in his work as an oilfield electrician, and able to eat normal food again – previously his distorted mouth meant it was impossible to chew. "I wouldn't go out in public. I hated going into bigger cities," he said. "And now I'm just really spreading my wings and doing the things I missed out on — going out to restaurants and eating, going dancing." Mr Sandness, one of only around a dozen people believed to have received a face transplant, is on a daily regimen of anti-rejection medication and must constantly work to retrain his nerves to operate in sync with his new face. But he now has a future to look forward to. "It made me proud," said Mrs Ross, adding that she wanted her son, Leonard, to know that his late father had a big, generous heart. On the day of their meeting, the boy stared curiously at Mr Sandness at first. But later, he walked over and waved to be picked up. Mr Sandness, who is starting a trust fund to contribute to the boy's education, happily obliged. "Meeting Andy, it has finally given me closure," said Mrs Ross, her voice choking as it trailed off. "Everything happened so fast."
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| German killer nurse's suspected victims pass 100 Posted: 09 Nov 2017 01:46 PM PST  A German nurse who used lethal drugs on patients out of "boredom" is responsible for the deaths of 106 people, investigators said Thursday, noting the toll could rise further as more bodies are studied. Niels Hoegel, 41, was convicted in 2015 of two murders and four counts of attempted murder or causing bodily harm on intensive-care patients at the Delmenhorst hospital near the northern city of Bremen. More deaths may still be uncovered with toxicology studies under way for five other cases, and exhumations of three former patients planned in Turkey.
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| Alec Baldwin Doubles Down On Rumor That Melania Trump Loves His 'SNL' Impression Posted: 10 Nov 2017 12:45 PM PST  According to Alec Baldwin, there's not as much loathing in the White House regarding his "Saturday Night Live" impression as one might think.
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