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Accused Russian Agent Maria Butina Reaches Plea Deal With Federal Prosecutors: Reports

Maria Butina, a Russian gun-rights activist accused of working as an agent for

Trump administration official defends tear gas use at Mexico border

"Pepper spray and CS gas are authorized to address assaultive behavior," Kevin McAleenan, commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection said.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: Paul Ryan Called 'Genius' While I'm 'Fraud'

Rep.-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) on Monday attacked what she

Ex-lawyer blames Trump 'dirty deeds' as he gets 3 years

Donald Trump's former lawyer apologized Wednesday for covering up the "dirty deeds" of his ex-boss as he was sentenced to three years for multiple crimes including hush money payments implicating the US president. Pleading for leniency in a packed Manhattan courtroom before US District Court Judge William H. Pauley III, Michael Cohen said he had been led astray by misplaced admiration for Trump. Cohen's lawyers had argued for no jail time after he admitted charges brought by federal prosecutors in New York of tax evasion, providing false statements to a bank and illegal campaign contributions.

Russia fines Google for not complying with search results law - TASS

Russia fined Google 500,000 roubles ($7,530) on Tuesday for failing to comply with a legal requirement to remove certain entries from its search results, Russia's communications watchdog was quoted as saying by TASS news agency. Russia said last month that it had opened a civil case against Google as it had not joined a state registry that lists banned websites that Moscow believes contain illegal information and was therefore not compliant with the law. Alexander Zharov, head of watchdog Roscomnadzor, said Russia could open a new case against Google if it did not fall in line with the law, TASS reported.

Delta Air Lines to ditch zone boarding in 2019

The airline is ditching boarding zones for groups based on ticket type. Some travelers will board later than they do now.

Google CEO Argues for Company's China Return in Congress

Pichai has been under pressure from politicians, activists and staff to stop building a censored search engine for China. Late on Monday, a coalition of human rights groups asked Google to commit to not working with the Chinese government on censorship and surveillance.

Indiana teen charged with killing pregnant schoolmate

MISHAWAKA, Ind. (AP) — An Indiana high school football player told investigators that he killed a 17-year-old schoolmate because he was angry that she waited so long to tell him she was pregnant with his child that it was too late to get an abortion, authorities said Monday.

James Alex Fields Jr. Sentenced To Life In Prison For Murder Of Heather Heyer

Neo-Nazi James Alex Fields Jr. was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison for

Trump administration asks top court to restore asylum order

The U.S. Justice Department asked the court to lift a temporary restraining order against the asylum rules issued by San Francisco-based U.S. District Judge Jon Tigar. Trump has taken a hard line toward legal and illegal immigration since taking office last year. Citing what he called an overwhelmed immigration system, Trump issued a proclamation on Nov. 9 that authorities process asylum claims only for migrants crossing the southern U.S. border at an official port of entry.

Kevin McCarthy Says Democrats Shouldn't Spend A Lot Of Time Investigating Trump

House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) urged Democrats not to dwell

French PM to detail Macron's measures to appease 'yellow vests'

The French government will Tuesday try to convince lawmakers and the public that President Emmanuel Macron's speech met the demands of the "yellow vest" movement, even as many demonstrators said they were disappointed and vowed to press on with their protest. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe will detail for MPs the measures unveiled Monday in Macron's televised address to the nation seeking to defuse the revolt that has triggered violent protests across the country. Just after the president's speech, many protestors announced their determination to continue their blockades and called for a "fifth act" throughout France on Saturday.

U.S. military ends search for five Marines missing off Japan

The U.S. military ended a search on Tuesday for five Marines missing in the sea off Japan since two Marine Corps aircraft were involved in an accident during an air-to-air refueling exercise on Dec. 6. The five missing crew of a KC-130 Hercules refueling plane were officially declared deceased. "We know this difficult decision was made after all resources were exhausted in the vigorous search for our Marines," Lieutenant Colonel Mitchell Maury, commander of the U.S. Marine Corps' (USMC) Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron, said in a statement.

Outrage over a controversial plea deal for a former ex-fraternity president

The former Baylor fraternity president was accused of rape and will not face jail time or be forced to register as a sex offender. ABC News' Janai Norman reports.

Palestinians offer new details of Israel's botched Gaza raid

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — The small town of Abassan in the Gaza Strip is a tough place to infiltrate — everyone knows everyone else and outsiders passing through quickly attract attention. So when strangers drove through town, suspicious Hamas security men stopped the van and questioned those inside.

Roger, The Incredibly Buff Kangaroo, Has Died At Age 12

A buff kangaroo who shot to international fame after he was photographed

Canadian former diplomat detained in China amid tensions

A Canadian former diplomat has been detained in China, the think tank where he now works said Tuesday, amid Beijing's outrage over the arrest of a senior technology executive. The International Crisis Group said it was aware of reports of the detention of Michael Kovrig, a Chinese-speaking expert who served as a Canadian diplomat in Beijing, Hong Kong and at the United Nations. Kovrig went to work last year for the International Crisis Group, which is known for its research on peaceful solutions to global conflicts.

Modi's Terrible 24 Hours Boosts India Opponents Before 2019 Vote

First came the abrupt resignation on Monday night of Reserve Bank of India Governor Urjit Patel, which sent stock, bond and currency markets tumbling when they reopened on Tuesday. Then Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party faced defeat in three key states that he carried in his 2014 national victory, in what amounts to his biggest political setback since taking office. “The results reveal the declining political stock of Narendra Modi going into the national elections,” said Katharine Adeney, director of University of Nottingham’s Asia Research Institute.

NY Daily News Mocks Trump's Hunt For 'Spineless, Clueless' Chief Of Staff

The New York Daily News has taken aim at President Donald Trump as he searches

Opposition UK lawmakers call for second Brexit referendum preparations

Less than four months until the United Kingdom is due to leave the European Union on March 29, Brexit was plunged into chaos on Monday when May accepted that British lawmakers would not accept her deal and withdrew a key vote on it. The ultimate outcome of Brexit is now uncertain. "The UK is in the middle of a constitutional crisis, which is unparalleled in modern history," said Ian Blackford, the leader of the Scottish National Party in Westminster.

Save on this ultra-sharp knife set and give a holiday gift that will actually get used

Searching for a great holiday gift that won't end up in next year's white elephant game?  This knife set, available now for a hugely discounted price of $58, might just do the trick. These lightweight yet robust knives are made from super strong zirconium ceramic. Even if you don't have someone on your gift list who's worthy of super shark knives, buy them for yourself and use them to prepare a special holiday meal.   As an added bonus, each purchase of these knives provides ten hungry Americans with a meal on your behalf through Feeding America — so you can feel good about your purchase no matter what. So, get yourself — or someone on your holiday gift list — a gift that's a cut above the rest. The three-knife set is already discounted by a whopping 78%.  But order with the coupon code GREENMONDAY20 and get an extra 20% of your entire purchase.  Before you know it, you'll be chopping, dicing, slicing, paring, and julienning your way to a successful holiday season. Image: Chef's Foundry 3-piece knife set — $58 See Details

Pope removes two cardinals linked to sex abuse allegations from his inner circle

Two leading cardinals allegedly linked to sexual abuse have been dismissed from Pope Francis' inner circle. Australian Cardinal George Pell and Chilean Cardinal Francisco Javier Errazuriz have been removed from the so-called C9 Council of Cardinals, an advisory body set up by Francis, the Vatican said on Wednesday. Cardinal Pell, appointed head of the Vatican’s economic secretariat by the pope in 2014, has taken a leave of absence to fight allegations of historic sexual misconduct in Australia. He is still officially in charge of Vatican finances, a position considered one of the most powerful in the Catholic hierarchy. Francisco Errazuriz Ossa has been accused of covering up allegations against abusive priests in Chile. Congolese Laurent Monsengwo, 79, who retired as archbishop of Kinshasa in November, is also leaving the advisory council. Vatican spokesman Greg Burke announced the changes on Wednesday, saying Francis had written to the three prelates individually in October, "thanking them for the work they have done for the past five years." In a statement Mr Burke said the Pope had reflected on “the work, structure and composition” of the council after meeting council members in September. Chile's Cardinal Francisco Javier Errazuriz Ossa has also been removed Credit: AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, File At its latest meeting this week the advisory body discussed a variety of issues from Vatican spending constraints to the special conference on the protection of minors to be held at the Vatican at the end of February next year. The Catholic Church has been hit by a series of child abuse scandals in recent years in countries including the US, Ireland, Chile and Ireland, with widespread allegations of cover-ups against clergy, including the pope himself. Mr Errazuriz, long considered a close papal ally, was archbishop of Santiago from 1998-2010.  He has come under fire in recent months amid claims that he hid the crimes of Chile’s allegedly abusive priests including Fernando Karadima, who has been accused of a string of child sex offenses going back to 1984. Profile | Pope Francis Mr Pell, former archbishop of Sydney, has consistently denied allegations of sexual abuse made against him. Specific details of the accusations have been suppressed by a court order and Australian law strictly limits reporting on proceedings.   Mr Burke declined to comment on court proceedings against 77-year-old Mr Pell saying: "The Holy See has the utmost respect for Australian judicial authorities. We are aware that there is a suppression order in place by the court and we respect that order.” The Pope created the council of cardinals after his election in 2013, tasking the group with helping him reform the Vatican bureaucracy known as the Roman Curia. Mr Burke said the three cardinals would not be replaced immediately, leaving the council temporarily with six members.

California wildfires cleanup to cost at least $3 billion

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — State and federal authorities estimated Tuesday that it will cost at least $3 billion to clear debris from 19,000 homes and businesses destroyed by three California wildfires last month.

Kathie Lee Gifford announces she's leaving 'Today' show

Kathie Lee Gifford is leaving the "Today" show, she announced on Tuesday morning.

California nuns stole school funds for Vegas gambling, travel

Sisters Mary Margaret Kreuper and Lana Chang, who are said to be best friends, took the money from tuition, fees and donations at St. James Catholic School in Torrance, south of Los Angeles. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles said the missing money was discovered during a routine audit and it is believed the nuns operated their scheme over at least a decade. Kreuper was principal at the school for 29 years until her retirement earlier this year.

Stacey Abrams Says She’ll Run Again After Losing Fierce Battle For Georgia Governor

Stacey Abrams is not done yet.

32 Arrested at a Demonstration Near the Mexico Border in Support of Migrant Caravan

U.S. authorities arrested 32 people at a demonstration Monday that was organized by a Quaker group on the border with Mexico, authorities said.

Obama Photographer Taunts Trump With Doggone Funny Suggestion For Chief Of Staff

Former White House photographer Pete Souza used an adorable old snap of Bo,

Factbox - Who might be Britain's next prime minister if May goes?

MPs in British Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservative Party on Wednesday triggered a confidence vote in her leadership over Britain's planned divorce from the European Union. May has vowed to fight on as leader, but if she loses the confidence vote later on Wednesday she will be out of a job, and a contest to replace her will begin. The former foreign minister is May's most outspoken critic over Brexit.

Trade Bear David Woo Hasn't Been This Nervous Since 2008

The Bank of America strategist is the most worried about volatility in global markets -- particularly in the developing world -- since the 2008 financial crisis. "We’ll have a $1 trillion budget deficit, a big fight over the debt ceiling, gridlock and the U.S. economy will be slowing at the same time," Woo said from New York.

The Latest: Huawei expects 'just conclusion' on exec's bail

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — The Latest on the arrest in Canada of Chinese tech executive Meng Wanzhou. (all times local):

Texas executes man convicted of 1993 murder

Alvin Braziel, 43, was pronounced dead at 7:19 p.m. local time, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Asked by the warden if he had any last words before he was put to death, Braziel expressed thanks to "all those overseas, Italy and France, for their support for death row prisoners. Braziel was convicted and sentenced to death in 2001 for attacking Douglas and Lora White at gunpoint while they were on a walk along a jogging trail at Eastfield College, a Dallas-area community college, on Sept. 21, 1993, according to court documents.

Macron unveils new measures in bid to end 'yellow vest' revolt

Embattled French President Emmanuel Macron Monday announced a series of financial measures seeking to defuse the "yellow vest" revolt that has triggered violent protests in cities across the country. Macron stressed, however, that the protests by mostly low-income people in small town or rural France were the result of long-term problems. Among the measures Macron announced was a 100 euro ($113) monthly increase in the minimum wage as of next year, for which businesses would not have to foot the bill.

GOP chairman: Vote tally sharing would warrant new election

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina's Republican Party chairman said Tuesday that the state should order a new election in an unresolved congressional race if an affidavit alleging some early voting totals were improperly shared before Election Day is accurate.

Holiday tipping: Here's who you should include and how much you should give them

How much should you tip your doorman, hairstylist and babysitter this holiday season? Here's a tipping guide.

Google CEO to tell Congress company 'supports federal privacy legislation' amid allegations of security violations and political bias

The boss of Google - under fire over allegations of political bias and its failure to protect personal information - is to tell congress it supports government legislation that defends against privacy violations. On the day Google announced it was to terminate earlier than planned its modestly-used social media network Google Plus because of a flaw that had leaked the personal information of 52.5m users, CEO Sundar Pichai made clear he would defend the company against accusations of favouritism or predisposition. “I lead this company without political bias and work to ensure that our products continue to operate that way,” Mr Pichai will say in prepared remarks he is due to deliver on Capitol Hill.

'The Guardians' For Truth Named Time Magazine's 2018 Person Of The Year

Time magazine on Tuesday announced a group of journalists it called "The

Sanctions Will Harm Only the Iranian Regime, Not the Iranian People

That is why Washington must maintain them.

Canadian ex-diplomat detained in China, official confirms

TORONTO (AP) — A former Canadian diplomat has been detained while visiting Beijing amid a dispute between the two counties over Canada's arrest of a Chinese executive at the request of the United States.

Indian girl seeks father's arrest over broken promise to build lavatory

Millions of Indians do not have access to sanitation and open defecation is a problem, even in developed, industrial states. The girl, E. Hanifa Zaara, didn't want to go out in the open and won a promise from her father to build a lavatory indoors, said police officer A. Valarmathi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has been pushing a campaign to build 100 million toilets over five years but the drive has not covered large parts of the country.

Israel PM warns Hezbollah of reprisals over 'attack tunnels'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Hezbollah of reprisals after the military said on Tuesday it had uncovered a third "attack tunnel" infiltrating its territory from Lebanon. "If Hezbollah makes the serious mistake of attacking us or confronting what we are doing now it will face unimaginable blows" in retaliation, Netanyahu said during a visit to northern Israel. "We will pursue this operation as long as the threat of Hezbollah tunnels persists," the premier, who was accompanied by the army chief of staff, said in a statement released by his office.

President Trump meets with Pelosi, Schumer

Democratic leaders Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer meet with the president before a crucial government funding deadline.

Krispy Kreme celebrates 'Day of Dozens' Wednesday with sweet $1 deal

Take advantage of Krispy Kreme's "Day of the Dozens" deal Wednesday to be the office champion. Get a dozen doughnuts for $1 with purchase of a dozen.