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☆ NBA roundup: Stephen Curry (42) guides Warriors past Pelicans
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +7 min

Mandatory Credit: Matthew Dobbins-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsOctober 31 - Stephen Curry scored 42 points and the visiting Golden State Warriors routed the New Orleans Pelicans 130-102 on Monday night. Curry made 3 of 5 shots from beyond the arc and scored 16 points in the first quarter. Murray shot 17-for-24 from the field and made his first 11 field-goal attempts of the second half. Atlanta's Trae Young added a season-high 24 points with eight assists, De'Andre Hunter scored 16 points and Clint Capela blocked five shots. Minnesota also got 16 points and 10 rebounds from Karl-Anthony Towns, plus 14 points and 13 rebounds from Rudy Gobert.

Persons: Stephen Curry, Herbert Jones, Matthew Dobbins, Chris Paul, State reserve.Trayce Jackson, Davis, Moses Moody, Gary Payton II, CJ McCollum, Zion Williamson, Jordan Hawkins, Matt Ryan, Jonas Valanciunas, Kira Lewis Jr, Curry, Dejounte Murray, Murray, Atlanta's Trae Young, De'Andre Hunter, Clint Capela, Anthony Edwards, Karl, Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert, D'Angelo Russell, Angeles, Anthony Davis, LeBron James, Gary Harris, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, Wagner, Suggs, Luka Doncic, Doncic, Derrick Jones Jr, Tim Hardaway Jr, Jaren Jackson Jr, Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart, Nikola Vucevic, Zach LaVine, Myles Turner, Tyrese, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, Kyle Kuzma, Cam Thomas, Thomas, Mikal Bridges, Lonnie Walker IV, Dorian Finney, Smith, Terry Rozier, Brandon Miller, Jerami Grant, Malcolm Brogdon, Deandre Ayton, Scottie Barnes, Brogdon, Grant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Bobby Portis, Cameron Payne, Tyler Herro, Jimmy Butler, Shai Gilgeous, Alexander, Josh Giddey, Jaden Ivey, Nikola Jokic, Jokic, Aaron Gordon, Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler Organizations: Golden State Warriors, New Orleans Pelicans, Smoothie King Center, USA, State, Warriors, Pelicans, Timberwolves, Atlanta, Minnesota, Hawks, Lakers, Orlando, Sacramento, Mavericks, Grizzlies, Dallas, Memphis, Bulls, Pacers, Chicago, Indiana, Celtics, Washington, Wizards, Boston, Nets, Charlotte, Brooklyn, Hornets, Trail Blazers, Raptors, Portland, Toronto, Bucks, Milwaukee, Miami's, Heat, Pistons, Oklahoma City, Denver Nuggets, Thunder, Nuggets, Jazz, Denver, Utah, Thomson Locations: New Orleans , Louisiana, USA, Smoothie, Memphis, Indianapolis, Boston, Brooklyn, Miami, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Detroit, Utah

We continue to encourage all countries to take tangible measures to halt the flow of arms, aviation fuel, and revenue to the military regime," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a separate statement. Canada imposed sanctions against 39 individuals and 22 entities for supporting Myanmar's military regime. The U.N. human rights expert for Myanmar in September called on the United States to further tighten sanctions on the country's military rulers to include the state oil and gas enterprise. Human rights advocates have repeatedly called for sanctions on MOGE, but Washington had so far held back. Myanmar military officials have played down the impact of sanctions.

Persons: Stringer, Washington, Antony Blinken, Brian Nelson, Simon Lewis, Daphne Psaledakis, Tim Gardner, Sarah Young, Ismail Shakil, Chizu Nomiyama, Rod Nickel Organizations: Army, Bank, REUTERS, Rights, Myanma, Gas Enterprise, U.S . Treasury Department, Reuters, Treasury, Financial, United Nations, Terrorism, Financial Intelligence, Chevron Corp, Chevron, Washington, Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank, Myanma Investment, Commercial Bank, Sky Royal Hero Company, General Staff, Myanmar's Army, Navy, Air Force, Thomson Locations: Yangon, Myanmar, United States, Washington, U.S, United Kingdom, Canada, Britain

☆ Israel war tests US appeal to global swing states
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-30 | by ( Hugo Dixon | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +7 min

FOURNI, Greece, Oct 30 (Reuters Breakingviews) - Joe Biden has sought to portray the United States as a superpower that cares about the rule of law. What’s more, swing states – which back neither the United States nor China – have more power than they did during the old Cold War between the West and the Soviet Union. Such pressure may convince some countries that the United States is pursuing a principles-based foreign policy in the Gaza conflict. The Israeli war may last a long time and its aftermath may be tortuous. But it could also have an important impact on the United States’ influence with swing states and its struggle with China.

Persons: Joe Biden, Vladimir Putin’s, Xi Jinping’s, Barack Obama, Republic –, Biden, Queen Rania, Jordan, Israel, Jake Sullivan, Israel –, Tayyip Erdogan, Benjamin Netanyahu, Mustafa Kamal Kazi, Netanyahu, What’s, Jonathan Cohen, Peter Thal Larsen, Thomas Shum Organizations: Reuters, Russian, U.S, Israel, United Nations General, Washington, UN Security Council, Security Council, Soviet Union, Members, United, Reuters Graphics Reuters, U.S . National Security, U.S ., West Bank, Thomson Locations: FOURNI, Greece, United States, Russia, China, Ukraine, Taiwan, Gaza, Israel, Republic, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, U.S, Moscow, Soviet, India, Brazil, wean, Turkey, NATO, South Africa, Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistani, Egypt, Israeli

☆ US to evict Gabon, Niger, Uganda and Central African Republic from trade program
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Ken Cedeno Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Oct 30 (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden said on Monday that he intends to end the participation of Gabon, Niger, Uganda and the Central African Republic in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) trade program. Biden said he was taking the step because of "gross violations" of internationally recognized human rights by the Central African Republic and Uganda. He also cited Niger and Gabon's failure to establish or make continual progress toward the protection of political pluralism and the rule of law. "Despite intensive engagement between the United States and the Central African Republic, Gabon, Niger, and Uganda, these countries have failed to address United States concerns about their non-compliance with the AGOA eligibility criteria," Biden said in a letter to the speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. Biden said he intends to terminate the designation of these countries as beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries under the AGOA, effective Jan. 1, 2024.

Persons: Janet Yellen, Joe Biden, Antony Blinken, Walter E, Ken Cedeno, Biden, Jasper Ward, Matthew Lewis Organizations: Africa, Food Security, Food Systems, Washington Convention Center, Washington , D.C, REUTERS, Rights, Central African, U.S . House, Representatives, Thomson Locations: Washington ,, Gabon, Niger, Uganda, Central African Republic, United States, U.S, Washington

☆ China's foreign minister suggests road to Xi-Biden summit will not be smooth
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-29 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping are expected to meet on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco in November. Saul Loeb | Afp | Getty ImagesChina's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the "road to the San Francisco summit will not be a smooth one," the foreign ministry said on Sunday, in a reference to an expected meeting between President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden. He was speaking after a discussion with members of the U.S. strategic community in Washington, the ministry said. Last month, China's top security agency suggested any Xi-Biden meeting in San Francisco hinged on the U.S. "showing sufficient sincerity". Washington and Beijing must put into practice the consensus achieved then, "remove interference, overcome obstacles, enhance consensus and gather outcomes," Wang said.

Persons: Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, Saul Loeb, Wang Yi, Wang, Biden, Xi Organizations: Economic Cooperation, Afp, Getty, China's, San, U.S Locations: Asia, San Francisco, Washington, China, U.S, Bali, Taiwan, Beijing

☆ NBA roundup: Mavs spoil Victor Wembanyama's debut
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +8 min

Julius Randle had 14 points and 11 rebounds for New York, while Jalen Brunson scored 15 points but shot just 6-for-21 from the field. Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks scored 14 points apiece in their Houston debuts. Jalen Duren (17 points, game-high-tying 14 rebounds) and Isaiah Stewart (14 points, game-high-tying 14 rebounds) recorded double-doubles for the Pistons. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 26 points and 14 rebounds, and Rudy Gobert had 15 points and 13 rebounds. Former Celtic Marcus Smart scored 17 points in his Memphis debut, and Xavier Tillman added 17 points and 12 rebounds.

Persons: Luka Doncic, Daniel Dunn, Victor Wembanyama's, Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis, Jayson Tatum, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Julius Randle, Jalen Brunson, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Ivica Zubac, Russell Westbrook, Malcolm Brogdon, Anfernee Simons, Damian Lillard, Lillard, Washington, Brandon Miller, Terry Rozier's, LaMelo, Mark Williams, Miller, Gordon Hayward, Trae Young, Jalen Johnson, Saddiq Bey, Clint Capela, Bruce Brown, Brown, Tyrese Haliburton, Kyle Kuzma, Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus inbounded, Darius Garland, Garland, Mitchell, Brooklyn's Cameron Johnson, Strus, Isaac Okoro, Cam Thomas, Johnson, Shai Gilgeous, Alexander, Josh Giddey, Jalen Williams, Isaiah Joe, DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, Coby White, Nikola Vucevic, Harrison Barnes, Sabonis, De'Aaron Fox, Keegan Murray, Jordan Clarkson, Lauri Markkanen, John Collins, Cole Anthony, Gary Harris, Anthony, Harris, Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, Alperen Sengun, Bam Adebayo, Cade Cunningham, Adebayo, Jimmy Butler, Cunningham, Jalen, Isaiah Stewart, Dennis Schroder, Schroder, Darko Rajakovic, Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, CJ McCollum, McCollum, Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Desmond Bane, Ja Morant, Celtic Marcus Smart, Xavier Tillman Organizations: Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, Frost Bank Center, Victor Wembanyama's NBA, Celtics, Knicks, Boston, New, Clippers, Trail Blazers, Portland, Milwaukee Bucks, Hornets, Hawks, Charlotte, Atlanta, Pacers, Wizards, Indiana, Cavaliers, Nets, Cleveland, Brooklyn, Thunder, Bulls, Oklahoma City, Chicago, Jazz, Utah, Rockets, Orlando, Houston, Pistons, Miami, Raptors, Timberwolves, Toronto, Minnesota, Pelicans, Grizzlies, New Orleans, Memphis, Celtic, Thomson Locations: San Antonio , Texas, USA, France, New York, Los Angeles, Portland, Atlanta . Washington, Atlanta, Washington, Indianapolis, Brooklyn, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Kings, Houston, Jalen Duren, Toronto

☆ Californians are fleeing amid sky-high housing costs. Here are the top 10 states they're flocking to.
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Over 102,000 people left California for Texas during this period, many citing the state's lower housing costs are reasons for making the move. This has forced many California residents to spend a significant portion of their income on housing, cutting away at their savings. Another 74,100 left California for Arizona, in contrast to 27,400 Arizona residents who moved to California. Many are likely moving to Arizona for the state's lower cost of living, lower taxes, and employment opportunities in sectors like semiconductor manufacturing. Over 50,700 former California residents made the move cross-country to Florida — and over 28,500 vice versa.

Persons: — Organizations: Service, American Community Survey, Florida —, New Locations: California, Texas, Arizona, Florida, Washington, Nevada, New Jersey, Idaho, Tennessee

☆ NHL roundup: Knights extend franchise-record perfect start
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +10 min

Paul Cotter and Ivan Barbashev also scored goals, Jack Eichel had two assists and Logan Thompson finished with 26 saves for the Golden Knights. Pheonix Copley made 24 saves in his second start as the Kings won for the third time in four games. Ryan Johansen scored twice, Rantanen had a goal and three assists and Cale Makar added a goal and two assists. Zemgus Girgensons added a goal for Buffalo, and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 34 saves in his first start of the season. Blake Coleman scored for the Flames, who have lost three straight games.

Persons: Shea Theodore, Brayden McNabb, Stephen R, Paul Cotter, Ivan Barbashev, Jack Eichel, Logan Thompson, Noah Cates, Cam Atkinson, Carter Hart, Jeremy Swayman, Pavel Zacha, Matthew Poitras, Trent Frederic, Petr Mrazek, Kopitar, Trevor Lewis, Trevor Moore, Blake Lizotte, Kevin Fiala, Adrian Kempe, Pheonix Copley, Jack McBain, Nick Bjugstad, Clayton Keller, Phillip Di Giuseppe, Nils Hoglander, Thatcher Demko, Ilya Mikheyev, Colton Sissons, Kiefer Sherwood, Jordan Eberle, Eberle, Jared McCann, Jaden Schwartz, Tye Kartye, McCann, Dylan Larkin, Joe Veleno, Shayne Gostisbehere, Alex DeBrincat, Nathan Mackinnon, Bowen Byram, Mikko Rantanen, Ryan Johansen, Rantanen, Cale Makar, Ross Colton, Alexandar Georgiev, Cal Clutterbuck, Simon Holmstrom, Kyle Palmieri, Anders Lee, Noah Dobson, Jean, Gabriel Pageau, Ilya Sorokin, Anthony Stolarz, Carter Verhaeghe, Sam Reinhart, Kevin Stenlund, Fabian Zetterlund, Mackenzie, Jonas Johansson, Johansson, Alex Barre, Boulet, Nick Paul, Nikita Kucherov, Tage Thompson, Jeff Skinner, Alex Tuch, Casey Mittelstadt, Zemgus Girgensons, Pekka Luukkonen, Mathieu Joseph, Vladimir Tarasenko, Ottawa's Jakob Chychrun, Josh Norris, Anton Forsberg, Joonas Korpisalo, Ryan Hartman, Mats Zuccarello, Joel Eriksson Ek, Jake Middleton, Kirill Kaprizov, Filip Gustavsson, Warren Foegele, Evan Bouchard, Evander Kane, Jack Campbell, Connor McDavid, Morgan Rielly, Auston Matthews, John Tavares, William Nylander, Joseph Woll, Alex Ovechkin, Darcy Kuemper, Frank Vatrano, Anaheim's Ryan Strome, Brett Leason, Lukas Dostal, Adam Fantilli, Emil Bemstrom's, Jack Roslovic, Fantilli, Dostal, Jack Hughes, Tyler Toffoli's, Hughes, Jose's Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton, Edmonton's Connor McDavid, Justin Barron, Mike Matheson, Cayden Primeau, Connor Hellebuyck, Louis, Kyle Connor, Mason Appleton, David Gustafsson, Morgan Barron, Pavel Buchnevich, Robert Thomas, Jordan Binnington, Erik Gustafsson, Igor Shesterkin, Alexis Lafreniere, Chris Kreider, Filip Chytil, Shesterkin, Blake Coleman, Jacob Markstrom, Jason Robertson, Thomas Harley, Evgenii Dadonov, Wyatt Johnston, Jake Oettinger, Bryan Rust, Alex Nedeljkovic Organizations: Vegas Golden Knights, Philadelphia Flyers, Mobile, NHL, Stanley, Golden Knights, Philadelphia, Bruins, Blackhawks, Chicago, Coyotes, Los Angeles, Los, Kings, Canucks, Predators, Vancouver, Nashville, Red Wings, Seattle, Detroit, Wings, Avalanche, Islanders, New, Cal, Panthers, Sharks, Hurricanes, Tampa Bay, Senators, Buffalo, Ottawa, Sabres, Oilers, Edmonton, Maple Leafs, Capitals, Toronto, Washington, Ducks, Blue Jackets, Columbus, Nationwide, . Blue Jackets, Canadiens, New Jersey, Montreal, New Jersey's, Jets, Blues, Winnipeg, St, Rangers, Flames, Penguins, Thomson Locations: Las Vegas , Nevada, USA, Las Vegas, Vegas, Boston, Arizona, Los Angeles, Colorado, New York, Florida, San Jose, Sunrise, Fla, Mackenzie Blackwood, Carolina, Minnesota, Anaheim, New, Calgary, Dallas, Pittsburgh

☆ Biden officials set $3 bln bank deposit, procurement goals to boost minority firms
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( David Lawder | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Phoenix Awards Dinner at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, U.S., September 23, 2023. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Oct 25 (Reuters) - The Biden administration on Wednesday urged big companies to deposit another $2 billion into U.S. community lenders to boost loans to minority and underserved businesses, and asked them to devote 15% of their procurement budgets to such firms. Alphabet Inc's Google (GOOGL.O) will commit to spending at least $1 billion annually with "diverse-owned suppliers" in the United States, the Treasury said. The Treasury had previously invested nearly $9 billion into Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and minority-owned banking firms to make more capital available to minority firms. "In order for these minority owned banks and CDFIs to lend that money, they need deposits," Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo told reporters.

Persons: Kamala Harris, Walter E, Elizabeth Frantz, Biden, Harris, Wally Adeyemo, David Lawder, Sonali Paul Organizations: Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Washington Convention Center, REUTERS, Rights, Wednesday, Micron Technology, Air Products, Xcel Energy, Treasury Department, Treasury, Freedman's Bank, Community Development Financial, Management, Internal Revenue Service, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, United States

[1/5] Smoke is rising after an Israeli strike on Gaza seen from a viewpoint in Southern Israel October 24, 2023. US, RUSSIA OFFER RIVAL PROPOSALSAt the United Nations, the United States and Russia put forward rival plans on humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians. Washington has called for pauses and Russia wants a humanitarian ceasefire. Arab states firmly back a call for a humanitarian ceasefire amid widespread destruction of Gaza's buildings in Israel's aerial bombardment. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres last week called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.

Persons: Violeta Santos Moura, Joe Biden, Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Israel, Iran's U.N, Amir Saeid Iravani, Antony Blinken, Vassily Nebenzia, Sameh Shoukry, Antonio Guterres, Justin Trudeau, Nidal al, Emily Rose, Andrew Mills, Michelle Nichols, Humeyra Pamuk, Grant McCool, Howard Goller, Cynthia Osterman Organizations: REUTERS, UN, Tuesday, Saudi Arabian Crown, White, West Bank, Washington, Security, United Nations, Palestinian, UNRWA, quicken, U.S, Hamas, Thomson Locations: Gaza, Southern Israel, Iran, Israel, Russia, Saudi, GAZA, JERUSALEM, United States, Canada, Palestinian, Egypt, U.S, Lebanon's Iran, Lebanon, Iran's, RUSSIA, Washington, Ottawa, Gulf

Deni Avdija has agreed to a $55 million, four-year extension with the Washington Wizards, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Monday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team hadn't announced the agreement. The 22-year-old Avdija started a career-high 40 games last season and averaged 9.2 points and 6.4 rebounds. The agreement ahead of Monday's deadline for rookie scale extensions keeps Avdija in Washington, where he is somewhat remarkably the longest-tenured player on the Wizards. Avdija, a 6-foot-9 forward from Israel, has averaged 8.1 points in 212 career games.

Persons: Deni Avdija, hadn't, Avdija, Washington, Bradley Beal, Zach Collins Organizations: Washington Wizards, Associated Press, Wizards, San Antonio Spurs Locations: Washington, Phoenix, Israel

After Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7 and killed some 1,400 people, the United States stood by its ally and stressed that Israel has the right to defend itself. The priority is on working to get the hostages out step-by-step," said a source briefed on the hostage negotiations. The first U.S. official said that along with the hostage negotiations, advising Israel to hold off on its invasion could also give more time for humanitarian aid to be delivered to Gaza. U.S. officials have urged Israel to follow the laws of war in any invasion of Gaza, which is home to 2.3 million people. Israel would have a difficult time fighting a war on two fronts simultaneously if Hezbollah launches a full-scale fight in the north, U.S. officials say.

Persons: Israel, Joe Biden, John Kirby, Lloyd Austin, Washington Eliav Benjamin, Lebanon's, Antony Blinken, Yoav Gallant, Washington, Matt Spetalnick Steve Holland, Humeyra Pamuk, Dan Williams, Andrew Mills, Phil Stewart, Idrees Ali, Trevor Hunnicutt, Simon Lewis, Michelle Nichols, Grant McCool Organizations: United, Palestinian, Washington, House, Pentagon, State Department, Friday, U.S, United Nations, White House, Israel's Army, Hamas, NBC, Sunday, Sunday . Washington, Hezbollah, Thomson Locations: United States, Gaza, Qatar, Israel, U.S, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Britain, Egypt, White, Washington, Iran, Sunday ., Jerusalem, Doha

Washington (AP) — China's top diplomat will come to Washington Thursday for a three-day visit, the latest move by Washington and Beijing to keep high-level talks open amid tense bilateral relations. Wang's trip will come just about two weeks ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco, where it's possible that President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet. The officials did not confirm the leaders' meeting, nor did they say if Wang's visit would prepare for such a meeting. When Wang arrives in Washington, American officials will push China to be more constructive in the Middle East, the senior administration officials said. While Wang's visit won't solve any differences, it's part of the U.S. diplomatic effort toward open communications to minimize risks, the American officials said.

Persons: — China's, Wang Yi, Antony Blinken, Jake Sullivan, Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, Xi, Biden, Washington, Wang, Blinken, Thomas Shoal, “, ”, Wang's Organizations: Washington, Economic Cooperation, APEC, State Department, South China Locations: Washington, Beijing, Israel, Ukraine, South China, Asia, San Francisco, U.S, China, Xinjiang, Taiwan, Bali , Indonesia, Philippine, South, Manila, Philippines, marooning

☆ Russian court extends detention of U.S. journalist to Dec. 5
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/5] Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, accused of violating Russia's law on foreign agents, talks to her lawyer Edgar Matevosyan as they attend a court hearing in Kazan, Russia October 23, 2023. REUTERS/Alexey Nasyrov Acquire Licensing RightsKAZAN, Russia, Oct 23 (Reuters) - A Russian-American journalist who stands accused of breaking Russia's law on foreign agents had her pre-trial detention extended on Monday until Dec. 5. Under the ruling, she is to be held in a pre-trial detention centre in Kazan. The U.S. State Department said last week that the proceedings against Kurmasheva appeared to be "another case of the Russian government harassing U.S. citizens". Kurmasheva, who holds U.S. and Russian passports, entered Russia on May 20 to deal with a family emergency, RFE/RL said.

Persons: Alsu Kurmasheva, Edgar Matevosyan, Alexey Nasyrov, Jeffrey Gedmin, Evan Gershkovich, Kurmasheva, Filipp Lebedev, Mark Trevelyan, Gareth Jones Organizations: Radio Free, Radio Liberty, RFE, REUTERS, Rights, U.S . Congress, Reuters, Wall Street, U.S . State Department, Kremlin, Thomson Locations: Radio Free Europe, Kazan, Russia, American, Prague, Ukraine, Moscow, Washington

ST. LOUIS (AP) — An off-duty St. Louis County officer accused of displaying his badge and firing into the air at a trick-or-treating event no longer is employed at the agency, a police spokesperson confirmed Monday. Matthew McCulloch was no longer working at the department as of Thursday, St. Louis County Police officer Adrian Washington said in an email. Washington declined to comment on whether McCulloch was fired or quit, describing it as a personnel matter. Police said McCulloch told multiple attendees that “you are all going to die,” according to the probable cause statement. McCulloch then shot into the air at least a dozen times “while shouting that all attendees would die,” police alleged.

Persons: Matthew McCulloch, Adrian Washington, McCulloch, treaters Organizations: LOUIS, Police, Kirkwood . Police Locations: Louis, St, Washington, Kirkwood

☆ US Advises Israel Hold off on Gaza Invasion, Keeps Hamas Mediator Qatar in Loop -Sources
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-23 | by ( Oct. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +5 min

After Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7 and killed some 1,400 people, the United States stood by its ally and stressed that Israel has the right to defend itself. The priority is on working to get the hostages out step-by-step," said a source briefed on the hostage negotiations. The first U.S. official said that along with the hostage negotiations, advising Israel to hold off on its invasion could also give more time for humanitarian aid to be delivered to Gaza. U.S. officials have urged Israel to follow the laws of war in any invasion of Gaza, which is home to 2.3 million people. US DEFENSEIsraeli officials have increasingly signaled in public that a Gaza invasion could be imminent.

Persons: Matt Spetalnick, Steve Holland, Humeyra Pamuk, Israel, Joe Biden, John Kirby, Lloyd Austin, Washington Eliav Benjamin, Lebanon's, Antony Blinken, Yoav Gallant, Washington, Matt Spetalnick Steve Holland, Dan Williams, Andrew Mills, Phil Stewart, Idrees Ali, Trevor Hunnicutt, Simon Lewis, Michelle Nichols, Grant McCool Organizations: United, Palestinian, Washington, House, Pentagon, State Department, Friday, U.S, United Nations, White House, Israel's Army, Hamas, NBC, Sunday, Sunday . Washington, Hezbollah Locations: Humeyra Pamuk WASHINGTON, United States, Gaza, Qatar, Israel, U.S, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Britain, Egypt, White, Washington, Iran, Sunday ., Jerusalem, Doha

(AP) — A manhunt for a suspect in the fatal shooting of a Maryland judge continued for a fourth day Sunday as authorities completed their search of an area where the suspect's SUV was found. Officials said Pedro Argote, 49, is suspected of gunning down Circuit Court Judge Andrew Wilkinson in his driveway on Thursday, hours after Wilkinson ruled against him in a divorce case. On Sunday, the sheriff's office said in a Facebook post that authorities have concluded their search of the Williamsport area. “No further information indicates that Argote is still in the immediate area,” the sheriff's office said. Wilkinson, 52, was shot the same day he awarded custody of Argote’s children to his wife.

Persons: Pedro Argote, gunning, Andrew Wilkinson, Wilkinson, Washington County Sheriff Brian Albert, Albert, Argote, Joe Biden, Roe, Wade Organizations: Sheriff’s, Washington County Sheriff, U.S . Marshals Service, Marshals Service, U.S, Supreme Locations: HAGERSTOWN, Md, Maryland, Washington, Williamsport, Hagerstown, Washington County, Brooklyn, Long, , New York, Tampa, Clearwater , Florida, Columbus , Indiana, North Carolina

☆ Russian court extends custody of US journalist in 'foreign agent' case
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

[1/3] Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, who holds Russian and U.S. citizenship, attends a court hearing after being detained on suspicion of failing to register as a "foreign agent," in Kazan, Russia October 20, 2023. Kurmasheva is a Prague-based journalist for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), which is funded by the U.S. Congress and designated by Russia as a foreign agent, meaning it gets foreign funding for activity deemed to be political. "This appears to be another case of the Russian government harassing U.S. citizens," State Department spokesperson Matt Miller told reporters on Thursday. That contrasted with its reaction after Gershkovich's arrest, when Peskov told reporters, without providing evidence, that the reporter had been "caught red-handed" while trying to obtain military secrets. She was charged a week later with failure to register as a foreign agent, an offence that carries up to five years in prison.

Persons: Alsu Kurmasheva, Alexey Nasyrov, Kurmasheva, Edgar Matevosyan, Evan Gershkovich, Matt Miller, Dmitry Peskov, Peskov, Jeffrey Gedmin, Filipp Lebedev, Mark Trevelyan, Felix Light, Hugh Lawson Organizations: Radio Free, Radio Liberty, RFE, Russian, REUTERS, Rights, U.S . Congress, Reuters, Wall Street, Thomson Locations: Radio Free Europe, Kazan, Russia, American, Prague, Ukraine, Moscow, Washington

☆ US Veto at UN to Shield Israel Could Weaken Its Ukraine Rallying Cry
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-20 | by ( Oct. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +6 min

In 2017 and 2018, the United States - under then-President Donald Trump - cast two vetoes to shield its ally Israel, complicating a U.S. campaign to reform the U.N. Human Rights Council. "The wider world will see an equivalence between this veto by the U.S. and Russia's behavior over Ukraine. Israel has since pounded Gaza from the air and imposed a complete siege on the enclave. "We cannot choose to call on the U.N. Charter's principles to protect Ukraine and ignore it for Palestine," the diplomat said. "You have been preaching and lecturing us for decades, especially Western countries, about human rights and international law," he said.

Persons: Michelle Nichols UNITED, Donald Trump, Linda Thomas, Greenfield, Joe Biden, Antony Blinken, Biden, Blinken, Nate Evans, U.N, Richard Gowan, Israel, Louis Charbonneau, Jeffrey Feltman, Vassily Nebenzia, Libya's U.N, Taher El, Michelle Nichols, Howard Goller Organizations: Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS, Reuters, United Nations, Hamas, . Security, Human Rights, Washington, U.S, General Assembly, Crisis, Islamist, Brookings Institution Locations: Ukraine, Washington, Gaza, Israel, West, Russia, China, United States, U.S, New York, Moscow, Beijing, Africa, Asia, Europe, Palestine, African, Arab, Russian, Brazil, United

☆ US veto at UN to shield Israel could weaken its Ukraine rallying cry
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-20 | by ( Michelle Nichols | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

Persons: Andrew Kelly, Donald Trump, Linda Thomas, Greenfield, Joe Biden, Antony Blinken, Biden, Blinken, Nate Evans, U.N, Richard Gowan, Israel, Louis Charbonneau, Jeffrey Feltman, Vassily Nebenzia, Libya's U.N, Taher El, Michelle Nichols, Howard Goller Organizations: United Nations Security Council, REUTERS, UNITED NATIONS, United Nations, Hamas, . Security, Human Rights, Washington, U.S, General Assembly, Crisis, Islamist, Brookings Institution, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Israel, U.N, New York, U.S, Ukraine, Washington, Gaza, West, Russia, China, United States, Moscow, Beijing, Africa, Asia, Europe, Palestine, African, Arab, Russian, Brazil, United

But Russia's Accounts Chamber, which oversees budget execution, warned on Monday there were risks the Urals price would fall below $60 in 2024-2026. Russia's forecast sees economic growth of 2.3% in 2024, well above estimates of 1.1% from the International Monetary Fund and 0.5%-1.5% from the Bank of Russia. CHANGING TUNEAt Russia's flagship economic forum in St Petersburg in June, Siluanov said increasing expenditure was difficult, as budget spending had already increased by 1-1/2 times from 2019 to 2022. Now, even as the government outlines plans for spending to jump to 36.7 trillion roubles in 2024, he is more relaxed. Renaissance Capital's Donets and Melaschenko said Russia could create temporary taxes, permanently increase rates of VAT, or adjust Russia's budget rule to permit more spending of energy revenues.

Persons: Evgenia, Anton Tabakh, Vladimir Putin, Anton Siluanov, Denis Popov, Yevgeny Suvorov, Suvorov, Sofya Donets, Andrei Melaschenko, Dmitry Polevoy, Siluanov, Melaschenko, Alexei Sazanov, Sazanov, Konstantin Sonin, It's, Sumanta Sen, Mark Trevelyan, Alexander Marrow, Catherine Evans Organizations: U.S ., Russian, REUTERS, Washington, Finance, International Monetary Fund, Bank of Russia, Capital, Reuters Graphics Russia, University of Chicago, Thomson Locations: Moscow, Russia, Ukraine, West, St Petersburg

Pro Picks is a weekly column where AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi shares his picks for upcoming games. In a week filled with road favorites — six total — Pro Picks likes a road underdog. 49ERS, 23-17Last week: Straight up: 11-4. Against spread: 4-2. Against spread: 5-1.

Persons: Rob Maaddi, ___ Trevor Lawrence didn’t, Derek Carr, Lawrence, C.J, Beathard, Carr hasn’t, FanDuel, Bill Belichick’s, should’ve, Sean Payton, Jordan Love, Payton, Russell Wilson, Jonathan Taylor, Anthony Richardson, Deshaun Watson doesn’t, would’ve, Tyrod Taylor, Washington can’t, Baker Mayfield, That’ll, Desmond Ridder, Justin Fields, Jimmy Garoppolo, Jared Goff, Jonathan Gannon, they’re, Geno Smith, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Jalen, Tagovailoa, Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, Justin Jefferson won’t, ___ Organizations: AP Pro Football, Jacksonville Jaguars, Jaguars, NFL, Saints, JAGUARS, BUFFALO AT, Patriots, Bills, BEST BET, BAY, DENVER Line, Packers, Broncos, CLEVELAND AT INDIANAPOLIS, Browns, Colts, 49ers, BROWNS, WASHINGTON, Giants, GIANTS, ATLANTA, TAMPA BAY Line, Buccaneers, Falcons, Bucs, BUCCANEERS, LAS VEGAS, CHICAGO Line, Bears, Raiders, Chicago, DETROIT AT BALTIMORE, Lions, Ravens, LIONS, PITTSBURGH, ANGELES RAMS Line, Steelers, Rams, ARIZONA AT SEATTLE Line, Cardinals, The Seahawks, SEAHAWKS, ANGELES CHARGERS, KANSAS CITY, Chiefs, Chargers, CHIEFS, MIAMI AT PHILADELPHIA, Alabama, NBC, Sunday, Eagles, Dolphins, EAGLES, FRANCISCO, MINNESOTA Line, Vikings, 49ERS Locations: New Orleans, takeaways, Buffalo, Tampa, Cincinnati

☆ Treaty Shift Doesn't Mean Russia Plans Nuclear Test - Foreign Ministry Official
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-16 | by ( Oct. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's planned withdrawal of its ratification of the global treaty banning nuclear tests does not mean that it intends to conduct such a test, a senior foreign ministry official told Russian media. Russia ratified the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) in 2000 but the lower house of parliament, the State Duma, is due to vote on Tuesday on a bill to reverse that step. He said Russia's position was set out by Putin in February when he said that Russia would only conduct a test if the United States did so first. No country except North Korea has conducted a test involving a nuclear explosion this century. Putin said earlier this month he was not ready to say whether a nuclear test was needed or not.

Persons: Vladimir Putin, Vladimir Yermakov, Yermakov, Putin, Mark Trevelyan, Guy Faulconbridge Organizations: Russian, State Duma, Duma, TASS, Reuters Locations: MOSCOW, Russia, United States, Washington, North Korea, Ukraine

Gaza authorities said more than 2,200 people have been killed, a quarter of them children, and nearly 10,000 wounded. On Friday, the Israeli military told residents of the northern half of the Gaza Strip, which includes the enclave's biggest settlement, Gaza City, to move south immediately. Hamas told people not to leave and says roads out are unsafe. Israel says Hamas is preventing people from leaving in order to use them as human shields, which Hamas denies. The only route out of Gaza not under Israeli control was a checkpoint with Egypt at Rafah.

Persons: Biden, Netanyahu, Abbas, Benjamin Netanyahu's, Ismail Haniyeh, Joe Biden, Mahmoud Abbas, Amir Cohen, Lloyd Austin, Shaheen, Israel's Kan, Tzachi Hanegbi, Israel, Nidal al, Ari Rabinovitch, Dan Williams, Henriette Chacar, Dedi, Maayan Lubell, Emily Rose, James Mackenzie, John Davison, Idrees Ali, Trevor Hunnicutt, Michelle Nichols, Patricia Zengerle, Daniel Wallis Organizations: Hamas, Lebanese, United Nations, . Security, Saturday, Israel, REUTERS, U.S . Department of Defense, Eisenhower, . Troops, Reuters, Palestinian Health Ministry, U.S . State Department, Thomson Locations: Gaza, Iran, GAZA, JERUSALEM, Israel, Sunday, Lebanon, Qatar, New York, Russia, Ashkelon, Gaza City, Egypt, Rafah, Cairo, U.S, United States, Palestinian, Washington, Israel's, Jerusalem

19 Washington State on Saturday night. Fifita started his third straight game in place of the injured Jayden de Laura, a former Washington State quarterback. After a sizzling first month of the season, the Cougars’ offense sputtered for the second straight week. WAZZU’S RUSHING WOESFor the second straight week, the Cougars couldn’t get their rushing attack going. Washington State: A season that started so promising has gone sideways in a hurry.

Persons: — Noah Fifita, Jonah Coleman, Fifita, Jayden de Laura, Coleman, Rayshon Luke, DJ Williams, Cameron Ward, Watson, John Mateer Organizations: Arizona, Washington State, Wildcats, Cougars, Nakia, UCLA, FBS, USC, Oregon State, AP Locations: Arizona, Oregon

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