AP News Digest 7:20 a.m.
Columbia Basin Herald | UPDATED 5 years AGO
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IRAN-PLANE CRASH — Iran denies Western allegations a Ukrainian jetliner that crashed outside Tehran was brought down by an Iranian missile and called on the U.S. and Canada to share any information they have on the crash, which killed all 176 people on board. Western leaders say the plane appeared to have been unintentionally hit by a surface-to-air missile near Tehran, just hours after Iran launched a series of ballistic missiles at two U.S. bases in Iraq to avenge the killing of its top general in an American airstrike last week. By Nasser Karimi and Joseph Krauss. SENT: 1,060 words, photos. With IRAN-US-COLLATERAL DAMAGE — As Iran and U.S. take step back from the brink, Canada grieves; IRAN-THE LATEST. Also see MORE ON IRAN below.
Complete Iran coverage in AP Newsroom.
TRUMP-IMPEACHMENT-ANALYSIS — Democrats know they don't have the votes to convict President Donald Trump when the Senate convenes as the Court of Impeachment. So they are pursuing the case in the court of public opinion. It's a strategy not without its risks. By Congressional Correspondent Lisa Mascaro. SENT: 950 words, photos. With TRUMP-IMPEACHMENT — Pelosi to send impeachment articles for Senate trial “soon."
Full coverage of the impeachment inquiry in AP Newsroom.
ELECTION 2020-INDEPENDENT VOTERS — Five million independent voters in California could play a decisive role in the state's March 3 Democratic presidential primary. But tapping them won't be easy because of complicated election rules. By Kathleen Ronayne. SENT: 980 words, photos.
Find more coverage on the 2020 U.S. Elections featured topic page on APNewsroom.
AP EXPLAINS-IRAN NUCLEAR — The landmark 2015 deal between Tehran and world powers aimed at preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons has been teetering on the edge of collapse since the United States pulled out unilaterally in 2018. The European Union says it will “spare no effort” to keep the deal alive, but with tensions between the U.S. and Iran escalating into open hostilities it seems increasingly unlikely that will be possible. By David Rising. SENT: 890 words, photos.
BOEING-PLANE-DOCUMENTS — Boeing employees knew about problems with flight simulators for the now-grounded 737 Max and apparently tried to hide them from federal regulators, according to documents. By Airlines Writer David Koenig. SENT: 500 words, photos.
BRITAIN-ROYALS-RIFT-FINANCES — As part of a surprise announcement distancing themselves from the British royal family, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan declared they will “work to become financially independent” — a move that has not been clearly spelled out and could be fraught with obstacles. By Greg Katz. SENT: 1,170 words, photos.
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MORE ON IRAN
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IRAN-PLANE CRASH-ECHOES OF 1988 — The Western allegation that Iran shot down a Ukrainian jetliner and killed 176 people offers a grim echo for the Islamic Republic, which found itself the victim of an accidental shootdown by American forces over 30 years ago. SENT: 860 words, photos.
AP EXPLAINS-IRAN-CYBER THREATS — Multiple local and state governments in the last week have reported what they say is suspicious cyber activity on their networks. SENT: 790 words, photo.
TRUMP-ON SECOND THOUGHT — As tensions fester with Iran, Trump finds himself turning to the very people and entities he’s spent three years dismissing — U.S. intelligence agencies, NATO and other U.S. allies he needs to further isolate Iran. SENT: 1,060 words, photos.
IRAN-SOLEIMANI-IRAN ON EDGE — Iranian newspapers proclaimed the country's attack on U.S. forces in Iraq to be "a dark night for Americans," and Washington's "first admission of failure in history." On the bustling streets of Tehran, however, there was relief that neither side appeared primed for war. SENT: 940 words, photos.
SYRIA — Unidentified planes strike targets in Syria near the border with Iraq, reports say, triggering “a huge explosion” amid soaring tensions in the region between the U.S. and Iran. SENT: 610 words, photo.
EUROPE-IRAN — European foreign affairs ministers and the NATO secretary general are gathering in Brussels for an emergency meeting during which they are expected to reiterate their support for the nuclear deal brokered with Iran. SENT: 420 words.
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WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT
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IRAQ-US — Iraqi prime minister tells US to decide mechanism for troop withdrawal. SENT: 110 words, photo.
EDD BYRNES — Edd Byrnes, who played "Kookie" in "77 Sunset Strip," dies at 87. SENT: 510 words, photos.
THAILAND-MALL SHOOTING — Gunman kills 3, including toddler, in Thailand mall robbery. SENT: 320 words, photos.
HELICOPTER CRASH — Authorities say two people aboard a helicopter were killed when it crashed into the backyard of a Pennsylvania residence. SENT: 170 words, video.
CHICAGO-COYOTE ATTACKS — Chicago coyote captured after two suspected attacks reported. SENT: 840 words, photos.
WINLESS-COACH-ASSAULT-CHARGES — High school basketball coach in North Carolina accused of assaulting heckler. SENT: 220 words.
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AUSTRALIA-WILDFIRES — Thousands of people flee their homes and helicopters drop supplies to towns at risk of nearby wildfires as hot, windy conditions threatens already fire-ravaged southeastern Australian communities. SENT: 1,070 words, photos. With AUSTRALIA-WILDFIRES-FARAWAY HELP — North Americans adjust to Aussie lingo as they fight fires.
TAIWAN-ELECTION — Further deadlock and heightened pressure from China is the likely outcome if Taiwan's independence-leaning President Tsai Ing-wen wins a second term this weekend, as is widely predicted. SENT: 630 words, photos. With TAIWAN-ELECTION-CHINESE INTERFERENCE
BURKINA FASO-GROWING EXTREMISM — Attacks by Islamic extremists in northern and now eastern Burkina Faso have displaced more than half a million people, and now there are fears the unrest could throw elections planned for late 2020 into question. SENT: 900 words, photos.
NORTHERN IRELAND — Northern Ireland’s main political parties are meeting to decide whether to accept a deal to restore the Belfast-based government that collapsed three years ago.
Northern Ireland's 1.8 million people have been without a functioning administration since the power-sharing government fell apart in January 2017 over a botched green-energy project.
KASHMIR-RESTRICTIONS — India’s top court on orders the government to review all restrictions, including the suspension of internet service, in Indian-controlled Kashmir within a week, saying the measures amounted to abuse of power. SENT: 390 words, photos.
NORTH KOREA-US-KIM'S BIRTHDAY — South Korea says it conveyed a message by President Donald Trump to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un wishing him a happy birthday, which is believed to be Jan. 8. SENT: 360 words, photos.
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ELECTION 2020-TRUMP — Trump uses his first campaign election rally of 2020 to argue that he served up “American justice" by ordering a drone strike to take out Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, while jeering Democratic leaders for questioning his decision to carry out the attack without first consulting Congress. SENT: 930 words, photos, videos.
ELECTION 2020-STEYER — Democratic presidential candidate Tom Steyer unveils an immigradtion proposal seeking to make immigrants fleeing the effects of climate change eligible for legal entry into the United States. SENT: 300 words, photo.
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JEFFREY EPSTEIN — Video footage of the area around Jeffrey Epstein's jail cell on a day he survived an apparent suicide attempt “no longer exists,” federal prosecutors tell a judge. SENT: 880 words, photo.
SUPREME-COURT-BRIDGEGATE — The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments next week on whether to throw out the convictions of two former aides to former Republican Gov. Chris Christie in New Jersey's "Bridgegate" case. SENT: 870 words, photo.
BEEFEATER-DOORMAN-RETIRES — Another bit of old, quirky San Francisco will be no more when Tom Sweeney finally hangs up his white pressed collar and signature Beefeater jacket this weekend after more than four decades of opening doors at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel downtown. SENT: 1,040 words, photos.
IMMIGRATION-BORDER ENFORCEMENT — The number of people arrested or stopped entering the United States on the Mexico border fell for a seventh straight month in December, with Mexicans outpacing Central Americans among the detainees, authorities say. SENT: 940 words, photos.
BOTTLED WATER-ARSENIC WASTE — A California company that produces Crystal Geyser bottled water pleads guilty to illegally storing and transporting hazardous waste and agrees to a $5 million fine, federal prosecutors say. SENT: 320 words.
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ECONOMY-EMPLOYMENT REPORT PREVIEW — The U.S. job market appears to be entering 2020 on a solid footing. By Economics Writer Josh Boak. SENT: 340 words, photos.
CARLOS-GHOSN — A lawyer for Carlos Ghosn, Nissan's former chairman who skipped bail in Japan and fled to Lebanon, slams a gaffe by the Japanese justice minister who said that Ghosn should “prove" his innocence. By Business Writer Yuri Kageyama. SENT: 360 words, photos.
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SCIENCE
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CHINA-EXTINCT PADDLEFISH — The Chinese paddlefish's sharp, protruding snout made it one of the largest freshwater species in the world. Since scientists declared it extinct in a research paper published last week, Chinese internet users media outlets have been paying tribute to the hefty creature. SENT: 440 words, photo.
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TV-PEAK RISES — The mass of television series is certifiably “bananas,” according to the TV executive who has kept a close eye on its growth. By Television Writer Lynn Elber. SENT: 400 words, photo.
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SPORTS BETTING-XFL — While many sports fans are picking NFL playoff teams to bet on, or marshaling their cash for the Super Bowl, yet another opportunity to wager on football is right around the corner: the XFL. SENT: 600 words, photos.
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