Michelle Coffey
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Articles by Michelle Coffey
Twitter suspends several high-profile journalists who wrote about Elon Musk
Twitter suspended the accounts of roughly half a dozen journalists Thursday evening who have been covering the social-media platform and its new owner Elon Musk. The accounts of Ryan Mac of the New York Times, Donie O’Sullivan of CNN, Drew Harwell of the Washington Post, Matt Binder of Mashable, Micah Lee of the Intercept as well as independent journalists Aaron Rupar, Keith Olbermann and Tony Webster had all been suspended. The...
11 U.S. troops were wounded in Iran missile attack on Iraqi bases, reports say
Eleven U.S. service members were injured in the Jan. 8 Iranian missile attack on Iraq’s al-Asad air base, according to media reports Thursday. Defense One first reported that the wounded troops were transferred to hospitals in Kuwait and Germany and treated for traumatic brain injury and concussion symptoms stemming from the blast. Iran fired missiles at two military bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq on Jan. 8 in retaliation for the killing of Gen.
Warren accused Sanders of calling her a ‘liar’ in tense post-debate exchange, CNN audio reveals
Sen. Elizabeth Warren accused Sen. Bernie Sanders of calling her a “liar on national TV” in a heated exchange caught on camera after the debate ended, according to audio released by CNN on Wednesday. Viewers of Tuesday’s Democratic presidential debate in Iowa were left puzzled by the interaction between the two progressive candidates, which was shown without audio.
Mueller report findings could be released on Sunday: NBC
Attorney General William Barr won't be sharing conclusions from Special Counsel Robert Mueller's now-completed Russia report with Congress on Saturday, according to NBC News. Barr had said in a letter to the House and Senate Intelligence Committee on Friday that he may be able to give Congress a summary "as soon as this weekend." Barr's summary could come Sunday, the report says. Mueller has been investigating Russia's interference in the 2016 election and possible ties to Donald Trump's campaign.
Mueller report findings could be released on Sunday: NBC
Attorney General William Barr won't be sharing conclusions from Special Counsel Robert Mueller's now-completed Russia report with Congress on Saturday, according to NBC News. Barr had said in a letter to the House and Senate Intelligence Committee on Friday that he may be able to give Congress a summary "as soon as this weekend." Barr's summary could come Sunday, the report says. Mueller has been investigating Russia's interference in the 2016 election and possible ties to Donald Trump's campaign.
‘Cancel Brexit’ petition tops record 4 million signatures, crashing website at least twice
A petition on British Parliament’s website to stop Brexit and remain in the European Union topped 4,400,000 signatures on Saturday, one of the fastest-growing on record with traffic bringing down the site at least twice. “The government repeatedly claims exiting the EU is ‘the will of the people,’” the petition reads. “We need to put a stop to this claim by proving the strength of public support now, for remaining in the EU.
Dow futures down over 200 points following volatile week
U.S. stock futures declined Sunday evening following a volatile week on Wall Street and as Asian equities pointed to a lower open. On Sunday, China summoned the U.S. ambassador to Beijing to protest the detention of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou, an arrest that has renewed fears over a prolonged U.S.-China trade war. Dow futures YMZ8, -1.00% were down over 200 points, while the S&P 500 ESZ8, -0.89% and Nasdaq NQZ8, -0.92% futures were also lower.
Rubio warns pardoning Manafort would be ‘a mistake’
Sen. Marco Rubio warned President Trump on Sunday that it would be “a mistake” to pardon Paul Manafort, who prosecutors say breached his plea deal by repeatedly lying to the FBI after agreeing to cooperate with the Russia investigation. “I just think it would be the wrong thing to do,” said Rubio, R-Fla., when asked by CNN’s Jack Tapper on “State of the Union” whether Trump’s former campaign chairman should be granted a pardon.
Graham expresses doubt over Kavanaugh accuser’s story, says it won’t sway his vote
South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham said Sunday he will listen to the testimony of Christine Blassey Ford, who has accused Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault, but it will likely not change his vote on the nomination. “What am I supposed to do? Go ahead and ruin this guy’s life based on an accusation?
President Trump has ‘low expectations’ for summit with Putin
President Donald Trump says expectations are low ahead of a highly anticipated Monday meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to an interview with “CBS Evening News,” days after the Justice Department announced indictments against 12 Russians over alleged interference in the 2016 election. Trump said he “hadn’t thought” about asking for the extradition of the indicted Russian intelligence officers during his scheduled one-on-one meeting with Putin in Helsinki, Finland.
‘Avengers: Infinity War’ dominates top spot at the box office again
“Avengers: Infinity War” continued to crush the competition at the box office, hauling in $112.5 million in North America over the weekend to score the second-biggest second weekend of all time. The Walt Disney Co. DIS, +2.42% film has now grossed over $1.2 billion world-wide, becoming the first film to ever top $1 billion in 11 days.
John McCain tells close friends he doesn’t want Trump at his funeral
John McCain, who has been fighting brain cancer for almost a year, told his inner circle that he does not want President Donald Trump to attend his funeral and would prefer Vice President Mike Pence to be present instead, according to a media report. The Arizona Republican, 81, is recovering from surgery related to an intestinal infection and has been undergoing treatment for a rare, aggressive type of brain cancer called glioblastoma.
Gina Haspel offered to withdraw nomination to be CIA director: Washington Post
Gina Haspel, Donald Trump's pick to lead the CIA, sought to withdraw her nomination after some White House officials raised concerns about her ties to the CIA's controversial interrogation program set up after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, according to the Washington Post on Sunday. Haspel, who is deputy director of the CIA, offered to pull her nomination if it meant the confirmation hearing would prove to be damaging to her and the agency, the report said.
Trump is getting his military parade — and here’s what it will include
Period uniforms, wheeled vehicles, a grand finale featuring a military air show — but no tanks. Pentagon officials have released details of what a military parade requested by President Donald Trump will include, according to a memo first reported by CNN.
Yes, Black Panther is still breaking all kinds of records
Marvel’s “Black Panther” clawed ahead of “A Wrinkle In Time,” on Saturday, surpassing the $1 billion mark at the global box office on its 26th day of release.
Nun locked in legal battle with Katy Perry over property dies suddenly in court
One of the nuns embroiled in a lawsuit with singer Katy Perry over the sale of a convent in Los Angeles died while making a court appearance related to the high-profile case. Sister Catherine Rose Holzman, 89, of the Sisters of the Most Holy And Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, collapsed and died during a court hearing Friday, according to CBS News.
Trump’s transition team claims Mueller unlawfully obtained tens of thousands of emails
A lawyer representing President Trump’s transition team has accused special counsel Robert Mueller of illegally obtaining tens of thousands of emails during his investigation into ties between Trump’s campaign and Russian officials.
Power outage at Atlanta's international airport grounds flights
A major power outage at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the world's busiest airports, was grounding flights Sunday afternoon and leaving passengers stranded. The outage was affecting several areas of the airport, Atlanta Airport said in a statement on Twitter. Georgia Power officials said they were aware of the problem and working on a solution, according to media reports. The outage was first reported at 1:15 p.m. Eastern. Passengers can check the FAA website for updates.
Sen. John McCain won't vote on Republican tax bill: report
Republican Sen. John McCain will return home to Arizona and miss his party's final tax bill vote expected this week, CBS News reported on Sunday. The House is expected to take up the bill on Tuesday. Republicans likely have the votes they need for passage after two holdouts, Sens. Bob Corker of Tennessee and Marco Rubio of Florida, pledged their support last week. McCain was hospitalized recently due to side effects from his chemotherapy treatments.
‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ soars to second biggest opening day ever
“Star Wars: The Last Jedi” was a monster force at the U.S. box office, soaring to $220 million, the second-highest opening weekend ever. The only film that’s had a stronger launch was “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” in 2015, the first “Star Wars” to be released in a decade, which shattered records with a $248 million opening. Disney-backed DIS, +0.63% “The Last Jedi” was shown on 4,232 screens over the weekend, according to Box Office Mojo, in theaters that included IMAX, RealD, 3-D and 4D.
U.S. nuclear general says he’d refuse any ‘illegal’ strike order from Trump
Air Force Gen. John Hyten, commander of the U.S. Strategic Command, told an audience at a security forum in Nova Scotia on Saturday that he would resist any nuclear launch request made by President Donald Trump that was deemed to be unlawful, according to CBS News. Hyten, who presides over the U.S. nuclear arsenal as head of Stratcom, said he’d given a lot of consideration to what he’d say if Trump were to order a nuclear strike, the report said. “We’re not stupid people.
Trump is delaying this week’s decision to allow elephant trophies into the country
President Donald Trump backtracked on his administration’s decision to reverse the ban on importing big-game trophies from Zimbabwe and Zambia, saying in a tweet Friday evening that he would postpone the move until further review with Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke. On Saturday, Trump retweeted comments from TV personalities Greta Van Susteren and Piers Morgan, praising the decision.
AC/DC guitarist Malcolm Young dead at 64
Malcolm Young, co-founder of the legendary Australian rock group AC/DC, died Saturday at the age of 64. Young had been battling dementia for the past three years and died peacefully with family nearby, according to a statement released on Facebook. Young formed AC/DC with his brother Angus in 1973 and was the writer and driving force behind many of the band's best-known songs, including "Highway to Hell," "Back in Black" and "You Shook Me All Night Long."
Jimmy Carter says he’d work for Donald Trump
While two of the five living ex-presidents have broken with tradition in recent days to indirectly critique the Trump administration, an unlikely supporter has emerged. In a broad interview with Maureen Dowd in the New York Times over the weekend, Jimmy Carter, 93, says he’d be open to working with President Donald Trump on a diplomatic mission in North Korea. See also: George W.
Deadly typhoon barrels toward Japan on election day
A powerful typhoon was expected to make landfall in Japan overnight Sunday, triggering a warning for tens of thousands to evacuate, according to media reports. The Category 4 storm was south of Japan, moving northeast, and has already killed two and injured many more, according to Reuters, citing the Japan Meteorological Agency and Kyodo news agency. The storm is expected to weaken to a Category 2 when it lands near Tokyo early Monday, the report said.
All 5 ex-presidents stand on stage, calling for unity at hurricane relief concert
The five living former presidents of the United States put politics aside this weekend, teaming up in a rare joint appearance for a benefit concert in Texas where they helped raise over $30 million for hurricane victims. Former Presidents Barack Obama, George W.
'Dunkirk' storms U.S. box office with $50.5 million debut
Christopher Nolan's World War II film "Dunkirk" conquered the competition at the U.S. box office this weekend, opening at $50.5 million from 3,720 locations. The critically acclaimed drama, from Time Warner Inc.-owned TWX, +0.05% Warner Bros., got a hefty boost from Imax theaters, which added $11.7 million to the film's weekend haul. The film's production budget was reportedly around the $100 million mark. See also: Nolan’s cinematic vision in ‘Dunkirk’ is Hollywood’s best defense against Netflix
Trafficking suspected after 8 people found dead, 30 injured in Walmart parking lot
At least eight people were found dead and many more suffering from life-threatening injuries inside a sweltering semi-truck parked in the lot of a Walmart store in San Antonio, Texas. The discovery was made late Saturday evening after a Walmart security guard was approached by a person in the truck, seeking water, according to San Antonio Police Chief William McManus, who spoke at a media briefing at the scene.
10 photos of North Korea’s massive military parade as long-range ‘Frankenmissile’ is unveiled
North Korea displayed what appeared to be new intercontinental ballistic missiles among other military hardware on Saturday at a parade in central Pyongyang commemorating the country’s late founder Kim Il Sung, as current leader Kim Jong Un looked on. The weapons display comes amid heightened concerns that the country may be preparing for its sixth nuclear test or a missile launch though there was no record of seismic activity from a test site Saturday morning, according to a media report.
Todd Heap, former NFL tight end, accidentally runs over, kills 3-year-old daughter
Former NFL tight end Todd Heap was involved in a fatal accident on Friday, striking and killing his 3-year-old daughter while moving his truck, according to media reports citing the Mesa Police Department in Arizona. Police say the incident occurred in the driveway of a home in Las Sendas, a gated community in Mesa, Ariz., around 3:45 p.m. Friday. The girl was standing in the driveway when Heap moved his truck forward and hit her, according to police.
Trump accuses Obama of wiretapping him at Trump Tower before election
President Trump made a stunning, unsubstantiated claim on Twitter early Saturday, alleging that former President Barack Obama had initiated a plot to tap the phones at Trump Tower in the months leading up to Election Day.
Trump slams Arnold Schwarzenegger’s ‘Apprentice’ departure: ‘He was fired by his bad (pathetic) ratings’
One day after Arnold Schwarzenegger announced he would not be returning to “The New Celebrity Apprentice,” President Trump lashed out on Twitter, suggesting the movie star and former California governor had been fired over poor ratings. Trump has remained an executive producer on the show, which returned earlier this year after a two-year break on NBC, a unit of Comcast Corp.
The chilling image of a Turkish assassin wins award for year’s top press photo
An image that captures the moment the Russian ambassador to Turkey was assassinated by a gun-wielding, off-duty police officer has won top prize at the World Press Photo awards. The photographer, Burhan Özbilici of the Associated Press, found himself at the center of a crime scene in December while attending an art show at a gallery in Ankara. He described for CNN the moment gunfire erupted: “I heard shots, very loud — bam bam bam. ... In difficult situations, I’m calm.
CIA chief John Brennan has a stern warning for Donald Trump
The outgoing CIA director sharply criticized Donald Trump on Sunday, warning “talking and tweeting” was not an option and such spontaneity posed a potential threat to national security.
Sanders says ‘it would not be a bad thing’ if FBI boss Comey stepped down
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders suggested Sunday that FBI Director James Comey should resign over his handling of Hillary Clinton’s emails in the days running up to 2016 presidential election.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus to shut down after 146 years
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus said late Saturday it would deliver its final performance in May, shutting down after a nearly century-and-a-half run as “The Greatest Show on Earth.” The iconic American show will end after 146 years, succumbing to numerous obstacles in recent years such as rising operating costs, falling attendance and mounting criticism from animal rights groups. “Ringling Bros.
These are the powerful tributes to Orlando’s shooting victims from across the world
Vigils and marches were being held in the U.S. and across the world to mourn the victims of Sunday’s mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla., and attempt a first step toward healing. On Monday evening, Orlando held its first official vigil since the deadliest shooting in U.S. history, an attack that left 49 dead and dozens more injured.
JFK’s handwritten love letter to alleged mistress is up for auction
An intimate four-page letter written by John F. Kennedy to an alleged mistress could fetch $30,000 or more when the item goes up for auction this month. It’s believed to be one of the last handwritten notes by Kennedy during his presidency, likely penned in October 1963, one month before he was assassinated, says Boston-based RR Auction.
The most striking entries contending for National Geographic’s travel photo of the year
National Geographic is wrapping up submissions for this year’s Travel Photographer of the Year Contest, with photographers showcasing the wonders of the Earth from nearly every corner of the planet.
A mural of Trump kissing Putin on the lips is being shared everywhere
Street art of Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin locking lips has surfaced on the side of a barbecue restaurant in Lithuania, sending a few ripples across the globe. Local graffiti artist Mindaugas Bonanu unveiled the work last week on a storefront wall in the capital city of Vilnius.
Striking images from the first climbers to scale Mount Everest in 2 years
A group of climbers has reached the summit of Mount Everest for the first time in two years since earthquakes and avalanches devastated Nepal and blocked off access to the world’s highest peak. Nine Nepali Sherpa guides were the first to set foot atop the mountain Wednesday after the deadly disasters, and they were congratulated on Instagram by two Americans, who have been documenting their own high-altitude climb on social media.
Newly released photos capture George W. Bush in the moments after 9/11 attacks
A new perspective on a pivotal moment in U.S. and world history came to light recently with the release of never-before-seen photographs showing President George W. Bush’s immediate response in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
Man rescued on live TV as monster storm floods parts of Texas
Dozens of water rescues were still under way Monday after torrential rainfall and flooding shut down the Houston area, triggering power outages, school and government-office closures and leaving some residents trapped in homes and cars. Southeast Texas was inundated with rain pouring down at a rate of as much as 4 inches per hour, according to the Weather Channel. Some areas in southeastern Texas were pummeled with up to 16 inches of rain.
The haunting scene in Brussels after deadly explosions
Europe remained on high alert Tuesday after a series of explosions ripped through Brussels Airport and the Maalbeek (or Maelbeek) metro station, killing more than 30 and injuring dozens more. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attacks, according to media reports. Smoke was seen rising from buildings at the airport in Zaventem after two large blasts shortly before 8 a.m. local time or 3 a.m. Eastern time. Damage to one of the terminals from an explosion could be seen.
This is the first photo that Pope Francis posted on Instagram
Three years after tapping into Twitter, Pope Francis has expanded his push into the digital world, joining a community of over 300 million on Instagram. Under the handle @franciscus, the pope on Saturday posted a photo of himself kneeling in worship alongside a caption reading “pray for me” in nine languages. The first pontiff to join Instagram, Pope Francis picked up hundreds of thousands of followers in the first few hours.
SeaWorld killer whale featured in ‘Blackfish’ film may be dying in captivity
Tilikum, one of SeaWorld’s best-known orca whales and the star of the 2013 documentary “Blackfish,” is battling an incurable lung infection and has become steadily lethargic over the past few weeks. SeaWorld said in a post on its website that the 35-year-old whale was being treated by a team of specialists that so far has been unable to find a cure for the illness. “The suspected bacteria is very resistant to treatment,” the park stated.
The most breathtaking photos from NASA astronaut Scott Kelly’s year in space
“I could go another year if I had to.” That’s what NASA astronaut Scott Kelly told reporters during a news conference from the international space station this week. Kelly returned to Earth on March 1 after 340 days in space, no doubt leaving his hundreds of thousands of followers on Twitter and Instagram missing the striking images he’s shared daily from the top of the world.
Mexico won’t pay for Trump’s ‘stupid’ wall, ex-president says
Felipe Calderon, the former president of Mexico, shredded Donald Trump’s pledge to build a massive wall along the Mexican border, calling it “stupid” and “useless” and referring to the reality TV billionaire as “not a very well-informed man.” A wall has been a key centerpiece of Trump’s aggressive border security and immigration plan as he seeks the Republican nomination for president. Trump also wants Mexico to foot the bill.
Mexico’s former president says his country won’t pay for Trump’s ‘stupid wall’
Felipe Calderon, the former president of Mexico, shredded Donald Trump’s pledge to build a massive wall along the Mexican border, calling it “stupid” and “useless” and referring to the reality TV billionaire as “not a very well-informed man.” A wall has been a key centerpiece of Trump’s aggressive border security and immigration plan as he seeks the Republican nomination for president. Trump also wants Mexico to foot the bill.
Jessica Alba’s Honest Co. is reportedly working on an IPO
Jessica Alba’s natural and eco-friendly Honest Company is working on a deal to go public, according to a Bloomberg report on Friday. The baby-and-beauty-products retailer, co-founded by the actress and entrepreneur Brian Lee in 2011, is working with Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Morgan Stanley on an initial public offering, the report said, citing people familiar with the situation. Spokespeople for Honest Co. and the investment banks declined to comment, the report said.
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