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Articles by Milwaukee Officials
Investigation into Russian Collusion Has Become...Something Else
If you’ve been paying attention, you’ll have started wondering by now just what exactly the FBI investigation into possible (Democrats would say probable) collusion between the Trump campaign and Russian government operatives has morphed into. Because with lead investigator Bob Mueller pronouncing former (and fired) National Security Adviser Michael Flynn a liar, the state’s star witness has lost any credibility to “testify” against his former employers.
Google Leverages Patent Reform for Crony Ends
While struggling through a botched response to the Ebola crisis at home, grappling with a destabilizing global power-shift created by the unchecked ascendance of Putin in Eastern Europe, and the terrifying proliferation of ISIS across the Middle East – Obama took to his bully pulpit to speak out on one of the “biggest problems” being targeted by his administration: patent reform.
Justice Department seeks warrant to seize ancient ring trafficked by ISIS
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Justice Department said Wednesday it is seeking a warrant so it can seize an ancient ring believed to be trafficked by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, the militant organization also known as "ISIS." The department also said it was amending a year-old forfeiture complaint it had filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to add three more antiquities.
Senate poised for vote on tax bill negotiations with House
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A top U.S. Senate Republican voiced optimism that congressional negotiators will reach a deal on a sweeping tax overhaul ahead of a Dec. 22 deadline, as senators prepared to vote on Wednesday to authorize talks with the House to bridge differences between their rival bills.
Ivory Coast to retire 1,000 soldiers to slim down military
ABIDJAN (Reuters) - Ivory Coast will cut its armed forces by about 1,000 troops by the end of the year, the government spokesman said on Wednesday, in a bid to rationalize a costly and sometimes unruly military. Government spokesman Bruno Kone told reporters after a cabinet meeting that the 997 soldiers had accepted voluntary retirement this year as part of an initiative to conform to "accepted standards", partly by reducing the ratio of non-commissioned officers to lower ranks.
Utah GOPers slam Bannon for claiming Romney hid behind his religion to avoid serving in Vietnam - Hot Air
Yeah, listen, I realize Bannon’s a veteran but you don’t get to play sidekick to President Bonespurs and then go around mocking other people for not having served, particularly when Trump’s “personal Vietnam” involved trying to kill gonorrhea instead of Charlie. At least Romney was off serving his faith. Does this party not support that now?
For Tillerson, a lonely job defending Trump's Jerusalem move
BRUSSELS (AP) — Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is getting hit from all sides as U.S. allies deplore President Donald Trump's move to declare Jerusalem the capital of Israel. So far, not a single country other than Israel has thrown its support behind the declaration. Even the State Department concedes it could sow unrest throughout the Middle East. Tillerson increasingly finds himself standing by himself these days as he explains his boss on the world stage.
Surprise: Feinstein Blasts Trump's Decision on Jerusalem...Which She Voted For Multiple Times
Democrats are already revving up their outrage machine over President Trump's decision to formally recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel (fact check: it is), and to set in motion a plan to accordingly move the US embassy from Tel Aviv. Trump's call is controversial and not without risk, but attempts to frame it as radically out of the mainstream or reckless are unfair and wrong.
Eli Manning back as New York Giants starting quarterback
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning is back as the New York Giants' starting quarterback. A week after being benched by former coach Ben McAdoo, Manning was put back into the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys by interim coach Steve Spagnuolo. "Eli Manning will be the quarterback for the football team in this game," Spagnuolo said.
Hacking slows North Carolina county's government to a crawl
A hacker's attack slowed county government to a crawl Wednesday in North Carolina's most populous metro area as deputies processed jail inmates by hand, the tax office turned away electronic payments and building code inspectors switched to paper records. Data was frozen on dozens of Mecklenburg County servers after one of its employees opened an email attachment carrying malicious software earlier this week.
As Baltimore murders soar, mayor talks tough on crime
BALTIMORE (AP) — Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh said Wednesday that recent crime figures are "trending in the right direction," hopeful of achieving a turnaround in a city where the number of homicides this year is nearing the all-time high set in 2015. The city of roughly 620,000 people has recorded more than 320 killings so far this year, nearing the record 344 slayings in all of 2015.
The Latest: Judges hear arguments in travel ban challenge
SEATTLE (AP) — The Latest on legal challenges to President Donald Trump's travel restrictions (all times local): Arguments over the legality of President Donald Trump's latest travel ban are under way at a federal appeals court in Seattle, after about 100 people gathered outside to protest the restrictions on travelers from six mostly Muslim nations.
Where protected lands stand after national monument review
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — President Donald Trump ordered U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke earlier this year to conduct an unprecedented review of 27 monuments established by former presidents over more than two decades on lands and waters revered for their natural beauty and historical significance. Zinke said Tuesday that he's confident the president will follow his recommendations, which include calls to reduce two other monuments in the U.S. West and to modify rules at six others.
Trump warns of government shutdown threat ahead of meeting with lawmakers
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump on Wednesday again raised the possibility of a U.S. government shutdown by week's end - blaming Democrats for that possible outcome - one day before he is due to host Republican and Democratic congressional leaders for talks on a spending bill. Trump's warning came as some of the most conservative members of the House of Representatives pushed for increases in military spending along with either a freeze or reduction in domestic programs.
Belgian police commissioner nominated to lead Europol
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Belgian police commissioner Catherine De Bolle has been nominated to become the next head of Europe's police agency, the European Union Council said on Wednesday. De Bolle, 47, will take over from British diplomat Rob Wainwright following a formal confirmation process when his term expires on May 1, 2018. The executive director of Europol is appointed for a four-year term, renewable once.
Los Angeles to become nation's largest city with recreational pot after vote to license sales next year
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles to become nation's largest city with recreational pot after vote to license sales next year.
Police: Gun brought by lawmaker to Denver airport was loaded
DENVER (AP) — A Colorado state lawmaker arrested for having a gun at Denver International Airport had a loaded handgun in her bag that was discovered by an airport security officer, police said Wednesday. State Rep. Lori Saine "knowingly brought the handgun to the checkpoint" at the airport on Tuesday, according to a police report written by Denver Police Officer Gregory Zimmerman. The report did not explain how Zimmerman made that determination.
Count the ways: How GOP tax plans would reward rich families
WASHINGTON (AP) — Life may be about to get easier for people with rich parents. They can thank the Republicans' tax plans. Part of their prep school tuition could be shielded from taxes. A larger chunk of their inheritances would be free of estate tax. Family-owned businesses they have a stake in could be taxed at a discount. Stock portfolios gifted to them by their parents may keep climbing because of lower corporate tax rates.
The Latest: McConnell makes concession on local taxes
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on Republican tax overhaul legislation (all times local): Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says he favors expanding a deduction for state and local taxes to enable people to deduct local income taxes as well as property taxes. It's a concession to Republicans from high-tax states. Both the House and Senate tax bills initially repealed the entire deduction for state and local taxes.
Dogs and cats living together! Not quite at joint film fest
NEW YORK (AP) — The creator of a film festival celebrating dogs has taken a surprising step: cats. But Tracie Hotchner, a pet wellness advocate via books, podcasts and radio shows, isn't going full-on "Ghostbusters" — "dogs and cats living together. Mass hysteria!" She's screening a medley of shorts about cats on Saturday in New York, then will take her feline fest on the road, followed by her 3rd annual NY Dog Film Festival on Sunday. To be clear.
Judge to decide if raccoons deserve protection from cruelty
PITTSBURGH (AP) — A Pennsylvania judge will decide whether raccoons are protected animals or vermin meant to be disposed. Allegheny County officials say 68-year-old William Killgallon has been charged with felony animal cruelty after Pittsburgh police say he admitted to drowning trapped raccoons in a barrel. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports Killgallon's attorney argued Tuesday that his client should not have been charged in the first place.
New dinosaur looks like odd mix of duck, croc, ostrich, swan
WASHINGTON (AP) — With a bill like a duck but teeth like a croc's, a swanlike neck and killer claws, a new dinosaur species uncovered by scientists looks like something Dr. Seuss could have dreamed up. It also had flippers like a penguin, and while it walked like an ostrich it could also swim. That's the first time swimming ability has been shown for a two-legged, meat-eating dinosaur.
Tillerson to visit Africa in first quarter of 2018: adviser
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is planning a trip to Africa in the first three months of next year, a senior aide said on Wednesday, amid speculation how long Tillerson might stay in the job. Earlier on Wednesday, Tillerson said there was no truth to reports that President Donald Trump intended to fire him and replace him with CIA chief Mike Pompeo.
Trump calls on Saudis to immediately end Yemen blockade
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is calling on Saudi Arabia to end its Yemen blockade immediately, citing humanitarian concerns. Trump says in a statement Wednesday that he has directed U.S. administration officials to call Saudi Arabian leaders to request that they allow food, fuel, water and medicine to reach the Yemeni people.
Kentucky lawyer who vanished pleads not guilty to escape
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — A Kentucky lawyer who vanished for six months made his first court appearance Wednesday since he was caught as he faces the consequences for his role in a Social Security fraud case. Eric Conn was in a federal courtroom in Lexington, Kentucky, the day after he was flown back to the United States following his capture outside a Pizza Hut in Honduras. Conn's legal woes now go beyond his plea deal in the massive fraud case.
The Latest: VW senior manager gets 7 years in US prison
DETROIT (AP) — The Latest on the sentencing of Volkswagen senior manager Oliver Schmidt in the company's diesel emissions scandal (all times local): A Volkswagen senior manager has been sentenced to seven years in a U.S. prison for concealing software that was used to evade pollution limits on nearly 600,000 diesel vehicles. Lawyers spent roughly 90 minutes giving different views about Oliver Schmidt's culpability in the scandal.
Small risk of breast cancer seen with hormone contraceptives
CHICAGO (AP) — Modern birth control pills that are lower in estrogen have fewer side effects than past oral contraceptives. But a large Danish study suggests that, like older pills, they still modestly raise the risk of breast cancer, especially with long-term use. Researchers found a similar breast cancer risk with the progestin-only intrauterine device, and they couldn't rule out a risk for other hormonal contraceptives like the patch and the implant.
Self-styled Utah prophet charged with kidnapping 2 girls
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A man described as a self-styled prophet was charged Wednesday with child abuse and kidnapping after two girls were found hidden in plastic water barrels near what authorities called a makeshift compound in the southern Utah desert. Samuel Shaffer, 34, led an upstart group with beliefs in doomsday and polygamy, police said.
Netanyahu on Jerusalem Decision: We Are Profoundly Grateful
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a response to President Trump's official recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capitol city Wednesday afternoon. "Thank you for today's historic decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital. The Jewish people and the Jewish state will be forever grateful," Netanyahu said. "We're profoundly grateful for @POTUS for his courageous and just decision." "Israel will always ensure freedom of worship for Jews, Christians and Muslims alike," he continued.
House Republicans Want Investigation of Hillary's 'Special Treatment' from FBI
"Special deals for special people is not the American way," according to Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH). He, along with several other Republican lawmakers, are calling for an investigation into the FBI's supposed special treatment of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. A second special counsel into her email matter would be a much better use of time and money than the "witch hunt" Robert Mueller is leading against President Trump, said Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL).
'Johnny Reb' Confederate statue has new home in Florida
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — A Confederate statue removed from the downtown park of a major Florida city now has a new home. WFTV-TV reported Wednesday that the statue nicknamed "Johnny Reb" now stands in Orlando's Greenwood Cemetery. The 106-year-old memorial was removed in July after public complaints that the monument is a symbol of racism and white supremacy. The Greenwood Cemetery already has a section set aside for Confederate soldiers.
Son seeks stiff penalty for South Carolina policeman who killed his father
CHARLESTON, S.C. (Reuters) - The son of a black South Carolina motorist killed by a white police officer as he fled a 2015 traffic stop asked a federal judge on Wednesday to sentence the former patrolman to life in prison for the death of his father. "He murdered the one and only father I had," Miles Scott, the 17-year-old son of Walter Scott, said in an emotional statement in U.S. District Court in Charleston.
The Latest: After new lawsuit, Weinstein renews denials
NEW YORK (AP) — The Latest on a lawsuit accusing Harvey Weinstein of racketeering and sexual assault (all times local): Lawyers for Harvey Weinstein are renewing their denials that he sexually assaulted women after a new lawsuit alleges his attempts to cover up his bad conduct amounted to racketeering.
Sally Field memoir, 'In Pieces,' coming out next fall
The actress has an agreement with Grand Central Publishing for "In Pieces," scheduled for next fall. The publisher announced Wednesday that the book will cover her private and professional lives, notably her rise from the teen star of "Gidget" to her acclaimed performances in "Places in the Heart," ''Norma Rae," ''Lincoln" and other films.
Surprise: EU Not Happy With Trump's Embassy Move
The European Union has put out an unsurprising statement condemning President Trump's decision to move the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and recognize it as the Israeli capital. Supporters say Trump is simply enforcing a "reality," but critics like the EU worry what repercussions the move will have on the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
Trump: A Government Shutdown Could Happen
The clock is ticking. At midnight on Friday, the government will have no operating budget; a shutdown is possible. In fact, that’s exactly what President Trump alluded to today, while blaming the Democrats for using immigration to gum up the works (via CNBC): "It could happen," Trump said during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, in response to a reporter's question about the Friday deadline for a spending bill to fund the government.
California wildfires continue to spread, LA schools and 405 freeway shut down - Hot Air
Yesterday I wrote about the wildfires burning near Ventura California and in northern parts of LA County. The Santa Ana winds which have been driving the fires have not let up and the blaze has continued to create chaos around Los Angeles. Today 54 LA schools were closed and CNN reports that part of the 405 freeway, one of the major freeways linking LA and Orange County, has been shut down because of a new wildfire burning near a major art museum.
Montana company settles dispute over Puerto Rico grid work
BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A small Montana company that landed and lost a contract to restore Puerto Rico's hurricane-shattered electric grid has reached a settlement in a dispute over money it said it was owed for the work. Representatives of Montana-based Whitefish Energy Holdings and Arc American of Indiana confirmed the settlement Wednesday. They declined to release details. Whitefish sued Arc in federal court on Dec.
Ben Sasse: If the NRSC re-endorses Roy Moore, I'm out - Hot Air
I don’t think he needs to worry about that. The NRSC is led this year by Cory Gardner from the very purple state of Colorado. Democrats will hang Moore around the necks of all Republicans if he wins next week but Gardner will get it the worst if the NRSC jumps back in on Moore’s behalf. He can’t afford that when he’s facing a perennially tough reelection bid in the Rockies in 2020.
Newly crowned by US as Israel's capital, Jerusalem is unique
JERUSALEM (AP) — It is rare and perhaps unique for the world to interfere with a country's choice of its own capital. But that is far from the only unusual thing about Jerusalem. Here is a look at some of the extraordinary facts about the city that Israel claims as its capital, even though nearly 40 percent of its population are not Israeli citizens: Jerusalem is home to key holy sites for the world's three monotheistic religions — concentrated in the Old City.
Review: Luke Bryan continues fine form with super new CD
If Luke Bryan has faced criticism from some country purists that his anthems aren't true to the music form's roots, he's got an answer — a polite one, mind you — for them.
Jerusalem is sacred place for Jews, Muslims, Christians
NEW YORK (AP) — Jerusalem holds deep religious significance for Jews, Muslims and Christians, heightening the stakes for President Donald Trump's decision to recognize the city as Israel's capital. Jerusalem includes the holiest ground in Judaism, the third-holiest shrine in Islam and major Christian sites linked to the life of Jesus.
Ramirez waiting for 'right time' to return to Venezuela
HOUSTON (Reuters) - Venezuela's former oil czar Rafael Ramirez, recently pushed out of his position as ambassador to the United Nations, told Reuters in an interview he is waiting for the right time to go back to his country, where politicians are battling ahead of the 2018 presidential election and an anti-corruption probe is expanding. The probe so far has focused on state-run oil company PDVSA, which Ramirez led for a decade under the late socialist leader Hugo Chavez.
Top-Down Reform Trumps Bottom-Up Change
If the Arab Spring taught us anything, it is that populist forces once unleashed can lead to widespread disruption and destruction. Egypt, Libya, Syria, Yemen, Bahrain have all suffered to varying degrees from the chaos when revolution from below meets resistance from above and foreign powers exploit the conflicts for their own purposes.
Trump flouts warnings, declares Jerusalem Israel's capital
WASHINGTON (AP) — Defying dire, worldwide warnings, President Donald Trump on Wednesday broke with decades of U.S. and international policy by recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Despite urgent appeals from Arab and European leaders and the risk of anti-American protests and violence, Trump declared that he was ending an approach that for decades has failed to advance the prospects for peace.
Lawyer says gun maker long knew about explosion-prone rifle
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) — A lawyer for a hunter injured in a rifle explosion says newly disclosed records show the manufacturer knew for years about extensive problems with that model's barrel. Attorney Steve Crowley told a federal magistrate Wednesday that Savage Arms has produced a list of nearly 300 customers who returned stainless steel 10 ML-II muzzleloaders due to bulging or split barrels dating to 2003.
Utah Republicans defend Romney after Bannon's 'Mormon' jab
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Utah Republicans on Wednesday rallied around Mitt Romney, their party's former presidential nominee, a day after former senior White House aide Steve Bannon accused him of having used his Mormon religion to avoid military service. Bannon's attack on Romney's character came in a fiery speech in Alabama where the former chief strategist for President Donald Trump was campaigning for Republican Senate candidate Roy Moore. "You avoided service, brother ...
College student bring Hollywood stars to tears at breakfast
LOS ANGELES (AP) — It wasn't Angelina Jolie or Jennifer Lawrence who got the most rousing applause at the Hollywood Reporter's annual Women in Entertainment breakfast on Wednesday. It was a college freshman named Carla Arellano. The Loyola Marymount University student received a standing ovation and brought a room of Hollywood heavyweights to tears as she accepted a full-ride scholarship from "Wonder Woman" star Gal Gadot.
BREAKING: Al Franken to Resign on Thursday
Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) will resign on Thursday, Minnesota Public Radio is reporting. MPR says they spoke to a Democratic official who said that Franken will step down during his "announcement" on Thursday. A Democratic official who has spoken to Al Franken and key aides says Franken will resign his Minnesota Senate seat on Thursday, the official tells MPR News. The official spoke to Franken and separately to Franken's staff.
US English-language viewers drop 87 pct for World Cup draw
NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. English-language television audience plummeted for the World Cup draw without the presence of the Americans in the 32-nation field. Draw coverage Friday on FS1 averaged 65,000 viewers from 10-11:05 a.m. EST, down 87 percent from a record average of 489,000 for the 2014 draw televised by ESPN2 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. EST on Dec. 6, 2013. U.S. English-language viewers for the draw four years ago topped the previous high of 364,000 on Dec.
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