USA

US judge stalls enforcement of Trump asylum restrictions

HOUSTON (AP) — A federal judge has barred the Trump administration from refusing asylum to immigrants who cross the southern border illegally.

President Donald Trump issued a proclamation on Nov. 9 circumventing immigration law, saying anyone who crossed the southern border between official ports of entry would be ineligible for asylum.

Trump says ‘no reason’ for him to hear Khashoggi death tape

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said there is no reason for him to listen to a recording of the “very violent, very vicious” killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which has put him in a diplomatic bind: how to admonish Riyadh for the slaying yet maintain strong ties with a close ally.

White House again threatens Acosta’s pass; CNN seeks hearing

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration has again targeted White House press credentials for CNN reporter Jim Acosta.

After a federal judge ordered that Acosta’s credentials be temporarily restored last week, the White House sent Acosta a letter saying it had made the “preliminary decision” to suspend his pass. The White House said Acosta would continue to hold his credentials while the 14-day judge’s order was in effect.

Tech stocks lead US indexes lower; oil prices sink again

NEW YORK (AP) — More losses for technology companies are taking U.S. stock indexes lower Monday. Internet companies and retailers are also falling. High-yielding defensive stocks including real estate and utility companies are making small gains. Nissan sank after its chairman was arrested on misconduct charges.

43 Latinos to serve in Congress

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress will have a record 43 Latino members next year.

The number increased over the weekend after California Democrat Gil Cisneros defeated Republican Young Kim, who was trying to become the first Korean-American woman elected to the House.

The Hispanic delegation will be made up of 35 Democrats and eight Republicans in both chambers.

CIA concludes Saudi Crown Prince behind Khashoggi murder

17 Nov 2018; AFP: The US Central Intelligence Agency has concluded Saudi Arabia's powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was behind the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, US media reported Friday, citing people close to the matter.

The US assessment directly contradicts the conclusions of a Saudi prosecutor one day prior, which exonerated the prince of involvement in the brutal murder.

But The Washington Post, which broke the story, said the CIA found that 15 Saudi agents flew on government aircraft to Istanbul and assassinated Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate.

Death toll rises to 76 in California fire with winds ahead

CHICO, Calif. (AP) — Northern California crews battling the country’s deadliest wildfire in a century were bracing for strong winds, with gusts up to 50 miles per hour, creating the potential to erode gains they have made in containing a disaster that has killed at least 76 and leveled a town.

CNN reporter returns to White House after pass reinstated

16 Nov 2018; AFP: The White House agreed Friday to allow CNN reporter Jim Acosta back in after a judge ruled that the star journalist was improperly banned following a testy exchange at a press conference with President Donald Trump.

Trump spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said "in response to the court, we will temporarily reinstate the reporter's hard pass."

Number of missing in California fire soars past 1,000

17 Nov 2018; AFP: The number of people listed as missing in a northern California wildfire jumped past 1,000 as searchers found the remains of eight more victims on the eve of President Donald Trump's trip to witness the devastation.

Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea told reporters the number of people unaccounted for almost doubled from 631 to 1,011 in 24 hours as authorities receive more reports of people missing and as emergency calls made when the fire broke out are reviewed.

Subscribe to USA