Trump threatens to bypass Commission on Presidential Debates

Washington, D.C. (AP) President Donald Trump is making clear that he intends to participate in at least three general election debates. But he is threatening to sidestep the nonprofit group charged with running them. Trump is complaining, without evidence, that the Commission on Presidential Debates is “stacked with Trump Haters & Never Trumpers.” Trump tweeted…

Stocks rise on Wall Street as rally stretches to fourth day

US stocks are rallying Monday, rising with European and several Asian markets after China reported surprisingly strong signs of life. Growth in factory activity and retail sales in the world’s second-largest economy beat economists’ expectations for last month. That layered on top of optimism from last week’s trade deal between China and the United States.…

Turbulence Shakes Democrats Going into Final Debate of 2019

Keokuk, IA (AP) A deepening sense of volatility is settling over the Democratic Party’s presidential primary election on the eve of the sixth and final debate of 2019. The seven candidates who remain are being forced to grapple with unprecedented distraction from Washington, questions about their core principles and new signs that the party’s energized…

China Says Trade Deal With U.S. Must be ‘Mutually Beneficial’

Beijing, China (AP) Expectations of a U.S.-Chinese trade truce are rising, though Beijing accused Washington of unfairly attacking its economy. A Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman said any deal to settle their 17-month-old tariff war must be “mutually beneficial, win-win.” President Donald Trump said in Twitter a deal was “very close,” but the Chinese spokeswoman gave…

St. Louis County Police Department Creating Diversity and Inclusion Unit

St. Louis, MO (KTRS) The St. Louis County Police Department is creating a Diversity and Inclusion Unit. In release, the department says the unit will be responsible for overseeing and executing activities that foster an inclusive environment, as well as enhancing the department’s services to the diverse constituents it serves. Newly promoted Lieutenant Keith Wildhaber…