China Says Trade Envoys Preparing to go to Washington

BEIJING, CHINA (AP) — A Chinese spokesman says a team from Beijing is “preparing to travel to the United States” for trade talks, suggesting negotiations might go ahead despite President Donald Trump’s latest tariff threat. The spokesman, Geng Shuang, said Monday that Beijing is “trying to get more information” following Trump’s surprise announcement he might…

Former St. Louis County Executive Stenger Pleads Guilty To Federal Charges

St. Louis, MO  (KTRS)  Former St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges. Stenger entered that plea in federal court Friday morning on all three counts of the federal indictment – bribery, mail fraud, and theft of honest services. The charges stem from providing political favors in exchange for campaign donations.…

Venezuela Thrust to Forefront of US-Russia Clashes

WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) — Russia’s support for Venezuela’s embattled President Nicolas Maduro has become the latest flashpoint in deteriorating relations between the United States and Russia, moving to the top of a list of long-simmering spats between the Cold War foes. As the dispute intensifies with both sides trading accusations and entrenched in diametrically opposed…