Top US spy chief says deterrence won’t work

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Director of National Intelligence says attempts to deter foreign hackers don’t work, despite President-elect Donald Trump’s plans for a buildup of defensive cyber capabilities. James Clapper told the Senate Armed Services Committee during a hearing Thursday that the U.S. cannot put stock in what he called cyber deterrence. He says cyber…

Chicago police weighing motivation for attack that was broadcast on Facebook

CHICAGO (AP) – Chicago police say authorities are considering whether an attack on a white man that was broadcast live on Facebook falls under hate crimes statutes. Chicago Police Department spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said Thursday morning that the four black suspects made “terrible racist statements” during the assault but that police believe the victim was targeted…

Historically black college: Band will march at inauguration

ATLANTA (AP) – The president of a historically black college in Alabama says its band will perform in President-elect Donald Trump’s inaugural parade, despite a barrage of criticism. Talladega College President Billy Hawkins announced the decision Thursday. It comes after the Presidential Inaugural Committee had announced that the Alabama band had accepted its invitation to…

Roof gives brief statement to jury

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) – Convicted Charleston church shooter Dylann Roof did not ask jurors to spare his life or for the death penalty during his brief opening statement at his sentencing trial. The soft-spoken Roof told jurors Wednesday that there is nothing wrong with him psychologically and that his lawyers forced him to go through…

Attorney: Dylann Roof hearing should be open

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – An attorney for media outlets including The Associated Press argues that Monday’s competency hearing for convicted Charleston church shooter Dylann Roof should be open. Attorney Jay Bender filed an objection Friday to federal Judge Richard Gergel’s proposal to close the hearing, arguing there’s no compelling reason to exclude the public. Bender…

US slaps sanctions on Russia, expels 35 diplomats

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama has imposed sanctions on Russian officials and intelligence services in retaliation for Russia’s interference in the U.S. presidential election by hacking American political sites and email accounts. The State Department also has kicked out 35 Russian diplomats from its embassy in Washington and consulate in San Francisco, giving them…