Little precedent for $400 million cash payment to Iran
WASHINGTON (AP) — America’s $400 million cash delivery to Iran to repay a decades-old arbitration claim may be unprecedented in recent U.S. history. Legal experts and diplomatic historians say there are few similar examples. The money was sent to Iran on Jan. 17, the same day Iran agreed to release a group of American prisoners.…
Aftershocks in Italy close down 2 key bridges
AMATRICE, Italy (AP) – The mayor of quake-devastated Amatrice says damage from aftershocks to two crucial access roads threatens to isolate the tiny Italian hilltop town as it struggles to dig out of the rubble. Mayor Sergio Pirozzi said he was working with authorities to find alternative routes to bypass the damaged bridges. He says “we…
FDA advises Zika screening for all US blood centers
WASHINGTON (AP) – The Food and Drug Administration wants all U.S. blood banks to start screening for Zika virus, a major expansion intended to protect the nation’s blood supply from the mosquito-borne disease. The new advisory means all U.S. states and territories will need to begin testing blood donations for Zika. Previously, the requirement was…
Clinton’s new anti-Trump ad looks to sway black voters
WASHINGTON (AP) – Hillary Clinton has a new television ad that reiterates her message that opponent Donald Trump is a bad bet for the African-American voters he is trying to woo. The spot opens with a news clip of the Republican presidential nominee saying at a rally, “What do you have to lose?” as he asks…
Officer killed identified by Maryville police
MARYVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – The officer killed responding to a domestic disturbance in eastern Tennessee has been identified as 32-year-old Kenny Moats, a nine-year veteran of the Maryville Police Department. According to Police Chief Tony Crisp, Moats had a stellar record with the department and had been assigned to the Fifth Judicial Drug Task force…
