Revel sale put on hold while nightclub appeals terms

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A federal judge has put the sale of Atlantic City's former Revel casino on hold while the company that ran its nightclub appeals.



Revel sale put on hold while nightclub appeals terms



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Chicago mayor wages lively campaign with no big challengers

CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel doesn't have any high-profile challengers in his re-election bid, but he's not taking any chances.



Chicago mayor wages lively campaign with no big challengers



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South Africa riots raise worry about anti-foreign sentiment

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — South African youths recently swept through an intersection in the heart of Soweto township, breaking into immigrant-owned shops and grabbing whatever they could — soda, a loaf of bread, sometimes even the shelves. Nearly 40 years ago, at the same intersection, young blacks marched to protest the white racist rulers of the time, drawing a bloody crackdown that shocked the world.



South Africa riots raise worry about anti-foreign sentiment



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Bahrain revokes citizenship of IS group ideologue

MANAMA, Bahrain (AP) — Bahraini authorities say they have stripped the citizenship of a senior member of the Islamic State militant group and dozens of other people.



Bahrain revokes citizenship of IS group ideologue



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Pilots in helium-filled balloon land safely in Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Two pilots in a helium-filled balloon landed safely off the coast of Mexico on Saturday after a nearly 7,000-mile long trip across the Pacific Ocean.



Pilots in helium-filled balloon land safely in Mexico



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Civilians flee east Ukraine town as fighting intensifies

DEBALTSEVE, Ukraine (AP) — Outgoing heavy-caliber fire boomed incessantly, shaking the ground and rattling windows around the besieged town. Residents of Debaltseve, seemingly inured to the racket, listened impassively as they mustered at the town hall on Saturday to be evacuated with as many belongings as they could carry.



Civilians flee east Ukraine town as fighting intensifies



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Romney's exit unleashes race for donors among 2016 hopefuls

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Mitt Romney's exit from the 2016 presidential campaign has unleashed a frenzy of fresh fundraising and opened up a new race for the backing of donors who had remained loyal to him.



Romney's exit unleashes race for donors among 2016 hopefuls



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Fire devastates major Russian library

MOSCOW (AP) — A fire at one of Russia's largest public libraries has been raging for more than 17 hours, to destroy thousands of rare documents.



Fire devastates major Russian library



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IS fighters acknowledge defeat in Syrian town of Kobani

BEIRUT (AP) — Members of the Islamic State group have acknowledged for the first time that they were defeated in the Syrian town of Kobani.



IS fighters acknowledge defeat in Syrian town of Kobani



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Cumberbatch, Fry, others urge UK to pardon gay men

LONDON (AP) — Oscar-nominated actor Benedict Cumberbatch has joined others in calling for the British government to pardon gay and bisexual men convicted in the past under the defunct "gross indecency" law.



Cumberbatch, Fry, others urge UK to pardon gay men



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Italy's lawmakers elect Sergio Mattarella as president

ROME (AP) — Italian lawmakers elected Sergio Mattarella, a Constitutional Court justice widely considered to be above the political fray, on the third day of voting Saturday.



Italy's lawmakers elect Sergio Mattarella as president



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Pats backup QB Garoppolo helps defense prepare for Wilson

PHOENIX (AP) — A rookie who probably won't play in the Super Bowl could help the New England Patriots win it.



Pats backup QB Garoppolo helps defense prepare for Wilson



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Africa agrees to send 7,500 troops to fight Boko Haram

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) — An African Union official says African leaders have agreed to send 7,500 troops to fight the Boko Haram insurgency in northeast Nigeria.



Africa agrees to send 7,500 troops to fight Boko Haram



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Vatican hits sour note with women, but progress may come

VATICAN CITY (AP) — A new Vatican outreach initiative to women hit a sour note before it even got off the ground: The sexy blonde on its Internet promo video came under such ridicule that it was quickly taken down.



Vatican hits sour note with women, but progress may come



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5 boaters rescued from sailboat 200 miles off NC coast

MANTEO, N.C. (AP) — The U.S. Coast Guard says it rescued five people from a sailboat after the boat's mast broke about 200 miles off the coast of North Carolina.



5 boaters rescued from sailboat 200 miles off NC coast



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Sports, entertainment stars converge for ESPN party

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Stars from the sports and entertainment world mingled Friday night at ESPN's lavish pre-Super Bowl party, which featured an energetic performance from pop newcomer Charli XCX.



Sports, entertainment stars converge for ESPN party



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Former German president Richard von Weizsaecker dies at 94

BERLIN (AP) — Former German President Richard von Weizsaecker, who urged his country to confront its dark past, promoted reconciliation and denounced far-right violence during a 10-year tenure spanning the reunification of west and east, has died. He was 94.



Former German president Richard von Weizsaecker dies at 94



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San Francisco police detain man in human remains case

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The San Francisco medical examiner has determined that the human remains found inside a suitcase abandoned on a downtown street belong to an unidentified light-skinned man.



San Francisco police detain man in human remains case



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Imagine Dragons' bassist: Don't make Seahawks the hero

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Imagine Dragons bassist Ben McKee has a simple reason he wants the New England Patriots to win the Super Bowl — he doesn't want to see the Seattle Seahawks made into heroes.



Imagine Dragons' bassist: Don't make Seahawks the hero



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Serena Williams wins 6th Australian, 19th major title

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Serena Williams won her 19th Grand Slam title, continued her unbeaten run in six Australian Open finals and extended her decade-long domination of Maria Sharapova with a commanding 6-3, 7-6 (5) win on Saturday night.



Serena Williams wins 6th Australian, 19th major title



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Germany's Merkel says she doesn't see another Greek debt cut

BERLIN (AP) — German Chancellor Angela Merkel is underlining the refusal of Greece's European creditors to consider forgiving part of the debt-ridden country's rescue loans though stressing that Berlin's aim remains to keep Greece in the eurozone.



Germany's Merkel says she doesn't see another Greek debt cut



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China offers up to $50K in cash for terror tips in Tibet

BEIJING (AP) — Chinese state media say authorities in Tibet are offering up to 300,000 yuan ($50,000) for tips on terrorism activities there, although there has been little public knowledge of terrorism recently in the Himalayan region where Tibetan Buddhism prevails.



China offers up to $50K in cash for terror tips in Tibet



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AU threatens South Sudan warring factions with sanctions

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) — The African Union has joined regional and international organizations in threatening South Sudan's warring factions with sanctions.



AU threatens South Sudan warring factions with sanctions



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After historic balloon journey, crew plans landing Saturday

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — An American and Russian team that has set ballooning records plans to conclude the historic journey Saturday.



After historic balloon journey, crew plans landing Saturday



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A Super Bowl weekend at a golf tournament without Tiger

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Three previous trips were enough for Tiger Woods to leave quite an impression at the Phoenix Open. The hole-in-one on the most raucous hole in golf. Fans moving a half-ton boulder. A kid tossing an orange onto the green when he was putting.



A Super Bowl weekend at a golf tournament without Tiger



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White House grapples with fraught terrorism language

WASHINGTON (AP) — Twice this month, the White House has publicly grappled with the politically fraught language of terrorism.



White House grapples with fraught terrorism language



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5 things to know before Obama rolls out his budget Monday

WASHINGTON (AP) — A quick quiz:



5 things to know before Obama rolls out his budget Monday



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Dueling narratives surround 'Suge' Knight in deadly run-in

LOS ANGELES (AP) — As Marion "Suge" Knight sat jailed on suspicion of murder, dueling narratives cast him as attacker and victim in the hip-hop music mogul's latest and most serious run-in with the law.



Dueling narratives surround 'Suge' Knight in deadly run-in



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Drive to repeal medical device tax no slam dunk in Congress

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans controlling both chambers of Congress have never had a better chance of repealing the tax on medical devices.



Drive to repeal medical device tax no slam dunk in Congress



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Mitt Romney bows out of 2016 race after a 3-week test run

WASHINGTON (AP) — Mitt Romney has stepped out of the 2016 presidential contest in favor of what he calls the "next generation of Republican leaders" following a three-week fact-finding effort that revealed significant resistance to a third campaign.



Mitt Romney bows out of 2016 race after a 3-week test run



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5 given preliminary charges over jihadi network in France

PARIS (AP) — French authorities have laid preliminary charges against five men suspected of involvement in a jihadi recruiting network in a small southern town from where several youths went to fight in Syria and Iraq.



5 given preliminary charges over jihadi network in France



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Japan says efforts to free Islamic State hostage deadlocked

AMMAN, Jordan (AP) — A top Japanese diplomat says efforts to free a captive journalist from the militant Islamic State group have reached a "state of deadlock."



Japan says efforts to free Islamic State hostage deadlocked



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NYC to pay $5M to kin of man killed in 'Mafia cops' case

NEW YORK (AP) — Nicholas Guido was showing off his new car outside his mother's home on Christmas Day 1986 when he was gunned down because he'd been mistaken for a mobster with the same name. The bad information, prosecutors said, came from two decorated police detectives who would later be convicted of moonlighting as hit men for the mob.



NYC to pay $5M to kin of man killed in 'Mafia cops' case



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Anger, mourning in Pakistan after mosque bombing kills 59

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Shiites across Pakistan are mourning and planning to protest after a bombing at a Shiite mosque in the country killed at least 59 people.



Anger, mourning in Pakistan after mosque bombing kills 59



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Iraqi libraries ransacked by Islamic State group in Mosul

BAGHDAD (AP) — When Islamic State group militants invaded the Central Library of Mosul earlier this month, they were on a mission to destroy a familiar enemy: other people's ideas.



Iraqi libraries ransacked by Islamic State group in Mosul



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Beijing Winter Olympics bid highlights skiing, hockey growth

CHONGLI, China (AP) — Clad in neon-green from head to toe, Chinese snowboarder He Qiang is part of a growing cohort of middle-class enthusiasts in a country with little tradition of winter sports but that is now seeking to host the 2022 Winter Olympics.



Beijing Winter Olympics bid highlights skiing, hockey growth



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Japan self-censors images, words linked to hostage crisis

TOKYO (AP) — Images or mentions of knives, ransom or blood — or anything else that can be seen alluding to the hostage crisis involving two Japanese in Syria — have been cut out. Some anime and other entertainment programs are altering, canceling or postponing episodes violating those sensitivities — typical of the kind of self-restraint shown here to avoid controversy.



Japan self-censors images, words linked to hostage crisis



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Artillery fire kills at least 12 civilians in Donetsk

KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — Artillery fire in the rebel stronghold of Donetsk has killed at least 12 civilians as the fighting between pro-Russia separatists and government troops intensifies.



Artillery fire kills at least 12 civilians in Donetsk



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Snoop Dogg keeping focus on youth football before Super Bowl

PHOENIX (AP) — Super Bowl weekend isn't just about the championship game for Snoop Dogg — it's also a reminder that the next generation of NFL greats need to develop.



Snoop Dogg keeping focus on youth football before Super Bowl



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Is he dead? Philippines awaits answer of costly terror raid

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The cellphone message of the Filipino police commandos to their base was triumphant: "Mike 1 bingo," a code meaning they have killed one of Southeast Asia's most-wanted terror suspects, Malaysian Zulkifli bin Hir, also known as Marwan.



Is he dead? Philippines awaits answer of costly terror raid



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1st time advertisers make a play with Super Bowl spots

NEW YORK (AP) — More Super Bowl ad rookies will be trying to get a touchdown this Sunday.



1st time advertisers make a play with Super Bowl spots



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Hayward, Utah Jazz upset Golden State Warriors 110-100

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Gordon Hayward scored 26 points and grabbed 15 rebounds as the Utah Jazz upset the league's highest-scoring team, the Golden State Warriors, 110-100 on Friday night.



Hayward, Utah Jazz upset Golden State Warriors 110-100



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Sundance closing-night film, 'Grandma' showcases Lily Tomlin

PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — Writer-director Paul Weitz knew what he was after when he was writing "Grandma," the official closing-night selection at the Sundance Film Festival.



Sundance closing-night film, 'Grandma' showcases Lily Tomlin



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Gordon leads Davis-less Pelicans past Clippers, 108-103

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Eric Gordon scored 28 points and the New Orleans Pelicans snapped the Los Angeles Clippers' six-game winning streak, 108-103 on Friday night.



Gordon leads Davis-less Pelicans past Clippers, 108-103



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LeBron returns, Love, Irving team for 44, as Cavs top Kings

CLEVELAND (AP) — Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving combined for 44 points, and LeBron James scored 19 in his return from a one-game absence, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers past the Sacramento Kings 101-90 on Friday night for their ninth straight win.



LeBron returns, Love, Irving team for 44, as Cavs top Kings



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Hawks keep streak alive, top Trail Blazers 105-99

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Hawks overcame 37 points by Portland's LaMarcus Aldridge to extend their franchise-record winning streak to 18 games by beating the Trail Blazers 105-99 on Friday night.



Hawks keep streak alive, top Trail Blazers 105-99



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Australian paper mocked for obit of 'The Thorn Birds' author

SYDNEY (AP) — Australia's largest newspaper is facing sharp criticism over its obituary of the nation's most famous author, whom it described as plain and overweight.



Australian paper mocked for obit of 'The Thorn Birds' author



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Father of 1st known surviving US quintuplets dies

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Andrew Fischer was a stock clerk earning less than $100 a week in 1963 when a doctor explained why his pregnant wife's belly had grown so large: She was about to give birth to five babies, who would become the first known surviving quintuplets born in the U.S.



Father of 1st known surviving US quintuplets dies



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Carroll says decision is Sherman's if baby arrives early

PHOENIX (AP) — Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll says it will be Richard Sherman's decision whether to play in Sunday's Super Bowl if his pregnant girlfriend goes into labor with the couple's first child sooner than expected.



Carroll says decision is Sherman's if baby arrives early



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Finished: Pit to access broken Seattle tunneling machine

SEATTLE (AP) — The Washington state Transportation Department says the contractor building a highway tunnel under downtown Seattle has finished digging a 120-foot-deep pit that can be used to access and repair the broken tunneling machine.



Finished: Pit to access broken Seattle tunneling machine



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Nigeria's president: Troops liberate town from Boko Haram

YOLA, Nigeria (AP) — Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan says troops have retaken a northeast town and several villages from Boko Haram. There was no way to immediately confirm the claim.



Nigeria's president: Troops liberate town from Boko Haram



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Chinese MH370 relatives reject word that passengers are dead

BEIJING (AP) — Many Chinese families of passengers on the missing Malaysian airline are demanding that Malaysian officials retract their statement that all aboard died.



Chinese MH370 relatives reject word that passengers are dead



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South Africa grants parole to apartheid death squad leader

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — South Africa's government says Eugene de Kock, a death squad leader for the apartheid state, has been granted parole after two decades in jail.



South Africa grants parole to apartheid death squad leader



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Former Bulgarian president dies at 79

SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) — Zhelyu Zhelev, a philosopher and communist-era dissident who became Bulgaria's first democratically elected president in 1990, died Friday, his family said. He was 79.



Former Bulgarian president dies at 79



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James Franco tries to move beyond "The Interview"

PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — Almost two months after the hack heard 'round the world, James Franco is trying and ready to move past "The Interview."



James Franco tries to move beyond "The Interview"



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A sluggish start for Tiger Woods in Phoenix

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Four holes into his first tournament of the year, Tiger Woods already was 4-over par and 10 shots out of the lead in the Phoenix Open.



A sluggish start for Tiger Woods in Phoenix



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Russian official: West aims to turn business against Kremlin

MOSCOW (AP) — A top Russian official has accusing a leading rating agency of trying to turn tycoons against the Kremlin.



Russian official: West aims to turn business against Kremlin



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Qatar Airways buys nearly 10 percent of BA, Iberia parent

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Qatar Airways says it is buying a nearly 10 percent stake in International Consolidated Airlines Group, the parent company of British Airways and Spain's Iberia.



Qatar Airways buys nearly 10 percent of BA, Iberia parent



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What red ink? As deficits dip, all sides seek more spending

WASHINGTON (AP) — The government deficit is dropping and the voices in Washington calling for austerity are barely audible.



What red ink? As deficits dip, all sides seek more spending



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House Democrats vow to explain their vision better in 2016

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — House Democrats say better messaging rather than changes to policy is the key to winning elections.



House Democrats vow to explain their vision better in 2016



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Rod McKuen, mega-selling poet and performer, dies at 81

NEW YORK (AP) — Rod McKuen, the husky-voiced "King of Kitsch" whose avalanche of music, verse and spoken-word recordings in the 1960s and '70s overwhelmed critical mockery and made him an Oscar-nominated songwriter and one of the best-selling poets in history, has died. He was 81.



Rod McKuen, mega-selling poet and performer, dies at 81



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Teen who demanded airtime on Dutch TV in police custody

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — A 19-year-old student carrying a fake pistol who forced his way into the Dutch national broadcaster and demanded airtime is in custody as police investigate his motives.



Teen who demanded airtime on Dutch TV in police custody



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Scott Walker ramping up a national political operation

WASHINGTON (AP) — Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is expanding his political operation as he fights for early momentum in the crowded Republican presidential field.



Scott Walker ramping up a national political operation



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US-backed Mexico dam project triggered protest, rare defeat

SANTA URSULA, Mexico (AP) — People in the hamlet of Santa Ursula began to worry when the logging started. In a few short weeks, more than a mile of densely forested riverbank was stripped from the Arroyo Sal to make way for heavy dredging equipment.



US-backed Mexico dam project triggered protest, rare defeat



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US-backed Mexico dam project triggered protest, rare defeat

SANTA URSULA, Mexico (AP) — When the U.S. government backed construction of a hydroelectric plant in southwestern Mexico, it envisioned a project that would power the community and stir the economy in Oaxaca state. Yet to residents, the project near the Cerro de Oro dam stirred painful memories and fresh fears.



US-backed Mexico dam project triggered protest, rare defeat



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Balloon crew surpasses distance record; Mexico landing next

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Two pilots in a helium-filled balloon on a record-setting journey across the Pacific Ocean entered the final leg of their trip Friday as they traveled along the California coast for an expected landing somewhere in Mexico.



Balloon crew surpasses distance record; Mexico landing next



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Federal prosecutors drop dozens of stash house sting charges

CHICAGO (AP) — The U.S. attorney's office in Chicago has quietly dropped dozens of serious narcotics conspiracy charges stemming from undercover stings involving fictional drug stash houses, a federal law enforcement technique critics contend amounts to entrapment and displays racial bias against minorities.



Federal prosecutors drop dozens of stash house sting charges



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Some businesses stay clear of using Super Bowl name

PHOENIX (AP) — It is the game that must not be named — at least not without permission.



Some businesses stay clear of using Super Bowl name



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Lakers stop 9-game skid, beat Bulls 123-118 in double OT

LOS ANGELES (AP) — When the Los Angeles Lakers blew a nine-point lead in 70 seconds late in regulation, they certainly seemed to be careening straight toward another loss in overtime.



Lakers stop 9-game skid, beat Bulls 123-118 in double OT



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On Super Bowl Sunday, veggies are most popular food

CHICAGO (AP) — While the gladiators of the NFL are clashing in Phoenix at the Super Bowl, the titans of food will be fighting for supremacy at spreads across the country.



On Super Bowl Sunday, veggies are most popular food



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Pakistanis fleeing offensive find new dangers in Afghanistan

KHOST, Afghanistan (AP) — Tens of thousands of Pakistanis have sought shelter at a sprawling refugee camp in a volatile region of Afghanistan after crossing the mountainous border to escape a military onslaught against insurgents.



Pakistanis fleeing offensive find new dangers in Afghanistan



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Your Top Plays for Today

Your Top Plays for Today: AP's Sports Guide



Your Top Plays for Today



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Prosecutors: Ex-NFL star Hernandez's DNA ties him to slaying

FALL RIVER, Mass. (AP) — Prosecutors say Aaron Hernandez's DNA on a marijuana cigarette shared with the friend they say the ex-NFL star murdered is compelling forensic evidence of the crime.



Prosecutors: Ex-NFL star Hernandez's DNA ties him to slaying



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Islamic State group silent as deadline passes with no swap

TOKYO (AP) — Families of a Japanese journalist and Jordanian military pilot remained in limbo Friday, a day after the latest purported deadline for a possible prisoner swap passed with no further word from the Islamic State group holding them captive.



Islamic State group silent as deadline passes with no swap



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Cardinals' Peterson wins Madden Bowl over Eagles' McCoy

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson has won the Madden Bowl, a celebration of the popular Electronic Arts video game.



Cardinals' Peterson wins Madden Bowl over Eagles' McCoy



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Egypt's IS affiliate claims Sinai attacks that killed 26

EL-ARISH, Egypt (AP) — An Egyptian militant group affiliated with the Islamic State has claimed responsibility for coordinated and simultaneous attacks that struck more than a dozen army and police targets in three towns in the restive Sinai Peninsula, killing at least 26 security officers.



Egypt's IS affiliate claims Sinai attacks that killed 26



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35 years after boy Etan Patz vanished, murder trial to open

NEW YORK (AP) — As police searched for a missing 6-year-old boy named Etan Patz (AY'-tahn PAYTS'), they jotted down the name of a teenage shop worker they met. But they didn't expect the clerk would become their suspect more than three decades later.



35 years after boy Etan Patz vanished, murder trial to open



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Meet Ida May Fuller, recipient of 1st Social Security check

LUDLOW, Vt. (AP) — Seventy-five years ago, the government cut 65-year-old Ida May Fuller a check. It was numbered 00-000-001 — the first Social Security payout.



Meet Ida May Fuller, recipient of 1st Social Security check



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Taliban claim Kabul attack that killed 3 Americans, 1 Afghan

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The Taliban have claimed responsibility for an attack at the Kabul airport in which a gunman shot and killed three American contractors and one Afghan man.



Taliban claim Kabul attack that killed 3 Americans, 1 Afghan



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Smart Spending: Why investors are applauding Amazon earnings

NEW YORK (AP) — Amazon.com Inc.'s fourth-quarter earnings roundly beat analyst expectations, sending the Seattle e-commerce giant's stock soaring 14 percent in aftermarket trading. Here's a closer look at what investors applauded and hope continues.



Smart Spending: Why investors are applauding Amazon earnings



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Powell scores 23 to lead UCLA past No. 11 Utah 69-59

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Norman Powell scored 23 points and UCLA defeated No. 11 Utah 69-59 on Thursday night.



Powell scores 23 to lead UCLA past No. 11 Utah 69-59



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Rio de Janeiro unnerved by wave of stray-bullet cases

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — The bullet hit the 4-year-old girl as she waited to cross a street, holding hands with her stepfather and a cousin. The next day, a 9-year-old boy was shot dead at a swimming pool. Soon after, it was a 21-year-old mother of two who was killed by another stray bullet while sitting with a child in her lap.



Rio de Janeiro unnerved by wave of stray-bullet cases



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Survivors recall panic before Mexico City hospital blast

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Inside the maternity hospital on the western edge of Mexico City, concern quickly turned to panic as the sour smell of propane seeped in and a vapor cloud grew at the emergency room's entrance. The crew of a gas tanker truck outside began yelling: "Call the firefighters! And tell people to get out!"



Survivors recall panic before Mexico City hospital blast



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Are School Resource Officers Part of the School-to-Prison Pipeline Problem?

Placing cops in schools needlessly pushes students into the justice system, critics say – unless it's done right.



Are School Resource Officers Part of the School-to-Prison Pipeline Problem?



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Harrison twins lead No. 1 Kentucky to 69-53 win over Mizzou

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Andrew Harrison scored 15 points to lead a balanced Kentucky attack, and the No. 1 Wildcats pulled away in the second half for a 69-53 victory over Missouri on Thursday night.



Harrison twins lead No. 1 Kentucky to 69-53 win over Mizzou



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AP source: Obama to give Congress more info on trade deals

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — President Barack Obama has told House Democrats he'll give them more information about the specifics in the trade deals he's negotiating overseas.



AP source: Obama to give Congress more info on trade deals



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Lawyer says Suge Knight was behind wheel in deadly crash

COMPTON, Calif. (AP) — A lawyer for Marion "Suge" Knight says the Death Row Records founder was at the wheel of a car that struck two men, killing one, in a Los Angeles suburb.



Lawyer says Suge Knight was behind wheel in deadly crash



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Obama calls for spending surge, buoyed by rising economy

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama will seek to bust through spending limits for both domestic and defense programs. His next budget will call for negating the effects of across-the-board cuts agreed to by both Democrats and Republicans and signed by Obama into law.



Obama calls for spending surge, buoyed by rising economy



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Youth who stormed Dutch broadcaster claimed to be hacker

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The director of Dutch national broadcaster NOS says an armed man entered the building of the broadcaster and demanded airtime on television.



Youth who stormed Dutch broadcaster claimed to be hacker



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Feds: Treasure hunter eluded police with cash, tradecraft

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — A treasure hunter locked in a legal battle over one of the greatest undersea hauls in American history was scheduled to appear in federal court Thursday after two years on the run.



Feds: Treasure hunter eluded police with cash, tradecraft



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Families plead for lives of IS hostages as swap hopes fade

TOKYO (AP) — Japan was studying the latest message purportedly from the Islamic State group, which extends the deadline for Jordan's release of an Iraqi prisoner, while officials worked feverishly Thursday to try to free a Japanese journalist held by the militant group.



Families plead for lives of IS hostages as swap hopes fade



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AP Source: Missy Elliott to join Perry for Super Bowl half

PHOENIX (AP) — Missy Elliott is going to "Work It" at the Super Bowl with Katy Perry.



AP Source: Missy Elliott to join Perry for Super Bowl half



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Price, Pacioretty lift Canadiens to 1-0 win over Rangers

NEW YORK (AP) — Max Pacioretty broke up a scoreless deadlock with 4:17 left to lift the Montreal Canadiens to a 1-0 victory over the New York Rangers on Thursday night.



Price, Pacioretty lift Canadiens to 1-0 win over Rangers



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Loving, Russell carry Ohio State past No. 16 Maryland, 80-56

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Marc Loving scored 19 points and D'Angelo Russell added 18 points and 14 rebounds to lead Ohio State to an 80-56 victory over No. 16 Maryland on Thursday night.



Loving, Russell carry Ohio State past No. 16 Maryland, 80-56



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APNewsBreak: Suspected terrorist brother of no-fly-list man

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — The FBI on Thursday added a former taxi driver from northern Virginia to its list of most-wanted terrorists, saying he was a recruiter for the al-Shabab terror group in Somalia.



APNewsBreak: Suspected terrorist brother of no-fly-list man



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Most of Hawaii's coral recover from mass bleaching

HONOLULU (AP) — Coral rely on algae for food and their survival.



Most of Hawaii's coral recover from mass bleaching



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No. 1 South Carolina women cruise past Alabama 85-54

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A'ja Wilson scored 17 points, Alaina Coates had 14 points and 10 rebounds and No. 1 South Carolina routed Alabama for the second time this month in a 85-54 victory Thursday night.



No. 1 South Carolina women cruise past Alabama 85-54



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Balloon crew surpasses distance record in Pacific flight

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The pilots of a helium-filled balloon on a daring flight across the Pacific Ocean drew closer to North America as they attempt to break two world records.



Balloon crew surpasses distance record in Pacific flight



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Men who beat Giants fan at Dodger park guilty of gun crime

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The two men who savagely beat a San Francisco Giants fan outside Dodger Stadium face up to 10 years in federal prison on firearms convictions.



Men who beat Giants fan at Dodger park guilty of gun crime



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Regulators issue final volumes in Nevada nuclear dump report

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Findings released Thursday by analysts in the federal agency with the power to give the go-ahead for a proposed national nuclear waste dump in Nevada appear to provide wiggle room for adopting rules to open the repository, if decision-makers want to go forward.



Regulators issue final volumes in Nevada nuclear dump report



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Laser co-creator Charles Townes, a Nobel laureate, dies

BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) — Charles H. Townes' inspiration for the predecessor of the laser came to him while sitting on a park bench, waiting for a restaurant to open for breakfast.



Laser co-creator Charles Townes, a Nobel laureate, dies



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Balloon crew draws closer to North America

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The pilots of a helium-filled balloon on a daring flight across the Pacific Ocean drew closer to North America as they attempt to break two world records.



Balloon crew draws closer to North America



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Spieth ready for big show _ Phoenix and Tiger

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Tiger Woods faced dozens of reporters and cameras, a big gathering in a crowded section outside the clubhouse at the TPC Scottsdale. Just then, Jordan Spieth walked on a path above the staging area and smiled when he saw the scene.



Spieth ready for big show _ Phoenix and Tiger



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US sheriffs expand concerns about Waze mobile traffic app

WASHINGTON (AP) — Not only does a feature of a popular Google Inc. mobile app put police officers' lives in danger, it also interferes with law enforcement's ability to carry out its speeding ticket mission, a leading group of sheriffs said Wednesday.



US sheriffs expand concerns about Waze mobile traffic app



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FACT CHECK: Both sides in Keystone XL debate bend facts

WASHINGTON (AP) — Supporters of the Keystone XL pipeline, which would run from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, say the privately funded, $8 billion project is a critically needed piece of infrastructure that will create thousands of jobs and make the U.S. dependent on oil from friends, rather than foes.



FACT CHECK: Both sides in Keystone XL debate bend facts



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Wistful, humorous Romney looks back as he ponders '16

STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) — Mitt Romney still says he's thinking about running for president again in 2016.



Wistful, humorous Romney looks back as he ponders '16



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Yellowstone oil spills fuel arguments over Keystone line

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Oil pipeline accidents have become increasingly frequent in the U.S. as Congress pushes for approval of the Keystone XL pipeline.



Yellowstone oil spills fuel arguments over Keystone line



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Military judge weighs restrictions on Gitmo female guards

FORT MEADE, Md. (AP) — A military judge is hearing arguments on whether to make permanent a temporary order limiting the use of female guards to move prisoners around the Guantanamo Bay prison.



Military judge weighs restrictions on Gitmo female guards



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Even with low prices, US oil industry pushing for exports

WASHINGTON (AP) — Never mind dropping oil prices. U.S. producers are pushing harder than ever for the right to sell U.S. crude oil overseas.



Even with low prices, US oil industry pushing for exports



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Police question child who backed Charlie Hebdo attackers

PARIS (AP) — An 8-year-old boy from the south of France who claimed to support the men who attacked the satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo was detained and questioned by police for defending terrorism.



Police question child who backed Charlie Hebdo attackers



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Irving dazzles, scores 55 as Cavs win 8th straight game

CLEVELAND (AP) — Kyrie Irving clapped his hands as he walked to the middle of the locker room unaware of the surprise his teammates had in store for him.



Irving dazzles, scores 55 as Cavs win 8th straight game



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Panel recommending changes to military health care, benefits

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. officials say an independent commission is recommending broad changes to the military's retirement and health care systems that could save more than $20 billion over the next four years.



Panel recommending changes to military health care, benefits



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Attorney General nominee moves closer to confirmation

WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney general nominee Loretta Lynch is moving closer Thursday toward an expected confirmation, with a series of witnesses set to testify on her nomination before the Senate Judiciary Committee.



Attorney General nominee moves closer to confirmation



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Israel-Lebanon border calm day after escalation

SHEAR YASHUV, Israel (AP) — The Israeli-Lebanese border is calm but Israel remains on alert a day after the deadliest escalation since the two sides' 2006 war.



Israel-Lebanon border calm day after escalation



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Royal Dutch Shell reports 57 percent drop in net income

LONDON (AP) — Royal Dutch Shell PLC, Europe's largest oil company by market value, says fourth quarter net income fell 57 percent to $773 million in results that will set the tone for other energy giants as they roll out their earnings.



Royal Dutch Shell reports 57 percent drop in net income



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Most of Hawaii's coral recover from mass bleaching

HONOLULU (AP) — Coral rely on algae for food and their survival.



Most of Hawaii's coral recover from mass bleaching



source U.S. News - News http://ift.tt/1K8RzGN

Openings expected in murder trial of ex-Pat Aaron Hernandez

FALL RIVER, Mass. (AP) — Prosecutors in Massachusetts are expected to lay out their case against former New England Patriots star player Aaron Hernandez, as they deliver opening statements in his murder trial.



Openings expected in murder trial of ex-Pat Aaron Hernandez



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Nokia turns to fourth quarter profit buoyed by strong growth

HELSINKI (AP) — After selling its ailing handset unit, Nokia has turned a fourth-quarter net profit of 443 million euros ($502 million) with sales increasing nearly 10 percent, partly buoyed by strong growth in North America.



Nokia turns to fourth quarter profit buoyed by strong growth



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Volatile markets push up earnings at Deutsche Bank

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Deutsche Bank says it rebounded to make a fourth-quarter profit of 441 million euros ($498 million) after a 1.365 billion euros loss in the year-ago quarter.



Volatile markets push up earnings at Deutsche Bank



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Now on death row, Fort Hood gunman Hasan to appear in court

FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kansas (AP) — An Army psychiatrist who killed 13 people in a shooting spree at a Texas Army base is set to appear in court.



Now on death row, Fort Hood gunman Hasan to appear in court



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Your Top Plays for Today

Your Top Plays for Today: AP's Sports Guide



Your Top Plays for Today



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Venezuelan hedge fund manager to be sentenced in huge fraud

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) — A Venezuelan hedge fund manager is expected in a Connecticut courtroom to learn his sentence for running a massive investment fraud scheme involving hundreds of millions of dollars.



Venezuelan hedge fund manager to be sentenced in huge fraud



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Squatters slow Detroit's plan to bulldoze way to prosperity

DETROIT (AP) — Squatters are complicating Detroit's plan to bulldoze its way to a brighter future by demolishing thousands of vacant homes.



Squatters slow Detroit's plan to bulldoze way to prosperity



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NYC mayor's vibrant deaf interpreter creates his own storm

NEW YORK (AP) — They were hanging on his every word — and gesture, body movement, and definitely the facial expressions.



NYC mayor's vibrant deaf interpreter creates his own storm



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As Iraqi Kurds gain ground from IS, local Sunnis are wary

ESKI MOSUL, Iraq (AP) — An unarmed Sunni Arab man walked along a road in a patch of northern Iraq newly liberated from Islamic State extremists, holding a white surrender flag — a signal to Kurdish fighters that he is not a militant. Cars drove by, a similar white banner flying from their windows.



As Iraqi Kurds gain ground from IS, local Sunnis are wary



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Japan studying latest message in Mideast hostage crisis

TOKYO (AP) — Japan was studying the latest message purportedly from the Islamic State group, which extends the deadline for Jordan's release of an Iraqi prisoner, while officials worked feverishly Thursday to try to free a Japanese journalist held by the militant group.



Japan studying latest message in Mideast hostage crisis



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Israeli center-left alliance looks to unseat Netanyahu

JERUSALEM (AP) — When Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dissolved his unwieldy coalition and called new elections last month, he appeared almost certain to be returned once more to office. But a new center-left alliance has surged past his Likud party in the polls, turning the March 17 contest into a toss-up.



Israeli center-left alliance looks to unseat Netanyahu



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Dragic has 20, Suns hold off worn-out Washington 106-98

PHOENIX (AP) — Goran Dragic scored 20 points to lead five Phoenix players in double figures and the Suns held on to beat the worn-out Washington Wizards 106-98 on Wednesday night.



Dragic has 20, Suns hold off worn-out Washington 106-98



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Asia stocks sunk by oil plunge, Fed rate hike plan reminder

TOKYO (AP) — Asian stock markets sank Thursday after plunging oil prices and the Federal Reserve's reminder it is still on track to raise interest rates this year led to a dismal day on Wall Street. The release of weaker-than-expected retail sales figures in Japan was another reason for gloom.



Asia stocks sunk by oil plunge, Fed rate hike plan reminder



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Naomi Campbell steals show at couture as Bruni is mobbed

PARIS (AP) — Singer Carla Bruni, actress Catherine Deneuve and burlesque performer Dita Von Teese were among regulars attending the spectacular displays at Paris' haute couture week Wednesday.



Naomi Campbell steals show at couture as Bruni is mobbed



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Fed sees strengthening economy but stays 'patient' on rates

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve's outlook for the U.S. economy is steadily brightening. Yet the Fed will be "patient" in raising interest rates from record lows.



Fed sees strengthening economy but stays 'patient' on rates



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Top US colleges push for more diverse students from China

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) — Yupei Guo does not fit the mold of the traditional Ivy League student from China: Her journalist parents are neither rich nor members of the governing elite.



Top US colleges push for more diverse students from China



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How States Are Spending Money in Education

The District of Columbia spends the most per student nationwide.



How States Are Spending Money in Education



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Beyond #BringBackOurGirls: What's Being Done About Boko Haram?

Though the Nigeria-based militant group has yet to directly threaten the U.S., at what point is it time for us to step in?



Beyond #BringBackOurGirls: What's Being Done About Boko Haram?



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Report: Removing the Credit Hour Would Impede College Efficiency

The credit hour may not be "the impenetrable barrier" to change some have suggested.



Report: Removing the Credit Hour Would Impede College Efficiency



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Sharapova reaches Australian Open final for 4th time

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Maria Sharapova has reached the Australian Open final for the fourth time, beating fellow Russian Ekaterina Makarova 6-3, 6-2 in a lopsided semifinal on Thursday.



Sharapova reaches Australian Open final for 4th time



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Denver snaps 7-game skid with 93-85 win over Pelicans

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Arron Afflalo scored 18 points and the Denver Nuggets snapped a seven-game losing streak, 93-85 over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night.



Denver snaps 7-game skid with 93-85 win over Pelicans



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Romney takes aim at Obama, Clinton in Mississippi

WASHINGTON (AP) — Mitt Romney is renewing his pledge to fight for the poor and middle class in a speech that questions Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton's foreign policy and economic credentials.



Romney takes aim at Obama, Clinton in Mississippi



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Knicks overcome Westbrook's 40, beat Durant-less Thunder

NEW YORK (AP) — Carmelo Anthony had 31 points and 10 rebounds, Lance Thomas scored a season-high 17 points against his former team and the New York Knicks beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 100-92 on Wednesday night.



Knicks overcome Westbrook's 40, beat Durant-less Thunder



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Millsaps leads Hawks to 17th straight win, 113-102 over Nets

ATLANTA (AP) — Paul Millsap had 28 points and 15 rebounds, five other Atlanta players scored in double figures, and the Hawks stretched their franchise-record winning streak to 17 games in a row with a 113-102 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night.



Millsaps leads Hawks to 17th straight win, 113-102 over Nets



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Islamic State releases new audio message by Japanese hostage

TOKYO (AP) — Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressed outrage at the latest threat purportedly by Islamic State militants to kill a Japanese journalist, as secret talks in Jordan sought the release of the man and a Jordanian pilot also being held hostage.



Islamic State releases new audio message by Japanese hostage



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Grant sparks No. 8 Notre Dame to 77-73 victory over Duke

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Jerian Grant had 23 points and 12 assists and No. 8 Notre Dame made two shots in the final 67 seconds as the shot clock ran out to beat No. 4 Duke 77-73 Wednesday night.



Grant sparks No. 8 Notre Dame to 77-73 victory over Duke



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76ers snap 6-game skid, beat Pistons 89-69

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Robert Covington scored 19 points, Michael Carter-Williams had 14 points and 10 assists, and the Philadelphia 76ers snapped a six-game losing streak with an 89-69 win over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night.



76ers snap 6-game skid, beat Pistons 89-69



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Irving scores 55, leads Cavs to 8th win in row minus LeBron

CLEVELAND (AP) — Kyrie Irving scored a career-high 55 points, breaking the arena record while LeBron James watched from the bench and leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to their eighth straight win, 99-94 over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night.



Irving scores 55, leads Cavs to 8th win in row minus LeBron



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Mobile provider TracFone to pay $40M in federal settlement

WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation's largest prepaid mobile provider, TracFone, will pay $40 million to settle government claims that it misled smartphone customers with promises of unlimited data service.



Mobile provider TracFone to pay $40M in federal settlement



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Raul Castro: US must return Guantanamo for normal relations

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) — Cuban President Raul Castro demanded on Wednesday that the United States return the U.S. base at Guantanamo Bay, lift the half-century trade embargo on Cuba and compensate his country for damages before the two nations re-establish normal relations.



Raul Castro: US must return Guantanamo for normal relations



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First Look: 'Dope' is fresh, funny and music-filled

PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — Punk rock, Bitcoin, '90s hip-hop, BMX bikes, street thugs and Harvard come together in "Dope," a wonderfully fresh, thoughtful and music-filled coming-of-age story.



First Look: 'Dope' is fresh, funny and music-filled



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Arkansas panel rejects removing Lee from King holiday

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — A bid to end Arkansas' practice of commemorating Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee and civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. on the same day was rejected by lawmakers Wednesday after opponents said the move would belittle Southern heritage.



Arkansas panel rejects removing Lee from King holiday



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State board votes to take over Little Rock School District

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — The Arkansas Board of Education voted Wednesday to take control of Little Rock schools less than six months after a federal judge granted more independence to the historically embattled district and ended a quarter-century of payments to boost integration.



State board votes to take over Little Rock School District



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US fades in 3-2 loss at Chile, extends winless streak to 5

Mark Gonzalez scored in the 66th and 75 minutes, rallying Chile to a 3-2 exhibition win over the United States on Wednesday night that sent the Americans to their first five-game winless streak since 2007.



US fades in 3-2 loss at Chile, extends winless streak to 5



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Report: Iran says Washington Post writer to face trial soon

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran's official news agency is quoting a senior judiciary official as saying a detained Washington Post journalist "will be tried soon."



Report: Iran says Washington Post writer to face trial soon



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Amal Clooney on legal team in Armenian genocide case

STRASBOURG, France (AP) — Lawyer Amal Clooney is going before Europe's top human rights court to argue against a man convicted for denying the 1915 Armenian genocide.



Amal Clooney on legal team in Armenian genocide case



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Israeli army: Missile hits army vehicle by Lebanese border

JERUSALEM (AP) — The Israeli military says an anti-tank missile has hit an Israeli military vehicle near the Israeli-Lebanese border.



Israeli army: Missile hits army vehicle by Lebanese border



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Famed SC civil rights protesters to have records erased

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Fifty-four years after they were sentenced to a month of hard labor in a chain gang for ordering lunch in South Carolina, nine black men are getting a new day in court.



Famed SC civil rights protesters to have records erased



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Electrolux swings to profit despite sagging income in US

STOCKHOLM (AP) — Home appliance maker Electrolux swung to a profit in the fourth quarter, citing cost cuts and rising sales.



Electrolux swings to profit despite sagging income in US



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After 2 convictions, 2 more Vanderbilt players face charges

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — With two of former Vanderbilt football players facing decades in prison after being convicted of the rape of an unconscious student in a dorm room, attention now turns to two of their teammates who have yet to go to trial.



After 2 convictions, 2 more Vanderbilt players face charges



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Stocks drift as weak US earnings add to growth concerns

BEIJING (AP) — Global stocks drifted Wednesday after weak earnings from several U.S. companies added to global growth concerns as investors waited for the U.S. Federal Reserve's latest statement on monetary policy.



Stocks drift as weak US earnings add to growth concerns



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Trans-Pacific balloon crew: It's like camping in the sky

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — An international team is piloting the helium-filled Two Eagles balloon across the Pacific Ocean in an effort to break a pair of major ballooning records.



Trans-Pacific balloon crew: It's like camping in the sky



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Libyan Islamic State group affiliate claims hotel attack

TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) — A Libyan affiliate of the extremist Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for an attack on a Tripoli luxury hotel that killed 10 people, including an American and four Europeans.



Libyan Islamic State group affiliate claims hotel attack



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Malaysia to issue interim report on missing plane on March 7

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysia's civil aviation department will release an interim report on the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 on March 7, a day before the flight's one-year anniversary.



Malaysia to issue interim report on missing plane on March 7



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After setting iPhone record, what does Apple do next?

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Apple CEO Tim Cook says consumer demand for new iPhones has been "staggering" and "hard to comprehend." That helped the company report record-smashing earnings for its latest quarter and primed its stock for a rally Wednesday.



After setting iPhone record, what does Apple do next?



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Long after Twitter feud, Revis, Sherman pledge respect

PHOENIX (AP) — Darrelle Revis long reigned supreme among NFL cornerbacks.



Long after Twitter feud, Revis, Sherman pledge respect



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Prosecutors promise thorough probe of police killing of teen

DENVER (AP) — A passenger who was in a car when a 17-year-old girl was shot and killed by Denver police has disputed authorities' account of her death, saying officers opened fire before one of them was struck by the vehicle.



Prosecutors promise thorough probe of police killing of teen



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Russian govt proposes spending cuts in view of crisis

MOSCOW (AP) — The Russian government has proposed cutting planned spending by 10 percent this year and 5 percent in all categories except military and social expenditures.



Russian govt proposes spending cuts in view of crisis



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Utah parents who killed selves, children feared apocalypse

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Police say five members of a Utah family found dead last fall died from methadone and other drugs, and interviews with people who knew them revealed the parents worried about a "pending apocalypse."



Utah parents who killed selves, children feared apocalypse



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German consumer confidence at 13-year high

BERLIN (AP) — German consumer confidence is at a 13-year high, buoyed by a rise in disposable income due to collapsing fuel and heating oil costs.



German consumer confidence at 13-year high



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Military has wide discretion on Bergdahl charges

WASHINGTON (AP) — Army and Pentagon officials said Tuesday there has been no decision on what, if any, criminal charges will be filed against Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, the soldier who left his post in Afghanistan and was held by the Taliban for five years before being released in a prisoner exchange.



Military has wide discretion on Bergdahl charges



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Govt tells agents to ID which immigrants not to deport

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration has ordered immigration agents to ask immigrants they encounter living in the country illegally whether they might qualify under President Barack Obama's plans to avoid deporting them, according to internal training materials obtained by The Associated Press.



Govt tells agents to ID which immigrants not to deport



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Senate to begin hearings for Obama attorney general nominee

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama's attorney general nominee, Loretta Lynch, is facing Senate questioners as she seeks to become the first black woman to hold the nation's top law enforcement job.



Senate to begin hearings for Obama attorney general nominee



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Thieves smash stolen SUV into San Francisco museum for gold

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Wells Fargo Bank officials vowed to reopen a popular corporate museum in the heart of San Francisco's financial district after thieves smashed a stolen SUV through its front door and made off with historic gold rush nuggets on display.



Thieves smash stolen SUV into San Francisco museum for gold



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Human smugglers turn to cargo ships to ferry fleeing Syrians

ABOARD THE COAST GUARD CUTTER TYR (AP) — The crew was about to dig into dinner when word of the "ghost ship" came through: a freighter hurtling out of control toward Italy with no crew — and hundreds of Syrians as cargo.



Human smugglers turn to cargo ships to ferry fleeing Syrians



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Utah parents showed troubling signs before deaths

SPRINGVILLE, Utah (AP) — Benjamin and Kristi Strack often talked about the apocalypse and wanting to leave the evil they saw in the world, but friends and family thought that meant they would one day move somewhere remote and live off the grid.



Utah parents showed troubling signs before deaths



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Cuomo, de Blasio, defend strict NYC storm regulations

NEW YORK (AP) — They appeared to be scenes from a frozen apocalypse.



Cuomo, de Blasio, defend strict NYC storm regulations



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Fiery Islamic State group cleric gives voice to radicals

BEIRUT (AP) — Turki al-Binali has crisscrossed the Islamic State group's self-declared caliphate in Syria and Iraq with a pistol holstered at his side, delivering fiery sermons in which the 30-year-old provides religious justification for its bloody rampage across the region.



Fiery Islamic State group cleric gives voice to radicals



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Palestinian girl, 14, in Israel prison for throwing rocks

BETIN, West Bank (AP) — The fate of a 14-year-old Palestinian girl, tried before an Israeli military court for hurling rocks at passing cars in the West Bank and sentenced to two months in prison, has gripped Palestinians who say her treatment demonstrates Israel's excessive measures against stone-throwing youth.



Palestinian girl, 14, in Israel prison for throwing rocks



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Your Top Plays for Today

Your Top Plays for Today: AP's Sports Guide



Your Top Plays for Today



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China criticizes Alibaba in report withheld until after IPO

BEIJING (AP) — Chinese regulators accused e-commerce giant Alibaba on Wednesday of permitting sales of fake goods and hurting consumers in a report that was withheld until now to avoid disrupting the company's U.S. stock market debut.



China criticizes Alibaba in report withheld until after IPO



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Blizzard-stricken East digs out amid forecast 2nd-guessing

BOSTON (AP) — New Englanders savaged by a blizzard packing knee-high snowfall and hurricane-force winds are digging out as New Yorkers and others spared its full fury question whether forecasts were overblown.



Blizzard-stricken East digs out amid forecast 2nd-guessing



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Rose's shot lifts Bulls over Warriors 113-111 in overtime

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Derrick Rose hit a step-back jumper with 7 seconds remaining in overtime, and the Chicago Bulls ended Golden State's franchise-record 19-game home winning streak with a thrilling 113-111 victory over the Warriors on Tuesday night.



Rose's shot lifts Bulls over Warriors 113-111 in overtime



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Egyptian police criticized over death of female protester

CAIRO (AP) — Egypt's police are coming under withering criticism as signs mount that officers not only fired birdshot at a young mother during a peaceful protest last weekend but then also hampered efforts to save her life by ignoring pleas to let an ambulance take her away.



Egyptian police criticized over death of female protester



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TV star's plastic surgery disaster tests Brazil

SAO PAULO (AP) — Andressa Urach went from being a single teenage mom nicknamed "Beanpole" to a reality TV bombshell in Brazil thanks to silicone implants, anabolic steroids, a nose job, and gel and botox injections, a fact she wasn't ashamed to share with fans.



TV star's plastic surgery disaster tests Brazil



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Mexico: Missing students' parents reject official account

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Parents of 43 college students missing since last year angrily rejected the Mexican attorney general's declaration that investigators are certain the youths were killed and incinerated after being seized by police in the southern state of Guerrero.



Mexico: Missing students' parents reject official account



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Jury convicts 2 ex-Vanderbilt players of raping woman

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Defense attorneys for a former Vanderbilt football player accused of encouraging his teammates to rape an unconscious coed will get a chance to have their say in closing arguments Tuesday morning.



Jury convicts 2 ex-Vanderbilt players of raping woman



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Alibaba spinoff likely to increase scrutiny on Yahoo CEO

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer is losing a precious security blanket now that she is spinning off the Internet company's prized stake in China's Alibaba Group.



Alibaba spinoff likely to increase scrutiny on Yahoo CEO



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Japan's Abe calls latest hostage deadline 'despicable'

TOKYO (AP) — Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressed outrage at the latest threat purportedly by Islamic State militants to kill a Japanese journalist, as secret talks in Jordan sought the release of the man and a Jordanian pilot also being held hostage.



Japan's Abe calls latest hostage deadline 'despicable'



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Poll: Most say restore health aid if court kills subsidies

WASHINGTON (AP) — A new poll says most Americans would want Congress to restore federal subsidies for millions buying health care coverage under President Barack Obama's health care law if the Supreme Court invalidates some of that aid.



Poll: Most say restore health aid if court kills subsidies



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Report: Democracy in Decline

A new report finds troubling declines in political rights and civil liberties around the world.



Report: Democracy in Decline



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Chuck Grassley's Gavel Year

The 81-year-old senior senator from Iowa isn’t slowing down.



Chuck Grassley's Gavel Year



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Lady Gaga, Tony Bennett among duets set for Grammy Awards

NEW YORK (AP) — The Grammy Awards will feature a number of collaborative performances, including Lady Gaga with Tony Bennett and Adam Levine with Gwen Stefani.



Lady Gaga, Tony Bennett among duets set for Grammy Awards



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Israel violated rules of war in strikes on Gaza homes: group

JERUSALEM (AP) — A majority of Palestinians killed in dozens of Israeli attacks on Gaza homes in the 2014 war with Hamas were women, minors or elderly people, and some of the strikes violated the rules of war, an Israeli rights group said Wednesday.



Israel violated rules of war in strikes on Gaza homes: group



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Randolph, Grizzlies hand Mavs 1st 3-game skid, 109-90

DALLAS (AP) — Zach Randolph had 22 points and 10 rebounds, and the Memphis Grizzlies beat Dallas 109-90 on Tuesday night, handing the Mavericks their first three-game losing streak of the season.



Randolph, Grizzlies hand Mavs 1st 3-game skid, 109-90



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Asian stocks tumble after weak US corporate earnings

TOKYO (AP) — European stocks drifted lower and Asian markets were mostly higher Tuesday as investors calmed from initial jitters over Greece's election result.



Asian stocks tumble after weak US corporate earnings



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LA jury awards $5 million to funk legend Sly Stone

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Funk legend Sly Stone was awarded $5 million on Tuesday in a breach-of-contract suit that claimed his business partners and his own company cheated him out of royalties.



LA jury awards $5 million to funk legend Sly Stone



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Balanced Bucks beat Heat for 3rd time this season, 109-102

MIAMI (AP) — Brandon Knight had 17 points and six assists and the Milwaukee Bucks put seven players in double figures on the way to beating the Miami Heat 109-102 on Tuesday night.



Balanced Bucks beat Heat for 3rd time this season, 109-102



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Irving, James lead Cavs to 7th straight, 103-95 over Pistons

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) — Kyrie Irving matched his season high with 38 points and LeBron James added 32 to lift the Cleveland Cavaliers to their seventh straight victory Tuesday night, 103-95 over the Detroit Pistons.



Irving, James lead Cavs to 7th straight, 103-95 over Pistons



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Saints, Pelicans owner asks judge to dismiss heirs' lawsuit

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson has asked a judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by his recently estranged heirs who are seeking control of his NFL and NBA teams.



Saints, Pelicans owner asks judge to dismiss heirs' lawsuit



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Keys beats Venus Williams in Australian Open quarterfinals

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — American teenager Madison Keys advanced to the Australian Open semifinals after overcoming a left thigh injury to beat Venus Williams 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 on Wednesday.



Keys beats Venus Williams in Australian Open quarterfinals



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White House drops plan to scale back college savings plans

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House said Tuesday it is dropping a proposal to scale back the tax benefits of college savings plans amid a backlash from both Republicans and Democrats.



White House drops plan to scale back college savings plans



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Firefighters rescue cows that took icy dip in Colorado pond

FOUNTAIN, Colo. (AP) — Firefighters in Colorado have rescued two cows that plunged through the ice on a pond.



Firefighters rescue cows that took icy dip in Colorado pond



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Prosecutors promise thorough probe of police killing of teen

DENVER (AP) — Several dozen people with candles and protest signs gathered near the alley where Denver police officers fatally shot a 16-year-old girl, recalling her bright smile and demanding answers about the deadly encounter.



Prosecutors promise thorough probe of police killing of teen



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Denver police shoot, kill teen who struck officer with car

DENVER (AP) — Several dozen people with candles and protest signs gathered near the alley where Denver police officers fatally shot a 16-year-old girl, recalling her bright smile and demanding answers about the deadly encounter.



Denver police shoot, kill teen who struck officer with car



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Super Bowl bad guys don't take long to circle the wagons

CHANDLER, Ariz. (AP) — Those bad guys from New England finally made it out West, and it didn't take long for them to begin circling the wagons.



Super Bowl bad guys don't take long to circle the wagons



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Japan turns to 'I am Kenji' Facebook page on hostage crisis

TOKYO (AP) — The plight of freelance journalist Kenji Goto, taken captive by Islamic State group militants, has gripped Japan, and the people's hopes for his safety are now on Facebook with a simple, unifying plea: "I am Kenji."



Japan turns to 'I am Kenji' Facebook page on hostage crisis



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Ex-Army prosecutor found guilty of rape at court-martial

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (AP) — A former U.S. Army prosecutor who handled sexual-assault cases has been found guilty on rape charges following a six-day court-martial at Fort Bragg.



Ex-Army prosecutor found guilty of rape at court-martial



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Emirati airlines halt flights to Baghdad after shooting

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Three airlines from the United Arab Emirates are cancelling flights to Baghdad after a flight from the Mideast's busiest airport in Dubai came under fire as it landed in the Iraqi capital Monday night.



Emirati airlines halt flights to Baghdad after shooting



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Kraft takes the offensive, defends team, seeks NFL apology

CHANDLER, Ariz. (AP) — The New England Patriots came out swinging upon their arrival at the Super Bowl.



Kraft takes the offensive, defends team, seeks NFL apology



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Ericsson Q4 profits hit by decline in North America

HELSINKI (AP) — Wireless equipment maker Ericsson's fourth-quarter fell by more than a third, with strong growth in Middle East, Europe and Asia offset by a decline in North America.



Ericsson Q4 profits hit by decline in North America



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Aer Lingus backs takeover, needs Irish government support

DUBLIN (AP) — Aer Lingus announced Tuesday it supports a takeover bid by British Airways parent IAG, putting the Irish airline with its trademark shamrock tailfins on course for foreign acquisition nine years after the national flag carrier's privatization.



Aer Lingus backs takeover, needs Irish government support



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Hope Solo could be left off US World Cup roster

Goalkeeper Hope Solo faces the possibility of being left off the American roster for this year's Women's World Cup if she fails to complete tasks set for her by the U.S. Soccer Federation, which may include alcohol counseling.



Hope Solo could be left off US World Cup roster



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Leaders mark Auschwitz liberation 70 years on without Putin

OSWIECIM, Poland (AP) — Holocaust survivors and world leaders are preparing to mark the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz by the Soviet Red Army, but Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be among those present.



Leaders mark Auschwitz liberation 70 years on without Putin



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The latest on the Northeast snowstorm

MIDNIGHT



The latest on the Northeast snowstorm



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Siemens quarterly profit slips 25 pct on slow power business

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Industrial machinery maker Siemens AG says net profit fell 25 percent in its most recent quarter as revalued financial derivatives and lower earnings at its key power and gas business weighed on the bottom line.



Siemens quarterly profit slips 25 pct on slow power business



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Philips' net profit slumps in 4th quarter, sales edge lower

AMSTERDAM (AP) — Royal Philips NV, the world's biggest lighting maker, says its net profit slumped in 2014's fourth quarter to 134 million euros ($ 151 million) from 412 million euros a year earlier as sales declined and restructuring costs hit earnings.



Philips' net profit slumps in 4th quarter, sales edge lower



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Hundreds testify in Idaho Capitol for 'Add the Words' bill

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Bishop Brian Thom stood quietly in front of Idaho lawmakers, hastily collecting his thoughts on how to respond to the question he had just been handed in front of religious freedom supporters and hundreds of gay rights advocates.



Hundreds testify in Idaho Capitol for 'Add the Words' bill



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Facebook suffers outage affecting users worldwide

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Facebook is suffering a widespread outage affecting users in the United States, Asia and Australia.



Facebook suffers outage affecting users worldwide



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Ex-Boy Scout describes mental scars left by abuse at trial

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (AP) — A California man suing the Boy Scouts of America over sexual abuse suffered at the hands of a volunteer Scout leader was so scarred by the incident that he once threw up outside a Taco Bell when he saw someone who looked like the man, he testified in the opening day of a civil trial.



Ex-Boy Scout describes mental scars left by abuse at trial



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Millions hunker down as Northeast storm totals downgraded

NEW YORK (AP) — Tens of millions of people along the East Coast hunkered down for a storm that for most failed to live up to predictions that it would be one of the worst they'd ever seen.



Millions hunker down as Northeast storm totals downgraded



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Federal government failing to protect children, report says

The federal government's failure to enforce the nation's child protection laws is a "national disgrace" that leaves abused children vulnerable to future harm, according to a three-year study by two child advocacy groups.



Federal government failing to protect children, report says



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Sentencing day for Chicago twins who turned on cartel

CHICAGO (AP) — The twin brothers from Chicago are reviled by Mexican cartels but praised by prosecutors as the most valuable traffickers-turned-informants in recent U.S. history.



Sentencing day for Chicago twins who turned on cartel



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Arab lawmakers shake up Israeli politics with historic union

HAIFA, Israel (AP) — Israel's Arab political parties are banding together under one ticket for the first time ever ahead of national elections in March, hoping to boost turnout and help unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.



Arab lawmakers shake up Israeli politics with historic union



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Record number of exonerations driven by Texas drug cases

HOUSTON (AP) — The U.S. saw a record number of exonerations in 2014, and it was due in part to 33 cases in Texas in which individuals had their drug convictions dismissed after lab tests determined they never had illegal substances, a report released Tuesday shows.



Record number of exonerations driven by Texas drug cases



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Japan special envoy hopeful about release of hostage, pilot

TOKYO (AP) — A Japanese envoy in Jordan expressed hope that both a Japanese hostage and a Jordanian pilot held by Islamic militants will return home "with a smile on their faces," as criticisms mounted Tuesday over the government's handling of the crisis.



Japan special envoy hopeful about release of hostage, pilot



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Obama promotes religious tolerance in India speech

NEW DELHI (AP) — President Barack Obama is drawing on his own experience as a minority as he gently nudges India to fulfill its constitution's pledge to uphold the "dignity of the individual."



Obama promotes religious tolerance in India speech



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Obama wants more money to fight antibiotic-resistant germs

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama wants the U.S. to invest much more in fighting antibiotic-resistant germs to prevent re-emergence of diseases conquered long ago.



Obama wants more money to fight antibiotic-resistant germs



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AP PHOTOS: A selection of Northeast snowstorm images

A storm predicted to be among the worst to hit the Northeast has dumped a few inches of snow from Philadelphia up to Boston and beyond, and much more is expected. States of emergency have been declared; airports, schools and city offices have closed; roadway travel bans have been issued; mass transit, by train and ferry, has shut down.



AP PHOTOS: A selection of Northeast snowstorm images



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Lawyer: Boy Scout files depict 'sordid' history of abuse

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (AP) — Previously sealed Boy Scouts "perversion" files spanning 16 years could soon be in the public eye as part of a negligence lawsuit set for trial Monday in California that was filed against the organization by a victim of sex abuse.



Lawyer: Boy Scout files depict 'sordid' history of abuse



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More Students Earning Degrees in STEM Fields, Report Shows

The upward trend in the last decade has been driven by a growth in degrees in 'hard sciences.'



More Students Earning Degrees in STEM Fields, Report Shows



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Deputy: Police kill man who fired at officers in Minnesota

NEW HOPE, Minn. (AP) — Authorities say two police officers have been wounded in a shooting inside a suburban Minneapolis city building.



Deputy: Police kill man who fired at officers in Minnesota



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Obama leading delegation of US dignitaries to Saudi Arabia

NEW DELHI (AP) — President Barack Obama will lead a delegation of lawmakers, senior U.S. officials and two former secretaries of state to Saudi Arabia Tuesday to pay respects to the royal family following King Abdullah's death.



Obama leading delegation of US dignitaries to Saudi Arabia



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No. 15 Iowa State holds off No. 19 Texas 89-86

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Georges Niang scored 19 points, Bryce Dejean-Jones had 18 and 15th-ranked Iowa State held off No. 19 Texas 89-86 on Monday night.



No. 15 Iowa State holds off No. 19 Texas 89-86



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Japan special envoy hopeful about release of hostage, pilot

TOKYO (AP) — Japan sought help from Jordan and other countries Monday in its race to save a hostage held by the extremist Islamic State group, with no signs of progress on securing his release.



Japan special envoy hopeful about release of hostage, pilot



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Asia stocks mostly higher as initial Greek jitters ease

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Asian stocks are weaker after Greece's anti-austerity opposition party won a big victory in national elections, renewing fears the euro currency bloc could unravel.



Asia stocks mostly higher as initial Greek jitters ease



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Fidel Castro writes statement on shift in Cuba-US relations

HAVANA, Cuba (AP) — Former President Fidel Castro has ended his silence over the Dec. 17 declaration that Cuba and the United States would move to restore full diplomatic relations, writing that though he does not trust Washington's politics, differences between the nations should be resolved through cooperation.



Fidel Castro writes statement on shift in Cuba-US relations



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Ex-CIA officer convicted of leaking secrets to reporter

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — Jurors said Monday that they could not reach a unanimous verdict in the case of a former CIA officer accused of leaking secrets about a classified operation to thwart Iran's nuclear ambitions to a New York Times reporter, but the judge urged them to keep talking.



Ex-CIA officer convicted of leaking secrets to reporter



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Failed Iraqi bomber named in Islamic State hostage crisis

BEIRUT (AP) — In the moments after her husband blew himself up in the ballroom of a Jordanian hotel as part of an al-Qaida plot, Sajida al-Rishawi fled the scene of chaos wearing her own explosive belt.



Failed Iraqi bomber named in Islamic State hostage crisis



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No. 13 North Carolina beats Syracuse 93-83 for 7-1 ACC start

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — Brice Johnson had 15 of his 17 points after halftime and No. 13 North Carolina shot 55 percent to beat Syracuse 93-83 on Monday night.



No. 13 North Carolina beats Syracuse 93-83 for 7-1 ACC start



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Wilson's 18 lead No. 1 South Carolina to 79-61 victory

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Freshman A'ja Wilson scored 18 points, defending Southeastern Conference player of the year Tiffany Mitchell added 16 points and Alaina Coates had 12 points and 11 rebounds as No. 1 South Carolina remained unbeaten with a 79-61 victory over 12th-ranked Texas A&M on Monday night.



Wilson's 18 lead No. 1 South Carolina to 79-61 victory



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First Look: Sundance doc pulls back curtain on Scientology

PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — "Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief" premiered Sunday at the Sundance Film Festival to a packed house — not with a star-studded red carpet, but with police protection.



First Look: Sundance doc pulls back curtain on Scientology



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Makarova beats Halep to reach Australian Open semifinals

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Ekaterina Makarova raced to a 3-0 lead in the first nine minutes of the match and beat third-seeded Simona Halep 6-4, 6-0 in the first quarterfinal at the Australian Open on Tuesday.



Makarova beats Halep to reach Australian Open semifinals



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Sundance Watch: Fans angle for selfies, Reynolds talks poker

PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — The Associated Press is all over the Sundance Film Festival, from its premieres to the Hollywood glitz. Here's what they've seen and heard:



Sundance Watch: Fans angle for selfies, Reynolds talks poker



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Sundance Quick Quote: Smulders on sprinting in the heat

PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — "Luckily I had just finished a Marvel film so I was already in a training mentality and then this movie happened and I was really just trying to focus on like as much cardio as possible because in this film I do a lot of running and a lot of running in 100 degree heat in Austin...it was like a sprint...it was very much like all one shot running around, sprinting. So I had to build up my cardio to be able to get to that place and also not to like, die."



Sundance Quick Quote: Smulders on sprinting in the heat



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Main Street is the place for celebrity selfies at Sundance

PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — Star-watchers looking for photographic evidence of their celebrity sightings were likely to find success on Park City's Main Street.



Main Street is the place for celebrity selfies at Sundance



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Patriots owner makes strong defense of team

CHANDLER, Ariz. (AP) — New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft made a strong defense Monday night of his team's actions and integrity regarding the NFL's investigation into under-inflated footballs being used in the AFC championship game.



Patriots owner makes strong defense of team



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Prosecutors won't charge man in killing of burglar

LOS ANGELES (AP) — An 80-year-old Long Beach man was justified in killing a burglar who falsely claimed she was pregnant and asked him not to shoot, the Los Angeles County district attorney's office said in declining to charge him.



Prosecutors won't charge man in killing of burglar



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Complaints challenge orders limiting female guards at Gitmo

FORT MEADE, Md. (AP) — At least one female guard at Guantanamo Bay is challenging a military judge's order that only male guards be given jobs requiring them to touch a detainee while escorting him to hearings and meetings with his lawyers.



Complaints challenge orders limiting female guards at Gitmo



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AP source: Yanks thinking of not making $6M payment to A-Rod

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Yankees are thinking about not making a $6 million payment to Alex Rodriguez if he hits six home runs and ties Willie Mays at 660 for fourth place on the career list.



AP source: Yanks thinking of not making $6M payment to A-Rod



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Court papers: Mom says she stabbed kids to keep them quiet

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Prosecutors say a Washington state woman accused of stabbing her three small children told detectives that she cut the children's throats with a kitchen knife to keep them quiet for her soldier husband.



Court papers: Mom says she stabbed kids to keep them quiet



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Democrat assails GOP leader of House Benghazi committee

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats on a special House committee investigating the deadly 2012 attacks in Benghazi, Libya, have complained that the panel's Republican chairman has excluded them from crucial steps in the investigation.



Democrat assails GOP leader of House Benghazi committee



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Thunder F Durant out vs Wolves with sprained toe

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Kevin Durant is sitting out the Thunder's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night with a sprained big toe on his left foot.



Thunder F Durant out vs Wolves with sprained toe



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Oklahoma could halt executions for Supreme Court drug review

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma is willing to put three executions on hold while the U.S. Supreme Court reviews whether a certain sedative can render death row inmates sufficiently unconscious.



Oklahoma could halt executions for Supreme Court drug review



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German business confidence rises for third month running

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — A closely watched indicator of German business optimism rose for the third straight month in January, giving a positive signal from Europe's biggest economy.



German business confidence rises for third month running



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Miss Colombia crowned Miss Universe in Miami

MIAMI (AP) — Despite being a relative pageant newcomer, Miss Colombia Paulina Vega has been crowned Miss Universe, beating out first runner-up Miss USA Nia Sanchez and contestants from more than 80 other countries.



Miss Colombia crowned Miss Universe in Miami



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