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Federal agents seize devices from ex-Rep. Eric Swalwell in sexual misconduct probe, AP source says
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Federal agents have seized electronic devices from former Rep. Eric Swalwell and searched his Washington home as part of an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct by the ex-Democratic congressman from California. That’s according to a person familiar with the matter. Swalwell’s devices were seized at the San Francisco airport on Saturday and federal agents searched his home a day later. A message seeking comment was left Thursday with an attorney for Swalwell. Swalwell announced his resignation from Congress in April. He has denied allegations of sexual assault and misconduct. The AP source wasn’t authorized to publicly discuss an ongoing investigation and spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Iran dismisses US economic threats, and other developments in the Middle East
Iran has dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats of economic pain and isolation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Thursday that it will only increase hostility after Trump threatened “crushing economic measures” against Iran. Doctors Without Borders has condemned the decision by Israel’s military not to investigate two fatal attacks on the medical humanitarian group’s staff. Six European countries rebuked Israel over a settlement project near Jerusalem. The U.K. calls it “an unacceptable and destructive act.” A mass funeral was held in Gaza City for 50 people killed in Israeli airstrikes nearly three years ago but whose remains were just recovered.
US carries out its first deportations under pact for Liberia to accept 1,200 non-Liberians
HARBEL, Liberia (AP) -- The United States has carried out its first deportation under an agreement for Liberia to accept up to 1,200 people who are not from the African country. It is one of the Trump administration’s largest efforts yet to deport people to countries other than their own. The 20 deportees arrived Thursday at Roberts International Airport outside Monrovia. Liberian authorities say deportees will include African nationals as well as nationals from North America, South America and the Caribbean. They can seek asylum in the West African country if they wish.
Higher yields in the bond market and a drop for Walmart drag US stocks lower
NEW YORK (AP) -- A rise in oil prices on Thursday is sending worries about inflation and yields in the bond market higher, erasing some of the relief the U.S. Treasury Department created the day before. The higher yields and a big drop for Walmart helped drag the U.S. stock market lower. Brent crude’s price rose 2% Thursday following President Donald Trump’s latest threats to Iran. The S&P 500 fell 0.7% and is on track for a fourth loss in the five days. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 612 points, and the Nasdaq composite sank 1.2%. Walmart helped lead the way lower after giving a weaker-than-expected forecast for upcoming profit.
Still recovering from Hurricane Lala, Hawaii prepares for a possible weekend cyclone
HONOLULU (AP) -- Communities still recovering from last weekend’s hurricane in Hawaii could get pounded again in coming days. Hurricane Lala tore roofs off houses, covered roads in mud and left thousands of homes without power. Now forecasters are warning another tropical storm could form as early as Thursday in the Pacific and approach the islands this weekend. Meteorologists say the system could dump up to 15 inches of rain across the Big Island and trigger life-threatening flooding and mudslides. Currently a tropical depression about 960 miles east-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii. Gov. Josh Green planned a news conference Thursday to discuss storm preparations and update residents on Hurricane Lala, which left two people dead.
States pour taxpayer dollars into college sports as athlete pay, soaring costs squeeze budgets
A growing number of states are providing tax dollars to university athletics. The move comes as major college sports programs now are paying millions of dollars to athletes. The financial battle for the best athletes has strained many athletic departments, which are now running deficits. North Carolina and Louisiana are earmarking sports betting taxes for their universities. Wisconsin has added money in its state budget for athletic costs at its flagship university. And Connecticut has created a tax credit program to benefit university athletics. Analysts see the state funding efforts as an emerging trend.