UK judge: Putin probably approved plan to poison ex-spy

LONDON (AP) – President Vladimir Putin probably approved a plan by Russia’s FSB security service to kill a former agent-turned-Kremlin critic who died after drinking tea laced with radioactive poison, a British judge said Thursday in a strongly worded report that led Moscow to accuse Britain of a politically motivated attack. Judge Robert Owen, who […]

US announces plan for new visa rules for some Europeans

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Obama administration is easing new visa requirements for certain European travelers who have visited Iran, Iraq, Syria or Sudan in the last five years, a move certain to anger some in Congress who pushed for new travel restrictions. The announcement by the Homeland Security and State departments comes as the administration […]

Amazon offering hoverboard refunds

(CNN Money)- Amazon is now offering full refunds on any hoverboards sold on the site, including in the U.S. and Canada. The refunds are a response to the rash of fires and falls that have plagued the popular two-wheeled balance boards. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission praised Amazon’s decision on Wednesday and said it expects […]

Bills owner credits Kathryn Smith for earning her promotion

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) – Buffalo Bills co-owner Kim Pegula congratulated Kathryn Smith for becoming the NFL’s first full-time female assistant coach by saying she earned the promotion. “Kathryn has been a part of Rex (Ryan’s) staff for the past seven years and has proven that she does excellent work,” Pegula said in a statement released […]

Mr. Food: Shortcut Amish friendship bread

What You’ll Need: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 3/4 cups sugar 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 (4-serving-size) package instant vanilla pudding mix 1 1/4 cups milk 1 cup vegetable oil 3 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract What To Do: Preheat oven to […]

More than 1.6 million Floridians sign up for federal health care

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) – Federal officials say more than 1.6 million Floridians have signed up for Obamacare or had their coverage automatically renewed since last November. Officials with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said Wednesday that Floridians represent a little more than a sixth of the 8.8 million Americans nationwide who have […]

Crocodile takes morning dip in Florida Keys swimming pool

ISLAMORADA, Fla. (AP) – A crocodile apparently decided a morning dip in a Florida Keys swimming pool was just the thing. Monroe County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Becky Herrin says an Islamorada homeowner called about 7:30 a.m. Thursday to report the croc in his pool. A photo provided by the sheriff’s office shows the large reptile […]

Man sentenced to 270 days in jail in beating death of puppy

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) – A Gainesville man has been sentenced to 270 days in jail after pleading no contest to an aggravated animal cruelty charge in the beating death of his puppy. The Gainesville Sun reports (http://bit.ly/23gf5hA) 25-year-old Meldwige Gregoire was also sentenced Wednesday to 42 months of probation and ordered to take anger management […]