Israel steps up Gaza ground offensive, civilian casualties grow

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• Israel steps up Gaza ground offensive, civilian casualties grow
• US stocks surge despite crises in Ukraine, Gaza
• Most passengers on doomed airliner were Dutch
• US building case tying separatists to plane crash
• Federal judge sends key GM case to Georgia court
• FDA warns against powdered caffeine
• UConn to pay $1.3M in sex assault handling lawsuit
• Ukrainian troops take southeastern Luhansk, defense minister tells president
• After U.S. deportation, a Honduran mother and daughter's uncertain fate
• Deja Phew: Plane lands on NY highway for 2nd time
• Officials: Unlicensed mortician had remains of 50
• Israel pushes in Gaza, expanding ground operation
• AIDS conference attendees on downed Malaysian jet
• Oil price remains high on global turmoil
• Flow of child immigrants at border slowing for now
• US appeals court tosses Oklahoma gay marriage ban
• Stronger earnings from Google, others drive stocks
• U.N. chief to travel to Middle East in bid to end fighting
• Obama to sign order Monday barring federal discrimination against gays
• McIlroy shoots another 6-under 66 at British Open
• Liberals swoon for Warren, point to Clinton in '16
• In Alps, Nibali again dominates Tour de France
• Cornhole champions being decided in West Virginia
• New Toyota minivan makes it easier to yell at kids
• Obama to sign orders protecting gay employees
• NYC man dies during arrest caught on video
• U.N. aviation body denies it closed Ukraine air route after crash
• Britain says likely that separatists shot down Malaysia airliner
• 15 percent of Syrian sarin chemicals destroyed
• Turkey's Erdogan condemns Israel over Gaza
• Ex-major leaguer Offerman denies assault claims
• LeBron James undecided on jersey No. 6 or 23
• 'Funnel of fire' destroys homes in Washington
• W.Va. reporter heard backfiring truck, not gunfire
• Stephenson: Ear-blowing incident doesn't define me
• Obama to sign orders protecting gay and transgender workers without new religious exemption
• Ranking US states by job creation in past 5 years
• Forbes sells majority stake to group of investors
• In US, fearful campers eye Middle East conflict

Israel steps up Gaza ground offensive, civilian casualties grow Posted: 18 Jul 2014 01:29 PM PDT By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Jeffrey Heller GAZA/JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel warned on Friday it could "significantly widen" a Gaza land offensive but was cautioned by its main ally, the United States, about the risks of further escalation as Palestinian civilian deaths mounted. Palestinian officials said 58 Palestinians, at least 15 of them under the age of 18, have been killed since Israel sent ground forces on Thursday into the densely-populated enclave of 1.8 million Palestinians. U.S. President Barack Obama said on Friday he had spoken to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, underscoring Washington's support for Israel to defend itself but raising concerns about "the risks of further escalation" and additional loss of innocent lives. "We are hopeful that Israel will continue to approach this process in a way that minimises civilian casualties," Obama told reporters at the White House.

US stocks surge despite crises in Ukraine, Gaza Posted: 18 Jul 2014 01:28 PM PDT US stocks surged higher Friday as strong Google earnings and a large pharmaceutical deal offset worries about worsening international crises in Ukraine and Gaza. At the closing bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 120.74 points (0.71 percent) to 17,097.55. The broad-based S&P 500 powered up 19.99 (1.02 percent) to 1,978.11, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index leaped by 68.70 (1.57 percent) to 4,432.15. "Investors are continuing to embrace risk and buy every dip," said David Levy, portfolio manager at Kenjol Capital Management.

Most passengers on doomed airliner were Dutch Posted: 18 Jul 2014 01:27 PM PDT The Malaysia Airlines plane shot down over war-torn eastern Ukraine on Thursday was carrying 298 passengers and crew. They hailed from 12 countries, though it wasn't clear how many had dual nationalities; Malaysia Airlines said one was a dual U.S.-Dutch citizen. The airline and relevant governments gave these figures:

US building case tying separatists to plane crash Posted: 18 Jul 2014 01:27 PM PDT WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States began building a case Friday linking pro-Russian separatists to the shocking downing of a passenger jet in Ukraine. A somber President Barack Obama declared the deaths of those on board, including at least one American, an "outrage of unspeakable proportions."

Federal judge sends key GM case to Georgia court Posted: 18 Jul 2014 01:27 PM PDT DETROIT (AP) — A federal judge in Atlanta has sent an important wrongful death lawsuit against General Motors back to a Georgia court.

FDA warns against powdered caffeine Posted: 18 Jul 2014 01:26 PM PDT WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers to avoid pure powdered caffeine sold on the Internet after the death of an Ohio teen.

UConn to pay $1.3M in sex assault handling lawsuit Posted: 18 Jul 2014 01:25 PM PDT STORRS, Conn. (AP) — The University of Connecticut will pay $1.3 million to settle a lawsuit by five women who alleged the school did not take seriously their claims of sexual assaults on campus.

Ukrainian troops take southeastern Luhansk, defense minister tells president Posted: 18 Jul 2014 01:20 PM PDT Ukraine's defense minister told President Petro Poroshenko on Friday that Ukrainian troops had taken control of the southeastern part of the city of Luhansk in the country's east, a statement on the president's website said. "The minister of defense, Valery Heletey, told President Petro Poroshenko that Ukrainian armed forces took control of the southeastern part of Luhansk," the statement said, adding that troops had also surrounded the airport.

After U.S. deportation, a Honduran mother and daughter's uncertain fate Posted: 18 Jul 2014 01:20 PM PDT By Gabriel Stargardter and Gustavo Palencia TEGUCIGALPA (Reuters) - When 9-year-old Genesis stepped off a plane in Honduras after being deported from the United States, she was excited at the thought of seeing her cousins. For her mother, Victoria Cordova, the homecoming was terrifying: she fears being killed if she does not repay money she owes the wife of a local gang leader. Cordova had used the money to pay a smuggler to get her and Genesis to the United States. Mother and daughter, who had fled rampant violence in the Honduran city of Tegucigalpa, returned to a situation even more precarious than the one they had left.

Deja Phew: Plane lands on NY highway for 2nd time Posted: 18 Jul 2014 01:19 PM PDT EAST MORICHES, N.Y. (AP) — A New York pilot has experienced deja phew.

Officials: Unlicensed mortician had remains of 50 Posted: 18 Jul 2014 01:15 PM PDT BOSTON (AP) — An unlicensed funeral director accused of stealing more than $12,000 from an elderly couple could face more charges after authorities found 12 bodies and the cremated remains of more than 40 others in two self-storage units he rented, authorities said Friday.

Israel pushes in Gaza, expanding ground operation Posted: 18 Jul 2014 01:14 PM PDT GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli troops pushed into Gaza on Friday in a ground offensive that officials said could last up to two weeks as the prime minister ordered the military to prepare for a "significantly" wider campaign.

AIDS conference attendees on downed Malaysian jet Posted: 18 Jul 2014 01:13 PM PDT SYDNEY (AP) — A prominent researcher, two activists and at least two others headed to an AIDS conference in Australia were on the Malaysian jetliner shot down over Ukraine, news that sparked an outpouring of grief across the scientific community.

Oil price remains high on global turmoil Posted: 18 Jul 2014 01:12 PM PDT NEW YORK (AP) — The price of oil retreated slightly Friday but remained elevated because of political turmoil around the world.

Flow of child immigrants at border slowing for now Posted: 18 Jul 2014 01:11 PM PDT WASHINGTON (AP) — The flood of children crossing the Mexican border illegally and without their parents has slowed down in recent weeks, two senior Obama administration officials said Friday.

US appeals court tosses Oklahoma gay marriage ban Posted: 18 Jul 2014 01:11 PM PDT OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A federal appeals court ruled Friday that Oklahoma must allow gay couples to wed, prompting a fast, angry response from leaders of a state that has vehemently fought policy changes brought on from outside its borders.

Stronger earnings from Google, others drive stocks Posted: 18 Jul 2014 01:10 PM PDT NEW YORK (AP) — Earnings gains from Google, Honeywell and other big U.S. companies drive the stock market to a higher close, wiping out much of its loss from the day before.

U.N. chief to travel to Middle East in bid to end fighting Posted: 18 Jul 2014 01:29 PM PDT By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will travel to the Middle East on Saturday in a bid to end the fighting between Israel and Palestinians, alarmed at a serious escalation that includes a ground offensive by Israel, said a senior U.N. official. Israel intensified its land offensive in Gaza with artillery, tanks and gunboats on Friday and warned it could "significantly widen" an operation Palestinian officials said was killing ever greater numbers of civilians. "Israel has legitimate security concerns, and we condemn the indiscriminate rocket fire from Gaza into Israel that ended yesterday's temporary ceasefire. Ban has urged Israel to do more to stop civilian casualties.

Obama to sign order Monday barring federal discrimination against gays Posted: 18 Jul 2014 01:08 PM PDT By Jeff Mason WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama will sign an executive order on Monday barring federal contractors from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, senior administration officials said. The White House said last month that Obama would issue the order but declined to give details on its content or the timing of when he would do so. The order will allow some exemptions for religious groups that are federal contractors but not as much flexibility as the groups had wanted. A religious organization would be barred from making hiring decisions based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

McIlroy shoots another 6-under 66 at British Open Posted: 18 Jul 2014 01:07 PM PDT HOYLAKE, England (AP) — Rory McIlroy cast aside any talk of those second-round doldrums with a performance at Royal Liverpool that threatened to turn this into another major championship runaway.

Liberals swoon for Warren, point to Clinton in '16 Posted: 18 Jul 2014 01:02 PM PDT DETROIT (AP) — At a summertime getaway for liberals, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren has captured the hearts of Democratic activists beginning to think about an heir to President Barack Obama. But their minds tell them that Hillary Rodham Clinton could help them hang onto the White House.

In Alps, Nibali again dominates Tour de France Posted: 18 Jul 2014 12:56 PM PDT CHAMROUSSE, France (AP) — If Vincenzo Nibali was looking happier Friday after the Tour de France rode into the Alps, here's why: His top rival fell out of contention, he gained nearly a minute on his next-biggest challenger and oh, he won Stage 13 to boot.

Cornhole champions being decided in West Virginia Posted: 18 Jul 2014 12:52 PM PDT CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — Cornhole, the strange-sounding game made popular in backyards and at football tailgate parties, is taking on a serious side this week.

New Toyota minivan makes it easier to yell at kids Posted: 18 Jul 2014 12:49 PM PDT DETROIT (AP) — Toyota wants to help you scream at your unruly kids.

Obama to sign orders protecting gay employees Posted: 18 Jul 2014 12:47 PM PDT President Barack Obama plans to sign executive orders Monday prohibiting discrimination against gay and transgender workers in the federal government and its contracting agencies, without a new exemption that was requested by some religious organizations.

NYC man dies during arrest caught on video Posted: 18 Jul 2014 12:44 PM PDT NEW YORK (AP) — A New York City man died during an arrest — partially captured on amateur video — during which a police officer placed him in what appeared be a choke hold as several others brought him to the ground and struggled to place him in handcuffs.

U.N. aviation body denies it closed Ukraine air route after crash Posted: 18 Jul 2014 12:44 PM PDT By David Ljunggren and Allison Lampert OTTAWA/MONTREAL (Reuters) - The U.N.'s aviation body on Friday said it did not have the authority to close global air routes, seeking to distance itself from responsibility after the downing of a Malaysian airliner over Ukraine. Malaysia's transport minister said earlier that the Montreal-based International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) had shut the route after a Malaysian Airline jet was brought down in eastern Ukraine on Thursday, killing all 298 people aboard. "ICAO does not open or close routes. We do not have an operational role," said chief ICAO spokesman Anthony Philbin.

Britain says likely that separatists shot down Malaysia airliner Posted: 18 Jul 2014 12:43 PM PDT Britain said on Friday that it was increasingly likely that separatists in eastern Ukraine had shot down a Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 with 298 aboard. A spokesman for Prime Minister David Cameron said the evidence suggested that separatists had shot down the airliner with a surface-to-air missile fired from Torez, in an area of eastern Ukraine controlled by pro-Russian separatists.

15 percent of Syrian sarin chemicals destroyed Posted: 18 Jul 2014 12:40 PM PDT WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon says 15 percent of the main Syrian chemical weapons on board the U.S. cargo vessel MV Cape Ray have been destroyed.

Turkey's Erdogan condemns Israel over Gaza Posted: 18 Jul 2014 12:40 PM PDT ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan intensified his fiery rhetoric against Israel over its ground invasion of Gaza on Friday, accusing the country of state terrorism and genocide and saying the two countries will not mend ties on his watch.

Ex-major leaguer Offerman denies assault claims Posted: 18 Jul 2014 12:38 PM PDT BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) — Former major leaguer Jose Offerman testified Friday that he neither swung his bat at two minor leaguers nor caused their injuries during a scuffle that broke out when he was hit by a pitch during a 2007 comeback attempt.

LeBron James undecided on jersey No. 6 or 23 Posted: 18 Jul 2014 12:38 PM PDT CLEVELAND (AP) — LeBron James has to make another big decision.

'Funnel of fire' destroys homes in Washington Posted: 18 Jul 2014 12:37 PM PDT PATEROS, Wash. (AP) — A fire racing through rural north-central Washington destroyed about 100 homes, leaving behind smoldering rubble, solitary brick chimneys and burned-out automobiles as it blackened hundreds of square miles in the scenic Methow Valley.

W.Va. reporter heard backfiring truck, not gunfire Posted: 18 Jul 2014 12:36 PM PDT BECKLEY, W.Va. (AP) — Police say a West Virginia reporter who ducked for cover after she heard gunfire at the scene of a killing actually heard an aging pickup truck backfire.

Stephenson: Ear-blowing incident doesn't define me Posted: 18 Jul 2014 12:35 PM PDT CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Lance Stephenson doesn't want to be known as the guy who blew in LeBron James' ear.

Obama to sign orders protecting gay and transgender workers without new religious exemption Posted: 18 Jul 2014 12:30 PM PDT WASHINGTON (AP) — Obama to sign orders protecting gay and transgender workers without new religious exemption.

Ranking US states by job creation in past 5 years Posted: 18 Jul 2014 12:30 PM PDT WASHINGTON (AP) — Since the Great Recession officially ended in June 2009, the U.S. economy has generated 7.8 million jobs. But the gains haven't been spread evenly across the country.

Forbes sells majority stake to group of investors Posted: 18 Jul 2014 12:26 PM PDT NEW YORK (AP) — Forbes said Friday it will sell a majority stake in the family owned magazine publisher to a Hong Kong-based investor group.

In US, fearful campers eye Middle East conflict Posted: 18 Jul 2014 12:21 PM PDT OTISFIELD, Maine (AP) — Fighting in the Middle East has made for a summer of high tension, tearful phone calls and unlikely friendships between Israelis and Palestinians attending camps in the U.S. that host participants from the region.

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