Nearly 3,000 pages of Jeffrey Epstein documents released, but some questions remain unanswered
Even after the release of thousands of pages of court records about Jeffrey Epstein in recent days, some questions about the millionaire pedophile remain unanswered.
Bill Clinton remembers Bill Richardson as skilled, informal US diplomat: 'The bad guys liked him'
Ex-President Bill Clinton is eulogizing former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson as a groundbreaking Latino politician and unorthodox master diplomat who could coax good things out of dictators and despots.
Bill Richardson is mourned in New Mexico after globe-trotting career, lies in state at Capitol
Friends and admirers of former Gov. Bill Richardson are mourning the hard-charging politician whose career spanned the globe, from mountain villages of northern New Mexico as a youthful congressman to the United Nations and a litany of countries on unofficial diplomatic missions that often helped free imprisoned Americans.
Bill Richardson, a former governor and UN ambassador who worked to free detained Americans, dies
Bill Richardson, a two-term Democratic governor of New Mexico and a U.S. ambassador to the United Nations who dedicated his post-political career to working to free Americans detained overseas, has died.
Slate of New Mexico regulatory candidates sparks concern
Many decisions by New Mexicoโs most powerful regulatory panel have had direct economic and environmental consequences for one corner of the state, and yet not one candidate nominated to fill the Public Regulation Commission is from northwestern New Mexico.
Richardson visits Moscow as Griner, Whelan remain jailed
Bill Richardson, who has worked to secure the releases of WNBA star Brittney Griner and another jailed American, Paul Whelan, visited Moscow this week and held meetings with Russian leaders.
Veteran emissary Richardson hopeful for Griner, Whelan swap
Bill Richardson, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and a frequent emissary in hostage negotiations, says he's hopeful about the chances of a two-for-two prisoner swap that could result in the release of WNBA star Brittney Griner and another jailed American, Paul Whelan.
LeBron critical on his show of US efforts to get Griner home
LeBron James is publicly criticizing the United Statesโ handling of WNBA All-Star Brittney Grinerโs case in a trailer for an upcoming episode of his television show: โThe Shop: Uninterrupted.โ.
Journalist freed by Myanmar helps light menorah in Detroit
An American journalist who was recently freed after spending nearly six months in jail in military-ruled Myanmar helped light one of eight Hanukkah candles during a holiday celebration in downtown Detroit.
Prince Andrew accusations left out of Epstein-Maxwell case
The prosecution of Ghislaine Maxwell doesn't involve the salacious allegations that the British socialite offered up one of Jeffrey Epstein's accusers to Englandโs Prince Andrew for sex.
Journalist returns home to Detroit area after Myanmar ordeal
American journalist Danny Fenster, freed after nearly six months in jail in military-ruled Myanmar, says he feels โincredibly fortunateโ to be back home in suburban Detroit.
Richardson adds to diplomatic wins with journalist's release
Bill Richardsonโs success in helping secure the release of journalist Danny Fenster from a Myanmar prison is the latest demonstration of the former New Mexico governorโs knack for flying into some the most closed societies on earth and persuading those in charge to do Washington a favor.
US ex-diplomat defends private mission to troubled Myanmar
Former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Bill Richardson acknowledges criticism of his humanitarian visit to Myanmar, but he tells The Associated Press he feels his trip was constructive.
![US hopes Richardson's Myanmar mission can produce results](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/u6YZq4NoQsMSZoj_RG6YzwAZwVQ=/800x535/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/HX4HPSOXGZAMFH4BM3ZLC2A76E.jpg)
US hopes Richardson's Myanmar mission can produce results
The Biden administration says it welcomed a private mission to Myanmar by former U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Bill Richardson as a possible way to help speed humanitarian access to the country.
![Venezuela sought to swap Americans for Maduro ally](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/w7IAJszh_oSF03rK-Tk1LjLb7TM=/800x547/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/P4PEAFXSXVHONJC4XG57QPZ64A.jpg)
Venezuela sought to swap Americans for Maduro ally
Knowledgeable sources and message exchanges reveal that Venezuelaโs government quietly offered last year to release imprisoned Americans in exchange for the U.S. letting go a key financier of President Nicolรกs Maduro.
![Virgin Galactic rocket ship ascends from New Mexico](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/ezdXcVtqHLtjoXOmT88bMDy0mVI=/800x436/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/AWHBIFY6QZEGTDB2ESGXDSYNNM.jpg)
Virgin Galactic rocket ship ascends from New Mexico
Virgin Galactic has made its first rocket-powered flight from New Mexico to the fringe of space in a manned shuttle, as the company forges toward offering tourist flights to the edge of the Earthโs atmosphere.
![Venezuela gives US oilmen house arrest in gesture to Biden](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/aJp1Jc_1GFYX6wVOONhQExUny5M=/579x799/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/3DK6HKAPZBDHRJTHGTSFDFJVBU.jpg)
Venezuela gives US oilmen house arrest in gesture to Biden
Six American oil executives jailed in Venezuela more than three years ago on corruption charges have been granted house arrest in a gesture of goodwill toward the Biden administration as it reviews its policy toward the politically turbulent South American country.
![US weighs policy on Venezuela as Maduro signals flexibility](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/l1nZzduvB6J6VU32camv1JuL9xY=/800x555/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/G7HDIPWDLBHHFPVA7DGIJE436A.jpg)
US weighs policy on Venezuela as Maduro signals flexibility
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduroโs government is intensifying efforts to court the Biden administration as the new U.S. president weighs whether to risk a political backlash in Florida and ease up on sanctions seeking to isolate the socialist leader.
![Myanmar cracked down brutally on protests. It may get worse.](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/Ot-5so8PLzsREmlqsXjCvw26TMs=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/NGOKEOI7JFAOVPRPHHDX2DUWIM.jpg)
Myanmar cracked down brutally on protests. It may get worse.
In this Feb. 26, 2021, file photo, an injured protester is escorted as police tried to disperse a demonstration against the military coup in Mandalay, Myanmar. Myanmar's security forces have killed scores of demonstrators protesting a coup. (AP Photo)TOKYO โ Myanmar's security forces have killed scores of demonstrators protesting a coup. Before that opening up began, Myanmar had languished under a strict military rule for five decades that led to international isolation and crippling sanctions. But even tough sanctions from those countries are unlikely to yield anything, though they may weigh heavily on ordinary people.
![Biden names Democrats to lead nuclear, pipeline agencies](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/6mRxlT3Hi_A9bH601aYzEQ3a_b4=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/B3WVFQZ7YNCPTPC37VNPTJJEB4.jpg)
Biden names Democrats to lead nuclear, pipeline agencies
(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)WASHINGTON โ Moving quickly to assert influence over energy issues, President Joe Biden has named two Democrats to lead regulatory agencies that oversee nuclear power, natural gas and other energy infrastructure. Christopher Hanson, the new chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and Rich Glick, leader of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, replace Republicans who led the panels under President Donald Trump. The NRC regulates commercial nuclear power plants and other uses of nuclear materials, including in medicine, while FERC regulates interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas and oil. It also reviews proposals to build liquefied natural gas terminals, interstate natural gas pipelines and hydropower projects. He also has served as a senior adviser in the Energy Departmentโs Office of Nuclear Energy and other department roles in the Obama administration.
![Window opens for Virgin Galactic test flight from spaceport](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/Zky7ey-SKMBloMEWP3zh2Ac0hAc=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/F2IVNG7IJFC6PGO6GHLMOZRVRE.jpg)
Window opens for Virgin Galactic test flight from spaceport
Virgin Galactic is celebrating the second successful glide flight of its spaceship over Spaceport America in southern New Mexico. Virgin Galactic posted on social media that the flight crew is ready but do not plan to fly before Saturday. Officials with Virgin Galactic and the state-financed spaceport said the test flight will mark another key milestone in the march toward commercial flights. The impending flight will be the third space flight for Virgin Galactic and the first from New Mexico. In addition to those who have put down deposits for a ride with Virgin Galactic, several thousand more have registered their interest online.
![Family of jailed oil exec asks for Venezuelan leader's mercy](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/_xIhIcA0H02PG5nQ2kiTd-RtMzg=/1280x720/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/UUJ6YPDV7ZESBPRZRLKRYOTUTI.jpg)
Family of jailed oil exec asks for Venezuelan leader's mercy
(Courtesy of John Pereira via AP)CARACAS โ The family of a Houston-based Citgo oil executive convicted and ordered to prison in Venezuela alongside five others appealed directly to President Nicolรกs Maduro on Friday for mercy. โOur purpose for this letter is not to enter into legal tirades about the case,โ the letter says. The so-called Citgo 6 are employees of Houston-based Citgo refining company, which is owned by Venezuelaโs state oil company, PDVSA. Judge Lorena Cornielles, who oversaw the trial, did not respond to a letter from The Associated Press seeking permission to observe. Pereira's family said in the letter that he suffers from at least seven chronic health problems including diabetes and back trouble that requires surgery.
![Venezuela judge convicts 6 American oil execs, orders prison](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/duaWZWdP5ZX_zGXEKzemHK0i1kE=/1600x1082/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/XLUAI4HTMZFGVJ3H3H3WXLLDLQ.jpg)
Venezuela judge convicts 6 American oil execs, orders prison
Jesus Loreto, an attorney representing Tomeu Vadell, one of six U.S. oil executives jailed for three years in Venezuela, shows a letter written by Vadell, in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2020. The so-called Citgo 6 are employees of Houston-based Citgo refining company, which is owned by Venezuelaโs state oil company, PDVSA. Despite his circumstances, Vadell held out hope. With encouragement from his family, Vadell broke his silence, taking a risk relatives said was necessary. During his 35-year career with PDVSA and Citgo, Vadell ended up running a refinery in Lake Charles and then became vice president of refining.
![Joe Biden nears final decision on running mate](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/LNRANhf12uOGW_z68hGl2wVmid8=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/7QQ27EDR7FE5PL6ZIVHGTXUQEA.jpg)
Joe Biden nears final decision on running mate
WASHINGTON โ As Joe Biden nears the announcement of his vice presidential choice, the top contenders and their advocates are making final appeals. That's one week before Democrats will hold their convention to officially nominate Biden as their presidential nominee. As Biden prepares to make his choice, a committee established to vet running mates has provided him with briefing materials. He has pledged to select a woman and is facing calls to choose the first Black woman to compete on a presidential ticket. Harris, while not directly addressing her vice presidential prospects, said Saturday that anyone who tries to shatter a glass ceiling faces naysayers.
![Joe Biden's search for a running mate enters final stretch](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/u5Ni7KQrtm2kqNTRCc7gA0OpDNI=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/TYDQTTXPVZHG3ATFVDZV7TSEJA.jpg)
Joe Biden's search for a running mate enters final stretch
WASHINGTON โ As Joe Biden nears the announcement of his vice presidential choice, the top contenders and their advocates are making final appeals. Bill Richardson, who was vetted for vice president in 2008. The selection amounts to the most significant choice Biden has confronted in his nearly five-decade political career. On Friday night, Biden held a virtual fundraiser with Elizabeth Warren, who has also been considered as a running mate. The two talked for nearly an hour but did not mention the vice presidential selection process.
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Detained US Navy veteran freed by Iran as part of deal
White, a Navy veteran who's been detained in Iran for nearly two years has been released and is making his way home, with the first leg on a Swiss government aircraft. White's release was cheered by Trump, whose administration has said it considers the release of detainees and hostages a priority. Despite widespread speculation, Whites release was not related to the deportation to Iran this week of Iranian scientist Sirios Asghari, the officials said. Trump administration officials in recent months stepped up public pressure to release White. The U.S. has also urged Iran to release other Americans jailed in Iran.
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Civil unrest could influence Bidens search for running mate
WASHINGTON Joe Bidens search for a running mate could be reshaped by the police killing of George Floyd and the unrest it has ignited across the country, raising questions about contenders with law-and-order backgrounds and intensifying pressure on the presumptive Democratic nominee to select a black woman. Biden, who has already pledged to pick a woman, has cast a wide net in his search. Biden was pressed to pick a black woman on Monday when he visited a black church in Wilmington, Delaware. Well, weve never seen a black woman selected as a vice presidential candidate, she said. Its important for him to see the candidate, talk to the candidate, get body language from the candidate.