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WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States is closing down a swanky riverfront compound on Maryland's Eastern Shore where Russian diplomats played tennis, went sailing and enjoyed a respite from the nation's capital. The compound, and another property on New York's Long Island, is being shuttered as part of sanctions against Russia for its efforts to influence November's presidential election. Thirty-five Russians officials are being expelled and sanctions have been placed on Russian intelligence organizations and individuals. A spokesman for Russian Leader Vladimir Putin says Moscow would take into account the fact that Donald Trump will soon replace Obama as it drafts retaliatory measures.
BEIRUT (AP) — Some observers say a cease-fire organized by Russia and Turkey in Syria has resulted in "comprehensive calm" so far. It went into effect at midnight local time. Mainstream rebel opposition signed on but it doesn't extend to groups deemed to have terrorist ties to Islamic State and al-Qaida. The head of a human rights group says government forces were bombing several areas right before the truce took effect.
BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union has joined the outgoing U.S. administration in defending the two-state solution as the best way to achieve lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. A spokeswoman for the 28-nation bloc reiterated the EU's support for the two-state solution a day after U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry tore into Israel for settlement-building.
UNDATED (AP) — The number of police officers killed in the line of duty rose sharply this year. Since Jan. 1, 135 officers have lost their lives. Some died in traffic accidents, but nearly half were shot to death. The number of shooting deaths was driven up in large part by ambushes in Dallas and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Five officers were killed by a sniper in Dallas.
CHICAGO (AP) — You don't know his name, but you've probably used his product. The inventor of the Red Solo Cup has died. Robert Hulesman, who was 84, invented the familiar cup in the 1970's for use by families. Hulesman was the former president and chief executive of his family's Solo Cup Co. His son says he died at his home in Northfield, Illinois, on Dec. 21 of health complications following a series of strokes.
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