Wednesday morning news: April 10, 2019

Barr says redacted Mueller report expected within a week » House Democrats dug into William Barr on Tuesday as the attorney general took the hot seat on Capitol Hill.

It was lawmakers’ first chance to question him since he released a four-page summary of special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia report.

Barr told an Appropriations subcommittee that he expects to release a redacted version of that report within a week.

BARR: And then I will engage with the chairmen of both judiciary committees about that report, about any further requests that they have.

But Democrats, including subcommittee Chairman Jose Serrano said that’s not good enough.

SERRANO: The American people want to see the report. I think it would strike a serious blow to our system, and yes to our democracy, if that report is not fully seen.

Democratic Congresswoman Nita Lowey complained that Barr’s summary—in her words—“seems to cherry pick from the report to draw the most favorable conclusion possible for the president.”

Barr said he’s releasing everything he can, but there are several areas of sensitive information.

BARR: The special counsel is working with us on identifying information in the report that fall under those four categories.

He reminded Democrats that he’s following redaction guidelines created under the Clinton administration after the public release of independent counsel Kenneth Starr’s report in 1998.

Barr also said the Justice Department’s internal watchdog is almost done with its investigation of those involved in launching the Russia probe. He said that should wrap up by May or June.

U.S. readies billions in new tariffs on E.U. goods » President Trump says the U.S. is ready to hit the European Union with billions of dollars in new tariffs. WORLD Radio’s Leigh Jones has more.

LEIGH JONES, REPORTER: The president said Tuesday that the EU has given improper subsidies to the Netherlands-based aircraft builder Airbus. And in response, the U.S. plans to slap $11 billion in tariffs on European goods a list that includes everything from aircraft to cheese and wine.

The long-running trade dispute began years before Trump took office. In 2004 the U.S. complained to the World Trade Organization about the EU’s support of Airbus. The WTO ruled last May that the EU had in fact provided some illegal subsidies to Airbus hurting the U.S., especially Chicago-based Boeing.

President Trump tweeted Tuesday…“The EU has taken advantage of the U.S. on trade for many years. It will soon stop!”

The European Union argues the U.S. is exaggerating the issue and vows to retaliate against any new tariffs.

Reporting for WORLD Radio, I’m Leigh Jones.

New York City orders mandatory vaccinations » New York City declared a public health emergency Tuesday over a measles outbreak. And the city ordered mandatory vaccinations in one neighborhood for people who may have been exposed to the virus.

Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the unusual order amid what he called a measles “crisis” in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg section. The virus has infected more than 250 people there since September.

DE BLASIO: The only way to ensure that those who have not been vaccinated get the vaccine. It’s crucial for people to understand that the measles vaccine works. It is safe, it is effective, it is time tested. 

Anyone working or going to school within the neighborhood’s four ZIP codes must get the vaccine. That includes all children older than 6 months. Those who don’t could face a $1,000 fine.

De Blasio said—quoting here—”If people will simply cooperate quickly, nobody will have to pay a fine.”

New York City’s health commissioner is empowered by law to order vaccines in the event of a serious public health threat.

Parents have sued over mandated vaccines in nearby Rockland County, and lawsuits are expected over the vaccine order in New York City.

American soldiers killed in Afghanistan » U.S. military leaders in Afghanistan say a roadside bomb killed three Americans this week, revising an earlier report. WORLD Radio’s Kristen Flavin has details.

KRISTEN FLAVIN, REPORTER: A roadside bomb ripped through a convoy near the Bagram Airfield on Monday killing three U.S. troops. Initial reports suggested a contractor also died, but officials now say he survived but suffered injuries.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.

The injured contractor is an Afghan citizen. He and others wounded in the attack were evacuated and are receiving medical care at Bagram Airfield.

The Pentagon is withholding the names of those killed in action until officials notify their next of kin.

Reporting for WORLD Radio, I’m Kristen Flavin.

Israeli election too close to call » Too close to call in Israel. Hours after polls closed in Tuesday’s election, exit polls showed no clear winner.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed victory…

AUDIO: [Netanyahu speaking in Hebrew]

But so did his main opponent, Benny Gantz of the Blue and White Party.

AUDIO: [Gantz speaking in Hebrew]

The electoral system there forces party leaders to form a governing coalition. Even if Netanyahu’s Likud Party is is not the largest, the prime minister may still have the best chance to form a government. He’s been laying the groundwork for a coalition for some time, courting various groups on the political right in Israel.

Official election results are expected today.   

(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) In his first appearance on Capitol Hill since taking office, and amid intense speculation over his review of special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia report, Attorney General William Barr appears before a House Appropriations subcommittee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, April 9, 2019. 

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