China tries to reassure on economy, cuts growth target and other top stories.

• China tries to reassure on economy, cuts growth target

  BEIJING • China's leadership tried to quell anxiety about its slowing economy following financial turmoil and rising labor unrest as it cut its growth target Saturday and promised to open the oil and telecom industries to private competitors in sweeping industrial reforms.Premier Li Keqiang announced a growth target of 6.5 to 7 percent in a report to the national legislature on Beijing's plans for the year. That was down from last year's "about 7 percent" and reflects the ruling Communist Party..

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• Donald Trump reverses position on torture, killing terrorists' families

  

  After advocating the killing of terrorists' families and the benefits of waterboarding, Trump reversed course after condemnation from former cabinet members, lawmakers and intelligence and military officials, some of whom denounced him as "utterly unfitted to the office" of president.Others suggested that the military would be within its rights to refuse to obey those orders. But in a statement Friday, Trump said that he understands "that the United States is bound by laws and treaties" and tha..

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• Pope shocked by deadly attack that killed nuns

  

  VATICAN CITY -- The Vatican says Pope Francis was "shocked and profoundly saddened" by a murderous attack at a home for the elderly in southern Yemen that killed 16 people, including four nuns.The Vatican secretary of state said in a condolence message on Saturday that the pontiff "prays that this pointless slaughter will awaken consciences, lead to a change of heart, and inspire all parties to lay down their arms."Officials and witnesses in Yemen said gunmen on Friday stormed a retirement home..

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• Taliban Say They Won't Attend Peace Talks, but Officials Aren't Convinced

  

  KABUL, Afghanistan — The Taliban said on Saturday that they would not participate in international peace talks, citing what they claimed were increased American airstrikes and Afghan government military operations. The talks, convened by the United States, China, Pakistan and Afghanistan, were expected to start this month in Pakistan. Taliban envoys were expected to join the discussions after being pressured by the Pakistani government, which provides the insurgents with sanctuaries inside it..

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• UN seeks to build peace talks on fragile Syria truce

  

  BEIRUT A total of 135 people were killed in the first week of a partial truce in Syria in areas covered by the deal, a monitoring group said on Saturday, highlighting its fragile nature just days before the United Nations attempts to reconvene peace talks.U.N. envoy Staffan de Mistura said the talks, originally due to begin on Monday in Geneva, would get off to a staggered start later in the week, with delegates arriving from Wednesday onwards.The U.N. said the delay was due to "logistical an..

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Michael family legacy: Industry, race horses, homes .	John Kasich arrives in Michigan with a tall order ahead: Ohio Politics ... .
Kasich winless on Super Tuesday, looks to MI .	'Ohio's vote in two weeks is crucial,' Trump says at Columbus rally .