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WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama says Americans long held in Iran will soon be reunited with their families and that "tireless" diplomacy made it possible. Obama spoke as the Americans were on their way to Switzerland, a day after their release as part of a prisoner swap. Under the deal, the U.S. is pardoning or dropping charges against seven Iranians citizens accused or convicted of violating U.S. sanctions. Obama says the released Iranians were not charged with terrorism. He says their release is "one-time gesture."
WASHINGTON (AP) — One day after lifting sanctions imposed over Iran's nuclear program, the United States has announced economic penalties against 11 individuals and entities involved in Iran's ballistic missile program. The new sanctions follow Iran's firing of a medium-range ballistic missile last fall. Officials say Treasury planned to announce the penalties in late December, but held off after Iran's foreign minister said they could have derailed this weekend's prisoner exchange.
ROME (AP) — Pope Francis has denounced all violence committed in the name of God during a visit to Rome's main synagogue. Francis also rejected all forms of anti-Semitism and called for "maximum vigilance" and early intervention to prevent another Holocaust. At the start of his visit, the pope joined a standing ovation for a group of Holocaust survivors, some of whom wore striped scarves reminiscent of their camp uniforms.
DUETTE, Fla. (AP) — A bout of severe weather in Florida has left two people dead. Authorities say a couple died and their adult son and four grandchildren were injured when a tornado destroyed their mobile home near Tampa. Another twister touched down near the Sarasota County beach community of Siesta Key. High winds also prompted officials to close Tampa's Skyway Bridge twice since midnight.
UNDATED (AP) — Two NFL games today will determine which team will play the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC championship game next week and who will face the New England Patriots in the AFC. First up is the NFC contest, with the Carolina Panthers hosting the Seattle Seahawks. Then the Denver Broncos host the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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