Read statements of Vindman, Williams at impeachment hearings tied to Ukraine call

Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, the National Security Council’s Ukraine expert, is testifying publicly Tuesday on Capitol Hill alongside Jennifer Williams, a national security aide to Vice President Mike Pence.

Interested in Impeachment Inquiry?

Both officials listened in on Trump’s July 25 phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. They are the first current White House officials to testify publicly in the Democrats’ impeachment investigation.

Read Vindman’s opening statement:

Vindman Statement by ABC News Politics on Scribd

Read Williams’ opening statement:

2019.11.19 Williams Opening Statement by ABC News Politics on Scribd

US STOCKS SNAPSHOT-Dismal retail forecasts drag down Dow, S&P 500

NEW YORK, Nov 19 (Reuters) – The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell from record levels while the S&P edged lower on Tuesday as dour forecasts from retailers Home Depot Inc and Kohl’s Corp fueled worries about consumer spending as the U.S.-China trade dispute dragged on.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 102.37 points, or 0.37%, to 27,933.85, the S&P 500 lost 1.87 points, or 0.06%, to 3,120.16 and the Nasdaq Composite added 20.72 points, or 0.24%, to 8,570.66. (Reporting by Sinéad Carew Editing by Chris Reese)

Pirates’ former closer Felipe Vazquez faces 21 additional child sex-related charges

His MLB career already in jeopardy after being arrested in September on charges of soliciting a child for sexual acts, former Pittsburgh Pirates closer Felipe Vazquez now faces 21 new child sex-related counts.

Prosecutors on Tuesday filed the additional charges — 10 counts of child pornography, 10 counts of unlawful contact with a minor and a single charge of corruption of minors, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

The additional charges stem from an iPhone and laptop computer police seized during their investigation. The devices contained seven photographs and three videos of a girl "in various stages of nudity," Trooper Michael Thompson told the newspaper.

Vazquez has been held without bail in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, since his arrest in September. He is currently on MLB's Restricted List, where he will remain until the charges are resolved.

Ireland 4-1 Sweden: Stephen Kenny's U-21 side secure three points after second half demolition

It is a big night at Tallaght Stadium for Ireland U-21 as they host Sweden in a crucial European qualifier. Kick off is at 20.00 and you can follow all the action in our live blog.

GateHouse, Gannett merger is official, creating largest U.S. newspaper chain

NEW YORK — GateHouse NEWM, -0.63%  has closed its $1.1 billion takeover of Gannett, promising a $300 million cut in annual costs as it becomes the country’s largest newspaper company by far at a time when print publications are in precipitous decline.

The new company keeps the Gannett GCI, -0.10%  name and brings about 260 daily papers together, including USA Today, The Arizona Republic, the Providence Journal and the Austin American-Statesman.

It has set itself a challenging task. Its executives say they can support local journalism by expanding digital businesses. Digital today makes up only about a quarter of its combined revenue.

Meanwhile, there’s a high-interest $1.8 billion loan to be paid back to private-equity firm Apollo. Layoffs are expected. Executives say they will try not to slash reporting jobs.

UAE armed forces announce plans to buy five aircraft: WAM

CAIRO (Reuters) – The United Arab Emirates armed forces announced on Tuesday plans to buy two Globaleye for early warning and control aircraft, and three other refueling aircrafts, state news agency (WAM) said.

WAM added that the deputy executive director of the military committee organizing Dubai Airshow 2019 confirmed during a news

conference that the armed forces intends to purchase two Globaleye (G 6000-SRSS) early warning and control aircrafts from the Swedish company SAAB, in addition to three refueling aircrafts type (330MRTT) from Airbus.

New York joins states suing e-cigarette maker Juul for deceptive and misleading marketing

NEW YORK (AP) — New York has joined the ranks of states suing the nation’s biggest e-cigarette maker.

Attorney General Letitia James announced the lawsuit on Tuesday against San Francisco based JUUL Labs. It alleges the company used deceptive and misleading marketing of its e-cigarettes, contributing to a youth vaping epidemic.

See also: Trump backs off ban on flavored e-cigarettes

In a statement, JUUL Labs responded that “while we have not yet reviewed the complaint, we remain focused on resetting the vapor category in the U.S. and earning the trust of society by working cooperatively with attorneys general, regulators, public health officials, and other stakeholders to combat underage use and convert adult smokers from combustible cigarettes.”

The company was sued by California on Monday and North Carolina in May. Illinois, Massachusetts and several other states are also investigating the company.

In the latest government survey, one in four high school students reported using e-cigarettes the previous month, despite federal law banning sales to those under 18.

Cannabis producer Curaleaf revenue tops analyst expectations

Curaleaf Holdings Inc. CURLF, -4.86%CURA, -5.81% late Tuesday reported a narrower-than-expected loss but revenue that fell short of consensus estimates. The cannabis retailer reported a third-quarter net loss of $6.8 million, or a penny a share, versus losses of $33.7 million, or 9 cents a share in the year-ago period. Revenue rose to $61.8 million from $21.4 million. Analysts polled by FactSet had expected losses of 2 cents a share on revenue of $61.8 million. Analysts expect fourth-quarter revenue of $101.1 million. U.S. traded shares of Curaleaf stock has gained 16% this year, as the S&P 500 index SPX, -0.06% rose 25%.