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MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) —
The Republican Party's presidential class demanded aggressive steps to curb illegal immigration, seizing on a delicate political issue while facing off in New Hampshire on Monday night during a crowded and pointed preview of the 2016 primary season's first full-fledged debate.
All but three of the 17 major Republican candidates for president participated in what was essentially a debate lite, which — unlike Thursday's nationally televised debate in Cleveland — didn't have a cut-off for participation.
Without exception, the candidates aimed their criticism at Democrats instead of each other in a two-hour meeting where they had more in common than not. Not mentioned was the candidate making the most news headed into Thursday's debate: Donald Trump. The billionaire businessman declined to participate in Monday's gathering, but is poised to take center stage later in the week.
Monday's meeting offered a prime-time practice round for the GOP's most ambitious, appearing on stage one at a time, who addressed several contentious issues, immigration topping a list that also included abortion and climate change.
Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who may not qualify for the upcoming debate as one of the GOP's top 10 candidates in national polling, called the flow of immigrants crossing the border illegally "a serious wound."
"You want to stanch the flow," he said as his Republican rivals watched from the front row of the crowded St. Anselm College auditorium. On those immigrants who have overstayed visas, Perry charged, "You go find 'em, you pick 'em up and you send 'em back where they're from."
CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) —
The white man accused of gunning down nine parishioners at a black church in Charleston wants to plead guilty to 33 federal charges, but his lawyer said in court Friday that he wouldn't do so until prosecutors say whether they'll see the death penalty.
During a brief arraignment in federal court, defense attorney David Bruck said that he couldn't advise his client, Dylann Roof, to enter a guilty plea without knowing the government's intentions.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Bristow Marchant then entered a not guilty plea for Roof, 21, who faces federal charges including hate crimes, weapons charges and obstructing the practice of religion. Appearing in court in a gray striped prison jumpsuit, his hands in shackles, Roof answered yes several times in response to the judge's questions but otherwise didn't speak.
Marchant also heard briefly from family members of victims of the June 17 attack at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in downtown Charleston. Several church representatives also spoke.
Roof also faces numerous state charges, including nine counts of murder. Prosecutors in that case also have not said whether they'll seek the death penalty.
No future hearings are scheduled in Roof's case, although the judge did tell attorneys they have several weeks to file pre-trial motions.
OPA-LOCKA, Fla. (AP) —
The Coast Guard will suspend its search at sunset for two teenage fishermen who've been missing for a week, officials said Friday.
However, Capt. Mark Fedor said the search would continue in the meantime and has been a "true all hands on deck effort." He said the Coast Guard took into consideration Perry Cohen's and Austin Sephanos' age, both 14, their lengthy experience on the water and their "will to live" in keeping the search going so long.
He expressed his "heartfelt condolences" and called the case "excruciating and gut-wrenching."
"I know no statistics will ease the pain," he said adding that hundreds of people searched many miles. "We were desperate to find Austin and Perry."
He said what made it "particularly more painful" for those searching is that many of them have children around the same ages, adding that he has a 13 and a 14-year-old.
The families released a statement thanking the Coast Guard for its efforts but said a private search will continue past Friday using volunteer pilots and aircraft.
The boys went missing last Friday and their capsized boat was found Sunday. The Coast Guard has searched waters from South Florida up through South Carolina without success.