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U.S., South Korea sign pact to counter North Korea

 
Published March 26, 2013

South Korea

Pact signed to counter North Korea

The U.S. military said Monday that it had signed an agreement with South Korea on how to counter provocations from North Korea. The deal, struck Friday, defines the role U.S. forces would play in dealing with what South Korean military officials called local clashes, like the shelling of an island near the border in 2010 by the North, which killed four South Koreans. The two allies declined to disclose specifics about how far the United States would go in its support, especially at what point U.S. troops would directly join a South Korean counterattack against a North Korean provocation. The signing followed a recent series of North Korean threats.

Washington

Bachmann is facing inquiry by ethics office

Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., a candidate for president in 2012, is under investigation by the Office of Congressional Ethics for alleged misuse of campaign funds, her attorney, William McGinley, said Monday.

An investigation by the ethics office is a preliminary inquiry; the office can either dismiss a case or recommend a full House Ethics Committee investigation.

Washington

South Dakota senator won't seek re-election

Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., will not seek re-election in 2014, people close to the senator confirmed Monday.

Johnson survived a life-threatening brain hemorrhage in 2006, returning to the Senate in late 2007 and easily winning re-election a year later. The 65-year-old senator is still partially paralyzed. But he has said that his health is not an issue.

Passaic, N.J.

Man claims $338M Powerball jackpot

A 44-year-old New Jersey man on Monday claimed a $338 million Powerball jackpot. Pedro Quezada said he would use his winnings to help his family.

The numbers drawn Saturday were 17, 29, 31, 52, 53 and Powerball 31. A lump sum payout would be $221 million, or about $152 million after taxes.

Times wires