Stars and Stripes Daily Headlines

February 18, 2017     Iraqi PM: Iraqi troops ready for new Mosul offensive Iraqi forces are poised to launch a long-anticipated offensive against the Islamic State group holed up in western Mosul, one of the last bastions of fighters in a city the militant group seized control of three years ago, Iraq Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said.   Retired Lt. Gen. Hal Moore remembered as great warrior, leader “You won’t read or hear of a more beloved and dedicated officer and soldier than Lt. Gen. Moore,” said Gen. Robert Abrams, commander of U.S. Army Forces Command. “He was a combat infantryman known for his courage, bravery and deep love for soldiers.   Homeland Security secretary: Trump considering 'more streamlined' version of travel ban Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly said Saturday the Trump administration is considering a new version of the executive order banning travel of citizens from seven Muslim-majority nations that would allow travelers who were already on airplanes bound for the United States into the country, but would bar those who had not yet boarded.   China suspends North Korean coal imports, striking at regime's financial lifeline China will suspend all imports of coal from North Korea until the end of the year, in a surprise move that would cut off a major financial lifeline for Pyongyang and significantly enhance the effectiveness of U.N. sanctions.   Trump interviewing candidates to replace the ousted Flynn  President Donald Trump plans to interview John Bolton, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, and Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster while in Florida for the weekend. Finding a new national security adviser has proved challenging.   Mortgage service firm that overcharged servicemembers OKs $225M settlement A mortgage services company signed a $225 million settlement with California regulators on Friday to settle allegations it overcharged active-duty military members, was late in providing key information for some civilian borrowers seeking to modify their loans and violated other laws.   Ohio bill would make killing first responders, servicemembers a death penalty crime A bill in the Ohio House would add killing a first responder or military member to the list of slayings eligible for the death penalty.