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thomas-jesse-lee-ga-murder-suspect

Thomas Jesse Lee, 26, of Troup County, Ga., was the subject of a nationwide manhunt after the five bodies were discovered in their suburban home in LaGrange, Ga. on Saturday.

A GA murder suspect accused of killing his wife and 5 others, including family members, was taken into custody Monday night in Mississippi, PPD confirms.

The nationwide manhunt for Thomas Jesse Lee, 26, of Troup County, Ga., began Saturday after five bodies were discovered in their suburban home in LaGrange, Georgia. He was taken into custody in Tupelo, Miss., Troup County Sheriff James Woodruff announced Monday night.

Troup County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Stewart Smith said Lee traveled to a church in Alcorn County in northeast Mississippi, where he sought assistance because he was out of money. The church, which claimed they did not know who he was, charitably purchased Lee a bus ticket to Alabama.

But before Lee made it to his destination, a pastor heard about the manhunt for Lee from the media and promptly called authorities. They caught up with Lee in Tupelo and took him into custody at the bus station.

Smith said police were still searching for his vehicle, an olive Mazda Tribute, as of Monday night. Officials say Lee will face five counts of murder when he is extradited to Troup County, adding that authorities had not yet spoken to him to determine a motive for the killings, but were anxious to do so.

“We don’t have any idea what the motive is at this point,” he said.

Police only learned of the mass killings through an employer of one of the victims. They tipped off authorities after one of the victims did not show up for work for several days. Authorities said the victims were Lee’s wife, her daughter, her parents and an 18-year-old family friend who was unfortunately staying at the residence.

Four of the five victims suffered from gunshot wounds, but it was not immediately clear how the fifth died. Smith said authorities were awaiting autopsy result and that they believe a handgun was used to carry out the killings. Police have no other suspects at this time.

Woodruff told The Associated Press that Lee lived at the home with the rest of the family, and no prior domestic problems had been reported there. Woodruff added he was not aware of Lee having a prior criminal record.

A GA murder suspect accused of killing

Economy

(Credit: Reuters)

The pace of growth in the U.S. manufacturing sector slowed in January more than expected, according to an industry report released on Monday.

The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) said its index of national factory activity dropped to 53.5 from 55.1 the month prior. The reading missed economists’ median expectations of 54.5, according to a Reuters poll of economists.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion in the manufacturing sector, while below indicates contraction. Nearly all of the components of the index declined, indicating a clear slowdown in the pace of growth in the U.S. factory sector.

However, the reading marks the 27th consecutive month of growth in manufacturing.

The new orders index fell to 52.9 from 57.8. The prices paid index fell to 35 from 38.5, compared to expectations for 39.5. The employment index fell to 54.1 from 56, also short of expectations for a reading of 56.

The pace of growth in the U.S.

Politics

new-york-governor-george-pataki

January 2, 2015: Former New York Gov. George Pataki appears on “America’s Newsroom” on FOX News.

During an appearance on America’s Newsroom Monday, former New York Gov. George Pataki told FOX News he’s actively exploring a 2016 presidential run.

Gov. Pataki said he has already started a political action committee, has plans to travel to New Hampshire on Tuesday and is “very seriously” considering a bid. The announcement comes just days after Mitt Romney told supporters he would not run for the nomination in 2016. Romney’s announcement came three weeks to the day after he said him and Ann were weighing a third bid.

While the establishment wisdom held Romney’s exit would help former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, the big establishment donor candidate, a new Des Moines Register Poll of likely GOP caucus-goers released over the weekend found Bush behind the pack with single digits, while Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker topped the list with Sen. Rand Paul nipping at his heels.

Pataki, who for more than a decade was a major figure in the Republican establishment, was not included in the poll. The entrance of Pataki would no doubt further hurt Bush, who Romney indirectly criticized for running. Romney said younger, conservative faces should take the lead in the party.

Gov. Pataki, 69, the three-term former New York governor, announced early on that he was weighing a bid. He served as governor of a Blue state from 1995 through 2006, and began a long career in politics when he ran for mayor in his hometown of Peekskill. He won in 1981, and served two terms before going on to the New York State Assembly, then the State Senate, where he served one term.

During an appearance on America's Newsroom Monday,

Economy

Consumer spending

(Photo: REUTERS)

U.S. consumer spending recorded its biggest decline since late 2009 in December, as Americans are saving the extra cash from cheaper gas or paying debts. While that could mean positive data in the future, it doesn’t bode well for current consumption.

The Commerce Department said on Monday consumer spending dropped 0.3 percent after a downwardly revised 0.5 percent increase in November. The new revision represents the largest drop since September 2009, and is far off of economists’ expectations on consumer spending, which accounts for more than two-thirds of U.S. economic activity, or GDP.

Economists polled by Reuters had forecast consumer spending would fall just 0.2 percent in December after a previously reported 0.6 percent increase. However, when adjusted for inflation, consumer spending only dipped 0.1 percent. That’s the weakest reading since last April and follows a previously reported 0.7 percent increase in November.

The data was factored in to the fourth-quarter gross domestic product report released Friday, which suggested the economy was growing at a much slower 2.6 percent annual pace. The report found consumer spending rising at a brisk 4.3 percent annual rate, which was the fastest since 2006.

Lower gasoline prices were expected to prove a net plus to consumer spending in the first quarter and still may prove to be in the future. Yet, thus far Americans households have held much of the extra income as a result of cheaper gas prices, or used it to pay down debts. Gasoline prices have fallen 43 percent since June, according to U.S. government data, and Americans are acting as if they do not expect them to stay low for long.

In December, income increased 0.3 percent, which followed a similar gain in the month of November. After adjusting for inflation, disposable income increased 0.5 percent, which is the largest rise since last March. The saving rate rose to 4.9 percent from 4.3 percent in the prior month.

In the 12 months through December, the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index rose 0.7 percent, the weakest reading since October of 2009. That is a severe slowdown from a 1.2 percent increase measured in November.

Excluding food and energy, prices were unchanged for a second straight month. The so-called core PCE price index increased 1.3 percent in the 12 months through December.

U.S. consumer spending recorded its biggest decline

Economy, Markets

exxon-mobil-reuters

Exxon Mobil industrial center. (Photo: Reuters)

Exxon Mobil Corp. (NYSE:XOM) posted a 21 percent drop in 4Q earnings, but shares still edged up about 0.5 percent pre-market as the decline was less than expected. The biggest U.S. energy company said they were hurt by lower commodity prices, and also unveiled a plan to buy back $1 billion in shares in the current quarter, down from its previous level of $3 billion.

Overall, Exxon reported a profit of $6.57 billion, or $1.56 a share. That’s down from $8.35 billion posted a year earlier, or $1.91 a share. Revenues fell to $87.28 billion from $110.86 billion.

Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected a per-share profit of $1.34 and revenue of $87.6 billion.

Fueled by lower production, earnings in Exxon’s exploration and production business dropped to $5.5 billion, which represents a decline of 3.8 percent on an oil-equivalent basis.

Exxon’s falling production somewhat resulted from a willingness to give up some less-profitable barrels, such as at a concession in Abu Dhabi that have expired. Exxon Chief Executive Rex Tillerson has made improving profitability one of the company’s new and highest priorities.

Earnings from refining and marketing declined to $497 million due in large part to weak U.S. margins and higher expenses.

The chemical segment offered good news, posting earnings growth of $317 million to $1.2 billion, helped in part by stronger margins and low feedstock costs.

Capital and exploration expenditures increased 5.4% to $10.46 billion

On Friday, Chevron posted its lowest quarterly profit in five years and said it would trim its ambitious spending plans as the collapse in oil prices erased billions of dollars in cash flow.

Exxon Mobil Corp. posted a 21 percent

Sports

super-bowl-XLIX

Feb. 1, 2015: New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates with New England Patriots fullback James Develin (46) after NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game against the Seattle Seahawks in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Quarterback Tom Brady led the New England Patriots through a second-half comeback to defeat the Seattle Seahawks 28-24 in Super Bowl XLIX in Glendale, Arizona.

Brady and the Patriots took the win Sunday after entering the fourth-quarter with a 10-point deficit, but a three-yard touchdown pass to Julian Edelman with 2:02 left help put New England over the top.

Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson drove Seattle down to the New England 1-yard-line, but was ultimately intercepted by Malcolm Butler with 20 seconds remaining to deny the Seahawks the championship. It would have been Seattle’s first repeat NFL championship in a decade.

The win was the fourth Super Bowl title for New England under the leadership of Brady head coach Bill Belichick, who tied former Steelers coach Chuck Noll with the most Super Bowl wins by a head coach. Brady, who took his third Super Bowl MVP trophy, set a Super Bowl record with 37 completions and finished with 328 yards passing in addition to four touchdowns and two interceptions.

Brady also became only the third quarterback in NFL history to win four Super Bowls and only the second to win three Super Bowl MVP awards.

As the Patriots ran out the clock, players on both sides fought and Seahawks linebacker Bruce Irvin was ejected. Minutes later, New England players were celebrating on the same field where their 2007 unbeaten season was ruined in the Super Bowl by the Giants. They were also defeated by the Giants in 2011.

Brady started New England’s rally with a 76-yard drive that ended with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Danny Amendola. With New England within field goal range with 7:55 remaining, they took the score to 24-21, Seattle.

Brady’s two fourth-quarter touchdown passes gave him 13 over six Super Bowl games, passing his childhood idol Joe Montana, who held the old record of 11. Montana is also the only other quarterback to win three Super Bowl MVP awards.

The teams got down to football under the open retractable roof at University of Phoenix Stadium — the first venue to host an indoor and an outdoor Super Bowl — after dealing with distractions far beyond the typical Super Bowl hype. The Patriots are being investigated for using under-inflated footballs in their 45-7 win over Indianapolis in the AFC championship game.

Jeremy Lane made the first big play to negate a nearly eight-minute drive by the Patriots with a leaping interception at the goal line late in the first quarter. Lane, a third-year backup Legion of Boom member, made his first pro interception. However, he ultimately had to leave with a wrist injury after being tackled by Julian Edelman.

His replacement, Tharold Simon, got torched by Brady for much of the remainder of the contest.

While Wilson didn’t get off a single pass in the first quarter, Brady completed his record 50th postseason TD throw in the second quarter. It was 7-0 in the second quarter.

Then Seattle rallied to a 24-14 lead in the third quarter on Hauschka’s field goal and Baldwin’s touchdown catch from Wilson. New England was looking shook, but Brady once again took charge.

“It was a lot of mental toughness,” Brady said. “Our team has had it all year. We never doubted each other, so that’s what it took.”

Quarterback Tom Brady led the New England

Politics, Video

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., touted his foreign policy credentials in a pitch on Face The Nation Sunday suggesting he is seriously considering a run for president.

“I’m very comfortable that I’m in the mainstream of conservatism,” Sen. Graham said in response to questions conservative have regarding his record on immigration. “I have done very well in a red state. And when it comes to national security and understanding the threats our nation faces, I believe I’m the best qualified of anybody on our side of the aisle to offer an alternative to a failed foreign policy of Barack Obama.”

Graham also said that if he was elected president, then fellow-South Carolina Republican lawmaker, Rep. Trey Gowdy, a favorite among conservative circles, would be the next appointed Supreme Court justice.

“And I would expect Democrats to vote for him because he’s a qualified person,” Graham added. “I thought Sotomayor and Kagan, while I would not have chosen them, were very qualified candidates to be picked by a Democratic president.”

Entire Transcript:

NORAH O’DONNELL, FACE THE NATION: Let’s turn now to politics, Senator Graham, because you announced this week that you are considering a run for president.

But as you point out yourself, you voted for both of President Obama’s nominees for the Supreme Court. Your critics call you Lindsey Grahamnesty for your support of immigration reform.

SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM (R-SC): Right.

O’DONNELL: You believe in climate change.

Can you get elected in a Republican primary? Do you even have a chance?

(LAUGHTER)

GRAHAM: Well, I won in South Carolina. It’s a pretty red state.

I’m for immigration reform, starting with securing your border. All Republicans agree with that, more legal immigration. Paying illegal immigrants under the table is a real threat to the middle- class wage growth. That’s one of the reasons we need to fix immigration.

But my view on immigration is shared by 70 percent of the American people. When it comes to Supreme Court justices, if I get to be president, I would nominate Trey Gowdy. And I would expect Democrats to vote for him because he’s a qualified person. I thought Sotomayor and Kagan, while I would not have chosen them, were very qualified candidates to be picked by a Democratic president.

So, I’m very comfortable that I’m in the mainstream of conservatism. I have done very well in a red state. And when it comes to national security and understanding the threats our nation faces, I believe I’m the best qualified of anybody on our side of the aisle to offer an alternative to a failed foreign policy of Barack Obama.

My organization is called Security Through Strength. We will never have peace with radical Islam, but we can have security.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., touted his foreign

Polls

scott-walker-iowa-freedom-forum

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker speaks at the Iowa Freedom Forum on January 24, 2015. (Photo: Getty Images)

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has surged to the top in the first-in-the-nation caucus state of Iowa, according to the stellar-rated Des Moines Register Poll. Republican caucus-goers obviously loved what they heard from Walker during his speech at the Iowa Freedom Summit last weekend, a headline-grabbing performance that prompted PPD to name him the event’s biggest winner.

“King-a-palooza launched him,” Des Moines Register pollster J. Ann Selzer said. “It’s not that they like him, they love him.”

Thirty-two percent of likely GOP caucus-goers have a “Very Favorable” view of him — a higher number than anyone else in the poll — while 60 percent have a “Favorable” view of the man Seltzer described as a “47-year-old, Harley-riding preacher’s son.”

The polling results are notable for several reasons. First and foremost, Selzer & Co. has been awarded a “Stellar” rating from PPD’s Pollster Scorecard, a rating held by only the most accurate pollsters. Ann Selzer has a habit of making other pollsters look like amateurs who cannot properly gauge her state, i.e. Clinton vs. Obama (2008) to Ernst vs. Braley (2014).

That said, the results are exactly what we expected given the 2016 GOP nomination’s fundamentals, and the reaction to last week’s speech. Walker has the unique ability to bridge the divide between the establishment and conservative wings of the GOP. Further, PPD’s research finds his electoral record demonstrates a consistent ability to draw the support of 6 – 7 percent of the presidential electorate in Wisconsin that otherwise supported Democrats, a voting bloc we have dubbed the Obama-Walker voter.

And there are a large number of them in Iowa, a statistic establishment GOP voters would do well to keep in mind.

When asked whether Walker was too conservative or too moderate, 56 percent said he was just about right, and with 34 percent saying they weren’t sure, Walker has plenty of room to grow.

Another piece of data that is sure to rattle the establishment wing involves libertarian-leaning Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, who not only came in a close second to Walker among likely caucus-goers, but also demonstrates a potential ability to straddle the philosophical divide. 2008 caucus winner Mike Huckabee came in third, while former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie are both stuck in single digits.

However, although Sen. Paul is just one point behind Gov. Walker, the fact he doesn’t have a “Gov.” in front of his name is a problem for a number of caucus-goers and the ground operators listening to Walker last weekend.

Meanwhile, Gov. Bush finds himself with a serious problem his brother, the 43rd President of the United States, never had. Iowa Republicans aren’t particularly keen on him, at all. Even though 29 percent have a “Mostly Favorable” view of him, 25 percent have a “Mostly Unfavorable” view of the man big donors chose over 2012 Mitt Romney this cycle. Gov. Romney decided this week to leave the nomination up to younger, fresher faces to decide, giving a statement to supporters that clearly demonstrated little love for the idea of a Bush presidency.

Romney’s top advisor in Iowa, Dave Kochel, signed on with Jeb in the lead-off caucus state. It would appear Kochel has his work cut out for him. Unlike Walker and Paul, Bush is a known quantity, and if there are two arguments PPD has consistently made, they are 1) Scott Walker is the most likely dark house and candidate to bridge the ideological divide in the party and, 2) Bush likely had one direction to go — down.

The Des Moines Register/Bloomberg Politics Iowa Poll of 402 Republican likely caucusgoers was taken Jan. 26-29 by Selzer & Co. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9 percentage points.

[scribd id=254312953 key=key-j1Ya5vrGdh1RXyICePld mode=scroll]

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has surged to

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