The Latest: Obama says commutations help cut poverty cycle

President Barack Obama says he shortened the sentences of more than 200 federal inmates this week to help cut the cycle of poverty and put families back together.

Some of the inmates had firearms violations, but Obama says the administration tried to screen out violent inmates.

Obama says the group may continue to inspire people to carry out lone wolf-type attacks on subways or parades to sow fear and elevate its profile.

President Barack Obama is criticizing Russia for its continuing support of Syrian government attacks against opposition forces and its sieges of populated areas like Aleppo.

Obama told reporters at the Pentagon on Thursday that the U.S. will continue to try to cooperate with Russia to reduce the violence and focus the fight on the Islamic State group and other extremists.