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<p>HONG KONG (AP) — Asian stock markets were uneven and the dollar fell on Friday following Wall Street's retreat as the threat of a U.S. federal government shutdown loomed on the weekend.</p>
<p>KEEPING SCORE: Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 climbed 0.3 percent to 23,836.84 and South Korea's Kospi was flat at 2,517.19. Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose 0.2 percent to 32,188.11 while the Shanghai Composite in mainland China rose 0.4 percent to 3,488.87. Australia's S&amp;P/ASX 200 dipped 0.1 percent to 6,010.00. Shares were mixed in Southeast Asia.</p>
<p>SHUTDOWN: U.S. politicians were scrambling to avert a possible federal government shutdown before a midnight Friday deadline. House lawmakers voted for a funding bill that would keep agency doors open and federal workers at their jobs until mid-February, but the measure faced uncertain prospects in the Senate. A shutdown could hurt consumer spending and rattle markets, though it's unlikely to cause widespread economic damage, Credit Suisse economists said in a note on Thursday.</p>
<p>TRADER TALK: "A predictable air of caution has engulfed global equity markets as we approach the final bell for U.S. budget showdown," said Stephen Innes, head of Asia-Pacific trading at OANDA. "But in the bigger scheme of things this case of hiccups is likely to pass as quickly as it arrived."</p>
<p>GLOBAL OUTLOOK: Most Asian stock indexes were on track for weekly gains, with benchmarks such as the Hang Seng near record highs lifted by optimism about the global economy and corporate earnings. China reported full-year and fourth-quarter growth on Thursday that beat expectations, in a hopeful sign for the world's No. 2 economy. IBM posted its first quarter of revenue growth in more than five years, as adjusted quarterly profit exceeded Wall street forecasts.</p>
<p>WALL STREET: Major U.S. benchmarks ended slightly lower. The Standard &amp; Poor's 500 index fell 0.2 percent to 2,798.03. The Dow Jones industrial average lost 0.4 percent to 26,017.81. The Nasdaq was down less than 0.1 percent to 7,296.05.</p>
<p>CURRENCIES: The dollar weakened to 111.03 yen from 111.07 yen in late trading Thursday. The euro strengthened to $1.2243 from $1.2237.</p>
<p>ENERGY: Oil futures retreated. Benchmark U.S. crude lost $1.06 to $62.89 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract dipped 2 cents to settle at $63.95 a barrel on Thursday. Brent crude, used to price international oils, sank 82 cents to $68.49 a barrel.</p>
<p>HONG KONG (AP) — Asian stock markets were uneven and the dollar fell on Friday following Wall Street's retreat as the threat of a U.S. federal government shutdown loomed on the weekend.</p>
<p>KEEPING SCORE: Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 climbed 0.3 percent to 23,836.84 and South Korea's Kospi was flat at 2,517.19. Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose 0.2 percent to 32,188.11 while the Shanghai Composite in mainland China rose 0.4 percent to 3,488.87. Australia's S&amp;P/ASX 200 dipped 0.1 percent to 6,010.00. Shares were mixed in Southeast Asia.</p>
<p>SHUTDOWN: U.S. politicians were scrambling to avert a possible federal government shutdown before a midnight Friday deadline. House lawmakers voted for a funding bill that would keep agency doors open and federal workers at their jobs until mid-February, but the measure faced uncertain prospects in the Senate. A shutdown could hurt consumer spending and rattle markets, though it's unlikely to cause widespread economic damage, Credit Suisse economists said in a note on Thursday.</p>
<p>TRADER TALK: "A predictable air of caution has engulfed global equity markets as we approach the final bell for U.S. budget showdown," said Stephen Innes, head of Asia-Pacific trading at OANDA. "But in the bigger scheme of things this case of hiccups is likely to pass as quickly as it arrived."</p>
<p>GLOBAL OUTLOOK: Most Asian stock indexes were on track for weekly gains, with benchmarks such as the Hang Seng near record highs lifted by optimism about the global economy and corporate earnings. China reported full-year and fourth-quarter growth on Thursday that beat expectations, in a hopeful sign for the world's No. 2 economy. IBM posted its first quarter of revenue growth in more than five years, as adjusted quarterly profit exceeded Wall street forecasts.</p>
<p>WALL STREET: Major U.S. benchmarks ended slightly lower. The Standard &amp; Poor's 500 index fell 0.2 percent to 2,798.03. The Dow Jones industrial average lost 0.4 percent to 26,017.81. The Nasdaq was down less than 0.1 percent to 7,296.05.</p>
<p>CURRENCIES: The dollar weakened to 111.03 yen from 111.07 yen in late trading Thursday. The euro strengthened to $1.2243 from $1.2237.</p>
<p>ENERGY: Oil futures retreated. Benchmark U.S. crude lost $1.06 to $62.89 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract dipped 2 cents to settle at $63.95 a barrel on Thursday. Brent crude, used to price international oils, sank 82 cents to $68.49 a barrel.</p>
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hong kong ap asian stock markets uneven dollar fell friday following wall streets retreat threat us federal government shutdown loomed weekend keeping score japans benchmark nikkei 225 climbed 03 percent 2383684 south koreas kospi flat 251719 hong kongs hang seng rose 02 percent 3218811 shanghai composite mainland china rose 04 percent 348887 australias samppasx 200 dipped 01 percent 601000 shares mixed southeast asia shutdown us politicians scrambling avert possible federal government shutdown midnight friday deadline house lawmakers voted funding bill would keep agency doors open federal workers jobs midfebruary measure faced uncertain prospects senate shutdown could hurt consumer spending rattle markets though unlikely cause widespread economic damage credit suisse economists said note thursday trader talk predictable air caution engulfed global equity markets approach final bell us budget showdown said stephen innes head asiapacific trading oanda bigger scheme things case hiccups likely pass quickly arrived global outlook asian stock indexes track weekly gains benchmarks hang seng near record highs lifted optimism global economy corporate earnings china reported fullyear fourthquarter growth thursday beat expectations hopeful sign worlds 2 economy ibm posted first quarter revenue growth five years adjusted quarterly profit exceeded wall street forecasts wall street major us benchmarks ended slightly lower standard amp poors 500 index fell 02 percent 279803 dow jones industrial average lost 04 percent 2601781 nasdaq less 01 percent 729605 currencies dollar weakened 11103 yen 11107 yen late trading thursday euro strengthened 12243 12237 energy oil futures retreated benchmark us crude lost 106 6289 barrel electronic trading new york mercantile exchange contract dipped 2 cents settle 6395 barrel thursday brent crude used price international oils sank 82 cents 6849 barrel hong kong ap asian stock markets uneven dollar fell friday following wall streets retreat threat us federal government shutdown loomed weekend keeping score japans benchmark nikkei 225 climbed 03 percent 2383684 south koreas kospi flat 251719 hong kongs hang seng rose 02 percent 3218811 shanghai composite mainland china rose 04 percent 348887 australias samppasx 200 dipped 01 percent 601000 shares mixed southeast asia shutdown us politicians scrambling avert possible federal government shutdown midnight friday deadline house lawmakers voted funding bill would keep agency doors open federal workers jobs midfebruary measure faced uncertain prospects senate shutdown could hurt consumer spending rattle markets though unlikely cause widespread economic damage credit suisse economists said note thursday trader talk predictable air caution engulfed global equity markets approach final bell us budget showdown said stephen innes head asiapacific trading oanda bigger scheme things case hiccups likely pass quickly arrived global outlook asian stock indexes track weekly gains benchmarks hang seng near record highs lifted optimism global economy corporate earnings china reported fullyear fourthquarter growth thursday beat expectations hopeful sign worlds 2 economy ibm posted first quarter revenue growth five years adjusted quarterly profit exceeded wall street forecasts wall street major us benchmarks ended slightly lower standard amp poors 500 index fell 02 percent 279803 dow jones industrial average lost 04 percent 2601781 nasdaq less 01 percent 729605 currencies dollar weakened 11103 yen 11107 yen late trading thursday euro strengthened 12243 12237 energy oil futures retreated benchmark us crude lost 106 6289 barrel electronic trading new york mercantile exchange contract dipped 2 cents settle 6395 barrel thursday brent crude used price international oils sank 82 cents 6849 barrel
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<p>He stayed despite a deportation order and over the past 16 years has made a living fixing and remodeling homes. He also started a family. But the father of four had grown tired of “living in the shadows,” his attorney said.</p>
<p>So last week, he went to a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office for his marriage petition interview – the first step to legalize his presence in the United States through his wife, a naturalized citizen. The process, called an I-130 visa petition, is a common way for foreigners to gain legal residency through their relatives or spouses.</p>
<p>But Arriaga was arrested that day, along with four others who also showed up at the USCIS office in Lawrence, Mass. All five have deportation orders, according to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.</p>
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<p>Though the arrests aren’t unprecedented, legal experts say they are indicative of the Trump administration’s broader view on what counts as high priority for deportation. Adam Cox, an immigration law professor at New York University, said the arrests signify a level of immigration enforcement that is “very different” from that of the previous administration.</p>
<p>Absent serious criminal violations, the five arrests on March 29 in northeastern Massachusetts were less likely to happen in the Obama years, said Hiroshi Motomura, an immigration law professor at the University of California at Los Angeles.</p>
<p>“This is not to say that, under Obama, they absolutely would not have been removed and arrested. That could have happened,” Motomura said. “But there is less bureaucratic constraint now than during Obama, and this means that their arrest, detention and removal is more likely than before.”</p>
<p>According to two former Department of Homeland Security officials, someone like Arriaga – someone who has no criminal history, has been in the country for a long time and whose wife and children are U.S. citizens – would not have been a priority for deportation during the previous administration.</p>
<p>Arriaga would have been a “very, very, very, very low priority for removal,” said John Sandweg, a former acting director of ICE.</p>
<p>“Our position was, ‘Don’t waste your time getting this individual. Go get a criminal instead,’ ” said Sandweg, who also was acting general counsel for the Department of Homeland Security at one point under President Barack Obama. “What’s very clear that’s happening is that they have put a strong emphasis to the officers and agents to focus on people who are ordered deported and didn’t leave the country.”</p>
<p>David Martin, an immigration law professor at the University of Virginia, points to a November 2014 memo by former secretary of homeland security Jeh Johnson that curtailed deportations by setting three priorities. Violent criminals are the highest priority, as has always been the case. Next are those who have been convicted of misdemeanors other than minor traffic offenses. The third are those who were issued final deportation orders on or after Jan. 1, 2014.</p>
<p>Under Johnson’s memo, Arriaga, whose deportation order is more than a decade old, would have been left alone, Martin said.</p>
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<p>That appears to have changed.</p>
<p>“There seems to be a more concerted effort to act on people with any kind of final removal order, no matter how old,” Martin said.</p>
<p>A February memo by Secretary of Homeland Security John F. Kelly details sweeping new guidelines that empower ICE agents to not just focus their efforts on criminals but also on those who have outstanding deportation orders – regardless of how long they’ve been in the country.</p>
<p>Memos during the Obama administration, specifically one issued in 2011, directed ICE agents and other immigration officials to look at several factors, such as familial relationships with U.S. citizens, criminal history, education pursued in the country and contributions to the community, in deciding whether arrests and prosecution are warranted.</p>
<p>Kelly’s memo, which calls for the hiring of additional ICE officers and agents, does not list any of those factors. It states: “Prosecutorial discretion shall not be exercised in a manner that exempts or excludes a specified class or category of aliens from enforcement of immigration laws.”</p>
<p>ICE has maintained that the arrests aren’t anything new and aren’t indicative of a shift in policy or priorities. Criminals are always the top priority for removal, but that doesn’t mean everyone else who is in the country illegally is ignored, an ICE official said. Because the five individuals have outstanding orders of removal, ICE agents are mandated to carry out those orders.</p>
<p>In a statement confirming the arrests, an ICE spokesman in Boston said that agents were “responding to an investigative tip.”</p>
<p>“All five individuals have final removals of removals (deportation orders) issued by a federal immigration judge,” according to the statement. “All five will be held in custody pending removal from the United States.”</p>
<p>ICE said it could not comment on why the five individuals were at the USCIS office. But Susan Church, chair of the New England chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, said at least four of them were at the USCIS office to apply for green cards and at least two are married to U.S. citizens.</p>
<p>According to ICE, two of the individuals have no criminal history; the others have traffic offenses.</p>
<p>The arrests angered immigration advocates who believe federal officials have created anxiety among undocumented immigrants like Arriaga – green-card applicants who are not a threat to public safety and have taken steps to become lawful residents of the country.</p>
<p>“It injects a sense of fear into the process that shouldn’t be there for people who are otherwise going forward with their application that they’re entitled to pursue,” said Avideh Moussavian, senior policy attorney for the National Immigration Law Center. “They’re now being sent this message that they should be very, very afraid and very cautious.”</p>
<p>Church said the arrests conflict with what President Trump has said about focusing deportation efforts on hardened criminals, on deporting only “bad hombres.”</p>
<p>“It’s scaring people who need not be scared,” Church said.</p>
<p>Zoila Gomez, Arriaga’s attorney, said she had advised her client that there is a good chance he would be detained if he showed up at his immigration appointment.</p>
<p>“I explained to him that if you don’t want to go to the interview, we could cancel it. Canceling meant the process would be stalled. That would be the end of it,” Gomez said. “He said, ‘No, I’m going to the interview even if I’m detained. I can’t continue to live like this anymore.’ “</p>
<p>Arriaga is now detained at the Bristol County House of Correction and Jail in North Dartmouth, Mass. Gomez said his I-130 application has been recommended for approval, meaning officials have determined that his marriage to a U.S. citizen is legitimate.</p>
<p>Gomez said she has requested a stay on Arriaga’s removal. If approved, he’ll be allowed in the country while his application for a green card is pending.</p>
<p>Undocumented immigrants who have been in the country for a long period of time, have no criminal record and are related to a U.S. citizen are eligible to apply for immigration benefits, even if they have deportation orders, said Cox, the New York University professor. These benefits include permanent residency, work eligibility and citizenship, according to the Department of Homeland Security website.</p>
<p>But today, those who want to – and can – legalize their presence in the United States will likely be more afraid to come forward, Gomez said.</p>
<p>Motomura, the UCLA professor, agrees.</p>
<p>“Being afraid would be much more of a reasonable reaction,” Motomura said. “So much more than ever before, what happens, even to people who have filed papers to get themselves legal status under federal immigration statutes, is at the whim of an individual agent or a local office decision.”</p>
<p>Sign up for the Today’s WorldView Newsletter The Washington Post.</p>
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stayed despite deportation order past 16 years made living fixing remodeling homes also started family father four grown tired living shadows attorney said last week went us citizenship immigration services uscis office marriage petition interview first step legalize presence united states wife naturalized citizen process called i130 visa petition common way foreigners gain legal residency relatives spouses arriaga arrested day along four others also showed uscis office lawrence mass five deportation orders according us immigration customs enforcement ice advertisement though arrests arent unprecedented legal experts say indicative trump administrations broader view counts high priority deportation adam cox immigration law professor new york university said arrests signify level immigration enforcement different previous administration absent serious criminal violations five arrests march 29 northeastern massachusetts less likely happen obama years said hiroshi motomura immigration law professor university california los angeles say obama absolutely would removed arrested could happened motomura said less bureaucratic constraint obama means arrest detention removal likely according two former department homeland security officials someone like arriaga someone criminal history country long time whose wife children us citizens would priority deportation previous administration arriaga would low priority removal said john sandweg former acting director ice position dont waste time getting individual go get criminal instead said sandweg also acting general counsel department homeland security one point president barack obama whats clear thats happening put strong emphasis officers agents focus people ordered deported didnt leave country david martin immigration law professor university virginia points november 2014 memo former secretary homeland security jeh johnson curtailed deportations setting three priorities violent criminals highest priority always case next convicted misdemeanors minor traffic offenses third issued final deportation orders jan 1 2014 johnsons memo arriaga whose deportation order decade old would left alone martin said advertisement appears changed seems concerted effort act people kind final removal order matter old martin said february memo secretary homeland security john f kelly details sweeping new guidelines empower ice agents focus efforts criminals also outstanding deportation orders regardless long theyve country memos obama administration specifically one issued 2011 directed ice agents immigration officials look several factors familial relationships us citizens criminal history education pursued country contributions community deciding whether arrests prosecution warranted kellys memo calls hiring additional ice officers agents list factors states prosecutorial discretion shall exercised manner exempts excludes specified class category aliens enforcement immigration laws ice maintained arrests arent anything new arent indicative shift policy priorities criminals always top priority removal doesnt mean everyone else country illegally ignored ice official said five individuals outstanding orders removal ice agents mandated carry orders statement confirming arrests ice spokesman boston said agents responding investigative tip five individuals final removals removals deportation orders issued federal immigration judge according statement five held custody pending removal united states ice said could comment five individuals uscis office susan church chair new england chapter american immigration lawyers association said least four uscis office apply green cards least two married us citizens according ice two individuals criminal history others traffic offenses arrests angered immigration advocates believe federal officials created anxiety among undocumented immigrants like arriaga greencard applicants threat public safety taken steps become lawful residents country injects sense fear process shouldnt people otherwise going forward application theyre entitled pursue said avideh moussavian senior policy attorney national immigration law center theyre sent message afraid cautious church said arrests conflict president trump said focusing deportation efforts hardened criminals deporting bad hombres scaring people need scared church said zoila gomez arriagas attorney said advised client good chance would detained showed immigration appointment explained dont want go interview could cancel canceling meant process would stalled would end gomez said said im going interview even im detained cant continue live like anymore arriaga detained bristol county house correction jail north dartmouth mass gomez said i130 application recommended approval meaning officials determined marriage us citizen legitimate gomez said requested stay arriagas removal approved hell allowed country application green card pending undocumented immigrants country long period time criminal record related us citizen eligible apply immigration benefits even deportation orders said cox new york university professor benefits include permanent residency work eligibility citizenship according department homeland security website today want legalize presence united states likely afraid come forward gomez said motomura ucla professor agrees afraid would much reasonable reaction motomura said much ever happens even people filed papers get legal status federal immigration statutes whim individual agent local office decision sign todays worldview newsletter washington post
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<p>She was “old” with quotation marks. That’s how she wrote it in one of her earliest emails to me, six years ago. “Old,” with some wear and tear to the chassis, a little snow on the roof, a little slowness in the stride. But not old otherwise.</p>
<p>Wise, certainly.</p>
<p>Funny, definitely.</p>
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<p>And very, very outspoken.</p>
<p>There’s another word I’d use to describe Dolan: Feminist. Because she was certainly one of the first and best of those in Albuquerque, a pioneer of the women’s movement and affirmative action on the cusp of the 1970s, back when it was radical for a woman to wear a pantsuit to the office, back when a woman in that office was typically relegated to typing or filing or answering phones.</p>
<p>Merrillee Dolan, left, in 1971 with Catherine Albright, then president of the Albuquerque chapter of the National Organization for Women. Dolan was seen as an energetic, local pioneer of NOW. (Albuquerque Journal File Photo)</p>
<p>“I’d been seething over things I’d experienced because of my sex,” Dolan wrote of those early days when she was a young woman in her 20s. “Job discrimination, limited career choices, a date rape and pressure to get married. I’d gone to Juárez for an abortion, illegal in the United States. I’d been scolded by a Catholic doctor when I asked for birth control pills, and I’d sat through a lecture by sexist lawyer F. Lee Bailey mocking rape victims. So in 1967, I joined NOW.”</p>
<p>That’s the National Organization for Women, and she didn’t just join the groundbreaking, glass-ceiling-cracking group – she became a member of its national board of directors, headed the organization’s task force on women in poverty and invigorated the wobbly Albuquerque NOW chapter, convincing wary members that protesting might not be ladylike but it sure as heck was womanlike.</p>
<p>“Our local efforts were considered pretty radical by some milder feminists around the country,” she wrote. “We loved every minute of it.”</p>
<p>In 2008, I was fortunate to meet Dolan in person. I had asked her to coffee, interested to hear her perspective as a longtime feminist on politics and women’s issues – two of her most favorite subjects.</p>
<p>(See my column on our chat, “ <a href="" type="internal">Activist Has Lived Life Always Speaking Her Mind</a>,” Oct. 10, 2008).</p>
<p>Dolan was, as ever, ebullient and irreverent, speaking and laughing louder than anybody else in that crowded Nob Hill Starbucks, her hands adding exclamation points to her words, as if they needed any, her smile wide and radiating.</p>
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<p>She would have taken great glee in eviscerating this year’s Time magazine word banishment poll, which ran Nov. 12. Among annoying nominees like “yaaasssss” and “obvi” was “feminist,” an inclusion that enraged many who believed the magazine was being dismissive of the feminist movement and the work women such as Dolan did in the fight for equality.</p>
<p>Alas, I couldn’t ask Dolan. She died earlier this month at age 73.</p>
<p>Longtime friend and fellow NOW member Jennifer White found her, passed away with a peaceful look, sitting in a living room chair Nov. 5 in the Ridgecrest home she shared with her beloved cats.</p>
<p>She had been in relatively good health, White said, save for the arthritis in her back and ankles that had forced her to give up flamenco dancing. A recent scare over a thyroid issue seemed to be under control with medication.</p>
<p>White said she knew something was wrong when Dolan hadn’t returned her calls Nov. 4, the night of the midterm elections.</p>
<p>“I knew she’d want to bitch and moan about the results,” White said. “It wasn’t like her to stay quiet.”</p>
<p>Dolan loved flamenco dancing until arthritis in her back and ankles forced her to hang up her dancing shoes. She died Nov. 5 at age 73. (Albuquerque Journal File Photo)</p>
<p>It was never like her to stay quiet.</p>
<p>Dolan, White said, had no family in Albuquerque. So last week three of her friends – White, Mary Chao and Diane Tipton – gathered over tea and cookies to write an obituary to run in the Journal and to remember their outspoken friend.</p>
<p>“We reminisced,” White said. “It was a lot of laughter, a lot of ‘Oh, God, do you remember when blah blah,’ a few tears because your friend is gone.”</p>
<p>Some people live out loud. Dolan lived on full volume.</p>
<p>Besides her work with NOW, Dolan served as an investigator and project director with the New Mexico Human Rights Commission and as an investigator with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.</p>
<p>She fought for affirmative action, abortion rights, the Equal Rights Amendment and the freeing of Wen Ho Lee, a fired Los Alamos National Laboratory scientist who was jailed for nine months in a classified information case but later won an apology from a federal judge over his treatment by the government.</p>
<p>She fought against poverty, police brutality and a violent “art” movie that portrayed a woman being raped and killed.</p>
<p>She wrote, illustrated and published “Favorite Flowers of the Cumbres and Toltec: A Railroad Sketchbook.” She loved rescuing cats, international culture and dancing up a storm, flamenco style.</p>
<p>“Beyond all that, she was just really a fun person with a good sense of humor, but also she was compassionate and loved all kinds of people,” White said. “And cats.”</p>
<p>I didn’t know Dolan as well as her friends did, but it seemed to me that she never lost her boldness and her truth and she always spoke her mind.</p>
<p>That never gets old.</p>
<p>UpFront is a daily front-page news and opinion column. Comment directly to Joline at 823-3603, <a href="" type="internal">[email protected]</a> or follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/jolinegkg" type="external">@jolinegkg</a>. Go to <a href="" type="internal">ABQjournal.com/letters/new</a> to submit a letter to the editor.</p>
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old quotation marks thats wrote one earliest emails six years ago old wear tear chassis little snow roof little slowness stride old otherwise wise certainly funny definitely advertisement outspoken theres another word id use describe dolan feminist certainly one first best albuquerque pioneer womens movement affirmative action cusp 1970s back radical woman wear pantsuit office back woman office typically relegated typing filing answering phones merrillee dolan left 1971 catherine albright president albuquerque chapter national organization women dolan seen energetic local pioneer albuquerque journal file photo id seething things id experienced sex dolan wrote early days young woman 20s job discrimination limited career choices date rape pressure get married id gone juárez abortion illegal united states id scolded catholic doctor asked birth control pills id sat lecture sexist lawyer f lee bailey mocking rape victims 1967 joined thats national organization women didnt join groundbreaking glassceilingcracking group became member national board directors headed organizations task force women poverty invigorated wobbly albuquerque chapter convincing wary members protesting might ladylike sure heck womanlike local efforts considered pretty radical milder feminists around country wrote loved every minute 2008 fortunate meet dolan person asked coffee interested hear perspective longtime feminist politics womens issues two favorite subjects see column chat activist lived life always speaking mind oct 10 2008 dolan ever ebullient irreverent speaking laughing louder anybody else crowded nob hill starbucks hands adding exclamation points words needed smile wide radiating advertisement would taken great glee eviscerating years time magazine word banishment poll ran nov 12 among annoying nominees like yaaasssss obvi feminist inclusion enraged many believed magazine dismissive feminist movement work women dolan fight equality alas couldnt ask dolan died earlier month age 73 longtime friend fellow member jennifer white found passed away peaceful look sitting living room chair nov 5 ridgecrest home shared beloved cats relatively good health white said save arthritis back ankles forced give flamenco dancing recent scare thyroid issue seemed control medication white said knew something wrong dolan hadnt returned calls nov 4 night midterm elections knew shed want bitch moan results white said wasnt like stay quiet dolan loved flamenco dancing arthritis back ankles forced hang dancing shoes died nov 5 age 73 albuquerque journal file photo never like stay quiet dolan white said family albuquerque last week three friends white mary chao diane tipton gathered tea cookies write obituary run journal remember outspoken friend reminisced white said lot laughter lot oh god remember blah blah tears friend gone people live loud dolan lived full volume besides work dolan served investigator project director new mexico human rights commission investigator federal equal employment opportunity commission fought affirmative action abortion rights equal rights amendment freeing wen ho lee fired los alamos national laboratory scientist jailed nine months classified information case later apology federal judge treatment government fought poverty police brutality violent art movie portrayed woman raped killed wrote illustrated published favorite flowers cumbres toltec railroad sketchbook loved rescuing cats international culture dancing storm flamenco style beyond really fun person good sense humor also compassionate loved kinds people white said cats didnt know dolan well friends seemed never lost boldness truth always spoke mind never gets old upfront daily frontpage news opinion column comment directly joline 8233603 jkruegerabqjournalcom follow twitter jolinegkg go abqjournalcomlettersnew submit letter editor
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<p>A liberal&#160;political action committee uses the old trick of cherry-picking votes, making it seem as if&#160;Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania chose to give tax breaks to “the super-rich and corporations”&#160;instead of funding education.</p>
<p>There wasn’t any either-or vote, and, in fact, Toomey has voted for both education funding and tax increases for the wealthy.</p>
<p>The group, <a href="https://www.opensecrets.org/pacs/lookup2.php?cycle=2016&amp;strID=C00573261" type="external">End Citizens United</a>, starting airing <a href="http://politicaladarchive.org/ad/polad_pattoomey_y20gp/" type="external">its TV ad against Toomey</a> on Aug. 23, and <a href="http://endcitizensunited.org/press-releases/new-ad-toomey-making-wrong-choices-for-pennsylvania-2/" type="external">says</a> in a press release that it will air through Sept. 5 in the&#160;Pittsburgh, Harrisburg-Lancaster and Wilkes Barre markets.</p>
<p>&lt;iframe class="VideoEmbedFrame" width="100%" height="100%" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" src="https://video.factcheck.org/play/a2fab496e82"&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;</p>
<p>The ad says, “In Washington, Senator Toomey makes choices.&#160;Like fund education?&#160;Or tax breaks for the super-rich and corporations?&#160;Hint — millionaire Toomey chose the tax breaks.”</p>
<p>But as <a href="http://endcitizensunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/ECU-Choices-Backup.pdf" type="external">the backup material</a> for the ad makes clear, Toomey wasn’t faced with a “choice” between one or the other.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=114&amp;session=1&amp;vote=00247" type="external">education vote</a> was actually a party-line vote against an amendment for a larger education bill, which Toomey supported. The <a href="https://www.congress.gov/amendment/114th-congress/senate-amendment/2242" type="external">amendment</a>, sponsored by the Democratic senator from Pennsylvania, Bob Casey, <a href="https://www.congress.gov/amendment/114th-congress/senate-amendment/2242/text" type="external">called for</a> the establishment of public preschool for low- and moderate-income families, funded by both the federal government and the states. Not a single Republican voted for it, and not a single Democrat voted against it. (Three senators did not vote.)</p>
<p>Casey’s amendment would have provided grants to states for pre-K programs, with a requirement for states to put up 10 percent of the funding in the first year, increasing to 40 percent in the fifth year (with some reduced matching rates for states that met certain requirements). The federal money for the proposal&#160;amounted to nearly $27 billion over five years, offset&#160;by a “fair share tax” on those whose adjusted gross income was more than $1 million a year.</p>
<p>The larger bill was the&#160;Every Child Achieves Act of 2015, a reauthorization of&#160;the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. And Toomey, along with most Democrats and Republicans, voted for that bill. It passed with an <a href="http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=114&amp;session=1&amp;vote=00249" type="external">81-17 vote</a>.</p>
<p>Education Week <a href="http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/campaign-k-12/2015/07/senate_passes_esea_rewrite_wit.html" type="external">wrote</a> that the passage of the legislation “proved a rare example of bipartisan politicking, with co-authors Sens. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., and Patty Murray, D-Wash., carefully ushering the measure through the amendment process and floor debate with little to no drama.” Among the education funding mechanisms in the bill, said Education Week: “[I]t would list early-childhood education as an allowable use of funding for a broad swath of programs.”</p>
<p>The legislation was an overhaul of No Child Left Behind, which was enacted under President George W. Bush. In signing the bill into law, President Barack Obama <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/11/us/politics/president-obama-signs-into-law-a-rewrite-of-no-child-left-behind.html?_r=0" type="external">said</a>: “This bill makes long-overdue fixes to the last education law, replacing the one-size-fits-all approach to reform with a commitment to provide every student with a well-rounded education.”</p>
<p>A year earlier, Toomey, in <a href="http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=113&amp;session=2&amp;vote=00276" type="external">another sweeping bipartisan vote</a>, supported the reauthorization of a block grant program for states&#160;to help low-income families with&#160;child care expenses.</p>
<p>As for&#160;“tax breaks for the super-rich and corporations,” End Citizens United points to <a href="https://www.congress.gov/amendment/112th-congress/senate-amendment/2573" type="external">Toomey’s vote</a> on a Republican proposal to extend the Bush-era tax cuts, even for the top income tax brackets. That plan also <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/24/us/politics/republican-senators-face-risks-with-tax-cut-plan.html" type="external">would not have extended</a> some tax breaks that were in the stimulus law, such as an expansion of the earned income child tax credit.</p>
<p>The GOP plan failed. But, in the end, Toomey did vote for a tax hike for those upper-income earners. In an <a href="http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=112&amp;session=2&amp;vote=00251" type="external">89-8 vote</a> on New Year’s Day 2013, the Senate passed the so-called <a href="http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/275069-senate-approves-fiscal-cliff-deal" type="external">fiscal cliff legislation</a> that allowed the Bush tax cuts to expire for individuals earning more than $400,000 and couples earning more than $450,000.</p>
<p>So, “millionaire Toomey,” as the ad calls him, voted for a tax increase on millionaires, and those earning about half that in annual income.&#160;(Toomey is the 151st wealthiest member of Congress, with a net worth of $1.62 million, <a href="http://media.cq.com/50Richest/" type="external">according to Roll Call</a>.)</p>
<p>The backup for the ad also cites Toomey’s support for Rep. Paul Ryan’s 2012 budget plan, which would have cut both spending and taxes. But <a href="http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=112&amp;session=2&amp;vote=00098" type="external">the vote</a>&#160;in May 2012 was on a nonbinding resolution, which wouldn’t by itself have enacted the spending or tax provisions. Senate Republicans that day voted on several budget proposals that were&#160; <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/16/politics/senate-budget-debate/" type="external">more for show than anything else</a>&#160;—&#160; including one by Toomey to balance the budget in eight years.&#160;As Bloomberg News <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2012-05-16/republicans-seize-control-of-senate-agenda-to-force-budget-votes" type="external">reported</a>: “The U.S. Senate rejected five competing budget plans as Republicans attempted to embarrass Democrats for failing to adopt a budget this year.&#160;Taking advantage of an obscure Senate rule, Republicans today forced votes on their budget plans as well as one modeled on President Barack Obama’s tax-and-spending request.”</p>
<p>In terms of tax breaks for corporations, the PAC points to <a href="http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=112&amp;session=2&amp;vote=00063&amp;mc_cid=1ea1b0be63&amp;mc_eid=%5BUNIQID%5D" type="external">Toomey’s vote</a> against 2012&#160;legislation that would have stripped tax breaks from oil companies and extended tax subsidies for renewable energy. Roll Call <a href="http://www.rollcall.com/news/senate_votes_to_keep_oil_and_gas_tax_subsidies-213534-1.html" type="external">wrot</a>e that “Republicans argued that the bill would result in higher gas prices as a result of oil companies passing on their higher tax bill to consumers.”</p>
<p>At any rate, the vote didn’t represent a choice between tax breaks for corporations and education funding, as the ad&#160;implies.</p>
<p><a href="http://endcitizensunited.org/about/" type="external">End Citizens United</a>, as the name says, is dedicated to reversing the 2010 Supreme Court decision in <a href="https://www.publicintegrity.org/2012/10/18/11527/citizens-united-decision-and-why-it-matters" type="external">Citizens United</a>, which said corporations and labor unions could&#160;spend unlimited amounts for independent expenditures in elections. The group faults Toomey for <a href="http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=112&amp;session=2&amp;vote=00180" type="external">voting against</a> <a href="http://www.politico.com/blogs/on-congress/2012/07/disclose-act-dies-again-129235#ixzz4IweT2wSt" type="external">Democratic measures</a> to require more disclosure of donors to interest groups. And it ties Toomey to the Koch brothers and their nonprofit&#160; <a href="" type="internal">Americans for Prosperity</a>,&#160;which doesn’t have to disclose its donors and has spent about $137,000 in the Pennsylvania Senate race against Democrat Katie McGinty, <a href="http://www.opensecrets.org/outsidespending/recips.php?cmte=C90013285&amp;cycle=2016" type="external">according to the Center for Responsive Politics</a>. Freedom Partners, a Koch-backed super PAC, <a href="http://www.opensecrets.org/outsidespending/recips.php?cmte=C00564765&amp;cycle=2016" type="external">has spent</a> $5 million against McGinty.</p>
<p>All told, outside groups <a href="https://www.opensecrets.org/overview/topraces.php?cycle=2016&amp;display=allcandsout" type="external">have spent</a> $34.3 million in what is now the most expensive Senate race in the 2016 cycle.</p>
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liberal160political action committee uses old trick cherrypicking votes making seem if160sen pat toomey pennsylvania chose give tax breaks superrich corporations160instead funding education wasnt eitheror vote fact toomey voted education funding tax increases wealthy group end citizens united starting airing tv ad toomey aug 23 says press release air sept 5 the160pittsburgh harrisburglancaster wilkes barre markets ltiframe classvideoembedframe width100 height100 styledisplay block marginleft auto marginright auto frameborder0 allowfullscreenallowfullscreen srchttpsvideofactcheckorgplaya2fab496e82gtltiframegt ad says washington senator toomey makes choices160like fund education160or tax breaks superrich corporations160hint millionaire toomey chose tax breaks backup material ad makes clear toomey wasnt faced choice one education vote actually partyline vote amendment larger education bill toomey supported amendment sponsored democratic senator pennsylvania bob casey called establishment public preschool low moderateincome families funded federal government states single republican voted single democrat voted three senators vote caseys amendment would provided grants states prek programs requirement states put 10 percent funding first year increasing 40 percent fifth year reduced matching rates states met certain requirements federal money proposal160amounted nearly 27 billion five years offset160by fair share tax whose adjusted gross income 1 million year larger bill the160every child achieves act 2015 reauthorization of160the elementary secondary education act 1965 toomey along democrats republicans voted bill passed 8117 vote education week wrote passage legislation proved rare example bipartisan politicking coauthors sens lamar alexander rtenn patty murray dwash carefully ushering measure amendment process floor debate little drama among education funding mechanisms bill said education week would list earlychildhood education allowable use funding broad swath programs legislation overhaul child left behind enacted president george w bush signing bill law president barack obama said bill makes longoverdue fixes last education law replacing onesizefitsall approach reform commitment provide every student wellrounded education year earlier toomey another sweeping bipartisan vote supported reauthorization block grant program states160to help lowincome families with160child care expenses for160tax breaks superrich corporations end citizens united points toomeys vote republican proposal extend bushera tax cuts even top income tax brackets plan also would extended tax breaks stimulus law expansion earned income child tax credit gop plan failed end toomey vote tax hike upperincome earners 898 vote new years day 2013 senate passed socalled fiscal cliff legislation allowed bush tax cuts expire individuals earning 400000 couples earning 450000 millionaire toomey ad calls voted tax increase millionaires earning half annual income160toomey 151st wealthiest member congress net worth 162 million according roll call backup ad also cites toomeys support rep paul ryans 2012 budget plan would cut spending taxes vote160in may 2012 nonbinding resolution wouldnt enacted spending tax provisions senate republicans day voted several budget proposals were160 show anything else160160 including one toomey balance budget eight years160as bloomberg news reported us senate rejected five competing budget plans republicans attempted embarrass democrats failing adopt budget year160taking advantage obscure senate rule republicans today forced votes budget plans well one modeled president barack obamas taxandspending request terms tax breaks corporations pac points toomeys vote 2012160legislation would stripped tax breaks oil companies extended tax subsidies renewable energy roll call wrote republicans argued bill would result higher gas prices result oil companies passing higher tax bill consumers rate vote didnt represent choice tax breaks corporations education funding ad160implies end citizens united name says dedicated reversing 2010 supreme court decision citizens united said corporations labor unions could160spend unlimited amounts independent expenditures elections group faults toomey voting democratic measures require disclosure donors interest groups ties toomey koch brothers nonprofit160 americans prosperity160which doesnt disclose donors spent 137000 pennsylvania senate race democrat katie mcginty according center responsive politics freedom partners kochbacked super pac spent 5 million mcginty told outside groups spent 343 million expensive senate race 2016 cycle
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<p>NEW YORK — Though dozens are nominated at Sunday’s Grammy Awards, we all know the real showdown is between Beyonce and Adele.</p>
<p>Both are nominated for the top three prizes — album, song and record of the year. Adele won all three honors with “21” and “Rolling In the Deep” in 2012, while Beyonce earned song of the year in 2010 for “Single Ladies.” (Bey has earned multiple album and record of the year nominations, though.)</p>
<p>Putting their thinking caps on, while trying to put their personal feelings to the side, Associated Press music writers Mesfin Fekadu and Nekesa Mumbi Moody predict who will win big at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on music’s biggest night.</p>
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<p>____</p>
<p>ALBUM OF THE YEAR: “25,” Adele; “Lemonade,” Beyonce; “Purpose,” Justin Bieber; “Views,” Drake; “A Sailor’s Guide to Earth,” Sturgill Simpson.</p>
<p>FEKADU: Sturgill, enjoy it while it lasts; Drake, congrats, but this will not be the first rap album to win album of the year since Outkast did in 2004; and Bieber, um, keep on beliebing. Now that that’s out the way, let’s talk A and B. I could write a thesis, and happily, too, about why Beyonce’s tasty “Lemonade” deserves this prize. But unfortunately, she won’t win. Academy voters are always happy to give Beyonce R&amp;B awards, but they haven’t given her artistic heft enough credit when she’s put in categories with her rock, pop and country music peers. And when one of those peers is Adele — who saved the music industry with sales of her “25” album — it’s hard to argue against her success.</p>
<p>MOODY: If success is what we’re measuring here, Adele clearly gets this win. Artistry? As perfect as Adele sounds, “25” was a very conservative album, musically speaking. Not saying that there’s anything wrong with putting out beautiful ballads, but “Lemonade” is a true art piece that engaged on a political and emotional level and with each listen revealed another layer. No other album in this category pushed our buttons or made us ponder the meaning of the world like “Lemonade.” It deserves to win — but then again, I said that when Eminem’s albums were nominated, and they went trophy-less in this category. So gotta agree here: Adele takes home her second trophy for album of the year.</p>
<p>____</p>
<p>RECORD OF THE YEAR: “Hello,” Adele; “Formation,” Beyonce; “7 Years,” Lukas Graham; “Work,” Rihanna featuring Drake; “Stressed Out,” twenty one pilots.</p>
<p>MOODY: I’m “Stressed Out” trying to determine who’s going to win this category. “Formation’s” seismic funk and R&amp;B was a revelation and really should win here, but will Grammy voters really appreciate a song that references “Jackson Five nostrils” and “Red Lobster”? Moreover, do they really appreciate Beyonce? She only won in a top category one time, and that was for the massively successful “Single Ladies,” and that was for song of the year. Most other times, while she gets the nod, she doesn’t get the win. Adele, on the other hand, had a comeback song that resonated with just about all groups — including the Academy. Adele for the win (again).</p>
<p>FEKADU: OK, this is when I think voters will get in formation and give Beyonce the win.</p>
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<p>____</p>
<p>SONG OF THE YEAR (songwriter’s award): “Formation,” Beyonce, Khalif Brown, Asheton Hogan and Michael L. Williams II; “Hello,” Adele and Greg Kurstin; “I Took a Pill in Ibiza,” Mike Posner; “Love Yourself,” Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran and Benny Blanco; “7 Years,” Lukas Forchhammer, Stefan Forrest, Morten Pilegaard and Morten Ristorp.</p>
<p>FEKADU: “Hello” wins here.</p>
<p>MOODY: Adele all the way.</p>
<p>____</p>
<p>BEST NEW ARTIST: Kelsea Ballerini; The Chainsmokers; Chance the Rapper; Maren Morris; Anderson .Paak.</p>
<p>MOODY: As omnipresent as The Chainsmokers have been over the past year on the charts, Chance the Rapper has that “it” factor that has made him a critic’s darling. Even if Grammy voters don’t know his raps, they know he’s rubbed arms with former President Barack Obama, made a big splash with his own independent record on iTunes, is changing the way artists connect with the record industry and hey — he’s also got a candy commercial! Add that he’s what Kanye West was 13 years ago but happy and humble and he’s a lock for this one, despite the charms and talent of Maren Morris and the funk of Anderson .Paak.</p>
<p>FEKADU: Chance has a really strong chance in this category, but because he doesn’t have a huge hit or recognizable song, I think he’s going to have a hard time winning here. Maren Morris, on the other hand, became a critical darling for her country hit, “My Church,” and her album was praised for its sound and direct lyrics. Plus, Chance and Anderson will split the hip-hop/R&amp;B vote. But wait, will Maren and Kelsea split the country vote and then give the win to The Chainsmokers? Voters, don’t let me down!</p>
<p>____</p>
<p>BEST POP SOLO PERFORMANCE: “Hello,” Adele; “Hold Up,” Beyonce; “Love Yourself,” Justin Bieber; “Piece by Piece (Idol Version),” Kelly Clarkson; “Dangerous Woman,” Ariana Grande.</p>
<p>FEKADU: Hello Adele. And goodbye to the rest of the competition.</p>
<p>MOODY: Ummm, wait Mesfin. Did you even consider any of the other nominees? I mean, did you hear the raw emotion of Kelly Clarkson, who can go toe-to-toe vocally with Adele? This might be her year. Ah, who am I kidding! Clarkson’s pipes are amazing, but even she won’t beat Adele here.</p>
<p>____</p>
<p>BEST ROCK PERFORMANCE: “Joe (Live From Austin City Limits),” Alabama Shakes; “Don’t Hurt Yourself,” Beyonce featuring Jack White; “Blackstar,” David Bowie; “The Sound of Silence (Live on Conan),” Disturbed; “Heathens,” twenty one pilots.</p>
<p>MOODY: Some are already angered that David Bowie’s last record missed the cut for album of the year. Would Grammy voters really pick anyone else but one of music’s greatest legends in a category that he defined for years? I think not. The Thin White Duke wins by a landslide.</p>
<p>FEKADU: I am loving all the black-girl magic in this category! And kudos to Beyonce for finally getting credit for the genre-bending artist that she is. But another B is winning this award, and that’s the late, great, iconic and missed Bowie.</p>
<p>____</p>
<p>BEST R&amp;B PERFORMANCE: “Turnin’ Me Up,” BJ the Chicago Kid; “Permission,” Ro James; “I Do,” Musiq Soulchild; “Needed Me,” Rihanna; “Cranes in the Sky,” Solange.</p>
<p>FEKADU: Finally, Solange is nominated for a Grammy! And with all the attention she’s received in the last few months, I think she’ll actually best Rihanna in this category. Good thing big sister Bey isn’t competing here.</p>
<p>MOODY: No one messes with Solange — even in this tough category. The critical darling wins.</p>
<p>____</p>
<p>BEST RAP ALBUM: “Coloring Book,” Chance the Rapper; “And the Anonymous Nobody,” De La Soul; “Major Key,” DJ Khaled; “Views,” Drake; “Blank Face LP,” ScHoolboy Q; “The Life of Pablo,” Kanye West.</p>
<p>MOODY: De La Soul have continued to innovate in rap some two decades after their debut. But do Grammy voters care about legacy? Not in the rap category, where hitmakers and hot new talent rule. That puts Chance the Rapper and Drake on a collision course, and I’m guessing Chance will upset Drake for a win here.</p>
<p>FEKADU: Drake is walking home with his second Grammy in this category.</p>
<p>____</p>
<p>BEST COUNTRY ALBUM: “Big Day in a Small Town,” Brandy Clark; “Full Circle,” Loretta Lynn; “Hero,” Maren Morris; “A Sailor’s Guide to Earth,” Sturgill Simpson; “Ripcord,” Keith Urban.</p>
<p>FEKADU: This is a tough category, but since Sturgill is nominated for album of the year, I’m going to go with him, although I want Maren Morris to win her first Grammy here.</p>
<p>MOODY: I like the buzz Maren is getting, and I think I’m not the only one that’s been charmed, so I’m going for a win for Morris.</p>
<p>____</p>
<p>Online:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.grammy.com/" type="external">http://www.grammy.com/</a></p>
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new york though dozens nominated sundays grammy awards know real showdown beyonce adele nominated top three prizes album song record year adele three honors 21 rolling deep 2012 beyonce earned song year 2010 single ladies bey earned multiple album record year nominations though putting thinking caps trying put personal feelings side associated press music writers mesfin fekadu nekesa mumbi moody predict win big staples center los angeles musics biggest night advertisement ____ album year 25 adele lemonade beyonce purpose justin bieber views drake sailors guide earth sturgill simpson fekadu sturgill enjoy lasts drake congrats first rap album win album year since outkast 2004 bieber um keep beliebing thats way lets talk b could write thesis happily beyonces tasty lemonade deserves prize unfortunately wont win academy voters always happy give beyonce rampb awards havent given artistic heft enough credit shes put categories rock pop country music peers one peers adele saved music industry sales 25 album hard argue success moody success measuring adele clearly gets win artistry perfect adele sounds 25 conservative album musically speaking saying theres anything wrong putting beautiful ballads lemonade true art piece engaged political emotional level listen revealed another layer album category pushed buttons made us ponder meaning world like lemonade deserves win said eminems albums nominated went trophyless category got ta agree adele takes home second trophy album year ____ record year hello adele formation beyonce 7 years lukas graham work rihanna featuring drake stressed twenty one pilots moody im stressed trying determine whos going win category formations seismic funk rampb revelation really win grammy voters really appreciate song references jackson five nostrils red lobster moreover really appreciate beyonce top category one time massively successful single ladies song year times gets nod doesnt get win adele hand comeback song resonated groups including academy adele win fekadu ok think voters get formation give beyonce win advertisement ____ song year songwriters award formation beyonce khalif brown asheton hogan michael l williams ii hello adele greg kurstin took pill ibiza mike posner love justin bieber ed sheeran benny blanco 7 years lukas forchhammer stefan forrest morten pilegaard morten ristorp fekadu hello wins moody adele way ____ best new artist kelsea ballerini chainsmokers chance rapper maren morris anderson paak moody omnipresent chainsmokers past year charts chance rapper factor made critics darling even grammy voters dont know raps know hes rubbed arms former president barack obama made big splash independent record itunes changing way artists connect record industry hey hes also got candy commercial add hes kanye west 13 years ago happy humble hes lock one despite charms talent maren morris funk anderson paak fekadu chance really strong chance category doesnt huge hit recognizable song think hes going hard time winning maren morris hand became critical darling country hit church album praised sound direct lyrics plus chance anderson split hiphoprampb vote wait maren kelsea split country vote give win chainsmokers voters dont let ____ best pop solo performance hello adele hold beyonce love justin bieber piece piece idol version kelly clarkson dangerous woman ariana grande fekadu hello adele goodbye rest competition moody ummm wait mesfin even consider nominees mean hear raw emotion kelly clarkson go toetotoe vocally adele might year ah kidding clarksons pipes amazing even wont beat adele ____ best rock performance joe live austin city limits alabama shakes dont hurt beyonce featuring jack white blackstar david bowie sound silence live conan disturbed heathens twenty one pilots moody already angered david bowies last record missed cut album year would grammy voters really pick anyone else one musics greatest legends category defined years think thin white duke wins landslide fekadu loving blackgirl magic category kudos beyonce finally getting credit genrebending artist another b winning award thats late great iconic missed bowie ____ best rampb performance turnin bj chicago kid permission ro james musiq soulchild needed rihanna cranes sky solange fekadu finally solange nominated grammy attention shes received last months think shell actually best rihanna category good thing big sister bey isnt competing moody one messes solange even tough category critical darling wins ____ best rap album coloring book chance rapper anonymous nobody de la soul major key dj khaled views drake blank face lp schoolboy q life pablo kanye west moody de la soul continued innovate rap two decades debut grammy voters care legacy rap category hitmakers hot new talent rule puts chance rapper drake collision course im guessing chance upset drake win fekadu drake walking home second grammy category ____ best country album big day small town brandy clark full circle loretta lynn hero maren morris sailors guide earth sturgill simpson ripcord keith urban fekadu tough category since sturgill nominated album year im going go although want maren morris win first grammy moody like buzz maren getting think im one thats charmed im going win morris ____ online httpwwwgrammycom
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<p />
<p>Gas rationing went into effect in northern New Jersey, while crowds lined up at free fuel distribution sites in New York’s boroughs, where a limit of 10 gallons per person was imposed. New York officials then said emergency vehicles had the priority over the public.</p>
<p>“It’s chaos, pandemonium out here,” said Chris Damon, whose family was displaced from his home in the Queens neighborhood of Far Rockaway and are staying with relatives in Brooklyn. He circled the block for 3½ hours at the Brooklyn Armory, where the National Guard was directing traffic.</p>
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<p>“It’s ridiculous. No one knows what’s going on,” he said.</p>
<p>New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo had announced that the 5,000-gallon trucks from the Defense Department would set up the emergency mobile gas stations at five locations around the New York City metropolitan area.</p>
<p>“Do not panic. I know there is anxiety about fuel,” he said.</p>
<p>After the long lines formed, New York state officials said the public should stay away from the refueling stations until emergency responders first got their gas and more supplies are then made available.</p>
<p>The scene was more orderly in hard-hit Staten Island, where a line of cars stretched for two miles under the supervision of police and National Guard troops. Another 400 people were on foot, carrying gas cans.</p>
<p>As gas rationing went into effect at noon in northern New Jersey, police began enforcing rules to allow only motorists with odd-numbered license plates to refuel. Those with even-numbered plates must wait until Sunday.</p>
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<p>Jessica Tisdale of Totowa waited in her Mercedes SUV for 40 minutes at a gas station in Jersey City, but didn’t quite understand the rules and was ordered to pull away because of her even-numbered plate.</p>
<p>“Is it the number or the letter?” she asked around 12:10 p.m. “I don’t think it’s fair. I’ve been in the line since before noon. I don’t think it’s fair. There’s no clarity.”</p>
<p>The officer who waved her out of line threw up his hands and shrugged.</p>
<p>At an Exxon station in Wall, N.J., Kathryn Davidson was unaware of the start of rationing but beat the noon deadline despite a 45-minute wait in line and an even-numbered plate.</p>
<p>“How are people supposed to know?” said Davidson, 53, who said it reminded her of the 1970s, when a similar plan was in place.</p>
<p>“There were fistfights and everything. It got nasty,” she said. “Everyone seems pretty pleasant as of right now.”</p>
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<p>In Washington, President Barack Obama visited the headquarters of the Federal Emergency Management Agency for an update on superstorm recovery efforts and said “there’s nothing more important than us getting this right.”</p>
<p>“Obviously we’ve now seen that after the initial search and rescue, the recovery process is difficult and it’s painful,” Obama said. “But I’m confident that we will continue to make progress as long as state and local and federal officials stay focused.”</p>
<p>Obama cited the need to restore power; pump out water, particularly from electric substations; ensure that basic needs are addressed; remove debris; and get federal resources in place to help transportation systems come back on line.</p>
<p>About 2.6 million people remained without power in six states after Sandy came ashore Monday night.</p>
<p>About 900,000 people still didn’t have electricity in the New York metropolitan area, including about 550,000 on Long Island, Cuomo said.</p>
<p>About 80 percent of New York City’s subway service has been restored, he added.</p>
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<p>The storm forced cancellation of Sunday’s New York City Marathon. Mayor Michael Bloomberg reversed himself Friday and yielded to mounting criticism about running the race, which starts on hard-hit Staten Island and wends through all five of the city’s boroughs.</p>
<p>Bloomberg, who as late as Friday afternoon insisted the world’s largest marathon should go on as scheduled, changed course shortly afterward amid intensifying opposition from the city comptroller, the Manhattan borough president and sanitation workers unhappy they had volunteered to help storm victims but were assigned to the race instead. The mayor said he would not want “a cloud to hang over the race or its participants.”</p>
<p>Bloomberg, in his first comments since canceling the marathon, said he fought to keep it going but the controversy was becoming “so divisive” and too much of a distraction.</p>
<p>“I still think that we had the resources to do both, and that we want people to be able to take a break and that sort of thing. … It’s a big part of our economy,” Bloomberg told WCBS-TV on Saturday during a visit to the borough of Queens. As he spoke, he was met by catcalls from residents angry about the city’s response to the storm.</p>
<p>Many runners understood the decision to call off the marathon. The overall death toll from the superstorm was 105, including 41 in New York City. The widespread power outages made many New Yorkers recoil at the idea of police protecting a foot race and evicting storm victims from hotels to make way for runners.</p>
<p>The cancellation forced runners to deal with what to do with no race.</p>
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<p>More than half of the 40,000 athletes were from out of town. Their entry fees were paid. Their airline tickets were purchased. Their friends and family had hotel rooms. And all week the race was a go, even after Sandy came ashore Monday.</p>
<p>“I understand why it cannot be held under the current circumstances,” Meb Keflezighi, the 2009 men’s champion and 2004 Olympic silver medalist, said in a statement. “Any inconveniences the cancellation causes me or the thousands of runners who trained and traveled for this race pales in comparison to the challenges faced by people in NYC and its vicinity.”</p>
<p>ING, the financial company that is the title sponsor of the marathon, said it supported the decision to cancel. The firm’s charitable giving arm has made a $500,000 contribution to help with relief and recovery efforts and is matching employee donations. Sponsor Poland Spring said it would donate the bottled water earmarked for the marathon to relief agencies, more than 200,000 bottles.</p>
<p>“When you have a significant amount of people voicing real pain and unhappiness over its running, you have to hear that. You have to take that into consideration,” said Howard Wolfson, deputy mayor for government affairs and communications.</p>
<p>“Something that is such a celebration of the best of New York can’t become divisive,” he said. “That is not good for the city now as we try to complete our recovery effort, and it is not good for the marathon in the long run.”</p>
<p>Each day has brought signs of recovery.</p>
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<p>Aida Padilla, 75, was thrilled that the power at her large housing authority complex in New York City’s Chelsea section had returned late Friday.</p>
<p>“Thank God,” said Padilla, 75. “I screamed and I put the lights on. Everybody was screaming. It was better than New Year’s.”</p>
<p>Asked about whether she had heat, she replied, “hot and cold water and heat! Thank God, Jesus!”</p>
<p>But on Staten Island, there was grumbling that the borough was a lower priority to get its services restored.</p>
<p>“You know it’s true,” said Tony Carmelengo, who lives in the St. George section of Staten Island and still does not have electricity.</p>
<p>Added his neighbor, Anthony Como: “It’s economics. Manhattan gets everything, let’s face it.”</p>
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<p>The governor said the New York area had a strong sense of community, “but until you have your lights on you’re not happy.”</p>
<p>“We’re not going to stop until we have every house and every home restored. … This was truly a crisis, but it requires patience,” Cuomo said.</p>
<p>NYU Langone Medical Center, one of two New York hospitals that had to evacuate patients at the height of the storm, said it would reopen Monday, although some doctors would see patients at alternate sites.</p>
<p>Seven backup generators at the hospital failed Monday night, forcing the evacuation of 300 patients.</p>
<p>At Bellevue Hospital Center, some 700 patients had to be evacuated after the power failed. An official there said the hospital could be out of commission at least two more weeks.</p>
<p>New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said he would make public a list of when New Jersey utility companies intend to restore power to each community. Even if they end up working faster or slower, he said, residents will have a sense of when power will be restored so they can plan their lives a bit better.</p>
<p>Commuter rail operator NJ Transit said it would have more service restored in time for the workweek to start Monday, most of Atlantic City’s casinos reopened, and many school districts decided to hold classes on Thursday and Friday — days previously reserved for the New Jersey Education Association’s annual conference, which has been canceled.</p>
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gas rationing went effect northern new jersey crowds lined free fuel distribution sites new yorks boroughs limit 10 gallons per person imposed new york officials said emergency vehicles priority public chaos pandemonium said chris damon whose family displaced home queens neighborhood far rockaway staying relatives brooklyn circled block 3½ hours brooklyn armory national guard directing traffic advertisement ridiculous one knows whats going said new york gov andrew cuomo announced 5000gallon trucks defense department would set emergency mobile gas stations five locations around new york city metropolitan area panic know anxiety fuel said long lines formed new york state officials said public stay away refueling stations emergency responders first got gas supplies made available scene orderly hardhit staten island line cars stretched two miles supervision police national guard troops another 400 people foot carrying gas cans gas rationing went effect noon northern new jersey police began enforcing rules allow motorists oddnumbered license plates refuel evennumbered plates must wait sunday advertisement jessica tisdale totowa waited mercedes suv 40 minutes gas station jersey city didnt quite understand rules ordered pull away evennumbered plate number letter asked around 1210 pm dont think fair ive line since noon dont think fair theres clarity officer waved line threw hands shrugged exxon station wall nj kathryn davidson unaware start rationing beat noon deadline despite 45minute wait line evennumbered plate people supposed know said davidson 53 said reminded 1970s similar plan place fistfights everything got nasty said everyone seems pretty pleasant right advertisement washington president barack obama visited headquarters federal emergency management agency update superstorm recovery efforts said theres nothing important us getting right obviously weve seen initial search rescue recovery process difficult painful obama said im confident continue make progress long state local federal officials stay focused obama cited need restore power pump water particularly electric substations ensure basic needs addressed remove debris get federal resources place help transportation systems come back line 26 million people remained without power six states sandy came ashore monday night 900000 people still didnt electricity new york metropolitan area including 550000 long island cuomo said 80 percent new york citys subway service restored added advertisement storm forced cancellation sundays new york city marathon mayor michael bloomberg reversed friday yielded mounting criticism running race starts hardhit staten island wends five citys boroughs bloomberg late friday afternoon insisted worlds largest marathon go scheduled changed course shortly afterward amid intensifying opposition city comptroller manhattan borough president sanitation workers unhappy volunteered help storm victims assigned race instead mayor said would want cloud hang race participants bloomberg first comments since canceling marathon said fought keep going controversy becoming divisive much distraction still think resources want people able take break sort thing big part economy bloomberg told wcbstv saturday visit borough queens spoke met catcalls residents angry citys response storm many runners understood decision call marathon overall death toll superstorm 105 including 41 new york city widespread power outages made many new yorkers recoil idea police protecting foot race evicting storm victims hotels make way runners cancellation forced runners deal race advertisement half 40000 athletes town entry fees paid airline tickets purchased friends family hotel rooms week race go even sandy came ashore monday understand held current circumstances meb keflezighi 2009 mens champion 2004 olympic silver medalist said statement inconveniences cancellation causes thousands runners trained traveled race pales comparison challenges faced people nyc vicinity ing financial company title sponsor marathon said supported decision cancel firms charitable giving arm made 500000 contribution help relief recovery efforts matching employee donations sponsor poland spring said would donate bottled water earmarked marathon relief agencies 200000 bottles significant amount people voicing real pain unhappiness running hear take consideration said howard wolfson deputy mayor government affairs communications something celebration best new york cant become divisive said good city try complete recovery effort good marathon long run day brought signs recovery advertisement aida padilla 75 thrilled power large housing authority complex new york citys chelsea section returned late friday thank god said padilla 75 screamed put lights everybody screaming better new years asked whether heat replied hot cold water heat thank god jesus staten island grumbling borough lower priority get services restored know true said tony carmelengo lives st george section staten island still electricity added neighbor anthony como economics manhattan gets everything lets face advertisement governor said new york area strong sense community lights youre happy going stop every house every home restored truly crisis requires patience cuomo said nyu langone medical center one two new york hospitals evacuate patients height storm said would reopen monday although doctors would see patients alternate sites seven backup generators hospital failed monday night forcing evacuation 300 patients bellevue hospital center 700 patients evacuated power failed official said hospital could commission least two weeks new jersey gov chris christie said would make public list new jersey utility companies intend restore power community even end working faster slower said residents sense power restored plan lives bit better commuter rail operator nj transit said would service restored time workweek start monday atlantic citys casinos reopened many school districts decided hold classes thursday friday days previously reserved new jersey education associations annual conference canceled
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<p>MONTECITO, Calif. (AP) — Anxious family members awaited word on loved ones Wednesday as rescue crews searched grimy debris and ruins for more than a dozen people missing after mudslides in Southern California destroyed an estimated 100 houses, swept cars to the beach and left at least 17 victims dead.</p>
<p>"It's just waiting and not knowing, and the more I haven't heard from them — we have to find them," said Kelly Weimer, whose elderly parents' home was wrecked by the torrent of mud, trees and boulders that flowed down a fire-scarred mountain and slammed into the coastal town of Montecito in Santa Barbara County early Tuesday.</p>
<p>The drenching storm that triggered the disaster gave way to sunny skies, as hundreds of searchers carefully combed a messy landscape strewn with hazards.</p>
<p>"We've gotten multiple reports of rescuers falling through manholes that were covered with mud, swimming pools that were covered up with mud," said Anthony Buzzerio, a Los Angeles County fire battalion chief. "The mud is acting like a candy shell on ice cream. It's crusty on top but soft underneath, so we're having to be very careful."</p>
<p>Buzzerio led a team of 14 firefighters and six dogs in deep debris. They used long-handled tools to search the muck in the painstaking task.</p>
<p>Teams rescued three people Wednesday, but they also discovered two more bodies, raising the death count to 17, Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown said. Seventeen people were reported missing.</p>
<p>A dozen people were hospitalized at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and four were in critical condition, Dr. Brett Wilson said.</p>
<p>"Most injuries we saw were related to fast-moving debris," Wilson said. "You can't even fathom what these poor patients went through to finally make their way to the emergency department."</p>
<p>The deluge destroyed 100 houses and damaged 300 others, Santa Barbara County authorities said. Eight commercial properties were destroyed and 20 damaged.</p>
<p>Some 500 firefighters and other rescue workers were searching debris spread across a wide swath of Montecito, a wealthy enclave of about 9,000 people northwest of Los Angeles that is home to such celebrities as Oprah Winfrey, Rob Lowe and Ellen DeGeneres.</p>
<p>Helicopters were used to hoist more than 50 people to safety from roofs, where they scrambled to escape the mud or because debris had blocked roads and left them stranded.</p>
<p>At one point, a Coast Guard helicopter rescued a family of five and their two dogs. Video shot from the hovering chopper showed a house surrounded by muck and debris as a mother, muddy from the waist down, handed her infant to two rescuers on the roof and then got help onto it. She and her newborn were hoisted to safety, followed by the rest of the family.</p>
<p>Along Hot Springs Road, where at least two homes were carried off their foundations, bulldozers cleared muck and debris from areas already searched. Utility crews began the laborious task of repairing downed power lines and snapped telephone poles.</p>
<p>The cleanup was going on near where Weimer's missing parents, Jim and Alice Mitchell, lived. The couple, together for more than a half-century, didn't heed a voluntary evacuation warning and stayed home Monday to celebrate Jim Mitchell's 89th birthday. She hoped to find them in a shelter or hospital.</p>
<p>"They're an adorable couple, and they were in love with their house. That's their forever home," Weimer said.</p>
<p>People in Montecito had counted themselves lucky last month after the biggest wildfire in California history spared the town. But it was the fire that led to the mudslide, by burning away vegetation.</p>
<p>"We totally thought we were out of the woods," said Jennifer Markham, whose home escaped damage in both disasters. "I was frozen yesterday morning thinking, 'This is a million times worse than that fire ever was.'"</p>
<p>Only an estimated 10 to 15 percent of residents fled when ordered and much of the damage occurred where evacuations were voluntary.</p>
<p>Marco Farrell, a real estate agent, cited "evacuation fatigue" as his reason not to leave — a decision he wouldn't make next time. He woke to the sound of pounding rain early Tuesday and went outside to investigate.</p>
<p>He was two blocks from home when he heard a rumble that he realized was the mudslide he feared.</p>
<p>"I ran as fast I could and yelled, 'Flash flood!' as I passed neighbors' homes," he said.</p>
<p>Farrell warned his parents inside, and within a minute, a boulder plowed through the kitchen door. The mud flow went through the home and burst through a backdoor.</p>
<p>Farrell planned to float his elderly parents to a hillside on a surfboard, but it was unnecessary. The mud never got above their thighs and after about an hour of huddling in a hallway, he led his folks and dog outside where a passing firetruck took them to safety.</p>
<p>The flow was so powerful it swept several homes off their foundations, crushed others and wrapped cars around trees. At least two unrecognizably mangled cars were carried like driftwood all the way to the beach, where they were partly covered in seaweed.</p>
<p>A 30-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 101 linking Ventura and Santa Barbara was still covered in heavy debris and not expected to reopen until Monday. Because of the closure, boats were used to ferry some employees to Cottage hospital.</p>
<p>Another storm-related death was reported in Northern California, where a man was killed when his car was apparently struck by falling rocks in a landslide Tuesday evening in Napa County.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Myers reported from Los Angeles. Associated Press writers John Antczak, Michael Balsamo, Frank Baker and Brian Melley in Los Angeles and Alina Hartounian in Phoenix contributed to this report.</p>
<p>MONTECITO, Calif. (AP) — Anxious family members awaited word on loved ones Wednesday as rescue crews searched grimy debris and ruins for more than a dozen people missing after mudslides in Southern California destroyed an estimated 100 houses, swept cars to the beach and left at least 17 victims dead.</p>
<p>"It's just waiting and not knowing, and the more I haven't heard from them — we have to find them," said Kelly Weimer, whose elderly parents' home was wrecked by the torrent of mud, trees and boulders that flowed down a fire-scarred mountain and slammed into the coastal town of Montecito in Santa Barbara County early Tuesday.</p>
<p>The drenching storm that triggered the disaster gave way to sunny skies, as hundreds of searchers carefully combed a messy landscape strewn with hazards.</p>
<p>"We've gotten multiple reports of rescuers falling through manholes that were covered with mud, swimming pools that were covered up with mud," said Anthony Buzzerio, a Los Angeles County fire battalion chief. "The mud is acting like a candy shell on ice cream. It's crusty on top but soft underneath, so we're having to be very careful."</p>
<p>Buzzerio led a team of 14 firefighters and six dogs in deep debris. They used long-handled tools to search the muck in the painstaking task.</p>
<p>Teams rescued three people Wednesday, but they also discovered two more bodies, raising the death count to 17, Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown said. Seventeen people were reported missing.</p>
<p>A dozen people were hospitalized at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and four were in critical condition, Dr. Brett Wilson said.</p>
<p>"Most injuries we saw were related to fast-moving debris," Wilson said. "You can't even fathom what these poor patients went through to finally make their way to the emergency department."</p>
<p>The deluge destroyed 100 houses and damaged 300 others, Santa Barbara County authorities said. Eight commercial properties were destroyed and 20 damaged.</p>
<p>Some 500 firefighters and other rescue workers were searching debris spread across a wide swath of Montecito, a wealthy enclave of about 9,000 people northwest of Los Angeles that is home to such celebrities as Oprah Winfrey, Rob Lowe and Ellen DeGeneres.</p>
<p>Helicopters were used to hoist more than 50 people to safety from roofs, where they scrambled to escape the mud or because debris had blocked roads and left them stranded.</p>
<p>At one point, a Coast Guard helicopter rescued a family of five and their two dogs. Video shot from the hovering chopper showed a house surrounded by muck and debris as a mother, muddy from the waist down, handed her infant to two rescuers on the roof and then got help onto it. She and her newborn were hoisted to safety, followed by the rest of the family.</p>
<p>Along Hot Springs Road, where at least two homes were carried off their foundations, bulldozers cleared muck and debris from areas already searched. Utility crews began the laborious task of repairing downed power lines and snapped telephone poles.</p>
<p>The cleanup was going on near where Weimer's missing parents, Jim and Alice Mitchell, lived. The couple, together for more than a half-century, didn't heed a voluntary evacuation warning and stayed home Monday to celebrate Jim Mitchell's 89th birthday. She hoped to find them in a shelter or hospital.</p>
<p>"They're an adorable couple, and they were in love with their house. That's their forever home," Weimer said.</p>
<p>People in Montecito had counted themselves lucky last month after the biggest wildfire in California history spared the town. But it was the fire that led to the mudslide, by burning away vegetation.</p>
<p>"We totally thought we were out of the woods," said Jennifer Markham, whose home escaped damage in both disasters. "I was frozen yesterday morning thinking, 'This is a million times worse than that fire ever was.'"</p>
<p>Only an estimated 10 to 15 percent of residents fled when ordered and much of the damage occurred where evacuations were voluntary.</p>
<p>Marco Farrell, a real estate agent, cited "evacuation fatigue" as his reason not to leave — a decision he wouldn't make next time. He woke to the sound of pounding rain early Tuesday and went outside to investigate.</p>
<p>He was two blocks from home when he heard a rumble that he realized was the mudslide he feared.</p>
<p>"I ran as fast I could and yelled, 'Flash flood!' as I passed neighbors' homes," he said.</p>
<p>Farrell warned his parents inside, and within a minute, a boulder plowed through the kitchen door. The mud flow went through the home and burst through a backdoor.</p>
<p>Farrell planned to float his elderly parents to a hillside on a surfboard, but it was unnecessary. The mud never got above their thighs and after about an hour of huddling in a hallway, he led his folks and dog outside where a passing firetruck took them to safety.</p>
<p>The flow was so powerful it swept several homes off their foundations, crushed others and wrapped cars around trees. At least two unrecognizably mangled cars were carried like driftwood all the way to the beach, where they were partly covered in seaweed.</p>
<p>A 30-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 101 linking Ventura and Santa Barbara was still covered in heavy debris and not expected to reopen until Monday. Because of the closure, boats were used to ferry some employees to Cottage hospital.</p>
<p>Another storm-related death was reported in Northern California, where a man was killed when his car was apparently struck by falling rocks in a landslide Tuesday evening in Napa County.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Myers reported from Los Angeles. Associated Press writers John Antczak, Michael Balsamo, Frank Baker and Brian Melley in Los Angeles and Alina Hartounian in Phoenix contributed to this report.</p>
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montecito calif ap anxious family members awaited word loved ones wednesday rescue crews searched grimy debris ruins dozen people missing mudslides southern california destroyed estimated 100 houses swept cars beach left least 17 victims dead waiting knowing havent heard find said kelly weimer whose elderly parents home wrecked torrent mud trees boulders flowed firescarred mountain slammed coastal town montecito santa barbara county early tuesday drenching storm triggered disaster gave way sunny skies hundreds searchers carefully combed messy landscape strewn hazards weve gotten multiple reports rescuers falling manholes covered mud swimming pools covered mud said anthony buzzerio los angeles county fire battalion chief mud acting like candy shell ice cream crusty top soft underneath careful buzzerio led team 14 firefighters six dogs deep debris used longhandled tools search muck painstaking task teams rescued three people wednesday also discovered two bodies raising death count 17 santa barbara county sheriff bill brown said seventeen people reported missing dozen people hospitalized santa barbara cottage hospital four critical condition dr brett wilson said injuries saw related fastmoving debris wilson said cant even fathom poor patients went finally make way emergency department deluge destroyed 100 houses damaged 300 others santa barbara county authorities said eight commercial properties destroyed 20 damaged 500 firefighters rescue workers searching debris spread across wide swath montecito wealthy enclave 9000 people northwest los angeles home celebrities oprah winfrey rob lowe ellen degeneres helicopters used hoist 50 people safety roofs scrambled escape mud debris blocked roads left stranded one point coast guard helicopter rescued family five two dogs video shot hovering chopper showed house surrounded muck debris mother muddy waist handed infant two rescuers roof got help onto newborn hoisted safety followed rest family along hot springs road least two homes carried foundations bulldozers cleared muck debris areas already searched utility crews began laborious task repairing downed power lines snapped telephone poles cleanup going near weimers missing parents jim alice mitchell lived couple together halfcentury didnt heed voluntary evacuation warning stayed home monday celebrate jim mitchells 89th birthday hoped find shelter hospital theyre adorable couple love house thats forever home weimer said people montecito counted lucky last month biggest wildfire california history spared town fire led mudslide burning away vegetation totally thought woods said jennifer markham whose home escaped damage disasters frozen yesterday morning thinking million times worse fire ever estimated 10 15 percent residents fled ordered much damage occurred evacuations voluntary marco farrell real estate agent cited evacuation fatigue reason leave decision wouldnt make next time woke sound pounding rain early tuesday went outside investigate two blocks home heard rumble realized mudslide feared ran fast could yelled flash flood passed neighbors homes said farrell warned parents inside within minute boulder plowed kitchen door mud flow went home burst backdoor farrell planned float elderly parents hillside surfboard unnecessary mud never got thighs hour huddling hallway led folks dog outside passing firetruck took safety flow powerful swept several homes foundations crushed others wrapped cars around trees least two unrecognizably mangled cars carried like driftwood way beach partly covered seaweed 30mile stretch us highway 101 linking ventura santa barbara still covered heavy debris expected reopen monday closure boats used ferry employees cottage hospital another stormrelated death reported northern california man killed car apparently struck falling rocks landslide tuesday evening napa county ___ myers reported los angeles associated press writers john antczak michael balsamo frank baker brian melley los angeles alina hartounian phoenix contributed report montecito calif ap anxious family members awaited word loved ones wednesday rescue crews searched grimy debris ruins dozen people missing mudslides southern california destroyed estimated 100 houses swept cars beach left least 17 victims dead waiting knowing havent heard find said kelly weimer whose elderly parents home wrecked torrent mud trees boulders flowed firescarred mountain slammed coastal town montecito santa barbara county early tuesday drenching storm triggered disaster gave way sunny skies hundreds searchers carefully combed messy landscape strewn hazards weve gotten multiple reports rescuers falling manholes covered mud swimming pools covered mud said anthony buzzerio los angeles county fire battalion chief mud acting like candy shell ice cream crusty top soft underneath careful buzzerio led team 14 firefighters six dogs deep debris used longhandled tools search muck painstaking task teams rescued three people wednesday also discovered two bodies raising death count 17 santa barbara county sheriff bill brown said seventeen people reported missing dozen people hospitalized santa barbara cottage hospital four critical condition dr brett wilson said injuries saw related fastmoving debris wilson said cant even fathom poor patients went finally make way emergency department deluge destroyed 100 houses damaged 300 others santa barbara county authorities said eight commercial properties destroyed 20 damaged 500 firefighters rescue workers searching debris spread across wide swath montecito wealthy enclave 9000 people northwest los angeles home celebrities oprah winfrey rob lowe ellen degeneres helicopters used hoist 50 people safety roofs scrambled escape mud debris blocked roads left stranded one point coast guard helicopter rescued family five two dogs video shot hovering chopper showed house surrounded muck debris mother muddy waist handed infant two rescuers roof got help onto newborn hoisted safety followed rest family along hot springs road least two homes carried foundations bulldozers cleared muck debris areas already searched utility crews began laborious task repairing downed power lines snapped telephone poles cleanup going near weimers missing parents jim alice mitchell lived couple together halfcentury didnt heed voluntary evacuation warning stayed home monday celebrate jim mitchells 89th birthday hoped find shelter hospital theyre adorable couple love house thats forever home weimer said people montecito counted lucky last month biggest wildfire california history spared town fire led mudslide burning away vegetation totally thought woods said jennifer markham whose home escaped damage disasters frozen yesterday morning thinking million times worse fire ever estimated 10 15 percent residents fled ordered much damage occurred evacuations voluntary marco farrell real estate agent cited evacuation fatigue reason leave decision wouldnt make next time woke sound pounding rain early tuesday went outside investigate two blocks home heard rumble realized mudslide feared ran fast could yelled flash flood passed neighbors homes said farrell warned parents inside within minute boulder plowed kitchen door mud flow went home burst backdoor farrell planned float elderly parents hillside surfboard unnecessary mud never got thighs hour huddling hallway led folks dog outside passing firetruck took safety flow powerful swept several homes foundations crushed others wrapped cars around trees least two unrecognizably mangled cars carried like driftwood way beach partly covered seaweed 30mile stretch us highway 101 linking ventura santa barbara still covered heavy debris expected reopen monday closure boats used ferry employees cottage hospital another stormrelated death reported northern california man killed car apparently struck falling rocks landslide tuesday evening napa county ___ myers reported los angeles associated press writers john antczak michael balsamo frank baker brian melley los angeles alina hartounian phoenix contributed report
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<p>The argument for barring immigrants is often an economic one. Trump’s supporters argued that immigrants were flooding into less-skilled jobs, working for cheaper wages and putting native workers out of a job — including the white male working-class voters who turned out strongly in favor of Trump.</p>
<p>But new research suggests that picture of U.S. immigration may be changing fast. Analysis from Jed Kolko, chief economist at job search site Indeed, shows that recent immigrants are much more likely to be highly educated and to have found jobs in industries involving computers, mathematics and science than the immigrants who came before them. If these immigrants are taking jobs from natives, those jobs are increasingly likely to be highly skilled and highly paid ones.</p>
<p>Economists debate just how much effect immigration has on local labor markets. Most economists believe that immigration stimulates growth and ends up creating more jobs overall. But some, like George Borjas of Harvard, have argued that immigration does hurt workers in the industries that immigrants tend to enter, especially in times of recession.</p>
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<p>If that is the case, then more trends are telling. The U.S. still has a lot of immigrant workers in blue-collar industries, including farming, construction, maintenance and transportation. But the country’s most recent immigrants are more likely to compete with doctors, mathematicians, architects, scientists and computer technicians.</p>
<p>The research uses data from the Census’ American Community Survey, which looks at immigrants who had been in the country for less than five years.</p>
<p>Kolko finds that recent immigrants are much more likely to have a bachelor’s degree than previous generations of immigrants. About half of the immigrants 25 and older in 2015 who arrived in the U.S. in the last five years had a bachelor’s degree, up from roughly one-third of those who arrived between 2006 and 2010 and 27 percent of those who arrived in 2005 or earlier.</p>
<p>That means recent immigrants are more educated overall than native-born U.S. adults, only 31 percent of whom have a bachelor’s degree.</p>
<p>Recent immigrants are also much more likely to come from Asia compared with previous waves. Among immigrants who came to the U.S. in the past five years, one-third were born in Latin America, and 12 percent in Mexico. That’s down from previous years: Looking at the U.S. immigrant population overall, half of those 25 and older were born in Latin America and 27 percent were born in Mexico, Kolko says.</p>
<p>The decline in immigrants from Latin America has been offset by a surge from Asia. In the past five years, 45 percent of immigrants to the U.S. were born in Asia, especially India, China and the Philippines. Among the overall U.S. immigrant population, those born in Asia make up only 30 percent.</p>
<p>Immigrants with more education naturally end up doing very different kinds of work. The occupations in which recent immigrants are more prevalent include medical scientists, software developers, physical scientists, economists and market researchers, followed by personal appearance workers like manicurists and agricultural workers, the report says.</p>
<p>They also settle in different places. More immigrants have flooded into cities like San Jose, New York, San Francisco, Washington, Boston, Seattle and Dallas, relatively expensive cities that offer more professional jobs.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Overall, immigrants still account for about half of all farming, forestry and fishing jobs, about a third of all buildings and grounds cleaning and maintenance workers, and 28 percent of construction workers. In manufacturing, immigrants make up 23 percent of workers. But increasingly immigrants also make up a high share of workers in computer and mathematical industries, as well as life, physical and social sciences.</p>
<p>The Indeed research doesn’t explore exactly why this has happened, but other publications and papers point to a variety of factors.</p>
<p>Mexican immigration has slowed in recent years, in part due to less demand for low-skilled, low-wage workers since the Great Recession, especially a dramatic decline in demand for construction workers and an ongoing loss of agricultural jobs.</p>
<p>Stricter enforcement of U.S. immigration laws — including tougher enforcement at the U.S.-Mexico border and an increase in deportations of Mexican immigrants since 2005 – may also play a role.</p>
<p>Under the Obama administration, authorities moved toward a deportation system that focused on formal removals and immigration-related criminal charges, which likely had more serious consequences on those who were sent back than the informal returns that were used before, according to a report by the Migration Policy Institute. The U.S. government also greatly expanded expedited removal by enforcement officers, rather than waiting for immigration judges to make the decision.</p>
<p>At the same time, the U.S. has seen a massive influx in immigrants from China, India and other Asian countries. Marc Rosenblum, deputy director of U.S. immigration policy at MPI, has attributed the change to rising income from Asian countries. In recent years, booming economies in China, India and elsewhere have given people the means to immigrate to the U.S., either legally or illegally.</p>
<p>On top of that, the U.S. tech sector has boomed, attracting more highly skilled workers from around the globe. These highly educated workers are less likely to have come to the U.S. illegally, and more likely to have taken advantage of temporary work programs like the H1-B visa.</p>
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argument barring immigrants often economic one trumps supporters argued immigrants flooding lessskilled jobs working cheaper wages putting native workers job including white male workingclass voters turned strongly favor trump new research suggests picture us immigration may changing fast analysis jed kolko chief economist job search site indeed shows recent immigrants much likely highly educated found jobs industries involving computers mathematics science immigrants came immigrants taking jobs natives jobs increasingly likely highly skilled highly paid ones economists debate much effect immigration local labor markets economists believe immigration stimulates growth ends creating jobs overall like george borjas harvard argued immigration hurt workers industries immigrants tend enter especially times recession advertisement case trends telling us still lot immigrant workers bluecollar industries including farming construction maintenance transportation countrys recent immigrants likely compete doctors mathematicians architects scientists computer technicians research uses data census american community survey looks immigrants country less five years kolko finds recent immigrants much likely bachelors degree previous generations immigrants half immigrants 25 older 2015 arrived us last five years bachelors degree roughly onethird arrived 2006 2010 27 percent arrived 2005 earlier means recent immigrants educated overall nativeborn us adults 31 percent bachelors degree recent immigrants also much likely come asia compared previous waves among immigrants came us past five years onethird born latin america 12 percent mexico thats previous years looking us immigrant population overall half 25 older born latin america 27 percent born mexico kolko says decline immigrants latin america offset surge asia past five years 45 percent immigrants us born asia especially india china philippines among overall us immigrant population born asia make 30 percent immigrants education naturally end different kinds work occupations recent immigrants prevalent include medical scientists software developers physical scientists economists market researchers followed personal appearance workers like manicurists agricultural workers report says also settle different places immigrants flooded cities like san jose new york san francisco washington boston seattle dallas relatively expensive cities offer professional jobs advertisement overall immigrants still account half farming forestry fishing jobs third buildings grounds cleaning maintenance workers 28 percent construction workers manufacturing immigrants make 23 percent workers increasingly immigrants also make high share workers computer mathematical industries well life physical social sciences indeed research doesnt explore exactly happened publications papers point variety factors mexican immigration slowed recent years part due less demand lowskilled lowwage workers since great recession especially dramatic decline demand construction workers ongoing loss agricultural jobs stricter enforcement us immigration laws including tougher enforcement usmexico border increase deportations mexican immigrants since 2005 may also play role obama administration authorities moved toward deportation system focused formal removals immigrationrelated criminal charges likely serious consequences sent back informal returns used according report migration policy institute us government also greatly expanded expedited removal enforcement officers rather waiting immigration judges make decision time us seen massive influx immigrants china india asian countries marc rosenblum deputy director us immigration policy mpi attributed change rising income asian countries recent years booming economies china india elsewhere given people means immigrate us either legally illegally top us tech sector boomed attracting highly skilled workers around globe highly educated workers less likely come us illegally likely taken advantage temporary work programs like h1b visa
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<p>MOSCOW (AP) — The Russian military said Friday it has eliminated a group of rebels that had attacked Russia’s air base in Syria.</p>
<p>The Russian Defense Ministry said it tracked down the rebels with drones and other intelligence assets and struck them with artillery while they were getting into a minibus in the northwestern province of Idlib.</p>
<p>It said in a statement that the Russian military also destroyed a rebel facility for assembling drones in Idlib.</p>
<p>The mortar shelling of the Hemeimeem air base killed two Russian servicemen on New Year’s eve, according to the Defense Ministry. It said that warplanes weren’t hit, but the Russian business daily Kommersant reported that seven aircraft were damaged beyond repair.</p>
<p>Last weekend, rebels also launched a drone attack on Hemeimeem and a Russian naval base in Tartus, which was repelled by the Russian military. The raid involving 13 drones was the first such attack since Russian launched its campaign in Syria in September 2015.</p>
<p>The mortar shelling and the drone attack came just weeks after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a victory In Syria and ordered a partial troop pullout from the country.</p>
<p>The Defense Ministry said it captured three drones and presented a pair of them at Thursday’s briefing, arguing that their crude appearance disguised state-of-the art internal guidance systems that are jam-proof and allow for precision strikes.</p>
<p>It said the drones were launched from al-Mouazzara in Idlib, over 50 kilometers (more than 30 miles) away from the Russian bases. The province has become the key rallying point for various rebel factions after Syrian government forces reclaimed control over large swathes of territory thanks to Russian air cover.</p>
<p>The drone attack heightened tensions between Russia and Turkey, which wields significant influence with rebel groups in Idlib.</p>
<p>Moscow has staunchly backed Syrian President Bashar Assad while Ankara has supported his foes, but they struck a deal last year to set up de-escalation zones. The agreement that also involved Iran has helped reduce fighting and warm ties between Russia and Turkey.</p>
<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the issue Thursday with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and said after the call that he’s convinced that Turkey’s leadership had nothing to do with the attack. He blamed forces he wouldn’t identify for staging the attack in order to derail the agreement on de-escalation zones.</p>
<p>“We know who they were and how much they paid for that provocation,” Putin said.</p>
<p>The Defense Ministry has earlier referred to the “strange coincidence” of a U.S. military intelligence plane allegedly barraging over the Mediterranean near the Russian bases when the attack took place.</p>
<p>The Pentagon strongly denied any involvement.</p>
<p>On Friday, Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova also accused Washington of working behind the scenes to thwart a meeting of Syrian opposition groups Russia plans to host in Sochi in late January.</p>
<p>MOSCOW (AP) — The Russian military said Friday it has eliminated a group of rebels that had attacked Russia’s air base in Syria.</p>
<p>The Russian Defense Ministry said it tracked down the rebels with drones and other intelligence assets and struck them with artillery while they were getting into a minibus in the northwestern province of Idlib.</p>
<p>It said in a statement that the Russian military also destroyed a rebel facility for assembling drones in Idlib.</p>
<p>The mortar shelling of the Hemeimeem air base killed two Russian servicemen on New Year’s eve, according to the Defense Ministry. It said that warplanes weren’t hit, but the Russian business daily Kommersant reported that seven aircraft were damaged beyond repair.</p>
<p>Last weekend, rebels also launched a drone attack on Hemeimeem and a Russian naval base in Tartus, which was repelled by the Russian military. The raid involving 13 drones was the first such attack since Russian launched its campaign in Syria in September 2015.</p>
<p>The mortar shelling and the drone attack came just weeks after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a victory In Syria and ordered a partial troop pullout from the country.</p>
<p>The Defense Ministry said it captured three drones and presented a pair of them at Thursday’s briefing, arguing that their crude appearance disguised state-of-the art internal guidance systems that are jam-proof and allow for precision strikes.</p>
<p>It said the drones were launched from al-Mouazzara in Idlib, over 50 kilometers (more than 30 miles) away from the Russian bases. The province has become the key rallying point for various rebel factions after Syrian government forces reclaimed control over large swathes of territory thanks to Russian air cover.</p>
<p>The drone attack heightened tensions between Russia and Turkey, which wields significant influence with rebel groups in Idlib.</p>
<p>Moscow has staunchly backed Syrian President Bashar Assad while Ankara has supported his foes, but they struck a deal last year to set up de-escalation zones. The agreement that also involved Iran has helped reduce fighting and warm ties between Russia and Turkey.</p>
<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the issue Thursday with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and said after the call that he’s convinced that Turkey’s leadership had nothing to do with the attack. He blamed forces he wouldn’t identify for staging the attack in order to derail the agreement on de-escalation zones.</p>
<p>“We know who they were and how much they paid for that provocation,” Putin said.</p>
<p>The Defense Ministry has earlier referred to the “strange coincidence” of a U.S. military intelligence plane allegedly barraging over the Mediterranean near the Russian bases when the attack took place.</p>
<p>The Pentagon strongly denied any involvement.</p>
<p>On Friday, Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova also accused Washington of working behind the scenes to thwart a meeting of Syrian opposition groups Russia plans to host in Sochi in late January.</p>
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moscow ap russian military said friday eliminated group rebels attacked russias air base syria russian defense ministry said tracked rebels drones intelligence assets struck artillery getting minibus northwestern province idlib said statement russian military also destroyed rebel facility assembling drones idlib mortar shelling hemeimeem air base killed two russian servicemen new years eve according defense ministry said warplanes werent hit russian business daily kommersant reported seven aircraft damaged beyond repair last weekend rebels also launched drone attack hemeimeem russian naval base tartus repelled russian military raid involving 13 drones first attack since russian launched campaign syria september 2015 mortar shelling drone attack came weeks russian president vladimir putin declared victory syria ordered partial troop pullout country defense ministry said captured three drones presented pair thursdays briefing arguing crude appearance disguised stateofthe art internal guidance systems jamproof allow precision strikes said drones launched almouazzara idlib 50 kilometers 30 miles away russian bases province become key rallying point various rebel factions syrian government forces reclaimed control large swathes territory thanks russian air cover drone attack heightened tensions russia turkey wields significant influence rebel groups idlib moscow staunchly backed syrian president bashar assad ankara supported foes struck deal last year set deescalation zones agreement also involved iran helped reduce fighting warm ties russia turkey russian president vladimir putin discussed issue thursday turkish president recep tayyip erdogan said call hes convinced turkeys leadership nothing attack blamed forces wouldnt identify staging attack order derail agreement deescalation zones know much paid provocation putin said defense ministry earlier referred strange coincidence us military intelligence plane allegedly barraging mediterranean near russian bases attack took place pentagon strongly denied involvement friday russian foreign ministry maria zakharova also accused washington working behind scenes thwart meeting syrian opposition groups russia plans host sochi late january moscow ap russian military said friday eliminated group rebels attacked russias air base syria russian defense ministry said tracked rebels drones intelligence assets struck artillery getting minibus northwestern province idlib said statement russian military also destroyed rebel facility assembling drones idlib mortar shelling hemeimeem air base killed two russian servicemen new years eve according defense ministry said warplanes werent hit russian business daily kommersant reported seven aircraft damaged beyond repair last weekend rebels also launched drone attack hemeimeem russian naval base tartus repelled russian military raid involving 13 drones first attack since russian launched campaign syria september 2015 mortar shelling drone attack came weeks russian president vladimir putin declared victory syria ordered partial troop pullout country defense ministry said captured three drones presented pair thursdays briefing arguing crude appearance disguised stateofthe art internal guidance systems jamproof allow precision strikes said drones launched almouazzara idlib 50 kilometers 30 miles away russian bases province become key rallying point various rebel factions syrian government forces reclaimed control large swathes territory thanks russian air cover drone attack heightened tensions russia turkey wields significant influence rebel groups idlib moscow staunchly backed syrian president bashar assad ankara supported foes struck deal last year set deescalation zones agreement also involved iran helped reduce fighting warm ties russia turkey russian president vladimir putin discussed issue thursday turkish president recep tayyip erdogan said call hes convinced turkeys leadership nothing attack blamed forces wouldnt identify staging attack order derail agreement deescalation zones know much paid provocation putin said defense ministry earlier referred strange coincidence us military intelligence plane allegedly barraging mediterranean near russian bases attack took place pentagon strongly denied involvement friday russian foreign ministry maria zakharova also accused washington working behind scenes thwart meeting syrian opposition groups russia plans host sochi late january
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<p>MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian figure skater Ksenia Stolbova and ice dancer Ivan Bukin will not be allowed to take part in next month’s Olympic Games, the Russian Figure Skating Federation said on Tuesday, citing a directive from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).</p> Figure Skating - ISU Grand Prix Rostelecom Cup 2017 - Pairs’ Short Program - Moscow, Russia - October 20, 2017 - Ksenia Stolbova and Fedor Klimov of Russia compete. REUTERS/Alexander Fedorov
<p>“The unfounded and absurd decision once again demonstrates the IOC’s inability to eschew external influences on its decision-making,” the federation said in a statement.</p>
<p>The federation is poised to “immediately start fighting to restore a fair attitude toward Russian figure skaters and defend the honor and dignity of our athletes in all possible ways”.</p>
<p>Stolbova and partner Fedor Klimov, who won silver in the pairs and gold in the team event in Sochi, took silver at the European championships in Moscow last week.</p>
<p>Stolbova could not immediately be reached for comment.</p>
<p>Bukin, who competes in ice dance with partner Alexandra Stepanova, won a European bronze medal this month.</p> Figure Skating - ISU European Championships 2018 - Ice Dance Short Dance - Moscow, Russia - January 19, 2018 - Alexandra Stepanova and Ivan Bukin of Russia compete. REUTERS/Grigory Dukor
<p>The news came hours after the Russian Olympic Committee announced that short-track speed skater Viktor Ahn, biathlete Anton Shipulin and cross-country skier Sergei Ustyugov were not in the pool of Russian athletes eligible to compete at the Pyeongchang Olympics.</p>
<p>Five members of the Russian men’s national hockey team, Anton Belov, Alexei Bereglazov, Mikhail Naumenkov, Valery Nichushkin and Sergei Plotnikov, were also deemed ineligible for Pyeongchang by the IOC, the Russian hockey federation said in a statement later on Tuesday.</p>
<p>Belov, a defenceman who played one season with the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League (NHL), served a three-month doping suspension in 2012.</p>
<p>The Russian hockey federation said it would seek explanations from the IOC about the players’ exclusion.</p>
<p>The Olympic body said on Tuesday that the exclusion of certain athletes from the list of eligible Russians did not mean they had doped.</p>
<p>“Not being included on the invitation list does not necessarily mean that an athlete has been doped – it should not automatically cast doubt on their integrity,” Valerie Fourneyron, chair of the panel overseeing the invitation process, said in an IOC statement.</p>
<p>The IOC banned Russia last month from Pyeongchang over “systematic manipulation” of the anti-doping system at the 2014 Sochi Games, but left the door open to athletes with no history of doping to compete as “Olympic Athletes from Russia”.</p>
<p>Writing by Polina Ivanova and Gabrielle Tétrault-Farber, additional reporting by Karolos Grohmann in Berlin; Editing by Ed Osmond and Christian Radnedge</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton roared to a record seventh pole at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on Saturday, blitzing the field in his Mercedes with a blazing lap at Albert Park.</p> Formula One F1 - Australian Grand Prix - Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit, Melbourne, Australia - March 24, 2018 Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton in action during qualifying REUTERS/Brandon Malone
<p>The Briton flew around the lakeside circuit in a record one minute, 21.164 seconds, with his final effort leaving a yawning gap of 0.664 seconds to Ferrari’s second fastest Kimi Raikkonen.</p>
<p>Sebastian Vettel was third fastest for Ferrari but Hamilton was in a class of his own and the Silver Arrows appear as dominant as ever as they bid to sweep the driver and constructors’ titles for a fifth year running.</p>
<p>“That was intense. My heart’s racing. I wish you could feel it right now,” the 33-year-old Hamilton said after clambering onto his car at the finish and pumping his fists.</p>
<p>“I’m so happy with that lap.”</p> Related Coverage
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<p>Hamilton moved past the six poles his idol Ayrton Senna claimed in the Australian race with a furious pace that will leave the Ferrari and Red Bull teams scratching their heads.</p>
<p>“Obviously the gap’s bigger than we want it to be,” a subdued Vettel told reporters, looking ahead to Sunday’s race.</p>
<p>“It depends how we get off the (start) line.”</p>
<p>Red Bull wunderkind Max Verstappen will line up alongside Vettel on the second row, with his fifth-fastest team mate Daniel Ricciardo set to start eighth after the home hope was handed a three-place grid penalty for an infringement during Friday practice.</p>
<p>Still pumped at the post-qualifying news conference, Hamilton made a cheeky dig at fellow four-times champion Vettel when the German asked him what he was up to before Q3.</p> Formula One F1 - Australian Grand Prix - Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit, Melbourne, Australia - March 24, 2018 Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton celebrates pole position after qualifying REUTERS/Brandon Malone
<p>“I was waiting to put a good lap in and wipe the smile off your face,” Hamilton said with a smirk.</p> IMPROVED HAAS
<p>The Briton’s brilliance was not matched by team mate Valtteri Bottas, who crashed early in the final shootout.</p>
<p>The Finn, who had complained of balance problems during Q1, spun out at turn two and smashed hard into a barrier, leaving his wrecked car and debris scattered all over the track.</p> Slideshow (5 Images)
<p>The red flag was waved as the television broadcast showed Mercedes boss Toto Wolff bowing his head in disappointment back in the team garage.</p>
<p>Bottas, who will start in 10th, passed a medical check but it remains unclear how much of his car is salvageable.</p>
<p>Haas confirmed themselves as the big improvers after positive winter testing, with drivers Kevin Magnussen and Romain Grosjean locking down the third row.</p>
<p>Renault’s Nico Hulkenberg took a spin into the gravel in Q2 but scraped through to the final session and will start seventh, his team mate Carlos Sainz two places behind.</p>
<p>McLaren’s hopes of a quick return to the top four with their new Renault engines proved overly ambitious, with twice champion Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne shut out of the final session.</p>
<p>Force India, fourth in the constructors’ championship for the last two years, also have work to do after being knocked out during Q2.</p>
<p>The championship’s debutant drivers had an underwhelming session, with Sauber’s Charles Leclerc and Williams’ driver Sergey Sirotkin eliminated early.</p>
<p>Reporting by Ian Ransom; Editing by John O'Brien</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>BELGRADE (Reuters) - Preparations for a historic handball match between political adversaries Serbia and Kosovo ended in chaos on Friday with the expulsion of the host nation after it canceled the fixture over security concerns.</p> Police guard the road to the Kovilovo sport centre hosting the handball match between Serbia and Kosovo, in Belgrade, Serbia March 23, 2018. REUTERS/Nemanja Pancic
<p>The women’s Under-20 World Championship qualifier would have been the first documented sporting encounter between Serbia and its former province, which declared independence in 2008 and which Belgrade does not recognize as a nation state.</p>
<p>But Serbia’s Interior Minister Nebojsa Stefanovic ordered the match to be scrapped over security concerns, a day after dozens of chanting youths carrying flares and national flags gathered outside the match venue.</p>
<p>The European Handball Federation (EHF) had arranged the game, part of a four-team event, in consultation with Serbian authorities.</p>
<p>In light of Friday’s cancellation - which Kosovo’s Deputy Prime Minister Enver Hoxhaj called “unthinkable” - it was expelling the Serbian team from the tournament, the EHF said in a statement.</p>
<p>It said it expected the other matches to go ahead as scheduled.</p>
<p>But late on Friday the interior ministry said it had also canceled matches between Kosovo and Norway and Kosovo and Slovakia.</p>
<p>Stefanovic earlier suggested, in comments to news web site B92, that the government had been an unwilling participant.</p>
<p>Could we have organized for this match to go ahead? Certainly. But at what cost?,” he was quoted as saying. “We are not ready to have the police beat up people for the sake of a match which contradicts all our positions.”</p>
<p>He later told Belgrade Pink TV: “Kosovo is an integral part of our country. It would have been impossible to let this fixture go ahead without clashes and chaos.”</p>
<p>The European Union has made Serbia committing to stable relations with Kosovo a prerequisite for membership of the bloc, and the country’s presidents, Aleksandar Vucic and Hashim Thaci, met in Brussels on Thursday for a fresh round of EU-sponsored talks.</p>
<p>But Belgrade continues to refuse to recognize Pristina institutions and has attempted to prevent Kosovo from joining international organizations, including sports associations.</p>
<p>Kosovo declared independence almost a decade after a NATO bombing campaign ended a crackdown by Serbian authorities against secessionists among its majority ethic Albanian population.</p>
<p>The handball match was scheduled for 1500 GMT at Kovilovo, an isolated sports complex on the outskirts of the capital where it had been moved from the central city of Kragujevac for safety reasons.</p>
<p>The Serbian Handball Federation (RSS) had ordered the whole tournament to be played behind closed doors, with no fans or media present, saying it acted in line with instructions from the EHF.</p>
<p>The winner of the tournament - should it end up being played - will qualify for the July 1-15 World Championship in Hungary.</p>
<p>Reporting by Zoran Milosavljevic; Additional reporting by Fatos Bytyci in Pristina; Editing by Ivana Sekularac and John Stonestreet</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>(Reuters) - A 31-year-old man has been arrested and two men remain at large for burglarizing the Massachusetts home of New England Patriots star tight end Rob Gronkowski following the team’s Super Bowl loss, police said.</p> FILE PHOTO: NFL Football - Philadelphia Eagles v New England Patriots - Super Bowl LII - U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. - February 4, 2018. New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski celebrates scoring a touchdown. REUTERS/Chris Wattie
<p>Anthony Almeida, 31, of Randolph was arraigned in Wrentham District Court on Friday for breaking and entering, receiving stolen property and malicious destruction of property, the Foxborough Police Department said on Facebook.</p>
<p>Police are still searching for Eric Tyrrell, 28, and Shayne Denn, 26, in connection with the burglary on Feb. 5, the day after Gronkowski’s team’s upset loss in the Super Bowl to the Eagles.</p>
<p>Gronkowski’s chauffeur and security guard Robert Goon posted on Friday a photo of the two men on Twitter and wrote “You better hide I’m coming” after police announced the arrest.</p>
<p>An Apple Watch, a Rolex Watch and two rare coins from the 1800s have been recovered. Firearms owned by Goon have not yet been recovered, police said.</p>
<p>Like many of his teammates, Gronkowski has a home in Foxborough, about 25 miles (40 km) south of Boston that is home to Gillette Stadium, where the team practices and plays.</p>
<p>The 28-year-old athlete now in his eighth NFL season is one of the better known faces on the Patriots, cheered on by fans both for his catches as well as off-season antics that have included serving as the celebrity host of a Caribbean cruise following the team’s 2016 Super Bowl victory.</p>
<p>(This story has been refiled to remove dateline and change the reporting credit)</p>
<p>Reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee; Editing by Mark Potter</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>(Reuters) - Mexican boxer Canelo Alvarez was temporarily suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission following two positive tests for the banned fat-burning drug clenbuterol, the body’s executive director Bob Bennett said in a statement on Friday.</p> FILE PHOTO: Middleweight boxer Canelo Alvarez of Mexico attends a news conference at MGM Grand hotel and casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. September 13, 2017. REUTERS/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus
<p>Alvarez will meet with the Nevada Commission on April 10 for a final decision on his case, less than a month before his scheduled rematch against multiple middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin in Las Vegas on May 5.</p>
<p>The pair battled to a controversial draw in September.</p>
<p>The 27-year-old Alvarez provided urine samples in February as a part of the agreement for his second tilt at dethroning the 35-year-old Kazakh fighter and has since blamed the positive tests on contaminated meat.</p>
<p>Clenbuterol is sometimes illicitly mixed into livestock feed to make meat leaner.</p>
<p>Alvarez has a 49-1-2 record, with his only loss coming against Floyd Mayweather in 2013, while Golovkin has won 37 of his 38 bouts with the only blemish on his record the draw against the Mexican.</p>
<p>Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by John O'Brien</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
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moscow reuters russian figure skater ksenia stolbova ice dancer ivan bukin allowed take part next months olympic games russian figure skating federation said tuesday citing directive international olympic committee ioc figure skating isu grand prix rostelecom cup 2017 pairs short program moscow russia october 20 2017 ksenia stolbova fedor klimov russia compete reutersalexander fedorov unfounded absurd decision demonstrates iocs inability eschew external influences decisionmaking federation said statement federation poised immediately start fighting restore fair attitude toward russian figure skaters defend honor dignity athletes possible ways stolbova partner fedor klimov silver pairs gold team event sochi took silver european championships moscow last week stolbova could immediately reached comment bukin competes ice dance partner alexandra stepanova european bronze medal month figure skating isu european championships 2018 ice dance short dance moscow russia january 19 2018 alexandra stepanova ivan bukin russia compete reutersgrigory dukor news came hours russian olympic committee announced shorttrack speed skater viktor ahn biathlete anton shipulin crosscountry skier sergei ustyugov pool russian athletes eligible compete pyeongchang olympics five members russian mens national hockey team anton belov alexei bereglazov mikhail naumenkov valery nichushkin sergei plotnikov also deemed ineligible pyeongchang ioc russian hockey federation said statement later tuesday belov defenceman played one season edmonton oilers national hockey league nhl served threemonth doping suspension 2012 russian hockey federation said would seek explanations ioc players exclusion olympic body said tuesday exclusion certain athletes list eligible russians mean doped included invitation list necessarily mean athlete doped automatically cast doubt integrity valerie fourneyron chair panel overseeing invitation process said ioc statement ioc banned russia last month pyeongchang systematic manipulation antidoping system 2014 sochi games left door open athletes history doping compete olympic athletes russia writing polina ivanova gabrielle tétraultfarber additional reporting karolos grohmann berlin editing ed osmond christian radnedge standards thomson reuters trust principles melbourne reuters formula one champion lewis hamilton roared record seventh pole seasonopening australian grand prix saturday blitzing field mercedes blazing lap albert park formula one f1 australian grand prix melbourne grand prix circuit melbourne australia march 24 2018 mercedes lewis hamilton action qualifying reutersbrandon malone briton flew around lakeside circuit record one minute 21164 seconds final effort leaving yawning gap 0664 seconds ferraris second fastest kimi raikkonen sebastian vettel third fastest ferrari hamilton class silver arrows appear dominant ever bid sweep driver constructors titles fifth year running intense hearts racing wish could feel right 33yearold hamilton said clambering onto car finish pumping fists im happy lap related coverage beaming hamilton burns vettel smile jibe hamilton pole lap unbelievably special rosberg motor racing haas enjoy bestever qualifying despite replica barbs hamilton moved past six poles idol ayrton senna claimed australian race furious pace leave ferrari red bull teams scratching heads obviously gaps bigger want subdued vettel told reporters looking ahead sundays race depends get start line red bull wunderkind max verstappen line alongside vettel second row fifthfastest team mate daniel ricciardo set start eighth home hope handed threeplace grid penalty infringement friday practice still pumped postqualifying news conference hamilton made cheeky dig fellow fourtimes champion vettel german asked q3 formula one f1 australian grand prix melbourne grand prix circuit melbourne australia march 24 2018 mercedes lewis hamilton celebrates pole position qualifying reutersbrandon malone waiting put good lap wipe smile face hamilton said smirk improved haas britons brilliance matched team mate valtteri bottas crashed early final shootout finn complained balance problems q1 spun turn two smashed hard barrier leaving wrecked car debris scattered track slideshow 5 images red flag waved television broadcast showed mercedes boss toto wolff bowing head disappointment back team garage bottas start 10th passed medical check remains unclear much car salvageable haas confirmed big improvers positive winter testing drivers kevin magnussen romain grosjean locking third row renaults nico hulkenberg took spin gravel q2 scraped final session start seventh team mate carlos sainz two places behind mclarens hopes quick return top four new renault engines proved overly ambitious twice champion fernando alonso stoffel vandoorne shut final session force india fourth constructors championship last two years also work knocked q2 championships debutant drivers underwhelming session saubers charles leclerc williams driver sergey sirotkin eliminated early reporting ian ransom editing john obrien standards thomson reuters trust principles belgrade reuters preparations historic handball match political adversaries serbia kosovo ended chaos friday expulsion host nation canceled fixture security concerns police guard road kovilovo sport centre hosting handball match serbia kosovo belgrade serbia march 23 2018 reutersnemanja pancic womens under20 world championship qualifier would first documented sporting encounter serbia former province declared independence 2008 belgrade recognize nation state serbias interior minister nebojsa stefanovic ordered match scrapped security concerns day dozens chanting youths carrying flares national flags gathered outside match venue european handball federation ehf arranged game part fourteam event consultation serbian authorities light fridays cancellation kosovos deputy prime minister enver hoxhaj called unthinkable expelling serbian team tournament ehf said statement said expected matches go ahead scheduled late friday interior ministry said also canceled matches kosovo norway kosovo slovakia stefanovic earlier suggested comments news web site b92 government unwilling participant could organized match go ahead certainly cost quoted saying ready police beat people sake match contradicts positions later told belgrade pink tv kosovo integral part country would impossible let fixture go ahead without clashes chaos european union made serbia committing stable relations kosovo prerequisite membership bloc countrys presidents aleksandar vucic hashim thaci met brussels thursday fresh round eusponsored talks belgrade continues refuse recognize pristina institutions attempted prevent kosovo joining international organizations including sports associations kosovo declared independence almost decade nato bombing campaign ended crackdown serbian authorities secessionists among majority ethic albanian population handball match scheduled 1500 gmt kovilovo isolated sports complex outskirts capital moved central city kragujevac safety reasons serbian handball federation rss ordered whole tournament played behind closed doors fans media present saying acted line instructions ehf winner tournament end played qualify july 115 world championship hungary reporting zoran milosavljevic additional reporting fatos bytyci pristina editing ivana sekularac john stonestreet standards thomson reuters trust principles reuters 31yearold man arrested two men remain large burglarizing massachusetts home new england patriots star tight end rob gronkowski following teams super bowl loss police said file photo nfl football philadelphia eagles v new england patriots super bowl lii us bank stadium minneapolis minnesota us february 4 2018 new england patriots rob gronkowski celebrates scoring touchdown reuterschris wattie anthony almeida 31 randolph arraigned wrentham district court friday breaking entering receiving stolen property malicious destruction property foxborough police department said facebook police still searching eric tyrrell 28 shayne denn 26 connection burglary feb 5 day gronkowskis teams upset loss super bowl eagles gronkowskis chauffeur security guard robert goon posted friday photo two men twitter wrote better hide im coming police announced arrest apple watch rolex watch two rare coins 1800s recovered firearms owned goon yet recovered police said like many teammates gronkowski home foxborough 25 miles 40 km south boston home gillette stadium team practices plays 28yearold athlete eighth nfl season one better known faces patriots cheered fans catches well offseason antics included serving celebrity host caribbean cruise following teams 2016 super bowl victory story refiled remove dateline change reporting credit reporting brendan obrien milwaukee editing mark potter standards thomson reuters trust principles reuters mexican boxer canelo alvarez temporarily suspended nevada state athletic commission following two positive tests banned fatburning drug clenbuterol bodys executive director bob bennett said statement friday file photo middleweight boxer canelo alvarez mexico attends news conference mgm grand hotel casino las vegas nevada us september 13 2017 reuterslas vegas sunsteve marcus alvarez meet nevada commission april 10 final decision case less month scheduled rematch multiple middleweight champion gennady golovkin las vegas may 5 pair battled controversial draw september 27yearold alvarez provided urine samples february part agreement second tilt dethroning 35yearold kazakh fighter since blamed positive tests contaminated meat clenbuterol sometimes illicitly mixed livestock feed make meat leaner alvarez 4912 record loss coming floyd mayweather 2013 golovkin 37 38 bouts blemish record draw mexican writing jahmal corner los angeles editing john obrien standards thomson reuters trust principles
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<p>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers rejected an effort Thursday to restrict ivory sales as a handful of other states have done to discourage poaching of African elephants, rhinoceroses and other animals hunted for their horns and tusks.</p>
<p>Opponents in the Legislature argued that federal law made the bill redundant and that the bill sought to address a nonexistent problem in the state. Senators voted 19-9 in favor of the measure, six short of what was needed to give it first-round approval.</p>
<p>Federal law already imposes restrictions on ivory, including a near-total ban on the commercial trade of African elephant ivory. The Nebraska bill's sponsor, Sen. Burke Harr of Omaha, said local law enforcement should have the power to enforce a state-level law because federal authorities don't consider such cases a high priority.</p>
<p>"I do think we need to protect ivory, and we want to discourage illegal ivory sales," Harr said. "This doesn't go after law-abiding citizens. This goes after people who are already violating federal law."</p>
<p>Critics said they had seen no evidence that ivory trading was a major problem in Nebraska and they argued that even if it was, the proposal amounted to another state mandate for local governments. Some opponents have said the bill would force people to prove that their possessions were exempt from the law if they happened to contain ivory.</p>
<p>"This is feel-good legislation," said Sen. Mike Groene, of North Platte.</p>
<p>It's not clear whether Nebraska has seen any major ivory sales that would violate federal law. Harr said two constituents, a mother and daughter, brought the issue to his attention and prompted him to introduce the bill last year.</p>
<p>California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, Oregon and Washington have passed similar measures aimed at animal trafficking, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Nevada passed a measure last year designed to eliminate the market for elephant ivory, rhino horns and sea turtle shells.</p>
<p>The Nebraska bill would have included exceptions for knives, firearms, certain musical instruments, antiques and other items to try to address concerns about unintended consequences. Before the final vote on the bill, lawmakers added language to make clear that sellers would have to know they were selling or trading ivory.</p>
<p>The debate produced one moment of levity when a GOP state senator joked that the bill could help moderate Republicans, known derisively as RINOs (Republicans in Name Only) in the ostensibly nonpartisan Legislature.</p>
<p>"This bill protects RINOs, and there's a small herd of them in this room," said Sen. Paul Schumacher of Columbus.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow Grant Schulte on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/GrantSchulte" type="external">https://twitter.com/GrantSchulte</a></p>
<p>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers rejected an effort Thursday to restrict ivory sales as a handful of other states have done to discourage poaching of African elephants, rhinoceroses and other animals hunted for their horns and tusks.</p>
<p>Opponents in the Legislature argued that federal law made the bill redundant and that the bill sought to address a nonexistent problem in the state. Senators voted 19-9 in favor of the measure, six short of what was needed to give it first-round approval.</p>
<p>Federal law already imposes restrictions on ivory, including a near-total ban on the commercial trade of African elephant ivory. The Nebraska bill's sponsor, Sen. Burke Harr of Omaha, said local law enforcement should have the power to enforce a state-level law because federal authorities don't consider such cases a high priority.</p>
<p>"I do think we need to protect ivory, and we want to discourage illegal ivory sales," Harr said. "This doesn't go after law-abiding citizens. This goes after people who are already violating federal law."</p>
<p>Critics said they had seen no evidence that ivory trading was a major problem in Nebraska and they argued that even if it was, the proposal amounted to another state mandate for local governments. Some opponents have said the bill would force people to prove that their possessions were exempt from the law if they happened to contain ivory.</p>
<p>"This is feel-good legislation," said Sen. Mike Groene, of North Platte.</p>
<p>It's not clear whether Nebraska has seen any major ivory sales that would violate federal law. Harr said two constituents, a mother and daughter, brought the issue to his attention and prompted him to introduce the bill last year.</p>
<p>California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, Oregon and Washington have passed similar measures aimed at animal trafficking, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Nevada passed a measure last year designed to eliminate the market for elephant ivory, rhino horns and sea turtle shells.</p>
<p>The Nebraska bill would have included exceptions for knives, firearms, certain musical instruments, antiques and other items to try to address concerns about unintended consequences. Before the final vote on the bill, lawmakers added language to make clear that sellers would have to know they were selling or trading ivory.</p>
<p>The debate produced one moment of levity when a GOP state senator joked that the bill could help moderate Republicans, known derisively as RINOs (Republicans in Name Only) in the ostensibly nonpartisan Legislature.</p>
<p>"This bill protects RINOs, and there's a small herd of them in this room," said Sen. Paul Schumacher of Columbus.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow Grant Schulte on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/GrantSchulte" type="external">https://twitter.com/GrantSchulte</a></p>
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lincoln neb ap nebraska lawmakers rejected effort thursday restrict ivory sales handful states done discourage poaching african elephants rhinoceroses animals hunted horns tusks opponents legislature argued federal law made bill redundant bill sought address nonexistent problem state senators voted 199 favor measure six short needed give firstround approval federal law already imposes restrictions ivory including neartotal ban commercial trade african elephant ivory nebraska bills sponsor sen burke harr omaha said local law enforcement power enforce statelevel law federal authorities dont consider cases high priority think need protect ivory want discourage illegal ivory sales harr said doesnt go lawabiding citizens goes people already violating federal law critics said seen evidence ivory trading major problem nebraska argued even proposal amounted another state mandate local governments opponents said bill would force people prove possessions exempt law happened contain ivory feelgood legislation said sen mike groene north platte clear whether nebraska seen major ivory sales would violate federal law harr said two constituents mother daughter brought issue attention prompted introduce bill last year california hawaii new jersey new york oregon washington passed similar measures aimed animal trafficking according humane society united states nevada passed measure last year designed eliminate market elephant ivory rhino horns sea turtle shells nebraska bill would included exceptions knives firearms certain musical instruments antiques items try address concerns unintended consequences final vote bill lawmakers added language make clear sellers would know selling trading ivory debate produced one moment levity gop state senator joked bill could help moderate republicans known derisively rinos republicans name ostensibly nonpartisan legislature bill protects rinos theres small herd room said sen paul schumacher columbus ___ follow grant schulte twitter httpstwittercomgrantschulte lincoln neb ap nebraska lawmakers rejected effort thursday restrict ivory sales handful states done discourage poaching african elephants rhinoceroses animals hunted horns tusks opponents legislature argued federal law made bill redundant bill sought address nonexistent problem state senators voted 199 favor measure six short needed give firstround approval federal law already imposes restrictions ivory including neartotal ban commercial trade african elephant ivory nebraska bills sponsor sen burke harr omaha said local law enforcement power enforce statelevel law federal authorities dont consider cases high priority think need protect ivory want discourage illegal ivory sales harr said doesnt go lawabiding citizens goes people already violating federal law critics said seen evidence ivory trading major problem nebraska argued even proposal amounted another state mandate local governments opponents said bill would force people prove possessions exempt law happened contain ivory feelgood legislation said sen mike groene north platte clear whether nebraska seen major ivory sales would violate federal law harr said two constituents mother daughter brought issue attention prompted introduce bill last year california hawaii new jersey new york oregon washington passed similar measures aimed animal trafficking according humane society united states nevada passed measure last year designed eliminate market elephant ivory rhino horns sea turtle shells nebraska bill would included exceptions knives firearms certain musical instruments antiques items try address concerns unintended consequences final vote bill lawmakers added language make clear sellers would know selling trading ivory debate produced one moment levity gop state senator joked bill could help moderate republicans known derisively rinos republicans name ostensibly nonpartisan legislature bill protects rinos theres small herd room said sen paul schumacher columbus ___ follow grant schulte twitter httpstwittercomgrantschulte
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<p />
<p>The billionaire real estate developer also dismissed any need to disentangle himself from his financial holdings, despite rising questions about how his global business dealings might affect his decision-making as the nation’s chief executive.</p>
<p>“The law’s totally on my side. The president can’t have a conflict of interest,” Trump told editors and reporters of the New York Times during an expansive, hour-long question-and-answer session. “In theory, I could run my business perfectly and then run the country perfectly. There’s never been a case like this.”</p>
<p>Trump further sought to distance himself from a small, far-right movement known for its embrace of racist and anti-Semitic rhetoric that has celebrated Trump’s election.</p>
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<p>“I don’t want to energize the group, and I disavow the group,” Trump said of the alt-right.</p>
<p>The president-elect has a record of making statements that are inconsistent with his previous ones, which means it is uncertain whether any of the positions he espoused on Tuesday will hold in the days going forward, much less after he is inaugurated.</p>
<p>Some of Trump’s shifts also have the potential to spark a backlash from his most ardent supporters.</p>
<p>In his meeting with the Times, Trump assumed a more cordial, magnanimous posture than he has in recent days. Over the weekend, he used his Twitter account to attack the comedy of “Saturday Night Live” and the cast of the hit Broadway show “Hamilton.” On Monday, he upbraided broadcast news executives and on-air journalists in an off-the-record session that quickly leaked to other media.</p>
<p>His stance on Clinton, the former secretary of state, was a jarring pivot from the presidential campaign, during which he called her “Crooked Hillary” and threatened during one of their debates to put his Democratic opponent in jail. At his rallies and during the Republican convention in Cleveland, Trump’s supporters would regularly chant, “Lock her up!”</p>
<p>But on Tuesday, he said: “I don’t want to hurt the Clintons. I really don’t. She went through a lot and suffered greatly in many different ways.”</p>
<p>Asked whether that meant he had ruled out appointing a special prosecutor, as he had said he would, Trump said: “It’s just not something that I feel very strongly about.”</p>
<p>If Trump were to push or try to block a criminal investigation from the Oval Office, it would mark an extraordinary break with political and legal protocol, which holds that the attorney general and FBI make decisions on whether to conduct probes and file charges, free of pressure from the president.</p>
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<p>The president-elect’s new position may also have no effect on the plans of other members of his party on Capitol Hill. Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, who is finishing his first term leading the powerful House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, has vowed to continue to investigate Clinton’s email server.</p>
<p>An attorney for Clinton, David Kendall, declined to comment.</p>
<p>Trump also shifted position on climate change, saying he believes there is “some connectivity” between human activity and rising global temperatures.</p>
<p>In 2012, he had brushed off that idea as a Chinese hoax, tweeting: “The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive.”</p>
<p>Asked whether he plans to withdraw the United States from the 2015 Paris climate accord, he said he is keeping “an open mind to it.” The deal negotiated by nearly 200 countries last year commits them to a global push to reduce greenhouse gases.</p>
<p>Trump, however, has repeatedly said the agreement is bad for U.S. businesses. In a speech in May, he declared that during his first 100 days in office, “we’re going to cancel the Paris climate agreement and stop all payments of U.S. tax dollars to U.N. global warming programs.”</p>
<p>Trump signaled another shift on the question of how to treat terrorism suspects. During his presidential campaign, he had said that he would reinstate the use of waterboarding and similar interrogation techniques in the questioning of suspected terrorists.</p>
<p>“Don’t tell me it doesn’t work – torture works,” Trump said in February at a retirement community in South Carolina. “OK, folks? Torture – you know, half these guys [say]: ‘Torture doesn’t work.’ Believe me, it works. OK?”</p>
<p>But Tuesday he suggested he might have changed his mind after interviewing a leading candidate for secretary of defense, retired Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis, who headed the U.S. Central Command.</p>
<p>Mattis argued that he had never found harsh interrogation techniques “to be useful,” Trump said, adding that the retired general preferred building trust with “a pack of cigarettes and a couple of beers.”</p>
<p>“I was very impressed by that answer,” Trump said.</p>
<p>Trump spoke extensively about the implications of an unprecedented situation in which a businessman with global holdings will sit in the Oval Office. That prospect has prompted criticism that there will be inevitable conflicts of interest.</p>
<p>His election, Trump acknowledged, has been good for his business, making the name that he emblazons on his properties and markets through his licensing agreements “a hotter brand than it was before.”</p>
<p>As he plans his presidential transition, Trump remains involved in several of his private enterprises.</p>
<p>He held a meeting at Trump Tower with three business partners building a Trump property south of Mumbai. His new hotel in Washington, just blocks from the White House, last week invited about 100 foreign diplomats to hear a sales pitch.</p>
<p>It also raised eyebrows when Trump’s daughter Ivanka, a vice president at the Trump Organization, attended his meeting last week with the Japanese prime minister.</p>
<p>While no statute specifically requires divestment by the president, all of them in modern history have put their assets under independent management, generally through a blind trust.</p>
<p>The concern is to avoid running afoul – in actuality or appearance – of laws against bribery and other forms of corruption in dealings with corporations, foreign entities and powerful interests.</p>
<p>Trump noted that he has turned the management of his businesses over to his children, giving him a requisite distance from the operation, but he protested: “If it were up to some people, I would never, ever see my daughter Ivanka again.”</p>
<p>But his comments fueled more criticism.</p>
<p>“Donald Trump campaigned against a culture of self-enrichment in Washington and pledged to ‘drain the swamp,’ but made clear today that he doesn’t think the rules apply to him,” Democratic National Committee communications director Adam Hodge said in a statement. “He fully intends to use the Oval Office to expand his family’s wealth.”</p>
<p>In disavowing the alt-right movement, Trump also came to the defense of his campaign’s chief executive, Stephen Bannon, whom he intends to bring into the White House as his chief strategist.</p>
<p>Bannon is on a leave of absence as chairman of the website Breitbart News, a leading voice of the alt-right movement. In a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal, Bannon conceded that the alt-right has “some racial and anti-Semitic overtones,” but he insisted he does not hold those views.</p>
<p>The president-elect defended Bannon. “If I thought he was a racist or alt-right or any of the things, the terms we could use, I wouldn’t even think about hiring him,” Trump said, adding that such accusations are “very hard on” Bannon, “because it’s not him.”</p>
<p>Trump also suggested that he might make his son-in-law Jared Kushner, an observant Jew, a special envoy to work on brokering peace in the Middle East.</p>
<p>Kushner, a publishing and real estate executive with no background in international diplomacy, “would be very good at it,” Trump said. “I would love to be able to be the one that made peace with Israel and the Palestinians.”</p>
<p>Trump also used the session to air his grievances with the campaign coverage of the newspaper, which he frequently refers to as “the failing New York Times.” Shortly before the session, he had announced via Twitter that he was canceling the meeting, but he then reversed himself.</p>
<p>He tempered his criticism with praise, however, and at one point called the Times “a great great American jewel,” according to a tweet by Julie Davis, who covers the White House for the newspaper.</p>
<p>During the session, he also softened his frequent threat to reopen libel laws and use them more aggressively against news outlets that write critical things about him.</p>
<p>His reconsideration, he said, came after he discussed the issue with an associate who told him, “You know, you might be sued a lot more.’ I said, ‘You know, I hadn’t thought of that.’ “</p>
<p>Shortly after the interview, Trump departed for Palm Beach, Florida, where he plans to take a break from transition planning and spend Thanksgiving at his Mar-a-Lago estate.</p>
<p>However, Trump tweeted that he is closing in on another Cabinet selection: His onetime presidential rival, retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, as secretary of housing and urban development.</p>
<p>Carson told Fox News: “It certainly is something that has been a long-term interest of mine and I’ll be thinking and praying about it seriously over the holiday.”</p>
<p>– – –</p>
<p>Jerry Markon and Elise Viebeck contributed to this report.</p>
<p>– – –</p>
<p>transition-2ndld-writethru</p>
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billionaire real estate developer also dismissed need disentangle financial holdings despite rising questions global business dealings might affect decisionmaking nations chief executive laws totally side president cant conflict interest trump told editors reporters new york times expansive hourlong questionandanswer session theory could run business perfectly run country perfectly theres never case like trump sought distance small farright movement known embrace racist antisemitic rhetoric celebrated trumps election advertisement dont want energize group disavow group trump said altright presidentelect record making statements inconsistent previous ones means uncertain whether positions espoused tuesday hold days going forward much less inaugurated trumps shifts also potential spark backlash ardent supporters meeting times trump assumed cordial magnanimous posture recent days weekend used twitter account attack comedy saturday night live cast hit broadway show hamilton monday upbraided broadcast news executives onair journalists offtherecord session quickly leaked media stance clinton former secretary state jarring pivot presidential campaign called crooked hillary threatened one debates put democratic opponent jail rallies republican convention cleveland trumps supporters would regularly chant lock tuesday said dont want hurt clintons really dont went lot suffered greatly many different ways asked whether meant ruled appointing special prosecutor said would trump said something feel strongly trump push try block criminal investigation oval office would mark extraordinary break political legal protocol holds attorney general fbi make decisions whether conduct probes file charges free pressure president advertisement presidentelects new position may also effect plans members party capitol hill rep jason chaffetz rutah finishing first term leading powerful house oversight government reform committee vowed continue investigate clintons email server attorney clinton david kendall declined comment trump also shifted position climate change saying believes connectivity human activity rising global temperatures 2012 brushed idea chinese hoax tweeting concept global warming created chinese order make us manufacturing noncompetitive asked whether plans withdraw united states 2015 paris climate accord said keeping open mind deal negotiated nearly 200 countries last year commits global push reduce greenhouse gases trump however repeatedly said agreement bad us businesses speech may declared first 100 days office going cancel paris climate agreement stop payments us tax dollars un global warming programs trump signaled another shift question treat terrorism suspects presidential campaign said would reinstate use waterboarding similar interrogation techniques questioning suspected terrorists dont tell doesnt work torture works trump said february retirement community south carolina ok folks torture know half guys say torture doesnt work believe works ok tuesday suggested might changed mind interviewing leading candidate secretary defense retired marine corps gen james mattis headed us central command mattis argued never found harsh interrogation techniques useful trump said adding retired general preferred building trust pack cigarettes couple beers impressed answer trump said trump spoke extensively implications unprecedented situation businessman global holdings sit oval office prospect prompted criticism inevitable conflicts interest election trump acknowledged good business making name emblazons properties markets licensing agreements hotter brand plans presidential transition trump remains involved several private enterprises held meeting trump tower three business partners building trump property south mumbai new hotel washington blocks white house last week invited 100 foreign diplomats hear sales pitch also raised eyebrows trumps daughter ivanka vice president trump organization attended meeting last week japanese prime minister statute specifically requires divestment president modern history put assets independent management generally blind trust concern avoid running afoul actuality appearance laws bribery forms corruption dealings corporations foreign entities powerful interests trump noted turned management businesses children giving requisite distance operation protested people would never ever see daughter ivanka comments fueled criticism donald trump campaigned culture selfenrichment washington pledged drain swamp made clear today doesnt think rules apply democratic national committee communications director adam hodge said statement fully intends use oval office expand familys wealth disavowing altright movement trump also came defense campaigns chief executive stephen bannon intends bring white house chief strategist bannon leave absence chairman website breitbart news leading voice altright movement recent interview wall street journal bannon conceded altright racial antisemitic overtones insisted hold views presidentelect defended bannon thought racist altright things terms could use wouldnt even think hiring trump said adding accusations hard bannon trump also suggested might make soninlaw jared kushner observant jew special envoy work brokering peace middle east kushner publishing real estate executive background international diplomacy would good trump said would love able one made peace israel palestinians trump also used session air grievances campaign coverage newspaper frequently refers failing new york times shortly session announced via twitter canceling meeting reversed tempered criticism praise however one point called times great great american jewel according tweet julie davis covers white house newspaper session also softened frequent threat reopen libel laws use aggressively news outlets write critical things reconsideration said came discussed issue associate told know might sued lot said know hadnt thought shortly interview trump departed palm beach florida plans take break transition planning spend thanksgiving maralago estate however trump tweeted closing another cabinet selection onetime presidential rival retired neurosurgeon ben carson secretary housing urban development carson told fox news certainly something longterm interest mine ill thinking praying seriously holiday jerry markon elise viebeck contributed report transition2ndldwritethru
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<p>SEOUL, South Korea — The Latest on South Korean President Park Geun-hye’s removal from office Friday by the Constitutional Court (all times local):</p>
<p>5:32 a.m.</p>
<p>The United States is taking no position on the outcome of South Korea’s upcoming presidential election, saying it’s a domestic issue to be decided by South Koreans and their democratic institutions.</p>
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<p>Spokesman Sean Spicer says the White House is monitoring developments after South Korea’s Constitutional Court removed impeached President Park Geun-hye from office Friday over a corruption scandal.</p>
<p>Spicer says the U.S. will remain a “steadfast ally, friend and partner” to the Republic of Korea, regardless of the outcome of the election.</p>
<p>South Korea must hold a presidential election within two months to choose Park’s successor.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>8: 30 p.m.</p>
<p>North Korea’s official media have briefly reported South Korean President Park Geun-hye’s ouster.</p>
<p>The Korean Central News Agency said South Korea’s Constitutional Court made the decision “amid the high-pitched public struggle demanding her impeachment.”</p>
<p>It said after being ousted, Park would “reportedly face a thorough investigation as an ordinary criminal.”</p>
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<p>As a former president, Park has lost her immunity to prosecution.</p>
<p>Park took a tougher line toward North Korea than other recent presidents, and the North routinely threw vicious sexist and violent insults at her, including calling her an “aging witch” and a “female dog.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>8:10 p.m.</p>
<p>Tens of thousands of South Koreans have occupied a square in front of an old palace gate in Seoul to celebrate the ousting of President Park Geun-hye, hours after the Constitutional Court removed her from office over a corruption scandal.</p>
<p>Carrying signs and candles, the crowd cheered to speeches and swayed to music Friday night, while angry supporters of Park continued to scuffle with police in streets near the court. Two people died and dozens were injured in the clashes between Park’s supporters and police following the ruling.</p>
<p>South Korean lawmakers voted to impeach Park in December, following weeks of massive but peaceful protests participated in by millions of people amid allegations that Park colluded with a longtime confidante to accept money from companies and allowed the friend to secretly manipulate state affairs.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>6:30 p.m.</p>
<p>South Korean police and hospital officials say about 30 protesters and police officers have been hurt in violent clashes near Seoul’s Constitutional Court following a ruling that ousted Park Geun-hye as president over a corruption scandal.</p>
<p>Two men believed to be protesters died on Friday as Park’s supporters angrily reacted to the ruling, hitting police officers and reporters and climbing on police buses used to create a perimeter to protect the court. Police say protesters also smashed the windows of several buses.</p>
<p>An official from Inje University Paik Hospital says about 20 protesters are being treated for injuries from the rallies. An official from Kangbuk Samsung Hospital says it’s also treating injured protesters, but couldn’t say how many.</p>
<p>An official from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency says seven officers are also being treated for mostly minor injuries.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>5:35 p.m.</p>
<p>South Korea’s acting head of state has pleaded with opponents and supporters of ousted President Park Geun-hye to stop their fierce rallies that have divided the streets of capital Seoul.</p>
<p>The comments by Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn on Friday came hours after two men died amid clashes between Park’s supporters and police following the Constitutional Court’s ruling to formally remove her from office.</p>
<p>In a televised speech, Hwang says “there would be people who feel they cannot understand or accept (the court ruling), but it’s now time to move on and end all conflict and standoff.”</p>
<p>He adds: “It’s not ideal to expand the conflict by continuing the protests outside on the streets … Precious lives were lost during the rallies today, and this must no longer happen.”</p>
<p>Hwang has served as the government caretaker since lawmakers voted to impeach Park in December.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>3:45 p.m.</p>
<p>South Korea’s presidential office says Park Geun-hye won’t leave the presidential Blue House on Friday after the constitutional court stripped her of her powers over a corruption scandal.</p>
<p>A Blue House spokesman says some of Park’s aides are at her southern Seoul home to prepare for her return, but it hasn’t been determined exactly when she will leave the Blue House.</p>
<p>The spokesman says Park has no plans to issue a statement over the ruling on Friday.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>3:20 p.m.</p>
<p>South Korea’s acting head of state says he feels “heavy responsibility” after the Constitutional Court formally removed Park Geun-hye as president over a corruption scandal.</p>
<p>Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn has been the government caretaker since lawmakers voted to impeach Park in December. He said Friday in a meeting with Cabinet ministers that the government needs to focus on maintaining defense and economic stability while preparing for a presidential by-election that must be held within 60 days.</p>
<p>Hwang also instructed the Justice Ministry and police to prepare for the possibility of violent protests following the ruling.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>2:40 p.m.</p>
<p>South Korean netizens are seeing a South Korean judge’s hair rollers as a symbol of dedication and hard-working women on the day that the court that the judge leads dismissed the president from office.</p>
<p>Acting Chief Justice Lee Jung-mi arrived at the Constitutional Court earlier Friday with two pink hair rollers attached to the back of her bobbed hair.</p>
<p>Pictures of her profile showing the round curlers as the justice walked to her office, apparently unaware, went viral.</p>
<p>Some South Koreans saw the apparent mistake as a sign of Lee’s dedication to her work. Some linked it to President Park Geun-hye, who summoned her hair stylist to work hours after a deadly ferry sinking.</p>
<p>Lee, 54, is the sole female among eight judges on the Constitutional Court.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>This item corrects Lee’s age.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>2:30 p.m.</p>
<p>South Korean police say a second person has died in protests against a court’s decision to remove President Park Geun-hye from office.</p>
<p>Police had no other details about the death Friday. Hospital official earlier said that another person, a man in his 70s, died from head wounds after falling from a police bus in front of the Constitutional Court after it ruled to oust Park.</p>
<p>The official said the man, believed to be a Park supporter, was bleeding heavily when he arrived at the office and died at around 1:50 p.m.</p>
<p>Thousands of Park’s supporters angrily reacted to the verdict, shouting and hitting police officers with flag poles and climbing on buses the police used to create a perimeter protecting the court.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>2:25 p.m.</p>
<p>South Korea’s defense minister has ordered the military to be on alert for possible North Korean provocations attempting to exploit “unstable situations at home and abroad.”</p>
<p>In a video conference on Friday with military commanders, Defense Minister Han Min Koo said North Korea can make “strategic or operational” provocations at any time. The North has test-fired ballistic missiles in recent weeks.</p>
<p>North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency has published a short dispatch on the court ruling in Seoul, anticipating that Park will now come under investigation as a “regular criminal.”</p>
<p>The party of ousted South Korean President Park Geun-hye, meanwhile, says it “humbly accepts” the ruling by the Constitutional Court to remove Park from office and that it feels responsible for her downfall.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>2:10 p.m.</p>
<p>A South Korean hospital official says that a man in his 70s died from head wounds after falling from a police bus in front of the Constitutional Court after it ruled to remove President Park Geun-hye from office.</p>
<p>The official said Friday that the man, believed to be a Park supporter, was bleeding heavily when he arrived at the hospital and died at about 1:50 p.m.</p>
<p>Thousands of Park’s supporters have angrily reacted to the verdict, shouting and hitting police officers with flag poles, and climbing on buses the police used to create a perimeter protecting the court.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>1:55 p.m.</p>
<p>Japan’s top diplomat says it will continue to work with a South Korean government led by the successor of ousted President Park Geun-hye.</p>
<p>Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters Friday that he would not comment on the court ruling that removed the impeached president, citing internal politics.</p>
<p>Kishida says both countries must work on the “comfort women” dispute that has strained their relations for decades. He says he hopes Tokyo and South Korea’s new government can implement a 2015 agreement they signed to fully resolve the impasse over sexual exploitation of the women by Japan for its troops before and during World War II.</p>
<p>Kishida says Japan has no immediate plan to send back the ambassador it temporarily recalled to protest a “comfort woman” statue built outside of its consulate in the South Korean city of Busan.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>11:55 a.m.</p>
<p>The United States says the removal of South Korean President Park Geun-hye is a domestic issue that doesn’t affect its strong alliance with the country.</p>
<p>The Constitutional Court formally removed the impeached Park from office Friday over a corruption scandal.</p>
<p>State Department spokesman Mark Toner says the U.S. will continue to work with the acting president, Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn, and looks forward to whomever South Koreans choose in a presidential election to be held within two months.</p>
<p>Toner says Park’s removal is “a domestic issue on which the United States takes no position,” and that it’s up to the South Korean people to determine their country’s future.</p>
<p>He says the two nations’ alliance “will continue to be a linchpin of regional stability and security.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>This story has been corrected to show that Lee Jung-mi is acting chief justice of the Constitutional Court, not chief justice.</p>
| false | 2 |
seoul south korea latest south korean president park geunhyes removal office friday constitutional court times local 532 united states taking position outcome south koreas upcoming presidential election saying domestic issue decided south koreans democratic institutions advertisement spokesman sean spicer says white house monitoring developments south koreas constitutional court removed impeached president park geunhye office friday corruption scandal spicer says us remain steadfast ally friend partner republic korea regardless outcome election south korea must hold presidential election within two months choose parks successor ___ 8 30 pm north koreas official media briefly reported south korean president park geunhyes ouster korean central news agency said south koreas constitutional court made decision amid highpitched public struggle demanding impeachment said ousted park would reportedly face thorough investigation ordinary criminal advertisement former president park lost immunity prosecution park took tougher line toward north korea recent presidents north routinely threw vicious sexist violent insults including calling aging witch female dog ___ 810 pm tens thousands south koreans occupied square front old palace gate seoul celebrate ousting president park geunhye hours constitutional court removed office corruption scandal carrying signs candles crowd cheered speeches swayed music friday night angry supporters park continued scuffle police streets near court two people died dozens injured clashes parks supporters police following ruling south korean lawmakers voted impeach park december following weeks massive peaceful protests participated millions people amid allegations park colluded longtime confidante accept money companies allowed friend secretly manipulate state affairs ___ 630 pm south korean police hospital officials say 30 protesters police officers hurt violent clashes near seouls constitutional court following ruling ousted park geunhye president corruption scandal two men believed protesters died friday parks supporters angrily reacted ruling hitting police officers reporters climbing police buses used create perimeter protect court police say protesters also smashed windows several buses official inje university paik hospital says 20 protesters treated injuries rallies official kangbuk samsung hospital says also treating injured protesters couldnt say many official seoul metropolitan police agency says seven officers also treated mostly minor injuries ___ 535 pm south koreas acting head state pleaded opponents supporters ousted president park geunhye stop fierce rallies divided streets capital seoul comments prime minister hwang kyoahn friday came hours two men died amid clashes parks supporters police following constitutional courts ruling formally remove office televised speech hwang says would people feel understand accept court ruling time move end conflict standoff adds ideal expand conflict continuing protests outside streets precious lives lost rallies today must longer happen hwang served government caretaker since lawmakers voted impeach park december ___ 345 pm south koreas presidential office says park geunhye wont leave presidential blue house friday constitutional court stripped powers corruption scandal blue house spokesman says parks aides southern seoul home prepare return hasnt determined exactly leave blue house spokesman says park plans issue statement ruling friday ___ 320 pm south koreas acting head state says feels heavy responsibility constitutional court formally removed park geunhye president corruption scandal prime minister hwang kyoahn government caretaker since lawmakers voted impeach park december said friday meeting cabinet ministers government needs focus maintaining defense economic stability preparing presidential byelection must held within 60 days hwang also instructed justice ministry police prepare possibility violent protests following ruling ___ 240 pm south korean netizens seeing south korean judges hair rollers symbol dedication hardworking women day court judge leads dismissed president office acting chief justice lee jungmi arrived constitutional court earlier friday two pink hair rollers attached back bobbed hair pictures profile showing round curlers justice walked office apparently unaware went viral south koreans saw apparent mistake sign lees dedication work linked president park geunhye summoned hair stylist work hours deadly ferry sinking lee 54 sole female among eight judges constitutional court ___ item corrects lees age ___ 230 pm south korean police say second person died protests courts decision remove president park geunhye office police details death friday hospital official earlier said another person man 70s died head wounds falling police bus front constitutional court ruled oust park official said man believed park supporter bleeding heavily arrived office died around 150 pm thousands parks supporters angrily reacted verdict shouting hitting police officers flag poles climbing buses police used create perimeter protecting court ___ 225 pm south koreas defense minister ordered military alert possible north korean provocations attempting exploit unstable situations home abroad video conference friday military commanders defense minister han min koo said north korea make strategic operational provocations time north testfired ballistic missiles recent weeks north koreas staterun korean central news agency published short dispatch court ruling seoul anticipating park come investigation regular criminal party ousted south korean president park geunhye meanwhile says humbly accepts ruling constitutional court remove park office feels responsible downfall ___ 210 pm south korean hospital official says man 70s died head wounds falling police bus front constitutional court ruled remove president park geunhye office official said friday man believed park supporter bleeding heavily arrived hospital died 150 pm thousands parks supporters angrily reacted verdict shouting hitting police officers flag poles climbing buses police used create perimeter protecting court ___ 155 pm japans top diplomat says continue work south korean government led successor ousted president park geunhye foreign minister fumio kishida told reporters friday would comment court ruling removed impeached president citing internal politics kishida says countries must work comfort women dispute strained relations decades says hopes tokyo south koreas new government implement 2015 agreement signed fully resolve impasse sexual exploitation women japan troops world war ii kishida says japan immediate plan send back ambassador temporarily recalled protest comfort woman statue built outside consulate south korean city busan ___ 1155 united states says removal south korean president park geunhye domestic issue doesnt affect strong alliance country constitutional court formally removed impeached park office friday corruption scandal state department spokesman mark toner says us continue work acting president prime minister hwang kyoahn looks forward whomever south koreans choose presidential election held within two months toner says parks removal domestic issue united states takes position south korean people determine countrys future says two nations alliance continue linchpin regional stability security ___ story corrected show lee jungmi acting chief justice constitutional court chief justice
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<p>WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday passed a bill to fund government operations through Feb. 16 and avoid agency shutdowns this weekend when existing money expires.</p> The U.S. Capitol building is lit at dusk ahead of planned votes on tax reform in Washington, U.S., December 18, 2017. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts/Files
<p>The bill still must be approved by the Senate, where it faces an uncertain future.</p>
<p>Reporting by Richard Cowan; Editing by Eric Beech</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>(Reuters) - Democratic lawmakers on Thursday questioned whether the head of a Chicago bank was seeking a favor from the incoming Trump administration when he inquired about the confirmation process for a top U.S. Army position before extending $16 million in loans to Trump’s former campaign chairman.</p> Former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort arrives at court for a motion hearing in his indictment by special counsel Robert Mueller at U.S. District Court in Washington, U.S., April 4, 2018. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts
<p>Lawmakers disclosed the inquiry as part of an ongoing probe into loans from Chicago-based Federal Savings Bank to Paul Manafort in the weeks after Donald Trump’s election victory in November 2016. The investigation is being conducted by ranking Democratic members of the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee and a national security subcommittee.</p>
<p>Public records show Federal Savings made two loans to Manafort in December 2016 and January 2017: a $9.5 million mortgage secured by Manafort’s home in the wealthy Hamptons enclave in New York and a $6.5 million loan against a brownstone in Brooklyn.</p>
<p>A string of media reports last year suggested the loans might have been part of a quid pro quo agreement in which Manafort, who was Trump’s campaign chairman until August 2016, would make sure Stephen Calk, chief executive of Federal Savings, was named secretary of the Army.</p>
<p>The lawmakers, Elijah Cummings and Stephen Lynch, said the Department of Defense (DOD) reported to them that Calk had called Army administrative personnel in November 2016 “regarding the confirmation process in general.”</p>
<p>Federal Savings said in a statement that media reports implying Manafort received the loans in exchange for the promise of a position were not true. The bank said it was cooperating with a federal probe overseen by Special Counsel Robert Mueller into alleged ties between the Trump campaign and Russia.</p>
<p>A spokesman for Manafort, who has been indicted by Mueller for tax evasion, money laundering, and other charges, declined to comment. Manafort has denied any wrongdoing and is preparing for trial.</p>
<p>In addition to the phone call, Calk also met with the Army’s chief of staff on Nov. 16, 2016, eight days after the election, at a business gathering in Chicago, according to information provided to Cummings and Lynch by the DOD.</p>
<p>In a letter the Democratic lawmakers asked Calk to hand over all communications with Manafort, former Manafort business partner Rick Gates, and others tied to the Trump campaign, as well as any Manafort related loan documents.</p>
<p>“This new information provided by DOD appears to confirm at least part of the underlying allegation, which is that you were actively inquiring with the Pentagon within days of the presidential election,” Cummings and Lynch wrote in the letter.</p>
<p>Federal Savings has been under scrutiny by Mueller and the subject of subpoenas from federal prosecutors in New York and the Manhattan District Attorney, according to people familiar with the matter.</p>
<p>(This version of the story corrects end of Manafort’s tenure as campaign chair to August 2016 in paragraph 4)</p>
<p>Reporting by Nathan Layne and Karen Freifeld in Washington; Editing by Richard Chang</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>(Reuters) - For Todd Brassner, an art dealer who died in a fire that ripped through his Trump Tower apartment last weekend, the New York high-rise he lived in for two decades became unbearable after Donald Trump announced he was running for president.</p>
<p>Brassner’s experience trying to sell his 50th-floor condominium in the building that is both President Donald Trump’s gilded New York home and headquarters of his business empire is emblematic of how a high-rise that once defined luxury has lost its luster.</p>
<p>In an overwhelmingly Democratic city, the Fifth Avenue building that blares the name of the Republican president has fallen from favor with many New Yorkers and been eclipsed in the super luxury market by nearby new entrants.</p>
<p>Real estate agents paint a picture of a decline in condo prices that outstrips declines in similar properties.</p>
<p>Brassner, who died on Saturday in a fire that torched his collection of vintage guitars and Andy Warhol artwork, decided to sell his 1,137-square-foot apartment after being ground down by the constant presence of armed guards and Secret Service agents, friends told newspapers.</p>
<a href="" type="internal">One killed in apartment fire at Trump Tower in NY</a>
<p>But Brassner, who paid $525,000 for the home in 1996, according to property deeds, failed to find a buyer willing to come close to the $2.5 million value put on the condo in his 2015 personal bankruptcy filing.</p>
<p>A Trump Tower condo similar in size to Brassner’s sold for $1.8 million in December, after being advertised as “PRICED TO SELL,” according to real estate website StreetEasy.</p>
<p>Many older luxury buildings on New York’s East Side have lost value after a surge in new developments that tower above them in height and price. Even so, discounts at Trump Tower, opened in 1983, have been deeper than the market average, according to real estate brokers and market analysts.</p>
<p>“Clearly the Trump candidacy and presidency have had a negative impact on the real estate values” at Trump Tower, said Wendy Maitland, a broker with Brown Harris Stevens, who last year listed a fashion industry client’s three-bedroom, $7.5 million condo, 39CD, at the tower that failed to sell.</p>
<p>Since 2015, prices at Trump Tower have dropped 30 percent per square foot compared with an 8 percent fall in comparable properties on Manhattan’s Midtown East Side, according to New York real estate site CityRealty.com.</p>
<p>By comparison, prices at Olympic Tower, a 1975 Midtown building likened to Trump Tower that is a few blocks south on Fifth Avenue, dropped 21 percent since 2015. That contrasts with a 29 percent rise in prices in the area, including new developments, over the same period.</p>
<p>At Trump Tower, “there’s currently 22 units on the market, which is a statement in and of itself,” said Maitland, adding that only half that number were on offer in 2015.</p>
<p>AIRPORT-STYLE SECURITY</p>
<p>Guests arriving at Trump Tower now face airport-style security screening by the Secret Service. Brassner complained of waiting for hours to get into the building when Trump was in town.</p>
<p>The protests that engulfed the tower in the first months after Trump’s election victory have died down. But animosity toward the president remains strong among some residents, in a city where Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton won 87 percent of the vote in 2016.</p>
<p>Richard Tayar, a salesman with real estate firm Keller Williams NYC, said several owners wanted to disassociate themselves from Trump after the election and put their homes on the market.</p>
<p>“There are people who want to disengage from it because of the name,” said Tayar, who is listing a two-bedroom Trump Tower unit for $3.8 million.</p> FILE PHOTO: People gather outside the 5th Avenue entrance to Trump Tower in New York City, U.S., April 10, 2018. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo
<p>“Obviously they have different political views and want nothing to do with it.”</p>
<p>On the other hand, many international buyers covet Trump Tower’s Fifth Avenue address and see a “cool factor” in having an apartment in the same building as the president of the United States, he said.</p>
<p>“There are people who are making offers; they are low-balling the offers,” said Tayar.</p>
<p>The Trump Organization, which manages Trump Tower condos, said the building remains one of the most prestigious properties in the world.</p>
<p>“It has the most discerning residents and continues to be a global icon,” spokeswoman Amanda Miller said in an emailed statement.</p>
<p>Not all Trump-branded properties in New York face headwinds. Newer developments such as Trump Place, completed in the late 1990s and early 2000s on the West Side near Lincoln Center, have showed price gains.</p> Slideshow (3 Images)
<p>Maitland is advising her Trump Tower client to sit tight until prices improve and enjoy the condo when in town for fashion shows. She describes the tower’s current security arrangements as “not a lot of fun,” but does see an advantage.</p>
<p>“People who live there can be rest assured they are probably in the most secure apartment building in the city, if not in the world,” she said.</p>
<p>Reporting by Andrew Hay in Taos, New Mexico; Editing by Frank McGurty and Leslie Adler</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump has asked his trade advisers to look at rejoining the Trans Pacific Partnership, a multinational trade pact he withdrew the United States from last year, White House spokeswoman Lindsay Walters said.</p>
<p>Republican senators met with Trump on Thursday and he told them that he has asked United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow to re-open negotiations.</p>
<p>“The president has consistently said he would be open to a substantially better deal, including in his speech in Davos earlier this year,” Walters said.</p>
<p>The TPP had aimed to cut trade barriers in some of the fastest-growing economies of the Asia-Pacific region and to counter China’s rising economic and diplomatic clout. Trump pulled the U.S. out of the pact in early 2017, citing concerns about jobs.</p>
<p>Even prior to Trump’s official withdrawal, U.S. participation in the pact was dead due to opposition in the U.S. Congress. The United States entered the TPP negotiations in 2008 and took until late 2016 for the then-Obama administration to abandon its attempt to push the pact through Congress.</p>
<p>“It is good news that today the president directed Larry Kudlow and Ambassador Lighthizer to negotiate U.S. entry into TPP,” Senator Ben Sasse, a pro-trade Republican, said in a statement after the meeting between Trump and the senators.</p>
<p>At his Senate confirmation hearing for the post of Trump’s next secretary of state, CIA Director Mike Pompeo was asked about reports that Trump planned to re-engage on TPP and replied: “That news was news to me.”</p>
<p>However, Pompeo said he had supported TPP as a member of Congress and added: “There is an economic component to what China is trying to do. We need to be engaged. There is a diplomatic component to the economic activity as well. We need to be deeply engaged there, and I’m confident this administration will do that.”</p>
<p>Since the U.S. withdrew from the TPP talks, the other 11 countries have forged ahead with their own agreement, and in the process eliminated chapters on investment, government procurement and intellectual property that were key planks of Washington’s demands.</p>
<p>The pact includes Mexico and Canada which are renegotiating the terms of the North American Free Trade Agreement with the United States.</p>
<p>When asked to comment on Thursday’s comments on the TPP, a Canadian government official said there had not been any formal outreach so it was not possible to speculate on what a new pact would look like.</p>
<p>Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will meet Trump next week. Japan, a close U.S. ally, signed up for the 11-country trade pact.</p>
<p>During his election campaign in 2016, Trump was frequently skeptical of the value of multilateral trade pacts, arguing instead that bilateral deals could offer better terms.</p> FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump holds up the executive order on withdrawal from the Trans Pacific Partnership after signing it in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington January 23, 2017. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
<p>But Trump is struggling to get support from other countries for his recent threat to impose import tariffs on China and the U.S. farm lobby is arguing that retaliation by China would hit American agricultural exports.</p>
<p>Reporting by David Chance, Patricia Zengerle and David Brunnstrom in Washington and David Ljunggren in Ottawa; editing by Susan Thomas and Phil Berlowitz</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Reuters) - A California technology billionaire said on Thursday that his longtime and perhaps quixotic effort to partition the Golden State into multiple new states could soon be put before voters.</p> FILE PHOTO: Venture capital investor and executive producer Tim Draper from "Startup U" speaks at a panel for the ABC Family television series during the Television Critics Association Cable Summer Press Tour in Beverly Hills, California, U.S., August 5, 2015. REUTERS/Danny Moloshok/File Photo
<p>Venture capitalist Tim Draper said he had gathered about 600,000 signatures on a petition to put his proposal to divide California on the November ballot, just over the 585,000 needed to qualify. It is his third attempt to get voters to weigh in on his call to break up the most populous U.S. state.</p>
<p>Draper, who in 2014 and 2016 failed in his efforts to win approval for a ballot initiative to divide the state into six parts, said in a news release Thursday that he planned to file the signatures with Secretary of State Alex Padilla’s office next week.</p>
<p>“This is an unprecedented show of support on behalf of every corner of California,” Draper said.</p>
<p>However, it is far from clear that the initiative will make the ballot in November, as the signatures will have to be certified as legitimate and typically many thousands are rejected.</p>
<p>Draper’s plan would divide the state into Northern California, Southern California and California. Los Angeles, home to the state’s storied movie industry, would remain in the new California, but farmland and forested areas, along with San Francisco and the Silicon Valley technology hub, would be separated into the two other states.</p>
<p>Draper has said his plan would diminish the power of teachers’ unions and politicians in Sacramento, the state capital.</p>
<p>Steve Maviglio, a Democratic strategist who worked on the campaign to oppose similar measures by Draper in 2014 and 2016, said the effort was a “colossal waste of resources, energy and time.”</p>
<p>“Dividing the state into three random slices doesn’t fix any of our state’s problems,” Maviglio said.</p>
<p>To go into effect, California would first have to certify 585,400 of the signatures that Draper has gathered, and then voters in November would need to pass the measure. After that, the U.S. Congress would have to approve it.</p>
<p>Reporting by Sharon Bernstein; editing by Bill Tarrant and Leslie Adler</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
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washington reuters us house representatives thursday passed bill fund government operations feb 16 avoid agency shutdowns weekend existing money expires us capitol building lit dusk ahead planned votes tax reform washington us december 18 2017 reutersjoshua robertsfiles bill still must approved senate faces uncertain future reporting richard cowan editing eric beech standards thomson reuters trust principles reuters democratic lawmakers thursday questioned whether head chicago bank seeking favor incoming trump administration inquired confirmation process top us army position extending 16 million loans trumps former campaign chairman former trump campaign manager paul manafort arrives court motion hearing indictment special counsel robert mueller us district court washington us april 4 2018 reutersjoshua roberts lawmakers disclosed inquiry part ongoing probe loans chicagobased federal savings bank paul manafort weeks donald trumps election victory november 2016 investigation conducted ranking democratic members us house oversight government reform committee national security subcommittee public records show federal savings made two loans manafort december 2016 january 2017 95 million mortgage secured manaforts home wealthy hamptons enclave new york 65 million loan brownstone brooklyn string media reports last year suggested loans might part quid pro quo agreement manafort trumps campaign chairman august 2016 would make sure stephen calk chief executive federal savings named secretary army lawmakers elijah cummings stephen lynch said department defense dod reported calk called army administrative personnel november 2016 regarding confirmation process general federal savings said statement media reports implying manafort received loans exchange promise position true bank said cooperating federal probe overseen special counsel robert mueller alleged ties trump campaign russia spokesman manafort indicted mueller tax evasion money laundering charges declined comment manafort denied wrongdoing preparing trial addition phone call calk also met armys chief staff nov 16 2016 eight days election business gathering chicago according information provided cummings lynch dod letter democratic lawmakers asked calk hand communications manafort former manafort business partner rick gates others tied trump campaign well manafort related loan documents new information provided dod appears confirm least part underlying allegation actively inquiring pentagon within days presidential election cummings lynch wrote letter federal savings scrutiny mueller subject subpoenas federal prosecutors new york manhattan district attorney according people familiar matter version story corrects end manaforts tenure campaign chair august 2016 paragraph 4 reporting nathan layne karen freifeld washington editing richard chang standards thomson reuters trust principles reuters todd brassner art dealer died fire ripped trump tower apartment last weekend new york highrise lived two decades became unbearable donald trump announced running president brassners experience trying sell 50thfloor condominium building president donald trumps gilded new york home headquarters business empire emblematic highrise defined luxury lost luster overwhelmingly democratic city fifth avenue building blares name republican president fallen favor many new yorkers eclipsed super luxury market nearby new entrants real estate agents paint picture decline condo prices outstrips declines similar properties brassner died saturday fire torched collection vintage guitars andy warhol artwork decided sell 1137squarefoot apartment ground constant presence armed guards secret service agents friends told newspapers one killed apartment fire trump tower ny brassner paid 525000 home 1996 according property deeds failed find buyer willing come close 25 million value put condo 2015 personal bankruptcy filing trump tower condo similar size brassners sold 18 million december advertised priced sell according real estate website streeteasy many older luxury buildings new yorks east side lost value surge new developments tower height price even discounts trump tower opened 1983 deeper market average according real estate brokers market analysts clearly trump candidacy presidency negative impact real estate values trump tower said wendy maitland broker brown harris stevens last year listed fashion industry clients threebedroom 75 million condo 39cd tower failed sell since 2015 prices trump tower dropped 30 percent per square foot compared 8 percent fall comparable properties manhattans midtown east side according new york real estate site cityrealtycom comparison prices olympic tower 1975 midtown building likened trump tower blocks south fifth avenue dropped 21 percent since 2015 contrasts 29 percent rise prices area including new developments period trump tower theres currently 22 units market statement said maitland adding half number offer 2015 airportstyle security guests arriving trump tower face airportstyle security screening secret service brassner complained waiting hours get building trump town protests engulfed tower first months trumps election victory died animosity toward president remains strong among residents city democratic presidential candidate hillary clinton 87 percent vote 2016 richard tayar salesman real estate firm keller williams nyc said several owners wanted disassociate trump election put homes market people want disengage name said tayar listing twobedroom trump tower unit 38 million file photo people gather outside 5th avenue entrance trump tower new york city us april 10 2018 reutersbrendan mcdermidfile photo obviously different political views want nothing hand many international buyers covet trump towers fifth avenue address see cool factor apartment building president united states said people making offers lowballing offers said tayar trump organization manages trump tower condos said building remains one prestigious properties world discerning residents continues global icon spokeswoman amanda miller said emailed statement trumpbranded properties new york face headwinds newer developments trump place completed late 1990s early 2000s west side near lincoln center showed price gains slideshow 3 images maitland advising trump tower client sit tight prices improve enjoy condo town fashion shows describes towers current security arrangements lot fun see advantage people live rest assured probably secure apartment building city world said reporting andrew hay taos new mexico editing frank mcgurty leslie adler standards thomson reuters trust principles washington reuters us president donald trump asked trade advisers look rejoining trans pacific partnership multinational trade pact withdrew united states last year white house spokeswoman lindsay walters said republican senators met trump thursday told asked united states trade representative robert lighthizer white house economic advisor larry kudlow reopen negotiations president consistently said would open substantially better deal including speech davos earlier year walters said tpp aimed cut trade barriers fastestgrowing economies asiapacific region counter chinas rising economic diplomatic clout trump pulled us pact early 2017 citing concerns jobs even prior trumps official withdrawal us participation pact dead due opposition us congress united states entered tpp negotiations 2008 took late 2016 thenobama administration abandon attempt push pact congress good news today president directed larry kudlow ambassador lighthizer negotiate us entry tpp senator ben sasse protrade republican said statement meeting trump senators senate confirmation hearing post trumps next secretary state cia director mike pompeo asked reports trump planned reengage tpp replied news news however pompeo said supported tpp member congress added economic component china trying need engaged diplomatic component economic activity well need deeply engaged im confident administration since us withdrew tpp talks 11 countries forged ahead agreement process eliminated chapters investment government procurement intellectual property key planks washingtons demands pact includes mexico canada renegotiating terms north american free trade agreement united states asked comment thursdays comments tpp canadian government official said formal outreach possible speculate new pact would look like japanese prime minister shinzo abe meet trump next week japan close us ally signed 11country trade pact election campaign 2016 trump frequently skeptical value multilateral trade pacts arguing instead bilateral deals could offer better terms file photo us president donald trump holds executive order withdrawal trans pacific partnership signing oval office white house washington january 23 2017 reuterskevin lamarque trump struggling get support countries recent threat impose import tariffs china us farm lobby arguing retaliation china would hit american agricultural exports reporting david chance patricia zengerle david brunnstrom washington david ljunggren ottawa editing susan thomas phil berlowitz standards thomson reuters trust principles sacramento calif reuters california technology billionaire said thursday longtime perhaps quixotic effort partition golden state multiple new states could soon put voters file photo venture capital investor executive producer tim draper startup u speaks panel abc family television series television critics association cable summer press tour beverly hills california us august 5 2015 reutersdanny moloshokfile photo venture capitalist tim draper said gathered 600000 signatures petition put proposal divide california november ballot 585000 needed qualify third attempt get voters weigh call break populous us state draper 2014 2016 failed efforts win approval ballot initiative divide state six parts said news release thursday planned file signatures secretary state alex padillas office next week unprecedented show support behalf every corner california draper said however far clear initiative make ballot november signatures certified legitimate typically many thousands rejected drapers plan would divide state northern california southern california california los angeles home states storied movie industry would remain new california farmland forested areas along san francisco silicon valley technology hub would separated two states draper said plan would diminish power teachers unions politicians sacramento state capital steve maviglio democratic strategist worked campaign oppose similar measures draper 2014 2016 said effort colossal waste resources energy time dividing state three random slices doesnt fix states problems maviglio said go effect california would first certify 585400 signatures draper gathered voters november would need pass measure us congress would approve reporting sharon bernstein editing bill tarrant leslie adler standards thomson reuters trust principles
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<p>Below is the official transcript from the&#160;Jill Stein and Gary Johnson Debate, hosted by IVN on Google Plus Hangouts, October 18, 2012.</p>
<p>—–</p>
<p>Steve Peace – Welcome to the IVN Presidential debate. My name is Steve Peace I’m co-chair of the independent voter project. We’re joined by Governor Gary Johnson who is in Laramie Wyoming, he’s the Libertarian Party candidate for President of the United States, and by Dr. Jill Stein, she’s joining us from Seattle Washington, she’s the Green Party candidate for president. Both candidates will introduce themselves and their platforms prior to the debate questions being submitted. They’re coming from independent-minded voters on Facebook, Twitter and Google. The questions will cover multiple issues in domestic and foreign policy. The order for answering questions was determined by a coin toss, and Governor Johnson won that toss. He will introduce himself first and then Dr. Stein will take the first question. We will then alternate the order throughout the questions. Governor Johnson we’ll start with your opening statement.</p>
<p>Gov. Gary Johnson – And Steve I have three minutes for this opening statement?</p>
<p>Steve Peace – You do.</p>
<p>Gov. Gary Johnson – Well I think the country is in deep trouble. We can’t bury our heads in the sand over the fact that we’re in deep trouble. So where I’m different I think from everybody else is let’s not bomb Iran. I think that if we bomb Iran we’re going to find ourselves with another 100 million enemies to this country than we wouldn’t otherwise have. Let’s get out of Afghanistan tomorrow, bring the troops home. I think that marriage equality is a constitutionally guaranteed right. I would propose ending the drug wars, legalize marijuana now. I think we’re actually on a tipping point on marijuana. It’s on the ballot in Colorado. I think it’s going to pass. Perhaps it will be the first of 50 states that will actually legalize marijuana. I would have never signed the Patriot Act allowing for Homeland Security. I think it’s incredibly redundant. I would look to eliminate TSA as a federal agency. Leave it to the airports, to the airlines, municipalities, states. I think that we need to balance the federal budget now. So I am promising to submit a balanced budget to congress in the year 2013. That would be a 1.4 trillion dollar reduction in federal spending and to do that you got to start off talking about Medicaid, Medicare, military spending. The debate a couple of weeks ago between Obama and Romney was all about who’s going to spend more money on Medicare when Medicare is a program that you and I are paying 30 dollars into and getting a 100-dollar benefit. By extension we’re paying in 30,000 dollars, we’re getting 100,000-dollar benefit. It’s absolutely unsustainable. I am proposing to eliminate income tax, corporate tax, abolish the IRS, and replace all of that with one federal consumption tax. In this case I am embracing the Fair Tax, which I think is the answer to American exports. It ends up being cost neutral over a very short amount of time. Since we’re bleeding out all existing federal taxes out of goods and services, it’s the answer when it comes to our exports. In a zero corporate tax rate environment if the private sector doesn’t create tens of millions of jobs, I don’t know what it takes to create tens of millions of jobs. I also see manufacturing jobs flocking back to the United States in a zero corporate tax rate environment. Immigration. Immigration let’s not build a fence across the border. Let’s make it as easy as possible to let someone who wants to come into this country and work, to get a work visa. Not a green card, not citizenship, but a work visa. It would entail a background check and a social security card that applicable taxes would get paid. Now if we adopt the Fair Tax, taxes wont be an issue at all. Because whether you’re a visitor to the United States, an illegal immigrant, legal immigrant, U.S. citizen, nobody is going to be able to avoid paying one federal consumption tax. And then so much of border issues have to do with border violence. Legalize marijuana; arguably 75 percent of the border violence with Mexico goes away. For the 11 million illegal immigrants that are here right now, let’s set up a grace period where we can document those 11 million illegal immigrants. Let’s not talk about deporting, breaking up families. And I get back to no criminals working in this country either. &#160;That should be the real basis for issuing visas. So there’s my opening statement.</p>
<p>Steve Peace – Thank you very much Governor. Dr. Stein, three minutes.</p>
<p>Dr. Jill Stein – …</p>
<p>Steve Peace – Doctor you need to unmute yourself. You’re on mute and we’ll start over.</p>
<p>Dr. Jill Stein – Can you hear me now?</p>
<p>Gov. Gary Johnson – There we go</p>
<p>Steve Peace – Very good. Very innovative introduction.</p>
<p>Dr. Jill Stein – Ok great. Alright sorry about that. We were trying to reduce the feedback with the headset but it seemed to cause us to mute. Back on now so first a big thank you to the Independent Voter Network for creating this very important dialogue and a big thank you to Gary Johnson and your campaign. I think that there are so many really critical ways in which we are completely in agreement and on the same page on the war, on the importance of our civil liberties and protecting the freedoms on which this country was founded, the importance of ending the drug wars, stopping the Wall Street bailouts. I think these are really fundamental points of agreement that I know for many people overshadow the areas of our disagreement which have more to do with economic and social policy. But I think agreeing on basic principles of freedom and democracy are really a very important point of intersection between our two parties, our campaigns and so many of the people out there who are independent voters. So with that said, I’m going to focus on what the key agenda is for our campaign and we believe the American people. We see that fundamentally we are at a breaking point, for people for the planet for the economy, and for our democracy. But that we can actually change this breaking point into a tipping point in this election at a time when so many people are breaking away from politics as usual. &#160;And we’re advancing really critical solutions that so many people are supporting in poll after poll. &#160;These are good road-tested solutions, which in fact are affordable and which are within our reach now. We are calling for, to start with, a Green New Deal to create jobs now. Not simply more tax breaks for the wealthy, which is what the democratic and republican parties are calling for. We’re instead like the vast majority of the American public is saying, not tax breaks but actual jobs. We’re calling for jobs like we created during the New Deal that got us out of the Great Depression. Four million jobs created within the first weeks, eight weeks actually of the New Deal. So there’s no excuse for us to sit in this chronic, relentless recession that we’re still in. We’re calling for creating those jobs directly, not through a stimulus package that the president passed, which provided largely tax breaks and tax breaks don’t create jobs. We are calling in fact for direct job creation at the level of our communities in the areas of the green economy in particular. Because we have two crises, not only the economic and jobless crisis but also a crisis of climate. We can solve them both in one fell swoop through the Green New Deal which provides those resources for communities to create jobs to become sustainable not only ecologically but also socially and economically so we’re calling for jobs in clean renewable energy, and conservation in local sustainable agriculture, public transportation, in clean manufacturing, as well as hiring back the hundreds of thousands of teachers who have been laid off. Hiring childcare, afterschool, homecare, affordable housing construction, violence and drug abuse prevention and rehabilitation. A broad spectrum, and the point is communities decide, not a Washington-driven, cookie cutter program. Rather it puts national resources into the hands of communities to create the jobs that they need. We’re calling for healthcare…</p>
<p>Steve Peace – Thank you Dr. Stein you’re a little over time.</p>
<p>Dr. Jill Stein – Okay thank you.</p>
<p>Steve Peace – Let’s go into the questions, we do want to get to the questions from all our friends on Google plus, on Facebook and on Twitter. You get the very first question. You basically have about three minutes to answer. If you reserve some time, we’ll keep track of that and we’ll allow you rebuttal time if you reserve that in the three minutes. So if you use two minutes the Governor then has a two-minute response you will have reserved minute for rebuttal. Otherwise, if you use up all of your three minutes then we’ll just listen to the Governor’s response. Ok, we’ll try to be as flexible as we can and stay on schedule.</p>
<p>Dr. Jill Stein – Is there a time signal on the screen somewhere that I can see.</p>
<p>Steve Peace – You should be getting it on the left hand side of your screen. You should have the little notification, you’ll get a thirty second…</p>
<p>Dr. Jill Stein – Okay we’ve got it now, thank you.</p>
<p>Steve Peace – Okay? Great. So our first general category question comes from Allie in Wisconsin. And it is for you Dr. Stein. Four years after President Obama’s 2008 campaign of hope and change some have argued that we’ve definitely learned that enacting reforms are more difficult than simply campaigning for them. Knowing how difficult it’s been for President Obama, how do you plan to get Congress on board with your platform?</p>
<p>Dr. Jill Stein – Great, so first let me say that President Obama was drinking the Kool-Aid in a big way. He was funded by Wall Street. He was funded by health insurance and pharmaceutical companies. He was funded by fossil fuels. So you know it was very hard for him to then turn around and bite the hand that was feeding him. So we got exactly what one would have expected had you been looking at his funders, so that is a burden shall we say that my campaign does not carry. We don’t take money that comes with strings attached. That means we don’t take money from corporations, from lobbyists, from PAC’s or super PAC’s. We don’t believe in one-dollar one vote we believe in one-person one vote. So we actually have the ability to do what we say and to say as we do. So with that said we come to this with the ability to actually carry through that agenda that we have promised to uphold. Specifically, the President, if she wanted to, could be not simply a commander in chief but could also be an organizer in chief. The President has an incredible ability to go on primetime T.V., to send out email blasts, to go on public service radio announcements and basically inform everyday people about the key bills that are coming up. The main reasons why they should or shouldn’t pass and turn people loose to talk to their elected officials and to actually instruct them to represent them. People may remember when the SOPA and PIPA bills were going. They were considered a slam dunk, there was not way that ordinary people were going to stop them and word got out on the internet that bills were in the works that would enable corporations to censor the internet. And people got on the horn and within two weeks that bill was stopped in its tracks</p>
<p>[Gary Johnson’s computer dies]</p>
<p>This should be the rule and not the exception for how Washington works. When everyday people are flying blind we have a democracy that is not informed then it’s not empowered. People need to know what’s going on and have the ability to weigh in, in a concise and time-effective manner to say, ‘yes we want healthcare as a human right. We want to legalize marijuana. We want to end debt for students instead of bailing out the banks for the fourth time, which is what the Obama administration is doing right now through the FED through the third quantitative easing. They’re spending forty billion dollars a month bailing out Wall Street Banks yet again. We would be on the horn telling people ‘let’s change that.’ Let’s instead of bailing out Wall Street let’s bail out the students so we can put everyday people back in charge of our democracy, as we should be.</p>
<p>Steve Peace – Thank you Dr. Stein. Governor, the doctor used all of her time so you’ll have two minutes for a rebuttal.</p>
<p>Dr. Stein – We’re not getting the feed here.</p>
<p>Steve Peace – Okay, we’ve got a technical issue over in the Governor’s shop so Dr. Stein, I’ll give you another question and we’ll circle back. The tax rate on capital gains and dividends is set to go from 15 percent to the general income tax rate on January first. How would you address this issue once in office?</p>
<p>Dr. Jill Stein – So let me first say that that’s only occurring at very high levels of income. So it’s a very tiny percentage of voters. The very richest voters in fact, I believe it’s the top two percent. People with incomes over 250,000 dollars who are going to face that increase. I believe that is where the Bush tax cuts applied if I’m not mistaken. I don’t believe that, let me just think it through for a minute. That’s my understanding that the increase in capital gains and dividends is going to apply only at high levels of income. Let me say further that capital gains and dividend taxes generally applies to the top ten percent because that’s who it is who can afford to make these investments. So whether it’s applying just to the top two percent or not this is a tax that hits people who are of great means and who have benefited enormously from the changes in the economy over the past several decades. So that the tax burden has shrunk across all categories of taxes for the wealthiest at the same time that income has surged for the very wealthiest. In fact things are so unequal now that the top 1 percent actually has 40 percent of all the resources of all the wealth in this country, but the lower half, one out of every two people, the poorest people out there, share among them only one percent. That’s like having a hundred people in the room, a hundred loaves of bread, forty of those loaves are in the hand of just one person. And the skinniest fifty people in the room have only one loaf of bread to share among them. So let me just say as an overarching statement that we badly need to correct the extraordinary, obscene economic inequality that everyday people are facing right now. No one is hit harder with that in fact than young people. The younger generation right now who has, they’re facing a 50 percent unemployment rate and are carrying around extraordinarily high debt burdens on top of it. So young people are getting hit with these disparities in the same way very much that elders are facing them and are relying on their Medicare and their social security to keep them out of poverty. So as a general, broad statement I think Americans don’t like vast inequalities, and that’s what we have in this country right now. Greater than just about any other developed country, in fact we’re in the category of the undeveloped countries, the banana republics, the dictatorships right now. We’re in that category with economic inequality. We need to fix that, and we’re calling for fixing that through a Green New Deal and also fixing that by ending some of the incredible, unfair, tax breaks that have been given to the wealthiest members of society. That includes these drastic cuts in capital gains and in dividends.</p>
<p>Steve Peace – Doctor let me go off script here for a minute while they’re working on the technical issues in Laramie. You had an interesting experience this week at the officially sponsored Republican and Democratic debates. Would you like to comment a little on that? The process for the televised debates and the efforts that your campaign and the others have made to have the opportunity to participate.</p>
<p>Dr. Jill Stein – Yes. And I want to thank Gary Johnson’s campaign as well. His campaign, like ours has been fighting to try to open up these debates. The debates are controlled by the commission, so called, commission on Presidential Debates, but it really should be called the Commission to Censor the Presidential Debates because it is a private corporation, controlled by Democratic and Republican parties whose express purpose is to limit the debates and that means not just limiting the candidates it means limiting the American voter. It means preventing the American voter from understanding what their choices really are for candidates, but also for policies. And the American public is diverse. You know, there are over three hundred million people out there. There’s no reason in the world to try to squeeze three hundred diverse people into two pigeon holes which are both bought and paid for by the same corporate interests that are driving us into climate change, that are driving us into these healthcare boondoggles like Obamacare or Romneycare whichever you call it, that really deliver goods for the health insurance and the pharmaceutical companies, but not for the everyday people. So I went to protest that debate, was arrested at the entrance not even to the debate hall, just the entrance of Hofstra University where I and my running mate, Cheri Honkala, were not allowed even to pass. We were arrested, but not only were we arrested, we were put into very tight, plastic handcuff restraints. We were then taken to a secret, undisclosed location, a black site, where we were handcuffed to metal chairs for eight hours until after 11 pm, we were arrested shortly after 2 pm, and no one was… Our staff actually did quite a bit of sleuthing of their own. They were finally able to override the intelligence of Homeland Security and the Secret Service doesn’t say all that much about the effectiveness of Homeland Security and the Secret Service that my untrained campaign was able to get around their black out and actually find me at that site. They were then told they would be arrested if they stayed on site, even when they were back at the debate site. They were told they would be arrested if they stayed at the entrance for simply being a member of the Green Party</p>
<p>Steve Peace – I’d like to go back to your discussion about the makeup of the commission, but just another technical issue if I can. I’ve just been slipped a note. You have some ear buds there doctor, I believe. The technical folks need you to put the ear buds in to cut down on the echo effect. This cutting edge technology here you know, we’re experimenting. Sounds good now I’m told. Doctor? We’re back, we’ve got the mute issue over there again so maybe even put in the ear bud guys. Ah we have the Governor back coming on here I see.</p>
<p>Gov. Gary Johnson – … Right now. Great. I need my headphones? You don’t have to have em. Alright.</p>
<p>Steve Peace – Hello Governor.</p>
<p>Gov. Gary Johnson – Hi.</p>
<p>Steve Peace – So we’ve just ventured into a discussion while we lost you, on the Presidential debates that were hosted by the official commission, the last two debates. The doctor credited your campaign with working with theirs in terms of making efforts to get involved and discussed the difficulty in working with the commission. So I wanted to give you a little opportunity to comment on your efforts to participate in the televised debates.</p>
<p>Gov. Gary Johnson – Well just that we have filed suit. We filed suit in California, we filed suit in Washington D.C. We put emergency clauses on these suits so hope to get them ruled on and of course if we’re successful the Green Party will also be successful. But the Presidential Debate Commission made up of Republicans and Democrats with really no interest whatsoever in seeing a third party on the stage so very difficult and getting on the ballot in all the states is very difficult. Right now I’m on the ballot in 49 states, one of those states I’m an official write in candidate, Michigan. And Oklahoma has excluded us from being on the ballot, so it looks like Oklahoma will be the only state that we’re not on the ballot. And I might add that Americans elect made us their candidate, made me their candidate, made me their nominee in Oklahoma, which I was very proud of and their courts threw that out. It’s just a stacked deck, whether it’s the debate commission or whether its ballot access. You name it, it is a system that is made up of the two parties, the interests that be and its really hard not to crack.</p>
<p>Steve Peace – We have a question from Jack on Twitter. Dr. Stein has suggested that all student debt should be forgiven and education should be free from kindergarten through college. Governor, how would you address rising student loan debt and education costs.</p>
<p>Gov. Gary Johnson – Well I think the main reason for high education costs are guaranteed government student loans. That’s a real catch 22. That students right now, young people facing college their faced with this, with these insurmountable costs really for tuition. Just throw out a number 15,000 dollars a semester. Well, you know, kids are determining whether or not they want to go to school, young people are determining whether or not they want to pay that much, that amount of money. Most of them recognizing they cant afford it, but then there’s the obvious, guaranteed government student loans. If guaranteed students loans did not exist, I suggest that the cost of higher education dramatically decrease. That is the reason for the high cost of college tuition. I really think also that in individual states, that states can come up with some very innovative programs. As governor of New Mexico I actually signed legislation that allowed for lottery scholarships. We enacted a lottery in New Mexico with all of the proceeds going to education, to higher education. And when I was Governor, every graduate from high school in New Mexico basically got free college tuition through these lottery scholarships. Now there was minimum requirements and those minimum requirements I believe were like a C, C+ grades.</p>
<p>Steve Peace – Dr. Stein, a couple minutes for rebuttal.</p>
<p>Dr. Jill Stein – ….</p>
<p>Gov. Gary Johnson – It’s gone off again, its frozen.</p>
<p>Steve Peace – Dr. Stein you need to unmute.</p>
<p>Dr. Jill Stein – Can you hear?</p>
<p>Steve Peace – There you go. Perfect.</p>
<p>Dr. Jill Stein – Okay. You can hear now. For some reason it doesn’t – you have to leave these on while you – can you, they can’t hear me when I put these on. Wait, let me. We’re having to switch technology when I’m talking and when I’m listening, but you’re hearing me now.</p>
<p>Steve Peace – All is well at this point.</p>
<p>Dr. Jill Stein – Alright good. So I’ll just say in Massachusetts we have free public higher education. It was part of the University of Massachusetts system we had it for many many years. The price slowly crept up, but it was free. Even before we had government loans it was free. It became unfree when the state decided that they had higher priorities than young people. And higher priorities than our economy, which really requires educated workers to have a productive economy. In particular it was healthcare costs that were climbing and that were devouring bigger sections of the budget at the same time that larger tax breaks were being provided for the very wealthy. Now those are two drains on the economy that can be fixed. For one thing we should be moving to a Medicare for all system, which greatly reduces the costs of healthcare. This is how every other developed nation provides comprehensive healthcare at half the cost per person of what it costs in this country. We can ensure that we’re not dragging down our budgets with the likes of Obamacare or Romneycare but in fact move to a Medicare for all which eliminates the massive red tape and bureaucracy that is now gobbling up 30 percent of every healthcare dollar. Back on the issue of student loans I just want to underscore I should say on free public higher education, that it pays for itself. We know this from the G.I. Bill, following the Second World War. Because we the taxpayers, paid for the education of returning soldiers to go to college and what we knew, cause it was carefully studied, was for every dollar that taxpayers invested in higher education, seven dollars was returned in economic benefits. Including more than enough tax revenue from those students who had good jobs because they were educated. That money came back into the tax base and more than paid for the costs of higher education.</p>
<p>Steve Peace – Governor you have about more than thirty seconds left for your rebuttal.</p>
<p>[Gov. Gary Johnson’s connection dies]</p>
<p>Well we lost the connection to Wyoming again so Dr. Stein let me go to Mason’s question from Facebook. You’re Green New Deal focuses on eliminating the use of fossil fuels in place of renewable energy. How would you plan for the transition from fossil fuels to renewables and how long do you think that transition would take?</p>
<p>Dr. Jill Stein – You know in my view that transition should be only as long…</p>
<p>[Gov. Gary Johnson comes back online]</p>
<p>…as is required if we do everything that is humanly possible to make this happen as quickly as possible. What the science tells us is that it will actually, we are coming very close to climate tipping points. For anyone who’s been looking around you’ll notice that in the last year, you know we’ve had the hottest year on record. We have had protracted drought in 60 percent of the continental U.S. We have had record forest fires and forest destruction from those fires as well. The Arctic is at 25 percent of what it was just a couple decades ago. It is way ahead of schedule. The science has been far too optimistic, we have a climate emergency on our hands and it’s very critical that we move ahead with all due speed. That same science that told us the Arctic would be here for another couple decades. That same science has said that if we haven’t substantial progress by 2020, essentially that our goose is cooked. Because if the climate does proceed to melt down, the reality is that it doesn’t just like change and get a couple degrees warmer it goes into a perpetual state of warming and this is not compatible either with an economy or with civilization as we know it including the melting of the glaciers and the ice caps and so on.</p>
<p>Steve Peace – Governor, you want to weigh in here on the doctor’s Green New Deal Proposal?</p>
<p>Gov. Gary Johnson – I’m sorry, is that for me Steve?</p>
<p>Steve Peace – Yeah, you have a two-minute rebuttal to Dr. Stein’s New Green Deal proposal. The question was how would you transition from a fossil fuel environment into the green energy production.</p>
<p>Gov. Gary Johnson – I’m getting terrific feedback here. I can’t even hear myself.</p>
<p>Steve Peace – Bear with us here folks. There we go. It’s kind of like operating mission control here you know. Trying to land on the moon in 1960.</p>
<p>Gov. Gary Johnson – Look I think we need free market approaches when it comes to energy. That as consumers we are demanding cleaner energy, were going to get cleaner energy. The best indicator of a good environment is a good economy and as consumers, like I say we are demanding cleaner energy, fifty years from today we will have cleaner energy. Just as we have cleaner energy today than fifty years ago. I’m talking about carbon emission and the fact that we’re all demanding less carbon emission. I do think that we have to have a balanced approach, a free market approach to all of this so natural gas figures into this. Oil figures into this, bauching in the United States will be a huge contributor to our energy independence. Renewables play a roll in all of this, nuclear plays a roll in all of this, but I would be opposed to cap and trade legislation which I think would really devastate the economy.</p>
<p>Steve Peace – Governor the next question is for you. Mike on Facebook asks, there’s been a great deal of focus on the middle class in this election cycle and some would argue that the poor have been left out of the discussion. What are some of the immediate actions that you would take to address poverty in America?</p>
<p>Gov. Gary Johnson – What I think government can create is a level playing field for all of us. Something that does not exist today. Crony capitalism is alive and well. Individuals, groups, corporations sell loopholes, excuse me…. I’m getting this horrible feedback Steve, I’m sorry. Individuals, groups, corporations buy loopholes both parties have their hand out to sell loopholes. I think that by eliminating income tax, corporate tax, abolishing the IRS, replacing that with one federal consumption tax, I think that really creates a level playing field for all of us. I think it’s a fallacy to think that government is going to be able to cure everyone’s ills. But I don’t think it’s a fallacy that government can be fair to all. I do base that on my experience as Governor of New Mexico where we put issues first, politics last and I think everybody saw it, the notion of… I may have vetoed more legislation than the other forty-nine governors in the country combined. What I saw was a lot of corporatist legislation. I saw legislation labeled the Competitive Telecommunications Bill, lower prices for all, better, more competition, lower prices.&#160; The reality was that it was a corporately sponsored piece of legislation that would have actually reduced competition in telecommunications. Back to what government is capable of doing, creating equal opportunity for all, that’s I would argue all that government can do. I’ll just get back also to the fact that I think the biggest threat to the United States right now is the fact that we’re borrowing and printing money to the tune of forty-three cents out of every dollar that we spend. If we don’t balance the federal budget now I believe we are going to find ourselves in a monetary collapse and a monetary collapse, very simply is when the dollars we have in our pockets don’t buy a thing because of the accompanying inflation that comes along with borrowing and printing money to the tune of 43 cents out of every dollar we spend. Jill Stein talks about the melting polar ice caps, you know what? A monetary collapse, when the shelves are bare because our dollars don’t buy anything, which by the way Russia experienced at the end of the eighties, that’s going to be an ugly situation. We’re going to be burning furniture to keep warm unless we actually get our fiscal house in order.</p>
<p>Steve Peace – Dr. Stein.</p>
<p>Dr. Jill Stein – …</p>
<p>Gov. Gary Johnson – I can’t hear her.</p>
<p>Steve Peace – Doctor you need to unmute yourself again.</p>
<p>Dr. Jill Stein – Let me take these things, how about now? Okay. Alright. Learning as we go here. Yeah, so I wanted to agree with the Governor that we cant just solve the problem of the polar ice caps and the climate without also solving the problem of the economy. The two have to be solved together. We can’t save the people without the planet, and we cant save the planet without an economy that works for people. But this is one of the real benefits of the Green New Deal, because for every dollar spent in the new Green Economy you actually create three times as many jobs if you’re hiring people to do weatherization, to do conservation, to insulate our homes, businesses, schools, and government buildings. We can put, effectively millions of people to work on weatherization, so we can both solve the climate problem, while we solve the jobs problem. They both have to happen. Speaking to the question that the previous questioner asked about how do the poor figure into this. You know, what low income and poor people need especially are jobs. Jobs that pay living wages, and that’s what the Green New Deal calls for. It provides national resources to create jobs at the community level that both put people back to work while they jumpstart the green economy, a localized economy not this phony economy of high finance. Not this toxic economy of dirty energy and toxic nuclear power that makes us sick and poisons our air, water and food, but rather jobs that make our communities healthy at the same time that they make our environment healthy, stop climate change. And the other advantage of the green economy and the Green New Deal is that it also makes wars for oil obsolete. Which means instead of spending a trillion dollars a year, which is what we’re spending now on this bloated massive, military industrial security complex. Instead we can put half of that, hundreds of billions of dollars back into our economy ensuring that the poor have jobs. Ensuring that we transition to Medicare for all so that everyone has healthcare. Finally that everyone has equal access to public higher education, which is what poor and low income people need above all in order to have a level playing field to start out, secure, in the economic world.</p>
<p>Steve Peace – I’m going to combine a question from Brady on Facebook and from Todd in Virginia and doctor Johnson, I’m sorry, doctor Johnson.&#160; There you go, there’s a proposal for you, Dr. Johnson, Governor Stein, how does that work? Brady asks, what regulations are needed to prevent Wall Street and financial sectors from incurring another meltdown. Todd asks, he points out that neither of the past two administrations prosecuted any individuals responsible for that mortgage meltdown. What regulations do you think are necessary and how would you deal with white-collar crime, Governor.</p>
<p>Gov. Gary Johnson – Well first of all I don’t think it was an issue of regulation, it was an issue of allowing these institutions that made incredibly bad decisions to just fail. I would not have bailed any of these institutions out. I’m not doing this in a vacuum I have a lot of really terrific free-market economists that, to a person, agree that there would not have been a systematic collapse. Let me pose for you, what happened after Enron. Sarbanes-Oxley came out, really as a result of Enron, which ended up to be fraud. They passed a regulation, a law, that required mark to market accounting. Now I will tell you, when I saw this I thought, holy cow, if this isn’t a regulation that is absolutely needed, makes total sense, I don’t know a regulation that could qualify for, this is something that we need. Well, in the meltdown of 2008, in a multi-trillion dollar mortgage derivatives market, mortgage market, multi trillion, three trillion dollar market, on December 20th there was one 190,000 dollar trade that went off at five cents on the dollar when these securities were yielding five cents on the dollar. My point is that because of this everyone, all the financial institutions had to mark their assets at the market and that was the collapse. So why there have not been prosecutions, I would love to get at the root of that and I will tell you that as the Governor of New Mexico one of the things I relished was being able to get people at the table who were in the know to really give the down and dirty on why we haven’t done these prosecutions. I will also say that I think what we want to do is elect a leader. We want to elect a leader that’s going to be very transparent. Look I’m going to go after these prosecutions, but if, for whatever the reasons are that were not prosecuting, I don’t think any of us really understand why there haven’t been any prosecutions. I really cant tell you because I think that there were a bundling of these assets done in a way that was fraudulent, really criminal.</p>
<p>Steve Peace – Dr. Stein I’m judging from your description of your experience at the debates the other day that you can shed some light on what’s going on in the prosecutorial arena. You gotta unmute again. Unmute.</p>
<p>Dr. Jill Stein – Okay how about now.</p>
<p>Steve Peace – There you go.</p>
<p>Dr. Jill Stein – Okay we’re getting faster at this. Yeah, I mean, the prosecutions are not happening. Even Ronald Reagan prosecuted over a thousand [clears throat] corporate executives responsible for the S&amp;L crash. That was tiny compared to the crash that we have now. I think its pretty clear why they’re not being prosecuted because they’re all over the Whitehouse and because Barack Obama and the Whitehouse are in bed with Wall Street. Timothy Geithner, you know, he’s running the treasury department and he looked the other way as head of the FED, as head of the New York FED while all of this waste, fraud, and abuse was going on. You know, its no surprise that the Wall Street-run Whitehouse is not prosecuting Wall Street. The same is true for the head of the Department of Justice who in fact has many clients at his private company in which he worked and will work again someday. They have many clients that are at Goldman Sachs and the other companies that not only, you know, crashed the economy, they created predatory lending to start with. They targeted vulnerable people, they sold them fraudulent mortgages, they bundled those mortgages into fraudulent securities, and then they peddled those securities on unsuspecting buyers, many of whom were their own clients. When the whole house of cards came crashing down, they demanded to be bailed out, which they were. I want to differ a little bit from the Governor, it was not only the bailouts that created this problem, we had a real problem even before the bailouts happened, which was that the economy did come crashing down because those fraudulent mortgages that had been bundled into securities were then bet on. The reason they were bet on was because the protections that had been passed after the Great Depression had been repealed. This is an excellent case and point of where regulations were protecting the American public. Those regulations were repealed under Bill Clinton and Larry Summers, who was the architect of the Wall Street crash. He ended the Glass-Steagall law that separated the commercial and investment banks and he also enabled the reckless gambling and the speculation on the derivatives. This didn’t happen by accident, we’ve been here before, we’ve learned you cannot allow so much economic power to concentrate into the hands of a few but that’s what both Democrats and Republicans have been bringing us for quite some time. That’s what we’ll fix in my administration.</p>
<p>Steve Peace – Doctor we’ll stay with you here. We have a foreign policy question from Alex on Google plus. Is there a point in which, in a humanitarian crisis such as in Syria, that does, despite both of your general opposition to intervention in foreign countries, merit unilateral action by the United States in order to prevent atrocities?</p>
<p>Dr. Jill Stein – You know, we’re seeing blowback in Libya now. You know, where some of the groups that came into power were armed by us. The interventions breed very unpredictable and violent results. It’s clear now in Syria for example, that many of the arms flowing into Syria, are flowing into the hands of groups that are our sworn enemies. When you depose one government violently, and put weapons of violence into the hands of whoever, you know, that this is not a solution. That this is not what peace and security looks like. We’ve been taught over the last ten years with trillions of dollars spent on Iraq and Afghanistan, which are additional cases and point. Where it was so intensively argued by Democrats and Republicans and the media that there was compelling need for intervention, yet look where we’ve gone. Even in Afghanistan where the strongest case was made that we had to go in and deal with al-Qaeda, we have a mess on our hands. We find ourselves in exactly the same position that the Russians were in a couple decades ago. This is a very dangerous territory to get into. Unilateral intervention in areas we don’t belong and where we don’t have good understanding of the culture and what’s going on. We don’t have trusting relationships with the people. This is an argument made, fundamentally by the weapons industry, which would love to keep selling more arms, which in fact is profiting from the sale of arms into every hotspot around the world. This is basically pouring gasoline on the fires of religious, ethnic, and national conflict around the world. We should not be entering into such conflicts unilaterally, unless there are unique circumstances, which we have not seen in decades.</p>
<p>Steve Peace – Governor, your response.</p>
<p>Gov. Gary Johnson – I do not think that we should intervene militarily. There are no real humanitarian wars that we should engage ourselves in. Now as Governor of New Mexico and in my life I’ve learned to never say never. I don’t think that any of us want to sit by and watch some holocaust or some atrocities going down. I’ll borrow from a Supreme Court justice that was asked, ‘What is your definition of pornography?’ He said, ‘You know I really don’t have a definition of pornography other than to say when I see it I know what it is.’ In this case I don’t think any of us want to watch a holocaust occurring but I don’t want to apply a definition here or a course of action that for the most part is what we’ve been doing forever, is militarily intervening. In Syria right now, we are funding the insurgents. The insurgents are jihadists. Did not we learn from Afghanistan where we funded Osama Bin Laden? There is no end to our military interventions and the unintended consequences that go along with these military interventions. I would just suggest that we have hundreds of millions of enemies to this country that but for these military interventions would otherwise not exist. Drones take out the target, but drones also kill innocent civilians in these countries and these innocent civilians that die are friends and family of others that vow vengeance on the United States, up to and including giving their own lives if need be to bring about that vengeance.</p>
<p>Steve Peace – Thank you Governor. One last question and then we’ll move to the summaries.&#160; This is a question that’s going to be I think of particular to folks who are tuning in to this Google plus hangout. Linda on twitter asks, “New technology is creating many questions regarding the government’s role in our individual lives. Where do you draw the line between personal privacy and national security?” Governor?</p>
<p>Gov. Gary Johnson – Well I would have never so, as Governor of New Mexico I vetoed 750 bills. I had thousands of line item vetoes. Only two were overturned so it made a difference when it came to billions of dollars worth of spending, made a difference when it came to government telling us what we should or shouldn’t do in the bedroom. So how would it have worked had I been President of the United States after 9/11? I would have never established the Department of Homeland Security. I would have never established TSA. I would have left airport security to the airports, to the airlines, to municipalities, to the states. I would have never signed the National Defense Authorization Act allowing for you and I as U.S. citizens to be arrested and detained without being charged. I think this is why we have fought wars. So our civil liberties are being eroded. I would also like to point out that the ACLU gave a report card on all the presidential candidates during this last cycle. Jill Stein was not included in this analysis, but twenty-four liberty torches was a perfect score. Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum, zero liberty torches out of twenty-four. Newt Gingrich, four liberty torches out of twenty-four. Barack Obama, sixteen liberty torches out of twenty-four. Ron Paul, eighteen liberty torches out of twenty-four. Gary Johnson, twenty-one liberty torches out of twenty-four. I had the best grade when it came to civil liberties. Our civil liberties are being eroded. We have a growing police state in this country. It needs to be rolled back significantly.</p>
<p>Steve Peace – Dr. Stein, I’ll pass the torch to you. There you go</p>
<p>Dr. Jill Stein – Alright, okay you’re hearing me. Okay great. Yeah, so I want to largely agree with the Governor here and also agree with Benjamin Franklin when he said that, ‘If we sacrifice liberty and freedom in the name of security we will wind up losing both.’ These were the experience of the founding fathers and mothers of this country and I think that very much applies today. That if we allow our rights to privacy, our right to protest, for freedom of the press, to petition government for redress of grievances. If we allow these personal rights and liberties to be encroached on we’re in great danger. And in fact this whole question of national security. If we didn’t have this kind of hyped up, brute force policy of militarism, a foreign policy based on securing oil resources, and fighting to secure them, and dropping bombs on weddings and funerals in pursuit of these drone wars. If we didn’t have such a foreign policy there would be no need for, hyped up national security. Remember al-Qaeda’s, you know, whole cause was to get Americans out of Saudi Arabia and out of their holy lands. If we were not on foreign soil securing oil to start with, we wouldn’t have this threat to our national security. Therein lies the real answer to our security issues. In fact we can strengthen our national security at the same time that we strengthen our personal liberties, develop a green economy here at home through the Green New Deal which will address the climate crisis as well as the jobs crisis while enabling us to downsize the military, bring our troops back from over 1000 bases in over 140 countries around the world. This is the biggest challenge to our national security, that and the climate threat and the economic threat. We can take care of all of that without sacrificing our personal liberties.</p>
<p>Steve Peace – Okay, you’ve got the time. We’ve got three more questions here. We go to a quick lightning round for thirty-second answers. I know you both have busy schedules. Can we do that and then go to the close?</p>
<p>[Dr. Stein nods yes]</p>
<p>We seem to have the technology on a roll now.</p>
<p>Gov. Gary Johnson – Very good.</p>
<p>Steve Peace – Governor, when and why should the United States consider drone strikes overseas?</p>
<p>Gov. Gary Johnson – Well I would never say never, but I would suggest that these drone strikes make us the villain of the world as opposed to the beacon on the hill as opposed to the country that’s always stood up against the bully. We’ve become the bully and I think these drone strikes symbolize that.</p>
<p>Steve Peace – Doctor?</p>
<p>Dr. Jill Stein – Okay. I want to agree with the Governor on that. I can think of no circumstances where a technology with extremely high rates of civilian kill, a technology that essentially sentences people to death without even knowing who they are, let alone what their crime is and entitling them, you know, to a trial by jury. This is a very dehumanized, draconian form of warfare that has an unavoidable, high civilian casualty rate. These are basically war crimes waiting to happen with drones. I think we should be leading the charge for an international convention to ban the use of drones as a weapon of war and as a mode of spying on civilians. I think we should be in the business of banning drones, not expanding them in what’s effectively a new, and very expensive, and deadly arms race.</p>
<p>Steve Peace – Staying with you Dr. Stein, Deon on Google Plus would like to know what role you believe the federal government should play in improving k through twelve public education.</p>
<p>Dr. Jill Stein – So in public education I think we need to throw in the towel as quickly as possible in this race to the top and the no child behind programs which are effectively privatization programs. I think we know what works in education. Its not teaching kids like you think they’re rats and you gotta just do rote memorization. That’s not how kids work. You need to teach to the whole student for lifetime learning. We need to lower class size, lower the ratio of students to teachers. We need to end poverty, because it’s poverty, which interferes with education. Above all, poverty, health problems, community violence, and homelessness. It takes a village to raise a child. It takes a village to educate a child. The Green New Deal is a program to eliminate poverty and it will essentially allow us to bring kids to school who are ready to learn.</p>
<p>Steve Peace – Governor.</p>
<p>Gov. Gary Johnson – I would abolish the federal Department of Education. Established in 1979, under Jimmy Carter. I don’t think there is anything that would suggest that the Department of Education has been value-added since 1979. The federal government gives each state about 11 cents out of every school dollar that every state spends, but it comes with 16 cents worth of strings attached. Federal government says, here’s 11 cents and you have to do A, B, C, D. Well A, B, C, D, costs 16 cents. So it really is a negative to take federal dollars I think federal government needs to get out of the educational business completely. Give it up to the states, fifty laboratories of innovation and best practice. And I think that’s exactly what we will have. We’ll have some fabulous success that will get emulated, we’ll also have some horrible failure that will get avoided, but if we have fifty different laboratories working on this as opposed to Washington-knows-best, Washington-top-down-has-all-the-answers, they don’t.</p>
<p>Steve Peace – Thank you to both of you for your responses and the discussions on the issues and we’d like to thank our followers who submitted the questions. We’ve come to the end of the question period and an opportunity for two minutes for each of the candidates to give closing statement and you’re certainly welcome to address any issues that the questions didn’t touch upon. And we’ll start with two minutes to Governor, excuse me, to Governor Johnson.</p>
<p>Gov. Gary Johnson – I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t think that I could do a really good job as President of the United States. So I want to ask everybody out there to just check me out, Gary Johnson 2012 dot com. I’ve been an entrepreneur my entire life. I started a one-man handyman business in Albuquerque in 1974. Actually grew that business to employ over 1000 people. It’s amazing what can happen when you show up on time and what you do, and what you say you’ll do, you do. It’s amazing how far you can get with that. I sold that business in 1999, nobody lost their job. They’re doing better than ever. It allows me to have a full time job, a full-time unpaid job running for President of the United States. I was a two-term Governor of New Mexico. I came into politics completely outside of politics. The Republican Party was inclusive in New Mexico, they said, ‘hey you can go out, you can make your case. You can go to all the meet-ups. You can take part in all the debates and the discussions, but you just need to know that you’ll never win. That it’s not possible to come from completely outside of politics and get elected Governor in a state that’s two to one democrat.’ Well I got elected and it was based on what I had to say. I’d like to think, which was, ‘Hey smaller government is a good thing. Keep government out of the bedroom. And then, how about a common sense, business approach to state government. Best product, best service, lowest price.’ In that context I vetoed 750 bills only two were overturned. It made a difference when it came to billions of dollars worth of spending. It made a difference when it came to government telling you or I what we could or couldn’t do in the bedroom. I think the biggest indicator of how all that came, went down was in a state that was two to one Democrat, in a state where I made a name for myself really being a penny-pincher, I got re-elected by a bigger margin the second time than the first time, which I just think speaks volumes to the fact, people really do appreciate good stewardship of tax dollars. We need to balance the federal budget now or we’re going to find ourselves in a monetary collapse. Let’s eliminate income tax, corporate tax. Let’s abolish the IRS. Let’s reboot the American economy for the next 100 years. Let’s bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States. Let’s create tens of millions of jobs because of that environment that we have more, that we do have the capability of creating.</p>
<p>Steve Peace – Thank you Governor. Dr. Stein.</p>
<p>Dr. Jill Stein – Great. Okay so thanks to everyone for being a part of this very interesting discussion and I also just wanted to take this opportunity to invite Governor Johnson to participate in a debate on Monday night with Democracy Now. I think that he brings really important issues to the table, that badly need to be heard. I think we need to diversify the discussion in this election. He brings a really important part of that diversity to the table and really important experience. So I just wanted to thank you. Not to mention that we agree I think on so many critical things. On peace, freedom, ending the drug wars and the bailouts, and you know the more that these ideas are pushed forward this election, the better. I’ll just say a quick word about myself. I come to this as a mother and a medical doctor, basically. When people say ‘what kind of medicine are you practicing?’ I say ‘now I’m practicing political medicine because it’s the mother of all illnesses and we’ve got to fix this one if we’re going to fix everything else that ails us.’ Specifically I got into this as a mom of young kids and a medical doctor seeing the healthcare system falling apart, but also seeing this epidemic of new diseases descending on our kids. Which, you know, I think is cause for great consternation not only cause they’re getting sick with things they never had before, not just them but they’re indicators of how we’re all getting sick, everything from asthma to cancers, learning disabilities, autism, diabetes, obesity. These are epidemics that we didn’t used to have. As a, I said to myself, ‘I don’t feel good just giving people….</p>
<p>[Dr. Stein’s connection dies]</p>
<p>Steve Peace – So we, lost the connection there. Dr. Stein thank you for your presentation if you jump back on, we’ll hook you back in. Governor, thank you</p>
<p>Gov. Johnson – Thank you Steve</p>
<p>Steve Peace – For those that participated in this Google plus hang out. Thank you for participating. Thank you for your questions and we urge you to turn to IVN.us for unfiltered political news about these candidates and more on November 6th. Thank you and goodnight.</p>
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official transcript the160jill stein gary johnson debate hosted ivn google plus hangouts october 18 2012 steve peace welcome ivn presidential debate name steve peace im cochair independent voter project joined governor gary johnson laramie wyoming hes libertarian party candidate president united states dr jill stein shes joining us seattle washington shes green party candidate president candidates introduce platforms prior debate questions submitted theyre coming independentminded voters facebook twitter google questions cover multiple issues domestic foreign policy order answering questions determined coin toss governor johnson toss introduce first dr stein take first question alternate order throughout questions governor johnson well start opening statement gov gary johnson steve three minutes opening statement steve peace gov gary johnson well think country deep trouble cant bury heads sand fact deep trouble im different think everybody else lets bomb iran think bomb iran going find another 100 million enemies country wouldnt otherwise lets get afghanistan tomorrow bring troops home think marriage equality constitutionally guaranteed right would propose ending drug wars legalize marijuana think actually tipping point marijuana ballot colorado think going pass perhaps first 50 states actually legalize marijuana would never signed patriot act allowing homeland security think incredibly redundant would look eliminate tsa federal agency leave airports airlines municipalities states think need balance federal budget promising submit balanced budget congress year 2013 would 14 trillion dollar reduction federal spending got start talking medicaid medicare military spending debate couple weeks ago obama romney whos going spend money medicare medicare program paying 30 dollars getting 100dollar benefit extension paying 30000 dollars getting 100000dollar benefit absolutely unsustainable proposing eliminate income tax corporate tax abolish irs replace one federal consumption tax case embracing fair tax think answer american exports ends cost neutral short amount time since bleeding existing federal taxes goods services answer comes exports zero corporate tax rate environment private sector doesnt create tens millions jobs dont know takes create tens millions jobs also see manufacturing jobs flocking back united states zero corporate tax rate environment immigration immigration lets build fence across border lets make easy possible let someone wants come country work get work visa green card citizenship work visa would entail background check social security card applicable taxes would get paid adopt fair tax taxes wont issue whether youre visitor united states illegal immigrant legal immigrant us citizen nobody going able avoid paying one federal consumption tax much border issues border violence legalize marijuana arguably 75 percent border violence mexico goes away 11 million illegal immigrants right lets set grace period document 11 million illegal immigrants lets talk deporting breaking families get back criminals working country either 160that real basis issuing visas theres opening statement steve peace thank much governor dr stein three minutes dr jill stein steve peace doctor need unmute youre mute well start dr jill stein hear gov gary johnson go steve peace good innovative introduction dr jill stein ok great alright sorry trying reduce feedback headset seemed cause us mute back first big thank independent voter network creating important dialogue big thank gary johnson campaign think many really critical ways completely agreement page war importance civil liberties protecting freedoms country founded importance ending drug wars stopping wall street bailouts think really fundamental points agreement know many people overshadow areas disagreement economic social policy think agreeing basic principles freedom democracy really important point intersection two parties campaigns many people independent voters said im going focus key agenda campaign believe american people see fundamentally breaking point people planet economy democracy actually change breaking point tipping point election time many people breaking away politics usual 160and advancing really critical solutions many people supporting poll poll 160these good roadtested solutions fact affordable within reach calling start green new deal create jobs simply tax breaks wealthy democratic republican parties calling instead like vast majority american public saying tax breaks actual jobs calling jobs like created new deal got us great depression four million jobs created within first weeks eight weeks actually new deal theres excuse us sit chronic relentless recession still calling creating jobs directly stimulus package president passed provided largely tax breaks tax breaks dont create jobs calling fact direct job creation level communities areas green economy particular two crises economic jobless crisis also crisis climate solve one fell swoop green new deal provides resources communities create jobs become sustainable ecologically also socially economically calling jobs clean renewable energy conservation local sustainable agriculture public transportation clean manufacturing well hiring back hundreds thousands teachers laid hiring childcare afterschool homecare affordable housing construction violence drug abuse prevention rehabilitation broad spectrum point communities decide washingtondriven cookie cutter program rather puts national resources hands communities create jobs need calling healthcare steve peace thank dr stein youre little time dr jill stein okay thank steve peace lets go questions want get questions friends google plus facebook twitter get first question basically three minutes answer reserve time well keep track well allow rebuttal time reserve three minutes use two minutes governor twominute response reserved minute rebuttal otherwise use three minutes well listen governors response ok well try flexible stay schedule dr jill stein time signal screen somewhere see steve peace getting left hand side screen little notification youll get thirty second dr jill stein okay weve got thank steve peace okay great first general category question comes allie wisconsin dr stein four years president obamas 2008 campaign hope change argued weve definitely learned enacting reforms difficult simply campaigning knowing difficult president obama plan get congress board platform dr jill stein great first let say president obama drinking koolaid big way funded wall street funded health insurance pharmaceutical companies funded fossil fuels know hard turn around bite hand feeding got exactly one would expected looking funders burden shall say campaign carry dont take money comes strings attached means dont take money corporations lobbyists pacs super pacs dont believe onedollar one vote believe oneperson one vote actually ability say say said come ability actually carry agenda promised uphold specifically president wanted could simply commander chief could also organizer chief president incredible ability go primetime tv send email blasts go public service radio announcements basically inform everyday people key bills coming main reasons shouldnt pass turn people loose talk elected officials actually instruct represent people may remember sopa pipa bills going considered slam dunk way ordinary people going stop word got internet bills works would enable corporations censor internet people got horn within two weeks bill stopped tracks gary johnsons computer dies rule exception washington works everyday people flying blind democracy informed empowered people need know whats going ability weigh concise timeeffective manner say yes want healthcare human right want legalize marijuana want end debt students instead bailing banks fourth time obama administration right fed third quantitative easing theyre spending forty billion dollars month bailing wall street banks yet would horn telling people lets change lets instead bailing wall street lets bail students put everyday people back charge democracy steve peace thank dr stein governor doctor used time youll two minutes rebuttal dr stein getting feed steve peace okay weve got technical issue governors shop dr stein ill give another question well circle back tax rate capital gains dividends set go 15 percent general income tax rate january first would address issue office dr jill stein let first say thats occurring high levels income tiny percentage voters richest voters fact believe top two percent people incomes 250000 dollars going face increase believe bush tax cuts applied im mistaken dont believe let think minute thats understanding increase capital gains dividends going apply high levels income let say capital gains dividend taxes generally applies top ten percent thats afford make investments whether applying top two percent tax hits people great means benefited enormously changes economy past several decades tax burden shrunk across categories taxes wealthiest time income surged wealthiest fact things unequal top 1 percent actually 40 percent resources wealth country lower half one every two people poorest people share among one percent thats like hundred people room hundred loaves bread forty loaves hand one person skinniest fifty people room one loaf bread share among let say overarching statement badly need correct extraordinary obscene economic inequality everyday people facing right one hit harder fact young people younger generation right theyre facing 50 percent unemployment rate carrying around extraordinarily high debt burdens top young people getting hit disparities way much elders facing relying medicare social security keep poverty general broad statement think americans dont like vast inequalities thats country right greater developed country fact category undeveloped countries banana republics dictatorships right category economic inequality need fix calling fixing green new deal also fixing ending incredible unfair tax breaks given wealthiest members society includes drastic cuts capital gains dividends steve peace doctor let go script minute theyre working technical issues laramie interesting experience week officially sponsored republican democratic debates would like comment little process televised debates efforts campaign others made opportunity participate dr jill stein yes want thank gary johnsons campaign well campaign like fighting try open debates debates controlled commission called commission presidential debates really called commission censor presidential debates private corporation controlled democratic republican parties whose express purpose limit debates means limiting candidates means limiting american voter means preventing american voter understanding choices really candidates also policies american public diverse know three hundred million people theres reason world try squeeze three hundred diverse people two pigeon holes bought paid corporate interests driving us climate change driving us healthcare boondoggles like obamacare romneycare whichever call really deliver goods health insurance pharmaceutical companies everyday people went protest debate arrested entrance even debate hall entrance hofstra university running mate cheri honkala allowed even pass arrested arrested put tight plastic handcuff restraints taken secret undisclosed location black site handcuffed metal chairs eight hours 11 pm arrested shortly 2 pm one staff actually quite bit sleuthing finally able override intelligence homeland security secret service doesnt say much effectiveness homeland security secret service untrained campaign able get around black actually find site told would arrested stayed site even back debate site told would arrested stayed entrance simply member green party steve peace id like go back discussion makeup commission another technical issue ive slipped note ear buds doctor believe technical folks need put ear buds cut echo effect cutting edge technology know experimenting sounds good im told doctor back weve got mute issue maybe even put ear bud guys ah governor back coming see gov gary johnson right great need headphones dont em alright steve peace hello governor gov gary johnson hi steve peace weve ventured discussion lost presidential debates hosted official commission last two debates doctor credited campaign working terms making efforts get involved discussed difficulty working commission wanted give little opportunity comment efforts participate televised debates gov gary johnson well filed suit filed suit california filed suit washington dc put emergency clauses suits hope get ruled course successful green party also successful presidential debate commission made republicans democrats really interest whatsoever seeing third party stage difficult getting ballot states difficult right im ballot 49 states one states im official write candidate michigan oklahoma excluded us ballot looks like oklahoma state ballot might add americans elect made us candidate made candidate made nominee oklahoma proud courts threw stacked deck whether debate commission whether ballot access name system made two parties interests really hard crack steve peace question jack twitter dr stein suggested student debt forgiven education free kindergarten college governor would address rising student loan debt education costs gov gary johnson well think main reason high education costs guaranteed government student loans thats real catch 22 students right young people facing college faced insurmountable costs really tuition throw number 15000 dollars semester well know kids determining whether want go school young people determining whether want pay much amount money recognizing cant afford theres obvious guaranteed government student loans guaranteed students loans exist suggest cost higher education dramatically decrease reason high cost college tuition really think also individual states states come innovative programs governor new mexico actually signed legislation allowed lottery scholarships enacted lottery new mexico proceeds going education higher education governor every graduate high school new mexico basically got free college tuition lottery scholarships minimum requirements minimum requirements believe like c c grades steve peace dr stein couple minutes rebuttal dr jill stein gov gary johnson gone frozen steve peace dr stein need unmute dr jill stein hear steve peace go perfect dr jill stein okay hear reason doesnt leave cant hear put wait let switch technology im talking im listening youre hearing steve peace well point dr jill stein alright good ill say massachusetts free public higher education part university massachusetts system many many years price slowly crept free even government loans free became unfree state decided higher priorities young people higher priorities economy really requires educated workers productive economy particular healthcare costs climbing devouring bigger sections budget time larger tax breaks provided wealthy two drains economy fixed one thing moving medicare system greatly reduces costs healthcare every developed nation provides comprehensive healthcare half cost per person costs country ensure dragging budgets likes obamacare romneycare fact move medicare eliminates massive red tape bureaucracy gobbling 30 percent every healthcare dollar back issue student loans want underscore say free public higher education pays know gi bill following second world war taxpayers paid education returning soldiers go college knew cause carefully studied every dollar taxpayers invested higher education seven dollars returned economic benefits including enough tax revenue students good jobs educated money came back tax base paid costs higher education steve peace governor thirty seconds left rebuttal gov gary johnsons connection dies well lost connection wyoming dr stein let go masons question facebook youre green new deal focuses eliminating use fossil fuels place renewable energy would plan transition fossil fuels renewables long think transition would take dr jill stein know view transition long gov gary johnson comes back online required everything humanly possible make happen quickly possible science tells us actually coming close climate tipping points anyone whos looking around youll notice last year know weve hottest year record protracted drought 60 percent continental us record forest fires forest destruction fires well arctic 25 percent couple decades ago way ahead schedule science far optimistic climate emergency hands critical move ahead due speed science told us arctic would another couple decades science said havent substantial progress 2020 essentially goose cooked climate proceed melt reality doesnt like change get couple degrees warmer goes perpetual state warming compatible either economy civilization know including melting glaciers ice caps steve peace governor want weigh doctors green new deal proposal gov gary johnson im sorry steve steve peace yeah twominute rebuttal dr steins new green deal proposal question would transition fossil fuel environment green energy production gov gary johnson im getting terrific feedback cant even hear steve peace bear us folks go kind like operating mission control know trying land moon 1960 gov gary johnson look think need free market approaches comes energy consumers demanding cleaner energy going get cleaner energy best indicator good environment good economy consumers like say demanding cleaner energy fifty years today cleaner energy cleaner energy today fifty years ago im talking carbon emission fact demanding less carbon emission think balanced approach free market approach natural gas figures oil figures bauching united states huge contributor energy independence renewables play roll nuclear plays roll would opposed cap trade legislation think would really devastate economy steve peace governor next question mike facebook asks theres great deal focus middle class election cycle would argue poor left discussion immediate actions would take address poverty america gov gary johnson think government create level playing field us something exist today crony capitalism alive well individuals groups corporations sell loopholes excuse im getting horrible feedback steve im sorry individuals groups corporations buy loopholes parties hand sell loopholes think eliminating income tax corporate tax abolishing irs replacing one federal consumption tax think really creates level playing field us think fallacy think government going able cure everyones ills dont think fallacy government fair base experience governor new mexico put issues first politics last think everybody saw notion may vetoed legislation fortynine governors country combined saw lot corporatist legislation saw legislation labeled competitive telecommunications bill lower prices better competition lower prices160 reality corporately sponsored piece legislation would actually reduced competition telecommunications back government capable creating equal opportunity thats would argue government ill get back also fact think biggest threat united states right fact borrowing printing money tune fortythree cents every dollar spend dont balance federal budget believe going find monetary collapse monetary collapse simply dollars pockets dont buy thing accompanying inflation comes along borrowing printing money tune 43 cents every dollar spend jill stein talks melting polar ice caps know monetary collapse shelves bare dollars dont buy anything way russia experienced end eighties thats going ugly situation going burning furniture keep warm unless actually get fiscal house order steve peace dr stein dr jill stein gov gary johnson cant hear steve peace doctor need unmute dr jill stein let take things okay alright learning go yeah wanted agree governor cant solve problem polar ice caps climate without also solving problem economy two solved together cant save people without planet cant save planet without economy works people one real benefits green new deal every dollar spent new green economy actually create three times many jobs youre hiring people weatherization conservation insulate homes businesses schools government buildings put effectively millions people work weatherization solve climate problem solve jobs problem happen speaking question previous questioner asked poor figure know low income poor people need especially jobs jobs pay living wages thats green new deal calls provides national resources create jobs community level put people back work jumpstart green economy localized economy phony economy high finance toxic economy dirty energy toxic nuclear power makes us sick poisons air water food rather jobs make communities healthy time make environment healthy stop climate change advantage green economy green new deal also makes wars oil obsolete means instead spending trillion dollars year spending bloated massive military industrial security complex instead put half hundreds billions dollars back economy ensuring poor jobs ensuring transition medicare everyone healthcare finally everyone equal access public higher education poor low income people need order level playing field start secure economic world steve peace im going combine question brady facebook todd virginia doctor johnson im sorry doctor johnson160 go theres proposal dr johnson governor stein work brady asks regulations needed prevent wall street financial sectors incurring another meltdown todd asks points neither past two administrations prosecuted individuals responsible mortgage meltdown regulations think necessary would deal whitecollar crime governor gov gary johnson well first dont think issue regulation issue allowing institutions made incredibly bad decisions fail would bailed institutions im vacuum lot really terrific freemarket economists person agree would systematic collapse let pose happened enron sarbanesoxley came really result enron ended fraud passed regulation law required mark market accounting tell saw thought holy cow isnt regulation absolutely needed makes total sense dont know regulation could qualify something need well meltdown 2008 multitrillion dollar mortgage derivatives market mortgage market multi trillion three trillion dollar market december 20th one 190000 dollar trade went five cents dollar securities yielding five cents dollar point everyone financial institutions mark assets market collapse prosecutions would love get root tell governor new mexico one things relished able get people table know really give dirty havent done prosecutions also say think want elect leader want elect leader thats going transparent look im going go prosecutions whatever reasons prosecuting dont think us really understand havent prosecutions really cant tell think bundling assets done way fraudulent really criminal steve peace dr stein im judging description experience debates day shed light whats going prosecutorial arena got ta unmute unmute dr jill stein okay steve peace go dr jill stein okay getting faster yeah mean prosecutions happening even ronald reagan prosecuted thousand clears throat corporate executives responsible sampl crash tiny compared crash think pretty clear theyre prosecuted theyre whitehouse barack obama whitehouse bed wall street timothy geithner know hes running treasury department looked way head fed head new york fed waste fraud abuse going know surprise wall streetrun whitehouse prosecuting wall street true head department justice fact many clients private company worked work someday many clients goldman sachs companies know crashed economy created predatory lending start targeted vulnerable people sold fraudulent mortgages bundled mortgages fraudulent securities peddled securities unsuspecting buyers many clients whole house cards came crashing demanded bailed want differ little bit governor bailouts created problem real problem even bailouts happened economy come crashing fraudulent mortgages bundled securities bet reason bet protections passed great depression repealed excellent case point regulations protecting american public regulations repealed bill clinton larry summers architect wall street crash ended glasssteagall law separated commercial investment banks also enabled reckless gambling speculation derivatives didnt happen accident weve weve learned allow much economic power concentrate hands thats democrats republicans bringing us quite time thats well fix administration steve peace doctor well stay foreign policy question alex google plus point humanitarian crisis syria despite general opposition intervention foreign countries merit unilateral action united states order prevent atrocities dr jill stein know seeing blowback libya know groups came power armed us interventions breed unpredictable violent results clear syria example many arms flowing syria flowing hands groups sworn enemies depose one government violently put weapons violence hands whoever know solution peace security looks like weve taught last ten years trillions dollars spent iraq afghanistan additional cases point intensively argued democrats republicans media compelling need intervention yet look weve gone even afghanistan strongest case made go deal alqaeda mess hands find exactly position russians couple decades ago dangerous territory get unilateral intervention areas dont belong dont good understanding culture whats going dont trusting relationships people argument made fundamentally weapons industry would love keep selling arms fact profiting sale arms every hotspot around world basically pouring gasoline fires religious ethnic national conflict around world entering conflicts unilaterally unless unique circumstances seen decades steve peace governor response gov gary johnson think intervene militarily real humanitarian wars engage governor new mexico life ive learned never say never dont think us want sit watch holocaust atrocities going ill borrow supreme court justice asked definition pornography said know really dont definition pornography say see know case dont think us want watch holocaust occurring dont want apply definition course action part weve forever militarily intervening syria right funding insurgents insurgents jihadists learn afghanistan funded osama bin laden end military interventions unintended consequences go along military interventions would suggest hundreds millions enemies country military interventions would otherwise exist drones take target drones also kill innocent civilians countries innocent civilians die friends family others vow vengeance united states including giving lives need bring vengeance steve peace thank governor one last question well move summaries160 question thats going think particular folks tuning google plus hangout linda twitter asks new technology creating many questions regarding governments role individual lives draw line personal privacy national security governor gov gary johnson well would never governor new mexico vetoed 750 bills thousands line item vetoes two overturned made difference came billions dollars worth spending made difference came government telling us shouldnt bedroom would worked president united states 911 would never established department homeland security would never established tsa would left airport security airports airlines municipalities states would never signed national defense authorization act allowing us citizens arrested detained without charged think fought wars civil liberties eroded would also like point aclu gave report card presidential candidates last cycle jill stein included analysis twentyfour liberty torches perfect score mitt romney rick santorum zero liberty torches twentyfour newt gingrich four liberty torches twentyfour barack obama sixteen liberty torches twentyfour ron paul eighteen liberty torches twentyfour gary johnson twentyone liberty torches twentyfour best grade came civil liberties civil liberties eroded growing police state country needs rolled back significantly steve peace dr stein ill pass torch go dr jill stein alright okay youre hearing okay great yeah want largely agree governor also agree benjamin franklin said sacrifice liberty freedom name security wind losing experience founding fathers mothers country think much applies today allow rights privacy right protest freedom press petition government redress grievances allow personal rights liberties encroached great danger fact whole question national security didnt kind hyped brute force policy militarism foreign policy based securing oil resources fighting secure dropping bombs weddings funerals pursuit drone wars didnt foreign policy would need hyped national security remember alqaedas know whole cause get americans saudi arabia holy lands foreign soil securing oil start wouldnt threat national security therein lies real answer security issues fact strengthen national security time strengthen personal liberties develop green economy home green new deal address climate crisis well jobs crisis enabling us downsize military bring troops back 1000 bases 140 countries around world biggest challenge national security climate threat economic threat take care without sacrificing personal liberties steve peace okay youve got time weve got three questions go quick lightning round thirtysecond answers know busy schedules go close dr stein nods yes seem technology roll gov gary johnson good steve peace governor united states consider drone strikes overseas gov gary johnson well would never say never would suggest drone strikes make us villain world opposed beacon hill opposed country thats always stood bully weve become bully think drone strikes symbolize steve peace doctor dr jill stein okay want agree governor think circumstances technology extremely high rates civilian kill technology essentially sentences people death without even knowing let alone crime entitling know trial jury dehumanized draconian form warfare unavoidable high civilian casualty rate basically war crimes waiting happen drones think leading charge international convention ban use drones weapon war mode spying civilians think business banning drones expanding whats effectively new expensive deadly arms race steve peace staying dr stein deon google plus would like know role believe federal government play improving k twelve public education dr jill stein public education think need throw towel quickly possible race top child behind programs effectively privatization programs think know works education teaching kids like think theyre rats got ta rote memorization thats kids work need teach whole student lifetime learning need lower class size lower ratio students teachers need end poverty poverty interferes education poverty health problems community violence homelessness takes village raise child takes village educate child green new deal program eliminate poverty essentially allow us bring kids school ready learn steve peace governor gov gary johnson would abolish federal department education established 1979 jimmy carter dont think anything would suggest department education valueadded since 1979 federal government gives state 11 cents every school dollar every state spends comes 16 cents worth strings attached federal government says heres 11 cents b c well b c costs 16 cents really negative take federal dollars think federal government needs get educational business completely give states fifty laboratories innovation best practice think thats exactly well fabulous success get emulated well also horrible failure get avoided fifty different laboratories working opposed washingtonknowsbest washingtontopdownhasalltheanswers dont steve peace thank responses discussions issues wed like thank followers submitted questions weve come end question period opportunity two minutes candidates give closing statement youre certainly welcome address issues questions didnt touch upon well start two minutes governor excuse governor johnson gov gary johnson wouldnt didnt think could really good job president united states want ask everybody check gary johnson 2012 dot com ive entrepreneur entire life started oneman handyman business albuquerque 1974 actually grew business employ 1000 people amazing happen show time say youll amazing far get sold business 1999 nobody lost job theyre better ever allows full time job fulltime unpaid job running president united states twoterm governor new mexico came politics completely outside politics republican party inclusive new mexico said hey go make case go meetups take part debates discussions need know youll never win possible come completely outside politics get elected governor state thats two one democrat well got elected based say id like think hey smaller government good thing keep government bedroom common sense business approach state government best product best service lowest price context vetoed 750 bills two overturned made difference came billions dollars worth spending made difference came government telling could couldnt bedroom think biggest indicator came went state two one democrat state made name really pennypincher got reelected bigger margin second time first time think speaks volumes fact people really appreciate good stewardship tax dollars need balance federal budget going find monetary collapse lets eliminate income tax corporate tax lets abolish irs lets reboot american economy next 100 years lets bring manufacturing jobs back united states lets create tens millions jobs environment capability creating steve peace thank governor dr stein dr jill stein great okay thanks everyone part interesting discussion also wanted take opportunity invite governor johnson participate debate monday night democracy think brings really important issues table badly need heard think need diversify discussion election brings really important part diversity table really important experience wanted thank mention agree think many critical things peace freedom ending drug wars bailouts know ideas pushed forward election better ill say quick word come mother medical doctor basically people say kind medicine practicing say im practicing political medicine mother illnesses weve got fix one going fix everything else ails us specifically got mom young kids medical doctor seeing healthcare system falling apart also seeing epidemic new diseases descending kids know think cause great consternation cause theyre getting sick things never theyre indicators getting sick everything asthma cancers learning disabilities autism diabetes obesity epidemics didnt used said dont feel good giving people dr steins connection dies steve peace lost connection dr stein thank presentation jump back well hook back governor thank gov johnson thank steve steve peace participated google plus hang thank participating thank questions urge turn ivnus unfiltered political news candidates november 6th thank goodnight 160 160 160 160
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<p>MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The last American man standing at the Australian Open is through to the quarterfinals.</p>
<p>Tennys Sandgren, who had never won a Grand Slam match or beaten a top 10 player before the Australian Open started, upset No. 5-seeded Dominic Thiem on Monday to top his second-round victory over 2014 champion Stan Wawrinka.</p>
<p>The 26-year-old Sandgren, who entered the season's opening major ranked 97th, missed a match point in the fourth set but held on for a 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (4), 6-7 (7), 6-3 win over Thiem.</p>
<p>"I'm staying calm and not getting too upset, not getting too up, not getting too down," Sandgren said when asked how a player with only two ATP tour match victories kept believing he had what it takes to advance to a Grand Slam quarterfinal.</p>
<p>"I've been able to keep my emotions under control, which is a big deal because I can be an emotional person. That doesn't go well with tennis, especially with a three-out-of-five-set match. You don't have energy to waste on emotions."</p>
<p>He is only the second man in the last 20 years to reach the quarterfinals in his Australian Open debut — Alexandr Dolgopolov did it in 2011. Before that it was Nicolas Escude in 1998.</p>
<p>Most of his Sandgren's previous Grand Slam appearances have been forgettable — first-round losses as a wild-card entry at last year's French Open and U.S. Open. The Tennessean failed to qualify for a major in 13 attempts, including from 2013 to 2016 at Melbourne Park.</p>
<p>Even his build-up for Melbourne was brief: first-round losses in India and at Auckland, New Zealand.</p>
<p>So while highly-ranked U.S. men such as No. 8-seeded Jack Sock, No. 13-seeded Sam Querrey and No. 16-seeded John Isner all went out in earlier rounds, Sandgren is through to the final eight.</p>
<p>After his match, he was asked at a news conference about the nature of some of his social media activity, with a question suggesting he follows some accounts or retweets items from controversial right-wing sources.</p>
<p>"Look, who you follow on Twitter I feel doesn't matter even a little bit," Sandgren said. "I think it's crazy to assume that. To say, 'Well, he's following X person, so he believes all the things that this person believes.' I think it's ridiculous."</p>
<p>He was asked if he supports any far-right movements.</p>
<p>"No, I don't. I don't," Sandgren said. "I find some of the content interesting. But no, I don't, not at all. As a firm Christian, I don't support things like that, no."</p>
<p>By Tuesday morning, a number of tweets dating back to June 2016 had apparently been cleared from the history of Sandgren's Twitter account.</p>
<p>In the quarterfinals on Wednesday he'll play Hyeon Chung, who upset six-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic in straight sets.</p>
<p>Sandgren lost to Chung in Auckland two weeks ago, and he credited his form in that loss — 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 — with forcing improvements in his game.</p>
<p>"I feel like we had a tight contest," Sandgren said. "I feel like I had to raise my game to even compete with him on the court. I think that helped me a lot going into this week, seeing I could play a good level. That made me feel like, 'OK, maybe I can do it in three-out-of-five sets, on a bigger stage, against other players, too."</p>
<p>Thiem was full of praise for Sandgren.</p>
<p>"I didn't play bad, it was one of these days where you have to give a lot of respect to your opponent," Thiem said.</p>
<p>"He served very well. I had lots of problems to return his serve. Then he didn't make too many unforced errors, it was very tough for me to finish the points. He didn't really drop for almost four hours."</p>
<p>For the time being, Sandgren is living the dream. Seriously.</p>
<p>"Obviously the first three matches were more than I expected," Sandgren said. "This one was about as hard-fought as I've ever had a match before. I definitely had a real pinch-me moment. If I wake up now, I'm going to be real upset."</p>
<p>MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The last American man standing at the Australian Open is through to the quarterfinals.</p>
<p>Tennys Sandgren, who had never won a Grand Slam match or beaten a top 10 player before the Australian Open started, upset No. 5-seeded Dominic Thiem on Monday to top his second-round victory over 2014 champion Stan Wawrinka.</p>
<p>The 26-year-old Sandgren, who entered the season's opening major ranked 97th, missed a match point in the fourth set but held on for a 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (4), 6-7 (7), 6-3 win over Thiem.</p>
<p>"I'm staying calm and not getting too upset, not getting too up, not getting too down," Sandgren said when asked how a player with only two ATP tour match victories kept believing he had what it takes to advance to a Grand Slam quarterfinal.</p>
<p>"I've been able to keep my emotions under control, which is a big deal because I can be an emotional person. That doesn't go well with tennis, especially with a three-out-of-five-set match. You don't have energy to waste on emotions."</p>
<p>He is only the second man in the last 20 years to reach the quarterfinals in his Australian Open debut — Alexandr Dolgopolov did it in 2011. Before that it was Nicolas Escude in 1998.</p>
<p>Most of his Sandgren's previous Grand Slam appearances have been forgettable — first-round losses as a wild-card entry at last year's French Open and U.S. Open. The Tennessean failed to qualify for a major in 13 attempts, including from 2013 to 2016 at Melbourne Park.</p>
<p>Even his build-up for Melbourne was brief: first-round losses in India and at Auckland, New Zealand.</p>
<p>So while highly-ranked U.S. men such as No. 8-seeded Jack Sock, No. 13-seeded Sam Querrey and No. 16-seeded John Isner all went out in earlier rounds, Sandgren is through to the final eight.</p>
<p>After his match, he was asked at a news conference about the nature of some of his social media activity, with a question suggesting he follows some accounts or retweets items from controversial right-wing sources.</p>
<p>"Look, who you follow on Twitter I feel doesn't matter even a little bit," Sandgren said. "I think it's crazy to assume that. To say, 'Well, he's following X person, so he believes all the things that this person believes.' I think it's ridiculous."</p>
<p>He was asked if he supports any far-right movements.</p>
<p>"No, I don't. I don't," Sandgren said. "I find some of the content interesting. But no, I don't, not at all. As a firm Christian, I don't support things like that, no."</p>
<p>By Tuesday morning, a number of tweets dating back to June 2016 had apparently been cleared from the history of Sandgren's Twitter account.</p>
<p>In the quarterfinals on Wednesday he'll play Hyeon Chung, who upset six-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic in straight sets.</p>
<p>Sandgren lost to Chung in Auckland two weeks ago, and he credited his form in that loss — 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 — with forcing improvements in his game.</p>
<p>"I feel like we had a tight contest," Sandgren said. "I feel like I had to raise my game to even compete with him on the court. I think that helped me a lot going into this week, seeing I could play a good level. That made me feel like, 'OK, maybe I can do it in three-out-of-five sets, on a bigger stage, against other players, too."</p>
<p>Thiem was full of praise for Sandgren.</p>
<p>"I didn't play bad, it was one of these days where you have to give a lot of respect to your opponent," Thiem said.</p>
<p>"He served very well. I had lots of problems to return his serve. Then he didn't make too many unforced errors, it was very tough for me to finish the points. He didn't really drop for almost four hours."</p>
<p>For the time being, Sandgren is living the dream. Seriously.</p>
<p>"Obviously the first three matches were more than I expected," Sandgren said. "This one was about as hard-fought as I've ever had a match before. I definitely had a real pinch-me moment. If I wake up now, I'm going to be real upset."</p>
| false | 2 |
melbourne australia ap last american man standing australian open quarterfinals tennys sandgren never grand slam match beaten top 10 player australian open started upset 5seeded dominic thiem monday top secondround victory 2014 champion stan wawrinka 26yearold sandgren entered seasons opening major ranked 97th missed match point fourth set held 62 46 76 4 67 7 63 win thiem im staying calm getting upset getting getting sandgren said asked player two atp tour match victories kept believing takes advance grand slam quarterfinal ive able keep emotions control big deal emotional person doesnt go well tennis especially threeoutoffiveset match dont energy waste emotions second man last 20 years reach quarterfinals australian open debut alexandr dolgopolov 2011 nicolas escude 1998 sandgrens previous grand slam appearances forgettable firstround losses wildcard entry last years french open us open tennessean failed qualify major 13 attempts including 2013 2016 melbourne park even buildup melbourne brief firstround losses india auckland new zealand highlyranked us men 8seeded jack sock 13seeded sam querrey 16seeded john isner went earlier rounds sandgren final eight match asked news conference nature social media activity question suggesting follows accounts retweets items controversial rightwing sources look follow twitter feel doesnt matter even little bit sandgren said think crazy assume say well hes following x person believes things person believes think ridiculous asked supports farright movements dont dont sandgren said find content interesting dont firm christian dont support things like tuesday morning number tweets dating back june 2016 apparently cleared history sandgrens twitter account quarterfinals wednesday hell play hyeon chung upset sixtime australian open champion novak djokovic straight sets sandgren lost chung auckland two weeks ago credited form loss 63 57 63 forcing improvements game feel like tight contest sandgren said feel like raise game even compete court think helped lot going week seeing could play good level made feel like ok maybe threeoutoffive sets bigger stage players thiem full praise sandgren didnt play bad one days give lot respect opponent thiem said served well lots problems return serve didnt make many unforced errors tough finish points didnt really drop almost four hours time sandgren living dream seriously obviously first three matches expected sandgren said one hardfought ive ever match definitely real pinchme moment wake im going real upset melbourne australia ap last american man standing australian open quarterfinals tennys sandgren never grand slam match beaten top 10 player australian open started upset 5seeded dominic thiem monday top secondround victory 2014 champion stan wawrinka 26yearold sandgren entered seasons opening major ranked 97th missed match point fourth set held 62 46 76 4 67 7 63 win thiem im staying calm getting upset getting getting sandgren said asked player two atp tour match victories kept believing takes advance grand slam quarterfinal ive able keep emotions control big deal emotional person doesnt go well tennis especially threeoutoffiveset match dont energy waste emotions second man last 20 years reach quarterfinals australian open debut alexandr dolgopolov 2011 nicolas escude 1998 sandgrens previous grand slam appearances forgettable firstround losses wildcard entry last years french open us open tennessean failed qualify major 13 attempts including 2013 2016 melbourne park even buildup melbourne brief firstround losses india auckland new zealand highlyranked us men 8seeded jack sock 13seeded sam querrey 16seeded john isner went earlier rounds sandgren final eight match asked news conference nature social media activity question suggesting follows accounts retweets items controversial rightwing sources look follow twitter feel doesnt matter even little bit sandgren said think crazy assume say well hes following x person believes things person believes think ridiculous asked supports farright movements dont dont sandgren said find content interesting dont firm christian dont support things like tuesday morning number tweets dating back june 2016 apparently cleared history sandgrens twitter account quarterfinals wednesday hell play hyeon chung upset sixtime australian open champion novak djokovic straight sets sandgren lost chung auckland two weeks ago credited form loss 63 57 63 forcing improvements game feel like tight contest sandgren said feel like raise game even compete court think helped lot going week seeing could play good level made feel like ok maybe threeoutoffive sets bigger stage players thiem full praise sandgren didnt play bad one days give lot respect opponent thiem said served well lots problems return serve didnt make many unforced errors tough finish points didnt really drop almost four hours time sandgren living dream seriously obviously first three matches expected sandgren said one hardfought ive ever match definitely real pinchme moment wake im going real upset
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<p />
<p>Now, three years after graduating, the two have become business partners in a Manhattan-based online tutoring service that allows teachers and students to find one another and coordinate their lessons and billing via the Internet.</p>
<p>The Duke City buddies launched Tutonic LLC in late November with another co-founder, Kyle Cromer. They’re building it into a national business, and they plan to go global in a few years, beginning with inroads in China, where angel investors have already pumped $600,000 into the company.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Fan, who facilitated the connection with Chinese angels through his dad — an entrepreneur in South China — said the company is now in advanced negotiations with a Chinese venture-capital firm for a multimillion-dollar investment to finance Tutonic’s global growth.</p>
<p>“It’s the power of education, which is a big deal among Chinese families today,” said Fan, whose family is originally from Taiwan. “The wealthy want to send their kids to U.S. universities, and our service will allow children there to be taught by Ivy League tutors. That’s a big sell there, which is why we and our backers want to open the service up in China itself.”</p>
<p>Fan’s and Beach’s rapid road from Albuquerque to a budding business in the Big Apple is a tale of youthful determination, the critical importance of networking in entrepreneurial endeavors, and the raw strength of a great idea.</p>
<p>Beach, 25, brainstormed the Tutonic concept while studying for a master’s degree in statistics at Yale University, where he went after graduating in 2009 from UNM with a bachelor’s in pure mathematics. The Albuquerque native supplemented his income at Yale by tutoring students. But the tutoring agencies and brokers that provided clients charged up to 60 percent commission for each lesson, and Beach had few alternatives to find clients on his own beyond distributing fliers on campus or posting announcements on craigslist.com.</p>
<p>“You can make up to $100 an hour tutoring, but the brokers were taking 60 percent of that,” Beach said. “In addition, those agencies had no technology to efficiently match compatible tutors and students. All the booking and billing is done with outdated means, with referrals through word-of-mouth, scheduling by phone and payments by check.”</p>
<p>(journal)</p>
<p>Beach, who will earn a second master’s degree in mathematics of finance from Colombia University this May, thought he could apply data analytics to design a social-media website that monitors the characteristics of participating tutors and students to better match teachers and pupils. The site would provide a community space where participants could meet, students could select the tutors they want and all scheduling and billing tasks would be managed online.</p>
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<p>Beach was already working with a fellow student mathematician, Michael Page, to build a consulting business to provide data collection, processing and analysis services for asset-management companies. That has since become J&amp;M Statistical Solutions LLC, which has provided the technical expertise to build Tutonic’s algorithms.</p>
<p>In 2011, Beach asked Cromer, another student at Yale who shared Beach’s vision for Tutonic, to join him as a company co-founder.</p>
<p>Cromer, 25, agreed to invest $20,000 in the startup, which he saw as a disruptive idea in the tutoring industry.</p>
<p>“It adds transparency to a business process that has traditionally been very opaque,” Cromer said. “In most cases, a student calls a tutoring broker or agency that arbitrarily assigns a teacher, and then the agency gets more per hour than the tutor gets by charging upwards of 60 percent commission.”</p>
<p>In contrast, Tutonic offers students an opportunity to learn about many available tutors and select who they want to work with, Cromer added. In addition, Tutonic only charges a 15 percent commission for each booked lesson.</p>
<p>With Cromer on board, Beach returned to Albuquerque, where he met with his old buddy Fan, an accounting and operations major who earned his degree from UNM in 2009.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Like Cromer, Fan, 26, agreed to invest $20,000 in Tutonic. He also arranged for the company to present its business concept to about 20 wealthy individuals in China, leading to a $600,000 commitment from four angel investors. Fan’s father, a former employee at National Electric Supply in Albuquerque who now owns a lighting-products factory in China, arranged the meeting.</p>
<p>“With factory owners and managers rapidly getting rich in China, angel investing has become pretty common,” Fan said. “Many are looking for where to put their earnings.”</p>
<p>The partners spent most of 2012 building the Tutonic website, which went live in late November. About 200 tutors and 40 students had joined by January.</p>
<p>“We’re generating transactions, so we’re well past proof of concept,” said Fan, now Tutonic’s CEO. He oversees the company’s six-member workforce at a small office in Manhattan.</p>
<p>The company is preparing a marketing thrust to sign up more participants, but the number of registered tutors and students is growing by about 3 percent per day, Beach said.</p>
<p>That includes a handful of teachers and pupils in Albuquerque, such as Nevin Bahadirli, a local K-12 math tutor who generally uses the national Internet-based brokering service WyzAnt.com. Bahadirli said she plans to switch all booking to Tutonic because its more convenient, and she pays much less in commissions.</p>
<p>“Parents have more direct control to book sessions with me, and the site automatically bills them afterwards,” she said.</p>
<p>Still, Bahadirli plans a gradual transfer to Tutonic to give the company time to grow.</p>
<p>“It’s still a startup, so I have to make sure I can get enough clients through Tutonic before making the switch,” she said.</p>
<p>For more information, visit <a href="http://www.tutonic.com" type="external">www.tutonic.com</a>.</p>
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three years graduating two become business partners manhattanbased online tutoring service allows teachers students find one another coordinate lessons billing via internet duke city buddies launched tutonic llc late november another cofounder kyle cromer theyre building national business plan go global years beginning inroads china angel investors already pumped 600000 company advertisement fan facilitated connection chinese angels dad entrepreneur south china said company advanced negotiations chinese venturecapital firm multimilliondollar investment finance tutonics global growth power education big deal among chinese families today said fan whose family originally taiwan wealthy want send kids us universities service allow children taught ivy league tutors thats big sell backers want open service china fans beachs rapid road albuquerque budding business big apple tale youthful determination critical importance networking entrepreneurial endeavors raw strength great idea beach 25 brainstormed tutonic concept studying masters degree statistics yale university went graduating 2009 unm bachelors pure mathematics albuquerque native supplemented income yale tutoring students tutoring agencies brokers provided clients charged 60 percent commission lesson beach alternatives find clients beyond distributing fliers campus posting announcements craigslistcom make 100 hour tutoring brokers taking 60 percent beach said addition agencies technology efficiently match compatible tutors students booking billing done outdated means referrals wordofmouth scheduling phone payments check journal beach earn second masters degree mathematics finance colombia university may thought could apply data analytics design socialmedia website monitors characteristics participating tutors students better match teachers pupils site would provide community space participants could meet students could select tutors want scheduling billing tasks would managed online advertisement beach already working fellow student mathematician michael page build consulting business provide data collection processing analysis services assetmanagement companies since become jampm statistical solutions llc provided technical expertise build tutonics algorithms 2011 beach asked cromer another student yale shared beachs vision tutonic join company cofounder cromer 25 agreed invest 20000 startup saw disruptive idea tutoring industry adds transparency business process traditionally opaque cromer said cases student calls tutoring broker agency arbitrarily assigns teacher agency gets per hour tutor gets charging upwards 60 percent commission contrast tutonic offers students opportunity learn many available tutors select want work cromer added addition tutonic charges 15 percent commission booked lesson cromer board beach returned albuquerque met old buddy fan accounting operations major earned degree unm 2009 advertisement like cromer fan 26 agreed invest 20000 tutonic also arranged company present business concept 20 wealthy individuals china leading 600000 commitment four angel investors fans father former employee national electric supply albuquerque owns lightingproducts factory china arranged meeting factory owners managers rapidly getting rich china angel investing become pretty common fan said many looking put earnings partners spent 2012 building tutonic website went live late november 200 tutors 40 students joined january generating transactions well past proof concept said fan tutonics ceo oversees companys sixmember workforce small office manhattan company preparing marketing thrust sign participants number registered tutors students growing 3 percent per day beach said includes handful teachers pupils albuquerque nevin bahadirli local k12 math tutor generally uses national internetbased brokering service wyzantcom bahadirli said plans switch booking tutonic convenient pays much less commissions parents direct control book sessions site automatically bills afterwards said still bahadirli plans gradual transfer tutonic give company time grow still startup make sure get enough clients tutonic making switch said information visit wwwtutoniccom
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<p>NEW YORK (AP) — Decades after she began investing, Diana Casey for the first time put money in mutual funds that favor companies with women in corner offices and otherwise aim to invest in a socially responsible way. Her inspiration? President Donald Trump.</p>
<p>A 49-year-old lawyer, she was turned off when then-candidate Trump insinuated the judge overseeing a lawsuit against Trump University may be biased because of his Mexican heritage. Judge Gonzalo Curiel is based in San Diego, Casey's hometown, and the legal community there is close. She also was saddened by comments Trump made about women, the disabled and other groups of people. After Trump captured the White House, Casey was feeling disgusted.</p>
<p>"It really flicked a switch that I need to be more involved and do more to get our country back on track," Casey said. "To me, that meant paying attention to where I put my money."</p>
<p>Using cash that was sitting in the bank, and shifting some funds in her Individual Retirement Account, Casey reconfigured her portfolio so that she now has about a third of her investments in socially responsible funds, up from zero before Trump was elected. Those investments include a fund that holds stocks in companies where women are well represented on the board and in executive offices.</p>
<p>Others have made a similar move, defying predictions that a Trump White House would have a chilling effect on the socially responsible investing industry. Last year, investors plugged $6.4 billion into socially responsible mutual funds and exchange-traded funds, according to Jon Hale, head of sustainable investing research at Morningstar. That's up 10 percent from 2016, and more than triple the rate of 2015.</p>
<p>The industry was already enjoying accelerating growth before Trump, and investment companies were rushing to open new funds that consider "environmental, social and governance" issues to tap into the demand. The term has become so widespread that many funds simply put "ESG" in their names for shorthand.</p>
<p>After Trump's election, though, the expectation was that a Republican-led Washington would enact policies at odds with ESG funds. It would favor the coal and oil industries, for example, which would undercut profits for the renewable energy companies at the heart of many environmentally focused funds.</p>
<p>Instead, dollars continued to flow into socially responsible investments, and the industry launched 39 mutual funds and ETFs last year, a record, said Hale. "More and more products are out there now, and everything is poised to see ongoing growth," he said.</p>
<p>Because much of the industry is so young, many funds have limited track records for measuring performance. One stereotype says that socially responsible investors need to sacrifice returns, but studies by Morningstar, Morgan Stanley and others in recent years have disputed that.</p>
<p>Researchers say that stocks of companies that score well on gender diversity have historically generated slightly better returns, for example. And companies with strong environmental, social and corporate-governance policies can have fewer incidents that can lead to sharp drops in stock price, such as an environmental disaster or business-practice scandal.</p>
<p>"I do think we're at a moment where the whole notion of the corporation is changing," said Joe Keefe, chief executive of Pax World Funds, which launched the country's first socially responsible mutual fund in 1971 and now manages about $4.7 billion. "I think companies understand that customers have the expectation that the company stand for something, has values."</p>
<p>Companies are increasingly taking their customers, employees and communities into consideration when making their decisions, not just their shareholders and the next quarter's results. And Wall Street is pushing them further along that path.</p>
<p>The CEO of BlackRock, the world's largest investment firm, sent a letter this month to his counterparts at the largest publicly traded companies telling them that "to prosper over time, every company must not only deliver financial performance, but also show how it makes a positive contribution to society."</p>
<p>That's what Judie Lincer, a 55-year-old naturalist educator, wanted to see when she moved about 40 percent of her investments into socially responsible funds following the election. She said she wanted her investments to be true to her goals for the environment, particularly when the White House is rolling back environmental regulations.</p>
<p>Lincer would have preferred to move 100 percent, but her husband, an environmental scientist, wanted to keep some money with their longtime financial adviser, who had them in traditional investments and had delivered solid returns.</p>
<p>Now that she's a year into her foray in socially responsible investing, does she feel like it's had any effect?</p>
<p>"I would say yes," she said. "Of course, I'm still plagued by the really negative things that are happening, but this is one thing I feel like I have control over, and that buys some peace of mind. And I'm walking the walk: I'm doing what I can to help."</p>
<p>NEW YORK (AP) — Decades after she began investing, Diana Casey for the first time put money in mutual funds that favor companies with women in corner offices and otherwise aim to invest in a socially responsible way. Her inspiration? President Donald Trump.</p>
<p>A 49-year-old lawyer, she was turned off when then-candidate Trump insinuated the judge overseeing a lawsuit against Trump University may be biased because of his Mexican heritage. Judge Gonzalo Curiel is based in San Diego, Casey's hometown, and the legal community there is close. She also was saddened by comments Trump made about women, the disabled and other groups of people. After Trump captured the White House, Casey was feeling disgusted.</p>
<p>"It really flicked a switch that I need to be more involved and do more to get our country back on track," Casey said. "To me, that meant paying attention to where I put my money."</p>
<p>Using cash that was sitting in the bank, and shifting some funds in her Individual Retirement Account, Casey reconfigured her portfolio so that she now has about a third of her investments in socially responsible funds, up from zero before Trump was elected. Those investments include a fund that holds stocks in companies where women are well represented on the board and in executive offices.</p>
<p>Others have made a similar move, defying predictions that a Trump White House would have a chilling effect on the socially responsible investing industry. Last year, investors plugged $6.4 billion into socially responsible mutual funds and exchange-traded funds, according to Jon Hale, head of sustainable investing research at Morningstar. That's up 10 percent from 2016, and more than triple the rate of 2015.</p>
<p>The industry was already enjoying accelerating growth before Trump, and investment companies were rushing to open new funds that consider "environmental, social and governance" issues to tap into the demand. The term has become so widespread that many funds simply put "ESG" in their names for shorthand.</p>
<p>After Trump's election, though, the expectation was that a Republican-led Washington would enact policies at odds with ESG funds. It would favor the coal and oil industries, for example, which would undercut profits for the renewable energy companies at the heart of many environmentally focused funds.</p>
<p>Instead, dollars continued to flow into socially responsible investments, and the industry launched 39 mutual funds and ETFs last year, a record, said Hale. "More and more products are out there now, and everything is poised to see ongoing growth," he said.</p>
<p>Because much of the industry is so young, many funds have limited track records for measuring performance. One stereotype says that socially responsible investors need to sacrifice returns, but studies by Morningstar, Morgan Stanley and others in recent years have disputed that.</p>
<p>Researchers say that stocks of companies that score well on gender diversity have historically generated slightly better returns, for example. And companies with strong environmental, social and corporate-governance policies can have fewer incidents that can lead to sharp drops in stock price, such as an environmental disaster or business-practice scandal.</p>
<p>"I do think we're at a moment where the whole notion of the corporation is changing," said Joe Keefe, chief executive of Pax World Funds, which launched the country's first socially responsible mutual fund in 1971 and now manages about $4.7 billion. "I think companies understand that customers have the expectation that the company stand for something, has values."</p>
<p>Companies are increasingly taking their customers, employees and communities into consideration when making their decisions, not just their shareholders and the next quarter's results. And Wall Street is pushing them further along that path.</p>
<p>The CEO of BlackRock, the world's largest investment firm, sent a letter this month to his counterparts at the largest publicly traded companies telling them that "to prosper over time, every company must not only deliver financial performance, but also show how it makes a positive contribution to society."</p>
<p>That's what Judie Lincer, a 55-year-old naturalist educator, wanted to see when she moved about 40 percent of her investments into socially responsible funds following the election. She said she wanted her investments to be true to her goals for the environment, particularly when the White House is rolling back environmental regulations.</p>
<p>Lincer would have preferred to move 100 percent, but her husband, an environmental scientist, wanted to keep some money with their longtime financial adviser, who had them in traditional investments and had delivered solid returns.</p>
<p>Now that she's a year into her foray in socially responsible investing, does she feel like it's had any effect?</p>
<p>"I would say yes," she said. "Of course, I'm still plagued by the really negative things that are happening, but this is one thing I feel like I have control over, and that buys some peace of mind. And I'm walking the walk: I'm doing what I can to help."</p>
| false | 2 |
new york ap decades began investing diana casey first time put money mutual funds favor companies women corner offices otherwise aim invest socially responsible way inspiration president donald trump 49yearold lawyer turned thencandidate trump insinuated judge overseeing lawsuit trump university may biased mexican heritage judge gonzalo curiel based san diego caseys hometown legal community close also saddened comments trump made women disabled groups people trump captured white house casey feeling disgusted really flicked switch need involved get country back track casey said meant paying attention put money using cash sitting bank shifting funds individual retirement account casey reconfigured portfolio third investments socially responsible funds zero trump elected investments include fund holds stocks companies women well represented board executive offices others made similar move defying predictions trump white house would chilling effect socially responsible investing industry last year investors plugged 64 billion socially responsible mutual funds exchangetraded funds according jon hale head sustainable investing research morningstar thats 10 percent 2016 triple rate 2015 industry already enjoying accelerating growth trump investment companies rushing open new funds consider environmental social governance issues tap demand term become widespread many funds simply put esg names shorthand trumps election though expectation republicanled washington would enact policies odds esg funds would favor coal oil industries example would undercut profits renewable energy companies heart many environmentally focused funds instead dollars continued flow socially responsible investments industry launched 39 mutual funds etfs last year record said hale products everything poised see ongoing growth said much industry young many funds limited track records measuring performance one stereotype says socially responsible investors need sacrifice returns studies morningstar morgan stanley others recent years disputed researchers say stocks companies score well gender diversity historically generated slightly better returns example companies strong environmental social corporategovernance policies fewer incidents lead sharp drops stock price environmental disaster businesspractice scandal think moment whole notion corporation changing said joe keefe chief executive pax world funds launched countrys first socially responsible mutual fund 1971 manages 47 billion think companies understand customers expectation company stand something values companies increasingly taking customers employees communities consideration making decisions shareholders next quarters results wall street pushing along path ceo blackrock worlds largest investment firm sent letter month counterparts largest publicly traded companies telling prosper time every company must deliver financial performance also show makes positive contribution society thats judie lincer 55yearold naturalist educator wanted see moved 40 percent investments socially responsible funds following election said wanted investments true goals environment particularly white house rolling back environmental regulations lincer would preferred move 100 percent husband environmental scientist wanted keep money longtime financial adviser traditional investments delivered solid returns shes year foray socially responsible investing feel like effect would say yes said course im still plagued really negative things happening one thing feel like control buys peace mind im walking walk im help new york ap decades began investing diana casey first time put money mutual funds favor companies women corner offices otherwise aim invest socially responsible way inspiration president donald trump 49yearold lawyer turned thencandidate trump insinuated judge overseeing lawsuit trump university may biased mexican heritage judge gonzalo curiel based san diego caseys hometown legal community close also saddened comments trump made women disabled groups people trump captured white house casey feeling disgusted really flicked switch need involved get country back track casey said meant paying attention put money using cash sitting bank shifting funds individual retirement account casey reconfigured portfolio third investments socially responsible funds zero trump elected investments include fund holds stocks companies women well represented board executive offices others made similar move defying predictions trump white house would chilling effect socially responsible investing industry last year investors plugged 64 billion socially responsible mutual funds exchangetraded funds according jon hale head sustainable investing research morningstar thats 10 percent 2016 triple rate 2015 industry already enjoying accelerating growth trump investment companies rushing open new funds consider environmental social governance issues tap demand term become widespread many funds simply put esg names shorthand trumps election though expectation republicanled washington would enact policies odds esg funds would favor coal oil industries example would undercut profits renewable energy companies heart many environmentally focused funds instead dollars continued flow socially responsible investments industry launched 39 mutual funds etfs last year record said hale products everything poised see ongoing growth said much industry young many funds limited track records measuring performance one stereotype says socially responsible investors need sacrifice returns studies morningstar morgan stanley others recent years disputed researchers say stocks companies score well gender diversity historically generated slightly better returns example companies strong environmental social corporategovernance policies fewer incidents lead sharp drops stock price environmental disaster businesspractice scandal think moment whole notion corporation changing said joe keefe chief executive pax world funds launched countrys first socially responsible mutual fund 1971 manages 47 billion think companies understand customers expectation company stand something values companies increasingly taking customers employees communities consideration making decisions shareholders next quarters results wall street pushing along path ceo blackrock worlds largest investment firm sent letter month counterparts largest publicly traded companies telling prosper time every company must deliver financial performance also show makes positive contribution society thats judie lincer 55yearold naturalist educator wanted see moved 40 percent investments socially responsible funds following election said wanted investments true goals environment particularly white house rolling back environmental regulations lincer would preferred move 100 percent husband environmental scientist wanted keep money longtime financial adviser traditional investments delivered solid returns shes year foray socially responsible investing feel like effect would say yes said course im still plagued really negative things happening one thing feel like control buys peace mind im walking walk im help
| 936 |
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama arrives in India this weekend anxious to take another step in moving the world’s two largest democracies beyond the deep tensions that have beset their relationship in recent years.</p>
<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington last fall appeared to ease some of the strain, with officials in both countries praising the easy chemistry between Modi and Obama. Yet the White House says it still was caught off guard when Modi invited Obama to be the first American president to attend India’s annual Republic Day festivities, which mark the day in 1950 that the country’s constitution came into force.</p>
<p>“It took us by some surprise,” said Ben Rhodes, Obama’s deputy national security adviser. “There’s a great affinity between the United States and India and our people, but there’s also a history that is complicated and that would have made it seem highly unlikely that a U.S. president would be sitting with India’s leaders at their Republic Day ceremony.”</p>
<p>After some internal deliberations, the White House accepted Modi’s offer. The president and first lady Michelle Obama arrive in New Delhi early Sunday for a three-day visit that also includes a fresh round of bilateral meetings with Modi, an economic summit with U.S. and Indian business leaders and a visit to India’s famed Taj Mahal.</p>
<p>Obama will be the first U.S. president to visit India twice while in office; he also traveled there in 2010 for an economic summit.</p>
<p>The president’s visit is expected to be heavy on symbolism and lighter on substantive advances, though climate change, economics and defense ties are all on the agenda. Indian political commentator Ashok Malik said expectations for concrete deliverables during the visit are “below the standards usually set by U.S. presidents when they travel across the world for a three-day visit.”</p>
<p>Still, U.S. and Indian officials appear to agree that even a symbolic show of solidarity between the leaders would be a sign of progress after recent difficulties.</p>
<p>While military cooperation and U.S. defense sales have grown, Washington has been frustrated by India’s failure to open up to more foreign investment and to address complaints alleging intellectual property violations. India’s liability legislation has also prevented U.S. companies from capitalizing on a landmark civil nuclear agreement between the two countries in 2008.</p>
<p>Relations hit a new low in 2013 when India’s deputy consul general, Devyani Khobragade, was arrested and strip-searched in New York over allegations that she lied on visa forms to bring her maid to the U.S. while paying the woman a pittance. The official’s treatment caused outrage in New Delhi, and India retaliated against U.S. diplomats.</p>
<p>For Modi, hosting Obama at the Republic Day parade caps off a year of high-profile diplomatic maneuvers by a leader who was once shunned by the international community and even denied a U.S. visa in 2005, three years after religious riots killed more than 1,000 Muslims in the Indian state where he was the top elected official.</p>
<p>The visit ties in neatly with Modi’s election promise that he would turn around Asia’s third-largest economy. And it could send a message to Pakistan and China — India’s closest neighbors and rivals — that Modi has a powerful ally in the United States.</p>
<p>“Modi has used the invitation as a way of signaling that the United States really looms large in his calculations for where he want to take India,” said Ashley Tellis, a senior associate at the Washington-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.</p>
<p>U.S. officials say they hope the improving relationship between Obama and Modi will have payoffs in the policy arena. The White House plans to push India on climate change, particularly after reaching a sweeping agreement with China on limiting carbon emissions. The president will also be accompanied on his trip by several U.S. business leaders in hopes of forging new partnerships with India.</p>
<p>The centerpiece of Obama’s visit will be Monday’s celebrations, which are partly a Soviet-style display of India’s military hardware and partly a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day-type parade with floats from across the country highlighting India’s cultural diversity.</p>
<p>The parade, once a huge attraction, has lost much of its sheen for India’s elite over the past decade. But it continues to draw tens of thousands of visitors eager to view the spectacle at least once in their lifetimes.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Naqvi reported from New Delhi. Follow Pace at <a href="http://twitter.com/jpaceDC" type="external">http://twitter.com/jpaceDC</a></p>
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama arrives in India this weekend anxious to take another step in moving the world’s two largest democracies beyond the deep tensions that have beset their relationship in recent years.</p>
<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington last fall appeared to ease some of the strain, with officials in both countries praising the easy chemistry between Modi and Obama. Yet the White House says it still was caught off guard when Modi invited Obama to be the first American president to attend India’s annual Republic Day festivities, which mark the day in 1950 that the country’s constitution came into force.</p>
<p>“It took us by some surprise,” said Ben Rhodes, Obama’s deputy national security adviser. “There’s a great affinity between the United States and India and our people, but there’s also a history that is complicated and that would have made it seem highly unlikely that a U.S. president would be sitting with India’s leaders at their Republic Day ceremony.”</p>
<p>After some internal deliberations, the White House accepted Modi’s offer. The president and first lady Michelle Obama arrive in New Delhi early Sunday for a three-day visit that also includes a fresh round of bilateral meetings with Modi, an economic summit with U.S. and Indian business leaders and a visit to India’s famed Taj Mahal.</p>
<p>Obama will be the first U.S. president to visit India twice while in office; he also traveled there in 2010 for an economic summit.</p>
<p>The president’s visit is expected to be heavy on symbolism and lighter on substantive advances, though climate change, economics and defense ties are all on the agenda. Indian political commentator Ashok Malik said expectations for concrete deliverables during the visit are “below the standards usually set by U.S. presidents when they travel across the world for a three-day visit.”</p>
<p>Still, U.S. and Indian officials appear to agree that even a symbolic show of solidarity between the leaders would be a sign of progress after recent difficulties.</p>
<p>While military cooperation and U.S. defense sales have grown, Washington has been frustrated by India’s failure to open up to more foreign investment and to address complaints alleging intellectual property violations. India’s liability legislation has also prevented U.S. companies from capitalizing on a landmark civil nuclear agreement between the two countries in 2008.</p>
<p>Relations hit a new low in 2013 when India’s deputy consul general, Devyani Khobragade, was arrested and strip-searched in New York over allegations that she lied on visa forms to bring her maid to the U.S. while paying the woman a pittance. The official’s treatment caused outrage in New Delhi, and India retaliated against U.S. diplomats.</p>
<p>For Modi, hosting Obama at the Republic Day parade caps off a year of high-profile diplomatic maneuvers by a leader who was once shunned by the international community and even denied a U.S. visa in 2005, three years after religious riots killed more than 1,000 Muslims in the Indian state where he was the top elected official.</p>
<p>The visit ties in neatly with Modi’s election promise that he would turn around Asia’s third-largest economy. And it could send a message to Pakistan and China — India’s closest neighbors and rivals — that Modi has a powerful ally in the United States.</p>
<p>“Modi has used the invitation as a way of signaling that the United States really looms large in his calculations for where he want to take India,” said Ashley Tellis, a senior associate at the Washington-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.</p>
<p>U.S. officials say they hope the improving relationship between Obama and Modi will have payoffs in the policy arena. The White House plans to push India on climate change, particularly after reaching a sweeping agreement with China on limiting carbon emissions. The president will also be accompanied on his trip by several U.S. business leaders in hopes of forging new partnerships with India.</p>
<p>The centerpiece of Obama’s visit will be Monday’s celebrations, which are partly a Soviet-style display of India’s military hardware and partly a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day-type parade with floats from across the country highlighting India’s cultural diversity.</p>
<p>The parade, once a huge attraction, has lost much of its sheen for India’s elite over the past decade. But it continues to draw tens of thousands of visitors eager to view the spectacle at least once in their lifetimes.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Naqvi reported from New Delhi. Follow Pace at <a href="http://twitter.com/jpaceDC" type="external">http://twitter.com/jpaceDC</a></p>
| false | 2 |
washington ap president barack obama arrives india weekend anxious take another step moving worlds two largest democracies beyond deep tensions beset relationship recent years indian prime minister narendra modis visit washington last fall appeared ease strain officials countries praising easy chemistry modi obama yet white house says still caught guard modi invited obama first american president attend indias annual republic day festivities mark day 1950 countrys constitution came force took us surprise said ben rhodes obamas deputy national security adviser theres great affinity united states india people theres also history complicated would made seem highly unlikely us president would sitting indias leaders republic day ceremony internal deliberations white house accepted modis offer president first lady michelle obama arrive new delhi early sunday threeday visit also includes fresh round bilateral meetings modi economic summit us indian business leaders visit indias famed taj mahal obama first us president visit india twice office also traveled 2010 economic summit presidents visit expected heavy symbolism lighter substantive advances though climate change economics defense ties agenda indian political commentator ashok malik said expectations concrete deliverables visit standards usually set us presidents travel across world threeday visit still us indian officials appear agree even symbolic show solidarity leaders would sign progress recent difficulties military cooperation us defense sales grown washington frustrated indias failure open foreign investment address complaints alleging intellectual property violations indias liability legislation also prevented us companies capitalizing landmark civil nuclear agreement two countries 2008 relations hit new low 2013 indias deputy consul general devyani khobragade arrested stripsearched new york allegations lied visa forms bring maid us paying woman pittance officials treatment caused outrage new delhi india retaliated us diplomats modi hosting obama republic day parade caps year highprofile diplomatic maneuvers leader shunned international community even denied us visa 2005 three years religious riots killed 1000 muslims indian state top elected official visit ties neatly modis election promise would turn around asias thirdlargest economy could send message pakistan china indias closest neighbors rivals modi powerful ally united states modi used invitation way signaling united states really looms large calculations want take india said ashley tellis senior associate washingtonbased carnegie endowment international peace us officials say hope improving relationship obama modi payoffs policy arena white house plans push india climate change particularly reaching sweeping agreement china limiting carbon emissions president also accompanied trip several us business leaders hopes forging new partnerships india centerpiece obamas visit mondays celebrations partly sovietstyle display indias military hardware partly macys thanksgiving daytype parade floats across country highlighting indias cultural diversity parade huge attraction lost much sheen indias elite past decade continues draw tens thousands visitors eager view spectacle least lifetimes ___ naqvi reported new delhi follow pace httptwittercomjpacedc washington ap president barack obama arrives india weekend anxious take another step moving worlds two largest democracies beyond deep tensions beset relationship recent years indian prime minister narendra modis visit washington last fall appeared ease strain officials countries praising easy chemistry modi obama yet white house says still caught guard modi invited obama first american president attend indias annual republic day festivities mark day 1950 countrys constitution came force took us surprise said ben rhodes obamas deputy national security adviser theres great affinity united states india people theres also history complicated would made seem highly unlikely us president would sitting indias leaders republic day ceremony internal deliberations white house accepted modis offer president first lady michelle obama arrive new delhi early sunday threeday visit also includes fresh round bilateral meetings modi economic summit us indian business leaders visit indias famed taj mahal obama first us president visit india twice office also traveled 2010 economic summit presidents visit expected heavy symbolism lighter substantive advances though climate change economics defense ties agenda indian political commentator ashok malik said expectations concrete deliverables visit standards usually set us presidents travel across world threeday visit still us indian officials appear agree even symbolic show solidarity leaders would sign progress recent difficulties military cooperation us defense sales grown washington frustrated indias failure open foreign investment address complaints alleging intellectual property violations indias liability legislation also prevented us companies capitalizing landmark civil nuclear agreement two countries 2008 relations hit new low 2013 indias deputy consul general devyani khobragade arrested stripsearched new york allegations lied visa forms bring maid us paying woman pittance officials treatment caused outrage new delhi india retaliated us diplomats modi hosting obama republic day parade caps year highprofile diplomatic maneuvers leader shunned international community even denied us visa 2005 three years religious riots killed 1000 muslims indian state top elected official visit ties neatly modis election promise would turn around asias thirdlargest economy could send message pakistan china indias closest neighbors rivals modi powerful ally united states modi used invitation way signaling united states really looms large calculations want take india said ashley tellis senior associate washingtonbased carnegie endowment international peace us officials say hope improving relationship obama modi payoffs policy arena white house plans push india climate change particularly reaching sweeping agreement china limiting carbon emissions president also accompanied trip several us business leaders hopes forging new partnerships india centerpiece obamas visit mondays celebrations partly sovietstyle display indias military hardware partly macys thanksgiving daytype parade floats across country highlighting indias cultural diversity parade huge attraction lost much sheen indias elite past decade continues draw tens thousands visitors eager view spectacle least lifetimes ___ naqvi reported new delhi follow pace httptwittercomjpacedc
| 894 |
<p>JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Leaders of South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC)met on Saturday to outline the party’s program for the coming year amid reports that its executive planned to force Jacob Zuma to quit as the country’s president.</p> FILE PHOTO: South Africa's President Jacob Zuma attends the 37th Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government in the capital, Pretoria, South Africa, August 19, 2017. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko/File Photo
<p>An ANC spokeswoman declined to comment on a report by broadcaster eNCA saying that its newly-elected National Executive Committee (NEC) had resolved to ask Zuma - whose presidency has been hit by corruption allegations - to resign.</p>
<p>If Zuma refused, he would be forced to step down by the party’s six-strong leadership group, eNCA said.</p>
<p>An anonymous member of the NEC - which met for the first time under new ANC leader Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday and Friday - was quoted by online news site News24 as saying the decision to force Zuma to resign had been unanimous.</p>
<p>The NEC made no mention of Zuma’s possible early exit in a statement after the first two days of a four-day meeting.</p>
<p>“We can’t confirm rumors of things that we don’t know. The NEC has issued a statement on the totality of discussions yesterday,” an ANC spokeswoman said.</p> DIVIDED PARTY
<p>Zuma retains the support of one part of the ANC leadership, but many others in the party argue that he has tarnished the image of Africa’s oldest liberation movement. While he has been in office, the economy has also slowed to a near-standstill.</p>
<p>Ramaphosa succeeded Zuma as ANC head last month, making him likely to replace Zuma as the country’s next president.</p>
<p>The party’s Secretary-General Ace Magashule said on Thursday that Zuma’s early removal as head of state was not on the agenda of the NEC meeting, which runs until Sunday.</p>
<p>But in recent days Ramaphosa has gone on the offensive against companies controlled by the Gupta family, businessmen friends of Zuma accused of unduly using political connections to win work with the state. Zuma, whose second term is due to run until 2019, has denied any wrongdoing, as have the Guptas.</p>
<p>That has fuelled speculation the new ANC leader and his allies are moving to lobby support for Zuma’s removal.</p>
<p>In its statement following the first half of the NEC meeting, the committee said officials led by Ramaphosa “will continue their engagement with President Jacob Zuma to ensure effective coordination between the ANC and government.”</p>
<p>The main agenda item for the second part of the meeting is the party’s program for the coming year.</p>
<p>Markets have rallied since Ramaphosa’s election as ANC leader in December, as investors have warmed to his promises to root out corruption and kick-start economic growth.</p>
<p>Any sign that Zuma could step down before his second presidential term ends in 2019 has tended to lift South African assets, including the rand currency <a href="/finance/currencies/quote?srcCurr=ZAR&amp;destCurr=USD" type="external">ZAR=D3</a>.</p> ESKOM BOARD CHANGE
<p>Separately, Ramaphosa announced the appointment of a new board at state-owned power utility Eskom and named Telkom’s ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=TKGJ.J" type="external">TKGJ.J</a>) chairman Jabu Mabuza as its new chairman.</p>
<p>Eskom [ESCJ.UL] has been in a leadership crisis after several board members, including the chairman and chief executive, resigned in 2017 amid growing governance concerns.</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=TKGJ.J" type="external">Telkom SA SOC Ltd</a> 5297.0 TKGJ.J Johannesburg Stock Exchange -104.00 (-1.93%) TKGJ.J
<p>The presidency said in a statement that the government has recommended the appointment of Phakamani Hadebe as acting group CEO of Eskom, with immediate effect.</p>
<p>“We are determined to address the damage that has been done to this institution and place it on a new path of efficiency and integrity,” Ramaphosa, who is also Chair of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on state-owned entities Reform, said.</p>
<p>Eskom, which supplies virtually all of the power for Africa’s most advanced economy, has been at the heart of allegations of illegality and undue influence in awarding tenders to the Gupta family.</p>
<p>The utility has delayed its interim results, a move that could see trading of its debt suspended in Johannesburg.</p>
<p>Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba said on Thursday the Treasury could not afford to bail Eskom out but would take action soon to tackle its difficulties.</p>
<p>Saturday’s appointments follow a meeting of Zuma, Ramaphosa, Public Enterprises Minister Lynne Brown and Gigaba on Friday to address urgent challenges at the company, the presidency said.</p>
<p>In a memorandum seen by Reuters, Eskom senior management urged Ramaphosa to intervene at the troubled utility, saying “it has been extremely painful for us to see our once highly regarded and top performing organization dragged from one reputational crisis to another.”</p>
<p>The new board has been directed to immediately remove all Eskom executives facing allegations of “serious corruption and other acts of impropriety”, the presidency said.</p>
<p>Editing by John Stonestreet and Alexander Smith</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>LONDON (Reuters) - London police investigated more murders than their New York counterparts did over the last two months, statistics show, as the British capital’s mayor vowed to fight a “violent scourge” on the streets.</p>
<p>There were 15 murders in London in February against 14 in New York, according to London’s Metropolitan Police Service and the New York Police Department. For March, 22 murders were investigated in London, with 21 reports in New York.</p>
<p>In the latest bloodshed, a 17-year-old girl died on Monday after she was found with gunshot wounds in Tottenham, north London, a day after a man was fatally stabbed in south London.</p>
<p>“The Mayor is deeply concerned by violent crime in the capital - every&#160;life lost to violent crime is a tragedy,” a spokeswoman for Mayor Sadiq Khan said in a statement on Tuesday.</p>
<p>“Our city remains one of the safest in the world ... but Sadiq wants it to be even safer and is working hard to bring an end to this violent scourge.”</p>
<p>Including January’s figures, New York had still experienced more murders so far this year than London. The cities have a similar-sized population.</p>
<p>Gun violence is much less of a problem in Britain, which has strict gun control laws, than in the United States, and most British police are not equipped with firearms.</p>
<p>But British politicians and police are increasingly expressing concern about London’s rising murder rate, which is driven by a surge in knife crime. Of the 47 murders in London so far this year, 31 have been committed with knives.</p>
<p>Britain’s interior ministry said it was consulting on new laws to further restrict dangerous weapons, including banning online stores from delivering knives to residential addresses and making it an offence to possess certain weapons in public.</p>
<p>“This government is taking action to restrict access to offensive weapons as well as working to break the deadly cycle of violence and protect our children, families and communities,” a Home Office spokesman said.</p> Forensic investigators examine a car on Chalgrove Road, where a teenage girl was murdered, in Tottenham, Britain, April 3, 2018. REUTERS/Toby Melville
<p>Khan, who has been in office since May 2016, is from the opposition Labour Party. Before him, Conservative Boris Johnson was mayor for eight years. The national government has been run by the Conservatives since 2010, with Prime Minister Theresa May previously serving as interior minister from 2010 to 2016.</p>
<p>Britain’s most senior officer, London police chief Cressida Dick, said gangs were using online platforms to glamorize violence, adding that disputes between young people could escalate within minutes on social media.</p>
<p>The Ben Kinsella Trust, an anti-knife crime charity named after a young victim, said social media amplified a range of other factors that have contributed to the crisis.</p>
<p>The charity’s CEO Patrick Green said there had been extra funding to tackle knife crime, which he welcomed, but added that the government needed to act with more urgency and that budget cuts affecting youth services had played a part.</p> Slideshow (6 Images)
<p>“This has been a horrendous year. It’s looking like it’ll be worse that last year, which was worse than the year before,” he told Reuters.</p>
<p>“The response so far has been too slow... It feels like we’re in a crisis and we need to respond in that way.”</p>
<p>Reporting by Alistair Smout; editing by Stephen Addison and Estelle Shirbon</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>LIMA (Reuters) - Peru’s new foreign minister said on Tuesday that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was still not welcome to attend a regional summit in Lima next week, upholding a decision by Peru’s disgraced former president.</p> Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro speaks during a meeting with the ministers responsible for the economic sector at Miraflores Palace in Caracas, Venezuela March 22, 2018. REUTERS/Marco Bello
<p>U.S. President Donald Trump and heads of state from across the Western Hemisphere plan to travel to Peru for the Summit of the Americas, which will celebrate the theme “democratic governance fighting corruption” from April 13-14.</p>
<p>In his first speech as Peru’s foreign minister, Nestor Popolizio said Peru’s decision not to invite Maduro to the event reflects the view of a dozen countries that have been pressuring Venezuela to hold free and fair elections.</p>
<p>Maduro’s refusal to heed calls for democratic reforms “negates even the slightest notion of democracy and represents an insurmountable impediment to taking part in the Summit of the Americas,” Popolizio said before a crowd of diplomats and journalists in the foreign ministry.</p>
<p>“This is a firm decision that is not up for revision,” Popolizio said.</p>
<p>Maduro has vowed to attend the Summit of the Americas despite Peru’s ban, which the center-right government of former president Pedro Pablo Kuczynski announced in February. Maduro says Latin America’s right-leaning governments are part of a U.S.-led international conspiracy to topple him and take control of Venezuela’s oil resources.</p>
<p>Kuczynski had been one of Maduro’s most outspoken critics, calling him a “dictator” and demanding he step down.</p>
<p>But Kuczynski resigned after a scandal last month and was replaced by his vice president, Martin Vizcarra. Vizcarra declined to weigh in on Maduro and the summit last week, saying he would leave it up to the foreign ministry.</p>
<p>Reporting By Reuters TV and Mitra Taj, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>RIYADH (Reuters) - King Salman reiterated Saudi Arabia’s support for a Palestinian state after his son and heir apparent said Israelis were entitled to live peacefully on their own land - a rare statement by an Arab leader.</p> Saudi Arabia's King Salman attends a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin (not in the picture) in the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia October 5, 2017. REUTERS/Yuri Kadobnov/Pool
<p>The king also emphasized the need to advance the peace process in a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday night, made after Israeli security forces killed 16 Palestinians last week during a demonstration along the Israel-Gaza border. The number rose to 17 on Tuesday.</p>
<p>King Salman reaffirmed “the kingdom’s steadfast position toward the Palestinian issue and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital”, state news agency SPA said on Tuesday.</p>
<p>Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas praised King Salman, thanking him for his support.</p>
<p>“President Abbas expressed his gratitude and appreciation ... for his supportive positions of the Palestinian people, the Palestinian cause and the cause of Jerusalem and its sacred sites,” said a statement published by the official Palestinian WAFA news agency.</p>
<p>Abbas also praised Saudi Arabia for continuing to support the right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital, the statement said.</p>
<p>The report did not refer to the comments by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in an interview published on Monday by U.S. magazine The Atlantic, which are the latest public sign that ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel may be growing closer.</p>
<p>Asked if he believes the Jewish people have a right to a nation-state in at least part of their ancestral homeland, Prince Mohammed was quoted as saying:</p>
<p>“I believe the Palestinians and the Israelis have the right to have their own land. But we have to have a peace agreement to assure the stability for everyone and to have normal relations.”</p>
<p>Saudi Arabia, birthplace of Islam and home to its holiest shrines, does not recognize Israel. It has maintained for years that normalizing relations hinges on Israeli withdrawal from Arab lands captured in the 1967 Middle East war, territory Palestinians seek for a future state.</p>
<p>Increased tension between Riyadh and Tehran has fueled speculation that shared interests may push Saudi Arabia and Israel to work together against what they see as a common Iranian threat.</p>
<p>Reporting By Stephen Kalin; editing by David Stamp and Diane Craft</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia’s foreign intelligence agency chief Sergei Naryshkin said on Wednesday that Washington’s actions toward Russia mean its possible to start speaking of a return to the Cold War era.</p> Sergey Naryshkin, the head of Russia’s foreign intelligence agency, delivers a speech during the annual Moscow Conference on International Security (MCIS) in Moscow, Russia April 4, 2018. REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin
<p>“Washington has become fixated with the fight against a non-existent, so-called Russian threat. This has reached such proportions and acquired such absurd characteristics that it’s possible to speak of a return to the dark times of the Cold War,” the spy chief said, speaking at a security conference in Moscow.</p>
<p>Reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin; Writing by Polina Ivanova</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
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johannesburg reuters leaders south africas ruling african national congress ancmet saturday outline partys program coming year amid reports executive planned force jacob zuma quit countrys president file photo south africas president jacob zuma attends 37th ordinary sadc summit heads state government capital pretoria south africa august 19 2017 reuterssiphiwe sibekofile photo anc spokeswoman declined comment report broadcaster enca saying newlyelected national executive committee nec resolved ask zuma whose presidency hit corruption allegations resign zuma refused would forced step partys sixstrong leadership group enca said anonymous member nec met first time new anc leader cyril ramaphosa thursday friday quoted online news site news24 saying decision force zuma resign unanimous nec made mention zumas possible early exit statement first two days fourday meeting cant confirm rumors things dont know nec issued statement totality discussions yesterday anc spokeswoman said divided party zuma retains support one part anc leadership many others party argue tarnished image africas oldest liberation movement office economy also slowed nearstandstill ramaphosa succeeded zuma anc head last month making likely replace zuma countrys next president partys secretarygeneral ace magashule said thursday zumas early removal head state agenda nec meeting runs sunday recent days ramaphosa gone offensive companies controlled gupta family businessmen friends zuma accused unduly using political connections win work state zuma whose second term due run 2019 denied wrongdoing guptas fuelled speculation new anc leader allies moving lobby support zumas removal statement following first half nec meeting committee said officials led ramaphosa continue engagement president jacob zuma ensure effective coordination anc government main agenda item second part meeting partys program coming year markets rallied since ramaphosas election anc leader december investors warmed promises root corruption kickstart economic growth sign zuma could step second presidential term ends 2019 tended lift south african assets including rand currency zard3 eskom board change separately ramaphosa announced appointment new board stateowned power utility eskom named telkoms tkgjj chairman jabu mabuza new chairman eskom escjul leadership crisis several board members including chairman chief executive resigned 2017 amid growing governance concerns telkom sa soc ltd 52970 tkgjj johannesburg stock exchange 10400 193 tkgjj presidency said statement government recommended appointment phakamani hadebe acting group ceo eskom immediate effect determined address damage done institution place new path efficiency integrity ramaphosa also chair interministerial committee stateowned entities reform said eskom supplies virtually power africas advanced economy heart allegations illegality undue influence awarding tenders gupta family utility delayed interim results move could see trading debt suspended johannesburg finance minister malusi gigaba said thursday treasury could afford bail eskom would take action soon tackle difficulties saturdays appointments follow meeting zuma ramaphosa public enterprises minister lynne brown gigaba friday address urgent challenges company presidency said memorandum seen reuters eskom senior management urged ramaphosa intervene troubled utility saying extremely painful us see highly regarded top performing organization dragged one reputational crisis another new board directed immediately remove eskom executives facing allegations serious corruption acts impropriety presidency said editing john stonestreet alexander smith standards thomson reuters trust principles london reuters london police investigated murders new york counterparts last two months statistics show british capitals mayor vowed fight violent scourge streets 15 murders london february 14 new york according londons metropolitan police service new york police department march 22 murders investigated london 21 reports new york latest bloodshed 17yearold girl died monday found gunshot wounds tottenham north london day man fatally stabbed south london mayor deeply concerned violent crime capital every160life lost violent crime tragedy spokeswoman mayor sadiq khan said statement tuesday city remains one safest world sadiq wants even safer working hard bring end violent scourge including januarys figures new york still experienced murders far year london cities similarsized population gun violence much less problem britain strict gun control laws united states british police equipped firearms british politicians police increasingly expressing concern londons rising murder rate driven surge knife crime 47 murders london far year 31 committed knives britains interior ministry said consulting new laws restrict dangerous weapons including banning online stores delivering knives residential addresses making offence possess certain weapons public government taking action restrict access offensive weapons well working break deadly cycle violence protect children families communities home office spokesman said forensic investigators examine car chalgrove road teenage girl murdered tottenham britain april 3 2018 reuterstoby melville khan office since may 2016 opposition labour party conservative boris johnson mayor eight years national government run conservatives since 2010 prime minister theresa may previously serving interior minister 2010 2016 britains senior officer london police chief cressida dick said gangs using online platforms glamorize violence adding disputes young people could escalate within minutes social media ben kinsella trust antiknife crime charity named young victim said social media amplified range factors contributed crisis charitys ceo patrick green said extra funding tackle knife crime welcomed added government needed act urgency budget cuts affecting youth services played part slideshow 6 images horrendous year looking like itll worse last year worse year told reuters response far slow feels like crisis need respond way reporting alistair smout editing stephen addison estelle shirbon standards thomson reuters trust principles lima reuters perus new foreign minister said tuesday venezuelan president nicolas maduro still welcome attend regional summit lima next week upholding decision perus disgraced former president venezuelas president nicolas maduro speaks meeting ministers responsible economic sector miraflores palace caracas venezuela march 22 2018 reutersmarco bello us president donald trump heads state across western hemisphere plan travel peru summit americas celebrate theme democratic governance fighting corruption april 1314 first speech perus foreign minister nestor popolizio said perus decision invite maduro event reflects view dozen countries pressuring venezuela hold free fair elections maduros refusal heed calls democratic reforms negates even slightest notion democracy represents insurmountable impediment taking part summit americas popolizio said crowd diplomats journalists foreign ministry firm decision revision popolizio said maduro vowed attend summit americas despite perus ban centerright government former president pedro pablo kuczynski announced february maduro says latin americas rightleaning governments part usled international conspiracy topple take control venezuelas oil resources kuczynski one maduros outspoken critics calling dictator demanding step kuczynski resigned scandal last month replaced vice president martin vizcarra vizcarra declined weigh maduro summit last week saying would leave foreign ministry reporting reuters tv mitra taj editing rosalba obrien standards thomson reuters trust principles riyadh reuters king salman reiterated saudi arabias support palestinian state son heir apparent said israelis entitled live peacefully land rare statement arab leader saudi arabias king salman attends meeting russian president vladimir putin picture kremlin moscow russia october 5 2017 reutersyuri kadobnovpool king also emphasized need advance peace process phone call us president donald trump monday night made israeli security forces killed 16 palestinians last week demonstration along israelgaza border number rose 17 tuesday king salman reaffirmed kingdoms steadfast position toward palestinian issue legitimate rights palestinian people independent state jerusalem capital state news agency spa said tuesday palestinian president mahmoud abbas praised king salman thanking support president abbas expressed gratitude appreciation supportive positions palestinian people palestinian cause cause jerusalem sacred sites said statement published official palestinian wafa news agency abbas also praised saudi arabia continuing support right palestinian people establish independent state east jerusalem capital statement said report refer comments crown prince mohammed bin salman interview published monday us magazine atlantic latest public sign ties saudi arabia israel may growing closer asked believes jewish people right nationstate least part ancestral homeland prince mohammed quoted saying believe palestinians israelis right land peace agreement assure stability everyone normal relations saudi arabia birthplace islam home holiest shrines recognize israel maintained years normalizing relations hinges israeli withdrawal arab lands captured 1967 middle east war territory palestinians seek future state increased tension riyadh tehran fueled speculation shared interests may push saudi arabia israel work together see common iranian threat reporting stephen kalin editing david stamp diane craft standards thomson reuters trust principles moscow reuters russias foreign intelligence agency chief sergei naryshkin said wednesday washingtons actions toward russia mean possible start speaking return cold war era sergey naryshkin head russias foreign intelligence agency delivers speech annual moscow conference international security mcis moscow russia april 4 2018 reuterssergei karpukhin washington become fixated fight nonexistent socalled russian threat reached proportions acquired absurd characteristics possible speak return dark times cold war spy chief said speaking security conference moscow reporting vladimir soldatkin writing polina ivanova standards thomson reuters trust principles
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<p>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Crews grappling with vexing wildfires that have charred hundreds of square miles of land in four states and killed six people soon may get a bit of a break: Winds are forecast to ease from the gusts that whipped the flames.</p>
<p>Bill Bunting, forecast operations chief for the Oklahoma-based Storm Prediction Center, said Tuesday the powerful wind gusts that fanned the wildfires in Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma and Texas should diminish to about 10 to 20 mph on Wednesday. He said temperatures should top in the 70s, with afternoon humidity low.</p>
<p>“These conditions will make it somewhat easier for firefighting efforts, but far from perfect. The fires still will be moving,” Bunting told The Associated Press. “The ideal situation is that it would turn cold and rain, and unfortunately that’s not going to happen.”</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>In addition to those four states, conditions were ripe for fires in Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska. That followed powerful thunderstorms that moved through the middle of the country overnight, spawning dozens of suspected tornadoes, according to the National Weather Service.</p>
<p>Kansas wildfires have burned about 625 square miles of land and killed one person. The Kansas Highway Patrol said Corey Holt, of Oklahoma City, died Monday when his tractor-trailer jackknifed as he tried to back up because of poor visibility on a Kansas highway, and he succumbed to smoke after getting out of his vehicle. Two SUVs crashed into the truck, injuring six people, state trooper Michael Racy said.</p>
<p>Most of the state’s charred land is in Clark County, where 30 structures were damaged, said Allison Kuhns, a county emergency management office spokeswoman. About half of those structures are near Englewood, one of two communities evacuated. Kuhns said there also have been significant cattle losses as entire ranches were engulfed.</p>
<p>That fire started in Oklahoma, where it burned an estimated 390 square miles in Beaver County. Officials say a separate blaze scorched more than 155 square miles of land in neighboring Harper County, Oklahoma, and was a factor in the death of a woman who had a heart attack while trying to keep her farm near Buffalo from burning.</p>
<p>Cattle graze by a wildfire near Protection, Kan., early Tuesday. (Bo Rader/The Wichita Eagle)</p>
<p>The largest evacuations elsewhere were in Reno County, Kansas, where 10,000 to 12,000 people voluntarily left their homes Monday night, said Katie Horner, a state Department of Emergency Management spokeswoman. She said 66 people were in shelters Tuesday in Hutchinson, 40 miles northwest of Wichita.</p>
<p>Among them was Shelley Wilson, who fled Monday with her disabled son and pets from a blaze encircling her farm outside of Hutchinson. She returned later that night with her adult daughter to retrieve her tractor.</p>
<p>“I don’t know if I have a home,” Wilson said at the shelter Tuesday as her daughter did her best to lighten her mood. “In case I needed to rebuild, I wanted to at least have my tractor.”</p>
<p>Retiree Sheryl Stessen said she grabbed her cat and fled her apartment on the outskirts of Hutchinson when she saw the fire quickly go from a puff of smoke to a big, orange ball.</p>
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<p>“Most of us are generally grumpy,” she said Tuesday. “I just want to go home.”</p>
<p>Several hundred more people evacuated their homes in Russell, Ellsworth and Comanche counties, in central Kansas.</p>
<p>In the Texas Panhandle, three fires burned about 500 square miles of land and killed at least four people. One of them near Amarillo threatened about 150 homes, while a larger fire in the northeast corner of the Panhandle near the Oklahoma border was 50 percent contained as of late Tuesday morning, according to Texas A&amp;M Forest Service. That larger fire was responsible for a death on Monday, authorities said Tuesday without providing details.</p>
<p>A wildfire in Gray County, also in the Texas Panhandle, killed three ranch hands trying to save cattle, said Judge Richard Peet, the county’s head administrator. One of the three apparently died of smoke inhalation Monday night and the other two were badly burned and died on the way to hospitals, he said.</p>
<p>Forest Service spokesman Phillip Truitt said as many as four firefighters were hurt battling the fires Monday. He provided no details on their conditions Tuesday morning.</p>
<p>In northeastern Colorado near the Nebraska border, firefighters battled a blaze that burned more than 45 square miles and was 50 percent contained Tuesday. Officials said the fire had destroyed at least five homes and 15 outbuildings, with no serious injuries.</p>
<p>Dry conditions and strong winds had put the region at risk for wildfires. All of eastern Colorado is classified as either moderately or abnormally dry along with major parts of Kansas, almost all of Oklahoma and some of northern Texas, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.</p>
<p>After several years of drought, Kansas got good to great rain the last two summers. But the taller grass provides more fuel to burn.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Suhr reported from Kansas City, Missouri. Associated Press writers Heather Hollingsworth in Kansas City, Missouri; John Hanna in Topeka, Kansas; Dave Warren in Dallas; and Colleen Slevin in Denver contributed to this report.</p>
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hutchinson kan crews grappling vexing wildfires charred hundreds square miles land four states killed six people soon may get bit break winds forecast ease gusts whipped flames bill bunting forecast operations chief oklahomabased storm prediction center said tuesday powerful wind gusts fanned wildfires kansas colorado oklahoma texas diminish 10 20 mph wednesday said temperatures top 70s afternoon humidity low conditions make somewhat easier firefighting efforts far perfect fires still moving bunting told associated press ideal situation would turn cold rain unfortunately thats going happen advertisement addition four states conditions ripe fires iowa missouri nebraska followed powerful thunderstorms moved middle country overnight spawning dozens suspected tornadoes according national weather service kansas wildfires burned 625 square miles land killed one person kansas highway patrol said corey holt oklahoma city died monday tractortrailer jackknifed tried back poor visibility kansas highway succumbed smoke getting vehicle two suvs crashed truck injuring six people state trooper michael racy said states charred land clark county 30 structures damaged said allison kuhns county emergency management office spokeswoman half structures near englewood one two communities evacuated kuhns said also significant cattle losses entire ranches engulfed fire started oklahoma burned estimated 390 square miles beaver county officials say separate blaze scorched 155 square miles land neighboring harper county oklahoma factor death woman heart attack trying keep farm near buffalo burning cattle graze wildfire near protection kan early tuesday bo raderthe wichita eagle largest evacuations elsewhere reno county kansas 10000 12000 people voluntarily left homes monday night said katie horner state department emergency management spokeswoman said 66 people shelters tuesday hutchinson 40 miles northwest wichita among shelley wilson fled monday disabled son pets blaze encircling farm outside hutchinson returned later night adult daughter retrieve tractor dont know home wilson said shelter tuesday daughter best lighten mood case needed rebuild wanted least tractor retiree sheryl stessen said grabbed cat fled apartment outskirts hutchinson saw fire quickly go puff smoke big orange ball advertisement us generally grumpy said tuesday want go home several hundred people evacuated homes russell ellsworth comanche counties central kansas texas panhandle three fires burned 500 square miles land killed least four people one near amarillo threatened 150 homes larger fire northeast corner panhandle near oklahoma border 50 percent contained late tuesday morning according texas aampm forest service larger fire responsible death monday authorities said tuesday without providing details wildfire gray county also texas panhandle killed three ranch hands trying save cattle said judge richard peet countys head administrator one three apparently died smoke inhalation monday night two badly burned died way hospitals said forest service spokesman phillip truitt said many four firefighters hurt battling fires monday provided details conditions tuesday morning northeastern colorado near nebraska border firefighters battled blaze burned 45 square miles 50 percent contained tuesday officials said fire destroyed least five homes 15 outbuildings serious injuries dry conditions strong winds put region risk wildfires eastern colorado classified either moderately abnormally dry along major parts kansas almost oklahoma northern texas according us drought monitor several years drought kansas got good great rain last two summers taller grass provides fuel burn ___ suhr reported kansas city missouri associated press writers heather hollingsworth kansas city missouri john hanna topeka kansas dave warren dallas colleen slevin denver contributed report
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<p>ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — In the case of a man arrested numerous times on domestic violence charges, the New Mexico Supreme Court has determined that prosecutors should have been allowed to use previous statements made by the victim despite her later decision not to testify.</p>
<p>At issue was the constitutional right for a defendant to be able to confront an accuser. That right can be forfeited as a result of wrongdoing by the defendant to keep a victim or witness from testifying, but up for debate was whether that wrongdoing has to come in the form of a blatant threat.</p>
<p>The court in an <a href="http://www.nmcompcomm.us/nmcases/nmsc/slips/SC34,798.pdf" type="external">opinion</a> issued Monday clarified that coercion and intimidation can have the same result as making an overt threat to ensure a victim's silence. The case was ordered back to the district court for further proceedings.</p>
<p>The ruling stems from domestic violence charges that were first leveled against Joshua Maestas in 2009. At the time, prosecutors sought to keep him in custody and cited a history of domestic violence that included being arrested seven times between 2003 and 2009.</p>
<p>The charges were eventually dropped as the victim declined to testify about the 2009 incident despite making earlier statements to police and testifying before a grand jury. Prosecutors sought to use her original statements, arguing that Maestas forfeited his right to cross-examine her at trial because he allegedly intimidated her in phone conversations they had while he was locked up.</p>
<p>The Supreme Court reviewed the recorded conversations, citing in the opinion some profanity-laced calls in which the defendant made threats and asked the victim to lie.</p>
<p>"In many cases, the basic question to be answered ... is simply whether the defendant has actively applied pressure by persuasion, coercion, intimidation, or otherwise, that may interfere with a witness's availability or willingness to testify," the opinion states.</p>
<p>The court said the exception of forfeiture-by-wrongdoing applies to "any conduct intended to interfere with or undermine the judicial process."</p>
<p>Maestas' attorney, Leon Felipe Encinias, was in court Tuesday and not immediately available for comment.</p>
<p>State prosecutors and victim advocates consider the opinion a positive step in the fight against domestic violence.</p>
<p>"Attorney General (Hector) Balderas commends the court for recognizing that the coercive and threatening power dynamic that we often see domestic violence and human trafficking cases cannot be further utilized as a tool by defendants to thwart the judicial process and re-victimize survivors of these horrific crimes," said James Hallinan, a spokesman for the attorney general's office.</p>
<p>Fear is often what keeps women from testifying in domestic violence cases, said Sheila Lewis, director of Santa Fe Safe. She said the case considered by the Supreme Court provides a good example of the kinds of intimidation women can face.</p>
<p>Lewis said New Mexico has one of the highest rates of domestic violence in the U.S. and there's no indication that things are improving.</p>
<p>"I think social problems add to the problem of domestic violence but unfortunately domestic violence is a universal problem," she said. "People with money and without money, people with mental health issues and without perpetrate domestic violence on people they should be showing love to."</p>
<p>The most recent <a href="https://nnedv.org/content/domestic-violence-counts-11th-annual-census-report/" type="external">data</a> available from a survey of domestic violence service programs across the country shows that in New Mexico, there were more than 1,000 victims served in a single day in 2016 through emergency shelters, transitional housing, counseling and legal aid. In that same 24-hour period, local and state hotline staff answered 157 calls.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>This version corrects the spelling of the first name of the Santa Fe Safe director, it is Sheila not Shelia.</p>
<p>ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — In the case of a man arrested numerous times on domestic violence charges, the New Mexico Supreme Court has determined that prosecutors should have been allowed to use previous statements made by the victim despite her later decision not to testify.</p>
<p>At issue was the constitutional right for a defendant to be able to confront an accuser. That right can be forfeited as a result of wrongdoing by the defendant to keep a victim or witness from testifying, but up for debate was whether that wrongdoing has to come in the form of a blatant threat.</p>
<p>The court in an <a href="http://www.nmcompcomm.us/nmcases/nmsc/slips/SC34,798.pdf" type="external">opinion</a> issued Monday clarified that coercion and intimidation can have the same result as making an overt threat to ensure a victim's silence. The case was ordered back to the district court for further proceedings.</p>
<p>The ruling stems from domestic violence charges that were first leveled against Joshua Maestas in 2009. At the time, prosecutors sought to keep him in custody and cited a history of domestic violence that included being arrested seven times between 2003 and 2009.</p>
<p>The charges were eventually dropped as the victim declined to testify about the 2009 incident despite making earlier statements to police and testifying before a grand jury. Prosecutors sought to use her original statements, arguing that Maestas forfeited his right to cross-examine her at trial because he allegedly intimidated her in phone conversations they had while he was locked up.</p>
<p>The Supreme Court reviewed the recorded conversations, citing in the opinion some profanity-laced calls in which the defendant made threats and asked the victim to lie.</p>
<p>"In many cases, the basic question to be answered ... is simply whether the defendant has actively applied pressure by persuasion, coercion, intimidation, or otherwise, that may interfere with a witness's availability or willingness to testify," the opinion states.</p>
<p>The court said the exception of forfeiture-by-wrongdoing applies to "any conduct intended to interfere with or undermine the judicial process."</p>
<p>Maestas' attorney, Leon Felipe Encinias, was in court Tuesday and not immediately available for comment.</p>
<p>State prosecutors and victim advocates consider the opinion a positive step in the fight against domestic violence.</p>
<p>"Attorney General (Hector) Balderas commends the court for recognizing that the coercive and threatening power dynamic that we often see domestic violence and human trafficking cases cannot be further utilized as a tool by defendants to thwart the judicial process and re-victimize survivors of these horrific crimes," said James Hallinan, a spokesman for the attorney general's office.</p>
<p>Fear is often what keeps women from testifying in domestic violence cases, said Sheila Lewis, director of Santa Fe Safe. She said the case considered by the Supreme Court provides a good example of the kinds of intimidation women can face.</p>
<p>Lewis said New Mexico has one of the highest rates of domestic violence in the U.S. and there's no indication that things are improving.</p>
<p>"I think social problems add to the problem of domestic violence but unfortunately domestic violence is a universal problem," she said. "People with money and without money, people with mental health issues and without perpetrate domestic violence on people they should be showing love to."</p>
<p>The most recent <a href="https://nnedv.org/content/domestic-violence-counts-11th-annual-census-report/" type="external">data</a> available from a survey of domestic violence service programs across the country shows that in New Mexico, there were more than 1,000 victims served in a single day in 2016 through emergency shelters, transitional housing, counseling and legal aid. In that same 24-hour period, local and state hotline staff answered 157 calls.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>This version corrects the spelling of the first name of the Santa Fe Safe director, it is Sheila not Shelia.</p>
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albuquerque nm ap case man arrested numerous times domestic violence charges new mexico supreme court determined prosecutors allowed use previous statements made victim despite later decision testify issue constitutional right defendant able confront accuser right forfeited result wrongdoing defendant keep victim witness testifying debate whether wrongdoing come form blatant threat court opinion issued monday clarified coercion intimidation result making overt threat ensure victims silence case ordered back district court proceedings ruling stems domestic violence charges first leveled joshua maestas 2009 time prosecutors sought keep custody cited history domestic violence included arrested seven times 2003 2009 charges eventually dropped victim declined testify 2009 incident despite making earlier statements police testifying grand jury prosecutors sought use original statements arguing maestas forfeited right crossexamine trial allegedly intimidated phone conversations locked supreme court reviewed recorded conversations citing opinion profanitylaced calls defendant made threats asked victim lie many cases basic question answered simply whether defendant actively applied pressure persuasion coercion intimidation otherwise may interfere witnesss availability willingness testify opinion states court said exception forfeiturebywrongdoing applies conduct intended interfere undermine judicial process maestas attorney leon felipe encinias court tuesday immediately available comment state prosecutors victim advocates consider opinion positive step fight domestic violence attorney general hector balderas commends court recognizing coercive threatening power dynamic often see domestic violence human trafficking cases utilized tool defendants thwart judicial process revictimize survivors horrific crimes said james hallinan spokesman attorney generals office fear often keeps women testifying domestic violence cases said sheila lewis director santa fe safe said case considered supreme court provides good example kinds intimidation women face lewis said new mexico one highest rates domestic violence us theres indication things improving think social problems add problem domestic violence unfortunately domestic violence universal problem said people money without money people mental health issues without perpetrate domestic violence people showing love recent data available survey domestic violence service programs across country shows new mexico 1000 victims served single day 2016 emergency shelters transitional housing counseling legal aid 24hour period local state hotline staff answered 157 calls ___ version corrects spelling first name santa fe safe director sheila shelia albuquerque nm ap case man arrested numerous times domestic violence charges new mexico supreme court determined prosecutors allowed use previous statements made victim despite later decision testify issue constitutional right defendant able confront accuser right forfeited result wrongdoing defendant keep victim witness testifying debate whether wrongdoing come form blatant threat court opinion issued monday clarified coercion intimidation result making overt threat ensure victims silence case ordered back district court proceedings ruling stems domestic violence charges first leveled joshua maestas 2009 time prosecutors sought keep custody cited history domestic violence included arrested seven times 2003 2009 charges eventually dropped victim declined testify 2009 incident despite making earlier statements police testifying grand jury prosecutors sought use original statements arguing maestas forfeited right crossexamine trial allegedly intimidated phone conversations locked supreme court reviewed recorded conversations citing opinion profanitylaced calls defendant made threats asked victim lie many cases basic question answered simply whether defendant actively applied pressure persuasion coercion intimidation otherwise may interfere witnesss availability willingness testify opinion states court said exception forfeiturebywrongdoing applies conduct intended interfere undermine judicial process maestas attorney leon felipe encinias court tuesday immediately available comment state prosecutors victim advocates consider opinion positive step fight domestic violence attorney general hector balderas commends court recognizing coercive threatening power dynamic often see domestic violence human trafficking cases utilized tool defendants thwart judicial process revictimize survivors horrific crimes said james hallinan spokesman attorney generals office fear often keeps women testifying domestic violence cases said sheila lewis director santa fe safe said case considered supreme court provides good example kinds intimidation women face lewis said new mexico one highest rates domestic violence us theres indication things improving think social problems add problem domestic violence unfortunately domestic violence universal problem said people money without money people mental health issues without perpetrate domestic violence people showing love recent data available survey domestic violence service programs across country shows new mexico 1000 victims served single day 2016 emergency shelters transitional housing counseling legal aid 24hour period local state hotline staff answered 157 calls ___ version corrects spelling first name santa fe safe director sheila shelia
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<p>BEIJING (AP) — Authorities in northern China’s coal country have demolished a well-known Christian mega-church, underscoring long-standing tensions between religious groups and the officially atheistic Communist Party.</p>
<p>Witnesses and overseas activists say paramilitary People’s Armed Police forces used excavators and dynamite on Tuesday to destroy the Golden Lampstand Church in the city of Linfen in Shanxi province.</p>
<p>ChinaAid, a U.S.-based Christian advocacy group, said local authorities planted explosives in an underground worship hall to demolish the building, which was built with nearly $3 million in contributions from local worshippers in one of China’s poorest regions.</p>
<p>The church, with a congregation of more than 50,000, has long clashed with the government. Hundreds of police and hired thugs smashed the church and seized Bibles in an earlier crackdown in 2009 that ended with church leaders receiving long prison sentences.</p>
<p>At the time, church leaders were charged with illegally occupying farmland and disturbing traffic order by getting together, according to state media.</p>
<p>There are an estimated 60 million Christians in China, many of whom worship in independent congregations like the Golden Lampstand. Millions of Christians, Buddhists and Muslims also worship in state-sanctioned assemblies.</p>
<p>But the surging popularity of non-state-approved churches has raised the ire of authorities, wary of any threats to the party’s rigid political and social control.</p>
<p>Freedom of religion is guaranteed under China’s constitution, so local authorities are often seen as using technicalities to attack unregistered churches. Charges of land or building violations and disturbing the peace are among the most common.</p>
<p>The state-run Global Times newspaper, citing an unidentified local official, reported Wednesday the official reason for the demolition was that it did not hold the necessary permits.</p>
<p>Religious groups must register with local religious affairs authorities under Chinese law, the report said. The church was illegally constructed nearly a decade ago in violation of building codes, it said.</p>
<p>Pictures distributed by ChinaAid showed the church’s steeple and cross toppled in a large pile of rubble.</p>
<p>A pastor at a nearby church, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he saw large numbers of paramilitary police on Tuesday blanketing the area around the church, which was being taken apart by heavy machinery.</p>
<p>He later heard, but did not witness, a loud explosion, the pastor said.</p>
<p>The Golden Lampstand Church was built by husband and wife evangelists Wang Xiaoguang and Yang Rongli as a permanent home for their followers.</p>
<p>The couple had been preaching around Linfen since 1992, establishing congregations in improvised spaces such as factory dormitories and greenhouses.</p>
<p>While authorities did not block the church’s construction, they later cracked down, and the couple and other church leaders were sent to prison.</p>
<p>BEIJING (AP) — Authorities in northern China’s coal country have demolished a well-known Christian mega-church, underscoring long-standing tensions between religious groups and the officially atheistic Communist Party.</p>
<p>Witnesses and overseas activists say paramilitary People’s Armed Police forces used excavators and dynamite on Tuesday to destroy the Golden Lampstand Church in the city of Linfen in Shanxi province.</p>
<p>ChinaAid, a U.S.-based Christian advocacy group, said local authorities planted explosives in an underground worship hall to demolish the building, which was built with nearly $3 million in contributions from local worshippers in one of China’s poorest regions.</p>
<p>The church, with a congregation of more than 50,000, has long clashed with the government. Hundreds of police and hired thugs smashed the church and seized Bibles in an earlier crackdown in 2009 that ended with church leaders receiving long prison sentences.</p>
<p>At the time, church leaders were charged with illegally occupying farmland and disturbing traffic order by getting together, according to state media.</p>
<p>There are an estimated 60 million Christians in China, many of whom worship in independent congregations like the Golden Lampstand. Millions of Christians, Buddhists and Muslims also worship in state-sanctioned assemblies.</p>
<p>But the surging popularity of non-state-approved churches has raised the ire of authorities, wary of any threats to the party’s rigid political and social control.</p>
<p>Freedom of religion is guaranteed under China’s constitution, so local authorities are often seen as using technicalities to attack unregistered churches. Charges of land or building violations and disturbing the peace are among the most common.</p>
<p>The state-run Global Times newspaper, citing an unidentified local official, reported Wednesday the official reason for the demolition was that it did not hold the necessary permits.</p>
<p>Religious groups must register with local religious affairs authorities under Chinese law, the report said. The church was illegally constructed nearly a decade ago in violation of building codes, it said.</p>
<p>Pictures distributed by ChinaAid showed the church’s steeple and cross toppled in a large pile of rubble.</p>
<p>A pastor at a nearby church, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he saw large numbers of paramilitary police on Tuesday blanketing the area around the church, which was being taken apart by heavy machinery.</p>
<p>He later heard, but did not witness, a loud explosion, the pastor said.</p>
<p>The Golden Lampstand Church was built by husband and wife evangelists Wang Xiaoguang and Yang Rongli as a permanent home for their followers.</p>
<p>The couple had been preaching around Linfen since 1992, establishing congregations in improvised spaces such as factory dormitories and greenhouses.</p>
<p>While authorities did not block the church’s construction, they later cracked down, and the couple and other church leaders were sent to prison.</p>
| false | 2 |
beijing ap authorities northern chinas coal country demolished wellknown christian megachurch underscoring longstanding tensions religious groups officially atheistic communist party witnesses overseas activists say paramilitary peoples armed police forces used excavators dynamite tuesday destroy golden lampstand church city linfen shanxi province chinaaid usbased christian advocacy group said local authorities planted explosives underground worship hall demolish building built nearly 3 million contributions local worshippers one chinas poorest regions church congregation 50000 long clashed government hundreds police hired thugs smashed church seized bibles earlier crackdown 2009 ended church leaders receiving long prison sentences time church leaders charged illegally occupying farmland disturbing traffic order getting together according state media estimated 60 million christians china many worship independent congregations like golden lampstand millions christians buddhists muslims also worship statesanctioned assemblies surging popularity nonstateapproved churches raised ire authorities wary threats partys rigid political social control freedom religion guaranteed chinas constitution local authorities often seen using technicalities attack unregistered churches charges land building violations disturbing peace among common staterun global times newspaper citing unidentified local official reported wednesday official reason demolition hold necessary permits religious groups must register local religious affairs authorities chinese law report said church illegally constructed nearly decade ago violation building codes said pictures distributed chinaaid showed churchs steeple cross toppled large pile rubble pastor nearby church spoke condition anonymity said saw large numbers paramilitary police tuesday blanketing area around church taken apart heavy machinery later heard witness loud explosion pastor said golden lampstand church built husband wife evangelists wang xiaoguang yang rongli permanent home followers couple preaching around linfen since 1992 establishing congregations improvised spaces factory dormitories greenhouses authorities block churchs construction later cracked couple church leaders sent prison beijing ap authorities northern chinas coal country demolished wellknown christian megachurch underscoring longstanding tensions religious groups officially atheistic communist party witnesses overseas activists say paramilitary peoples armed police forces used excavators dynamite tuesday destroy golden lampstand church city linfen shanxi province chinaaid usbased christian advocacy group said local authorities planted explosives underground worship hall demolish building built nearly 3 million contributions local worshippers one chinas poorest regions church congregation 50000 long clashed government hundreds police hired thugs smashed church seized bibles earlier crackdown 2009 ended church leaders receiving long prison sentences time church leaders charged illegally occupying farmland disturbing traffic order getting together according state media estimated 60 million christians china many worship independent congregations like golden lampstand millions christians buddhists muslims also worship statesanctioned assemblies surging popularity nonstateapproved churches raised ire authorities wary threats partys rigid political social control freedom religion guaranteed chinas constitution local authorities often seen using technicalities attack unregistered churches charges land building violations disturbing peace among common staterun global times newspaper citing unidentified local official reported wednesday official reason demolition hold necessary permits religious groups must register local religious affairs authorities chinese law report said church illegally constructed nearly decade ago violation building codes said pictures distributed chinaaid showed churchs steeple cross toppled large pile rubble pastor nearby church spoke condition anonymity said saw large numbers paramilitary police tuesday blanketing area around church taken apart heavy machinery later heard witness loud explosion pastor said golden lampstand church built husband wife evangelists wang xiaoguang yang rongli permanent home followers couple preaching around linfen since 1992 establishing congregations improvised spaces factory dormitories greenhouses authorities block churchs construction later cracked couple church leaders sent prison
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<p>FILE – This Oct. 15, 2014 file photo, a screen shot shows the home page of HealthCare,gov, a federal government website managed by the U.S. Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Service. President Barack Obama’s health insurance expansion faces the biggest test of its second year on Monday, the deadline to sign up for coverage that starts Jan. 1. Not only are Healthcare.gov and state websites preparing for heavy traffic, but the deadline also is a test of whether millions of current customers understood that they needed to come back and shop to keep their premiums in line. (AP Photo, File)</p>
<p>WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama’s push to cover America’s uninsured faces another big test Monday.</p>
<p>This time, it’s not only how the website functions, but how well the program itself works for millions who are starting to count on it.</p>
<p>Midnight Monday, Pacific time, is the deadline for new customers to pick a health plan that will take effect Jan. 1, and for current enrollees to make changes that could reduce premium increases ahead of the new year.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>HealthCare.gov and state insurance websites are preparing for heavy online traffic before the deadline, which gives consumers in the East three hours into Tuesday to enroll.</p>
<p>Wait times at the federal call center started creeping up around the middle of last week, mainly due to a surge of current customers with questions about their coverage for next year. Many will face higher premiums, although they could ease the hit by shopping online for a better deal. Counselors reported hold times of 20 minutes or longer for the telephone help line.</p>
<p>About 6.7 million people now have coverage through Obama’s signature law, which offers subsidized private insurance. The administration wants to increase that to 9.1 million in 2015. To do that, the program will have to keep most of its current enrollees while signing up more than 2 million new paying customers.</p>
<p>People no longer can be turned down because of health problems, but picking insurance still is daunting for many consumers. They also have to navigate the process of applying for or updating federal subsidies, which can be complex for certain people, including immigrants. Many returning customers are contending with premium increases generally in the mid-to-high single digits, but much more in some cases.</p>
<p>Consumers “understand it’s complicated but they appreciate the ability to get health insurance,” said Elizabeth Colvin of Foundation Communities, an Austin, Texas, nonprofit that is helping sign up low-income residents. “People who haven’t gone through the process don’t understand how complicated it is.”</p>
<p>Last year’s open enrollment season turned into a race to salvage the reputation of the White House by fixing numerous technical bugs that crippled HealthCare.gov from its first day. With the website now working fairly well, sign-up season this year is a test of whether the program itself is practical for the people it is intended to serve.</p>
<p>New wrinkles have kept popping up, even with seemingly simple features of the Affordable Care Act.</p>
<p>For example, most current customers who do nothing will be automatically renewed Jan. 1 in the plan they now are in. At this point, it looks like that is what a majority intends to do.</p>
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<p>While that may sound straightforward, it’s not.</p>
<p>By staying in their current plans, people can get locked into a premium increase and miss out on lower-priced plans for 2015. Not only that, they also will keep their 2014 subsidies, which may be less than what they legally would be entitled to for next year.</p>
<p>Doing nothing appears to be a particularly bad idea for people who turned 21 this year, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a Washington group that advocates for low-income people.</p>
<p>Researchers at the center estimate that 21-year-olds will see a 58 percent increase in the sticker price for their premiums just because they’re a year older. An age-adjustment factor used to compute premiums jumps substantially when a person turns 21. A 20-year-old whose premium was $130 per month in 2014 will see the premium climb to $205 a month in 2015, solely because of that year’s difference.</p>
<p>Tax-credit subsidies can cancel out much or even all of the impact. But if consumers default to automatic renewal, their tax credits will not be updated and they will get the same subsidy as this year.</p>
<p>“Even in the best possible scenario of how many people we can expect to come in, we will still see a substantial number of people defaulting,” said Judy Solomon, a health care policy expert at the center. She worries that some young adults may get discouraged and drop out.</p>
<p>Reviews of HealthCare.gov and state health insurance exchanges are mixed.</p>
<p>An Associated Press-GfK poll this month found that 11 percent of Americans said they or someone else in their household tried to sign up since open enrollment began Nov. 15. Overall, 9 percent said the insurance markets are working extremely well or very well. Twenty-six percent said the exchanges are working somewhat well, and 39 percent said they were not working well. The remaining 24 percent said they didn’t know enough to rate performance.</p>
<p>So far it has been a frustrating experience for Marie Bagot, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She and her husband are in their 60s, but not yet old enough for Medicare. The husband, who works as a chef, will turn 65 around the middle of next year and qualify for Medicare. Bagot said they were happy with their insurance this year under Obama’s law.</p>
<p>“As you get older, you worry about your health,” she said. “I was very pleased with the price we got.”</p>
<p>But Bagot said she received a notice from her insurer that her current plan will not be available next year in her community. The closest alternative would involve a premium increase of more than $350 a month, even with their tax credit subsidy. After days of trying to find a comparable plan through the federal call center and after visiting a counselor, Bagot said she opted to keep their current coverage, while hoping costs go down after her husband joins Medicare.</p>
<p>“I cannot afford it, but I’m going to try to,” she said.</p>
<p>Monday is not the last chance for consumers like Bagot. Open enrollment doesn’t end until Feb. 15.</p>
<p>——</p>
<p>Associated Press Director of Polling Jennifer Agiesta contributed to this report.</p>
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file oct 15 2014 file photo screen shot shows home page healthcaregov federal government website managed us centers medicare amp medicaid service president barack obamas health insurance expansion faces biggest test second year monday deadline sign coverage starts jan 1 healthcaregov state websites preparing heavy traffic deadline also test whether millions current customers understood needed come back shop keep premiums line ap photo file washington president barack obamas push cover americas uninsured faces another big test monday time website functions well program works millions starting count midnight monday pacific time deadline new customers pick health plan take effect jan 1 current enrollees make changes could reduce premium increases ahead new year advertisement healthcaregov state insurance websites preparing heavy online traffic deadline gives consumers east three hours tuesday enroll wait times federal call center started creeping around middle last week mainly due surge current customers questions coverage next year many face higher premiums although could ease hit shopping online better deal counselors reported hold times 20 minutes longer telephone help line 67 million people coverage obamas signature law offers subsidized private insurance administration wants increase 91 million 2015 program keep current enrollees signing 2 million new paying customers people longer turned health problems picking insurance still daunting many consumers also navigate process applying updating federal subsidies complex certain people including immigrants many returning customers contending premium increases generally midtohigh single digits much cases consumers understand complicated appreciate ability get health insurance said elizabeth colvin foundation communities austin texas nonprofit helping sign lowincome residents people havent gone process dont understand complicated last years open enrollment season turned race salvage reputation white house fixing numerous technical bugs crippled healthcaregov first day website working fairly well signup season year test whether program practical people intended serve new wrinkles kept popping even seemingly simple features affordable care act example current customers nothing automatically renewed jan 1 plan point looks like majority intends advertisement may sound straightforward staying current plans people get locked premium increase miss lowerpriced plans 2015 also keep 2014 subsidies may less legally would entitled next year nothing appears particularly bad idea people turned 21 year according center budget policy priorities washington group advocates lowincome people researchers center estimate 21yearolds see 58 percent increase sticker price premiums theyre year older ageadjustment factor used compute premiums jumps substantially person turns 21 20yearold whose premium 130 per month 2014 see premium climb 205 month 2015 solely years difference taxcredit subsidies cancel much even impact consumers default automatic renewal tax credits updated get subsidy year even best possible scenario many people expect come still see substantial number people defaulting said judy solomon health care policy expert center worries young adults may get discouraged drop reviews healthcaregov state health insurance exchanges mixed associated pressgfk poll month found 11 percent americans said someone else household tried sign since open enrollment began nov 15 overall 9 percent said insurance markets working extremely well well twentysix percent said exchanges working somewhat well 39 percent said working well remaining 24 percent said didnt know enough rate performance far frustrating experience marie bagot fort lauderdale florida husband 60s yet old enough medicare husband works chef turn 65 around middle next year qualify medicare bagot said happy insurance year obamas law get older worry health said pleased price got bagot said received notice insurer current plan available next year community closest alternative would involve premium increase 350 month even tax credit subsidy days trying find comparable plan federal call center visiting counselor bagot said opted keep current coverage hoping costs go husband joins medicare afford im going try said monday last chance consumers like bagot open enrollment doesnt end feb 15 associated press director polling jennifer agiesta contributed report
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<p />
<p>Unlike the trucked-in berries available at supermarkets, which are bred first and foremost to survive the long trip from Florida, California or Mexico, local strawberries are bred for sweetness and flavor. But unlike supermarket berries, which are picked well before they ripen so they don’t go bad in transit, local berries are picked when they’re ready to eat.</p>
<p>If flavor and ripeness aren’t enough, consider this: Commercially grown strawberries appear perennially on environmentalists’ lists of foods most heavily contaminated with pesticides. In contrast, local berries are grown by small farmers, many of whom raise their crops organically.</p>
<p>The best local berries are small, an indication they haven’t been pumped up by fertilizers. They also are fragrant and ruby red all the way through, because they’ve been picked when ripe. Don’t wash them until you are ready to eat them. These berries are like little sponges, and will soak up water and then begin to rot soon thereafter.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>I keep my berries on the countertop and eat them within a day or two. They can be refrigerated to keep longer but will lose some of their delightful juiciness when chilled. If you can’t eat your berries immediately, it’s better to freeze them for later use. Just wash and drain them, cut off the stems and place them in a zipper-lock bag in the coldest part of your freezer. If you think ahead, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the local crop in a strawberry pie in the middle of winter.</p>
<p>Right now, however, pie is the furthest thing from my mind. When strawberries are this flavorful and juicy, I don’t bother cooking them. I serve them on top of ice cream or ricotta cheese, with panna cotta, and in a sweet and savory salsa that’s great with grilled fish. Here are some of the simple ways I plan to eat them over the next week or two:</p>
<p>Serves 4</p>
<p>1 cup balsamic vinegar</p>
<p>1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar</p>
<p>1 tablespoon cracked black peppercorns</p>
<p>1 1/2 cups strawberries, stemmed and sliced</p>
<p>2 cups full-fat ricotta cheese</p>
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<p>Combine vinegar, 1/2 cup sugar and peppercorns in a small saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat. Simmer, adjusting heat as necessary, until reduced by half. Strain into a bowl or small measuring cup and let cool to room temperature.</p>
<p>Combine ricotta and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar in a medium bowl. Divide among 4 dessert bowls. Spoon strawberries over ricotta, drizzle with syrup and serve immediately. COOK’S NOTE: Use leftover syrup on top of ice cream or frozen yogurt.</p>
<p>This strawberry dessert is made with mascarpone and amaretti parfaits. (Gordon M. Grant/Newsday/MCT)</p>
<p>Serves 4</p>
<p>1 cup mascarpone</p>
<p>1 tablespoon Amaretto or other almond liqueur</p>
<p>1/4 cup heavy cream</p>
<p>1/4 cup sugar</p>
<p>6 amaretti cookies, crumbled</p>
<p>1 cup stemmed and sliced strawberries</p>
<p>Combine mascarpone, Amaretto, cream and 2 tablespoons sugar in a bowl. Beat with a mixer until smooth.</p>
<p>Divide crumbled cookies among 4 parfait glasses. Spoon strawberries over cookies, then top with mascarpone mixture. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 3 hours before serving.</p>
<p>This is a ginger panna cotta made with strawberries and mint. (Gordon M. Grant/Newsday/MCT)</p>
<p>Serves 4</p>
<p>1/2 cup milk</p>
<p>1 envelope unflavored gelatin</p>
<p>2 cups heavy cream</p>
<p>3/4 cup sugar</p>
<p>1 (3-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced</p>
<p>1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</p>
<p>1/3 cup water</p>
<p>1/2 cup mint leaves</p>
<p>1 cup strawberries</p>
<p>Pour milk into a small bowl and sprinkle with gelatin. Let stand until gelatin dissolves, 1 to 2 minutes.</p>
<p>Combine cream, 1/2 cup sugar and ginger in a small, heavy saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat, add gelatin mixture and whisk constantly for 1 minute to dissolve gelatin. Let stand 15 minutes to steep. Stir in vanilla and strain into four ramekins or custard cups. Refrigerate until firm, at least 6 hours or overnight.</p>
<p>Bring water and remaining 1/4 cup sugar to boil in a small saucepan. Stir in mint leaves and let stand 10 minutes to steep.</p>
<p>Place strawberries in a bowl and pour mint syrup through a strainer and into bowl, pressing down on leaves with a spoon. Let stand 10 minutes to cool to room temperature.</p>
<p>Fill a medium-size bowl with very hot tap water. One at a time, run a paring knife around each panna cotta, then dip bottom half of ramekin in water for 30 seconds. Place a small plate on top of mold, invert, tap bottom of mold and lift off plate. Arrange berries around each panna cotta and serve immediately.</p>
<p>This plate of grilled fish dish is garnished with strawberry salsa. (Gordon M. Grant/Newsday/MCT)</p>
<p>Serves 4 to 6</p>
<p>2 cups strawberries, stemmed and diced</p>
<p>1 avocado, pitted, peeled and diced</p>
<p>1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped</p>
<p>Juice from 1 lime</p>
<p>2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro</p>
<p>1 teaspoon sugar</p>
<p>1/4 teaspoon salt</p>
<p>Combine strawberries, avocado, jalapeño, lime juice, cilantro, sugar and salt in a bowl and gently toss. Serve immediately with grilled fish or tortilla chips.</p>
<p>COOK’S NOTE: This is good on grilled fish, with tortilla chips or spooned over slices of fresh mozzarella.</p>
<p>This is a banana split made with dulce de leche and strawberries. (Gordon M. Grant/Newsday/MCT)</p>
<p>Serves 2</p>
<p>1/4 cup heavy cream</p>
<p>1 tablespoon sugar</p>
<p>1/2 teaspoon vanilla</p>
<p>1 banana, split lengthwise</p>
<p>1 1/2 cups coconut or vanilla ice cream</p>
<p>1/2 cup strawberries, stemmed and sliced, plus 3 small strawberries, stemmed</p>
<p>1/4 cup dulce de leche or other caramel sauce</p>
<p>2 tablespoons sweetened flaked coconut, toasted</p>
<p>Whip cream, sugar and vanilla with an electric mixer until cream holds soft peaks.</p>
<p>Place banana slices in a long, narrow, shallow dish. Arrange 3 scoops of ice cream on top of banana. Spoon sliced strawberries over ice cream and drizzle with about half of the dulce de leche sauce. Top with whipped cream, drizzle with more dulce de leche and sprinkle with coconut. Top each mound of ice cream and whipped cream with a small strawberry. Serve immediately.</p>
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unlike truckedin berries available supermarkets bred first foremost survive long trip florida california mexico local strawberries bred sweetness flavor unlike supermarket berries picked well ripen dont go bad transit local berries picked theyre ready eat flavor ripeness arent enough consider commercially grown strawberries appear perennially environmentalists lists foods heavily contaminated pesticides contrast local berries grown small farmers many raise crops organically best local berries small indication havent pumped fertilizers also fragrant ruby red way theyve picked ripe dont wash ready eat berries like little sponges soak water begin rot soon thereafter advertisement keep berries countertop eat within day two refrigerated keep longer lose delightful juiciness chilled cant eat berries immediately better freeze later use wash drain cut stems place zipperlock bag coldest part freezer think ahead youll able enjoy local crop strawberry pie middle winter right however pie furthest thing mind strawberries flavorful juicy dont bother cooking serve top ice cream ricotta cheese panna cotta sweet savory salsa thats great grilled fish simple ways plan eat next week two serves 4 1 cup balsamic vinegar 12 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar 1 tablespoon cracked black peppercorns 1 12 cups strawberries stemmed sliced 2 cups fullfat ricotta cheese advertisement combine vinegar 12 cup sugar peppercorns small saucepan bring boil medium heat simmer adjusting heat necessary reduced half strain bowl small measuring cup let cool room temperature combine ricotta remaining 2 tablespoons sugar medium bowl divide among 4 dessert bowls spoon strawberries ricotta drizzle syrup serve immediately cooks note use leftover syrup top ice cream frozen yogurt strawberry dessert made mascarpone amaretti parfaits gordon grantnewsdaymct serves 4 1 cup mascarpone 1 tablespoon amaretto almond liqueur 14 cup heavy cream 14 cup sugar 6 amaretti cookies crumbled 1 cup stemmed sliced strawberries combine mascarpone amaretto cream 2 tablespoons sugar bowl beat mixer smooth divide crumbled cookies among 4 parfait glasses spoon strawberries cookies top mascarpone mixture refrigerate least 30 minutes 3 hours serving ginger panna cotta made strawberries mint gordon grantnewsdaymct serves 4 12 cup milk 1 envelope unflavored gelatin 2 cups heavy cream 34 cup sugar 1 3inch piece fresh ginger peeled sliced 12 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 13 cup water 12 cup mint leaves 1 cup strawberries pour milk small bowl sprinkle gelatin let stand gelatin dissolves 1 2 minutes combine cream 12 cup sugar ginger small heavy saucepan bring boil remove heat add gelatin mixture whisk constantly 1 minute dissolve gelatin let stand 15 minutes steep stir vanilla strain four ramekins custard cups refrigerate firm least 6 hours overnight bring water remaining 14 cup sugar boil small saucepan stir mint leaves let stand 10 minutes steep place strawberries bowl pour mint syrup strainer bowl pressing leaves spoon let stand 10 minutes cool room temperature fill mediumsize bowl hot tap water one time run paring knife around panna cotta dip bottom half ramekin water 30 seconds place small plate top mold invert tap bottom mold lift plate arrange berries around panna cotta serve immediately plate grilled fish dish garnished strawberry salsa gordon grantnewsdaymct serves 4 6 2 cups strawberries stemmed diced 1 avocado pitted peeled diced 1 jalapeño pepper seeded finely chopped juice 1 lime 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro 1 teaspoon sugar 14 teaspoon salt combine strawberries avocado jalapeño lime juice cilantro sugar salt bowl gently toss serve immediately grilled fish tortilla chips cooks note good grilled fish tortilla chips spooned slices fresh mozzarella banana split made dulce de leche strawberries gordon grantnewsdaymct serves 2 14 cup heavy cream 1 tablespoon sugar 12 teaspoon vanilla 1 banana split lengthwise 1 12 cups coconut vanilla ice cream 12 cup strawberries stemmed sliced plus 3 small strawberries stemmed 14 cup dulce de leche caramel sauce 2 tablespoons sweetened flaked coconut toasted whip cream sugar vanilla electric mixer cream holds soft peaks place banana slices long narrow shallow dish arrange 3 scoops ice cream top banana spoon sliced strawberries ice cream drizzle half dulce de leche sauce top whipped cream drizzle dulce de leche sprinkle coconut top mound ice cream whipped cream small strawberry serve immediately
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<p>KHOBAR, Saudi Arabia, Jan 25 (Reuters) - Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC) has agreed to acquire a 24.99 percent stake in Swiss specialty chemicals maker Clariant AG , SABIC said on Thursday, becoming the Swiss company’s largest shareholder.</p>
<p>SABIC did not say how much it paid for the deal, but Clariant’s 24.99 percent stake is worth $2.4 billion based on its market capitalisation.</p>
<p>SABIC bought the stake from Corvex hedge fund and New York’s 40 North. Clariant AG recently abandoned merger plans with Huntsman.</p>
<p>The acquisition is financed by foreign banks, SABIC said without identifying them and added that the financial impact would appear in the first quarter of this year. The closing of the transaction is subject to completing regulatory approvals.</p>
<p>“Clariant AG is complementary to SABIC’s existing specialties business and is well in line with SABIC’s strategy of opening up new growth opportunities in specialty chemicals,” said Yousef al-Benyan, SABIC’s CEO, in a statement.</p>
<p>SABIC, currently the world’s number 4 chemical firm, said it currently has no plans to launch a full takeover of Clariant.</p>
<p>SABIC has been restructuring its operations to diversify its products. It has also been expanding abroad to be closer to markets and feedstock.</p>
<p>Benyan said in November the company plans to spend between $3 billion and $10 billion on acquisitions over the next five years in specialties and agri-nutrients. (Reporting by Reem Shamseddine; Editing by Gopakumar Warrier)</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices gained 0.4 percent in choppy trade on Wednesday, after a report showing a bigger-than-expected U.S. crude stock build was offset by large distillate and gasoline inventory draws.</p> FILE PHOTO - A pump jack is seen at sunrise near Bakersfield, California October 14, 2014. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson/File Photo
<p>U.S. crude stocks rose by 5 million barrels, the biggest jump since late January, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) said. Expectations had been for a 2 million barrel build. But there was a larger-than-expected draw on fuel stocks.</p>
<p>“We’re not pressuring the downside that much. Of course, the reason is because we had some unexpectedly large draws in distillates and gasoline that, when added together, are two times bigger than the crude build,” said Bob Yawger, director of energy futures at Mizuho.</p>
<p>Brent crude oil futures LCOc1 were up 25 cents, or 0.4 percent, to settle at $64.89 per barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures CLc1 also gained 25 cents, to settle at $60.96 per barrel.</p>
<p>“I don’t think we have a clear set of directions, and I don’t think this (EIA) report gives that much of an insight as to whether the rebalance continues or not. We continue to just chop around here,” said Gene McGillian, manager of market research at Tradition Energy.</p>
<p>Prices were pressured after The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) said in its monthly report that supply from non-members is likely to grow by 1.66 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2018, almost double the growth it predicted in November, largely due to rising U.S. supply.</p>
<p>OPEC also said oil inventories across the most industrialized countries rose in January for the first time in eight months, a sign the impact of its output cuts may be waning. OPEC trimmed its 2018 demand forecast for its own crude by 250,000 bpd to 32.61 million bpd, a fourth consecutive decline.</p>
<p>“According to the OPEC report, demand for OPEC’s oil must be 33 million barrels per day for the rest of the year to get rid of any remaining oversupply,” Commerzbank strategist Carsten Fritsch said.</p>
<p>Oil prices got a boost early in the session from a broader investor push into commodities after Chinese data showed industrial production in the world’s largest importer of raw materials grew more than expected over the first two months of the year.</p>
<p>Oil may also soon get some support from seasonal demand.</p>
<p>“We are now only two to four weeks away from when weekly oil inventory data will start to draw again which should be supportive for oil prices,” SEB commodities strategist Bjarne Schieldrop said.</p>
<p>Additional reporting by Amanda Cooper and Henning Gloystein; Editing by Elaine Hardcastle and Leslie Adler</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Embattled blood-testing company Theranos Inc and its Chief Executive Elizabeth Holmes agreed to settle “massive fraud” charges in a deal that strips her of majority control among other penalties, U.S. regulators said on Wednesday.</p>
<p>Theranos was once hailed as a Silicon Valley star, with a $9 billion valuation based on its promise to disrupt the staid laboratory testing business with new technology the company claimed could analyze a single drop of blood. Founded in 2003, its fortunes began to wane in 2015 after Wall Street Journal reports suggested its devices were flawed and inaccurate.</p>
<p>As part of the settlement, the Securities and Exchange Commission said company founder Holmes must also return millions of shares to the privately held company, pay a $500,000 fine and cannot serve as an officer or director of a public company for 10 years.</p>
<p>The SEC’s complaint alleged that the company, Holmes and Theranos’ former president, Ramesh “Sunny” Balwani, “made numerous false and misleading statements in investor presentations, product demonstrations, and media articles” about its key product.</p>
<p>Balwani did not agree to a settlement, the agency said.</p>
<p>Theranos raised more than $750 million from investors including well-known venture capital firm DFJ, Walgreens, media mogul Rupert Murdoch and Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison. Many investors have already sold their stakes.</p>
<p>The SEC, describing the case as involving “massive fraud,” said Theranos, Holmes and Balwani were charged “with raising more than $700 million from investors through an elaborate, years-long fraud in which they exaggerated or made false statements about the company’s technology, business and financial performance.”</p> FILE PHOTO: Elizabeth Holmes, founder and CEO of Theranos, speaks at the Wall Street Journal Digital Live (WSJDLive) conference at the Montage hotel in Laguna Beach, California, October 21, 2015. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo
<p>The SEC’s co-director of enforcement, Steven Peikin, said on a conference call with reporters that the move to remove control of the company from Holmes was very rare for the agency.</p>
<p>“It’s a pretty unique set of remedies,” he said. “And I think it’s a particularly meaningful one … particularly in Silicon Valley where the founders of startup companies like this obviously value the concept of control.”</p> FILE PHOTO - Elizabeth Holmes, CEO of Theranos, attends a panel discussion during the Clinton Global Initiative's annual meeting in New York, September 29, 2015. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo
<p>Peikin said the SEC intends to pursue litigation against Balwani. The regulator pursued charges against Holmes and Balwani to deter executive wrongdoing elsewhere and out of concern that imposing stiff penalties on the company itself could make it even more difficult for defrauded investors to recoup any funds.</p>
<p>“Really this company was a company that was a two-person operation, where Holmes and Balwani exclusively controlled Theranos. They were responsible for all of the misconduct alleged in this complaint,” he said.</p>
<p>Peikin did not comment on whether the civil charges preclude future criminal charges or whether other agencies were engaged in ongoing criminal investigations against the company.</p>
<p>Jina Choi, the head of SEC’s San Francisco Regional Office, said the company’s troubles offered “an important lesson for Silicon Valley.”</p>
<p>“Innovators who seek to revolutionize and disrupt an industry must tell investors the truth about what their technology can do today, not just what they hope it might do someday,” she said in a statement.</p>
<p>Reporting by Susan Heavey and Tim Ahmann; Additional reporting by Heather Somerville; Editing by Dan Grebler and Cynthia Osterman</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>(Reuters) - Bankrupt Toys ‘R’ Us Inc is preparing to sell or close all 885 stores in its U.S. chain, risking up to 33,000 jobs, after failing to reach a deal to restructure billions of dollars in debt, a person familiar with the matter said on Wednesday.</p>
<p>With shoppers flocking to online platforms like Amazon.com Inc ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=AMZN.O" type="external">AMZN.O</a>) and children choosing electronic gadgets over toys, Toys ‘R’ Us has struggled to service debt from a $6.6 billion leveraged buyout by private equity firms KKR &amp; Co LP ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=KKR.N" type="external">KKR.N</a>) and Bain Capital and real estate investor Vornado Realty Trust ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=VNO.N" type="external">VNO.N</a>) in 2005.</p>
<p>Toys ‘R’ Us had been closing one-fifth of its U.S. stores as part of efforts to emerge from one of the largest ever bankruptcies by a specialty retailer.</p>
<p>But creditors decided they can get more from liquidating assets of the toy seller, the largest in the United States and one of the best known in the world, rather than finding a way to keep the business alive, the person said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the private negotiations.</p>
<p>A Toys ‘R’ Us spokeswoman declined to comment.</p>
<p>The company is expected to make a filing with the bankruptcy court late on Wednesday, the person said.</p>
<p>The planned closure in coming months is a blow to generations of consumers and hundreds of toy makers that sold products at the chain, including Barbie maker Mattel Inc ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=MAT.O" type="external">MAT.O</a>), board game company Hasbro Inc ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=HAS.O" type="external">HAS.O</a>) and other large vendors such as Lego.</p>
<p>In Britain, the remaining 75 Toys ‘R’ Us shops will close within six weeks, joint administrators for the retailer said earlier on Wednesday, after they were unable to find a buyer for all or part of the business, resulting in the loss of about 3,000 jobs.</p>
<p>The Wall Street Journal earlier on Wednesday reported that Toys ‘R’ Us Chief Executive David Brandon told U.S. staff about the likely closures on a conference call.</p> Slideshow (4 Images)
<p>Efforts to restructure collapsed this month after lenders decided, absent a clear reorganization plan, they could recover more by closing stores and raising money from merchandise sales, sources with knowledge of the matter said.</p>
<p>“It’s a relentlessly difficult retail environment for mall-based retailers. There just aren’t the same feet coming through the doors,” said Brian Davidoff, a financial restructuring lawyer.</p>
<p>More than 8,000 U.S. retail stores closed in 2017, roughly double the average annual store closures in the previous decade, according to data from the International Council of Shopping Centers.</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=AMZN.O" type="external">Amazon.com Inc</a> 1585.01 AMZN.O Nasdaq -5.99 (-0.38%) AMZN.O KKR.N VNO.N MAT.O HAS.O
<p>Toys ‘R’ Us is also likely to liquidate in France, Spain, Poland and Australia, Brandon said, according to The Wall Street Journal. It quoted Brandon as adding that the retailer also planned to sell operations in Canada, Central Europe and Asia.</p>
<p>Toys ‘R’ Us was already working with liquidators Tiger Capital Group LLC, Great American Group LLC, Hilco Merchant Resources LLC and Gordon Brothers Retail Partners LLC on previously announced store closures, and the four are expected to continue with the additional closings, sources said.</p>
<p>The future of the retailer’s big-box shops, many located in strip centers, was uncertain.</p>
<p>The disappearance of Toys ‘R’ Us in the United States and the UK leaves a void for hundreds of toy makers that relied on the chain as a top customer alongside WalMart Inc ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=WMT.N" type="external">WMT.N</a>) and Target Corp ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=TGT.N" type="external">TGT.N</a>).</p>
<p>Shares in Mattel, the world’s largest toymaker, and No. 2 U.S. toymaker Hasbro tumbled last week on liquidation reports. Both companies rely on Toys ‘R’ Us for roughly 10 percent of their revenues, according to their 2016 annual reports.</p>
<p>The liquidation will be more painful for small, independent toy makers that relied on the chain as a major showcase, said Lutz Muller, president of consultancy Klosters Trading Corp.</p>
<p>“A large number will go to the wall,” Muller said.</p>
<p>Reporting by Tracy Rucinski in Chicago; Additional reporting by Ismail Shakil and Sangameswaran S in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Henderson, Richard Chang and Leslie Adler</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>(Reuters) - IHeartMedia Inc filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Thursday as the largest U.S. radio station owner reached an in-principle agreement with creditors to restructure its overwhelming debt load.</p>
<p>The company, which filed for bankruptcy along with some of its units, said it ‍reached the agreement with holders of more than $10 billion of its outstanding debt for a balance sheet restructuring, which would reduce its debt by more than $10 billion.</p>
<p>IHeartMedia, which has struggled with $20 billion of debt and falling revenue at its 858 radio stations, said cash on hand and cash generated from ongoing operations will be sufficient to fund the business during the bankruptcy process.</p>
<p>“The agreement ... is a significant accomplishment, as it allows us to definitively address the more than $20 billion in debt that has burdened our capital structure,” Chief Executive Bob Pittman said.</p>
<p>The filing comes after John Malone’s Liberty Media Corp proposed on Feb. 26 a deal to buy a 40 percent stake in a restructured iHeartMedia for $1.16 billion, uniting the company with Liberty’s Sirius XM Holdings Inc satellite radio service.</p>
<p>Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings Inc, a subsidiary of iHeartMedia and one of the world’s largest billboard companies, and its units did not commence Chapter 11 proceedings.</p>
<p>IHeartMedia skipped a $106 million interest payment on Feb. 1, triggering a 30-day grace period during which the company has tried to hammer out a deal with it bondholders.</p>
<p>The company disclosed on Monday it was still exchanging proposals with its creditors, but had yet to reach an agreement.</p>
<p>Its most recent proposal would have given holders of secured loans, who are owed nearly $13 billion, about $5.6 billion in new debt and 94 percent of the equity in a reorganized iHeartMedia. These creditors also would have received iHeartMedia’s 89.5 percent stake in Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings.</p>
<p>Bain Capital LLC and Thomas H. Lee Partners LP control 68 percent of the voting stock of iHeartMedia, according to the company’s most recent annual report.</p>
<p>The private equity firms led a $17.9 billion leveraged buyout of what was then Clear Channel Communications Inc in 2008, just as the buyout boom was fading and as the signs of the financial crisis began to emerge.</p>
<p>Shares of iHeartMedia lost three-quarters of their value in the second half of 2015 and have never recovered since then. On Monday, the pink sheet stock closed at 48 cents.</p>
<p>IHeartMedia traces its roots to the 1972 purchase of KEEZ-FM in San Antonio, Texas, where it is currently headquartered. It also produces syndicated radio programs that feature “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest and political personalities Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity.</p>
<p>The company had 14,300 employees at the end of 2016, according to its most recent annual report.</p>
<p>Reporting by Tom Hals in Wilmington, Delaware and Mekhla Raina in Bengaluru; Editing by Gopakumar Warrier</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
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khobar saudi arabia jan 25 reuters saudi basic industries corp sabic agreed acquire 2499 percent stake swiss specialty chemicals maker clariant ag sabic said thursday becoming swiss companys largest shareholder sabic say much paid deal clariants 2499 percent stake worth 24 billion based market capitalisation sabic bought stake corvex hedge fund new yorks 40 north clariant ag recently abandoned merger plans huntsman acquisition financed foreign banks sabic said without identifying added financial impact would appear first quarter year closing transaction subject completing regulatory approvals clariant ag complementary sabics existing specialties business well line sabics strategy opening new growth opportunities specialty chemicals said yousef albenyan sabics ceo statement sabic currently worlds number 4 chemical firm said currently plans launch full takeover clariant sabic restructuring operations diversify products also expanding abroad closer markets feedstock benyan said november company plans spend 3 billion 10 billion acquisitions next five years specialties agrinutrients reporting reem shamseddine editing gopakumar warrier standards thomson reuters trust principles new york reuters oil prices gained 04 percent choppy trade wednesday report showing biggerthanexpected us crude stock build offset large distillate gasoline inventory draws file photo pump jack seen sunrise near bakersfield california october 14 2014 reuterslucy nicholsonfile photo us crude stocks rose 5 million barrels biggest jump since late january us energy information administration eia said expectations 2 million barrel build largerthanexpected draw fuel stocks pressuring downside much course reason unexpectedly large draws distillates gasoline added together two times bigger crude build said bob yawger director energy futures mizuho brent crude oil futures lcoc1 25 cents 04 percent settle 6489 per barrel us west texas intermediate wti futures clc1 also gained 25 cents settle 6096 per barrel dont think clear set directions dont think eia report gives much insight whether rebalance continues continue chop around said gene mcgillian manager market research tradition energy prices pressured organization petroleum exporting countries opec said monthly report supply nonmembers likely grow 166 million barrels per day bpd 2018 almost double growth predicted november largely due rising us supply opec also said oil inventories across industrialized countries rose january first time eight months sign impact output cuts may waning opec trimmed 2018 demand forecast crude 250000 bpd 3261 million bpd fourth consecutive decline according opec report demand opecs oil must 33 million barrels per day rest year get rid remaining oversupply commerzbank strategist carsten fritsch said oil prices got boost early session broader investor push commodities chinese data showed industrial production worlds largest importer raw materials grew expected first two months year oil may also soon get support seasonal demand two four weeks away weekly oil inventory data start draw supportive oil prices seb commodities strategist bjarne schieldrop said additional reporting amanda cooper henning gloystein editing elaine hardcastle leslie adler standards thomson reuters trust principles washington reuters embattled bloodtesting company theranos inc chief executive elizabeth holmes agreed settle massive fraud charges deal strips majority control among penalties us regulators said wednesday theranos hailed silicon valley star 9 billion valuation based promise disrupt staid laboratory testing business new technology company claimed could analyze single drop blood founded 2003 fortunes began wane 2015 wall street journal reports suggested devices flawed inaccurate part settlement securities exchange commission said company founder holmes must also return millions shares privately held company pay 500000 fine serve officer director public company 10 years secs complaint alleged company holmes theranos former president ramesh sunny balwani made numerous false misleading statements investor presentations product demonstrations media articles key product balwani agree settlement agency said theranos raised 750 million investors including wellknown venture capital firm dfj walgreens media mogul rupert murdoch oracle cofounder larry ellison many investors already sold stakes sec describing case involving massive fraud said theranos holmes balwani charged raising 700 million investors elaborate yearslong fraud exaggerated made false statements companys technology business financial performance file photo elizabeth holmes founder ceo theranos speaks wall street journal digital live wsjdlive conference montage hotel laguna beach california october 21 2015 reutersmike blakefile photo secs codirector enforcement steven peikin said conference call reporters move remove control company holmes rare agency pretty unique set remedies said think particularly meaningful one particularly silicon valley founders startup companies like obviously value concept control file photo elizabeth holmes ceo theranos attends panel discussion clinton global initiatives annual meeting new york september 29 2015 reutersbrendan mcdermidfile photo peikin said sec intends pursue litigation balwani regulator pursued charges holmes balwani deter executive wrongdoing elsewhere concern imposing stiff penalties company could make even difficult defrauded investors recoup funds really company company twoperson operation holmes balwani exclusively controlled theranos responsible misconduct alleged complaint said peikin comment whether civil charges preclude future criminal charges whether agencies engaged ongoing criminal investigations company jina choi head secs san francisco regional office said companys troubles offered important lesson silicon valley innovators seek revolutionize disrupt industry must tell investors truth technology today hope might someday said statement reporting susan heavey tim ahmann additional reporting heather somerville editing dan grebler cynthia osterman standards thomson reuters trust principles reuters bankrupt toys r us inc preparing sell close 885 stores us chain risking 33000 jobs failing reach deal restructure billions dollars debt person familiar matter said wednesday shoppers flocking online platforms like amazoncom inc amzno children choosing electronic gadgets toys toys r us struggled service debt 66 billion leveraged buyout private equity firms kkr amp co lp kkrn bain capital real estate investor vornado realty trust vnon 2005 toys r us closing onefifth us stores part efforts emerge one largest ever bankruptcies specialty retailer creditors decided get liquidating assets toy seller largest united states one best known world rather finding way keep business alive person said speaking condition anonymity discuss private negotiations toys r us spokeswoman declined comment company expected make filing bankruptcy court late wednesday person said planned closure coming months blow generations consumers hundreds toy makers sold products chain including barbie maker mattel inc mato board game company hasbro inc haso large vendors lego britain remaining 75 toys r us shops close within six weeks joint administrators retailer said earlier wednesday unable find buyer part business resulting loss 3000 jobs wall street journal earlier wednesday reported toys r us chief executive david brandon told us staff likely closures conference call slideshow 4 images efforts restructure collapsed month lenders decided absent clear reorganization plan could recover closing stores raising money merchandise sales sources knowledge matter said relentlessly difficult retail environment mallbased retailers arent feet coming doors said brian davidoff financial restructuring lawyer 8000 us retail stores closed 2017 roughly double average annual store closures previous decade according data international council shopping centers amazoncom inc 158501 amzno nasdaq 599 038 amzno kkrn vnon mato haso toys r us also likely liquidate france spain poland australia brandon said according wall street journal quoted brandon adding retailer also planned sell operations canada central europe asia toys r us already working liquidators tiger capital group llc great american group llc hilco merchant resources llc gordon brothers retail partners llc previously announced store closures four expected continue additional closings sources said future retailers bigbox shops many located strip centers uncertain disappearance toys r us united states uk leaves void hundreds toy makers relied chain top customer alongside walmart inc wmtn target corp tgtn shares mattel worlds largest toymaker 2 us toymaker hasbro tumbled last week liquidation reports companies rely toys r us roughly 10 percent revenues according 2016 annual reports liquidation painful small independent toy makers relied chain major showcase said lutz muller president consultancy klosters trading corp large number go wall muller said reporting tracy rucinski chicago additional reporting ismail shakil sangameswaran bengaluru editing peter henderson richard chang leslie adler standards thomson reuters trust principles reuters iheartmedia inc filed chapter 11 bankruptcy thursday largest us radio station owner reached inprinciple agreement creditors restructure overwhelming debt load company filed bankruptcy along units said reached agreement holders 10 billion outstanding debt balance sheet restructuring would reduce debt 10 billion iheartmedia struggled 20 billion debt falling revenue 858 radio stations said cash hand cash generated ongoing operations sufficient fund business bankruptcy process agreement significant accomplishment allows us definitively address 20 billion debt burdened capital structure chief executive bob pittman said filing comes john malones liberty media corp proposed feb 26 deal buy 40 percent stake restructured iheartmedia 116 billion uniting company libertys sirius xm holdings inc satellite radio service clear channel outdoor holdings inc subsidiary iheartmedia one worlds largest billboard companies units commence chapter 11 proceedings iheartmedia skipped 106 million interest payment feb 1 triggering 30day grace period company tried hammer deal bondholders company disclosed monday still exchanging proposals creditors yet reach agreement recent proposal would given holders secured loans owed nearly 13 billion 56 billion new debt 94 percent equity reorganized iheartmedia creditors also would received iheartmedias 895 percent stake clear channel outdoor holdings bain capital llc thomas h lee partners lp control 68 percent voting stock iheartmedia according companys recent annual report private equity firms led 179 billion leveraged buyout clear channel communications inc 2008 buyout boom fading signs financial crisis began emerge shares iheartmedia lost threequarters value second half 2015 never recovered since monday pink sheet stock closed 48 cents iheartmedia traces roots 1972 purchase keezfm san antonio texas currently headquartered also produces syndicated radio programs feature american idol host ryan seacrest political personalities rush limbaugh sean hannity company 14300 employees end 2016 according recent annual report reporting tom hals wilmington delaware mekhla raina bengaluru editing gopakumar warrier standards thomson reuters trust principles
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<p>BARCELONA, Spain (AP) - Ousmane Dembele made his return from a long injury layoff as a second-half substitute in Barcelona's 1-1 draw at Celta Vigo in the Copa del Rey on Thursday.</p>
<p>The 20-year-old France forward ruptured a thigh tendon in his left leg on Sept. 16 in his third appearance with the team after his transfer set a record for the Spanish club.</p>
<p>His move from Borussia Dortmund in the summer could potentially cost nearly 150 million euros ($180 million) as Barcelona seeks to fill the void in its attack left by Neymar after he forced his exit to Paris Saint-Germain.</p>
<p>Dembele went on in the 72nd minute of the round-of-16 match for reserve team striker Jose Arnaiz, who opened the scoring. Dembele took over as Barcelona's center forward, but offered little more than a shot that drew a save from goalkeeper Sergio Alvarez in the 78th.</p>
<p>"I wanted (Dembele) to play in a position with the fewest number of defensive obligations because the match was intense and so he could ease his way back," Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said. "I am happy with the squad I have and my players have responded well."</p>
<p>Valverde fielded a starting 11 with few regular first-choice players, allowing Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta to have extra rest, tacked onto the end of the short winter break.</p>
<p>Arnaiz struck for Barcelona in the 15th minute when he drilled in a low cross from Andre Gomes, who started the counterattack by recovering possession. It was the 22-year-old Arnaiz's third goal in three cup matches this season for Barcelona.</p>
<p>Celta forward Pione Sisto leveled in the 31st after a long team buildup that appeared to have finished in a shot by Iago Aspas that hit the post. But the ball ricocheted off the woodwork and the leg of goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen before falling to Sisto, who fired it over the goalkeeper from a tight angle.</p>
<p>Denis Suarez missed a great chance for Barcelona in the 58th when Nelson Semedo found him arriving all alone at the far post, and Sergio Busquets hit the crossbar with a shot from distance moments later.</p>
<p>Barcelona's unbeaten streak reached 26 straight matches.</p>
<p>Celta also held Barcelona to a 2-2 draw at Camp Nou in the Spanish league last month.</p>
<p>The second leg will be played in Barcelona next week.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>FROM THE SPOT</p>
<p>Gareth Bale and Francisco "Isco" Alarcon scored penalties to help give Real Madrid a 3-0 victory at second-division side Numancia, which had threatened to snatch a draw despite playing half an hour with 10 men.</p>
<p>Bale converted his spot kick in the 35th after Lucas Vazquez was tripped by Carlos Gutierrez.</p>
<p>Despite losing Pape Diamanka to a second booking, Numancia pressed forward and almost leveled in the 76th when Inigo Perez's shot from near the halfway line hit the crossbar.</p>
<p>Substitute Isco finally put the result beyond doubt in the 88th after Vazquez earned another penalty when he was fouled by Unai Medina in the box.</p>
<p>Borja Mayoral then added a third goal with a header in stoppage time.</p>
<p>Like Valverde, Madrid coach Zindine Zidane rested top players Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos and Luka Modric.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>OTHER RESULTS</p>
<p>Levante fought back for a 2-1 win at Espanyol after Jose Luis Morales and Ivan Lopez scored to erase Gerard Moreno's opener.</p>
<p>Leganes beat Villarreal 1-0 at home thanks to a goal from Nordin Amrabat shortly after halftime.</p>
<p>BARCELONA, Spain (AP) - Ousmane Dembele made his return from a long injury layoff as a second-half substitute in Barcelona's 1-1 draw at Celta Vigo in the Copa del Rey on Thursday.</p>
<p>The 20-year-old France forward ruptured a thigh tendon in his left leg on Sept. 16 in his third appearance with the team after his transfer set a record for the Spanish club.</p>
<p>His move from Borussia Dortmund in the summer could potentially cost nearly 150 million euros ($180 million) as Barcelona seeks to fill the void in its attack left by Neymar after he forced his exit to Paris Saint-Germain.</p>
<p>Dembele went on in the 72nd minute of the round-of-16 match for reserve team striker Jose Arnaiz, who opened the scoring. Dembele took over as Barcelona's center forward, but offered little more than a shot that drew a save from goalkeeper Sergio Alvarez in the 78th.</p>
<p>"I wanted (Dembele) to play in a position with the fewest number of defensive obligations because the match was intense and so he could ease his way back," Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said. "I am happy with the squad I have and my players have responded well."</p>
<p>Valverde fielded a starting 11 with few regular first-choice players, allowing Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta to have extra rest, tacked onto the end of the short winter break.</p>
<p>Arnaiz struck for Barcelona in the 15th minute when he drilled in a low cross from Andre Gomes, who started the counterattack by recovering possession. It was the 22-year-old Arnaiz's third goal in three cup matches this season for Barcelona.</p>
<p>Celta forward Pione Sisto leveled in the 31st after a long team buildup that appeared to have finished in a shot by Iago Aspas that hit the post. But the ball ricocheted off the woodwork and the leg of goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen before falling to Sisto, who fired it over the goalkeeper from a tight angle.</p>
<p>Denis Suarez missed a great chance for Barcelona in the 58th when Nelson Semedo found him arriving all alone at the far post, and Sergio Busquets hit the crossbar with a shot from distance moments later.</p>
<p>Barcelona's unbeaten streak reached 26 straight matches.</p>
<p>Celta also held Barcelona to a 2-2 draw at Camp Nou in the Spanish league last month.</p>
<p>The second leg will be played in Barcelona next week.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>FROM THE SPOT</p>
<p>Gareth Bale and Francisco "Isco" Alarcon scored penalties to help give Real Madrid a 3-0 victory at second-division side Numancia, which had threatened to snatch a draw despite playing half an hour with 10 men.</p>
<p>Bale converted his spot kick in the 35th after Lucas Vazquez was tripped by Carlos Gutierrez.</p>
<p>Despite losing Pape Diamanka to a second booking, Numancia pressed forward and almost leveled in the 76th when Inigo Perez's shot from near the halfway line hit the crossbar.</p>
<p>Substitute Isco finally put the result beyond doubt in the 88th after Vazquez earned another penalty when he was fouled by Unai Medina in the box.</p>
<p>Borja Mayoral then added a third goal with a header in stoppage time.</p>
<p>Like Valverde, Madrid coach Zindine Zidane rested top players Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos and Luka Modric.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>OTHER RESULTS</p>
<p>Levante fought back for a 2-1 win at Espanyol after Jose Luis Morales and Ivan Lopez scored to erase Gerard Moreno's opener.</p>
<p>Leganes beat Villarreal 1-0 at home thanks to a goal from Nordin Amrabat shortly after halftime.</p>
| false | 2 |
barcelona spain ap ousmane dembele made return long injury layoff secondhalf substitute barcelonas 11 draw celta vigo copa del rey thursday 20yearold france forward ruptured thigh tendon left leg sept 16 third appearance team transfer set record spanish club move borussia dortmund summer could potentially cost nearly 150 million euros 180 million barcelona seeks fill void attack left neymar forced exit paris saintgermain dembele went 72nd minute roundof16 match reserve team striker jose arnaiz opened scoring dembele took barcelonas center forward offered little shot drew save goalkeeper sergio alvarez 78th wanted dembele play position fewest number defensive obligations match intense could ease way back barcelona coach ernesto valverde said happy squad players responded well valverde fielded starting 11 regular firstchoice players allowing lionel messi luis suarez andres iniesta extra rest tacked onto end short winter break arnaiz struck barcelona 15th minute drilled low cross andre gomes started counterattack recovering possession 22yearold arnaizs third goal three cup matches season barcelona celta forward pione sisto leveled 31st long team buildup appeared finished shot iago aspas hit post ball ricocheted woodwork leg goalkeeper jasper cillessen falling sisto fired goalkeeper tight angle denis suarez missed great chance barcelona 58th nelson semedo found arriving alone far post sergio busquets hit crossbar shot distance moments later barcelonas unbeaten streak reached 26 straight matches celta also held barcelona 22 draw camp nou spanish league last month second leg played barcelona next week ___ spot gareth bale francisco isco alarcon scored penalties help give real madrid 30 victory seconddivision side numancia threatened snatch draw despite playing half hour 10 men bale converted spot kick 35th lucas vazquez tripped carlos gutierrez despite losing pape diamanka second booking numancia pressed forward almost leveled 76th inigo perezs shot near halfway line hit crossbar substitute isco finally put result beyond doubt 88th vazquez earned another penalty fouled unai medina box borja mayoral added third goal header stoppage time like valverde madrid coach zindine zidane rested top players cristiano ronaldo sergio ramos luka modric ___ results levante fought back 21 win espanyol jose luis morales ivan lopez scored erase gerard morenos opener leganes beat villarreal 10 home thanks goal nordin amrabat shortly halftime barcelona spain ap ousmane dembele made return long injury layoff secondhalf substitute barcelonas 11 draw celta vigo copa del rey thursday 20yearold france forward ruptured thigh tendon left leg sept 16 third appearance team transfer set record spanish club move borussia dortmund summer could potentially cost nearly 150 million euros 180 million barcelona seeks fill void attack left neymar forced exit paris saintgermain dembele went 72nd minute roundof16 match reserve team striker jose arnaiz opened scoring dembele took barcelonas center forward offered little shot drew save goalkeeper sergio alvarez 78th wanted dembele play position fewest number defensive obligations match intense could ease way back barcelona coach ernesto valverde said happy squad players responded well valverde fielded starting 11 regular firstchoice players allowing lionel messi luis suarez andres iniesta extra rest tacked onto end short winter break arnaiz struck barcelona 15th minute drilled low cross andre gomes started counterattack recovering possession 22yearold arnaizs third goal three cup matches season barcelona celta forward pione sisto leveled 31st long team buildup appeared finished shot iago aspas hit post ball ricocheted woodwork leg goalkeeper jasper cillessen falling sisto fired goalkeeper tight angle denis suarez missed great chance barcelona 58th nelson semedo found arriving alone far post sergio busquets hit crossbar shot distance moments later barcelonas unbeaten streak reached 26 straight matches celta also held barcelona 22 draw camp nou spanish league last month second leg played barcelona next week ___ spot gareth bale francisco isco alarcon scored penalties help give real madrid 30 victory seconddivision side numancia threatened snatch draw despite playing half hour 10 men bale converted spot kick 35th lucas vazquez tripped carlos gutierrez despite losing pape diamanka second booking numancia pressed forward almost leveled 76th inigo perezs shot near halfway line hit crossbar substitute isco finally put result beyond doubt 88th vazquez earned another penalty fouled unai medina box borja mayoral added third goal header stoppage time like valverde madrid coach zindine zidane rested top players cristiano ronaldo sergio ramos luka modric ___ results levante fought back 21 win espanyol jose luis morales ivan lopez scored erase gerard morenos opener leganes beat villarreal 10 home thanks goal nordin amrabat shortly halftime
| 720 |
<p>MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Alex Hornibrook's first pass of the night was a wobbler, one that seemed to slip out of his hand.</p>
<p>Nearly everything else he threw was just about perfect.</p>
<p>Hornibrook threw four touchdown passes, three to Danny Davis, and No. 6 Wisconsin capped off the winningest season in school history by topping No. 11 Miami 34-24 in the Orange Bowl on Saturday night.</p>
<p>"We were pretty relaxed," Hornibrook said. "We knew we had what it takes to win this game."</p>
<p>Everyone does now.</p>
<p>And the Big Ten — shut out of the College Football Playoff after Wisconsin lost to Ohio State in the conference title game — moved to 7-0 in bowls this season.</p>
<p>"You play the whole season and you earn what you get and I'm proud of this team," Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst said. "They can call themselves Orange Bowl champions. That's pretty big."</p>
<p>Jonathan Taylor ran for 130 yards on 26 carries for the Badgers (13-1), who rallied from an early 14-3 deficit. Taylor finished the year with an FBS-freshman-record 1,977 yards. A.J. Taylor also had a scoring catch for Wisconsin.</p>
<p>"I take as much responsibility as anybody, actually more because I'm in charge of everything," Richt said. "I didn't coach good enough and we will get better. I can promise you that."</p>
<p>The Badgers dominated time of possession, holding the ball for nearly 40 minutes. Hornibrook completed 23 of 34 passes for 258 yards, going 20 for 25 in the final three quarters.</p>
<p>Travis Homer and Deejay Dallas had rushing scores for Miami (10-3), which lost on its home field for the first time in 2017. Lawrence Cager had a touchdown catch for the Hurricanes, while quarterback Malik Rosier was 11 for 26 passing for 203 yards — with three interceptions.</p>
<p>The Hurricanes had a chance to get within a touchdown midway through the fourth, but Michael Badgley's chip-shot field goal went off the right upright. By the time Miami got the ball back, most of their fans were gone and only 1:37 remained. Rosier was picked off for the third time 18 seconds later, and the Badgers ran out the clock.</p>
<p>"They did a really good job making me throw balls into tight coverage," Rosier said.</p>
<p>Homer went in from 5 yards out to give Miami the early lead, and Dallas' 39-yard scamper for a score out of the wildcat formation pushed the Hurricanes' edge to 14-3 late in the first quarter.</p>
<p>Miami was rolling.</p>
<p>It was temporary.</p>
<p>Rosier's pass was intercepted by Wisconsin's Andrew Van Ginkel on the first play of the second quarter, and the game quickly changed. Hornibrook threw touchdown passes on three consecutive possessions — two to Davis, one to A.J. Taylor — and the Badgers held the ball for more than 11 minutes in that quarter alone on the way to taking a 24-14 lead into the half.</p>
<p>Richt was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct just before the third of those scores, after losing his cool while arguing with officials about what replays showed was a missed holding call that would have pushed Wisconsin back. He grabbed at head linesman Gus Morris — part of the SEC crew on the game — while pleading his case, as Miami security personnel unsuccessfully tried to keep him calm.</p>
<p>"Apologies to anyone who can read lips," Richt said.</p>
<p>The Hurricanes got within three points twice in the second half, the first coming when Rosier bought some time and lobbed the ball to a wide-open Cager for a 38-yard score. Rosier tried to connect with Cager again later in the third, but got intercepted again on a play where the Hurricanes thought Cager got held as he neared the end zone.</p>
<p>Hornibrook and Davis connected on a scoring play for the third time with 7:44 left, the Badgers weren't threatened again, and started talking about a title run in 2018 right afterward.</p>
<p>"We're all coming back," Hornibrook said. "But nothing is going to happen if we don't put in the work."</p>
<p>BIG PICTURE</p>
<p>Wisconsin: Hornibrook became just the third Badgers quarterback in the last 15 years to have multiple games with at least four touchdown passes in the same season. Scott Tolzien had a pair of four-TD games in 2009, and Jim Sorgi had games of four and five TDs in consecutive weeks back in 2003. From 2012 through 2016, the Badgers never had a quarterback throw for four scores in a game.</p>
<p>Miami: The Hurricanes were on a four-game losing streak last season, then started what became a 15-game winning streak that ended in the regular-season finale against Pitt, and now will take a three-game slide into 2018. The four touchdown passes allowed matched the most allowed by Miami in any game since Oklahoma threw for six TDs in a 2007 romp over the Hurricanes.</p>
<p>ROSIER RECORD</p>
<p>Rosier's third-quarter touchdown pass to Cager was the 31st touchdown he's accounted for this season, a Miami single-season record. The previous mark was 30, set by Vinny Testaverde in 1986.</p>
<p>FAMILY TIES</p>
<p>Hornibrook is the great-nephew of former Miami quarterback John Hornibrook, who was under center for a memorable play in Hurricanes history. John Hornibook ran in for a touchdown against Florida in 1971, on a play dubbed the Gator Flop — one where every Florida defender fell to the ground in order to let Miami score and get the ball back so Gators quarterback John Reaves could break the NCAA career passing record. The ploy worked.</p>
<p>UP NEXT</p>
<p>Wisconsin: Hosts Western Kentucky on Aug. 31.</p>
<p>Miami: Plays LSU in Arlington, Texas, on Sept. 1.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>More AP college football: <a href="http://collegefootball.ap.org" type="external">http://collegefootball.ap.org</a> and <a href="http://www.twitter.com/AP_Top25" type="external">http://www.twitter.com/AP_Top25</a></p>
<p>MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Alex Hornibrook's first pass of the night was a wobbler, one that seemed to slip out of his hand.</p>
<p>Nearly everything else he threw was just about perfect.</p>
<p>Hornibrook threw four touchdown passes, three to Danny Davis, and No. 6 Wisconsin capped off the winningest season in school history by topping No. 11 Miami 34-24 in the Orange Bowl on Saturday night.</p>
<p>"We were pretty relaxed," Hornibrook said. "We knew we had what it takes to win this game."</p>
<p>Everyone does now.</p>
<p>And the Big Ten — shut out of the College Football Playoff after Wisconsin lost to Ohio State in the conference title game — moved to 7-0 in bowls this season.</p>
<p>"You play the whole season and you earn what you get and I'm proud of this team," Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst said. "They can call themselves Orange Bowl champions. That's pretty big."</p>
<p>Jonathan Taylor ran for 130 yards on 26 carries for the Badgers (13-1), who rallied from an early 14-3 deficit. Taylor finished the year with an FBS-freshman-record 1,977 yards. A.J. Taylor also had a scoring catch for Wisconsin.</p>
<p>"I take as much responsibility as anybody, actually more because I'm in charge of everything," Richt said. "I didn't coach good enough and we will get better. I can promise you that."</p>
<p>The Badgers dominated time of possession, holding the ball for nearly 40 minutes. Hornibrook completed 23 of 34 passes for 258 yards, going 20 for 25 in the final three quarters.</p>
<p>Travis Homer and Deejay Dallas had rushing scores for Miami (10-3), which lost on its home field for the first time in 2017. Lawrence Cager had a touchdown catch for the Hurricanes, while quarterback Malik Rosier was 11 for 26 passing for 203 yards — with three interceptions.</p>
<p>The Hurricanes had a chance to get within a touchdown midway through the fourth, but Michael Badgley's chip-shot field goal went off the right upright. By the time Miami got the ball back, most of their fans were gone and only 1:37 remained. Rosier was picked off for the third time 18 seconds later, and the Badgers ran out the clock.</p>
<p>"They did a really good job making me throw balls into tight coverage," Rosier said.</p>
<p>Homer went in from 5 yards out to give Miami the early lead, and Dallas' 39-yard scamper for a score out of the wildcat formation pushed the Hurricanes' edge to 14-3 late in the first quarter.</p>
<p>Miami was rolling.</p>
<p>It was temporary.</p>
<p>Rosier's pass was intercepted by Wisconsin's Andrew Van Ginkel on the first play of the second quarter, and the game quickly changed. Hornibrook threw touchdown passes on three consecutive possessions — two to Davis, one to A.J. Taylor — and the Badgers held the ball for more than 11 minutes in that quarter alone on the way to taking a 24-14 lead into the half.</p>
<p>Richt was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct just before the third of those scores, after losing his cool while arguing with officials about what replays showed was a missed holding call that would have pushed Wisconsin back. He grabbed at head linesman Gus Morris — part of the SEC crew on the game — while pleading his case, as Miami security personnel unsuccessfully tried to keep him calm.</p>
<p>"Apologies to anyone who can read lips," Richt said.</p>
<p>The Hurricanes got within three points twice in the second half, the first coming when Rosier bought some time and lobbed the ball to a wide-open Cager for a 38-yard score. Rosier tried to connect with Cager again later in the third, but got intercepted again on a play where the Hurricanes thought Cager got held as he neared the end zone.</p>
<p>Hornibrook and Davis connected on a scoring play for the third time with 7:44 left, the Badgers weren't threatened again, and started talking about a title run in 2018 right afterward.</p>
<p>"We're all coming back," Hornibrook said. "But nothing is going to happen if we don't put in the work."</p>
<p>BIG PICTURE</p>
<p>Wisconsin: Hornibrook became just the third Badgers quarterback in the last 15 years to have multiple games with at least four touchdown passes in the same season. Scott Tolzien had a pair of four-TD games in 2009, and Jim Sorgi had games of four and five TDs in consecutive weeks back in 2003. From 2012 through 2016, the Badgers never had a quarterback throw for four scores in a game.</p>
<p>Miami: The Hurricanes were on a four-game losing streak last season, then started what became a 15-game winning streak that ended in the regular-season finale against Pitt, and now will take a three-game slide into 2018. The four touchdown passes allowed matched the most allowed by Miami in any game since Oklahoma threw for six TDs in a 2007 romp over the Hurricanes.</p>
<p>ROSIER RECORD</p>
<p>Rosier's third-quarter touchdown pass to Cager was the 31st touchdown he's accounted for this season, a Miami single-season record. The previous mark was 30, set by Vinny Testaverde in 1986.</p>
<p>FAMILY TIES</p>
<p>Hornibrook is the great-nephew of former Miami quarterback John Hornibrook, who was under center for a memorable play in Hurricanes history. John Hornibook ran in for a touchdown against Florida in 1971, on a play dubbed the Gator Flop — one where every Florida defender fell to the ground in order to let Miami score and get the ball back so Gators quarterback John Reaves could break the NCAA career passing record. The ploy worked.</p>
<p>UP NEXT</p>
<p>Wisconsin: Hosts Western Kentucky on Aug. 31.</p>
<p>Miami: Plays LSU in Arlington, Texas, on Sept. 1.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>More AP college football: <a href="http://collegefootball.ap.org" type="external">http://collegefootball.ap.org</a> and <a href="http://www.twitter.com/AP_Top25" type="external">http://www.twitter.com/AP_Top25</a></p>
| false | 2 |
miami gardens fla ap alex hornibrooks first pass night wobbler one seemed slip hand nearly everything else threw perfect hornibrook threw four touchdown passes three danny davis 6 wisconsin capped winningest season school history topping 11 miami 3424 orange bowl saturday night pretty relaxed hornibrook said knew takes win game everyone big ten shut college football playoff wisconsin lost ohio state conference title game moved 70 bowls season play whole season earn get im proud team wisconsin coach paul chryst said call orange bowl champions thats pretty big jonathan taylor ran 130 yards 26 carries badgers 131 rallied early 143 deficit taylor finished year fbsfreshmanrecord 1977 yards aj taylor also scoring catch wisconsin take much responsibility anybody actually im charge everything richt said didnt coach good enough get better promise badgers dominated time possession holding ball nearly 40 minutes hornibrook completed 23 34 passes 258 yards going 20 25 final three quarters travis homer deejay dallas rushing scores miami 103 lost home field first time 2017 lawrence cager touchdown catch hurricanes quarterback malik rosier 11 26 passing 203 yards three interceptions hurricanes chance get within touchdown midway fourth michael badgleys chipshot field goal went right upright time miami got ball back fans gone 137 remained rosier picked third time 18 seconds later badgers ran clock really good job making throw balls tight coverage rosier said homer went 5 yards give miami early lead dallas 39yard scamper score wildcat formation pushed hurricanes edge 143 late first quarter miami rolling temporary rosiers pass intercepted wisconsins andrew van ginkel first play second quarter game quickly changed hornibrook threw touchdown passes three consecutive possessions two davis one aj taylor badgers held ball 11 minutes quarter alone way taking 2414 lead half richt flagged unsportsmanlike conduct third scores losing cool arguing officials replays showed missed holding call would pushed wisconsin back grabbed head linesman gus morris part sec crew game pleading case miami security personnel unsuccessfully tried keep calm apologies anyone read lips richt said hurricanes got within three points twice second half first coming rosier bought time lobbed ball wideopen cager 38yard score rosier tried connect cager later third got intercepted play hurricanes thought cager got held neared end zone hornibrook davis connected scoring play third time 744 left badgers werent threatened started talking title run 2018 right afterward coming back hornibrook said nothing going happen dont put work big picture wisconsin hornibrook became third badgers quarterback last 15 years multiple games least four touchdown passes season scott tolzien pair fourtd games 2009 jim sorgi games four five tds consecutive weeks back 2003 2012 2016 badgers never quarterback throw four scores game miami hurricanes fourgame losing streak last season started became 15game winning streak ended regularseason finale pitt take threegame slide 2018 four touchdown passes allowed matched allowed miami game since oklahoma threw six tds 2007 romp hurricanes rosier record rosiers thirdquarter touchdown pass cager 31st touchdown hes accounted season miami singleseason record previous mark 30 set vinny testaverde 1986 family ties hornibrook greatnephew former miami quarterback john hornibrook center memorable play hurricanes history john hornibook ran touchdown florida 1971 play dubbed gator flop one every florida defender fell ground order let miami score get ball back gators quarterback john reaves could break ncaa career passing record ploy worked next wisconsin hosts western kentucky aug 31 miami plays lsu arlington texas sept 1 ___ ap college football httpcollegefootballaporg httpwwwtwittercomap_top25 miami gardens fla ap alex hornibrooks first pass night wobbler one seemed slip hand nearly everything else threw perfect hornibrook threw four touchdown passes three danny davis 6 wisconsin capped winningest season school history topping 11 miami 3424 orange bowl saturday night pretty relaxed hornibrook said knew takes win game everyone big ten shut college football playoff wisconsin lost ohio state conference title game moved 70 bowls season play whole season earn get im proud team wisconsin coach paul chryst said call orange bowl champions thats pretty big jonathan taylor ran 130 yards 26 carries badgers 131 rallied early 143 deficit taylor finished year fbsfreshmanrecord 1977 yards aj taylor also scoring catch wisconsin take much responsibility anybody actually im charge everything richt said didnt coach good enough get better promise badgers dominated time possession holding ball nearly 40 minutes hornibrook completed 23 34 passes 258 yards going 20 25 final three quarters travis homer deejay dallas rushing scores miami 103 lost home field first time 2017 lawrence cager touchdown catch hurricanes quarterback malik rosier 11 26 passing 203 yards three interceptions hurricanes chance get within touchdown midway fourth michael badgleys chipshot field goal went right upright time miami got ball back fans gone 137 remained rosier picked third time 18 seconds later badgers ran clock really good job making throw balls tight coverage rosier said homer went 5 yards give miami early lead dallas 39yard scamper score wildcat formation pushed hurricanes edge 143 late first quarter miami rolling temporary rosiers pass intercepted wisconsins andrew van ginkel first play second quarter game quickly changed hornibrook threw touchdown passes three consecutive possessions two davis one aj taylor badgers held ball 11 minutes quarter alone way taking 2414 lead half richt flagged unsportsmanlike conduct third scores losing cool arguing officials replays showed missed holding call would pushed wisconsin back grabbed head linesman gus morris part sec crew game pleading case miami security personnel unsuccessfully tried keep calm apologies anyone read lips richt said hurricanes got within three points twice second half first coming rosier bought time lobbed ball wideopen cager 38yard score rosier tried connect cager later third got intercepted play hurricanes thought cager got held neared end zone hornibrook davis connected scoring play third time 744 left badgers werent threatened started talking title run 2018 right afterward coming back hornibrook said nothing going happen dont put work big picture wisconsin hornibrook became third badgers quarterback last 15 years multiple games least four touchdown passes season scott tolzien pair fourtd games 2009 jim sorgi games four five tds consecutive weeks back 2003 2012 2016 badgers never quarterback throw four scores game miami hurricanes fourgame losing streak last season started became 15game winning streak ended regularseason finale pitt take threegame slide 2018 four touchdown passes allowed matched allowed miami game since oklahoma threw six tds 2007 romp hurricanes rosier record rosiers thirdquarter touchdown pass cager 31st touchdown hes accounted season miami singleseason record previous mark 30 set vinny testaverde 1986 family ties hornibrook greatnephew former miami quarterback john hornibrook center memorable play hurricanes history john hornibook ran touchdown florida 1971 play dubbed gator flop one every florida defender fell ground order let miami score get ball back gators quarterback john reaves could break ncaa career passing record ploy worked next wisconsin hosts western kentucky aug 31 miami plays lsu arlington texas sept 1 ___ ap college football httpcollegefootballaporg httpwwwtwittercomap_top25
| 1,130 |
<p>(Adds company news and futures)</p>
<p>Jan 25 (Reuters) - Britain’s FTSE 100 index is seen opening 2 points lower at 7641.6 on Thursday, according to financial bookmakers, with futures down 0.33 percent ahead of the cash market open.</p>
<p>* DECHRA: Veterinary firm Dechra Pharmaceuticals Plc said it would buy the Netherlands-based AST Farma and Europe-focused Le Vet for 340 million euros ($422.1 million) in a cash and share deal.</p>
<p>* GREENE KING: British pub operator Greene King Plc on Thursday said comparable sales for its pub business for the two weeks covering Christmas and New Year’s eve rose 1.6 percent.</p>
<p>* CMC MARKETS: Spreadbetting firm CMC Markets Plc said on Thursday its revenue per client surged 33 percent in the third quarter, as its focus on high-value clients helped offset challenges from a sector-wide regulatory clamp-down and lower levels of volatility.</p>
<p>* RESTAURANT GROUP: Britain’s Restaurant Group, the owner of the Frankie &amp; Benny’s chain, said on Thursday 2017 comparable sales fell 3 percent on challenging market conditions.</p>
<p>* ANGLO AMERICAN: Miner Anglo American on Thursday reported a 5 percent increase in 2017 output citing improved productivity and the removal of less profitable ounces.</p>
<p>* FOXTONS: London-focussed estate agents Foxtons said its core earnings and revenue fell in 2017 in line with market expectations due to a slump in sales and that this year would remain challenging for the business.</p>
<p>* DIAGEO: Diageo, the world’s largest spirits company, reported a 1.7 percent increase in half-year sales on Thursday, as growth was curbed by foreign exchange rates and issues including a later Chinese New Year and a ban on selling alcohol near Indian highways.</p>
<p>* SKY: European TV group Sky posted a 5 percent rise in first-half revenue to 6.7 billion pounds ($9.6 billion) and said it had attracted 365,000 new customers, taking its base to 22.9 million.</p>
<p>* ASOS: British online fashion retailer ASOS on Thursday beat forecasts for sales growth in the key Christmas period, putting it firmly in the sector’s winners’ camp for festive trading.</p>
<p>* CARILLION/INSURERS: Insurers expect to pay out 31 million pounds ($44 million) in trade credit claims to suppliers hit by the collapse of British construction and outsourcing firm Carillion, the Association of British Insurers said on Thursday.</p>
<p>* LAMPRELL: Oil rig builder Lamprell PLC said on Wednesday it expects full-year revenue to be at the lower end of its guidance range due to losses at its East Anglia One offshore windfarm project (EA1 project).</p>
<p>* CONGO MINING CODE: Democratic Republic of Congo’s new proposed mining code, which the industry has warned will stifle investment in the copper and cobalt-rich nation, sailed through the Senate without opposition late on Wednesday. In a statement last month, several of Congo’s largest mines, including projects operated by Swiss-based commodities giant Glencore and London-listed Randgold Resources, said investors would look elsewhere if the code were approved by the Senate and signed into law by the president.</p>
<p>* OIL/GAS SPENDING: More global oil and gas firms expect to increase capital spending this year as confidence picks up after crude prices climbed above $70 a barrel in January for the first time in the three years, according to a survey by DNV.</p>
<p>* EX-DIVS: No FTSE 100 companies will go ex-dividend on Thursday, although several mid-caps will go ex-div, after which investors will no longer qualify for the latest dividend payout.</p>
<p>* The UK blue chip index ended the session down 1.1 percent at a three-week low of 7,643.43 points on Wednesday as sterling was pushed to a post-Brexit-vote high by data showing that the number of people in work had surged unexpectedly.</p>
<p>* For more on the factors affecting European stocks, please click on: cpurl://apps.cp./cms/?pageId=livemarkets</p> TODAY’S UK PAPERS
<p>&gt; Financial Times</p>
<p>&gt; Other business headlines Multimedia versions of Reuters Top News are now available for: * 3000 Xtra : visit <a href="http://topnews.session.rservices.com" type="external">topnews.session.rservices.com</a> * For Top News : <a href="" type="internal">topnews.reuters.com</a> (Reporting by Rahul B in Bengaluru)</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>(This version of the March 14 story corrects 11th paragraph to reflect that the coalition had agreed to consider summoning Sagawa for questioning, not that they had agreed to summon him)</p> Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe tells reporters at his office in Tokyo on March 12, 2018, that he deeply apologizes to the public over the Finance Ministry's alternations of documents over a state land sale. Mandatory credit Kyodo/viaREUTERS
<p>By Kaori Kaneko</p>
<p>TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Wednesday remained steadfast that he and his wife were not involved in a discount land-sale deal that has seen the opposition call for the resignation of his ally, Finance Minister Taro Aso.</p>
<p>Abe and Aso have come under fresh pressure over the ministry’s admission this week that it had altered documents related to the sale of state-owned land at a steep discount to a school operator with ties to Abe’s wife, Akie.</p>
<p>Suspicion of a cover-up could slash Abe’s ratings and dash his hopes for a third term as leader of his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Victory in the LDP September leadership vote would put him on track to become Japan’s longest-serving premier.</p>
<p>Copies of documents released by the finance ministry on Monday showed that references to Abe, his wife and Aso were removed from the ministry’s records of the sale to school operator Moritomo Gakuen.</p>
<p>“When you look at the documents even before they were altered, it is clear that my wife and I were not involved,” Abe told an upper house budget committee, a statement echoed by chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga.</p> Protesters shout slogans and hold placards during a rally denouncing Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Finance Minister Taro Aso over a suspected cover-up of a cronyism scandal in front of Abe's official residence in Tokyo, Japan March 14, 2018. REUTERS/Issei Kato
<p>Abe has said he would resign if evidence were found that they had.</p>
<p>According to the ministry documents, a comment from Moritomo Gakuen citing Akie Abe as telling him, “This is good land so please proceed”, was removed. Yasunori Kagoike, the former head of Moritomo Gakuen, and his wife remain in custody after being arrested last July over the deal.</p>
<p>Asked about the reference on Wednesday, Abe said: “I checked with my wife and she says she said no such thing. My wife was neither the person in charge of establishing the school nor Mr Kagoike’s boss, so naturally she would not have made such a remark.”</p> Slideshow (3 Images)
<p>Abe and Aso told parliament they had never instructed officials at the finance ministry to alter the documents.</p>
<p>The scandal has caused a stalemate in parliament, with opposition parties boycotting debate on the next fiscal year’s budget, potentially delaying reforms to boost long-term economic growth.</p> Related Video
<p>On Wednesday, Tetsuro Fukuyama, secretary-general of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party told reporters the ruling LDP-Komeito coalition had agreed to consider summoning former National Tax Agency chief Nobuhisa Sagawa to testify in parliament.</p>
<p>Sagawa headed the ministry division that submitted the documents before he became tax agency chief in July, an appointment critics saw as a reward for his efforts to smooth over the issue with his statements to parliament last year.</p>
<p>On Wednesday, Kiyomi Tsujimoto, a prominent Constitutional Democratic Party lawmaker, asked for Abe’s wife to appear for questioning, a senior LDP politician said earlier. She did not receive a reply.</p>
<p>Additional reporting by Yoshifumi Takemoto and Elaine Lies,; Writing by Chang-Ran Kim; Editing by Michael Perry, Robert Birsel</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>LONDON (Reuters) - Prime Minister Theresa May’s response to Russia after a nerve agent attack on British soil is unlikely to trouble Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin unduly, despite the expression of outrage that greeted it in Moscow.</p> Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street, in London, March 13, 2018. REUTERS/Toby Melville
<p>After the first known use of a military-grade nerve toxin on British soil since World War Two, May expelled 23 Russian spies using diplomatic cover and promised to freeze Russian State assets if they were used to threaten British interests.</p>
<p>May also said Britain would work on new powers to defend against hostile state activity, beef up counter espionage powers and cut back official participation in the soccer World Cup. Other measures may be considered, she said.</p>
<p>But her announcement, just days before an election in which Putin, a former KGB officer, is expected to coast to a fourth term, gave no examples of Russian officials or companies that would be targeted or barred from London’s financial center.</p>
<p>London remains open to Russian investment, albeit with a political chill. Other than the expulsions, May went no further than current EU sanctions which include travel restrictions and asset freezes against 150 people and 38 companies.</p>
<p>“The Kremlin will understand this as a very mild response,” said Mathieu Boulègue, a Russia expert at Chatham House think-tank in London. “Putin is unlikely to be worried by this.”</p>
<p>A senior British government official said further options remained on the table: “Economic, diplomatic, legislative, and our security capabilities can all be brought to bear if needed.”</p>
<p>But after days of full-volume rhetoric from London about the suspected Russian attack and a midnight deadline that Moscow scorned, May has shown just how little appetite Britain has for a fight on the eve of Brexit.</p>
<p>While the United States and European Union joined criticism of Moscow - albeit with a delayed response from U.S. President Donald Trump - there was little evidence of appetite in Paris, Berlin or Washington for anything beyond a scolding.</p> Russian president Vladimir Putin addresses the audience during a rally marking the fourth anniversary of Russia's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region in the Black Sea port of Sevastopol, Crimea, March 14, 2018. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
<p>Russia denied any involvement in the attack and simply declined to say anything about how a Soviet-era nerve toxin ended up striking down a former double agent on the normally genteel streets of the English city of Salisbury.</p>
<p>The foreign ministry described May’s measures as a flagrant provocation and promised a speedy response.</p>
<p>If Russia - or Russians - were behind the nerve attack, some of their aims may have been achieved: Britain has shown just how little power it is willing to exercise while every Kremlin opponent will be more nervous about retribution.</p>
<p>For many Russian experts, the attack on Sergei Skripal, a former GRU military intelligence officer who betrayed dozens of Russian agents to MI6, was a test for Britain after years of turning a blind eye to the reality of modern Russia.</p>
<p>Part of that policy is due to money.</p>
<p>One of the biggest exports since the 1991 fall of the Soviet Union was money and London, as one of the top two financial capitals in the world, is a major beneficiary.</p> Related Video
<p>London, or Londongrad as it is sometimes dubbed, is the Western capital of choice for the oligarchs and Russian officials who flaunt their wealth across Europe’s most luxurious destinations.</p>
<p>France, with its own business ties to Russia, has been more muted on the issue of Russian involvement in the attack on Skripal than Germany or the United States.</p>
<p>“Britain has tied itself up in knots,” said a French official who spoke on condition of anonymity.</p>
<p>“It’s had a very open policy on Russian private investment and émigrés for years and now it wants Europe to offer support in taking steps against Moscow. This is for them (Britain) to respond to. It’s shocking that it happened, but ultimately it’s up to Britain.”</p>
<p>Additional reporting by Luke Baker in Paris and Elizabeth Piper in London; editing by Philippa Fletcher</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>(Reuters) - Toys ‘R’ Us Inc, the iconic toy retailer, is shuttering its 735 U.S. stores after failing to find a buyer or reach a deal to restructure billions in debt, putting about 30,000 people out of jobs.</p>
<p>The closure is a blow to generations of consumers and hundreds of toy makers that sold their products at the chain’s U.S. stores, including Barbie maker Mattel Inc, board game company Hasbro Inc and other vendors like Lego.</p>
<p>“This is a profoundly sad day for us as well as the millions of kids and families who we have served for the past 70 years,” Chief Executive Officer Dave Brandon said.</p>
<p>With shoppers flocking to Amazon.com Inc and children choosing electronic gadgets over toys, Toys ‘R’ Us has struggled to boost sales and service debt following a $6.6 billion leveraged buyout by private equity firms in 2005.</p>
<p>Toys ‘R’ Us said on Thursday it is seeking approval to liquidate inventory in its U.S. stores, which debtors anticipate will close by the end of this year.</p> FILE PHOTO: People pass by the Toys R Us store at Times Square in New York, U.S., March 9, 2018. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz
<p>The company also said it is in discussions with some interested parties for a deal to combine up to 200 of its top performing U.S. stores with its Canadian operations.</p>
<p>For its operations in Asia and Central Europe, including Germany, Austria and Switzerland, the company will pursue a reorganization and a sale process. The already announced administration of its UK business will continue, the company said.</p> Slideshow (2 Images)
<p>Wayne, New Jersey-based Toys ‘R’ Us was already in the process of closing one fifth of its stores as part of an attempt to emerge from one of the largest ever bankruptcies by a speciality retailer.</p>
<p>Efforts collapsed this month after lenders decided, absent a clear reorganization plan, they could recover more in a liquidation, closing stores and raising money from merchandise sales, sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.</p>
<p>The disappearance of Toys ‘R’ Us leaves a void for hundreds of toy makers that relied on the chain as a top customer alongside WalMart Inc and Target Corp.</p>
<p>Shares of Mattel and Hasbro tumbled last week on Toys ‘R’ Us’ liquidation reports. Both rely on Toys ‘R’ Us for roughly 10 percent of their revenues, according to their 2016 annual reports.</p>
<p>Reporting by Tracy Rucinski in Chicago and Abinaya Vijayaraghavan in Bengaluru; Editing by Saumyadeb Chakrabarty</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>(Reuters) - IHeartMedia Inc filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Thursday as the largest U.S. radio station owner reached an in-principle agreement with creditors to restructure its overwhelming debt load.</p>
<p>The company, which filed for bankruptcy along with some of its units, said it ‍reached the agreement with holders of more than $10 billion of its outstanding debt for a balance sheet restructuring, which would reduce its debt by more than $10 billion.</p>
<p>IHeartMedia, which has struggled with $20 billion of debt and falling revenue at its 858 radio stations, said cash on hand and cash generated from ongoing operations will be sufficient to fund the business during the bankruptcy process.</p>
<p>“The agreement ... is a significant accomplishment, as it allows us to definitively address the more than $20 billion in debt that has burdened our capital structure,” Chief Executive Bob Pittman said.</p>
<p>The filing comes after John Malone’s Liberty Media Corp proposed on Feb. 26 a deal to buy a 40 percent stake in a restructured iHeartMedia for $1.16 billion, uniting the company with Liberty’s Sirius XM Holdings Inc satellite radio service.</p>
<p>Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings Inc, a subsidiary of iHeartMedia and one of the world’s largest billboard companies, and its units did not commence Chapter 11 proceedings.</p>
<p>IHeartMedia skipped a $106 million interest payment on Feb. 1, triggering a 30-day grace period during which the company has tried to hammer out a deal with it bondholders.</p>
<p>The company disclosed on Monday it was still exchanging proposals with its creditors, but had yet to reach an agreement.</p>
<p>Its most recent proposal would have given holders of secured loans, who are owed nearly $13 billion, about $5.6 billion in new debt and 94 percent of the equity in a reorganized iHeartMedia. These creditors also would have received iHeartMedia’s 89.5 percent stake in Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings.</p>
<p>Bain Capital LLC and Thomas H. Lee Partners LP control 68 percent of the voting stock of iHeartMedia, according to the company’s most recent annual report.</p>
<p>The private equity firms led a $17.9 billion leveraged buyout of what was then Clear Channel Communications Inc in 2008, just as the buyout boom was fading and as the signs of the financial crisis began to emerge.</p>
<p>Shares of iHeartMedia lost three-quarters of their value in the second half of 2015 and have never recovered since then. On Monday, the pink sheet stock closed at 48 cents.</p>
<p>IHeartMedia traces its roots to the 1972 purchase of KEEZ-FM in San Antonio, Texas, where it is currently headquartered. It also produces syndicated radio programs that feature “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest and political personalities Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity.</p>
<p>The company had 14,300 employees at the end of 2016, according to its most recent annual report.</p>
<p>Reporting by Tom Hals in Wilmington, Delaware and Mekhla Raina in Bengaluru; Editing by Gopakumar Warrier</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
| false | 2 |
adds company news futures jan 25 reuters britains ftse 100 index seen opening 2 points lower 76416 thursday according financial bookmakers futures 033 percent ahead cash market open dechra veterinary firm dechra pharmaceuticals plc said would buy netherlandsbased ast farma europefocused le vet 340 million euros 4221 million cash share deal greene king british pub operator greene king plc thursday said comparable sales pub business two weeks covering christmas new years eve rose 16 percent cmc markets spreadbetting firm cmc markets plc said thursday revenue per client surged 33 percent third quarter focus highvalue clients helped offset challenges sectorwide regulatory clampdown lower levels volatility restaurant group britains restaurant group owner frankie amp bennys chain said thursday 2017 comparable sales fell 3 percent challenging market conditions anglo american miner anglo american thursday reported 5 percent increase 2017 output citing improved productivity removal less profitable ounces foxtons londonfocussed estate agents foxtons said core earnings revenue fell 2017 line market expectations due slump sales year would remain challenging business diageo diageo worlds largest spirits company reported 17 percent increase halfyear sales thursday growth curbed foreign exchange rates issues including later chinese new year ban selling alcohol near indian highways sky european tv group sky posted 5 percent rise firsthalf revenue 67 billion pounds 96 billion said attracted 365000 new customers taking base 229 million asos british online fashion retailer asos thursday beat forecasts sales growth key christmas period putting firmly sectors winners camp festive trading carillioninsurers insurers expect pay 31 million pounds 44 million trade credit claims suppliers hit collapse british construction outsourcing firm carillion association british insurers said thursday lamprell oil rig builder lamprell plc said wednesday expects fullyear revenue lower end guidance range due losses east anglia one offshore windfarm project ea1 project congo mining code democratic republic congos new proposed mining code industry warned stifle investment copper cobaltrich nation sailed senate without opposition late wednesday statement last month several congos largest mines including projects operated swissbased commodities giant glencore londonlisted randgold resources said investors would look elsewhere code approved senate signed law president oilgas spending global oil gas firms expect increase capital spending year confidence picks crude prices climbed 70 barrel january first time three years according survey dnv exdivs ftse 100 companies go exdividend thursday although several midcaps go exdiv investors longer qualify latest dividend payout uk blue chip index ended session 11 percent threeweek low 764343 points wednesday sterling pushed postbrexitvote high data showing number people work surged unexpectedly factors affecting european stocks please click cpurlappscpcmspageidlivemarkets todays uk papers gt financial times gt business headlines multimedia versions reuters top news available 3000 xtra visit topnewssessionrservicescom top news topnewsreuterscom reporting rahul b bengaluru standards thomson reuters trust principles version march 14 story corrects 11th paragraph reflect coalition agreed consider summoning sagawa questioning agreed summon japanese prime minister shinzo abe tells reporters office tokyo march 12 2018 deeply apologizes public finance ministrys alternations documents state land sale mandatory credit kyodoviareuters kaori kaneko tokyo reuters japanese prime minister shinzo abe wednesday remained steadfast wife involved discount landsale deal seen opposition call resignation ally finance minister taro aso abe aso come fresh pressure ministrys admission week altered documents related sale stateowned land steep discount school operator ties abes wife akie suspicion coverup could slash abes ratings dash hopes third term leader liberal democratic party ldp victory ldp september leadership vote would put track become japans longestserving premier copies documents released finance ministry monday showed references abe wife aso removed ministrys records sale school operator moritomo gakuen look documents even altered clear wife involved abe told upper house budget committee statement echoed chief cabinet secretary yoshihide suga protesters shout slogans hold placards rally denouncing japanese prime minister shinzo abe finance minister taro aso suspected coverup cronyism scandal front abes official residence tokyo japan march 14 2018 reutersissei kato abe said would resign evidence found according ministry documents comment moritomo gakuen citing akie abe telling good land please proceed removed yasunori kagoike former head moritomo gakuen wife remain custody arrested last july deal asked reference wednesday abe said checked wife says said thing wife neither person charge establishing school mr kagoikes boss naturally would made remark slideshow 3 images abe aso told parliament never instructed officials finance ministry alter documents scandal caused stalemate parliament opposition parties boycotting debate next fiscal years budget potentially delaying reforms boost longterm economic growth related video wednesday tetsuro fukuyama secretarygeneral main opposition constitutional democratic party told reporters ruling ldpkomeito coalition agreed consider summoning former national tax agency chief nobuhisa sagawa testify parliament sagawa headed ministry division submitted documents became tax agency chief july appointment critics saw reward efforts smooth issue statements parliament last year wednesday kiyomi tsujimoto prominent constitutional democratic party lawmaker asked abes wife appear questioning senior ldp politician said earlier receive reply additional reporting yoshifumi takemoto elaine lies writing changran kim editing michael perry robert birsel standards thomson reuters trust principles london reuters prime minister theresa mays response russia nerve agent attack british soil unlikely trouble kremlin chief vladimir putin unduly despite expression outrage greeted moscow britains prime minister theresa may leaves 10 downing street london march 13 2018 reuterstoby melville first known use militarygrade nerve toxin british soil since world war two may expelled 23 russian spies using diplomatic cover promised freeze russian state assets used threaten british interests may also said britain would work new powers defend hostile state activity beef counter espionage powers cut back official participation soccer world cup measures may considered said announcement days election putin former kgb officer expected coast fourth term gave examples russian officials companies would targeted barred londons financial center london remains open russian investment albeit political chill expulsions may went current eu sanctions include travel restrictions asset freezes 150 people 38 companies kremlin understand mild response said mathieu boulègue russia expert chatham house thinktank london putin unlikely worried senior british government official said options remained table economic diplomatic legislative security capabilities brought bear needed days fullvolume rhetoric london suspected russian attack midnight deadline moscow scorned may shown little appetite britain fight eve brexit united states european union joined criticism moscow albeit delayed response us president donald trump little evidence appetite paris berlin washington anything beyond scolding russian president vladimir putin addresses audience rally marking fourth anniversary russias annexation ukraines crimea region black sea port sevastopol crimea march 14 2018 reutersmaxim shemetov russia denied involvement attack simply declined say anything sovietera nerve toxin ended striking former double agent normally genteel streets english city salisbury foreign ministry described mays measures flagrant provocation promised speedy response russia russians behind nerve attack aims may achieved britain shown little power willing exercise every kremlin opponent nervous retribution many russian experts attack sergei skripal former gru military intelligence officer betrayed dozens russian agents mi6 test britain years turning blind eye reality modern russia part policy due money one biggest exports since 1991 fall soviet union money london one top two financial capitals world major beneficiary related video london londongrad sometimes dubbed western capital choice oligarchs russian officials flaunt wealth across europes luxurious destinations france business ties russia muted issue russian involvement attack skripal germany united states britain tied knots said french official spoke condition anonymity open policy russian private investment émigrés years wants europe offer support taking steps moscow britain respond shocking happened ultimately britain additional reporting luke baker paris elizabeth piper london editing philippa fletcher standards thomson reuters trust principles reuters toys r us inc iconic toy retailer shuttering 735 us stores failing find buyer reach deal restructure billions debt putting 30000 people jobs closure blow generations consumers hundreds toy makers sold products chains us stores including barbie maker mattel inc board game company hasbro inc vendors like lego profoundly sad day us well millions kids families served past 70 years chief executive officer dave brandon said shoppers flocking amazoncom inc children choosing electronic gadgets toys toys r us struggled boost sales service debt following 66 billion leveraged buyout private equity firms 2005 toys r us said thursday seeking approval liquidate inventory us stores debtors anticipate close end year file photo people pass toys r us store times square new york us march 9 2018 reuterseduardo munoz company also said discussions interested parties deal combine 200 top performing us stores canadian operations operations asia central europe including germany austria switzerland company pursue reorganization sale process already announced administration uk business continue company said slideshow 2 images wayne new jerseybased toys r us already process closing one fifth stores part attempt emerge one largest ever bankruptcies speciality retailer efforts collapsed month lenders decided absent clear reorganization plan could recover liquidation closing stores raising money merchandise sales sources knowledge matter told reuters disappearance toys r us leaves void hundreds toy makers relied chain top customer alongside walmart inc target corp shares mattel hasbro tumbled last week toys r us liquidation reports rely toys r us roughly 10 percent revenues according 2016 annual reports reporting tracy rucinski chicago abinaya vijayaraghavan bengaluru editing saumyadeb chakrabarty standards thomson reuters trust principles reuters iheartmedia inc filed chapter 11 bankruptcy thursday largest us radio station owner reached inprinciple agreement creditors restructure overwhelming debt load company filed bankruptcy along units said reached agreement holders 10 billion outstanding debt balance sheet restructuring would reduce debt 10 billion iheartmedia struggled 20 billion debt falling revenue 858 radio stations said cash hand cash generated ongoing operations sufficient fund business bankruptcy process agreement significant accomplishment allows us definitively address 20 billion debt burdened capital structure chief executive bob pittman said filing comes john malones liberty media corp proposed feb 26 deal buy 40 percent stake restructured iheartmedia 116 billion uniting company libertys sirius xm holdings inc satellite radio service clear channel outdoor holdings inc subsidiary iheartmedia one worlds largest billboard companies units commence chapter 11 proceedings iheartmedia skipped 106 million interest payment feb 1 triggering 30day grace period company tried hammer deal bondholders company disclosed monday still exchanging proposals creditors yet reach agreement recent proposal would given holders secured loans owed nearly 13 billion 56 billion new debt 94 percent equity reorganized iheartmedia creditors also would received iheartmedias 895 percent stake clear channel outdoor holdings bain capital llc thomas h lee partners lp control 68 percent voting stock iheartmedia according companys recent annual report private equity firms led 179 billion leveraged buyout clear channel communications inc 2008 buyout boom fading signs financial crisis began emerge shares iheartmedia lost threequarters value second half 2015 never recovered since monday pink sheet stock closed 48 cents iheartmedia traces roots 1972 purchase keezfm san antonio texas currently headquartered also produces syndicated radio programs feature american idol host ryan seacrest political personalities rush limbaugh sean hannity company 14300 employees end 2016 according recent annual report reporting tom hals wilmington delaware mekhla raina bengaluru editing gopakumar warrier standards thomson reuters trust principles
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<p>Despite frigid temperatures plaguing some parts of the U.S., winter does have unique charms, whether it's getting cozy by a fireplace with a mug of hot chocolate in a mountain inn or heading outdoors to a magical landscape of forests and mountains sparkling with snow.</p>
<p>Here are a few ideas for shaking off the January blahs with a trip in the dead of winter to enjoy festivals, parks, natural phenomena and all kinds of recreation. Just be sure to bundle up.</p>
<p>NATURAL PHENOMENA</p>
<p>Seeing the northern lights seems to be on everybody's bucket list these days. There's no guarantee that nature will cooperate, but spend a few nights in a place like <a href="https://chenahotsprings.com/winteractivities1/" type="external">Chena Hot Springs</a> , north of Fairbanks, Alaska, or take a <a href="https://www.inspiredbyiceland.com/things-to-do/activities/northern-lights" type="external">northern lights tour in Iceland</a> , and you may be able to check that one off. Wisconsin is known for magnificent natural ice formations inside caves on the Apostle Islands, but it takes just the right weather conditions for a thick enough layer of ice to form on Lake Superior near the caves so that visitors can walk across the frozen water to get there. Check the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/apostleislandsnationallakeshore" type="external">Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Facebook</a> .</p>
<p>RECREATION</p>
<p>Not a skier? Not a problem. There are many ways to enjoy wintry landscapes. Snowshoeing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are available in many snowy destinations and can be easier for beginners than downhill skiing. Or try one of the more offbeat snow sports. In some places, you can go snow biking. Others, like <a href="http://ourayicepark.com/" type="external">Ouray Ice Park</a> in Colorado, offer ice climbing. There's also skijoring - skiing while pulled by dogs or a horse - and snow-kiting, which is like kite-surfing on skis, with the wind pulling the skier across the ice.</p>
<p>Dogsledding is popular in many wintry places, including Ely, Minnesota. For a truly remote experience, consider a sled dog safari with <a href="http://www.visitfinland.com/article/call-of-the-wild-tinja-and-her-dogs/" type="external">Tinja Myllykangas in Finland's Lapland</a> wilderness.</p>
<p>How about Nordic skating? Also called tour skating, it's ice skating on a frozen trail rather than around a small rink, and it requires a different type of skate - typically a long blade attached to ski boots. It's popular in Sweden, Finland and elsewhere in Northern Europe, but you can also do it in North America on the <a href="http://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places-to-visit/rideau-canal-skateway" type="external">Rideau Canal in Ottawa</a> , Canada, and the <a href="http://lakemoreyresort.com/activities/winter-activities/" type="external">Lake Morey Ice Skating Trail in Fairlee, Vermont</a> .</p>
<p>Roller coaster fans can also now enjoy winter thrills with mountain coasters - which are gravity-driven roller coasters with dips, waves and loops - at three Colorado resorts: Aspen Snowmass, Steamboat and Copper Mountain. Colorado's Purgatory Resort also plans to open a mountain coaster this year.</p>
<p>YELLOWSTONE AND MORE</p>
<p>Travelers who have experienced <a href="https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/visiting-yellowstone-in-winter.htm" type="external">Yellowstone National Park in winter</a> say it's utterly magical: wildlife watching in the snow, geysers steaming in the cold air, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snow coaches, snowmobiles and more. Rick Hoeninghausen, director of sales and marketing for Yellowstone National Park Lodges in Wyoming, says the weeks after Christmas are typically slow, though February is busier than January, with Presidents Day weekend often selling out. Except for that Feb. 19 holiday weekend, he says "most folks should be able to find lodging in the park" this winter at either <a href="https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/stay/winter-lodges/" type="external">Old Faithful Snow Lodge or Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel</a> . Winter vacation packages like <a href="https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/special-offer/winter-wolf-discovery-package/" type="external">Winter Wolf Discovery</a> or <a href="https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/special-offer/winter-in-wonderland-package/" type="external">Winter in Wonderland</a> combine lodging, meals and activities.</p>
<p>Or look into vacation rentals and resorts nearby. <a href="https://bigskyresort.com/" type="external">Big Sky Resort</a> in Montana is 50 miles from Yellowstone's West Entrance, and <a href="http://www.bigskyyurt.com/montana-dinner-yurt/" type="external">Montana Backcountry Adventures</a> offers an excursion to a yurt for an evening of dinner, music, sledding and stargazing.</p>
<p>But you don't have to go to a major national park to enjoy winter fun. Many smaller, local parks around the U.S. host special winter activities as well. <a href="http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/4699.htm" type="external">Toboggan Run in Pokagon State Park</a> near Angola, Indiana, is a 30-second thrill ride that can hit 40 mph with a 90-foot drop over a quarter-mile. <a href="https://www.starvedrockstatepark.org/" type="external">Starved Rock State Park</a> in Illinois, 90 minutes from Chicago, has gorgeous frozen waterfalls, various trails and even an overnight lodge.</p>
<p>FESTIVALS</p>
<p>The <a href="https://carnaval.qc.ca/home" type="external">Quebec Winter Carnival</a> in Quebec City, Canada, runs Jan. 26-Feb. 11, with snow slides, snow sculptures, night parades, an ice palace and snow baths, where brave (foolish?) visitors play in the snow wearing swimsuits. The Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival in China is known for massive, elaborate and colorfully lit ice sculptures along with art exhibitions and sporting events. The Harbin festival runs through late February, with heavy crowds expected the week of Chinese New Year celebrations, Feb. 15-23. Japan's Sapporo Snow Festival, Feb. 5-12, is also known for ice and snow sculptures. In Minnesota, a celebration called <a href="https://www.thegreatnorthernfestival.com/" type="external">The Great Northern</a> encompasses the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, Jan. 25-Feb. 10, with ice carvings and parades; the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships, Jan. 25-28, on Lake Nokomis; and the City of Lakes Loppet Ski Festival on Lake Calhoun, Jan. 27-28 and Feb. 3-4. Minneapolis is also hosting the Super Bowl this year on Feb. 4. In Wisconsin, <a href="https://www.visitlakegeneva.com/winterfest/" type="external">Lake Geneva's Winterfest</a> (easily accessed from Chicago and Milwaukee), Jan. 27-Feb. 4, hosts the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition along with a chili cook-off and some wacky events like a human dog sled race.</p>
<p>Despite frigid temperatures plaguing some parts of the U.S., winter does have unique charms, whether it's getting cozy by a fireplace with a mug of hot chocolate in a mountain inn or heading outdoors to a magical landscape of forests and mountains sparkling with snow.</p>
<p>Here are a few ideas for shaking off the January blahs with a trip in the dead of winter to enjoy festivals, parks, natural phenomena and all kinds of recreation. Just be sure to bundle up.</p>
<p>NATURAL PHENOMENA</p>
<p>Seeing the northern lights seems to be on everybody's bucket list these days. There's no guarantee that nature will cooperate, but spend a few nights in a place like <a href="https://chenahotsprings.com/winteractivities1/" type="external">Chena Hot Springs</a> , north of Fairbanks, Alaska, or take a <a href="https://www.inspiredbyiceland.com/things-to-do/activities/northern-lights" type="external">northern lights tour in Iceland</a> , and you may be able to check that one off. Wisconsin is known for magnificent natural ice formations inside caves on the Apostle Islands, but it takes just the right weather conditions for a thick enough layer of ice to form on Lake Superior near the caves so that visitors can walk across the frozen water to get there. Check the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/apostleislandsnationallakeshore" type="external">Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Facebook</a> .</p>
<p>RECREATION</p>
<p>Not a skier? Not a problem. There are many ways to enjoy wintry landscapes. Snowshoeing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are available in many snowy destinations and can be easier for beginners than downhill skiing. Or try one of the more offbeat snow sports. In some places, you can go snow biking. Others, like <a href="http://ourayicepark.com/" type="external">Ouray Ice Park</a> in Colorado, offer ice climbing. There's also skijoring - skiing while pulled by dogs or a horse - and snow-kiting, which is like kite-surfing on skis, with the wind pulling the skier across the ice.</p>
<p>Dogsledding is popular in many wintry places, including Ely, Minnesota. For a truly remote experience, consider a sled dog safari with <a href="http://www.visitfinland.com/article/call-of-the-wild-tinja-and-her-dogs/" type="external">Tinja Myllykangas in Finland's Lapland</a> wilderness.</p>
<p>How about Nordic skating? Also called tour skating, it's ice skating on a frozen trail rather than around a small rink, and it requires a different type of skate - typically a long blade attached to ski boots. It's popular in Sweden, Finland and elsewhere in Northern Europe, but you can also do it in North America on the <a href="http://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places-to-visit/rideau-canal-skateway" type="external">Rideau Canal in Ottawa</a> , Canada, and the <a href="http://lakemoreyresort.com/activities/winter-activities/" type="external">Lake Morey Ice Skating Trail in Fairlee, Vermont</a> .</p>
<p>Roller coaster fans can also now enjoy winter thrills with mountain coasters - which are gravity-driven roller coasters with dips, waves and loops - at three Colorado resorts: Aspen Snowmass, Steamboat and Copper Mountain. Colorado's Purgatory Resort also plans to open a mountain coaster this year.</p>
<p>YELLOWSTONE AND MORE</p>
<p>Travelers who have experienced <a href="https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/visiting-yellowstone-in-winter.htm" type="external">Yellowstone National Park in winter</a> say it's utterly magical: wildlife watching in the snow, geysers steaming in the cold air, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snow coaches, snowmobiles and more. Rick Hoeninghausen, director of sales and marketing for Yellowstone National Park Lodges in Wyoming, says the weeks after Christmas are typically slow, though February is busier than January, with Presidents Day weekend often selling out. Except for that Feb. 19 holiday weekend, he says "most folks should be able to find lodging in the park" this winter at either <a href="https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/stay/winter-lodges/" type="external">Old Faithful Snow Lodge or Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel</a> . Winter vacation packages like <a href="https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/special-offer/winter-wolf-discovery-package/" type="external">Winter Wolf Discovery</a> or <a href="https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/special-offer/winter-in-wonderland-package/" type="external">Winter in Wonderland</a> combine lodging, meals and activities.</p>
<p>Or look into vacation rentals and resorts nearby. <a href="https://bigskyresort.com/" type="external">Big Sky Resort</a> in Montana is 50 miles from Yellowstone's West Entrance, and <a href="http://www.bigskyyurt.com/montana-dinner-yurt/" type="external">Montana Backcountry Adventures</a> offers an excursion to a yurt for an evening of dinner, music, sledding and stargazing.</p>
<p>But you don't have to go to a major national park to enjoy winter fun. Many smaller, local parks around the U.S. host special winter activities as well. <a href="http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/4699.htm" type="external">Toboggan Run in Pokagon State Park</a> near Angola, Indiana, is a 30-second thrill ride that can hit 40 mph with a 90-foot drop over a quarter-mile. <a href="https://www.starvedrockstatepark.org/" type="external">Starved Rock State Park</a> in Illinois, 90 minutes from Chicago, has gorgeous frozen waterfalls, various trails and even an overnight lodge.</p>
<p>FESTIVALS</p>
<p>The <a href="https://carnaval.qc.ca/home" type="external">Quebec Winter Carnival</a> in Quebec City, Canada, runs Jan. 26-Feb. 11, with snow slides, snow sculptures, night parades, an ice palace and snow baths, where brave (foolish?) visitors play in the snow wearing swimsuits. The Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival in China is known for massive, elaborate and colorfully lit ice sculptures along with art exhibitions and sporting events. The Harbin festival runs through late February, with heavy crowds expected the week of Chinese New Year celebrations, Feb. 15-23. Japan's Sapporo Snow Festival, Feb. 5-12, is also known for ice and snow sculptures. In Minnesota, a celebration called <a href="https://www.thegreatnorthernfestival.com/" type="external">The Great Northern</a> encompasses the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, Jan. 25-Feb. 10, with ice carvings and parades; the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships, Jan. 25-28, on Lake Nokomis; and the City of Lakes Loppet Ski Festival on Lake Calhoun, Jan. 27-28 and Feb. 3-4. Minneapolis is also hosting the Super Bowl this year on Feb. 4. In Wisconsin, <a href="https://www.visitlakegeneva.com/winterfest/" type="external">Lake Geneva's Winterfest</a> (easily accessed from Chicago and Milwaukee), Jan. 27-Feb. 4, hosts the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition along with a chili cook-off and some wacky events like a human dog sled race.</p>
| false | 2 |
despite frigid temperatures plaguing parts us winter unique charms whether getting cozy fireplace mug hot chocolate mountain inn heading outdoors magical landscape forests mountains sparkling snow ideas shaking january blahs trip dead winter enjoy festivals parks natural phenomena kinds recreation sure bundle natural phenomena seeing northern lights seems everybodys bucket list days theres guarantee nature cooperate spend nights place like chena hot springs north fairbanks alaska take northern lights tour iceland may able check one wisconsin known magnificent natural ice formations inside caves apostle islands takes right weather conditions thick enough layer ice form lake superior near caves visitors walk across frozen water get check apostle islands national lakeshore facebook recreation skier problem many ways enjoy wintry landscapes snowshoeing snowmobiling crosscountry skiing available many snowy destinations easier beginners downhill skiing try one offbeat snow sports places go snow biking others like ouray ice park colorado offer ice climbing theres also skijoring skiing pulled dogs horse snowkiting like kitesurfing skis wind pulling skier across ice dogsledding popular many wintry places including ely minnesota truly remote experience consider sled dog safari tinja myllykangas finlands lapland wilderness nordic skating also called tour skating ice skating frozen trail rather around small rink requires different type skate typically long blade attached ski boots popular sweden finland elsewhere northern europe also north america rideau canal ottawa canada lake morey ice skating trail fairlee vermont roller coaster fans also enjoy winter thrills mountain coasters gravitydriven roller coasters dips waves loops three colorado resorts aspen snowmass steamboat copper mountain colorados purgatory resort also plans open mountain coaster year yellowstone travelers experienced yellowstone national park winter say utterly magical wildlife watching snow geysers steaming cold air crosscountry skiing snowshoeing snow coaches snowmobiles rick hoeninghausen director sales marketing yellowstone national park lodges wyoming says weeks christmas typically slow though february busier january presidents day weekend often selling except feb 19 holiday weekend says folks able find lodging park winter either old faithful snow lodge mammoth hot springs hotel winter vacation packages like winter wolf discovery winter wonderland combine lodging meals activities look vacation rentals resorts nearby big sky resort montana 50 miles yellowstones west entrance montana backcountry adventures offers excursion yurt evening dinner music sledding stargazing dont go major national park enjoy winter fun many smaller local parks around us host special winter activities well toboggan run pokagon state park near angola indiana 30second thrill ride hit 40 mph 90foot drop quartermile starved rock state park illinois 90 minutes chicago gorgeous frozen waterfalls various trails even overnight lodge festivals quebec winter carnival quebec city canada runs jan 26feb 11 snow slides snow sculptures night parades ice palace snow baths brave foolish visitors play snow wearing swimsuits harbin international ice snow festival china known massive elaborate colorfully lit ice sculptures along art exhibitions sporting events harbin festival runs late february heavy crowds expected week chinese new year celebrations feb 1523 japans sapporo snow festival feb 512 also known ice snow sculptures minnesota celebration called great northern encompasses saint paul winter carnival jan 25feb 10 ice carvings parades us pond hockey championships jan 2528 lake nokomis city lakes loppet ski festival lake calhoun jan 2728 feb 34 minneapolis also hosting super bowl year feb 4 wisconsin lake genevas winterfest easily accessed chicago milwaukee jan 27feb 4 hosts us national snow sculpting competition along chili cookoff wacky events like human dog sled race despite frigid temperatures plaguing parts us winter unique charms whether getting cozy fireplace mug hot chocolate mountain inn heading outdoors magical landscape forests mountains sparkling snow ideas shaking january blahs trip dead winter enjoy festivals parks natural phenomena kinds recreation sure bundle natural phenomena seeing northern lights seems everybodys bucket list days theres guarantee nature cooperate spend nights place like chena hot springs north fairbanks alaska take northern lights tour iceland may able check one wisconsin known magnificent natural ice formations inside caves apostle islands takes right weather conditions thick enough layer ice form lake superior near caves visitors walk across frozen water get check apostle islands national lakeshore facebook recreation skier problem many ways enjoy wintry landscapes snowshoeing snowmobiling crosscountry skiing available many snowy destinations easier beginners downhill skiing try one offbeat snow sports places go snow biking others like ouray ice park colorado offer ice climbing theres also skijoring skiing pulled dogs horse snowkiting like kitesurfing skis wind pulling skier across ice dogsledding popular many wintry places including ely minnesota truly remote experience consider sled dog safari tinja myllykangas finlands lapland wilderness nordic skating also called tour skating ice skating frozen trail rather around small rink requires different type skate typically long blade attached ski boots popular sweden finland elsewhere northern europe also north america rideau canal ottawa canada lake morey ice skating trail fairlee vermont roller coaster fans also enjoy winter thrills mountain coasters gravitydriven roller coasters dips waves loops three colorado resorts aspen snowmass steamboat copper mountain colorados purgatory resort also plans open mountain coaster year yellowstone travelers experienced yellowstone national park winter say utterly magical wildlife watching snow geysers steaming cold air crosscountry skiing snowshoeing snow coaches snowmobiles rick hoeninghausen director sales marketing yellowstone national park lodges wyoming says weeks christmas typically slow though february busier january presidents day weekend often selling except feb 19 holiday weekend says folks able find lodging park winter either old faithful snow lodge mammoth hot springs hotel winter vacation packages like winter wolf discovery winter wonderland combine lodging meals activities look vacation rentals resorts nearby big sky resort montana 50 miles yellowstones west entrance montana backcountry adventures offers excursion yurt evening dinner music sledding stargazing dont go major national park enjoy winter fun many smaller local parks around us host special winter activities well toboggan run pokagon state park near angola indiana 30second thrill ride hit 40 mph 90foot drop quartermile starved rock state park illinois 90 minutes chicago gorgeous frozen waterfalls various trails even overnight lodge festivals quebec winter carnival quebec city canada runs jan 26feb 11 snow slides snow sculptures night parades ice palace snow baths brave foolish visitors play snow wearing swimsuits harbin international ice snow festival china known massive elaborate colorfully lit ice sculptures along art exhibitions sporting events harbin festival runs late february heavy crowds expected week chinese new year celebrations feb 1523 japans sapporo snow festival feb 512 also known ice snow sculptures minnesota celebration called great northern encompasses saint paul winter carnival jan 25feb 10 ice carvings parades us pond hockey championships jan 2528 lake nokomis city lakes loppet ski festival lake calhoun jan 2728 feb 34 minneapolis also hosting super bowl year feb 4 wisconsin lake genevas winterfest easily accessed chicago milwaukee jan 27feb 4 hosts us national snow sculpting competition along chili cookoff wacky events like human dog sled race
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<p>RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — Palestinians in the West Bank are finally getting high-speed mobile data services, after a yearslong Israeli ban that cost their fragile economy hundreds of millions of dollars, impeded tech start-ups and denied them simple conveniences enjoyed by the rest of the world.</p>
<p>Palestinian cell phone providers Wataniya and Jawwal are expected to launch 3G broadband services in the West Bank by the end of this month, Palestinian officials said, after Israel assigned frequencies and allowed the import of equipment.</p>
<p>"It's about time," Wataniya CEO Durgham Maraee said of the anticipated launch, speaking to The Associated Press at company headquarters in the West Bank last week. "It has taken a very, very long time."</p>
<p>The belated move to 3G comes a decade after Palestinian operators first sought Israeli permits and at a time when faster 4G is increasingly available in the Middle East.</p>
<p>This keeps Palestinian mobile companies at a continued disadvantage, including in competition with Israeli companies that offer 3G and 4G coverage to Palestinian customers in the West Bank through towers installed in Israeli settlements. The World Bank has criticized this state of affairs because the Israeli firms do not pay license fees or taxes to the Palestinian authorities.</p>
<p>The Israeli ban on 3G also remains in place in the Gaza Strip, making that Palestinian territory, dominated by the militant group Hamas, one of the last without such services across the globe. Mobile internet is available in far-flung places, from the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan to the Atlantic's volcanic rock island of Ascension.</p>
<p>In blocking 3G for years, Israel has cited security concerns, without going into details. Officials suggest, for example, that high-speed mobile data could make it easier for Palestinian militants to communicate while reducing the risk of Israeli surveillance.</p>
<p>Israel's Shin Bet security agency declined comment Sunday.</p>
<p>COGAT, an Israeli Defense Ministry branch, said it worked on implementing a 2015 memorandum of understanding with the Palestinians on 3G, and that it expects a launch in two to three weeks. Officials did not respond to questions about Israel's yearslong ban on 3G.</p>
<p>Israel has delayed approval for Palestinian economic development projects in the past, leading to efforts by high-level international efforts to try to speed things along. Most recently, President Donald Trump's Mideast team has urged Israel to make economic gestures to the Palestinians.</p>
<p>Palestinian officials have said they suspect such projects are being used as political leverage.</p>
<p>At the same time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for so-called "economic peace" with the Palestinians, as he stepped back from offers by predecessors to negotiate the terms of an independent Palestinian state on lands Israel captured in 1967.</p>
<p>At Wataniya headquarters, where employees got 3G as part of pre-launch tests, the mood was upbeat.</p>
<p>The CEO said the 3G launch and the company's recent expansion into Gaza, after Israel lifted restrictions on importing equipment, could translate into profits in 2018 — the first since Wataniya began operations in 2009 as the second Palestinian cellphone provider.</p>
<p>"The future is bright," Maraee said.</p>
<p>But the company's struggles also illustrate the difficulties faced by Palestinian entrepreneurs, large and small, as they operate under Israeli obstacles to trade, movement and access.</p>
<p>Israel has kept a tight grip on the daily lives of Palestinians since its 1967 capture of the West Bank, Gaza and east Jerusalem, areas sought for a Palestinian state.</p>
<p>It annexed east Jerusalem and retains overall control of the West Bank. The Palestinian Authority, a self-rule government, administers 38 percent of the West Bank, while the remaining area, home to 400,000 Israeli settlers, is largely off-limits to Palestinian economic development.</p>
<p>Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005, but has enforced a border blockade, along with Egypt, since Hamas seized the strip in 2007. The West Bank-based Palestinian Authority of President Mahmoud Abbas is trying to regain a foothold in Gaza in stop-and-go reconciliation talks with Hamas.</p>
<p>The World Bank has repeatedly urged Israel to unshackle the Palestinian economy to allow private sector growth, essential for lowering double-digit Palestinian unemployment.</p>
<p>In 2016, the bank said the Palestinian mobile phone sector lost more than $1 billion in potential earnings over the previous three years, largely due to Israeli restrictions.</p>
<p>It noted that Israeli providers siphoned off as much as 30 percent of the potential Palestinian customer base in the West Bank with offers of 3G and 4G services.</p>
<p>Maraee said Wataniya has stayed afloat in part because of the continued support of its main investors — the Qatar-based telecommunications company Ooredoo and the self-rule government's Palestinian Investment Fund.</p>
<p>Wataniya is now at the break-even point, but that it once suffered losses of as much as $20 million a year, he said.</p>
<p>"If it wasn't for the commitment of the PIF and the Ooredoo Group ... to the Palestinian economy, probably Wataniya would not have survived under these trying circumstances," he said.</p>
<p>Smaller Palestinian entrepreneurs also expect an immediate 3G bump in business.</p>
<p>Ali Taha launched Rocab, an online taxi booking service, last July, but has so far captured only a tiny slice of the market. He expects a significant increase with 3G, since customers would be able to summon a ride from anywhere, instead of having to search for a location with WiFi.</p>
<p>Shadi Atshan, founder of the Palestinian start-up accelerator FastForward, said he expects app development to flourish and generate more Palestinian tech jobs.</p>
<p>For ordinary Palestinians, everyday life will get just a little easier.</p>
<p>Alaa Amouri, 20, a student, said she gets 4G from an Israeli provider that offers only partial coverage in the West Bank.</p>
<p>Mobile data from a Palestinian provider would offer real-time updates on potential trouble on the roads, said Amouri, who commutes between east Jerusalem and her West Bank university, passing through the crowded Israeli-run Qalandiya crossing almost daily.</p>
<p>"It (3G) helps in getting news updates," she said. "Sometimes when we are at the Qalandiya crossing, we find it blocked without knowing why."</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press writer Josef Federman in Jerusalem contributed to this report.</p>
<p>RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — Palestinians in the West Bank are finally getting high-speed mobile data services, after a yearslong Israeli ban that cost their fragile economy hundreds of millions of dollars, impeded tech start-ups and denied them simple conveniences enjoyed by the rest of the world.</p>
<p>Palestinian cell phone providers Wataniya and Jawwal are expected to launch 3G broadband services in the West Bank by the end of this month, Palestinian officials said, after Israel assigned frequencies and allowed the import of equipment.</p>
<p>"It's about time," Wataniya CEO Durgham Maraee said of the anticipated launch, speaking to The Associated Press at company headquarters in the West Bank last week. "It has taken a very, very long time."</p>
<p>The belated move to 3G comes a decade after Palestinian operators first sought Israeli permits and at a time when faster 4G is increasingly available in the Middle East.</p>
<p>This keeps Palestinian mobile companies at a continued disadvantage, including in competition with Israeli companies that offer 3G and 4G coverage to Palestinian customers in the West Bank through towers installed in Israeli settlements. The World Bank has criticized this state of affairs because the Israeli firms do not pay license fees or taxes to the Palestinian authorities.</p>
<p>The Israeli ban on 3G also remains in place in the Gaza Strip, making that Palestinian territory, dominated by the militant group Hamas, one of the last without such services across the globe. Mobile internet is available in far-flung places, from the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan to the Atlantic's volcanic rock island of Ascension.</p>
<p>In blocking 3G for years, Israel has cited security concerns, without going into details. Officials suggest, for example, that high-speed mobile data could make it easier for Palestinian militants to communicate while reducing the risk of Israeli surveillance.</p>
<p>Israel's Shin Bet security agency declined comment Sunday.</p>
<p>COGAT, an Israeli Defense Ministry branch, said it worked on implementing a 2015 memorandum of understanding with the Palestinians on 3G, and that it expects a launch in two to three weeks. Officials did not respond to questions about Israel's yearslong ban on 3G.</p>
<p>Israel has delayed approval for Palestinian economic development projects in the past, leading to efforts by high-level international efforts to try to speed things along. Most recently, President Donald Trump's Mideast team has urged Israel to make economic gestures to the Palestinians.</p>
<p>Palestinian officials have said they suspect such projects are being used as political leverage.</p>
<p>At the same time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for so-called "economic peace" with the Palestinians, as he stepped back from offers by predecessors to negotiate the terms of an independent Palestinian state on lands Israel captured in 1967.</p>
<p>At Wataniya headquarters, where employees got 3G as part of pre-launch tests, the mood was upbeat.</p>
<p>The CEO said the 3G launch and the company's recent expansion into Gaza, after Israel lifted restrictions on importing equipment, could translate into profits in 2018 — the first since Wataniya began operations in 2009 as the second Palestinian cellphone provider.</p>
<p>"The future is bright," Maraee said.</p>
<p>But the company's struggles also illustrate the difficulties faced by Palestinian entrepreneurs, large and small, as they operate under Israeli obstacles to trade, movement and access.</p>
<p>Israel has kept a tight grip on the daily lives of Palestinians since its 1967 capture of the West Bank, Gaza and east Jerusalem, areas sought for a Palestinian state.</p>
<p>It annexed east Jerusalem and retains overall control of the West Bank. The Palestinian Authority, a self-rule government, administers 38 percent of the West Bank, while the remaining area, home to 400,000 Israeli settlers, is largely off-limits to Palestinian economic development.</p>
<p>Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005, but has enforced a border blockade, along with Egypt, since Hamas seized the strip in 2007. The West Bank-based Palestinian Authority of President Mahmoud Abbas is trying to regain a foothold in Gaza in stop-and-go reconciliation talks with Hamas.</p>
<p>The World Bank has repeatedly urged Israel to unshackle the Palestinian economy to allow private sector growth, essential for lowering double-digit Palestinian unemployment.</p>
<p>In 2016, the bank said the Palestinian mobile phone sector lost more than $1 billion in potential earnings over the previous three years, largely due to Israeli restrictions.</p>
<p>It noted that Israeli providers siphoned off as much as 30 percent of the potential Palestinian customer base in the West Bank with offers of 3G and 4G services.</p>
<p>Maraee said Wataniya has stayed afloat in part because of the continued support of its main investors — the Qatar-based telecommunications company Ooredoo and the self-rule government's Palestinian Investment Fund.</p>
<p>Wataniya is now at the break-even point, but that it once suffered losses of as much as $20 million a year, he said.</p>
<p>"If it wasn't for the commitment of the PIF and the Ooredoo Group ... to the Palestinian economy, probably Wataniya would not have survived under these trying circumstances," he said.</p>
<p>Smaller Palestinian entrepreneurs also expect an immediate 3G bump in business.</p>
<p>Ali Taha launched Rocab, an online taxi booking service, last July, but has so far captured only a tiny slice of the market. He expects a significant increase with 3G, since customers would be able to summon a ride from anywhere, instead of having to search for a location with WiFi.</p>
<p>Shadi Atshan, founder of the Palestinian start-up accelerator FastForward, said he expects app development to flourish and generate more Palestinian tech jobs.</p>
<p>For ordinary Palestinians, everyday life will get just a little easier.</p>
<p>Alaa Amouri, 20, a student, said she gets 4G from an Israeli provider that offers only partial coverage in the West Bank.</p>
<p>Mobile data from a Palestinian provider would offer real-time updates on potential trouble on the roads, said Amouri, who commutes between east Jerusalem and her West Bank university, passing through the crowded Israeli-run Qalandiya crossing almost daily.</p>
<p>"It (3G) helps in getting news updates," she said. "Sometimes when we are at the Qalandiya crossing, we find it blocked without knowing why."</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press writer Josef Federman in Jerusalem contributed to this report.</p>
| false | 2 |
ramallah west bank ap palestinians west bank finally getting highspeed mobile data services yearslong israeli ban cost fragile economy hundreds millions dollars impeded tech startups denied simple conveniences enjoyed rest world palestinian cell phone providers wataniya jawwal expected launch 3g broadband services west bank end month palestinian officials said israel assigned frequencies allowed import equipment time wataniya ceo durgham maraee said anticipated launch speaking associated press company headquarters west bank last week taken long time belated move 3g comes decade palestinian operators first sought israeli permits time faster 4g increasingly available middle east keeps palestinian mobile companies continued disadvantage including competition israeli companies offer 3g 4g coverage palestinian customers west bank towers installed israeli settlements world bank criticized state affairs israeli firms pay license fees taxes palestinian authorities israeli ban 3g also remains place gaza strip making palestinian territory dominated militant group hamas one last without services across globe mobile internet available farflung places himalayan kingdom bhutan atlantics volcanic rock island ascension blocking 3g years israel cited security concerns without going details officials suggest example highspeed mobile data could make easier palestinian militants communicate reducing risk israeli surveillance israels shin bet security agency declined comment sunday cogat israeli defense ministry branch said worked implementing 2015 memorandum understanding palestinians 3g expects launch two three weeks officials respond questions israels yearslong ban 3g israel delayed approval palestinian economic development projects past leading efforts highlevel international efforts try speed things along recently president donald trumps mideast team urged israel make economic gestures palestinians palestinian officials said suspect projects used political leverage time israeli prime minister benjamin netanyahu called socalled economic peace palestinians stepped back offers predecessors negotiate terms independent palestinian state lands israel captured 1967 wataniya headquarters employees got 3g part prelaunch tests mood upbeat ceo said 3g launch companys recent expansion gaza israel lifted restrictions importing equipment could translate profits 2018 first since wataniya began operations 2009 second palestinian cellphone provider future bright maraee said companys struggles also illustrate difficulties faced palestinian entrepreneurs large small operate israeli obstacles trade movement access israel kept tight grip daily lives palestinians since 1967 capture west bank gaza east jerusalem areas sought palestinian state annexed east jerusalem retains overall control west bank palestinian authority selfrule government administers 38 percent west bank remaining area home 400000 israeli settlers largely offlimits palestinian economic development israel withdrew gaza 2005 enforced border blockade along egypt since hamas seized strip 2007 west bankbased palestinian authority president mahmoud abbas trying regain foothold gaza stopandgo reconciliation talks hamas world bank repeatedly urged israel unshackle palestinian economy allow private sector growth essential lowering doubledigit palestinian unemployment 2016 bank said palestinian mobile phone sector lost 1 billion potential earnings previous three years largely due israeli restrictions noted israeli providers siphoned much 30 percent potential palestinian customer base west bank offers 3g 4g services maraee said wataniya stayed afloat part continued support main investors qatarbased telecommunications company ooredoo selfrule governments palestinian investment fund wataniya breakeven point suffered losses much 20 million year said wasnt commitment pif ooredoo group palestinian economy probably wataniya would survived trying circumstances said smaller palestinian entrepreneurs also expect immediate 3g bump business ali taha launched rocab online taxi booking service last july far captured tiny slice market expects significant increase 3g since customers would able summon ride anywhere instead search location wifi shadi atshan founder palestinian startup accelerator fastforward said expects app development flourish generate palestinian tech jobs ordinary palestinians everyday life get little easier alaa amouri 20 student said gets 4g israeli provider offers partial coverage west bank mobile data palestinian provider would offer realtime updates potential trouble roads said amouri commutes east jerusalem west bank university passing crowded israelirun qalandiya crossing almost daily 3g helps getting news updates said sometimes qalandiya crossing find blocked without knowing ___ associated press writer josef federman jerusalem contributed report ramallah west bank ap palestinians west bank finally getting highspeed mobile data services yearslong israeli ban cost fragile economy hundreds millions dollars impeded tech startups denied simple conveniences enjoyed rest world palestinian cell phone providers wataniya jawwal expected launch 3g broadband services west bank end month palestinian officials said israel assigned frequencies allowed import equipment time wataniya ceo durgham maraee said anticipated launch speaking associated press company headquarters west bank last week taken long time belated move 3g comes decade palestinian operators first sought israeli permits time faster 4g increasingly available middle east keeps palestinian mobile companies continued disadvantage including competition israeli companies offer 3g 4g coverage palestinian customers west bank towers installed israeli settlements world bank criticized state affairs israeli firms pay license fees taxes palestinian authorities israeli ban 3g also remains place gaza strip making palestinian territory dominated militant group hamas one last without services across globe mobile internet available farflung places himalayan kingdom bhutan atlantics volcanic rock island ascension blocking 3g years israel cited security concerns without going details officials suggest example highspeed mobile data could make easier palestinian militants communicate reducing risk israeli surveillance israels shin bet security agency declined comment sunday cogat israeli defense ministry branch said worked implementing 2015 memorandum understanding palestinians 3g expects launch two three weeks officials respond questions israels yearslong ban 3g israel delayed approval palestinian economic development projects past leading efforts highlevel international efforts try speed things along recently president donald trumps mideast team urged israel make economic gestures palestinians palestinian officials said suspect projects used political leverage time israeli prime minister benjamin netanyahu called socalled economic peace palestinians stepped back offers predecessors negotiate terms independent palestinian state lands israel captured 1967 wataniya headquarters employees got 3g part prelaunch tests mood upbeat ceo said 3g launch companys recent expansion gaza israel lifted restrictions importing equipment could translate profits 2018 first since wataniya began operations 2009 second palestinian cellphone provider future bright maraee said companys struggles also illustrate difficulties faced palestinian entrepreneurs large small operate israeli obstacles trade movement access israel kept tight grip daily lives palestinians since 1967 capture west bank gaza east jerusalem areas sought palestinian state annexed east jerusalem retains overall control west bank palestinian authority selfrule government administers 38 percent west bank remaining area home 400000 israeli settlers largely offlimits palestinian economic development israel withdrew gaza 2005 enforced border blockade along egypt since hamas seized strip 2007 west bankbased palestinian authority president mahmoud abbas trying regain foothold gaza stopandgo reconciliation talks hamas world bank repeatedly urged israel unshackle palestinian economy allow private sector growth essential lowering doubledigit palestinian unemployment 2016 bank said palestinian mobile phone sector lost 1 billion potential earnings previous three years largely due israeli restrictions noted israeli providers siphoned much 30 percent potential palestinian customer base west bank offers 3g 4g services maraee said wataniya stayed afloat part continued support main investors qatarbased telecommunications company ooredoo selfrule governments palestinian investment fund wataniya breakeven point suffered losses much 20 million year said wasnt commitment pif ooredoo group palestinian economy probably wataniya would survived trying circumstances said smaller palestinian entrepreneurs also expect immediate 3g bump business ali taha launched rocab online taxi booking service last july far captured tiny slice market expects significant increase 3g since customers would able summon ride anywhere instead search location wifi shadi atshan founder palestinian startup accelerator fastforward said expects app development flourish generate palestinian tech jobs ordinary palestinians everyday life get little easier alaa amouri 20 student said gets 4g israeli provider offers partial coverage west bank mobile data palestinian provider would offer realtime updates potential trouble roads said amouri commutes east jerusalem west bank university passing crowded israelirun qalandiya crossing almost daily 3g helps getting news updates said sometimes qalandiya crossing find blocked without knowing ___ associated press writer josef federman jerusalem contributed report
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<p />
<p>The filing also brings to an end the marriage of Westinghouse and Toshiba. When the Japanese giant – maker of everything from medical devices to home appliances – bought the Westinghouse nuclear business in October 2006, it declared “the dawn of a new era for nuclear energy.” Together the companies would make a “powerful combination,” Toshiba said.</p>
<p>A decade later, that combination has melted down. Toshiba has written off more than $6 billion in losses connected to its U.S. nuclear business, citing accounting problems, delays and cost overruns. And it has pulled back from new nuclear projects under discussion in India and Britain.</p>
<p>The bankruptcy filing Wednesday will trigger a host of legal questions about whether Toshiba remains responsible for losses at Westinghouse and whether the utilities that own the reactors under construction will have to eat more of the cost of completing them. That could mean higher rates for consumers in those areas. In seeking protection under chapter 11 of the bankruptcy act, Westinghouse could still finish building those plants.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Westinghouse said it has arranged $800 million in debtor-in-possession financing so that it can continue to service customers while restructuring its business.</p>
<p>The collapse of Westinghouse also reverberates through the global nuclear business. Westinghouse supplied the world’s first commercial pressurized water reactor 60 years ago and half the world’s 430 nuclear power reactors have Westinghouse technology.</p>
<p>Moreover, Westinghouse had claimed that its new AP1000 model reactor had passive technology and modular design that was safer, cheaper and faster to build. Many U.S. lawmakers and nuclear industry officials say the AP1000 could augur in a “nuclear renaissance” in the United States.</p>
<p>Westinghouse is currently in charge of construction of four of these new model reactors at two different sites. The first two are being built by SCANA at the Virgil C. Summer Nuclear Generating Station, a site about 20 miles northwest of Columbia, S.C. The other two, backed by Energy Department loan guarantees, are being built at the site of Southern Co.’s existing Vogtle facility.</p>
<p>Yet Westinghouse ran into trouble on both sites. Though the AP1000 was supposed to be a standard design, changes were made in South Carolina. Moreover, Westinghouse plans included modules built in Lake Charles, La. that were supposed to fit together “like pieces of Lego,” said a former regulator. But Nuclear Regulatory Commission files say that the Lake Charles plant was shipping faulty modules, forcing Westinghouse to reweld them at the reactor sites. An entire extra building was erected to do the welding because there was so much of it, according to one person familiar with the construction.</p>
<p>Angry over the delays and cost overruns, the owners of the nuclear plants filed claims against Westinghouse. A settlement was reached, but now the legal battles will begin again.</p>
<p>Both South Carolina and Georgia allow utilities to charge ratepayers for power plant construction still in progress. In most states ratepayers don’t pay until they’re getting some of the benefits. But the utilities must still get approval from their public service commissions, which have forced the utilities to absorb some of the costs.</p>
<p>Southern Co.’s subsidiary Georgia Power, one of the co-owners of the Vogtle reactors, said it has been preparing for a Westinghouse bankruptcy and that it was “working with Westinghouse to maintain momentum at the site.” It said it was still assessing the impact of the bankruptcy and would consult with the Georgia Public Service Commission and its partners “to determine the best path forward.” It added that it would seek to hold Toshiba and Westinghouse accountable.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>There are only a handful of nuclear construction contractors worldwide, and many are state-owned firms. Many are struggling; shares of the French firm Areva, for example, have tumbled 84 percent over the past five years.</p>
<p>The United States relies on nuclear energy to provide about 20 percent of U.S. electricity needs. Yet, the reactors, with an average age of 35, are getting old by the standards of the nuclear business.</p>
<p>“As these units get decommissioned, to stay at that percentage you need more units,” said Dan Aschenbach, a senior vice president at Moody’s. “But you can’t get there if you cannot construct it.”</p>
<p>The Westinghouse bankruptcy also ends a chapter of nuclear energy diplomacy. The U.S.-based Westinghouse, though owned by Toshiba, has won political backing in the United States in its efforts to win contracts abroad. Both the Bush and Obama administrations pressed the Indian government to buy reactors made by Toshiba-Westinghouse or Hitachi-General Electric. India was negotiating to buy half a dozen AP1000s.</p>
<p>But questions of liability in the event of an accident have blocked negotiations in India. And while Westinghouse is near completion of four reactors in China, it had hoped to capture a bigger share of the Chinese market. In China too, Westinghouse has struggled with alterations in its design, delays and cost overruns.</p>
<p>Toshiba has been trying to find a buyer for Westinghouse, but there are few companies able or willing to swallow Westinghouse. One possibility is Korea Electric Power Co., which already has a nuclear engineering subsidiary. The Chinese nuclear construction company might also be interested in the technology.</p>
<p>But KEPCO already builds its own brand of nuclear plant, and China has its own CAP 1000. Moreover, the U.S. government would have to approve any sale to another foreign company.</p>
<p>“There is a lot of value in that design going forward and a lot of the challenges are being dealt with right now,” said Jeffrey Merrifield, a former member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission now at the law firm Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman. He said there were “a variety of coalitions forming” of U.S. companies that might be interested in purchasing Westinghouse. But those firms might only want certain pieces of Westinghouse, which designs a variety of reactor parts.</p>
<p>Another wrinkle in the Westinghouse saga is that the Energy Department provided more than $8 billion in loan guarantees to help finance the Vogtle pair of reactors. Those guarantees were given to the utilities, so the U.S. government and taxpayers should not be liable for any losses.</p>
| false | 2 |
filing also brings end marriage westinghouse toshiba japanese giant maker everything medical devices home appliances bought westinghouse nuclear business october 2006 declared dawn new era nuclear energy together companies would make powerful combination toshiba said decade later combination melted toshiba written 6 billion losses connected us nuclear business citing accounting problems delays cost overruns pulled back new nuclear projects discussion india britain bankruptcy filing wednesday trigger host legal questions whether toshiba remains responsible losses westinghouse whether utilities reactors construction eat cost completing could mean higher rates consumers areas seeking protection chapter 11 bankruptcy act westinghouse could still finish building plants advertisement westinghouse said arranged 800 million debtorinpossession financing continue service customers restructuring business collapse westinghouse also reverberates global nuclear business westinghouse supplied worlds first commercial pressurized water reactor 60 years ago half worlds 430 nuclear power reactors westinghouse technology moreover westinghouse claimed new ap1000 model reactor passive technology modular design safer cheaper faster build many us lawmakers nuclear industry officials say ap1000 could augur nuclear renaissance united states westinghouse currently charge construction four new model reactors two different sites first two built scana virgil c summer nuclear generating station site 20 miles northwest columbia sc two backed energy department loan guarantees built site southern cos existing vogtle facility yet westinghouse ran trouble sites though ap1000 supposed standard design changes made south carolina moreover westinghouse plans included modules built lake charles la supposed fit together like pieces lego said former regulator nuclear regulatory commission files say lake charles plant shipping faulty modules forcing westinghouse reweld reactor sites entire extra building erected welding much according one person familiar construction angry delays cost overruns owners nuclear plants filed claims westinghouse settlement reached legal battles begin south carolina georgia allow utilities charge ratepayers power plant construction still progress states ratepayers dont pay theyre getting benefits utilities must still get approval public service commissions forced utilities absorb costs southern cos subsidiary georgia power one coowners vogtle reactors said preparing westinghouse bankruptcy working westinghouse maintain momentum site said still assessing impact bankruptcy would consult georgia public service commission partners determine best path forward added would seek hold toshiba westinghouse accountable advertisement handful nuclear construction contractors worldwide many stateowned firms many struggling shares french firm areva example tumbled 84 percent past five years united states relies nuclear energy provide 20 percent us electricity needs yet reactors average age 35 getting old standards nuclear business units get decommissioned stay percentage need units said dan aschenbach senior vice president moodys cant get construct westinghouse bankruptcy also ends chapter nuclear energy diplomacy usbased westinghouse though owned toshiba political backing united states efforts win contracts abroad bush obama administrations pressed indian government buy reactors made toshibawestinghouse hitachigeneral electric india negotiating buy half dozen ap1000s questions liability event accident blocked negotiations india westinghouse near completion four reactors china hoped capture bigger share chinese market china westinghouse struggled alterations design delays cost overruns toshiba trying find buyer westinghouse companies able willing swallow westinghouse one possibility korea electric power co already nuclear engineering subsidiary chinese nuclear construction company might also interested technology kepco already builds brand nuclear plant china cap 1000 moreover us government would approve sale another foreign company lot value design going forward lot challenges dealt right said jeffrey merrifield former member nuclear regulatory commission law firm pillsbury winthrop shaw pittman said variety coalitions forming us companies might interested purchasing westinghouse firms might want certain pieces westinghouse designs variety reactor parts another wrinkle westinghouse saga energy department provided 8 billion loan guarantees help finance vogtle pair reactors guarantees given utilities us government taxpayers liable losses
| 593 |
<p>TORONTO, Jan 18 (Reuters) - Canada’s main stock index finished lower on Thursday, as energy companies and metals miners weighed.</p>
<p>The Toronto Stock Exchange’s S&amp;P/TSX composite index unofficially closed down 42.23 points, or 0.26 percent, at 16,284.47. (Reporting by Alastair Sharp; Editing by Alistair Bell)</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>(Reuters) - JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=JPM.N" type="external">JPM.N</a>), the biggest U.S. bank by assets, reported a 35 percent surge in quarterly profit on Friday, helped by higher interest rates for loans and lower taxes.</p> FILE PHOTO: People walk inside JP Morgan headquarters in New York, U.S., October 25, 2013. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz/File Photo
<p>The bank's net income rose to $8.71 billion, or $2.37 per share, in the first quarter ended March 31 from $6.45 billion, or $1.65 per share, a year earlier. ( <a href="https://bit.ly/2HyYbp9" type="external">bit.ly/2HyYbp9</a>)</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=JPM.N" type="external">JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co</a> 113.37 JPM.N New York Stock Exchange -- (--%) JPM.N
<p>Analysts had estimated earnings of $2.28 per share, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. It was not immediately clear if the numbers were comparable.</p>
<p>Reporting by Sweta Singh in Bengaluru and David Henry in New York; Editing by Saumyadeb Chakrabarty</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich said on Friday international relations should not depend on the mood of one person when he wakes up in the morning, in apparent reference to U.S. President Donald Trump, RIA news agency reported.</p> Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich smiles during an interview at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Russia, June 2, 2017. REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin
<p>In an early-morning tweet on Wednesday, Trump warned that missiles “will be coming” in response to an alleged chemical weapons attack by Syrian government forces. Russia is Syria’s most important military ally in the country’s civil war.</p>
<p>“We cannot depend on the mood of someone on the other side of the ocean when he wakes up, on what a specific person takes into his head in the morning,” Dvorkovich said at a forum in Krasnoyarsk, according to the TASS news agency.</p>
<p>“We cannot take such risks.”</p>
<p>In another tweet on Thursday, Trump appeared to cast doubt on at least the timing of any U.S.-led military action. “Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all!” it said.</p>
<p>He met his national security team on the situation in Syria later in the day and “no final decision has been made,” the White House said in a statement on Thursday.</p>
<p>Reporting by Denis Pinchuk; Writing by Maria Tsvetkova; Editing by Andrew Roche</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A six-month budget truce stitched together by Congress in March could unravel if Republican leaders vying to replace U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan indulge party conservatives who want to renege on critical parts of the pact.</p> House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) leaves after a weekly news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., April 12, 2018. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas
<p>At issue is a resurgent move by conservative Republicans to rescind, or cut about $60 billion in non-defense domestic spending increases that were key to winning Democratic votes.</p>
<p>That deal also significantly raised U.S. military spending this year as demanded by Republicans.</p>
<p>Those seeking the cuts would need the support of Republican House leaders, such as Kevin McCarthy and Steve Scalise, both seen as potential rivals to replace Ryan as the No. 1 House Republican and - if the party retains its majority in November elections - as speaker.</p>
<p>McCarthy, the House majority leader, talked up the provocative spending cuts on Thursday. In a statement, he said Republicans were “looking at other tools to cut spending” and added: “We have nothing to lose by making big changes.”</p>
<p>One of several Republicans who will have a say in the budding battle, McCarthy explicitly mentioned using a procedural tool known as rescissions in which President Donald Trump could team up with Republicans to kill off the non-military spending increases.</p>
<p>Allowing that to happen could rekindle the budget battles that consumed Congress for much of 2017 and early 2018, a scenario lawmakers had hoped the $1.3 trillion March spending bill had averted through November’s congressional elections.</p>
<p>Both Democrats and moderate Republicans warned against such an outcome. “Bad idea,” said Republican Representative Charlie Dent.</p>
<p>“If they want to go down this path, which won’t be successful ... we wouldn’t be able to pass an appropriations bill” for the fiscal year beginning on Oct. 1, he said.</p>
<p>More broadly, he added, trashing the spending deal would “have a chilling effect” on all sorts of future legislation.</p>
<p>Ryan and enough rank-and-file Republicans could link arms with Democrats to defend the spending deal enacted into law on March 23 and prevent a resumption of hostilities over the budget.</p>
<p>Doing so, however, could risk alienating Republican conservatives such as Representative Jim Jordan, a leading member of the right-wing House Freedom Caucus, at a politically delicate time given the looming leadership shake-up in the House and November’s elections that have Republicans struggling to persuade voters of their fiscal conservatism.</p>
<p>“Let’s get aggressive,” Jordan told reporters just hours after Ryan said on Wednesday that he would quit Congress at the end of 2018, setting up an internal struggle to replace him.</p>
<p>Jordan urged pushing for the cuts to Democrats’ domestic priorities, along with welfare changes and tougher oversight of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which has investigated Russia’s role in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.</p>
<p>Any ambitious House leader could help his or her cause by agreeing to the conservatives’ demands, in part a response to the huge deficit expansion created by the spending deal and December’s Republican tax overhaul package.</p>
<p>Reporting by Richard Cowan; Editing by Kevin Drawbaugh and Peter Cooney</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>BEIRUT (Reuters) - The prospect of Western military action in Syria that could lead to confrontation with Russia hung over the Middle East on Friday but there was no clear sign that a U.S.-led attack was imminent.</p>
<p>International chemical weapons experts were traveling to Syria to investigate an alleged gas attack by government forces on the town of Douma which killed dozens of people. Two days ago U.S. President Donald Trump warned that missiles “will be coming” in response to that attack.</p>
<p>The allies of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad were eager on Friday to lay blame for the crisis not with him but with Trump.</p>
<p>Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich said international relations should not depend on one person’s morning mood, in apparent reference to Trump’s tweets.</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-russia/russias-lavrov-god-forbid-any-libya-style-adventure-in-syria-idUSKBN1HK1C7" type="external">Russia's Lavrov: God forbid any Libya style adventure in Syria</a>
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<a href="/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-germany/germany-vows-to-keep-pressure-on-russia-over-syria-idUSKBN1HK19T" type="external">Germany vows to keep pressure on Russia over Syria</a>
<p>“We cannot depend on what someone on the other side of the ocean takes into his head in the morning. We cannot take such risks,” said Dvorkovich, speaking at a forum.</p>
<p>Russia has warned the West against attacking Assad, who is also supported by Iran, and says there is no evidence of a chemical attack in Douma, a town near Damascus which had been held by rebels until this month.</p>
<p>Vassily Nebenzia, Moscow’s ambassador to the United Nations, said he “cannot exclude” war between the United States and Russia.</p>
<p>“The immediate priority is to avert the danger of war,” he told reporters. “We hope there will be no point of no return.”</p>
<p>Sheikh Naim Qassem, deputy leader of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah, told Lebanese daily al-Joumhouria: “The conditions do not point to a total war happening...unless Trump and (Israeli leader Benjamin) Netanyahu completely lose their minds.”</p>
<p>U.S. allies have offered strong words of support for Washington but no clear military plans have yet emerged.</p>
<p>British Prime Minister Theresa May won backing from her senior ministers on Thursday to take unspecified action with the United States and France to deter further use of chemical weapons by Syria.</p>
<p>Trump was also expected to speak with French President Emmanuel Macron, who said on Thursday France had proof the Syrian government carried out the Douma attack and would decide whether to strike back when all necessary information had been gathered.</p> ASSAD TIGHTENS GRIP
<p>Trump himself appeared on Thursday to cast doubt on at least the timing of any U.S.-led military action, tweeting: “Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all!”</p> U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with governors and members of Congress at the White House in Washington, U.S., April 12, 2018. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
<p>He met his national security team on the situation in Syria later in the day and “no final decision has been made,” the White House said in a statement.</p>
<p>“We are continuing to assess intelligence and are engaged in conversations with our partners and allies,” it said.</p>
<p>A team of experts from the global chemical weapons watchdog, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, was traveling to Syria and will start its investigations into the Douma incident on Saturday, the Netherlands-based agency said.</p>
<p>The capture of Douma has clinched a major victory for Assad, crushing what was once a center of the insurgency near Damascus, and underlines his unassailable position in the war.</p> Slideshow (3 Images)
<p>He has cemented his control over most of the western, more heavily populated, part of the country, with rebels and jihadist insurgents largely contained to two areas on Syria’s northern and southern borders.</p>
<p>They still control the northwestern province of Idlib, near Turkey, and a southern region around Deraa, on the border with Jordan. Turkish forces and rebel allies control territory in northern Syria, while U.S.-backed Kurdish forces hold wide areas of the northeast, and pockets of Islamic State fighters remain.</p>
<p>But none of those any longer directly threaten Assad’s grip on power, which has been reinforced by Russian air power and Iran-backed fighters on the ground.</p>
<p>Reporting by Alistair Smout, Tom Perry, Ellen Francis and Maria Tsvetkova; Writing by Andrew Roche; Editing by Angus MacSwan</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
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toronto jan 18 reuters canadas main stock index finished lower thursday energy companies metals miners weighed toronto stock exchanges sampptsx composite index unofficially closed 4223 points 026 percent 1628447 reporting alastair sharp editing alistair bell standards thomson reuters trust principles reuters jpmorgan chase amp co jpmn biggest us bank assets reported 35 percent surge quarterly profit friday helped higher interest rates loans lower taxes file photo people walk inside jp morgan headquarters new york us october 25 2013 reuterseduardo munozfile photo banks net income rose 871 billion 237 per share first quarter ended march 31 645 billion 165 per share year earlier bitly2hyybp9 jpmorgan chase amp co 11337 jpmn new york stock exchange jpmn analysts estimated earnings 228 per share according thomson reuters ibes immediately clear numbers comparable reporting sweta singh bengaluru david henry new york editing saumyadeb chakrabarty standards thomson reuters trust principles moscow reuters russian deputy prime minister arkady dvorkovich said friday international relations depend mood one person wakes morning apparent reference us president donald trump ria news agency reported russian deputy prime minister arkady dvorkovich smiles interview st petersburg international economic forum spief russia june 2 2017 reuterssergei karpukhin earlymorning tweet wednesday trump warned missiles coming response alleged chemical weapons attack syrian government forces russia syrias important military ally countrys civil war depend mood someone side ocean wakes specific person takes head morning dvorkovich said forum krasnoyarsk according tass news agency take risks another tweet thursday trump appeared cast doubt least timing usled military action never said attack syria would take place could soon soon said met national security team situation syria later day final decision made white house said statement thursday reporting denis pinchuk writing maria tsvetkova editing andrew roche standards thomson reuters trust principles washington reuters sixmonth budget truce stitched together congress march could unravel republican leaders vying replace us house representatives speaker paul ryan indulge party conservatives want renege critical parts pact house speaker paul ryan rwi leaves weekly news conference capitol hill washington us april 12 2018 reutersyuri gripas issue resurgent move conservative republicans rescind cut 60 billion nondefense domestic spending increases key winning democratic votes deal also significantly raised us military spending year demanded republicans seeking cuts would need support republican house leaders kevin mccarthy steve scalise seen potential rivals replace ryan 1 house republican party retains majority november elections speaker mccarthy house majority leader talked provocative spending cuts thursday statement said republicans looking tools cut spending added nothing lose making big changes one several republicans say budding battle mccarthy explicitly mentioned using procedural tool known rescissions president donald trump could team republicans kill nonmilitary spending increases allowing happen could rekindle budget battles consumed congress much 2017 early 2018 scenario lawmakers hoped 13 trillion march spending bill averted novembers congressional elections democrats moderate republicans warned outcome bad idea said republican representative charlie dent want go path wont successful wouldnt able pass appropriations bill fiscal year beginning oct 1 said broadly added trashing spending deal would chilling effect sorts future legislation ryan enough rankandfile republicans could link arms democrats defend spending deal enacted law march 23 prevent resumption hostilities budget however could risk alienating republican conservatives representative jim jordan leading member rightwing house freedom caucus politically delicate time given looming leadership shakeup house novembers elections republicans struggling persuade voters fiscal conservatism lets get aggressive jordan told reporters hours ryan said wednesday would quit congress end 2018 setting internal struggle replace jordan urged pushing cuts democrats domestic priorities along welfare changes tougher oversight federal bureau investigation investigated russias role 2016 us presidential election ambitious house leader could help cause agreeing conservatives demands part response huge deficit expansion created spending deal decembers republican tax overhaul package reporting richard cowan editing kevin drawbaugh peter cooney standards thomson reuters trust principles beirut reuters prospect western military action syria could lead confrontation russia hung middle east friday clear sign usled attack imminent international chemical weapons experts traveling syria investigate alleged gas attack government forces town douma killed dozens people two days ago us president donald trump warned missiles coming response attack allies syrian president bashar alassad eager friday lay blame crisis trump russian deputy prime minister arkady dvorkovich said international relations depend one persons morning mood apparent reference trumps tweets related coverage russias lavrov god forbid libya style adventure syria factbox chemical weapons inspectors work germany vows keep pressure russia syria depend someone side ocean takes head morning take risks said dvorkovich speaking forum russia warned west attacking assad also supported iran says evidence chemical attack douma town near damascus held rebels month vassily nebenzia moscows ambassador united nations said exclude war united states russia immediate priority avert danger war told reporters hope point return sheikh naim qassem deputy leader iranianbacked hezbollah told lebanese daily aljoumhouria conditions point total war happeningunless trump israeli leader benjamin netanyahu completely lose minds us allies offered strong words support washington clear military plans yet emerged british prime minister theresa may backing senior ministers thursday take unspecified action united states france deter use chemical weapons syria trump also expected speak french president emmanuel macron said thursday france proof syrian government carried douma attack would decide whether strike back necessary information gathered assad tightens grip trump appeared thursday cast doubt least timing usled military action tweeting never said attack syria would take place could soon soon us president donald trump speaks meeting governors members congress white house washington us april 12 2018 reuterskevin lamarque met national security team situation syria later day final decision made white house said statement continuing assess intelligence engaged conversations partners allies said team experts global chemical weapons watchdog organisation prohibition chemical weapons traveling syria start investigations douma incident saturday netherlandsbased agency said capture douma clinched major victory assad crushing center insurgency near damascus underlines unassailable position war slideshow 3 images cemented control western heavily populated part country rebels jihadist insurgents largely contained two areas syrias northern southern borders still control northwestern province idlib near turkey southern region around deraa border jordan turkish forces rebel allies control territory northern syria usbacked kurdish forces hold wide areas northeast pockets islamic state fighters remain none longer directly threaten assads grip power reinforced russian air power iranbacked fighters ground reporting alistair smout tom perry ellen francis maria tsvetkova writing andrew roche editing angus macswan standards thomson reuters trust principles
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<p>SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Salt Lake City would be able to host the Winter Olympics again without losing money thanks to existing venues and the expertise of a team that put on the 2002 Winter Olympics in the city, an exploratory committee said Monday.</p>
<p>The budget estimate unveiled at the committee’s third meeting puts Utah one step closer to pursuing a bid for the 2030 Winter Olympics, while being open to the remote possibility of hosting the 2026 Olympic Games.</p>
<p>The committee — made up of elected officials, business leaders and people who worked on the 2002 Winter Olympics — will take a formal vote next month on whether to move forward with the bid.</p>
<p>The committee’s budget team estimated it would cost $1.29 billion to host another Winter Olympics. Estimated revenues of about $1.35 billion would leave a surplus, the committee said.</p>
<p>Those figures are in 2018 dollars and would go up with inflation, but committee said that the revenue surplus would hold. They don’t include security costs that would be covered by the U.S. government and spectator transportation, which in 2002 was paid for by federal and state governments.</p>
<p>“Every indication we have right now is positive,” said Fraser Bullock, co-chairman of the committee. “It’s just sorting the dynamics of the U.S. Olympic Committee relative to 2030 and 2026, that’s the issue.”</p>
<p>The USOC has until next March to pick a city for 2026, though chief executive Scott Blackmun said recently that officials believe the 2030 Winter Olympics are more realistic.</p>
<p>Bullock urged the committee to have its full, detailed report ready by March to show the USOC that Salt Lake City is ready and to be prepared in case the International Olympic Committee awards the 2026 and 2030 games at the same time in 2019.</p>
<p>That’s what the IOC did in September for the first time ever, awarding the 2024 Summer Olympics to Paris and the 2028 Summer Olympics to Los Angeles.</p>
<p>The 2030 Olympics would normally be awarded in 2023.</p>
<p>Denver and Reno, Nevada, have also expressed interest in the U.S.</p>
<p>Denver, which famously rejected an offer to host the 1976 Winter Olympics, has assembled a committee to take a tough-minded look at whether the city should pursue a bid for another Olympics.</p>
<p>Internationally, cities considering making a bid include Sion, Switzerland; Calgary, Canada; Stockholm, Sweden; and Sapporo, Japan.</p>
<p>Ideally, a European city would host in 2026 and a U.S. city in 2030, Bullock said.</p>
<p>Salt Lake City’s pitch would be centered on being able to host the Olympics for less money than other cities by using existing venues. Some venues need improvements and refurbishing, but officials say they wouldn’t have to build anything from scratch.</p>
<p>The committee said Monday it also learned from hosting in 2002 and has identified many areas where it could be more efficient to save money and trim down the budget.</p>
<p>The committee also said it’s already begun thinking about a theme for the game that would ensure the 2030 games aren’t just a rehash of the 2002 games. Members know that cities that haven’t hosted the Olympics, such as Denver and Reno, would bring the cachet of being new and different.</p>
<p>“But shiny and new costs about $500 million dollars,” Bullock said in reference to the additional costs those cities would have to build venues. “Where does that money come from?”</p>
<p>SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Salt Lake City would be able to host the Winter Olympics again without losing money thanks to existing venues and the expertise of a team that put on the 2002 Winter Olympics in the city, an exploratory committee said Monday.</p>
<p>The budget estimate unveiled at the committee’s third meeting puts Utah one step closer to pursuing a bid for the 2030 Winter Olympics, while being open to the remote possibility of hosting the 2026 Olympic Games.</p>
<p>The committee — made up of elected officials, business leaders and people who worked on the 2002 Winter Olympics — will take a formal vote next month on whether to move forward with the bid.</p>
<p>The committee’s budget team estimated it would cost $1.29 billion to host another Winter Olympics. Estimated revenues of about $1.35 billion would leave a surplus, the committee said.</p>
<p>Those figures are in 2018 dollars and would go up with inflation, but committee said that the revenue surplus would hold. They don’t include security costs that would be covered by the U.S. government and spectator transportation, which in 2002 was paid for by federal and state governments.</p>
<p>“Every indication we have right now is positive,” said Fraser Bullock, co-chairman of the committee. “It’s just sorting the dynamics of the U.S. Olympic Committee relative to 2030 and 2026, that’s the issue.”</p>
<p>The USOC has until next March to pick a city for 2026, though chief executive Scott Blackmun said recently that officials believe the 2030 Winter Olympics are more realistic.</p>
<p>Bullock urged the committee to have its full, detailed report ready by March to show the USOC that Salt Lake City is ready and to be prepared in case the International Olympic Committee awards the 2026 and 2030 games at the same time in 2019.</p>
<p>That’s what the IOC did in September for the first time ever, awarding the 2024 Summer Olympics to Paris and the 2028 Summer Olympics to Los Angeles.</p>
<p>The 2030 Olympics would normally be awarded in 2023.</p>
<p>Denver and Reno, Nevada, have also expressed interest in the U.S.</p>
<p>Denver, which famously rejected an offer to host the 1976 Winter Olympics, has assembled a committee to take a tough-minded look at whether the city should pursue a bid for another Olympics.</p>
<p>Internationally, cities considering making a bid include Sion, Switzerland; Calgary, Canada; Stockholm, Sweden; and Sapporo, Japan.</p>
<p>Ideally, a European city would host in 2026 and a U.S. city in 2030, Bullock said.</p>
<p>Salt Lake City’s pitch would be centered on being able to host the Olympics for less money than other cities by using existing venues. Some venues need improvements and refurbishing, but officials say they wouldn’t have to build anything from scratch.</p>
<p>The committee said Monday it also learned from hosting in 2002 and has identified many areas where it could be more efficient to save money and trim down the budget.</p>
<p>The committee also said it’s already begun thinking about a theme for the game that would ensure the 2030 games aren’t just a rehash of the 2002 games. Members know that cities that haven’t hosted the Olympics, such as Denver and Reno, would bring the cachet of being new and different.</p>
<p>“But shiny and new costs about $500 million dollars,” Bullock said in reference to the additional costs those cities would have to build venues. “Where does that money come from?”</p>
| false | 2 |
salt lake city ap salt lake city would able host winter olympics without losing money thanks existing venues expertise team put 2002 winter olympics city exploratory committee said monday budget estimate unveiled committees third meeting puts utah one step closer pursuing bid 2030 winter olympics open remote possibility hosting 2026 olympic games committee made elected officials business leaders people worked 2002 winter olympics take formal vote next month whether move forward bid committees budget team estimated would cost 129 billion host another winter olympics estimated revenues 135 billion would leave surplus committee said figures 2018 dollars would go inflation committee said revenue surplus would hold dont include security costs would covered us government spectator transportation 2002 paid federal state governments every indication right positive said fraser bullock cochairman committee sorting dynamics us olympic committee relative 2030 2026 thats issue usoc next march pick city 2026 though chief executive scott blackmun said recently officials believe 2030 winter olympics realistic bullock urged committee full detailed report ready march show usoc salt lake city ready prepared case international olympic committee awards 2026 2030 games time 2019 thats ioc september first time ever awarding 2024 summer olympics paris 2028 summer olympics los angeles 2030 olympics would normally awarded 2023 denver reno nevada also expressed interest us denver famously rejected offer host 1976 winter olympics assembled committee take toughminded look whether city pursue bid another olympics internationally cities considering making bid include sion switzerland calgary canada stockholm sweden sapporo japan ideally european city would host 2026 us city 2030 bullock said salt lake citys pitch would centered able host olympics less money cities using existing venues venues need improvements refurbishing officials say wouldnt build anything scratch committee said monday also learned hosting 2002 identified many areas could efficient save money trim budget committee also said already begun thinking theme game would ensure 2030 games arent rehash 2002 games members know cities havent hosted olympics denver reno would bring cachet new different shiny new costs 500 million dollars bullock said reference additional costs cities would build venues money come salt lake city ap salt lake city would able host winter olympics without losing money thanks existing venues expertise team put 2002 winter olympics city exploratory committee said monday budget estimate unveiled committees third meeting puts utah one step closer pursuing bid 2030 winter olympics open remote possibility hosting 2026 olympic games committee made elected officials business leaders people worked 2002 winter olympics take formal vote next month whether move forward bid committees budget team estimated would cost 129 billion host another winter olympics estimated revenues 135 billion would leave surplus committee said figures 2018 dollars would go inflation committee said revenue surplus would hold dont include security costs would covered us government spectator transportation 2002 paid federal state governments every indication right positive said fraser bullock cochairman committee sorting dynamics us olympic committee relative 2030 2026 thats issue usoc next march pick city 2026 though chief executive scott blackmun said recently officials believe 2030 winter olympics realistic bullock urged committee full detailed report ready march show usoc salt lake city ready prepared case international olympic committee awards 2026 2030 games time 2019 thats ioc september first time ever awarding 2024 summer olympics paris 2028 summer olympics los angeles 2030 olympics would normally awarded 2023 denver reno nevada also expressed interest us denver famously rejected offer host 1976 winter olympics assembled committee take toughminded look whether city pursue bid another olympics internationally cities considering making bid include sion switzerland calgary canada stockholm sweden sapporo japan ideally european city would host 2026 us city 2030 bullock said salt lake citys pitch would centered able host olympics less money cities using existing venues venues need improvements refurbishing officials say wouldnt build anything scratch committee said monday also learned hosting 2002 identified many areas could efficient save money trim budget committee also said already begun thinking theme game would ensure 2030 games arent rehash 2002 games members know cities havent hosted olympics denver reno would bring cachet new different shiny new costs 500 million dollars bullock said reference additional costs cities would build venues money come
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<p>Jan 24 (Reuters) - Northfield Bancorp Inc:</p>
<p>* NORTHFIELD BANCORP, INC. ANNOUNCES FOURTH QUARTER AND YEAR END 2017 RESULTS</p> * Q4 LOSS PER SHARE $0.04
<p>* Q4 EARNINGS PER SHARE VIEW $0.17 — THOMSON REUTERS I/B/E/S</p>
<p>* NORTHFIELD BANCORP-DUE TO TAX RATE, IN Q4 RECORDED ADJUSTMENT OF $10.5 MILLION TO REDUCE ITS NET DEFERRED TAX ASSETS, RELATED CHARGE TO INCOME TAX EXPENSE</p>
<p>* NORTHFIELD BANCORP- QTRLY NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES $27.9 MILLION VERSUS $26.4 MILLION Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage:</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump has decided to replace his national security adviser, H.R. McMaster, but the move is not expected to be made immediately, the Washington Post reported on Thursday.</p> National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster speaks at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, U.S., March 15, 2018. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid
<p>Citing five people with knowledge of the plans, the Post said Trump was considering several possible replacements, including former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton and Keith Kellogg, the chief of staff of the National Security Council.</p>
<p>The White House did not immediately respond to a request from Reuters for comment.</p>
<p>On Tuesday, Trump fired Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and the president has signaled in recent days that a shake-up at the top levels of his administration was not over.</p> National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster speaks at the at United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, U.S. March 15, 2018. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid
<p>“I’m really at a point where we’re getting very close to having the Cabinet and other things that I want,” Trump told reporters after Tillerson was fired.</p>
<p>McMaster is not expected to be ousted immediately, the Post reported. Trump is willing to take his time making the change to avoid humiliating McMaster and carefully choose a strong replacement, the Post said.</p> Slideshow (2 Images)
<p>Trump never personally gelled with McMaster and the president recently told White House Chief of Staff John Kelly that he wanted McMaster replaced, according to the Post.</p>
<p>Trump has complained that McMaster, a three-star Army general, is too rigid and that his briefings go on too long and seem irrelevant, the Post reported.</p>
<p>McMaster is Trump’s second national security adviser, succeeding Michael Flynn who was dismissed a year ago for misleading Vice President Mike Pence about his contacts with the Russian ambassador to the United States.</p>
<p>Reporting by Eric Beech; Editing by Peter Cooney</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>MIAMI (Reuters) - A newly erected pedestrian bridge spanning several lanes of traffic collapsed at Florida International University on Thursday, killing four people, Miami-Dade County Fire Chief Dave Downey said.</p>
<p>Emergency personnel with sniffer dogs searched for signs of life amid the wreckage of concrete slabs and twisted metal after the 950-ton bridge crushed vehicles on one of the busiest roads in South Florida.</p>
<p>At least eight vehicles were trapped in the wreckage of the bridge and at least 10 people have been transported to hospitals, officials and doctors told news conferences.</p>
<p>Witnesses told local media the vehicles were stopped at a traffic light when the bridge collapsed on top of them at around 1:30 p.m. ET (1730 GMT).</p>
<p>“We’re working our way into the pile trying to create holes that we can actually physically see,” Miami-Dade Fire Department Division Chief Paul Estopian told reporters.</p>
<p>At one point, police requested television helicopters leave the area so rescuers could hear for any sounds of people crying for help from beneath the collapsed structure, CBS Miami television said.</p>
<p>Complicating the rescue effort was the uncertainty about the integrity of the bridge, parts of which remained off the ground, much of it inclined, local media reported.</p>
<p>The 174-feet (53-meter) long bridge connects the university with the city of Sweetwater and was installed on Saturday in six hours over the eight-lane highway, according to a report posted on the university’s website.</p>
<p>“If anybody has done anything wrong, we will hold them accountable,” said Florida Governor Rick Scott, at a Thursday night press conference, after his office issued statement saying a company contracted to inspect the bridge was not pre-qualified by the state.</p>
<p>The bridge was intended to provide a walkway over the busy street where an 18-year-old female FIU student from San Diego was killed while trying to cross last August, according to local media reports.</p>
<p>Students at FIU are currently on their spring break vacation, which runs from March 12 to March 17.</p> ‘A MIRACLE’
<p>Student Aura Martinez was having lunch in a nearby restaurant with her mother when a waitress told her the bridge had collapsed. She ran outside and helped pull a woman out of her car, most of which was flattened by the bridge.</p> First responders are shown as rescue efforts continue after a pedestrian bridge collapsed at Florida International University in Miami, Florida, U.S., March 15, 2018. REUTERS/Joe Skipper
<p>“Her car, it was literally a miracle of God, her car got squished by the bridge from the back, so she was able to get out and she was on the floor and it was just very traumatic,” she told the local CBS affiliate.</p>
<p>To keep the inevitable disruption of traffic associated with bridge construction to a minimum, the 174-foot portion of the bridge was built adjacent to Southwest 8th Street using a method called Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC). It was driven into its perpendicular position across the road by a rig in only six hours on Saturday, according to a statement released by the university.</p>
<p>The $14.2 million bridge was designed to withstand a Category 5 hurricane, the most dangerous measure by the National Hurricane Center, and built to last 100 years, the university said. ( <a href="http://bit.ly/2tQ2ARg" type="external">bit.ly/2tQ2ARg</a>)</p>
<p>The National Transportation Safety Board was sending a team to investigate why it collapsed.</p> Slideshow (13 Images)
<p>President Donald Trump thanked first responders for their courage on Twitter. Along with Governor Scott, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio went to the scene of the collapse.</p>
<p>Munilla Construction Management, which installed the bridge was founded in 1983 and owned by five brothers, according to its website. In addition to its Florida operations, the company also has divisions in Texas and Panama and employs 500 people.</p>
<p>“Munilla Construction Management is a family business and we are all devastated and doing everything we can to assist,” the company said in a statement.</p>
<p>FIGG Engineering said it took part in the bridge project and the collapse was a first in its 40-year history.</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-florida-bridge-construction-factbox/factbox-how-the-collapsed-florida-bridge-was-erected-in-six-hours-idUSKCN1GR3AM" type="external">Factbox: How the collapsed Florida bridge was erected in six hours</a>
<p>Both companies said they would cooperate fully with investigators.</p>
<p>Colorado-based engineering company BDI said in a tweet on March 12 that it was “thrilled” to have conducted structural monitoring during the “spectacular” process of moving the bridge into place. The company removed the tweet on Thursday and said in a statement it did so out of respect for individuals affected by the collapse.</p>
<p>Scott’s office said FIU picked a firm that was not pre-qualified to check the design of the bridge, which was required because it was such a long pedestrian bridge and other unique characteristics.</p>
<p>“The firm selected, Louis Berger, was not FDOT pre-qualified for this service, which is required under FIU’s agreement with the state. FIU’s design build team is responsible for selecting a pre-qualified firm and ensuring this process is followed,” the governor said in a statement.</p>
<p>Officials at the Miami office of global engineering services firm Louis Berger were not immediately available for comment.</p>
<p>Reporting by Zachary Fagenson; Additional reporting by Gina Cherelus, Joseph Ax, Daniel Wallis and Andrew Hay in New York, Scott Malone in Boston, Bernie Woodall in Fort Lauderdale, James Oliphant in Washington, Keith Coffman in Colorado and Dan Whitcomb in Los Angeles; Writing by Jon Herskovitz; Editing by Lisa Shumaker</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korean officials began preparations on Friday for a summit next month with North Korea aimed at reducing tensions on the peninsula, as a report showed the North had probably begun testing a nuclear reactor as recently as late February.</p> South Korean President Moon Jae-in delivers a speech during a ceremony celebrating the 99th anniversary of the March First Independence Movement against Japanese colonial rule, at Seodaemun Prison History Hall in Seoul, South Korea, March 1, 2018. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji
<p>The report by intelligence analysts at Jane’s by IHS Markit said satellite imagery from Feb. 25 showed emissions of non-condensable gases from a stack at the North’s experimental light water reactor (ELWR) at the Yongbyon Atomic Energy Research Center, suggesting preliminary testing had likely begun.</p>
<p>The reactor could be used to produce weapons-grade plutonium, but North Korea is believed to already have enough fissile material for multiple nuclear bombs, according to Joshua Pollack, a senior research associate at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey.</p>
<p>Meantime, South Korean officials were set to convene their first meeting at the presidential Blue House to prepare for a summit between President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un late next month.</p>
<p>Headed by Moon’s chief of staff Im Jong-seok, former prominent democracy activist, the team will hammer out plans for the summit, including when to contact the North and what will be discussed between Kim and Moon.</p>
<p>U.S. President Donald Trump also accepted a summit invitation from Kim Jong Un, after a South Korean envoy told him earlier this month that the North’s leader was prepared to discuss denuclearization. Trump and Kim are expected to meet sometime in May although a location has not been set yet.</p>
<p>Although North Korea’s state media has yet to comment on the pending summits with Moon and Trump, its foreign minister Ri Yong Ho is visiting Sweden for talks with his Swedish counterpart Margot Wallstrom. Ri’s trip prompted speculation it could lay the groundwork for the summit in Sweden between Trump and Kim Jong Un.</p> North Korean leader Kim Jong Un waves to people attending a military parade marking the 105th birth anniversary of country's founding father, Kim Il Sung in Pyongyang, April 15, 2017. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj
<p>The push for these summits came after the North Korean leader said in a New Year’s address that he wanted to improve relations with the South following a year of heightened tensions brought on by the North’s nuclear and missile tests.</p> “WORK GOES ON”
<p>North Korea completed construction of the Yongbyon ELWR in 2013. It was optimized for civilian electricity production, and although it is not yet operational, it could start running with “little warning” later in 2018 or 2019, the Jane’s report said.</p>
<p>The experimental reactor is likely too small to provide much in the way of electricity, but is part of a “long-running effort” to develop a light-water reactor after a deal by an international consortium, including the United States, to provide two such nuclear power reactors in the 1990s fell apart, Pollack said.</p>
<p>“It’s their way of saying, ‘see, since you won’t give us what you promised, we’ll do it ourselves’,” Pollack said. “They haven’t made any agreements lately with the U.S., so the work goes on.”</p>
<p>An official at the South’s defense ministry said authorities were aware of the Jane’s report, which follows a similar one released on the 38 North website earlier this month that said a nearby reactor had also continued to show signs of operation.</p>
<p>The isolated state has maintained it will continue developing its nuclear program but later added it was open to abandoning the program if the security of its regime was guaranteed, according to South Korea.</p>
<p>Reporting by Christine Kim; Additional reporting by Josh Smith; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The head of the most influential U.S. business lobbying group warned the Trump administration that unilateral tariffs on Chinese goods could lead to a destructive trade war that will hurt American consumers and U.S. economic growth.</p> U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas Donohue attends an event with the Mexican Chamber of Commerce in Mexico City, Mexico October 10, 2017. REUTERS/Ginnette Riquelme
<p>U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Thomas Donohue said in a statement on Thursday that such tariffs, associated with a probe of China’s intellectual property practices, would be “damaging taxes on American consumers.”</p>
<p>His comments came after White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said that Trump would in coming weeks get options to address China’s “theft and forced transfer” of American intellectual property as part of the investigation under Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974.</p>
<p>Reuters reported on Tuesday that Trump was considering tariffs on up to $60 billion worth of Chinese information technology, telecommunications and consumer products, along with U.S. investment restrictions for Chinese companies.</p>
<p>Donohue said the Trump administration was right to focus on the negative economic impact of China’s industrial policies and unfair trade practices, but said tariffs were the wrong approach to dealing with these.</p>
<p>“Tariffs of $30 billion a year would wipe out over a third of the savings American families received from the doubling of the standard deduction in tax reform,” Donohue said. “If the tariffs reach $60 billion, which has been rumored, the impact would be even more devastating.”</p>
<p>He urged the administration not to proceed with such a plan.</p> U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during his meeting with Ireland's Prime Minister, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, U.S., March 15, 2018. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
<p>“Tariffs could lead to a destructive trade war with serious consequences for U.S. economic growth and job creation,” hurting consumers, businesses, farmers and ranchers.</p>
<p>Navarro, speaking on CNBC television, said the remedies in the “Section 301” probe were among “many steps that the president is courageously going to take in order to address unfair trade practices.”</p>
<p>“I don’t think there’s a single person... on Wall Street that will oppose cracking down on China’s theft of our intellectual property or their forced transfer,” Navarro added.</p>
<p>But Navarro, a key architect of steel and aluminum tariffs announced last week by Trump, said that tariffs will not necessarily provoke a trade war.</p>
<p>“We can obviously do it in a way that can be good for the American people and good for the global trading system,” he said. “We can do this in a way that is peaceful and will improve and strengthen the trading system... Everybody on Wall Street needs to understand: Just relax.”</p>
<p>China has repeatedly said that there would be no winners in a trade war, but that it would protect its interests in the face of U.S. trade action.</p>
<p>China wouldn’t allow itself to become “the target for the arrows of adversity”, the official China Daily newspaper warned in an editorial late on Thursday.</p>
<p>“It should be borne in mind that even the most playful cat will scratch if you provoke it beyond a certain point,” the newspaper said.</p>
<p>Reporting by David Lawder and Lisa Lambert; Additional reporting by Michael Martina in BEIJING; Editing by James Dalgleish and Richard Borsuk</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
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jan 24 reuters northfield bancorp inc northfield bancorp inc announces fourth quarter year end 2017 results q4 loss per share 004 q4 earnings per share view 017 thomson reuters ibes northfield bancorpdue tax rate q4 recorded adjustment 105 million reduce net deferred tax assets related charge income tax expense northfield bancorp qtrly net interest income provision loan losses 279 million versus 264 million source text eikon company coverage standards thomson reuters trust principles washington reuters us president donald trump decided replace national security adviser hr mcmaster move expected made immediately washington post reported thursday national security adviser hr mcmaster speaks united states holocaust memorial museum washington us march 15 2018 reutersbrendan mcdermid citing five people knowledge plans post said trump considering several possible replacements including former us ambassador united nations john bolton keith kellogg chief staff national security council white house immediately respond request reuters comment tuesday trump fired secretary state rex tillerson president signaled recent days shakeup top levels administration national security adviser hr mcmaster speaks united states holocaust memorial museum washington us march 15 2018 reutersbrendan mcdermid im really point getting close cabinet things want trump told reporters tillerson fired mcmaster expected ousted immediately post reported trump willing take time making change avoid humiliating mcmaster carefully choose strong replacement post said slideshow 2 images trump never personally gelled mcmaster president recently told white house chief staff john kelly wanted mcmaster replaced according post trump complained mcmaster threestar army general rigid briefings go long seem irrelevant post reported mcmaster trumps second national security adviser succeeding michael flynn dismissed year ago misleading vice president mike pence contacts russian ambassador united states reporting eric beech editing peter cooney standards thomson reuters trust principles miami reuters newly erected pedestrian bridge spanning several lanes traffic collapsed florida international university thursday killing four people miamidade county fire chief dave downey said emergency personnel sniffer dogs searched signs life amid wreckage concrete slabs twisted metal 950ton bridge crushed vehicles one busiest roads south florida least eight vehicles trapped wreckage bridge least 10 people transported hospitals officials doctors told news conferences witnesses told local media vehicles stopped traffic light bridge collapsed top around 130 pm et 1730 gmt working way pile trying create holes actually physically see miamidade fire department division chief paul estopian told reporters one point police requested television helicopters leave area rescuers could hear sounds people crying help beneath collapsed structure cbs miami television said complicating rescue effort uncertainty integrity bridge parts remained ground much inclined local media reported 174feet 53meter long bridge connects university city sweetwater installed saturday six hours eightlane highway according report posted universitys website anybody done anything wrong hold accountable said florida governor rick scott thursday night press conference office issued statement saying company contracted inspect bridge prequalified state bridge intended provide walkway busy street 18yearold female fiu student san diego killed trying cross last august according local media reports students fiu currently spring break vacation runs march 12 march 17 miracle student aura martinez lunch nearby restaurant mother waitress told bridge collapsed ran outside helped pull woman car flattened bridge first responders shown rescue efforts continue pedestrian bridge collapsed florida international university miami florida us march 15 2018 reutersjoe skipper car literally miracle god car got squished bridge back able get floor traumatic told local cbs affiliate keep inevitable disruption traffic associated bridge construction minimum 174foot portion bridge built adjacent southwest 8th street using method called accelerated bridge construction abc driven perpendicular position across road rig six hours saturday according statement released university 142 million bridge designed withstand category 5 hurricane dangerous measure national hurricane center built last 100 years university said bitly2tq2arg national transportation safety board sending team investigate collapsed slideshow 13 images president donald trump thanked first responders courage twitter along governor scott us senator marco rubio went scene collapse munilla construction management installed bridge founded 1983 owned five brothers according website addition florida operations company also divisions texas panama employs 500 people munilla construction management family business devastated everything assist company said statement figg engineering said took part bridge project collapse first 40year history related coverage factbox collapsed florida bridge erected six hours companies said would cooperate fully investigators coloradobased engineering company bdi said tweet march 12 thrilled conducted structural monitoring spectacular process moving bridge place company removed tweet thursday said statement respect individuals affected collapse scotts office said fiu picked firm prequalified check design bridge required long pedestrian bridge unique characteristics firm selected louis berger fdot prequalified service required fius agreement state fius design build team responsible selecting prequalified firm ensuring process followed governor said statement officials miami office global engineering services firm louis berger immediately available comment reporting zachary fagenson additional reporting gina cherelus joseph ax daniel wallis andrew hay new york scott malone boston bernie woodall fort lauderdale james oliphant washington keith coffman colorado dan whitcomb los angeles writing jon herskovitz editing lisa shumaker standards thomson reuters trust principles seoul reuters south korean officials began preparations friday summit next month north korea aimed reducing tensions peninsula report showed north probably begun testing nuclear reactor recently late february south korean president moon jaein delivers speech ceremony celebrating 99th anniversary march first independence movement japanese colonial rule seodaemun prison history hall seoul south korea march 1 2018 reuterskim hongji report intelligence analysts janes ihs markit said satellite imagery feb 25 showed emissions noncondensable gases stack norths experimental light water reactor elwr yongbyon atomic energy research center suggesting preliminary testing likely begun reactor could used produce weaponsgrade plutonium north korea believed already enough fissile material multiple nuclear bombs according joshua pollack senior research associate middlebury institute international studies monterey meantime south korean officials set convene first meeting presidential blue house prepare summit president moon jaein north korean leader kim jong un late next month headed moons chief staff im jongseok former prominent democracy activist team hammer plans summit including contact north discussed kim moon us president donald trump also accepted summit invitation kim jong un south korean envoy told earlier month norths leader prepared discuss denuclearization trump kim expected meet sometime may although location set yet although north koreas state media yet comment pending summits moon trump foreign minister ri yong ho visiting sweden talks swedish counterpart margot wallstrom ris trip prompted speculation could lay groundwork summit sweden trump kim jong un north korean leader kim jong un waves people attending military parade marking 105th birth anniversary countrys founding father kim il sung pyongyang april 15 2017 reutersdamir sagolj push summits came north korean leader said new years address wanted improve relations south following year heightened tensions brought norths nuclear missile tests work goes north korea completed construction yongbyon elwr 2013 optimized civilian electricity production although yet operational could start running little warning later 2018 2019 janes report said experimental reactor likely small provide much way electricity part longrunning effort develop lightwater reactor deal international consortium including united states provide two nuclear power reactors 1990s fell apart pollack said way saying see since wont give us promised well pollack said havent made agreements lately us work goes official souths defense ministry said authorities aware janes report follows similar one released 38 north website earlier month said nearby reactor also continued show signs operation isolated state maintained continue developing nuclear program later added open abandoning program security regime guaranteed according south korea reporting christine kim additional reporting josh smith editing simon cameronmoore standards thomson reuters trust principles washington reuters head influential us business lobbying group warned trump administration unilateral tariffs chinese goods could lead destructive trade war hurt american consumers us economic growth us chamber commerce president ceo thomas donohue attends event mexican chamber commerce mexico city mexico october 10 2017 reutersginnette riquelme us chamber commerce president thomas donohue said statement thursday tariffs associated probe chinas intellectual property practices would damaging taxes american consumers comments came white house trade adviser peter navarro said trump would coming weeks get options address chinas theft forced transfer american intellectual property part investigation section 301 us trade act 1974 reuters reported tuesday trump considering tariffs 60 billion worth chinese information technology telecommunications consumer products along us investment restrictions chinese companies donohue said trump administration right focus negative economic impact chinas industrial policies unfair trade practices said tariffs wrong approach dealing tariffs 30 billion year would wipe third savings american families received doubling standard deduction tax reform donohue said tariffs reach 60 billion rumored impact would even devastating urged administration proceed plan us president donald trump speaks meeting irelands prime minister taoiseach leo varadkar oval office white house washington us march 15 2018 reuterskevin lamarque tariffs could lead destructive trade war serious consequences us economic growth job creation hurting consumers businesses farmers ranchers navarro speaking cnbc television said remedies section 301 probe among many steps president courageously going take order address unfair trade practices dont think theres single person wall street oppose cracking chinas theft intellectual property forced transfer navarro added navarro key architect steel aluminum tariffs announced last week trump said tariffs necessarily provoke trade war obviously way good american people good global trading system said way peaceful improve strengthen trading system everybody wall street needs understand relax china repeatedly said would winners trade war would protect interests face us trade action china wouldnt allow become target arrows adversity official china daily newspaper warned editorial late thursday borne mind even playful cat scratch provoke beyond certain point newspaper said reporting david lawder lisa lambert additional reporting michael martina beijing editing james dalgleish richard borsuk standards thomson reuters trust principles
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<p>The ninth GOP debate featured the top six remaining candidates for the party’s presidential nomination. They repeated several false and misleading claims, and made some new ones, too.</p>
<p>And there were several other repeated claims we’ve fact-checked before on jobs, taxes, immigration and regulation.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/02/13/the-cbs-republican-debate-transcript-annotated/" type="external">debate</a> was held in Greenville, South Carolina, and moderated by John Dickerson of CBS News. Participating were: former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and businessman Donald Trump. It was the first Republican debate since New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former Hewlett Packard CEO Carly Fiorina ended their presidential campaigns.</p>
<p>Dickerson asked the candidates if, given the death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, President Obama should use his constitutional authority to name a replacement justice this year.</p>
<p>Cruz claimed that “we have 80 years of precedent of not confirming Supreme Court justices in an election year.” That’s wrong.</p>
<p>President Ronald Reagan <a href="http://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/reference/nominations/Nominations.htm" type="external">nominated</a> Justice Anthony Kennedy to the high court on Nov. 30, 1987, and Kennedy was confirmed by the Senate on Feb. 3, 1988, by a vote of 97-0. That was the same year that George H.W. Bush <a href="http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/showelection.php?year=1988" type="external">was elected</a> to succeed Reagan as president.</p>
<p>Kennedy was actually Reagan’s third nominee to replace retiring Justice Lewis Powell. Robert Bork, who Reagan nominated on July 1, 1987, was rejected by a vote of 42-58 on Oct. 23, 1987. And Douglas Ginsburg <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/1987/11/08/us/ginsburg-withdraws-name-as-supreme-court-nominee-citing-marijuana-clamor.html?pagewanted=all" type="external">withdrew his name</a> from consideration in early November 1987, after acknowledging that he had smoked marijuana several times.</p>
<p>When Dickerson pointed out that Kennedy was confirmed in 1988, Cruz said, “No, Kennedy was confirmed in ’87.” But Dickerson was right and Cruz was wrong.</p>
<p>That also makes Rubio’s claim that “it has been over 80 years since a lame duck president has appointed a Supreme Court justice” problematic.</p>
<p>If Rubio considers Obama to be a “lame duck president,” <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lame%20duck" type="external">meaning</a> his time as president will soon be over, the same could be said of Reagan, who nominated a replacement justice well into his second and final term as president.</p>
<p>When Cruz said Trump “supports federal taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood,” Trump responded that Cruz was the “single biggest liar.” Trump said in August that he didn’t support funding abortions performed by Planned Parenthood but&#160;he left open the possibility of funding other aspects of the group’s work on women’s health.</p>
<p>In early September, however, Trump said,&#160;“I wouldn’t do any funding as long as they are performing abortions.”</p>
<p>Here’s part of the disagreement between the two candidates in the debate:</p>
<p>Trump: Where did I support?</p>
<p>Cruz: You supported it when we were battling over defunding Planned Parenthood. You went on…</p>
<p>Trump: That’s a lot of lies.</p>
<p>Cruz: You said, “Planned Parenthood does wonderful things and we should not defund it.”</p>
<p>Trump: It does do wonderful things but not as it relates to abortion.</p>
<p>Cruz: So I’ll tell you what…</p>
<p>Trump: Excuse me. Excuse me, there are wonderful things having to do with women’s health.</p>
<p>Cruz: You see you and I…</p>
<p>Trump: But not when it comes to abortion.</p>
<p>In an <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/11/politics/donald-trump-planned-parenthood-abortion-defunding/" type="external">Aug. 11, 2015, interview with CNN’s Chris Cuomo</a>, Trump said, “Well, the biggest problem I have with Planned Parenthood is the abortion situation. It’s like an abortion factory frankly. You can’t have it and it shouldn’t be funding and that should not be funded by the government. I feel strongly about that.”</p>
<p>He went on to say, “What I would do is look at the individual things that they do and maybe some of the things are good, I know a lot of things are bad. But certainly the abortion aspect of it should not be funded by government.”</p>
<p>Cuomo followed up, asking, “So you would take a look at it before you defund it. That’s what is being asked for right now. Many in your party are doing the opposite. They are saying defund it and then look at it. You’d say look at it first.”</p>
<p>Trump responded: “I would look at the good aspects of it. I would also look as I’m sure they do some things properly and good and good for women. I would look at that. I would look at other aspects also, but we have to take care of women. We have to absolutely take care of women. The abortion aspect of Planned Parenthood should not be funded.”</p>
<p>So, Trump did not say he supported cutting off all federal funding to Planned Parenthood, as other Republicans, <a href="http://time.com/4037239/second-republican-debate-transcript-cnn/" type="external">including Cruz</a>, have done. He did say that abortions performed by Planned Parenthood shouldn’t be funded. (For the record,&#160;federal funding for abortion is&#160; <a href="http://www.guttmacher.org/statecenter/spibs/spib_SFAM.pdf" type="external">restricted</a> by the <a href="http://www.medicaid.gov/Federal-Policy-Guidance/downloads/smd021298.pdf" type="external">Hyde Amendment</a> to only abortion cases involving rape, incest or endangerment to the life of the mother.)</p>
<p>But, as CNN <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/11/politics/donald-trump-planned-parenthood-abortion-defunding/" type="external">wrote</a> in a headline on the Trump interview, he has waffled on this issue. A week earlier, on Aug. 4, 2015, radio host Hugh Hewitt asked whether Trump would support shutting down the government in an attempt to cut off federal funding to Planned Parenthood. Trump <a href="http://www.mediaite.com/online/trump-floats-government-shutdown-to-stop-planned-parenthood/" type="external">responded</a>: “I would.”</p>
<p>Trump has made other conflicting statements. Also on Aug. 11, in an&#160;interview with Fox News when asked whether taxpayers should give Planned Parenthood a penny since it performs abortions, Trump <a href="http://video.foxnews.com/v/4415400272001/donald-trump-lays-out-plans-for-immigration-health-reform/?#sp=show-clips" type="external">said</a> that abortion services was a small part of what the group did and that it provided important services to women (starting at the 5:50 mark).</p>
<p>Trump, Aug. 11, Fox News:&#160;Let’s say there’s two Planned Parenthoods in a way. You have it as an abortion clinic. Now that’s actually a fairly small part of what they do, but it’s a brutal part and I’m totally against it and I wouldn’t do that. They also however service women. …</p>
<p>We have to help women. A lot of women are helped. We have to look at the positives, also, for Planned Parenthood.</p>
<p>Trump left open the possibility of cutting off funding unless the group stops performing abortions, saying, “Maybe unless they stop with the abortions, we don’t do the funding for the stuff that we want.&#160;There are many ways you can do that.”</p>
<p>But then in another Fox News interview on Sept. 8 with Bill O’Reilly, Trump took a harder line and denied that he supported funding the group:&#160;“No, I mean a lot of people say it’s an abortion clinic. I’m opposed to that. And I wouldn’t do any funding as long as they are performing abortions. And they are performing abortions.&#160;So I would be opposed to funding — I would be totally opposed to funding,” Trump said.</p>
<p>Rubio said that illegal immigration “is worse today than it was three years ago, which is worse than it was five years ago.” It has remained pretty flat in that time.</p>
<p>There were&#160; <a href="http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/07/22/unauthorized-immigrant-population-stable-for-half-a-decade/" type="external">11.3 million people</a> living in the U.S. illegally in 2014. That’s the most recent estimate from the Pew Research Center. That is lower than the 11.5 million the center estimated were living in the U.S. illegally three years earlier in 2011, and the same as the 11.3 million in 2009.</p>
<p>Overall, “[t]his population has remained essentially stable for five years after nearly two decades of changes,” Pew said in its July 2015 report.</p>
<p>In his closing statement, Carson attributed a quote to Joseph Stalin that experts say didn’t come from the Soviet&#160;dictator.</p>
<p>“Joseph Stalin said if you want to bring America down you, have to undermine three things: our spiritual life, our patriotism and our morality,” Carson said. “We, the people, can stop that decline, starting right here in South Carolina.”</p>
<p>The Internet myth-busters&#160;at <a href="http://www.snopes.com/politics/quotes/undermine.asp" type="external">Snopes.com</a> looked into the quote when it made the rounds as a Facebook meme (the exact quote attributed to Stalin then&#160;was, “America is like a healthy body and its resistance is threefold: its patriotism, its morality, and its spiritual life. If we can undermine these three areas, America will collapse from within.”). Snopes searched collections of Stalin’s&#160;speeches, writings, interviews and other statements and was&#160;unable to turn up any reference to that quote. Snopes also noted that none of the numerous citations on the Internet referenced a verifiable source for the quote.</p>
<p>After the debate, we reached out to <a href="http://history.richmond.edu/faculty/dbranden/" type="external">David Brandenberger</a>, an associate professor of history and international studies at the University of Richmond, who has written extensively about Stalin, and he told us the quote is bogus.</p>
<p>“Indeed, the only thing more remarkable than Carson quoting Stalin at the debate was&#160;that he attributed to him a made-up quotation,” Brandenberger told us via email. “Of course, Stalin is often credited&#160;with apocryphal statements (‘Death is the solution to all problems. No man – no&#160;problem,’ etc.), but that doesn’t excuse Carson tonight.”</p>
<p>Stanford history professor <a href="https://history.stanford.edu/people/norman-naimark" type="external">Norman Naimark</a>,&#160;who holds the Robert and Florence McDonnell Chair in East European History and wrote “Stalin’s Genocides,” told us he has never heard of that quote from Stalin either. “I suspect Carson made it up, but I don’t know for sure,” Naimark told us.</p>
<p>Trump and Bush once again argued over New Jersey’s failed attempts to use eminent domain to benefit a Trump casino project in Atlantic City. But, in defending himself, Trump misrepresented the case.</p>
<p>Trump&#160;falsely claimed that the eminent domain case “wasn’t for a parking lot,” but rather for “a very large tower” that would “employ thousands.” But the eminent domain case was for a parking lot. A “very large tower” was not part of the condemnation proceedings, but there was a proposed hotel renovation that would have been accomplished through a private sale.</p>
<p>Trump:&#160;When Jeb had said, “You used eminent domain privately for a parking lot.” It wasn’t for a parking lot. The state of New Jersey — too bad Chris Christie is not here, he could tell you — the state of New Jersey went to build a very large tower that was going to employ thousands of people. I mean, it was going to really do a big job in terms of economic development.</p>
<p>Here are the facts, <a href="" type="internal">as we have reported once before</a>: The state Casino Reinvestment Development Authority attempted to condemn three parcels of land in Atlantic City as part of a $28.6 million hotel project proposed by Trump Plaza Associates. The properties were owned separately by three families with the last names Banin, Coking and Sabatini.</p>
<p>Here’s how a state court judge, in <a href="http://caselaw.findlaw.com/nj-superior-court/1349001.html#sthash.tuqesrrX.dpuf" type="external">ruling against the state and Trump in 1998</a>, described Trump’s proposal and the three properties that the state wanted to condemn to complete it:</p>
<p>Casino Reinvestment Development Authority v. Banin, July 20, 1998: Trump’s project called for the redevelopment of the city block abutting the boardwalk between the Trump Plaza Hotel-Casino and Caesars Hotel-Casino. The block was located in the Corridor Area which was an area previously identified by CRDA for redevelopment. The site was occupied by the former Holiday Inn Hotel, the rusting steel structure of the aborted Penthouse Hotel-Casino project, some undeveloped lots and a few private residences and small businesses. Included within the site were the properties of defendants Banin, Coking and Sabatini.</p>
<p>Trump’s project proposed creation of a 361-room hotel by rehabilitation of the Holiday Inn building; removal of the dilapidated Penthouse steel structure; construction of surface parking and a driveway bisecting the block from Missouri Avenue to the entrance of the Trump Plaza Hotel; and creation of a park or privately-owned landscaped area along Pacific Avenue. The project also called for construction of a two-story porte-cochere at the Trump Plaza entrance spanning Columbia Place, the public street between Trump Plaza and the site, as well as linkage of the renovated hotel to Trump Plaza by way of a sky bridge over Columbia Place near the Boardwalk.</p>
<p>Superior Court Judge Richard Williams wrote in his opinion that the “parcels in the area proposed for the driveway, surface parking, and the landscaped park area were held by other owners. Because Trump had previously been unable to acquire these privately-owned parcels, CRDA was requested to use its power of eminent domain for their acquisition.”</p>
<p>Williams wrote that under Trump’s plan “Coking’s property [would] be blacktopped and used for surface parking and Banin and Sabatini’s properties would be planted with grass and used for a park or green space.”</p>
<p>It was Vera Coking who was featured in a <a href="https://twitter.com/tedcruz/status/690537555704446976" type="external">Cruz ad</a> attacking Trump for seeking to bulldoze Coking’s home “for a limousine parking lot for his casino.” As the Philadelphia Inquirer&#160; <a href="http://articles.philly.com/1998-07-21/news/25737322_1_eminent-domain-trump-hotels-donald-trump" type="external">reported</a>&#160;in 1998, Trump proposed “a limousine waiting area” on Coking’s property.</p>
<p>So, while Trump can make the argument that his project would have created jobs, he cannot say that the eminent domain case “wasn’t for a parking lot.” It was for a parking lot and public park to complete the project.</p>
<p>In a pointed exchange, Bush claimed Trump once called Sen. John McCain a “loser because he was a P.O.W.” Trump called McCain a loser, but not because he was a prisoner of war. He called him a “loser” because he lost the 2008 presidential election to Barack Obama.</p>
<p>In the debate, Bush said, “And, it’s really weak to call John McCain a loser because he was a P.O.W.”</p>
<p>“I never called him — I don’t call him,” Trump responded.</p>
<p>“That&#160;is outrageous,” Bush continued. “The guy’s an American hero.”</p>
<p>There are two Trump quotes in question here. And Bush was conflating them.</p>
<p>At the Family Leadership Summit in Ames, Iowa, in July, <a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2015/07/trump-attacks-mccain-i-like-people-who-werent-captured-120317" type="external">Trump said</a> of McCain, “He’s not a war hero. He was a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren’t captured.” In comments to the media after his speech, Trump seemed to walk that back a bit, saying, “If somebody’s a prisoner, I consider them a war hero.”</p>
<p>In the same speech, Trump also took a shot at McCain for losing the 2008 presidential race to Barack Obama.</p>
<p>“He lost,” <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2015/07/18/trump-slams-mccain-for-being-captured-in-vietnam/" type="external">Trump said</a>. “He let us down. I never liked him as much after that because I don’t like losers.”</p>
<p>Trump claimed that the nation’s economy “didn’t grow” in the last quarter. It did grow, although fourth-quarter growth was weak.</p>
<p>Trump:&#160;We have an economy that last quarter, GDP didn’t grow. It was flat. We have to make our economy grow again.</p>
<p>In a <a href="http://www.bea.gov/newsreleases/national/gdp/gdpnewsrelease.htm" type="external">Jan. 29 press release</a>, the Bureau of Economic Analysis said the nation’s gross domestic product grew at an annual rate of 0.7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2015.&#160;For the year, the U.S. economy grew by 2.4 percent — the same as 2014, BEA said.</p>
<p>Trump repeated his claim that he is a “self-funder” when it comes to funding his campaign. Not completely, he isn’t.</p>
<p>Trump’s presidential campaign received $19.4 million in 2015, according to Trump’s <a href="http://docquery.fec.gov/cgi-bin/forms/C00580100/1047287/" type="external">year-end filing</a> with the Federal Election Commission in January. Trump loaned his campaign $12.6 million of that amount, and he made additional in-kind contributions of $219,000. So, <a href="http://www.opensecrets.org/pres16/candidate.php?id=N00023864&amp;utm_content=buffer2c270&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter.com&amp;utm_campaign=buffer" type="external">nearly 66 percent</a> of the campaign’s money has come from Trump. The other 34 percent, or $6.5 million, has come from individual donors.</p>
<p>We should also note that since Trump has <a href="http://www.fec.gov/rad/candidates/documents/CanGuide91013-104.pdf" type="external">loaned that money</a> to his campaign, rather than donating it, he could potentially get it back. The individual donations that the campaign has received are enough to cover about half of the campaign’s $12.4 million in spending as of Dec. 31, 2015.</p>
<p>Groundhog Day was less than two weeks ago, but watching the Republican debate felt a bit like that for us at FactCheck.org&#160;— we have seen many of the same misleading claims crop up again and again. Here are some of the repeat claims we heard:</p>
<p>— by Eugene Kiely, Robert Farley, Lori Robertson and D’Angelo Gore</p>
<p>Senate Historical Office. <a href="http://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/reference/nominations/Nominations.htm" type="external">Supreme Court Nominations, (1789-present)</a>. Accessed 13 Feb 2016.</p>
<p>Center for Responsive Politics. <a href="http://www.opensecrets.org/pres16/candidate.php?id=N00023864&amp;utm_content=buffer2c270&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter.com&amp;utm_campaign=buffer" type="external">Donald Trump, Candidate Summary, 2016 Cycle</a>. Accessed 13 Feb 2016.</p>
<p>Confessore, Nicholas, and Cohen, Sarah. “ <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/06/us/politics/donald-trumps-campaign-billed-as-self-funded-risks-little-of-his-fortune.html?_r=0" type="external">Donald Trump’s Campaign, Billed as Self-Funded, Risks Little of His Fortune</a>.” New York Times. 5 Feb 2016.</p>
<p>Passel, Jeffrey, and Cohn, D’Vera. “ <a href="http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/07/22/unauthorized-immigrant-population-stable-for-half-a-decade/" type="external">Unauthorized immigrant population stable for half a decade</a>.” Pew Research Center. 22 Jul 2015.</p>
<p>CNN. “New Day.” Transcript. 11 Aug 2015.</p>
<p>Fox News Network. “The O’Reilly Factor.” Transcript. 8 Sep 2015.</p>
<p>Fox News Network. “Donald Trump lays out plans for immigration, health reform.”&#160; <a href="http://video.foxnews.com/v/4415400272001/donald-trump-lays-out-plans-for-immigration-health-reform/?#sp=show-clips" type="external">Video clip</a>&#160;from “Hannity.”&#160;11 Aug 2015.</p>
<p>Diamond, Jeremy. “ <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/11/politics/donald-trump-planned-parenthood-abortion-defunding/" type="external">Donald Trump waffles on totally defunding Planned Parenthood</a>.” CNN.com 12 Aug 2015.</p>
<p>Gore, D’Angelo. “ <a href="" type="internal">Widow’s Home Wasn’t Bulldozed</a>.” FactCheck.org. 25 Jan 2016.</p>
<p><a href="http://caselaw.findlaw.com/nj-superior-court/1349001.html" type="external">Casino Reinvestment Development Authority v. Banin</a>. Superior Court of the State of New Jersey. 20 Jul 1998.</p>
<p>Dyer, Eric. “ <a href="http://articles.philly.com/1998-07-21/news/25737322_1_eminent-domain-trump-hotels-donald-trump" type="external">Homeowner Tops Trump In Court A Judge Ruled The CRDA Has No Eminent Domain To Give Vera Coking’s A.c. Property To The Developer</a>.” Philadelphia Inquirer. 21 Jul 1998.</p>
<p>“ <a href="http://www.bea.gov/newsreleases/national/gdp/gdpnewsrelease.htm" type="external">National Income and Product Accounts Gross Domestic Product: Fourth Quarter and Annual 2015 (Advance Estimate)</a>.” Press release. Bureau of Economic Analysis. 29 Jan 2016.</p>
<p>Snopes.com. “ <a href="http://www.snopes.com/politics/quotes/undermine.asp" type="external">Healthy Body</a>.” Last Updated 1 Feb 2016.</p>
<p>Schreckinger, Ben. “ <a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2015/07/trump-attacks-mccain-i-like-people-who-werent-captured-120317" type="external">Trump attacks McCain: ‘I like people who weren’t captured</a>.’ ” Politico. 18 Jul 2015.</p>
<p>Rucker, Philip. “ <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2015/07/18/trump-slams-mccain-for-being-captured-in-vietnam/" type="external">Trump slams McCain for being ‘captured’ in Vietnam; other Republicans quickly condemn him</a>.” Washington Post. 18 Jul 2015.</p>
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ninth gop debate featured top six remaining candidates partys presidential nomination repeated several false misleading claims made new ones several repeated claims weve factchecked jobs taxes immigration regulation debate held greenville south carolina moderated john dickerson cbs news participating former florida gov jeb bush retired neurosurgeon ben carson texas sen ted cruz ohio gov john kasich florida sen marco rubio businessman donald trump first republican debate since new jersey gov chris christie former hewlett packard ceo carly fiorina ended presidential campaigns dickerson asked candidates given death supreme court justice antonin scalia president obama use constitutional authority name replacement justice year cruz claimed 80 years precedent confirming supreme court justices election year thats wrong president ronald reagan nominated justice anthony kennedy high court nov 30 1987 kennedy confirmed senate feb 3 1988 vote 970 year george hw bush elected succeed reagan president kennedy actually reagans third nominee replace retiring justice lewis powell robert bork reagan nominated july 1 1987 rejected vote 4258 oct 23 1987 douglas ginsburg withdrew name consideration early november 1987 acknowledging smoked marijuana several times dickerson pointed kennedy confirmed 1988 cruz said kennedy confirmed 87 dickerson right cruz wrong also makes rubios claim 80 years since lame duck president appointed supreme court justice problematic rubio considers obama lame duck president meaning time president soon could said reagan nominated replacement justice well second final term president cruz said trump supports federal taxpayer funding planned parenthood trump responded cruz single biggest liar trump said august didnt support funding abortions performed planned parenthood but160he left open possibility funding aspects groups work womens health early september however trump said160i wouldnt funding long performing abortions heres part disagreement two candidates debate trump support cruz supported battling defunding planned parenthood went trump thats lot lies cruz said planned parenthood wonderful things defund trump wonderful things relates abortion cruz ill tell trump excuse excuse wonderful things womens health cruz see trump comes abortion aug 11 2015 interview cnns chris cuomo trump said well biggest problem planned parenthood abortion situation like abortion factory frankly cant shouldnt funding funded government feel strongly went say would look individual things maybe things good know lot things bad certainly abortion aspect funded government cuomo followed asking would take look defund thats asked right many party opposite saying defund look youd say look first trump responded would look good aspects would also look im sure things properly good good women would look would look aspects also take care women absolutely take care women abortion aspect planned parenthood funded trump say supported cutting federal funding planned parenthood republicans including cruz done say abortions performed planned parenthood shouldnt funded record160federal funding abortion is160 restricted hyde amendment abortion cases involving rape incest endangerment life mother cnn wrote headline trump interview waffled issue week earlier aug 4 2015 radio host hugh hewitt asked whether trump would support shutting government attempt cut federal funding planned parenthood trump responded would trump made conflicting statements also aug 11 an160interview fox news asked whether taxpayers give planned parenthood penny since performs abortions trump said abortion services small part group provided important services women starting 550 mark trump aug 11 fox news160lets say theres two planned parenthoods way abortion clinic thats actually fairly small part brutal part im totally wouldnt also however service women help women lot women helped look positives also planned parenthood trump left open possibility cutting funding unless group stops performing abortions saying maybe unless stop abortions dont funding stuff want160there many ways another fox news interview sept 8 bill oreilly trump took harder line denied supported funding group160no mean lot people say abortion clinic im opposed wouldnt funding long performing abortions performing abortions160so would opposed funding would totally opposed funding trump said rubio said illegal immigration worse today three years ago worse five years ago remained pretty flat time were160 113 million people living us illegally 2014 thats recent estimate pew research center lower 115 million center estimated living us illegally three years earlier 2011 113 million 2009 overall population remained essentially stable five years nearly two decades changes pew said july 2015 report closing statement carson attributed quote joseph stalin experts say didnt come soviet160dictator joseph stalin said want bring america undermine three things spiritual life patriotism morality carson said people stop decline starting right south carolina internet mythbusters160at snopescom looked quote made rounds facebook meme exact quote attributed stalin then160was america like healthy body resistance threefold patriotism morality spiritual life undermine three areas america collapse within snopes searched collections stalins160speeches writings interviews statements was160unable turn reference quote snopes also noted none numerous citations internet referenced verifiable source quote debate reached david brandenberger associate professor history international studies university richmond written extensively stalin told us quote bogus indeed thing remarkable carson quoting stalin debate was160that attributed madeup quotation brandenberger told us via email course stalin often credited160with apocryphal statements death solution problems man no160problem etc doesnt excuse carson tonight stanford history professor norman naimark160who holds robert florence mcdonnell chair east european history wrote stalins genocides told us never heard quote stalin either suspect carson made dont know sure naimark told us trump bush argued new jerseys failed attempts use eminent domain benefit trump casino project atlantic city defending trump misrepresented case trump160falsely claimed eminent domain case wasnt parking lot rather large tower would employ thousands eminent domain case parking lot large tower part condemnation proceedings proposed hotel renovation would accomplished private sale trump160when jeb said used eminent domain privately parking lot wasnt parking lot state new jersey bad chris christie could tell state new jersey went build large tower going employ thousands people mean going really big job terms economic development facts reported state casino reinvestment development authority attempted condemn three parcels land atlantic city part 286 million hotel project proposed trump plaza associates properties owned separately three families last names banin coking sabatini heres state court judge ruling state trump 1998 described trumps proposal three properties state wanted condemn complete casino reinvestment development authority v banin july 20 1998 trumps project called redevelopment city block abutting boardwalk trump plaza hotelcasino caesars hotelcasino block located corridor area area previously identified crda redevelopment site occupied former holiday inn hotel rusting steel structure aborted penthouse hotelcasino project undeveloped lots private residences small businesses included within site properties defendants banin coking sabatini trumps project proposed creation 361room hotel rehabilitation holiday inn building removal dilapidated penthouse steel structure construction surface parking driveway bisecting block missouri avenue entrance trump plaza hotel creation park privatelyowned landscaped area along pacific avenue project also called construction twostory portecochere trump plaza entrance spanning columbia place public street trump plaza site well linkage renovated hotel trump plaza way sky bridge columbia place near boardwalk superior court judge richard williams wrote opinion parcels area proposed driveway surface parking landscaped park area held owners trump previously unable acquire privatelyowned parcels crda requested use power eminent domain acquisition williams wrote trumps plan cokings property would blacktopped used surface parking banin sabatinis properties would planted grass used park green space vera coking featured cruz ad attacking trump seeking bulldoze cokings home limousine parking lot casino philadelphia inquirer160 reported160in 1998 trump proposed limousine waiting area cokings property trump make argument project would created jobs say eminent domain case wasnt parking lot parking lot public park complete project pointed exchange bush claimed trump called sen john mccain loser pow trump called mccain loser prisoner war called loser lost 2008 presidential election barack obama debate bush said really weak call john mccain loser pow never called dont call trump responded that160is outrageous bush continued guys american hero two trump quotes question bush conflating family leadership summit ames iowa july trump said mccain hes war hero war hero captured like people werent captured comments media speech trump seemed walk back bit saying somebodys prisoner consider war hero speech trump also took shot mccain losing 2008 presidential race barack obama lost trump said let us never liked much dont like losers trump claimed nations economy didnt grow last quarter grow although fourthquarter growth weak trump160we economy last quarter gdp didnt grow flat make economy grow jan 29 press release bureau economic analysis said nations gross domestic product grew annual rate 07 percent fourth quarter 2015160for year us economy grew 24 percent 2014 bea said trump repeated claim selffunder comes funding campaign completely isnt trumps presidential campaign received 194 million 2015 according trumps yearend filing federal election commission january trump loaned campaign 126 million amount made additional inkind contributions 219000 nearly 66 percent campaigns money come trump 34 percent 65 million come individual donors also note since trump loaned money campaign rather donating could potentially get back individual donations campaign received enough cover half campaigns 124 million spending dec 31 2015 groundhog day less two weeks ago watching republican debate felt bit like us factcheckorg160 seen many misleading claims crop repeat claims heard eugene kiely robert farley lori robertson dangelo gore senate historical office supreme court nominations 1789present accessed 13 feb 2016 center responsive politics donald trump candidate summary 2016 cycle accessed 13 feb 2016 confessore nicholas cohen sarah donald trumps campaign billed selffunded risks little fortune new york times 5 feb 2016 passel jeffrey cohn dvera unauthorized immigrant population stable half decade pew research center 22 jul 2015 cnn new day transcript 11 aug 2015 fox news network oreilly factor transcript 8 sep 2015 fox news network donald trump lays plans immigration health reform160 video clip160from hannity16011 aug 2015 diamond jeremy donald trump waffles totally defunding planned parenthood cnncom 12 aug 2015 gore dangelo widows home wasnt bulldozed factcheckorg 25 jan 2016 casino reinvestment development authority v banin superior court state new jersey 20 jul 1998 dyer eric homeowner tops trump court judge ruled crda eminent domain give vera cokings ac property developer philadelphia inquirer 21 jul 1998 national income product accounts gross domestic product fourth quarter annual 2015 advance estimate press release bureau economic analysis 29 jan 2016 snopescom healthy body last updated 1 feb 2016 schreckinger ben trump attacks mccain like people werent captured politico 18 jul 2015 rucker philip trump slams mccain captured vietnam republicans quickly condemn washington post 18 jul 2015
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<p>LEE HARVEY OSWALD: Lone assassin, part of a conspiracy, or a patsy?</p>
<p>On the very day John F. Kennedy died, a cottage industry was born. Fifty years and hundreds of millions of dollars later, it’s still thriving.</p>
<p>Its product? The “truth” about the president’s assassination.</p>
<p>“By the evening of November 22, 1963, I found myself being drawn into the case,” Los Angeles businessman Ray Marcus wrote in “Addendum B,” one of several self-published monographs he produced on the assassination. For him, authorities were just too quick and too pat with their conclusion.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>“The government was saying there was only one assassin; that there was no conspiracy. It was obvious that even if this subsequently turned out to be true, it could not have been known to be true at that time.”</p>
<p>Most skeptics, including Marcus, didn’t get rich by publishing their doubts and theories – and some have even bankrupted themselves chasing theirs. But for a select few, there has been good money in keeping the controversy alive.</p>
<p>Best-selling books and blockbuster movies have raked in massive profits since 1963. And now, with the 50th anniversary of that horrible day in Dallas looming, a new generation is set to cash in.</p>
<p>Of course, the Warren Commission officially concluded in 1964 that Lee Harvey Oswald had acted alone – and issued 26 volumes of documents to support that determination. But rather than closing the book on JFK’s death, the report merely served as fuel for an already kindled fire of doubt and suspicion.</p>
<p>Since then, even government investigators have stepped away from the lone assassin theory. In 1978, the U.S. House Select Committee on Assassinations ended its own lengthy inquiry by finding that JFK “was probably assassinated as a result of a conspiracy.”</p>
<p>That panel acknowledged that it was “unable to identify the other gunman or the extent of the conspiracy.” But armed with mountains of subsequently released documents, there has been no shortage of people willing to offer their own conclusions.</p>
<p>Among the leading suspects: Cuban exiles angry about the Bay of Pigs fiasco; Mafiosi enraged by Attorney General Robert Kennedy’s attacks on organized crime; the “military-industrial complex,” worried about JFK’s review of war policy in Vietnam.</p>
<p>One theorist even floated the notion that Kennedy’s limousine driver shot the president – as part of an effort to cover up proof of an alien invasion.</p>
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<p>Anything but that Oswald, a hapless former Marine, was in the right place at the right time, with motive and opportunity to pull off one of the most audacious crimes in American history.</p>
<p>“As they say, nature abhors a vacuum, and the mind abhors chance,” says Michael Shermer, executive director of the Skeptics Society and author of “The Believing Brain,” a book on how humans seem hardwired to find patterns in disparate facts and unconnected, often innocent coincidences.</p>
<p>Polls underscore the point.</p>
<p>About 6 in 10 Americans say they believe multiple people were involved in a conspiracy to assassinate Kennedy, while only one-fourth think Oswald acted alone, according to an AP-GfK survey done in April. Belief in a conspiracy, though strong, has declined since a 2003 Gallup poll found that 75 percent said they thought Oswald was part of a wider plot.</p>
<p>The case has riveted the public from the start. When the Warren Commission report was released in book form, it debuted at No. 7 on The New York Times Best Sellers List.</p>
<p>Two years later, attorney Mark Lane’s “Rush to Judgment” dominated the list. The Warren Commission, he argued, “frequently chose to rely on evidence that was no stronger and sometimes demonstrably weaker than contrary evidence which it rejected.”</p>
<p>The book has since sold millions of copies in hardcover and paperback, says Lane.</p>
<p>Since then, dozens of books with titles like “Best Evidence,” “Reasonable Doubt,” “High Treason” and “Coup D’Etat in America: The CIA and the Assassination of John F. Kennedy” have sought to lay responsibility for JFK’s death at the highest levels of the U.S. government – and beyond.</p>
<p>British journalist Anthony Summers, whose BBC documentary became the 1980 book “Conspiracy,” says many conspiracy buffs “are fine scholars and students, and some are mad as hatters who think it was done by men from Mars using catapults.”</p>
<p>Unlike the later coverage of Watergate, there were no reporters like The Washington Post’s Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, who were told by their editors, “Get on this and don’t get off it,” says Summers. “Nobody went down there and really did the shoe leather work and the phone calls that we’re all supposed to do.”</p>
<p>For many, the Kennedy assassination has become “a board game: ‘Who killed JFK?’ So you feel free to sit around and say, ‘Oh! It’s the mob. Oh! It’s the KGB’ … and have no shame,” scoffs Gerald Posner, whose 1993 book “Case Closed” declared that the Warren Commission essentially got it right.</p>
<p>The Oswald-as-patsy community has vilified Posner.</p>
<p>But the lawyer says he didn’t set out to write a defense of the Warren Commission. Instead, he planned to go back through the critical evidence to see what more could be determined through hindsight and more modern investigative techniques – “and then put out a book that says, ‘Read THIS book. Here are the four unresolved issues of the Kennedy assassination, with the evidence on both sides.'”</p>
<p>Halfway through the allotted research time, Posner went to the editorial staff with a new idea: A book that says flat-out who killed Kennedy.</p>
<p>“Who?” one of the editors asked, as Posner retells it.</p>
<p>“Oswald,” he answered.</p>
<p>“And who?”</p>
<p>“Oswald,” Posner says he repeated. “And they literally looked at me as though I had just come in from Mars. And you could tell there was this feeling of, ‘Oh, my God. He’s read the Warren Commission and that’s all he’s done.'”</p>
<p>“Case Closed” went on to sell 100,000 copies in hardcover. “I would have never thunk it,” Posner says.</p>
<p>Unlike Posner, Vincent Bugliosi, author of 2007’s “Reclaiming History: The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy,” embarked on his book expecting to vindicate the Warren Commission.</p>
<p>What he didn’t expect was for it to balloon into a 1,650-page behemoth – with a CD-ROM containing an additional 960 pages of endnotes – that cost $57.</p>
<p>“STOP writing,” he recalls his wife telling him. “You’re killing the sales of the book.”</p>
<p>The 78-year-old lawyer blames the conspiracy theorists. “We’re talking about people,” he explains, “who’ve invested the last 15, 20, 25 years of their life in this. They’ve lost jobs. They’ve gotten divorces. Nothing stops them.”</p>
<p>“Like a pea brain,” he says, he responded to all of their allegations. “It’s a bottomless pit. It never, ever ends. And if my publisher … didn’t finally step in and say, ‘Vince, we’re going to print,’ I’d still be writing the book.”</p>
<p>Despite its girth and hefty price tag, “Reclaiming History” had a respectable first printing of 40,000, says Bugliosi, best known as the former deputy Los Angeles district attorney who prosecuted Charles Manson.</p>
<p>But in a 9,400-word review, Gary L. Aguilar, a director of the Washington-based Assassination Archives and Research Center, wrote that the only thing Bugliosi’s book proved was “that it may not be possible for one person to fully master, or give a fair accounting of, this impossibly tangled mess of a case.”</p>
<p>Bugliosi omitted or distorted evidence and failed to disprove “the case for conspiracy,” Aguilar wrote.</p>
<p>Lamar Waldron is not surprised at the success of people like Bugliosi and Posner.</p>
<p>“The biggest money has been generated for the authors … who kind of pretend it all was right back in 1964 and nothing really has happened since,” says Waldron, who has co-written two books on the assassination. “The large six-figure advances and everything like that don’t go to the people who dig through all those millions of pages of files and research for years.”</p>
<p>In “Ultimate Sacrifice” and “Legacy of Secrecy,” Waldron and co-author Thom Hartmann used declassified CIA documents to make the case that JFK (and later his brother Robert) were killed because of plans to overthrow Cuban dictator Fidel Castro – and the Mafia’s infiltration of that operation. Waldron says the books have sold a combined 85,000 copies since 2005.</p>
<p>Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro are set to star in a feature film version of “Legacy of Secrecy” – with a reported price tag of up to $90 million. It’s expected in theaters next year.</p>
<p>Released in October was “Parkland,” a major movie landing on the opposite side of the Oswald-as-lone-gunman debate. Marcia Gay Harden stars, along with Paul Giamatti in the Tom Hanks-produced film named for the Dallas hospital where Kennedy was pronounced dead. It’s based on “Four Days in November,” another Bugliosi book.</p>
<p>A TV movie made from another new book, “Killing Kennedy,” co-written by Fox News host Bill O’Reilly, is airing on National Geographic Channels this month. In a note to readers of the best-selling book, O’Reilly wrote: “In our narrative, Martin Dugard and I go only as far as the evidence takes us. We are not conspiracy guys, although we do raise some questions about what is unknown and inconsistent.”</p>
<p>One film, critics say, has done more than anything to shape the public’s perception of the assassination: Oliver Stone’s 1991 drama, “JFK.”</p>
<p>“He made this kind of paranoid conspiracy theory respectable,” says New York writer Arthur Goldwag, author of “Cults, Conspiracies, and Secret Societies.”</p>
<p>The movie tells the story of New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison, played by Kevin Costner. Garrison remains the only prosecutor to bring someone to trial for an alleged conspiracy to kill Kennedy.</p>
<p>The film is “a remarkable litany of falsehoods and misrepresentations and exaggerations and omissions,” Posner says. “The reason that I’m so hard on Stone is because he’s such a good filmmaker. If he was a schlocky filmmaker, it wouldn’t matter.”</p>
<p>Shermer, of the Skeptics Society, agrees that Stone’s role in stirring the conspiracy pot is “huge.”</p>
<p>“You tell somebody a good story, that’s more powerful than tons of data, charts and graphs and statistics,” he says. “And Oliver Stone’s a good storyteller. He’s biased, and he’s very deceptive, and I don’t trust him at all. But the movie’s great.”</p>
<p>“JFK” took in more than $205 million at the box office, nearly two-thirds of that overseas, and has since raked in untold millions more in television royalties, pay-per-view, and videocassette and DVD rentals.</p>
<p>AP writer David Porter in Newark, N.J., also contributed to this report. Breed is a national writer, based in Raleigh, N.C. He can be reached at <a href="mailto:[email protected]" type="external">[email protected]</a>. <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/AllenGBreed" type="external">Follow him on Twitter</a>.</p>
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lee harvey oswald lone assassin part conspiracy patsy day john f kennedy died cottage industry born fifty years hundreds millions dollars later still thriving product truth presidents assassination evening november 22 1963 found drawn case los angeles businessman ray marcus wrote addendum b one several selfpublished monographs produced assassination authorities quick pat conclusion advertisement government saying one assassin conspiracy obvious even subsequently turned true could known true time skeptics including marcus didnt get rich publishing doubts theories even bankrupted chasing select good money keeping controversy alive bestselling books blockbuster movies raked massive profits since 1963 50th anniversary horrible day dallas looming new generation set cash course warren commission officially concluded 1964 lee harvey oswald acted alone issued 26 volumes documents support determination rather closing book jfks death report merely served fuel already kindled fire doubt suspicion since even government investigators stepped away lone assassin theory 1978 us house select committee assassinations ended lengthy inquiry finding jfk probably assassinated result conspiracy panel acknowledged unable identify gunman extent conspiracy armed mountains subsequently released documents shortage people willing offer conclusions among leading suspects cuban exiles angry bay pigs fiasco mafiosi enraged attorney general robert kennedys attacks organized crime militaryindustrial complex worried jfks review war policy vietnam one theorist even floated notion kennedys limousine driver shot president part effort cover proof alien invasion advertisement anything oswald hapless former marine right place right time motive opportunity pull one audacious crimes american history say nature abhors vacuum mind abhors chance says michael shermer executive director skeptics society author believing brain book humans seem hardwired find patterns disparate facts unconnected often innocent coincidences polls underscore point 6 10 americans say believe multiple people involved conspiracy assassinate kennedy onefourth think oswald acted alone according apgfk survey done april belief conspiracy though strong declined since 2003 gallup poll found 75 percent said thought oswald part wider plot case riveted public start warren commission report released book form debuted 7 new york times best sellers list two years later attorney mark lanes rush judgment dominated list warren commission argued frequently chose rely evidence stronger sometimes demonstrably weaker contrary evidence rejected book since sold millions copies hardcover paperback says lane since dozens books titles like best evidence reasonable doubt high treason coup detat america cia assassination john f kennedy sought lay responsibility jfks death highest levels us government beyond british journalist anthony summers whose bbc documentary became 1980 book conspiracy says many conspiracy buffs fine scholars students mad hatters think done men mars using catapults unlike later coverage watergate reporters like washington posts bob woodward carl bernstein told editors get dont get says summers nobody went really shoe leather work phone calls supposed many kennedy assassination become board game killed jfk feel free sit around say oh mob oh kgb shame scoffs gerald posner whose 1993 book case closed declared warren commission essentially got right oswaldaspatsy community vilified posner lawyer says didnt set write defense warren commission instead planned go back critical evidence see could determined hindsight modern investigative techniques put book says read book four unresolved issues kennedy assassination evidence sides halfway allotted research time posner went editorial staff new idea book says flatout killed kennedy one editors asked posner retells oswald answered oswald posner says repeated literally looked though come mars could tell feeling oh god hes read warren commission thats hes done case closed went sell 100000 copies hardcover would never thunk posner says unlike posner vincent bugliosi author 2007s reclaiming history assassination president john f kennedy embarked book expecting vindicate warren commission didnt expect balloon 1650page behemoth cdrom containing additional 960 pages endnotes cost 57 stop writing recalls wife telling youre killing sales book 78yearold lawyer blames conspiracy theorists talking people explains whove invested last 15 20 25 years life theyve lost jobs theyve gotten divorces nothing stops like pea brain says responded allegations bottomless pit never ever ends publisher didnt finally step say vince going print id still writing book despite girth hefty price tag reclaiming history respectable first printing 40000 says bugliosi best known former deputy los angeles district attorney prosecuted charles manson 9400word review gary l aguilar director washingtonbased assassination archives research center wrote thing bugliosis book proved may possible one person fully master give fair accounting impossibly tangled mess case bugliosi omitted distorted evidence failed disprove case conspiracy aguilar wrote lamar waldron surprised success people like bugliosi posner biggest money generated authors kind pretend right back 1964 nothing really happened since says waldron cowritten two books assassination large sixfigure advances everything like dont go people dig millions pages files research years ultimate sacrifice legacy secrecy waldron coauthor thom hartmann used declassified cia documents make case jfk later brother robert killed plans overthrow cuban dictator fidel castro mafias infiltration operation waldron says books sold combined 85000 copies since 2005 leonardo dicaprio robert de niro set star feature film version legacy secrecy reported price tag 90 million expected theaters next year released october parkland major movie landing opposite side oswaldaslonegunman debate marcia gay harden stars along paul giamatti tom hanksproduced film named dallas hospital kennedy pronounced dead based four days november another bugliosi book tv movie made another new book killing kennedy cowritten fox news host bill oreilly airing national geographic channels month note readers bestselling book oreilly wrote narrative martin dugard go far evidence takes us conspiracy guys although raise questions unknown inconsistent one film critics say done anything shape publics perception assassination oliver stones 1991 drama jfk made kind paranoid conspiracy theory respectable says new york writer arthur goldwag author cults conspiracies secret societies movie tells story new orleans district attorney jim garrison played kevin costner garrison remains prosecutor bring someone trial alleged conspiracy kill kennedy film remarkable litany falsehoods misrepresentations exaggerations omissions posner says reason im hard stone hes good filmmaker schlocky filmmaker wouldnt matter shermer skeptics society agrees stones role stirring conspiracy pot huge tell somebody good story thats powerful tons data charts graphs statistics says oliver stones good storyteller hes biased hes deceptive dont trust movies great jfk took 205 million box office nearly twothirds overseas since raked untold millions television royalties payperview videocassette dvd rentals ap writer david porter newark nj also contributed report breed national writer based raleigh nc reached featuresaporg follow twitter
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<p>Even though the 60-day session ended Saturday, Twitter and Facebook are still jammed with references to #nmleg, the hashtag that helped people track happenings at the Capitol.</p>
<p>Pundits credit social media with engaging a broader audience in the sometimes obscure sausage-making of how a bill becomes law — or in the case of numerous popular efforts this session, how it dies. They also say exchanges via social media had a significant role in helping organize rallies, getting people to testify at committee hearings and even persuading legislators to take certain actions.</p>
<p>Take House Bill 77, for example. The measure to impose background checks on all firearms buyers at gun shows had made it through the House, but Sen. Richard Martinez, D-Española, hadn’t put it on the Senate Judiciary Committee’s agenda for a hearing and was rumored to have told a constituent he wouldn’t put it on the agenda. While this might have spelled a quiet death for the legislation, organizing and news reports referenced in social media turned up the heat.</p>
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<p>Martinez put the matter on his committee’s list the next day. The bill — one that had bipartisan support and that the governor said she would sign — eventually died in the last minutes of the Senate floor session during a Republican filibuster.</p>
<p>But Pat Davis, director of Progress Now NM, said the take-away lesson is that people took action. Hundreds of calls to Martinez’ office happened because of connectivity through email and social media websites, he said. Likewise, when the liberal nonprofit tweeted a House member’s cellphone number to invite calls about his stance on immigrant driver’s licenses, the lawmaker complained that he got so many calls he couldn’t use his phone that day.</p>
<p>“Everybody is watching social media now,” said Davis. “They are sneaking away to check their Facebook page or watching social media when they should be doing something else at work. It is, as near as we can tell, the way to find the most people and get them to do something quickly.”</p>
<p>Traffic monitor functions on Facebook allow the organization to figure out what issues are most important to people, he said.</p>
<p>“For example, when we were tweeting and posting about the gay marriage vote, we could see the shares and views really spiked,” he said. “Normally when we post something, we had 100 people who were seeing it, but when we did the gay marriage thing we had 2,000 people who saw those posts within just the first few minutes.”</p>
<p>Reporters for The New Mexican and other news outlets used social media to quickly get out the word about votes or updates on other happenings at the Roundhouse before filing longer stories or adding to blogs.</p>
<p>Independent journalist Matthew Reichbach was one of the most prolific social-media posters at the Roundhouse. Because he was able to make quick posts to the online New Mexico Telegram, he was often an early source of more explanation that just the 120 characters in an initial tweet.</p>
<p>Reichbach said in an interview Monday that this session saw more social media action than any of the previous four sessions he’s covered, including during his time at the now-defunct New Mexico Independent online news site. But like any other tool, he said, its effectiveness really depends on the user.</p>
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<p>“Nothing beats on-the-ground reporting, just being the person at that meeting reporting on what they are saying,” he said. “Social media has definitely become a way that you can do that instantaneously. There are all these anecdotes that may not fit into a story, but people are interested in hearing about them.”</p>
<p>Past sessions, he said, featured lots of tweets from people who were observing the session. Now, he said, tweets more often are coming from advocates, organizations and agencies.</p>
<p>While the individuals and organizations with the most social media contact seem to be on the political left, they no longer hold a monopoly on the tools. GOP Twitter handles and those from more conservative perspectives in New Mexico generally have fewer followers and make fewer posts — @GOPHouse last made a post Feb. 5 — but they are present.</p>
<p>Among examples of regular users are former Sen. Rod Adair, R-Roswell, who is now an administrator for the Secretary of State’s Office and who challenged journalists and Democrats with a confrontational style on Twitter.</p>
<p>Rob Nikolewski, who produces New Mexico Capitol Report, said he gets classified on the right side of the political spectrum but really considers himself a libertarian. He said it’s true that people on the left side of the political spectrum in New Mexico historically have been more active on social media but the right is likely to catch up.</p>
<p>“I was a little reluctant at first but I was sort of told ‘do it and that it would help your site,’ which was true,” he said, “So I imagine that anybody — left, center, right — if they are starting something or they’ve got any kind of media presence, they are begin told from on high ‘Use this stuff. Use the social media to get your stuff out.’ I think it’s almost universal now.”</p>
<p>In the Senate Republican press office, Diane Kinderwater said the focus was on a new website, as well as Facebook and YouTube. Rather than connecting with constituents, she said, those tools have mostly been for outreach to media outlets that aren’t reporting from Santa Fe.</p>
<p>“We updated our press releases on Facebook and provided digital interviews that we posted on YouTube,” she said, noting that radio stations in the rural reaches of the state often used content for on-air soundbites.</p>
<p>“It’s not always what you put out,” said JD Gins, who worked during the session as a spokesman for House Democrats and tried to juggle a presence on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube for his bosses. “You can also use Twitter as a barometer for what reactions are happening to different announcements or to things passing.”</p>
<p>Individual lawmakers got in on the action, with House Majority Whip Moe Maestas, D-Albuquerque, and Rep. Brian Egolf, D-Santa Fe, often sending tweets during floor sessions and committee hearings. Others said they used social media to keep tabs on committees in other rooms while sitting in hearings of their own. Riechbach noted that using social media is a way for lawmakers to directly communicate without the filter of traditional news media reporting.</p>
<p>“They can just tweet exactly what they want to say and everybody sees it,” he said. “I think a lot of people in power like that.”</p>
<p>Gins said that’s likely to become more common here, as it already is in other states where he’s worked.</p>
<p>“You can’t really have a press shop or you are not really fully communicating with your constituents or with the press in general if you don’t exercise in that arena,” he said.</p>
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even though 60day session ended saturday twitter facebook still jammed references nmleg hashtag helped people track happenings capitol pundits credit social media engaging broader audience sometimes obscure sausagemaking bill becomes law case numerous popular efforts session dies also say exchanges via social media significant role helping organize rallies getting people testify committee hearings even persuading legislators take certain actions take house bill 77 example measure impose background checks firearms buyers gun shows made house sen richard martinez despañola hadnt put senate judiciary committees agenda hearing rumored told constituent wouldnt put agenda might spelled quiet death legislation organizing news reports referenced social media turned heat advertisement martinez put matter committees list next day bill one bipartisan support governor said would sign eventually died last minutes senate floor session republican filibuster pat davis director progress nm said takeaway lesson people took action hundreds calls martinez office happened connectivity email social media websites said likewise liberal nonprofit tweeted house members cellphone number invite calls stance immigrant drivers licenses lawmaker complained got many calls couldnt use phone day everybody watching social media said davis sneaking away check facebook page watching social media something else work near tell way find people get something quickly traffic monitor functions facebook allow organization figure issues important people said example tweeting posting gay marriage vote could see shares views really spiked said normally post something 100 people seeing gay marriage thing 2000 people saw posts within first minutes reporters new mexican news outlets used social media quickly get word votes updates happenings roundhouse filing longer stories adding blogs independent journalist matthew reichbach one prolific socialmedia posters roundhouse able make quick posts online new mexico telegram often early source explanation 120 characters initial tweet reichbach said interview monday session saw social media action previous four sessions hes covered including time nowdefunct new mexico independent online news site like tool said effectiveness really depends user advertisement nothing beats ontheground reporting person meeting reporting saying said social media definitely become way instantaneously anecdotes may fit story people interested hearing past sessions said featured lots tweets people observing session said tweets often coming advocates organizations agencies individuals organizations social media contact seem political left longer hold monopoly tools gop twitter handles conservative perspectives new mexico generally fewer followers make fewer posts gophouse last made post feb 5 present among examples regular users former sen rod adair rroswell administrator secretary states office challenged journalists democrats confrontational style twitter rob nikolewski produces new mexico capitol report said gets classified right side political spectrum really considers libertarian said true people left side political spectrum new mexico historically active social media right likely catch little reluctant first sort told would help site true said imagine anybody left center right starting something theyve got kind media presence begin told high use stuff use social media get stuff think almost universal senate republican press office diane kinderwater said focus new website well facebook youtube rather connecting constituents said tools mostly outreach media outlets arent reporting santa fe updated press releases facebook provided digital interviews posted youtube said noting radio stations rural reaches state often used content onair soundbites always put said jd gins worked session spokesman house democrats tried juggle presence twitter facebook youtube bosses also use twitter barometer reactions happening different announcements things passing individual lawmakers got action house majority whip moe maestas dalbuquerque rep brian egolf dsanta fe often sending tweets floor sessions committee hearings others said used social media keep tabs committees rooms sitting hearings riechbach noted using social media way lawmakers directly communicate without filter traditional news media reporting tweet exactly want say everybody sees said think lot people power like gins said thats likely become common already states hes worked cant really press shop really fully communicating constituents press general dont exercise arena said
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<p>SAN DIEGO (AP) — Recent assaults by tactical teams on prototypes of President Donald Trump’s proposed wall with Mexico found their imposing heights should stop border crossers, The Associated Press has learned, a finding that’s likely to please security hawks but raise concerns about costs and environmental damage.</p>
<p>Military special forces based in Florida and U.S. Customs and Border Protection special units spent three weeks trying to breach and scale the eight models in San Diego, using jackhammers, saws, torches and other tools and climbing devices, a U.S. official with direct knowledge of the rigorous testing told the AP on condition of anonymity because the information was not authorized for public release.</p>
<p>Each model was to be 18 to 30 feet (5 to 9 meters) high, and contractors built at or near the maximum, which is roughly twice as high as many existing barriers. Ronald Vitiello, the agency’s acting deputy commissioner, said after visiting the prototypes in October that he was struck most by their height.</p>
<p>The highly trained testers scaled 16 to 20 feet (5 to 6 meters) unassisted but needed help after that, said the official, who described the assaults on the wall prototypes to the AP. Testers also expressed safety concerns about getting down from 30 feet.</p>
<p>Only once did a tester manage to land a hook on top of the wall without help, the official said. Tubes atop some models repelled climbing devices but wouldn’t work in more mountainous areas because the terrain is too jagged.</p>
<p>The findings appear to challenge what Janet Napolitano, now chancellor of the University of California, often said when she was President Barack Obama’s homeland security secretary: “You show me a 50-foot wall, and I’ll show you a 51-foot ladder.”</p>
<p>A Customs and Border Protection report on the tests identifies strengths and flaws of each design but does not pick an overall winner or rank them. The report recommends combining elements of each, depending on the terrain. The official likened it to a Lego design, pulling pieces from different prototypes.</p>
<p>The report favors steel at the ground level because agents can see what is happening on the other side through mesh, and damage can more easily be fixed than concrete, the official said. With concrete, large slabs have to be replaced for even small breaches, which is time-consuming and expensive. Topping the steel with smooth concrete surfaces helps prevent climbing.</p>
<p>Brandon Judd, who heads the union representing border agents, said the recommended height and steel-concrete design make sense. He said people have been able to scale the smaller border walls, which were not put to same degree of testing before construction.</p>
<p>“Not many people are going to attempt to go over 30 feet,” said Judd, president of the National Border Patrol Council. “I just don’t see it happening.”</p>
<p>Just as daunting as getting over, he said, is climbing back if someone decides to try to return to Mexico to avoid capture.</p>
<p>Taller barriers are undoubtedly more effective, but they drive up the cost and could endanger wildlife.</p>
<p>Brian Segee, an attorney for Center for Biological Diversity, which has sued to block construction, said border walls 15 feet (5 meters) or less have prevented the movement of low-flying birds and insects.</p>
<p>“The bigger, more impervious the wall, the worse the impacts are going to be for wildlife,” Segee said.</p>
<p>U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Texas Democrat in a border district, said a 30-foot (9-meter) wall would increase the cost “tremendously” and do nothing to address the problem of people entering the country legally and overstaying their visas.</p>
<p>Customs and Border Protection leaders were set to be briefed on the findings this week amid a standoff over immigration legislation that threatens to shut down the government. Democrats insist it includes protections for hundreds of thousands of young immigrants who were shielded from deportation under an Obama-era program, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which is scheduled to end in March.</p>
<p>The administration has insisted wall funding be part of any immigration deal, but Trump has been unclear about how long the wall would be and how it should be designed. The administration has asked for $1.6 billion this year to build or replace 74 miles (118 kilometers) of barriers in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley and San Diego and plans to request another $1.6 billion next year.</p>
<p>A proposal by Customs and Border Protection calls for spending $18 billion over 10 years to extend barriers to cover nearly half the border. Mexico has steadfastly rejected Trump’s demand that it pay for the wall.</p>
<p>The agency is still in “the testing phase” and results are being evaluated, spokesman Carlos Diaz said. Combining elements of different prototypes instead of picking a winner is consistent with previous statements by officials, he said, noting that the agency said in bidding guidelines that a minimum height of 18 feet (5 meters) would be a key characteristic.</p>
<p>Contractors were awarded between $300,000 and $500,000 for each prototype. They were built last fall in a remote part of San Diego to guide future construction of one of Trump’s signature campaign pledges. Four were concrete and four were made of other materials.</p>
<p>SAN DIEGO (AP) — Recent assaults by tactical teams on prototypes of President Donald Trump’s proposed wall with Mexico found their imposing heights should stop border crossers, The Associated Press has learned, a finding that’s likely to please security hawks but raise concerns about costs and environmental damage.</p>
<p>Military special forces based in Florida and U.S. Customs and Border Protection special units spent three weeks trying to breach and scale the eight models in San Diego, using jackhammers, saws, torches and other tools and climbing devices, a U.S. official with direct knowledge of the rigorous testing told the AP on condition of anonymity because the information was not authorized for public release.</p>
<p>Each model was to be 18 to 30 feet (5 to 9 meters) high, and contractors built at or near the maximum, which is roughly twice as high as many existing barriers. Ronald Vitiello, the agency’s acting deputy commissioner, said after visiting the prototypes in October that he was struck most by their height.</p>
<p>The highly trained testers scaled 16 to 20 feet (5 to 6 meters) unassisted but needed help after that, said the official, who described the assaults on the wall prototypes to the AP. Testers also expressed safety concerns about getting down from 30 feet.</p>
<p>Only once did a tester manage to land a hook on top of the wall without help, the official said. Tubes atop some models repelled climbing devices but wouldn’t work in more mountainous areas because the terrain is too jagged.</p>
<p>The findings appear to challenge what Janet Napolitano, now chancellor of the University of California, often said when she was President Barack Obama’s homeland security secretary: “You show me a 50-foot wall, and I’ll show you a 51-foot ladder.”</p>
<p>A Customs and Border Protection report on the tests identifies strengths and flaws of each design but does not pick an overall winner or rank them. The report recommends combining elements of each, depending on the terrain. The official likened it to a Lego design, pulling pieces from different prototypes.</p>
<p>The report favors steel at the ground level because agents can see what is happening on the other side through mesh, and damage can more easily be fixed than concrete, the official said. With concrete, large slabs have to be replaced for even small breaches, which is time-consuming and expensive. Topping the steel with smooth concrete surfaces helps prevent climbing.</p>
<p>Brandon Judd, who heads the union representing border agents, said the recommended height and steel-concrete design make sense. He said people have been able to scale the smaller border walls, which were not put to same degree of testing before construction.</p>
<p>“Not many people are going to attempt to go over 30 feet,” said Judd, president of the National Border Patrol Council. “I just don’t see it happening.”</p>
<p>Just as daunting as getting over, he said, is climbing back if someone decides to try to return to Mexico to avoid capture.</p>
<p>Taller barriers are undoubtedly more effective, but they drive up the cost and could endanger wildlife.</p>
<p>Brian Segee, an attorney for Center for Biological Diversity, which has sued to block construction, said border walls 15 feet (5 meters) or less have prevented the movement of low-flying birds and insects.</p>
<p>“The bigger, more impervious the wall, the worse the impacts are going to be for wildlife,” Segee said.</p>
<p>U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Texas Democrat in a border district, said a 30-foot (9-meter) wall would increase the cost “tremendously” and do nothing to address the problem of people entering the country legally and overstaying their visas.</p>
<p>Customs and Border Protection leaders were set to be briefed on the findings this week amid a standoff over immigration legislation that threatens to shut down the government. Democrats insist it includes protections for hundreds of thousands of young immigrants who were shielded from deportation under an Obama-era program, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which is scheduled to end in March.</p>
<p>The administration has insisted wall funding be part of any immigration deal, but Trump has been unclear about how long the wall would be and how it should be designed. The administration has asked for $1.6 billion this year to build or replace 74 miles (118 kilometers) of barriers in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley and San Diego and plans to request another $1.6 billion next year.</p>
<p>A proposal by Customs and Border Protection calls for spending $18 billion over 10 years to extend barriers to cover nearly half the border. Mexico has steadfastly rejected Trump’s demand that it pay for the wall.</p>
<p>The agency is still in “the testing phase” and results are being evaluated, spokesman Carlos Diaz said. Combining elements of different prototypes instead of picking a winner is consistent with previous statements by officials, he said, noting that the agency said in bidding guidelines that a minimum height of 18 feet (5 meters) would be a key characteristic.</p>
<p>Contractors were awarded between $300,000 and $500,000 for each prototype. They were built last fall in a remote part of San Diego to guide future construction of one of Trump’s signature campaign pledges. Four were concrete and four were made of other materials.</p>
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san diego ap recent assaults tactical teams prototypes president donald trumps proposed wall mexico found imposing heights stop border crossers associated press learned finding thats likely please security hawks raise concerns costs environmental damage military special forces based florida us customs border protection special units spent three weeks trying breach scale eight models san diego using jackhammers saws torches tools climbing devices us official direct knowledge rigorous testing told ap condition anonymity information authorized public release model 18 30 feet 5 9 meters high contractors built near maximum roughly twice high many existing barriers ronald vitiello agencys acting deputy commissioner said visiting prototypes october struck height highly trained testers scaled 16 20 feet 5 6 meters unassisted needed help said official described assaults wall prototypes ap testers also expressed safety concerns getting 30 feet tester manage land hook top wall without help official said tubes atop models repelled climbing devices wouldnt work mountainous areas terrain jagged findings appear challenge janet napolitano chancellor university california often said president barack obamas homeland security secretary show 50foot wall ill show 51foot ladder customs border protection report tests identifies strengths flaws design pick overall winner rank report recommends combining elements depending terrain official likened lego design pulling pieces different prototypes report favors steel ground level agents see happening side mesh damage easily fixed concrete official said concrete large slabs replaced even small breaches timeconsuming expensive topping steel smooth concrete surfaces helps prevent climbing brandon judd heads union representing border agents said recommended height steelconcrete design make sense said people able scale smaller border walls put degree testing construction many people going attempt go 30 feet said judd president national border patrol council dont see happening daunting getting said climbing back someone decides try return mexico avoid capture taller barriers undoubtedly effective drive cost could endanger wildlife brian segee attorney center biological diversity sued block construction said border walls 15 feet 5 meters less prevented movement lowflying birds insects bigger impervious wall worse impacts going wildlife segee said us rep henry cuellar texas democrat border district said 30foot 9meter wall would increase cost tremendously nothing address problem people entering country legally overstaying visas customs border protection leaders set briefed findings week amid standoff immigration legislation threatens shut government democrats insist includes protections hundreds thousands young immigrants shielded deportation obamaera program deferred action childhood arrivals scheduled end march administration insisted wall funding part immigration deal trump unclear long wall would designed administration asked 16 billion year build replace 74 miles 118 kilometers barriers texas rio grande valley san diego plans request another 16 billion next year proposal customs border protection calls spending 18 billion 10 years extend barriers cover nearly half border mexico steadfastly rejected trumps demand pay wall agency still testing phase results evaluated spokesman carlos diaz said combining elements different prototypes instead picking winner consistent previous statements officials said noting agency said bidding guidelines minimum height 18 feet 5 meters would key characteristic contractors awarded 300000 500000 prototype built last fall remote part san diego guide future construction one trumps signature campaign pledges four concrete four made materials san diego ap recent assaults tactical teams prototypes president donald trumps proposed wall mexico found imposing heights stop border crossers associated press learned finding thats likely please security hawks raise concerns costs environmental damage military special forces based florida us customs border protection special units spent three weeks trying breach scale eight models san diego using jackhammers saws torches tools climbing devices us official direct knowledge rigorous testing told ap condition anonymity information authorized public release model 18 30 feet 5 9 meters high contractors built near maximum roughly twice high many existing barriers ronald vitiello agencys acting deputy commissioner said visiting prototypes october struck height highly trained testers scaled 16 20 feet 5 6 meters unassisted needed help said official described assaults wall prototypes ap testers also expressed safety concerns getting 30 feet tester manage land hook top wall without help official said tubes atop models repelled climbing devices wouldnt work mountainous areas terrain jagged findings appear challenge janet napolitano chancellor university california often said president barack obamas homeland security secretary show 50foot wall ill show 51foot ladder customs border protection report tests identifies strengths flaws design pick overall winner rank report recommends combining elements depending terrain official likened lego design pulling pieces different prototypes report favors steel ground level agents see happening side mesh damage easily fixed concrete official said concrete large slabs replaced even small breaches timeconsuming expensive topping steel smooth concrete surfaces helps prevent climbing brandon judd heads union representing border agents said recommended height steelconcrete design make sense said people able scale smaller border walls put degree testing construction many people going attempt go 30 feet said judd president national border patrol council dont see happening daunting getting said climbing back someone decides try return mexico avoid capture taller barriers undoubtedly effective drive cost could endanger wildlife brian segee attorney center biological diversity sued block construction said border walls 15 feet 5 meters less prevented movement lowflying birds insects bigger impervious wall worse impacts going wildlife segee said us rep henry cuellar texas democrat border district said 30foot 9meter wall would increase cost tremendously nothing address problem people entering country legally overstaying visas customs border protection leaders set briefed findings week amid standoff immigration legislation threatens shut government democrats insist includes protections hundreds thousands young immigrants shielded deportation obamaera program deferred action childhood arrivals scheduled end march administration insisted wall funding part immigration deal trump unclear long wall would designed administration asked 16 billion year build replace 74 miles 118 kilometers barriers texas rio grande valley san diego plans request another 16 billion next year proposal customs border protection calls spending 18 billion 10 years extend barriers cover nearly half border mexico steadfastly rejected trumps demand pay wall agency still testing phase results evaluated spokesman carlos diaz said combining elements different prototypes instead picking winner consistent previous statements officials said noting agency said bidding guidelines minimum height 18 feet 5 meters would key characteristic contractors awarded 300000 500000 prototype built last fall remote part san diego guide future construction one trumps signature campaign pledges four concrete four made materials
| 1,028 |
<p>COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Columbus police officers acted properly when they arrested a man last year wanted on warrants for violent crimes including assaulting an officer, the city said in response to a lawsuit claiming the man’s civil rights were violated.</p>
<p>The city also denied allegations that officers tried to block bystanders from filming the September arrest of Timothy Davis in a convenience store.</p>
<p>The city acknowledged remarks by an officer at the scene were “inappropriate” but said the officer wasn’t involved in the arrest and added: “Inappropriate comments are not the basis for any state of federal liability.”</p>
<p>“I’m going to choke the life out of you,” the officer said at one point, referring to how he would have handled the arrest.</p>
<p>Police chief Kimberly Jacobs later said she was appalled by the comments and temporarily pulled the officer from patrol duties.</p>
<p>The city also denied allegations that Davis couldn’t breathe, and acknowledged having to use a stun gun to bring Davis under control.</p>
<p>“Officers were required to employ force against Davis in order to secure his arrest,” the city said in a Jan. 9 court filing.</p>
<p>Cellphone video of Davis’ arrest showed officers struggling to subdue him and eventually punching and kicking him. Afterward, police spokesman Sgt. Dean Worthington said use of force depends on a suspect’s behavior and police policy does allow for punching and kicking.</p>
<p>Davis’ lawsuit also alleges a lack of police training and supervision when it comes to use of force and says Columbus doesn’t punish overly violent officers, instead conducting “sham Internal Affairs investigations,” claims denied by the city.</p>
<p>The lawsuit dropped broader allegations that police routinely violate residents’ civil rights, and particularly those of black residents, as an earlier version of Davis’ lawsuit claimed.</p>
<p>The city’s approach to policing and the demands on officers have been subject to debate in recent months.</p>
<p>Columbus saw a record 143 homicides last year. In response, the city announced Wednesday an additional $2 million to pay for 30 more police recruits this year along with neighborhood safety programs.</p>
<p>Last year, Columbus agreed to meet a goal of training one out of every two current officers in how to deal with people having mental health crises by 2020. All recruits already receive such training, called Crisis Intervention Training.</p>
<p>The city also is submitting its training plans for dealing with mentally ill individuals to an international police association for review.</p>
<p>Andrew Ginther, Columbus’ Democratic mayor, touched on these issues when he addressed newly graduated officers earlier this month.</p>
<p>“Policing has always been a difficult profession, but these officers are entering it at a time in history, both nationally and locally, when the challenges may be greater than at any other time,” Ginther said on Jan. 5.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Andrew Welsh-Huggins can be reached on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/awhcolumbus." type="external">https://twitter.com/awhcolumbus.</a></p>
<p>COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Columbus police officers acted properly when they arrested a man last year wanted on warrants for violent crimes including assaulting an officer, the city said in response to a lawsuit claiming the man’s civil rights were violated.</p>
<p>The city also denied allegations that officers tried to block bystanders from filming the September arrest of Timothy Davis in a convenience store.</p>
<p>The city acknowledged remarks by an officer at the scene were “inappropriate” but said the officer wasn’t involved in the arrest and added: “Inappropriate comments are not the basis for any state of federal liability.”</p>
<p>“I’m going to choke the life out of you,” the officer said at one point, referring to how he would have handled the arrest.</p>
<p>Police chief Kimberly Jacobs later said she was appalled by the comments and temporarily pulled the officer from patrol duties.</p>
<p>The city also denied allegations that Davis couldn’t breathe, and acknowledged having to use a stun gun to bring Davis under control.</p>
<p>“Officers were required to employ force against Davis in order to secure his arrest,” the city said in a Jan. 9 court filing.</p>
<p>Cellphone video of Davis’ arrest showed officers struggling to subdue him and eventually punching and kicking him. Afterward, police spokesman Sgt. Dean Worthington said use of force depends on a suspect’s behavior and police policy does allow for punching and kicking.</p>
<p>Davis’ lawsuit also alleges a lack of police training and supervision when it comes to use of force and says Columbus doesn’t punish overly violent officers, instead conducting “sham Internal Affairs investigations,” claims denied by the city.</p>
<p>The lawsuit dropped broader allegations that police routinely violate residents’ civil rights, and particularly those of black residents, as an earlier version of Davis’ lawsuit claimed.</p>
<p>The city’s approach to policing and the demands on officers have been subject to debate in recent months.</p>
<p>Columbus saw a record 143 homicides last year. In response, the city announced Wednesday an additional $2 million to pay for 30 more police recruits this year along with neighborhood safety programs.</p>
<p>Last year, Columbus agreed to meet a goal of training one out of every two current officers in how to deal with people having mental health crises by 2020. All recruits already receive such training, called Crisis Intervention Training.</p>
<p>The city also is submitting its training plans for dealing with mentally ill individuals to an international police association for review.</p>
<p>Andrew Ginther, Columbus’ Democratic mayor, touched on these issues when he addressed newly graduated officers earlier this month.</p>
<p>“Policing has always been a difficult profession, but these officers are entering it at a time in history, both nationally and locally, when the challenges may be greater than at any other time,” Ginther said on Jan. 5.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Andrew Welsh-Huggins can be reached on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/awhcolumbus." type="external">https://twitter.com/awhcolumbus.</a></p>
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columbus ohio ap columbus police officers acted properly arrested man last year wanted warrants violent crimes including assaulting officer city said response lawsuit claiming mans civil rights violated city also denied allegations officers tried block bystanders filming september arrest timothy davis convenience store city acknowledged remarks officer scene inappropriate said officer wasnt involved arrest added inappropriate comments basis state federal liability im going choke life officer said one point referring would handled arrest police chief kimberly jacobs later said appalled comments temporarily pulled officer patrol duties city also denied allegations davis couldnt breathe acknowledged use stun gun bring davis control officers required employ force davis order secure arrest city said jan 9 court filing cellphone video davis arrest showed officers struggling subdue eventually punching kicking afterward police spokesman sgt dean worthington said use force depends suspects behavior police policy allow punching kicking davis lawsuit also alleges lack police training supervision comes use force says columbus doesnt punish overly violent officers instead conducting sham internal affairs investigations claims denied city lawsuit dropped broader allegations police routinely violate residents civil rights particularly black residents earlier version davis lawsuit claimed citys approach policing demands officers subject debate recent months columbus saw record 143 homicides last year response city announced wednesday additional 2 million pay 30 police recruits year along neighborhood safety programs last year columbus agreed meet goal training one every two current officers deal people mental health crises 2020 recruits already receive training called crisis intervention training city also submitting training plans dealing mentally ill individuals international police association review andrew ginther columbus democratic mayor touched issues addressed newly graduated officers earlier month policing always difficult profession officers entering time history nationally locally challenges may greater time ginther said jan 5 ___ andrew welshhuggins reached twitter httpstwittercomawhcolumbus columbus ohio ap columbus police officers acted properly arrested man last year wanted warrants violent crimes including assaulting officer city said response lawsuit claiming mans civil rights violated city also denied allegations officers tried block bystanders filming september arrest timothy davis convenience store city acknowledged remarks officer scene inappropriate said officer wasnt involved arrest added inappropriate comments basis state federal liability im going choke life officer said one point referring would handled arrest police chief kimberly jacobs later said appalled comments temporarily pulled officer patrol duties city also denied allegations davis couldnt breathe acknowledged use stun gun bring davis control officers required employ force davis order secure arrest city said jan 9 court filing cellphone video davis arrest showed officers struggling subdue eventually punching kicking afterward police spokesman sgt dean worthington said use force depends suspects behavior police policy allow punching kicking davis lawsuit also alleges lack police training supervision comes use force says columbus doesnt punish overly violent officers instead conducting sham internal affairs investigations claims denied city lawsuit dropped broader allegations police routinely violate residents civil rights particularly black residents earlier version davis lawsuit claimed citys approach policing demands officers subject debate recent months columbus saw record 143 homicides last year response city announced wednesday additional 2 million pay 30 police recruits year along neighborhood safety programs last year columbus agreed meet goal training one every two current officers deal people mental health crises 2020 recruits already receive training called crisis intervention training city also submitting training plans dealing mentally ill individuals international police association review andrew ginther columbus democratic mayor touched issues addressed newly graduated officers earlier month policing always difficult profession officers entering time history nationally locally challenges may greater time ginther said jan 5 ___ andrew welshhuggins reached twitter httpstwittercomawhcolumbus
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<p>2nd Judicial District, District Attorney –&#160;Jennifer Romero Democrat Jennifer Romero understands that a prosecutor’s office — the office that holds average citizens accountable for their actions — must be transparent, accountable and hold everyone to the same standard under the law. Romero would end the incumbent’s questionable practice of taking police shootings to a special investigative grand jury that has been criticized by civil rights lawyers and others. Romero says she doesn’t like “a secret system with the police treated differently” and would use the preliminary hearing track to “clear the innocent and examine what went wrong in questionable shootings.” She also would address the Metro Court pre-trial interview system that has the office still losing a third of its DWI cases by dismissal. She says she would stop what she sees as the practice of over-charging cases (domestic violence as kidnapping, drug possession as trafficking) and going after certain types of crime to justify grant funding. Romero says she isn’t a career politician. In fact, this would be her first political office. “I’m a lawyer, and all I want to do is get in there and clean up that office.” The Journal recommends Bernalillo County Democrats vote to put Romero in the DA’s Office. The winner has no Republican opposition in the general election.</p>
<p>Court of Appeals – Victor S. Lopez Democrat Victor S. Lopez has been a workers’ compensation judge since 2007 and has been a lawyer for 28 years. For 15 of those years, he represented people filing workers’ compensation cases. Lopez says his exerience would bring a unique background and perspective to the appellate court. Lopez is relying on public funding for his campaign and has raised 1,600 donations of $5 each. He would like to see all judge candidates use the system “to get the money out of the process.” He says that when judge candidates attend fundraisers, “You know who shows up.” The Journal recommends Democratic voters pick Victor S. Lopez for Court of Appeals. The primary winner will face Republican J. Miles Hanisee in November.</p>
<p>2nd Judicial District state judge Division 21 – David Standridge Republican David Standridge has spent more than 15 years practicing family law, the focus of District Court, Division 21. He believes the court would improve by resolving cases more quickly. He says many judges now rely too much on outside experts who rack up charges and leave litigants waiting for justice. Standridge is an accredited representative for Veterans Administration cases and does pro-bono work helping veterans with disability cases. The Journal recommends Republican voters choose David Standridge for 2nd Judicial District state judge Division 21. The winner of the primary faces Democrat Alisa Ann Hadfield in November.</p>
<p>PRC District 1 – Al Park Albuquerque Democrat Al Park has spent the last 12 years in the New Mexico Legislature, supporting ethics (opening conference committee meetings, limiting gifts to lawmakers) and consumer rights (crafting the lemon law, reforming payday lending practices). His experience bringing together diverse groups on important issues and working across the aisle, as well as his education and training as a practicing lawyer, make Park especially well-suited to restoring trust in New Mexico’s Public Regulation Commission. Park favors all three constitutional amendments geared at professionalizing and streamlining the PRC — setting basic education/experience standards for commissioners, consolidating corporation registrations under the Secretary of State’s Office and separating out the Insurance Division. He understands the PRC operates as a quasi-judicial body and the utility issues it tackles require informed, detail-oriented review, and consumers and shareholders deserve “a PRC that focuses on the work that it does, not scandal.” The Journal recommends Democratic voters in District 1, primarily metro Albuquerque, put Al Park on the November ballot for PRC. The winner of the Democratic primary will face Republican Christopher Ocksrider in the fall general election.</p>
<p>PRC District 3 – Virginia Vigil Santa Fe Democrat Virginia Vigil knows the PRC has a serious credibility problem that is damaging its ability to represent all New Mexicans on important pocketbook issues. Term-limited out from her seat chairing the Santa Fe County Commission, Vigil is running to set things right on the PRC in District 3. This seat represents the north-central part of the state and includes Bernalillo, Rio Rancho and west Albuquerque, and Vigil vows to represent ratepayers and utilities alike. A lawyer and a teacher with a master’s degree who has worked as a prosecutor and a defense attorney, Vigil has experience in mediation, and as a county commissioner she has experience dealing with utilities on zoning issues. While she touts a watchdog role on her campaign materials, she understands the PRC’s work “truly is about bringing all the stakeholders together for the best possible outcomes. … I understand that the regulatory process must be of benefit to all our citizens.” The Journal recommends Democrats in PRC District 3 select Virginia Vigil for the seat being vacated by Doug Howe, who is not running for election. Howe was appointed to fill the seat formerly held by Jerome Block Jr. The winner of the Democratic primary will not face Republican opposition in the general election.</p>
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2nd judicial district district attorney 160jennifer romero democrat jennifer romero understands prosecutors office office holds average citizens accountable actions must transparent accountable hold everyone standard law romero would end incumbents questionable practice taking police shootings special investigative grand jury criticized civil rights lawyers others romero says doesnt like secret system police treated differently would use preliminary hearing track clear innocent examine went wrong questionable shootings also would address metro court pretrial interview system office still losing third dwi cases dismissal says would stop sees practice overcharging cases domestic violence kidnapping drug possession trafficking going certain types crime justify grant funding romero says isnt career politician fact would first political office im lawyer want get clean office journal recommends bernalillo county democrats vote put romero das office winner republican opposition general election court appeals victor lopez democrat victor lopez workers compensation judge since 2007 lawyer 28 years 15 years represented people filing workers compensation cases lopez says exerience would bring unique background perspective appellate court lopez relying public funding campaign raised 1600 donations 5 would like see judge candidates use system get money process says judge candidates attend fundraisers know shows journal recommends democratic voters pick victor lopez court appeals primary winner face republican j miles hanisee november 2nd judicial district state judge division 21 david standridge republican david standridge spent 15 years practicing family law focus district court division 21 believes court would improve resolving cases quickly says many judges rely much outside experts rack charges leave litigants waiting justice standridge accredited representative veterans administration cases probono work helping veterans disability cases journal recommends republican voters choose david standridge 2nd judicial district state judge division 21 winner primary faces democrat alisa ann hadfield november prc district 1 al park albuquerque democrat al park spent last 12 years new mexico legislature supporting ethics opening conference committee meetings limiting gifts lawmakers consumer rights crafting lemon law reforming payday lending practices experience bringing together diverse groups important issues working across aisle well education training practicing lawyer make park especially wellsuited restoring trust new mexicos public regulation commission park favors three constitutional amendments geared professionalizing streamlining prc setting basic educationexperience standards commissioners consolidating corporation registrations secretary states office separating insurance division understands prc operates quasijudicial body utility issues tackles require informed detailoriented review consumers shareholders deserve prc focuses work scandal journal recommends democratic voters district 1 primarily metro albuquerque put al park november ballot prc winner democratic primary face republican christopher ocksrider fall general election prc district 3 virginia vigil santa fe democrat virginia vigil knows prc serious credibility problem damaging ability represent new mexicans important pocketbook issues termlimited seat chairing santa fe county commission vigil running set things right prc district 3 seat represents northcentral part state includes bernalillo rio rancho west albuquerque vigil vows represent ratepayers utilities alike lawyer teacher masters degree worked prosecutor defense attorney vigil experience mediation county commissioner experience dealing utilities zoning issues touts watchdog role campaign materials understands prcs work truly bringing stakeholders together best possible outcomes understand regulatory process must benefit citizens journal recommends democrats prc district 3 select virginia vigil seat vacated doug howe running election howe appointed fill seat formerly held jerome block jr winner democratic primary face republican opposition general election advertisement
| 538 |
<p>CHICAGO (AP) - Kris Bryant wasn't looking to go deep when he came up in the second inning Saturday night.</p>
<p>"You know, bases loaded, not trying to do too much," Bryant said.</p>
<p>He wanted to keep a rally going. Instead he broke the game open with a grand slam.</p>
<p>Bryant hit two early homers and drove in six runs to lead the Chicago Cubs to a 7-2 victory over the Miami Marlins.</p>
<p>The multihomer game was the second for Bryant, who hit a two-run drive in the first inning and chased Marlins starter Jarred Cosart (1-4) with the grand slam in the second that made it 7-0.</p>
<p>"It was pretty much (Bryant), that was our offense," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "He was definitely ready in the opening part of the game."</p>
<p>Bryant's grand slam barely cleared the wall - but his first homer nearly left the park, landing in the top row of the bleachers in left. He became the first Cubs player to hit two grand slams in his rookie season since Hall of Famer Billy Williams in 1961.</p>
<p>Cosart, who gave up seven runs, four hits and three walks in just 1 2-3 innings, was making his first start after a month off to recover from vertigo. He was optioned to Triple-A New Orleans after the game.</p>
<p>"There's no excuses," Cosart said. "It's a performance-based industry and I didn't perform well today. I've got to get back at it and get ready for my next start."</p>
<p>Cubs starter Clayton Richard (1-0) sailed into the seventh inning in his first major league outing since 2013, pitching Chicago to its fourth victory in five games. Acquired from Pittsburgh in a trade Friday, he gave up two runs and eight hits with one walk in 6 1-3 innings.</p>
<p>GRATEFUL FOR EXPERIENCE</p>
<p>Maddon gave Friday's Grateful Dead concert at Soldier Field a strong review.</p>
<p>"To have that kind of energy to play that long, they were really good," said Maddon, who watched from a suite with Jon Lester and "some of the other guys."</p>
<p>Maddon recalled throwing batting practice years ago to Bruce Hornsby, who's sitting in on piano and keyboards with the band, years ago when he was on the Los Angeles Angels' coaching staff. And he invited Hornsby to take some swings at Wrigley Field.</p>
<p>"He used to hang out with some of the Angels," Maddon said. "So Bruce, if you're watching this, come on out and take some BP here."</p>
<p>CUBS COACH OK AFTER GETTING HIT</p>
<p>There was a scary moment in the seventh inning when a hard foul ball by Addison Russell hit Cubs third base coach Gary Jones in the elbow. Jones stayed down in foul territory and did not appear to move for a few minutes, but eventually got up and remained in the game.</p>
<p>TRAINER'S ROOM</p>
<p>The Marlins said they will reinstate 1B Michael Morse from the DL before Sunday's game. He was placed on the 15-day DL on May 26 because of a sprained right ring finger and he tweaked his back during rehabilitation.</p>
<p>Maddon said OF Jorge Soler (left ankle) could be back "very, very soon" from a rehab assignment at Triple-A Iowa. ... The Cubs placed C David Ross on the 7-day concussion DL. The move is retroactive to Thursday. ... INF Tommy La Stella was transferred to the 60-day DL from the 15-day DL.</p>
<p>UP NEXT</p>
<p>Chicago's Kyle Hendricks (3-4, 4.15 ERA) and Miami's Mat Latos (3-5, 5.27) both look to win their second straight start as the Cubs and Marlins wrap up their weekend series Sunday. Hendricks pitched three-hit ball over six innings in a 1-0 win over the New York Mets on Tuesday. Latos is coming off a win over San Francisco.</p>
<p>CHICAGO (AP) - Kris Bryant wasn't looking to go deep when he came up in the second inning Saturday night.</p>
<p>"You know, bases loaded, not trying to do too much," Bryant said.</p>
<p>He wanted to keep a rally going. Instead he broke the game open with a grand slam.</p>
<p>Bryant hit two early homers and drove in six runs to lead the Chicago Cubs to a 7-2 victory over the Miami Marlins.</p>
<p>The multihomer game was the second for Bryant, who hit a two-run drive in the first inning and chased Marlins starter Jarred Cosart (1-4) with the grand slam in the second that made it 7-0.</p>
<p>"It was pretty much (Bryant), that was our offense," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "He was definitely ready in the opening part of the game."</p>
<p>Bryant's grand slam barely cleared the wall - but his first homer nearly left the park, landing in the top row of the bleachers in left. He became the first Cubs player to hit two grand slams in his rookie season since Hall of Famer Billy Williams in 1961.</p>
<p>Cosart, who gave up seven runs, four hits and three walks in just 1 2-3 innings, was making his first start after a month off to recover from vertigo. He was optioned to Triple-A New Orleans after the game.</p>
<p>"There's no excuses," Cosart said. "It's a performance-based industry and I didn't perform well today. I've got to get back at it and get ready for my next start."</p>
<p>Cubs starter Clayton Richard (1-0) sailed into the seventh inning in his first major league outing since 2013, pitching Chicago to its fourth victory in five games. Acquired from Pittsburgh in a trade Friday, he gave up two runs and eight hits with one walk in 6 1-3 innings.</p>
<p>GRATEFUL FOR EXPERIENCE</p>
<p>Maddon gave Friday's Grateful Dead concert at Soldier Field a strong review.</p>
<p>"To have that kind of energy to play that long, they were really good," said Maddon, who watched from a suite with Jon Lester and "some of the other guys."</p>
<p>Maddon recalled throwing batting practice years ago to Bruce Hornsby, who's sitting in on piano and keyboards with the band, years ago when he was on the Los Angeles Angels' coaching staff. And he invited Hornsby to take some swings at Wrigley Field.</p>
<p>"He used to hang out with some of the Angels," Maddon said. "So Bruce, if you're watching this, come on out and take some BP here."</p>
<p>CUBS COACH OK AFTER GETTING HIT</p>
<p>There was a scary moment in the seventh inning when a hard foul ball by Addison Russell hit Cubs third base coach Gary Jones in the elbow. Jones stayed down in foul territory and did not appear to move for a few minutes, but eventually got up and remained in the game.</p>
<p>TRAINER'S ROOM</p>
<p>The Marlins said they will reinstate 1B Michael Morse from the DL before Sunday's game. He was placed on the 15-day DL on May 26 because of a sprained right ring finger and he tweaked his back during rehabilitation.</p>
<p>Maddon said OF Jorge Soler (left ankle) could be back "very, very soon" from a rehab assignment at Triple-A Iowa. ... The Cubs placed C David Ross on the 7-day concussion DL. The move is retroactive to Thursday. ... INF Tommy La Stella was transferred to the 60-day DL from the 15-day DL.</p>
<p>UP NEXT</p>
<p>Chicago's Kyle Hendricks (3-4, 4.15 ERA) and Miami's Mat Latos (3-5, 5.27) both look to win their second straight start as the Cubs and Marlins wrap up their weekend series Sunday. Hendricks pitched three-hit ball over six innings in a 1-0 win over the New York Mets on Tuesday. Latos is coming off a win over San Francisco.</p>
| false | 2 |
chicago ap kris bryant wasnt looking go deep came second inning saturday night know bases loaded trying much bryant said wanted keep rally going instead broke game open grand slam bryant hit two early homers drove six runs lead chicago cubs 72 victory miami marlins multihomer game second bryant hit tworun drive first inning chased marlins starter jarred cosart 14 grand slam second made 70 pretty much bryant offense cubs manager joe maddon said definitely ready opening part game bryants grand slam barely cleared wall first homer nearly left park landing top row bleachers left became first cubs player hit two grand slams rookie season since hall famer billy williams 1961 cosart gave seven runs four hits three walks 1 23 innings making first start month recover vertigo optioned triplea new orleans game theres excuses cosart said performancebased industry didnt perform well today ive got get back get ready next start cubs starter clayton richard 10 sailed seventh inning first major league outing since 2013 pitching chicago fourth victory five games acquired pittsburgh trade friday gave two runs eight hits one walk 6 13 innings grateful experience maddon gave fridays grateful dead concert soldier field strong review kind energy play long really good said maddon watched suite jon lester guys maddon recalled throwing batting practice years ago bruce hornsby whos sitting piano keyboards band years ago los angeles angels coaching staff invited hornsby take swings wrigley field used hang angels maddon said bruce youre watching come take bp cubs coach ok getting hit scary moment seventh inning hard foul ball addison russell hit cubs third base coach gary jones elbow jones stayed foul territory appear move minutes eventually got remained game trainers room marlins said reinstate 1b michael morse dl sundays game placed 15day dl may 26 sprained right ring finger tweaked back rehabilitation maddon said jorge soler left ankle could back soon rehab assignment triplea iowa cubs placed c david ross 7day concussion dl move retroactive thursday inf tommy la stella transferred 60day dl 15day dl next chicagos kyle hendricks 34 415 era miamis mat latos 35 527 look win second straight start cubs marlins wrap weekend series sunday hendricks pitched threehit ball six innings 10 win new york mets tuesday latos coming win san francisco chicago ap kris bryant wasnt looking go deep came second inning saturday night know bases loaded trying much bryant said wanted keep rally going instead broke game open grand slam bryant hit two early homers drove six runs lead chicago cubs 72 victory miami marlins multihomer game second bryant hit tworun drive first inning chased marlins starter jarred cosart 14 grand slam second made 70 pretty much bryant offense cubs manager joe maddon said definitely ready opening part game bryants grand slam barely cleared wall first homer nearly left park landing top row bleachers left became first cubs player hit two grand slams rookie season since hall famer billy williams 1961 cosart gave seven runs four hits three walks 1 23 innings making first start month recover vertigo optioned triplea new orleans game theres excuses cosart said performancebased industry didnt perform well today ive got get back get ready next start cubs starter clayton richard 10 sailed seventh inning first major league outing since 2013 pitching chicago fourth victory five games acquired pittsburgh trade friday gave two runs eight hits one walk 6 13 innings grateful experience maddon gave fridays grateful dead concert soldier field strong review kind energy play long really good said maddon watched suite jon lester guys maddon recalled throwing batting practice years ago bruce hornsby whos sitting piano keyboards band years ago los angeles angels coaching staff invited hornsby take swings wrigley field used hang angels maddon said bruce youre watching come take bp cubs coach ok getting hit scary moment seventh inning hard foul ball addison russell hit cubs third base coach gary jones elbow jones stayed foul territory appear move minutes eventually got remained game trainers room marlins said reinstate 1b michael morse dl sundays game placed 15day dl may 26 sprained right ring finger tweaked back rehabilitation maddon said jorge soler left ankle could back soon rehab assignment triplea iowa cubs placed c david ross 7day concussion dl move retroactive thursday inf tommy la stella transferred 60day dl 15day dl next chicagos kyle hendricks 34 415 era miamis mat latos 35 527 look win second straight start cubs marlins wrap weekend series sunday hendricks pitched threehit ball six innings 10 win new york mets tuesday latos coming win san francisco
| 754 |
<p>SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) - Bradie Tennell, Mirai Nagasu and Karen Chen, the top three finishers at the national championships, were selected Saturday to the U.S. team for the Pyeongchang Olympics.</p>
<p>Three-time U.S. champ Ashley Wagner, who complained vigorously about the marks after the free skate, was not included. Four years ago, Wagner also finished fourth but was placed on the team ahead of Nagasu. Wagner wound up with a bronze medal in the team event.</p>
<p>"I really took time to remodel myself, because I didn't want to feel that regret," Nagasu said during the announcement on NBC's "Today" show. "This has been about my journey and my goal to get here. To accomplish it last night has been a dream come true."</p>
<p>The 19-year-old Tennell and Chen, 18, the 2017 U.S. winner, made their first Olympics. Nagasu, now 24, was fourth at the 2010 Games.</p>
<p>Alternates are Wagner (first alternate), Mariah Bell (second alternate) and Angela Wang (third alternate). Only Wagner has been to an Olympics among those three.</p>
<p>U.S. Figure Skating uses a committee to decide the squad, and it went with the results of Friday night. Past performances and a variety of other data are included in the decision making.</p>
<p>The remainder of the team - three men, three ice dance couples and one pair - is scheduled to be announced Sunday.</p>
<p>Rising star Tennell's near-perfect free skate earned her first national crown. Tennell, a long shot entering the season, was spotless in the short program two days ago, then as the final skater in the long program she didn't miss a trick under tremendous pressure. Her top competitors, Nagasu and Chen, already had put down superb routines.</p>
<p>"I just had to keep calm and focus on what I knew I could do," Tennell said. "There's the initial butterflies, but I kind of start to lose myself and keep going.</p>
<p>"I don't think it's sunk in quite yet. I'm still kind of shocked. It's indescribable to me."</p>
<p>Nagasu, U.S. champ 10 years ago and a 2010 Olympian, capped a sensationally sweet comeback with a flowing performance to finish second, assuring a spot in next month's Olympics - a berth she was denied in 2014 by the selection committee. That position for Sochi was given to Wagner, who had a better overall record.</p>
<p>Chen, the defending champion, was third Friday night.</p>
<p>After overpowering the entry and two-footing the triple axel that no other American woman tries, Nagasu hit six triple jumps, including a loop in the final seconds of a stirring program. She was so moved by her performance that she broke out in tears and covered her face, trying to gain control of the emotions that often had betrayed her in critical moments.</p>
<p>She was still crying in, appropriately, the kiss and cry area when the marks showed Nagasu she had shattered her personal best by nearly 20 points with a 213.84.</p>
<p>Chen's big season last year had not translated into achievement this campaign. She put those struggles to an icy death with a superb showing that had one flaw toward the end. She, too, was overcome by tears for a 198.59 score.</p>
<p>Tennell made it a trio of tears with her career best of 219.51. Tennell announced herself as an Olympic team threat with a third place at Skate America. Hardly ice shattering, but then she ratcheted up everything for nationals.</p>
<p>Wagner had the crowd going for most of her energetic routine, but a flawed lutz as her final jump was costly. She responded to the fans with a deep bow when she finished, yet was shaking her head "no" when her marks were posted.</p>
<p>Hours later, after she verbally campaigned to be placed on the Olympic team again, Wagner was left off.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>More AP Olympic coverage: https://wintergames.ap.org</p>
<p>SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) - Bradie Tennell, Mirai Nagasu and Karen Chen, the top three finishers at the national championships, were selected Saturday to the U.S. team for the Pyeongchang Olympics.</p>
<p>Three-time U.S. champ Ashley Wagner, who complained vigorously about the marks after the free skate, was not included. Four years ago, Wagner also finished fourth but was placed on the team ahead of Nagasu. Wagner wound up with a bronze medal in the team event.</p>
<p>"I really took time to remodel myself, because I didn't want to feel that regret," Nagasu said during the announcement on NBC's "Today" show. "This has been about my journey and my goal to get here. To accomplish it last night has been a dream come true."</p>
<p>The 19-year-old Tennell and Chen, 18, the 2017 U.S. winner, made their first Olympics. Nagasu, now 24, was fourth at the 2010 Games.</p>
<p>Alternates are Wagner (first alternate), Mariah Bell (second alternate) and Angela Wang (third alternate). Only Wagner has been to an Olympics among those three.</p>
<p>U.S. Figure Skating uses a committee to decide the squad, and it went with the results of Friday night. Past performances and a variety of other data are included in the decision making.</p>
<p>The remainder of the team - three men, three ice dance couples and one pair - is scheduled to be announced Sunday.</p>
<p>Rising star Tennell's near-perfect free skate earned her first national crown. Tennell, a long shot entering the season, was spotless in the short program two days ago, then as the final skater in the long program she didn't miss a trick under tremendous pressure. Her top competitors, Nagasu and Chen, already had put down superb routines.</p>
<p>"I just had to keep calm and focus on what I knew I could do," Tennell said. "There's the initial butterflies, but I kind of start to lose myself and keep going.</p>
<p>"I don't think it's sunk in quite yet. I'm still kind of shocked. It's indescribable to me."</p>
<p>Nagasu, U.S. champ 10 years ago and a 2010 Olympian, capped a sensationally sweet comeback with a flowing performance to finish second, assuring a spot in next month's Olympics - a berth she was denied in 2014 by the selection committee. That position for Sochi was given to Wagner, who had a better overall record.</p>
<p>Chen, the defending champion, was third Friday night.</p>
<p>After overpowering the entry and two-footing the triple axel that no other American woman tries, Nagasu hit six triple jumps, including a loop in the final seconds of a stirring program. She was so moved by her performance that she broke out in tears and covered her face, trying to gain control of the emotions that often had betrayed her in critical moments.</p>
<p>She was still crying in, appropriately, the kiss and cry area when the marks showed Nagasu she had shattered her personal best by nearly 20 points with a 213.84.</p>
<p>Chen's big season last year had not translated into achievement this campaign. She put those struggles to an icy death with a superb showing that had one flaw toward the end. She, too, was overcome by tears for a 198.59 score.</p>
<p>Tennell made it a trio of tears with her career best of 219.51. Tennell announced herself as an Olympic team threat with a third place at Skate America. Hardly ice shattering, but then she ratcheted up everything for nationals.</p>
<p>Wagner had the crowd going for most of her energetic routine, but a flawed lutz as her final jump was costly. She responded to the fans with a deep bow when she finished, yet was shaking her head "no" when her marks were posted.</p>
<p>Hours later, after she verbally campaigned to be placed on the Olympic team again, Wagner was left off.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>More AP Olympic coverage: https://wintergames.ap.org</p>
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san jose calif ap bradie tennell mirai nagasu karen chen top three finishers national championships selected saturday us team pyeongchang olympics threetime us champ ashley wagner complained vigorously marks free skate included four years ago wagner also finished fourth placed team ahead nagasu wagner wound bronze medal team event really took time remodel didnt want feel regret nagasu said announcement nbcs today show journey goal get accomplish last night dream come true 19yearold tennell chen 18 2017 us winner made first olympics nagasu 24 fourth 2010 games alternates wagner first alternate mariah bell second alternate angela wang third alternate wagner olympics among three us figure skating uses committee decide squad went results friday night past performances variety data included decision making remainder team three men three ice dance couples one pair scheduled announced sunday rising star tennells nearperfect free skate earned first national crown tennell long shot entering season spotless short program two days ago final skater long program didnt miss trick tremendous pressure top competitors nagasu chen already put superb routines keep calm focus knew could tennell said theres initial butterflies kind start lose keep going dont think sunk quite yet im still kind shocked indescribable nagasu us champ 10 years ago 2010 olympian capped sensationally sweet comeback flowing performance finish second assuring spot next months olympics berth denied 2014 selection committee position sochi given wagner better overall record chen defending champion third friday night overpowering entry twofooting triple axel american woman tries nagasu hit six triple jumps including loop final seconds stirring program moved performance broke tears covered face trying gain control emotions often betrayed critical moments still crying appropriately kiss cry area marks showed nagasu shattered personal best nearly 20 points 21384 chens big season last year translated achievement campaign put struggles icy death superb showing one flaw toward end overcome tears 19859 score tennell made trio tears career best 21951 tennell announced olympic team threat third place skate america hardly ice shattering ratcheted everything nationals wagner crowd going energetic routine flawed lutz final jump costly responded fans deep bow finished yet shaking head marks posted hours later verbally campaigned placed olympic team wagner left ___ ap olympic coverage httpswintergamesaporg san jose calif ap bradie tennell mirai nagasu karen chen top three finishers national championships selected saturday us team pyeongchang olympics threetime us champ ashley wagner complained vigorously marks free skate included four years ago wagner also finished fourth placed team ahead nagasu wagner wound bronze medal team event really took time remodel didnt want feel regret nagasu said announcement nbcs today show journey goal get accomplish last night dream come true 19yearold tennell chen 18 2017 us winner made first olympics nagasu 24 fourth 2010 games alternates wagner first alternate mariah bell second alternate angela wang third alternate wagner olympics among three us figure skating uses committee decide squad went results friday night past performances variety data included decision making remainder team three men three ice dance couples one pair scheduled announced sunday rising star tennells nearperfect free skate earned first national crown tennell long shot entering season spotless short program two days ago final skater long program didnt miss trick tremendous pressure top competitors nagasu chen already put superb routines keep calm focus knew could tennell said theres initial butterflies kind start lose keep going dont think sunk quite yet im still kind shocked indescribable nagasu us champ 10 years ago 2010 olympian capped sensationally sweet comeback flowing performance finish second assuring spot next months olympics berth denied 2014 selection committee position sochi given wagner better overall record chen defending champion third friday night overpowering entry twofooting triple axel american woman tries nagasu hit six triple jumps including loop final seconds stirring program moved performance broke tears covered face trying gain control emotions often betrayed critical moments still crying appropriately kiss cry area marks showed nagasu shattered personal best nearly 20 points 21384 chens big season last year translated achievement campaign put struggles icy death superb showing one flaw toward end overcome tears 19859 score tennell made trio tears career best 21951 tennell announced olympic team threat third place skate america hardly ice shattering ratcheted everything nationals wagner crowd going energetic routine flawed lutz final jump costly responded fans deep bow finished yet shaking head marks posted hours later verbally campaigned placed olympic team wagner left ___ ap olympic coverage httpswintergamesaporg
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<p>FORT EDWARD, N.Y. (AP) — Sleepy Hollow has the legend of the Headless Horseman. Does a community 150 miles farther up the Hudson River have a Headless Ranger buried in an unmarked cemetery from the 18th century?</p>
<p>In the middle of the Hudson sits Rogers Island, site of a 34-acre parcel considered the birthplace of today's U.S. Army Rangers. The town and village of Fort Edward had long sought purchase of the land and with its completion also gained control of an unmarked Colonial-era cemetery that could hold the remains of hundreds of people, including some of the famous frontier fighters known as Rogers' Rangers.</p>
<p>In 2006, a local couple who served as caretakers for the then-privately owned property uncovered seven human skeletons buried at the site, including one that was missing its skull. State archaeologist later determined the burials were likely part of cemetery dating back to the French and Indian War (1754-63), when Fort Edward was Britain's largest fortification in North America. The skeletons were reburied where they were found, and no excavations have been conducted at the site since.</p>
<p>But six weeks after closing on the decade-long effort to purchase the island property, local officials are starting to think about what's needed to turn the overgrown, undeveloped parcel into a public park that will draw tourists to this economically struggling riverside community 45 miles north of Albany.</p>
<p>The immediate plans will include trails and signage detailing Fort Edward's key role in the war that set the stage for the American Revolution. So far there have been no discussions on whether to leave the burial site alone or allow archaeologists to return and search for more graves.</p>
<p>"There's not going to be any digging right now," said Neal Orsini, a restaurant owner who serves on the town board. "I'm sure down the road there will be discussions about that. We just want to get a basic road map of how to move forward."</p>
<p>More than 250 years ago, Rogers Island was part of a sprawling British fortification that was home to more than 16,000 British and Colonial American soldiers and civilians, making it the third-largest city in the 13 colonies, behind only Philadelphia and Boston. The island, named for Maj. Robert Rogers of New Hampshire, was the base of operations for the frontiersmen he led on scouting and raiding missions in the northern forest.</p>
<p>In 1757, after a string of British military disasters, Rogers wrote his "Rules of Ranging," 28 guidelines for waging guerrilla warfare in the North American wilderness. They've since been revised and shortened to 19 by the Army Rangers, who still use them to train Ranger candidates at Fort Benning, Georgia. The Rangers consider Fort Edward, especially Rogers Island, to be hallowed ground.</p>
<p>State archaeologist Christina Rieth led the team that examined the skeletons after they were found eight years ago. She said all seven were intact, except one that was missing its skull. It couldn't be determined if that body was originally buried without its head, Rieth said.</p>
<p>None of the skeletons have been identified. If they are from the French and Indian War, it's likely they were either Colonial militiamen or British regulars, or possibly some of the hundreds of Rangers encamped at Fort Edward during the war, said David Starbuck, who has led archaeological digs here since the early 1990s but never found the cemetery.</p>
<p>"Very few French and Indian War cemeteries have been located," Starbuck said. "After years of archaeology on that island, we always wondered where the dead soldiers might be."</p>
<p>FORT EDWARD, N.Y. (AP) — Sleepy Hollow has the legend of the Headless Horseman. Does a community 150 miles farther up the Hudson River have a Headless Ranger buried in an unmarked cemetery from the 18th century?</p>
<p>In the middle of the Hudson sits Rogers Island, site of a 34-acre parcel considered the birthplace of today's U.S. Army Rangers. The town and village of Fort Edward had long sought purchase of the land and with its completion also gained control of an unmarked Colonial-era cemetery that could hold the remains of hundreds of people, including some of the famous frontier fighters known as Rogers' Rangers.</p>
<p>In 2006, a local couple who served as caretakers for the then-privately owned property uncovered seven human skeletons buried at the site, including one that was missing its skull. State archaeologist later determined the burials were likely part of cemetery dating back to the French and Indian War (1754-63), when Fort Edward was Britain's largest fortification in North America. The skeletons were reburied where they were found, and no excavations have been conducted at the site since.</p>
<p>But six weeks after closing on the decade-long effort to purchase the island property, local officials are starting to think about what's needed to turn the overgrown, undeveloped parcel into a public park that will draw tourists to this economically struggling riverside community 45 miles north of Albany.</p>
<p>The immediate plans will include trails and signage detailing Fort Edward's key role in the war that set the stage for the American Revolution. So far there have been no discussions on whether to leave the burial site alone or allow archaeologists to return and search for more graves.</p>
<p>"There's not going to be any digging right now," said Neal Orsini, a restaurant owner who serves on the town board. "I'm sure down the road there will be discussions about that. We just want to get a basic road map of how to move forward."</p>
<p>More than 250 years ago, Rogers Island was part of a sprawling British fortification that was home to more than 16,000 British and Colonial American soldiers and civilians, making it the third-largest city in the 13 colonies, behind only Philadelphia and Boston. The island, named for Maj. Robert Rogers of New Hampshire, was the base of operations for the frontiersmen he led on scouting and raiding missions in the northern forest.</p>
<p>In 1757, after a string of British military disasters, Rogers wrote his "Rules of Ranging," 28 guidelines for waging guerrilla warfare in the North American wilderness. They've since been revised and shortened to 19 by the Army Rangers, who still use them to train Ranger candidates at Fort Benning, Georgia. The Rangers consider Fort Edward, especially Rogers Island, to be hallowed ground.</p>
<p>State archaeologist Christina Rieth led the team that examined the skeletons after they were found eight years ago. She said all seven were intact, except one that was missing its skull. It couldn't be determined if that body was originally buried without its head, Rieth said.</p>
<p>None of the skeletons have been identified. If they are from the French and Indian War, it's likely they were either Colonial militiamen or British regulars, or possibly some of the hundreds of Rangers encamped at Fort Edward during the war, said David Starbuck, who has led archaeological digs here since the early 1990s but never found the cemetery.</p>
<p>"Very few French and Indian War cemeteries have been located," Starbuck said. "After years of archaeology on that island, we always wondered where the dead soldiers might be."</p>
| false | 2 |
fort edward ny ap sleepy hollow legend headless horseman community 150 miles farther hudson river headless ranger buried unmarked cemetery 18th century middle hudson sits rogers island site 34acre parcel considered birthplace todays us army rangers town village fort edward long sought purchase land completion also gained control unmarked colonialera cemetery could hold remains hundreds people including famous frontier fighters known rogers rangers 2006 local couple served caretakers thenprivately owned property uncovered seven human skeletons buried site including one missing skull state archaeologist later determined burials likely part cemetery dating back french indian war 175463 fort edward britains largest fortification north america skeletons reburied found excavations conducted site since six weeks closing decadelong effort purchase island property local officials starting think whats needed turn overgrown undeveloped parcel public park draw tourists economically struggling riverside community 45 miles north albany immediate plans include trails signage detailing fort edwards key role war set stage american revolution far discussions whether leave burial site alone allow archaeologists return search graves theres going digging right said neal orsini restaurant owner serves town board im sure road discussions want get basic road map move forward 250 years ago rogers island part sprawling british fortification home 16000 british colonial american soldiers civilians making thirdlargest city 13 colonies behind philadelphia boston island named maj robert rogers new hampshire base operations frontiersmen led scouting raiding missions northern forest 1757 string british military disasters rogers wrote rules ranging 28 guidelines waging guerrilla warfare north american wilderness theyve since revised shortened 19 army rangers still use train ranger candidates fort benning georgia rangers consider fort edward especially rogers island hallowed ground state archaeologist christina rieth led team examined skeletons found eight years ago said seven intact except one missing skull couldnt determined body originally buried without head rieth said none skeletons identified french indian war likely either colonial militiamen british regulars possibly hundreds rangers encamped fort edward war said david starbuck led archaeological digs since early 1990s never found cemetery french indian war cemeteries located starbuck said years archaeology island always wondered dead soldiers might fort edward ny ap sleepy hollow legend headless horseman community 150 miles farther hudson river headless ranger buried unmarked cemetery 18th century middle hudson sits rogers island site 34acre parcel considered birthplace todays us army rangers town village fort edward long sought purchase land completion also gained control unmarked colonialera cemetery could hold remains hundreds people including famous frontier fighters known rogers rangers 2006 local couple served caretakers thenprivately owned property uncovered seven human skeletons buried site including one missing skull state archaeologist later determined burials likely part cemetery dating back french indian war 175463 fort edward britains largest fortification north america skeletons reburied found excavations conducted site since six weeks closing decadelong effort purchase island property local officials starting think whats needed turn overgrown undeveloped parcel public park draw tourists economically struggling riverside community 45 miles north albany immediate plans include trails signage detailing fort edwards key role war set stage american revolution far discussions whether leave burial site alone allow archaeologists return search graves theres going digging right said neal orsini restaurant owner serves town board im sure road discussions want get basic road map move forward 250 years ago rogers island part sprawling british fortification home 16000 british colonial american soldiers civilians making thirdlargest city 13 colonies behind philadelphia boston island named maj robert rogers new hampshire base operations frontiersmen led scouting raiding missions northern forest 1757 string british military disasters rogers wrote rules ranging 28 guidelines waging guerrilla warfare north american wilderness theyve since revised shortened 19 army rangers still use train ranger candidates fort benning georgia rangers consider fort edward especially rogers island hallowed ground state archaeologist christina rieth led team examined skeletons found eight years ago said seven intact except one missing skull couldnt determined body originally buried without head rieth said none skeletons identified french indian war likely either colonial militiamen british regulars possibly hundreds rangers encamped fort edward war said david starbuck led archaeological digs since early 1990s never found cemetery french indian war cemeteries located starbuck said years archaeology island always wondered dead soldiers might
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<p />
<p>Fanned by hurricane-force winds, the flames reached the doorstep of Dollywood, the theme park named after country music legend and local hero Dolly Parton. But the attraction was spared significant damage.</p>
<p>The fires spread quickly on Monday night, when winds topping 87 mph whipped up the flames, catching residents and tourists in the Gatlinburg area by surprise. Police banged on front doors and told people to get out immediately. Some trekked 20 minutes to catch lifesaving rides on trolleys usually reserved for tours and wedding parties.</p>
<p>“There was fire everywhere. It was like we were in hell,” said Linda Monholland, who was working at Park View Inn in Gatlinburg when she and five other people fled on foot. “Walking through hell, that’s what it was. I can’t believe it. I never want to see something like that again in my life, ever.”</p>
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<p>“Hell opened up,” her co-worker Sissy Stinnett said.</p>
<p>In all, more than 14,000 residents and tourists were forced to evacuate the tourist city in the mountains, where some hotspots persisted and a curfew in place Tuesday night.</p>
<p>No details on the deaths were immediately available. More than a dozen people were injured.</p>
<p>The extent of the damage began to emerge even as smoke from the wildfires lingered late Tuesday afternoon.</p>
<p>The Castle, perhaps the largest and most iconic home in Gatlinburg, was destroyed. So was Cupid’s Chapel of Love, a wedding venue.</p>
<p>Entire churches were gone. Scorched cars parked outside set on their rims after their tires had melted away. The only sound came from the eerie screech of hotel fire alarms echoing through the empty streets.</p>
<p>Some Christmas decorations on lampposts and utility poles were on fire.</p>
<p>Marci Claude, a spokeswoman for both the city and the Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, choked up as she surveyed the damage for the first time on a media tour.</p>
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<p>“I’m just astonished this is my town,” she said.</p>
<p>On an aerial and driving tour of the damage in and around Gatlinburg, Gov. Bill Haslam said he was struck by the seemingly random nature of the fire that destroyed some structures and left others untouched. Noting that much of the downtown entertainment district was undamaged, Haslam said “it just could have been so much worse.”</p>
<p>As darkness fell on the area near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, open flames could still be seen burning near razed homes.</p>
<p>A line of strong to marginally severe storms was expected in east Tennessee on Tuesday night and into early Wednesday morning, with damaging straight-line winds of up to 60 mph and lightning possible.</p>
<p>Gatlinburg Fire Chief Greg Miller said officials were still conducting search-and-rescue missions.</p>
<p>“We have not been able to get in all of the areas,” Miller said. “We pray that we don’t experience any more fatalities, but there are still areas that we are trying to get to” because of downed trees and power lines.</p>
<p>Though wildfires have been burning for several weeks across the drought-stricken South, with rainfall 10 to 15 inches below normal over the past three months in many parts, Monday marked the first time any homes and businesses were destroyed on a large scale.</p>
<p>The fire that roared through Gatlinburg actually began last week in the national park, and fierce winds carried burning embers into the city, park officials said. That original fire is believed to have been caused by people, national fire managers said in a report. Whether it was intentionally set or an accident hasn’t been explained by authorities.</p>
<p>After the fire escaped the park, flames spread further when winds blew trees onto power lines, sparking new fires and shooting embers over long distances. Hundreds of homes and other buildings, including a 16-story hotel, were damaged or destroyed.</p>
<p>Emergency officials ordered evacuations in downtown Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge and in other areas of Sevier County near the Great Smoky Mountains.</p>
<p>About 1,200 people took shelter at the Gatlinburg Community Center and the Rocky Top Sports Park, an 80-acre sports facility-turned-shelter.</p>
<p>Tammy Dillon had just come home from work when police banged on her door about 9:30 p.m. Monday. She said she drove through a fiery scene to get to Rocky Top Sports World, where she spent the night in a car.</p>
<p>“We drove through flames, over hot embers in the road. It was awful,” Dillon said.</p>
<p>In downtown Gatlinburg, workers at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies left behind more than 10,000 fish and other animals. Police escorted a team of marine biologists and life support experts back into the aquarium Tuesday, and the animals were doing fine, Ripley’s said in a news release.</p>
<p>Based on preliminary surveys, the Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort &amp; Spa in Gatlinburg “is likely entirely gone,” the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency announced.</p>
<p>Although Dollywood was not damaged, more than a dozen cabins operated by the park were.</p>
<p>Dollywood suspended operations through at least Wednesday. Its DreamMore resort will be open on a limited basis as a shelter and for registered guests.</p>
<p>Parton said in a statement Tuesday that she was heartbroken.</p>
<p>“I am praying for all the families affected by the fire and the firefighters who are working so hard to keep everyone safe,” Parton said.</p>
<p>Patrick Sours, who lived with his family in a Gatlinburg motel that was probably destroyed, said he doesn’t think reality has set in for most people.</p>
<p>“It hasn’t fully kicked in that, hey, we’re homeless,” he said. “We have no job. We have nothing.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Mattise reported from Nashville. Associated Press writers Erik Schelzig in Gatlinburg; Rebecca Yonker and Beth Campbell in Louisville, Kentucky; Jeff Amy in Jackson, Mississippi; Jack Jones in Columbia, South Carolina; Jeff Martin in Atlanta; and Bill Fuller in New Orleans contributed to this report.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>This story has been corrected to reflect that Gatlinburg is a city, not a town. It also corrected the attribution in the first quote.</p>
| false | 2 |
fanned hurricaneforce winds flames reached doorstep dollywood theme park named country music legend local hero dolly parton attraction spared significant damage fires spread quickly monday night winds topping 87 mph whipped flames catching residents tourists gatlinburg area surprise police banged front doors told people get immediately trekked 20 minutes catch lifesaving rides trolleys usually reserved tours wedding parties fire everywhere like hell said linda monholland working park view inn gatlinburg five people fled foot walking hell thats cant believe never want see something like life ever advertisement hell opened coworker sissy stinnett said 14000 residents tourists forced evacuate tourist city mountains hotspots persisted curfew place tuesday night details deaths immediately available dozen people injured extent damage began emerge even smoke wildfires lingered late tuesday afternoon castle perhaps largest iconic home gatlinburg destroyed cupids chapel love wedding venue entire churches gone scorched cars parked outside set rims tires melted away sound came eerie screech hotel fire alarms echoing empty streets christmas decorations lampposts utility poles fire marci claude spokeswoman city gatlinburg convention visitors bureau choked surveyed damage first time media tour advertisement im astonished town said aerial driving tour damage around gatlinburg gov bill haslam said struck seemingly random nature fire destroyed structures left others untouched noting much downtown entertainment district undamaged haslam said could much worse darkness fell area near great smoky mountains national park open flames could still seen burning near razed homes line strong marginally severe storms expected east tennessee tuesday night early wednesday morning damaging straightline winds 60 mph lightning possible gatlinburg fire chief greg miller said officials still conducting searchandrescue missions able get areas miller said pray dont experience fatalities still areas trying get downed trees power lines though wildfires burning several weeks across droughtstricken south rainfall 10 15 inches normal past three months many parts monday marked first time homes businesses destroyed large scale fire roared gatlinburg actually began last week national park fierce winds carried burning embers city park officials said original fire believed caused people national fire managers said report whether intentionally set accident hasnt explained authorities fire escaped park flames spread winds blew trees onto power lines sparking new fires shooting embers long distances hundreds homes buildings including 16story hotel damaged destroyed emergency officials ordered evacuations downtown gatlinburg pigeon forge areas sevier county near great smoky mountains 1200 people took shelter gatlinburg community center rocky top sports park 80acre sports facilityturnedshelter tammy dillon come home work police banged door 930 pm monday said drove fiery scene get rocky top sports world spent night car drove flames hot embers road awful dillon said downtown gatlinburg workers ripleys aquarium smokies left behind 10000 fish animals police escorted team marine biologists life support experts back aquarium tuesday animals fine ripleys said news release based preliminary surveys westgate smoky mountain resort amp spa gatlinburg likely entirely gone tennessee emergency management agency announced although dollywood damaged dozen cabins operated park dollywood suspended operations least wednesday dreammore resort open limited basis shelter registered guests parton said statement tuesday heartbroken praying families affected fire firefighters working hard keep everyone safe parton said patrick sours lived family gatlinburg motel probably destroyed said doesnt think reality set people hasnt fully kicked hey homeless said job nothing ___ mattise reported nashville associated press writers erik schelzig gatlinburg rebecca yonker beth campbell louisville kentucky jeff amy jackson mississippi jack jones columbia south carolina jeff martin atlanta bill fuller new orleans contributed report ___ story corrected reflect gatlinburg city town also corrected attribution first quote
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<p>Republicans cry foul over&#160;a Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee TV ad attacking Republican Senate candidate Bob Corker, the former mayor of Chattanooga. It said, “Thanks to Bob Corker’s failures as Mayor, more than thirty-one-thousand 911 calls went unanswered.”</p>
<p>We find that the 31,000 number may be a bit high, but the rate of unanswered calls&#160;did get worse while Corker was mayor,&#160;reaching nearly 15 percent in his last full year in office. Tens of thousands of emergency calls did go unanswered.</p>
<p>The DSCC released the ad&#160;Sep 1, broadcasting it&#160;on Tennessee television stations and&#160;on a&#160;DSCC-run Web site called TheTruthAboutBobCorker.com.&#160;It opens with a menacing&#160;house alarm.&#160;An announcer&#160;says later that “thanks to Bob Corker’s failures as Mayor, more than&#160;thirty-one thousand&#160;&#160;911 calls went unanswered. . . .And&#160;now Bob Corker wants to be in the Senate. In a time when America ‘s security has never mattered more.”</p>
<p>DSCC Ad: “9-1-1”</p>
<p>(Sound FX: A house alarm. A phone being dialed. A dial tone.) Announcer: In case of emergency, dial nine-one-one. But what if&#160;no one was there? Thanks to Bob Corker’s failures as Mayor, more than thirty-one-thousand 9-1-1 calls went unanswered. Thirty-one-thousand Tennesseans. Thirty-one-thousand calls to 9-1-1. But no one answered the phone.” (On screen: Chattanooga Times Free Press, 3/30/06) Announcer: And, now, Bob Corker wants to be in the Senate. In a time when America ‘s security has never mattered more. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee is responsible for the content of this advertising.</p>
<p>Corker’s campaign manager Ben Mitchell&#160;called the ad “blatantly untrue” and said “they should do the right thing and take it off the air.” He reasoned that the 31,000 figure&#160;refers to the year&#160;2005, and that Corker left office April 18&#160;of that year. Republicans even threatened legal action against stations running the ad. “If your station does not stop airing this advertisement after gaining knowledge that it contains false and misleading statements, you are subjecting your station to potential liability,” the National Republican Senatorial Committee’s general counsel William J. McGinley wrote in a letter to stations.</p>
<p>Corker and&#160;the NRSC have&#160;a point&#160;–&#160; but it’s a small one. Whether&#160;Corker can fairly be held accountable for all of 2005 is a matter of opinion, and depends on how quickly his successor could be expected to change the deteriorating system he inherited from Corker. The ad can’t fairly be called “false” because it attributes the 31,000 missed calls to Corker’s “failures as mayor,” and doesn’t claim they were all missed while he was actually in office.</p>
<p>In fact,&#160;official&#160;figures show that a large number of emergency calls to the city’s police department&#160;also went unanswered earlier in Corker’s tenure as well,&#160;including 23,132 unanswered calls in 2003. We obtained the figures from the Hamilton County Emergency 911 Communications District, which includes Chattanooga. They show the actual number of abandoned (unanswered) calls in 2005 was 30,891, slightly less than the “more than 31,000” reported in earlier news accounts.</p>
<p>The situation worsened significantly under Corker’s tenure. The&#160;rate of unanswered calls rose from 8.8 percent of all&#160;911 calls in 2001, the year he took office,&#160;to 14.9 percent in 2004,&#160;his last full year as mayor, and 16.9 per cent in 2005, according to reports in the Chattanooga Times Free Press which the Corker campaign does not dispute.</p>
<p>The Times Free Press also in March quoted the city’s former police chief&#160; <a href="http://www.noblenational.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&amp;subarticlenbr=243" type="external">Jimmie Dotson</a> &#160;as saying,&#160;“I asked for communications officers in every budget, especially under the Corker administration, and each time it was denied. . . . (We) spent many, many, many hours battling the Corker administration asking for communications officers.” Corker’s campaign manager says the mayor added two communications officers to the 911 operation, bringing the total to 68.</p>
<p>We can’t resist quibbling with the DSCC on one point. The ad&#160;refers to&#160;“31,000 Tennesseans,” as though each unanswered call was made by a separate person. That’s improbable. We think it more likely that many whose calls weren’t answered the first time kept calling until somebody answered, often resulting in multiple unanswered calls from the same person. In any case, the ad would have been perfectly accurate to say that while Corker was mayor “more than 23,000 emergency calls went unanswered in a single year,” and equally accurate to say “one in seven calls went unanswered” in Corker’s last full year in office.</p>
<p>&lt;iframe style="width: 500px; height:300px;" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen src="https://video.factcheck.org/play/legacy-218-1"&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">View statistics on unanswered 911 calls to the Chattanooga Police Department, supplied to FactCheck.org by the Hamilton County 911 Emergency Communications District</a></p>
<p>– By Brooks Jackson and Emi Kolawole</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>Hamilton County (TN) 911 Emergency Communications District, “Chattanooga Police Department, Abandon 9-1-1 Calls for 2003-2006 ,” supplied to FactCheck.org, 6 Sep 2006.</p>
<p>Davis, Michael. “Ad Blames Corker for Missed 911 Calls,”&#160; The Chattanooga Times Free Press.&#160; 2 Sept 2006.</p>
<p>LaRoe, Ginny. “20 Percent of 911 calls dropped last week,” The Chattanooga Times Free Press.&#160; 28, March 2006.</p>
<p>LaRoe, Ginny. “Ex-Police Chief Blasts Corker on 911 funds,” The Chattanooga Times Free Press.&#160; 30 March 2006.</p>
<p>La Roe, Ginny. “City Seeks Better 911 Response,”&#160; The Chattanooga Times Free Press. 26 March 2006.</p>
| false | 2 |
republicans cry foul over160a democratic senatorial campaign committee tv ad attacking republican senate candidate bob corker former mayor chattanooga said thanks bob corkers failures mayor thirtyonethousand 911 calls went unanswered find 31000 number may bit high rate unanswered calls160did get worse corker mayor160reaching nearly 15 percent last full year office tens thousands emergency calls go unanswered dscc released ad160sep 1 broadcasting it160on tennessee television stations and160on a160dsccrun web site called thetruthaboutbobcorkercom160it opens menacing160house alarm160an announcer160says later thanks bob corkers failures mayor than160thirtyone thousand160160911 calls went unanswered and160now bob corker wants senate time america security never mattered dscc ad 911 sound fx house alarm phone dialed dial tone announcer case emergency dial nineoneone if160no one thanks bob corkers failures mayor thirtyonethousand 911 calls went unanswered thirtyonethousand tennesseans thirtyonethousand calls 911 one answered phone screen chattanooga times free press 33006 announcer bob corker wants senate time america security never mattered democratic senatorial campaign committee responsible content advertising corkers campaign manager ben mitchell160called ad blatantly untrue said right thing take air reasoned 31000 figure160refers year1602005 corker left office april 18160of year republicans even threatened legal action stations running ad station stop airing advertisement gaining knowledge contains false misleading statements subjecting station potential liability national republican senatorial committees general counsel william j mcginley wrote letter stations corker and160the nrsc have160a point160160 small one whether160corker fairly held accountable 2005 matter opinion depends quickly successor could expected change deteriorating system inherited corker ad cant fairly called false attributes 31000 missed calls corkers failures mayor doesnt claim missed actually office fact160official160figures show large number emergency calls citys police department160also went unanswered earlier corkers tenure well160including 23132 unanswered calls 2003 obtained figures hamilton county emergency 911 communications district includes chattanooga show actual number abandoned unanswered calls 2005 30891 slightly less 31000 reported earlier news accounts situation worsened significantly corkers tenure the160rate unanswered calls rose 88 percent all160911 calls 2001 year took office160to 149 percent 2004160his last full year mayor 169 per cent 2005 according reports chattanooga times free press corker campaign dispute times free press also march quoted citys former police chief160 jimmie dotson 160as saying160i asked communications officers every budget especially corker administration time denied spent many many many hours battling corker administration asking communications officers corkers campaign manager says mayor added two communications officers 911 operation bringing total 68 cant resist quibbling dscc one point ad160refers to16031000 tennesseans though unanswered call made separate person thats improbable think likely many whose calls werent answered first time kept calling somebody answered often resulting multiple unanswered calls person case ad would perfectly accurate say corker mayor 23000 emergency calls went unanswered single year equally accurate say one seven calls went unanswered corkers last full year office ltiframe stylewidth 500px height300px frameborder0 allowfullscreen srchttpsvideofactcheckorgplaylegacy2181gtltiframegt view statistics unanswered 911 calls chattanooga police department supplied factcheckorg hamilton county 911 emergency communications district brooks jackson emi kolawole 160 hamilton county tn 911 emergency communications district chattanooga police department abandon 911 calls 20032006 supplied factcheckorg 6 sep 2006 davis michael ad blames corker missed 911 calls160 chattanooga times free press160 2 sept 2006 laroe ginny 20 percent 911 calls dropped last week chattanooga times free press160 28 march 2006 laroe ginny expolice chief blasts corker 911 funds chattanooga times free press160 30 march 2006 la roe ginny city seeks better 911 response160 chattanooga times free press 26 march 2006
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<p>Today</p>
<p>Amapola Gallery, 205 Romero NW, “Many Gatherings: Open House” from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The show for gallery artists features works in all media. Call 505-242-4311.</p>
<p>Thursday</p>
<p>Exhibit 208, 208 Broadway SE, continues “Black to White,” the gallery’s last group show before the 2013 season begins with 12 new solo shows by major artists. The group show is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Jan. 5. Call Kim Arthun at 505-450-6884.</p>
<p>Friday</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Albuquerque Photographers Gallery, 303 Romero NW, Don Luis Plaza, hosts “Holiday Stroll” opening for a group photography exhibition from 4-8 p.m.</p>
<p>516 ARTS, 516 W. Central, reception for “ISEA2012 Albuquerque: Machine Wilderness” from 5-8 p.m. The show is one of a five-part exhibit combining art, science and technology by 100 artists from 29 countries. The gallery has catalogs and calendars featuring dates and locations of related exhibitions. Call 505-242-1445.</p>
<p>Blackbird Gallery, 323 Romero NW, reception for Farrell Cockrum, Robert Perea, Kathy Sherman, Matthew Yellowman and Kathryn Blackburn from 5-8 p.m. Call 505-243-9525.</p>
<p>Bright Rain Gallery, 206½ San Felipe NW, reception for “Melange,” new work by Rachel Popowcer, Lea Anderson and Peter Vosshefski, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Call 505-843-9176.</p>
<p>Concetta D Gallery, 20 First Plaza NW, Suite 29, holiday open house featuring works by Gene Kloss, Fremont Ellis, Wilson Hurley, Robert Daughters and other historic and contemporary fine artists from 5-8 p.m. Call 505-243-5066.</p>
<p>The Gallery ABQ, 8210 Menaul NE, holiday open house featuring “Art for All Seasons” from 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. The multimedia show focuses on New Mexico artists. Call 505-292-9333.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Gallerie Imaginarium, 301-D W. Central, closing reception before relocating in the East Mountains from 5-7 p.m. The gallery will reopen in its new location in the spring. Call 505-286-9500.</p>
<p>Harwood Art Center, 1114 Seventh NW, hosts the sixth annual “12×12: Benefit Exhibition” from 6-8 p.m. The show features works by 100 artists who donated their talents to support Harwood exhibitions and educational programming. Call 505-242-6367.</p>
<p>High Desert Art and Frame, 12611 Montgomery NE, Suite A-4, reception for “This Enchanted Land,” new work by Joy Kelley, from 5-8 p.m. Call 505-265-4066.</p>
<p>Hotel Andaluz (mezzanine level), 125 Second NW, opens a featured-artist exhibit for Marie Maher, Carol P. Chamberland, Sally McDevitt, Doug Gillis, Carol Hopper and Ilena Grayson from 5-8 p.m. Call 505-346-0011.</p>
<p>Iris Studio and Gallery, The Artisan at Sawmill Village, 1751 Bellamah NW, Suite 1119, opening reception for Jeanne Engelmann, Serena Mann, Gail Gering and Carolyn Van House from 5-8:30 p.m. The new gallery is east of Rio Grande Boulevard and north of Mountain Road, Call 651-503-3176.</p>
<p>Johns Western Gallery, 4009 E. Central, open house for works by Bill Baron, Ann Olson, Ralph Roybal, Calvin Toddy and Jo Van Cleave from 5-8 p.m. Call 505-246-2414.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Johns Western Gallery, 411 Romero NW, Suite B, reception for “New Look” with works by Darryl Willison, Brooke Missall, Lee Chaplin and Abbie Caplin from 4-8 p.m. The exhibit includes Woody Bog Bow and Fred Cleveland. Call 928-205-9119.</p>
<p>Leich Lathrop Gallery, 323 Romero NW, Suite 1, continues its 14-artist holiday show from 5-8 p.m. The show features 10 New Mexico artists and four artists from New England. Call 505-243-3059.</p>
<p>New Mexico Art League Gallery, 3409 Juan Tabo NE, reception for “Art in the Parks 2012” organized by the Plein-Air Painters of New Mexico from 5-7 p.m. Call 505-293-5034.</p>
<p>OFFCenter Community Arts Center, 808 Park SW, holiday and birthday bash from 5-8 p.m. The celebration includes fine arts and crafts as well as music by the “Quality Retreads” with Sean O’Connor, Terry Bluhm and Dylan O’Connor. Call 505-247-1172.</p>
<p>Palette Contemporary Art and Craft, 7400 Montgomery NE, Suite 22, reception and marble-making demonstration featuring “Molten Magic” by Doug Harroun from 5-8 p.m. Activities continue with a second demonstration from 1-4 p.m. Saturday. Call 505-855-7777.</p>
<p>Park Fine Art, 20 First Plaza NE, opening for local and internationally known artists from 4-8 p.m. The gallery features Asian, European and American artists. Call 505-764-1900.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Peacecraft, 3215 E. Central, opens a 25-artist multimedia exhibition from 5-8 p.m. Call 505-255-5229.</p>
<p>Purple Sage Galeria, 201 San Felipe NW, holiday open house from 1-8 p.m. The event includes a talk on natural American turquoise by Deanna Olson of Silver Sun from 1-2 p.m. Exhibits include landscape paintings by gallery artists. Call 505-450-4059.</p>
<p>Stranger Factory, 109 Carlisle NE, reception for the “Circus Posterus Invitational Exhibit” and “A One Way Ticket to Flipsville” by Derek Yaniger from 6-9 p.m. Call 505-508-3049.</p>
<p>Studio 13, 323 Romero St., Suite 13, open house for “Crossing Sky Home Fashion Native American Fabrics” from 3-7 p.m. The gallery features Native American fine arts. Call 505-247-2988.</p>
<p>Sumner and Dene, 517 W. Central, reception for a photography exhibit by three-time Academy Award winner Bill Trondreau from 5-9 p.m. Call 505-842-1400.</p>
<p>Weems Gallery, 303 Romero NW, “Holiday Stroll” exhibit with Ed Wyatt and Michael McCullough from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Call 505-764-0302.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Weyrich Gallery, 2935-D Louisiana NE, reception for the 30th annual invitational theme show “Universal Expression: Change,” an 11-artist multimedia exhibition from 5-8:30 p.m. The show includes Margot Geist, Elaine Bolz, Carol Adamec and other fine artists and craftspeople. Call 505-883-7410.</p>
<p>Wright’s Indian Art, 2677 Louisiana NE, reception and open house in its new location from 5:30-8:30 p.m. The gallery features contemporary and historic American Indian arts. Call 505-266-0120.</p>
<p>Yucca Art Gallery, 206½ San Felipe NW, “Spotlight Show” for Bobbie Isaacson, Steve Janecky and Liz Huffman from 5-8:30 p.m. The gallery also features works by 39 member artists. Call 505-247-8931.</p>
<p>Monday</p>
<p>Las Placitas Presbyterian Church, on N.M. 165 six miles east of Interstate 25 exit 242, presenting the work of Peter Boehringer, fine art prints; Katherine Irish Henry, pastels; Dianna Shomaker, mixed media; and Vicki Bolen, paper arts, through Dec. 28.</p>
<p>Friday</p>
<p>Patina Gallery, 131 W. Palace Ave., opening for “Miraculous,” designer jewelry by Enric Majoral, from 5-7 p.m. The show runs through Jan. 6. Call 505-986-3432.</p>
<p>Peyton Wright, 237 E. Palace Ave., reception for “The Art of Devotion” from 5-8 p.m. The exhibition includes devotional art from Europe and the Americas dating from the 1550s through 1800. Call 505-989-9888 or 800-879-8898.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Photo-Eye Gallery, 376-A Garcia St., reception for “Here Far Away” by Pentti Sammallahti from 5-7 p.m. The show runs through Jan. 26. Call 505-988-5152.</p>
<p>Santa Fe Clay, 545 Camino de la Familia, holiday show and open house from 3-7 p.m. The event continues from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Call 505-984-1122.</p>
<p>Verve Gallery of Photography, 219 E. Marcy St., reception and book signing for “Allusions to Poems by Japanese Women of the Seventh to 20th Centuries,” photography and poems translated by Brigitte Carnochan, from 5-7 p.m. The show runs through Jan. 19. Call 505-982-5009.</p>
<p>Saturday</p>
<p>Ventana Fine Art, 400 Canyon Road, reception for Tom Noble from 1-3 p.m. The solo show features Noble’s whimsical New Mexico imagery through Dec. 31. Call 505-983-8815 or 800-746-8815.</p>
<p>Saturday</p>
<p>Taos Artist Collective, 106 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, reception for Bill Binger, Robert Batson and Meredith Garcia from 4-7 p.m. Call 575-758-7246.</p>
| false | 2 |
today amapola gallery 205 romero nw many gatherings open house 10 am5 pm show gallery artists features works media call 5052424311 thursday exhibit 208 208 broadway se continues black white gallerys last group show 2013 season begins 12 new solo shows major artists group show open 10 am4 pm thursdays fridays saturdays jan 5 call kim arthun 5054506884 friday advertisement albuquerque photographers gallery 303 romero nw luis plaza hosts holiday stroll opening group photography exhibition 48 pm 516 arts 516 w central reception isea2012 albuquerque machine wilderness 58 pm show one fivepart exhibit combining art science technology 100 artists 29 countries gallery catalogs calendars featuring dates locations related exhibitions call 5052421445 blackbird gallery 323 romero nw reception farrell cockrum robert perea kathy sherman matthew yellowman kathryn blackburn 58 pm call 5052439525 bright rain gallery 206½ san felipe nw reception melange new work rachel popowcer lea anderson peter vosshefski 530830 pm call 5058439176 concetta gallery 20 first plaza nw suite 29 holiday open house featuring works gene kloss fremont ellis wilson hurley robert daughters historic contemporary fine artists 58 pm call 5052435066 gallery abq 8210 menaul ne holiday open house featuring art seasons 10 am830 pm multimedia show focuses new mexico artists call 5052929333 advertisement gallerie imaginarium 301d w central closing reception relocating east mountains 57 pm gallery reopen new location spring call 5052869500 harwood art center 1114 seventh nw hosts sixth annual 1212 benefit exhibition 68 pm show features works 100 artists donated talents support harwood exhibitions educational programming call 5052426367 high desert art frame 12611 montgomery ne suite a4 reception enchanted land new work joy kelley 58 pm call 5052654066 hotel andaluz mezzanine level 125 second nw opens featuredartist exhibit marie maher carol p chamberland sally mcdevitt doug gillis carol hopper ilena grayson 58 pm call 5053460011 iris studio gallery artisan sawmill village 1751 bellamah nw suite 1119 opening reception jeanne engelmann serena mann gail gering carolyn van house 5830 pm new gallery east rio grande boulevard north mountain road call 6515033176 johns western gallery 4009 e central open house works bill baron ann olson ralph roybal calvin toddy jo van cleave 58 pm call 5052462414 advertisement johns western gallery 411 romero nw suite b reception new look works darryl willison brooke missall lee chaplin abbie caplin 48 pm exhibit includes woody bog bow fred cleveland call 9282059119 leich lathrop gallery 323 romero nw suite 1 continues 14artist holiday show 58 pm show features 10 new mexico artists four artists new england call 5052433059 new mexico art league gallery 3409 juan tabo ne reception art parks 2012 organized pleinair painters new mexico 57 pm call 5052935034 offcenter community arts center 808 park sw holiday birthday bash 58 pm celebration includes fine arts crafts well music quality retreads sean oconnor terry bluhm dylan oconnor call 5052471172 palette contemporary art craft 7400 montgomery ne suite 22 reception marblemaking demonstration featuring molten magic doug harroun 58 pm activities continue second demonstration 14 pm saturday call 5058557777 park fine art 20 first plaza ne opening local internationally known artists 48 pm gallery features asian european american artists call 5057641900 advertisement peacecraft 3215 e central opens 25artist multimedia exhibition 58 pm call 5052555229 purple sage galeria 201 san felipe nw holiday open house 18 pm event includes talk natural american turquoise deanna olson silver sun 12 pm exhibits include landscape paintings gallery artists call 5054504059 stranger factory 109 carlisle ne reception circus posterus invitational exhibit one way ticket flipsville derek yaniger 69 pm call 5055083049 studio 13 323 romero st suite 13 open house crossing sky home fashion native american fabrics 37 pm gallery features native american fine arts call 5052472988 sumner dene 517 w central reception photography exhibit threetime academy award winner bill trondreau 59 pm call 5058421400 weems gallery 303 romero nw holiday stroll exhibit ed wyatt michael mccullough 10 am9 pm call 5057640302 advertisement weyrich gallery 2935d louisiana ne reception 30th annual invitational theme show universal expression change 11artist multimedia exhibition 5830 pm show includes margot geist elaine bolz carol adamec fine artists craftspeople call 5058837410 wrights indian art 2677 louisiana ne reception open house new location 530830 pm gallery features contemporary historic american indian arts call 5052660120 yucca art gallery 206½ san felipe nw spotlight show bobbie isaacson steve janecky liz huffman 5830 pm gallery also features works 39 member artists call 5052478931 monday las placitas presbyterian church nm 165 six miles east interstate 25 exit 242 presenting work peter boehringer fine art prints katherine irish henry pastels dianna shomaker mixed media vicki bolen paper arts dec 28 friday patina gallery 131 w palace ave opening miraculous designer jewelry enric majoral 57 pm show runs jan 6 call 5059863432 peyton wright 237 e palace ave reception art devotion 58 pm exhibition includes devotional art europe americas dating 1550s 1800 call 5059899888 8008798898 advertisement photoeye gallery 376a garcia st reception far away pentti sammallahti 57 pm show runs jan 26 call 5059885152 santa fe clay 545 camino de la familia holiday show open house 37 pm event continues 9 am2 pm saturday call 5059841122 verve gallery photography 219 e marcy st reception book signing allusions poems japanese women seventh 20th centuries photography poems translated brigitte carnochan 57 pm show runs jan 19 call 5059825009 saturday ventana fine art 400 canyon road reception tom noble 13 pm solo show features nobles whimsical new mexico imagery dec 31 call 5059838815 8007468815 saturday taos artist collective 106 paseo del pueblo norte reception bill binger robert batson meredith garcia 47 pm call 5757587246
| 918 |
<p>Jan 22 (Reuters) - Aveva Group Plc:</p> * TRADING UPDATE AND CONTRACT EXTENSION
<p>* ‍DELIVERED CONSTANT CURRENCY REVENUE GROWTH IN FIRST NINE MONTHS ACROSS ALL REPORTING REGIONS​</p>
<p>* “‍AHEAD OF BOARD’S PREVIOUS REVENUE EXPECTATIONS FOR THIS STAGE OF FINANCIAL YEAR”​ Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage: ([email protected])</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his wife, Ri Sol Ju, were among the hundreds in Pyongyang on Sunday watching South Korean K-pop singers perform in the North for the first time in more than a decade as tensions between the two countries thaw.</p> Members of South Korean art troupe led by Culture Minister Do Jong-hwan pose for photographs before leaving for Pyongyang, at the Gimpo International airport in Seoul, South Korea, March 31, 2018. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji
<p>It was the first time a North Korean leader had attended a South Korean performance in the capital. Kim was seen clapping in tune to some of the songs and later took photographs with the performers after the show.</p>
<p>“Our dear leader comrade said his heart swelled and he was moved by the sight of his people deepen their understanding of South Korean popular culture and cheer with sincerity,” said the North’s state media.</p>
<p>The North Korean audience clapped, cheered, sang along to some of the songs and later presented the South Korean performers with flower bouquets.</p> South Korean K-pop idol singer Seohyun leaves for Pyongyang at the Gimpo International airport in Seoul, South Korea, March 31, 2018. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji
<p>“(Kim Jong Un) showed much interest during the show and asked questions about the songs and lyrics,” Culture Minister Do Jong-whan told reporters after the show.</p>
<p>Sunday’s concert was held under the title “Spring is Coming” at the East Pyongyang Grand Theater, performed by an elite lineup of South Korean artists including veteran vocalists Cho Yong-pil, Lee Sun-hee, rock star Yoon Do-hyun, singer Baek Ji-young as well as K-pop girl band Red Velvet.</p>
<p>Like the concert title, the performance had brought a “spring of peace” to the two Koreas, Kim Jong Un was also cited as saying by the North’s central news agency, and expressed wishes for a “prosperous autumn”.</p>
<p>The North Korean leader’s face was slightly flushed in a group photograph with the performers distributed by North Korean state media, while in another, he was seen directly addressing members of Red Velvet, which commands more than 4.6 million followers on Instagram.</p> THAW
<p>Sunday’s two-hour concert in Pyongyang, along with a separate taekwondo performance earlier in the day, came as South Korea’s engagement with North Korea has continued to grow since Kim expressed his willingness for more contact between the two countries.</p> Slideshow (2 Images)
<p>Athletes from North and South Korea marched under a unified peninsula flag at the opening ceremony at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in February and the significant thaw in the inter-Korean relations has led them to set a date for their first summit in more than a decade on April 27.</p>
<p>The two Koreas are technically still at war after the 1950-1953 conflict ended with a ceasefire rather than a peace agreement.</p>
<p>The South Korean delegation included artists, concert staff, taekwondo demonstrators, reporters and government officials. They traveled to Pyongyang on Saturday in a reciprocal cultural visit after North Korea sent performers to the South in February, the South’s Culture Ministry said.</p> North Korea will take part in next two Olympics: IOC
<p>In addition to the concert, a team of South Korean taekwondo demonstrators performed on Sunday at the Pyongyang Taekwondo Hall, drawing more than 2,300 North Koreans, including Choe Hwi, chairman of the National Sports Guidance Committee.</p>
<p>Seohyun, a female vocalist and actress currently with South Korean girl group Girls’ Generation, sang a North Korean pop song called “Blue Willow Tree”. She had performed with the North’s Samjiyon Orchestra in Seoul in February.</p>
<p>Cho Yong-pil, a 68-year-old singer, sang a string of hits including “The Cafe in the Winter”, “Short Hair” and “Let’s Go on a Trip”. Cho held a solo concert in Pyongyang in 2005 - the last concert by a South Korean artist in the North before Sunday’s performance.</p>
<p>The same South Korean singers will hold a joint concert with North Korean performers on Tuesday at the Ryukyung Chung Ju Yung Gymnasium, a joint project between the North and South named after Hyundai Group [HYGR.UL] billionaire founder Chung Ju-yung who had long advocated inter-Korean cultural and economic exchange.</p>
<p>Kim Jong Un had been planning to attend the Tuesday performance but decided to watch Sunday’s show due to “political schedules”, KCNA and South Korean officials there said.</p>
<p>Reporting by Heekyong Yang and Christine Kim; Editing by Louise Heavens and Peter Cooney</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>AMMAN (Reuters) - The group in control of the last rebel bastion near Damascus appeared on Sunday to have agreed a deal for its fighters to make peace with the government or quit the eastern Ghouta enclave, Syrian state media said.</p>
<p>Jaish al Islam, most of whose members are drawn from the area, has been defending the city of Douma against a months-long onslaught by government forces.</p>
<p>If confirmed, its surrender or departure for rebel-held areas in northwest Syria would herald an end to large-scale conflict in the enclave.</p>
<p>State television and Syrian newspapers said information indicated that, under the deal, the group would hand over heavy and mid-sized weapons and acknowledge the restoration of state sovereignty over Douma.</p>
<p>A Hezbollah run-media unit said on Sunday an agreement had been reached after several days of negotiations to spare bloodshed in Douma.</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-mideast-crisis-ghouta-evacuation/deal-sealed-to-evacuate-douma-rebels-to-northern-syria-hezbollah-media-unit-idUSKCN1H819H" type="external">Deal sealed to evacuate Douma rebels to northern Syria: Hezbollah media unit</a>
<p>The unit of the powerful Lebanese Shi’ite militia that has been fighting with the Syrian army said among the terms of the deal was setting up a Syrian government-approved local council to run the city’s affairs after rebels withdraw.</p>
<p>It also said a Russian-led committee with representatives from Turkey, Iran and Russia, the three guarantors of the Astana peace talks who set up “de-escalation” zones across Syria, would be responsible for handing over prisoners of war jailed by the rebels.</p>
<p>Jaish al Islam had no immediate comment on the reports but responded to earlier claims by the Syrian government that it was negotiating a deal to stay and not to pull out of the city.</p>
<p>The government lost control of Douma, the largest urban center in the eastern suburbs of Damascus in insurgent hands, in the early phase of Syria’s civil war, now in its eighth year.</p>
<p>If confirmed, the agreement with Jaish al Islam would mirror others reached by insurgents following heavy bombing of areas under their control by government forces and Russian jets that has killed hundreds of civilians.</p>
<p>Late on Saturday, negotiators reached a deal to evacuate wounded Jaish al Islam civilians and fighters to Idlib in the northwest.</p>
<p>A group of stranded fighters from another insurgent group, Failaq al Rahman, who had fled to Douma from advancing army troops at the start of the latest campaign, left the city on Sunday, state media said.</p>
<p>Syria’s state news agency SANA said 24 buses carrying around 1,200 fighters from Failaq al Rahman and their families left Douma on Sunday in the first such pullout of fighters.</p>
<p>On Saturday the rebel group concluded a week-long evacuation of thousands of its fighters from areas it had controlled in other parts of the enclave.</p> SEEKING A WAY OUT
<p>A political official in Jaish al Islam denied they had agreed to evacuate Douma and said the government-inspired reports were stepped up psychological warfare aimed at forcing them to capitulate.</p>
<p>“Jaish al Islam has taken the decision to remain steadfast and the idea of leaving is not on the table,” said the official.</p>
<p>Opposition sources say Jaish al Islam officials have been desperately trying to strike a deal that would bring Russian military police into Douma, and let the group keep a role in maintaining internal security but under the state’s overall jurisdiction.</p> Rebels are seen in a bus as they are evacuated from the town of Douma, eastern Ghouta, in Damascus, Syria April 1, 2018. REUTERS/Bassam Khabieh
<p>Russian military officers negotiating with Jaish al Islam told the group it accepted such an arrangement but the Syrian government remained against it, a senior opposition source familiar with the talks said.</p>
<p>Russia, a key ally of President Bashar al-Assad, was behind the main battle plan, directing elite forces and militias on the ground and calling in air strikes from Syrian and Russian warplanes, two Western intelligence sources based in the region told Reuters this week.</p>
<p>The Syrian army last week warned the insurgents to surrender or face a military assault to drive them out.</p>
<p>The Syrian army command said on Saturday it had regained most of the towns and villages in eastern Ghouta and was pressing its military operations in Douma.</p>
<p>The city’s fall would seal the rebels’ worst defeat since 2016.</p> Slideshow (5 Images)
<p>The once bustling commercial hub on the outskirts of the capital was the main center of street protests in the Damascus suburbs against Assad’s one party rule that ignited the conflict more than seven years ago.</p>
<p>A resident reached by phone described a sense of foreboding among those still in the besieged city.</p>
<p>“The fear is of the unknown and not bombardment or hunger ... what the coming days will bring we cannot predict,” said the resident, Bilal Bwaidani.</p>
<p>Defense analysts say a major goal of the government’s campaign was to complete a security belt around the capital, where for years rebels dug into a network of tunnels and well-fortified positions resisted countless offensives to seize the enclave.</p>
<p>Many of the predominantly Sunni Muslim inhabitants of eastern Ghouta say they fear their displacement was part of a deliberate attempt to bring demographic changes in strategic areas that dilutes their presence in favor of Assad’s Alawite sect and other minorities.</p>
<p>Reporting by Suleiman Al-Khalidi; Editing by Robin Pomeroy and Daniel Wallis</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>WASHINGTON/IXTEPEC, Mexico (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said on Sunday that there will be no deal to legalize the status of young adult immigrants called Dreamers and he said the U.S.-Mexico border is becoming more dangerous.</p>
<p>After tweeting a “Happy Easter” message on Twitter, he said: “Border Patrol Agents are not allowed to properly do their job at the Border because of ridiculous liberal (Democrat) laws like Catch &amp; Release. Getting more dangerous.</p>
<p>“‘Caravans’ coming. Republicans must go to Nuclear Option to pass tough laws NOW. NO MORE DACA DEAL!” he wrote, adding a threat to kill the North American Free Trade Agreement which is being renegotiated with Mexico and Canada.</p>
<p>DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a program created in 2012 under Democratic former President Barack Obama that Trump sought to rescind last autumn.</p>
<p>Designed for people brought to the United States as children by parents who were undocumented immigrants, the program shielded them from deportation and gave them work permits.</p>
<p>Trump had said he was open to a deal with congressional Democrats who want to protect DACA in exchange for funding to build a U.S.-Mexico border wall, a campaign trail promise.</p>
<p>He insisted during his 2016 White House run that Mexico would pay for the wall, something the Mexican government has repeatedly rejected.</p>
<p>Mexico’s presidential front-runner, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, launched his campaign close to the border on Sunday demanding respect for Mexicans and signaling he may take a harder line toward Trump if he wins the July 1 election.</p>
<p>“Mexico and its people will not be the piñata of any foreign government,” Lopez Obrador said in a speech in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, which borders El Paso, Texas. “It’s not with walls or use of force that you resolve social problems.”</p>
<p>Whether Trump will stick to his guns on DACA is unclear. Trump last month threatened to veto a spending bill because it did not address the fate of Dreamers and did not fully fund his border wall but he ultimately signed the bill.</p>
<p>In the months after Trump took office, apprehensions of illegal crossers along the U.S.- Mexico border dropped from more than 42,400 arrests in January 2017 to a low of around 15,700 in April, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data. Since then, the number of arrests has risen and in the first months of 2018 was above Obama administration levels.</p>
<p>“Mexico has got to help us at the border,” the president, who is spending Easter at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, told reporters on his way into an Easter church service. “A lot of people are coming in because they want to take advantage of DACA. They had a great chance. The Democrats blew it.”</p> MIGRANT CARAVAN
<p>Trump’s DACA tweets came after a report on the Fox New Channel’s Fox &amp; Friends program, one of his favorites, that a “caravan” of mostly Honduran migrants was crossing Mexico and headed to the United States, “either illegally or by asking for asylum.”</p>
<p>More than 1,000 would-be migrants have passed through Mexico’s southern states of Chiapas and Oaxaca in recent days in a so-called “refugee caravan” organized by U.S.-based immigrant advocacy group Pueblo Sin Fronteras.</p>
<p>In the town of Ixtepec, more than 1,500 men, women and children from Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala waited in a sweltering warehouse on Saturday, mattresses rolled and bags packed, as local authorities and immigration officials from Mexico’s federal government organized 15 buses to take them to their next stop on the long journey north.</p>
<p>By traveling together, the immigrants hope to protect themselves from the crime and extortion that makes the route through Mexico dangerous. They say some but not all of them will seek asylum if they reach the United States.</p>
<p>Gina Garibo, a member of Pueblo Sin Fronteras traveling with the migrants, said the group would hold a meeting to discuss Trump’s statements on Sunday and stressed that the caravan’s aim was to protect vulnerable people.</p>
<p>“The main people here are fleeing criminal violence, political violence, in their country and this allows us to save lives,” she said in response to Trump’s comments.</p>
<p>A guest on Sunday’s Fox &amp; Friends show, Brandon Judd, head of the National Border Patrol Council union, said illegal immigrants benefit from the “catch and release” program that Trump referenced in his tweet. Under it, they can be freed while awaiting court hearings if detained in the United States.</p>
<p>If recent border crossers do not claim asylum, they can usually be deported quickly. But if they say they fear targeted violence or persecution in their home countries, they can begin the long process of petitioning for asylum in immigration court.</p>
<p>Trump said on Twitter on Sunday that Mexico is doing “very little, if not NOTHING,” to stop the flow of people across the southern border. “They must stop the big drug and people flows, or I will stop their cash cow, NAFTA. NEED WALL!”</p> U.S. President Donald Trump arrives at Palm Beach International Airport, Florida, U.S. for the Easter weekend at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach March 29, 2018. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas
<p>Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray said the United States and Mexico work together on migration every day.</p>
<p>“An inaccurate news report should not serve to question this strong cooperation. Upholding human dignity and rights is not at odds with the rule of law. Happy Easter,” he said in a tweet.</p>
<p>Mexico deported some 80,000 people in 2017, down from about 160,000 in 2016, official statistics show. The vast majority were from Central American nations. The drop reflects fewer Central Americans crossing the country last year.</p>
<p>Reporting by Valerie Volcovici in Washington and Delphine Schrank in Ixtepec, Mexico; Additional reporting by by Steve Holland in West Palm Beach, Mica Rosenberg in New York, David Lawder in Washington and Lizbeth Diaz in Ciudad Juarez; Editing by Steve Orlofsky and Daniel Wallis</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico (Reuters) - Mexico’s presidential front-runner launched his campaign close to the U.S. border on Sunday, demanding respect for Mexicans hours after U.S. President Donald Trump again threatened to scrap a key trade pact and erect a wall between the countries.</p> Leftist front-runner Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador of the National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) greets to supporters during his campaign rally in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico April 1, 2018. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez
<p>Striking a nationalistic tone, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador signaled that if he won the July 1 election, he would be less accommodating toward Trump than the ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party, or PRI, which has lagged in opinion polls over its failure to contain violence and corruption.</p>
<p>“Mexico and its people will not be the pinata of any foreign government,” Lopez Obrador said in a speech to thousands of people who jeered and swore at the mention of Trump. The U.S. president is almost universally disliked in Mexico.</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-mexico-election-candidates-factbox/factbox-mexicos-presidential-candidates-at-the-start-of-campaigning-idUSKCN1H80XL" type="external">Factbox: Mexico's presidential candidates at the start of campaigning</a>
<p>“It’s not with walls or use of force that you resolve social problems.”</p>
<p>Symbolically, the three-month campaign began in Ciudad Juarez, whose namesake, Benito Juarez, was a 19th century Mexican president from indigenous roots whose exiled government resisted a French colonialist intervention from the unruly city that borders El Paso, Texas.</p>
<p>Trump on Sunday morning reiterated his threat that has hung over the campaign, to cancel the North American Free Trade Agreement among Mexico, Canada and the United States, tying its future to its efforts to stop migrants going north.</p>
<p>“Mexico is doing very little, if not NOTHING, at stopping people from flowing into Mexico through their Southern Border,” he said in a tweet.</p> Leftist front-runner Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador of the National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) waves to supporters during his campaign rally in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico April 1, 2018. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez
<p>Lopez Obrador criticized President Enrique Pena Nieto for export-focused economic policies that he said benefited the few, and promised a strategy to build up Mexico’s internal markets.</p>
<p>He decried the paltry minimum wage in Mexico, which is less than 90 pesos ($4.96) a day, and the huge salary differences between U.S. and Mexican auto industry workers, challenging Trump’s narrative that Mexico has benefited most from NAFTA.</p>
<p>While he reaffirmed his backing for the pact, he said talks to renegotiate the agreement should be suspended until after the election, and that any new deal should address wages and immigration.</p>
<p>“I liked that he said we won’t be Trump’s servants, nobody has said it like that,” Abelardo Ochoa, 32, said at the rally. “We work so hard here to earn well, but you cross the border and it’s something else.”</p> ‘EXPERIENCE OF SERVING’
<p>The ruling-party candidate trailing in third place, former Finance Minister Jose Antonio Meade, launched his own campaign on Sunday at the other end of the country in the southeastern town of Merida, touting his years in government as his strength.</p> Slideshow (11 Images)
<p>“I have the experience of serving and getting results for more than 20 years, without scandals. I live off my salary,” Meade told a cheering crowd dressed mostly in white.</p>
<p>Second-place Ricardo Anaya began campaigning on Friday.</p>
<p>Silver-haired Lopez Obrador, a former Mexico City mayor, first ran for president in 2006. He said he would treat Trump’s administration with respect but would demand the same for Mexicans.</p>
<p>His unconventional, and at times inconsistent, policy stances have sometimes led to comparisons with the U.S. president.</p>
<p>The 64-year-old candidate played to his leftist base, attacking the current government and saying he would suspend a $13 billion airport, an important project for Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim, which he says is tainted by corruption.</p>
<p>He has promised to “consult the people” on reforms and plans to turn the presidential residence into a cultural center, sell the presidential plane and cut his salary in half.</p>
<p>Sandra Flores, 24, who was at Sunday’s rally with her two children, said she and members of her family, including those living in California, supported Lopez Obrador.</p>
<p>“I voted for the president we have now and honestly I’m not satisfied,” she said. “(Lopez Obrador) will be able to stand up against what Trump is doing.”</p>
<p>Reporting by Lizbeth Diaz in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico; Writing by Christine Murray; Editing by Frank Jack Daniel, Peter Cooney and Richard Chang</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
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jan 22 reuters aveva group plc trading update contract extension delivered constant currency revenue growth first nine months across reporting regions ahead boards previous revenue expectations stage financial year source text eikon company coverage bangalorenewsroomthomsonreuterscom standards thomson reuters trust principles seoul reuters north korean leader kim jong un wife ri sol ju among hundreds pyongyang sunday watching south korean kpop singers perform north first time decade tensions two countries thaw members south korean art troupe led culture minister jonghwan pose photographs leaving pyongyang gimpo international airport seoul south korea march 31 2018 reuterskim hongji first time north korean leader attended south korean performance capital kim seen clapping tune songs later took photographs performers show dear leader comrade said heart swelled moved sight people deepen understanding south korean popular culture cheer sincerity said norths state media north korean audience clapped cheered sang along songs later presented south korean performers flower bouquets south korean kpop idol singer seohyun leaves pyongyang gimpo international airport seoul south korea march 31 2018 reuterskim hongji kim jong un showed much interest show asked questions songs lyrics culture minister jongwhan told reporters show sundays concert held title spring coming east pyongyang grand theater performed elite lineup south korean artists including veteran vocalists cho yongpil lee sunhee rock star yoon dohyun singer baek jiyoung well kpop girl band red velvet like concert title performance brought spring peace two koreas kim jong un also cited saying norths central news agency expressed wishes prosperous autumn north korean leaders face slightly flushed group photograph performers distributed north korean state media another seen directly addressing members red velvet commands 46 million followers instagram thaw sundays twohour concert pyongyang along separate taekwondo performance earlier day came south koreas engagement north korea continued grow since kim expressed willingness contact two countries slideshow 2 images athletes north south korea marched unified peninsula flag opening ceremony pyeongchang winter olympics february significant thaw interkorean relations led set date first summit decade april 27 two koreas technically still war 19501953 conflict ended ceasefire rather peace agreement south korean delegation included artists concert staff taekwondo demonstrators reporters government officials traveled pyongyang saturday reciprocal cultural visit north korea sent performers south february souths culture ministry said north korea take part next two olympics ioc addition concert team south korean taekwondo demonstrators performed sunday pyongyang taekwondo hall drawing 2300 north koreans including choe hwi chairman national sports guidance committee seohyun female vocalist actress currently south korean girl group girls generation sang north korean pop song called blue willow tree performed norths samjiyon orchestra seoul february cho yongpil 68yearold singer sang string hits including cafe winter short hair lets go trip cho held solo concert pyongyang 2005 last concert south korean artist north sundays performance south korean singers hold joint concert north korean performers tuesday ryukyung chung ju yung gymnasium joint project north south named hyundai group hygrul billionaire founder chung juyung long advocated interkorean cultural economic exchange kim jong un planning attend tuesday performance decided watch sundays show due political schedules kcna south korean officials said reporting heekyong yang christine kim editing louise heavens peter cooney standards thomson reuters trust principles amman reuters group control last rebel bastion near damascus appeared sunday agreed deal fighters make peace government quit eastern ghouta enclave syrian state media said jaish al islam whose members drawn area defending city douma monthslong onslaught government forces confirmed surrender departure rebelheld areas northwest syria would herald end largescale conflict enclave state television syrian newspapers said information indicated deal group would hand heavy midsized weapons acknowledge restoration state sovereignty douma hezbollah runmedia unit said sunday agreement reached several days negotiations spare bloodshed douma related coverage deal sealed evacuate douma rebels northern syria hezbollah media unit unit powerful lebanese shiite militia fighting syrian army said among terms deal setting syrian governmentapproved local council run citys affairs rebels withdraw also said russianled committee representatives turkey iran russia three guarantors astana peace talks set deescalation zones across syria would responsible handing prisoners war jailed rebels jaish al islam immediate comment reports responded earlier claims syrian government negotiating deal stay pull city government lost control douma largest urban center eastern suburbs damascus insurgent hands early phase syrias civil war eighth year confirmed agreement jaish al islam would mirror others reached insurgents following heavy bombing areas control government forces russian jets killed hundreds civilians late saturday negotiators reached deal evacuate wounded jaish al islam civilians fighters idlib northwest group stranded fighters another insurgent group failaq al rahman fled douma advancing army troops start latest campaign left city sunday state media said syrias state news agency sana said 24 buses carrying around 1200 fighters failaq al rahman families left douma sunday first pullout fighters saturday rebel group concluded weeklong evacuation thousands fighters areas controlled parts enclave seeking way political official jaish al islam denied agreed evacuate douma said governmentinspired reports stepped psychological warfare aimed forcing capitulate jaish al islam taken decision remain steadfast idea leaving table said official opposition sources say jaish al islam officials desperately trying strike deal would bring russian military police douma let group keep role maintaining internal security states overall jurisdiction rebels seen bus evacuated town douma eastern ghouta damascus syria april 1 2018 reutersbassam khabieh russian military officers negotiating jaish al islam told group accepted arrangement syrian government remained senior opposition source familiar talks said russia key ally president bashar alassad behind main battle plan directing elite forces militias ground calling air strikes syrian russian warplanes two western intelligence sources based region told reuters week syrian army last week warned insurgents surrender face military assault drive syrian army command said saturday regained towns villages eastern ghouta pressing military operations douma citys fall would seal rebels worst defeat since 2016 slideshow 5 images bustling commercial hub outskirts capital main center street protests damascus suburbs assads one party rule ignited conflict seven years ago resident reached phone described sense foreboding among still besieged city fear unknown bombardment hunger coming days bring predict said resident bilal bwaidani defense analysts say major goal governments campaign complete security belt around capital years rebels dug network tunnels wellfortified positions resisted countless offensives seize enclave many predominantly sunni muslim inhabitants eastern ghouta say fear displacement part deliberate attempt bring demographic changes strategic areas dilutes presence favor assads alawite sect minorities reporting suleiman alkhalidi editing robin pomeroy daniel wallis standards thomson reuters trust principles washingtonixtepec mexico reuters president donald trump said sunday deal legalize status young adult immigrants called dreamers said usmexico border becoming dangerous tweeting happy easter message twitter said border patrol agents allowed properly job border ridiculous liberal democrat laws like catch amp release getting dangerous caravans coming republicans must go nuclear option pass tough laws daca deal wrote adding threat kill north american free trade agreement renegotiated mexico canada daca deferred action childhood arrivals program created 2012 democratic former president barack obama trump sought rescind last autumn designed people brought united states children parents undocumented immigrants program shielded deportation gave work permits trump said open deal congressional democrats want protect daca exchange funding build usmexico border wall campaign trail promise insisted 2016 white house run mexico would pay wall something mexican government repeatedly rejected mexicos presidential frontrunner andres manuel lopez obrador launched campaign close border sunday demanding respect mexicans signaling may take harder line toward trump wins july 1 election mexico people piñata foreign government lopez obrador said speech ciudad juarez mexico borders el paso texas walls use force resolve social problems whether trump stick guns daca unclear trump last month threatened veto spending bill address fate dreamers fully fund border wall ultimately signed bill months trump took office apprehensions illegal crossers along us mexico border dropped 42400 arrests january 2017 low around 15700 april according us customs border protection data since number arrests risen first months 2018 obama administration levels mexico got help us border president spending easter maralago resort florida told reporters way easter church service lot people coming want take advantage daca great chance democrats blew migrant caravan trumps daca tweets came report fox new channels fox amp friends program one favorites caravan mostly honduran migrants crossing mexico headed united states either illegally asking asylum 1000 wouldbe migrants passed mexicos southern states chiapas oaxaca recent days socalled refugee caravan organized usbased immigrant advocacy group pueblo sin fronteras town ixtepec 1500 men women children honduras el salvador guatemala waited sweltering warehouse saturday mattresses rolled bags packed local authorities immigration officials mexicos federal government organized 15 buses take next stop long journey north traveling together immigrants hope protect crime extortion makes route mexico dangerous say seek asylum reach united states gina garibo member pueblo sin fronteras traveling migrants said group would hold meeting discuss trumps statements sunday stressed caravans aim protect vulnerable people main people fleeing criminal violence political violence country allows us save lives said response trumps comments guest sundays fox amp friends show brandon judd head national border patrol council union said illegal immigrants benefit catch release program trump referenced tweet freed awaiting court hearings detained united states recent border crossers claim asylum usually deported quickly say fear targeted violence persecution home countries begin long process petitioning asylum immigration court trump said twitter sunday mexico little nothing stop flow people across southern border must stop big drug people flows stop cash cow nafta need wall us president donald trump arrives palm beach international airport florida us easter weekend maralago palm beach march 29 2018 reutersyuri gripas mexican foreign minister luis videgaray said united states mexico work together migration every day inaccurate news report serve question strong cooperation upholding human dignity rights odds rule law happy easter said tweet mexico deported 80000 people 2017 160000 2016 official statistics show vast majority central american nations drop reflects fewer central americans crossing country last year reporting valerie volcovici washington delphine schrank ixtepec mexico additional reporting steve holland west palm beach mica rosenberg new york david lawder washington lizbeth diaz ciudad juarez editing steve orlofsky daniel wallis standards thomson reuters trust principles ciudad juarez mexico reuters mexicos presidential frontrunner launched campaign close us border sunday demanding respect mexicans hours us president donald trump threatened scrap key trade pact erect wall countries leftist frontrunner andres manuel lopez obrador national regeneration movement morena greets supporters campaign rally ciudad juarez mexico april 1 2018 reutersjose luis gonzalez striking nationalistic tone andres manuel lopez obrador signaled july 1 election would less accommodating toward trump ruling institutional revolutionary party pri lagged opinion polls failure contain violence corruption mexico people pinata foreign government lopez obrador said speech thousands people jeered swore mention trump us president almost universally disliked mexico related coverage factbox mexicos presidential candidates start campaigning walls use force resolve social problems symbolically threemonth campaign began ciudad juarez whose namesake benito juarez 19th century mexican president indigenous roots whose exiled government resisted french colonialist intervention unruly city borders el paso texas trump sunday morning reiterated threat hung campaign cancel north american free trade agreement among mexico canada united states tying future efforts stop migrants going north mexico little nothing stopping people flowing mexico southern border said tweet leftist frontrunner andres manuel lopez obrador national regeneration movement morena waves supporters campaign rally ciudad juarez mexico april 1 2018 reutersjose luis gonzalez lopez obrador criticized president enrique pena nieto exportfocused economic policies said benefited promised strategy build mexicos internal markets decried paltry minimum wage mexico less 90 pesos 496 day huge salary differences us mexican auto industry workers challenging trumps narrative mexico benefited nafta reaffirmed backing pact said talks renegotiate agreement suspended election new deal address wages immigration liked said wont trumps servants nobody said like abelardo ochoa 32 said rally work hard earn well cross border something else experience serving rulingparty candidate trailing third place former finance minister jose antonio meade launched campaign sunday end country southeastern town merida touting years government strength slideshow 11 images experience serving getting results 20 years without scandals live salary meade told cheering crowd dressed mostly white secondplace ricardo anaya began campaigning friday silverhaired lopez obrador former mexico city mayor first ran president 2006 said would treat trumps administration respect would demand mexicans unconventional times inconsistent policy stances sometimes led comparisons us president 64yearold candidate played leftist base attacking current government saying would suspend 13 billion airport important project mexican billionaire carlos slim says tainted corruption promised consult people reforms plans turn presidential residence cultural center sell presidential plane cut salary half sandra flores 24 sundays rally two children said members family including living california supported lopez obrador voted president honestly im satisfied said lopez obrador able stand trump reporting lizbeth diaz ciudad juarez mexico writing christine murray editing frank jack daniel peter cooney richard chang standards thomson reuters trust principles
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<p>Charles Russel, a home inspector contracted by PNM, replaces a 60-watt incandescent bulb with a compact florescent bulb during a PNM home visit. (Marla Brose/Albuquerque Journal)</p>
<p>ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Monie Corona says Public Service Company of New Mexico's new home energy audit program is a huge bargain for any homeowner who wants to cut energy bills.</p>
<p>The program, which began March 5, offers a house walk-through by specialists to assess home energy consumption, suggest ways to cut waste and provide information about rebate programs to help upgrade appliances.</p>
<p>Charles Russel checks Monie Corona's insulation in the attic of her West Side home during a PNM energy efficiency audit on March 26. (Marla Brose/Albuquerque Journal)</p>
<p>The technicians also will install a programmable thermostat, compact fluorescent light bulbs, low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators - all for just $40.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>"The thermostat alone is worth the price," said Corona, after program specialists visited her two-bedroom West Side home in late March. "The thermostat gives me a lot more control of my energy use, like a programmable coffee maker, and the guys who did the walk-through will send me a full report in a few days showing me ways to lower my bills."</p>
<p>The report is a comprehensive, customized assessment of the individual's home that includes specific suggestions based on the site visit. It also details which appliances in the home are eligible for upgrade rebates, with instructions on how to apply.</p>
<p>"It's educational, and that's important, because energy efficiency is something I don't know a lot about," said Corona, an elementary school teacher. "As a kid, you're told to turn off the lights or shut the faucet while you brush your teeth. But as a homeowner, money can be tight, so to have someone come out to show you what else you can do and install some devices is fantastic."</p>
<p>Response to state law</p>
<p>The program is part of PNM's effort to comply with the Efficient Use of Energy Act, under which public utilities must achieve 5 percent savings off 2005 retail sales by 2014 through energy-efficiency measures, and 10 percent by 2020.</p>
<p>The company has offered a host of rebates and other benefits since 2007, when the act took effect, to encourage residential and commercial customers to reduce energy use.</p>
<p />
<p>To schedule a home energy audit, call 1-855-775-6491. For more information about PNM's energy efficiency rebates and other programs, visit the company's website at <a href="http://PNM.com/save" type="external">PNM.com/save</a> and <a href="http://PNM.com/rebates" type="external">PNM.com/rebates</a>.</p>
<p>By the numbers</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>PNM energy-efficiency programs, begun in 2007 to comply with the state's Efficient Use of Energy Act, have saved a cumulative total of more than 1 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity as of the end of 2013. That's enough energy to serve more than 146,000 homes for one year, and it represents a reduction of 527,034 metric tons or carbon emissions and 375.8 million gallons of water savings.</p>
<p>These include:</p>
<p>All those programs remain in effect, but PNM added a few new ones this year. These include the home energy audit, plus rebates for customers who install efficient home-cooling systems and swimming-pool pumps, and consulting services for building owners and managers to make operational improvements.</p>
<p>All PNM customers help pay for the programs through an energy-efficiency charge on their bills approved by the state Public Regulation Commission. That charge increased this year to about $1.84 per month for the average customer, up from about $1.49 last year, to accommodate the new programs.</p>
<p>Customer demand</p>
<p>PNM created the home energy audit in response to customer requests for more information about saving energy in their homes, said PNM spokesperson Ryan Baca.</p>
<p>"Customers have been asking us how they can lower their bills, or if we can help them identify where their energy use is coming from, but until now, we've only been able to give general assistance over the phone," Baca said. "Now, customers can get somebody's expert eyes with a walk-through."</p>
<p>The devices installed during home visits immediately will help to cut energy use. And, in the case of programmable thermostats, homeowners will enjoy greater comfort by setting heating and cooling systems to automatically turn on and off at key times, such as cranking up the furnace in the early morning before getting out of bed, or in the evening before coming home from work.</p>
<p>Changing behavior</p>
<p>But the underlying goal is to educate homeowners about energy efficiency and, hopefully, change behavior.</p>
<p>"If you swap out candescent light bulbs for CFLs, but then leave the lights on longer, there's less opportunity for savings," Baca said. "It's not just a matter of installing things, but about raising customer awareness. Bringing an assessor into the home helps with that."</p>
<p>Charles Russel checks Monie Corona's air-conditioning unit outside her West Side home on March 26. (Marla Brose/Albuquerque Journal)</p>
<p>During walk-throughs, technicians record the model, age, efficiency levels and general condition of appliances to assess whether there is waste that can be cut by upgrades or repairs, and to determine which appliances qualify for rebates, said Charles Russel, a field manager with Ecova Inc., which conducts the home energy audits for PNM.</p>
<p>All of their findings are later recorded on the customized report to homeowners, with specific estimates on energy and dollar savings for each recommendation contained in the report.</p>
<p>Apart from swapping out inefficient appliances for modern ones, the field managers often find small things customers can do to lower costs.</p>
<p>"When I look at refrigerators, I make sure the gasket seals around doors aren't torn, or that the light turns off when the door closes," Russel said. "You're wasting electricity if the light stays on, and you're spending more energy for cooling because the light makes it hotter inside."</p>
<p>The assessors also look at insulation and ventilation in attics.</p>
<p>"We'll look for simple things, like tape falling off ducts or water leaks," Russel said. "We look at the general condition and put it in the assessment for the homeowner. Then it's up to them to pursue any recommended remedies."</p>
<p>The devices that field managers install are worth more than what PNM is charging for the entire home visit, said Ecova Program Manager Dave Tynan. The thermostat alone is valued at more than $40, and a similar home energy audit by independent professionals can cost hundreds of dollars.</p>
<p>"It's a very good value for homeowners," he said. "You're almost getting it all for free."</p>
<p>In fact, there is no charge for households that earn up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, or $44,700 for a family of four.</p>
<p>The program is currently available to Albuquerque residents. It will spread to Santa Fe starting April 7 and to the rest of PNM's customers statewide in late April.</p>
<p />
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charles russel home inspector contracted pnm replaces 60watt incandescent bulb compact florescent bulb pnm home visit marla brosealbuquerque journal albuquerque nm monie corona says public service company new mexicos new home energy audit program huge bargain homeowner wants cut energy bills program began march 5 offers house walkthrough specialists assess home energy consumption suggest ways cut waste provide information rebate programs help upgrade appliances charles russel checks monie coronas insulation attic west side home pnm energy efficiency audit march 26 marla brosealbuquerque journal technicians also install programmable thermostat compact fluorescent light bulbs lowflow shower heads faucet aerators 40 advertisement thermostat alone worth price said corona program specialists visited twobedroom west side home late march thermostat gives lot control energy use like programmable coffee maker guys walkthrough send full report days showing ways lower bills report comprehensive customized assessment individuals home includes specific suggestions based site visit also details appliances home eligible upgrade rebates instructions apply educational thats important energy efficiency something dont know lot said corona elementary school teacher kid youre told turn lights shut faucet brush teeth homeowner money tight someone come show else install devices fantastic response state law program part pnms effort comply efficient use energy act public utilities must achieve 5 percent savings 2005 retail sales 2014 energyefficiency measures 10 percent 2020 company offered host rebates benefits since 2007 act took effect encourage residential commercial customers reduce energy use schedule home energy audit call 18557756491 information pnms energy efficiency rebates programs visit companys website pnmcomsave pnmcomrebates numbers advertisement pnm energyefficiency programs begun 2007 comply states efficient use energy act saved cumulative total 1 billion kilowatthours electricity end 2013 thats enough energy serve 146000 homes one year represents reduction 527034 metric tons carbon emissions 3758 million gallons water savings include programs remain effect pnm added new ones year include home energy audit plus rebates customers install efficient homecooling systems swimmingpool pumps consulting services building owners managers make operational improvements pnm customers help pay programs energyefficiency charge bills approved state public regulation commission charge increased year 184 per month average customer 149 last year accommodate new programs customer demand pnm created home energy audit response customer requests information saving energy homes said pnm spokesperson ryan baca customers asking us lower bills help identify energy use coming weve able give general assistance phone baca said customers get somebodys expert eyes walkthrough devices installed home visits immediately help cut energy use case programmable thermostats homeowners enjoy greater comfort setting heating cooling systems automatically turn key times cranking furnace early morning getting bed evening coming home work changing behavior underlying goal educate homeowners energy efficiency hopefully change behavior swap candescent light bulbs cfls leave lights longer theres less opportunity savings baca said matter installing things raising customer awareness bringing assessor home helps charles russel checks monie coronas airconditioning unit outside west side home march 26 marla brosealbuquerque journal walkthroughs technicians record model age efficiency levels general condition appliances assess whether waste cut upgrades repairs determine appliances qualify rebates said charles russel field manager ecova inc conducts home energy audits pnm findings later recorded customized report homeowners specific estimates energy dollar savings recommendation contained report apart swapping inefficient appliances modern ones field managers often find small things customers lower costs look refrigerators make sure gasket seals around doors arent torn light turns door closes russel said youre wasting electricity light stays youre spending energy cooling light makes hotter inside assessors also look insulation ventilation attics well look simple things like tape falling ducts water leaks russel said look general condition put assessment homeowner pursue recommended remedies devices field managers install worth pnm charging entire home visit said ecova program manager dave tynan thermostat alone valued 40 similar home energy audit independent professionals cost hundreds dollars good value homeowners said youre almost getting free fact charge households earn 200 percent federal poverty level 44700 family four program currently available albuquerque residents spread santa fe starting april 7 rest pnms customers statewide late april
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<p>Jan 17 (Reuters) - Beigene Ltd:</p>
<p>* BEIGENE ANNOUNCES PRICING OF $750 MILLION PUBLIC OFFERING</p>
<p>* ‍PRICING OF FOLLOW-ON PUBLIC OFFERING OF 7. 4 MILLION AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES AT A PRICE TO PUBLIC OF $101.00 PER ADS​ Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage:</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>SCHROBENHAUSEN, Germany (Reuters) - Bauer, a big producer of construction equipment, is better placed than many German companies that invested heavily in China over the past few decades.</p>
<p>The Bavaria-based firm, which traces its roots back to 1790, does not have to worry about keeping a Chinese joint venture partner happy because it is the sole owner of its two plants in Shanghai and Tianjin.</p>
<p>And the specialist engineering machines Bauer produces there are sold in countries across Asia, shielding the group from swings in the volatile Chinese building market.</p>
<p>Even so, CEO Thomas Bauer, the seventh generation in his family to run the firm, is worried about his company’s place in China and a broader economic relationship that until recently was seen by German corporations and politicians as a lucrative one-way bet.</p>
<p>“Germany has put too many eggs into one basket, and that basket is China,” Bauer, a jovial 62-year-old with a thick Bavarian accent, told Reuters at the company’s headquarters in Schrobenhausen, an hour’s drive north of Munich.</p>
<p>Bauer’s BSAG.DE concern points to a growing fear in Germany. For more than a decade, the country has been the growth locomotive of Europe, its economy weathering global financial turmoil, the euro zone debt crisis and a record influx of refugees.</p>
<p>That resilience was based on two key drivers: Germany had innovative firms that produced high-end manufactured goods that fast-growing economies needed; and the country was better than others at profiting from an open, rules-based global trading system that rewarded competitiveness.</p>
<p>China has been crucial on both fronts. Over the past decade it bought up German cars and machinery at an astonishing pace, as it gradually opened up to foreign firms. Last year alone, German manufacturers sold nearly 5 million cars in China, more than three times as many as in the United States.</p>
<p>But even as the good times roll on, a radical shift is taking place in how Deutschland AG views the vast Chinese market.</p>
<p>Not only has the opening of China shifted into reverse under President Xi Jinping, but Chinese firms have moved up the value chain far faster than many in Germany expected.</p>
<p>Germany’s China conundrum is part of a broader challenge facing Europe: Years of inward-focused crisis fighting have left the bloc politically divided and ill-prepared to respond to looming geopolitical and economic challenges. Now the continent risks being squeezed between a more assertive Beijing and the “America First” policies of Donald Trump.</p>
<p>In private, some executives liken the situation of German industry in China to the proverbial frog in a pot of slowly heating water which ends up boiling to death because it won’t or can’t jump out.</p>
<p>Germany’s ambassador to China, Michael Clauss, warned at a meeting with industry chiefs in Berlin last month of “tectonic changes” in the relationship, according to participants.</p>
<p>“We need to prepare people here for a new era in our partnership with China,” an official at Germany’s powerful BDI industry federation said. “These are still golden times. But there is a huge amount of concern about what lies ahead.”</p>
<p>(GRAPHIC: Germany's China problem - <a href="https://tmsnrt.rs/2GUN6BK" type="external">tmsnrt.rs/2GUN6BK</a>)</p> ROLE OF THE STATE
<p>German companies were among the first in the West to set up shop in China, giving Germany an advantage as the Chinese economy took off.</p>
<p>Bilateral trade between the two countries hit a record 187 billion euros last year, dwarfing China’s trade with France and the UK, both around 70 billion. In 2017, Germany ran a trade deficit with China of 14 billion euros, tiny compared to the U.S. deficit of $375 billion, or about 346 billion euros.</p>
<p>Bauer AG, which employs 11,000 workers in 70 countries, built its first production facilities in China in the mid-1990s. At the time, not a single Chinese firm could make the sophisticated drilling machines it produces – towering yellow structures used to build the foundations for skyscrapers, power stations and airports.</p>
<p>By 2013 Bauer counted 36 Chinese competitors able to make such machines, a shift the CEO says was accelerated by European suppliers selling co-designed parts to the Chinese.</p>
<p>A decade ago, the company’s Chinese plants generated revenues of 109 million euros. Sales slumped to less than half that amount in five of the nine years that followed.</p>
<p>Today, what Bauer and other German firms say they are most worried about is the role of the Chinese state in the economy.</p>
<p>Last year, China introduced a cyber security law which tightened state control over internet services, including secure VPN connections that are used by foreign firms to communicate confidentially with headquarters. More recently, some German companies have complained of pressure to accept Communist party officials on the boards of their joint ventures.</p>
<p>The Bauer boss fears that Xi’s “Made in China 2025” strategy, which identifies 10 key sectors – including robotics, aerospace and clean-energy cars – where China wants to be a leader, represents a direct challenge to German manufacturing dominance.</p>
<p>To keep its edge Bauer says his firm is focusing intensively on digitalization.</p>
<p>“It will not be a contest against copiers. It will be one against innovative engineers who are intent on overtaking us,” he said. “If we don’t start finding answers soon, this can end very badly.”</p> TRUMP TARIFFS
<p>The German angst over China mirrors that which has prompted Trump to threaten Beijing with tens of billions of dollars in trade tariffs.</p>
<p>But because Germany’s top firms have become so dependent on the Chinese market, the government in Berlin has avoided confronting China head-on.</p>
<p>Back in February, carmaker Daimler ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=DAIGn.DE" type="external">DAIGn.DE</a>) showed just how skittish some companies are about upsetting Beijing.</p>
<p>After a backlash in China over a Mercedez-Benz ad on Instagram that quoted the Dalai Lama – the Tibetan spiritual leader seen by Beijing as a separatist – Daimler deleted the post and its CEO Dieter Zetsche wrote a letter expressing deep regret for the “hurt and grief” his company’s “negligent and insensitive mistake” had caused the Chinese people.</p> Slideshow (8 Images)
<p>“There is a huge gap between what people in Germany are saying about China and what they are really thinking,” said Bernhard Bartsch of the Bertelsmann Foundation, a German research group.</p>
<p>Later this month, Bertelsmann and Berlin-based China think tank MERICS will host an Oxford Union-style debate on the motion: “In ten years’ time, China will have substantially undermined Europe’s political and economic system”</p>
<p>The mood among German firms operating in China is also souring.</p>
<p>A survey late last year from the German Chamber of Commerce in China showed that for the first time in many years, more than half of its members were not planning investments in new locations in China. Nearly 13 percent of German firms operating in China said they could leave within the next two years.</p>
<p>For decades, Germany’s approach to China could be summed up with the motto “Wandel durch Handel” (change through trade).</p>
<p>Now that strategy is in tatters and government officials joke darkly that the “win-win” relationship has a new meaning: China wins twice.</p>
<p>“The hope was that closer economic ties would lead to an opening. Today it is clear this was a false hope,” said a German government official. “They tell us what we want to hear and then do the opposite.”</p>
<p>Berlin is starting to push back. Last year, after Chinese firm Midea’s ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=000333.SZ" type="external">000333.SZ</a>) takeover of robotics maker Kuka ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=KU2G.DE" type="external">KU2G.DE</a>) sparked an uproar, it tightened restrictions on foreign investments and launched a push for new Europe-wide rules for screening takeovers.</p>
<p>In December, Germany’s domestic intelligence agency infuriated Beijing when it accused Chinese counterparts of using fake social media accounts to gather information on German politicians - a rare public rebuke that Berlin says was intended to send the Chinese a message.</p>
<p>A summit between the German and Chinese governments later this year is likely to reveal a tougher line from Berlin, officials say.</p>
<p>But they also concede that divisions within the EU and a wide gap between Europe and the go-it-alone Trump administration will make it more difficult to force change in Beijing.</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=DAIGn.DE" type="external">Daimler AG</a> 65.65 DAIGn.DE Xetra +0.18 (+0.27%) DAIGn.DE 000333.SZ KU2G.DE
<p>“What the Chinese are really worried about is Europe and the United States working together against them,” said the German official. “In that sense, Trump really is a gift to China.”</p>
<p>Reporting by Noah Barkin; Editing by Simon Robinson</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>NEW YORK (Reuters) - A $117 million verdict against Johnson &amp; Johnson ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=JNJ.N" type="external">JNJ.N</a>) and a supplier in favor of a man who said his asbestos-related cancer was caused by long-term use of J&amp;J’s Baby Powder could open a new front for thousands of cases claiming the widely-used product caused cancer, legal experts and plaintiffs lawyers said.</p> FILE PHOTO: Bottles of Johnson &amp; Johnson baby powder line a drugstore shelf in New York October 15, 2015. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson/File Photo
<p>J&amp;J has been battling some 6,000 cases claiming its baby powder and Shower to Shower products cause ovarian cancer. The $117 million verdict by a New Jersey jury last week, however, involved a different form of cancer that is clearly linked to asbestos.</p>
<p>Plaintiffs lawyers claim that internal J&amp;J documents seen in that trial show that baby powder had been contaminated with asbestos. They now plan to use the documents in upcoming ovarian cancer trials to allege that the asbestos contamination also caused that form of cancer.</p>
<p>J&amp;J and Imerys Talc America, a unit of Imerys SA ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=IMTP.PA" type="external">IMTP.PA</a>), have vowed to appeal the New Jersey verdict and deny asbestos has ever been present in their products or that their talc can cause any form of cancer.</p>
<p>The case of Stephen Lanzo, a New Jersey resident who claimed he developed mesothelioma after using baby powder since his birth in 1972, was the first time a jury saw the internal J&amp;J documents which plaintiffs claim show that J&amp;J knew since the 1970s that the talc in its baby powder was contaminated by asbestos during the mining process.</p>
<p>J&amp;J says the documents present no such evidence, but merely show the company’s caution.</p>
<p>Peter Bicks, a lawyer leading J&amp;J’s talc asbestos defense, said that in the early 1970s, the company was looking at how it could potentially remove asbestos from talc if the two became intermingled in the mining process. He says no contamination was ever found, citing decades of testing by independent laboratories and scientists.</p>
<p>Bicks called the claims of a link between talc and asbestos “junk science.”</p>
<p>Mesothelioma, a rare and deadly form of cancer closely associated with exposure to asbestos, affects the delicate tissue that lines body cavities.</p>
<p>While the link between asbestos and mesothelioma is sufficiently established, scientists are divided on whether asbestos exposure can cause ovarian cancer. Some studies have shown an association between the two, while other studies have found no such link.</p>
<p>Elizabeth Burch, holder of the Charles H. Kirbo Chair of Law at the University of Georgia, said it remained an open question whether talc contained asbestos and that each case would turn on the facts.</p>
<p>But J&amp;J, which had $76.5 billion in sales in 2017, gives the plaintiffs’ bar an enticing new target, said Nathan Schachtman, a lecturer at Columbia University who used to defend asbestos cases.</p>
<p>Some 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year, according to the American Cancer Society, a number that Howard Erichson, a law professor at Fordham University who specializes in mass tort litigation, called significant from a legal standpoint.</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=JNJ.N" type="external">Johnson &amp; Johnson</a> 130.62 JNJ.N New York Stock Exchange +0.19 (+0.15%) JNJ.N IMTP.PA
<p>But the roughly 22,000 women who were diagnosed with ovarian cancer last year, according to the National Cancer Institute, provide lawyers with a potentially much larger pool of plaintiffs to tap.</p>
<p>“This is just the tip of the iceberg,” said Mark Lanier, one of the lawyers representing consumers, who said plaintiffs would file thousands of additional mesothelioma and ovarian cancer cases.</p>
<p>New Jersey-based J&amp;J in a statement after the Lanzo verdict said plaintiffs’ attorneys had shifted their strategy to focus on asbestos after a series of losses at trial and in court rulings over previous allegations that the talc itself causes cancer.</p>
<p>Of the six ovarian cancer trials to date, juries found J&amp;J liable five times, but a Missouri appellate court threw out the first verdict and a California judge tossed another. Appeals of the other cases are pending.</p>
<p>J&amp;J in November also won the first trial over allegations that its talc contained asbestos and caused a woman’s mesothelioma. Plaintiffs lawyers say the jury in that case did not see the documents presented during the Lanzo trial.</p>
<p>But Erichson said the widespread use of J&amp;J’s consumer products generally make the company an attractive litigation target.</p>
<p>“Baby powder is as ubiquitous a product you can think of and there are lots of people who can testify they’ve been exposed to it,” he said.</p>
<p>Reporting by Tina Bellon; editing by Noeleen Walder and Leslie Adler</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>ATLANTA (Reuters) - Deadly slow-moving storms generated record or near-record snowfall and low temperatures in the U.S. Midwest and tornadoes further east on Sunday, leaving airline travelers stranded and thousands without power.</p>
<p>In Michigan, where snowfall was expected to reach 18 inches in some areas, about 310,000 homes and businesses were without power because of an ice storm, most of them in the southeast of the state.</p>
<p>Large areas of Detroit were without power and customers were not expected to have it back on Sunday night, utility DTE Energy ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=DTE.N" type="external">DTE.N</a>) said. It was working to have 90 percent of outages restored by Tuesday, DTE spokeswoman Carly Getz said in a statement.</p>
<p>The weight of ice on power lines, coupled with high winds, caused more than 1,000 power lines to fall in Detroit and Wayne County, DTE said.</p>
<p>The worst of the snow was focused on the upper Great Lakes, with Green Bay, Wisconsin, seeing its second largest snowstorm ever after 23.2 inches fell as of Sunday afternoon, the National Weather Service said.</p>
<p>For the twin cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, the April monthly record for snowfall of 21.8 inches (55 cm) was surpassed on Saturday, the National Weather Service said.</p>
<p>Two tornadoes tore up trees and ripped apart homes in Greensboro and Reidsville, North Carolina, killing a motorist who was hit by a tree, according to Greensboro’s city manager, local media reported.</p> Slideshow (2 Images)
<p>The storms stretched from the Gulf Coast to the Midwest and were moving into the Northeast and New England.</p>
<p>Record low temperatures for the date were expected in Oklahoma City on Monday at 30 degrees F (-1 C), and in Kansas City, Missouri, at 25 F (-4 C), Hurley said.</p>
<p>On Friday, the weather system produced 17 reports of tornadoes in Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri and Texas, with four people injured and 160 buildings damaged in a possible tornado in northwest Arkansas, local media reported.</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=DTE.N" type="external">DTE Energy Co</a> 102.44 DTE.N New York Stock Exchange +0.34 (+0.33%) DTE.N
<p>The weather was blamed for two traffic deaths in western Nebraska and Wisconsin, according to National Public Radio.</p>
<p>The storms also killed a one-year-old girl when a tree fell on a recreational vehicle where she was sleeping, the sheriff’s office in Bossier Parish, Louisiana, said.</p>
<p>By Sunday night, 1,804 flights had been canceled into or out of U.S. airports, the website flightaware.com reported, including 148 flights in or out of the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport.</p>
<p>Reporting by Rich McKay in Atlanta; Additional reporting by Bernie Woodall in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and Andrew Hay in Taos, N.M.; Editing by Adrian Croft and Peter Cooney</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Former FBI director James Comey said in an ABC News interview on Sunday that U.S. President Donald Trump is a dangerous, “morally unfit” leader doing “tremendous damage” to institutional and cultural norms.</p>
<p>Comey, fired by Trump in May last year, was worried the president may be open to blackmail by Russia given claims he was present when prostitutes urinated on each other during a 2013 Moscow visit.</p>
<p>Comey’s firing came as the Federal Bureau of Investigation was probing possible connections between Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign and Russia’s meddling in the U.S. election.</p>
<p>Russia has denied interfering in the election and Trump has denied any collusion or improper activity.</p>
<p>Comey said in the exclusive interview with ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos, which aired at 10 p.m. on Sunday, that it is “possible, but I don’t know” whether Russia has evidence to back up the allegations about Trump’s Moscow trip.</p>
<p>Trump told Comey that he had not stayed overnight in the Moscow hotel and that the claims related to the prostitutes were not true, Comey said.</p>
<p>“A person ... who talks about and treats women like they’re pieces of meat, who lies constantly about matters big and small and insists the American people believe it, that person’s not fit to be president of the United States, on moral grounds. And that’s not a policy statement,” Comey said.</p>
<p>“He is morally unfit to be president,” he added.</p>
<p>Comey has a tell-all book, “A Higher Loyalty,” due out on Tuesday.</p>
<p>The book’s imminent release - and the slated ABC News interview - prompted Trump to hurl a new set of insults at Comey earlier on Sunday, challenging accusations made in the book, and insisting that he never pressed Comey to be loyal to him.</p>
<p>“Slippery James Comey, a man who always ends up badly and out of whack (he is not smart!), will go down as the WORST FBI Director in history, by far!” Trump wrote early on Sunday in one of five Twitter posts aimed directly at Comey.</p>
<p>Reuters and other news outlets have obtained copies of Comey’s book before its formal release. In it, Comey wrote that Trump, in a private meeting, pressed the then-FBI director for his loyalty.</p>
<p>Comey told ABC News that the title of the book came from that “bizarre conversation” he had with Trump at the White House in January 2017, shortly after his inauguration.</p>
<p>“He asked for my loyalty personally as the F.B.I. director. My loyalty’s supposed to be to the American people and to the institution,” Comey said in the interview.</p>
<p>The FBI has long tried to operate as an independent law enforcement agency.</p>
<p>“I never asked Comey for Personal Loyalty. I hardly even knew this guy. Just another of his many lies,” Trump said on Twitter.</p>
<p>Comey is now a crucial witness for Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into whether Trump has tried to obstruct the Russia probe.</p>
<p>Comey told ABC News that he believes there is “certainly some evidence of obstruction of justice.”</p>
<p>Comey also defended his decision to publicly disclose the FBI’s re-opening of its investigation into Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s handling of email when she was secretary of state.</p> A copy of former FBI director James Comey's book "A Higher Loyalty" is seen in New York City, New York, U.S. April 13, 2018. REUTERS/Soren Larson
<p>The Clinton probe was already public, Comey said, whereas the FBI’s examination of possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia was in its early stages. It did not become publicly known until after the 2016 presidential election.</p>
<p>Despite his myriad of reservations about Trump, Comey told ABC News that he did not believe the U.S. Congress should impeach him, as it would let the American people “off the hook” for something “they’re duty bound to do directly.”</p>
<p>“People in this country need to stand up and go to the voting booth and vote their values,” he said.</p>
<p>U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan, interviewed on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday morning, expressed qualified support for Comey. Asked whether Comey was a man of integrity, the Republican speaker said: “As far as I know,” but added that he did not know him well.</p>
<p>Asked about Trump’s use last week of the words “slime ball” to describe Comey, Ryan said: “I don’t use words like that.”</p>
<p>Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said the ABC interview reaffirms that Comey’s “higher loyalty is to himself.”</p>
<p>“He has no credibility and President Trump was right to follow through on the bipartisan calls for him to be fired,” McDaniel said in a statement.</p> Slideshow (2 Images)
<p>(Refiles to add dropped article “A” from book title, paragraph 9.)</p>
<p>Reporting by Amanda Becker and Sarah Lynch; Additional reporting by Richard Cowan; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and Peter Cooney</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
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jan 17 reuters beigene ltd beigene announces pricing 750 million public offering pricing followon public offering 7 4 million american depositary shares price public 10100 per ads source text eikon company coverage standards thomson reuters trust principles schrobenhausen germany reuters bauer big producer construction equipment better placed many german companies invested heavily china past decades bavariabased firm traces roots back 1790 worry keeping chinese joint venture partner happy sole owner two plants shanghai tianjin specialist engineering machines bauer produces sold countries across asia shielding group swings volatile chinese building market even ceo thomas bauer seventh generation family run firm worried companys place china broader economic relationship recently seen german corporations politicians lucrative oneway bet germany put many eggs one basket basket china bauer jovial 62yearold thick bavarian accent told reuters companys headquarters schrobenhausen hours drive north munich bauers bsagde concern points growing fear germany decade country growth locomotive europe economy weathering global financial turmoil euro zone debt crisis record influx refugees resilience based two key drivers germany innovative firms produced highend manufactured goods fastgrowing economies needed country better others profiting open rulesbased global trading system rewarded competitiveness china crucial fronts past decade bought german cars machinery astonishing pace gradually opened foreign firms last year alone german manufacturers sold nearly 5 million cars china three times many united states even good times roll radical shift taking place deutschland ag views vast chinese market opening china shifted reverse president xi jinping chinese firms moved value chain far faster many germany expected germanys china conundrum part broader challenge facing europe years inwardfocused crisis fighting left bloc politically divided illprepared respond looming geopolitical economic challenges continent risks squeezed assertive beijing america first policies donald trump private executives liken situation german industry china proverbial frog pot slowly heating water ends boiling death wont cant jump germanys ambassador china michael clauss warned meeting industry chiefs berlin last month tectonic changes relationship according participants need prepare people new era partnership china official germanys powerful bdi industry federation said still golden times huge amount concern lies ahead graphic germanys china problem tmsnrtrs2gun6bk role state german companies among first west set shop china giving germany advantage chinese economy took bilateral trade two countries hit record 187 billion euros last year dwarfing chinas trade france uk around 70 billion 2017 germany ran trade deficit china 14 billion euros tiny compared us deficit 375 billion 346 billion euros bauer ag employs 11000 workers 70 countries built first production facilities china mid1990s time single chinese firm could make sophisticated drilling machines produces towering yellow structures used build foundations skyscrapers power stations airports 2013 bauer counted 36 chinese competitors able make machines shift ceo says accelerated european suppliers selling codesigned parts chinese decade ago companys chinese plants generated revenues 109 million euros sales slumped less half amount five nine years followed today bauer german firms say worried role chinese state economy last year china introduced cyber security law tightened state control internet services including secure vpn connections used foreign firms communicate confidentially headquarters recently german companies complained pressure accept communist party officials boards joint ventures bauer boss fears xis made china 2025 strategy identifies 10 key sectors including robotics aerospace cleanenergy cars china wants leader represents direct challenge german manufacturing dominance keep edge bauer says firm focusing intensively digitalization contest copiers one innovative engineers intent overtaking us said dont start finding answers soon end badly trump tariffs german angst china mirrors prompted trump threaten beijing tens billions dollars trade tariffs germanys top firms become dependent chinese market government berlin avoided confronting china headon back february carmaker daimler daignde showed skittish companies upsetting beijing backlash china mercedezbenz ad instagram quoted dalai lama tibetan spiritual leader seen beijing separatist daimler deleted post ceo dieter zetsche wrote letter expressing deep regret hurt grief companys negligent insensitive mistake caused chinese people slideshow 8 images huge gap people germany saying china really thinking said bernhard bartsch bertelsmann foundation german research group later month bertelsmann berlinbased china think tank merics host oxford unionstyle debate motion ten years time china substantially undermined europes political economic system mood among german firms operating china also souring survey late last year german chamber commerce china showed first time many years half members planning investments new locations china nearly 13 percent german firms operating china said could leave within next two years decades germanys approach china could summed motto wandel durch handel change trade strategy tatters government officials joke darkly winwin relationship new meaning china wins twice hope closer economic ties would lead opening today clear false hope said german government official tell us want hear opposite berlin starting push back last year chinese firm mideas 000333sz takeover robotics maker kuka ku2gde sparked uproar tightened restrictions foreign investments launched push new europewide rules screening takeovers december germanys domestic intelligence agency infuriated beijing accused chinese counterparts using fake social media accounts gather information german politicians rare public rebuke berlin says intended send chinese message summit german chinese governments later year likely reveal tougher line berlin officials say also concede divisions within eu wide gap europe goitalone trump administration make difficult force change beijing daimler ag 6565 daignde xetra 018 027 daignde 000333sz ku2gde chinese really worried europe united states working together said german official sense trump really gift china reporting noah barkin editing simon robinson standards thomson reuters trust principles new york reuters 117 million verdict johnson amp johnson jnjn supplier favor man said asbestosrelated cancer caused longterm use jampjs baby powder could open new front thousands cases claiming widelyused product caused cancer legal experts plaintiffs lawyers said file photo bottles johnson amp johnson baby powder line drugstore shelf new york october 15 2015 reuterslucas jacksonfile photo jampj battling 6000 cases claiming baby powder shower shower products cause ovarian cancer 117 million verdict new jersey jury last week however involved different form cancer clearly linked asbestos plaintiffs lawyers claim internal jampj documents seen trial show baby powder contaminated asbestos plan use documents upcoming ovarian cancer trials allege asbestos contamination also caused form cancer jampj imerys talc america unit imerys sa imtppa vowed appeal new jersey verdict deny asbestos ever present products talc cause form cancer case stephen lanzo new jersey resident claimed developed mesothelioma using baby powder since birth 1972 first time jury saw internal jampj documents plaintiffs claim show jampj knew since 1970s talc baby powder contaminated asbestos mining process jampj says documents present evidence merely show companys caution peter bicks lawyer leading jampjs talc asbestos defense said early 1970s company looking could potentially remove asbestos talc two became intermingled mining process says contamination ever found citing decades testing independent laboratories scientists bicks called claims link talc asbestos junk science mesothelioma rare deadly form cancer closely associated exposure asbestos affects delicate tissue lines body cavities link asbestos mesothelioma sufficiently established scientists divided whether asbestos exposure cause ovarian cancer studies shown association two studies found link elizabeth burch holder charles h kirbo chair law university georgia said remained open question whether talc contained asbestos case would turn facts jampj 765 billion sales 2017 gives plaintiffs bar enticing new target said nathan schachtman lecturer columbia university used defend asbestos cases 3000 people diagnosed mesothelioma year according american cancer society number howard erichson law professor fordham university specializes mass tort litigation called significant legal standpoint johnson amp johnson 13062 jnjn new york stock exchange 019 015 jnjn imtppa roughly 22000 women diagnosed ovarian cancer last year according national cancer institute provide lawyers potentially much larger pool plaintiffs tap tip iceberg said mark lanier one lawyers representing consumers said plaintiffs would file thousands additional mesothelioma ovarian cancer cases new jerseybased jampj statement lanzo verdict said plaintiffs attorneys shifted strategy focus asbestos series losses trial court rulings previous allegations talc causes cancer six ovarian cancer trials date juries found jampj liable five times missouri appellate court threw first verdict california judge tossed another appeals cases pending jampj november also first trial allegations talc contained asbestos caused womans mesothelioma plaintiffs lawyers say jury case see documents presented lanzo trial erichson said widespread use jampjs consumer products generally make company attractive litigation target baby powder ubiquitous product think lots people testify theyve exposed said reporting tina bellon editing noeleen walder leslie adler standards thomson reuters trust principles atlanta reuters deadly slowmoving storms generated record nearrecord snowfall low temperatures us midwest tornadoes east sunday leaving airline travelers stranded thousands without power michigan snowfall expected reach 18 inches areas 310000 homes businesses without power ice storm southeast state large areas detroit without power customers expected back sunday night utility dte energy dten said working 90 percent outages restored tuesday dte spokeswoman carly getz said statement weight ice power lines coupled high winds caused 1000 power lines fall detroit wayne county dte said worst snow focused upper great lakes green bay wisconsin seeing second largest snowstorm ever 232 inches fell sunday afternoon national weather service said twin cities minneapolisst paul minnesota april monthly record snowfall 218 inches 55 cm surpassed saturday national weather service said two tornadoes tore trees ripped apart homes greensboro reidsville north carolina killing motorist hit tree according greensboros city manager local media reported slideshow 2 images storms stretched gulf coast midwest moving northeast new england record low temperatures date expected oklahoma city monday 30 degrees f 1 c kansas city missouri 25 f 4 c hurley said friday weather system produced 17 reports tornadoes arkansas louisiana missouri texas four people injured 160 buildings damaged possible tornado northwest arkansas local media reported dte energy co 10244 dten new york stock exchange 034 033 dten weather blamed two traffic deaths western nebraska wisconsin according national public radio storms also killed oneyearold girl tree fell recreational vehicle sleeping sheriffs office bossier parish louisiana said sunday night 1804 flights canceled us airports website flightawarecom reported including 148 flights minneapolisst paul airport reporting rich mckay atlanta additional reporting bernie woodall fort lauderdale fla andrew hay taos nm editing adrian croft peter cooney standards thomson reuters trust principles washington reuters former fbi director james comey said abc news interview sunday us president donald trump dangerous morally unfit leader tremendous damage institutional cultural norms comey fired trump may last year worried president may open blackmail russia given claims present prostitutes urinated 2013 moscow visit comeys firing came federal bureau investigation probing possible connections trumps 2016 presidential campaign russias meddling us election russia denied interfering election trump denied collusion improper activity comey said exclusive interview abc news george stephanopoulos aired 10 pm sunday possible dont know whether russia evidence back allegations trumps moscow trip trump told comey stayed overnight moscow hotel claims related prostitutes true comey said person talks treats women like theyre pieces meat lies constantly matters big small insists american people believe persons fit president united states moral grounds thats policy statement comey said morally unfit president added comey tellall book higher loyalty due tuesday books imminent release slated abc news interview prompted trump hurl new set insults comey earlier sunday challenging accusations made book insisting never pressed comey loyal slippery james comey man always ends badly whack smart go worst fbi director history far trump wrote early sunday one five twitter posts aimed directly comey reuters news outlets obtained copies comeys book formal release comey wrote trump private meeting pressed thenfbi director loyalty comey told abc news title book came bizarre conversation trump white house january 2017 shortly inauguration asked loyalty personally fbi director loyaltys supposed american people institution comey said interview fbi long tried operate independent law enforcement agency never asked comey personal loyalty hardly even knew guy another many lies trump said twitter comey crucial witness special counsel robert muellers investigation whether trump tried obstruct russia probe comey told abc news believes certainly evidence obstruction justice comey also defended decision publicly disclose fbis reopening investigation democratic presidential candidate hillary clintons handling email secretary state copy former fbi director james comeys book higher loyalty seen new york city new york us april 13 2018 reuterssoren larson clinton probe already public comey said whereas fbis examination possible collusion trump campaign russia early stages become publicly known 2016 presidential election despite myriad reservations trump comey told abc news believe us congress impeach would let american people hook something theyre duty bound directly people country need stand go voting booth vote values said us house representatives speaker paul ryan interviewed nbcs meet press sunday morning expressed qualified support comey asked whether comey man integrity republican speaker said far know added know well asked trumps use last week words slime ball describe comey ryan said dont use words like republican national committee chairwoman ronna mcdaniel said abc interview reaffirms comeys higher loyalty credibility president trump right follow bipartisan calls fired mcdaniel said statement slideshow 2 images refiles add dropped article book title paragraph 9 reporting amanda becker sarah lynch additional reporting richard cowan editing lisa shumaker peter cooney standards thomson reuters trust principles
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<p>3:30 a.m.</p>
<p>South Korean media say U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has promised to maintain a strong U.S. military readiness to help guard against any aggression from North Korea.</p>
<p>Yonhap news agency cites unidentified diplomatic officials in reporting discussions Trump had in a 10–minute telephone conversation with South Korean President Park Geun-hye. Yonhap says Trump told her that he agrees “100 percent” in hoping the two allies will further bolster their ties.</p>
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<p>Park’s office confirms Park and Trump talked by phone but hasn’t provided specifics on their conversation.</p>
<p>There have been worries in South Korea that a Trump presidency could bring a major shift in U.S. economic and diplomatic ties with Seoul. Trump has questioned the value of the U.S.-South Korea security alliance.</p>
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<p>3 a.m.</p>
<p>Hong Kong’s leader has congratulated Donald Trump on his U.S. election victory.</p>
<p>In a statement, Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying says the government of the semiautonomous southern Chinese financial hub “looks forward to further deepening our links with the U.S.”</p>
<p>In Leung’s words, “Hong Kong and the U.S. enjoy close economic and trade ties, the two places have also established close connections in various areas such as education, innovation, culture and tourism.”</p>
<p>Both Trump and Leung are wealthy businessmen with backgrounds in real estate.</p>
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<p>2:40 a.m.</p>
<p>Australia’s prime minister says he spoke with Donald Trump over the telephone and the U.S. president-elect agrees on the importance of the U.S. military alliance with Australia and the importance of the U.S. military presence to the security of the Asia-Pacific region.</p>
<p>Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says Trump “appreciates, honors” and “admires” the 65-year-old bilateral defense pact that requires the security partners to consult if either comes under attack but does not commit them to come to the other’s defense.</p>
<p>Turnbull would not say whether Trump plans to continue to increase the U.S. military buildup in Australia. He described their talk as “warm” and “very frank.”</p>
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<p>11:30 p.m.</p>
<p>Cuban President Raul Castro has congratulated Donald Trump on the election victory, in what appears to have been a terse message to the man who could roll back two years of detente.</p>
<p>In a single-sentence statement, Cuba’s foreign ministry says Castro “sent a message of congratulations to Mr. Donald J. Trump for his election as president of the United States.”</p>
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<p>10:40 p.m.</p>
<p>A militant group responsible for attacks on oil installations says Donald Trump’s election victory gives hope to minorities in the West African nation.</p>
<p>The Niger Delta Avengers group said on its website Wednesday that Trump’s “hard fought victory against world establishments” is hope for more than 30 million members of minority communities in the Niger Delta region who have fought over resources with the government and Islamic forces.</p>
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<p>9:40 p.m.</p>
<p>Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto says he has spoken with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to congratulate him and his family.</p>
<p>Pena Nieto says they agreed to meet during the transition period to discuss the U.S.-Mexico relationship.</p>
<p>He adds that it was a “cordial, friendly and respectful conversation.”</p>
<p>Pena Nieto said Wednesday in a brief televised address that when Mexico does well, so does the United States, and vice versa. He spoke of opening “new paths of cooperation and prosperity,” while promising to protect the rights and well-being of Mexicans everywhere.</p>
<p>Trump has vowed on the campaign trail to build a wall along the United States’ southern border and force Mexico to pay for it. He has also described migrants crossing the border illegally as criminals and rapists.</p>
<p>Trump met with Pena Nieto in late August in a surprise visit to Mexico City. Pena Nieto was widely criticized at the time for holding the meeting and for not confronting Trump more directly on the wall proposal and the candidate’s comments about Mexico.</p>
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<p>9:10 p.m.</p>
<p>Africa’s first elected female president is calling Hillary Clinton’s electoral defeat a “missed opportunity” to advance women’s rights.</p>
<p>In an interview with the BBC, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia said Wednesday she is “extremely saddened” by Clinton’s loss to Donald Trump, though she expects her West African nation to maintain good relations with the U.S.</p>
<p>Sirleaf was elected in 2005 as Liberia was emerging from 14 years of deadly civil conflict. As secretary of state, Clinton attended Sirleaf’s inauguration for a second term in 2012.</p>
<p>Liberia was founded by freed American slaves and is one of the U.S.’s closest allies on the continent.</p>
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<p>7:15 p.m.</p>
<p>Nicaragua’s leftist President Daniel Ortega has sent a congratulatory greeting to Donald Trump, saying he and his people “believe it is possible to work with the United States” on the world’s problems, “giving priority to peace.”</p>
<p>Ortega on Sunday celebrated an electoral victory of his own, winning a third consecutive term as leader of the Central American country.</p>
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<p>7 p.m.</p>
<p>Venezuela’s foreign ministry is congratulating Donald Trump on his win and saying it hopes he can advance “respectful bilateral political and diplomatic relations.”</p>
<p>It also expresses hopes that the new chapter will be marked by “respect for non-intervention in internal affairs.”</p>
<p>Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has repeatedly accused Washington of trying to overthrow the South American country’s government, a charge that has been rejected by State Department representatives</p>
<p>The two countries continue to engage in trade despite not having embassies in their respective capitals since 2010.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>6:30 p.m.</p>
<p>Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway don’t expect Donald Trump’s election win to affect their key relations with the United States.</p>
<p>Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila, a self-made millionaire, says he was surprised by the U.S. election result, saying the polls “got it pretty badly wrong about Brexit as well.”</p>
<p>Sipila said that U.S. relations for Finland, which shares a 1,300-kilometer (800-mile) border with Russia, are of “paramount” importance and that Trump’s victory wouldn’t mean a change in the non-aligned county’s defense policy, its close ties to NATO or Finnish-Russian relations.</p>
<p>In Sweden, Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said many people felt concerned about the U.S. election result, but that they had been “prepared” for it. He said Sweden has a long tradition of cooperation with U.S. governments “regardless of party political affiliations.”</p>
<p>Norway’s Prime Minister Erna Solberg congratulated Donald Trump, saying “the United States is our closest ally. It is decisive that we continue the cooperation.”</p>
<p>In Denmark, Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen “let’s give Donald Trump the benefit of the doubt.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>6:20 p.m.</p>
<p>Iran’s president says the historic nuclear deal between Iran and world powers “cannot be overturned by a single government.”</p>
<p>President Hassan Rouhani spoke Wednesday following the election of Donald Trump, a harsh critic of the deal, as U.S. president. Trump has suggested he would try to renegotiate the agreement under which Iran curbs its nuclear program in exchange for a gradual lifting of international sanctions.</p>
<p>In remarks on Iranian state TV, Rouhani says the international position of the United States has been weakened “due to its recent wrong policies.” He says the U.S. election results show that America’s “sickness and civil instability will persist for a long time.”</p>
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<p>6:15 p.m.</p>
<p>Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has congratulated Donald Trump, saying he is looking forward to continued support in his country’s fight against the extremist Islamic State group.</p>
<p>In a statement on his website, al-Abadi said Wednesday that he hopes the “world and the United States will continue support Iraq in fighting terrorism.” He says terrorism doesn’t threaten Iraq alone, but the whole world.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>6:10 p.m.</p>
<p>Mexico’s treasury chief says the country has been working to solidify its finances in preparation for external shocks such as the election of Donald Trump.</p>
<p>Treasury Secretary Jose Antonio Meade says Britain’s Brexit vote was one shock, the U.S. election result another and the Fed’s decision on interest rates in December is yet another possibility.</p>
<p>Meade told journalists that officials don’t plan any immediate moves to prop up the peso, which plunged about 9.5 percent after the U.S. election result due to fears Trump’s policies would slam the Mexican economy.</p>
<p>Meade says the state-owned oil company announced its new five-year plan the week before the election to send the message that it was not linked to the vote.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>5:55 p.m.</p>
<p>A German government spokesman says Chancellor Angela Merkel could meet Donald Trump before the G7 meeting in Italy in May.</p>
<p>Asked about the impact of Trump’s election win on ending the war in Ukraine, Steffen Seibert says Germany “will certainly stand by its policy on Russia.” The U.S. and the EU have slapped sanctions on Russia for backing separatists in eastern Ukraine.</p>
<p>Martin Schaefer, German foreign ministry spokesman, said the mood in Berlin ranges “from consternation to beyond.”</p>
<p>Stefanie Huppman, who works in Berlin, calls the U.S. election result “terrible. But every country gets the president it deserves.”</p>
<p>__</p>
<p>5:35 p.m.</p>
<p>Czech President Milos Zeman has welcomed Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential election, saying that proves Americans did not succumb to what he called “media manipulation.”</p>
<p>He says he appreciated Trump’s campaign because his message was “clear” though sometimes “rough.” Zeman, known for his strong anti-migrant rhetoric, said he shared Trump’s views on migration and the fight against the Islamic terrorism.</p>
<p>Zeman was among the several leaders in Central Europe, including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who endorsed Trump during the campaign.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>5:25 p.m.</p>
<p>Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida says Japan is working on building ties with Trump and his advisers so Tokyo is well-prepared in case of any policy changes under his presidency.</p>
<p>Kishida says on TV it’s still unclear how Trump’s policy and his political leadership will affect Japan, and it may “require our flexible response.” Trump has said Japan should pay more for American troops stationed in Japan under the bilateral security pact or pull them out.</p>
<p>Kishida says Japan is still trying to understand how important the Asia-Pacific region is to Trump.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>5:15 p.m.</p>
<p>Poland’s former president and Solidarity founder Lech Walesa says Donald Trump has good intentions and sees the people’s discontent but has no policy plan.</p>
<p>Asked if Trump as U.S. president poses any threat, Walesa said the “threat lies in the fact that he is really unprepared. He has good intentions. He sees that people are dissatisfied. But, in my opinion he has no solutions.”</p>
<p>He said Trump won because people are “tired of old structures, of old politicians” and said that capitalism and democracy still need improvement.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>5:10 p.m.</p>
<p>Poland’s President Andrzej Duda has congratulated Donald Trump and reminded him of the important “strategic partnership” shared by their two nations, including the pledge to send troops to NATO’s eastern flank.</p>
<p>Poland’s populist leadership shares a number of ideological similarities with Trump. Yet there is anxiety in Poland that a Trump presidency could leave the region more vulnerable to a resurgent Russia given Trump’s repeated praise for Russian President Vladimir Putin and suggestions by Trump that the U.S. might not protect its NATO allies if they are attacked.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>5:05 p.m.</p>
<p>An analyst says U.S. foreign policy will now depend on Donald Trump’s key appointments and the extent to which the U.S. foreign policy establishment can exert a restraining influence on them.</p>
<p>Evan Laksmana at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Jakarta, Indonesia, says “even if he did only half of what he promised in foreign affairs, he could do a serious amount of damage in a short time.”</p>
<p>Within Asia, Japan and South Korea won’t accept Chinese predominance, he said, and would become independently more assertive if their alliances with the U.S. weakened. Also weaker states in Southeast Asia might slip further within China’s orbit if the U.S. is not involved in the region.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>4:55 p.m.</p>
<p>The Philippines’ foul-mouthed president has welcomed Donald Trump’s election victory, calling him a fellow curser.</p>
<p>Rodrigo Duterte, during a visit to Malaysia on Wednesday, says “Long live Mr. Trump! We both curse at the slightest reason. We are alike.”</p>
<p>Duterte has previously told President Barack Obama in the past to “go to hell” and criticized U.S. officials for expressing concern about his brutal crackdown on illegal drug sellers and users.</p>
<p>Philippine officials said Wednesday that Duterte has decided to reduce the number of joint military exercises with the United States.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>4:40 p.m.</p>
<p>Macedonia’s president has congratulated Donald Trump on his election, saying the small Balkan country counts on U.S. help in joining NATO and the 28-nation European Union.</p>
<p>President Gjorge Ivanov says U.S. support is of “vital importance” for Macedonian and other Balkan countries to join the international organizations.</p>
<p>Macedonia’s bid for EU accession has been frozen pending calls from Brussels for police and judiciary reforms, and for greater press freedom. Its hopes of becoming a NATO member have been blocked by neighboring Greece, due to a festering dispute over Macedonia’s name.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>4:30 p.m.</p>
<p>European Council President Donald Tusk says the election of Donald Trump has brought uncertainty and poses new challenges for trans-Atlantic ties.</p>
<p>Tusk told reporters in Brussels on Wednesday that “while respecting the democratic choice of the American people, we are the same time aware of the new challenges that these results bring.”</p>
<p>He spoke of a “moment of uncertainty over the future of our trans-Atlantic relations”</p>
<p>Tusk added “the EU is a strong and reliable partner and will remain so. We expect the same from America and its new president.”</p>
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<p>4:25 p.m.</p>
<p>The favorite in Moldova’s presidential election has praised Donald Trump for winning the U.S. presidential race as a victory over “the Liberal orgy.”</p>
<p>Igor Dodon, who paints himself as a traditional Moldovan family man and wants closer relations with Russia, said Wednesday he liked Trump because “he is a supporter of Christian values.”</p>
<p>Trump has been divorced twice and has children from three different wives.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>4:15 p.m.</p>
<p>Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has vowed to work with President-elect Donald Trump “in a positive way.”</p>
<p>Trudeau told students in Ottawa that he will work with Trump not just for Canadians and Americans “but for the whole world.”</p>
<p>The prospect of Americans moving to Canada after Trump’s win drew so much online interest it temporarily knocked out Canada’s immigration website. Internet searches for “move to Canada” spiked Tuesday night as election returns favored Trump. “Canada” was a leading U.S. trend on Twitter.</p>
<p>The website for Citizenship and Immigration Canada went down due to a surge in traffic. Andree-Lyne Halle, a spokeswoman for Trudeau, said staff worked throughout the night to resolve the issue.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>4 p.m.</p>
<p>U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says the United Nations will count on Donald Trump’s administration to strengthen international cooperation to meet today’s global challenges.</p>
<p>Ban said the U.N. hopes to work with his U.S. government “to uphold shared ideals, combat climate change, advance human rights, promote mutual understanding” and implement U.N. goals for 2030.</p>
<p>Ban says after “a hard-fought and often divisive campaign, it is worth recalling and reaffirming that the unity in diversity of the United States is one of the country’s greatest strengths.”</p>
<p>Ban also praised Hillary Clinton “for a lifetime commitment to peace, the advancement of women and the well-being of children.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>3:50 p.m.</p>
<p>Donald Trump’s victory has given moral support to anti-establishment movements in Italy riding a wave of discontent over the migrant crisis and the stodgy economic recovery.</p>
<p>The head of Italy’s anti-migrant anti-EU Northern League, Matteo Salvini, said Trump’s victory “signaled epochal changes,” and he set his sights immediately on leader Matteo Renzi, who faces a critical test in a referendum on constitutional reforms next month.</p>
<p>The Northern League has been keen to form alliances with far-right parties across Europe. Salvini, who is meeting with Russian lawmakers next week in Moscow, says Trump “has taught us that who has courage wins.”</p>
<p>The head of the anti-establishment 5-Star movement, Beppe Grillo, says “Trump represents the point of no return of a world that is changing.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>3:35 p.m.</p>
<p>European Union foreign ministers will hold a special meeting on Sunday to assess the election of Donald Trump as U.S. president and what it means for trans-Atlantic relations.</p>
<p>The 28 EU foreign ministers are set to meet with foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini for a dinner in Brussels. European leaders have been fearful that Trump would lead an isolationist and protectionist course, undermining the cornerstones of trans-Atlantic cooperation.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>3:20 p.m.</p>
<p>Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on his victory and the American people for their democracy.</p>
<p>Lagos-based SBM Intelligence risk analysts say the uncertainty generated by Trump’s win should be good for Nigeria, the African oil giant, since it will weaken the U.S. dollar.</p>
<p>Not everyone in Nigeria embraced Trump. At an election watch party organized by the U.S. Embassy in Lagos, Nigerian artist Nike Davies-Okundaye called Hillary Clinton “my hero.” As Clinton’s loss became apparent, people pulled down the red, blue and white balloons and began popping them in disappointment</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>2:55 p.m.</p>
<p>The residents of Melania Trump’s home town in Slovenia are hoping the future U.S. First Lady will come to visit together with her husband.</p>
<p>U.S. flags could be seen in the industrial town of Sevnica on Wednesday as the news came in of Donald Trump winning the U.S. presidency.</p>
<p>Sevnica mayor Srecko Ocvirk says he doesn’t expect Melania Trump to come any time soon but “I expect her to visit Sevnica later.”</p>
<p>Melania Trump’s childhood neighbor, Mirjana Jelancic, says she is happy for her friend. She says “it was part of her dreams and we are happy if she succeeds.”</p>
<p>Melania Trump, 46, was born Melanija Knavs in Sevnica. She left Slovenia in her 20s’ to pursue an international modelling career.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>2:45 p.m.</p>
<p>Bosnia is divided over Donald Trump’s presidential victory in the U.S., with the country’s Serbs welcoming it while Muslim Bosniaks and Bosnian Croats are disappointed with Hillary Clinton’s defeat.</p>
<p>The division is mainly based on the role former U.S. President Bill Clinton’s administration had in ending Bosnia’s devastating 1992-95 war, which took over 100,000 lives and included a four-year siege of Sarajevo.</p>
<p>Vitomir Blagojevic, a Bosnian Serb from Pale, said “I am really glad that he won.”</p>
<p>But in Sarajevo, Kemal Hadzibegic, a Muslim Bosniak, described Trump as “raw.”</p>
<p>“We were in favor of Clinton,” he said. “We trusted her more. This is a real surprise for us, but also for everyone else.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>2:30 p.m.</p>
<p>Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders says, in a reaction to Donald Trump’s U.S. presidential win, “we will judge him on his actions.”</p>
<p>Koenders, of the center-left Labor Party, says during the U.S. campaign “Trump made statements that were at odds with how we like to see our society and world order,” citing Trump comments about U.S. relationships with NATO, Russia and the European Union.</p>
<p>But the Dutch minister says it’s important for the Netherlands’ close relationship with the United States to continue since “we are facing global challenges such as climate change and the fight against terrorism.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>2:20 p.m.</p>
<p>Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto is congratulating the U.S. on its election — though not directly winner Donald Trump, who alarmed many by describing Mexican migrants as murderers and rapists.</p>
<p>Pena Nieto has sent a series of tweets repeating his readiness to work with Trump “in favor of the bilateral relationship.” He says Mexico and the U.S. “are friends, partners and allies who should continue collaborating for the competitiveness and development of North America.”</p>
<p>The value of Mexico’s peso currency plunged sharply after the election of Trump, who has denounced the North American Free Trade Agreement.</p>
<p>Mexican Treasury Secretary Jose Antonio Meade urged against “premature reactions.” He said the election result won’t immediately affect trade and said Mexico “is in a position of strength” to face whatever may come. ___</p>
<p>2:15 p.m.</p>
<p>Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev says the election of Republican Donald Trump as U.S. president offers an opportunity to repair ties between Moscow and Washington.</p>
<p>The Interfax news agency reported Gorbachev as saying “under a new president of the U.S. the Russian-American relationship could get significantly better. I am convinced it is essential now to go straight into a two-way dialogue at the highest level.”</p>
<p>The 85-year-old Gorbachev was admitted to a hospital Wednesday for what Russian media reported was a planned pacemaker.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>2:05 p.m.</p>
<p>Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has congratulated businessman Donald Trump on being elected U.S. president, calling his win “historic.”</p>
<p>The Pakistani leader says Wednesday that Trump’s election “is indeed the triumph of the American people and their enduring faith in the ideals of democracy, freedom, human rights and free enterprise.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>2 p.m.</p>
<p>Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka says Americans have voted for a change in a democratic ballot and says in a tweet that “we respect that and take it pragmatically.”</p>
<p>Sobotka noted one thing about President-elect Donald Trump’s election, saying “unlike some of his predecessors, Trump at least knows where the Czech Republic is located.”</p>
<p>Trump’s first wife, Ivana, is of Czech origin.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>1:50 p.m.</p>
<p>Despite being worried about an increased Russian military presence, the Baltic nations are still congratulating America’s new leader, Donald Trump.</p>
<p>Tensions grew during the U.S. presidential election campaign when Trump floated the idea that NATO members’ defense spending targets would be a prerequisite for the U.S. to defend a NATO ally.</p>
<p>Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite says “the people of the U.S. have made a decision, we will respect their choice.”</p>
<p>In Latvia, President Raimonds Vejonis is looking forward “to close relations with the new U.S. administration” while the new Estonian president, Kersti Kaljulaid, said the United States “will also continue to be one of Estonia’s most important allies.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>1:40 p.m.</p>
<p>The leaders of the nationalist Alternative for Germany party, which campaigns against Chancellor Angela Merkel’s refugee policy, have welcomed Donald Trump’s presidential victory.</p>
<p>Party co-leader Frauke Petry says “it was high time that people disenfranchised by the political establishment get their voice back” in the U.S. Petry said Trump’s victory offered the chance to “readjust the trans-Atlantic relationship and end the big conflicts in Ukraine and Syria jointly with Russia.”</p>
<p>Fellow party leader Joerg Meuthen says “the establishment now has to recognize that you can’t rule past the population for long … Trump has rightly been rewarded for his bravery in standing up against the system and speaking uncomfortable truths.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>1:30 p.m.</p>
<p>International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach is offering his congratulations to Donald Trump after his victory in the U.S. presidential election and wishes him “all the best” for his term in office.</p>
<p>Trump’s victory over Hillary Clinton comes as Los Angeles is bidding to host the 2024 Olympics. Trump’s statements during the campaign about Mexicans, Muslims and building a wall along the Mexican border may not help the California city’s Olympic case with some IOC members.</p>
<p>Los Angeles is competing against Paris and Budapest, Hungary. The IOC will select the host city in September 2017.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>1:20 p.m.</p>
<p>Italy’s premier has offered his congratulations to Donald Trump, brushing aside political differences, following his repeated public endorsements of Hillary Clinton.</p>
<p>Premier Matteo Renzi says Wednesday “in the name of Italy, I congratulate the president of the United States and wish him well in his work, convinced that the Italian-American friendship remains strong and solid.”</p>
<p>Renzi faces his own political reckoning next month with a constitutional referendum that has mobilized opposition as well as party dissidents against him. A no vote is likely to force at least a government shuffling, if not a new election.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>1:10 p.m.</p>
<p>Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he hopes Donald Trump’s election as president marks a new era in the United States that he hopes will lead to “beneficial” steps for fundamental rights, liberties and democracy in the world.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>12:50 p.m.</p>
<p>Environmentalists and climate scientists are alarmed over the election of a U.S. president who has called global warming a “hoax.”</p>
<p>Donald Trump’s win has raised questions about whether America, once again, would pull out of an international climate deal. Many said it’s now up to the rest of the world to lead efforts to rein in greenhouse gas emissions, while others held out hope that Trump would change his stance on climate change and honor U.S. commitments under last year’s landmark Paris Agreement.</p>
<p>Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine says Wednesday that as ” I expect he will realize that climate change is a threat to his people and to whole countries which share seas with the U.S.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>12:45 p.m.</p>
<p>Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says his country will work “as closely as ever” with the United States under Donald Trump’s new administration.</p>
<p>He says “politicians and governments, congressmen, senators, prime ministers, presidents come and go according to the will of the people of Australia and the United States, but the bond between our two nations, our shared common interests, our shared national interests are so strong, are so committed.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>12:40 p.m.</p>
<p>French President Francois Hollande says the election of Donald Trump “opens a period of uncertainty. It must be faced with lucidity and clarity.”</p>
<p>In brief remarks, Hollande congratulated Trump “as is natural between two heads of state,” but showed little enthusiasm. Hollande had openly endorsed Hillary Clinton.</p>
<p>Hollande said “certain positions taken by Donald Trump during the American campaign must be confronted.” He says “what is at stake is peace, the fight against terrorism, the situation in the Middle East. It is economic relations and the preservation of the planet.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>12:30 p.m.</p>
<p>The Taliban have called on Donald Trump to withdraw all U.S. forces from Afghanistan once he takes office as president.</p>
<p>In a statement sent to The Associated Press, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Wednesday that a Trump administration “should allow Afghans to become a free nation and have relationships with other countries based on non-interference in each other’s affairs.”</p>
<p>The Afghan conflict is in its 16th year. The Taliban have spread their footprint across Afghanistan in the two years since most international combat troops withdrew.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>12:25 p.m.</p>
<p>Chinese President Xi Jinping has conveyed his congratulations to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, saying he looked forward to working with Trump on promoting ties in a “constructive” way that avoids conflict and confrontation.</p>
<p>During his campaign, Trump accused China of illegally subsidizing exports, manipulating its currency and stealing intellectual property.</p>
<p>State broadcaster CCTV reported Wednesday that Xi said the two biggest economies in the world shouldered a “special and important responsibility in upholding world peace.”</p>
<p>Xi says: “I highly value China-U.S. relations and am looking forward to working with you to expand cooperation in all fields.” He says he expects they would “manage differences in a constructive way.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>12:15 p.m.</p>
<p>Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has sent a message of congratulations to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, saying “the American people have spoken, and they have spoken clearly.”</p>
<p>Kenyatta says Wednesday “the ties that bind Kenya and the United States of America are close and strong. They are old, and based in the values that we hold dear: in democracy, in the rule of law, and in the equality of peoples.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>12:05 p.m.</p>
<p>The president of Slovenia — small Alpine nation that is the home country of future U.S. First Lady Melania Trump — says he hopes relations with the U.S. will further improve during Donald Trump’s presidency.</p>
<p>President Boris Pahor says Wednesday “we are allied as part of NATO and I will strive for the friendship and the alliance to deepen further.”</p>
<p>Melania Trump was born as Melanija Knavs in the industrial Slovenian town of Sevnica before working internationally as a model.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>12:01 p.m.</p>
<p>The Vatican’s first reaction to the election of Donald Trump has focused on its wish for global peace.</p>
<p>Pope Francis pope did not mention the U.S. elections during his Wednesday audience, but secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, offered Trump congratulations in a statement to Vatican Radio that “his government can be truly fruitful.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>11:55 a.m.</p>
<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin says Moscow is ready to try to restore good relations with the United States in the wake of the election of Donald Trump.</p>
<p>Putin said Wednesday at a ceremony accepting the credentials of new ambassadors that “we aware that it is a difficult path, in view of the unfortunate degradation of relations between the Russian Federation and the United States.”</p>
<p>Putin says “it is not our fault that Russian-American relations are in such a state.”</p>
<p>Earlier, the Kremlin said Putin sent Trump a telegram of congratulation, expressing “his hope to work together for removing Russian-American relations from their crisis state.”</p>
<p>____</p>
<p>11:45 a.m.</p>
<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has congratulated Donald Trump, calling him a “true friend of the State of Israel.”</p>
<p>Netanyahu said Wednesday he believes the two leaders “will continue to strengthen the unique alliance between our two countries and bring it to ever greater heights.”</p>
<p>Earlier, Education Minister Naftali Bennett, said Tump’s victory means that “the era of a Palestinian state is over.” The Palestinians want a state in lands Israel captured in 1967.</p>
<p>Netanyahu has said he is willing to negotiate a border deal, but has pressed ahead with Jewish settlement expansion on war-won land.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>11:40 a.m.</p>
<p>Without commenting directly on Donald Trump’s election, China’s government says Beijing hopes to work with the new U.S. administration to build sustainable ties and expressed confidence the two countries can handle trade disputes maturely.</p>
<p>Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters in Beijing on Wednesday that China is “looking forward to making concerted efforts with the new U.S. government to ensure the sustainable, steady and sound development of bilateral relations” to benefit both countries’ people and the world.</p>
<p>Asked about U.S. voters’ anger about economic losses blamed on Chinese exports, Lu said only that the two countries had established ways to deal with trade disputes.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>11:20 a.m.</p>
<p>German Chancellor Angela Merkel has offered President-elect Donald Trump “close cooperation” on the basis of shared trans-Atlantic values that she says include respect for human dignity regardless of people’s origin, gender or religion.</p>
<p>Merkel told reporters in Berlin on Wednesday that the campaign which ended in Trump’s victory featured “confrontations that were difficult to bear.”</p>
<p>Merkel stressed Germany’s close historical connection with the United States. She said: “Germany and America are connected by values: democracy, freedom, respect for the law and for the dignity of human beings, independently of origin, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or political views.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>11:15 a.m.</p>
<p>A top official in South Sudan has welcomed the election victory of Donald Trump.</p>
<p>South Sudan’s Minister of Information and government spokesman Michael Makuei says Trump “will be better after all” for his nation. Makeui says “I really doubt President Obama had any clear policy to South Sudan other than to destroy it. “</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>11:10 a.m.</p>
<p>Cambodia’s long-serving authoritarian prime minister Hun Sen has congratulated Donald Trump on his U.S. presidential election victory.</p>
<p>Hun Sen has kept a tight grip on Cambodian politics for three decades by silencing critics with lawsuits, intimidation and other tactics.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>11:05 a.m.</p>
<p>European Union leaders have invited U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to come visit the 28-nation bloc as possible to assess trans-Atlantic ties.</p>
<p>With “sincere congratulations,” EU Council President Donald Tusk and his Commission counterpart Jean-Claude Juncker said that, despite Trump’s campaign talk of protectionism and isolationism, both sides “should consolidate the bridges we have been building across the Atlantic.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>10:50 a.m.</p>
<p>Indonesia’s president Joko “Jokowi” Widodo says the world’s most populous Muslim nation will work with Donald Trump’s new U.S. administration.</p>
<p>He says “we will keep good relations, especially in trade and investment as we know the U.S. is one of Indonesia’s major investors.</p>
<p>But, Komaruddin Hidayat, a noted Indonesian Islamic scholar, says Trump’s election as U.S. president is “shocking” for many people in Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim nation. Hidayat says Trump has signaled backing for ultra-nationalist, isolationist and protectionist policies that could be harmful.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>4:35 a.m.</p>
<p>Donald Trump’s surprise triumph dealt a blow to online betting sites, some of which had paid out winnings prematurely to gamblers backing Hillary Clinton.</p>
<p>Irish bookmaker Paddy Power says it lost about 5 million euros ($5.5 million) in what the Dublin-based business called its “biggest political payout ever.”</p>
<p>Company spokesman Feilim Mac An Iomaire said Wednesday: “we decided to put our neck on the line by paying out early on Hillary Clinton, but boy did we get it wrong. We’ve been well and truly thumped by Trump.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>4:30 a.m.</p>
<p>British Prime Minister Theresa May has congratulated U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, saying the two countries will remain “strong and close partners on trade, security and defense.”</p>
<p>May said Trump had won after “a hard-fought campaign.”</p>
<p>May, who took office after British voters delivered a shock to the establishment by deciding to leave the European Union, declined to comment on rival candidates Trump and Hillary Clinton while the U.S. race was on.</p>
<p>On Wednesday, she stressed the enduring trans-Atlantic “special relationship, based on the values of freedom, democracy and enterprise.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>4:25 a.m.</p>
<p>Egypt’s president has congratulated Donald Trump on winning the U.S. presidential election, saying Cairo wants to see more “cooperation and coordination” between the two nations to bolster stability and peace in the Middle East.</p>
<p>President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi telephoned Trump to offer his congratulations and invited him to visit Egypt. Cairo receives more than $1 billion dollars annually in U.S. military and economic aid.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>4:15 a.m.</p>
<p>NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg says he’s looking forward to working with U.S. president-elect Donald Trump and that U.S. leadership is vital to the world’s biggest military alliance.</p>
<p>Stoltenberg said Wednesday that “it is important that the Trans-Atlantic bond remains strong” and that “U.S. leadership is as important as ever.”</p>
<p>Trump has criticized many allies for not paying their fair share of the NATO budget.</p>
<p>Stoltenberg said he looks forward to welcoming Trump at next Spring’s NATO summit in Brussels.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>4 a.m.</p>
<p>Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. election is being viewed with shock and revulsion in Ireland.</p>
<p>The country is close to the Clintons and fearful of Trump’s campaign pledge to confront U.S. companies using Ireland as a tax shelter.</p>
<p>The Irish Times branded the New York businessman a “misogynistic racist liar” who would fan instability overseas and intolerance at home.</p>
<p>Irish Times columnist Fintan O’Toole wrote Wednesday: “The republic of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Roosevelt is now the United Hates of America.”</p>
<p>“President Trump is the creation of the same demographic that gave Europe its far-right authoritarian movements with such disastrous consequences for the world,” he wrote.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>3:50 a.m.</p>
<p>Turkey’s prime minister has called on Donald Trump to extradite a U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen — blamed by Ankara for the failed coup in July — as soon as he is sworn in.</p>
<p>Binali Yildirim also said Wednesday that he hoped that the new leadership in the United States would take into consideration Turkey’s “sensitivities concerning the fight against terrorism,” give priority to policies that would bring peace and stability to the region.</p>
<p>Ties between the two allies have been strained over perceptions in Turkey that the United States is reluctant to arrest and extradite Gulen.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>3:40 a.m.</p>
<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Donald Trump in a message posted on Twitter. Modi tweeted that “we appreciate the friendship you have articulated toward India.”</p>
<p>Trump had reached out to Indian-American voters at a rally in New Jersey in mid-October, praising Modi and vowing to defeat terrorism.</p>
<p>In the Indian capital, some right-wing Hindu nationalists from the group Hindu Sena celebrated Trump’s victory.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>3:20 a.m.</p>
<p>Hungary’s prime minister says Donald Trump’s victory is “great news” and shows “democracy is still alive.”</p>
<p>Prime Minister Viktor Orban has been often criticized by the United States, including by Hillary Clinton, for weakening the democratic system of checks and balances. Orban last year built fences on Hungary’s southern borders to stop the flow of migrants heading toward Western Europe.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>3:15 a.m.</p>
<p>The European Union’s foreign policy chief says that the trans-Atlantic ties with the United States go beyond the election of Donald Trump.</p>
<p>Federica Mogherini said Wednesday in a Twitter message that “EU-US ties are deeper than any change in politics. We’ll continue to work together, rediscovering the strength of Europe.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>3 a.m.</p>
<p>Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says he “congratulates the elected American president, Donald Trump, and hopes that peace will be achieved during his term.”</p>
<p>An Abbas aide, Saeb Erekat, said Wednesday he doesn’t expect U.S. positions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to change under Trump. Erekat said the Republican and Democratic parties are both committed to a two-state solution of the conflict.</p>
<p>The Palestinians want to establish a state in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem, lands Israel captured in 1967.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>2:35 a.m.</p>
<p>Russia’s lower house of parliament is applauding the election of Donald Trump as the next U.S. president.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>2:15 a.m.</p>
<p>Dutch anti-Islam populist lawmaker Geert Wilders has tweeted his congratulations to Donald Trump.</p>
<p>Wilders, whose Freedom Party is riding high in opinion polls ahead of Dutch elections due in March, calls Trump’s win in the presidential election “A historic victory! A revolution.” Looking ahead to the Dutch vote, Wilders finished his tweet: “We also will give our country back to the people of the Netherlands.”</p>
<p>Wilders is known for his strident anti-Islam rhetoric and opposition to the Netherlands’ European Union membership.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>1:10 a.m.</p>
<p>The first French presidential candidate to comment on the U.S. election was populist, anti-immigrant politician Marine Le Pen, congratulating Trump even before the final results were known.</p>
<p>Le Pen, hoping to ride anti-establishment sentiment to victory in April-May French presidential elections, tweeted her support to the “American people, free!”</p>
<p>French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said France would continue to work with the new president whoever wins but warned “We don’t want a world where egoism triumphs.” France’s Socialist government had openly endorsed Clinton.</p>
<p>_</p>
| false | 2 |
330 south korean media say us presidentelect donald trump promised maintain strong us military readiness help guard aggression north korea yonhap news agency cites unidentified diplomatic officials reporting discussions trump 10minute telephone conversation south korean president park geunhye yonhap says trump told agrees 100 percent hoping two allies bolster ties advertisement parks office confirms park trump talked phone hasnt provided specifics conversation worries south korea trump presidency could bring major shift us economic diplomatic ties seoul trump questioned value ussouth korea security alliance ___ 3 hong kongs leader congratulated donald trump us election victory statement chief executive leung chunying says government semiautonomous southern chinese financial hub looks forward deepening links us leungs words hong kong us enjoy close economic trade ties two places also established close connections various areas education innovation culture tourism trump leung wealthy businessmen backgrounds real estate advertisement ___ 240 australias prime minister says spoke donald trump telephone us presidentelect agrees importance us military alliance australia importance us military presence security asiapacific region prime minister malcolm turnbull says trump appreciates honors admires 65yearold bilateral defense pact requires security partners consult either comes attack commit come others defense turnbull would say whether trump plans continue increase us military buildup australia described talk warm frank ___ 1130 pm cuban president raul castro congratulated donald trump election victory appears terse message man could roll back two years detente singlesentence statement cubas foreign ministry says castro sent message congratulations mr donald j trump election president united states ___ 1040 pm militant group responsible attacks oil installations says donald trumps election victory gives hope minorities west african nation niger delta avengers group said website wednesday trumps hard fought victory world establishments hope 30 million members minority communities niger delta region fought resources government islamic forces ___ 940 pm mexican president enrique pena nieto says spoken us presidentelect donald trump congratulate family pena nieto says agreed meet transition period discuss usmexico relationship adds cordial friendly respectful conversation pena nieto said wednesday brief televised address mexico well united states vice versa spoke opening new paths cooperation prosperity promising protect rights wellbeing mexicans everywhere trump vowed campaign trail build wall along united states southern border force mexico pay also described migrants crossing border illegally criminals rapists trump met pena nieto late august surprise visit mexico city pena nieto widely criticized time holding meeting confronting trump directly wall proposal candidates comments mexico ___ 910 pm africas first elected female president calling hillary clintons electoral defeat missed opportunity advance womens rights interview bbc president ellen johnson sirleaf liberia said wednesday extremely saddened clintons loss donald trump though expects west african nation maintain good relations us sirleaf elected 2005 liberia emerging 14 years deadly civil conflict secretary state clinton attended sirleafs inauguration second term 2012 liberia founded freed american slaves one uss closest allies continent ___ 715 pm nicaraguas leftist president daniel ortega sent congratulatory greeting donald trump saying people believe possible work united states worlds problems giving priority peace ortega sunday celebrated electoral victory winning third consecutive term leader central american country ___ 7 pm venezuelas foreign ministry congratulating donald trump win saying hopes advance respectful bilateral political diplomatic relations also expresses hopes new chapter marked respect nonintervention internal affairs venezuelan president nicolas maduro repeatedly accused washington trying overthrow south american countrys government charge rejected state department representatives two countries continue engage trade despite embassies respective capitals since 2010 ___ 630 pm finland sweden denmark norway dont expect donald trumps election win affect key relations united states finnish prime minister juha sipila selfmade millionaire says surprised us election result saying polls got pretty badly wrong brexit well sipila said us relations finland shares 1300kilometer 800mile border russia paramount importance trumps victory wouldnt mean change nonaligned countys defense policy close ties nato finnishrussian relations sweden prime minister stefan lofven said many people felt concerned us election result prepared said sweden long tradition cooperation us governments regardless party political affiliations norways prime minister erna solberg congratulated donald trump saying united states closest ally decisive continue cooperation denmark prime minister lars loekke rasmussen lets give donald trump benefit doubt ___ 620 pm irans president says historic nuclear deal iran world powers overturned single government president hassan rouhani spoke wednesday following election donald trump harsh critic deal us president trump suggested would try renegotiate agreement iran curbs nuclear program exchange gradual lifting international sanctions remarks iranian state tv rouhani says international position united states weakened due recent wrong policies says us election results show americas sickness civil instability persist long time ___ 615 pm iraqi prime minister haider alabadi congratulated donald trump saying looking forward continued support countrys fight extremist islamic state group statement website alabadi said wednesday hopes world united states continue support iraq fighting terrorism says terrorism doesnt threaten iraq alone whole world ___ 610 pm mexicos treasury chief says country working solidify finances preparation external shocks election donald trump treasury secretary jose antonio meade says britains brexit vote one shock us election result another feds decision interest rates december yet another possibility meade told journalists officials dont plan immediate moves prop peso plunged 95 percent us election result due fears trumps policies would slam mexican economy meade says stateowned oil company announced new fiveyear plan week election send message linked vote ___ 555 pm german government spokesman says chancellor angela merkel could meet donald trump g7 meeting italy may asked impact trumps election win ending war ukraine steffen seibert says germany certainly stand policy russia us eu slapped sanctions russia backing separatists eastern ukraine martin schaefer german foreign ministry spokesman said mood berlin ranges consternation beyond stefanie huppman works berlin calls us election result terrible every country gets president deserves __ 535 pm czech president milos zeman welcomed donald trumps victory us presidential election saying proves americans succumb called media manipulation says appreciated trumps campaign message clear though sometimes rough zeman known strong antimigrant rhetoric said shared trumps views migration fight islamic terrorism zeman among several leaders central europe including hungarian prime minister viktor orban endorsed trump campaign ___ 525 pm japanese foreign minister fumio kishida says japan working building ties trump advisers tokyo wellprepared case policy changes presidency kishida says tv still unclear trumps policy political leadership affect japan may require flexible response trump said japan pay american troops stationed japan bilateral security pact pull kishida says japan still trying understand important asiapacific region trump ___ 515 pm polands former president solidarity founder lech walesa says donald trump good intentions sees peoples discontent policy plan asked trump us president poses threat walesa said threat lies fact really unprepared good intentions sees people dissatisfied opinion solutions said trump people tired old structures old politicians said capitalism democracy still need improvement ___ 510 pm polands president andrzej duda congratulated donald trump reminded important strategic partnership shared two nations including pledge send troops natos eastern flank polands populist leadership shares number ideological similarities trump yet anxiety poland trump presidency could leave region vulnerable resurgent russia given trumps repeated praise russian president vladimir putin suggestions trump us might protect nato allies attacked ___ 505 pm analyst says us foreign policy depend donald trumps key appointments extent us foreign policy establishment exert restraining influence evan laksmana centre strategic international studies jakarta indonesia says even half promised foreign affairs could serious amount damage short time within asia japan south korea wont accept chinese predominance said would become independently assertive alliances us weakened also weaker states southeast asia might slip within chinas orbit us involved region ___ 455 pm philippines foulmouthed president welcomed donald trumps election victory calling fellow curser rodrigo duterte visit malaysia wednesday says long live mr trump curse slightest reason alike duterte previously told president barack obama past go hell criticized us officials expressing concern brutal crackdown illegal drug sellers users philippine officials said wednesday duterte decided reduce number joint military exercises united states ___ 440 pm macedonias president congratulated donald trump election saying small balkan country counts us help joining nato 28nation european union president gjorge ivanov says us support vital importance macedonian balkan countries join international organizations macedonias bid eu accession frozen pending calls brussels police judiciary reforms greater press freedom hopes becoming nato member blocked neighboring greece due festering dispute macedonias name ___ 430 pm european council president donald tusk says election donald trump brought uncertainty poses new challenges transatlantic ties tusk told reporters brussels wednesday respecting democratic choice american people time aware new challenges results bring spoke moment uncertainty future transatlantic relations tusk added eu strong reliable partner remain expect america new president ___ 425 pm favorite moldovas presidential election praised donald trump winning us presidential race victory liberal orgy igor dodon paints traditional moldovan family man wants closer relations russia said wednesday liked trump supporter christian values trump divorced twice children three different wives ___ 415 pm canadian prime minister justin trudeau vowed work presidentelect donald trump positive way trudeau told students ottawa work trump canadians americans whole world prospect americans moving canada trumps win drew much online interest temporarily knocked canadas immigration website internet searches move canada spiked tuesday night election returns favored trump canada leading us trend twitter website citizenship immigration canada went due surge traffic andreelyne halle spokeswoman trudeau said staff worked throughout night resolve issue ___ 4 pm un secretarygeneral ban kimoon says united nations count donald trumps administration strengthen international cooperation meet todays global challenges ban said un hopes work us government uphold shared ideals combat climate change advance human rights promote mutual understanding implement un goals 2030 ban says hardfought often divisive campaign worth recalling reaffirming unity diversity united states one countrys greatest strengths ban also praised hillary clinton lifetime commitment peace advancement women wellbeing children ___ 350 pm donald trumps victory given moral support antiestablishment movements italy riding wave discontent migrant crisis stodgy economic recovery head italys antimigrant antieu northern league matteo salvini said trumps victory signaled epochal changes set sights immediately leader matteo renzi faces critical test referendum constitutional reforms next month northern league keen form alliances farright parties across europe salvini meeting russian lawmakers next week moscow says trump taught us courage wins head antiestablishment 5star movement beppe grillo says trump represents point return world changing ___ 335 pm european union foreign ministers hold special meeting sunday assess election donald trump us president means transatlantic relations 28 eu foreign ministers set meet foreign policy chief federica mogherini dinner brussels european leaders fearful trump would lead isolationist protectionist course undermining cornerstones transatlantic cooperation ___ 320 pm nigerian president muhammadu buhari congratulated us presidentelect donald trump victory american people democracy lagosbased sbm intelligence risk analysts say uncertainty generated trumps win good nigeria african oil giant since weaken us dollar everyone nigeria embraced trump election watch party organized us embassy lagos nigerian artist nike daviesokundaye called hillary clinton hero clintons loss became apparent people pulled red blue white balloons began popping disappointment ___ 255 pm residents melania trumps home town slovenia hoping future us first lady come visit together husband us flags could seen industrial town sevnica wednesday news came donald trump winning us presidency sevnica mayor srecko ocvirk says doesnt expect melania trump come time soon expect visit sevnica later melania trumps childhood neighbor mirjana jelancic says happy friend says part dreams happy succeeds melania trump 46 born melanija knavs sevnica left slovenia 20s pursue international modelling career ___ 245 pm bosnia divided donald trumps presidential victory us countrys serbs welcoming muslim bosniaks bosnian croats disappointed hillary clintons defeat division mainly based role former us president bill clintons administration ending bosnias devastating 199295 war took 100000 lives included fouryear siege sarajevo vitomir blagojevic bosnian serb pale said really glad sarajevo kemal hadzibegic muslim bosniak described trump raw favor clinton said trusted real surprise us also everyone else ___ 230 pm dutch foreign minister bert koenders says reaction donald trumps us presidential win judge actions koenders centerleft labor party says us campaign trump made statements odds like see society world order citing trump comments us relationships nato russia european union dutch minister says important netherlands close relationship united states continue since facing global challenges climate change fight terrorism ___ 220 pm mexican president enrique pena nieto congratulating us election though directly winner donald trump alarmed many describing mexican migrants murderers rapists pena nieto sent series tweets repeating readiness work trump favor bilateral relationship says mexico us friends partners allies continue collaborating competitiveness development north america value mexicos peso currency plunged sharply election trump denounced north american free trade agreement mexican treasury secretary jose antonio meade urged premature reactions said election result wont immediately affect trade said mexico position strength face whatever may come ___ 215 pm former soviet leader mikhail gorbachev says election republican donald trump us president offers opportunity repair ties moscow washington interfax news agency reported gorbachev saying new president us russianamerican relationship could get significantly better convinced essential go straight twoway dialogue highest level 85yearold gorbachev admitted hospital wednesday russian media reported planned pacemaker ___ 205 pm pakistani prime minister nawaz sharif congratulated businessman donald trump elected us president calling win historic pakistani leader says wednesday trumps election indeed triumph american people enduring faith ideals democracy freedom human rights free enterprise ___ 2 pm czech prime minister bohuslav sobotka says americans voted change democratic ballot says tweet respect take pragmatically sobotka noted one thing presidentelect donald trumps election saying unlike predecessors trump least knows czech republic located trumps first wife ivana czech origin ___ 150 pm despite worried increased russian military presence baltic nations still congratulating americas new leader donald trump tensions grew us presidential election campaign trump floated idea nato members defense spending targets would prerequisite us defend nato ally lithuanian president dalia grybauskaite says people us made decision respect choice latvia president raimonds vejonis looking forward close relations new us administration new estonian president kersti kaljulaid said united states also continue one estonias important allies ___ 140 pm leaders nationalist alternative germany party campaigns chancellor angela merkels refugee policy welcomed donald trumps presidential victory party coleader frauke petry says high time people disenfranchised political establishment get voice back us petry said trumps victory offered chance readjust transatlantic relationship end big conflicts ukraine syria jointly russia fellow party leader joerg meuthen says establishment recognize cant rule past population long trump rightly rewarded bravery standing system speaking uncomfortable truths ___ 130 pm international olympic committee president thomas bach offering congratulations donald trump victory us presidential election wishes best term office trumps victory hillary clinton comes los angeles bidding host 2024 olympics trumps statements campaign mexicans muslims building wall along mexican border may help california citys olympic case ioc members los angeles competing paris budapest hungary ioc select host city september 2017 ___ 120 pm italys premier offered congratulations donald trump brushing aside political differences following repeated public endorsements hillary clinton premier matteo renzi says wednesday name italy congratulate president united states wish well work convinced italianamerican friendship remains strong solid renzi faces political reckoning next month constitutional referendum mobilized opposition well party dissidents vote likely force least government shuffling new election ___ 110 pm turkish president recep tayyip erdogan says hopes donald trumps election president marks new era united states hopes lead beneficial steps fundamental rights liberties democracy world ___ 1250 pm environmentalists climate scientists alarmed election us president called global warming hoax donald trumps win raised questions whether america would pull international climate deal many said rest world lead efforts rein greenhouse gas emissions others held hope trump would change stance climate change honor us commitments last years landmark paris agreement marshall islands president hilda heine says wednesday expect realize climate change threat people whole countries share seas us ___ 1245 pm australian prime minister malcolm turnbull says country work closely ever united states donald trumps new administration says politicians governments congressmen senators prime ministers presidents come go according people australia united states bond two nations shared common interests shared national interests strong committed ___ 1240 pm french president francois hollande says election donald trump opens period uncertainty must faced lucidity clarity brief remarks hollande congratulated trump natural two heads state showed little enthusiasm hollande openly endorsed hillary clinton hollande said certain positions taken donald trump american campaign must confronted says stake peace fight terrorism situation middle east economic relations preservation planet ___ 1230 pm taliban called donald trump withdraw us forces afghanistan takes office president statement sent associated press taliban spokesman zabihullah mujahid said wednesday trump administration allow afghans become free nation relationships countries based noninterference others affairs afghan conflict 16th year taliban spread footprint across afghanistan two years since international combat troops withdrew ___ 1225 pm chinese president xi jinping conveyed congratulations us presidentelect donald trump saying looked forward working trump promoting ties constructive way avoids conflict confrontation campaign trump accused china illegally subsidizing exports manipulating currency stealing intellectual property state broadcaster cctv reported wednesday xi said two biggest economies world shouldered special important responsibility upholding world peace xi says highly value chinaus relations looking forward working expand cooperation fields says expects would manage differences constructive way ___ 1215 pm kenyan president uhuru kenyatta sent message congratulations us presidentelect donald trump saying american people spoken spoken clearly kenyatta says wednesday ties bind kenya united states america close strong old based values hold dear democracy rule law equality peoples ___ 1205 pm president slovenia small alpine nation home country future us first lady melania trump says hopes relations us improve donald trumps presidency president boris pahor says wednesday allied part nato strive friendship alliance deepen melania trump born melanija knavs industrial slovenian town sevnica working internationally model ___ 1201 pm vaticans first reaction election donald trump focused wish global peace pope francis pope mention us elections wednesday audience secretary state cardinal pietro parolin offered trump congratulations statement vatican radio government truly fruitful ___ 1155 russian president vladimir putin says moscow ready try restore good relations united states wake election donald trump putin said wednesday ceremony accepting credentials new ambassadors aware difficult path view unfortunate degradation relations russian federation united states putin says fault russianamerican relations state earlier kremlin said putin sent trump telegram congratulation expressing hope work together removing russianamerican relations crisis state ____ 1145 israeli prime minister benjamin netanyahu congratulated donald trump calling true friend state israel netanyahu said wednesday believes two leaders continue strengthen unique alliance two countries bring ever greater heights earlier education minister naftali bennett said tumps victory means era palestinian state palestinians want state lands israel captured 1967 netanyahu said willing negotiate border deal pressed ahead jewish settlement expansion warwon land ___ 1140 without commenting directly donald trumps election chinas government says beijing hopes work new us administration build sustainable ties expressed confidence two countries handle trade disputes maturely foreign ministry spokesman lu kang told reporters beijing wednesday china looking forward making concerted efforts new us government ensure sustainable steady sound development bilateral relations benefit countries people world asked us voters anger economic losses blamed chinese exports lu said two countries established ways deal trade disputes ___ 1120 german chancellor angela merkel offered presidentelect donald trump close cooperation basis shared transatlantic values says include respect human dignity regardless peoples origin gender religion merkel told reporters berlin wednesday campaign ended trumps victory featured confrontations difficult bear merkel stressed germanys close historical connection united states said germany america connected values democracy freedom respect law dignity human beings independently origin skin color religion gender sexual orientation political views ___ 1115 top official south sudan welcomed election victory donald trump south sudans minister information government spokesman michael makuei says trump better nation makeui says really doubt president obama clear policy south sudan destroy ___ 1110 cambodias longserving authoritarian prime minister hun sen congratulated donald trump us presidential election victory hun sen kept tight grip cambodian politics three decades silencing critics lawsuits intimidation tactics ___ 1105 european union leaders invited us presidentelect donald trump come visit 28nation bloc possible assess transatlantic ties sincere congratulations eu council president donald tusk commission counterpart jeanclaude juncker said despite trumps campaign talk protectionism isolationism sides consolidate bridges building across atlantic ___ 1050 indonesias president joko jokowi widodo says worlds populous muslim nation work donald trumps new us administration says keep good relations especially trade investment know us one indonesias major investors komaruddin hidayat noted indonesian islamic scholar says trumps election us president shocking many people indonesia worlds populous muslim nation hidayat says trump signaled backing ultranationalist isolationist protectionist policies could harmful ___ 435 donald trumps surprise triumph dealt blow online betting sites paid winnings prematurely gamblers backing hillary clinton irish bookmaker paddy power says lost 5 million euros 55 million dublinbased business called biggest political payout ever company spokesman feilim mac iomaire said wednesday decided put neck line paying early hillary clinton boy get wrong weve well truly thumped trump ___ 430 british prime minister theresa may congratulated us presidentelect donald trump saying two countries remain strong close partners trade security defense may said trump hardfought campaign may took office british voters delivered shock establishment deciding leave european union declined comment rival candidates trump hillary clinton us race wednesday stressed enduring transatlantic special relationship based values freedom democracy enterprise ___ 425 egypts president congratulated donald trump winning us presidential election saying cairo wants see cooperation coordination two nations bolster stability peace middle east president abdelfattah elsissi telephoned trump offer congratulations invited visit egypt cairo receives 1 billion dollars annually us military economic aid ___ 415 nato secretarygeneral jens stoltenberg says hes looking forward working us presidentelect donald trump us leadership vital worlds biggest military alliance stoltenberg said wednesday important transatlantic bond remains strong us leadership important ever trump criticized many allies paying fair share nato budget stoltenberg said looks forward welcoming trump next springs nato summit brussels ___ 4 donald trumps victory us election viewed shock revulsion ireland country close clintons fearful trumps campaign pledge confront us companies using ireland tax shelter irish times branded new york businessman misogynistic racist liar would fan instability overseas intolerance home irish times columnist fintan otoole wrote wednesday republic washington jefferson lincoln roosevelt united hates america president trump creation demographic gave europe farright authoritarian movements disastrous consequences world wrote ___ 350 turkeys prime minister called donald trump extradite usbased muslim cleric fethullah gulen blamed ankara failed coup july soon sworn binali yildirim also said wednesday hoped new leadership united states would take consideration turkeys sensitivities concerning fight terrorism give priority policies would bring peace stability region ties two allies strained perceptions turkey united states reluctant arrest extradite gulen ___ 340 indian prime minister narendra modi congratulated donald trump message posted twitter modi tweeted appreciate friendship articulated toward india trump reached indianamerican voters rally new jersey midoctober praising modi vowing defeat terrorism indian capital rightwing hindu nationalists group hindu sena celebrated trumps victory ___ 320 hungarys prime minister says donald trumps victory great news shows democracy still alive prime minister viktor orban often criticized united states including hillary clinton weakening democratic system checks balances orban last year built fences hungarys southern borders stop flow migrants heading toward western europe ___ 315 european unions foreign policy chief says transatlantic ties united states go beyond election donald trump federica mogherini said wednesday twitter message euus ties deeper change politics well continue work together rediscovering strength europe ___ 3 palestinian president mahmoud abbas says congratulates elected american president donald trump hopes peace achieved term abbas aide saeb erekat said wednesday doesnt expect us positions israelipalestinian conflict change trump erekat said republican democratic parties committed twostate solution conflict palestinians want establish state west bank gaza strip east jerusalem lands israel captured 1967 ___ 235 russias lower house parliament applauding election donald trump next us president ___ 215 dutch antiislam populist lawmaker geert wilders tweeted congratulations donald trump wilders whose freedom party riding high opinion polls ahead dutch elections due march calls trumps win presidential election historic victory revolution looking ahead dutch vote wilders finished tweet also give country back people netherlands wilders known strident antiislam rhetoric opposition netherlands european union membership ___ 110 first french presidential candidate comment us election populist antiimmigrant politician marine le pen congratulating trump even final results known le pen hoping ride antiestablishment sentiment victory aprilmay french presidential elections tweeted support american people free french foreign minister jeanmarc ayrault said france would continue work new president whoever wins warned dont want world egoism triumphs frances socialist government openly endorsed clinton _
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<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration’s new policy allowing state work requirements for Medicaid recipients is legally questionable, more than two dozen Democratic senators said Thursday, framing an argument likely to be aired in court.</p>
<p>The senators’ letter to acting health secretary Eric Hargan reads like a memo to legal groups preparing a court challenge on behalf of low-income Medicaid beneficiaries. Last week the administration unveiled its policy letting states to impose Medicaid work requirements, and promptly approved a waiver request by Kentucky to carry out its version.</p>
<p>A copy of the letter was provided to The Associated Press.</p>
<p>When President Barack Obama was in office, congressional Republicans backed litigation to tie up parts of the Affordable Care Act, and now Democrats seem to be following a similar playbook with President Donald Trump’s health care agenda.</p>
<p>The letter, drafted by Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said work requirements “contradict the plain text and purpose” of the Medicaid statute, as well as “Congress’s longstanding intent for the Medicaid program.” The letter was signed by 29 senators ranging from liberals like Vermont independent Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts to moderates like Pennsylvania’s Robert Casey and Tom Carper of Delaware.</p>
<p>The senators cited the Medicaid law as specifying that the purpose of the program is to “provide medical assistance (to eligible individuals) whose income and resources are insufficient to meet the costs of necessary medical services,” as well as rehabilitation and other services to “attain or retain capability for independence or self-care.”</p>
<p>Although the Medicaid law allows waivers for states to experiment with different ways of providing services, a work requirement could defeat the central purpose of the statute, since people could lose their health care for failing to fulfill the obligation, they argue.</p>
<p>“Harmful ideological policies such as work requirements, mandatory drug testing, time limits, onerous cost-sharing and the like undercut and exceed the statutory authority provided” for the Department of Health and Human Services to grant Medicaid waivers, the letter said.</p>
<p>Such proposals “clearly undermine the purpose of the Medicaid Act, prioritizing ideology over health,” the letter concluded, asking the Trump administration to reconsider its policy.</p>
<p>Medicaid is a federal-state collaboration covering more than 70 million low-income people, making it the largest government health insurance program. Beneficiaries range from many newborns to elderly nursing home residents. Under Obama, the program was expanded with an option for states to extend coverage to low-income adults, many of whom are already working in jobs that don’t provide health insurance.</p>
<p>There was no immediate response from the Trump administration. In laying out the new policy, Medicare and Medicaid administrator Seema Verma said studies show that work is associated with better health, so that encouraging work is a legitimate goal for the program.</p>
<p>Critics question those studies, arguing that they show healthy people tend to be working, not that work makes people healthy.</p>
<p>The National Health Law Program, a nonprofit providing legal services to low-income people, is considering a lawsuit to block work requirements from taking effect.</p>
<p>Earlier this week, Kentucky’s GOP Gov. Matt Bevin said he will end Medicaid benefits for more than 400,000 people covered by the state’s program expansion if the courts overturn the new work requirements. That’s possible because the Medicaid expansion is optional for states.</p>
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration’s new policy allowing state work requirements for Medicaid recipients is legally questionable, more than two dozen Democratic senators said Thursday, framing an argument likely to be aired in court.</p>
<p>The senators’ letter to acting health secretary Eric Hargan reads like a memo to legal groups preparing a court challenge on behalf of low-income Medicaid beneficiaries. Last week the administration unveiled its policy letting states to impose Medicaid work requirements, and promptly approved a waiver request by Kentucky to carry out its version.</p>
<p>A copy of the letter was provided to The Associated Press.</p>
<p>When President Barack Obama was in office, congressional Republicans backed litigation to tie up parts of the Affordable Care Act, and now Democrats seem to be following a similar playbook with President Donald Trump’s health care agenda.</p>
<p>The letter, drafted by Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said work requirements “contradict the plain text and purpose” of the Medicaid statute, as well as “Congress’s longstanding intent for the Medicaid program.” The letter was signed by 29 senators ranging from liberals like Vermont independent Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts to moderates like Pennsylvania’s Robert Casey and Tom Carper of Delaware.</p>
<p>The senators cited the Medicaid law as specifying that the purpose of the program is to “provide medical assistance (to eligible individuals) whose income and resources are insufficient to meet the costs of necessary medical services,” as well as rehabilitation and other services to “attain or retain capability for independence or self-care.”</p>
<p>Although the Medicaid law allows waivers for states to experiment with different ways of providing services, a work requirement could defeat the central purpose of the statute, since people could lose their health care for failing to fulfill the obligation, they argue.</p>
<p>“Harmful ideological policies such as work requirements, mandatory drug testing, time limits, onerous cost-sharing and the like undercut and exceed the statutory authority provided” for the Department of Health and Human Services to grant Medicaid waivers, the letter said.</p>
<p>Such proposals “clearly undermine the purpose of the Medicaid Act, prioritizing ideology over health,” the letter concluded, asking the Trump administration to reconsider its policy.</p>
<p>Medicaid is a federal-state collaboration covering more than 70 million low-income people, making it the largest government health insurance program. Beneficiaries range from many newborns to elderly nursing home residents. Under Obama, the program was expanded with an option for states to extend coverage to low-income adults, many of whom are already working in jobs that don’t provide health insurance.</p>
<p>There was no immediate response from the Trump administration. In laying out the new policy, Medicare and Medicaid administrator Seema Verma said studies show that work is associated with better health, so that encouraging work is a legitimate goal for the program.</p>
<p>Critics question those studies, arguing that they show healthy people tend to be working, not that work makes people healthy.</p>
<p>The National Health Law Program, a nonprofit providing legal services to low-income people, is considering a lawsuit to block work requirements from taking effect.</p>
<p>Earlier this week, Kentucky’s GOP Gov. Matt Bevin said he will end Medicaid benefits for more than 400,000 people covered by the state’s program expansion if the courts overturn the new work requirements. That’s possible because the Medicaid expansion is optional for states.</p>
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washington ap trump administrations new policy allowing state work requirements medicaid recipients legally questionable two dozen democratic senators said thursday framing argument likely aired court senators letter acting health secretary eric hargan reads like memo legal groups preparing court challenge behalf lowincome medicaid beneficiaries last week administration unveiled policy letting states impose medicaid work requirements promptly approved waiver request kentucky carry version copy letter provided associated press president barack obama office congressional republicans backed litigation tie parts affordable care act democrats seem following similar playbook president donald trumps health care agenda letter drafted sen ron wyden dore said work requirements contradict plain text purpose medicaid statute well congresss longstanding intent medicaid program letter signed 29 senators ranging liberals like vermont independent bernie sanders elizabeth warren massachusetts moderates like pennsylvanias robert casey tom carper delaware senators cited medicaid law specifying purpose program provide medical assistance eligible individuals whose income resources insufficient meet costs necessary medical services well rehabilitation services attain retain capability independence selfcare although medicaid law allows waivers states experiment different ways providing services work requirement could defeat central purpose statute since people could lose health care failing fulfill obligation argue harmful ideological policies work requirements mandatory drug testing time limits onerous costsharing like undercut exceed statutory authority provided department health human services grant medicaid waivers letter said proposals clearly undermine purpose medicaid act prioritizing ideology health letter concluded asking trump administration reconsider policy medicaid federalstate collaboration covering 70 million lowincome people making largest government health insurance program beneficiaries range many newborns elderly nursing home residents obama program expanded option states extend coverage lowincome adults many already working jobs dont provide health insurance immediate response trump administration laying new policy medicare medicaid administrator seema verma said studies show work associated better health encouraging work legitimate goal program critics question studies arguing show healthy people tend working work makes people healthy national health law program nonprofit providing legal services lowincome people considering lawsuit block work requirements taking effect earlier week kentuckys gop gov matt bevin said end medicaid benefits 400000 people covered states program expansion courts overturn new work requirements thats possible medicaid expansion optional states washington ap trump administrations new policy allowing state work requirements medicaid recipients legally questionable two dozen democratic senators said thursday framing argument likely aired court senators letter acting health secretary eric hargan reads like memo legal groups preparing court challenge behalf lowincome medicaid beneficiaries last week administration unveiled policy letting states impose medicaid work requirements promptly approved waiver request kentucky carry version copy letter provided associated press president barack obama office congressional republicans backed litigation tie parts affordable care act democrats seem following similar playbook president donald trumps health care agenda letter drafted sen ron wyden dore said work requirements contradict plain text purpose medicaid statute well congresss longstanding intent medicaid program letter signed 29 senators ranging liberals like vermont independent bernie sanders elizabeth warren massachusetts moderates like pennsylvanias robert casey tom carper delaware senators cited medicaid law specifying purpose program provide medical assistance eligible individuals whose income resources insufficient meet costs necessary medical services well rehabilitation services attain retain capability independence selfcare although medicaid law allows waivers states experiment different ways providing services work requirement could defeat central purpose statute since people could lose health care failing fulfill obligation argue harmful ideological policies work requirements mandatory drug testing time limits onerous costsharing like undercut exceed statutory authority provided department health human services grant medicaid waivers letter said proposals clearly undermine purpose medicaid act prioritizing ideology health letter concluded asking trump administration reconsider policy medicaid federalstate collaboration covering 70 million lowincome people making largest government health insurance program beneficiaries range many newborns elderly nursing home residents obama program expanded option states extend coverage lowincome adults many already working jobs dont provide health insurance immediate response trump administration laying new policy medicare medicaid administrator seema verma said studies show work associated better health encouraging work legitimate goal program critics question studies arguing show healthy people tend working work makes people healthy national health law program nonprofit providing legal services lowincome people considering lawsuit block work requirements taking effect earlier week kentuckys gop gov matt bevin said end medicaid benefits 400000 people covered states program expansion courts overturn new work requirements thats possible medicaid expansion optional states
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<p>Check out your source. How do you know your source is who he claims to be? Every newsroom has a legendary story of a naïve young reporter who was duped by some guy on the corner into attributing a quote to a silly name or to a person who is&#160;well-known locally. Standards vary from newsroom to newsroom, but most reporters are left to their own devices to verify a source's personal story. Should you ask for identification? Check with his workplace to make sure he does the job he says he does? Lt. Col. Bill Burkett refused to be interviewed by the CBS panel. But the report details the thin efforts by producer Mary Mapes and her team to vet Burkett and his story. The panelists, Dick Thornburgh and Louis Boccardi, suggest throughout the report that had Mapes brought a stronger measure of skepticism to Burkett and his story, red flags would have been raised along the way.</p>
<p>Dismiss unreasonable demands immediately. Burkett made some&#160;unusual requests, according to the report. In addition to asking Mapes to put him in contact with the Democrats, he wanted money, a security detail, and the promise that his family would be relocated if they were threatened. Sources often make ridiculous demands that are beyond the scope of what most newsrooms provide. When journalists humor the possibility of meeting those demands, it poisons the reporting process. Demands for money and other favors should be politely turned down. "We don't do that." "We can't do that." A source who believes he can directly gain money or other favors from journalists may be more&#160;likely to taint information to make it appear more valuable.</p>
<p>Vet requests for anonymity. Lt. Col. Bill Burkett would not have met the criteria most newsrooms impose before granting a source anonymity. He had been quoted by name in several stories, including one on CBS's "Evening News" that accused officials in the Bush camp of "scrubbing" the president's military record of unfavorable information. Those accounts&#160;are available to anyone with access to the Internet. His request to remain anonymous didn't make any sense after he had already been quoted extensively. It's not unusual for a source who has been previously quoted to request anonymity on a later story, but the reason should be obvious and explained. Sometimes a source is releasing information he's not authorized to release. Sometimes he's been ordered by a superior to keep quiet. If granted, reasons for the anonymity should be explained, as much as&#160;possible, to the viewer or reader. If there's no clear need for anonymity, newsrooms should be especially reluctant to grant it to people who have already been quoted in previous stories.&#160;</p>
<p>Follow the chain of possession. Every crime reporter has been in court gazing out the window while a lawyer has frittered away what seems like hours establishing the "chain of possession" for every single piece of evidence entered&#160;into the record. It's boring stuff for the most part. But it's important to the justice system to ensure that evidence in criminal trials, whether it's the murder weapon or the DNA sample, is properly handled so that no one can tamper with it or substitute other material.</p>
<p>It's a good lesson for reporters. Any time you have a document or a photograph, you should know where it's been and how it landed on your desk. You might even want to tell the audience. Is it a copy or is it an original? Who else has seen it? Where did it come from? The CBS report places great emphasis on the failure to get the Killian memo authenticated by experts. It spends less effort on this simple technique of interviewing the people involved along the way. When this isn't possible because the chain of possession is unknown, that should be a red flag as well.</p>
<p>Beware of the "holy grail." The CBS report says that on Aug. 23, when Mapes "seemingly out of the blue" learned of the Killian memo, she speculated that it was the "holy grail" for which CBS had been searching. Life is rarely this neat and tidy. Reporters who've waited for months for FOIAs to come through or court records to be made public know that documents rarely support the concrete conclusions that you hope they will. Memos and reports are often couched in bureaucratic language and jargon. They don't make much sense, let alone point to malfeasance or incompetence, absent any context. More often, a document becomes a building block in an investigative report, not the lynchpin.</p>
<p>In fact, the CBS crew thought they were pursuing a classified disciplinary report that indicated Bush was unfit to fly planes with nuclear weapons, not a personal memo.</p>
<p>Be candid about your progress. It's hard to tell your boss that you're running in circles. But most complicated stories involve slow progress, if any. The CBS report says Mapes repeatedly told her superiors that she was getting close, that other media outlets were hot on the trail as well and that she would have a story in September. But the report says she rarely said exactly what she was doing or planning to do. Keeping your work too close to your vest deprives you of the opportunity to get fresh ideas and opinions. It is a breeding ground for "myopic zeal."</p>
<p>Question your timing. Mapes first researched President Bush's service record in 1999. The report does not say why she dropped the investigation until the summer of 2004. But it's easy to imagine similar circumstances. It's not usual for long-standing rumors of philandering, gambling, and illegal behavior to swirl around a few figures on any city council, county commission, or state legislature. When pursued, sometimes these rumors develop into well-known investigative stories, like the Brock Adams sexual harassment story reported by&#160;the Seattle Times, which was a finalist for the 1993 Pulitzer Prize in public service.&#160;But more often these stories lie untouched, or barely touched. The urgency to report them rises and falls with the central character's popularity or penchant for controversy. It's unrealistic to suggest that every rumor be investigated the moment someone in the newsroom hears it.</p>
<p>Journalists should discuss the threshold for investigating and reporting such a piece in the future. At what point in the future would the urgency of a story rise to a level that reporters ought to investigate it? Asking such questions makes it more likely a newsroom will start working sooner, rather than later, on investigative matters.</p>
<p>The CBS report is worth a read by reporters everywhere. It describes critical moments in the reporting process where red flags were ignored, bad choices were made and individuals allowed their assumptions to go untested. All of that happens every day in newsrooms across the country, but most often the mistakes are caught before they get published. The reporting process is fraught with potential for failure. Reading about the breakdowns in some other newsroom can help you find the weaknesses in your own.</p>
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check source know source claims every newsroom legendary story naïve young reporter duped guy corner attributing quote silly name person is160wellknown locally standards vary newsroom newsroom reporters left devices verify sources personal story ask identification check workplace make sure job says lt col bill burkett refused interviewed cbs panel report details thin efforts producer mary mapes team vet burkett story panelists dick thornburgh louis boccardi suggest throughout report mapes brought stronger measure skepticism burkett story red flags would raised along way dismiss unreasonable demands immediately burkett made some160unusual requests according report addition asking mapes put contact democrats wanted money security detail promise family would relocated threatened sources often make ridiculous demands beyond scope newsrooms provide journalists humor possibility meeting demands poisons reporting process demands money favors politely turned dont cant source believes directly gain money favors journalists may more160likely taint information make appear valuable vet requests anonymity lt col bill burkett would met criteria newsrooms impose granting source anonymity quoted name several stories including one cbss evening news accused officials bush camp scrubbing presidents military record unfavorable information accounts160are available anyone access internet request remain anonymous didnt make sense already quoted extensively unusual source previously quoted request anonymity later story reason obvious explained sometimes source releasing information hes authorized release sometimes hes ordered superior keep quiet granted reasons anonymity explained much as160possible viewer reader theres clear need anonymity newsrooms especially reluctant grant people already quoted previous stories160 follow chain possession every crime reporter court gazing window lawyer frittered away seems like hours establishing chain possession every single piece evidence entered160into record boring stuff part important justice system ensure evidence criminal trials whether murder weapon dna sample properly handled one tamper substitute material good lesson reporters time document photograph know landed desk might even want tell audience copy original else seen come cbs report places great emphasis failure get killian memo authenticated experts spends less effort simple technique interviewing people involved along way isnt possible chain possession unknown red flag well beware holy grail cbs report says aug 23 mapes seemingly blue learned killian memo speculated holy grail cbs searching life rarely neat tidy reporters whove waited months foias come court records made public know documents rarely support concrete conclusions hope memos reports often couched bureaucratic language jargon dont make much sense let alone point malfeasance incompetence absent context often document becomes building block investigative report lynchpin fact cbs crew thought pursuing classified disciplinary report indicated bush unfit fly planes nuclear weapons personal memo candid progress hard tell boss youre running circles complicated stories involve slow progress cbs report says mapes repeatedly told superiors getting close media outlets hot trail well would story september report says rarely said exactly planning keeping work close vest deprives opportunity get fresh ideas opinions breeding ground myopic zeal question timing mapes first researched president bushs service record 1999 report say dropped investigation summer 2004 easy imagine similar circumstances usual longstanding rumors philandering gambling illegal behavior swirl around figures city council county commission state legislature pursued sometimes rumors develop wellknown investigative stories like brock adams sexual harassment story reported by160the seattle times finalist 1993 pulitzer prize public service160but often stories lie untouched barely touched urgency report rises falls central characters popularity penchant controversy unrealistic suggest every rumor investigated moment someone newsroom hears journalists discuss threshold investigating reporting piece future point future would urgency story rise level reporters ought investigate asking questions makes likely newsroom start working sooner rather later investigative matters cbs report worth read reporters everywhere describes critical moments reporting process red flags ignored bad choices made individuals allowed assumptions go untested happens every day newsrooms across country often mistakes caught get published reporting process fraught potential failure reading breakdowns newsroom help find weaknesses
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<p>BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Montana on Monday became the first state to bar telecommunications companies from receiving state contracts if they interfere with internet traffic or favor higher-paying sites or apps, under an order from Gov. Steve Bullock intended to protect so-called net neutrality.</p>
<p>The Democratic governor’s order comes after the Federal Communications Commission last month repealed rules enacted in 2015 that had more tightly regulated companies such as AT&amp;T and Verizon.</p>
<p>Commission members said the repeal was needed to ensure the government maintains a “light touch” in its oversight of the internet. But critics such as Bullock contend change will hurt consumers and make it harder for startup companies to enter the market.</p>
<p>“There has been a lot of talk around the country about how to respond to the recent decision,” Bullock said in announcing his order before a group of computer science students in Helena. “It’s time to actually do something about it.”</p>
<p>Attorneys from more than 20 states and the District of Columbia have sued to block the repeal. State legislatures in New York, California and elsewhere have introduced bills promoting net neutrality, but Bullock is the first governor to taken action, according to the National Conference on State Legislatures.</p>
<p>His order applies to any company seeking a new state contract for telecommunications services after July 1. At that time, in order to receive a state contract companies must not “unreasonably interfere” with Montana internet users’ ability to access the content of their choice. That includes giving preference to websites that pay more to internet providers.</p>
<p>Terms of existing telecommunications contracts with the state — worth about $50 million annually — would not be changed, Bullock spokeswoman Marissa Perry said. Among those are contracts with CenturyLink, Verizon, AT&amp;T and Comcast, she said.</p>
<p>It was unclear from the order what would happen to companies with existing contracts. Bullock told the state Department of Administration to craft policies and guidance by March 1 to put the order into effect, and he invited governors and lawmakers across the United States to duplicate his action.</p>
<p>If other states follow suit, it could have a significant impact — both on large telecommunications companies with state contracts and smaller companies trying to get into the market, said Christopher Mitchell with the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, which supports net neutrality.</p>
<p>“States spend a lot of money on telecommunications contracts,” Mitchell said. “We’re seeing a number of states interested in doing something like this.”</p>
<p>The National Cable and Telecommunications Association and USTelecom, which represent the broadband industry, said Congress and not individual states should step forward to craft permanent rules.</p>
<p>“We simply cannot have 50 different regulations governing our internet,” said Sally Aman, US Telecom’s senior vice president for public affairs.</p>
<p>It was not immediately clear if Bullock’s order could face a legal challenge for being out of step with the FCC plan.</p>
<p>The FCC repeal — expected to go into effect this spring — pre-empted states and cities from imposing rules that contradict its own plan.</p>
<p>Perry said Bullock had latitude on the issue because his order applies only to state contracts and the terms by which Montana, as a consumer, wants to buy internet services</p>
<p>Aman said it was too soon to say if the broadband association would file a lawsuit over Bullock’s order.</p>
<p>__</p>
<p>Follow Matthew Brown on Twitter at www.twitter.com/matthewbrownap .</p>
<p>BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Montana on Monday became the first state to bar telecommunications companies from receiving state contracts if they interfere with internet traffic or favor higher-paying sites or apps, under an order from Gov. Steve Bullock intended to protect so-called net neutrality.</p>
<p>The Democratic governor’s order comes after the Federal Communications Commission last month repealed rules enacted in 2015 that had more tightly regulated companies such as AT&amp;T and Verizon.</p>
<p>Commission members said the repeal was needed to ensure the government maintains a “light touch” in its oversight of the internet. But critics such as Bullock contend change will hurt consumers and make it harder for startup companies to enter the market.</p>
<p>“There has been a lot of talk around the country about how to respond to the recent decision,” Bullock said in announcing his order before a group of computer science students in Helena. “It’s time to actually do something about it.”</p>
<p>Attorneys from more than 20 states and the District of Columbia have sued to block the repeal. State legislatures in New York, California and elsewhere have introduced bills promoting net neutrality, but Bullock is the first governor to taken action, according to the National Conference on State Legislatures.</p>
<p>His order applies to any company seeking a new state contract for telecommunications services after July 1. At that time, in order to receive a state contract companies must not “unreasonably interfere” with Montana internet users’ ability to access the content of their choice. That includes giving preference to websites that pay more to internet providers.</p>
<p>Terms of existing telecommunications contracts with the state — worth about $50 million annually — would not be changed, Bullock spokeswoman Marissa Perry said. Among those are contracts with CenturyLink, Verizon, AT&amp;T and Comcast, she said.</p>
<p>It was unclear from the order what would happen to companies with existing contracts. Bullock told the state Department of Administration to craft policies and guidance by March 1 to put the order into effect, and he invited governors and lawmakers across the United States to duplicate his action.</p>
<p>If other states follow suit, it could have a significant impact — both on large telecommunications companies with state contracts and smaller companies trying to get into the market, said Christopher Mitchell with the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, which supports net neutrality.</p>
<p>“States spend a lot of money on telecommunications contracts,” Mitchell said. “We’re seeing a number of states interested in doing something like this.”</p>
<p>The National Cable and Telecommunications Association and USTelecom, which represent the broadband industry, said Congress and not individual states should step forward to craft permanent rules.</p>
<p>“We simply cannot have 50 different regulations governing our internet,” said Sally Aman, US Telecom’s senior vice president for public affairs.</p>
<p>It was not immediately clear if Bullock’s order could face a legal challenge for being out of step with the FCC plan.</p>
<p>The FCC repeal — expected to go into effect this spring — pre-empted states and cities from imposing rules that contradict its own plan.</p>
<p>Perry said Bullock had latitude on the issue because his order applies only to state contracts and the terms by which Montana, as a consumer, wants to buy internet services</p>
<p>Aman said it was too soon to say if the broadband association would file a lawsuit over Bullock’s order.</p>
<p>__</p>
<p>Follow Matthew Brown on Twitter at www.twitter.com/matthewbrownap .</p>
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billings mont ap montana monday became first state bar telecommunications companies receiving state contracts interfere internet traffic favor higherpaying sites apps order gov steve bullock intended protect socalled net neutrality democratic governors order comes federal communications commission last month repealed rules enacted 2015 tightly regulated companies atampt verizon commission members said repeal needed ensure government maintains light touch oversight internet critics bullock contend change hurt consumers make harder startup companies enter market lot talk around country respond recent decision bullock said announcing order group computer science students helena time actually something attorneys 20 states district columbia sued block repeal state legislatures new york california elsewhere introduced bills promoting net neutrality bullock first governor taken action according national conference state legislatures order applies company seeking new state contract telecommunications services july 1 time order receive state contract companies must unreasonably interfere montana internet users ability access content choice includes giving preference websites pay internet providers terms existing telecommunications contracts state worth 50 million annually would changed bullock spokeswoman marissa perry said among contracts centurylink verizon atampt comcast said unclear order would happen companies existing contracts bullock told state department administration craft policies guidance march 1 put order effect invited governors lawmakers across united states duplicate action states follow suit could significant impact large telecommunications companies state contracts smaller companies trying get market said christopher mitchell institute local selfreliance supports net neutrality states spend lot money telecommunications contracts mitchell said seeing number states interested something like national cable telecommunications association ustelecom represent broadband industry said congress individual states step forward craft permanent rules simply 50 different regulations governing internet said sally aman us telecoms senior vice president public affairs immediately clear bullocks order could face legal challenge step fcc plan fcc repeal expected go effect spring preempted states cities imposing rules contradict plan perry said bullock latitude issue order applies state contracts terms montana consumer wants buy internet services aman said soon say broadband association would file lawsuit bullocks order __ follow matthew brown twitter wwwtwittercommatthewbrownap billings mont ap montana monday became first state bar telecommunications companies receiving state contracts interfere internet traffic favor higherpaying sites apps order gov steve bullock intended protect socalled net neutrality democratic governors order comes federal communications commission last month repealed rules enacted 2015 tightly regulated companies atampt verizon commission members said repeal needed ensure government maintains light touch oversight internet critics bullock contend change hurt consumers make harder startup companies enter market lot talk around country respond recent decision bullock said announcing order group computer science students helena time actually something attorneys 20 states district columbia sued block repeal state legislatures new york california elsewhere introduced bills promoting net neutrality bullock first governor taken action according national conference state legislatures order applies company seeking new state contract telecommunications services july 1 time order receive state contract companies must unreasonably interfere montana internet users ability access content choice includes giving preference websites pay internet providers terms existing telecommunications contracts state worth 50 million annually would changed bullock spokeswoman marissa perry said among contracts centurylink verizon atampt comcast said unclear order would happen companies existing contracts bullock told state department administration craft policies guidance march 1 put order effect invited governors lawmakers across united states duplicate action states follow suit could significant impact large telecommunications companies state contracts smaller companies trying get market said christopher mitchell institute local selfreliance supports net neutrality states spend lot money telecommunications contracts mitchell said seeing number states interested something like national cable telecommunications association ustelecom represent broadband industry said congress individual states step forward craft permanent rules simply 50 different regulations governing internet said sally aman us telecoms senior vice president public affairs immediately clear bullocks order could face legal challenge step fcc plan fcc repeal expected go effect spring preempted states cities imposing rules contradict plan perry said bullock latitude issue order applies state contracts terms montana consumer wants buy internet services aman said soon say broadband association would file lawsuit bullocks order __ follow matthew brown twitter wwwtwittercommatthewbrownap
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<p>If you're planning ahead to spring and summer trips, and your family loves theme parks, you'll want to know about some of the new rides and attractions debuting in the new year.</p>
<p>DISNEY'S TOY STORY LAND</p>
<p>One of the most anticipated openings for 2018 is <a href="" type="external">Toy Story Land</a> , expected to open early next summer at Walt Disney World Resort's Hollywood Studios just outside Orlando, Florida.</p>
<p>Attractions and restaurants in the 11-acre (4.5-hectare) land will be themed on toys from the "Toy Story" movie series, like the Slinky Dog Dash roller coaster and Woody's Lunch Box, a quick-service window serving soda floats and more. Another ride will be Alien Swirling Saucers, where aliens circling in flying saucers pull along rocket ships full of guests. An existing attraction, Toy Story Mania, will get a third track.</p>
<p>"We have booked hundreds of trips for early summer 2018 specifically for families that want to be one of the first to experience Toy Story Land," said Greg Antonelle, an authorized Disney vacation planner <a href="http://mickeytravels.com/" type="external">at MickeyTravels</a> .</p>
<p>NEW FROM UNIVERSAL</p>
<p>Universal Orlando Resort opens a new attraction in the spring featuring characters, cars and music from the "Fast &amp; Furious" movies. The <a href="https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/things-to-do/rides-attractions/fast-furious-supercharged/index.html" type="external">Fast &amp; Furious — Supercharged</a> attraction will immerse guests in a story involving a high-speed race as they take a bus to an after-race party. Universal also is opening its sixth onsite hotel, Aventura, in August, with a 16-story glass tower, 600 guest rooms including 13 kids' suites and the first rooftop bar and grill on Universal property.</p>
<p>At Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles, <a href="https://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/just-announced/" type="external">DreamWorks Theatre</a> will immerse guests in a multi-sensory adventure featuring Kung Fu Panda. The attraction uses LED lighting and projection mapping, a type of augmented reality that can turn 3-D objects into interactive displays.</p>
<p>PIXAR PIER AT DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE</p>
<p>Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California, is transforming Paradise Pier into <a href="https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2017/11/pixar-pier-to-bring-new-incredicoaster-and-more-to-disney-california-adventure-park-summer-2018/" type="external">Pixar Pier for a summer opening</a> . Rides will include the new Incredicoaster in one of four neighborhoods themed on Pixar stories and characters. The Incredicoaster neighborhood is inspired by "The Incredibles" film. The ride will include character moments, scenes, music and special effects connected to the movie "The Incredibles 2," which opens in theaters in June.</p>
<p>THRILLS, COASTERS AND MORE</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.silverdollarcity.com/timetraveler" type="external">Time Traveler ride</a> debuts next spring at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. Billed as the industry's fastest, steepest and tallest spinning roller coaster, Time Traveler drops riders at a 90-degree vertical angle followed by three inversions at speeds up to around 50 mph (81 kph), all while spinning.</p>
<p>New in 2018 at SeaWorld in Orlando is <a href="https://seaworld.com/orlando/rides/infinity-falls/" type="external">Infinity Falls</a> , a twisting raft ride. The ride starts with an elevator lift that launches eight passengers in a river and eventually sends them to a 40-feet (12-meter) drop, then on to an adventure through a rainforest with interactive stations that teach guests about conservation.</p>
<p><a href="https://seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-williamsburg/attractions/rides/battle-for-eire-virtual-reality/" type="external">Battle For Eire Action</a> VR Ride will make news for Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Virginia in the spring. It's the park's first motion-based theater simulator with state-of-the-art, 360-degree virtual reality headsets. The attraction's story line involves a fairy warrior named Addie taking guests on an adventure through her Irish homeland. The attraction is located in the park's Ireland village.</p>
<p>SeaWorld San Diego's new <a href="https://seaworld.com/san-diego/rides/electric-eel/" type="external">Electric Eel</a> will be the tallest and fastest roller coaster in San Diego when it debuts in summer 2018. The triple-launch coaster will thrust riders forward and backward, accelerate to more than 60 mph in seconds and go nearly 150 feet (46 meters) up, offering an upside-down view of Mission Bay.</p>
<p>A double-car roller coaster, Skywarp, gets a summertime opening at <a href="https://www.sixflags.com/discoverykingdom" type="external">Six Flags Discovery Kingdom</a> in Vallejo, California. The 30-foot (9-meter) tall, 290-foot (88-meter) long coaster features two cars speeding around each other on double loops.</p>
<p>This spring, Legoland in Winter Haven, Florida, will open what's being billed as the first virtual reality roller coaster designed for children. The <a href="https://www.legoland.com/florida/planning-your-visit/the-great-lego-race/" type="external">Great Lego Race VR Coaster</a> replaces the park's Project X roller coaster, reimagining the attraction with a new story plus special effects.</p>
<p>If you're planning ahead to spring and summer trips, and your family loves theme parks, you'll want to know about some of the new rides and attractions debuting in the new year.</p>
<p>DISNEY'S TOY STORY LAND</p>
<p>One of the most anticipated openings for 2018 is <a href="" type="external">Toy Story Land</a> , expected to open early next summer at Walt Disney World Resort's Hollywood Studios just outside Orlando, Florida.</p>
<p>Attractions and restaurants in the 11-acre (4.5-hectare) land will be themed on toys from the "Toy Story" movie series, like the Slinky Dog Dash roller coaster and Woody's Lunch Box, a quick-service window serving soda floats and more. Another ride will be Alien Swirling Saucers, where aliens circling in flying saucers pull along rocket ships full of guests. An existing attraction, Toy Story Mania, will get a third track.</p>
<p>"We have booked hundreds of trips for early summer 2018 specifically for families that want to be one of the first to experience Toy Story Land," said Greg Antonelle, an authorized Disney vacation planner <a href="http://mickeytravels.com/" type="external">at MickeyTravels</a> .</p>
<p>NEW FROM UNIVERSAL</p>
<p>Universal Orlando Resort opens a new attraction in the spring featuring characters, cars and music from the "Fast &amp; Furious" movies. The <a href="https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/things-to-do/rides-attractions/fast-furious-supercharged/index.html" type="external">Fast &amp; Furious — Supercharged</a> attraction will immerse guests in a story involving a high-speed race as they take a bus to an after-race party. Universal also is opening its sixth onsite hotel, Aventura, in August, with a 16-story glass tower, 600 guest rooms including 13 kids' suites and the first rooftop bar and grill on Universal property.</p>
<p>At Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles, <a href="https://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/just-announced/" type="external">DreamWorks Theatre</a> will immerse guests in a multi-sensory adventure featuring Kung Fu Panda. The attraction uses LED lighting and projection mapping, a type of augmented reality that can turn 3-D objects into interactive displays.</p>
<p>PIXAR PIER AT DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE</p>
<p>Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California, is transforming Paradise Pier into <a href="https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2017/11/pixar-pier-to-bring-new-incredicoaster-and-more-to-disney-california-adventure-park-summer-2018/" type="external">Pixar Pier for a summer opening</a> . Rides will include the new Incredicoaster in one of four neighborhoods themed on Pixar stories and characters. The Incredicoaster neighborhood is inspired by "The Incredibles" film. The ride will include character moments, scenes, music and special effects connected to the movie "The Incredibles 2," which opens in theaters in June.</p>
<p>THRILLS, COASTERS AND MORE</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.silverdollarcity.com/timetraveler" type="external">Time Traveler ride</a> debuts next spring at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. Billed as the industry's fastest, steepest and tallest spinning roller coaster, Time Traveler drops riders at a 90-degree vertical angle followed by three inversions at speeds up to around 50 mph (81 kph), all while spinning.</p>
<p>New in 2018 at SeaWorld in Orlando is <a href="https://seaworld.com/orlando/rides/infinity-falls/" type="external">Infinity Falls</a> , a twisting raft ride. The ride starts with an elevator lift that launches eight passengers in a river and eventually sends them to a 40-feet (12-meter) drop, then on to an adventure through a rainforest with interactive stations that teach guests about conservation.</p>
<p><a href="https://seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-williamsburg/attractions/rides/battle-for-eire-virtual-reality/" type="external">Battle For Eire Action</a> VR Ride will make news for Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Virginia in the spring. It's the park's first motion-based theater simulator with state-of-the-art, 360-degree virtual reality headsets. The attraction's story line involves a fairy warrior named Addie taking guests on an adventure through her Irish homeland. The attraction is located in the park's Ireland village.</p>
<p>SeaWorld San Diego's new <a href="https://seaworld.com/san-diego/rides/electric-eel/" type="external">Electric Eel</a> will be the tallest and fastest roller coaster in San Diego when it debuts in summer 2018. The triple-launch coaster will thrust riders forward and backward, accelerate to more than 60 mph in seconds and go nearly 150 feet (46 meters) up, offering an upside-down view of Mission Bay.</p>
<p>A double-car roller coaster, Skywarp, gets a summertime opening at <a href="https://www.sixflags.com/discoverykingdom" type="external">Six Flags Discovery Kingdom</a> in Vallejo, California. The 30-foot (9-meter) tall, 290-foot (88-meter) long coaster features two cars speeding around each other on double loops.</p>
<p>This spring, Legoland in Winter Haven, Florida, will open what's being billed as the first virtual reality roller coaster designed for children. The <a href="https://www.legoland.com/florida/planning-your-visit/the-great-lego-race/" type="external">Great Lego Race VR Coaster</a> replaces the park's Project X roller coaster, reimagining the attraction with a new story plus special effects.</p>
| false | 2 |
youre planning ahead spring summer trips family loves theme parks youll want know new rides attractions debuting new year disneys toy story land one anticipated openings 2018 toy story land expected open early next summer walt disney world resorts hollywood studios outside orlando florida attractions restaurants 11acre 45hectare land themed toys toy story movie series like slinky dog dash roller coaster woodys lunch box quickservice window serving soda floats another ride alien swirling saucers aliens circling flying saucers pull along rocket ships full guests existing attraction toy story mania get third track booked hundreds trips early summer 2018 specifically families want one first experience toy story land said greg antonelle authorized disney vacation planner mickeytravels new universal universal orlando resort opens new attraction spring featuring characters cars music fast amp furious movies fast amp furious supercharged attraction immerse guests story involving highspeed race take bus afterrace party universal also opening sixth onsite hotel aventura august 16story glass tower 600 guest rooms including 13 kids suites first rooftop bar grill universal property universal studios hollywood los angeles dreamworks theatre immerse guests multisensory adventure featuring kung fu panda attraction uses led lighting projection mapping type augmented reality turn 3d objects interactive displays pixar pier disney california adventure disney california adventure park anaheim california transforming paradise pier pixar pier summer opening rides include new incredicoaster one four neighborhoods themed pixar stories characters incredicoaster neighborhood inspired incredibles film ride include character moments scenes music special effects connected movie incredibles 2 opens theaters june thrills coasters time traveler ride debuts next spring silver dollar city branson missouri billed industrys fastest steepest tallest spinning roller coaster time traveler drops riders 90degree vertical angle followed three inversions speeds around 50 mph 81 kph spinning new 2018 seaworld orlando infinity falls twisting raft ride ride starts elevator lift launches eight passengers river eventually sends 40feet 12meter drop adventure rainforest interactive stations teach guests conservation battle eire action vr ride make news busch gardens williamsburg virginia spring parks first motionbased theater simulator stateoftheart 360degree virtual reality headsets attractions story line involves fairy warrior named addie taking guests adventure irish homeland attraction located parks ireland village seaworld san diegos new electric eel tallest fastest roller coaster san diego debuts summer 2018 triplelaunch coaster thrust riders forward backward accelerate 60 mph seconds go nearly 150 feet 46 meters offering upsidedown view mission bay doublecar roller coaster skywarp gets summertime opening six flags discovery kingdom vallejo california 30foot 9meter tall 290foot 88meter long coaster features two cars speeding around double loops spring legoland winter florida open whats billed first virtual reality roller coaster designed children great lego race vr coaster replaces parks project x roller coaster reimagining attraction new story plus special effects youre planning ahead spring summer trips family loves theme parks youll want know new rides attractions debuting new year disneys toy story land one anticipated openings 2018 toy story land expected open early next summer walt disney world resorts hollywood studios outside orlando florida attractions restaurants 11acre 45hectare land themed toys toy story movie series like slinky dog dash roller coaster woodys lunch box quickservice window serving soda floats another ride alien swirling saucers aliens circling flying saucers pull along rocket ships full guests existing attraction toy story mania get third track booked hundreds trips early summer 2018 specifically families want one first experience toy story land said greg antonelle authorized disney vacation planner mickeytravels new universal universal orlando resort opens new attraction spring featuring characters cars music fast amp furious movies fast amp furious supercharged attraction immerse guests story involving highspeed race take bus afterrace party universal also opening sixth onsite hotel aventura august 16story glass tower 600 guest rooms including 13 kids suites first rooftop bar grill universal property universal studios hollywood los angeles dreamworks theatre immerse guests multisensory adventure featuring kung fu panda attraction uses led lighting projection mapping type augmented reality turn 3d objects interactive displays pixar pier disney california adventure disney california adventure park anaheim california transforming paradise pier pixar pier summer opening rides include new incredicoaster one four neighborhoods themed pixar stories characters incredicoaster neighborhood inspired incredibles film ride include character moments scenes music special effects connected movie incredibles 2 opens theaters june thrills coasters time traveler ride debuts next spring silver dollar city branson missouri billed industrys fastest steepest tallest spinning roller coaster time traveler drops riders 90degree vertical angle followed three inversions speeds around 50 mph 81 kph spinning new 2018 seaworld orlando infinity falls twisting raft ride ride starts elevator lift launches eight passengers river eventually sends 40feet 12meter drop adventure rainforest interactive stations teach guests conservation battle eire action vr ride make news busch gardens williamsburg virginia spring parks first motionbased theater simulator stateoftheart 360degree virtual reality headsets attractions story line involves fairy warrior named addie taking guests adventure irish homeland attraction located parks ireland village seaworld san diegos new electric eel tallest fastest roller coaster san diego debuts summer 2018 triplelaunch coaster thrust riders forward backward accelerate 60 mph seconds go nearly 150 feet 46 meters offering upsidedown view mission bay doublecar roller coaster skywarp gets summertime opening six flags discovery kingdom vallejo california 30foot 9meter tall 290foot 88meter long coaster features two cars speeding around double loops spring legoland winter florida open whats billed first virtual reality roller coaster designed children great lego race vr coaster replaces parks project x roller coaster reimagining attraction new story plus special effects
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<p />
<p>Emmanuel Omogbo’s 3-pointer with 4 seconds remaining last Saturday did more than just lift Colorado State’s men’s basketball team to a come-from-behind win over San Diego State.</p>
<p>It also gave the 6-foot-8, 210-pound forward yet another double-double – his 17th of the season and 12th in Mountain West play, matching the conference record. San Diego State’s Kawhi Leonard had 12 double-doubles in league play in 2010-11, and Boise State’s Ryan Watkins had 12 in 2013-14.</p>
<p>Omogbo finished with 11 points and 11 rebounds in a 56-55 win that kept the Rams (20-9 overall, 12-4 MW) tied with Nevada (23-6, 12-4) at the top of the league standings with two regular-season games remaining.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Omogbo is one double-double away from Jason Smith’s school record of 18 set during the 2006-07 season and the only player in the conference averaging double figures in both points (14.1 a game) and rebounds (a league-leading 10.7 a game).</p>
<p>Yet the senior from Hyattsville, Maryland, said he never really thought about double-doubles until he got to Colorado State last year, after earning All-American honors as a sophomore at South Plains College in Texas.</p>
<p>“I didn’t know it was that important in college basketball or I would have been doing it since Day 1, when I set foot on the court,” Omogbo said. “I have too many games where I have nine rebounds, and I’m just like, ‘Oh, I’ll just let Gian (Clavell) or somebody else get that one.”</p>
<p>Omogbo has come up one rebound short of a double-double in three games this season, and he missed another by one point. He’s scored in double figures in 24 of the Rams’ 29 games, with a high of 24 in a 78-77 win Jan. 28 at San Diego State. And he’s had double-digit rebounds in 20 games, with a high of 16 three times.</p>
<p>He had eight double-doubles last season, including five in league play. His 17 career MW double-doubles are tied for second with Marcus Slaughter, who played for San Diego State from 2003-06. Leonard has the career record with 21 from 2009-11.</p>
<p>This week’s games: vs. Wyoming, 8 p.m. MT Tuesday (ROOT); at Nevada, 6 p.m. MT Saturday (ESPN3.com).</p>
<p>— Kelly Lyell, Fort Collins Coloradoan</p>
<p>The Bulldogs — and the rest of the conference — will have a pretty good idea after a trip to Boise State on Tuesday what kind of threat they will be at the conference tournament. But a road win last week at San Diego State, the first for Fresno State since 1999, certainly has buoyed them going into the final week of the regular season.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>“How about that?” coach Rodney Terry said after a 63-55 victory at Viejas Arena. “Big win for us, easily one of the biggest we’ve had since I’ve been here.”</p>
<p>The win was the third in a row for the Bulldogs, which matches their longest winning streak of the season and kindles memories of a late-season run a year ago when winning the final six games of the regular season and three in Las Vegas to advance to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2001.</p>
<p>They have done it with their defense, which has been fairly inconsistent throughout the year. In victories over San Jose State, New Mexico and at San Diego State, the Bulldogs allowed only 58.3 points per game and their defensive ratings have been 83.1, 84.7 and 88.7, their best three-game stretch in conference play since joining the MW.</p>
<p>The Bulldogs were only 4-9 on the road and 1-6 in MW road games going to San Diego State, but kept everything together when the Aztecs made a run back from an 11-point deficit in the second half, closing to within 44-43 with 7:32 to go. San Diego State hit only two of its last 11 shots.</p>
<p>“It was mostly us locking in on defense, locking in on ball screens, because their ball screens is the main part of their offense,” Deshon Taylor said. “We knew if we could stop that it would be hard for them to score.”</p>
<p>Fresno State already has beaten Nevada at home and on the road, and split with Colorado State. It beat the Boise State at Save Mart Center, and are 4-1 against the top three teams in the standings going to Taco Bell Arena on Tuesday.</p>
<p>This week’s games: at Boise State, 8 p.m. MT, Tuesday (CBS Sports Network); vs. UNLV, 5 p.m. MT, Saturday (ESPN3).</p>
<p>— Robert Kuwada, Fresno Bee</p>
<p>The Wolf Pack’s conference championships have been few and far between since it joined the Mountain West in 2012, but the basketball team can add another title – the biggest yet – to Nevada’s collection this week.</p>
<p>The Wolf Pack (23-6, 12-4) enters the week tied for first in the conference with Colorado State (20-9, 12-4), which it will host Saturday in the regular-season finale. Before getting there, Nevada will play at San Jose State Wednesday. It has beaten the Spartans in 16 out of the last 17 matchups and 26 of the last 28, although the Spartans (14-13, 7-9) are much improved over previous seasons.</p>
<p>“They’re a good team that plays really, really hard,” Nevada coach Eric Musselman said. “They’re good at home. We have our work cut out for us and we have to have some good practices leading into that game.”</p>
<p>If Nevada, which has won four straight, wins its final two regular-season games, it will be the MW’s outright champion. If Nevada beats Colorado State on Saturday, it will guarantee at least a share of the MW championship regardless of what happens in the mid-week games (Colorado State hosts Wyoming on Tuesday night).</p>
<p>On the line is more than just a regular-season title. The team that wins the championship will get the No. 1 seed in next week’s MW Tournament, and presumably an easier path to the tournament title game (the winner gets an automatic spot in the NCAA Tournament).</p>
<p>Also, whoever gets that No. 1 seed gets a spot in the NIT if it doesn’t reach the NCAA Tournament, although Nevada is likely a lock for the NIT even if it doesn’t earn that automatic berth. A loss in one of its next two games would essentially eliminate Nevada from NCAA Tournament at-large contention.</p>
<p>ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi called Nevada’s at-large chances “highly unlikely” and projected the Wolf Pack as a No. 12 seed against No. 5 Cincinnati in Milwaukee in his latest 68-team field. To get in the at-large conversation, Nevada likely needs to close the regular season with two victories before getting to the MW Tournament championship game, which would put the Wolf Pack at 27-7 on the year.</p>
<p>That’s in the future. For now, the Wolf Pack looks to knock off San Jose State, whose seven MW wins this year are more than it had in its first three seasons in the league combined (5-49).</p>
<p>“It’s another one of those road games we can’t underestimate our opponent,” senior guard D.J. Fenner said. “They’ve beaten teams we haven’t been able to beat this year. We have to come in there and play hard.”</p>
<p>Nevada is looking to secure just the third MW title in school history, and the first in a revenue sport. Wolf Pack baseball won the regular-season title in 2015 and women’s swimming and diving won in 2016.</p>
<p>This week’s games: at San Jose State, 8 p.m. MT Wednesday (MW Network — online); vs. Colorado State, 6 p.m. MT (ESPN3)</p>
<p>— Chris Murray/Reno Gazette-Journal</p>
<p>The Lobos got the news they wanted Monday as doctors cleared senior power forward Tim Williams to return to practice after a month in a walking boot due to a stress reaction in his left foot.</p>
<p>It’s not certain if he will be cleared to play in time for Saturday’s regular-season finale and his senior night in the Pit against San Diego State, but that would be based on conditioning (he hadn’t even been cleared for any cardio work until last week), not the injury. And he will be available for the Mountain West Tournament.</p>
<p>But don’t get your hopes up too much, said Lobos coach Craig Neal.</p>
<p>“He hasn’t played (in a month),” Neal said over the weekend, prior to Williams being cleared when asked about the all-important Monday doctor’s check up. “I just don’t know how fair it is to him. How much pressure are you going to put on that kid after having 27, 28 days off and have to play at a high level? If he can come back, terrific. But I have to be cautious about what we’re going to do with him. He hasn’t even run up and down a basketball floor.”</p>
<p>Nevertheless, it had become apparent that the Lobos (16-13, 9-8) without Williams and his 17.9 points, 7.0 rebounds and 57.9 percent shooting per game simply weren’t much of a threat in the league. They went 3-4 in his absence in February (and 1-1 in December when he had a concussion), and him being back could relieve the growing pressure on Elijah Brown, who has struggled mightily in the absence of a consistent interior scoring threat.</p>
<p>Brown averaged nearly eight free throw attempts per game prior to the current three-game losing streak for the Lobos. In losses at Fresno State, vs. Colorado State and at Wyoming, in games all three coaches essentially employed make the rest of the team beat us if they can defenses, Brown had some of his worst shooting games and attempted a total of six free throws.</p>
<p>“It’s very difficult for him how people are playing him,” Neal said. “I have to go watch the tape (after the Wyoming loss). I just don’t believe he’s not getting fouled.</p>
<p>“I don’t know that he’s trying to (get fouled). There’s a difference between trying to and getting fouled. If you get fouled, you get fouled. It doesn’t matter who it is. It’s just hard for me to think sometimes that he’s not getting fouled.”</p>
<p>This week’s game: vs. San Diego State, 8 p.m. MT Saturday (CBS Sports Network).</p>
<p>— Geoff Grammer, Albuquerque Journal</p>
<p>Coach Marvin Menzies said he had to be careful about what he said in last Saturday’s news conference following the Rebels’ 94-58 loss at home to Nevada.</p>
<p>The team is getting worse and not better, and maybe that’s because opponents have more video on the Rebels and are exposing their flaws. The greater the losing becomes, the more of a mental beating the Rebels take.</p>
<p>“This is very painful, you guys,” Menzies said, his voice breaking a little, “and it’s a hard pill to swallow.”</p>
<p>UNLV has two regular-season games remaining — Wednesday at home against Utah State and Saturday at Fresno State — and the MW Tournament.</p>
<p>“This transition has been tough,” Menzies said. “We’ve got to define how we’re going to finish this thing.”</p>
<p>The Rebels, who have lost nine in a row to tie the 1958-59 school record, must find a way to get some momentum.</p>
<p>“It’s tough right now,” guard Kris Clyburn said. “We’re working on keeping a positive mindset throughout this whole process.”</p>
<p>The Wolf Pack swept the regular-season series with UNLV, and did so in convincing fashion by a combined 63 points.</p>
<p>UNLV’s worst loss in the rivalry before this season was by 20 points in 1962.</p>
<p>Menzies said his players haven’t grasped what it takes to get the job done, especially at a proud program like this one that celebrated the 1987 Final Four team at halftime.</p>
<p>“I think there’s a lack of understanding by our guys at what the UNLV brand is, and we’re going to get everybody’s best shot,” Menzies said. “Air Force, Boise State, it doesn’t matter who we’re playing. We’re UNLV. I’m not sure my young men quite understand the significance and honor that they have on their plates right now.”</p>
<p>This week’s games: vs. Utah State, 9 p.m. MT Wednesday (ESPNU); at Fresno State, 5 p.m. MT Saturday (ESPN3 — online).</p>
<p>— Mark Anderson, Las Vegas Review-Journal</p>
<p>What a difference a week can make.</p>
<p>The Aggies had lost four of their last five heading into the second-to-last week of the regular season. They were heading out on the road where they had not won a conference game this season. Add to that the freshman starting guards were struggling.</p>
<p>It all changed at San Jose State. Utah State (13-15, 7-10) has owned the Spartans wherever the game has been played. Nothing changed last week as the Aggies never trailed in a 81-75 victory, the 19th straight win over San Jose State.</p>
<p>Koby McEwen and Sam Merrill had 23 and 22 points, respectively. Both guards had five assists each, too.</p>
<p>Breaking through on the road carried over to Senior Night at home. The Aggies built a 20-point lead by halftime and rolled over Air Force, 89-58.</p>
<p>Once again McEwen and Merrill were on as they combined for 20 points, 10 rebounds and 15 assists with just two turnovers. But it was the seniors that took center stage as Jalen Moore played his final game in the Spectrum and matched his career high with 24 points. Shane Rector also played well with six points and five assists, and former team manager Connor Garner played the game of his college life with nine points on 3 of 5 shooting from 3-point range.</p>
<p>“It was a fun game,” Moore said. “Everyone came out and played hard offensively and defensively. I have to give Connor Garner a shout out. The guy doesn’t play, comes out and hits three 3’s, he even got himself a heat check in there. I was proud of Connor and how he played. I was proud of Shane (Rector).”</p>
<p>Rector had similar thoughts.</p>
<p>“It was that Spectrum Magic baby,” Rector said. “Everybody was going tonight. Once we put the foot on the pedal, we didn’t take it off. Everybody was locked in, and it was a great night.”</p>
<p>Now the Aggies try to carry the momentum over to their final regular season game before the conference tournament.</p>
<p>This week’s game: at UNLV, 9 p.m. MT Wednesday (ESPNU).</p>
<p>— Shawn Harrison, The Herald Journal, Logan, Utah</p>
<p>The Cowboys enter the final week of the regular season with only a slim chance of moving up to the No. 5 spot in the MW standings and avoiding a first-round game for the conference tournament.</p>
<p>The Cowboys (17-12, 7-9) aren’t concerning themselves with the standings right now. They simply want to be playing their best basketball when the tournament starts.</p>
<p>Last Saturday was a start in the right direction.</p>
<p>The Cowboys played what first-year coach Allen Edwards called close to a complete 40-minute game in an 82-71 home win over New Mexico.</p>
<p>The Pokes outrebounded the taller Lobos 38-37 and committed just 11 turnovers in leading the game for almost 34 of the 40 minutes.</p>
<p>“That was really our focus, to put together a 40-minute basketball game,” Edwards said. “We don’t have to play perfect for 40 minutes, but we have to play Cowboy basketball for 40 minutes. It was close. We did a better job of taking care of the basketball, particularly in the second half.”</p>
<p>Wyoming will need a similar complete game in the hopes of winning back-to-back MW games for just the second time this season.</p>
<p>Wyoming plays at Colorado State (20-9, 12-4) on Tuesday in the second edition of the Border War within the last two weeks.</p>
<p>Colorado State, which is tied for first place in the MW with Nevada, will host Wyoming riding a league-best six-game winning streak.</p>
<p>On Feb. 14 in Laramie, the Rams led 41-33 at the half and held off all of the Cowboys’ comeback attempts over the final 20 minutes.</p>
<p>“In the first half we were pretty much focused on the offensive end and coach Edwards had a pretty good halftime speech. The second half we played a lot better,” UW sophomore forward Justin James said.</p>
<p>Wyoming closes the regular season with a home game Saturday against San Jose State.</p>
<p>This week’s games: at Colorado State, 8 p.m. MT Tuesday (ROOT); vs. San Jose State, 2 p.m. MT Saturday (MW Network — online).</p>
<p>— Scott Nulph, Laramie Boomerang/WyoSports</p>
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emmanuel omogbos 3pointer 4 seconds remaining last saturday lift colorado states mens basketball team comefrombehind win san diego state also gave 6foot8 210pound forward yet another doubledouble 17th season 12th mountain west play matching conference record san diego states kawhi leonard 12 doubledoubles league play 201011 boise states ryan watkins 12 201314 omogbo finished 11 points 11 rebounds 5655 win kept rams 209 overall 124 mw tied nevada 236 124 top league standings two regularseason games remaining advertisement omogbo one doubledouble away jason smiths school record 18 set 200607 season player conference averaging double figures points 141 game rebounds leagueleading 107 game yet senior hyattsville maryland said never really thought doubledoubles got colorado state last year earning allamerican honors sophomore south plains college texas didnt know important college basketball would since day 1 set foot court omogbo said many games nine rebounds im like oh ill let gian clavell somebody else get one omogbo come one rebound short doubledouble three games season missed another one point hes scored double figures 24 rams 29 games high 24 7877 win jan 28 san diego state hes doubledigit rebounds 20 games high 16 three times eight doubledoubles last season including five league play 17 career mw doubledoubles tied second marcus slaughter played san diego state 200306 leonard career record 21 200911 weeks games vs wyoming 8 pm mt tuesday root nevada 6 pm mt saturday espn3com kelly lyell fort collins coloradoan bulldogs rest conference pretty good idea trip boise state tuesday kind threat conference tournament road win last week san diego state first fresno state since 1999 certainly buoyed going final week regular season advertisement coach rodney terry said 6355 victory viejas arena big win us easily one biggest weve since ive win third row bulldogs matches longest winning streak season kindles memories lateseason run year ago winning final six games regular season three las vegas advance ncaa tournament first time since 2001 done defense fairly inconsistent throughout year victories san jose state new mexico san diego state bulldogs allowed 583 points per game defensive ratings 831 847 887 best threegame stretch conference play since joining mw bulldogs 49 road 16 mw road games going san diego state kept everything together aztecs made run back 11point deficit second half closing within 4443 732 go san diego state hit two last 11 shots mostly us locking defense locking ball screens ball screens main part offense deshon taylor said knew could stop would hard score fresno state already beaten nevada home road split colorado state beat boise state save mart center 41 top three teams standings going taco bell arena tuesday weeks games boise state 8 pm mt tuesday cbs sports network vs unlv 5 pm mt saturday espn3 robert kuwada fresno bee wolf packs conference championships far since joined mountain west 2012 basketball team add another title biggest yet nevadas collection week wolf pack 236 124 enters week tied first conference colorado state 209 124 host saturday regularseason finale getting nevada play san jose state wednesday beaten spartans 16 last 17 matchups 26 last 28 although spartans 1413 79 much improved previous seasons theyre good team plays really really hard nevada coach eric musselman said theyre good home work cut us good practices leading game nevada four straight wins final two regularseason games mws outright champion nevada beats colorado state saturday guarantee least share mw championship regardless happens midweek games colorado state hosts wyoming tuesday night line regularseason title team wins championship get 1 seed next weeks mw tournament presumably easier path tournament title game winner gets automatic spot ncaa tournament also whoever gets 1 seed gets spot nit doesnt reach ncaa tournament although nevada likely lock nit even doesnt earn automatic berth loss one next two games would essentially eliminate nevada ncaa tournament atlarge contention espn bracketologist joe lunardi called nevadas atlarge chances highly unlikely projected wolf pack 12 seed 5 cincinnati milwaukee latest 68team field get atlarge conversation nevada likely needs close regular season two victories getting mw tournament championship game would put wolf pack 277 year thats future wolf pack looks knock san jose state whose seven mw wins year first three seasons league combined 549 another one road games cant underestimate opponent senior guard dj fenner said theyve beaten teams havent able beat year come play hard nevada looking secure third mw title school history first revenue sport wolf pack baseball regularseason title 2015 womens swimming diving 2016 weeks games san jose state 8 pm mt wednesday mw network online vs colorado state 6 pm mt espn3 chris murrayreno gazettejournal lobos got news wanted monday doctors cleared senior power forward tim williams return practice month walking boot due stress reaction left foot certain cleared play time saturdays regularseason finale senior night pit san diego state would based conditioning hadnt even cleared cardio work last week injury available mountain west tournament dont get hopes much said lobos coach craig neal hasnt played month neal said weekend prior williams cleared asked allimportant monday doctors check dont know fair much pressure going put kid 27 28 days play high level come back terrific cautious going hasnt even run basketball floor nevertheless become apparent lobos 1613 98 without williams 179 points 70 rebounds 579 percent shooting per game simply werent much threat league went 34 absence february 11 december concussion back could relieve growing pressure elijah brown struggled mightily absence consistent interior scoring threat brown averaged nearly eight free throw attempts per game prior current threegame losing streak lobos losses fresno state vs colorado state wyoming games three coaches essentially employed make rest team beat us defenses brown worst shooting games attempted total six free throws difficult people playing neal said go watch tape wyoming loss dont believe hes getting fouled dont know hes trying get fouled theres difference trying getting fouled get fouled get fouled doesnt matter hard think sometimes hes getting fouled weeks game vs san diego state 8 pm mt saturday cbs sports network geoff grammer albuquerque journal coach marvin menzies said careful said last saturdays news conference following rebels 9458 loss home nevada team getting worse better maybe thats opponents video rebels exposing flaws greater losing becomes mental beating rebels take painful guys menzies said voice breaking little hard pill swallow unlv two regularseason games remaining wednesday home utah state saturday fresno state mw tournament transition tough menzies said weve got define going finish thing rebels lost nine row tie 195859 school record must find way get momentum tough right guard kris clyburn said working keeping positive mindset throughout whole process wolf pack swept regularseason series unlv convincing fashion combined 63 points unlvs worst loss rivalry season 20 points 1962 menzies said players havent grasped takes get job done especially proud program like one celebrated 1987 final four team halftime think theres lack understanding guys unlv brand going get everybodys best shot menzies said air force boise state doesnt matter playing unlv im sure young men quite understand significance honor plates right weeks games vs utah state 9 pm mt wednesday espnu fresno state 5 pm mt saturday espn3 online mark anderson las vegas reviewjournal difference week make aggies lost four last five heading secondtolast week regular season heading road conference game season add freshman starting guards struggling changed san jose state utah state 1315 710 owned spartans wherever game played nothing changed last week aggies never trailed 8175 victory 19th straight win san jose state koby mcewen sam merrill 23 22 points respectively guards five assists breaking road carried senior night home aggies built 20point lead halftime rolled air force 8958 mcewen merrill combined 20 points 10 rebounds 15 assists two turnovers seniors took center stage jalen moore played final game spectrum matched career high 24 points shane rector also played well six points five assists former team manager connor garner played game college life nine points 3 5 shooting 3point range fun game moore said everyone came played hard offensively defensively give connor garner shout guy doesnt play comes hits three 3s even got heat check proud connor played proud shane rector rector similar thoughts spectrum magic baby rector said everybody going tonight put foot pedal didnt take everybody locked great night aggies try carry momentum final regular season game conference tournament weeks game unlv 9 pm mt wednesday espnu shawn harrison herald journal logan utah cowboys enter final week regular season slim chance moving 5 spot mw standings avoiding firstround game conference tournament cowboys 1712 79 arent concerning standings right simply want playing best basketball tournament starts last saturday start right direction cowboys played firstyear coach allen edwards called close complete 40minute game 8271 home win new mexico pokes outrebounded taller lobos 3837 committed 11 turnovers leading game almost 34 40 minutes really focus put together 40minute basketball game edwards said dont play perfect 40 minutes play cowboy basketball 40 minutes close better job taking care basketball particularly second half wyoming need similar complete game hopes winning backtoback mw games second time season wyoming plays colorado state 209 124 tuesday second edition border war within last two weeks colorado state tied first place mw nevada host wyoming riding leaguebest sixgame winning streak feb 14 laramie rams led 4133 half held cowboys comeback attempts final 20 minutes first half pretty much focused offensive end coach edwards pretty good halftime speech second half played lot better uw sophomore forward justin james said wyoming closes regular season home game saturday san jose state weeks games colorado state 8 pm mt tuesday root vs san jose state 2 pm mt saturday mw network online scott nulph laramie boomerangwyosports
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<p>A Republican National Committee Internet ad uses video of Rep. John Murtha of Pennsylvania to make it seem he said something that he didn’t. What Murtha said was US allies think the US&#160;presence in Iraq makes&#160;America a&#160;bigger threat to world peace than North Korea or Iran. He was citing&#160;overseas&#160;public opinion polls. The RNC ad edits his remarks to make it sound as though Murtha himself&#160;is asserting that thought.</p>
<p>The same ad attracted widespread attention&#160;from liberal bloggers who pointed out&#160;evidence that an image of Democratic party chairman Howard Dean had been touched up to give him the hint of a Hitler moustache. The RNC quietly cleaned up the Dean image after being called out.</p>
<p>When future dictionaries define the term “taken out of context” they might consider using this RNC Internet ad as an example. We seldom see such an extreme&#160;case of editing a person’s words to change their meaning.</p>
<p>What Murtha Said: Florida International University, June 24 2006</p>
<p>RNC Version</p>
<p>Rep. John Murtha: We’re more dangerous to world peace than North Korea or Iran.</p>
<p>Full Version</p>
<p>Murtha:&#160;Fifty-six per cent of the people in Spain think it’s more dangerous, the United States is more dangerous in Iraq than Iran is. Every one of our allies think that the United States being in Iraq is more dangerous to world stability and world peace, every one of our allies, Great Britain, every single country, they think it’s, we’re more dangerous to world peace than North Korea or Iran. That says something.</p>
<p>It appeared on the RNC’s home page for several days, and as of this writing still&#160;appears&#160;on the party’s Web site. We’ve also posted a copy of it&#160;here. It consists mostly of snippets of video and audio from a number of Democrats, including Murtha, Dean and&#160;Connecticut senatorial nominee Ned Lamont criticizing US actions in Iraq. For the most part we found these brief quotes to be reasonably accurate reflections of the full context of what was said&#160;– with one very serious exception.</p>
<p>Murtha is shown at one point saying “We’re more dangerous to world peace than North Korea or Iran.”</p>
<p>What Murtha was really saying, however, is that&#160;international public opinion polls show that US allies think the US actions in Iraq make America a bigger threat than Iran or North Korea. He was not endorsing those opinions, and in fact was offering them as evidence of serious damage the Iraq war had inflicted on the US image overseas. (For his exact words, see the text box at left, and watch the actual&#160;video <a href="" type="internal">&#160;here</a>.)</p>
<p>The RNC is perfectly justified in using the Democrats’ own words against them, so long as they are not edited to change their intended meaning. But in this case the RNC manages to present Murtha as seeming to say nearly the exact opposite of what he actually said.</p>
<p>This is not the first time Murtha’s June 24 remarks have been distorted in this way. They were initially misreported by the Fort Lauderdale, Florida Sun-Sentinel, which led its story the next day by paraphrasing Murtha as saying that the “American presence in Iraq is more dangerous to world peace than nuclear threats from North Korea or Iran.” This misquote&#160;was quickly picked up and repeated any number of times by conservative bloggers. The newspaper ran a correction three&#160;days later, saying that the story “misinterpreted”&#160;Murtha’s remarks, and adding: “Murtha said U.S. credibility was suffering because of continued U.S. military presence in Iraq and the perception that the United States is an occupying force.”Nevertheless, some Murtha critics continue to recycle the misreported words.</p>
<p>On July 8 the conservative Washington Times newspaper even rejected the Sun-Sentinel correction and claimed in an editorial that “the initial characterization of Mr. Murtha’s comments was correct.” It acknowledged that he was actually citing overseas opinion polls, but&#160;added: “Watching the video, it is clear which side Mr. Murtha is taking (e.g., the side of America’s critics).” There’s no question Murtha is a tough critic of the Iraq war who&#160;says Iraqis see&#160;American forces as their enemy and that the troops&#160;should be pulled out. But&#160;after noting that US allies now&#160;think America&#160;is a threat to world peace, he said:&#160;“That says something.”&#160;That’s not an endorsement. The Times failed to note that, as does the RNC video.</p>
<p>A video of Murtha’s entire 20-minute address can be found&#160; <a href="http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5718988031914303903&amp;q=murtha+florida+international" type="external">here</a>.</p>
<p>Incidentally, Murtha was&#160;not entirely&#160;accurate. He was citing survey results <a href="http://pewglobal.org/reports/display.php?ReportID=252" type="external">released</a>&#160;June 13 by the Pew Global Attitudes Project. They show that&#160;France, Britain and Spain&#160;do indeed see the US presence in Iraq as a greater danger to peace that North Korea or Iran, but not Germany or Japan.</p>
<p>Just as&#160;Murtha said, in Spain 56 per cent of those polled rated the US in Iraq as a “great danger” to world peace, compared to 38 per cent who rated Iran that way, and 21 per cent who saw North Korea as a great danger. In France and Britain as well,&#160;more saw&#160;the US in Iraq as a great danger than the other two.&#160;But contrary to Murtha’s remarks, in Germany 51 per cent rated Iran a “great danger,” more than the 40 per cent who&#160;said that of&#160;the US in Iraq, or the 23 per cent who said it of North Korea. And in Japan, 46 per cent saw nearby North Korea as a “great danger,” more than the 29 per cent who rated the US in Iraq that way. Worth&#160;noting is that even in the US a large number see the US presence in Iraq as a threat to world peace. The Pew results show 31 per cent of Americans think&#160;US actions in Iraq are a great danger, not far behind the 34 per cent who think that of North Korea,&#160;but less than&#160;the 46 per cent who think it of Iran.</p>
<p>This is the same RNC web ad that attracted attention earlier because of an image of Democratic party chairman Howard Dean that appeared to have been altered to give him the faint hint of a Hitler mustache. Here we show the original photo of Dean delivering a speech during the 2004 presidential campaign, the image as it appeared originally on the RNC Web site, and as it appeared later after liberal bloggers pointed to evidence of foul play.</p>
<p>The original photo, of Dean making his “I have a scream” speech Jan. 19, 2004 following his third-place finish in Iowa’s Democratic presidential caucuses:</p>
<p />
<p>The initial RNC “Hitler” version, showing the apparently altered Dean image:</p>
<p />
<p>And here is the image as it appeared more recently, after the “Hitler” image drew widespread attention on various blogs and news Web sites:</p>
<p />
<p>So far as we’ve been able to determine, the first to speak of the Hitler resemblance in the&#160;initial RNC version was blogger George Johnston. He&#160;noticed that the&#160;Eschaton blog&#160;run by Philadelphia&#160;blogger Duncan B. Black, who uses the pseudonym “Atrios,”&#160;had&#160; <a href="http://atrios.blogspot.com/2006_08_06_atrios_archive.html#115517898628180994" type="external">posted</a>&#160;a copy of the&#160;RNC image. Black joked that&#160;he was “jealous” that&#160;the RNC line-up of notorious Democrats included&#160;another liberal blogger, Markos Moulitsas of “Daily Kos,” and not him.&#160;Shortly after, Johnston posted a brief&#160; <a href="http://www.haloscan.com/comments.php?user=atrios&amp;comment=115517898628180994#8374292" type="external">comment</a>&#160;saying “it sure looks like the Republicans have photo-shopped a subliminal Hitler mustache onto Howard Dean.” Later Johnston&#160;posted a&#160; <a href="http://oldfashionedpatriot.blogspot.com/2006_08_01_oldfashionedpatriot_archive.html#115519992298654200" type="external">comparison</a>&#160;of the original and the RNC version on his own&#160;blog, “Old Fashioned Patriot.” Later Daily&#160; <a href="http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2006/8/10/135841/317" type="external">Kos</a>&#160;and&#160; <a href="http://derenegade.blogspot.com/2006/08/im-sure-theres-reasonable-explanation.html" type="external">others</a> took up the cry, and the RNC image soon changed, minus the shading under Dean’s nose. One blogger set up a <a href="http://interestingtimes.blogspot.com/2006/08/gop-paints-hitler-moustache-on-dean.html" type="external">page</a>&#160;superimposing the two images, letting&#160;visitors&#160;click to switch quickly between the initial image and the cleaned-up version, making the alteration even more obvious.</p>
<p>The RNC may not have done the shading themselves. The “Hitler” images looks identical to one&#160;that an obscure blogger&#160;posted as a joke 2-1/2 years ago, the day after&#160;Dean made the speech. It appeared&#160;under the heading “Howard Dean Goes Mad,” with a caption saying “Howard Dean puts on his ‘Vee Vill Konker tee Vorld’ act…” If the RNC got their initial image there it would have been hard to miss the Hitler reference.</p>
<p>-by Brooks Jackson, with James Ficaro</p>
<p />
<p>&lt;iframe style="width: 500px; height:300px;" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen src="https://video.factcheck.org/play/legacy-212-1"&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;</p>
<p>&lt;iframe style="width: 500px; height:300px;" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen src="https://video.factcheck.org/play/legacy-212-2"&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;</p>
<p>Elizabeth Baier, “Pull Out of Iraq Now, Congressman Urges,” Fort Lauderdale, Florida Sun-Sentinel 25 Jan 2006:3b. (and correction: 28 Jan 2006)</p>
<p>“Nobles and knaves,” The Washington Times 8 July 2006: A11.</p>
<p>“America’s Image Slips, But Allies Share U.S. Concerns Over Iran, Hamas: No Global Warming Alarm in the U.S., China,”&#160; <a href="http://pewglobal.org/reports/display.php?ReportID=252" type="external">press release</a>, Pew Research Center, 13 June 2006.</p>
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republican national committee internet ad uses video rep john murtha pennsylvania make seem said something didnt murtha said us allies think us160presence iraq makes160america a160bigger threat world peace north korea iran citing160overseas160public opinion polls rnc ad edits remarks make sound though murtha himself160is asserting thought ad attracted widespread attention160from liberal bloggers pointed out160evidence image democratic party chairman howard dean touched give hint hitler moustache rnc quietly cleaned dean image called future dictionaries define term taken context might consider using rnc internet ad example seldom see extreme160case editing persons words change meaning murtha said florida international university june 24 2006 rnc version rep john murtha dangerous world peace north korea iran full version murtha160fiftysix per cent people spain think dangerous united states dangerous iraq iran every one allies think united states iraq dangerous world stability world peace every one allies great britain every single country think dangerous world peace north korea iran says something appeared rncs home page several days writing still160appears160on partys web site weve also posted copy it160here consists mostly snippets video audio number democrats including murtha dean and160connecticut senatorial nominee ned lamont criticizing us actions iraq part found brief quotes reasonably accurate reflections full context said160 one serious exception murtha shown one point saying dangerous world peace north korea iran murtha really saying however that160international public opinion polls show us allies think us actions iraq make america bigger threat iran north korea endorsing opinions fact offering evidence serious damage iraq war inflicted us image overseas exact words see text box left watch actual160video 160here rnc perfectly justified using democrats words long edited change intended meaning case rnc manages present murtha seeming say nearly exact opposite actually said first time murthas june 24 remarks distorted way initially misreported fort lauderdale florida sunsentinel led story next day paraphrasing murtha saying american presence iraq dangerous world peace nuclear threats north korea iran misquote160was quickly picked repeated number times conservative bloggers newspaper ran correction three160days later saying story misinterpreted160murthas remarks adding murtha said us credibility suffering continued us military presence iraq perception united states occupying forcenevertheless murtha critics continue recycle misreported words july 8 conservative washington times newspaper even rejected sunsentinel correction claimed editorial initial characterization mr murthas comments correct acknowledged actually citing overseas opinion polls but160added watching video clear side mr murtha taking eg side americas critics theres question murtha tough critic iraq war who160says iraqis see160american forces enemy troops160should pulled but160after noting us allies now160think america160is threat world peace said160that says something160thats endorsement times failed note rnc video video murthas entire 20minute address found160 incidentally murtha was160not entirely160accurate citing survey results released160june 13 pew global attitudes project show that160france britain spain160do indeed see us presence iraq greater danger peace north korea iran germany japan as160murtha said spain 56 per cent polled rated us iraq great danger world peace compared 38 per cent rated iran way 21 per cent saw north korea great danger france britain well160more saw160the us iraq great danger two160but contrary murthas remarks germany 51 per cent rated iran great danger 40 per cent who160said of160the us iraq 23 per cent said north korea japan 46 per cent saw nearby north korea great danger 29 per cent rated us iraq way worth160noting even us large number see us presence iraq threat world peace pew results show 31 per cent americans think160us actions iraq great danger far behind 34 per cent think north korea160but less than160the 46 per cent think iran rnc web ad attracted attention earlier image democratic party chairman howard dean appeared altered give faint hint hitler mustache show original photo dean delivering speech 2004 presidential campaign image appeared originally rnc web site appeared later liberal bloggers pointed evidence foul play original photo dean making scream speech jan 19 2004 following thirdplace finish iowas democratic presidential caucuses initial rnc hitler version showing apparently altered dean image image appeared recently hitler image drew widespread attention various blogs news web sites far weve able determine first speak hitler resemblance the160initial rnc version blogger george johnston he160noticed the160eschaton blog160run philadelphia160blogger duncan b black uses pseudonym atrios160had160 posted160a copy the160rnc image black joked that160he jealous that160the rnc lineup notorious democrats included160another liberal blogger markos moulitsas daily kos him160shortly johnston posted brief160 comment160saying sure looks like republicans photoshopped subliminal hitler mustache onto howard dean later johnston160posted a160 comparison160of original rnc version own160blog old fashioned patriot later daily160 kos160and160 others took cry rnc image soon changed minus shading deans nose one blogger set page160superimposing two images letting160visitors160click switch quickly initial image cleanedup version making alteration even obvious rnc may done shading hitler images looks identical one160that obscure blogger160posted joke 212 years ago day after160dean made speech appeared160under heading howard dean goes mad caption saying howard dean puts vee vill konker tee vorld act rnc got initial image would hard miss hitler reference brooks jackson james ficaro ltiframe stylewidth 500px height300px frameborder0 allowfullscreen srchttpsvideofactcheckorgplaylegacy2121gtltiframegt ltiframe stylewidth 500px height300px frameborder0 allowfullscreen srchttpsvideofactcheckorgplaylegacy2122gtltiframegt elizabeth baier pull iraq congressman urges fort lauderdale florida sunsentinel 25 jan 20063b correction 28 jan 2006 nobles knaves washington times 8 july 2006 a11 americas image slips allies share us concerns iran hamas global warming alarm us china160 press release pew research center 13 june 2006
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<p>LAS VEGAS (AP) — A former Las Vegas police officer was sentenced Friday to a year in federal prison for a civil rights violation, after his body camera showed him slamming a woman's head against his patrol vehicle and dragging her to the ground three years ago.</p>
<p>The American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada and several area attorneys active in police abuse cases said they could not immediately recall another Las Vegas police officer being sentenced to prison for similar excessive force.</p>
<p>Richard Thomas Scavone, 51, also was sentenced to an additional year of supervised release for what the woman's former lawyer once called unjustified "street justice" after she was accused of loitering for purposes of prostitution.</p>
<p>The attorney, noted civil rights advocate Cal Potter, died last year</p>
<p>Scavone's attorney, federal public defender Nisha Brooks-Whittington, did not immediately respond Friday to messages seeking comment.</p>
<p>Scavone acknowledged that he repeatedly hit the handcuffed woman's head on the hood of his patrol car, grabbed her around the neck and threw her to the ground.</p>
<p>The police department agreed in July 2016 to pay the woman $200,000 to settle a civil rights lawsuit after she claimed she suffered permanent injuries to her face, teeth, neck and back.</p>
<p>Scavone was an eight-year police officer who was suspended after the allegations came to light and he was arrested on state charges including felony oppression under color of office, and misdemeanor battery and filing a false report.</p>
<p>A federal grand jury indicted Scavone in 2016, and the case was turned over to U.S. prosecutors.</p>
<p>Scavone's sentence by U.S. District Judge Richard Boulware followed his guilty plea last September to a misdemeanor federal charge of deprivation of rights under color of law. His was ordered to surrender on April 11.</p>
<p>Scavone was the first officer dismissed for conduct revealed by body camera footage.</p>
<p>ACLU legal chief Amy Rose called his sentence an example of body cameras bringing abuses to light and providing justice for victims.</p>
<p>During the past two years, Las Vegas police have deployed nearly 2,000 cameras among the department's more than 2,700 officers, making them standard equipment for patrol, SWAT, K-9 and traffic divisions.</p>
<p>Another officer, Kenneth Lopera, retired from the department in October after camera footage from a casino foot chase and arrest led to charges of involuntary manslaughter and oppression under color of office in the death of a man he put in an unauthorized chokehold.</p>
<p>Lopera could face up to eight years in state prison if convicted of the charges.</p>
<p>Two other officers were sent to prison in 2010 for their convictions in an off-duty drive-by shooting in 1996.</p>
<p>Ronald Mortensen was sentenced to life without parole for murder, and Christopher Brady served a nine-year federal sentence for driving the vehicle.</p>
<p>LAS VEGAS (AP) — A former Las Vegas police officer was sentenced Friday to a year in federal prison for a civil rights violation, after his body camera showed him slamming a woman's head against his patrol vehicle and dragging her to the ground three years ago.</p>
<p>The American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada and several area attorneys active in police abuse cases said they could not immediately recall another Las Vegas police officer being sentenced to prison for similar excessive force.</p>
<p>Richard Thomas Scavone, 51, also was sentenced to an additional year of supervised release for what the woman's former lawyer once called unjustified "street justice" after she was accused of loitering for purposes of prostitution.</p>
<p>The attorney, noted civil rights advocate Cal Potter, died last year</p>
<p>Scavone's attorney, federal public defender Nisha Brooks-Whittington, did not immediately respond Friday to messages seeking comment.</p>
<p>Scavone acknowledged that he repeatedly hit the handcuffed woman's head on the hood of his patrol car, grabbed her around the neck and threw her to the ground.</p>
<p>The police department agreed in July 2016 to pay the woman $200,000 to settle a civil rights lawsuit after she claimed she suffered permanent injuries to her face, teeth, neck and back.</p>
<p>Scavone was an eight-year police officer who was suspended after the allegations came to light and he was arrested on state charges including felony oppression under color of office, and misdemeanor battery and filing a false report.</p>
<p>A federal grand jury indicted Scavone in 2016, and the case was turned over to U.S. prosecutors.</p>
<p>Scavone's sentence by U.S. District Judge Richard Boulware followed his guilty plea last September to a misdemeanor federal charge of deprivation of rights under color of law. His was ordered to surrender on April 11.</p>
<p>Scavone was the first officer dismissed for conduct revealed by body camera footage.</p>
<p>ACLU legal chief Amy Rose called his sentence an example of body cameras bringing abuses to light and providing justice for victims.</p>
<p>During the past two years, Las Vegas police have deployed nearly 2,000 cameras among the department's more than 2,700 officers, making them standard equipment for patrol, SWAT, K-9 and traffic divisions.</p>
<p>Another officer, Kenneth Lopera, retired from the department in October after camera footage from a casino foot chase and arrest led to charges of involuntary manslaughter and oppression under color of office in the death of a man he put in an unauthorized chokehold.</p>
<p>Lopera could face up to eight years in state prison if convicted of the charges.</p>
<p>Two other officers were sent to prison in 2010 for their convictions in an off-duty drive-by shooting in 1996.</p>
<p>Ronald Mortensen was sentenced to life without parole for murder, and Christopher Brady served a nine-year federal sentence for driving the vehicle.</p>
| false | 2 |
las vegas ap former las vegas police officer sentenced friday year federal prison civil rights violation body camera showed slamming womans head patrol vehicle dragging ground three years ago american civil liberties union nevada several area attorneys active police abuse cases said could immediately recall another las vegas police officer sentenced prison similar excessive force richard thomas scavone 51 also sentenced additional year supervised release womans former lawyer called unjustified street justice accused loitering purposes prostitution attorney noted civil rights advocate cal potter died last year scavones attorney federal public defender nisha brookswhittington immediately respond friday messages seeking comment scavone acknowledged repeatedly hit handcuffed womans head hood patrol car grabbed around neck threw ground police department agreed july 2016 pay woman 200000 settle civil rights lawsuit claimed suffered permanent injuries face teeth neck back scavone eightyear police officer suspended allegations came light arrested state charges including felony oppression color office misdemeanor battery filing false report federal grand jury indicted scavone 2016 case turned us prosecutors scavones sentence us district judge richard boulware followed guilty plea last september misdemeanor federal charge deprivation rights color law ordered surrender april 11 scavone first officer dismissed conduct revealed body camera footage aclu legal chief amy rose called sentence example body cameras bringing abuses light providing justice victims past two years las vegas police deployed nearly 2000 cameras among departments 2700 officers making standard equipment patrol swat k9 traffic divisions another officer kenneth lopera retired department october camera footage casino foot chase arrest led charges involuntary manslaughter oppression color office death man put unauthorized chokehold lopera could face eight years state prison convicted charges two officers sent prison 2010 convictions offduty driveby shooting 1996 ronald mortensen sentenced life without parole murder christopher brady served nineyear federal sentence driving vehicle las vegas ap former las vegas police officer sentenced friday year federal prison civil rights violation body camera showed slamming womans head patrol vehicle dragging ground three years ago american civil liberties union nevada several area attorneys active police abuse cases said could immediately recall another las vegas police officer sentenced prison similar excessive force richard thomas scavone 51 also sentenced additional year supervised release womans former lawyer called unjustified street justice accused loitering purposes prostitution attorney noted civil rights advocate cal potter died last year scavones attorney federal public defender nisha brookswhittington immediately respond friday messages seeking comment scavone acknowledged repeatedly hit handcuffed womans head hood patrol car grabbed around neck threw ground police department agreed july 2016 pay woman 200000 settle civil rights lawsuit claimed suffered permanent injuries face teeth neck back scavone eightyear police officer suspended allegations came light arrested state charges including felony oppression color office misdemeanor battery filing false report federal grand jury indicted scavone 2016 case turned us prosecutors scavones sentence us district judge richard boulware followed guilty plea last september misdemeanor federal charge deprivation rights color law ordered surrender april 11 scavone first officer dismissed conduct revealed body camera footage aclu legal chief amy rose called sentence example body cameras bringing abuses light providing justice victims past two years las vegas police deployed nearly 2000 cameras among departments 2700 officers making standard equipment patrol swat k9 traffic divisions another officer kenneth lopera retired department october camera footage casino foot chase arrest led charges involuntary manslaughter oppression color office death man put unauthorized chokehold lopera could face eight years state prison convicted charges two officers sent prison 2010 convictions offduty driveby shooting 1996 ronald mortensen sentenced life without parole murder christopher brady served nineyear federal sentence driving vehicle
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<p />
<p>6:35 p.m.</p>
<p>Green Party candidate Jill Stein is asking a federal judge to order Michigan to quickly start a recount of presidential votes.</p>
<p>It’s another legal action in the dispute over whether Michigan will take a second look at ballots from the Nov. 8 election. The recount could start Wednesday because officials say state law requires a break of at least two business days.</p>
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<p>Stein’s attorney, Mark Brewer, filed a lawsuit Friday. He says the law violates the U.S. Constitution. He says the delay means the recount might not be finished by a Dec. 13 deadline.</p>
<p>Earlier Friday, the Michigan election board deadlocked on President-elect Donald Trump’s request to reject a recount. That means a recount will occur unless courts step in. Lawsuits have been filed to stop it.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>5:15 p.m.</p>
<p>President-elect Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit to stop an election recount in Michigan that is scheduled to begin next week.</p>
<p>The filing Friday comes after the state elections board deadlocked on his request to deny the recount, which means it will likely start Wednesday unless the courts intervene.</p>
<p>Trump lawyers say in the lawsuit that Green Party candidate Jill Stein wants the state to “expend tens of millions of dollars on a wild goose chase that even Stein cannot identify.”</p>
<p>Trump defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton in Michigan by 10,700 votes.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Michigan’s Republican attorney general also is asking state courts to stop the recount.</p>
<p>Stein says her goal is not to change the election result but to ensure “the integrity and accuracy of the vote.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>4 p.m.</p>
<p>A federal court in Wisconsin on Friday rejected an attempt by pro-Donald Trump groups to stop a recount of the state’s presidential vote, saying there was no harm in allowing it to continue.</p>
<p>Two pro-Trump political action committees and a Wisconsin voter on Thursday filed a lawsuit and a request for a temporary restraining order seeking to stop the recount, arguing that it was an unconstitutional violation of the Constitutional rights of people who had voted for Trump.</p>
<p>But U.S. District Judge James Peterson on Friday denied the motion to temporarily halt the recount, saying there would be no harm in allowing it to proceed while the state prepares arguments in defense.</p>
<p>Peterson scheduled a hearing for Dec. 9 on the underlying lawsuit.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>4:30 p.m.</p>
<p>President-elect Donald Trump’s margin of victory in Pennsylvania is shrinking as more counties finish tallying their votes.</p>
<p>An updated count Friday by state election officials shows Trump’s lead over Democrat Hillary Clinton has shrunk to 49,000, from 71,000.</p>
<p>That puts Trump’s lead at 0.8 percent, down from over 1 percent, out of 6 million votes cast. It’s still shy of Pennsylvania’s 0.5 percent trigger for an automatic statewide recount. Trump’s Pennsylvania victory was crucial to his capturing the White House.</p>
<p>The update comes as Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein spearheads recount efforts in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. Trump narrowly beat Clinton in all three states.</p>
<p>Trump’s lead in Pennsylvania dropped as counties wrapped up the counting of overseas ballots and settled provisional ballot challenges.</p>
<p>Some counties are also fielding precinct recount requests, and final counts are outstanding in some places, including Philadelphia.</p>
<p>____</p>
<p>12:40 p.m.</p>
<p>Michigan’s elections board has deadlocked on President-elect Donald Trump’s request to prevent a recount, which means it will start next week unless the courts intervene.</p>
<p>Two Republicans voted Friday to prevent the recount, while two Democrats said it should proceed. A state spokesman says the statewide recount requested by Green Party candidate Jill Stein will begin Tuesday or Wednesday barring a court order.</p>
<p>Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette, a Republican, asked the state Supreme Court on Friday to intervene and stop the recount. That motion is pending.</p>
<p>A Wisconsin recount is underway, though his supporters have filed a federal lawsuit trying to stop in. In Pennsylvania, Trump is asking a court to dismiss Stein’s recount request.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>12:20 p.m.</p>
<p>President-elect Donald Trump and the Pennsylvania Republican Party have asked a court to dismiss a Green Party-backed request for a recount of the state’s presidential election vote.</p>
<p>In a filing late Thursday, Republican lawyers accused Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein of legal antics that threaten Pennsylvania’s ability to certify its presidential electors by the Dec. 13 federal deadline.</p>
<p>A Monday court hearing is scheduled in the case.</p>
<p>The GOP argues there’s no evidence or even allegations that the state’s voting systems were tampered with and that the law doesn’t specifically allow a court-ordered recount.</p>
<p>Stein has also requested recounts in two other states Trump narrowly won, Michigan and Wisconsin. The Wisconsin recount is underway.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>9:50 a.m.</p>
<p>Supporters of President-elect Donald Trump have filed a federal lawsuit trying to stop Wisconsin’s ongoing presidential election recount.</p>
<p>The lawsuit and request for a temporary restraining order was filed late Thursday in federal court in Madison. It was filed by the Great America PAC, the Stop Hillary PAC and Wisconsin voter Ronald R. Johnson.</p>
<p>The lawsuit contends that the recount that started Thursday threatens the due process rights of Johnson and others who voted for Trump. Trump won Wisconsin and the recount was requested by Green Party presidential nominee Jill Stein.</p>
<p>The lawsuit also argues that errors are likely in the recount, as election officials are rushing to meet a Dec. 13 deadline.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>10 a.m.</p>
<p>Michigan’s attorney general has asked the state Supreme Court to block a potential recount of the state’s presidential vote, which was won by his fellow Republican, Donald Trump.</p>
<p>Attorney General Bill Schuette, like the Trump campaign, argues that Green Party candidate Jill Stein cannot seek the recount because she was not “aggrieved” to the point at which a potential miscounting of votes could have cost her the election. She garnered 1 percent of Michigan’s vote.</p>
<p>The filing Friday delayed the start of a state election board meeting to consider Trump’s request to block the hand recount of all 4.8 million ballots cast in Michigan. Trump defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton in Michigan by 10,700 votes.</p>
<p>A recount is already underway in Wisconsin. Stein also wants a court-ordered statewide recount in Pennsylvania.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>8:40 a.m.</p>
<p>Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker says he doesn’t think the presidential recount ongoing in his state will result in any significant change in the results.</p>
<p>Donald Trump won Wisconsin by about 22,000 votes, or less than 1 percentage point, over Hillary Clinton. Green Party presidential nominee Jill Stein requested the recount which began on Thursday and has to be completed by Dec. 13.</p>
<p>Walker told reporters Friday that he assumes the results will be fairly similar once the recount is done. He says, “Anytime there’s a canvass or a recount there’s slight adjustments” but he doesn’t expect Trump’s margin of victory to change much.</p>
<p>Walker also says he’s open to changing Wisconsin law to prevent candidates like Stein who have no chance of winning in a recount to request one.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>12:03 a.m.</p>
<p>Michigan’s elections board will consider President-elect Donald Trump’s request to block a hand recount of all 4.8 million ballots cast in the state he won by 10,700 votes over Hillary Clinton.</p>
<p>Arguments will be heard Friday.</p>
<p>A recount is already underway in Wisconsin, where the first reporting of numbers is expected Friday. In Pennsylvania, a hearing is scheduled for Monday on Stein’s push to secure a court-ordered statewide recount.</p>
<p>Recounts aren’t expected to flip nearly enough votes to change the outcome in any of the three states.</p>
<p>Lawyers for the Trump campaign argue that Green Party candidate Jill Stein can’t seek the recount in Michigan because she wasn’t “aggrieved” to the point where potential miscounting of votes could have cost her the election. She garnered 1 percent of Michigan’s vote.</p>
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635 pm green party candidate jill stein asking federal judge order michigan quickly start recount presidential votes another legal action dispute whether michigan take second look ballots nov 8 election recount could start wednesday officials say state law requires break least two business days advertisement steins attorney mark brewer filed lawsuit friday says law violates us constitution says delay means recount might finished dec 13 deadline earlier friday michigan election board deadlocked presidentelect donald trumps request reject recount means recount occur unless courts step lawsuits filed stop ___ 515 pm presidentelect donald trump filed lawsuit stop election recount michigan scheduled begin next week filing friday comes state elections board deadlocked request deny recount means likely start wednesday unless courts intervene trump lawyers say lawsuit green party candidate jill stein wants state expend tens millions dollars wild goose chase even stein identify trump defeated democrat hillary clinton michigan 10700 votes advertisement michigans republican attorney general also asking state courts stop recount stein says goal change election result ensure integrity accuracy vote ___ 4 pm federal court wisconsin friday rejected attempt prodonald trump groups stop recount states presidential vote saying harm allowing continue two protrump political action committees wisconsin voter thursday filed lawsuit request temporary restraining order seeking stop recount arguing unconstitutional violation constitutional rights people voted trump us district judge james peterson friday denied motion temporarily halt recount saying would harm allowing proceed state prepares arguments defense peterson scheduled hearing dec 9 underlying lawsuit ___ 430 pm presidentelect donald trumps margin victory pennsylvania shrinking counties finish tallying votes updated count friday state election officials shows trumps lead democrat hillary clinton shrunk 49000 71000 puts trumps lead 08 percent 1 percent 6 million votes cast still shy pennsylvanias 05 percent trigger automatic statewide recount trumps pennsylvania victory crucial capturing white house update comes green party presidential candidate jill stein spearheads recount efforts pennsylvania michigan wisconsin trump narrowly beat clinton three states trumps lead pennsylvania dropped counties wrapped counting overseas ballots settled provisional ballot challenges counties also fielding precinct recount requests final counts outstanding places including philadelphia ____ 1240 pm michigans elections board deadlocked presidentelect donald trumps request prevent recount means start next week unless courts intervene two republicans voted friday prevent recount two democrats said proceed state spokesman says statewide recount requested green party candidate jill stein begin tuesday wednesday barring court order michigan attorney general bill schuette republican asked state supreme court friday intervene stop recount motion pending wisconsin recount underway though supporters filed federal lawsuit trying stop pennsylvania trump asking court dismiss steins recount request ___ 1220 pm presidentelect donald trump pennsylvania republican party asked court dismiss green partybacked request recount states presidential election vote filing late thursday republican lawyers accused green party presidential candidate jill stein legal antics threaten pennsylvanias ability certify presidential electors dec 13 federal deadline monday court hearing scheduled case gop argues theres evidence even allegations states voting systems tampered law doesnt specifically allow courtordered recount stein also requested recounts two states trump narrowly michigan wisconsin wisconsin recount underway ___ 950 supporters presidentelect donald trump filed federal lawsuit trying stop wisconsins ongoing presidential election recount lawsuit request temporary restraining order filed late thursday federal court madison filed great america pac stop hillary pac wisconsin voter ronald r johnson lawsuit contends recount started thursday threatens due process rights johnson others voted trump trump wisconsin recount requested green party presidential nominee jill stein lawsuit also argues errors likely recount election officials rushing meet dec 13 deadline ___ 10 michigans attorney general asked state supreme court block potential recount states presidential vote fellow republican donald trump attorney general bill schuette like trump campaign argues green party candidate jill stein seek recount aggrieved point potential miscounting votes could cost election garnered 1 percent michigans vote filing friday delayed start state election board meeting consider trumps request block hand recount 48 million ballots cast michigan trump defeated democrat hillary clinton michigan 10700 votes recount already underway wisconsin stein also wants courtordered statewide recount pennsylvania ___ 840 wisconsin gov scott walker says doesnt think presidential recount ongoing state result significant change results donald trump wisconsin 22000 votes less 1 percentage point hillary clinton green party presidential nominee jill stein requested recount began thursday completed dec 13 walker told reporters friday assumes results fairly similar recount done says anytime theres canvass recount theres slight adjustments doesnt expect trumps margin victory change much walker also says hes open changing wisconsin law prevent candidates like stein chance winning recount request one ___ 1203 michigans elections board consider presidentelect donald trumps request block hand recount 48 million ballots cast state 10700 votes hillary clinton arguments heard friday recount already underway wisconsin first reporting numbers expected friday pennsylvania hearing scheduled monday steins push secure courtordered statewide recount recounts arent expected flip nearly enough votes change outcome three states lawyers trump campaign argue green party candidate jill stein cant seek recount michigan wasnt aggrieved point potential miscounting votes could cost election garnered 1 percent michigans vote
| 828 |
<p>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri appeals court judge was appointed Monday to take over Ferguson’s municipal court and make “needed reforms” after a highly critical U.S. Department of Justice report that was prompted by the fatal police shooting of Michael Brown.</p>
<p>The Missouri Supreme Court said it is assigning state appeals Judge Roy L. Richter to hear all of Ferguson’s pending and future municipal court cases. The high court said Richter also will have the authority to overhaul court policies to ensure defendants’ rights are respected and to “restore the integrity of the system.”</p>
<p>Ferguson Municipal Judge Ronald J. Brockmeyer resigned Monday, saying through a spokesman that he was stepping down to promote public confidence in the court and help Ferguson “begin its healing process.”</p>
<p>The Ferguson City Council met in closed session Monday evening, but members left without taking questions and a city spokesman didn’t disclose the purpose of the meeting. Ferguson City Manager John Shaw was escorted to his vehicle by a police officer without fielding questions, and Mayor James Knowles III declined comment to The Associated Press afterward except to say that the city on Tuesday would begin seeking Brockmeyer’s permanent successor.</p>
<p>Richter will take charge of the court on March 16. The Supreme Court said it also is assigning staff from the state court administrator’s office to aid Richter in reviewing Ferguson’s municipal court practices.</p>
<p>“Judge Richter will bring a fresh, disinterested perspective to this court’s practices, and he is able and willing to implement needed reforms,” Chief Justice Mary Russell said in a written statement.</p>
<p>“Extraordinary action is warranted in Ferguson, but the Court also is examining reforms that are needed on a statewide basis,” Russell added.</p>
<p>The change comes after the Justice Department released a report last week that cited cases of racial profiling and bigotry by police and chided what it described as a profit-driven municipal court system in the predominantly black St. Louis suburb where Brown, 18, was shot by a white Ferguson police officer on Aug. 9. The shooting prompted protests in the St. Louis area and across the nation.</p>
<p>A St. Louis County grand jury and the U.S. Justice Department both declined to bring charges against Officer Darren Wilson, who resigned from the department. The Justice Department report said Wilson acted in self-defense when he shot Brown.</p>
<p>But the Justice Department said Ferguson’s police and court systems functioned as a money-making enterprise that heightened tensions among residents.</p>
<p>The federal report noted that Ferguson was counting on revenues from fines and fees to generate $3.1 million, or nearly one-quarter of its total $13.3 million budget for the 2015 fiscal year.</p>
<p>Although it was rare for the court to sentence people to jail as a penalty for city code violations, the Justice Department report said the city’s court almost always imposes monetary penalties and then issues arrest warrants when people fail to pay on time or miss a court date. As a result, relatively minor violations can — and frequently do — lead to arrests and jail time, the report said.</p>
<p>The federal report also cited several instances in which Ferguson’s municipal judge, court clerk or city prosecutor helped “fix” tickets for colleagues and friends.</p>
<p>The report cited the forgiven tickets for Ferguson officials as evidence of “a double standard grounded in racial stereotyping.” It said Ferguson officials displayed “a striking lack of personal responsibility among themselves” while some nonetheless asserted to federal investigators that the city’s African-American residents lacked “personal responsibility.”</p>
<p>Attorney Bert Fulk said in a statement announcing Brockmeyer’s resignation that Brockmeyer had been “fair and impartial” as a part-time judge and that the court clerk bore the primary responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the court.</p>
<p>The city fired court clerk Mary Ann Twitty last week.</p>
<p>Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon released a written statement Monday praising the “strong and appropriate actions by the Missouri Supreme Court” to overhaul the Ferguson municipal court.</p>
<p>Monday’s appointment of a new Ferguson judge drew mixed reviews among a dozen onlookers at that night’s council meeting. Derrick Robinson, a protest organizer, said the move was “letting us know they’re hearing our cry, and I think it’s a good step in reconstructing Ferguson.” Meldon Moffitt, of St. Louis, countered that it wouldn’t make anything better, adding “the only way we can clean up Ferguson is to wipe out the police force, wipe out the courts and wipe out the judges.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow David A. Lieb at: <a href="https://twitter.com/DavidALieb" type="external" /> <a href="https://twitter.com/DavidALieb" type="external">https://twitter.com/DavidALieb</a></p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press writers Jim Suhr and Jim Salter contributed to this report from Ferguson.</p>
<p>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri appeals court judge was appointed Monday to take over Ferguson’s municipal court and make “needed reforms” after a highly critical U.S. Department of Justice report that was prompted by the fatal police shooting of Michael Brown.</p>
<p>The Missouri Supreme Court said it is assigning state appeals Judge Roy L. Richter to hear all of Ferguson’s pending and future municipal court cases. The high court said Richter also will have the authority to overhaul court policies to ensure defendants’ rights are respected and to “restore the integrity of the system.”</p>
<p>Ferguson Municipal Judge Ronald J. Brockmeyer resigned Monday, saying through a spokesman that he was stepping down to promote public confidence in the court and help Ferguson “begin its healing process.”</p>
<p>The Ferguson City Council met in closed session Monday evening, but members left without taking questions and a city spokesman didn’t disclose the purpose of the meeting. Ferguson City Manager John Shaw was escorted to his vehicle by a police officer without fielding questions, and Mayor James Knowles III declined comment to The Associated Press afterward except to say that the city on Tuesday would begin seeking Brockmeyer’s permanent successor.</p>
<p>Richter will take charge of the court on March 16. The Supreme Court said it also is assigning staff from the state court administrator’s office to aid Richter in reviewing Ferguson’s municipal court practices.</p>
<p>“Judge Richter will bring a fresh, disinterested perspective to this court’s practices, and he is able and willing to implement needed reforms,” Chief Justice Mary Russell said in a written statement.</p>
<p>“Extraordinary action is warranted in Ferguson, but the Court also is examining reforms that are needed on a statewide basis,” Russell added.</p>
<p>The change comes after the Justice Department released a report last week that cited cases of racial profiling and bigotry by police and chided what it described as a profit-driven municipal court system in the predominantly black St. Louis suburb where Brown, 18, was shot by a white Ferguson police officer on Aug. 9. The shooting prompted protests in the St. Louis area and across the nation.</p>
<p>A St. Louis County grand jury and the U.S. Justice Department both declined to bring charges against Officer Darren Wilson, who resigned from the department. The Justice Department report said Wilson acted in self-defense when he shot Brown.</p>
<p>But the Justice Department said Ferguson’s police and court systems functioned as a money-making enterprise that heightened tensions among residents.</p>
<p>The federal report noted that Ferguson was counting on revenues from fines and fees to generate $3.1 million, or nearly one-quarter of its total $13.3 million budget for the 2015 fiscal year.</p>
<p>Although it was rare for the court to sentence people to jail as a penalty for city code violations, the Justice Department report said the city’s court almost always imposes monetary penalties and then issues arrest warrants when people fail to pay on time or miss a court date. As a result, relatively minor violations can — and frequently do — lead to arrests and jail time, the report said.</p>
<p>The federal report also cited several instances in which Ferguson’s municipal judge, court clerk or city prosecutor helped “fix” tickets for colleagues and friends.</p>
<p>The report cited the forgiven tickets for Ferguson officials as evidence of “a double standard grounded in racial stereotyping.” It said Ferguson officials displayed “a striking lack of personal responsibility among themselves” while some nonetheless asserted to federal investigators that the city’s African-American residents lacked “personal responsibility.”</p>
<p>Attorney Bert Fulk said in a statement announcing Brockmeyer’s resignation that Brockmeyer had been “fair and impartial” as a part-time judge and that the court clerk bore the primary responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the court.</p>
<p>The city fired court clerk Mary Ann Twitty last week.</p>
<p>Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon released a written statement Monday praising the “strong and appropriate actions by the Missouri Supreme Court” to overhaul the Ferguson municipal court.</p>
<p>Monday’s appointment of a new Ferguson judge drew mixed reviews among a dozen onlookers at that night’s council meeting. Derrick Robinson, a protest organizer, said the move was “letting us know they’re hearing our cry, and I think it’s a good step in reconstructing Ferguson.” Meldon Moffitt, of St. Louis, countered that it wouldn’t make anything better, adding “the only way we can clean up Ferguson is to wipe out the police force, wipe out the courts and wipe out the judges.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow David A. Lieb at: <a href="https://twitter.com/DavidALieb" type="external" /> <a href="https://twitter.com/DavidALieb" type="external">https://twitter.com/DavidALieb</a></p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press writers Jim Suhr and Jim Salter contributed to this report from Ferguson.</p>
| false | 2 |
jefferson city mo ap missouri appeals court judge appointed monday take fergusons municipal court make needed reforms highly critical us department justice report prompted fatal police shooting michael brown missouri supreme court said assigning state appeals judge roy l richter hear fergusons pending future municipal court cases high court said richter also authority overhaul court policies ensure defendants rights respected restore integrity system ferguson municipal judge ronald j brockmeyer resigned monday saying spokesman stepping promote public confidence court help ferguson begin healing process ferguson city council met closed session monday evening members left without taking questions city spokesman didnt disclose purpose meeting ferguson city manager john shaw escorted vehicle police officer without fielding questions mayor james knowles iii declined comment associated press afterward except say city tuesday would begin seeking brockmeyers permanent successor richter take charge court march 16 supreme court said also assigning staff state court administrators office aid richter reviewing fergusons municipal court practices judge richter bring fresh disinterested perspective courts practices able willing implement needed reforms chief justice mary russell said written statement extraordinary action warranted ferguson court also examining reforms needed statewide basis russell added change comes justice department released report last week cited cases racial profiling bigotry police chided described profitdriven municipal court system predominantly black st louis suburb brown 18 shot white ferguson police officer aug 9 shooting prompted protests st louis area across nation st louis county grand jury us justice department declined bring charges officer darren wilson resigned department justice department report said wilson acted selfdefense shot brown justice department said fergusons police court systems functioned moneymaking enterprise heightened tensions among residents federal report noted ferguson counting revenues fines fees generate 31 million nearly onequarter total 133 million budget 2015 fiscal year although rare court sentence people jail penalty city code violations justice department report said citys court almost always imposes monetary penalties issues arrest warrants people fail pay time miss court date result relatively minor violations frequently lead arrests jail time report said federal report also cited several instances fergusons municipal judge court clerk city prosecutor helped fix tickets colleagues friends report cited forgiven tickets ferguson officials evidence double standard grounded racial stereotyping said ferguson officials displayed striking lack personal responsibility among nonetheless asserted federal investigators citys africanamerican residents lacked personal responsibility attorney bert fulk said statement announcing brockmeyers resignation brockmeyer fair impartial parttime judge court clerk bore primary responsibility daytoday operations court city fired court clerk mary ann twitty last week missouri gov jay nixon released written statement monday praising strong appropriate actions missouri supreme court overhaul ferguson municipal court mondays appointment new ferguson judge drew mixed reviews among dozen onlookers nights council meeting derrick robinson protest organizer said move letting us know theyre hearing cry think good step reconstructing ferguson meldon moffitt st louis countered wouldnt make anything better adding way clean ferguson wipe police force wipe courts wipe judges ___ follow david lieb httpstwittercomdavidalieb ___ associated press writers jim suhr jim salter contributed report ferguson jefferson city mo ap missouri appeals court judge appointed monday take fergusons municipal court make needed reforms highly critical us department justice report prompted fatal police shooting michael brown missouri supreme court said assigning state appeals judge roy l richter hear fergusons pending future municipal court cases high court said richter also authority overhaul court policies ensure defendants rights respected restore integrity system ferguson municipal judge ronald j brockmeyer resigned monday saying spokesman stepping promote public confidence court help ferguson begin healing process ferguson city council met closed session monday evening members left without taking questions city spokesman didnt disclose purpose meeting ferguson city manager john shaw escorted vehicle police officer without fielding questions mayor james knowles iii declined comment associated press afterward except say city tuesday would begin seeking brockmeyers permanent successor richter take charge court march 16 supreme court said also assigning staff state court administrators office aid richter reviewing fergusons municipal court practices judge richter bring fresh disinterested perspective courts practices able willing implement needed reforms chief justice mary russell said written statement extraordinary action warranted ferguson court also examining reforms needed statewide basis russell added change comes justice department released report last week cited cases racial profiling bigotry police chided described profitdriven municipal court system predominantly black st louis suburb brown 18 shot white ferguson police officer aug 9 shooting prompted protests st louis area across nation st louis county grand jury us justice department declined bring charges officer darren wilson resigned department justice department report said wilson acted selfdefense shot brown justice department said fergusons police court systems functioned moneymaking enterprise heightened tensions among residents federal report noted ferguson counting revenues fines fees generate 31 million nearly onequarter total 133 million budget 2015 fiscal year although rare court sentence people jail penalty city code violations justice department report said citys court almost always imposes monetary penalties issues arrest warrants people fail pay time miss court date result relatively minor violations frequently lead arrests jail time report said federal report also cited several instances fergusons municipal judge court clerk city prosecutor helped fix tickets colleagues friends report cited forgiven tickets ferguson officials evidence double standard grounded racial stereotyping said ferguson officials displayed striking lack personal responsibility among nonetheless asserted federal investigators citys africanamerican residents lacked personal responsibility attorney bert fulk said statement announcing brockmeyers resignation brockmeyer fair impartial parttime judge court clerk bore primary responsibility daytoday operations court city fired court clerk mary ann twitty last week missouri gov jay nixon released written statement monday praising strong appropriate actions missouri supreme court overhaul ferguson municipal court mondays appointment new ferguson judge drew mixed reviews among dozen onlookers nights council meeting derrick robinson protest organizer said move letting us know theyre hearing cry think good step reconstructing ferguson meldon moffitt st louis countered wouldnt make anything better adding way clean ferguson wipe police force wipe courts wipe judges ___ follow david lieb httpstwittercomdavidalieb ___ associated press writers jim suhr jim salter contributed report ferguson
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<p>State child welfare officials so thoroughly bungled oversight and care for the safety of 9-year-old Omaree Varela and his sister that they created the danger that allowed him to be killed by his mother and stepfather, a new lawsuit alleges.</p>
<p>Two social workers and five John Does at the Children, Youth and Families Department are named in a complaint alleging civil rights violations and wrongs that it says were unlawful, deliberate, malicious, reckless, wanton and conscience-shocking.</p>
<p>OMAREE: Nine-year-old was killed in late 2013 (Courtesy of Shana Smith)</p>
<p>The suit was filed on behalf of Omaree's sister, N.V., and Omaree's estate by attorneys Michael Hart, Kelly Stout Sanchez and Andrew Schultz, who have been piecing together what happened to the children since soon after Omaree's death on Dec. 27, 2013.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>The lawsuit alleges the social workers failed to exercise professional judgment and created and increased the danger to the children.</p>
<p>It also claims the CYFD employees denied the children protections they were due by law by denying them the scrutiny of the courts.</p>
<p>CYFD spokesman Henry Varela said the Children's Code bars any comment on allegations regarding a particular child.</p>
<p>Omaree's mother, Synthia Varela-Casaus, is awaiting trial in the boy's death. Her competence to stand trial is in dispute and will be subject to a hearing beforehand.</p>
<p>Omaree's stepfather, Steve Casaus, has been convicted of child abuse with reckless disregard resulting in Omaree's death.</p>
<p>History of drugs</p>
<p>The problems started even before Omaree was born, because Varela-Casaus was using crack cocaine during her pregnancy, and delivered him prematurely while she was in prison in Grants, according to the complaint.</p>
<p>Varela-Casaus gave power of attorney to two women relatives to care for him while she completed her sentence, but there were allegations of physical and medical neglect within a month.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>CYFD substantiated the allegations, but later dismissed the case and returned Omaree to the women after he spent a month in foster care.</p>
<p>Use of crack cocaine by Varela-Casaus was a recurrent theme in allegations of neglect that, though frequent, were often unsubstantiated.</p>
<p>When Varela-Casaus disappeared for days at a time from the home that she shared with Omaree and his sister in 2009, Essie Sotelo, the mother of a woman Varela-Casaus had befriended in jail, stepped up to care for the children. That summer, Varela-Casaus wrote a statement saying she wanted Sotelo to continue caring for them.</p>
<p>In September 2009, CYFD social worker Joe Roybal, a defendant in the lawsuit, wrote a memo on department letterhead saying Varela-Casaus was being investigated because she had been using drugs and hadn't been home. Sotelo was designated as caretaker for the children.</p>
<p>Varela-Casaus then decided she wanted the children back, and Sotelo, worried about them, called Roybal.</p>
<p>Roybal prepared a "to whom it may concern" memorandum that named her the caretaker "until interviews and assessments of (the parents?) caretaking ability can be completed."</p>
<p>But no court had authorized the placement with Sotelo, nor did it comply with the New Mexico Children's Code - meaning the state had taken custody of the children without following the law.</p>
<p>Sotelo kept in touch with Roybal as she moved between New Mexico and Arizona, enrolled Omaree, now 5 and a half years old, in school in Arizona and secured federal benefits for him.</p>
<p>Then CYFD closed the case on Varela-Casaus. But they didn't tell Sotelo.</p>
<p>Steve Casaus returned to his wife's home in December 2010 after serving two years of a sentence on a drug crime, and she gave birth to a third child, E.V., just over a year later.</p>
<p>By then, there was a new social worker on the case, Bennie Placencio, another defendant. He investigated allegations of abuse, because Varela-Casaus had admitted using cocaine while she was pregnant with E.V., but he found them unsubstantiated and allowed the hospital to send the infant home on oxygen.</p>
<p>Varela-Casaus again demanded the return of Omaree and N.V., who were still with Sotelo, from CYFD.</p>
<p>Department employees assisted Varela-Casaus in getting the children back although she was unfit to parent them, the lawsuit says, by having Placencio contact Sotelo and threaten her with a kidnapping charge - though he was not in law enforcement - if she did not return the children to New Mexico within 72 hours.</p>
<p>Fearful of prosecution, Sotelo complied, the lawsuit says. The children were handed over to Varela-Casaus and Casaus, whom they had not seen for a year and a half, at CYFD offices in Albuquerque in March 2011.</p>
<p>No homework</p>
<p>Nothing had changed with regard to the parents when the handoff occurred. There is no record of any investigation or assessment being performed about the parents' living situation, or analysis of why the children should suddenly be returned and "forcibly placed," the lawsuit says.</p>
<p>But one significant difference, it notes, was that Varela-Casaus was now living with "her previously absent, ex-convict husband and a new infant son who had tested positive for cocaine at birth."</p>
<p>During intake interviews after the placement, Varela-Casaus told a CYFD official that she was married, had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and PTSD, had trouble getting out of bed to care for her children and couldn't stabilize her moods without medication.</p>
<p>She had been referred for therapy at least twice before, and had not complied, the lawsuit says, but CYFD wasn't monitoring the lack of compliance.</p>
<p>Just two months before Omaree died in 2013, Varela-Casaus told the agency in another interview that she was not married, had twice been admitted to psychiatric facilities, had suffered a traumatic brain injury from an assault in 1997, and had difficulty with anger and impulse control.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Omaree and N.V. were experiencing violence at home.</p>
<p>According to the lawsuit, in October 2012, CYFD substantiated allegations that Omaree was being physically abused, and the Child Abuse Response Team at the University of New Mexico Hospital confirmed the child's statement of being hit with a belt by his mother.</p>
<p>A physician wrote that it was her impression "that Omaree continues to be at risk for abuse without preventive services in place in his home environment."</p>
<p>CYFD apparently agreed, but ranked the risk as "moderate" and said Varela-Casaus should keep on working with the support services already in place, the complaint says.</p>
<p>911 call</p>
<p>In June 2013, Albuquerque police responded to a 911 call at Omaree's home, including several minutes of profanity and verbal abuse directed at Omaree by a man and a woman because he had spilled food.</p>
<p>Officers were dispatched to the home but did not intervene or make any arrests.</p>
<p>The incident led to one officer being fired.</p>
<p>Two days after Christmas that year, he was found dead at home of blunt force trauma, with bleeding into the stomach from injuries that had gone on for months.</p>
<p>Steve Casaus had barely lived with the three children when Omaree and N.V. were placed with him and Varela-Casaus, the lawsuit says.</p>
<p>Had the social workers followed the Children's Code, Omaree and N.V. would have had mandatory safeguards, among them the appointment of an attorney to represent their rights in proceedings, the appointment of a guardian ad litem charged with their representation, a treatment plan to make sure their physical, medical, psychological and educational needs were met and written notice of factual grounds supporting any change in placement.</p>
<p>Because of CYFD's conduct, Omaree and N.V. "suffered horrifying physical abuse, traumatic emotional abuse, severe mental anguish, and ultimately Omaree lost his life as a direct result of the deprivation of their rights," the lawsuit says.</p>
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| false | 2 |
state child welfare officials thoroughly bungled oversight care safety 9yearold omaree varela sister created danger allowed killed mother stepfather new lawsuit alleges two social workers five john children youth families department named complaint alleging civil rights violations wrongs says unlawful deliberate malicious reckless wanton conscienceshocking omaree nineyearold killed late 2013 courtesy shana smith suit filed behalf omarees sister nv omarees estate attorneys michael hart kelly stout sanchez andrew schultz piecing together happened children since soon omarees death dec 27 2013 advertisement lawsuit alleges social workers failed exercise professional judgment created increased danger children also claims cyfd employees denied children protections due law denying scrutiny courts cyfd spokesman henry varela said childrens code bars comment allegations regarding particular child omarees mother synthia varelacasaus awaiting trial boys death competence stand trial dispute subject hearing beforehand omarees stepfather steve casaus convicted child abuse reckless disregard resulting omarees death history drugs problems started even omaree born varelacasaus using crack cocaine pregnancy delivered prematurely prison grants according complaint varelacasaus gave power attorney two women relatives care completed sentence allegations physical medical neglect within month advertisement cyfd substantiated allegations later dismissed case returned omaree women spent month foster care use crack cocaine varelacasaus recurrent theme allegations neglect though frequent often unsubstantiated varelacasaus disappeared days time home shared omaree sister 2009 essie sotelo mother woman varelacasaus befriended jail stepped care children summer varelacasaus wrote statement saying wanted sotelo continue caring september 2009 cyfd social worker joe roybal defendant lawsuit wrote memo department letterhead saying varelacasaus investigated using drugs hadnt home sotelo designated caretaker children varelacasaus decided wanted children back sotelo worried called roybal roybal prepared may concern memorandum named caretaker interviews assessments parents caretaking ability completed court authorized placement sotelo comply new mexico childrens code meaning state taken custody children without following law sotelo kept touch roybal moved new mexico arizona enrolled omaree 5 half years old school arizona secured federal benefits cyfd closed case varelacasaus didnt tell sotelo steve casaus returned wifes home december 2010 serving two years sentence drug crime gave birth third child ev year later new social worker case bennie placencio another defendant investigated allegations abuse varelacasaus admitted using cocaine pregnant ev found unsubstantiated allowed hospital send infant home oxygen varelacasaus demanded return omaree nv still sotelo cyfd department employees assisted varelacasaus getting children back although unfit parent lawsuit says placencio contact sotelo threaten kidnapping charge though law enforcement return children new mexico within 72 hours fearful prosecution sotelo complied lawsuit says children handed varelacasaus casaus seen year half cyfd offices albuquerque march 2011 homework nothing changed regard parents handoff occurred record investigation assessment performed parents living situation analysis children suddenly returned forcibly placed lawsuit says one significant difference notes varelacasaus living previously absent exconvict husband new infant son tested positive cocaine birth intake interviews placement varelacasaus told cyfd official married diagnosed bipolar disorder ptsd trouble getting bed care children couldnt stabilize moods without medication referred therapy least twice complied lawsuit says cyfd wasnt monitoring lack compliance two months omaree died 2013 varelacasaus told agency another interview married twice admitted psychiatric facilities suffered traumatic brain injury assault 1997 difficulty anger impulse control meanwhile omaree nv experiencing violence home according lawsuit october 2012 cyfd substantiated allegations omaree physically abused child abuse response team university new mexico hospital confirmed childs statement hit belt mother physician wrote impression omaree continues risk abuse without preventive services place home environment cyfd apparently agreed ranked risk moderate said varelacasaus keep working support services already place complaint says 911 call june 2013 albuquerque police responded 911 call omarees home including several minutes profanity verbal abuse directed omaree man woman spilled food officers dispatched home intervene make arrests incident led one officer fired two days christmas year found dead home blunt force trauma bleeding stomach injuries gone months steve casaus barely lived three children omaree nv placed varelacasaus lawsuit says social workers followed childrens code omaree nv would mandatory safeguards among appointment attorney represent rights proceedings appointment guardian ad litem charged representation treatment plan make sure physical medical psychological educational needs met written notice factual grounds supporting change placement cyfds conduct omaree nv suffered horrifying physical abuse traumatic emotional abuse severe mental anguish ultimately omaree lost life direct result deprivation rights lawsuit says
| 702 |
<p>CENTURION, South Africa (AP) — After nine straight series wins, eight of them in the comfort of sub-continent conditions, India again fell short on tour to lose the second test to South Africa by 135 runs on Wednesday.</p>
<p>With it, went another series away from home.</p>
<p>India, so often a batting juggernaut at home, was bowled out for 151 before lunch on the final day at Centurion in a defeat made more painful by the fact that the pitch at SuperSport Park on the South African highveld was surprisingly more Indian than South African in character.</p>
<p>Even then, on a slow, grinding track — the kind India's batsmen have extensive experience of — the top-ranked team in the world still couldn't stand up to South Africa's fast bowlers.</p>
<p>"We have not come here to play the way we have done," said India captain Virat Kohli. "That is something that we need to definitely speak about. We need to be hard on ourselves. We need to ask ourselves if we are giving 120% for the team every time we bowl a ball or play a ball or field a ball ... as a team we are definitely going to lay out these things in the open."</p>
<p>On his test debut for South Africa, paceman Lungi Ngidi collected 6-39 in the second innings, the newcomer blasting through India's top and middle order to seal the tourists' fate, leaving Kohli's magnificent 153 in the first innings a footnote in another tale of Indian struggle away from home.</p>
<p>South Africa leads the three-test series 2-0 with one more game to play in Johannesburg next week. India, the No. 1 team in tests by some way at the start of the series after a dominant run of form in Asia, faces a first whitewash in six years. That result that could demand serious self-examination for test cricket's No. 1 team and the sport's most closely scrutinized players.</p>
<p>"I'd favor being ruthless," said South Africa captain Faf du Plessis when asked if the dead rubber at the Wanderers would present an opportunity to rest some of his players ahead of a four-test series against Australia in March.</p>
<p>"We haven't had the opportunity to beat India 3-0 for a while. For me it's about keeping your foot on the gas."</p>
<p>Tellingly, maybe, and blurred by that recent run of success, India has succumbed to a sixth straight series loss in South Africa, Australia or England, showing the disparity between its form inside and outside Asia.</p>
<p>India was chasing a tough target of 258 at Centurion and Cheteshwar Pujara's run out three overs into the fifth day began the final slide, with his desperate dive not quite enough to beat AB de Villiers' pinpoint throw from the outfield.</p>
<p>India lost seven wickets for 116 runs on the final day in just over 27 overs as the South Africans backed up Ngidi's efforts with that slick run out and diving catches in the outfield.</p>
<p>Rohit Sharma, one of a number of batsmen whose position in the team may be under scrutiny, top-scored in the second innings with 47 but his 74-ball stay had no effect on the outcome.</p>
<p>Sharma's dismissal, caught off a top-edge by a running, tumbling de Villiers at fine leg, left India eight wickets down and allowed the umpires to delay the lunch break with a result imminent.</p>
<p>Ngidi, the 21-year-old quick who came into the reckoning for South Africa after Dale Steyn's injury in the first test, used the extra half-hour to remove Mohammed Shami (28) for his fifth wicket and Jasprit Bumrah (2) for his sixth.</p>
<p>South Africa, and Ngidi, had ripped the heart out of India's batting the day before, leaving it 35-3 overnight chasing what would be a record fourth innings score at Centurion. Ngidi's two-wicket burst late on Day 4 included the big wicket of Kohli, who was out lbw for 4.</p>
<p>Having scored half of India's runs in the first innings, Kohli's exit left little doubt that South Africa would win. No other Indian batsman reached 50 in either innings of the test.</p>
<p>"You can accept defeat but not the way we played," said Kohli.</p>
<p>CENTURION, South Africa (AP) — After nine straight series wins, eight of them in the comfort of sub-continent conditions, India again fell short on tour to lose the second test to South Africa by 135 runs on Wednesday.</p>
<p>With it, went another series away from home.</p>
<p>India, so often a batting juggernaut at home, was bowled out for 151 before lunch on the final day at Centurion in a defeat made more painful by the fact that the pitch at SuperSport Park on the South African highveld was surprisingly more Indian than South African in character.</p>
<p>Even then, on a slow, grinding track — the kind India's batsmen have extensive experience of — the top-ranked team in the world still couldn't stand up to South Africa's fast bowlers.</p>
<p>"We have not come here to play the way we have done," said India captain Virat Kohli. "That is something that we need to definitely speak about. We need to be hard on ourselves. We need to ask ourselves if we are giving 120% for the team every time we bowl a ball or play a ball or field a ball ... as a team we are definitely going to lay out these things in the open."</p>
<p>On his test debut for South Africa, paceman Lungi Ngidi collected 6-39 in the second innings, the newcomer blasting through India's top and middle order to seal the tourists' fate, leaving Kohli's magnificent 153 in the first innings a footnote in another tale of Indian struggle away from home.</p>
<p>South Africa leads the three-test series 2-0 with one more game to play in Johannesburg next week. India, the No. 1 team in tests by some way at the start of the series after a dominant run of form in Asia, faces a first whitewash in six years. That result that could demand serious self-examination for test cricket's No. 1 team and the sport's most closely scrutinized players.</p>
<p>"I'd favor being ruthless," said South Africa captain Faf du Plessis when asked if the dead rubber at the Wanderers would present an opportunity to rest some of his players ahead of a four-test series against Australia in March.</p>
<p>"We haven't had the opportunity to beat India 3-0 for a while. For me it's about keeping your foot on the gas."</p>
<p>Tellingly, maybe, and blurred by that recent run of success, India has succumbed to a sixth straight series loss in South Africa, Australia or England, showing the disparity between its form inside and outside Asia.</p>
<p>India was chasing a tough target of 258 at Centurion and Cheteshwar Pujara's run out three overs into the fifth day began the final slide, with his desperate dive not quite enough to beat AB de Villiers' pinpoint throw from the outfield.</p>
<p>India lost seven wickets for 116 runs on the final day in just over 27 overs as the South Africans backed up Ngidi's efforts with that slick run out and diving catches in the outfield.</p>
<p>Rohit Sharma, one of a number of batsmen whose position in the team may be under scrutiny, top-scored in the second innings with 47 but his 74-ball stay had no effect on the outcome.</p>
<p>Sharma's dismissal, caught off a top-edge by a running, tumbling de Villiers at fine leg, left India eight wickets down and allowed the umpires to delay the lunch break with a result imminent.</p>
<p>Ngidi, the 21-year-old quick who came into the reckoning for South Africa after Dale Steyn's injury in the first test, used the extra half-hour to remove Mohammed Shami (28) for his fifth wicket and Jasprit Bumrah (2) for his sixth.</p>
<p>South Africa, and Ngidi, had ripped the heart out of India's batting the day before, leaving it 35-3 overnight chasing what would be a record fourth innings score at Centurion. Ngidi's two-wicket burst late on Day 4 included the big wicket of Kohli, who was out lbw for 4.</p>
<p>Having scored half of India's runs in the first innings, Kohli's exit left little doubt that South Africa would win. No other Indian batsman reached 50 in either innings of the test.</p>
<p>"You can accept defeat but not the way we played," said Kohli.</p>
| false | 2 |
centurion south africa ap nine straight series wins eight comfort subcontinent conditions india fell short tour lose second test south africa 135 runs wednesday went another series away home india often batting juggernaut home bowled 151 lunch final day centurion defeat made painful fact pitch supersport park south african highveld surprisingly indian south african character even slow grinding track kind indias batsmen extensive experience topranked team world still couldnt stand south africas fast bowlers come play way done said india captain virat kohli something need definitely speak need hard need ask giving 120 team every time bowl ball play ball field ball team definitely going lay things open test debut south africa paceman lungi ngidi collected 639 second innings newcomer blasting indias top middle order seal tourists fate leaving kohlis magnificent 153 first innings footnote another tale indian struggle away home south africa leads threetest series 20 one game play johannesburg next week india 1 team tests way start series dominant run form asia faces first whitewash six years result could demand serious selfexamination test crickets 1 team sports closely scrutinized players id favor ruthless said south africa captain faf du plessis asked dead rubber wanderers would present opportunity rest players ahead fourtest series australia march havent opportunity beat india 30 keeping foot gas tellingly maybe blurred recent run success india succumbed sixth straight series loss south africa australia england showing disparity form inside outside asia india chasing tough target 258 centurion cheteshwar pujaras run three overs fifth day began final slide desperate dive quite enough beat ab de villiers pinpoint throw outfield india lost seven wickets 116 runs final day 27 overs south africans backed ngidis efforts slick run diving catches outfield rohit sharma one number batsmen whose position team may scrutiny topscored second innings 47 74ball stay effect outcome sharmas dismissal caught topedge running tumbling de villiers fine leg left india eight wickets allowed umpires delay lunch break result imminent ngidi 21yearold quick came reckoning south africa dale steyns injury first test used extra halfhour remove mohammed shami 28 fifth wicket jasprit bumrah 2 sixth south africa ngidi ripped heart indias batting day leaving 353 overnight chasing would record fourth innings score centurion ngidis twowicket burst late day 4 included big wicket kohli lbw 4 scored half indias runs first innings kohlis exit left little doubt south africa would win indian batsman reached 50 either innings test accept defeat way played said kohli centurion south africa ap nine straight series wins eight comfort subcontinent conditions india fell short tour lose second test south africa 135 runs wednesday went another series away home india often batting juggernaut home bowled 151 lunch final day centurion defeat made painful fact pitch supersport park south african highveld surprisingly indian south african character even slow grinding track kind indias batsmen extensive experience topranked team world still couldnt stand south africas fast bowlers come play way done said india captain virat kohli something need definitely speak need hard need ask giving 120 team every time bowl ball play ball field ball team definitely going lay things open test debut south africa paceman lungi ngidi collected 639 second innings newcomer blasting indias top middle order seal tourists fate leaving kohlis magnificent 153 first innings footnote another tale indian struggle away home south africa leads threetest series 20 one game play johannesburg next week india 1 team tests way start series dominant run form asia faces first whitewash six years result could demand serious selfexamination test crickets 1 team sports closely scrutinized players id favor ruthless said south africa captain faf du plessis asked dead rubber wanderers would present opportunity rest players ahead fourtest series australia march havent opportunity beat india 30 keeping foot gas tellingly maybe blurred recent run success india succumbed sixth straight series loss south africa australia england showing disparity form inside outside asia india chasing tough target 258 centurion cheteshwar pujaras run three overs fifth day began final slide desperate dive quite enough beat ab de villiers pinpoint throw outfield india lost seven wickets 116 runs final day 27 overs south africans backed ngidis efforts slick run diving catches outfield rohit sharma one number batsmen whose position team may scrutiny topscored second innings 47 74ball stay effect outcome sharmas dismissal caught topedge running tumbling de villiers fine leg left india eight wickets allowed umpires delay lunch break result imminent ngidi 21yearold quick came reckoning south africa dale steyns injury first test used extra halfhour remove mohammed shami 28 fifth wicket jasprit bumrah 2 sixth south africa ngidi ripped heart indias batting day leaving 353 overnight chasing would record fourth innings score centurion ngidis twowicket burst late day 4 included big wicket kohli lbw 4 scored half indias runs first innings kohlis exit left little doubt south africa would win indian batsman reached 50 either innings test accept defeat way played said kohli
| 810 |
<p>CARSON, Calif. (AP) — Baker Mayfield has a cold — or something like that — and it has become the biggest story in an otherwise quiet week leading up the Rose Bowl.</p>
<p>Oklahoma’s Heisman Trophy winning quarterback was at practice Friday as the second-ranked Sooners prepare for the Rose Bowl semifinal of the College Football Playoff against No. 3 Georgia, but for the second time in three days he missed media availability.</p>
<p>School spokesman Michael Houck said Mayfield was not feeling well, but other than that there was no official word on his condition three days before the Sooners play the Bulldogs in Pasadena. The winner of the Rose Bowl advances to the Jan. 8 title game against either Clemson or Alabama.</p>
<p>A handful of Oklahoma offensive players and co-offensive coordinator Cale Gundy met with reporters Friday at a downtown Los Angeles hotel. As the starting quarterback, Mayfield was required by the CFP to be part of the media session, though in cases of injuries and illnesses exceptions are made.</p>
<p>The other Oklahoma players all toed the company line when asked about Mayfield.</p>
<p>“You’d have to talk to Coach (Lincoln) Riley tomorrow about that,” center Erick Wren said. “That’s not something I want to hit on today.” Rose Bowl media day, when all the players and coaches from each team are made available to reporters, is Saturday.</p>
<p>Mayfield also did not make the Sooners’ trip to Disneyland on Wednesday. Riley was asked about Mayfield’s absence and condition, but left it at a decision to not bring the quarterback to amusement park.</p>
<p>Mayfield has been at practice every day.</p>
<p>On Friday, a warm and sunny day in Southern California, Mayfield was going through throwing drills with Oklahoma’s other quarterbacks during the 15-minute part of practice at Stub Hub Center, the temporary home of the Los Angeles Chargers, that was open to the media.</p>
<p>In shoulder pads, helmet and shorts, Mayfield zipped about a dozen passes to receivers before all the position groups convened for scrimmaging and the practice was closed. Mayfield chugged Gatorade and spoke briefly with Oklahoma trainers after throwing.</p>
<p>That Mayfield is showing up to practice could be a good sign that whatever is bothering him is not too serious. Most of the major preparation and game plan installation for a bowl game is usually done before a team arrives at the bowl site. For Mayfield, a senior who has started 47 games in his career, missing a practice this week probably wouldn’t be that big of a problem.</p>
<p>Mayfield has completed 71 percent of his passes for 4,340 yards and 41 touchdowns this season.</p>
<p>He started every game for Oklahoma this season, except for the regular-season finale against West Virginia, when he was benched for the first series by Riley for inappropriate sideline behavior the week before in a game against Kansas.</p>
<p>Backup Kyler Murray started against the Jayhawks before giving way to Mayfield. Murray is a former five-star recruit who transferred from Texas A&amp;M after his freshman season and sat out last year. He was 18-for-21 passing this season for 359 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for 142 yards on 13 carries.</p>
<p>Georgia defensive coordinator Mel Tucker laughed when he was asked about Mayfield being sick and missing the interview sessions.</p>
<p>“Really, in a game like this you expect him to be at his best,” Tucker said. “We want him to be at his best. That’s part of the challenge and the competition factor, and this is what it’s all about.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow Ralph D. Russo at <a href="http://www.Twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP" type="external">www.Twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP</a></p>
<p>___</p>
<p><a href="http://www.twitter.com/AP_Top25" type="external" /> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/AP_Top25" type="external">http://www.twitter.com/AP_Top25</a>More AP college football: <a href="http://collegefootball.ap.org" type="external">http://collegefootball.ap.org</a> and</p>
<p>CARSON, Calif. (AP) — Baker Mayfield has a cold — or something like that — and it has become the biggest story in an otherwise quiet week leading up the Rose Bowl.</p>
<p>Oklahoma’s Heisman Trophy winning quarterback was at practice Friday as the second-ranked Sooners prepare for the Rose Bowl semifinal of the College Football Playoff against No. 3 Georgia, but for the second time in three days he missed media availability.</p>
<p>School spokesman Michael Houck said Mayfield was not feeling well, but other than that there was no official word on his condition three days before the Sooners play the Bulldogs in Pasadena. The winner of the Rose Bowl advances to the Jan. 8 title game against either Clemson or Alabama.</p>
<p>A handful of Oklahoma offensive players and co-offensive coordinator Cale Gundy met with reporters Friday at a downtown Los Angeles hotel. As the starting quarterback, Mayfield was required by the CFP to be part of the media session, though in cases of injuries and illnesses exceptions are made.</p>
<p>The other Oklahoma players all toed the company line when asked about Mayfield.</p>
<p>“You’d have to talk to Coach (Lincoln) Riley tomorrow about that,” center Erick Wren said. “That’s not something I want to hit on today.” Rose Bowl media day, when all the players and coaches from each team are made available to reporters, is Saturday.</p>
<p>Mayfield also did not make the Sooners’ trip to Disneyland on Wednesday. Riley was asked about Mayfield’s absence and condition, but left it at a decision to not bring the quarterback to amusement park.</p>
<p>Mayfield has been at practice every day.</p>
<p>On Friday, a warm and sunny day in Southern California, Mayfield was going through throwing drills with Oklahoma’s other quarterbacks during the 15-minute part of practice at Stub Hub Center, the temporary home of the Los Angeles Chargers, that was open to the media.</p>
<p>In shoulder pads, helmet and shorts, Mayfield zipped about a dozen passes to receivers before all the position groups convened for scrimmaging and the practice was closed. Mayfield chugged Gatorade and spoke briefly with Oklahoma trainers after throwing.</p>
<p>That Mayfield is showing up to practice could be a good sign that whatever is bothering him is not too serious. Most of the major preparation and game plan installation for a bowl game is usually done before a team arrives at the bowl site. For Mayfield, a senior who has started 47 games in his career, missing a practice this week probably wouldn’t be that big of a problem.</p>
<p>Mayfield has completed 71 percent of his passes for 4,340 yards and 41 touchdowns this season.</p>
<p>He started every game for Oklahoma this season, except for the regular-season finale against West Virginia, when he was benched for the first series by Riley for inappropriate sideline behavior the week before in a game against Kansas.</p>
<p>Backup Kyler Murray started against the Jayhawks before giving way to Mayfield. Murray is a former five-star recruit who transferred from Texas A&amp;M after his freshman season and sat out last year. He was 18-for-21 passing this season for 359 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for 142 yards on 13 carries.</p>
<p>Georgia defensive coordinator Mel Tucker laughed when he was asked about Mayfield being sick and missing the interview sessions.</p>
<p>“Really, in a game like this you expect him to be at his best,” Tucker said. “We want him to be at his best. That’s part of the challenge and the competition factor, and this is what it’s all about.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow Ralph D. Russo at <a href="http://www.Twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP" type="external">www.Twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP</a></p>
<p>___</p>
<p><a href="http://www.twitter.com/AP_Top25" type="external" /> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/AP_Top25" type="external">http://www.twitter.com/AP_Top25</a>More AP college football: <a href="http://collegefootball.ap.org" type="external">http://collegefootball.ap.org</a> and</p>
| false | 2 |
carson calif ap baker mayfield cold something like become biggest story otherwise quiet week leading rose bowl oklahomas heisman trophy winning quarterback practice friday secondranked sooners prepare rose bowl semifinal college football playoff 3 georgia second time three days missed media availability school spokesman michael houck said mayfield feeling well official word condition three days sooners play bulldogs pasadena winner rose bowl advances jan 8 title game either clemson alabama handful oklahoma offensive players cooffensive coordinator cale gundy met reporters friday downtown los angeles hotel starting quarterback mayfield required cfp part media session though cases injuries illnesses exceptions made oklahoma players toed company line asked mayfield youd talk coach lincoln riley tomorrow center erick wren said thats something want hit today rose bowl media day players coaches team made available reporters saturday mayfield also make sooners trip disneyland wednesday riley asked mayfields absence condition left decision bring quarterback amusement park mayfield practice every day friday warm sunny day southern california mayfield going throwing drills oklahomas quarterbacks 15minute part practice stub hub center temporary home los angeles chargers open media shoulder pads helmet shorts mayfield zipped dozen passes receivers position groups convened scrimmaging practice closed mayfield chugged gatorade spoke briefly oklahoma trainers throwing mayfield showing practice could good sign whatever bothering serious major preparation game plan installation bowl game usually done team arrives bowl site mayfield senior started 47 games career missing practice week probably wouldnt big problem mayfield completed 71 percent passes 4340 yards 41 touchdowns season started every game oklahoma season except regularseason finale west virginia benched first series riley inappropriate sideline behavior week game kansas backup kyler murray started jayhawks giving way mayfield murray former fivestar recruit transferred texas aampm freshman season sat last year 18for21 passing season 359 yards three touchdowns also ran 142 yards 13 carries georgia defensive coordinator mel tucker laughed asked mayfield sick missing interview sessions really game like expect best tucker said want best thats part challenge competition factor ___ follow ralph russo wwwtwittercomralphdrussoap ___ httpwwwtwittercomap_top25more ap college football httpcollegefootballaporg carson calif ap baker mayfield cold something like become biggest story otherwise quiet week leading rose bowl oklahomas heisman trophy winning quarterback practice friday secondranked sooners prepare rose bowl semifinal college football playoff 3 georgia second time three days missed media availability school spokesman michael houck said mayfield feeling well official word condition three days sooners play bulldogs pasadena winner rose bowl advances jan 8 title game either clemson alabama handful oklahoma offensive players cooffensive coordinator cale gundy met reporters friday downtown los angeles hotel starting quarterback mayfield required cfp part media session though cases injuries illnesses exceptions made oklahoma players toed company line asked mayfield youd talk coach lincoln riley tomorrow center erick wren said thats something want hit today rose bowl media day players coaches team made available reporters saturday mayfield also make sooners trip disneyland wednesday riley asked mayfields absence condition left decision bring quarterback amusement park mayfield practice every day friday warm sunny day southern california mayfield going throwing drills oklahomas quarterbacks 15minute part practice stub hub center temporary home los angeles chargers open media shoulder pads helmet shorts mayfield zipped dozen passes receivers position groups convened scrimmaging practice closed mayfield chugged gatorade spoke briefly oklahoma trainers throwing mayfield showing practice could good sign whatever bothering serious major preparation game plan installation bowl game usually done team arrives bowl site mayfield senior started 47 games career missing practice week probably wouldnt big problem mayfield completed 71 percent passes 4340 yards 41 touchdowns season started every game oklahoma season except regularseason finale west virginia benched first series riley inappropriate sideline behavior week game kansas backup kyler murray started jayhawks giving way mayfield murray former fivestar recruit transferred texas aampm freshman season sat last year 18for21 passing season 359 yards three touchdowns also ran 142 yards 13 carries georgia defensive coordinator mel tucker laughed asked mayfield sick missing interview sessions really game like expect best tucker said want best thats part challenge competition factor ___ follow ralph russo wwwtwittercomralphdrussoap ___ httpwwwtwittercomap_top25more ap college football httpcollegefootballaporg
| 674 |
<p>CHICAGO (AP) — President Barack Obama has decided to build his presidential library on the South Side of Chicago, where his political career began.</p>
<p>In a news release, the Barack Obama Foundation announced early Tuesday that the library would be erected on park land that was proposed for the site by the University of Chicago. The site was selected over bids made by Columbia University in New York, the University of Hawaii and the University of Illinois at Chicago.</p>
<p>“With a library and a foundation on the South Side of Chicago, not only will we be able to encourage and affect change locally, but what we can also do is to attract the world to Chicago.” Obama said in a video accompanying the release. “All the strands of my life came together and I really became a man when I moved to Chicago. That’s where I was able to apply that early idealism to try to work in communities in public service. That’s where I met my wife. That’s where my children were born.”</p>
<p>The decision was hardly a surprise. The University of Chicago’s bid was long considered a front-runner, and people with direct knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press and other media nearly two weeks ago that it was the winner.</p>
<p>Both the president and first lady once worked at the university, and they still maintain a house near campus. Obama taught constitutional law and worked as a community organizer on the South Side. First lady Michelle Obama is a Chicago native and worked as an administrator at the University of Chicago Medical Center.</p>
<p>“Every value, every memory, every important relationship to me exists in Chicago. I consider myself a South Sider,” Michelle Obama said.</p>
<p>In recent weeks, city officials were forced to take extra steps to reassure foundation officials after they expressed concerns the city had not secured public park land that would be used as part of the University of Chicago bid. The City Council passed an ordinance to allow transfer of the land, and state lawmakers passed a bill reinforcing the city’s right to use the park land for the Obama library as well as Star Wars creator George Lucas’ proposed lakefront museum.</p>
<p>“Over the past months, the city has come together to bring the library to its rightful place in Chicago,” Mayor Rahm Emanuel said in the release. The foundation said it will open offices on Chicago’s South Side by the end of the year.</p>
<p>One remaining question is how the foundation will select between two properties near campus, Washington Park or Jackson Park, both of which are potential sites under the university plan.</p>
<p>Foundation Chairman Marty Nesbitt, a friend of Obama, and Emanuel are scheduled to appear at a news conference about the library on Tuesday afternoon.</p>
<p>The news release said the University of Chicago’s “has pledged to make resources and infrastructure available to the foundation in the near term for its planning and development work.”</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the foundation said it plans to collaborate with each of the other three finalists. It will pursue a long-term presence at Columbia University, work with the state of Hawaii to establish a presence in Honolulu and will also collaborate with the University of Illinois-Chicago.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Online: <a href="http://www.barackobamafoundation.org/" type="external">http://www.barackobamafoundation.org/</a></p>
<p>CHICAGO (AP) — President Barack Obama has decided to build his presidential library on the South Side of Chicago, where his political career began.</p>
<p>In a news release, the Barack Obama Foundation announced early Tuesday that the library would be erected on park land that was proposed for the site by the University of Chicago. The site was selected over bids made by Columbia University in New York, the University of Hawaii and the University of Illinois at Chicago.</p>
<p>“With a library and a foundation on the South Side of Chicago, not only will we be able to encourage and affect change locally, but what we can also do is to attract the world to Chicago.” Obama said in a video accompanying the release. “All the strands of my life came together and I really became a man when I moved to Chicago. That’s where I was able to apply that early idealism to try to work in communities in public service. That’s where I met my wife. That’s where my children were born.”</p>
<p>The decision was hardly a surprise. The University of Chicago’s bid was long considered a front-runner, and people with direct knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press and other media nearly two weeks ago that it was the winner.</p>
<p>Both the president and first lady once worked at the university, and they still maintain a house near campus. Obama taught constitutional law and worked as a community organizer on the South Side. First lady Michelle Obama is a Chicago native and worked as an administrator at the University of Chicago Medical Center.</p>
<p>“Every value, every memory, every important relationship to me exists in Chicago. I consider myself a South Sider,” Michelle Obama said.</p>
<p>In recent weeks, city officials were forced to take extra steps to reassure foundation officials after they expressed concerns the city had not secured public park land that would be used as part of the University of Chicago bid. The City Council passed an ordinance to allow transfer of the land, and state lawmakers passed a bill reinforcing the city’s right to use the park land for the Obama library as well as Star Wars creator George Lucas’ proposed lakefront museum.</p>
<p>“Over the past months, the city has come together to bring the library to its rightful place in Chicago,” Mayor Rahm Emanuel said in the release. The foundation said it will open offices on Chicago’s South Side by the end of the year.</p>
<p>One remaining question is how the foundation will select between two properties near campus, Washington Park or Jackson Park, both of which are potential sites under the university plan.</p>
<p>Foundation Chairman Marty Nesbitt, a friend of Obama, and Emanuel are scheduled to appear at a news conference about the library on Tuesday afternoon.</p>
<p>The news release said the University of Chicago’s “has pledged to make resources and infrastructure available to the foundation in the near term for its planning and development work.”</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the foundation said it plans to collaborate with each of the other three finalists. It will pursue a long-term presence at Columbia University, work with the state of Hawaii to establish a presence in Honolulu and will also collaborate with the University of Illinois-Chicago.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Online: <a href="http://www.barackobamafoundation.org/" type="external">http://www.barackobamafoundation.org/</a></p>
| false | 2 |
chicago ap president barack obama decided build presidential library south side chicago political career began news release barack obama foundation announced early tuesday library would erected park land proposed site university chicago site selected bids made columbia university new york university hawaii university illinois chicago library foundation south side chicago able encourage affect change locally also attract world chicago obama said video accompanying release strands life came together really became man moved chicago thats able apply early idealism try work communities public service thats met wife thats children born decision hardly surprise university chicagos bid long considered frontrunner people direct knowledge decision told associated press media nearly two weeks ago winner president first lady worked university still maintain house near campus obama taught constitutional law worked community organizer south side first lady michelle obama chicago native worked administrator university chicago medical center every value every memory every important relationship exists chicago consider south sider michelle obama said recent weeks city officials forced take extra steps reassure foundation officials expressed concerns city secured public park land would used part university chicago bid city council passed ordinance allow transfer land state lawmakers passed bill reinforcing citys right use park land obama library well star wars creator george lucas proposed lakefront museum past months city come together bring library rightful place chicago mayor rahm emanuel said release foundation said open offices chicagos south side end year one remaining question foundation select two properties near campus washington park jackson park potential sites university plan foundation chairman marty nesbitt friend obama emanuel scheduled appear news conference library tuesday afternoon news release said university chicagos pledged make resources infrastructure available foundation near term planning development work meanwhile foundation said plans collaborate three finalists pursue longterm presence columbia university work state hawaii establish presence honolulu also collaborate university illinoischicago ___ online httpwwwbarackobamafoundationorg chicago ap president barack obama decided build presidential library south side chicago political career began news release barack obama foundation announced early tuesday library would erected park land proposed site university chicago site selected bids made columbia university new york university hawaii university illinois chicago library foundation south side chicago able encourage affect change locally also attract world chicago obama said video accompanying release strands life came together really became man moved chicago thats able apply early idealism try work communities public service thats met wife thats children born decision hardly surprise university chicagos bid long considered frontrunner people direct knowledge decision told associated press media nearly two weeks ago winner president first lady worked university still maintain house near campus obama taught constitutional law worked community organizer south side first lady michelle obama chicago native worked administrator university chicago medical center every value every memory every important relationship exists chicago consider south sider michelle obama said recent weeks city officials forced take extra steps reassure foundation officials expressed concerns city secured public park land would used part university chicago bid city council passed ordinance allow transfer land state lawmakers passed bill reinforcing citys right use park land obama library well star wars creator george lucas proposed lakefront museum past months city come together bring library rightful place chicago mayor rahm emanuel said release foundation said open offices chicagos south side end year one remaining question foundation select two properties near campus washington park jackson park potential sites university plan foundation chairman marty nesbitt friend obama emanuel scheduled appear news conference library tuesday afternoon news release said university chicagos pledged make resources infrastructure available foundation near term planning development work meanwhile foundation said plans collaborate three finalists pursue longterm presence columbia university work state hawaii establish presence honolulu also collaborate university illinoischicago ___ online httpwwwbarackobamafoundationorg
| 610 |
<p>NEWPORT, N.H. (AP) — A man convicted of beating his wife to death hours after she filed for divorce was sentenced Friday to 30 years to life in prison, shortly after his lawyer read a statement about how much he loved his wife.</p>
<p>James Robarge, 45, was convicted of second-degree murder in the death of his wife, Kelly Robarge, who disappeared from her Charlestown home June 27, 2013. Her badly decomposed body, with her hands and head detached, was found 10 days later in Unity.</p>
<p>The couple’s two daughters spoke tearfully about losing their mother and best friend but bemoaned the loss of their father as well.</p>
<p>“I love and miss my mom more and more every day,” Ciera Robarge said. “My mom didn’t deserve this.”</p>
<p>In the statement read by James Robarge’s lawyer, he told his daughters, “I love you guys more than life itself” and called their mother “the love of my life.”</p>
<p>As 42-year-old Kelly Robarge returned from court June 27, she texted a friend that her husband was at the Charlestown house they once shared; by that time, James Robarge had moved to Vermont to live with his father because the couple was estranged. The friend asked whether he knew about the divorce filing.</p>
<p>“Not yet. I’m gonna tell him.” That was the last Lori Laird heard from her friend.</p>
<p>Prosecutors said the foyer of Kelly Robarge’s home contained “countless” spatters of blood” and that James Robarge’s disabled car was found several miles from where her body was discovered with a bloodstained trunk and numerous bloody items outside it.</p>
<p>Because of the condition of her body, a medical examiner could not pinpoint the cause of death or determine how her head and hands became detached but concluded she died as the result of “homicidal violence.”</p>
<p>During two days of testimony, Robarge repeatedly denied threatening or harming his wife.</p>
<p>Kelly’s brother, Ron Prouty Jr., faced James Robarge on Friday and told him, “I hope you rot in hell.”</p>
<p>Robarge showed no visible reaction as members of Kelly’s family spoke or to the sentence itself.</p>
<p>“There’s only one motive for this crime,” prosecutor Susan Morrell told the judge. “The defendant was angry and needed to control his wife. He imposed the death penalty on Kelly Robarge for asking for a divorce.”</p>
<p>The state sought a sentence of 40 years to life. Robarge’s lawyers wanted something in the 20-year range.</p>
<p>Defense attorney Caroline Smith said Ciera Robarge told a probation officer who prepared a presentence report that she did not want her father to go to prison. The couple’s other daughter, Gabriel, wanted a sentence less than the state was requesting, but she didn’t specify, Smith said. Presentence reports are confidential.</p>
<p>Smith said she was disappointed in the sentence. She had argued that Robarge had bipolar disorder and had sought mental health treatment for years.</p>
<p>The judge said he took into account the extent to which Robarge went to conceal his wife’s killing and body and the couple’s history of domestic violence.</p>
<p>Jurors in February rejected the first-degree murder charge prosecutors brought and instead found Robarge guilty of reckless second-degree murder for conduct that showed “extreme indifference to the value of human life.”</p>
<p>“We felt he didn’t go there to kill her,” said Dwayne Lavecque, one of the jurors who attended the sentencing. “We felt he went there to confront her.”</p>
<p>NEWPORT, N.H. (AP) — A man convicted of beating his wife to death hours after she filed for divorce was sentenced Friday to 30 years to life in prison, shortly after his lawyer read a statement about how much he loved his wife.</p>
<p>James Robarge, 45, was convicted of second-degree murder in the death of his wife, Kelly Robarge, who disappeared from her Charlestown home June 27, 2013. Her badly decomposed body, with her hands and head detached, was found 10 days later in Unity.</p>
<p>The couple’s two daughters spoke tearfully about losing their mother and best friend but bemoaned the loss of their father as well.</p>
<p>“I love and miss my mom more and more every day,” Ciera Robarge said. “My mom didn’t deserve this.”</p>
<p>In the statement read by James Robarge’s lawyer, he told his daughters, “I love you guys more than life itself” and called their mother “the love of my life.”</p>
<p>As 42-year-old Kelly Robarge returned from court June 27, she texted a friend that her husband was at the Charlestown house they once shared; by that time, James Robarge had moved to Vermont to live with his father because the couple was estranged. The friend asked whether he knew about the divorce filing.</p>
<p>“Not yet. I’m gonna tell him.” That was the last Lori Laird heard from her friend.</p>
<p>Prosecutors said the foyer of Kelly Robarge’s home contained “countless” spatters of blood” and that James Robarge’s disabled car was found several miles from where her body was discovered with a bloodstained trunk and numerous bloody items outside it.</p>
<p>Because of the condition of her body, a medical examiner could not pinpoint the cause of death or determine how her head and hands became detached but concluded she died as the result of “homicidal violence.”</p>
<p>During two days of testimony, Robarge repeatedly denied threatening or harming his wife.</p>
<p>Kelly’s brother, Ron Prouty Jr., faced James Robarge on Friday and told him, “I hope you rot in hell.”</p>
<p>Robarge showed no visible reaction as members of Kelly’s family spoke or to the sentence itself.</p>
<p>“There’s only one motive for this crime,” prosecutor Susan Morrell told the judge. “The defendant was angry and needed to control his wife. He imposed the death penalty on Kelly Robarge for asking for a divorce.”</p>
<p>The state sought a sentence of 40 years to life. Robarge’s lawyers wanted something in the 20-year range.</p>
<p>Defense attorney Caroline Smith said Ciera Robarge told a probation officer who prepared a presentence report that she did not want her father to go to prison. The couple’s other daughter, Gabriel, wanted a sentence less than the state was requesting, but she didn’t specify, Smith said. Presentence reports are confidential.</p>
<p>Smith said she was disappointed in the sentence. She had argued that Robarge had bipolar disorder and had sought mental health treatment for years.</p>
<p>The judge said he took into account the extent to which Robarge went to conceal his wife’s killing and body and the couple’s history of domestic violence.</p>
<p>Jurors in February rejected the first-degree murder charge prosecutors brought and instead found Robarge guilty of reckless second-degree murder for conduct that showed “extreme indifference to the value of human life.”</p>
<p>“We felt he didn’t go there to kill her,” said Dwayne Lavecque, one of the jurors who attended the sentencing. “We felt he went there to confront her.”</p>
| false | 2 |
newport nh ap man convicted beating wife death hours filed divorce sentenced friday 30 years life prison shortly lawyer read statement much loved wife james robarge 45 convicted seconddegree murder death wife kelly robarge disappeared charlestown home june 27 2013 badly decomposed body hands head detached found 10 days later unity couples two daughters spoke tearfully losing mother best friend bemoaned loss father well love miss mom every day ciera robarge said mom didnt deserve statement read james robarges lawyer told daughters love guys life called mother love life 42yearold kelly robarge returned court june 27 texted friend husband charlestown house shared time james robarge moved vermont live father couple estranged friend asked whether knew divorce filing yet im gon na tell last lori laird heard friend prosecutors said foyer kelly robarges home contained countless spatters blood james robarges disabled car found several miles body discovered bloodstained trunk numerous bloody items outside condition body medical examiner could pinpoint cause death determine head hands became detached concluded died result homicidal violence two days testimony robarge repeatedly denied threatening harming wife kellys brother ron prouty jr faced james robarge friday told hope rot hell robarge showed visible reaction members kellys family spoke sentence theres one motive crime prosecutor susan morrell told judge defendant angry needed control wife imposed death penalty kelly robarge asking divorce state sought sentence 40 years life robarges lawyers wanted something 20year range defense attorney caroline smith said ciera robarge told probation officer prepared presentence report want father go prison couples daughter gabriel wanted sentence less state requesting didnt specify smith said presentence reports confidential smith said disappointed sentence argued robarge bipolar disorder sought mental health treatment years judge said took account extent robarge went conceal wifes killing body couples history domestic violence jurors february rejected firstdegree murder charge prosecutors brought instead found robarge guilty reckless seconddegree murder conduct showed extreme indifference value human life felt didnt go kill said dwayne lavecque one jurors attended sentencing felt went confront newport nh ap man convicted beating wife death hours filed divorce sentenced friday 30 years life prison shortly lawyer read statement much loved wife james robarge 45 convicted seconddegree murder death wife kelly robarge disappeared charlestown home june 27 2013 badly decomposed body hands head detached found 10 days later unity couples two daughters spoke tearfully losing mother best friend bemoaned loss father well love miss mom every day ciera robarge said mom didnt deserve statement read james robarges lawyer told daughters love guys life called mother love life 42yearold kelly robarge returned court june 27 texted friend husband charlestown house shared time james robarge moved vermont live father couple estranged friend asked whether knew divorce filing yet im gon na tell last lori laird heard friend prosecutors said foyer kelly robarges home contained countless spatters blood james robarges disabled car found several miles body discovered bloodstained trunk numerous bloody items outside condition body medical examiner could pinpoint cause death determine head hands became detached concluded died result homicidal violence two days testimony robarge repeatedly denied threatening harming wife kellys brother ron prouty jr faced james robarge friday told hope rot hell robarge showed visible reaction members kellys family spoke sentence theres one motive crime prosecutor susan morrell told judge defendant angry needed control wife imposed death penalty kelly robarge asking divorce state sought sentence 40 years life robarges lawyers wanted something 20year range defense attorney caroline smith said ciera robarge told probation officer prepared presentence report want father go prison couples daughter gabriel wanted sentence less state requesting didnt specify smith said presentence reports confidential smith said disappointed sentence argued robarge bipolar disorder sought mental health treatment years judge said took account extent robarge went conceal wifes killing body couples history domestic violence jurors february rejected firstdegree murder charge prosecutors brought instead found robarge guilty reckless seconddegree murder conduct showed extreme indifference value human life felt didnt go kill said dwayne lavecque one jurors attended sentencing felt went confront
| 660 |
<p>LUXOR, Egypt (AP) - A hot air balloon carrying foreign tourists over Egypt's ancient city of Luxor crash-landed Friday, killing a tourist from South Africa and injuring at least 12 others, Egyptian officials said.</p>
<p>Strong winds forced the balloon, which was carrying 20 tourists, off course above the southern city, home to some of Egypt's most famous pharaonic temples and tombs. The balloon took off around sunrise and flew about 45 minutes at an altitude of 450 meters (1,500 feet) before the pilot lost control over a mountainous area, the officials said, adding that the pilot was also injured.</p>
<p>They said other balloons had taken off around the same time but landed safely. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.</p>
<p>An official statement from the Luxor governorate confirmed that 12 people were injured. The balloon passengers included South African and Argentine tourists. It was unclear whether the governorate included the pilot among those injured.</p>
<p>The state-run MENA news agency, citing Egypt's health minister, said all those wounded have been treated expect for three who have undergone operations. Tourists from Australia, France and Brazil were among those injured, it said, citing an unnamed medical official.</p>
<p>The agency quoted Hany al-Adawy, head of the civil aviation authority, as saying that the crash was "accidental" and that balloon flights would continue operating as usual.</p>
<p>Earlier in the day, Egypt's meteorological service had warned of strong winds across the country, mainly in northern Egypt. The bad weather conditions have led to the closure of several Red Sea ports.</p>
<p>Luxor has a history of hot air balloon crashes. The deadliest took place in 2013 when a balloon flying over the city caught fire and plunged about 305 meters (1,000 feet), crashing into a sugar cane field and killing at least 19 foreign tourists. Ballooning experts say the accident was the worst in the sport's 200-year history.</p>
<p>In 2016, Egypt temporarily halted balloon flights after 22 Chinese tourists suffered minor injuries in a crash landing.</p>
<p>Over the years, Egypt has tightened safety rules for balloon rides, which are now monitored by cameras and banned from flying above 2,000 meters (6,562 feet).</p>
<p>The Civil Aviation Ministry said Friday's crash is being investigated. It said 22 balloons carrying more than 400 people had taken off and landed safely on Friday.</p>
<p>The hot air balloon flights are popular because they offer spectacular views of the ancient Karnak Temple and other historical sites. The flights usually start shortly before sunrise and pass over green fields leading to the Valley of the Kings - the burial site of the famous boy king Tutankhamun and other pharaohs.</p>
<p>Egypt's vital tourism industry has been hit hard by extremist attacks and political turmoil following the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime autocrat Hosni Mubarak.</p>
<p>An Islamic State bombing brought down a Russian passenger plane over the Sinai Peninsula in 2015, killing all 224 people on board. Russia has since imposed a ban on all flights to Egypt, and Egypt's national carrier is still barred from flying to Russia. There are plans to resume flights between Moscow and Cairo in February, but no decision has been taken regarding flights to popular Red Sea resorts in Sinai.</p>
<p>Egypt's government has been trying to lure tourists back by touting new archaeological discoveries and boosting security around historical sites.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Zaki reported from Cairo.</p>
<p>LUXOR, Egypt (AP) - A hot air balloon carrying foreign tourists over Egypt's ancient city of Luxor crash-landed Friday, killing a tourist from South Africa and injuring at least 12 others, Egyptian officials said.</p>
<p>Strong winds forced the balloon, which was carrying 20 tourists, off course above the southern city, home to some of Egypt's most famous pharaonic temples and tombs. The balloon took off around sunrise and flew about 45 minutes at an altitude of 450 meters (1,500 feet) before the pilot lost control over a mountainous area, the officials said, adding that the pilot was also injured.</p>
<p>They said other balloons had taken off around the same time but landed safely. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.</p>
<p>An official statement from the Luxor governorate confirmed that 12 people were injured. The balloon passengers included South African and Argentine tourists. It was unclear whether the governorate included the pilot among those injured.</p>
<p>The state-run MENA news agency, citing Egypt's health minister, said all those wounded have been treated expect for three who have undergone operations. Tourists from Australia, France and Brazil were among those injured, it said, citing an unnamed medical official.</p>
<p>The agency quoted Hany al-Adawy, head of the civil aviation authority, as saying that the crash was "accidental" and that balloon flights would continue operating as usual.</p>
<p>Earlier in the day, Egypt's meteorological service had warned of strong winds across the country, mainly in northern Egypt. The bad weather conditions have led to the closure of several Red Sea ports.</p>
<p>Luxor has a history of hot air balloon crashes. The deadliest took place in 2013 when a balloon flying over the city caught fire and plunged about 305 meters (1,000 feet), crashing into a sugar cane field and killing at least 19 foreign tourists. Ballooning experts say the accident was the worst in the sport's 200-year history.</p>
<p>In 2016, Egypt temporarily halted balloon flights after 22 Chinese tourists suffered minor injuries in a crash landing.</p>
<p>Over the years, Egypt has tightened safety rules for balloon rides, which are now monitored by cameras and banned from flying above 2,000 meters (6,562 feet).</p>
<p>The Civil Aviation Ministry said Friday's crash is being investigated. It said 22 balloons carrying more than 400 people had taken off and landed safely on Friday.</p>
<p>The hot air balloon flights are popular because they offer spectacular views of the ancient Karnak Temple and other historical sites. The flights usually start shortly before sunrise and pass over green fields leading to the Valley of the Kings - the burial site of the famous boy king Tutankhamun and other pharaohs.</p>
<p>Egypt's vital tourism industry has been hit hard by extremist attacks and political turmoil following the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime autocrat Hosni Mubarak.</p>
<p>An Islamic State bombing brought down a Russian passenger plane over the Sinai Peninsula in 2015, killing all 224 people on board. Russia has since imposed a ban on all flights to Egypt, and Egypt's national carrier is still barred from flying to Russia. There are plans to resume flights between Moscow and Cairo in February, but no decision has been taken regarding flights to popular Red Sea resorts in Sinai.</p>
<p>Egypt's government has been trying to lure tourists back by touting new archaeological discoveries and boosting security around historical sites.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Zaki reported from Cairo.</p>
| false | 2 |
luxor egypt ap hot air balloon carrying foreign tourists egypts ancient city luxor crashlanded friday killing tourist south africa injuring least 12 others egyptian officials said strong winds forced balloon carrying 20 tourists course southern city home egypts famous pharaonic temples tombs balloon took around sunrise flew 45 minutes altitude 450 meters 1500 feet pilot lost control mountainous area officials said adding pilot also injured said balloons taken around time landed safely officials spoke condition anonymity line regulations official statement luxor governorate confirmed 12 people injured balloon passengers included south african argentine tourists unclear whether governorate included pilot among injured staterun mena news agency citing egypts health minister said wounded treated expect three undergone operations tourists australia france brazil among injured said citing unnamed medical official agency quoted hany aladawy head civil aviation authority saying crash accidental balloon flights would continue operating usual earlier day egypts meteorological service warned strong winds across country mainly northern egypt bad weather conditions led closure several red sea ports luxor history hot air balloon crashes deadliest took place 2013 balloon flying city caught fire plunged 305 meters 1000 feet crashing sugar cane field killing least 19 foreign tourists ballooning experts say accident worst sports 200year history 2016 egypt temporarily halted balloon flights 22 chinese tourists suffered minor injuries crash landing years egypt tightened safety rules balloon rides monitored cameras banned flying 2000 meters 6562 feet civil aviation ministry said fridays crash investigated said 22 balloons carrying 400 people taken landed safely friday hot air balloon flights popular offer spectacular views ancient karnak temple historical sites flights usually start shortly sunrise pass green fields leading valley kings burial site famous boy king tutankhamun pharaohs egypts vital tourism industry hit hard extremist attacks political turmoil following 2011 uprising toppled longtime autocrat hosni mubarak islamic state bombing brought russian passenger plane sinai peninsula 2015 killing 224 people board russia since imposed ban flights egypt egypts national carrier still barred flying russia plans resume flights moscow cairo february decision taken regarding flights popular red sea resorts sinai egypts government trying lure tourists back touting new archaeological discoveries boosting security around historical sites ___ zaki reported cairo luxor egypt ap hot air balloon carrying foreign tourists egypts ancient city luxor crashlanded friday killing tourist south africa injuring least 12 others egyptian officials said strong winds forced balloon carrying 20 tourists course southern city home egypts famous pharaonic temples tombs balloon took around sunrise flew 45 minutes altitude 450 meters 1500 feet pilot lost control mountainous area officials said adding pilot also injured said balloons taken around time landed safely officials spoke condition anonymity line regulations official statement luxor governorate confirmed 12 people injured balloon passengers included south african argentine tourists unclear whether governorate included pilot among injured staterun mena news agency citing egypts health minister said wounded treated expect three undergone operations tourists australia france brazil among injured said citing unnamed medical official agency quoted hany aladawy head civil aviation authority saying crash accidental balloon flights would continue operating usual earlier day egypts meteorological service warned strong winds across country mainly northern egypt bad weather conditions led closure several red sea ports luxor history hot air balloon crashes deadliest took place 2013 balloon flying city caught fire plunged 305 meters 1000 feet crashing sugar cane field killing least 19 foreign tourists ballooning experts say accident worst sports 200year history 2016 egypt temporarily halted balloon flights 22 chinese tourists suffered minor injuries crash landing years egypt tightened safety rules balloon rides monitored cameras banned flying 2000 meters 6562 feet civil aviation ministry said fridays crash investigated said 22 balloons carrying 400 people taken landed safely friday hot air balloon flights popular offer spectacular views ancient karnak temple historical sites flights usually start shortly sunrise pass green fields leading valley kings burial site famous boy king tutankhamun pharaohs egypts vital tourism industry hit hard extremist attacks political turmoil following 2011 uprising toppled longtime autocrat hosni mubarak islamic state bombing brought russian passenger plane sinai peninsula 2015 killing 224 people board russia since imposed ban flights egypt egypts national carrier still barred flying russia plans resume flights moscow cairo february decision taken regarding flights popular red sea resorts sinai egypts government trying lure tourists back touting new archaeological discoveries boosting security around historical sites ___ zaki reported cairo
| 716 |
<p>NEW YORK (Reuters) - General Electric Co ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=GE.N" type="external">GE.N</a>) intends to make further changes to its portfolio but will remain a company, its chief executive said on Wednesday.</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=GE.N" type="external">General Electric Co</a> 13.64 GE.N New York Stock Exchange -0.43 (-3.06%) GE.N
<p>“There will be a GE in the future, but it will look different than it does today,” Chief Executive John Flannery said on a conference call as GE released fourth-quarter earnings.</p>
<p>The comments come after speculation increased last week that GE was seriously considering a break-up. Earlier Wednesday, the head of GE’s aircraft financing unit, said GE is looking at alternative structuring arrangements, not a break-up of the company.</p>
<p>Reporting by Alwyn Scott; Editing by Nick Zieminski</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>NEW YORK (Reuters) - As a senior vice president at Wachovia and then Morgan Stanley during the dark months of the 2008 and 2009 financial crisis, Derek Peterson watched as colleagues lost their jobs and life savings and wondered if he was next.</p>
<p>At the time, he was managing approximately $120 million in client assets, but was growing disenchanted with what he saw as a U.S. stock market driven by high-frequency trading and algorithms rather than fundamentals. He started looking for other opportunities, and soon stumbled on some of the first legal medical marijuana dispensaries that had opened in the San Francisco Bay Area.</p>
<p>“I started looking at this through a finance guy’s eyes and saw that maybe there was something going on here,” he said.</p>
<p>He soon discovered that dispensaries were bringing in sales of more than $4,000 per square foot, a rate higher than any U.S. retailer but Apple Inc , and more than 12 times the average $325 per square foot among all companies in the sector.</p>
<p>“You had places the size of Starbucks bringing in $15 million a year, which is absurd,” Peterson said.</p>
<p>He quit his day job at Morgan Stanley in late 2010, and in 2012 became chief executive officer and president of Terra Tech Corp, which is now a $247 million company that cultivates medical marijuana and whose shares trade on the over-the-counter market, making it one of the few publicly traded pot stocks.</p>
<p>Peterson is not alone in the jump from Wall Street to weed.</p>
<p>Ten years after the start of the financial crisis, what was once the province of shady stoners and drug cartels is now a thriving industry, with recreational marijuana legal in states ranging from California to Massachusetts. (Map: <a href="http://tmsnrt.rs/2AFalvZ" type="external">tmsnrt.rs/2AFalvZ</a>)</p>
<p>Powering the expansion of the industry are former Wall Street executives like Peterson that hail from such staid firms as BlackRock Inc , Goldman Sachs Group Inc and Prudential Financial Inc, all of whom say that they might not have ever left traditional finance if not for the lingering damage of the 2008 crisis.</p>
<p>There are few reliable numbers on how many former Wall Street professionals who now work in the cannabis industry, though those in the sector say that they expect the migration to accelerate as revenue growth continues to attract talent.</p>
<p>Companies in the U.S. marijuana market posted revenues of approximately $6 billion in 2017, a 500 percent increase from the roughly $1 billion in 2011, according to estimates from Marijuana Business Daily, a trade publication.</p> FILE PHOTO: A billboard advertising marijuana in advance of the upcoming legalization of recreational marijuana in San Francisco, California, U.S., December 29, 2017. REUTERS/Jim Christie/File Photo
<p>Approximately 250,000 people work in the sector, and both jobs and revenues are expected to double or triple over the next four years, the publication estimates.</p>
<p>“The financial crisis and the stagnation of many industries in the U.S. in its aftermath have led many people to consider this a viable career,” said Chris Walsh, editorial vice president at Marijuana Business Daily.</p> Slideshow (2 Images) LINGERING FEARS OF WASHINGTON
<p>Despite the growth prospects, many financial professionals are still too leery of federal law, which considers marijuana an illegal drug, to take a job in the industry until there are clear signals from Washington or a change in the makeup of government, said Ruth Epstein, a partner at San Francisco-based BGP Advisors, a business advisory firm that focuses on companies in the cannabis sector.</p>
<p>In January, the Justice Department reversed a policy from the Obama administration which allowed states to legalize marijuana without fears of a federal crackdown. That has had a “chilling effect” on recruiting within the industry, Epstein said.</p>
<p>“People have really been scared away from investing and to a large extent that same mentality is keeping the talent away,” said Epstein, a Harvard Business School graduate who spent nearly 10 years on the corporate finance desk at Goldman Sachs. That, in turn, has “created a massive opportunity for someone who understands finance and is willing to be out on the vanguard,” she added.</p>
<p>Morgan Paxhia, co-founder of San Francisco-based Poseidon Asset Management, a $25 million hedge fund that focuses exclusively on the marijuana sector, was a trader on the municipal debt desk at UBS in New York during the financial crisis. He would pass by the Lehman Brothers building each day on the way to work, and it felt as if “the building were just cratering around you,” he said.</p>
<p>He was laid off on March 9, 2009, the day that the U.S. stock market finally bottomed out. He spent a few years at a registered investment adviser before starting Poseidon with his sister, Emily, in 2013, attracted by the possibility of growth at a time when financial companies seemed to be overly cautious, he said.</p>
<p>“If the financial crisis never happened we would have banks in this industry already, but they won’t push this industry forward because they’re too afraid,” he said. “It’s opened up huge opportunities for those who are willing to come in and capitalize it.”</p>
<p>Peterson, the Terra Tech CEO, said that he now routinely fields calls from employees of large banks and investment firms who are looking to enter the industry. That is a steep change from his first few years in the pot sector, when it was still largely ruled by black-market growers and questionable outfits.</p>
<p>“When I first started out, the fact that I had worked on Wall Street made me seem like a real outsider, to the point where people would ask, “Are you a narc?’” he said, referring to a federal narcotics officer. “It’s in the last two years that we’ve seen a tremendous influx of people from traditional business backgrounds.”</p>
<p>Reporting by David Randall; Editing by Jennifer Ablan and Lisa Shumaker</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>TEMPE, Ariz./DETROIT (Reuters) - Arizona officials said on Tuesday they saw no immediate need to tighten rules on the testing of self-driving cars in the state in reaction to a fatal accident involving an Uber autonomous vehicle that has focused attention on the safety of the new technology.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Toyota Motor Corp ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=7203.T" type="external">7203.T</a>) said it will pause autonomous vehicle testing following Sunday’s accident in which an Uber Technologies Inc self-driving SUV struck and killed a woman in Tempe, Arizona.</p>
<p>Automakers and tech companies are evaluating whether or not to suspend their autonomous vehicle programs in the wake of the first fatality involving a self-driving vehicle. Uber said on Monday it was suspending its own program.</p>
<p>Toyota said it was temporarily pausing its testing on U.S. public roads to help its test drivers, who could be experiencing “an emotional effect” from the incident.</p>
<p>“This ‘timeout’ is meant to give them time to come to a sense of balance about the inherent risks of their jobs,” the automaker said in a statement.</p>
<p>Uber, along with other technology companies and automakers, has been testing in Arizona, which regulates autonomous vehicles with a lighter touch than neighboring states such as California.</p>
<p>The state has a long history of allowing automakers to test new vehicles on its wide, open roads, and a 2015 executive order by Governor Doug Ducey paved the way for companies to test autonomous technology without interference by the legislature. More than 600 self-driving vehicles are now testing on Arizona roads, according to the governor’s office.</p>
<p>On Tuesday, Arizona’s director for policy and communications at the state’s department of transportation, Kevin Biesty, said existing regulations were sufficient and that the state had no immediate plans to issue new rules.</p>
<p>“We believe we have enough in our laws right now to regulate automobiles,” Biesty told Reuters. “There will be issues that the legislature will have to address in the future as these become more widespread.”</p>
<p>During the early phase of self-driving vehicle testing, Arizona refrained from adding new restrictions on companies testing on state roads, Biesty said, adding they did not believe any new regulations would add to safety.</p>
<p>Biesty said his agency was waiting for federal safety regulators to conclude an investigation before drawing any conclusions. Arizona’s self-driving vehicle oversight committee has not planned any meetings or actions, he said.</p>
<p>Also on Tuesday, Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell issued a statement saying he supported Uber’s decision to suspend testing until the end of the investigation. His office said the mayor had not asked other autonomous vehicle companies to suspend testing in the city.</p> National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigators examine a self-driving Uber vehicle involved in a fatal accident in Tempe, Arizona, U.S., March 20, 2018. National Transportation Safety Board/Handout via REUTERS
<p>Full details are still forthcoming surrounding the death on Sunday night of pedestrian Elaine Herzberg after she was struck by Uber’s test vehicle, a Volvo SC 90 sport utility vehicle, operating in autonomous mode..</p>
<p>Herzberg, who was homeless, was crossing a four-lane road with her bicycle outside of the crosswalk when she was struck.</p>
<p>The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office in Phoenix said it was awaiting the results of an investigation by Tempe police before reviewing whether any charges should be filed. Officials with the National Transportation Safety Board and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also are investigating.</p>
<p>The Tempe police department said in a brief statement it “would like to reaffirm that fault has not been determined in this case.”</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=7203.T" type="external">Toyota Motor Corp</a> 6853.0 7203.T Tokyo Stock Exchange +26.00 (+0.38%) 7203.T GM.N GOOGL.O F.N APTV.N
<p>The NTSB said investigators had viewed video captured by a camera in the Uber vehicle, and were gathering data from the vehicle and Uber. A photo posted on Twitter by the NTSB showed the front right corner of the vehicle’s hood seriously dented. Investigators will be in Tempe for the rest of the week and will not release findings until reviews of information from the scene and analysis of vehicle data are finished, the agency said.</p>
<p>Uber’s Advanced Technologies Group office in Tempe appeared empty on Tuesday except for a security guard who said only a small security crew was working at the site since the accident. The autonomous vehicles normally filling the parking lot outside were nowhere to be seen.</p>
<p>The fatality is drawing fresh attention to the safety of autonomous vehicles, and the challenges of testing them on public streets. Self-driving cars have been involved in minor accidents, but nearly all have been blamed on human motorists hitting the autonomous vehicle.</p>
<p>The outcome of the investigations in Arizona will be pivotal for companies racing to profit from robo-taxi services and automated delivery vehicles. Among them are General Motors Co ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=GM.N" type="external">GM.N</a>), Alphabet Inc’s ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=GOOGL.O" type="external">GOOGL.O</a>) Waymo unit, ride services company Lyft, Ford Motor Co ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=F.N" type="external">F.N</a>) and others.</p>
<p>For a graphic showing one measure of autonomous vehicle performance, click here: ( <a href="http://tmsnrt.rs/2DFUPgA" type="external">tmsnrt.rs/2DFUPgA</a>)</p>
<p>Waymo earlier this month said it began operating self-driving vehicles in Arizona without human minders, offering rides to select customers. GM, through its Cruise Automation unit, has said it plans to launch a robo-taxi service next year, and said on Tuesday it stood by that timeline.</p>
<p>Self-driving startup nuTonomy, owned by Aptiv Plc ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=APTV.N" type="external">APTV.N</a>), said it was temporarily halting its testing on public roads in Boston, following the city’s request.</p>
<p>Analysts and experts said the fatality involving Uber could slow progress toward deployment in the sector.</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-autos-selfdriving-uber-factbox/factbox-how-united-states-others-regulate-autonomous-vehicle-testing-idUSKBN1GW2PY" type="external">Factbox: How United States, others regulate autonomous vehicle testing</a>
<p>“What this incident indicates is that the state of autonomous driving (and especially Uber) is very far from where it needs to be to become market-ready,” Richard Windsor, technology analyst for London-based Edison Investment Research, said in a blog post on Tuesday.</p>
<p>Writing by Alexandria Sage, Additional reporting by Nick Carey, Joseph White and Paul Lienert in Detroit, Sydney Maki in Tempe, Ariz., David Schwartz in Phoenix, and David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Jonathan Oatis, Matthew Lewis and Cynthia Osterman</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>LONDON (Reuters) - The deal on Brexit transition gives British businesses 20 months of valuable time and marks the victory of pragmatism over politics, the head of British business lobby CBI said on Tuesday.</p> Anti-Brexit demonstrators wave EU and Union flags outside the Houses of Parliament in London, Britain, January 30, 2018. REUTERS/Toby Melville
<p>Carolyn Fairbairn, director-general of the Confederation of British Industry, said she was broadly pleased with the transition deal agreed between Britain and the European Union on Monday.</p>
<p>“Yesterday was a good day in the Brexit process. We know how firms have been consistently planning for a hard Brexit,” Fairbairn told the Innovate Finance conference.</p>
<p>“That is 20 months of time that is genuinely valuable. This is the first time we have seen pragmatism being put ahead of politics,” Fairbairn said.</p>
<p>But she added: “The risk of no deal has not completely gone away.”</p>
<p>She called on regulators to think about the transition deal as now being very likely, meaning they can give “air cover” or certainty for businesses.</p>
<p>Financial firms want the Bank of England and the Financial Conduct Authority to say they can rely on the transition deal so they don’t have to have all their Brexit plans in place by March next year.</p>
<p>“In the longer term, we’re going to move quite quickly into the final deal shape. This fundamental opportunity to have a model of regulatory alignment, particularly in services to safeguard access, is where we need to go next,” Fairbairn said.</p>
<p>“And I think what we want to see by October is the shape of that, because only that really gives the long term certainty that our services need,” she added.</p>
<p>Reporting by Huw Jones and Emma Rumney; Editing by Catherine Evans</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>LONDON (Reuters) - The suspended chief executive of UK-based political consultancy Cambridge Analytica claimed in secretly recorded video that his company played a decisive role in the 2016 election campaign of President Donald Trump, Channel 4 News reported on Tuesday.</p> Alexander Nix, CEO of Cambridge Analytica arrives at the offices of Cambridge Analytica in central London, Britain, March 20, 2018. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls
<p>British broadcaster Channel 4 News mounted a “sting operation” in which it secretly recorded Cambridge Analytica Chief Executive Alexander Nix saying he had met the then Republican presidential candidate “many times” and that his firm played a central role in the final months of the campaign.</p>
<p>“We did all the research. We did all the data. We did all the analytics. We did all the targeting. We ran all the digital campaign and our data informed their strategy,” Nix told an undercover reporter during a meeting in a London hotel.</p>
<p>Brad Parscale, the 2016 Trump campaign’s main digital adviser who dealt regularly with Cambridge Analytica, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Parscale was recently named manager of Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign.</p>
<p>Nix was suspended by the board of directors of Cambridge Analytica on Tuesday, the company said shortly before the second part of the British news program’s expose on the company.</p>
<p>The London-based company’s statement said: “In the view of the board, Mr. Nix’s recent comments secretly recorded by Channel 4 and other allegations do not represent the values or operations of the firm and his suspension reflects the seriousness with which we view this violation.”</p>
<p>Nix also was recorded by Channel 4 saying that Cambridge Analytica did not have to reveal to U.S. investigators anything about the company’s foreign political campaign clients. If asked, he said he would respond: “We say ‘none of your business’.”</p>
<p>“I am absolutely convinced that they have no jurisdiction,” he said.</p>
<p>Nix was also dismissive about the testimony he gave to the U.S. House Intelligence Committee late last year [nL1N1OE1Q5].</p>
<p>“The Republicans ask three questions in five minutes. Done. The Democrats ask two hours of questions,” he said.</p>
<p>“They are politicians, they are not technical, they don’t understand how it works. They don’t understand that the candidate is never involved, he’s told what to do by the campaign team.”</p>
<p>The company named Julian Malins, a well-known British commercial barrister, to lead an independent investigation into Nix’s actions.</p>
<p>Reporting by Paul Sandle and Eric Auchard in London; Editing by Gareth Jones</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
| false | 2 |
new york reuters general electric co gen intends make changes portfolio remain company chief executive said wednesday general electric co 1364 gen new york stock exchange 043 306 gen ge future look different today chief executive john flannery said conference call ge released fourthquarter earnings comments come speculation increased last week ge seriously considering breakup earlier wednesday head ges aircraft financing unit said ge looking alternative structuring arrangements breakup company reporting alwyn scott editing nick zieminski standards thomson reuters trust principles new york reuters senior vice president wachovia morgan stanley dark months 2008 2009 financial crisis derek peterson watched colleagues lost jobs life savings wondered next time managing approximately 120 million client assets growing disenchanted saw us stock market driven highfrequency trading algorithms rather fundamentals started looking opportunities soon stumbled first legal medical marijuana dispensaries opened san francisco bay area started looking finance guys eyes saw maybe something going said soon discovered dispensaries bringing sales 4000 per square foot rate higher us retailer apple inc 12 times average 325 per square foot among companies sector places size starbucks bringing 15 million year absurd peterson said quit day job morgan stanley late 2010 2012 became chief executive officer president terra tech corp 247 million company cultivates medical marijuana whose shares trade overthecounter market making one publicly traded pot stocks peterson alone jump wall street weed ten years start financial crisis province shady stoners drug cartels thriving industry recreational marijuana legal states ranging california massachusetts map tmsnrtrs2afalvz powering expansion industry former wall street executives like peterson hail staid firms blackrock inc goldman sachs group inc prudential financial inc say might ever left traditional finance lingering damage 2008 crisis reliable numbers many former wall street professionals work cannabis industry though sector say expect migration accelerate revenue growth continues attract talent companies us marijuana market posted revenues approximately 6 billion 2017 500 percent increase roughly 1 billion 2011 according estimates marijuana business daily trade publication file photo billboard advertising marijuana advance upcoming legalization recreational marijuana san francisco california us december 29 2017 reutersjim christiefile photo approximately 250000 people work sector jobs revenues expected double triple next four years publication estimates financial crisis stagnation many industries us aftermath led many people consider viable career said chris walsh editorial vice president marijuana business daily slideshow 2 images lingering fears washington despite growth prospects many financial professionals still leery federal law considers marijuana illegal drug take job industry clear signals washington change makeup government said ruth epstein partner san franciscobased bgp advisors business advisory firm focuses companies cannabis sector january justice department reversed policy obama administration allowed states legalize marijuana without fears federal crackdown chilling effect recruiting within industry epstein said people really scared away investing large extent mentality keeping talent away said epstein harvard business school graduate spent nearly 10 years corporate finance desk goldman sachs turn created massive opportunity someone understands finance willing vanguard added morgan paxhia cofounder san franciscobased poseidon asset management 25 million hedge fund focuses exclusively marijuana sector trader municipal debt desk ubs new york financial crisis would pass lehman brothers building day way work felt building cratering around said laid march 9 2009 day us stock market finally bottomed spent years registered investment adviser starting poseidon sister emily 2013 attracted possibility growth time financial companies seemed overly cautious said financial crisis never happened would banks industry already wont push industry forward theyre afraid said opened huge opportunities willing come capitalize peterson terra tech ceo said routinely fields calls employees large banks investment firms looking enter industry steep change first years pot sector still largely ruled blackmarket growers questionable outfits first started fact worked wall street made seem like real outsider point people would ask narc said referring federal narcotics officer last two years weve seen tremendous influx people traditional business backgrounds reporting david randall editing jennifer ablan lisa shumaker standards thomson reuters trust principles tempe arizdetroit reuters arizona officials said tuesday saw immediate need tighten rules testing selfdriving cars state reaction fatal accident involving uber autonomous vehicle focused attention safety new technology meanwhile toyota motor corp 7203t said pause autonomous vehicle testing following sundays accident uber technologies inc selfdriving suv struck killed woman tempe arizona automakers tech companies evaluating whether suspend autonomous vehicle programs wake first fatality involving selfdriving vehicle uber said monday suspending program toyota said temporarily pausing testing us public roads help test drivers could experiencing emotional effect incident timeout meant give time come sense balance inherent risks jobs automaker said statement uber along technology companies automakers testing arizona regulates autonomous vehicles lighter touch neighboring states california state long history allowing automakers test new vehicles wide open roads 2015 executive order governor doug ducey paved way companies test autonomous technology without interference legislature 600 selfdriving vehicles testing arizona roads according governors office tuesday arizonas director policy communications states department transportation kevin biesty said existing regulations sufficient state immediate plans issue new rules believe enough laws right regulate automobiles biesty told reuters issues legislature address future become widespread early phase selfdriving vehicle testing arizona refrained adding new restrictions companies testing state roads biesty said adding believe new regulations would add safety biesty said agency waiting federal safety regulators conclude investigation drawing conclusions arizonas selfdriving vehicle oversight committee planned meetings actions said also tuesday tempe mayor mark mitchell issued statement saying supported ubers decision suspend testing end investigation office said mayor asked autonomous vehicle companies suspend testing city national transportation safety board ntsb investigators examine selfdriving uber vehicle involved fatal accident tempe arizona us march 20 2018 national transportation safety boardhandout via reuters full details still forthcoming surrounding death sunday night pedestrian elaine herzberg struck ubers test vehicle volvo sc 90 sport utility vehicle operating autonomous mode herzberg homeless crossing fourlane road bicycle outside crosswalk struck maricopa county attorneys office phoenix said awaiting results investigation tempe police reviewing whether charges filed officials national transportation safety board national highway traffic safety administration also investigating tempe police department said brief statement would like reaffirm fault determined case toyota motor corp 68530 7203t tokyo stock exchange 2600 038 7203t gmn googlo fn aptvn ntsb said investigators viewed video captured camera uber vehicle gathering data vehicle uber photo posted twitter ntsb showed front right corner vehicles hood seriously dented investigators tempe rest week release findings reviews information scene analysis vehicle data finished agency said ubers advanced technologies group office tempe appeared empty tuesday except security guard said small security crew working site since accident autonomous vehicles normally filling parking lot outside nowhere seen fatality drawing fresh attention safety autonomous vehicles challenges testing public streets selfdriving cars involved minor accidents nearly blamed human motorists hitting autonomous vehicle outcome investigations arizona pivotal companies racing profit robotaxi services automated delivery vehicles among general motors co gmn alphabet incs googlo waymo unit ride services company lyft ford motor co fn others graphic showing one measure autonomous vehicle performance click tmsnrtrs2dfupga waymo earlier month said began operating selfdriving vehicles arizona without human minders offering rides select customers gm cruise automation unit said plans launch robotaxi service next year said tuesday stood timeline selfdriving startup nutonomy owned aptiv plc aptvn said temporarily halting testing public roads boston following citys request analysts experts said fatality involving uber could slow progress toward deployment sector related coverage factbox united states others regulate autonomous vehicle testing incident indicates state autonomous driving especially uber far needs become marketready richard windsor technology analyst londonbased edison investment research said blog post tuesday writing alexandria sage additional reporting nick carey joseph white paul lienert detroit sydney maki tempe ariz david schwartz phoenix david shepardson washington editing jonathan oatis matthew lewis cynthia osterman standards thomson reuters trust principles london reuters deal brexit transition gives british businesses 20 months valuable time marks victory pragmatism politics head british business lobby cbi said tuesday antibrexit demonstrators wave eu union flags outside houses parliament london britain january 30 2018 reuterstoby melville carolyn fairbairn directorgeneral confederation british industry said broadly pleased transition deal agreed britain european union monday yesterday good day brexit process know firms consistently planning hard brexit fairbairn told innovate finance conference 20 months time genuinely valuable first time seen pragmatism put ahead politics fairbairn said added risk deal completely gone away called regulators think transition deal likely meaning give air cover certainty businesses financial firms want bank england financial conduct authority say rely transition deal dont brexit plans place march next year longer term going move quite quickly final deal shape fundamental opportunity model regulatory alignment particularly services safeguard access need go next fairbairn said think want see october shape really gives long term certainty services need added reporting huw jones emma rumney editing catherine evans standards thomson reuters trust principles london reuters suspended chief executive ukbased political consultancy cambridge analytica claimed secretly recorded video company played decisive role 2016 election campaign president donald trump channel 4 news reported tuesday alexander nix ceo cambridge analytica arrives offices cambridge analytica central london britain march 20 2018 reutershenry nicholls british broadcaster channel 4 news mounted sting operation secretly recorded cambridge analytica chief executive alexander nix saying met republican presidential candidate many times firm played central role final months campaign research data analytics targeting ran digital campaign data informed strategy nix told undercover reporter meeting london hotel brad parscale 2016 trump campaigns main digital adviser dealt regularly cambridge analytica immediately respond request comment parscale recently named manager trumps 2020 reelection campaign nix suspended board directors cambridge analytica tuesday company said shortly second part british news programs expose company londonbased companys statement said view board mr nixs recent comments secretly recorded channel 4 allegations represent values operations firm suspension reflects seriousness view violation nix also recorded channel 4 saying cambridge analytica reveal us investigators anything companys foreign political campaign clients asked said would respond say none business absolutely convinced jurisdiction said nix also dismissive testimony gave us house intelligence committee late last year nl1n1oe1q5 republicans ask three questions five minutes done democrats ask two hours questions said politicians technical dont understand works dont understand candidate never involved hes told campaign team company named julian malins wellknown british commercial barrister lead independent investigation nixs actions reporting paul sandle eric auchard london editing gareth jones standards thomson reuters trust principles
| 1,692 |
<p>CHICAGO (AP) — Genevieve Liu sits back in bed each night, still thinking of her father before she sleeps. He used to sing the same song to his children at bedtime, often before he'd head to surgery to save the life of someone else's child.</p>
<p>"I'm leaving on a jet plane," Don Liu would sing. "Don't know when I'll be back again."</p>
<p>Then, incredibly, he left in a way no one could have anticipated: On a family outing in 2012, he drowned in Lake Michigan. That he died helping two children get to safety on a windy, choppy day did not surprise those who knew him.</p>
<p>His eldest, Genevieve, witnessed the horrid moments when her father was swept under by a rip current. She remembers the shrieks and tears before his body was found, and afterward. She describes sitting quietly, staring into space at a fast food restaurant during the trip from Michigan back home to Chicago.</p>
<p>"My dad was, by far, someone who understood me like no one else. Like, he always knew — everything," says Genevieve, who was 13 at the time.</p>
<p>"You wonder if you are going to be able to live the same life you always felt like you were supposed to."</p>
<p>It seemed inconceivable that she could get through the overwhelming grief. Yet, over the last two years, she has worked at it — helping herself, in part, by helping others like her.</p>
<p>Experts are still learning how children grieve, and how their process may differ from adults'.</p>
<p>Julie Kaplow, director of the Trauma and Grief Center for Youth at the University of Texas Health Science Center, says many of the measures of grief have been based on studies of elderly women. "There's been a taboo about talking to kids about death," Kaplow says, because adults want to shield them.</p>
<p>Initial research has found that kids who experience the drawn-out dying of a parent versus a sudden death tend to have a harder time adjusting, she says. But the grief reactions can become more complicated when the circumstances of the death are tragic or violent — or when the child feels helpless, Kaplow adds.</p>
<p>Behavior can offer clues about which children need intervention, though behavior can be hard to read as even healthy expressions of grief aren't always pretty, Kaplow says. Is the child finding outlets for grief that will eventually help him or her adapt to the parent's loss over the long term? Or is the reaction "maladaptive," making it difficult for the child to function in the world.</p>
<p>Amid her own struggles, Genevieve's mom, Dana Suskind, was determined to help her three children adapt in the best way possible.</p>
<p>"None of us can crawl into a fetal ball, even if that's what we really want," said Suskind, a surgeon and researcher at the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, where her husband had been surgeon-in-chief. "So what do I do to . help take them to the other side of adulthood, so they can be stable and happy adults?"</p>
<p>At first, Genevieve says she spent a lot of time in her room at the family's home in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood. She listened to music, slept a lot and didn't eat much.</p>
<p>She remembers entering eighth grade, not wanting to be known as "that girl whose dad died." But the label was inevitable, and ultimately isolating, she says.</p>
<p>"I got so much of my support from, like, grief counselors, friends, my parent," Genevieve says, shaking her head at those last two words. "My 'parent' that sounds so weird."</p>
<p>Still, she felt alone. She remembers not wanting to see a lot of friends, not wanting to feel like she had to explain her grief.</p>
<p>And there were family squabbles. Genevieve remembers the fights with her mom as "weekly scream-at-each-other and then 'I love you, I love you, I love you. Let's never fight again'" moments.</p>
<p>What she wanted, she says, was a return to the "unit" that this family had become — one that had begun with the melding of the lives and cultures of two young doctors, one Jewish and the other an American of Chinese descent, raised in Taiwan, who converted to Judaism.</p>
<p>Genevieve remembers her parents as best friends, who walked to work together most mornings.</p>
<p>She says her mother was strong for her and that she regrets not making life easier for her in return. "But I needed her to be the same person that she was with my dad, and that just wasn't possible."</p>
<p>A turning point came when her mom invited a girl from Genevieve's class to come over. The girl had lost her mother to cancer and Suskind thought it might be helpful for them to talk.</p>
<p>Genevieve was hesitant, but agreed and recalls how she and the girl, Isabel, lay on the floor of her room, talking about life — everything and nothing.</p>
<p>"It's almost like you don't have to talk because so much is already understood," Genevieve says.</p>
<p>Nor was there any expectation about how she was supposed to be feeling.</p>
<p>"Is my mom going to get married again?" she remembers asking.</p>
<p>"Are my siblings going to be OK?"</p>
<p>"Am I going to remember my dad in two months?'"</p>
<p>The rest of the time, they talked about the usual teenage topics, boys in their class and favorite teachers.</p>
<p>That experience prompted her to search online for support groups, and other teens who'd lost a parent. But she found nothing.</p>
<p>Genevieve wondered: What if she posted some of her own writing? She envisioned a forum or a blog - "a very simple format" to start a conversation.</p>
<p>Then she briefly met Sonia Sotomayor, the Supreme Court Justice, at a speaking engagement in Chicago. Sotomayor had already been one of Genevieve's longtime heroes, and then she read the justice's memoir and learned that Sotomayor, too, had lost a parent.</p>
<p>"This could be so much more than a blog," Genevieve remembers Sotomayor telling her.</p>
<p>This encouragement — and the realization that there were adults who'd lost a parent and gone on to thrive, and that there might be a way she could help others like her — made her grief feel a little less heavy.</p>
<p>Genevieve began work on her website, which she named SLAP'D — Surviving Life After a Parent Dies.</p>
<p>The site includes a monitored forum, interviews with adults who've lost a parent, advice from experts, and tribute pages with photos, poetry and songs.</p>
<p>"People will share so much, nothing like they would in real life, face to face," says the 15-year-old who takes her role of managing the site so seriously that she has quit her school tennis team to devote more time to it. She hopes it might eventually be taken up by an organization for grieving children.</p>
<p>In one recent post, in which a young woman who lost her father describes arguments with her mother, Genevieve offers advice from her own experience, the young woman says, "I'm glad there's someone who knows how I feel."</p>
<p>In her daily interactions, there've been difficult times, including a school poetry reading when a fellow student recited a piece about drowning, sending Genevieve running into the hallway in tears. A teacher was there to help.</p>
<p>Having lost his own father when he was 4, teacher Chris Freeman also has offered support. Among other things, Freeman told Genevieve how his older sisters had reassured him how much his father loved him.</p>
<p>"I actually don't remember him very well, but I've been told how much he delighted in me and cared about me," Freeman says. And that helped.</p>
<p>Hearing that, Genevieve vowed to be more compassionate toward her brother Asher, 12, and sister Amelie, 9.</p>
<p>Not that the siblings have stopped fighting entirely. "I try," Genevieve says.</p>
<p>"I adore my siblings, to be honest. My sister is one of the strongest people I've ever met. And my brother reminds me so much of my dad."</p>
<p>At home, Genevieve is the "CEO of the house," as her mom likes to say, helping keep things running and her siblings in line, especially when Mom works long hours. But Genevieve has given up trying to fill her dad's role.</p>
<p>"I tried doing that, like playing baseball and stuff. But it doesn't work — and you don't really want it to, either," she says.</p>
<p>In her bedroom, the wall is filled with photos of her dad and some of his numerous awards, taken from boxes that came home from his hospital office.</p>
<p>Genevieve hung them, without her mom's permission — a little act of self-assertion. Finding control, and a voice, is important in the wake of an event that made her feel so helpless, she says.</p>
<p>That's a lot of the appeal of SLAP'D, giving herself and others like her a bit of say over how they grieve.</p>
<p>She says, "I love my dad, and I just hope that when I think about him it's not always about his death, or my grief, but just about him."</p>
<p>On the site, Genevieve's own tribute page includes family photos, and a reference to "Leaving on a Jet Plane."</p>
<p>She sang it with a friend at her father's funeral, and she and her mom also sing it at the cemetery on the anniversary of his death "to return the favor, I guess."</p>
<p>"He had the most beautiful voice," Genevieve says, softly, and smiles.</p>
<p>____</p>
<p>On the Internet: <a href="http://www.slapd.com" type="external">http://www.slapd.com</a></p>
<p>____</p>
<p>Martha Irvine is an AP national writer. She can be reached at [email protected] or at http://twitter.com/irvineap</p>
<p>CHICAGO (AP) — Genevieve Liu sits back in bed each night, still thinking of her father before she sleeps. He used to sing the same song to his children at bedtime, often before he'd head to surgery to save the life of someone else's child.</p>
<p>"I'm leaving on a jet plane," Don Liu would sing. "Don't know when I'll be back again."</p>
<p>Then, incredibly, he left in a way no one could have anticipated: On a family outing in 2012, he drowned in Lake Michigan. That he died helping two children get to safety on a windy, choppy day did not surprise those who knew him.</p>
<p>His eldest, Genevieve, witnessed the horrid moments when her father was swept under by a rip current. She remembers the shrieks and tears before his body was found, and afterward. She describes sitting quietly, staring into space at a fast food restaurant during the trip from Michigan back home to Chicago.</p>
<p>"My dad was, by far, someone who understood me like no one else. Like, he always knew — everything," says Genevieve, who was 13 at the time.</p>
<p>"You wonder if you are going to be able to live the same life you always felt like you were supposed to."</p>
<p>It seemed inconceivable that she could get through the overwhelming grief. Yet, over the last two years, she has worked at it — helping herself, in part, by helping others like her.</p>
<p>Experts are still learning how children grieve, and how their process may differ from adults'.</p>
<p>Julie Kaplow, director of the Trauma and Grief Center for Youth at the University of Texas Health Science Center, says many of the measures of grief have been based on studies of elderly women. "There's been a taboo about talking to kids about death," Kaplow says, because adults want to shield them.</p>
<p>Initial research has found that kids who experience the drawn-out dying of a parent versus a sudden death tend to have a harder time adjusting, she says. But the grief reactions can become more complicated when the circumstances of the death are tragic or violent — or when the child feels helpless, Kaplow adds.</p>
<p>Behavior can offer clues about which children need intervention, though behavior can be hard to read as even healthy expressions of grief aren't always pretty, Kaplow says. Is the child finding outlets for grief that will eventually help him or her adapt to the parent's loss over the long term? Or is the reaction "maladaptive," making it difficult for the child to function in the world.</p>
<p>Amid her own struggles, Genevieve's mom, Dana Suskind, was determined to help her three children adapt in the best way possible.</p>
<p>"None of us can crawl into a fetal ball, even if that's what we really want," said Suskind, a surgeon and researcher at the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, where her husband had been surgeon-in-chief. "So what do I do to . help take them to the other side of adulthood, so they can be stable and happy adults?"</p>
<p>At first, Genevieve says she spent a lot of time in her room at the family's home in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood. She listened to music, slept a lot and didn't eat much.</p>
<p>She remembers entering eighth grade, not wanting to be known as "that girl whose dad died." But the label was inevitable, and ultimately isolating, she says.</p>
<p>"I got so much of my support from, like, grief counselors, friends, my parent," Genevieve says, shaking her head at those last two words. "My 'parent' that sounds so weird."</p>
<p>Still, she felt alone. She remembers not wanting to see a lot of friends, not wanting to feel like she had to explain her grief.</p>
<p>And there were family squabbles. Genevieve remembers the fights with her mom as "weekly scream-at-each-other and then 'I love you, I love you, I love you. Let's never fight again'" moments.</p>
<p>What she wanted, she says, was a return to the "unit" that this family had become — one that had begun with the melding of the lives and cultures of two young doctors, one Jewish and the other an American of Chinese descent, raised in Taiwan, who converted to Judaism.</p>
<p>Genevieve remembers her parents as best friends, who walked to work together most mornings.</p>
<p>She says her mother was strong for her and that she regrets not making life easier for her in return. "But I needed her to be the same person that she was with my dad, and that just wasn't possible."</p>
<p>A turning point came when her mom invited a girl from Genevieve's class to come over. The girl had lost her mother to cancer and Suskind thought it might be helpful for them to talk.</p>
<p>Genevieve was hesitant, but agreed and recalls how she and the girl, Isabel, lay on the floor of her room, talking about life — everything and nothing.</p>
<p>"It's almost like you don't have to talk because so much is already understood," Genevieve says.</p>
<p>Nor was there any expectation about how she was supposed to be feeling.</p>
<p>"Is my mom going to get married again?" she remembers asking.</p>
<p>"Are my siblings going to be OK?"</p>
<p>"Am I going to remember my dad in two months?'"</p>
<p>The rest of the time, they talked about the usual teenage topics, boys in their class and favorite teachers.</p>
<p>That experience prompted her to search online for support groups, and other teens who'd lost a parent. But she found nothing.</p>
<p>Genevieve wondered: What if she posted some of her own writing? She envisioned a forum or a blog - "a very simple format" to start a conversation.</p>
<p>Then she briefly met Sonia Sotomayor, the Supreme Court Justice, at a speaking engagement in Chicago. Sotomayor had already been one of Genevieve's longtime heroes, and then she read the justice's memoir and learned that Sotomayor, too, had lost a parent.</p>
<p>"This could be so much more than a blog," Genevieve remembers Sotomayor telling her.</p>
<p>This encouragement — and the realization that there were adults who'd lost a parent and gone on to thrive, and that there might be a way she could help others like her — made her grief feel a little less heavy.</p>
<p>Genevieve began work on her website, which she named SLAP'D — Surviving Life After a Parent Dies.</p>
<p>The site includes a monitored forum, interviews with adults who've lost a parent, advice from experts, and tribute pages with photos, poetry and songs.</p>
<p>"People will share so much, nothing like they would in real life, face to face," says the 15-year-old who takes her role of managing the site so seriously that she has quit her school tennis team to devote more time to it. She hopes it might eventually be taken up by an organization for grieving children.</p>
<p>In one recent post, in which a young woman who lost her father describes arguments with her mother, Genevieve offers advice from her own experience, the young woman says, "I'm glad there's someone who knows how I feel."</p>
<p>In her daily interactions, there've been difficult times, including a school poetry reading when a fellow student recited a piece about drowning, sending Genevieve running into the hallway in tears. A teacher was there to help.</p>
<p>Having lost his own father when he was 4, teacher Chris Freeman also has offered support. Among other things, Freeman told Genevieve how his older sisters had reassured him how much his father loved him.</p>
<p>"I actually don't remember him very well, but I've been told how much he delighted in me and cared about me," Freeman says. And that helped.</p>
<p>Hearing that, Genevieve vowed to be more compassionate toward her brother Asher, 12, and sister Amelie, 9.</p>
<p>Not that the siblings have stopped fighting entirely. "I try," Genevieve says.</p>
<p>"I adore my siblings, to be honest. My sister is one of the strongest people I've ever met. And my brother reminds me so much of my dad."</p>
<p>At home, Genevieve is the "CEO of the house," as her mom likes to say, helping keep things running and her siblings in line, especially when Mom works long hours. But Genevieve has given up trying to fill her dad's role.</p>
<p>"I tried doing that, like playing baseball and stuff. But it doesn't work — and you don't really want it to, either," she says.</p>
<p>In her bedroom, the wall is filled with photos of her dad and some of his numerous awards, taken from boxes that came home from his hospital office.</p>
<p>Genevieve hung them, without her mom's permission — a little act of self-assertion. Finding control, and a voice, is important in the wake of an event that made her feel so helpless, she says.</p>
<p>That's a lot of the appeal of SLAP'D, giving herself and others like her a bit of say over how they grieve.</p>
<p>She says, "I love my dad, and I just hope that when I think about him it's not always about his death, or my grief, but just about him."</p>
<p>On the site, Genevieve's own tribute page includes family photos, and a reference to "Leaving on a Jet Plane."</p>
<p>She sang it with a friend at her father's funeral, and she and her mom also sing it at the cemetery on the anniversary of his death "to return the favor, I guess."</p>
<p>"He had the most beautiful voice," Genevieve says, softly, and smiles.</p>
<p>____</p>
<p>On the Internet: <a href="http://www.slapd.com" type="external">http://www.slapd.com</a></p>
<p>____</p>
<p>Martha Irvine is an AP national writer. She can be reached at [email protected] or at http://twitter.com/irvineap</p>
| false | 2 |
chicago ap genevieve liu sits back bed night still thinking father sleeps used sing song children bedtime often hed head surgery save life someone elses child im leaving jet plane liu would sing dont know ill back incredibly left way one could anticipated family outing 2012 drowned lake michigan died helping two children get safety windy choppy day surprise knew eldest genevieve witnessed horrid moments father swept rip current remembers shrieks tears body found afterward describes sitting quietly staring space fast food restaurant trip michigan back home chicago dad far someone understood like one else like always knew everything says genevieve 13 time wonder going able live life always felt like supposed seemed inconceivable could get overwhelming grief yet last two years worked helping part helping others like experts still learning children grieve process may differ adults julie kaplow director trauma grief center youth university texas health science center says many measures grief based studies elderly women theres taboo talking kids death kaplow says adults want shield initial research found kids experience drawnout dying parent versus sudden death tend harder time adjusting says grief reactions become complicated circumstances death tragic violent child feels helpless kaplow adds behavior offer clues children need intervention though behavior hard read even healthy expressions grief arent always pretty kaplow says child finding outlets grief eventually help adapt parents loss long term reaction maladaptive making difficult child function world amid struggles genevieves mom dana suskind determined help three children adapt best way possible none us crawl fetal ball even thats really want said suskind surgeon researcher university chicago comer childrens hospital husband surgeoninchief help take side adulthood stable happy adults first genevieve says spent lot time room familys home chicagos hyde park neighborhood listened music slept lot didnt eat much remembers entering eighth grade wanting known girl whose dad died label inevitable ultimately isolating says got much support like grief counselors friends parent genevieve says shaking head last two words parent sounds weird still felt alone remembers wanting see lot friends wanting feel like explain grief family squabbles genevieve remembers fights mom weekly screamateachother love love love lets never fight moments wanted says return unit family become one begun melding lives cultures two young doctors one jewish american chinese descent raised taiwan converted judaism genevieve remembers parents best friends walked work together mornings says mother strong regrets making life easier return needed person dad wasnt possible turning point came mom invited girl genevieves class come girl lost mother cancer suskind thought might helpful talk genevieve hesitant agreed recalls girl isabel lay floor room talking life everything nothing almost like dont talk much already understood genevieve says expectation supposed feeling mom going get married remembers asking siblings going ok going remember dad two months rest time talked usual teenage topics boys class favorite teachers experience prompted search online support groups teens whod lost parent found nothing genevieve wondered posted writing envisioned forum blog simple format start conversation briefly met sonia sotomayor supreme court justice speaking engagement chicago sotomayor already one genevieves longtime heroes read justices memoir learned sotomayor lost parent could much blog genevieve remembers sotomayor telling encouragement realization adults whod lost parent gone thrive might way could help others like made grief feel little less heavy genevieve began work website named slapd surviving life parent dies site includes monitored forum interviews adults whove lost parent advice experts tribute pages photos poetry songs people share much nothing like would real life face face says 15yearold takes role managing site seriously quit school tennis team devote time hopes might eventually taken organization grieving children one recent post young woman lost father describes arguments mother genevieve offers advice experience young woman says im glad theres someone knows feel daily interactions thereve difficult times including school poetry reading fellow student recited piece drowning sending genevieve running hallway tears teacher help lost father 4 teacher chris freeman also offered support among things freeman told genevieve older sisters reassured much father loved actually dont remember well ive told much delighted cared freeman says helped hearing genevieve vowed compassionate toward brother asher 12 sister amelie 9 siblings stopped fighting entirely try genevieve says adore siblings honest sister one strongest people ive ever met brother reminds much dad home genevieve ceo house mom likes say helping keep things running siblings line especially mom works long hours genevieve given trying fill dads role tried like playing baseball stuff doesnt work dont really want either says bedroom wall filled photos dad numerous awards taken boxes came home hospital office genevieve hung without moms permission little act selfassertion finding control voice important wake event made feel helpless says thats lot appeal slapd giving others like bit say grieve says love dad hope think always death grief site genevieves tribute page includes family photos reference leaving jet plane sang friend fathers funeral mom also sing cemetery anniversary death return favor guess beautiful voice genevieve says softly smiles ____ internet httpwwwslapdcom ____ martha irvine ap national writer reached mirvineaporg httptwittercomirvineap chicago ap genevieve liu sits back bed night still thinking father sleeps used sing song children bedtime often hed head surgery save life someone elses child im leaving jet plane liu would sing dont know ill back incredibly left way one could anticipated family outing 2012 drowned lake michigan died helping two children get safety windy choppy day surprise knew eldest genevieve witnessed horrid moments father swept rip current remembers shrieks tears body found afterward describes sitting quietly staring space fast food restaurant trip michigan back home chicago dad far someone understood like one else like always knew everything says genevieve 13 time wonder going able live life always felt like supposed seemed inconceivable could get overwhelming grief yet last two years worked helping part helping others like experts still learning children grieve process may differ adults julie kaplow director trauma grief center youth university texas health science center says many measures grief based studies elderly women theres taboo talking kids death kaplow says adults want shield initial research found kids experience drawnout dying parent versus sudden death tend harder time adjusting says grief reactions become complicated circumstances death tragic violent child feels helpless kaplow adds behavior offer clues children need intervention though behavior hard read even healthy expressions grief arent always pretty kaplow says child finding outlets grief eventually help adapt parents loss long term reaction maladaptive making difficult child function world amid struggles genevieves mom dana suskind determined help three children adapt best way possible none us crawl fetal ball even thats really want said suskind surgeon researcher university chicago comer childrens hospital husband surgeoninchief help take side adulthood stable happy adults first genevieve says spent lot time room familys home chicagos hyde park neighborhood listened music slept lot didnt eat much remembers entering eighth grade wanting known girl whose dad died label inevitable ultimately isolating says got much support like grief counselors friends parent genevieve says shaking head last two words parent sounds weird still felt alone remembers wanting see lot friends wanting feel like explain grief family squabbles genevieve remembers fights mom weekly screamateachother love love love lets never fight moments wanted says return unit family become one begun melding lives cultures two young doctors one jewish american chinese descent raised taiwan converted judaism genevieve remembers parents best friends walked work together mornings says mother strong regrets making life easier return needed person dad wasnt possible turning point came mom invited girl genevieves class come girl lost mother cancer suskind thought might helpful talk genevieve hesitant agreed recalls girl isabel lay floor room talking life everything nothing almost like dont talk much already understood genevieve says expectation supposed feeling mom going get married remembers asking siblings going ok going remember dad two months rest time talked usual teenage topics boys class favorite teachers experience prompted search online support groups teens whod lost parent found nothing genevieve wondered posted writing envisioned forum blog simple format start conversation briefly met sonia sotomayor supreme court justice speaking engagement chicago sotomayor already one genevieves longtime heroes read justices memoir learned sotomayor lost parent could much blog genevieve remembers sotomayor telling encouragement realization adults whod lost parent gone thrive might way could help others like made grief feel little less heavy genevieve began work website named slapd surviving life parent dies site includes monitored forum interviews adults whove lost parent advice experts tribute pages photos poetry songs people share much nothing like would real life face face says 15yearold takes role managing site seriously quit school tennis team devote time hopes might eventually taken organization grieving children one recent post young woman lost father describes arguments mother genevieve offers advice experience young woman says im glad theres someone knows feel daily interactions thereve difficult times including school poetry reading fellow student recited piece drowning sending genevieve running hallway tears teacher help lost father 4 teacher chris freeman also offered support among things freeman told genevieve older sisters reassured much father loved actually dont remember well ive told much delighted cared freeman says helped hearing genevieve vowed compassionate toward brother asher 12 sister amelie 9 siblings stopped fighting entirely try genevieve says adore siblings honest sister one strongest people ive ever met brother reminds much dad home genevieve ceo house mom likes say helping keep things running siblings line especially mom works long hours genevieve given trying fill dads role tried like playing baseball stuff doesnt work dont really want either says bedroom wall filled photos dad numerous awards taken boxes came home hospital office genevieve hung without moms permission little act selfassertion finding control voice important wake event made feel helpless says thats lot appeal slapd giving others like bit say grieve says love dad hope think always death grief site genevieves tribute page includes family photos reference leaving jet plane sang friend fathers funeral mom also sing cemetery anniversary death return favor guess beautiful voice genevieve says softly smiles ____ internet httpwwwslapdcom ____ martha irvine ap national writer reached mirvineaporg httptwittercomirvineap
| 1,662 |
<p>ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The Orlando Magic spoiled Derrick Rose's return from his latest knee injury.</p>
<p>Victor Oladipo had 23 points and scored on a layup with 1.5 seconds left to give the Magic a 105-103 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night.</p>
<p>Rose started and played for the first time in more than a month since undergoing surgery on his right knee. But working on a minutes restriction, the point guard was 3 of 9 from the field and finished with nine points in 19 minutes.</p>
<p>"I felt all right," Rose said. "I think it was about right. It'll get better the more I play, but I'm getting better every week. It'll take some time, but I'll get there."</p>
<p>The Bulls had a final chance with 1.5 seconds remaining, but an inbounds pass by Mike Dunleavy to Pau Gasol at the rim sailed out of bounds.</p>
<p>Nik Vucevic added 22 points in the Magic's third straight win.</p>
<p>"There's no playoff but we're trying to treat every game like a playoff game," Oladipo said. "There's teams that we're playing that are playoff seeds, but we're trying to get better too."</p>
<p>Jimmy Butler had 19 points for Chicago. Gasol, Taj Gibson and Nikola Mirotic each added 15.</p>
<p>Rose was in his first action since Feb. 23 — a span of 20 games. He underwent a minor operation on his right knee on Feb. 27— the latest in a string of knee issues for the former league MVP.</p>
<p>A torn meniscus in his right knee sidelined Rose most of last season. He also tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in the 2012 playoff opener.</p>
<p>The plan was to ease Rose back into action by playing just 20 minutes on Wednesday. Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau stuck pretty close to that, with Rose logging 19:24 in total.</p>
<p>He tried to make the most of it, and came out firing early on, connecting on two of his first four field goals. Rose played just shy of 13 minutes in the first half, scoring on a pair of jumpers, including a 3-pointer, along with an assist and two turnovers.</p>
<p>But he went cold after that, missing his next six shots.</p>
<p>Orlando took advantage, and climbed out of a 15-point, first-half hole to regain the lead 77-75.</p>
<p>Rose finally broke the drought, dropping in a fast break layup that put the Bulls back in front 71-68, before reaching his minutes limit and going to the bench for the final time with 5:34 left in the third quarter.</p>
<p>"The shots I put up, I thought they were good shots before I shot it. I'm more concerned with us losing more than anything," Rose said.</p>
<p>Chicago kept the momentum, and capitalized on some late Magic miscues to end the period on a 12-2 spurt, and take an 87-79 lead into the fourth.</p>
<p>But Orlando didn't go away, and tied it at 96 on a layup by Evan Fournier.</p>
<p>A 3-pointer by Mirotic briefly put Chicago back up 99-96. Oladipo responded with a floater and 3-pointer to nudge the Magic up in front 101-99.</p>
<p>Out of a timeout, Gasol got free in the lane for a layup and was fouled. He missed his ensuing free throw, leading to a jumper by Orlando's Aaron Gordon.</p>
<p>Aaron Brooks turned it over the Bulls' next trip down the floor, but Fournier came up short on a jumper.</p>
<p>A scramble for a rebound after a Bulls miss went out of bounds. A replay review gave it back to Chicago with 11.5 seconds to play. Gasol was then fouled by Gordon and connected on both free throws to set up Oladipo's layup.</p>
<p>Rose said the hardest part was watching from the bench late in the game.</p>
<p>"Very hard. At the same time, it's all about patience. I'm going to have my turn," Rose said. "Right now while I'm not playing, I'm just trying to learning a little more and seeing how they're playing. The only thing I can do is just sit back and watch and learn."</p>
<p>TIP-INS</p>
<p>Bulls: G Kirk Hinrich returned after missing last two games with a hyperextended left knee.</p>
<p>Magic: Connected on their first 19 free throws. ...G Evan Fournier returned after missing last 17 games with a sore right hip. G Willie Green (hyperextended right knee) and Devyn Marble (eye) both sat out.</p>
<p>GETTING REACQUAINTED</p>
<p>Wednesday marked just the 20th time this season that the Bulls lineup of Rose, Butler, Joakim Noah, Gasol and Mike Dunleavy started together. "That's all you can do is try to build some continuity," Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said.</p>
<p>UP NEXT</p>
<p>Bulls: At Miami on Thursday night.</p>
<p>Magic: Host Raptors on Friday night.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow Kyle Hightower on Twitter at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/khightower" type="external">http://www.twitter.com/khightower</a></p>
<p>ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The Orlando Magic spoiled Derrick Rose's return from his latest knee injury.</p>
<p>Victor Oladipo had 23 points and scored on a layup with 1.5 seconds left to give the Magic a 105-103 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night.</p>
<p>Rose started and played for the first time in more than a month since undergoing surgery on his right knee. But working on a minutes restriction, the point guard was 3 of 9 from the field and finished with nine points in 19 minutes.</p>
<p>"I felt all right," Rose said. "I think it was about right. It'll get better the more I play, but I'm getting better every week. It'll take some time, but I'll get there."</p>
<p>The Bulls had a final chance with 1.5 seconds remaining, but an inbounds pass by Mike Dunleavy to Pau Gasol at the rim sailed out of bounds.</p>
<p>Nik Vucevic added 22 points in the Magic's third straight win.</p>
<p>"There's no playoff but we're trying to treat every game like a playoff game," Oladipo said. "There's teams that we're playing that are playoff seeds, but we're trying to get better too."</p>
<p>Jimmy Butler had 19 points for Chicago. Gasol, Taj Gibson and Nikola Mirotic each added 15.</p>
<p>Rose was in his first action since Feb. 23 — a span of 20 games. He underwent a minor operation on his right knee on Feb. 27— the latest in a string of knee issues for the former league MVP.</p>
<p>A torn meniscus in his right knee sidelined Rose most of last season. He also tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in the 2012 playoff opener.</p>
<p>The plan was to ease Rose back into action by playing just 20 minutes on Wednesday. Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau stuck pretty close to that, with Rose logging 19:24 in total.</p>
<p>He tried to make the most of it, and came out firing early on, connecting on two of his first four field goals. Rose played just shy of 13 minutes in the first half, scoring on a pair of jumpers, including a 3-pointer, along with an assist and two turnovers.</p>
<p>But he went cold after that, missing his next six shots.</p>
<p>Orlando took advantage, and climbed out of a 15-point, first-half hole to regain the lead 77-75.</p>
<p>Rose finally broke the drought, dropping in a fast break layup that put the Bulls back in front 71-68, before reaching his minutes limit and going to the bench for the final time with 5:34 left in the third quarter.</p>
<p>"The shots I put up, I thought they were good shots before I shot it. I'm more concerned with us losing more than anything," Rose said.</p>
<p>Chicago kept the momentum, and capitalized on some late Magic miscues to end the period on a 12-2 spurt, and take an 87-79 lead into the fourth.</p>
<p>But Orlando didn't go away, and tied it at 96 on a layup by Evan Fournier.</p>
<p>A 3-pointer by Mirotic briefly put Chicago back up 99-96. Oladipo responded with a floater and 3-pointer to nudge the Magic up in front 101-99.</p>
<p>Out of a timeout, Gasol got free in the lane for a layup and was fouled. He missed his ensuing free throw, leading to a jumper by Orlando's Aaron Gordon.</p>
<p>Aaron Brooks turned it over the Bulls' next trip down the floor, but Fournier came up short on a jumper.</p>
<p>A scramble for a rebound after a Bulls miss went out of bounds. A replay review gave it back to Chicago with 11.5 seconds to play. Gasol was then fouled by Gordon and connected on both free throws to set up Oladipo's layup.</p>
<p>Rose said the hardest part was watching from the bench late in the game.</p>
<p>"Very hard. At the same time, it's all about patience. I'm going to have my turn," Rose said. "Right now while I'm not playing, I'm just trying to learning a little more and seeing how they're playing. The only thing I can do is just sit back and watch and learn."</p>
<p>TIP-INS</p>
<p>Bulls: G Kirk Hinrich returned after missing last two games with a hyperextended left knee.</p>
<p>Magic: Connected on their first 19 free throws. ...G Evan Fournier returned after missing last 17 games with a sore right hip. G Willie Green (hyperextended right knee) and Devyn Marble (eye) both sat out.</p>
<p>GETTING REACQUAINTED</p>
<p>Wednesday marked just the 20th time this season that the Bulls lineup of Rose, Butler, Joakim Noah, Gasol and Mike Dunleavy started together. "That's all you can do is try to build some continuity," Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said.</p>
<p>UP NEXT</p>
<p>Bulls: At Miami on Thursday night.</p>
<p>Magic: Host Raptors on Friday night.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow Kyle Hightower on Twitter at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/khightower" type="external">http://www.twitter.com/khightower</a></p>
| false | 2 |
orlando fla ap orlando magic spoiled derrick roses return latest knee injury victor oladipo 23 points scored layup 15 seconds left give magic 105103 victory chicago bulls wednesday night rose started played first time month since undergoing surgery right knee working minutes restriction point guard 3 9 field finished nine points 19 minutes felt right rose said think right itll get better play im getting better every week itll take time ill get bulls final chance 15 seconds remaining inbounds pass mike dunleavy pau gasol rim sailed bounds nik vucevic added 22 points magics third straight win theres playoff trying treat every game like playoff game oladipo said theres teams playing playoff seeds trying get better jimmy butler 19 points chicago gasol taj gibson nikola mirotic added 15 rose first action since feb 23 span 20 games underwent minor operation right knee feb 27 latest string knee issues former league mvp torn meniscus right knee sidelined rose last season also tore anterior cruciate ligament left knee 2012 playoff opener plan ease rose back action playing 20 minutes wednesday bulls coach tom thibodeau stuck pretty close rose logging 1924 total tried make came firing early connecting two first four field goals rose played shy 13 minutes first half scoring pair jumpers including 3pointer along assist two turnovers went cold missing next six shots orlando took advantage climbed 15point firsthalf hole regain lead 7775 rose finally broke drought dropping fast break layup put bulls back front 7168 reaching minutes limit going bench final time 534 left third quarter shots put thought good shots shot im concerned us losing anything rose said chicago kept momentum capitalized late magic miscues end period 122 spurt take 8779 lead fourth orlando didnt go away tied 96 layup evan fournier 3pointer mirotic briefly put chicago back 9996 oladipo responded floater 3pointer nudge magic front 10199 timeout gasol got free lane layup fouled missed ensuing free throw leading jumper orlandos aaron gordon aaron brooks turned bulls next trip floor fournier came short jumper scramble rebound bulls miss went bounds replay review gave back chicago 115 seconds play gasol fouled gordon connected free throws set oladipos layup rose said hardest part watching bench late game hard time patience im going turn rose said right im playing im trying learning little seeing theyre playing thing sit back watch learn tipins bulls g kirk hinrich returned missing last two games hyperextended left knee magic connected first 19 free throws g evan fournier returned missing last 17 games sore right hip g willie green hyperextended right knee devyn marble eye sat getting reacquainted wednesday marked 20th time season bulls lineup rose butler joakim noah gasol mike dunleavy started together thats try build continuity bulls coach tom thibodeau said next bulls miami thursday night magic host raptors friday night ___ follow kyle hightower twitter httpwwwtwittercomkhightower orlando fla ap orlando magic spoiled derrick roses return latest knee injury victor oladipo 23 points scored layup 15 seconds left give magic 105103 victory chicago bulls wednesday night rose started played first time month since undergoing surgery right knee working minutes restriction point guard 3 9 field finished nine points 19 minutes felt right rose said think right itll get better play im getting better every week itll take time ill get bulls final chance 15 seconds remaining inbounds pass mike dunleavy pau gasol rim sailed bounds nik vucevic added 22 points magics third straight win theres playoff trying treat every game like playoff game oladipo said theres teams playing playoff seeds trying get better jimmy butler 19 points chicago gasol taj gibson nikola mirotic added 15 rose first action since feb 23 span 20 games underwent minor operation right knee feb 27 latest string knee issues former league mvp torn meniscus right knee sidelined rose last season also tore anterior cruciate ligament left knee 2012 playoff opener plan ease rose back action playing 20 minutes wednesday bulls coach tom thibodeau stuck pretty close rose logging 1924 total tried make came firing early connecting two first four field goals rose played shy 13 minutes first half scoring pair jumpers including 3pointer along assist two turnovers went cold missing next six shots orlando took advantage climbed 15point firsthalf hole regain lead 7775 rose finally broke drought dropping fast break layup put bulls back front 7168 reaching minutes limit going bench final time 534 left third quarter shots put thought good shots shot im concerned us losing anything rose said chicago kept momentum capitalized late magic miscues end period 122 spurt take 8779 lead fourth orlando didnt go away tied 96 layup evan fournier 3pointer mirotic briefly put chicago back 9996 oladipo responded floater 3pointer nudge magic front 10199 timeout gasol got free lane layup fouled missed ensuing free throw leading jumper orlandos aaron gordon aaron brooks turned bulls next trip floor fournier came short jumper scramble rebound bulls miss went bounds replay review gave back chicago 115 seconds play gasol fouled gordon connected free throws set oladipos layup rose said hardest part watching bench late game hard time patience im going turn rose said right im playing im trying learning little seeing theyre playing thing sit back watch learn tipins bulls g kirk hinrich returned missing last two games hyperextended left knee magic connected first 19 free throws g evan fournier returned missing last 17 games sore right hip g willie green hyperextended right knee devyn marble eye sat getting reacquainted wednesday marked 20th time season bulls lineup rose butler joakim noah gasol mike dunleavy started together thats try build continuity bulls coach tom thibodeau said next bulls miami thursday night magic host raptors friday night ___ follow kyle hightower twitter httpwwwtwittercomkhightower
| 944 |
<p>OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The first trial date has been set for a lawsuit by a state against pharmaceutical companies over the opioid epidemic, according to Oklahoma's attorney general.</p>
<p>Oklahoma, one of at least 13 states that have filed lawsuits against drugmakers, alleges fraudulent marketing of drugs that fueled the opioid epidemic in the lawsuit filed in June 2017, and seeks unspecified damages from Purdue Pharma, Allergan, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Teva Pharmaceuticals and several of their subsidiaries.</p>
<p>"We appreciate the urgency Judge (Thad) Balkman saw in getting the case to trial," Attorney General Mike Hunter said. "Oklahomans who have suffered immeasurably from the years of fraudulent marketing campaigns will see this case resolved sooner rather than later."</p>
<p>Hunter said Balkman scheduled the trial to begin May 28, 2019.</p>
<p>The companies deny wrongdoing and say they complied with Federal Drug Administration requirements that include warning labels showing potential risks that come with using their drugs.</p>
<p>"We are deeply troubled by the prescription and illicit opioid abuse crisis, and are dedicated to being part of the solution," Purdue Pharma said in a statement Friday. "We vigorously deny these allegations and look forward to the opportunity to present our defense."</p>
<p>Teva spokeswoman Kaelan Hollon said the company "is committed to the appropriate use of opioid medicines," and complies with all state and federal drug regulations.</p>
<p>"Teva also collaborates closely with other stakeholders, including providers and prescribers, regulators, public health officials and patient advocates, to understand how to prevent prescription drug abuse without sacrificing patients' needed access to pain medicine," Hollon said.</p>
<p>Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine's office said other states that have filed lawsuits are Alaska, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, South Carolina and Washington state.</p>
<p>The state lawsuits are separate from pending lawsuits in Ohio by dozens of local governments, and lawsuits by Native American tribes in the Dakotas and Oklahoma.</p>
<p>In Ohio, a federal lawsuit by local governments nationwide that makes similar allegations is pending. And in South Dakota, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe and the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate filed a federal lawsuit in January against 24 opioid industry groups.</p>
<p>In Oklahoma, a federal judge has ruled that another similar lawsuit by the Cherokee Nation cannot be tried in tribal court, and Cherokee Nation Attorney General Todd Hembree told the Tulsa World that the tribe will re-file the lawsuit in state court.</p>
<p>OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The first trial date has been set for a lawsuit by a state against pharmaceutical companies over the opioid epidemic, according to Oklahoma's attorney general.</p>
<p>Oklahoma, one of at least 13 states that have filed lawsuits against drugmakers, alleges fraudulent marketing of drugs that fueled the opioid epidemic in the lawsuit filed in June 2017, and seeks unspecified damages from Purdue Pharma, Allergan, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Teva Pharmaceuticals and several of their subsidiaries.</p>
<p>"We appreciate the urgency Judge (Thad) Balkman saw in getting the case to trial," Attorney General Mike Hunter said. "Oklahomans who have suffered immeasurably from the years of fraudulent marketing campaigns will see this case resolved sooner rather than later."</p>
<p>Hunter said Balkman scheduled the trial to begin May 28, 2019.</p>
<p>The companies deny wrongdoing and say they complied with Federal Drug Administration requirements that include warning labels showing potential risks that come with using their drugs.</p>
<p>"We are deeply troubled by the prescription and illicit opioid abuse crisis, and are dedicated to being part of the solution," Purdue Pharma said in a statement Friday. "We vigorously deny these allegations and look forward to the opportunity to present our defense."</p>
<p>Teva spokeswoman Kaelan Hollon said the company "is committed to the appropriate use of opioid medicines," and complies with all state and federal drug regulations.</p>
<p>"Teva also collaborates closely with other stakeholders, including providers and prescribers, regulators, public health officials and patient advocates, to understand how to prevent prescription drug abuse without sacrificing patients' needed access to pain medicine," Hollon said.</p>
<p>Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine's office said other states that have filed lawsuits are Alaska, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, South Carolina and Washington state.</p>
<p>The state lawsuits are separate from pending lawsuits in Ohio by dozens of local governments, and lawsuits by Native American tribes in the Dakotas and Oklahoma.</p>
<p>In Ohio, a federal lawsuit by local governments nationwide that makes similar allegations is pending. And in South Dakota, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe and the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate filed a federal lawsuit in January against 24 opioid industry groups.</p>
<p>In Oklahoma, a federal judge has ruled that another similar lawsuit by the Cherokee Nation cannot be tried in tribal court, and Cherokee Nation Attorney General Todd Hembree told the Tulsa World that the tribe will re-file the lawsuit in state court.</p>
| false | 2 |
oklahoma city ap first trial date set lawsuit state pharmaceutical companies opioid epidemic according oklahomas attorney general oklahoma one least 13 states filed lawsuits drugmakers alleges fraudulent marketing drugs fueled opioid epidemic lawsuit filed june 2017 seeks unspecified damages purdue pharma allergan janssen pharmaceuticals teva pharmaceuticals several subsidiaries appreciate urgency judge thad balkman saw getting case trial attorney general mike hunter said oklahomans suffered immeasurably years fraudulent marketing campaigns see case resolved sooner rather later hunter said balkman scheduled trial begin may 28 2019 companies deny wrongdoing say complied federal drug administration requirements include warning labels showing potential risks come using drugs deeply troubled prescription illicit opioid abuse crisis dedicated part solution purdue pharma said statement friday vigorously deny allegations look forward opportunity present defense teva spokeswoman kaelan hollon said company committed appropriate use opioid medicines complies state federal drug regulations teva also collaborates closely stakeholders including providers prescribers regulators public health officials patient advocates understand prevent prescription drug abuse without sacrificing patients needed access pain medicine hollon said ohio attorney general mike dewines office said states filed lawsuits alaska kentucky louisiana mississippi missouri montana new hampshire new jersey new mexico ohio south carolina washington state state lawsuits separate pending lawsuits ohio dozens local governments lawsuits native american tribes dakotas oklahoma ohio federal lawsuit local governments nationwide makes similar allegations pending south dakota rosebud sioux tribe flandreau santee sioux tribe sisseton wahpeton oyate filed federal lawsuit january 24 opioid industry groups oklahoma federal judge ruled another similar lawsuit cherokee nation tried tribal court cherokee nation attorney general todd hembree told tulsa world tribe refile lawsuit state court oklahoma city ap first trial date set lawsuit state pharmaceutical companies opioid epidemic according oklahomas attorney general oklahoma one least 13 states filed lawsuits drugmakers alleges fraudulent marketing drugs fueled opioid epidemic lawsuit filed june 2017 seeks unspecified damages purdue pharma allergan janssen pharmaceuticals teva pharmaceuticals several subsidiaries appreciate urgency judge thad balkman saw getting case trial attorney general mike hunter said oklahomans suffered immeasurably years fraudulent marketing campaigns see case resolved sooner rather later hunter said balkman scheduled trial begin may 28 2019 companies deny wrongdoing say complied federal drug administration requirements include warning labels showing potential risks come using drugs deeply troubled prescription illicit opioid abuse crisis dedicated part solution purdue pharma said statement friday vigorously deny allegations look forward opportunity present defense teva spokeswoman kaelan hollon said company committed appropriate use opioid medicines complies state federal drug regulations teva also collaborates closely stakeholders including providers prescribers regulators public health officials patient advocates understand prevent prescription drug abuse without sacrificing patients needed access pain medicine hollon said ohio attorney general mike dewines office said states filed lawsuits alaska kentucky louisiana mississippi missouri montana new hampshire new jersey new mexico ohio south carolina washington state state lawsuits separate pending lawsuits ohio dozens local governments lawsuits native american tribes dakotas oklahoma ohio federal lawsuit local governments nationwide makes similar allegations pending south dakota rosebud sioux tribe flandreau santee sioux tribe sisseton wahpeton oyate filed federal lawsuit january 24 opioid industry groups oklahoma federal judge ruled another similar lawsuit cherokee nation tried tribal court cherokee nation attorney general todd hembree told tulsa world tribe refile lawsuit state court
| 534 |
<p>The ad is the product of a new group, formed last year, calling itself the National Campaign Fund. It has raised just over $50,000 this year and spent most of it on lists of conservative donors, for fundraising purposes. As of March 31 it had <a href="http://query.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/dcdev/forms/C00437822/336090/" type="external">only $14,028</a> in the bank. But on April 16 it posted the 60-second <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cabl0KSFUqo" type="external">anti-Obama spot</a> on YouTube and started seeking donations via its Web site, <a href="http://exposeobama.com/aboutus.html" type="external">ExposeObama.com</a>, to finance the purchase of broadcast time. One of the main figures in the group is Floyd G. Brown, a conservative who is considered a bogeyman in Democratic circles for his role in airing the famous Horton attack ad in 1988 against Michael Dukakis.</p>
<p>The new ad puts Sen. Barack Obama’s record on capital punishment in a false light, but we held off publishing anything about it at first because the ad wasn’t actually on the air and we did not wish to give it wider notoriety. However, on April 23 MSNBC broadcast it for free as a news item in the "Hardball with Chris Matthews" program and has aired it repeatedly since. The spot also has gotten wide notice on the Internet both in mainstream news stories and on conservative blogs. By April 24 the spot had logged nearly 60,000 views on YouTube. So, let’s look at the facts.</p>
<p>"A Tasteless and Reprehensible Misrepresentation"</p>
<p>&lt;iframe width="480" height="390" src="https://video.factcheck.org/play/hIUWgev%2BOQI" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;</p>
<p>[TET ]</p>
<p>National Campaign Fund Ad: "Victims:</p>
<p>Narrator: Tamika McFadden- Harris, murdered leaving church choir practice. Cut down by gang gunfire while shielding her six-year-old daughter. Mike Boyd, killed at 15, beaten with bricks after a gang member crashed into his car. Severo Enriquez, just 14 years old when he refused to flash a gang hand sign. He was shot five times in the back. They all died in 2001, in Chicago. The Sun-Times called it "urban terrorism," and demanded action on gang violence. But that same year, a Chicago state senator named Barack Obama voted against expanding the death penalty for gang-related murders. When the time came to get tough, Obama chose to be weak. So the question is, can a man so weak on the war on gangs, be trusted in the war on terror. The National Campaign Fund is responsible for the content of this ad.</p>
<p>[/TET]</p>
<p>The central claim in the ad is that Obama was "weak on the war on gangs" when he voted in 2001 against a bill to make gang killers automatically eligible for the death penalty. The first thing to be said about the claim is that the author of that very bill says the ad is a "tasteless and reprehensible misrepresentation" of Obama’s stand and "completely mischaracterizes" his position on criminals.</p>
<p>The bill’s sponsor is Illinois state Rep. Susana Mendoza of Chicago, who vainly attempted to get it enacted in 2001 after being elected the previous year on the strength of her anti-gang activism. When we asked Mendoza for comment, she said the ad made her "sick to my stomach" and said Obama opposed her bill for respectable reasons:</p>
<p>Mendoza:&#160; The ad completely mischaracterizes Senator Obama’s position against ruthless criminals and attempts to paint him as weak on crime, when I know that to be the furthest thing from the truth. If anyone should be upset about his not voting for HB1812, it should be me, as its sponsor. But, as I said before, I understood and respected then and continue to do so to this day, his reasons for not supporting that particular bill, none of which were because of a weak position towards criminals. … I do not agree in any way whatsoever with the ad and that I find it to be a tasteless and reprehensible misrepresentation of the truth.&#160;</p>
<p>Mendoza’s bill, <a href="http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/legisnet92/hbgroups/hb/920HB1812LV.html" type="external">HB 1812</a>, would have made anyone found guilty of a murder committed "in furtherance of the activities of an organized gang" eligible for the death penalty. It passed with large majorities in each house, despite Obama’s vote against it. Gov. George Ryan, a Republican, vetoed the bill Aug. 17, 2001. He <a href="http://www.idoc.state.il.us/ccp/ccp/reports/techinical_appendix/section_3/d_veto.pdf" type="external">said</a> in his veto message that the bill was too broad, too vague and too likely to fall on minorities. He said that most gang killers were already eligible for the death penalty anyway:</p>
<p>Gov. Ryan, Aug. 17, 2001: Illinois has some of the toughest laws on the books to severely punish gang-related crimes. In fact, most gang-related murders would qualify for the imposition of the death penalty under the existing eligibility factors in our death penalty statute. Unfortunately, this still has not deterred gang members from killing.</p>
<p>That echoed Obama’s reasons for having voted against the bill. According to the <a href="http://www.ilga.gov/senate/transcripts/strans92/ST051501.pdf" type="external">transcript</a> of the May 15 debate, Obama noted that a murderer already was eligible for death if the crime was found to be committed in "a cold, premeditated and calculated" manner and that "should be more than sufficient" to cover a gang killing. And he said he objected to the bill because it was likely to target minorities:</p>
<p>Obama, May 15, 2001: [What] I’m concerned about is that we use this term "gang activity" as a mechanism to target particular neighborhoods, particular individuals for, admittedly, heinous crimes that I think need to be punished to the fullest extent of the law irrespective of where they happen and irrespective of the particular criminal body that they’re working with.</p>
<p>The debate over the Mendoza bill arose after Gov. Ryan had <a href="http://archives.cnn.com/2000/US/01/31/illinois.executions.02/" type="external">suspended</a> all executions in January 2000 because 13 death-row inmates were found to have been wrongly convicted in the previous 23 years. That total later rose to 17, giving Illinois the distinction of having the highest rate of overturned capital convictions of all 38 states with the death penalty, <a href="http://www.illinois.gov/PressReleases/ShowPressRelease.cfm?SubjectID=3&amp;RecNum=2607" type="external">according to</a> Ryan’s successor, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich.</p>
<p>A False Implication&#160;</p>
<p>The ad suggests that Obama ignored an editorial cry for passage of the death-penalty bill, but that is not true. The ad’s graphics cite a Nov. 23, 2001, Sun-Times editorial, which indeed demanded action on gang violence, as the ad says. But the newspaper didn’t call for passage of the death-penalty bill. What the editorial actually urged was a local enforcement effort against gangs something like the federal government’s "unrelenting, multipronged attack" against terrorism following the events of September 11, 2001, just weeks earlier. The newspaper mentioned "the questioning of thousands of people and the thorough scouring of bank records" but did not call for any new legislation.</p>
<p>Furthermore, <a href="http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/votehistory/srollcalls92/920HB1812_05152001_034000T.PDF" type="external">Obama’s vote</a> took place on May 15, months before the Nov. 23 editorial appeared. In fact, the bill was dead by the time the editorial was published. Mendoza’s efforts to override Ryan’s veto had failed, and the records of the Legislature show the " <a href="http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/legisnet92/status/920HB1812.html" type="external">veto stands</a>" as of Nov. 15. So the ad’s suggestion that Obama ignored an editorial outcry is wrong.</p>
<p>The ad questions whether Obama "can be trusted in the war on terror." In fact, he has supported the death penalty for terrorists. In 2003, after a commission appointed by Ryan had made <a href="http://www.idoc.state.il.us/ccp/ccp/reports/commission_report/index.html" type="external">numerous recommendations</a> for changes in the way the death penalty was administered, the Legislature adopted many of them, such as allowing judges to rule out a death sentence for someone convicted solely on the testimony of a jailhouse informant, accomplice or single witness, and allowing the state Supreme Court to overturn a death sentence that was "fundamentally unjust." But the new law,&#160; <a href="http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/93/093-0605.htm" type="external">Public Act 93-0605</a>, also retained most of the existing factors that made murderers automatically eligible for capital punishment, including terrorism. Specifically, the law says that the death penalty may apply if "the murder was committed by the defendant in connection with or as a result of the offense of terrorism." Obama, as a member of the Judiciary Committee, was among 10 <a href="http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=472&amp;GAID=3&amp;DocTypeID=SB&amp;LegId=3088&amp;SessionID=3&amp;GA=93" type="external">Senate sponsors</a> of the bill and also was among 57 state senators who <a href="http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/votehistory/93/senate/09300SB0472_04032003_062000T.pdf" type="external">voted</a> for the bill April 3, 2003. (There was only one vote against it.)</p>
<p>Obama’s signature contribution to the death-penalty debate in Illinois was his successful sponsorship of a <a href="http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/fulltext.asp?DocName=&amp;SessionId=3&amp;GA=93&amp;DocTypeId=SB&amp;DocNum=15&amp;GAID=3&amp;LegID=96&amp;SpecSess=&amp;Session=" type="external">bill</a> requiring the video recording of all homicide interrogations, a measure aimed at reducing the possibility of coerced confessions. He said, "I think the videotaping of interrogations and confessions is both a tool for protecting the innocent as well as a tool for convicting the guilty." It <a href="http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/votehistory/93/senate/09300SB0015_04032003_005000T.pdf" type="external">passed unanimously</a> in the Senate, and by a vote of <a href="http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/votehistory/93/senate/09300SB0015_04032003_005000T.pdf" type="external">107 to 7</a> in the House.</p>
<p>Obama recently summed up his views on the death penalty in an <a href="http://www.tnr.com/politics/story.html?id=6213f097-038b-454a-b7ab-d206de4241f4" type="external">interview</a> published in the Nov. 29, 2007, issue of The New Republic magazine, explaining why he did not want to advertise his support for the death penalty in limited cases in his U.S. Senate campaign against an election opponent who was entirely against it:</p>
<p>Obama: [My] own views on the death penalty are very complicated. I’ve said that in theory I don’t object to the death penalty for heinous crimes&#160; – terrorism, mass murder, child killers. But, in its application, it’s been racially biased, highly unreliable, inconsistent. So for me to try to pretend that I was a cheerleader for the death penalty, simply to score a political point, that wasn’t reflective of my views.</p>
<p>Footnote: For those unfamiliar with the controversial&#160; Horton ad, it can be <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EC9j6Wfdq3o" type="external">viewed on YouTube</a>.&#160; It was sponsored by the "Americans for Bush" arm of the "National Security PAC," of which Floyd G. Brown was political director. Some credit the ad with a large role in the defeat of Democratic presidential candidate Michael Dukakis by George H.W. Bush in 1988. The accuracy of the ad has been disputed, but we need not go into that here.</p>
<p>–by Brooks Jackson and Emi Kolawole</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>Clarification April 30:&#160; We originally referred to Rep. Medoza as "Chicago state Rep." which was confusing. She is an Illinois state representative from a Chicago district.</p>
<p>Editorial. "Urban terrorism no less a threat." Chicago Sun Times, 23 Nov. 2001.</p>
<p>McKinney, Dave. "No execution of gang killers." Chicago Sun Times, 19 Aug. 2001.</p>
<p>Press release. " <a href="http://www.illinois.gov/PressReleases/ShowPressRelease.cfm?SubjectID=3&amp;RecNum=2607" type="external">Blagojevich signs final piece of major death penalty reform package</a>; New laws address serious flaws in Illinois’ capital punishment system," 20 Jan. 2004.</p>
<p>Federal Election Commission. Filing FEC-336090. Washington: GPO, 2008.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/legisnet92/hbgroups/hb/920HB1812LV.html" type="external">HB 1812 Enrolled</a>. State of Illinois 92nd General Assembly Legislation. 24 Apr. 2008.</p>
<p>Ryan, Governor George H. <a href="http://www.idoc.state.il.us/ccp/ccp/reports/techinical_appendix/section_3/d_veto.pdf" type="external">Letter from the Office of the Governor</a>. 17 Aug. 2007. 24 Apr. 2005.</p>
<p>Regular Session <a href="http://www.ilga.gov/senate/transcripts/strans92/ST051501.pdf" type="external">Senate Transcript. 15 May 2001</a>. State of Illinois 92nd General Assembly Regular Session Senate Transcript. 24 Apr. 2008.</p>
<p>Senate Bill No. 472 <a href="http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/votehistory/93/senate/09300SB0472_04032003_062000T.pdf" type="external">Third Reading. 3 Apr. 2003</a>. State of Illinois 93rd General Assembly Senate Vote. 24 Apr. 2008.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=472&amp;GAID=3&amp;DocTypeID=SB&amp;LegId=3088&amp;SessionID=3&amp;GA=93" type="external">Bill Status of SB0472</a> 93rd General Assembly. 25 Nov. 2003. Illinois General Assembly. 24 Apr. 2008.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/93/093-0605.htm" type="external">Public Act 93-0605</a>. Illinois General Assembly.</p>
<p>Senate Bill No. 15 <a href="http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/votehistory/93/senate/09300SB0015_04032003_005000T.pdf" type="external">Third Reading. 3 Apr. 2003</a>. State of Illinois 93rd General Assembly Senate Vote. 39 Apr. 2008.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
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ad product new group formed last year calling national campaign fund raised 50000 year spent lists conservative donors fundraising purposes march 31 14028 bank april 16 posted 60second antiobama spot youtube started seeking donations via web site exposeobamacom finance purchase broadcast time one main figures group floyd g brown conservative considered bogeyman democratic circles role airing famous horton attack ad 1988 michael dukakis new ad puts sen barack obamas record capital punishment false light held publishing anything first ad wasnt actually air wish give wider notoriety however april 23 msnbc broadcast free news item hardball chris matthews program aired repeatedly since spot also gotten wide notice internet mainstream news stories conservative blogs april 24 spot logged nearly 60000 views youtube lets look facts tasteless reprehensible misrepresentation ltiframe width480 height390 srchttpsvideofactcheckorgplayhiuwgev2boqi typeapplicationxshockwaveflash allowscriptaccessalways allowfullscreentruegtltiframegt tet national campaign fund ad victims narrator tamika mcfadden harris murdered leaving church choir practice cut gang gunfire shielding sixyearold daughter mike boyd killed 15 beaten bricks gang member crashed car severo enriquez 14 years old refused flash gang hand sign shot five times back died 2001 chicago suntimes called urban terrorism demanded action gang violence year chicago state senator named barack obama voted expanding death penalty gangrelated murders time came get tough obama chose weak question man weak war gangs trusted war terror national campaign fund responsible content ad tet central claim ad obama weak war gangs voted 2001 bill make gang killers automatically eligible death penalty first thing said claim author bill says ad tasteless reprehensible misrepresentation obamas stand completely mischaracterizes position criminals bills sponsor illinois state rep susana mendoza chicago vainly attempted get enacted 2001 elected previous year strength antigang activism asked mendoza comment said ad made sick stomach said obama opposed bill respectable reasons mendoza160 ad completely mischaracterizes senator obamas position ruthless criminals attempts paint weak crime know furthest thing truth anyone upset voting hb1812 sponsor said understood respected continue day reasons supporting particular bill none weak position towards criminals agree way whatsoever ad find tasteless reprehensible misrepresentation truth160 mendozas bill hb 1812 would made anyone found guilty murder committed furtherance activities organized gang eligible death penalty passed large majorities house despite obamas vote gov george ryan republican vetoed bill aug 17 2001 said veto message bill broad vague likely fall minorities said gang killers already eligible death penalty anyway gov ryan aug 17 2001 illinois toughest laws books severely punish gangrelated crimes fact gangrelated murders would qualify imposition death penalty existing eligibility factors death penalty statute unfortunately still deterred gang members killing echoed obamas reasons voted bill according transcript may 15 debate obama noted murderer already eligible death crime found committed cold premeditated calculated manner sufficient cover gang killing said objected bill likely target minorities obama may 15 2001 im concerned use term gang activity mechanism target particular neighborhoods particular individuals admittedly heinous crimes think need punished fullest extent law irrespective happen irrespective particular criminal body theyre working debate mendoza bill arose gov ryan suspended executions january 2000 13 deathrow inmates found wrongly convicted previous 23 years total later rose 17 giving illinois distinction highest rate overturned capital convictions 38 states death penalty according ryans successor gov rod r blagojevich false implication160 ad suggests obama ignored editorial cry passage deathpenalty bill true ads graphics cite nov 23 2001 suntimes editorial indeed demanded action gang violence ad says newspaper didnt call passage deathpenalty bill editorial actually urged local enforcement effort gangs something like federal governments unrelenting multipronged attack terrorism following events september 11 2001 weeks earlier newspaper mentioned questioning thousands people thorough scouring bank records call new legislation furthermore obamas vote took place may 15 months nov 23 editorial appeared fact bill dead time editorial published mendozas efforts override ryans veto failed records legislature show veto stands nov 15 ads suggestion obama ignored editorial outcry wrong ad questions whether obama trusted war terror fact supported death penalty terrorists 2003 commission appointed ryan made numerous recommendations changes way death penalty administered legislature adopted many allowing judges rule death sentence someone convicted solely testimony jailhouse informant accomplice single witness allowing state supreme court overturn death sentence fundamentally unjust new law160 public act 930605 also retained existing factors made murderers automatically eligible capital punishment including terrorism specifically law says death penalty may apply murder committed defendant connection result offense terrorism obama member judiciary committee among 10 senate sponsors bill also among 57 state senators voted bill april 3 2003 one vote obamas signature contribution deathpenalty debate illinois successful sponsorship bill requiring video recording homicide interrogations measure aimed reducing possibility coerced confessions said think videotaping interrogations confessions tool protecting innocent well tool convicting guilty passed unanimously senate vote 107 7 house obama recently summed views death penalty interview published nov 29 2007 issue new republic magazine explaining want advertise support death penalty limited cases us senate campaign election opponent entirely obama views death penalty complicated ive said theory dont object death penalty heinous crimes160 terrorism mass murder child killers application racially biased highly unreliable inconsistent try pretend cheerleader death penalty simply score political point wasnt reflective views footnote unfamiliar controversial160 horton ad viewed youtube160 sponsored americans bush arm national security pac floyd g brown political director credit ad large role defeat democratic presidential candidate michael dukakis george hw bush 1988 accuracy ad disputed need go brooks jackson emi kolawole 160 clarification april 30160 originally referred rep medoza chicago state rep confusing illinois state representative chicago district editorial urban terrorism less threat chicago sun times 23 nov 2001 mckinney dave execution gang killers chicago sun times 19 aug 2001 press release blagojevich signs final piece major death penalty reform package new laws address serious flaws illinois capital punishment system 20 jan 2004 federal election commission filing fec336090 washington gpo 2008 hb 1812 enrolled state illinois 92nd general assembly legislation 24 apr 2008 ryan governor george h letter office governor 17 aug 2007 24 apr 2005 regular session senate transcript 15 may 2001 state illinois 92nd general assembly regular session senate transcript 24 apr 2008 senate bill 472 third reading 3 apr 2003 state illinois 93rd general assembly senate vote 24 apr 2008 bill status sb0472 93rd general assembly 25 nov 2003 illinois general assembly 24 apr 2008 public act 930605 illinois general assembly senate bill 15 third reading 3 apr 2003 state illinois 93rd general assembly senate vote 39 apr 2008 160
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<p>All around Albuquerque, jewelers say they have something graceful and timeless, but new in a way that catches the light or flatters your skin and will be just right for wrapping for the holidays.</p>
<p>Trends for the holiday season reported in national publications call for layering and stacking necklaces, rings and bracelets, whether bold and geometric or subtle and organically shaped. Earrings dangle and gold and silver are mixed throughout collections.</p>
<p>Unique style</p>
<p>“Because we have so many artists who have always been attracted to and work in the Southwest, I would say we’re on the edge of what’s trending,” says Phaedra Rayner, a wholesale sales agent for Lilly Barrack. When she takes Lilly Barrack designs around the country, she says her buyers are always eager to see and buy what’s made in the Southwest because it’s unique and trendworthy.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>“We’re all allowed to have our own unique style in New Mexico,” she says, suggesting the integration of all New Mexico cultures into its jewelry translates into men and women respecting their own unique style a little more. “We get to be our unique selves and express that in our jewelry.”</p>
<p>Gold is often an adornment on silver in the Lilly Barrack contemporary line, Rayner says, allowing mixing of the two precious metals more easily.</p>
<p>Bracelets begin at $8 for a handmade stretchy band of Swarovski crystals and average about $200-$300 for a bracelet and more for those with gold or stones. Most of the cuffs are gender neutral, she says, with the geometric designs appearing a little more masculine and the rounded cuffs with set stones more feminine.</p>
<p>A handmade beaded Navajo cuff is loomed with sparkly metallic-colored beads using the same technique as traditional blankets, Rayner says. They sell for $69-$118.</p>
<p>Leather cuffs from Rebel Designs out of New York with crystal or metal accents can also change the look of a stack of bracelets for men or women, from $79-$119.</p>
<p>Dangling earrings are popular and Rayner has a threaded look in a gold tone for $29. A dime-sized agate drops from the front while a fine chain threads through the ear piercing and dangles behind the earlobe.</p>
<p>Lilly Barrack, a local jeweler and designer, has stores on Paseo del Norte NE, Rio Grande NW and Central NE in Nob Hill, that feature her designs and others. Each store has a different inventory because each piece is handmade, Rayner says.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Custom work</p>
<p>Shopping local artists is easy enough with the hub of jewelers all around the city.</p>
<p>Dallas Ulibarri, manager and designer at Ooh! Aah! Jewelry in Nob Hill, says custom orders have saved the store during the Central Avenue construction for the rapid transit route. Silver Avenue, south of Central, is a great approach to the store, 110 Amherst SE, just west of Carlisle.</p>
<p>“Rings are unique and personal – pretty colored stones with a halo of diamonds, rough center stones are organic and trendy in a full bezel setting,” she says. “If you can imagine it, we can make it come to life.”</p>
<p>Those custom rings in gold range from $1,000 to $3,900 or more, but similar styles in sterling silver are about $35 to $110, she says. Rose gold is popular because it looks good on many skin tones.</p>
<p>People shopping for holiday gifts usually spend about $50 to $150, depending on the recipient, she says.</p>
<p>For those shoppers, she has dozens of earrings in every price range, many simple and gorgeous, along with dangling earrings, every style and length. “Clean, organic and simple are on trend.” A pair of silver geometric hoops are $18. A larger triangular pair are $32.</p>
<p>Depending on whether the earrings are gold or gold-filled, prices vary from $18 or so to hundreds of dollars. One elegant pair, $398, have an elongated U-shape with a tiny diamond sparkling just below the earlobe.</p>
<p>She suggests simple styles for the most effective layering for both necklaces and pendants. “Small delicate pieces layer together for an effortless look – intentional, yet easy.”</p>
<p>She says it’s hard to go wrong with jewelry as a gift. “It always fits. Jewelry makes people happy.”</p>
<p>Wide price range</p>
<p>Gertrude Zachary’s design line is crafted by Native American silversmiths, but the shops, both in Nob Hill and on Lomas NW, near Old Town, carry other designers and lines of jewelry, says Nob Hill store manager Janice Silva.</p>
<p>“Gertrude Zachary has anything you want in jewelry from $5 to whatever you want to spend,” she says. Gertrude Zachary pieces are 50 percent off the marked price.</p>
<p>Silva says sterling silver inlay pieces, including cuffs, bolo ties, cuff links and pendants, sell well here and around the country.</p>
<p>Cuff links, starting about $100 a pair, fly off the shelves, she says. “Men who travel like cuff links.” Bolo ties to match also start at about $100.</p>
<p>She suggests buying a trio of chains in silver or beads to layer pendants, a trend that’s popular around the country, she says.</p>
<p>Gertrude Zachary designers have a cache of rare turquoise, she says. It often finds its expression in custom inlay bands. Gold, while pricey at $1,000 to $3,500, is popular, especially for wedding bands. Sterling silver inlay bands that can stack range from $125 to $1,000.</p>
<p>She says she has a beaded necklace and bracelet set, $29, that layers and blends well with other jewelry.</p>
<p>Pawned jewelry is popular with Southwest traditionalists and Gertrude Zachary has dozens of authentic pieces from $20 to $1,000, she adds.</p>
<p>Gold is back</p>
<p>Màti Jewelers, with stores in Old Town and Uptown, also has its local designs, Kabana jewelry, with a national reputation and appeal, says Miguel S. Jaramillo, a manager at the Uptown store.</p>
<p>He says gold is having its day again.</p>
<p>“Yellow gold always comes in and out of fashion trends. We see a lot of people preferring yellow gold for fashion jewelry,” he says. “But we still find that most clients buying engagement rings prefer white gold.” Inlay bands, a popular specialty, are often made in yellow gold.</p>
<p>Simple designs are popular for layering both in pendants and bracelets. The Petite collections offers many opportunities to mix and match. Sterling silver pendants start about $100.</p>
<p>“One trend we notice in Albuquerque is more people being aware and placing importance on locally made products, including jewelry,” Jaramillo says. “We’re flattered when clients appreciate that we are local – both in terms of ownership and manufacturing.”</p>
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around albuquerque jewelers say something graceful timeless new way catches light flatters skin right wrapping holidays trends holiday season reported national publications call layering stacking necklaces rings bracelets whether bold geometric subtle organically shaped earrings dangle gold silver mixed throughout collections unique style many artists always attracted work southwest would say edge whats trending says phaedra rayner wholesale sales agent lilly barrack takes lilly barrack designs around country says buyers always eager see buy whats made southwest unique trendworthy advertisement allowed unique style new mexico says suggesting integration new mexico cultures jewelry translates men women respecting unique style little get unique selves express jewelry gold often adornment silver lilly barrack contemporary line rayner says allowing mixing two precious metals easily bracelets begin 8 handmade stretchy band swarovski crystals average 200300 bracelet gold stones cuffs gender neutral says geometric designs appearing little masculine rounded cuffs set stones feminine handmade beaded navajo cuff loomed sparkly metalliccolored beads using technique traditional blankets rayner says sell 69118 leather cuffs rebel designs new york crystal metal accents also change look stack bracelets men women 79119 dangling earrings popular rayner threaded look gold tone 29 dimesized agate drops front fine chain threads ear piercing dangles behind earlobe lilly barrack local jeweler designer stores paseo del norte ne rio grande nw central ne nob hill feature designs others store different inventory piece handmade rayner says advertisement custom work shopping local artists easy enough hub jewelers around city dallas ulibarri manager designer ooh aah jewelry nob hill says custom orders saved store central avenue construction rapid transit route silver avenue south central great approach store 110 amherst se west carlisle rings unique personal pretty colored stones halo diamonds rough center stones organic trendy full bezel setting says imagine make come life custom rings gold range 1000 3900 similar styles sterling silver 35 110 says rose gold popular looks good many skin tones people shopping holiday gifts usually spend 50 150 depending recipient says shoppers dozens earrings every price range many simple gorgeous along dangling earrings every style length clean organic simple trend pair silver geometric hoops 18 larger triangular pair 32 depending whether earrings gold goldfilled prices vary 18 hundreds dollars one elegant pair 398 elongated ushape tiny diamond sparkling earlobe suggests simple styles effective layering necklaces pendants small delicate pieces layer together effortless look intentional yet easy says hard go wrong jewelry gift always fits jewelry makes people happy wide price range gertrude zacharys design line crafted native american silversmiths shops nob hill lomas nw near old town carry designers lines jewelry says nob hill store manager janice silva gertrude zachary anything want jewelry 5 whatever want spend says gertrude zachary pieces 50 percent marked price silva says sterling silver inlay pieces including cuffs bolo ties cuff links pendants sell well around country cuff links starting 100 pair fly shelves says men travel like cuff links bolo ties match also start 100 suggests buying trio chains silver beads layer pendants trend thats popular around country says gertrude zachary designers cache rare turquoise says often finds expression custom inlay bands gold pricey 1000 3500 popular especially wedding bands sterling silver inlay bands stack range 125 1000 says beaded necklace bracelet set 29 layers blends well jewelry pawned jewelry popular southwest traditionalists gertrude zachary dozens authentic pieces 20 1000 adds gold back màti jewelers stores old town uptown also local designs kabana jewelry national reputation appeal says miguel jaramillo manager uptown store says gold day yellow gold always comes fashion trends see lot people preferring yellow gold fashion jewelry says still find clients buying engagement rings prefer white gold inlay bands popular specialty often made yellow gold simple designs popular layering pendants bracelets petite collections offers many opportunities mix match sterling silver pendants start 100 one trend notice albuquerque people aware placing importance locally made products including jewelry jaramillo says flattered clients appreciate local terms ownership manufacturing
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<p>HONG KONG (AP) — Japanese stocks rose as the yen weakened but other Asian benchmarks were mostly lower as investors hunkered down ahead of the Fed’s key meeting next week on interest rates.</p>
<p>KEEPING SCORE: Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 index jumped 1 percent to 19,235.30 after the yen failed to hold on to gains from the day before. A weaker currency makes Japan’s electronics and cars cheaper for overseas customers. South Korea’s Kospi lost 0.3 percent to 1,946.58. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng slipped 0.6 percent to 21,570.59 and mainland China’s Shanghai Composite Index lost 0.8 percent to 3,426.12. Australia’s S&amp;P/ASX 200 dipped 0.2 percent to 5,026.30. Benchmarks in Taiwan and Southeast Asia also lost ground.</p>
<p>FED OCUS: Investors are now zeroing in on next week’s crucial two-day Fed meeting that wraps up on Dec. 16. Policymakers are widely expected to announce that they’re raising key interest rates from their record low levels for the first time in seven years. Recent economic reports indicate that the U.S. economy is healthy enough to withstand a rate hike. Markets will be monitoring upcoming data, such as a retail sales report for November expected after Asian markets close, though it’s not expected to greatly influence the Fed’s decision.</p>
<p>CHINA DATA: Markets are also cautious ahead of a batch of monthly economic data expected on Saturday, including retail sales, fixed asset investment and industrial production. Further out, a report on foreign direct investment in China is due on Wednesday. The latest figures will provide an update on the world’s second biggest economy, which is struggling with a stubborn downturn.</p>
<p>QUOTE-WORTHY: “There is tentative hope that Asia-Pacific stock markets will end the week on a high note after the strong US session overnight,” Angus Nicholson of IG wrote in a commentary. “The lead up to a likely rate rise by the Fed has caused consternation in markets and last minute positioning, especially from the People’s Bank of China.”</p>
<p>WALL STREET: The Dow Jones industrial average climbed 0.5 percent to close at 17,574.75. The S&amp;P 500 index rose 0.2 percent to 2,052.23 and the Nasdaq composite increased 0.4 percent to 5,045.17.</p>
<p>ENERGY: The price of U.S. benchmark crude fell further, sinking 30 cents to $36.47 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract fell 40 cents, or 1 percent, to settle at $36.76 a barrel on Thursday, its lowest level since early 2009. Brent crude, the international benchmark, fell 31 cents to $39.82 a barrel in London.</p>
<p>CURRENCIES: The dollar rose to 122.06 yen from 121.94 yen. The euro fell to $1.0933 from $1.0937.</p>
<p>HONG KONG (AP) — Japanese stocks rose as the yen weakened but other Asian benchmarks were mostly lower as investors hunkered down ahead of the Fed’s key meeting next week on interest rates.</p>
<p>KEEPING SCORE: Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 index jumped 1 percent to 19,235.30 after the yen failed to hold on to gains from the day before. A weaker currency makes Japan’s electronics and cars cheaper for overseas customers. South Korea’s Kospi lost 0.3 percent to 1,946.58. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng slipped 0.6 percent to 21,570.59 and mainland China’s Shanghai Composite Index lost 0.8 percent to 3,426.12. Australia’s S&amp;P/ASX 200 dipped 0.2 percent to 5,026.30. Benchmarks in Taiwan and Southeast Asia also lost ground.</p>
<p>FED OCUS: Investors are now zeroing in on next week’s crucial two-day Fed meeting that wraps up on Dec. 16. Policymakers are widely expected to announce that they’re raising key interest rates from their record low levels for the first time in seven years. Recent economic reports indicate that the U.S. economy is healthy enough to withstand a rate hike. Markets will be monitoring upcoming data, such as a retail sales report for November expected after Asian markets close, though it’s not expected to greatly influence the Fed’s decision.</p>
<p>CHINA DATA: Markets are also cautious ahead of a batch of monthly economic data expected on Saturday, including retail sales, fixed asset investment and industrial production. Further out, a report on foreign direct investment in China is due on Wednesday. The latest figures will provide an update on the world’s second biggest economy, which is struggling with a stubborn downturn.</p>
<p>QUOTE-WORTHY: “There is tentative hope that Asia-Pacific stock markets will end the week on a high note after the strong US session overnight,” Angus Nicholson of IG wrote in a commentary. “The lead up to a likely rate rise by the Fed has caused consternation in markets and last minute positioning, especially from the People’s Bank of China.”</p>
<p>WALL STREET: The Dow Jones industrial average climbed 0.5 percent to close at 17,574.75. The S&amp;P 500 index rose 0.2 percent to 2,052.23 and the Nasdaq composite increased 0.4 percent to 5,045.17.</p>
<p>ENERGY: The price of U.S. benchmark crude fell further, sinking 30 cents to $36.47 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract fell 40 cents, or 1 percent, to settle at $36.76 a barrel on Thursday, its lowest level since early 2009. Brent crude, the international benchmark, fell 31 cents to $39.82 a barrel in London.</p>
<p>CURRENCIES: The dollar rose to 122.06 yen from 121.94 yen. The euro fell to $1.0933 from $1.0937.</p>
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hong kong ap japanese stocks rose yen weakened asian benchmarks mostly lower investors hunkered ahead feds key meeting next week interest rates keeping score japans benchmark nikkei 225 index jumped 1 percent 1923530 yen failed hold gains day weaker currency makes japans electronics cars cheaper overseas customers south koreas kospi lost 03 percent 194658 hong kongs hang seng slipped 06 percent 2157059 mainland chinas shanghai composite index lost 08 percent 342612 australias samppasx 200 dipped 02 percent 502630 benchmarks taiwan southeast asia also lost ground fed ocus investors zeroing next weeks crucial twoday fed meeting wraps dec 16 policymakers widely expected announce theyre raising key interest rates record low levels first time seven years recent economic reports indicate us economy healthy enough withstand rate hike markets monitoring upcoming data retail sales report november expected asian markets close though expected greatly influence feds decision china data markets also cautious ahead batch monthly economic data expected saturday including retail sales fixed asset investment industrial production report foreign direct investment china due wednesday latest figures provide update worlds second biggest economy struggling stubborn downturn quoteworthy tentative hope asiapacific stock markets end week high note strong us session overnight angus nicholson ig wrote commentary lead likely rate rise fed caused consternation markets last minute positioning especially peoples bank china wall street dow jones industrial average climbed 05 percent close 1757475 sampp 500 index rose 02 percent 205223 nasdaq composite increased 04 percent 504517 energy price us benchmark crude fell sinking 30 cents 3647 barrel electronic trading new york mercantile exchange contract fell 40 cents 1 percent settle 3676 barrel thursday lowest level since early 2009 brent crude international benchmark fell 31 cents 3982 barrel london currencies dollar rose 12206 yen 12194 yen euro fell 10933 10937 hong kong ap japanese stocks rose yen weakened asian benchmarks mostly lower investors hunkered ahead feds key meeting next week interest rates keeping score japans benchmark nikkei 225 index jumped 1 percent 1923530 yen failed hold gains day weaker currency makes japans electronics cars cheaper overseas customers south koreas kospi lost 03 percent 194658 hong kongs hang seng slipped 06 percent 2157059 mainland chinas shanghai composite index lost 08 percent 342612 australias samppasx 200 dipped 02 percent 502630 benchmarks taiwan southeast asia also lost ground fed ocus investors zeroing next weeks crucial twoday fed meeting wraps dec 16 policymakers widely expected announce theyre raising key interest rates record low levels first time seven years recent economic reports indicate us economy healthy enough withstand rate hike markets monitoring upcoming data retail sales report november expected asian markets close though expected greatly influence feds decision china data markets also cautious ahead batch monthly economic data expected saturday including retail sales fixed asset investment industrial production report foreign direct investment china due wednesday latest figures provide update worlds second biggest economy struggling stubborn downturn quoteworthy tentative hope asiapacific stock markets end week high note strong us session overnight angus nicholson ig wrote commentary lead likely rate rise fed caused consternation markets last minute positioning especially peoples bank china wall street dow jones industrial average climbed 05 percent close 1757475 sampp 500 index rose 02 percent 205223 nasdaq composite increased 04 percent 504517 energy price us benchmark crude fell sinking 30 cents 3647 barrel electronic trading new york mercantile exchange contract fell 40 cents 1 percent settle 3676 barrel thursday lowest level since early 2009 brent crude international benchmark fell 31 cents 3982 barrel london currencies dollar rose 12206 yen 12194 yen euro fell 10933 10937
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<p>INANI BEACH, Bangladesh — Across the ferocious waves and the churning black water, Alam Jafar could see his frantic 7-year-old son gasping for breath, his arms flailing just above the ocean’s surface.</p>
<p>It was raining, and a fierce monsoon storm had transformed the sky and the sea into a kaleidoscope of gray shadows that was impossible to escape. The little boy was crying out louder than he ever had in his life. He did not know how to swim.</p>
<p>“Papa! Papa! Help Me!”</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>“Papaaaaa.”</p>
<p>Just moments before, they had huddled together in the relative safety of a small fishing boat filled with refugees from Myanmar that was bound for Bangladesh. They were part of the largest human exodus in Asia since the Vietnam War — a colossal tide of more than 500,000 Rohingya Muslims whose homes had been torched by Buddhist mobs and soldiers.</p>
<p>What happened next, just 1,000 feet (300 meters) from shore, would take the lives of at least 50 people, most of them children, in the deadliest tragedy of its kind since the crisis exploded in late August. Through interviews with more than a dozen survivors, The Associated Press has reconstructed their ill-fated journey late last month — an odyssey that underscores the perils faced by all those who flee.</p>
<p>For Jafar, the most haunting part was not when the wave “as big as a mountain” swallowed everything in the blink of an eye.</p>
<p>It was the moment after, when he surfaced in shock vomiting saltwater, and heard the cries of the people who had been hurled into the dark mouth of the sea.</p>
<p>His wife of eight years and their newborn twins were among them.</p>
<p>So, too, was his beloved son.</p>
<p>“Papa! Papa! Help Me!”</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>“Papaaaaa.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Short and stocky with a fiery temper, Jafar grew up in a small village in northwestern Myanmar called Moidaung.</p>
<p>It was a quiet place of immense beauty: Emerald rice fields. Lush mountains. A river that snaked through the land. For the Rohingya Muslims, though, it was also a prison — they could not travel without consent from authorities.</p>
<p>Although the Rohingya had lived in Myanmar for generations, the country’s Buddhist majority still considered them invaders from Bangladesh. The government denied them basic rights, and the United Nations called them the most persecuted minority in the world.</p>
<p>Despite their plight, Jafar had managed to do well for himself. The 25-year-old farmer lived in a four-room house surrounded by coconut and mango trees. He owned a verdant rice field and a boat.</p>
<p>In 2009, he married the love of his life, Tayiba Khatun, after saving enough to pay her dowry in gold: a necklace, a pair of earrings, and a small nose-ring. A year later, they had a son, Mohamed Zobair, an energetic boy who loved soccer and school.</p>
<p>Mohamed learned to read not only Burmese, but English as well, and Jafar could not resist spoiling him. He bought whatever the boy wanted every time they went to the market.</p>
<p>In July, Khatun gave birth to twins, a boy named Yasin and a girl, Noor Khaida. But the happiness was short-lived.</p>
<p>About a month later, Rohingya insurgents attacked dozens of police posts and an army base. In response, mobs backed by security forces began setting entire Rohingya villages ablaze.</p>
<p>Word came to Moidaung of children shot and women raped. Too afraid even to venture into their fields, the Rohingya in Moidaung cowered in their homes.</p>
<p>When ethnic Rakhine Buddhists began marching into the village with sharpened bamboo sticks and machetes, escorted by soldiers, Jafar and his wife watched from a window in their home.</p>
<p>“This is Buddhist land!” the men shouted. “It does not belong to you!</p>
<p>“Get out! Get out!”</p>
<p>Two days later, just before dawn on Sept. 25, the mobs came back.</p>
<p>Woken by the crackle of gunfire and screams in the distance, Jafar looked outside and saw flames and smoke rising on the far end of Moidaung. Whole families had already begun fleeing on foot, carrying everything they could in huge plastic sacks.</p>
<p>“How can we just leave everything behind?” Khatun asked.</p>
<p>Jafar tried to console her, wiping the tears from her cheeks.</p>
<p>“We have no choice,” he whispered. “We can’t stay here. Our belongings are not going to save our lives.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>The road leading out of the village was overflowing with an endless stream of families — hysterical parents carrying children, exhausted children hauling babies on their backs.</p>
<p>Jafar’s family joined them, and word soon passed down the line. There was a beach where refugees were boarding boats for Bangladesh. To get there, they would have to cross the forested spine of the Mayu mountains.</p>
<p>The pathway up was slippery from the monsoon rains, and they moved slowly, grabbing onto saplings jutting out of the ground. Many of the refugees were barefoot, including Jafar’s eldest son, Mohamed.</p>
<p>Wearing only a cheap pair of flip-flops, Jafar struggled to carry the twins, who were cradled in a pair of sacks that hung on opposite sides of a stick across his shoulders.</p>
<p>His wife carried another sack filled with children’s clothes, food and a mosquito net. Inside it was all their gold, the deed to their property, and all their savings — about $225.</p>
<p>Fifteen minutes into the forest, they began to smell something nauseating.</p>
<p>Jafar’s brother, Sona Mia, saw the bodies first.</p>
<p>The bloated corpse of a man with a wide gash in his throat lay staring up at the sky. A few meters (yards) further on, another dead man was curled on the ground, white foam bubbling from his mouth.</p>
<p>It was unclear who they were, or who killed them. Mia counted seven in all.</p>
<p>“Nobody stopped,” Mia said. “Nobody said a word. We couldn’t. We just kept going.”</p>
<p>Far behind them, on the edge of the forest, a volley of gunshots rang out.</p>
<p>They hiked for two days, scooping cold water from streams and sleeping on the ground. After reaching the bottom of the mountain, the greenery gave way to roads, and they passed the remains of an empty village blackened by fire.</p>
<p>On the morning of Sept. 27, they finally spotted the coast — where the mouth of the Naf River, separating Myanmar from Bangladesh, opens into the Bay of Bengal.</p>
<p>Jafar had never seen the ocean before. It seemed infinite, and to him, unreal.</p>
<p>It also gave him hope. He thought the hardest part of their journey was over.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>On the beach in Alel Than Kyaw, the massive scale of the exodus became apparent.</p>
<p>Thousands of refugees from other parts of Rakhine were already camped there, exhausted. Each family had a story to tell, of a village burned, a husband shot, a wife raped.</p>
<p>Makeshift tents were scattered across the beach, which was littered with trash and the abandoned clothes of those who preceded them. Dozens of soldiers wandered among the crowds, interrogating the men.</p>
<p>Jafar found a spot to sit, and Khatun rested her head on his shoulder while their children played in the sand.</p>
<p>In his stomach, Jafar could feel a huge knot. Just a few days earlier, he had owned land and a house and provided for his family. Now, all that was gone.</p>
<p>A few hours after nightfall, a dozen fishing boats suddenly appeared, their distinctive bows and sterns each curved upward like wooden bull horns. Jafar and his family jumped to their feet and rushed forward with the crowds.</p>
<p>The boatmen, from Bangladesh, told the refugees they had been sent by “your relatives” — Muslim nations — “to take you across the river.”</p>
<p>One of them pointed at Jafar.</p>
<p>“How many?”</p>
<p>“Five.”</p>
<p>The boatman counted off about 75 more people, including as many as 50 children, and told the adults they had to leave their luggage behind. Jafar tucked the gold he had given his wife as a dowry into a small plastic bottle cap, then wrapped her pink veil around it in a knot. He stuffed their cash and land deed into the other end.</p>
<p>They waded into the warm water and climbed inside a 20-foot-long boat with outer planks painted light blue with white trim.</p>
<p>They found a spot in the rear, and scrunched down together, the twins in their arms and Mohamed huddled between. They were pressed together body to body, knee to chest. The boat was packed.</p>
<p>Several refugees not among those chosen grabbed onto the bow, begging to be let aboard. A boatman shoved them away.</p>
<p>When the engine started and they pulled away, the sea was calm. A crescent moon hung in a clear sky.</p>
<p>Khatun squeezed Jafar’s hand. It seemed as good a time as any to make the crossing.</p>
<p>The southern tip of Bangladesh was only about 10 kilometers (6 miles) away.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>At first no one spoke. The only sound was that of waves crashing against the boat’s wooden hull, and wind whipping across its bow.</p>
<p>Jafar kept checking his watch.</p>
<p>One hour passed. Then two.</p>
<p>By then, he knew they should have arrived. But when he raised his head to peek over the edge, there was nothing to see but darkness.</p>
<p>“Mazi, what are you doing?” a passenger called out, using the local word for boatman. “Why aren’t we there?”</p>
<p>“Shut up, you illiterate,” one of the boatmen shot back. “Do you know how to steer this thing better than me?”</p>
<p>Jafar was not worried. He thought they might have taken a longer route to avoid Bangladeshi naval patrols or border guards ashore.</p>
<p>Over the next few hours, though, the weather grew steadily worse. Clouds began to obscure the stars. The wind began to pick up. And the air, once hot and sticky, grew chilly.</p>
<p>One by one, the refugees began to notice that the water, which had no perceptible scent at the mouth of the river, now smelled bitter. It was saltwater. Something had gone terribly wrong. They were at sea.</p>
<p>As the waves grew, small children began throwing up. Then the adults, vomiting into their clothes and cupped hands. Jafar felt ill.</p>
<p>When someone asked the mazi how much further they had to go, the response was blunt, emotionless.</p>
<p>“I don’t know,” the boatman replied, staring ahead into the night. “We’re lost.”</p>
<p>The comment set off a panic among the refugees, who began praying to God, to Allah. They had strayed far off course, deep into the ocean. The boatmen never explained how.</p>
<p>Steeper waves began battering the boat, splashing cold water inside. Children screamed.</p>
<p>“Oh my brother,” one of the refugees, Rasheda Begum, begged a boatman. “Please take us to any village. Be it a Muslim or a Buddhist village. Just take us to land.”</p>
<p>In the darkness, while Mohamed slept, Jafar could hear his wife weeping. He wrapped his arm around her. “Please don’t worry,” he told her. “Please don’t.”</p>
<p>As the night wore on, it took on a terrifying presence all around them. They could see nothing else.</p>
<p>After a few hours, someone spotted the twinkling lights of a large ship cruising slowly in the distance. They waved scarves above their heads and shouted across the waves.</p>
<p>Thirty minutes later, the lights had faded away.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>At dawn, a new feeling of dread set in.</p>
<p>All they could see, said another refugee called Malika, was “water, water, water.”</p>
<p>There was no land in sight.</p>
<p>“We thought at that moment we were going to die,” said Malika, who only uses one name. “Children were crying, hugging their fathers and their mothers. Everyone prayed.”</p>
<p>Jafar’s wife turned angrily to her husband, fighting back tears again.</p>
<p>“How could you do this to us? Why?” she said.</p>
<p>Jafar said nothing, and Khatun went on: “They’re burning our villages. They’re torturing our people. But this — this is even worse. The ocean is going to kill us all.”</p>
<p>“This wasn’t a mistake,” Jafar said. “Maybe we will die here, but right now we are alive.”</p>
<p>Sunrise brought one small ray of hope. It pointed the way east, which meant the coast of Bangladesh — had to be in the same direction.</p>
<p>By then, though, two of the boat’s four plastic fuel drums were almost empty. And the crew had begun scooping water off the floorboards.</p>
<p>Soon, the mazis made a grim announcement: the boat was dangerously overloaded.</p>
<p>When they began grabbing small bags and bottles the refugees held in their laps and hurled them overboard, fights broke out.</p>
<p>“We begged them not to do it. We told them we need food and water for our kids, that these things aren’t heavy,” said Lalu Mia, who was traveling with his wife and five children.</p>
<p>Some thought the boatmen were trying to seize valuables and jewelry. When one man, Mohamed Kasim, resisted, a mazi queried him angrily.</p>
<p>“Is this more important than your life? You have to decide. Do you want to keep this, or do you want to survive?”</p>
<p>Jafar didn’t struggle when the water bottle and biscuits he was holding were ejected into the sea.</p>
<p>His family’s valuables, he knew, were tucked safely inside Khatun’s scarf.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>For what felt like an eternity, the boat sailed on. The stench of puke mixed with the smell of sweat and urine. There was so little room to move, some children relieved themselves under their clothes.</p>
<p>The lack of water made Jafar’s throat yearn for it. His stomach grumbled.</p>
<p>When his son asked for a drink, he told Mohamed to wait — it would not be much longer. In whispers, though, he and his wife began to discuss the unthinkable.</p>
<p>“Please forgive me,” Khatun said, “if I ever did anything wrong to you.”</p>
<p>As the boat rocked endlessly back and forth, they drifted in and out of sleep. And then they were startled to hear one of the mazis, wide-eyed, yelling.</p>
<p>“It’s there! It’s there!”</p>
<p>Jafar thought he was dreaming. But when he lifted his cramped body up he saw it, too: the top of a green hill peeking out of white clouds on a coast.</p>
<p>No one knew what country it was.</p>
<p>No one cared.</p>
<p>For the first time since they fled their village, Jafar saw people smile. Their two-hour trip turned into 18 might finally be about to end.</p>
<p>His wife squeezed their children.</p>
<p>“Oh, blessed Allah, he knows where we are,” Khatun said. “Maybe we will be OK. Maybe we will get there.”</p>
<p>As the boat motored toward the shore, though, the wind began to pick up again. The sky darkened. Torrential sheets of rain began to fall.</p>
<p>And then, somewhere around 3:30 p.m., the engine died.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Standing in front of his store on Inani Beach, shopkeeper Ahmed Hossain saw what he thought was a fishing boat emerge from the storm.</p>
<p>He knew it shouldn’t have been there. The monsoon battering the coast was so large and powerful, it had already shut down the airport at Cox’s Bazar, 30 kilometers (20 miles) to the north.</p>
<p>Out on the boat, the refugees didn’t know if they had run out of fuel, or if the engine had broken down.</p>
<p>As one of the mazis yanked the engine cord repeatedly, people began reciting final prayers and crying out.</p>
<p>“Please Allah! Please save us!”</p>
<p>The desperation angered the crew, and they shouted at the refugees.</p>
<p>“Shut up! Shut up! Stop it!”</p>
<p>Without power, the boat was at the mercy of the waves, which tossed it around like a toy. Although the shoreline was just a few hundred yards (meters) away, most of the children aboard did not know how to swim.</p>
<p>The boat drifted into a precarious position: perpendicular to the waves, which were now tipping it perilously back and forth.</p>
<p>When the giant wave hit, it thrust the boat upside down. It threw Jafar into the surging ocean with the twins, who were wrapped around his chest in a longyi.</p>
<p>Arms thrashing, he surfaced, trying to keep their heads above water. He could barely see, but he spotted his wife, and his son. He heard Mohamed crying out.</p>
<p>“Papa! Papa! Help Me!”</p>
<p>“Papaaaaa.”</p>
<p>They were not far away, maybe 10 feet, when the second wave crashed down. He lost sight of them as the swirling ocean carried him away.</p>
<p>For half an hour, Jafar struggled to swim on his back in the current. But the waves and the weight of the twins kept pushing him down. He didn’t know if they were dead.</p>
<p>He was exhausted. When he realized he would drown if he held on to them any longer, he untied the longyi, and let go of his babies.</p>
<p>By the time he crawled onto the beach and collapsed, it was twilight. A stranger rushed forward and knelt beside him, asking if he was OK.</p>
<p>“Where am I?” Jafar asked weakly.</p>
<p>“Brother,” the man said. “You are in Bangladesh.”</p>
<p>________</p>
<p>That night, Jafar searched desperately for Khatun and Mohamed and the twins.</p>
<p>When he found their bodies, laid out on the sand by rescuers, he broke down and wept.</p>
<p>He says he can barely remember any more about that moment. He can hardly even speak of it.</p>
<p>Of the 80 refugees believed to have been on the boat when it capsized on Sept. 28, only 24 are known to have survived.</p>
<p>Police collected 23 corpses from the shore. The rest — mostly children — are missing and presumed to have drowned. It is not known what happened to the crew.</p>
<p>Khatun’s scarf, with the gold, money and land deed, was never found.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>It is two weeks after the disaster, and Jafar is slicing bamboo poles to build a shelter on the edge of a new refugee camp.</p>
<p>His older brother, who was also on the boat, is beside him. But he cannot bear to be here without his own family.</p>
<p>Sleep brings nightmares. Daylight brings ghosts.</p>
<p>“Wherever I look, I see my kids,” he says. “I see my eldest child every day. He comes and sits in front of me, even now.”</p>
<p>Jafar can’t stop thinking about what happened. He feels helpless, overcome with guilt.</p>
<p>“Why did I bring my children here and let them die in the water?” he asks. “Wouldn’t it have been nice if I, too, had died? Wouldn’t it?”</p>
<p>The mass grave where his wife and children are buried is not far away.</p>
<p>It lies in a clearing in a small coastal village lined with coconut trees and rice paddies.</p>
<p>There are no names. Just a trio of palm fronds stuck in the dirt like tombstones.</p>
<p>From there, it’s a short walk to the place where the doomed boat washed ashore the night it capsized. It was ripped in half.</p>
<p>Two weeks later, nothing is left. Even the smallest wooden planks have been dragged away by the tides.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>POSTSCRIPT: Bangladesh says 28 boats carrying Rohingya refugees have capsized in its waters since August, killing at least 184 people. Despite calls to end the violence in Myanmar, the exodus continues.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press journalists Rishabh R. Jain and Yasin Dar contributed to this story.</p>
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inani beach bangladesh across ferocious waves churning black water alam jafar could see frantic 7yearold son gasping breath arms flailing oceans surface raining fierce monsoon storm transformed sky sea kaleidoscope gray shadows impossible escape little boy crying louder ever life know swim papa papa help advertisement papaaaaa moments huddled together relative safety small fishing boat filled refugees myanmar bound bangladesh part largest human exodus asia since vietnam war colossal tide 500000 rohingya muslims whose homes torched buddhist mobs soldiers happened next 1000 feet 300 meters shore would take lives least 50 people children deadliest tragedy kind since crisis exploded late august interviews dozen survivors associated press reconstructed illfated journey late last month odyssey underscores perils faced flee jafar haunting part wave big mountain swallowed everything blink eye moment surfaced shock vomiting saltwater heard cries people hurled dark mouth sea wife eight years newborn twins among beloved son papa papa help advertisement papaaaaa ___ short stocky fiery temper jafar grew small village northwestern myanmar called moidaung quiet place immense beauty emerald rice fields lush mountains river snaked land rohingya muslims though also prison could travel without consent authorities although rohingya lived myanmar generations countrys buddhist majority still considered invaders bangladesh government denied basic rights united nations called persecuted minority world despite plight jafar managed well 25yearold farmer lived fourroom house surrounded coconut mango trees owned verdant rice field boat 2009 married love life tayiba khatun saving enough pay dowry gold necklace pair earrings small nosering year later son mohamed zobair energetic boy loved soccer school mohamed learned read burmese english well jafar could resist spoiling bought whatever boy wanted every time went market july khatun gave birth twins boy named yasin girl noor khaida happiness shortlived month later rohingya insurgents attacked dozens police posts army base response mobs backed security forces began setting entire rohingya villages ablaze word came moidaung children shot women raped afraid even venture fields rohingya moidaung cowered homes ethnic rakhine buddhists began marching village sharpened bamboo sticks machetes escorted soldiers jafar wife watched window home buddhist land men shouted belong get get two days later dawn sept 25 mobs came back woken crackle gunfire screams distance jafar looked outside saw flames smoke rising far end moidaung whole families already begun fleeing foot carrying everything could huge plastic sacks leave everything behind khatun asked jafar tried console wiping tears cheeks choice whispered cant stay belongings going save lives ___ road leading village overflowing endless stream families hysterical parents carrying children exhausted children hauling babies backs jafars family joined word soon passed line beach refugees boarding boats bangladesh get would cross forested spine mayu mountains pathway slippery monsoon rains moved slowly grabbing onto saplings jutting ground many refugees barefoot including jafars eldest son mohamed wearing cheap pair flipflops jafar struggled carry twins cradled pair sacks hung opposite sides stick across shoulders wife carried another sack filled childrens clothes food mosquito net inside gold deed property savings 225 fifteen minutes forest began smell something nauseating jafars brother sona mia saw bodies first bloated corpse man wide gash throat lay staring sky meters yards another dead man curled ground white foam bubbling mouth unclear killed mia counted seven nobody stopped mia said nobody said word couldnt kept going far behind edge forest volley gunshots rang hiked two days scooping cold water streams sleeping ground reaching bottom mountain greenery gave way roads passed remains empty village blackened fire morning sept 27 finally spotted coast mouth naf river separating myanmar bangladesh opens bay bengal jafar never seen ocean seemed infinite unreal also gave hope thought hardest part journey ___ beach alel kyaw massive scale exodus became apparent thousands refugees parts rakhine already camped exhausted family story tell village burned husband shot wife raped makeshift tents scattered across beach littered trash abandoned clothes preceded dozens soldiers wandered among crowds interrogating men jafar found spot sit khatun rested head shoulder children played sand stomach jafar could feel huge knot days earlier owned land house provided family gone hours nightfall dozen fishing boats suddenly appeared distinctive bows sterns curved upward like wooden bull horns jafar family jumped feet rushed forward crowds boatmen bangladesh told refugees sent relatives muslim nations take across river one pointed jafar many five boatman counted 75 people including many 50 children told adults leave luggage behind jafar tucked gold given wife dowry small plastic bottle cap wrapped pink veil around knot stuffed cash land deed end waded warm water climbed inside 20footlong boat outer planks painted light blue white trim found spot rear scrunched together twins arms mohamed huddled pressed together body body knee chest boat packed several refugees among chosen grabbed onto bow begging let aboard boatman shoved away engine started pulled away sea calm crescent moon hung clear sky khatun squeezed jafars hand seemed good time make crossing southern tip bangladesh 10 kilometers 6 miles away ___ first one spoke sound waves crashing boats wooden hull wind whipping across bow jafar kept checking watch one hour passed two knew arrived raised head peek edge nothing see darkness mazi passenger called using local word boatman arent shut illiterate one boatmen shot back know steer thing better jafar worried thought might taken longer route avoid bangladeshi naval patrols border guards ashore next hours though weather grew steadily worse clouds began obscure stars wind began pick air hot sticky grew chilly one one refugees began notice water perceptible scent mouth river smelled bitter saltwater something gone terribly wrong sea waves grew small children began throwing adults vomiting clothes cupped hands jafar felt ill someone asked mazi much go response blunt emotionless dont know boatman replied staring ahead night lost comment set panic among refugees began praying god allah strayed far course deep ocean boatmen never explained steeper waves began battering boat splashing cold water inside children screamed oh brother one refugees rasheda begum begged boatman please take us village muslim buddhist village take us land darkness mohamed slept jafar could hear wife weeping wrapped arm around please dont worry told please dont night wore took terrifying presence around could see nothing else hours someone spotted twinkling lights large ship cruising slowly distance waved scarves heads shouted across waves thirty minutes later lights faded away ___ dawn new feeling dread set could see said another refugee called malika water water water land sight thought moment going die said malika uses one name children crying hugging fathers mothers everyone prayed jafars wife turned angrily husband fighting back tears could us said jafar said nothing khatun went theyre burning villages theyre torturing people even worse ocean going kill us wasnt mistake jafar said maybe die right alive sunrise brought one small ray hope pointed way east meant coast bangladesh direction though two boats four plastic fuel drums almost empty crew begun scooping water floorboards soon mazis made grim announcement boat dangerously overloaded began grabbing small bags bottles refugees held laps hurled overboard fights broke begged told need food water kids things arent heavy said lalu mia traveling wife five children thought boatmen trying seize valuables jewelry one man mohamed kasim resisted mazi queried angrily important life decide want keep want survive jafar didnt struggle water bottle biscuits holding ejected sea familys valuables knew tucked safely inside khatuns scarf ___ felt like eternity boat sailed stench puke mixed smell sweat urine little room move children relieved clothes lack water made jafars throat yearn stomach grumbled son asked drink told mohamed wait would much longer whispers though wife began discuss unthinkable please forgive khatun said ever anything wrong boat rocked endlessly back forth drifted sleep startled hear one mazis wideeyed yelling jafar thought dreaming lifted cramped body saw top green hill peeking white clouds coast one knew country one cared first time since fled village jafar saw people smile twohour trip turned 18 might finally end wife squeezed children oh blessed allah knows khatun said maybe ok maybe get boat motored toward shore though wind began pick sky darkened torrential sheets rain began fall somewhere around 330 pm engine died ___ standing front store inani beach shopkeeper ahmed hossain saw thought fishing boat emerge storm knew shouldnt monsoon battering coast large powerful already shut airport coxs bazar 30 kilometers 20 miles north boat refugees didnt know run fuel engine broken one mazis yanked engine cord repeatedly people began reciting final prayers crying please allah please save us desperation angered crew shouted refugees shut shut stop without power boat mercy waves tossed around like toy although shoreline hundred yards meters away children aboard know swim boat drifted precarious position perpendicular waves tipping perilously back forth giant wave hit thrust boat upside threw jafar surging ocean twins wrapped around chest longyi arms thrashing surfaced trying keep heads water could barely see spotted wife son heard mohamed crying papa papa help papaaaaa far away maybe 10 feet second wave crashed lost sight swirling ocean carried away half hour jafar struggled swim back current waves weight twins kept pushing didnt know dead exhausted realized would drown held longer untied longyi let go babies time crawled onto beach collapsed twilight stranger rushed forward knelt beside asking ok jafar asked weakly brother man said bangladesh ________ night jafar searched desperately khatun mohamed twins found bodies laid sand rescuers broke wept says barely remember moment hardly even speak 80 refugees believed boat capsized sept 28 24 known survived police collected 23 corpses shore rest mostly children missing presumed drowned known happened crew khatuns scarf gold money land deed never found ___ two weeks disaster jafar slicing bamboo poles build shelter edge new refugee camp older brother also boat beside bear without family sleep brings nightmares daylight brings ghosts wherever look see kids says see eldest child every day comes sits front even jafar cant stop thinking happened feels helpless overcome guilt bring children let die water asks wouldnt nice died wouldnt mass grave wife children buried far away lies clearing small coastal village lined coconut trees rice paddies names trio palm fronds stuck dirt like tombstones short walk place doomed boat washed ashore night capsized ripped half two weeks later nothing left even smallest wooden planks dragged away tides ___ postscript bangladesh says 28 boats carrying rohingya refugees capsized waters since august killing least 184 people despite calls end violence myanmar exodus continues ___ associated press journalists rishabh r jain yasin dar contributed story
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<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General Jeff Sessions was questioned for hours in the special counsel’s Russia investigation, the Justice Department said Tuesday, as prosecutors moved closer to a possible interview with President Donald Trump about whether he took steps to obstruct an FBI probe into contacts between Russia and his 2016 campaign.</p>
<p>The Sessions interview last week makes him the highest-ranking Trump administration official, and first Cabinet member, known to have submitted to questioning. It came as special counsel Robert Mueller investigates whether Trump’s actions in office, including the firing of FBI Director James Comey, constitute improper efforts to stymie the FBI investigation.</p>
<p>With many of Trump’s closest aides having now been questioned, the president and his lawyers are preparing for the prospect of an interview that would likely focus on some of the same obstruction questions. Expected topics for any sit-down with Mueller, who has expressed interest in speaking with Trump, would include not only Comey’s firing but also interactions the fired FBI director has said unnerved him, including a request from the president that he end an investigation into a top White House official.</p>
<p>In the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump said he was “not at all concerned” about what Sessions may have told the Mueller team.</p>
<p>Attorney General Jeff Sessions was interviewed last week in special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia probe, becoming the first Cabinet member known to have submitted to questioning. AP Justice reporter Eric Tucker explains the implications. (Jan. 23)</p>
<p>The recent questioning of the country’s chief law enforcement officer shows the investigators’ determined interest in the obstruction question that has been at the heart of the investigation for months through interviews of many current and former White House officials.</p>
<p>Sessions himself is a potentially important witness given his role as a key Trump surrogate on the campaign trail and his direct involvement in the May 9 firing of Comey, which he advocated. The White House initially said the termination was done on the recommendation of the Justice Department and cited as justification a memo from Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein that faulted Comey for his handling of the Hillary Clinton email server investigation.</p>
<p>But Trump said later that he was thinking of “this Russia thing” when he fired Comey, and he had decided to make the move even before the Justice Department’s recommendations.</p>
<p>Sessions was one of Trump’s earliest and most loyal allies, the first senator to endorse him during the presidential campaign and then a key national security adviser. He was present for an April 2016 Trump foreign policy speech at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, where he spoke with the Russian ambassador to the United States. He also attended a meeting a month earlier with campaign aides including George Papadopoulos, a foreign policy adviser who pleaded guilty last year to lying to the FBI.</p>
<p>Sessions may well have been asked during his Mueller interview about any interactions he had with Papadopoulos, as well as about his own encounters during the campaign with the Russian ambassador.</p>
<p>He might also be able to supply information about White House efforts to discourage him from recusing himself from the Russia investigation, which he did last March after acknowledging two previously undisclosed encounters with the ambassador. And he may also have been asked about an episode from last February in which Comey says Trump cleared the room of Sessions and other officials before encouraging him to end an investigation into fired national security adviser Michael Flynn.</p>
<p>Mueller has been investigating the events leading up to Flynn’s dismissal from the White House in February.</p>
<p>Comey says he documented that conversation in a memo, one of a series of contemporaneous notes he kept of conversations with the president that troubled him. The New York Times, which first reported the interview with Sessions, said that investigators spoke to Comey last year about his memos.</p>
<p>Over the past several months Mueller investigators have spoken with other people close to the president, including White House Counsel Don McGahn, former chief of staff Reince Priebus and Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, in the probe of campaign contacts with Russia and possible obstruction.</p>
<p>Mueller has conveyed interest in speaking with the president, and White House attorney Ty Cobb has said that is “under active discussion” with Trump’s individual lawyers. He said last week on a CBS News’ political podcast, “The Takeout,” that he expected the investigation to be wrapped up within weeks.</p>
<p>“There’s no reason for it not to conclude soon,” Cobb said. “Soon to me would be in the next four to six weeks.”</p>
<p>Though Trump and Sessions during the campaign shared an ambitious law-and-order agenda, and even though the attorney general has continued to push the president’s priorities, his recusal decision has strained their bond. Since then, Trump has lashed out repeatedly on Twitter at Sessions and the Justice Department, and the two men now rarely speak directly. Trump saw the recusal as weak and disloyal, believing his attorney general should be doing more to protect him</p>
<p>People familiar with the matter have told The Associated Press that McGahn had contacted Sessions to urge him to retain control of the investigation. McGahn was acting at the behest of the president, according to one of those people, who spoke only on condition of anonymity to discuss the investigation.</p>
<p>Rosenstein appointed Mueller to take over the Russia investigation a week after Comey was fired. He oversees the work of Mueller’s investigators, but he told the AP in an interview last June that he, too, would recuse himself if his actions ever became relevant to the probe. He was questioned by Mueller’s team months ago, according to people familiar with the matter.</p>
<p>Sessions’ attorney, Chuck Cooper, declined to comment.</p>
<p>Four people have so far been charged in the Mueller investigation, including Flynn and former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort. Flynn and Papadopoulos have pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow Eric Tucker on Twitter at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/etuckerAP" type="external">http://www.twitter.com/etuckerAP</a></p>
<p>Associated Press writers Sadie Gurman and Catherine Lucey contributed to this report.</p>
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General Jeff Sessions was questioned for hours in the special counsel’s Russia investigation, the Justice Department said Tuesday, as prosecutors moved closer to a possible interview with President Donald Trump about whether he took steps to obstruct an FBI probe into contacts between Russia and his 2016 campaign.</p>
<p>The Sessions interview last week makes him the highest-ranking Trump administration official, and first Cabinet member, known to have submitted to questioning. It came as special counsel Robert Mueller investigates whether Trump’s actions in office, including the firing of FBI Director James Comey, constitute improper efforts to stymie the FBI investigation.</p>
<p>With many of Trump’s closest aides having now been questioned, the president and his lawyers are preparing for the prospect of an interview that would likely focus on some of the same obstruction questions. Expected topics for any sit-down with Mueller, who has expressed interest in speaking with Trump, would include not only Comey’s firing but also interactions the fired FBI director has said unnerved him, including a request from the president that he end an investigation into a top White House official.</p>
<p>In the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump said he was “not at all concerned” about what Sessions may have told the Mueller team.</p>
<p>Attorney General Jeff Sessions was interviewed last week in special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia probe, becoming the first Cabinet member known to have submitted to questioning. AP Justice reporter Eric Tucker explains the implications. (Jan. 23)</p>
<p>The recent questioning of the country’s chief law enforcement officer shows the investigators’ determined interest in the obstruction question that has been at the heart of the investigation for months through interviews of many current and former White House officials.</p>
<p>Sessions himself is a potentially important witness given his role as a key Trump surrogate on the campaign trail and his direct involvement in the May 9 firing of Comey, which he advocated. The White House initially said the termination was done on the recommendation of the Justice Department and cited as justification a memo from Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein that faulted Comey for his handling of the Hillary Clinton email server investigation.</p>
<p>But Trump said later that he was thinking of “this Russia thing” when he fired Comey, and he had decided to make the move even before the Justice Department’s recommendations.</p>
<p>Sessions was one of Trump’s earliest and most loyal allies, the first senator to endorse him during the presidential campaign and then a key national security adviser. He was present for an April 2016 Trump foreign policy speech at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, where he spoke with the Russian ambassador to the United States. He also attended a meeting a month earlier with campaign aides including George Papadopoulos, a foreign policy adviser who pleaded guilty last year to lying to the FBI.</p>
<p>Sessions may well have been asked during his Mueller interview about any interactions he had with Papadopoulos, as well as about his own encounters during the campaign with the Russian ambassador.</p>
<p>He might also be able to supply information about White House efforts to discourage him from recusing himself from the Russia investigation, which he did last March after acknowledging two previously undisclosed encounters with the ambassador. And he may also have been asked about an episode from last February in which Comey says Trump cleared the room of Sessions and other officials before encouraging him to end an investigation into fired national security adviser Michael Flynn.</p>
<p>Mueller has been investigating the events leading up to Flynn’s dismissal from the White House in February.</p>
<p>Comey says he documented that conversation in a memo, one of a series of contemporaneous notes he kept of conversations with the president that troubled him. The New York Times, which first reported the interview with Sessions, said that investigators spoke to Comey last year about his memos.</p>
<p>Over the past several months Mueller investigators have spoken with other people close to the president, including White House Counsel Don McGahn, former chief of staff Reince Priebus and Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, in the probe of campaign contacts with Russia and possible obstruction.</p>
<p>Mueller has conveyed interest in speaking with the president, and White House attorney Ty Cobb has said that is “under active discussion” with Trump’s individual lawyers. He said last week on a CBS News’ political podcast, “The Takeout,” that he expected the investigation to be wrapped up within weeks.</p>
<p>“There’s no reason for it not to conclude soon,” Cobb said. “Soon to me would be in the next four to six weeks.”</p>
<p>Though Trump and Sessions during the campaign shared an ambitious law-and-order agenda, and even though the attorney general has continued to push the president’s priorities, his recusal decision has strained their bond. Since then, Trump has lashed out repeatedly on Twitter at Sessions and the Justice Department, and the two men now rarely speak directly. Trump saw the recusal as weak and disloyal, believing his attorney general should be doing more to protect him</p>
<p>People familiar with the matter have told The Associated Press that McGahn had contacted Sessions to urge him to retain control of the investigation. McGahn was acting at the behest of the president, according to one of those people, who spoke only on condition of anonymity to discuss the investigation.</p>
<p>Rosenstein appointed Mueller to take over the Russia investigation a week after Comey was fired. He oversees the work of Mueller’s investigators, but he told the AP in an interview last June that he, too, would recuse himself if his actions ever became relevant to the probe. He was questioned by Mueller’s team months ago, according to people familiar with the matter.</p>
<p>Sessions’ attorney, Chuck Cooper, declined to comment.</p>
<p>Four people have so far been charged in the Mueller investigation, including Flynn and former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort. Flynn and Papadopoulos have pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow Eric Tucker on Twitter at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/etuckerAP" type="external">http://www.twitter.com/etuckerAP</a></p>
<p>Associated Press writers Sadie Gurman and Catherine Lucey contributed to this report.</p>
| false | 2 |
washington ap attorney general jeff sessions questioned hours special counsels russia investigation justice department said tuesday prosecutors moved closer possible interview president donald trump whether took steps obstruct fbi probe contacts russia 2016 campaign sessions interview last week makes highestranking trump administration official first cabinet member known submitted questioning came special counsel robert mueller investigates whether trumps actions office including firing fbi director james comey constitute improper efforts stymie fbi investigation many trumps closest aides questioned president lawyers preparing prospect interview would likely focus obstruction questions expected topics sitdown mueller expressed interest speaking trump would include comeys firing also interactions fired fbi director said unnerved including request president end investigation top white house official oval office tuesday trump said concerned sessions may told mueller team attorney general jeff sessions interviewed last week special counsel robert muellers russia probe becoming first cabinet member known submitted questioning ap justice reporter eric tucker explains implications jan 23 recent questioning countrys chief law enforcement officer shows investigators determined interest obstruction question heart investigation months interviews many current former white house officials sessions potentially important witness given role key trump surrogate campaign trail direct involvement may 9 firing comey advocated white house initially said termination done recommendation justice department cited justification memo deputy attorney general rod rosenstein faulted comey handling hillary clinton email server investigation trump said later thinking russia thing fired comey decided make move even justice departments recommendations sessions one trumps earliest loyal allies first senator endorse presidential campaign key national security adviser present april 2016 trump foreign policy speech mayflower hotel washington spoke russian ambassador united states also attended meeting month earlier campaign aides including george papadopoulos foreign policy adviser pleaded guilty last year lying fbi sessions may well asked mueller interview interactions papadopoulos well encounters campaign russian ambassador might also able supply information white house efforts discourage recusing russia investigation last march acknowledging two previously undisclosed encounters ambassador may also asked episode last february comey says trump cleared room sessions officials encouraging end investigation fired national security adviser michael flynn mueller investigating events leading flynns dismissal white house february comey says documented conversation memo one series contemporaneous notes kept conversations president troubled new york times first reported interview sessions said investigators spoke comey last year memos past several months mueller investigators spoken people close president including white house counsel mcgahn former chief staff reince priebus trumps soninlaw jared kushner probe campaign contacts russia possible obstruction mueller conveyed interest speaking president white house attorney ty cobb said active discussion trumps individual lawyers said last week cbs news political podcast takeout expected investigation wrapped within weeks theres reason conclude soon cobb said soon would next four six weeks though trump sessions campaign shared ambitious lawandorder agenda even though attorney general continued push presidents priorities recusal decision strained bond since trump lashed repeatedly twitter sessions justice department two men rarely speak directly trump saw recusal weak disloyal believing attorney general protect people familiar matter told associated press mcgahn contacted sessions urge retain control investigation mcgahn acting behest president according one people spoke condition anonymity discuss investigation rosenstein appointed mueller take russia investigation week comey fired oversees work muellers investigators told ap interview last june would recuse actions ever became relevant probe questioned muellers team months ago according people familiar matter sessions attorney chuck cooper declined comment four people far charged mueller investigation including flynn former trump campaign chairman paul manafort flynn papadopoulos pleaded guilty lying fbi ___ follow eric tucker twitter httpwwwtwittercometuckerap associated press writers sadie gurman catherine lucey contributed report washington ap attorney general jeff sessions questioned hours special counsels russia investigation justice department said tuesday prosecutors moved closer possible interview president donald trump whether took steps obstruct fbi probe contacts russia 2016 campaign sessions interview last week makes highestranking trump administration official first cabinet member known submitted questioning came special counsel robert mueller investigates whether trumps actions office including firing fbi director james comey constitute improper efforts stymie fbi investigation many trumps closest aides questioned president lawyers preparing prospect interview would likely focus obstruction questions expected topics sitdown mueller expressed interest speaking trump would include comeys firing also interactions fired fbi director said unnerved including request president end investigation top white house official oval office tuesday trump said concerned sessions may told mueller team attorney general jeff sessions interviewed last week special counsel robert muellers russia probe becoming first cabinet member known submitted questioning ap justice reporter eric tucker explains implications jan 23 recent questioning countrys chief law enforcement officer shows investigators determined interest obstruction question heart investigation months interviews many current former white house officials sessions potentially important witness given role key trump surrogate campaign trail direct involvement may 9 firing comey advocated white house initially said termination done recommendation justice department cited justification memo deputy attorney general rod rosenstein faulted comey handling hillary clinton email server investigation trump said later thinking russia thing fired comey decided make move even justice departments recommendations sessions one trumps earliest loyal allies first senator endorse presidential campaign key national security adviser present april 2016 trump foreign policy speech mayflower hotel washington spoke russian ambassador united states also attended meeting month earlier campaign aides including george papadopoulos foreign policy adviser pleaded guilty last year lying fbi sessions may well asked mueller interview interactions papadopoulos well encounters campaign russian ambassador might also able supply information white house efforts discourage recusing russia investigation last march acknowledging two previously undisclosed encounters ambassador may also asked episode last february comey says trump cleared room sessions officials encouraging end investigation fired national security adviser michael flynn mueller investigating events leading flynns dismissal white house february comey says documented conversation memo one series contemporaneous notes kept conversations president troubled new york times first reported interview sessions said investigators spoke comey last year memos past several months mueller investigators spoken people close president including white house counsel mcgahn former chief staff reince priebus trumps soninlaw jared kushner probe campaign contacts russia possible obstruction mueller conveyed interest speaking president white house attorney ty cobb said active discussion trumps individual lawyers said last week cbs news political podcast takeout expected investigation wrapped within weeks theres reason conclude soon cobb said soon would next four six weeks though trump sessions campaign shared ambitious lawandorder agenda even though attorney general continued push presidents priorities recusal decision strained bond since trump lashed repeatedly twitter sessions justice department two men rarely speak directly trump saw recusal weak disloyal believing attorney general protect people familiar matter told associated press mcgahn contacted sessions urge retain control investigation mcgahn acting behest president according one people spoke condition anonymity discuss investigation rosenstein appointed mueller take russia investigation week comey fired oversees work muellers investigators told ap interview last june would recuse actions ever became relevant probe questioned muellers team months ago according people familiar matter sessions attorney chuck cooper declined comment four people far charged mueller investigation including flynn former trump campaign chairman paul manafort flynn papadopoulos pleaded guilty lying fbi ___ follow eric tucker twitter httpwwwtwittercometuckerap associated press writers sadie gurman catherine lucey contributed report
| 1,174 |
<p>TAMPA, Fla. — On the first day of the Republican convention — marked by a delegate vote making former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney the party’s official nominee for president — we’re already hearing a lot of exaggerated, misleading or downright false claims that we’ve heard before.</p>
<p>The theme of the day centered on repeated misrepresentations of a quote from President Obama. From the various speakers we also heard:</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>Note to Readers</p>
<p>Our deputy managing editor, Robert Farley, is on the scene in Tampa at the convention center. This story was written with the help of the entire staff, based in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Next week, we will dispatch our managing editor, Lori Robertson, to Charlotte, N.C., for the Democratic convention. We intend to vet the major speeches at both conventions for factual accuracy, applying the same standards to both.</p>
<p>A Misleading ‘Theme’</p>
<p>Republicans announced in advance that <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20120831114208/http://www.gopconvention2012.com/news-press/press-releases/republican-officials-release-tuesday-convention-schedule/" type="external">the theme of the day for Tuesday</a> would be “We Built It,” and that they would remind their audience of a clumsy quote from President Obama that they’ve been taking out of context ever since he said it.</p>
<p>“He thinks that if you started a business, ‘You didn’t build that,’ ” RNC Chairman Reince Priebus said. And many other speakers played off the same idea. But that’s not exactly what the president said.</p>
<p>Obama did utter those words, as we have <a href="" type="internal">written before</a>, but the full context of his remarks makes it clear he was saying taxpayer-funded public support — education, infrastructure and research — “gave you some help” to succeed in business. He was making an argument to continue funding government programs that help businesses flourish.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/07/13/remarks-president-campaign-event-roanoke-virginia" type="external">Obama, July 13</a>: If you were successful, somebody along the line gave you some help. There was a great teacher somewhere in your life. Somebody helped to create this unbelievable American system that we have that allowed you to thrive. Somebody invested in roads and bridges. If you’ve got a business — you didn’t build that. Somebody else made that happen. The Internet didn’t get invented on its own. Government research created the Internet so that all the companies could make money off the Internet.</p>
<p>The Obama campaign says the word “that” in the phrase “you didn’t build that” refers to roads and bridges. That is not grammatically correct; in strictly proper usage, “that” would refer back to the closest noun, in this case “business.” But the sentence Obama spoke just prior to his now infamous phrase does refer to infrastructure. He said: “Somebody invested in roads and bridges. If you’ve got a business — you didn’t build that.”</p>
<p>There is no room for misinterpretation, though, in Obama’s summary statement — which is very clearly worded: “The point is, is that when we succeed, we succeed because of our individual initiative, but also because we do things together.”</p>
<p>Some of the Republican speakers who used the president’s words out of context, include:</p>
<p>Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell: We need a president who will say to a small businesswoman: Congratulations, we applaud your success, you did make that happen, you did build that! Big government didn’t build America: You built America! Small businesses don’t come out of Washington D.C. pre-made on flat bed trucks. That coffee shop in Henrico. That florist in Virginia Beach. That bakery in Radford. They were all built by entrepreneurial Americans with big dreams, not a big spending government with a wide open wallet full of other people’s money!</p>
<p>Lisa Stickan, chairman of Young Republicans: We’re working to build our own businesses, struggling to pave our own way, only to learn that, according to this president, we didn’t build it.</p>
<p>Former New Hampshire Gov. John Sununu: Mitt Romney will get our private sector moving again, and will respect the successes of our entrepreneurs, who deserve credit because they really did build it.</p>
<p>Priebus: Republicans believe American greatness comes from the American people — not from the federal government. But Barack Obama thinks the government is at the center of the economic universe. He thinks that if you started a business, “You didn’t build that.”</p>
<p>The Republicans also released <a href="http://www.heraldonline.com/2012/08/28/4219774/republican-convention-unveils.html" type="external">three videos</a> featuring small-business owners taking issue with Obama’s words. But Obama’s speech was edited in a way that removes all references to teachers, roads and bridges, government research, and “this unbelievable American system that we have that allowed you to thrive.”</p>
<p>The president’s words were edited so it sounds as if this is one seamless, uninterrupted sentence: “Let me tell you something, if you’ve got a business, that … you didn’t build that.”</p>
<p>The day’s theme did highlight a central disagreement between the parties. Republicans give more credit to markets and free enterprise and dislike regulation, while the president and fellow Democrats tend to see government’s role as positive. But that’s no excuse for distorting the president’s meaning.</p>
<p>Stale Statistics</p>
<p><a href="http://www.gopconvention2012.com/media-portal/speakers/rae-lynne-chornenky-pres-nat-federation-of-republican-women/" type="external">Rae Lynne Chornenky</a>, president of the National Federation of Republican Women, used a couple of stale statistics borrowed from Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney. By failing to update her figures, <a href="http://www.gopconvention2012.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Rae-Lynne-Chornenky.pdf" type="external">she claimed</a> that “850,000 women … have lost their jobs under President Obama” and that “women lost 92 percent of all the jobs lost under the Obama administration.” Wrong on both counts. Neither of those figures is close to being accurate anymore.</p>
<p>Employment for women was actually only 401,000 lower in July than when Obama took office, according to the latest figures from the <a href="http://www.bls.gov/data/#employment" type="external">Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>. That’s less than half the figure claimed by Chornenky. And her outdated percentage figure is now even more wildly off base.</p>
<p>When Romney first used the 92 percent figure — to support a claim that it’s really Obama’s economic policies that amount to a “war on women” — <a href="" type="internal">we said the number was “accurate as far as it goes,” but not the whole story</a>, and misleading. That was back in April, and Romney was using the latest statistics from March. But now — after four more months of job gains by both men and women, it’s far from accurate.</p>
<p>The fact is, men have now regained all the jobs lost since Obama took office, and more. The latest employment for men stands at 85,000 higher than it was when he took office. Figured the same way that Romney came up with his 92 percent figure, the current percentage would be a minus 470 percent. Besides not making much sense, that large a figure is even more misleading than Romney’s original number. It’s a statistical fluke.</p>
<p>Women’s employment didn’t start to turn down until a full year after men’s employment stated declining, in March 2007. By the time Obama took office in January 2009, both men and women were losing jobs at the worst rate since the Great Depression — 277,000 women’s jobs and 541,000 men’s jobs were lost the month before he was sworn in. The start of the recovery for women lagged that for men. After men finally started gaining jobs in March 2010, it took women another eight months to see their employment start to turn up.</p>
<p>The fact is that over the entire course of the job slump, women have lost less than half as many jobs as men. In July, women’s employment was more than 1.6 million below its peak, while men’s employment remained nearly 3.4 million below its peak.</p>
<p>‘Raiding’ Medicare</p>
<p>We think we’ll be hearing plenty of this bogus claim throughout the convention: “$716 billion raided from Medicare to pay for ObamaCare.”</p>
<p>That version was offered Tuesday by Arkansas Rep. Tim Griffin. It’s wrong, however, to say that money is being taken away, or “raided,” from Medicare. The health care law calls for reducing the future growth of Medicare spending over 10 years. If it happens, that would stretch out Medicare’s financing, keeping the hospital insurance trust fund solvent for longer.</p>
<p>As <a href="" type="internal">we’ve explained before</a>, Medicare doesn’t have $716 billion sitting around that could be “raided.” Instead, the reductions in the future growth of projected spending would be primarily to Medicare Part A, which covers hospital expenses, and Part A’s trust fund had <a href="http://www.cms.gov/Research-Statistics-Data-and-Systems/Statistics-Trends-and-Reports/ReportsTrustFunds/Downloads/TR2012.pdf" type="external">$244.2 billion</a> at the end of 2011. All of that money must by law be spent for its intended purpose. The president can’t take money out of the trust fund; Medicare holds those bonds and can cash them in as it needs to cover whatever isn’t paid by current payroll taxes. The law even increases the amount of tax revenue that will flow into the trust fund by imposing a 0.9 percent Medicare surcharge on certain high-income individuals.</p>
<p>If Part A doesn’t need to spend income it receives from payroll taxes immediately, Treasury issues Medicare a bond and the amount is credited to Medicare’s Part A trust fund. When Medicare wants to cash that bond, Treasury has to pay it, even if Treasury already spent the original money on something else.</p>
<p>And that’s where the Republicans’ real complaint lies. Both the Congressional Budget Office and Medicare’s chief actuary have said that in practice, the $716 billion savings can’t cover two things at once. But the program won’t be “raided,” and the law actually extends the life of the trust fund, delaying the day when currently projected hospital benefits can’t be fully paid without additional funding. That’s now estimated to happen in 2024. Without the cuts in spending growth and the new tax revenue promised by the law, the day of reckoning moves up to 2016.</p>
<p>Misrepresenting the Affordable Care Act</p>
<p>John Archer, a Republican congressional candidate from Iowa’s 2nd District, repeated a popular — but wrong — talking point about the Affordable Care Act. He claimed incorrectly that the new law interferes with doctor-patient relations.</p>
<p>He said, “And finally, we’ll talk about getting government out from in between patients and their doctors by repealing Obamacare — we can do better.” Actually, the law doesn’t regulate what doctors can and can’t do, or even which doctors patients can see, another <a href="" type="internal">anti-health-care-law meme</a>.</p>
<p>Romney <a href="" type="internal">made this same claim</a> in late June after the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the law. Many Republicans have pointed to the law’s creation of an Independent Payment Advisory Board — which is charged with finding ways to slow the growth of Medicare spending — as a source of rationing. But that’s far from accurate.</p>
<p>The board has extraordinary power: Its recommendations are supposed to go into effect automatically unless Congress overrides them by a three-fifths vote of both House and Senate. But that power is quite limited in scope. <a href="http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-111publ148/pdf/PLAW-111publ148.pdf" type="external">The law</a> says the board “shall not include any recommendation to ration health care, raise revenues or Medicare beneficiary premiums … increase Medicare beneficiary cost sharing (including deductibles, coinsurance, and co-payments), or otherwise restrict benefits or modify eligibility criteria.”</p>
<p>According to a <a href="http://www.kff.org/medicare/upload/8150.pdf" type="external">Kaiser Family Foundation report</a>, the IPAB is therefore limited to getting savings from Medicare Advantage (subsidized private insurance that currently covers about 1 in 4 on Medicare), “the Part D prescription drug program, skilled nursing facility, home health, dialysis, ambulance and ambulatory surgical center services, and durable medical equipment.”</p>
<p>Archer’s comment is just one more example of Republicans <a href="" type="internal">pushing the idea</a> that the health care law would create a <a href="" type="internal">government-run system</a>, like many foreign countries have, where the government is the insurer and even the provider of health care. But the Affordable Care Act comes nowhere close to that — it leaves the United States’ primarily employer-based insurance system in place and expands business for private insurance companies.</p>
<p>A False Jobs Claim About ‘My Generation’</p>
<p>Alex Schriver, chairman of the College Republican National Committee, said that “half of my generation didn’t get up and go to a job this morning.” That’s incorrect. Far more than half of those in his age group were employed last month, according to government data.</p>
<p>We’re not sure exactly what the 23-year-old Schriver meant by “my generation,” but <a href="http://www.bls.gov/web/empsit/cpseea13.htm" type="external">according to</a> Bureau of Labor Statistics data, about 64 percent of the entire 20- to 24-year-old population was employed as of July, the most recent month for which figures are available.</p>
<p>And when looking at those who are actually in the labor force — not in college or the military, for example — the percentage is far higher, almost 86 percent. The labor force includes both those who have civilian jobs and those who say they want work and have looked for it in the last four weeks.</p>
<p>Schriver’s claim sounds very similar to Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels’ statement back in January that “nearly half of all persons under 30, did not go to work today.” <a href="" type="internal">We found that</a> just about 45 percent of the total population of those age 16 to 29 were not employed. But that included 16- to 19-year-olds, many of whom are high school or college students and not even looking for employment.</p>
<p>Schriver may have been referring to an <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/1-2-graduates-jobless-underemployed-140300522.html" type="external">analysis of government data</a> conducted for the Associated Press that found that — in 2011 — nearly 1 in 2 college graduates were jobless or underemployed, meaning they had part-time jobs but wanted full-time work, or that they were employed in positions that did not require full use of their skills. Andrew Sum, director of the Center for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern University, looked at the Census Bureau’s 2011 Current Population Survey and other data, and found that about 1.5 million, or 53.6 percent, of bachelor’s degree-holders under the age of 25 were unemployed or underemployed that year.</p>
<p>That’s a figure that is out of date; the <a href="http://www.bls.gov/web/empsit/cpseea01.htm" type="external">overall jobless rate was 9.1 percent</a> in July 2011 and is down to 8.3 percent most recently. And it refers only to college graduates, not an entire “generation.” Furthermore, it’s not correct to say that a person with a part-time job, or a job for which they were overqualified, “didn’t get up and go to a job this morning,” as Schriver claimed.</p>
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<p>Even More Pipeline Piffle</p>
<p>Again we heard misleading and exaggerated claims about a controversial oil pipeline from Canada.</p>
<p>North Dakota Sen. John Hoeven said the Keystone XL pipeline would reduce gasoline prices for consumers — which actually wouldn’t happen any time soon. And he said Obama has “said no” to it, when the president has actually approved one leg of the project and deferred a decision on building the cross-border portion while the company submits a new route to avoid an environmentally sensitive area in Nebraska.</p>
<p>We called these claims “ <a href="" type="internal">pipeline piffle</a>” when we wrote about them back in March. And so it was just more of the same when Hoeven told the convention audience that this project would “help hold down the cost of fuel at the pump” and that Obama was saying “no to lower fuel prices for consumers.”</p>
<p>As we said then, there’s nothing stopping more Canadian oil from coming into the U.S. right now. Existing cross-border pipelines could carry perhaps 1 million additional barrels of oil per day. And despite continuing opposition from environmental groups, the company that would build the Keystone XL pipeline — <a href="http://www.transcanada.com/keystone.html" type="external">TransCanada — still states on its website that it expects to begin construction fairly soon</a>.</p>
<p>TransCanada website: TransCanada anticipates approval of the Presidential Permit application – which is required as the pipeline will cross the Canada/U.S. border – in the first quarter of 2013, after which construction will quickly begin.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the <a href="http://www.transcanada.com/gulf-coast-pipeline-project.html" type="external">company says that it began construction</a> this very month on the project’s southern leg, which it now calls the “Gulf Coast Pipeline Project.” Obama has publicly embraced that portion, a 485-mile segment of 36-inch pipe that will carry petroleum from Cushing, Okla., south to Nederland, Texas, to supply Gulf Coast refineries.</p>
<p>TransCanada website: Construction on the Gulf Coast Project commenced August, 2012, with an anticipated in service date of mid-to-late 2013. The Gulf Coast Project will have the initial capacity to transport 700,000 barrels of oil per day and can be expanded to transport 830,000 barrels of oil per day to Gulf Coast refineries.</p>
<p>Correction, Aug. 29: An earlier version of this story misidentified a speaker. We mistakenly attributed the words of Rae Lynne Chornenky, president of the National Federation of Republican Women, to Deb Fischer, a Senate candidate from Nebraska. We have updated the item to correct our mistake. We apologize for the error.</p>
<p>— Robert Farley, with Brooks Jackson, Eugene Kiely, Lori Robertson and D’Angelo Gore</p>
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tampa fla first day republican convention marked delegate vote making former massachusetts gov mitt romney partys official nominee president already hearing lot exaggerated misleading downright false claims weve heard theme day centered repeated misrepresentations quote president obama various speakers also heard 160 note readers deputy managing editor robert farley scene tampa convention center story written help entire staff based philadelphia washington dc next week dispatch managing editor lori robertson charlotte nc democratic convention intend vet major speeches conventions factual accuracy applying standards misleading theme republicans announced advance theme day tuesday would built would remind audience clumsy quote president obama theyve taking context ever since said thinks started business didnt build rnc chairman reince priebus said many speakers played idea thats exactly president said obama utter words written full context remarks makes clear saying taxpayerfunded public support education infrastructure research gave help succeed business making argument continue funding government programs help businesses flourish obama july 13 successful somebody along line gave help great teacher somewhere life somebody helped create unbelievable american system allowed thrive somebody invested roads bridges youve got business didnt build somebody else made happen internet didnt get invented government research created internet companies could make money internet obama campaign says word phrase didnt build refers roads bridges grammatically correct strictly proper usage would refer back closest noun case business sentence obama spoke prior infamous phrase refer infrastructure said somebody invested roads bridges youve got business didnt build room misinterpretation though obamas summary statement clearly worded point succeed succeed individual initiative also things together republican speakers used presidents words context include virginia gov bob mcdonnell need president say small businesswoman congratulations applaud success make happen build big government didnt build america built america small businesses dont come washington dc premade flat bed trucks coffee shop henrico florist virginia beach bakery radford built entrepreneurial americans big dreams big spending government wide open wallet full peoples money lisa stickan chairman young republicans working build businesses struggling pave way learn according president didnt build former new hampshire gov john sununu mitt romney get private sector moving respect successes entrepreneurs deserve credit really build priebus republicans believe american greatness comes american people federal government barack obama thinks government center economic universe thinks started business didnt build republicans also released three videos featuring smallbusiness owners taking issue obamas words obamas speech edited way removes references teachers roads bridges government research unbelievable american system allowed thrive presidents words edited sounds one seamless uninterrupted sentence let tell something youve got business didnt build days theme highlight central disagreement parties republicans give credit markets free enterprise dislike regulation president fellow democrats tend see governments role positive thats excuse distorting presidents meaning stale statistics rae lynne chornenky president national federation republican women used couple stale statistics borrowed republican presidential nominee mitt romney failing update figures claimed 850000 women lost jobs president obama women lost 92 percent jobs lost obama administration wrong counts neither figures close accurate anymore employment women actually 401000 lower july obama took office according latest figures bureau labor statistics thats less half figure claimed chornenky outdated percentage figure even wildly base romney first used 92 percent figure support claim really obamas economic policies amount war women said number accurate far goes whole story misleading back april romney using latest statistics march four months job gains men women far accurate fact men regained jobs lost since obama took office latest employment men stands 85000 higher took office figured way romney came 92 percent figure current percentage would minus 470 percent besides making much sense large figure even misleading romneys original number statistical fluke womens employment didnt start turn full year mens employment stated declining march 2007 time obama took office january 2009 men women losing jobs worst rate since great depression 277000 womens jobs 541000 mens jobs lost month sworn start recovery women lagged men men finally started gaining jobs march 2010 took women another eight months see employment start turn fact entire course job slump women lost less half many jobs men july womens employment 16 million peak mens employment remained nearly 34 million peak raiding medicare think well hearing plenty bogus claim throughout convention 716 billion raided medicare pay obamacare version offered tuesday arkansas rep tim griffin wrong however say money taken away raided medicare health care law calls reducing future growth medicare spending 10 years happens would stretch medicares financing keeping hospital insurance trust fund solvent longer weve explained medicare doesnt 716 billion sitting around could raided instead reductions future growth projected spending would primarily medicare part covers hospital expenses part trust fund 2442 billion end 2011 money must law spent intended purpose president cant take money trust fund medicare holds bonds cash needs cover whatever isnt paid current payroll taxes law even increases amount tax revenue flow trust fund imposing 09 percent medicare surcharge certain highincome individuals part doesnt need spend income receives payroll taxes immediately treasury issues medicare bond amount credited medicares part trust fund medicare wants cash bond treasury pay even treasury already spent original money something else thats republicans real complaint lies congressional budget office medicares chief actuary said practice 716 billion savings cant cover two things program wont raided law actually extends life trust fund delaying day currently projected hospital benefits cant fully paid without additional funding thats estimated happen 2024 without cuts spending growth new tax revenue promised law day reckoning moves 2016 misrepresenting affordable care act john archer republican congressional candidate iowas 2nd district repeated popular wrong talking point affordable care act claimed incorrectly new law interferes doctorpatient relations said finally well talk getting government patients doctors repealing obamacare better actually law doesnt regulate doctors cant even doctors patients see another antihealthcarelaw meme romney made claim late june supreme court upheld constitutionality law many republicans pointed laws creation independent payment advisory board charged finding ways slow growth medicare spending source rationing thats far accurate board extraordinary power recommendations supposed go effect automatically unless congress overrides threefifths vote house senate power quite limited scope law says board shall include recommendation ration health care raise revenues medicare beneficiary premiums increase medicare beneficiary cost sharing including deductibles coinsurance copayments otherwise restrict benefits modify eligibility criteria according kaiser family foundation report ipab therefore limited getting savings medicare advantage subsidized private insurance currently covers 1 4 medicare part prescription drug program skilled nursing facility home health dialysis ambulance ambulatory surgical center services durable medical equipment archers comment one example republicans pushing idea health care law would create governmentrun system like many foreign countries government insurer even provider health care affordable care act comes nowhere close leaves united states primarily employerbased insurance system place expands business private insurance companies false jobs claim generation alex schriver chairman college republican national committee said half generation didnt get go job morning thats incorrect far half age group employed last month according government data sure exactly 23yearold schriver meant generation according bureau labor statistics data 64 percent entire 20 24yearold population employed july recent month figures available looking actually labor force college military example percentage far higher almost 86 percent labor force includes civilian jobs say want work looked last four weeks schrivers claim sounds similar indiana gov mitch daniels statement back january nearly half persons 30 go work today found 45 percent total population age 16 29 employed included 16 19yearolds many high school college students even looking employment schriver may referring analysis government data conducted associated press found 2011 nearly 1 2 college graduates jobless underemployed meaning parttime jobs wanted fulltime work employed positions require full use skills andrew sum director center labor market studies northeastern university looked census bureaus 2011 current population survey data found 15 million 536 percent bachelors degreeholders age 25 unemployed underemployed year thats figure date overall jobless rate 91 percent july 2011 83 percent recently refers college graduates entire generation furthermore correct say person parttime job job overqualified didnt get go job morning schriver claimed 160 even pipeline piffle heard misleading exaggerated claims controversial oil pipeline canada north dakota sen john hoeven said keystone xl pipeline would reduce gasoline prices consumers actually wouldnt happen time soon said obama said president actually approved one leg project deferred decision building crossborder portion company submits new route avoid environmentally sensitive area nebraska called claims pipeline piffle wrote back march hoeven told convention audience project would help hold cost fuel pump obama saying lower fuel prices consumers said theres nothing stopping canadian oil coming us right existing crossborder pipelines could carry perhaps 1 million additional barrels oil per day despite continuing opposition environmental groups company would build keystone xl pipeline transcanada still states website expects begin construction fairly soon transcanada website transcanada anticipates approval presidential permit application required pipeline cross canadaus border first quarter 2013 construction quickly begin meanwhile company says began construction month projects southern leg calls gulf coast pipeline project obama publicly embraced portion 485mile segment 36inch pipe carry petroleum cushing okla south nederland texas supply gulf coast refineries transcanada website construction gulf coast project commenced august 2012 anticipated service date midtolate 2013 gulf coast project initial capacity transport 700000 barrels oil per day expanded transport 830000 barrels oil per day gulf coast refineries correction aug 29 earlier version story misidentified speaker mistakenly attributed words rae lynne chornenky president national federation republican women deb fischer senate candidate nebraska updated item correct mistake apologize error robert farley brooks jackson eugene kiely lori robertson dangelo gore
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<p>WASHINGTON — The Republican-led Congress narrowly passed a temporary spending bill Thursday to avert a government shutdown, doing the bare minimum in a sprint toward the holidays and punting disputes on immigration, health care and the budget to next year.</p>
<p>The measure passed the House on a 231-188 vote over Democratic opposition and then cleared the Senate, 66-32, with Democrats from Republican-leaning states providing many of the key votes. President Donald Trump is expected to sign the measure.</p>
<p>The stopgap legislation would keep the government from closing down at midnight Friday. It has traversed a tortured path, encountering resistance from the GOP’s most ardent allies of the military, as well as opposition from Democrats who demanded but were denied a vote on giving immigrants brought to the country as children and in the country illegally an opportunity to become citizens.</p>
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<p>The wrap-up measure allows Republicans controlling Washington to savor their win on this week’s $1.5 trillion tax package — even as they kick a full lineup of leftover work into the new year. Congress will return in January facing enormous challenges on immigration, the federal budget, health care and national security along with legislation to increase the government’s authority to borrow money.</p>
<p>Each of those items is sure to test the unity that Republicans are enjoying now.</p>
<p>“Now it gets down to some very difficult decisions on how we move forward in the first and second quarter of next year,” said Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., a leader of a powerful faction of hard-right Republicans. “There is a lot to do next month. I’m not worried today. I’ll wait until January to be worried, OK?”</p>
<p>Democrats had initially pressed for adding their priorities to the measure, but once rebuffed on immigration they worked to keep the bill mostly free of add-ons, figuring that they’ll hold greater leverage next month.</p>
<p>Among the items left behind was $81 billion worth of disaster aid, which passed the House on a bipartisan 251-169 tally but stalled in the Senate. The measure would have brought this year’s tally for aid to hurricane victims in Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and other parts of the Caribbean, as well as fire-ravaged California, to more than $130 billion. But both Republicans and Democrats in the Senate want changes, and it was among the items Democrats sought to hold onto for leverage next year.</p>
<p>“Democrats want to make sure that we have equal bargaining, and we’re not going to allow things like disaster relief go forward without discussing some of the other issues we care about,” said powerful Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.</p>
<p>Immigration is among the most difficult issues confronting lawmakers in January, thrust upon them in September after Trump rescinded a Barack Obama order giving these so-called Dreamers protection against deportation, though he gave Congress a March deadline to come up with a legislative solution.</p>
<p>“They embody the best in our nation: patriotism, hard work, perseverance,” House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi of California told the chamber’s Rules Committee on Thursday. “We should not leave them to celebrate the holidays in fear.”</p>
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<p>Trump and Republicans are pushing for additional border security and other immigration steps in exchange.</p>
<p>“The vast majority of Republicans want to see a DACA solution. They just want to see a DACA solution that’s balanced,” said House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., referring to the program’s name, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals</p>
<p>Also left unfinished were bipartisan efforts to smash budget limits that are imposing a freeze on the Pentagon and domestic agencies, a long-term extension of the popular Children’s Health Insurance Program for 9 million low-income kids and Senate legislation aimed at stabilizing health insurance markets.</p>
<p>“At some point we’ve got to make the hard decisions,” said Republican Sen. John Thune of South Dakota.</p>
<p>Instead, lawmakers struggled to achieve the must-do: a $2.1 billion fix for an expiring program that pays for veterans to seek care outside the Department of Veterans Affairs system; a temporary fix to ensure states facing shortfalls from the Children’s Health Insurance Program won’t have to purge children from the program; and a short-term extension for an expiring overseas wiretapping program aimed at tracking terrorists.</p>
<p>Trump weighed in on Twitter on Thursday morning to offer a boost — and a slap at Democrats.</p>
<p>“House Democrats want a SHUTDOWN for the holidays in order to distract from the very popular, just passed, Tax Cuts. House Republicans, don’t let this happen. Pass the C.R. TODAY and keep our Government OPEN!” Trump tweeted.</p>
<p>Among Republicans, opposition to the temporary measure came mostly from the party’s defense hawks, who had hoped to enact record increases for the military this year and force the Senate to debate a full-year, $658 billion defense spending measure. But that idea was a nonstarter with Senate Democrats, who will only agree to Pentagon increases if domestic programs get a comparable hike.</p>
<p>The short-term spending bill does contain about $5 billion to upgrade missile defenses to respond to the threat from North Korea and to repair two destroyers damaged in accidents this year in the Pacific.</p>
<p>The legislation also has a provision to turn off automatic cuts to many “mandatory” spending programs, including Medicare, that would otherwise be triggered by the tax cut bill. Democrats had sought to highlight the looming spending cuts in arguing against the tax measure.</p>
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washington republicanled congress narrowly passed temporary spending bill thursday avert government shutdown bare minimum sprint toward holidays punting disputes immigration health care budget next year measure passed house 231188 vote democratic opposition cleared senate 6632 democrats republicanleaning states providing many key votes president donald trump expected sign measure stopgap legislation would keep government closing midnight friday traversed tortured path encountering resistance gops ardent allies military well opposition democrats demanded denied vote giving immigrants brought country children country illegally opportunity become citizens advertisement wrapup measure allows republicans controlling washington savor win weeks 15 trillion tax package even kick full lineup leftover work new year congress return january facing enormous challenges immigration federal budget health care national security along legislation increase governments authority borrow money items sure test unity republicans enjoying gets difficult decisions move forward first second quarter next year said rep mark meadows rnc leader powerful faction hardright republicans lot next month im worried today ill wait january worried ok democrats initially pressed adding priorities measure rebuffed immigration worked keep bill mostly free addons figuring theyll hold greater leverage next month among items left behind 81 billion worth disaster aid passed house bipartisan 251169 tally stalled senate measure would brought years tally aid hurricane victims texas florida puerto rico parts caribbean well fireravaged california 130 billion republicans democrats senate want changes among items democrats sought hold onto leverage next year democrats want make sure equal bargaining going allow things like disaster relief go forward without discussing issues care said powerful senate minority leader chuck schumer dny immigration among difficult issues confronting lawmakers january thrust upon september trump rescinded barack obama order giving socalled dreamers protection deportation though gave congress march deadline come legislative solution embody best nation patriotism hard work perseverance house democratic leader nancy pelosi california told chambers rules committee thursday leave celebrate holidays fear advertisement trump republicans pushing additional border security immigration steps exchange vast majority republicans want see daca solution want see daca solution thats balanced said house speaker paul ryan rwis referring programs name deferred action childhood arrivals also left unfinished bipartisan efforts smash budget limits imposing freeze pentagon domestic agencies longterm extension popular childrens health insurance program 9 million lowincome kids senate legislation aimed stabilizing health insurance markets point weve got make hard decisions said republican sen john thune south dakota instead lawmakers struggled achieve mustdo 21 billion fix expiring program pays veterans seek care outside department veterans affairs system temporary fix ensure states facing shortfalls childrens health insurance program wont purge children program shortterm extension expiring overseas wiretapping program aimed tracking terrorists trump weighed twitter thursday morning offer boost slap democrats house democrats want shutdown holidays order distract popular passed tax cuts house republicans dont let happen pass cr today keep government open trump tweeted among republicans opposition temporary measure came mostly partys defense hawks hoped enact record increases military year force senate debate fullyear 658 billion defense spending measure idea nonstarter senate democrats agree pentagon increases domestic programs get comparable hike shortterm spending bill contain 5 billion upgrade missile defenses respond threat north korea repair two destroyers damaged accidents year pacific legislation also provision turn automatic cuts many mandatory spending programs including medicare would otherwise triggered tax cut bill democrats sought highlight looming spending cuts arguing tax measure
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<p>LONDON (AP) — Cold War monster movie "The Shape of Water" led nominations Tuesday for the <a href="http://www.bafta.org/film" type="external">British Academy Film Awards</a> , as organizers announced a new female host and promised to fight sexism and sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry.</p>
<p>Guillermo del Toro's fantastical thriller scored nominations in 12 categories, including best picture and best director, for the U.K. equivalent of the Oscars.</p>
<p>Del Toro said the nominations were vindication for an ambitious, genre-crossing movie "so in love with cinema that it fuses melodrama, musical, spy thriller, comedy."</p>
<p>"You toil and you never know whether you are going to be well received, what the destiny of the movie is," the Mexican director told The Associated Press.</p>
<p>Scorching tragicomedy "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" and Winston Churchill biopic "Darkest Hour" received nine nominations apiece for the BAFTA prizes, considered an indicator of likely success at Hollywood's Academy Awards.</p>
<p>Martin McDonagh, who wrote and directed "Three Billboards," said he was thrilled by the positive response to the film and its "strong and outrageous and nuanced" central character, played by Frances McDormand. The story of a mother avenging the rape and murder of her daughter won four trophies at the Golden Globes in Los Angeles on Sunday.</p>
<p>"You never know if a film that is as dark as this, and has as many strange shifts in tone as this, is going to connect," McDonagh said.</p>
<p>Other multiple nominees include sci-fi sequel "Blade Runner 2049" and World War II drama "Dunkirk," which each secured eight. Figure-skating showdown "I, Tonya" was nominated in five categories.</p>
<p>The BAFTA nominations brought good news for two movies snubbed by the Golden Globes: Christopher Nolan's visually dazzling war picture "Dunkirk" and Jordan Peele's comedy-horror story "Get Out."</p>
<p>The British academy embraced "Dunkirk" with nominations for best film and best director, among other categories. "Get Out" gained nominations for its British star, Daniel Kaluuya, and for original screenplay.</p>
<p>Winners will be announced at London's Royal Albert Hall on Feb. 18, two weeks before the Oscars.</p>
<p>The ceremony will be hosted by "Absolutely Fabulous" star Joanna Lumley, who is taking over from longtime master of ceremonies Stephen Fry.</p>
<p>Best-picture nominees are "The Shape of Water," ''Three Billboards," ''Darkest Hour," ''Dunkirk" and sun-dappled romance "Call Me By Your Name."</p>
<p>Best-actress nominees are McDormand for "Three Billboards," Annette Bening for "Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool," Margot Robbie for "I, Tonya," Sally Hawkins for "The Shape of Water" and Saoirse Ronan for "Lady Bird."</p>
<p>Best-actor contenders are Daniel Day-Lewis for "Phantom Thread," Gary Oldman for "Darkest Hour," Kaluuya for "Get Out", Jamie Bell for "Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool" and Timothee Chalamet for "Call Me By Your Name."</p>
<p>Supporting-actor nominees include Christopher Plummer for "All the Money in the World." Plummer was a last-minute replacement for Kevin Spacey, who was cut from the already completed film following allegations of sexual misconduct.</p>
<p>Best-director contenders are del Toro, McDonagh, Nolan, Denis Villeneuve for "Blade Runner 2049" and Luca Guadagnino for "Call Me By Your Name."</p>
<p>Nominees for best British film — a separate category — are "Three Billboards," ''Darkest Hour," chilling comedy "The Death of Stalin," gay rural romance "God's Own Country," period drama "Lady Macbeth" and ursine adventure "Paddington 2."</p>
<p>The BAFTA awards ceremony is likely to echo the political tone of the Golden Globes, where many attendees wore black as a statement against sexual misconduct and Oprah Winfrey made a rousing speech calling for change.</p>
<p>BAFTA chair Jane Lush said the British film academy was determined to see the disturbing recent revelations become "a catalyst for real, lasting change."</p>
<p>Kristin Scott Thomas, who received a supporting actress nomination for playing Clementine Churchill in "Darkest Hour," said it's about time.</p>
<p>"The inequality is just insane, whether it's pay or whether it's opportunity," Scott Thomas said. "It's just enough, already.</p>
<p>"It will change," she said. "It's changing already. And now that the bullying has been highlighted — whether it's sexual bullying or just plain old bullying — men are starting to wake up to the fact that actually it's not acceptable. They have woken up to it, and they know they're not going to be able to get away with it anymore."</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>For full coverage of awards season, visit: <a href="" type="internal">https://apnews.com/tag/AwardsSeason</a></p>
<p>LONDON (AP) — Cold War monster movie "The Shape of Water" led nominations Tuesday for the <a href="http://www.bafta.org/film" type="external">British Academy Film Awards</a> , as organizers announced a new female host and promised to fight sexism and sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry.</p>
<p>Guillermo del Toro's fantastical thriller scored nominations in 12 categories, including best picture and best director, for the U.K. equivalent of the Oscars.</p>
<p>Del Toro said the nominations were vindication for an ambitious, genre-crossing movie "so in love with cinema that it fuses melodrama, musical, spy thriller, comedy."</p>
<p>"You toil and you never know whether you are going to be well received, what the destiny of the movie is," the Mexican director told The Associated Press.</p>
<p>Scorching tragicomedy "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" and Winston Churchill biopic "Darkest Hour" received nine nominations apiece for the BAFTA prizes, considered an indicator of likely success at Hollywood's Academy Awards.</p>
<p>Martin McDonagh, who wrote and directed "Three Billboards," said he was thrilled by the positive response to the film and its "strong and outrageous and nuanced" central character, played by Frances McDormand. The story of a mother avenging the rape and murder of her daughter won four trophies at the Golden Globes in Los Angeles on Sunday.</p>
<p>"You never know if a film that is as dark as this, and has as many strange shifts in tone as this, is going to connect," McDonagh said.</p>
<p>Other multiple nominees include sci-fi sequel "Blade Runner 2049" and World War II drama "Dunkirk," which each secured eight. Figure-skating showdown "I, Tonya" was nominated in five categories.</p>
<p>The BAFTA nominations brought good news for two movies snubbed by the Golden Globes: Christopher Nolan's visually dazzling war picture "Dunkirk" and Jordan Peele's comedy-horror story "Get Out."</p>
<p>The British academy embraced "Dunkirk" with nominations for best film and best director, among other categories. "Get Out" gained nominations for its British star, Daniel Kaluuya, and for original screenplay.</p>
<p>Winners will be announced at London's Royal Albert Hall on Feb. 18, two weeks before the Oscars.</p>
<p>The ceremony will be hosted by "Absolutely Fabulous" star Joanna Lumley, who is taking over from longtime master of ceremonies Stephen Fry.</p>
<p>Best-picture nominees are "The Shape of Water," ''Three Billboards," ''Darkest Hour," ''Dunkirk" and sun-dappled romance "Call Me By Your Name."</p>
<p>Best-actress nominees are McDormand for "Three Billboards," Annette Bening for "Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool," Margot Robbie for "I, Tonya," Sally Hawkins for "The Shape of Water" and Saoirse Ronan for "Lady Bird."</p>
<p>Best-actor contenders are Daniel Day-Lewis for "Phantom Thread," Gary Oldman for "Darkest Hour," Kaluuya for "Get Out", Jamie Bell for "Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool" and Timothee Chalamet for "Call Me By Your Name."</p>
<p>Supporting-actor nominees include Christopher Plummer for "All the Money in the World." Plummer was a last-minute replacement for Kevin Spacey, who was cut from the already completed film following allegations of sexual misconduct.</p>
<p>Best-director contenders are del Toro, McDonagh, Nolan, Denis Villeneuve for "Blade Runner 2049" and Luca Guadagnino for "Call Me By Your Name."</p>
<p>Nominees for best British film — a separate category — are "Three Billboards," ''Darkest Hour," chilling comedy "The Death of Stalin," gay rural romance "God's Own Country," period drama "Lady Macbeth" and ursine adventure "Paddington 2."</p>
<p>The BAFTA awards ceremony is likely to echo the political tone of the Golden Globes, where many attendees wore black as a statement against sexual misconduct and Oprah Winfrey made a rousing speech calling for change.</p>
<p>BAFTA chair Jane Lush said the British film academy was determined to see the disturbing recent revelations become "a catalyst for real, lasting change."</p>
<p>Kristin Scott Thomas, who received a supporting actress nomination for playing Clementine Churchill in "Darkest Hour," said it's about time.</p>
<p>"The inequality is just insane, whether it's pay or whether it's opportunity," Scott Thomas said. "It's just enough, already.</p>
<p>"It will change," she said. "It's changing already. And now that the bullying has been highlighted — whether it's sexual bullying or just plain old bullying — men are starting to wake up to the fact that actually it's not acceptable. They have woken up to it, and they know they're not going to be able to get away with it anymore."</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>For full coverage of awards season, visit: <a href="" type="internal">https://apnews.com/tag/AwardsSeason</a></p>
| false | 2 |
london ap cold war monster movie shape water led nominations tuesday british academy film awards organizers announced new female host promised fight sexism sexual misconduct entertainment industry guillermo del toros fantastical thriller scored nominations 12 categories including best picture best director uk equivalent oscars del toro said nominations vindication ambitious genrecrossing movie love cinema fuses melodrama musical spy thriller comedy toil never know whether going well received destiny movie mexican director told associated press scorching tragicomedy three billboards outside ebbing missouri winston churchill biopic darkest hour received nine nominations apiece bafta prizes considered indicator likely success hollywoods academy awards martin mcdonagh wrote directed three billboards said thrilled positive response film strong outrageous nuanced central character played frances mcdormand story mother avenging rape murder daughter four trophies golden globes los angeles sunday never know film dark many strange shifts tone going connect mcdonagh said multiple nominees include scifi sequel blade runner 2049 world war ii drama dunkirk secured eight figureskating showdown tonya nominated five categories bafta nominations brought good news two movies snubbed golden globes christopher nolans visually dazzling war picture dunkirk jordan peeles comedyhorror story get british academy embraced dunkirk nominations best film best director among categories get gained nominations british star daniel kaluuya original screenplay winners announced londons royal albert hall feb 18 two weeks oscars ceremony hosted absolutely fabulous star joanna lumley taking longtime master ceremonies stephen fry bestpicture nominees shape water three billboards darkest hour dunkirk sundappled romance call name bestactress nominees mcdormand three billboards annette bening film stars dont die liverpool margot robbie tonya sally hawkins shape water saoirse ronan lady bird bestactor contenders daniel daylewis phantom thread gary oldman darkest hour kaluuya get jamie bell film stars dont die liverpool timothee chalamet call name supportingactor nominees include christopher plummer money world plummer lastminute replacement kevin spacey cut already completed film following allegations sexual misconduct bestdirector contenders del toro mcdonagh nolan denis villeneuve blade runner 2049 luca guadagnino call name nominees best british film separate category three billboards darkest hour chilling comedy death stalin gay rural romance gods country period drama lady macbeth ursine adventure paddington 2 bafta awards ceremony likely echo political tone golden globes many attendees wore black statement sexual misconduct oprah winfrey made rousing speech calling change bafta chair jane lush said british film academy determined see disturbing recent revelations become catalyst real lasting change kristin scott thomas received supporting actress nomination playing clementine churchill darkest hour said time inequality insane whether pay whether opportunity scott thomas said enough already change said changing already bullying highlighted whether sexual bullying plain old bullying men starting wake fact actually acceptable woken know theyre going able get away anymore ___ full coverage awards season visit httpsapnewscomtagawardsseason london ap cold war monster movie shape water led nominations tuesday british academy film awards organizers announced new female host promised fight sexism sexual misconduct entertainment industry guillermo del toros fantastical thriller scored nominations 12 categories including best picture best director uk equivalent oscars del toro said nominations vindication ambitious genrecrossing movie love cinema fuses melodrama musical spy thriller comedy toil never know whether going well received destiny movie mexican director told associated press scorching tragicomedy three billboards outside ebbing missouri winston churchill biopic darkest hour received nine nominations apiece bafta prizes considered indicator likely success hollywoods academy awards martin mcdonagh wrote directed three billboards said thrilled positive response film strong outrageous nuanced central character played frances mcdormand story mother avenging rape murder daughter four trophies golden globes los angeles sunday never know film dark many strange shifts tone going connect mcdonagh said multiple nominees include scifi sequel blade runner 2049 world war ii drama dunkirk secured eight figureskating showdown tonya nominated five categories bafta nominations brought good news two movies snubbed golden globes christopher nolans visually dazzling war picture dunkirk jordan peeles comedyhorror story get british academy embraced dunkirk nominations best film best director among categories get gained nominations british star daniel kaluuya original screenplay winners announced londons royal albert hall feb 18 two weeks oscars ceremony hosted absolutely fabulous star joanna lumley taking longtime master ceremonies stephen fry bestpicture nominees shape water three billboards darkest hour dunkirk sundappled romance call name bestactress nominees mcdormand three billboards annette bening film stars dont die liverpool margot robbie tonya sally hawkins shape water saoirse ronan lady bird bestactor contenders daniel daylewis phantom thread gary oldman darkest hour kaluuya get jamie bell film stars dont die liverpool timothee chalamet call name supportingactor nominees include christopher plummer money world plummer lastminute replacement kevin spacey cut already completed film following allegations sexual misconduct bestdirector contenders del toro mcdonagh nolan denis villeneuve blade runner 2049 luca guadagnino call name nominees best british film separate category three billboards darkest hour chilling comedy death stalin gay rural romance gods country period drama lady macbeth ursine adventure paddington 2 bafta awards ceremony likely echo political tone golden globes many attendees wore black statement sexual misconduct oprah winfrey made rousing speech calling change bafta chair jane lush said british film academy determined see disturbing recent revelations become catalyst real lasting change kristin scott thomas received supporting actress nomination playing clementine churchill darkest hour said time inequality insane whether pay whether opportunity scott thomas said enough already change said changing already bullying highlighted whether sexual bullying plain old bullying men starting wake fact actually acceptable woken know theyre going able get away anymore ___ full coverage awards season visit httpsapnewscomtagawardsseason
| 900 |
<p>BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A group that preserves and promotes the work of a deaf, self-taught Idaho artist whose creations appear in museums around the world is fighting an attempt to dismiss its copyright infringement lawsuit against an Oregon children's book author.</p>
<p>The Boise, Idaho-based James Castle Collection and Archive said in documents filed Tuesday in federal court that Allen Say's book "Silent Days, Silent Dreams" steals images created by Castle, who died in 1977, and that its lawsuit should be allowed to move forward.</p>
<p>About 28 of the 150 illustrations in the children's book, described in the opening pages as a work of fiction about Castle, are Say's copies of the artist's work. The lawsuit filed in October seeks up to $150,000 for each allegation of copyright infringement.</p>
<p>A federal judge that month denied the group's request to temporarily halt book sales until the lawsuit plays out. U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill, who described the book as a "fictional biography," said it is not likely to infringe on Castle's work because it falls within fair legal use for purposes such as teaching or scholarship.</p>
<p>Say and publisher Scholastic Inc. asked last month that the lawsuit be dismissed.</p>
<p>The James Castle Collection and Archive responded Tuesday that the book does not fall within fair legal use because it doesn't add something new or transformative to Castle's work.</p>
<p>"Say's use of Castle's work gives the original no new expression, no new meaning and no new message," the group says, noting that the book is for commercial gain.</p>
<p>Scholastic Inc. spokeswoman Anne Sparkman said Wednesday that the company doesn't comment on pending litigation.</p>
<p>Castle was born deaf in 1899 in southwestern Idaho and was never able to speak or write. But he created thousands of works of art using various materials, including soot and his own spit.</p>
<p>The 80-year-old Say, who lives in Portland, Oregon, won the Caldecott Medal in 1994 for what judges said was the best American picture book for children.</p>
<p>His book is written from the perspective of Castle's fictional nephew. In the author's note, Say said he used soot and spit and other at-hand materials available to Castle to "emulate his unschooled style."</p>
<p>Bruce DeLaney, co-owner of Rediscovered Books in Boise, said Say's title has been a steady seller but not a best-seller despite being about a local artist. He said that might be because the James Castle Collection doesn't back the book.</p>
<p>"If there was a James Castle book that they were excited about, it would sell a lot better here in the valley because they have a lot of influence," he said.</p>
<p>BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A group that preserves and promotes the work of a deaf, self-taught Idaho artist whose creations appear in museums around the world is fighting an attempt to dismiss its copyright infringement lawsuit against an Oregon children's book author.</p>
<p>The Boise, Idaho-based James Castle Collection and Archive said in documents filed Tuesday in federal court that Allen Say's book "Silent Days, Silent Dreams" steals images created by Castle, who died in 1977, and that its lawsuit should be allowed to move forward.</p>
<p>About 28 of the 150 illustrations in the children's book, described in the opening pages as a work of fiction about Castle, are Say's copies of the artist's work. The lawsuit filed in October seeks up to $150,000 for each allegation of copyright infringement.</p>
<p>A federal judge that month denied the group's request to temporarily halt book sales until the lawsuit plays out. U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill, who described the book as a "fictional biography," said it is not likely to infringe on Castle's work because it falls within fair legal use for purposes such as teaching or scholarship.</p>
<p>Say and publisher Scholastic Inc. asked last month that the lawsuit be dismissed.</p>
<p>The James Castle Collection and Archive responded Tuesday that the book does not fall within fair legal use because it doesn't add something new or transformative to Castle's work.</p>
<p>"Say's use of Castle's work gives the original no new expression, no new meaning and no new message," the group says, noting that the book is for commercial gain.</p>
<p>Scholastic Inc. spokeswoman Anne Sparkman said Wednesday that the company doesn't comment on pending litigation.</p>
<p>Castle was born deaf in 1899 in southwestern Idaho and was never able to speak or write. But he created thousands of works of art using various materials, including soot and his own spit.</p>
<p>The 80-year-old Say, who lives in Portland, Oregon, won the Caldecott Medal in 1994 for what judges said was the best American picture book for children.</p>
<p>His book is written from the perspective of Castle's fictional nephew. In the author's note, Say said he used soot and spit and other at-hand materials available to Castle to "emulate his unschooled style."</p>
<p>Bruce DeLaney, co-owner of Rediscovered Books in Boise, said Say's title has been a steady seller but not a best-seller despite being about a local artist. He said that might be because the James Castle Collection doesn't back the book.</p>
<p>"If there was a James Castle book that they were excited about, it would sell a lot better here in the valley because they have a lot of influence," he said.</p>
| false | 2 |
boise idaho ap group preserves promotes work deaf selftaught idaho artist whose creations appear museums around world fighting attempt dismiss copyright infringement lawsuit oregon childrens book author boise idahobased james castle collection archive said documents filed tuesday federal court allen says book silent days silent dreams steals images created castle died 1977 lawsuit allowed move forward 28 150 illustrations childrens book described opening pages work fiction castle says copies artists work lawsuit filed october seeks 150000 allegation copyright infringement federal judge month denied groups request temporarily halt book sales lawsuit plays us district judge b lynn winmill described book fictional biography said likely infringe castles work falls within fair legal use purposes teaching scholarship say publisher scholastic inc asked last month lawsuit dismissed james castle collection archive responded tuesday book fall within fair legal use doesnt add something new transformative castles work says use castles work gives original new expression new meaning new message group says noting book commercial gain scholastic inc spokeswoman anne sparkman said wednesday company doesnt comment pending litigation castle born deaf 1899 southwestern idaho never able speak write created thousands works art using various materials including soot spit 80yearold say lives portland oregon caldecott medal 1994 judges said best american picture book children book written perspective castles fictional nephew authors note say said used soot spit athand materials available castle emulate unschooled style bruce delaney coowner rediscovered books boise said says title steady seller bestseller despite local artist said might james castle collection doesnt back book james castle book excited would sell lot better valley lot influence said boise idaho ap group preserves promotes work deaf selftaught idaho artist whose creations appear museums around world fighting attempt dismiss copyright infringement lawsuit oregon childrens book author boise idahobased james castle collection archive said documents filed tuesday federal court allen says book silent days silent dreams steals images created castle died 1977 lawsuit allowed move forward 28 150 illustrations childrens book described opening pages work fiction castle says copies artists work lawsuit filed october seeks 150000 allegation copyright infringement federal judge month denied groups request temporarily halt book sales lawsuit plays us district judge b lynn winmill described book fictional biography said likely infringe castles work falls within fair legal use purposes teaching scholarship say publisher scholastic inc asked last month lawsuit dismissed james castle collection archive responded tuesday book fall within fair legal use doesnt add something new transformative castles work says use castles work gives original new expression new meaning new message group says noting book commercial gain scholastic inc spokeswoman anne sparkman said wednesday company doesnt comment pending litigation castle born deaf 1899 southwestern idaho never able speak write created thousands works art using various materials including soot spit 80yearold say lives portland oregon caldecott medal 1994 judges said best american picture book children book written perspective castles fictional nephew authors note say said used soot spit athand materials available castle emulate unschooled style bruce delaney coowner rediscovered books boise said says title steady seller bestseller despite local artist said might james castle collection doesnt back book james castle book excited would sell lot better valley lot influence said
| 524 |
<p>Jan 22 (Reuters) - BIOFRONTERA AG:</p>
<p>* PRELIM UNAUDITED FULL YEAR 2017 REVENUE IS EXPECTED TO BE IN RANGE OF EUR12.0 TO EUR12.2 MILLION Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage: (Gdynia Newsroom)</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>WASHINGTON/BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A U.S. service member and another person from the U.S.-led coalition battling Islamic State were killed by an improvised explosive device in Syria, U.S officials said on Friday.</p>
<p>They are the first coalition service members to be killed or wounded in an attack this year.</p>
<p>Two U.S. officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity and citing initial information, said one of the people killed in the blast on Thursday blast was an American and the incident took place near the city of Manbij in northern Syria. They declined to comment on the nationality of the other individual.</p>
<p>Earlier on Friday, a coalition statement said two personnel had been killed and five wounded in Syria, but did not provide their nationalities.</p>
<p>The explosion happened on Thursday night, the coalition statement said.</p>
<p>The wounded were evacuated for treatment, according to the statement.</p>
<p>Manbij has largely been cleared of Islamic State and is significant because Turkey, which stormed the northern Syrian town of Afrin after an offensive against the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia, has repeatedly threatened to push its operations farther east to Manbij.</p>
<p>About 10 coalition personnel have been killed in non-combat-related incidents since Jan. 1, including seven Americans who died in a helicopter crash in Iraq earlier this month.</p>
<p>Islamic State militants continue to carry out bombings, ambushes and assassinations in Syria and Iraq despite the collapse last year of the cross-border “caliphate” declared in 2014 by their leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, whose whereabouts are unknown.</p>
<p>The United States says it has about 5,200 troops in Iraq, deployed alongside Iraqi armed forces. Some 2,000 U.S. troops are in Syria, allied to a Kurdish-led alliance that holds the largest swath of territory still outside the control of forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad.</p>
<p>The American casualty comes a day after President Donald Trump said the United States would be leaving Syria “very soon.” The State Department said it was not aware of any plans to withdraw from Syria.</p>
<p>Senior officials have said there is a need for a longer-term U.S. commitment in Syria.</p>
<p>Last year, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said he expected to see a larger U.S. civilian presence in Syria, including contractors and diplomats, as the fight against Islamic State militants nears its end and the focus turns toward rebuilding and ensuring the militants do not return.</p>
<p>Mattis has previously stated that U.S. forces will stay in Syria as long as Islamic State fighters want to fight and prevent the return of an “ISIS 2.0.”</p>
<p>Reporting by Idrees Ali and Maher Chmaytelli; Editing by Larry King and Bill Trott</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>ORLANDO, Fla. (Reuters) - An Orlando jury on Friday cleared the widow of the Pulse nightclub gunman of all charges in the massacre that killed 49 people, finding her not guilty of misleading investigators and aiding her husband in the attack.</p>
<p>Noor Salman, 31, could have faced up to life in prison had she been convicted of federal charges of obstruction of justice and aiding Mateen in providing support to the Islamic State militant group.</p>
<p>Instead the U.S. District Court jury acquitted Salman after roughly 12 hours of deliberation that began on Wednesday.</p>
<p>Mateen died in an exchange of gunfire with police at Pulse, a gay nightspot. At the time, Salman was home with the couple’s then 3-year-old son.</p>
<p>“We knew from day one she was innocent,” Salman’s aunt, Susan Adieh, told reporters just after the verdict.</p>
<p>The acquittal was likely to be an emotional blow for the survivors and families of those killed. The attack stunned and dismayed lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and Latinos who frequented Pulse.</p>
<p>At the time of the June 12, 2016, massacre, it was the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. It has since been surpassed by the Las Vegas attack in which a shooter opened fire on an outdoor concert from his hotel room last year, killing 58 people.</p>
<p>“We’re very sorry for the family members and friends of the 49 victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting, and also the survivors of that horrible attack,” said Susan Clary, Noor’s family’s spokeswoman.</p>
<p>A group of victims’ relatives and friends, accompanied by Pulse owner Barbara Poma, left the courthouse without responding to reporters’ questions.</p>
<p>Brandon Wolf, a survivor of the rampage, wrote on Twitter, “Noor Salman does not define justice for the 49. We do. In our fight to protect other communities from feeling our pain. In our commitment to creating a better, safer world for our children. “... Stay strong, Orlando. We are justice.”</p>
<p>When U.S. District Judge Paul Byron announced the not-guilty verdict, Salman broke down in tears and hugged her defense lawyers, according to reporters inside the courtroom.</p>
<p>“I don’t know how we’re going to make up for the last two years,” Salman’s uncle, Al Salman, told reporters. “I told you, and I can tell you now, that she’s innocent.”</p>
<p>Mateen, 29, opened fire shortly after 2 a.m. during the club’s popular Latin night, shooting patrons on the dance floor and spraying bullets at others hiding in bathroom stalls. He then held hostages during a standoff with police, claiming allegiance to a leader of the Islamic State militant group before he was shot dead.</p>
<p>Prosecutors said Salman cased possible attack sites with her husband and did nothing to stop his plans. They claimed she initially told investigators her husband acted without her knowledge but later said she knew he was watching Islamic State recruitment videos, had purchased an assault rifle, and examined three possible attack locations.</p>
<p>However, the Federal Bureau of Investigation did not record its interrogation of her, and the defense said she was coerced into making statements.</p>
<p>Defense attorneys said Salman was a “simple woman who loved children” and did not know of her husband’s intentions.</p> FILE PHOTO - Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) officials walk through the parking lot of the Pulse gay night club, the site of a mass shooting days earlier, in Orlando, Florida, U.S., June 15, 2016. REUTERS/Adrees Latif/File Photo
<p>The jury appeared to believe the defense portrayal of Salman as a battered spouse kept in the dark, said David Weinstein, a former federal prosecutor and now a partner at Coral Gables, Florida-based Hinshaw &amp; Culbertson.</p>
<p>“The lack of a videotaped confession had to have had an impact on the jury’s acceptance of her confession. From their not guilty verdict, it is clear they believed it was coerced,” Weinstein said in a statement.</p>
<p>Reporting by Joey Roulette in Orlando; Writing by Daniel Trotta; editing by David Gregorio and Jonathan Oatis</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>LONDON (Reuters) - The daughter of former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal is getting better after spending three weeks in critical condition due to a nerve toxin attack at his home in England, the hospital where she is being treated said on Thursday.</p>
<p>After the first known use of a military-grade nerve agent on European soil since World War Two, Britain blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for the attempted murder, and the West has expelled around 130 Russian diplomats.</p>
<p>Russia has denied using Novichok, a nerve agent first developed by the Soviet military, to attack Skripal. Moscow has said it suspects the British secret services are trying to frame Russia to stoke anti-Russian hysteria.</p>
<p>British counter-terrorism police said they now believe Skripal and his 33-year-old daughter Yulia were poisoned with a nerve toxin that had been left on the front door of their home in the genteel English cathedral city of Salisbury.</p>
<p>“I’m pleased to be able to report an improvement in the condition of Yulia Skripal,” Christine Blanshard, Medical Director for Salisbury District Hospital, said in a statement.</p> Related Coverage
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<p>“She has responded well to treatment but continues to receive expert clinical care 24 hours a day,” she said.</p>
<p>Her father remained in a critical but stable condition, the hospital said. Last week, a British judge said the Skripals might have suffered permanent brain damage as a result of the attack.</p>
<p>Police said on Thursday they had placed a cordon around a children’s play area near the Skripal’s modest house as a precaution.</p>
<p>Yulia and her 66-year-old father were found slumped on a bench outside a shopping center in Salisbury on March 4.</p>
<p>Britain has blamed the attempted murder on Russia, and expelled 23 Russians it said were spies working under diplomatic cover in retaliation.</p>
<p>Russia, which denies carrying out the attack, responded by throwing out 23 British diplomats. Moscow has since accused the British secret services of trying to frame Russia to stoke anti-Russian hysteria.</p> “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH”
<p>The attack on Skripal, a former colonel in Russian military intelligence who betrayed dozens of Russian agents to Britain’s MI6 spy service, has plunged Moscow’s relations with the West to a new post-Cold War low.</p>
<p>British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said late on Wednesday the Kremlin had underestimated the Western response to the attack, which also injured a British policeman.</p>
<p>Johnson told an audience of ambassadors in London that 27 countries had now moved to expel Russian diplomats over Moscow’s suspected involvement.</p>
<p>“These expulsions represent a moment when a feeling has suddenly crystallized, when years of vexation and provocation have worn the collective patience to breaking point, and when across the world – across three continents – there are countries who are willing to say enough is enough,” Johnson said.</p>
<p>Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, told reporters in Moscow on Thursday Britain was breaking international law by refusing to provide information on Yulia Skripal despite the fact she was a Russian citizen.</p>
<p>Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia was watching closely a media report that Britain might limit London’s role in marketing Russian debt to investors.</p> A police officer stands guard outside of the home of former Russian military intelligence officer Sergei Skripal, in Salisbury, Britain, March 6, 2018. REUTERS/Toby Melville
<p>Skripal, recruited by British spies while in Spain, ended up in Britain after a Cold War-style spy swap that brought 10 Russian spies captured in the United States back to Moscow in exchange for those accused by Moscow of spying for the West.</p>
<p>His house, which featured a good-luck horseshoe on the front door, was bought for 260,000 pounds ($360,000) in 2011. Skripal was listed as living there under his own name.</p>
<p>Since emerging from the world of high espionage and betrayal, he has lived modestly in the cathedral city of Salisbury and kept out of the spotlight until he and his daughter were found unconscious on March 4.</p>
<p>In the years since he found refuge in Britain, he lost both a wife and son.</p>
<p>The attack on Skripal has been likened to the killing of ex-KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko in Britain. Litvinenko, a critic of Putin, died in London in 2006 after drinking green tea laced with radioactive polonium 210.</p> Slideshow (8 Images)
<p>Russia denied any involvement in that killing.</p>
<p>An inquiry led by senior British judge Robert Owen found that former KGB bodyguard Andrei Lugovoy and another Russian, Dmitry Kovtun, carried out the murder of Litvinenko as part of an operation probably directed by Russia’s Federal Security Service.</p>
<p>Additional reporting by Michael Holden and Costas Pitas in London and Vladimir Soldatkin in Moscow; Writing by Richard Balmforth and Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Gareth Jones and Raissa Kasolowsky</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (Reuters) - President Donald Trump is telling advisers he wants an early exit of U.S. troops from Syria, two senior administration officials said on Friday, a stance that may put him at odds with many top U.S. officials.</p>
<p>Trump is spending Easter weekend at his Palm Beach, Florida, estate. During a speech in Richfield, Ohio on Thursday, he revealed his desire to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria and turn over security to regional countries.</p>
<p>He said that based on allied victories against Islamic State militants, “We’ll be coming out of Syria, like, very soon.”</p>
<p>“Let the other people take care of it now.&#160;Very soon, very soon, we’re coming out,” Trump said. “We’re going to get back to our country, where we belong, where we want to be.”</p>
<p>The administration officials, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said Trump’s comment during the speech reflected internal deliberations with advisers in which he has wondered aloud why U.S. forces should remain with the militants on their heels.</p>
<p>Trump has made clear that “once ISIS and its remnants are destroyed that the United States would be looking toward having countries in the region playing a larger role in ensuring security and leaving it at that,” one official said.</p>
<p>Such a policy is nowhere near complete, however, the official added.</p>
<p>The second official said Trump’s national security advisers have told him U.S. forces should stay in small numbers for at least a couple of years to make sure gains against the militants are held and ensure Syria does not essentially become a permanent Iranian base.</p>
<p>Top national security aides discussed Syria in a White House meeting recently but have yet to settle on a strategy for U.S. forces in Syria to recommend to Trump going forward, the official said.</p>
<p>“So far he has not given an order to just get out,” the official said.About 2,000 U.S. troops are deployed in Syria.</p>
<p>An American service member was among two people killed on Thursday by improvised explosive device in Syria, two U.S. officials told Reuters.</p>
<p>Four officials at the State and Defense Departments and the CIA said on Friday they were surprised by Trump’s Syria remarks, which one senior intelligence official said “appeared to be completely off the cuff.”</p>
<p>&#160; &#160; &#160;They added, speaking on the condition of anonymity, that Trump’s comments also appear to be part of a pattern that includes questioning the U.S. commitment to Article 5 of the NATO Charter and suggesting the Pentagon will pay for a border wall with Mexico, positions that many or most national security officials opposed.</p> U.S. President Donald Trump arrives at Palm Beach International Airport, Florida, U.S., for the Easter weekend at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach March 29, 2018. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas
<p>Trump last year went through a similar wrenching debate over whether to withdraw U.S. forces from Afghanistan, ultimately agreeing to keep them there but only after repeatedly raising questions of why they should stay.</p>
<p>Trump’s view on Syria may put him at odds with those of former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton, named by Trump a week ago to replace H.R. McMaster as White House national security adviser.”The caliphate in Syria &amp; Iraq is gone, but #ISIS’s terrorist activities will continue and #Iran is becoming a bigger player in the region,” Bolton tweeted last Oct. 20 when he was a national security analyst.</p>
<p>Reporting By Steve Holland and John Walcott; Editing by David Gregorio</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
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jan 22 reuters biofrontera ag prelim unaudited full year 2017 revenue expected range eur120 eur122 million source text eikon company coverage gdynia newsroom standards thomson reuters trust principles washingtonbaghdad reuters us service member another person usled coalition battling islamic state killed improvised explosive device syria us officials said friday first coalition service members killed wounded attack year two us officials speaking condition anonymity citing initial information said one people killed blast thursday blast american incident took place near city manbij northern syria declined comment nationality individual earlier friday coalition statement said two personnel killed five wounded syria provide nationalities explosion happened thursday night coalition statement said wounded evacuated treatment according statement manbij largely cleared islamic state significant turkey stormed northern syrian town afrin offensive syrian kurdish ypg militia repeatedly threatened push operations farther east manbij 10 coalition personnel killed noncombatrelated incidents since jan 1 including seven americans died helicopter crash iraq earlier month islamic state militants continue carry bombings ambushes assassinations syria iraq despite collapse last year crossborder caliphate declared 2014 leader abu bakr albaghdadi whose whereabouts unknown united states says 5200 troops iraq deployed alongside iraqi armed forces 2000 us troops syria allied kurdishled alliance holds largest swath territory still outside control forces loyal president bashar alassad american casualty comes day president donald trump said united states would leaving syria soon state department said aware plans withdraw syria senior officials said need longerterm us commitment syria last year us defense secretary jim mattis said expected see larger us civilian presence syria including contractors diplomats fight islamic state militants nears end focus turns toward rebuilding ensuring militants return mattis previously stated us forces stay syria long islamic state fighters want fight prevent return isis 20 reporting idrees ali maher chmaytelli editing larry king bill trott standards thomson reuters trust principles orlando fla reuters orlando jury friday cleared widow pulse nightclub gunman charges massacre killed 49 people finding guilty misleading investigators aiding husband attack noor salman 31 could faced life prison convicted federal charges obstruction justice aiding mateen providing support islamic state militant group instead us district court jury acquitted salman roughly 12 hours deliberation began wednesday mateen died exchange gunfire police pulse gay nightspot time salman home couples 3yearold son knew day one innocent salmans aunt susan adieh told reporters verdict acquittal likely emotional blow survivors families killed attack stunned dismayed lesbian gay bisexual transgender people latinos frequented pulse time june 12 2016 massacre deadliest mass shooting modern us history since surpassed las vegas attack shooter opened fire outdoor concert hotel room last year killing 58 people sorry family members friends 49 victims pulse nightclub shooting also survivors horrible attack said susan clary noors familys spokeswoman group victims relatives friends accompanied pulse owner barbara poma left courthouse without responding reporters questions brandon wolf survivor rampage wrote twitter noor salman define justice 49 fight protect communities feeling pain commitment creating better safer world children stay strong orlando justice us district judge paul byron announced notguilty verdict salman broke tears hugged defense lawyers according reporters inside courtroom dont know going make last two years salmans uncle al salman told reporters told tell shes innocent mateen 29 opened fire shortly 2 clubs popular latin night shooting patrons dance floor spraying bullets others hiding bathroom stalls held hostages standoff police claiming allegiance leader islamic state militant group shot dead prosecutors said salman cased possible attack sites husband nothing stop plans claimed initially told investigators husband acted without knowledge later said knew watching islamic state recruitment videos purchased assault rifle examined three possible attack locations however federal bureau investigation record interrogation defense said coerced making statements defense attorneys said salman simple woman loved children know husbands intentions file photo federal bureau investigation fbi officials walk parking lot pulse gay night club site mass shooting days earlier orlando florida us june 15 2016 reutersadrees latiffile photo jury appeared believe defense portrayal salman battered spouse kept dark said david weinstein former federal prosecutor partner coral gables floridabased hinshaw amp culbertson lack videotaped confession impact jurys acceptance confession guilty verdict clear believed coerced weinstein said statement reporting joey roulette orlando writing daniel trotta editing david gregorio jonathan oatis standards thomson reuters trust principles london reuters daughter former russian double agent sergei skripal getting better spending three weeks critical condition due nerve toxin attack home england hospital treated said thursday first known use militarygrade nerve agent european soil since world war two britain blamed russian president vladimir putin attempted murder west expelled around 130 russian diplomats russia denied using novichok nerve agent first developed soviet military attack skripal moscow said suspects british secret services trying frame russia stoke antirussian hysteria british counterterrorism police said believe skripal 33yearold daughter yulia poisoned nerve toxin left front door home genteel english cathedral city salisbury im pleased able report improvement condition yulia skripal christine blanshard medical director salisbury district hospital said statement related coverage new zealand bans entry russian expelled allies kremlin says closely watching uk idea limit access russian debt frances macron still due visit russia may le drian responded well treatment continues receive expert clinical care 24 hours day said father remained critical stable condition hospital said last week british judge said skripals might suffered permanent brain damage result attack police said thursday placed cordon around childrens play area near skripals modest house precaution yulia 66yearold father found slumped bench outside shopping center salisbury march 4 britain blamed attempted murder russia expelled 23 russians said spies working diplomatic cover retaliation russia denies carrying attack responded throwing 23 british diplomats moscow since accused british secret services trying frame russia stoke antirussian hysteria enough enough attack skripal former colonel russian military intelligence betrayed dozens russian agents britains mi6 spy service plunged moscows relations west new postcold war low british foreign secretary boris johnson said late wednesday kremlin underestimated western response attack also injured british policeman johnson told audience ambassadors london 27 countries moved expel russian diplomats moscows suspected involvement expulsions represent moment feeling suddenly crystallized years vexation provocation worn collective patience breaking point across world across three continents countries willing say enough enough johnson said maria zakharova spokeswoman russias foreign ministry told reporters moscow thursday britain breaking international law refusing provide information yulia skripal despite fact russian citizen kremlin spokesman dmitry peskov said russia watching closely media report britain might limit londons role marketing russian debt investors police officer stands guard outside home former russian military intelligence officer sergei skripal salisbury britain march 6 2018 reuterstoby melville skripal recruited british spies spain ended britain cold warstyle spy swap brought 10 russian spies captured united states back moscow exchange accused moscow spying west house featured goodluck horseshoe front door bought 260000 pounds 360000 2011 skripal listed living name since emerging world high espionage betrayal lived modestly cathedral city salisbury kept spotlight daughter found unconscious march 4 years since found refuge britain lost wife son attack skripal likened killing exkgb agent alexander litvinenko britain litvinenko critic putin died london 2006 drinking green tea laced radioactive polonium 210 slideshow 8 images russia denied involvement killing inquiry led senior british judge robert owen found former kgb bodyguard andrei lugovoy another russian dmitry kovtun carried murder litvinenko part operation probably directed russias federal security service additional reporting michael holden costas pitas london vladimir soldatkin moscow writing richard balmforth guy faulconbridge editing gareth jones raissa kasolowsky standards thomson reuters trust principles west palm beach fla reuters president donald trump telling advisers wants early exit us troops syria two senior administration officials said friday stance may put odds many top us officials trump spending easter weekend palm beach florida estate speech richfield ohio thursday revealed desire withdraw us forces syria turn security regional countries said based allied victories islamic state militants well coming syria like soon let people take care now160very soon soon coming trump said going get back country belong want administration officials speaking reuters condition anonymity said trumps comment speech reflected internal deliberations advisers wondered aloud us forces remain militants heels trump made clear isis remnants destroyed united states would looking toward countries region playing larger role ensuring security leaving one official said policy nowhere near complete however official added second official said trumps national security advisers told us forces stay small numbers least couple years make sure gains militants held ensure syria essentially become permanent iranian base top national security aides discussed syria white house meeting recently yet settle strategy us forces syria recommend trump going forward official said far given order get official saidabout 2000 us troops deployed syria american service member among two people killed thursday improvised explosive device syria two us officials told reuters four officials state defense departments cia said friday surprised trumps syria remarks one senior intelligence official said appeared completely cuff 160 160 160they added speaking condition anonymity trumps comments also appear part pattern includes questioning us commitment article 5 nato charter suggesting pentagon pay border wall mexico positions many national security officials opposed us president donald trump arrives palm beach international airport florida us easter weekend maralago palm beach march 29 2018 reutersyuri gripas trump last year went similar wrenching debate whether withdraw us forces afghanistan ultimately agreeing keep repeatedly raising questions stay trumps view syria may put odds former us ambassador united nations john bolton named trump week ago replace hr mcmaster white house national security adviserthe caliphate syria amp iraq gone isiss terrorist activities continue iran becoming bigger player region bolton tweeted last oct 20 national security analyst reporting steve holland john walcott editing david gregorio standards thomson reuters trust principles
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<p>Which may be why you had no idea there is a Miss World.</p>
<p>Let alone that the global pageant – which is considered more prestigious than Miss Universe – is happening right now, on the Maryland fringe of the nation’s capital, with a crowning Sunday at the new MGM National Harbor casino.</p>
<p>That’s why 117 women from around the world were gathered in the decidedly unglamorous Prince George’s Sports and Learning complex on Monday, in French braids and various shades of athleisure and face paint. There may be no bikini contest for Miss World – but there is a 60-meter dash.</p>
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<p>They had already competed in a preliminary fitness test, and the top 24 were facing off in a series of physical challenges – running, long jump, shot put – to earn a berth in the pageant finals.</p>
<p>A starting gun cracked. Miss Malta crossed the finish line, arms raised in triumph – and then promptly tripped over the raised edge of the track.</p>
<p>In any other country, the moment would have been captured by dozens of cameras and posted on Twitter – the Internet loves a good beauty queen blooper. But aside from some Chinese pageant bloggers, barely anyone was there.</p>
<p>Compare to a year ago, when the 2015 Miss World America found herself living the life of an A-list celebrity in Sanya, a resort town in southern China, where she competed in last year’s pageant.</p>
<p>Imagine, said Victoria Mendoza, what it’s like to be a member of One Direction or another red-hot pop group, where “people are banging on their tour bus screaming and crying and taking pictures. That was what it was.</p>
<p>“I had people taking pictures of me in the elevator at midnight,” she said. “You can’t understand anything they’re saying – women and children, crying. Men crying!”</p>
<p>Our planet, you see, can be roughly divided into Miss World turf and Miss Universe turf. The United States and Latin America? That’s where Miss Universe reigns. Donald Trump famously owned that 64-year-old pageant, before selling it at the messy start of his presidential campaign. It’s headquartered in New York, along with Miss USA, the stateside qualifying pageant. Both are broadcast live in the United States.</p>
<p>The 65-year-old Miss World is a British export. It’s hard to find in the United States – this year’s show will air Christmas Day, tape-delayed, on the E! cable channel. For years, its American contestant wasn’t even chosen through a pageant, but handpicked by a modeling agency.</p>
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<p>Miss World has produced few celebrities of any renown in the United States – compared with, say, Miss America, which brought us Gretchen Carlson and Vanessa Williams. True, Halle Berry and Lynda Carter passed through the Miss World system – but you didn’t know that, did you? The most recent American to win Miss World was Alexandria Mills in 2010. Name ring a bell? No?</p>
<p>But in parts of Europe and especially Asia, Miss World is everything.</p>
<p>“If you come from a pageant-crazy country like the Philippines, you’re a big deal. She’s set for life,” said Jeff Lee, a pageant coach who mostly works with Miss Universe contestants but coached Miss World Mexico this year. “The Chinese Miss World from 2007 did really well. You can see her as the face of Swarovski in every airport in China.” Miss World’s greatest success story is Aishwarya Rai, a Miss India who won the global pageant in 1992 and became a Bollywood superstar.</p>
<p>The competition is steeper for Miss World. Miss Universe only features about 80 women. But Miss World accepts contestants from 140 countries – Wales, for example, gets its own slot – and micro-states such as Guadeloupe and the Cook Islands.</p>
<p>“Miss World is a really unpredictable pageant,” said Lee. In 2009, it “had a winner from Gibraltar. Gibraltar!”</p>
<p>Julia Morley, the pageant’s chief executive and widow of founder Eric Morley, eliminated the swimsuit competition in 2014 and has tried to emphasize Miss World’s charitable mission. She said she is looking for contestants who are equally at ease doing a telethon in Iowa, charming donors at a cocktail party, and trekking to a mountaintop orphanage.</p>
<p>“We need girls who are going to be not too spoiled,” she said.</p>
<p>The winners “tend to be more demure, they tend to be more classically elegant,” said Lee. Where Miss Universe has “a lot of aggressive stage presence . . . a lot more slits, a lot more figure-hugging,” Miss World is more of a big ol’ ball gown type of pageant. “I send most of my girls [to Miss World] in bedazzled” dresses, he said.</p>
<p>Lee summed it up: “Universe is that modern sushi that you get at Nobu. Miss World is filet of sole.”</p>
<p>Miss World even eschews the stump-the-beauty-queen interview questions that generate so much buzz-worthy humiliation at other pageants. “They ask every year why you want to be Miss World,” Mendoza said. “That’s the million-dollar question.”</p>
<p>The contestants show the judges videos highlighting their charity work – beauty and misery to the tunes of melancholy piano concertos. Miss Côte d’Ivoire worked to prevent grim-looking skin rashes in rural villages. Miss Brazil helped lepers. Miss Indonesia helped a village of trash scavengers build a new school.</p>
<p>“This is quite a very tough one to take,” Morley said of Miss Kenya’s video about female genital mutilation, a topic championed by four contestants. “So if anyone can’t take it, I understand.”</p>
<p>But for a pageant that aims to be more compassionate, Miss World keeps getting tangled up in geopolitical strife.</p>
<p>In 2002, a Nigerian company offered to sponsor the pageant for $8 million, so Morley took the show to Abuja. The scantily-clad women arrived during Ramadan, enraging local Muslims and triggering a massive riot that killed 250.</p>
<p>This year’s controversy has centered around Miss Canada 2015, Anastasia Lin, who was denied a visa to the Sanya pageant because of her advocacy work for Chinese political prisoners. The pageant gave her a second chance this year, but she squabbled with organizers over whether they were trying to prevent her from attending a D.C. screening of a movie she stars in, which dramatizes Chinese human rights abuses.</p>
<p>Lin ultimately was allowed to attend the screening, and Morley chalked up the dispute to a misunderstanding – and not pressure from the Chinese sponsors of last year’s pageant. “She’s been treated kindly and well,” Morley said. “I don’t really want to whinge about her. It’s a shame that she feels some kind of anguish.”</p>
<p>This year, the pageant is “self-financed,” said Morley, who estimates it costs between $5 million and $6 million, largely funded by fees from license holders for the qualifying pageants. The new Miss World will win $100,000. Paperwork filed with the U.K.’s Charity Commission last year indicated that Miss World’s separate “Beauty With a Purpose” charity brought in roughly $250,000 and spent $86,000 on causes, but Morley said that doesn’t include the contestants’ individual fundraising and giving.</p>
<p>Morley decided to bring the pageant to Washington because, she said, the city exemplified “something more achievable for a woman to be able to realize more for herself.”</p>
<p>Getting more exposure for Miss World in the United States was a goal, too. But in an era when beauty pageants have lost their cultural relevance, that could be a challenge.</p>
<p>Jory Rivera, a pageant blogger from the Philippines, said he was “quite surprised” by how dead things seemed at the Gaylord Hotel, which is housing the contestants. A health convention down the hall seemed livelier than the pageant media day, which drew a handful of news outlets, mostly foreign.</p>
<p>Still, he had work to do. “The minute you publish a photo of Miss Philippines, you go viral,” he said. An instant later, Catriona Gray, Miss Philippines herself, appeared in the hallway wearing an Audrey Hepburn-esque pink cocktail dress.</p>
<p>“Cat!” he yelled.</p>
<p>“Hi, Jory. I’ll see you later,” said Gray.</p>
<p>“Oh my God, I have to take a photo of that dress,” he said as she vanished into a conference room.</p>
<p>Drawing somewhat less attention than Gray was Audra Mari – our very own Miss World America 2016. The North Dakota native admitted she knew little about Miss World before she entered. While her official platform is Habitat for Humanity, she’s now burning up with another cause: “I want, no matter what happens, for Miss World to have more of a name here,” she said.</p>
<p>If this were the interview competition, she would have nailed it.</p>
<p>“I don’t think that Miss World is a pageant,” she went on. “I feel like it really represents the modern woman.” A quick hug for the reporter, and then she dashed off. She had a relay race to run.</p>
<p>miss-world</p>
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may idea miss world let alone global pageant considered prestigious miss universe happening right maryland fringe nations capital crowning sunday new mgm national harbor casino thats 117 women around world gathered decidedly unglamorous prince georges sports learning complex monday french braids various shades athleisure face paint may bikini contest miss world 60meter dash advertisement already competed preliminary fitness test top 24 facing series physical challenges running long jump shot put earn berth pageant finals starting gun cracked miss malta crossed finish line arms raised triumph promptly tripped raised edge track country moment would captured dozens cameras posted twitter internet loves good beauty queen blooper aside chinese pageant bloggers barely anyone compare year ago 2015 miss world america found living life alist celebrity sanya resort town southern china competed last years pageant imagine said victoria mendoza like member one direction another redhot pop group people banging tour bus screaming crying taking pictures people taking pictures elevator midnight said cant understand anything theyre saying women children crying men crying planet see roughly divided miss world turf miss universe turf united states latin america thats miss universe reigns donald trump famously owned 64yearold pageant selling messy start presidential campaign headquartered new york along miss usa stateside qualifying pageant broadcast live united states 65yearold miss world british export hard find united states years show air christmas day tapedelayed e cable channel years american contestant wasnt even chosen pageant handpicked modeling agency advertisement miss world produced celebrities renown united states compared say miss america brought us gretchen carlson vanessa williams true halle berry lynda carter passed miss world system didnt know recent american win miss world alexandria mills 2010 name ring bell parts europe especially asia miss world everything come pageantcrazy country like philippines youre big deal shes set life said jeff lee pageant coach mostly works miss universe contestants coached miss world mexico year chinese miss world 2007 really well see face swarovski every airport china miss worlds greatest success story aishwarya rai miss india global pageant 1992 became bollywood superstar competition steeper miss world miss universe features 80 women miss world accepts contestants 140 countries wales example gets slot microstates guadeloupe cook islands miss world really unpredictable pageant said lee 2009 winner gibraltar gibraltar julia morley pageants chief executive widow founder eric morley eliminated swimsuit competition 2014 tried emphasize miss worlds charitable mission said looking contestants equally ease telethon iowa charming donors cocktail party trekking mountaintop orphanage need girls going spoiled said winners tend demure tend classically elegant said lee miss universe lot aggressive stage presence lot slits lot figurehugging miss world big ol ball gown type pageant send girls miss world bedazzled dresses said lee summed universe modern sushi get nobu miss world filet sole miss world even eschews stumpthebeautyqueen interview questions generate much buzzworthy humiliation pageants ask every year want miss world mendoza said thats milliondollar question contestants show judges videos highlighting charity work beauty misery tunes melancholy piano concertos miss côte divoire worked prevent grimlooking skin rashes rural villages miss brazil helped lepers miss indonesia helped village trash scavengers build new school quite tough one take morley said miss kenyas video female genital mutilation topic championed four contestants anyone cant take understand pageant aims compassionate miss world keeps getting tangled geopolitical strife 2002 nigerian company offered sponsor pageant 8 million morley took show abuja scantilyclad women arrived ramadan enraging local muslims triggering massive riot killed 250 years controversy centered around miss canada 2015 anastasia lin denied visa sanya pageant advocacy work chinese political prisoners pageant gave second chance year squabbled organizers whether trying prevent attending dc screening movie stars dramatizes chinese human rights abuses lin ultimately allowed attend screening morley chalked dispute misunderstanding pressure chinese sponsors last years pageant shes treated kindly well morley said dont really want whinge shame feels kind anguish year pageant selffinanced said morley estimates costs 5 million 6 million largely funded fees license holders qualifying pageants new miss world win 100000 paperwork filed uks charity commission last year indicated miss worlds separate beauty purpose charity brought roughly 250000 spent 86000 causes morley said doesnt include contestants individual fundraising giving morley decided bring pageant washington said city exemplified something achievable woman able realize getting exposure miss world united states goal era beauty pageants lost cultural relevance could challenge jory rivera pageant blogger philippines said quite surprised dead things seemed gaylord hotel housing contestants health convention hall seemed livelier pageant media day drew handful news outlets mostly foreign still work minute publish photo miss philippines go viral said instant later catriona gray miss philippines appeared hallway wearing audrey hepburnesque pink cocktail dress cat yelled hi jory ill see later said gray oh god take photo dress said vanished conference room drawing somewhat less attention gray audra mari miss world america 2016 north dakota native admitted knew little miss world entered official platform habitat humanity shes burning another cause want matter happens miss world name said interview competition would nailed dont think miss world pageant went feel like really represents modern woman quick hug reporter dashed relay race run missworld
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<p>LONDON (Reuters) - Police investigating a package which briefly sparked a security alert near London’s Kings Cross railway station on Friday said the item was non-suspicious and that cordons were being lifted.</p>
<p>“Police were dealing with a suspicious package in Pentonville Road/Caledonian Road, #KingsCross. The package has been deemed non-suspicious &amp; cordons now being removed,” local police said on Twitter.</p>
<p>A police spokesman had earlier said that roads had been shut near Kings Cross, but the station itself was not closed during the incident.</p>
<p>Reporting by Kate Holton and Alistair Smout; editing by Stephen Addison</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>SAO BERNARDO DO CAMPO, Brazil (Reuters) - Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva turned himself in to police on Saturday, ending a day-long standoff to begin serving a 12-year prison sentence for corruption that derails his bid to return to power.</p> Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is carried by supporters in front of the metallurgic trade union in Sao Bernardo do Campo, Brazil, April 7, 2018. REUTERS/Francisco Proer
<p>Lula was flown by police to the southern city of Curitiba, where he was tried and convicted late last year, and taken to the federal police headquarters there to serve his sentence. Protesters supporting Lula clashed with police outside the walls of the building. Officers used stun grenades, tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.</p>
<p>In a fiery speech hours earlier to a crowd of supporters of his Workers Party outside the union building in Sao Paulo, Brazil’s first working class president insisted on his innocence and called his bribery conviction a political crime, but said he would turn himself in.</p>
<p>“I will comply with the order,” he told the cheering crowd. “I’m not above the law. If I didn’t believe in the law, I wouldn’t have started a political party. I would have started a revolution.”</p> Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva walks to enter a Federal Police plane in Sao Paulo, Brazil, April 7, 2018. REUTERS/Paulo Whitaker
<p>Lula, who faces six more trials on corruption charges, finally ended the standoff when he moved out in a convoy of black police SUVs after pushing his way out of the steel workers union headquarters where he had taken refuge. He entered police custody more than 24 hours after a court deadline on Friday afternoon.</p>
<p>Lula’s imprisonment removes Brazil’s most influential political figure and front-runner from this year’s presidential campaign, throwing the race wide open and strengthening the odds of a more centrist candidate prevailing, according to analysts and political foes.</p>
<p>It also marks the end of an era for Brazil’s left, which was out in force in the streets outside of the union headquarters in the industrial suburb of Sao Paulo where Lula’s political career began four decades ago as a union organizer.</p>
<p>The throngs of supporters, which began gathering when he arrived late on Thursday night, dissuaded police from trying to take him into custody and heightened concerns about a violent showdown.</p>
<p>Supporters blocked Lula’s first attempt to leave the union building on Saturday afternoon, pushing back against fellow party members trying to open the gate for his car to leave. Workers Party chief Gleisi Hoffmann pleaded with supporters to let him exit.</p>
<p>Lula was convicted of taking bribes, including renovation of a three-story seaside apartment that he denies ever owning, from an engineering firm in return for help landing public contracts.</p> Slideshow (15 Images)
<p>“I’m the only person being prosecuted over an apartment that isn’t mine,” insisted Lula, standing on a sound truck alongside his impeached handpicked successor Dilma Rousseff and leaders of other left-wing parties.</p>
<p>A Brazilian Supreme Court justice on Saturday rejected the latest plea by Lula’s legal team, which argued they had not exhausted procedural appeals when a judge issued the order to turn himself in.</p>
<p>Under Brazilian electoral law, a candidate is forbidden from running for office for eight years after being found guilty of a crime. Rare exceptions have been made in the past, and the final decision would be made by the top electoral court if and when Lula officially files to be a candidate.</p>
<p>The union where Lula, 72, sought refuge was the launch pad for his career in the late 1970s leading nationwide strikes that helped to end Brazil’s 1964-85 military dictatorship.</p>
<p>Lula’s everyman style and unvarnished speeches electrified masses and eventually won him two terms as president, from 2003 to 2011, when he oversaw robust economic growth and falling inequality amid a commodities boom.</p>
<p>“Those who condemn me without proof know that I am innocent and I governed honestly,” Lula said in a video message to his supporters. “Those who persecute me can do what they want to me, but they will never imprison our dreams.”</p>
<p>Additional reporting by Lisandra Paraguassú, Ricardo Brito and Jake Spring in Brasilia, and Brad Brooks in Sao Paulo; Writing by Anthony Boadle and Jake Spring; Editing by Sandra Maler</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>BEIRUT (Reuters) - A chemical attack on a rebel-held town in eastern Ghouta killed dozens of people, a medical relief organization and rescue workers said, and Washington said it would demand an immediate international response if the reports were confirmed.</p>
<p>Medical relief organization Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) said 41 people had been killed, with other reports putting the death toll much higher. The civil defense rescue service put it as high as 150 on one of its Twitter feeds.</p>
<p>The Russian-backed Syrian state denied government forces had launched any chemical attack as the reports began circulating on Saturday night and said rebels in the eastern Ghouta town of Douma were in a state of collapse and spreading false news.</p>
<p>Reuters could not independently verify the reports.</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-attack-usa/u-s-says-reports-of-chemical-attack-in-syria-horrifying-if-confirmed-calls-for-response-idUSKBN1HF02N" type="external">U.S. says reports of chemical attack in Syria 'horrifying' if confirmed, calls for response</a>
<p>The lifeless bodies of around a dozen children, women and men, some of them with foam at the mouth, were shown in one video circulated by activists. “Douma city, April 7 ... there is a strong smell here,” a voice can be heard saying.</p>
<p>The U.S. State Department said reports of mass casualties from an alleged chemical weapons attack in Douma were “horrifying” and would, if confirmed, “demand an immediate response by the international community”.</p>
<p>The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said it could not confirm if chemical weapons had been used.</p>
<p>Observatory Director Rami Abdulrahman said 11 people had died in Douma as a result of suffocation caused by the smoke from conventional weapons being dropped by the government. It said a total of 70 people suffered breathing difficulties.</p>
<p>Medical relief organization SAMS said a chlorine bomb hit Douma hospital, killing six people, and a second attack with “mixed agents” including nerve agents had hit a nearby building.</p>
<p>Basel Termanini, the U.S.-based vice president of SAMS, told Reuters another 35 people had been killed at the nearby apartment building, most of them women and children. “We are contacting the U.N. and the U.S. government and the European governments,” he said by telephone.</p>
<p>Syrian state news agency SANA said the rebel group in Douma, Jaish al-Islam, was making “chemical attack fabrications in an exposed and failed attempt to obstruct advances by the Syrian Arab army,” citing an official source.</p>
<p>U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauret recalled a 2017 sarin gas attack in northwestern Syria that the West and the United Nations blamed on Assad’s government.</p>
<p>“The Assad regime and its backers must be held accountable and any further attacks prevented immediately,” she said.</p>
<p>“The United States calls on Russia to end this unmitigated support immediately and work with the international community to prevent further, barbaric chemical weapons attacks,” Nauert said in a statement.</p>
<p>The Syrian government has repeatedly denied using chemical weapons during the conflict.</p>
<p>Reporting by Dahlia Nehme and Mustafa Hashem; Additional reporting by Patrick Rucker and Tim Ahmann in Washington; Editing by Hugh Lawson and Sandra Maler</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>LONDON (Reuters) - Britain is considering offering poisoned Russian ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia new identities and a fresh life in the United States in an attempt to protect them from further murder attempts, the Sunday Times newspaper reported.</p> Police officers guard the cordoned off area around the home of former Russian intelligence officer Sergei Skripal in Salisbury, Britain, April 3, 2018. REUTERS/Hannah McKay
<p>It said officials at the MI6 intelligence agency have had discussions with their counterparts in the CIA about resettling the victims poisoned last month in the English city of Salisbury.</p>
<p>“They will be offered new identities,” it quoted an unidentified source as saying.</p>
<p>The paper said its sources believed Britain would want to ensure their safety by resettling them in one of the so-called “five eyes” countries, the intelligence-sharing partnership that</p>
<p>also includes the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.</p>
<p>“The obvious place to resettle them is America because</p>
<p>they’re less likely to be killed there and it’s easier to protect them there under a new identity,” it quoted what it called an intelligence source familiar with the negotiations as saying.</p>
<p>“There’s a preference for them to be resettled in a five-eyes nation because their case would have huge security implications,” the source added.</p>
<p>Britain’s Foreign Office had no immediate comment on the report.</p>
<p>Relations between Russia and Britain have plunged to their lowest in decades since the pair were found slumped unconscious on a bench in Salisbury on March 4.</p>
<p>Yulia, a Russian citizen, had arrived in Britain only the day before to visit her father, who has been living in Britain for some seven years.</p>
<p>Both were found by Britain to be suffering from the effects of poisoning by a nerve agent but they are now recovering in hospital.</p>
<p>Britain blamed Russia for the poisoning, calling it attempted murder, and asked Moscow to explain what happened but Russia denies any involvement and has suggested Britain itself carried out the attack to stoke anti-Russian hysteria.</p>
<p>The attack prompted the biggest Western expulsion of Russian diplomats since the Cold War as allies in Europe and the United States sided with London’s view that Moscow was either responsible or had lost control of the nerve agent.</p>
<p>Moscow has hit back by expelling Western diplomats, questioning how Britain knows that Russia was responsible and offering its rival interpretations, including that it amounted to a plot by British secret services.</p>
<p>Reporting by Stephen Addison; Editing by Sandra Maler</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>MUENSTER, Germany (Reuters) - A German man drove a van into a group of people sitting outside a restaurant in the old city center of Muenster in western Germany on Saturday, killing two of them before shooting himself dead, police and state officials said.</p>
<p>The vehicle plowed into people seated at tables outside the Grosser Kiepenkerl eatery, a popular destination for tourists in the pretty university city.</p>
<p>Herbert Reul, interior minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, home to Muenster, told German television the suspect was a German citizen and there was “no indication of an Islamist background”.</p>
<p>Police spokesman Andreas Bode earlier said: “At 15:27 (1327 GMT), a vehicle drove into the outside area of the restaurant ... three people were killed, 20 injured, and six of those seriously injured.”</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-germany-crash-timeline-factbox/factbox-deadly-attacks-in-western-europe-idUSKBN1HE0ND" type="external">Factbox: Deadly attacks in Western Europe</a>
<p>“The perpetrator killed himself in the vehicle,” Bode added.</p>
<p>Reul said the three dead included the perpetrator.</p>
<p>The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung reported in its online edition that the perpetrator was Jens R., 48, who resided some 2 km (1.2 miles) from the crime scene.</p>
<p>Broadcaster ZDF said police were searching his apartment and that he had contact with far-right extremists, but there was no evidence thus far that he was a far-right extremist himself.</p>
<p>The Sueddeutsche Zeitung said the man had psychological problems. The Interior Ministry in North Rhine-Westphalia would neither confirm nor deny the report.</p>
<p>Bode said investigators were looking at the possibility that other suspects fled the scene, though they had no evidence that this was the case, he added.</p>
<p>Bild newspaper said police were searching for two possible additional suspects after witnesses said they had seen two people jump out of the van. Jens R. had no police record, the newspaper said.</p>
<p>“The crime scene investigators are checking out the crime scene, trying to identify, investigate and secure traces. That is our current task,” Bode said.</p>
<p>A police spokeswoman said: “The danger is over.”</p>
<p>Martin Wiech, who said he had studied in Muenster, told Der Spiegel he had driven there to go shopping and was now unable to return to his car.</p> Police stands guard in a street near a place where a man drove a van into a group of people sitting outside a popular restaurant in the old city centre of Muenster, Germany, April 7, 2018. REUTERS/Leon Kuegeler
<p>“Unbelievable that something like this could happen in Muenster. It is one of the most peaceful cities I know,” he said.</p> MERKEL ‘SHAKEN’
<p>The incident came one year to the day after a truck attack in Stockholm that killed five people.</p>
<p>It also evoked memories of a December 2016 truck attack in Berlin that killed 12. In that attack, Anis Amri, a failed Tunisian asylum seeker with Islamist links, hijacked a truck, killed the driver and then plowed into a crowded marketplace, killing 11 more people and injuring dozens of others.</p> Slideshow (17 Images)
<p>Chancellor Angela Merkel said in a statement she was “deeply shaken”.</p>
<p>“Everything possible is now being done to clarify the facts and to support the victims and their relatives”, she added.</p>
<p>On Saturday evening, the White House issued a statement sending U.S. President Donald Trump’s “thoughts and prayers” to the families of those killed.</p>
<p>French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted: “All my thoughts are with the victims of the attack in Muenster. France shares in Germany’s suffering”.</p>
<p>Der Spiegel reported that police were investigating a similar incident that occurred in the eastern German city of Cottbus on Friday evening, when a man drove his car into a group of people, injuring two, before fleeing.</p>
<p>Additional reporting by Sabine Siebold and Andrea Shalal in Berlin, Matthias Inverardi in Duesseldorf, and Sarah White in Paris, Patrick Rucker in Washington; writing by Paul Carrel; editing by Dale Hudson, Hugh Lawson and G Crosse</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
| false | 2 |
london reuters police investigating package briefly sparked security alert near londons kings cross railway station friday said item nonsuspicious cordons lifted police dealing suspicious package pentonville roadcaledonian road kingscross package deemed nonsuspicious amp cordons removed local police said twitter police spokesman earlier said roads shut near kings cross station closed incident reporting kate holton alistair smout editing stephen addison standards thomson reuters trust principles sao bernardo campo brazil reuters former brazilian president luiz inacio lula da silva turned police saturday ending daylong standoff begin serving 12year prison sentence corruption derails bid return power former brazilian president luiz inacio lula da silva carried supporters front metallurgic trade union sao bernardo campo brazil april 7 2018 reutersfrancisco proer lula flown police southern city curitiba tried convicted late last year taken federal police headquarters serve sentence protesters supporting lula clashed police outside walls building officers used stun grenades tear gas rubber bullets disperse crowd fiery speech hours earlier crowd supporters workers party outside union building sao paulo brazils first working class president insisted innocence called bribery conviction political crime said would turn comply order told cheering crowd im law didnt believe law wouldnt started political party would started revolution former brazilian president luiz inacio lula da silva walks enter federal police plane sao paulo brazil april 7 2018 reuterspaulo whitaker lula faces six trials corruption charges finally ended standoff moved convoy black police suvs pushing way steel workers union headquarters taken refuge entered police custody 24 hours court deadline friday afternoon lulas imprisonment removes brazils influential political figure frontrunner years presidential campaign throwing race wide open strengthening odds centrist candidate prevailing according analysts political foes also marks end era brazils left force streets outside union headquarters industrial suburb sao paulo lulas political career began four decades ago union organizer throngs supporters began gathering arrived late thursday night dissuaded police trying take custody heightened concerns violent showdown supporters blocked lulas first attempt leave union building saturday afternoon pushing back fellow party members trying open gate car leave workers party chief gleisi hoffmann pleaded supporters let exit lula convicted taking bribes including renovation threestory seaside apartment denies ever owning engineering firm return help landing public contracts slideshow 15 images im person prosecuted apartment isnt mine insisted lula standing sound truck alongside impeached handpicked successor dilma rousseff leaders leftwing parties brazilian supreme court justice saturday rejected latest plea lulas legal team argued exhausted procedural appeals judge issued order turn brazilian electoral law candidate forbidden running office eight years found guilty crime rare exceptions made past final decision would made top electoral court lula officially files candidate union lula 72 sought refuge launch pad career late 1970s leading nationwide strikes helped end brazils 196485 military dictatorship lulas everyman style unvarnished speeches electrified masses eventually two terms president 2003 2011 oversaw robust economic growth falling inequality amid commodities boom condemn without proof know innocent governed honestly lula said video message supporters persecute want never imprison dreams additional reporting lisandra paraguassú ricardo brito jake spring brasilia brad brooks sao paulo writing anthony boadle jake spring editing sandra maler standards thomson reuters trust principles beirut reuters chemical attack rebelheld town eastern ghouta killed dozens people medical relief organization rescue workers said washington said would demand immediate international response reports confirmed medical relief organization syrian american medical society sams said 41 people killed reports putting death toll much higher civil defense rescue service put high 150 one twitter feeds russianbacked syrian state denied government forces launched chemical attack reports began circulating saturday night said rebels eastern ghouta town douma state collapse spreading false news reuters could independently verify reports related coverage us says reports chemical attack syria horrifying confirmed calls response lifeless bodies around dozen children women men foam mouth shown one video circulated activists douma city april 7 strong smell voice heard saying us state department said reports mass casualties alleged chemical weapons attack douma horrifying would confirmed demand immediate response international community syrian observatory human rights said could confirm chemical weapons used observatory director rami abdulrahman said 11 people died douma result suffocation caused smoke conventional weapons dropped government said total 70 people suffered breathing difficulties medical relief organization sams said chlorine bomb hit douma hospital killing six people second attack mixed agents including nerve agents hit nearby building basel termanini usbased vice president sams told reuters another 35 people killed nearby apartment building women children contacting un us government european governments said telephone syrian state news agency sana said rebel group douma jaish alislam making chemical attack fabrications exposed failed attempt obstruct advances syrian arab army citing official source us state department spokeswoman heather nauret recalled 2017 sarin gas attack northwestern syria west united nations blamed assads government assad regime backers must held accountable attacks prevented immediately said united states calls russia end unmitigated support immediately work international community prevent barbaric chemical weapons attacks nauert said statement syrian government repeatedly denied using chemical weapons conflict reporting dahlia nehme mustafa hashem additional reporting patrick rucker tim ahmann washington editing hugh lawson sandra maler standards thomson reuters trust principles london reuters britain considering offering poisoned russian exspy sergei skripal daughter yulia new identities fresh life united states attempt protect murder attempts sunday times newspaper reported police officers guard cordoned area around home former russian intelligence officer sergei skripal salisbury britain april 3 2018 reutershannah mckay said officials mi6 intelligence agency discussions counterparts cia resettling victims poisoned last month english city salisbury offered new identities quoted unidentified source saying paper said sources believed britain would want ensure safety resettling one socalled five eyes countries intelligencesharing partnership also includes united states canada australia new zealand obvious place resettle america theyre less likely killed easier protect new identity quoted called intelligence source familiar negotiations saying theres preference resettled fiveeyes nation case would huge security implications source added britains foreign office immediate comment report relations russia britain plunged lowest decades since pair found slumped unconscious bench salisbury march 4 yulia russian citizen arrived britain day visit father living britain seven years found britain suffering effects poisoning nerve agent recovering hospital britain blamed russia poisoning calling attempted murder asked moscow explain happened russia denies involvement suggested britain carried attack stoke antirussian hysteria attack prompted biggest western expulsion russian diplomats since cold war allies europe united states sided londons view moscow either responsible lost control nerve agent moscow hit back expelling western diplomats questioning britain knows russia responsible offering rival interpretations including amounted plot british secret services reporting stephen addison editing sandra maler standards thomson reuters trust principles muenster germany reuters german man drove van group people sitting outside restaurant old city center muenster western germany saturday killing two shooting dead police state officials said vehicle plowed people seated tables outside grosser kiepenkerl eatery popular destination tourists pretty university city herbert reul interior minister north rhinewestphalia home muenster told german television suspect german citizen indication islamist background police spokesman andreas bode earlier said 1527 1327 gmt vehicle drove outside area restaurant three people killed 20 injured six seriously injured related coverage factbox deadly attacks western europe perpetrator killed vehicle bode added reul said three dead included perpetrator frankfurter allgemeine zeitung reported online edition perpetrator jens r 48 resided 2 km 12 miles crime scene broadcaster zdf said police searching apartment contact farright extremists evidence thus far farright extremist sueddeutsche zeitung said man psychological problems interior ministry north rhinewestphalia would neither confirm deny report bode said investigators looking possibility suspects fled scene though evidence case added bild newspaper said police searching two possible additional suspects witnesses said seen two people jump van jens r police record newspaper said crime scene investigators checking crime scene trying identify investigate secure traces current task bode said police spokeswoman said danger martin wiech said studied muenster told der spiegel driven go shopping unable return car police stands guard street near place man drove van group people sitting outside popular restaurant old city centre muenster germany april 7 2018 reutersleon kuegeler unbelievable something like could happen muenster one peaceful cities know said merkel shaken incident came one year day truck attack stockholm killed five people also evoked memories december 2016 truck attack berlin killed 12 attack anis amri failed tunisian asylum seeker islamist links hijacked truck killed driver plowed crowded marketplace killing 11 people injuring dozens others slideshow 17 images chancellor angela merkel said statement deeply shaken everything possible done clarify facts support victims relatives added saturday evening white house issued statement sending us president donald trumps thoughts prayers families killed french president emmanuel macron tweeted thoughts victims attack muenster france shares germanys suffering der spiegel reported police investigating similar incident occurred eastern german city cottbus friday evening man drove car group people injuring two fleeing additional reporting sabine siebold andrea shalal berlin matthias inverardi duesseldorf sarah white paris patrick rucker washington writing paul carrel editing dale hudson hugh lawson g crosse standards thomson reuters trust principles
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<p>When Pro Football Hall of Fame voters meet the day before the Super Bowl to choose the Class of 2018, the decision to select Terrell Owens should take less time than it does to microwave a bag of popcorn.</p>
<p>T.O. belongs in Canton. It's a no-brainer.</p>
<p>Owens is second to Jerry Rice in all-time receiving yards and third in touchdown catches behind Rice and Randy Moss, a finalist in his first year of eligibility.</p>
<p>No. 81 was a five-time All-Pro, a six-time Pro Bowl pick and one of the most entertaining players of his generation.</p>
<p>Owens deserved first-ballot induction. Case closed. Yet, he's been snubbed twice because voters are punishing him for his off-field and locker room "antics" during a sensational 15-year career.</p>
<p>But there is no "character clause" for the Pro Football Hall of Fame - and that's not saying Owens should fail it.</p>
<p>Owens was never arrested nor suspended by the NFL. He didn't have legal issues or drug problems.</p>
<p>Still, he's been kept out because of questionable behavior and the perception he was a malcontent.</p>
<p>Sure, Owens often spoke his mind and sometimes got under the skin of teammates and coaches. He threw some of his quarterbacks - Jeff Garcia, Donovan McNabb and Tony Romo - under a rapidly moving bus. He also defended Romo from criticism and famously cried once while doing it.</p>
<p>Owens should be judged for his value on the field. He made every one of the five teams he played for better. He wasn't the perfect teammate and he was disruptive at times, but when he stepped on the field, he was exceptional and durable.</p>
<p>Owens only missed 12 games in his long career, plus the nine he didn't play in 2005 after Andy Reid kicked him off the Philadelphia Eagles following a nasty feud with McNabb and a dispute with management over a new contract.</p>
<p>That came only several months after Owens helped McNabb have his best season, and then heroically returned from ankle surgery - against doctor's orders - to play in the Super Bowl. Owens would've been MVP of that game against the New England Patriots if McNabb didn't throw three interceptions in the 24-21 loss.</p>
<p>Anyone who covered the T.O. circus in Philadelphia and the aftermath knows Owens wasn't solely to blame for the way things went down. McNabb was overly sensitive and didn't like all the attention Owens received. McNabb was booed by Eagles fans at the 1999 draft and he never forgot it. The same fans embraced Owens from the second he arrived in Philadelphia after eight seasons in San Francisco. More than 20,000 people went to see his first practice of 2004 training camp at Lehigh University. That led to jealousy issues with McNabb that finally escalated a year later.</p>
<p>After things got ugly in Philly, the locker room was divided between McNabb supporters and Owens supporters. If the mess was entirely Owens' fault, some of the well-respected veterans who sided with him wouldn't have done so.</p>
<p>But it was easier for Reid to dismiss a 32-year-old receiver who wanted more money than a 28-year-old franchise quarterback who never ruffled any feathers.</p>
<p>Owens ended up in Dallas and had three excellent seasons with the Cowboys before he wore out his welcome. He played one year in Buffalo and one more in Cincinnati.</p>
<p>Those who argue that Owens bounced around the league because teams couldn't wait to get rid of him should consider that Rice played for three clubs, and Hall of Fame receiver James Lofton also played for five. Lofton is on the 48-member selection committee and voted for Owens last year.</p>
<p>This really shouldn't be a difficult decision. It certainly doesn't compare to the steroid dilemma Major League Baseball Hall of Fame voters face each year.</p>
<p>Terrell Owens is one of the greatest players in the history of the sport and earned the right to receive a gold jacket.</p>
<p>When he finally puts one on, getcha popcorn ready because it'll be the most must-see induction speech ever.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>More AP NFL: <a href="https://pro32.ap.org" type="external">https://pro32.ap.org</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/AP_NFL" type="external">https://twitter.com/AP_NFL</a></p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow Rob Maaddi on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/AP_RobMaaddi" type="external">https://twitter.com/AP_RobMaaddi</a></p>
<p>When Pro Football Hall of Fame voters meet the day before the Super Bowl to choose the Class of 2018, the decision to select Terrell Owens should take less time than it does to microwave a bag of popcorn.</p>
<p>T.O. belongs in Canton. It's a no-brainer.</p>
<p>Owens is second to Jerry Rice in all-time receiving yards and third in touchdown catches behind Rice and Randy Moss, a finalist in his first year of eligibility.</p>
<p>No. 81 was a five-time All-Pro, a six-time Pro Bowl pick and one of the most entertaining players of his generation.</p>
<p>Owens deserved first-ballot induction. Case closed. Yet, he's been snubbed twice because voters are punishing him for his off-field and locker room "antics" during a sensational 15-year career.</p>
<p>But there is no "character clause" for the Pro Football Hall of Fame - and that's not saying Owens should fail it.</p>
<p>Owens was never arrested nor suspended by the NFL. He didn't have legal issues or drug problems.</p>
<p>Still, he's been kept out because of questionable behavior and the perception he was a malcontent.</p>
<p>Sure, Owens often spoke his mind and sometimes got under the skin of teammates and coaches. He threw some of his quarterbacks - Jeff Garcia, Donovan McNabb and Tony Romo - under a rapidly moving bus. He also defended Romo from criticism and famously cried once while doing it.</p>
<p>Owens should be judged for his value on the field. He made every one of the five teams he played for better. He wasn't the perfect teammate and he was disruptive at times, but when he stepped on the field, he was exceptional and durable.</p>
<p>Owens only missed 12 games in his long career, plus the nine he didn't play in 2005 after Andy Reid kicked him off the Philadelphia Eagles following a nasty feud with McNabb and a dispute with management over a new contract.</p>
<p>That came only several months after Owens helped McNabb have his best season, and then heroically returned from ankle surgery - against doctor's orders - to play in the Super Bowl. Owens would've been MVP of that game against the New England Patriots if McNabb didn't throw three interceptions in the 24-21 loss.</p>
<p>Anyone who covered the T.O. circus in Philadelphia and the aftermath knows Owens wasn't solely to blame for the way things went down. McNabb was overly sensitive and didn't like all the attention Owens received. McNabb was booed by Eagles fans at the 1999 draft and he never forgot it. The same fans embraced Owens from the second he arrived in Philadelphia after eight seasons in San Francisco. More than 20,000 people went to see his first practice of 2004 training camp at Lehigh University. That led to jealousy issues with McNabb that finally escalated a year later.</p>
<p>After things got ugly in Philly, the locker room was divided between McNabb supporters and Owens supporters. If the mess was entirely Owens' fault, some of the well-respected veterans who sided with him wouldn't have done so.</p>
<p>But it was easier for Reid to dismiss a 32-year-old receiver who wanted more money than a 28-year-old franchise quarterback who never ruffled any feathers.</p>
<p>Owens ended up in Dallas and had three excellent seasons with the Cowboys before he wore out his welcome. He played one year in Buffalo and one more in Cincinnati.</p>
<p>Those who argue that Owens bounced around the league because teams couldn't wait to get rid of him should consider that Rice played for three clubs, and Hall of Fame receiver James Lofton also played for five. Lofton is on the 48-member selection committee and voted for Owens last year.</p>
<p>This really shouldn't be a difficult decision. It certainly doesn't compare to the steroid dilemma Major League Baseball Hall of Fame voters face each year.</p>
<p>Terrell Owens is one of the greatest players in the history of the sport and earned the right to receive a gold jacket.</p>
<p>When he finally puts one on, getcha popcorn ready because it'll be the most must-see induction speech ever.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>More AP NFL: <a href="https://pro32.ap.org" type="external">https://pro32.ap.org</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/AP_NFL" type="external">https://twitter.com/AP_NFL</a></p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow Rob Maaddi on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/AP_RobMaaddi" type="external">https://twitter.com/AP_RobMaaddi</a></p>
| false | 2 |
pro football hall fame voters meet day super bowl choose class 2018 decision select terrell owens take less time microwave bag popcorn belongs canton nobrainer owens second jerry rice alltime receiving yards third touchdown catches behind rice randy moss finalist first year eligibility 81 fivetime allpro sixtime pro bowl pick one entertaining players generation owens deserved firstballot induction case closed yet hes snubbed twice voters punishing offfield locker room antics sensational 15year career character clause pro football hall fame thats saying owens fail owens never arrested suspended nfl didnt legal issues drug problems still hes kept questionable behavior perception malcontent sure owens often spoke mind sometimes got skin teammates coaches threw quarterbacks jeff garcia donovan mcnabb tony romo rapidly moving bus also defended romo criticism famously cried owens judged value field made every one five teams played better wasnt perfect teammate disruptive times stepped field exceptional durable owens missed 12 games long career plus nine didnt play 2005 andy reid kicked philadelphia eagles following nasty feud mcnabb dispute management new contract came several months owens helped mcnabb best season heroically returned ankle surgery doctors orders play super bowl owens wouldve mvp game new england patriots mcnabb didnt throw three interceptions 2421 loss anyone covered circus philadelphia aftermath knows owens wasnt solely blame way things went mcnabb overly sensitive didnt like attention owens received mcnabb booed eagles fans 1999 draft never forgot fans embraced owens second arrived philadelphia eight seasons san francisco 20000 people went see first practice 2004 training camp lehigh university led jealousy issues mcnabb finally escalated year later things got ugly philly locker room divided mcnabb supporters owens supporters mess entirely owens fault wellrespected veterans sided wouldnt done easier reid dismiss 32yearold receiver wanted money 28yearold franchise quarterback never ruffled feathers owens ended dallas three excellent seasons cowboys wore welcome played one year buffalo one cincinnati argue owens bounced around league teams couldnt wait get rid consider rice played three clubs hall fame receiver james lofton also played five lofton 48member selection committee voted owens last year really shouldnt difficult decision certainly doesnt compare steroid dilemma major league baseball hall fame voters face year terrell owens one greatest players history sport earned right receive gold jacket finally puts one getcha popcorn ready itll mustsee induction speech ever ___ ap nfl httpspro32aporg httpstwittercomap_nfl ___ follow rob maaddi twitter httpstwittercomap_robmaaddi pro football hall fame voters meet day super bowl choose class 2018 decision select terrell owens take less time microwave bag popcorn belongs canton nobrainer owens second jerry rice alltime receiving yards third touchdown catches behind rice randy moss finalist first year eligibility 81 fivetime allpro sixtime pro bowl pick one entertaining players generation owens deserved firstballot induction case closed yet hes snubbed twice voters punishing offfield locker room antics sensational 15year career character clause pro football hall fame thats saying owens fail owens never arrested suspended nfl didnt legal issues drug problems still hes kept questionable behavior perception malcontent sure owens often spoke mind sometimes got skin teammates coaches threw quarterbacks jeff garcia donovan mcnabb tony romo rapidly moving bus also defended romo criticism famously cried owens judged value field made every one five teams played better wasnt perfect teammate disruptive times stepped field exceptional durable owens missed 12 games long career plus nine didnt play 2005 andy reid kicked philadelphia eagles following nasty feud mcnabb dispute management new contract came several months owens helped mcnabb best season heroically returned ankle surgery doctors orders play super bowl owens wouldve mvp game new england patriots mcnabb didnt throw three interceptions 2421 loss anyone covered circus philadelphia aftermath knows owens wasnt solely blame way things went mcnabb overly sensitive didnt like attention owens received mcnabb booed eagles fans 1999 draft never forgot fans embraced owens second arrived philadelphia eight seasons san francisco 20000 people went see first practice 2004 training camp lehigh university led jealousy issues mcnabb finally escalated year later things got ugly philly locker room divided mcnabb supporters owens supporters mess entirely owens fault wellrespected veterans sided wouldnt done easier reid dismiss 32yearold receiver wanted money 28yearold franchise quarterback never ruffled feathers owens ended dallas three excellent seasons cowboys wore welcome played one year buffalo one cincinnati argue owens bounced around league teams couldnt wait get rid consider rice played three clubs hall fame receiver james lofton also played five lofton 48member selection committee voted owens last year really shouldnt difficult decision certainly doesnt compare steroid dilemma major league baseball hall fame voters face year terrell owens one greatest players history sport earned right receive gold jacket finally puts one getcha popcorn ready itll mustsee induction speech ever ___ ap nfl httpspro32aporg httpstwittercomap_nfl ___ follow rob maaddi twitter httpstwittercomap_robmaaddi
| 780 |
<p>SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California state lawmakers in 2017 passed nearly 900 bills that Gov. Jerry Brown then signed into law. Most of them take effect Monday. The new laws cover topics ranging from the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, to the state’s new recreational cannabis market, to the price of a college education.</p>
<p>Here are some of the laws taking effect with the new year:</p>
<p>IMMIGRATION</p>
<p>Police will no longer be able to ask people about their immigration status or participate in federal immigration enforcement actions under a law making California a sanctuary state. The law also allows jail officials to transfer inmates to federal immigration authorities only if they have been convicted of certain crimes.</p>
<p>It was among numerous bills designed to thwart the policies of President Donald Trump’s administration.</p>
<p>Also starting Monday, immigration officials will need a warrant to access workplaces or employee records and landlords will be barred from disclosing tenants’ citizenship. Another new law will prohibit university officials from cooperating with immigration officers.</p>
<p>An additional bill will bar law enforcement officials from detaining a crime victim or witness only because of an actual or suspected immigration violation, or turning them over to immigration authorities without a warrant.</p>
<p>CANNABIS</p>
<p>Sales of recreational marijuana will be legal under a 2016 voter initiative that created the nation’s biggest legal drug market.</p>
<p>But it will be illegal to take and drive a under bill taking effect Jan. 1 that outlaws smoking and ingesting marijuana, just as it’s already unlawful for drivers or passengers to drink alcohol while driving. A separate law that took effect in June bars the possession of open containers of cannabis while driving.</p>
<p>ON THE JOB</p>
<p>The state minimum wage will increase to $10.50 per hour for businesses with 25 or fewer employees and to $11 per hour for those with 26 or more employees.</p>
<p>Small businesses with between 20 and 49 people will have to offer 12 weeks of unpaid maternity and paternity leave to employees.</p>
<p>Employers can’t ask job applicants about their past salaries, a measure designed to narrow the pay gap between men and women.</p>
<p>California will become the 10th state to require both public- and private-sector employers of five or more employees to delay background checks and inquiries about job applicants’ conviction records until they have made a conditional job offer, a measure known as “ban the box.”</p>
<p>Those arrested but not convicted of a crime may ask a judge to seal their records, a move advocates say will help them get hired.</p>
<p>HEALTH-RELATED</p>
<p>Pharmaceutical companies must give advance notice before big price increases, although a drugmakers’ trade group is suing to block the measure.</p>
<p>It will be illegal to deny admission to long-term care facilities based on gender identity or sexual orientation or to repeatedly fail to use a resident’s preferred name or pronoun.</p>
<p>CLIMATE CHANGE</p>
<p>Old-fashioned incandescent light bulbs will start disappearing from shelves because they can no longer meet energy efficiency standards under a 2007 federal law. That leaves compact fluorescent lights or light-emitting diode bulbs under the regulations, which take effect nationwide in 2020. The federal law let California impose the higher standards two years early. Although the industry is fighting the change in court, a federal judge is letting the restriction take effect while the case continues.</p>
<p>EDUCATION</p>
<p>The first year of community college may be free for full-time, in-state students under a law that waives the $46 per unit fee for one academic year for first-time students. Lawmakers still must provide the money in the next budget. California follows Tennessee in creating the program, though California previously offered free tuition until 1984.</p>
<p>Public schools must test yearly for lead in their water supplies under a law passed in response to problems in San Ysidro schools.</p>
<p>Students in grades 7-12 must be taught about sexual abuse and human trafficking prevention.</p>
<p>Schools will be prohibited from “lunch shaming,” or publicly denying lunch to students or providing a snack instead because their parents haven’t paid meal fees.</p>
<p>Public schools serving low-income students in grades 6 to 12 must provide free tampons and menstrual products in half of restrooms.</p>
<p>FIREARMS</p>
<p>Ammunition purchased in another state, online or through a catalog can’t be brought into California except through a licensed ammunition dealer under Proposition 63, approved by voters in 2016. The initiative also sets a new process and deadlines for gun owners to give up their weapons if they are convicted of a felony or certain violent misdemeanors.</p>
<p>Superintendents can no longer allow people with permits to carry concealed guns on school grounds under a separate new law. Only about five school districts previously had such policies.</p>
<p>CRIMINAL JUSTICE</p>
<p>Repeat drug offenders will no longer automatically get an additional three years added to their sentences.</p>
<p>Criminals who videotape or stream their crimes on social media could face longer sentences under a law that allows judges to consider the recordings as aggravating factors in sentences for certain violent crimes.</p>
<p>Officials must consider paroling inmates who are age 60 or older and have served at least 25 years under a law that largely mirrors a 2014 federal court order designed to help reduce prison overcrowding.</p>
<p>Intentionally transmitting the AIDS-causing virus HIV is being reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor, the same punishment as transmitting other communicable diseases.</p>
<p>JUVENILE OFFENDERS</p>
<p>California inmates serving life sentences for crimes they committed as juveniles will get the chance to leave prison after 25 years, making state law conform to recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions.</p>
<p>Another bill expands California’s youthful parole program to age 25. State law already required that inmates who were under 23 when they committed their crimes be considered for parole after serving at least 15 years.</p>
<p>Families of youths in the juvenile justice system won’t be charged fees that advocates say many can’t afford to pay under a separate law. Another will require offenders age 15 or younger to consult with attorneys before waiving their rights.</p>
<p>One more bill will require that records be sealed for dismissed juvenile court petitions or after a juvenile completes a diversion program, while another will let a judge seal juvenile records even for serious or violent offenses after the offender has completed the sentence.</p>
<p>SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California state lawmakers in 2017 passed nearly 900 bills that Gov. Jerry Brown then signed into law. Most of them take effect Monday. The new laws cover topics ranging from the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, to the state’s new recreational cannabis market, to the price of a college education.</p>
<p>Here are some of the laws taking effect with the new year:</p>
<p>IMMIGRATION</p>
<p>Police will no longer be able to ask people about their immigration status or participate in federal immigration enforcement actions under a law making California a sanctuary state. The law also allows jail officials to transfer inmates to federal immigration authorities only if they have been convicted of certain crimes.</p>
<p>It was among numerous bills designed to thwart the policies of President Donald Trump’s administration.</p>
<p>Also starting Monday, immigration officials will need a warrant to access workplaces or employee records and landlords will be barred from disclosing tenants’ citizenship. Another new law will prohibit university officials from cooperating with immigration officers.</p>
<p>An additional bill will bar law enforcement officials from detaining a crime victim or witness only because of an actual or suspected immigration violation, or turning them over to immigration authorities without a warrant.</p>
<p>CANNABIS</p>
<p>Sales of recreational marijuana will be legal under a 2016 voter initiative that created the nation’s biggest legal drug market.</p>
<p>But it will be illegal to take and drive a under bill taking effect Jan. 1 that outlaws smoking and ingesting marijuana, just as it’s already unlawful for drivers or passengers to drink alcohol while driving. A separate law that took effect in June bars the possession of open containers of cannabis while driving.</p>
<p>ON THE JOB</p>
<p>The state minimum wage will increase to $10.50 per hour for businesses with 25 or fewer employees and to $11 per hour for those with 26 or more employees.</p>
<p>Small businesses with between 20 and 49 people will have to offer 12 weeks of unpaid maternity and paternity leave to employees.</p>
<p>Employers can’t ask job applicants about their past salaries, a measure designed to narrow the pay gap between men and women.</p>
<p>California will become the 10th state to require both public- and private-sector employers of five or more employees to delay background checks and inquiries about job applicants’ conviction records until they have made a conditional job offer, a measure known as “ban the box.”</p>
<p>Those arrested but not convicted of a crime may ask a judge to seal their records, a move advocates say will help them get hired.</p>
<p>HEALTH-RELATED</p>
<p>Pharmaceutical companies must give advance notice before big price increases, although a drugmakers’ trade group is suing to block the measure.</p>
<p>It will be illegal to deny admission to long-term care facilities based on gender identity or sexual orientation or to repeatedly fail to use a resident’s preferred name or pronoun.</p>
<p>CLIMATE CHANGE</p>
<p>Old-fashioned incandescent light bulbs will start disappearing from shelves because they can no longer meet energy efficiency standards under a 2007 federal law. That leaves compact fluorescent lights or light-emitting diode bulbs under the regulations, which take effect nationwide in 2020. The federal law let California impose the higher standards two years early. Although the industry is fighting the change in court, a federal judge is letting the restriction take effect while the case continues.</p>
<p>EDUCATION</p>
<p>The first year of community college may be free for full-time, in-state students under a law that waives the $46 per unit fee for one academic year for first-time students. Lawmakers still must provide the money in the next budget. California follows Tennessee in creating the program, though California previously offered free tuition until 1984.</p>
<p>Public schools must test yearly for lead in their water supplies under a law passed in response to problems in San Ysidro schools.</p>
<p>Students in grades 7-12 must be taught about sexual abuse and human trafficking prevention.</p>
<p>Schools will be prohibited from “lunch shaming,” or publicly denying lunch to students or providing a snack instead because their parents haven’t paid meal fees.</p>
<p>Public schools serving low-income students in grades 6 to 12 must provide free tampons and menstrual products in half of restrooms.</p>
<p>FIREARMS</p>
<p>Ammunition purchased in another state, online or through a catalog can’t be brought into California except through a licensed ammunition dealer under Proposition 63, approved by voters in 2016. The initiative also sets a new process and deadlines for gun owners to give up their weapons if they are convicted of a felony or certain violent misdemeanors.</p>
<p>Superintendents can no longer allow people with permits to carry concealed guns on school grounds under a separate new law. Only about five school districts previously had such policies.</p>
<p>CRIMINAL JUSTICE</p>
<p>Repeat drug offenders will no longer automatically get an additional three years added to their sentences.</p>
<p>Criminals who videotape or stream their crimes on social media could face longer sentences under a law that allows judges to consider the recordings as aggravating factors in sentences for certain violent crimes.</p>
<p>Officials must consider paroling inmates who are age 60 or older and have served at least 25 years under a law that largely mirrors a 2014 federal court order designed to help reduce prison overcrowding.</p>
<p>Intentionally transmitting the AIDS-causing virus HIV is being reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor, the same punishment as transmitting other communicable diseases.</p>
<p>JUVENILE OFFENDERS</p>
<p>California inmates serving life sentences for crimes they committed as juveniles will get the chance to leave prison after 25 years, making state law conform to recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions.</p>
<p>Another bill expands California’s youthful parole program to age 25. State law already required that inmates who were under 23 when they committed their crimes be considered for parole after serving at least 15 years.</p>
<p>Families of youths in the juvenile justice system won’t be charged fees that advocates say many can’t afford to pay under a separate law. Another will require offenders age 15 or younger to consult with attorneys before waiving their rights.</p>
<p>One more bill will require that records be sealed for dismissed juvenile court petitions or after a juvenile completes a diversion program, while another will let a judge seal juvenile records even for serious or violent offenses after the offender has completed the sentence.</p>
| false | 2 |
sacramento calif ap california state lawmakers 2017 passed nearly 900 bills gov jerry brown signed law take effect monday new laws cover topics ranging trump administrations immigration crackdown states new recreational cannabis market price college education laws taking effect new year immigration police longer able ask people immigration status participate federal immigration enforcement actions law making california sanctuary state law also allows jail officials transfer inmates federal immigration authorities convicted certain crimes among numerous bills designed thwart policies president donald trumps administration also starting monday immigration officials need warrant access workplaces employee records landlords barred disclosing tenants citizenship another new law prohibit university officials cooperating immigration officers additional bill bar law enforcement officials detaining crime victim witness actual suspected immigration violation turning immigration authorities without warrant cannabis sales recreational marijuana legal 2016 voter initiative created nations biggest legal drug market illegal take drive bill taking effect jan 1 outlaws smoking ingesting marijuana already unlawful drivers passengers drink alcohol driving separate law took effect june bars possession open containers cannabis driving job state minimum wage increase 1050 per hour businesses 25 fewer employees 11 per hour 26 employees small businesses 20 49 people offer 12 weeks unpaid maternity paternity leave employees employers cant ask job applicants past salaries measure designed narrow pay gap men women california become 10th state require public privatesector employers five employees delay background checks inquiries job applicants conviction records made conditional job offer measure known ban box arrested convicted crime may ask judge seal records move advocates say help get hired healthrelated pharmaceutical companies must give advance notice big price increases although drugmakers trade group suing block measure illegal deny admission longterm care facilities based gender identity sexual orientation repeatedly fail use residents preferred name pronoun climate change oldfashioned incandescent light bulbs start disappearing shelves longer meet energy efficiency standards 2007 federal law leaves compact fluorescent lights lightemitting diode bulbs regulations take effect nationwide 2020 federal law let california impose higher standards two years early although industry fighting change court federal judge letting restriction take effect case continues education first year community college may free fulltime instate students law waives 46 per unit fee one academic year firsttime students lawmakers still must provide money next budget california follows tennessee creating program though california previously offered free tuition 1984 public schools must test yearly lead water supplies law passed response problems san ysidro schools students grades 712 must taught sexual abuse human trafficking prevention schools prohibited lunch shaming publicly denying lunch students providing snack instead parents havent paid meal fees public schools serving lowincome students grades 6 12 must provide free tampons menstrual products half restrooms firearms ammunition purchased another state online catalog cant brought california except licensed ammunition dealer proposition 63 approved voters 2016 initiative also sets new process deadlines gun owners give weapons convicted felony certain violent misdemeanors superintendents longer allow people permits carry concealed guns school grounds separate new law five school districts previously policies criminal justice repeat drug offenders longer automatically get additional three years added sentences criminals videotape stream crimes social media could face longer sentences law allows judges consider recordings aggravating factors sentences certain violent crimes officials must consider paroling inmates age 60 older served least 25 years law largely mirrors 2014 federal court order designed help reduce prison overcrowding intentionally transmitting aidscausing virus hiv reduced felony misdemeanor punishment transmitting communicable diseases juvenile offenders california inmates serving life sentences crimes committed juveniles get chance leave prison 25 years making state law conform recent us supreme court decisions another bill expands californias youthful parole program age 25 state law already required inmates 23 committed crimes considered parole serving least 15 years families youths juvenile justice system wont charged fees advocates say many cant afford pay separate law another require offenders age 15 younger consult attorneys waiving rights one bill require records sealed dismissed juvenile court petitions juvenile completes diversion program another let judge seal juvenile records even serious violent offenses offender completed sentence sacramento calif ap california state lawmakers 2017 passed nearly 900 bills gov jerry brown signed law take effect monday new laws cover topics ranging trump administrations immigration crackdown states new recreational cannabis market price college education laws taking effect new year immigration police longer able ask people immigration status participate federal immigration enforcement actions law making california sanctuary state law also allows jail officials transfer inmates federal immigration authorities convicted certain crimes among numerous bills designed thwart policies president donald trumps administration also starting monday immigration officials need warrant access workplaces employee records landlords barred disclosing tenants citizenship another new law prohibit university officials cooperating immigration officers additional bill bar law enforcement officials detaining crime victim witness actual suspected immigration violation turning immigration authorities without warrant cannabis sales recreational marijuana legal 2016 voter initiative created nations biggest legal drug market illegal take drive bill taking effect jan 1 outlaws smoking ingesting marijuana already unlawful drivers passengers drink alcohol driving separate law took effect june bars possession open containers cannabis driving job state minimum wage increase 1050 per hour businesses 25 fewer employees 11 per hour 26 employees small businesses 20 49 people offer 12 weeks unpaid maternity paternity leave employees employers cant ask job applicants past salaries measure designed narrow pay gap men women california become 10th state require public privatesector employers five employees delay background checks inquiries job applicants conviction records made conditional job offer measure known ban box arrested convicted crime may ask judge seal records move advocates say help get hired healthrelated pharmaceutical companies must give advance notice big price increases although drugmakers trade group suing block measure illegal deny admission longterm care facilities based gender identity sexual orientation repeatedly fail use residents preferred name pronoun climate change oldfashioned incandescent light bulbs start disappearing shelves longer meet energy efficiency standards 2007 federal law leaves compact fluorescent lights lightemitting diode bulbs regulations take effect nationwide 2020 federal law let california impose higher standards two years early although industry fighting change court federal judge letting restriction take effect case continues education first year community college may free fulltime instate students law waives 46 per unit fee one academic year firsttime students lawmakers still must provide money next budget california follows tennessee creating program though california previously offered free tuition 1984 public schools must test yearly lead water supplies law passed response problems san ysidro schools students grades 712 must taught sexual abuse human trafficking prevention schools prohibited lunch shaming publicly denying lunch students providing snack instead parents havent paid meal fees public schools serving lowincome students grades 6 12 must provide free tampons menstrual products half restrooms firearms ammunition purchased another state online catalog cant brought california except licensed ammunition dealer proposition 63 approved voters 2016 initiative also sets new process deadlines gun owners give weapons convicted felony certain violent misdemeanors superintendents longer allow people permits carry concealed guns school grounds separate new law five school districts previously policies criminal justice repeat drug offenders longer automatically get additional three years added sentences criminals videotape stream crimes social media could face longer sentences law allows judges consider recordings aggravating factors sentences certain violent crimes officials must consider paroling inmates age 60 older served least 25 years law largely mirrors 2014 federal court order designed help reduce prison overcrowding intentionally transmitting aidscausing virus hiv reduced felony misdemeanor punishment transmitting communicable diseases juvenile offenders california inmates serving life sentences crimes committed juveniles get chance leave prison 25 years making state law conform recent us supreme court decisions another bill expands californias youthful parole program age 25 state law already required inmates 23 committed crimes considered parole serving least 15 years families youths juvenile justice system wont charged fees advocates say many cant afford pay separate law another require offenders age 15 younger consult attorneys waiving rights one bill require records sealed dismissed juvenile court petitions juvenile completes diversion program another let judge seal juvenile records even serious violent offenses offender completed sentence
| 1,320 |
<p>Facebook is once again tweaking what you see to focus more on personal connections and take the spotlight off brands and news articles.</p>
<p>Facebook says it <a href="" type="internal">will highlight posts you are most likely to engage with</a> and make time spent on social media more “meaningful.” That means cutting back on items that Facebook users tend to passively consume, including video.</p>
<p>To try to keep you glued to Facebook, it regularly updates the formula that decides what posts you see. With the latest update, the company says it’s focusing on what Facebook is for — connecting with people you know.</p>
<p>Here’s a look at some of the ways the company has changed the posts appearing in users’ customized news feeds, which launched in 2006, as well as some of the factors it uses in deciding what makes up those feeds.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>MAKING FACEBOOK “MEANINGFUL”</p>
<p>Last June, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said Facebook would tweak its formulas to try to boost membership in “meaningful” groups. Whenever someone spends at least 30 minutes a week in a group, Facebook classifies it as “meaningful.” The company estimates that 130 million of its users are in such groups. It wants to increase that to more than a billion by 2022.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>DOWN WITH CLICKBAIT?</p>
<p>Facebook tweaked its news feed in 2014 to clamp down on “clickbait,” posts with grabby headlines like “you won’t believe what happened next” yet ultimately disappoint.</p>
<p>More clicks mean the posts would move higher in people’s news feeds, even if people don’t really want to see them. How does Facebook decide what’s clickbait? For one, it knows how much time you spend reading an article. A quick click generally means you’re not really interested in the post that was shared.</p>
<p>Facebook’s push worked. You’re much less likely to see clickbait these days.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>YOUR PERSONAL “NEWSPAPER”</p>
<p>In 2013, Zuckerberg said he wanted the news feed to look more like a digital newspaper, filled with information tailored to each user. The company gave you more ways to decide what you want or don’t want to see.</p>
<p>Later, the company expanded these tools to let you choose the friends and brands whose posts you want to see first. That means a news hound can choose to highlight news articles, for instance. You can also unfollow a specific friend’s posts, while still staying connected on Facebook; you can decide to follow that person again later.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>ADS ARE SEPARATE</p>
<p>The changes won’t affect how often you see advertisements, or as Facebook calls them, “sponsored posts.”</p>
<p>However, you can tell Facebook not to show a particular ad again, and Facebook will stop showing you that and will show something else instead. Over time, Facebook will tailor the ads it shows you based on such feedback.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>DATA RULES</p>
<p>It’s in Facebook’s best interest to show its more than 1 billion daily users stuff that will keep them interested — and keep them coming back. To that end, the company says it surveys tens of thousands of users each day to get a more complete picture of what people want to see.</p>
<p>Facebook is once again tweaking what you see to focus more on personal connections and take the spotlight off brands and news articles.</p>
<p>Facebook says it <a href="" type="internal">will highlight posts you are most likely to engage with</a> and make time spent on social media more “meaningful.” That means cutting back on items that Facebook users tend to passively consume, including video.</p>
<p>To try to keep you glued to Facebook, it regularly updates the formula that decides what posts you see. With the latest update, the company says it’s focusing on what Facebook is for — connecting with people you know.</p>
<p>Here’s a look at some of the ways the company has changed the posts appearing in users’ customized news feeds, which launched in 2006, as well as some of the factors it uses in deciding what makes up those feeds.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>MAKING FACEBOOK “MEANINGFUL”</p>
<p>Last June, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said Facebook would tweak its formulas to try to boost membership in “meaningful” groups. Whenever someone spends at least 30 minutes a week in a group, Facebook classifies it as “meaningful.” The company estimates that 130 million of its users are in such groups. It wants to increase that to more than a billion by 2022.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>DOWN WITH CLICKBAIT?</p>
<p>Facebook tweaked its news feed in 2014 to clamp down on “clickbait,” posts with grabby headlines like “you won’t believe what happened next” yet ultimately disappoint.</p>
<p>More clicks mean the posts would move higher in people’s news feeds, even if people don’t really want to see them. How does Facebook decide what’s clickbait? For one, it knows how much time you spend reading an article. A quick click generally means you’re not really interested in the post that was shared.</p>
<p>Facebook’s push worked. You’re much less likely to see clickbait these days.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>YOUR PERSONAL “NEWSPAPER”</p>
<p>In 2013, Zuckerberg said he wanted the news feed to look more like a digital newspaper, filled with information tailored to each user. The company gave you more ways to decide what you want or don’t want to see.</p>
<p>Later, the company expanded these tools to let you choose the friends and brands whose posts you want to see first. That means a news hound can choose to highlight news articles, for instance. You can also unfollow a specific friend’s posts, while still staying connected on Facebook; you can decide to follow that person again later.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>ADS ARE SEPARATE</p>
<p>The changes won’t affect how often you see advertisements, or as Facebook calls them, “sponsored posts.”</p>
<p>However, you can tell Facebook not to show a particular ad again, and Facebook will stop showing you that and will show something else instead. Over time, Facebook will tailor the ads it shows you based on such feedback.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>DATA RULES</p>
<p>It’s in Facebook’s best interest to show its more than 1 billion daily users stuff that will keep them interested — and keep them coming back. To that end, the company says it surveys tens of thousands of users each day to get a more complete picture of what people want to see.</p>
| false | 2 |
facebook tweaking see focus personal connections take spotlight brands news articles facebook says highlight posts likely engage make time spent social media meaningful means cutting back items facebook users tend passively consume including video try keep glued facebook regularly updates formula decides posts see latest update company says focusing facebook connecting people know heres look ways company changed posts appearing users customized news feeds launched 2006 well factors uses deciding makes feeds ___ making facebook meaningful last june ceo mark zuckerberg said facebook would tweak formulas try boost membership meaningful groups whenever someone spends least 30 minutes week group facebook classifies meaningful company estimates 130 million users groups wants increase billion 2022 ___ clickbait facebook tweaked news feed 2014 clamp clickbait posts grabby headlines like wont believe happened next yet ultimately disappoint clicks mean posts would move higher peoples news feeds even people dont really want see facebook decide whats clickbait one knows much time spend reading article quick click generally means youre really interested post shared facebooks push worked youre much less likely see clickbait days ___ personal newspaper 2013 zuckerberg said wanted news feed look like digital newspaper filled information tailored user company gave ways decide want dont want see later company expanded tools let choose friends brands whose posts want see first means news hound choose highlight news articles instance also unfollow specific friends posts still staying connected facebook decide follow person later ___ ads separate changes wont affect often see advertisements facebook calls sponsored posts however tell facebook show particular ad facebook stop showing show something else instead time facebook tailor ads shows based feedback ___ data rules facebooks best interest show 1 billion daily users stuff keep interested keep coming back end company says surveys tens thousands users day get complete picture people want see facebook tweaking see focus personal connections take spotlight brands news articles facebook says highlight posts likely engage make time spent social media meaningful means cutting back items facebook users tend passively consume including video try keep glued facebook regularly updates formula decides posts see latest update company says focusing facebook connecting people know heres look ways company changed posts appearing users customized news feeds launched 2006 well factors uses deciding makes feeds ___ making facebook meaningful last june ceo mark zuckerberg said facebook would tweak formulas try boost membership meaningful groups whenever someone spends least 30 minutes week group facebook classifies meaningful company estimates 130 million users groups wants increase billion 2022 ___ clickbait facebook tweaked news feed 2014 clamp clickbait posts grabby headlines like wont believe happened next yet ultimately disappoint clicks mean posts would move higher peoples news feeds even people dont really want see facebook decide whats clickbait one knows much time spend reading article quick click generally means youre really interested post shared facebooks push worked youre much less likely see clickbait days ___ personal newspaper 2013 zuckerberg said wanted news feed look like digital newspaper filled information tailored user company gave ways decide want dont want see later company expanded tools let choose friends brands whose posts want see first means news hound choose highlight news articles instance also unfollow specific friends posts still staying connected facebook decide follow person later ___ ads separate changes wont affect often see advertisements facebook calls sponsored posts however tell facebook show particular ad facebook stop showing show something else instead time facebook tailor ads shows based feedback ___ data rules facebooks best interest show 1 billion daily users stuff keep interested keep coming back end company says surveys tens thousands users day get complete picture people want see
| 600 |
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court appeared likely Tuesday to make it easier for participants in employee retirement plans to challenge companies’ investment decisions that eat into retirement savings.</p>
<p>The justices heard arguments in an appeal filed by current and former employees of energy company Edison International. They object to the way the company manages employees’ 401(k) retirement accounts, including choosing mutual funds with excessive fees.</p>
<p>The high court hearing comes amid heightened scrutiny of the management of Americans’ retirement investments, including President Barack Obama’s call on Monday for tougher standards for brokers who direct individual accounts.</p>
<p>Industry and consumer groups are closely watching the Supreme Court case because 401(k) accounts have grown in popularity and dollar amount, supplanting traditional pension plans. Fifty-three million people hold about $4.5 trillion in 401(k) accounts as of Sept. 30, according to the Investment Company Institute, an industry group.</p>
<p>Edison offers employees roughly 40 mutual funds to choose from in deciding how to invest. The case involves a few funds in which the company chose higher-cost funds open to the general public instead of identical investments with lower costs that are open only to institutional investors. The Edison employees contend that the company did not act in their best interests by choosing the higher-cost funds.</p>
<p>Higher fees of just 1 percent a year would erase $70,000 from an average worker’s account over a four-decade career compared with lower-cost options, according to a study last year by the Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank.</p>
<p>The Edison lawsuit is one of several claims being advanced by St. Louis-based lawyer Jerome Schlicter. Last week, Lockheed Martin said it has agreed to pay $62 million to settle another Schlicter-led lawsuit that accused the defense contractor of mismanaging employee retirement accounts and using funds with excessive fees.</p>
<p>The justices themselves recognized the value of the lower-cost investments. “The day when you get from your mutual funds a notice that says, by the way, you’re a preferred investor, we’re switching you, it’s the exact same fund under a different name, now you don’t pay fees, that’s a red-letter day for an investor,” Justice Elena Kagan said.</p>
<p>There was little support evident among the justices for a decision by the federal appeals court in San Francisco that dismissed the Edison employees’ claims under the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act, known as ERISA. The appeals court said the lawsuit was filed too late to contest the original choice of funds and said the executives who make those decisions only have to reconsider them if circumstances change dramatically.</p>
<p>Jonathan Hacker, representing Edison, said it would be too much to ask the executives periodically to “scour the market for...cheaper investment options.”</p>
<p>But Justice Anthony Kennedy was unmoved. “Well, you certainly do, if that’s what a prudent trustee would do.”</p>
<p>A decision in Tibble v. Edison International, 13-550, is expected by late June.</p>
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court appeared likely Tuesday to make it easier for participants in employee retirement plans to challenge companies’ investment decisions that eat into retirement savings.</p>
<p>The justices heard arguments in an appeal filed by current and former employees of energy company Edison International. They object to the way the company manages employees’ 401(k) retirement accounts, including choosing mutual funds with excessive fees.</p>
<p>The high court hearing comes amid heightened scrutiny of the management of Americans’ retirement investments, including President Barack Obama’s call on Monday for tougher standards for brokers who direct individual accounts.</p>
<p>Industry and consumer groups are closely watching the Supreme Court case because 401(k) accounts have grown in popularity and dollar amount, supplanting traditional pension plans. Fifty-three million people hold about $4.5 trillion in 401(k) accounts as of Sept. 30, according to the Investment Company Institute, an industry group.</p>
<p>Edison offers employees roughly 40 mutual funds to choose from in deciding how to invest. The case involves a few funds in which the company chose higher-cost funds open to the general public instead of identical investments with lower costs that are open only to institutional investors. The Edison employees contend that the company did not act in their best interests by choosing the higher-cost funds.</p>
<p>Higher fees of just 1 percent a year would erase $70,000 from an average worker’s account over a four-decade career compared with lower-cost options, according to a study last year by the Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank.</p>
<p>The Edison lawsuit is one of several claims being advanced by St. Louis-based lawyer Jerome Schlicter. Last week, Lockheed Martin said it has agreed to pay $62 million to settle another Schlicter-led lawsuit that accused the defense contractor of mismanaging employee retirement accounts and using funds with excessive fees.</p>
<p>The justices themselves recognized the value of the lower-cost investments. “The day when you get from your mutual funds a notice that says, by the way, you’re a preferred investor, we’re switching you, it’s the exact same fund under a different name, now you don’t pay fees, that’s a red-letter day for an investor,” Justice Elena Kagan said.</p>
<p>There was little support evident among the justices for a decision by the federal appeals court in San Francisco that dismissed the Edison employees’ claims under the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act, known as ERISA. The appeals court said the lawsuit was filed too late to contest the original choice of funds and said the executives who make those decisions only have to reconsider them if circumstances change dramatically.</p>
<p>Jonathan Hacker, representing Edison, said it would be too much to ask the executives periodically to “scour the market for...cheaper investment options.”</p>
<p>But Justice Anthony Kennedy was unmoved. “Well, you certainly do, if that’s what a prudent trustee would do.”</p>
<p>A decision in Tibble v. Edison International, 13-550, is expected by late June.</p>
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washington ap supreme court appeared likely tuesday make easier participants employee retirement plans challenge companies investment decisions eat retirement savings justices heard arguments appeal filed current former employees energy company edison international object way company manages employees 401k retirement accounts including choosing mutual funds excessive fees high court hearing comes amid heightened scrutiny management americans retirement investments including president barack obamas call monday tougher standards brokers direct individual accounts industry consumer groups closely watching supreme court case 401k accounts grown popularity dollar amount supplanting traditional pension plans fiftythree million people hold 45 trillion 401k accounts sept 30 according investment company institute industry group edison offers employees roughly 40 mutual funds choose deciding invest case involves funds company chose highercost funds open general public instead identical investments lower costs open institutional investors edison employees contend company act best interests choosing highercost funds higher fees 1 percent year would erase 70000 average workers account fourdecade career compared lowercost options according study last year center american progress liberal think tank edison lawsuit one several claims advanced st louisbased lawyer jerome schlicter last week lockheed martin said agreed pay 62 million settle another schlicterled lawsuit accused defense contractor mismanaging employee retirement accounts using funds excessive fees justices recognized value lowercost investments day get mutual funds notice says way youre preferred investor switching exact fund different name dont pay fees thats redletter day investor justice elena kagan said little support evident among justices decision federal appeals court san francisco dismissed edison employees claims federal employee retirement income security act known erisa appeals court said lawsuit filed late contest original choice funds said executives make decisions reconsider circumstances change dramatically jonathan hacker representing edison said would much ask executives periodically scour market forcheaper investment options justice anthony kennedy unmoved well certainly thats prudent trustee would decision tibble v edison international 13550 expected late june washington ap supreme court appeared likely tuesday make easier participants employee retirement plans challenge companies investment decisions eat retirement savings justices heard arguments appeal filed current former employees energy company edison international object way company manages employees 401k retirement accounts including choosing mutual funds excessive fees high court hearing comes amid heightened scrutiny management americans retirement investments including president barack obamas call monday tougher standards brokers direct individual accounts industry consumer groups closely watching supreme court case 401k accounts grown popularity dollar amount supplanting traditional pension plans fiftythree million people hold 45 trillion 401k accounts sept 30 according investment company institute industry group edison offers employees roughly 40 mutual funds choose deciding invest case involves funds company chose highercost funds open general public instead identical investments lower costs open institutional investors edison employees contend company act best interests choosing highercost funds higher fees 1 percent year would erase 70000 average workers account fourdecade career compared lowercost options according study last year center american progress liberal think tank edison lawsuit one several claims advanced st louisbased lawyer jerome schlicter last week lockheed martin said agreed pay 62 million settle another schlicterled lawsuit accused defense contractor mismanaging employee retirement accounts using funds excessive fees justices recognized value lowercost investments day get mutual funds notice says way youre preferred investor switching exact fund different name dont pay fees thats redletter day investor justice elena kagan said little support evident among justices decision federal appeals court san francisco dismissed edison employees claims federal employee retirement income security act known erisa appeals court said lawsuit filed late contest original choice funds said executives make decisions reconsider circumstances change dramatically jonathan hacker representing edison said would much ask executives periodically scour market forcheaper investment options justice anthony kennedy unmoved well certainly thats prudent trustee would decision tibble v edison international 13550 expected late june
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<p>In 2010, Albuquerque police fired their weapons about once every two weeks.</p>
<p>And the taxpayers paid some hefty amounts for some of those incidents.</p>
<p>Among the shootings that year were Christopher Torres, a schizophrenic man who was shot in the back in his parents’ backyard by plainclothes detectives trying to serve a warrant; Kenneth Ellis III, an Iraq war veteran shot by a detective outside a convenience store as he was pointing a gun at his own head; and Alan Gomez, who only had a spoon when shot by a tactical officer called to a domestic disturbance. Settlements in those three cases cost taxpayers nearly $15 million.</p>
<p>Compare that to last year.</p>
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<p>Albuquerque police fired their weapons just seven times in the line of duty. It was the fewest by the department in a calendar year in at least seven years – and evidence, police officials say, that the hours of training officers have completed and policy changes called for in a settlement between the city and the U.S. Department of Justice are working.</p>
<p>“It’s good news, and it’s also a time not to sit back and relax,” Mayor Richard Berry said.</p>
<p>Berry took office in December 2009. The next year, APD officers fired their weapons in the line of duty 25 times. That statistic includes shooting animals and accidental discharges, as well as shooting people or at them.</p>
<p>But despite the comparatively low number of police shootings last year, the department still has work to do, advocates for reform said.</p>
<p>“Hopefully, there is some causal connection between the reforms and those lowering numbers,” said Steven Robert Allen, a spokesman for APD Forward, a coalition of community groups that advocates for police reform. “The numbers could spike up again or drop lower, but ultimately we need a system in place (so police) adequately respond to uses of force.”</p>
<p>Even police officials said the number of times they open fire in a given year isn’t the best mark for critiquing the department.</p>
<p>“Officers always take the number of police shootings with a grain of salt because they know (the police) are only one part of the equation,” said Maj. Jessica Tyler, who oversees Albuquerque police’s training academy. “We can’t control an armed subject who decides to come out and point a gun at citizens or officers.”</p>
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<p>The shootings in 2016 included a shootout involving three APD officers, two Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Ronald Delfino, a Westside Bloods gang member who had just shot and killed a 64-year-old grandfather and robbed a McDonald’s.</p>
<p>Delfino was killed.</p>
<p>In another shooting last year, an Albuquerque police officer on a U.S. Marshals Task Force opened fire after his team got “pinned down” by gunfire while trying to arrest Mario Montoya, according to court documents.</p>
<p>Montoya died in the gunfight. The task force was rescued by Albuquerque police’s SWAT team – which didn’t fire a shot.</p>
<p>In all, a suspect was killed in four of the shootings police were involved in last year.</p>
<p>Policy dividend</p>
<p>Tyler credited the drop in shootings to policy changes and hours of additional training that were implemented as part of a court-enforceable settlement agreement between the DOJ and the city of Albuquerque.</p>
<p>“It’s knowing the difference between when (officers) can shoot and when they have to shoot,” Tyler said. “And that’s a really thin line sometimes.”</p>
<p>In April 2014, the Justice Department announced that its investigation of Albuquerque police had found a pattern of excessive force. The DOJ reviewed 20 shootings over a three-year period and found the majority of them were not justified because the suspect posed only a minimal threat to officers.</p>
<p>Those findings led to months of negotiations between the DOJ and the city of Albuquerque, which resulted in a settlement agreement that outlines a series of changes the police must adopt.</p>
<p>Since the settlement was reached, APD has implemented a new use-of-force policy, which emphasizes de-escalation and instructs officers to use the “minimum amount of force necessary.”</p>
<p>Officers also have undergone hours of crisis intervention training, which aims to improve communication skills so they can better calm suspects.</p>
<p>Major changes</p>
<p>The department has made several significant changes to they way officers operate.</p>
<p>For example, the DOJ said in its findings letter that APD’s SWAT team acted recklessly and was poorly supervised.</p>
<p>In the past, supervisors in the field could call the team to action. Now, calling out the SWAT team must be approved by a lieutenant on the team. A psychologist also is deployed every time the SWAT team is activated, Tyler said.</p>
<p>APD’s SWAT team hasn’t fired a weapon in the line of duty since July 2014, according to shooting statistics.</p>
<p>Despite the decrease in the number of shootings last year, the work called for in the settlement agreement is far from over.</p>
<p>James Ginger, the independent monitor overseeing police reform, repeatedly has raised concerns in reports about the way supervisors respond to cases where officers use force against someone.</p>
<p>During a status conference before U.S. District Court Judge Robert Brack earlier this month, attorneys involved in the litigation said there are ongoing problems with the way the city and Ginger are working together, according to a transcript of the hearing.</p>
<p>Luis Salcedo, an attorney with the Civil Rights Division of the DOJ, said at the Jan. 5 hearing that much of the disagreement is over Ginger’s role in the process.</p>
<p>The city has tried to get Ginger to edit his reports on the police’s progress prior to filing them in court to reflect what the city says are changes since the information in the reports is several months old. Brack has allowed Ginger to file them without additional edits.</p>
<p>Ginger, who has worked on reforms by police departments in other states, said he’s never had “this level” of disagreement with a city going through the reform process.</p>
<p>“I am as concerned today as I’ve been at any point in the process,” Brack said at the Jan. 5 hearing, according to a transcript.</p>
<p>Allen said APD Forward remains concerned about the police’s response to the settlement agreement.</p>
<p>“It’s clear they don’t have the systems in place to track and respond to uses of force,” he said. “It’s alarming reading the monitor reports.”</p>
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<p>June 15: 8600 Central Suspect: Ronald Delfino Officers: Bradley Perry, Adrian Montoya, Daniel Porter; and BCSO deputies Johann Jareno and Tyler Rahn</p>
<p>June 29: 6th Street NW Suspect: Charging boxer (dog), missed Officer: Cassandra Bailey</p>
<p>Oct. 22: 9100 San Nicholas NW Suspect: Michael Pacheco, missed Officer: Steven Arias</p>
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2010 albuquerque police fired weapons every two weeks taxpayers paid hefty amounts incidents among shootings year christopher torres schizophrenic man shot back parents backyard plainclothes detectives trying serve warrant kenneth ellis iii iraq war veteran shot detective outside convenience store pointing gun head alan gomez spoon shot tactical officer called domestic disturbance settlements three cases cost taxpayers nearly 15 million compare last year advertisement albuquerque police fired weapons seven times line duty fewest department calendar year least seven years evidence police officials say hours training officers completed policy changes called settlement city us department justice working good news also time sit back relax mayor richard berry said berry took office december 2009 next year apd officers fired weapons line duty 25 times statistic includes shooting animals accidental discharges well shooting people despite comparatively low number police shootings last year department still work advocates reform said hopefully causal connection reforms lowering numbers said steven robert allen spokesman apd forward coalition community groups advocates police reform numbers could spike drop lower ultimately need system place police adequately respond uses force even police officials said number times open fire given year isnt best mark critiquing department officers always take number police shootings grain salt know police one part equation said maj jessica tyler oversees albuquerque polices training academy cant control armed subject decides come point gun citizens officers advertisement shootings 2016 included shootout involving three apd officers two bernalillo county sheriffs office deputies ronald delfino westside bloods gang member shot killed 64yearold grandfather robbed mcdonalds delfino killed another shooting last year albuquerque police officer us marshals task force opened fire team got pinned gunfire trying arrest mario montoya according court documents montoya died gunfight task force rescued albuquerque polices swat team didnt fire shot suspect killed four shootings police involved last year policy dividend tyler credited drop shootings policy changes hours additional training implemented part courtenforceable settlement agreement doj city albuquerque knowing difference officers shoot shoot tyler said thats really thin line sometimes april 2014 justice department announced investigation albuquerque police found pattern excessive force doj reviewed 20 shootings threeyear period found majority justified suspect posed minimal threat officers findings led months negotiations doj city albuquerque resulted settlement agreement outlines series changes police must adopt since settlement reached apd implemented new useofforce policy emphasizes deescalation instructs officers use minimum amount force necessary officers also undergone hours crisis intervention training aims improve communication skills better calm suspects major changes department made several significant changes way officers operate example doj said findings letter apds swat team acted recklessly poorly supervised past supervisors field could call team action calling swat team must approved lieutenant team psychologist also deployed every time swat team activated tyler said apds swat team hasnt fired weapon line duty since july 2014 according shooting statistics despite decrease number shootings last year work called settlement agreement far james ginger independent monitor overseeing police reform repeatedly raised concerns reports way supervisors respond cases officers use force someone status conference us district court judge robert brack earlier month attorneys involved litigation said ongoing problems way city ginger working together according transcript hearing luis salcedo attorney civil rights division doj said jan 5 hearing much disagreement gingers role process city tried get ginger edit reports polices progress prior filing court reflect city says changes since information reports several months old brack allowed ginger file without additional edits ginger worked reforms police departments states said hes never level disagreement city going reform process concerned today ive point process brack said jan 5 hearing according transcript allen said apd forward remains concerned polices response settlement agreement clear dont systems place track respond uses force said alarming reading monitor reports june 15 8600 central suspect ronald delfino officers bradley perry adrian montoya daniel porter bcso deputies johann jareno tyler rahn june 29 6th street nw suspect charging boxer dog missed officer cassandra bailey oct 22 9100 san nicholas nw suspect michael pacheco missed officer steven arias 160
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<p>Many travel brands, guidebook publishers and websites offer lists of places to go in the new year. Here’s a look at some of those lists for 2018. They include destinations from every continent, cities large and small, islands, rural regions and wilderness areas, places in the news and places you’ve never heard of.</p>
<p>AFAR MAGAZINE: Abu Dhabi; Athens; Bhutan; Big Sur, California; Dundee, Scotland; Faroe Islands; France; Guatemala; Haida Gwaii, British Colombia; Kazakhstan; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Mexico City; Northern California wine country; Palau; Seattle; Sun Valley, Idaho; Tromso, Norway; Twin Cities, Minnesota. AFAR’s Traveler’s Choice Destination Awards (based on votes from readers): U.S. road trip, California; European city, Barcelona; adventure, Torres Del Paine, Chile; Caribbean/Mexico Beach: Turks &amp; Caicos; wine region, Bordeaux; arts &amp; culture, Cape Town, South Africa; U.S. beach: Manele Bay, Lanai, Hawaii; Asian/Middle Eastern city: Tokyo; U.S. city, Austin; epic trip: overwater bungalow in French Polynesia; global festival, Day of the Dead; sports event, 2018 Winter Olympics; food destination, Paris; ski destination, St. Moritz, Switzerland; water sports destination, Fiji.</p>
<p>BOOKING.COM: Top 10 emerging destinations (highest increase in bookings from 2016 to 2017): Sapporo, Japan; Nashville; Bucharest, Romania; Zakopane, Poland; Taitung City, Taiwan; Brisbane, Australia; Bogota, Colombia; Portland, Oregon; Lima, Peru; Hanover, Germany.</p>
<p>CONDE NAST TRAVELER: Antarctica; the Bahamas; Guadalajara, Mexico; Minneapolis; New Orleans; Malta; The Azores, Portugal; Georgia (country); Bratislava, Slovakia; South Korea; Chengdu, China; Kolkata and the Andaman Islands, India; Petra, Jordan; Quito, Ecuador; Northern Peru; Great Barrier Reef, Australia; Accra, Ghana; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.</p>
<p>DK EYEWITNESS TRAVEL (guidebook publishers): South Africa, Chile, Malta, Norway, Northern France, Japan, Pacific Northwest, Singapore, United Kingdom, India.</p>
<p>FODOR’S: First 10 on a list of 52 destinations: Marrakesh, Morocco; Cook Islands; Salar de Tunupa, Bolivia; Split, Croatia; Kuwait; Memphis; Armenia; Mongolia; Dublin; Belize.</p>
<p>FROMMER’S: Lake District, Cumbria, England; Nicaragua; Mauritius; Malta; County Clare, Ireland; Bisbee, Arizona; St. Helena; Jordan; Gotthard Panorama Express, Switzerland; San Antonio, Texas; Colombia; Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India; New Orleans; Hamburg, Germany; Faroe Islands; Juneau, Alaska; Mekong River; the Caribbean.</p>
<p>INSTAGRAM: Emerging beaches and islands, based on year-over-year growth of geotag check-ins: Miami-South Beach; Boracay, Philippines; Sochi, Russia; Phi Phi Islands, Thailand; San Andres Island, Colombia; Bondi Beach, Sydney; Arraial Do Cabo, Rio de Janeiro; Waikiki Beach-Honolulu; Penang Island, Malaysia; Kuta Beach, Pantai Kuta, Bali, Indonesia.</p>
<p>LONELY PLANET: Top 10 countries: Chile, South Korea, Portugal, Djibouti, New Zealand, Malta, Georgia, Mauritius, China, South Africa. Top 10 cities: Seville, Spain; Detroit; Canberra, Australia; Hamburg, Germany; Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Antwerp, Belgium; Matera, Italy; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Guanajuato, Mexico; Oslo, Norway. Top 10 regions: Belfast &amp; the Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland; Alaska; Julian Alps, Slovenia; Languedoc-Roussilon, France; Kii Peninsula, Japan; Aeolian Islands, Italy; Southern U.S.; Lahaul and Spiti, India; Bahia, Brazil; Los Haitises National Park, Dominican Republic. Top 10 best value: Tallinn, Estonia; Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain; Arizona; La Paz, Bolivia; Poland; Essaouira, Morocco; United Kingdom; Baja California, Mexico; Jacksonville, Florida; Hunan, China.</p>
<p>NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC: Harar, Ethiopia; Jujuy Province, Argentina; Tbilisi, Georgia; Sydney, Australia; Oaxaca, Mexico; Vienna; North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii; Malmo, Sweden; Jordan Trail; Dublin; Madagascar; Santiago, Chile; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Cleveland, Ohio; Tetouan, Morocco; Seoraksan National Park, South Korea; Albania; San Antonio, Texas; Labrador, Canada; Friesland, Netherlands; Ruaha National Park, Tanzania.</p>
<p>ROBB REPORT: Napa Valley; Buenos Aires; Burgenstock, Switzerland; Shanghai; Rwanda; St. Barts; Pyeongchang, South Korea; Antarctica; New Orleans; Cambodia; Mexico City; Iceland; Toronto; Hamburg, Germany; Malta; Israel; Botswana; St. Kitts; Marrakech, Morocco; Newport, Rhode Island; Russia.</p>
<p>TRAVEL LEADERS: Top 15 from survey of luxury travel agents: Italy, European river cruise, Mediterranean cruise, U.S., Ireland, Australia, Mexico, Caribbean cruise, France, Iceland, Jamaica, South Africa, England, Greece, New Zealand and Spain (last two tied for 15th)</p>
<p>TRAVEL + LEISURE MAGAZINE: First 10 on a list of 50: Solta, Croatia; Greenville, South Carolina; Grenada; Buenos Aires; Los Cabos, Mexico; Walla Walla Valley, Washington; Uzbekistan; Egypt; Marrakesh, Morocco; Fiji.</p>
<p>U.S. TOUR OPERATORS ASSOCIATION: Off-the-beaten path: Iceland, Colombia, Vietnam. Most popular: Australia, Spain, Iceland and Italy (tied for third), France and Japan. U.S.: California, Florida and Hawaii (tied for second), New York, Alaska and Nevada (tied for fourth) and Washington, D.C.</p>
<p>Many travel brands, guidebook publishers and websites offer lists of places to go in the new year. Here’s a look at some of those lists for 2018. They include destinations from every continent, cities large and small, islands, rural regions and wilderness areas, places in the news and places you’ve never heard of.</p>
<p>AFAR MAGAZINE: Abu Dhabi; Athens; Bhutan; Big Sur, California; Dundee, Scotland; Faroe Islands; France; Guatemala; Haida Gwaii, British Colombia; Kazakhstan; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Mexico City; Northern California wine country; Palau; Seattle; Sun Valley, Idaho; Tromso, Norway; Twin Cities, Minnesota. AFAR’s Traveler’s Choice Destination Awards (based on votes from readers): U.S. road trip, California; European city, Barcelona; adventure, Torres Del Paine, Chile; Caribbean/Mexico Beach: Turks &amp; Caicos; wine region, Bordeaux; arts &amp; culture, Cape Town, South Africa; U.S. beach: Manele Bay, Lanai, Hawaii; Asian/Middle Eastern city: Tokyo; U.S. city, Austin; epic trip: overwater bungalow in French Polynesia; global festival, Day of the Dead; sports event, 2018 Winter Olympics; food destination, Paris; ski destination, St. Moritz, Switzerland; water sports destination, Fiji.</p>
<p>BOOKING.COM: Top 10 emerging destinations (highest increase in bookings from 2016 to 2017): Sapporo, Japan; Nashville; Bucharest, Romania; Zakopane, Poland; Taitung City, Taiwan; Brisbane, Australia; Bogota, Colombia; Portland, Oregon; Lima, Peru; Hanover, Germany.</p>
<p>CONDE NAST TRAVELER: Antarctica; the Bahamas; Guadalajara, Mexico; Minneapolis; New Orleans; Malta; The Azores, Portugal; Georgia (country); Bratislava, Slovakia; South Korea; Chengdu, China; Kolkata and the Andaman Islands, India; Petra, Jordan; Quito, Ecuador; Northern Peru; Great Barrier Reef, Australia; Accra, Ghana; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.</p>
<p>DK EYEWITNESS TRAVEL (guidebook publishers): South Africa, Chile, Malta, Norway, Northern France, Japan, Pacific Northwest, Singapore, United Kingdom, India.</p>
<p>FODOR’S: First 10 on a list of 52 destinations: Marrakesh, Morocco; Cook Islands; Salar de Tunupa, Bolivia; Split, Croatia; Kuwait; Memphis; Armenia; Mongolia; Dublin; Belize.</p>
<p>FROMMER’S: Lake District, Cumbria, England; Nicaragua; Mauritius; Malta; County Clare, Ireland; Bisbee, Arizona; St. Helena; Jordan; Gotthard Panorama Express, Switzerland; San Antonio, Texas; Colombia; Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India; New Orleans; Hamburg, Germany; Faroe Islands; Juneau, Alaska; Mekong River; the Caribbean.</p>
<p>INSTAGRAM: Emerging beaches and islands, based on year-over-year growth of geotag check-ins: Miami-South Beach; Boracay, Philippines; Sochi, Russia; Phi Phi Islands, Thailand; San Andres Island, Colombia; Bondi Beach, Sydney; Arraial Do Cabo, Rio de Janeiro; Waikiki Beach-Honolulu; Penang Island, Malaysia; Kuta Beach, Pantai Kuta, Bali, Indonesia.</p>
<p>LONELY PLANET: Top 10 countries: Chile, South Korea, Portugal, Djibouti, New Zealand, Malta, Georgia, Mauritius, China, South Africa. Top 10 cities: Seville, Spain; Detroit; Canberra, Australia; Hamburg, Germany; Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Antwerp, Belgium; Matera, Italy; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Guanajuato, Mexico; Oslo, Norway. Top 10 regions: Belfast &amp; the Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland; Alaska; Julian Alps, Slovenia; Languedoc-Roussilon, France; Kii Peninsula, Japan; Aeolian Islands, Italy; Southern U.S.; Lahaul and Spiti, India; Bahia, Brazil; Los Haitises National Park, Dominican Republic. Top 10 best value: Tallinn, Estonia; Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain; Arizona; La Paz, Bolivia; Poland; Essaouira, Morocco; United Kingdom; Baja California, Mexico; Jacksonville, Florida; Hunan, China.</p>
<p>NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC: Harar, Ethiopia; Jujuy Province, Argentina; Tbilisi, Georgia; Sydney, Australia; Oaxaca, Mexico; Vienna; North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii; Malmo, Sweden; Jordan Trail; Dublin; Madagascar; Santiago, Chile; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Cleveland, Ohio; Tetouan, Morocco; Seoraksan National Park, South Korea; Albania; San Antonio, Texas; Labrador, Canada; Friesland, Netherlands; Ruaha National Park, Tanzania.</p>
<p>ROBB REPORT: Napa Valley; Buenos Aires; Burgenstock, Switzerland; Shanghai; Rwanda; St. Barts; Pyeongchang, South Korea; Antarctica; New Orleans; Cambodia; Mexico City; Iceland; Toronto; Hamburg, Germany; Malta; Israel; Botswana; St. Kitts; Marrakech, Morocco; Newport, Rhode Island; Russia.</p>
<p>TRAVEL LEADERS: Top 15 from survey of luxury travel agents: Italy, European river cruise, Mediterranean cruise, U.S., Ireland, Australia, Mexico, Caribbean cruise, France, Iceland, Jamaica, South Africa, England, Greece, New Zealand and Spain (last two tied for 15th)</p>
<p>TRAVEL + LEISURE MAGAZINE: First 10 on a list of 50: Solta, Croatia; Greenville, South Carolina; Grenada; Buenos Aires; Los Cabos, Mexico; Walla Walla Valley, Washington; Uzbekistan; Egypt; Marrakesh, Morocco; Fiji.</p>
<p>U.S. TOUR OPERATORS ASSOCIATION: Off-the-beaten path: Iceland, Colombia, Vietnam. Most popular: Australia, Spain, Iceland and Italy (tied for third), France and Japan. U.S.: California, Florida and Hawaii (tied for second), New York, Alaska and Nevada (tied for fourth) and Washington, D.C.</p>
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many travel brands guidebook publishers websites offer lists places go new year heres look lists 2018 include destinations every continent cities large small islands rural regions wilderness areas places news places youve never heard afar magazine abu dhabi athens bhutan big sur california dundee scotland faroe islands france guatemala haida gwaii british colombia kazakhstan kuala lumpur malaysia mexico city northern california wine country palau seattle sun valley idaho tromso norway twin cities minnesota afars travelers choice destination awards based votes readers us road trip california european city barcelona adventure torres del paine chile caribbeanmexico beach turks amp caicos wine region bordeaux arts amp culture cape town south africa us beach manele bay lanai hawaii asianmiddle eastern city tokyo us city austin epic trip overwater bungalow french polynesia global festival day dead sports event 2018 winter olympics food destination paris ski destination st moritz switzerland water sports destination fiji bookingcom top 10 emerging destinations highest increase bookings 2016 2017 sapporo japan nashville bucharest romania zakopane poland taitung city taiwan brisbane australia bogota colombia portland oregon lima peru hanover germany conde nast traveler antarctica bahamas guadalajara mexico minneapolis new orleans malta azores portugal georgia country bratislava slovakia south korea chengdu china kolkata andaman islands india petra jordan quito ecuador northern peru great barrier reef australia accra ghana addis ababa ethiopia dk eyewitness travel guidebook publishers south africa chile malta norway northern france japan pacific northwest singapore united kingdom india fodors first 10 list 52 destinations marrakesh morocco cook islands salar de tunupa bolivia split croatia kuwait memphis armenia mongolia dublin belize frommers lake district cumbria england nicaragua mauritius malta county clare ireland bisbee arizona st helena jordan gotthard panorama express switzerland san antonio texas colombia madurai tamil nadu india new orleans hamburg germany faroe islands juneau alaska mekong river caribbean instagram emerging beaches islands based yearoveryear growth geotag checkins miamisouth beach boracay philippines sochi russia phi phi islands thailand san andres island colombia bondi beach sydney arraial cabo rio de janeiro waikiki beachhonolulu penang island malaysia kuta beach pantai kuta bali indonesia lonely planet top 10 countries chile south korea portugal djibouti new zealand malta georgia mauritius china south africa top 10 cities seville spain detroit canberra australia hamburg germany kaohsiung taiwan antwerp belgium matera italy san juan puerto rico guanajuato mexico oslo norway top 10 regions belfast amp causeway coast northern ireland alaska julian alps slovenia languedocroussilon france kii peninsula japan aeolian islands italy southern us lahaul spiti india bahia brazil los haitises national park dominican republic top 10 best value tallinn estonia lanzarote canary islands spain arizona la paz bolivia poland essaouira morocco united kingdom baja california mexico jacksonville florida hunan china national geographic harar ethiopia jujuy province argentina tbilisi georgia sydney australia oaxaca mexico vienna north shore oahu hawaii malmo sweden jordan trail dublin madagascar santiago chile phnom penh cambodia cleveland ohio tetouan morocco seoraksan national park south korea albania san antonio texas labrador canada friesland netherlands ruaha national park tanzania robb report napa valley buenos aires burgenstock switzerland shanghai rwanda st barts pyeongchang south korea antarctica new orleans cambodia mexico city iceland toronto hamburg germany malta israel botswana st kitts marrakech morocco newport rhode island russia travel leaders top 15 survey luxury travel agents italy european river cruise mediterranean cruise us ireland australia mexico caribbean cruise france iceland jamaica south africa england greece new zealand spain last two tied 15th travel leisure magazine first 10 list 50 solta croatia greenville south carolina grenada buenos aires los cabos mexico walla walla valley washington uzbekistan egypt marrakesh morocco fiji us tour operators association offthebeaten path iceland colombia vietnam popular australia spain iceland italy tied third france japan us california florida hawaii tied second new york alaska nevada tied fourth washington dc many travel brands guidebook publishers websites offer lists places go new year heres look lists 2018 include destinations every continent cities large small islands rural regions wilderness areas places news places youve never heard afar magazine abu dhabi athens bhutan big sur california dundee scotland faroe islands france guatemala haida gwaii british colombia kazakhstan kuala lumpur malaysia mexico city northern california wine country palau seattle sun valley idaho tromso norway twin cities minnesota afars travelers choice destination awards based votes readers us road trip california european city barcelona adventure torres del paine chile caribbeanmexico beach turks amp caicos wine region bordeaux arts amp culture cape town south africa us beach manele bay lanai hawaii asianmiddle eastern city tokyo us city austin epic trip overwater bungalow french polynesia global festival day dead sports event 2018 winter olympics food destination paris ski destination st moritz switzerland water sports destination fiji bookingcom top 10 emerging destinations highest increase bookings 2016 2017 sapporo japan nashville bucharest romania zakopane poland taitung city taiwan brisbane australia bogota colombia portland oregon lima peru hanover germany conde nast traveler antarctica bahamas guadalajara mexico minneapolis new orleans malta azores portugal georgia country bratislava slovakia south korea chengdu china kolkata andaman islands india petra jordan quito ecuador northern peru great barrier reef australia accra ghana addis ababa ethiopia dk eyewitness travel guidebook publishers south africa chile malta norway northern france japan pacific northwest singapore united kingdom india fodors first 10 list 52 destinations marrakesh morocco cook islands salar de tunupa bolivia split croatia kuwait memphis armenia mongolia dublin belize frommers lake district cumbria england nicaragua mauritius malta county clare ireland bisbee arizona st helena jordan gotthard panorama express switzerland san antonio texas colombia madurai tamil nadu india new orleans hamburg germany faroe islands juneau alaska mekong river caribbean instagram emerging beaches islands based yearoveryear growth geotag checkins miamisouth beach boracay philippines sochi russia phi phi islands thailand san andres island colombia bondi beach sydney arraial cabo rio de janeiro waikiki beachhonolulu penang island malaysia kuta beach pantai kuta bali indonesia lonely planet top 10 countries chile south korea portugal djibouti new zealand malta georgia mauritius china south africa top 10 cities seville spain detroit canberra australia hamburg germany kaohsiung taiwan antwerp belgium matera italy san juan puerto rico guanajuato mexico oslo norway top 10 regions belfast amp causeway coast northern ireland alaska julian alps slovenia languedocroussilon france kii peninsula japan aeolian islands italy southern us lahaul spiti india bahia brazil los haitises national park dominican republic top 10 best value tallinn estonia lanzarote canary islands spain arizona la paz bolivia poland essaouira morocco united kingdom baja california mexico jacksonville florida hunan china national geographic harar ethiopia jujuy province argentina tbilisi georgia sydney australia oaxaca mexico vienna north shore oahu hawaii malmo sweden jordan trail dublin madagascar santiago chile phnom penh cambodia cleveland ohio tetouan morocco seoraksan national park south korea albania san antonio texas labrador canada friesland netherlands ruaha national park tanzania robb report napa valley buenos aires burgenstock switzerland shanghai rwanda st barts pyeongchang south korea antarctica new orleans cambodia mexico city iceland toronto hamburg germany malta israel botswana st kitts marrakech morocco newport rhode island russia travel leaders top 15 survey luxury travel agents italy european river cruise mediterranean cruise us ireland australia mexico caribbean cruise france iceland jamaica south africa england greece new zealand spain last two tied 15th travel leisure magazine first 10 list 50 solta croatia greenville south carolina grenada buenos aires los cabos mexico walla walla valley washington uzbekistan egypt marrakesh morocco fiji us tour operators association offthebeaten path iceland colombia vietnam popular australia spain iceland italy tied third france japan us california florida hawaii tied second new york alaska nevada tied fourth washington dc
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<p>MUMBAI (Reuters) - Samsung Electronics has lost its crown as the top smartphone seller in India for the first time in six years, as it was outsold by China’s Xiaomi in the final quarter of 2017, data from two tech research firms shows.</p> A booth of Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi is seen at an industrial design expo in Wuhan, Hubei province, China December 3, 2017. Picture taken December 3, 2017. REUTERS/Stringer ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. CHINA OUT.
<p>Xiaomi’s aggressively priced suite of high-spec handsets and market expansion strategy enabled it to take the top spot in the world’s biggest smartphone market after China, said Tarun Pathak of Counterpoint Research.</p>
<p>The Chinese company, which is exploring a public listing and is now valued at close to $100 billion, entered India just over three years ago.</p>
<p>Its strategy there has so far rested on flash sales on leading homegrown e-commerce player Flipkart and U.S. tech giant Amazon.com’s Indian site, an approach that helped it snatch market share without have to spend heavily on marketing.</p>
<p>Counterpoint pegged Xiaomi’s smartphone market share in India at 25 percent in the fourth quarter based on shipments, ahead of Samsung’s 23 percent. Lenovo, Oppo and Vivo came in behind them, each with about 6 percent market share.</p>
<p>However, it ranked Samsung as the top seller for the year as the South Korean company was well ahead of Xiaomi in the first half of 2017.</p>
<p>Separately, research firm Canalys said Xiaomi shipped 8.2 million smartphones in the fourth quarter, while Samsung shipped 7.3 million.</p>
<p>“Multiple factors have contributed to Xiaomi’s growth, but the key reason for its current success lies in the autonomy that it granted its Indian unit, letting it run the business locally,” said Canalys analyst Ishan Dutt.</p>
<p>Canalys estimates Xiaomi has 27 percent of the Indian market while Samsung is on 25 percent.</p>
<p>“Samsung’s loss comes from its inability to transform its low-cost product portfolio,” said Rushabh Doshi of Canalys.</p>
<p>The South Korean company has been unable to win over cost-conscious buyers, thereby losing market share in the sub-15,000 rupee ($235) segment to Xiaomi quarter after quarter, he said.</p>
<p>Samsung said in a statement that it led Indian smartphone sales in the September to November period, based on data by research firm GfK.</p>
<p>Xiaomi could not immediately be reached for comment.</p>
<p>Reporting by Sankalp Phartiyal; Writing by Euan Rocha; Editing by Susan Fenton</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>NEW YORK (Reuters Breakingviews) - Mark Zuckerberg has handed users one more reason to quit Facebook. Newspaper reports that a UK political consultancy used millions of user profiles creates fresh risks at the social network he founded. People are already spending less time on Facebook. The danger is that members may unfriend it altogether.</p> Facebook Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg exits the stage during the annual Facebook F8 developers conference in San Jose, California, U.S., April 18, 2017. REUTERS/Stephen Lam
<p>Facebook lost more than $35 billion of its value on Monday after reports said that more than 50 million people had their personal data misappropriated by political consultancy Cambridge Analytica. The firm used the Facebook trove, obtained without authorization, to build a software program to influence voters, including in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, according to the New York Times and Observer of London.</p>
<p>Multiple investigations have been opened in the United States and Europe as a result - just as Facebook scrambles to address earlier challenges involving fake-news and ad-measurement mishaps. The controversy hasn’t yet shaken the confidence of Madison Avenue, which is still shoveling money to Facebook. Revenue rose 47 percent last year to $41 billion.</p>
<p>The debacles may be taking a toll in other ways though. Zuckerberg said at his last quarterly earnings presentation that the aggregate time users spent on the social network was falling by 50 million hours every day. Advertisers often turn to how long people hang around as a sign of engagement.</p>
<p>And although the number of daily active users in the fourth quarter rose 14 percent year-over-year, to 1.4 billion globally, cracks are starting to appear in key markets. In the United States and Canada, members dipped by 1 million in the fourth quarter from the preceding three months, to 184 million, while in Europe member growth has slowed significantly. Those regions generated nearly 75 percent of the company’s fourth-quarter revenue.</p>
<p>Like MySpace before it, Facebook’s long-term dominance is by no means assured. New research from eMarketer estimates that Facebook’s share of the U.S. digital-ad market will slip slightly over the next two years as user growth slows and pricing for ads reaches its limits. The onslaught of privacy concerns - and the risk that it drives away users - may accelerate that decline.</p> Breakingviews
<p>Reuters Breakingviews is the world's leading source of agenda-setting financial insight. As the Reuters brand for financial commentary, we dissect the big business and economic stories as they break around the world every day. A global team of about 30 correspondents in New York, London, Hong Kong and other major cities provides expert analysis in real time.</p>
<p>Sign up for a free trial of our full service at <a href="https://www.breakingviews.com/trial" type="external">https://www.breakingviews.com/trial</a> and follow us on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/breakingviews" type="external">@Breakingviews</a> and at <a href="https://www.breakingviews.com" type="external">www.breakingviews.com</a>. All opinions expressed are those of the authors.</p>
<p>NEW YORK (Reuters) - Alphabet Inc’s Google routinely fields product queries from millions of shoppers. Now it wants to take a cut of their purchases, too.</p>
<p>The U.S. technology company is teaming up with retailers including Target Corp, Walmart Inc, Home Depot Inc, Costco Wholesale Corp and Ulta Beauty Inc.</p>
<p>Under a new program, retailers can list their products on Google Search, as well as on the Google Express shopping service, and Google Assistant on mobile phones and voice devices.</p>
<p>In exchange for Google listings and linking to retailer loyalty programs, the retailers pay Google a piece of each purchase, which is different from payments that retailers make to place ads on Google platforms.</p>
<p>The listings will appear under sponsored shopping results and will not affect regular search results on Google, the company said.</p>
<p>Google’s pitch to retailers is a better chance to influence shoppers’ purchasing decisions, a move that is likely to help them compete with rival Amazon.com Inc. Google hopes the program helps retailers capture more purchases on desktop, cell phones and smart home devices with voice search – the next frontier for e-commerce.</p>
<p>The previously unreported initiative sprang from Google’s observation that tens of millions of consumers were sending image searches of products, asking “Where can I buy this?” “Where can I find it?” “How can I buy it?” “How do I transact?” Daniel Alegre, Google’s president for retail and shopping, told Reuters exclusively.</p>
<p>Over the past two years, mobile searches asking where to buy products soared by 85 percent, Alegre said.</p>
<p>But the current default choice for many consumers is a Google search that ends with an Amazon purchase, analysts said. The new Google program, Shopping Actions, will be available in the United States to retailers of all sizes and could help retail chains keep those customers.</p>
<p>“We have taken a fundamentally different approach from the likes of Amazon because we see ourselves as an enabler of retail,” Alegre said. “We see ourselves as part of a solution for retailers to be able to drive better transactions ... and get closer to the consumer.”</p>
<p>For consumers faced with a surfeit of choices, the idea is to make online buying easier by giving them a single shopping cart and instant checkout – a core feature of Amazon’s retail dominance.</p>
<p>Retail chains can also offer products through the Google Home voice shopping device, holding on to those who may be headed to Amazon for better deals and giving them personalized recommendations based on previous purchase history.</p> FILE PHOTO: The Google logo is seen at the Young Entrepreneurs fair in Paris, France, February 7, 2018. REUTERS/Charles Platiau /File Photo
<p>For example, a shopper looking for sneakers on Google on his phone can see a retailer’s listing and add that to his Google Express cart. Later, the customer can stand in the kitchen, and use the Google Home voice device to add paper towels to the same cart and buy everything at once.</p>
<p>Retail partners saw the average size of a customer’s shopping basket increase by 30 percent, Alegre said, pointing to early results from the Shopping Actions program.</p>
<p>Ulta Beauty’s average order value has jumped 35 percent since partnering with Google, Chief Executive Officer Mary Dillon said. Ulta sells makeup and skin care products from brands such as MAC, Estee Lauder and Clinique.</p>
<p>Over the past six months, Target said the number of items in shoppers’ Google Express baskets have increased by nearly 20 percent, on average, as a result of its tie-up with the internet company.</p> ENEMY OF MY ENEMY IS MY FRIEND
<p>The retailers are also eager to get in on the rapidly growing voice shopping market dominated by Amazon’s popular Echo home device, analysts and consultants said.</p>
<p>Both Walmart and Target last year struck deals to appear in search results via Google Home.</p>
<p>Smart voice devices like Amazon Echo and Google Home will be installed in 55 percent of U.S. households by 2022, according to Juniper Research. Amazon’s Alexa platform could generate $10 billion in revenues by 2020, a separate report from RBC Capital Markets estimated.</p>
<p>“Brands are looking at Google as the enemy of the enemy and that makes Google their friend,” said Guru Hariharan, CEO of retail technology firm Boomerang Commerce, referring to the competition between Amazon and chains like Walmart and Target.</p>
<p>Target shoppers “love the ease and convenience of making their Target run without lifting a finger by using a voice interface,” Chief Information and Digital Officer Mike McNamara said.</p>
<p>“This is just the beginning for Target and Google,” he added.</p>
<p>Target shoppers will soon be able to link their online account and loyalty card with their Google accounts and get 5 percent off on purchases and free shipping, McNamara said.</p>
<p>Reporting by Nandita Bose in New York; Editing by Vanessa O'Connell and Jeffrey Benkoe</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>LAS VEGAS (Reuters) - Amazon.com Inc is making a push for merchants on its website to sell goods into other countries, setting the stage for greater competition with rival marketplaces run by eBay Inc and potentially Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.</p> FILE PHOTO: A worker gathers items for delivery from the warehouse floor at Amazon's distribution center in Phoenix, Arizona, U.S., on November 22, 2013. REUTERS/Ralph D. Freso/File Photo
<p>More than a quarter of all revenue for sellers on Amazon globally was from cross-border transactions in 2017, up more than 50 percent from the year prior, Amazon Vice President Eric Broussard said in an interview, ahead of his Tuesday speech at the ShopTalk conference in Las Vegas.</p>
<p>That amounts to between $50 billion and $75 billion for merchants selling to customers in another country, based on analysts’ estimates for Amazon’s total gross merchandise sales. Amazon does not disclose the figure.</p>
<p>The cross-border increase - outpacing Amazon’s 31 percent rise in overall net sales - represents a massive opportunity for the world’s largest online retailer. That is why Amazon has encouraged merchants to list ever-more products on its websites around the world, which could make its marketplaces more desirable to shoppers than those of the competition.</p>
<p>“The speed with which sellers have been selling globally has accelerated over time,” said Broussard, who oversees Amazon’s international marketplaces.</p>
<p>Global trade has been crucial to Amazon and its e-commerce competitors. In a 2015 news post online, eBay touted cross-border sales as one of its key strengths. It said cross-border represented about 20 percent of its gross merchandise volume in 2014, or $17 billion. The company declined to offer a figure for 2017.</p>
<p>Last month, eBay’s chief executive told Reuters the company planned to bring “the world’s inventory into Japan” as part of its global expansion. [nL4N1QH72Z]</p>
<p>Alibaba, meanwhile, recruits companies to sell into China, and its unit Tmall Global features products from brands in 63 countries and regions, it has said.</p>
<p>Critics of Amazon have said there are too many counterfeit products from China on its U.S. marketplace. Amazon prohibits the sale of counterfeit goods and has said it is investing heavily in programs to keep them off its platform.</p> FILE PHOTO: A worker prepares packages to be shipped inside of an Amazon fulfillment center in Robbinsville, New Jersey, U.S., November 27, 2017. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson/File Photo CUT OF SALES
<p>For Amazon, a key way it attracts sellers is by renting space in more than 150 warehouses worldwide so merchants can store inventory near customers - without the hassle of exporting each order. Amazon operates 13 marketplaces globally.</p>
<p>“A customer shops in German, pays in euros and gets very rapid fulfillment” for a product from a U.S. seller, for example, Broussard said.</p> FILE PHOTO: Packages are sorted to be shipped inside of an Amazon fulfillment centre in Robbinsville, New Jersey, U.S., November 27, 2017. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson/File Photo
<p>Tech Armor, a smartphone accessories maker near Los Angeles, said that its business was growing faster internationally than in the United States and that it has shipped more than 12 million units through Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) since 2012. That has come partly from Amazon’s encouragement.</p>
<p>“Someone from the FBA business called,” Tech Armor co-founder Joe Jaconi told Reuters. “They wanted to talk to us about Canada.”</p>
<p>Amazon takes a cut of merchants’ transactions, which for jewelry can reach 30 percent of a sale fulfilled by Amazon, said Elena Castaneda, founder of Bling Jewelry in greater New York. Amazon’s net sales from seller services was $32 billion in 2017.</p>
<p>Castaneda said this was worthwhile.</p>
<p>“Say I do $1 million in Amazon U.S. If you take all of Europe and you do all five countries (with Amazon Marketplaces), it would almost be equivalent to the amount you do in the U.S.,” she said.</p>
<p>Exports by sellers on Amazon - where merchants handle the fulfillment to foreign countries - increased by nearly 30 percent in 2017, Amazon said.</p>
<p>Reporting By Jeffrey Dastin in Las Vegas, Editing by Vanessa O'Connell and Rosalba O'Brien</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>(Reuters) - Most Android phones will have to wait until 2019 to duplicate the 3D sensing feature behind Apple’s Face ID security, three major parts producers have told Reuters, handicapping Samsung and others on a technology that is set to be worth billions in revenue over the next few years.</p> FILE PHOTO: Apple Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing, Phil Schiller, introduces the iPhone x during a launch event in Cupertino, California, U.S. September 12, 2017. REUTERS/Stephen Lam/File Photo
<p>The development of new features for the estimated 1.5 billion smart phones shipped annually has been at the heart of the battle for global market share over the past decade, with Apple, bolstered by its huge R&amp;D budget, often leading.</p>
<p>When the iPhone 5S launched with a fingerprint-sensing home button in September 2013, for example, it took its biggest rival Samsung until just April of the next year to deliver its own in the Galaxy S5, with others following soon after.</p>
<p>The 3D sensing technology is expected to enhance the next generation of phones, enabling accurate facial recognition as well as secure biometrics for payments, gesture sensing, and immersive shopping and gaming experiences.</p>
<p>Tech research house Gartner predicts that by 2021, 40 percent of smartphones will be equipped with 3D cameras, which can also be used for so-called augmented reality, or AR, in which digital objects cling tightly to images of the real world.</p>
<p>“This kind of functionality is going to be very important for AR,” said Gartner analyst Jon Erensen. “I think that is something where you don’t want to get left behind.”</p>
<p>According to parts manufacturers Viavi Solutions Inc, Finisar Corp and Ams AG, bottlenecks on key parts will mean mass adoption of 3D sensing will not happen until next year, disappointing earlier expectations.</p>
<p>That means that China’s Huawei, Xiaomi and others could be a total of almost two years behind Apple, which launched Face ID with its iPhone X anniversary phone last September.</p>
<p>In particular, Android producers are struggling to source vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers, or VCSELs, a core part of Apple’s Face ID hardware.</p>
<p>“It is going to take them a lot of time, the Android-based customers, to secure capacity throughout the whole supply chain,” said Bill Ong, senior director of investor relations from Viavi, seen as the only major supplier of optical filters needed for the 3D sensing modules.</p>
<p>“We may have a potential introduction of a second handset maker into 3D sensing at the end of this calendar year. (But) the volumes would be very low. In 2019 you clearly will see at least two or more android-based phones,” he added.</p>
<p>Ong declined to name the company that might launch an Android phone with 3D face recognition this year but said that Viavi was in talks with all the major smart phone makers to supply the filters.</p>
<p>Some Android phones with 3D sensing capabilities have hit the market in small numbers, such as the Asus ZenFone AR released last year, but those models didn’t use the sensors for facial recognition like the iPhone X does.</p>
<p>Apple, Huawei and Xiaomi all declined to comment, as did Samsung, whose current phones use a standard camera for facial recognition.</p> FIREPOWER
<p>Apple’s effort to get ahead with the technology is the latest evidence of an aggressive approach by the Cupertino-based company to making the most of the technological advances its financial firepower can deliver.</p>
<p>The iPhone maker’s $390 million deal in December to secure supplies from VCSEL-maker Finisar was one such move. Another is Apple’s discussions with major cobalt producers to nail down supplies for lithium-ion rechargeable batteries that power its mobile phones.</p>
<p>“Apple is always very focused on its supply chain,” says Gartner’s Erensen. “When it comes to new technologies like this and implementing them to new phones, it’s one of the ways that Apple can really can be aggressive, differentiate and take advantage of the position they have in the market.”</p>
<p>Several sector analysts say their channel checks show Apple was initially sourcing VCSELs chiefly from California-based Lumentum and that bottlenecks in production there last year also spurred the $390 million deal with Finisar.</p>
<p>Lumentum, which declined to comment, is ramping up additional manufacturing capacity for VCSELs and edge-emitting lasers for the first half of fiscal 2019, according to the company’s earnings call.</p>
<p>It will also be helped by the purchase this week of another optical components producer Oclaro Inc. Finisar too, expects to expand in 2019.</p>
<p>All of that, however, still leaves the major Android producers searching for their own supplies of VCSELs.</p>
<p>Craig Thompson, vice president of new markets at Finisar, says interest in the technology is universal across the sector.</p>
<p>“Each customer has their own adoption timeline and rollout plan, which we can’t discuss, but we expect the market opportunity for VCSEL technology to increase substantially in 2019,” he says.</p>
<p>Another producer, Austria-based Ams, also expects to have VCSEL chips widely available next year and says it has won a large deal with one phone maker.</p>
<p>“As part of a combined external and internal VCSEL supply chain where an external volume production supply chain is available to us, we are currently building internal VCSEL production capacity in Singapore,” Moritz Gmeiner, head of investor relations for AMS, told Reuters.</p>
<p>“I expect this capacity to be available for mass production next year.”</p>
<p>Reporting by Sonam Rai in Bangalore and Stephen Nellis in San Francisco; Writing by Patrick Graham; editing by Edward Tobin</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
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mumbai reuters samsung electronics lost crown top smartphone seller india first time six years outsold chinas xiaomi final quarter 2017 data two tech research firms shows booth chinese smartphone maker xiaomi seen industrial design expo wuhan hubei province china december 3 2017 picture taken december 3 2017 reutersstringer attention editors image provided third party china xiaomis aggressively priced suite highspec handsets market expansion strategy enabled take top spot worlds biggest smartphone market china said tarun pathak counterpoint research chinese company exploring public listing valued close 100 billion entered india three years ago strategy far rested flash sales leading homegrown ecommerce player flipkart us tech giant amazoncoms indian site approach helped snatch market share without spend heavily marketing counterpoint pegged xiaomis smartphone market share india 25 percent fourth quarter based shipments ahead samsungs 23 percent lenovo oppo vivo came behind 6 percent market share however ranked samsung top seller year south korean company well ahead xiaomi first half 2017 separately research firm canalys said xiaomi shipped 82 million smartphones fourth quarter samsung shipped 73 million multiple factors contributed xiaomis growth key reason current success lies autonomy granted indian unit letting run business locally said canalys analyst ishan dutt canalys estimates xiaomi 27 percent indian market samsung 25 percent samsungs loss comes inability transform lowcost product portfolio said rushabh doshi canalys south korean company unable win costconscious buyers thereby losing market share sub15000 rupee 235 segment xiaomi quarter quarter said samsung said statement led indian smartphone sales september november period based data research firm gfk xiaomi could immediately reached comment reporting sankalp phartiyal writing euan rocha editing susan fenton standards thomson reuters trust principles new york reuters breakingviews mark zuckerberg handed users one reason quit facebook newspaper reports uk political consultancy used millions user profiles creates fresh risks social network founded people already spending less time facebook danger members may unfriend altogether facebook founder ceo mark zuckerberg exits stage annual facebook f8 developers conference san jose california us april 18 2017 reutersstephen lam facebook lost 35 billion value monday reports said 50 million people personal data misappropriated political consultancy cambridge analytica firm used facebook trove obtained without authorization build software program influence voters including 2016 us presidential election according new york times observer london multiple investigations opened united states europe result facebook scrambles address earlier challenges involving fakenews admeasurement mishaps controversy hasnt yet shaken confidence madison avenue still shoveling money facebook revenue rose 47 percent last year 41 billion debacles may taking toll ways though zuckerberg said last quarterly earnings presentation aggregate time users spent social network falling 50 million hours every day advertisers often turn long people hang around sign engagement although number daily active users fourth quarter rose 14 percent yearoveryear 14 billion globally cracks starting appear key markets united states canada members dipped 1 million fourth quarter preceding three months 184 million europe member growth slowed significantly regions generated nearly 75 percent companys fourthquarter revenue like myspace facebooks longterm dominance means assured new research emarketer estimates facebooks share us digitalad market slip slightly next two years user growth slows pricing ads reaches limits onslaught privacy concerns risk drives away users may accelerate decline breakingviews reuters breakingviews worlds leading source agendasetting financial insight reuters brand financial commentary dissect big business economic stories break around world every day global team 30 correspondents new york london hong kong major cities provides expert analysis real time sign free trial full service httpswwwbreakingviewscomtrial follow us twitter breakingviews wwwbreakingviewscom opinions expressed authors new york reuters alphabet incs google routinely fields product queries millions shoppers wants take cut purchases us technology company teaming retailers including target corp walmart inc home depot inc costco wholesale corp ulta beauty inc new program retailers list products google search well google express shopping service google assistant mobile phones voice devices exchange google listings linking retailer loyalty programs retailers pay google piece purchase different payments retailers make place ads google platforms listings appear sponsored shopping results affect regular search results google company said googles pitch retailers better chance influence shoppers purchasing decisions move likely help compete rival amazoncom inc google hopes program helps retailers capture purchases desktop cell phones smart home devices voice search next frontier ecommerce previously unreported initiative sprang googles observation tens millions consumers sending image searches products asking buy find buy transact daniel alegre googles president retail shopping told reuters exclusively past two years mobile searches asking buy products soared 85 percent alegre said current default choice many consumers google search ends amazon purchase analysts said new google program shopping actions available united states retailers sizes could help retail chains keep customers taken fundamentally different approach likes amazon see enabler retail alegre said see part solution retailers able drive better transactions get closer consumer consumers faced surfeit choices idea make online buying easier giving single shopping cart instant checkout core feature amazons retail dominance retail chains also offer products google home voice shopping device holding may headed amazon better deals giving personalized recommendations based previous purchase history file photo google logo seen young entrepreneurs fair paris france february 7 2018 reuterscharles platiau file photo example shopper looking sneakers google phone see retailers listing add google express cart later customer stand kitchen use google home voice device add paper towels cart buy everything retail partners saw average size customers shopping basket increase 30 percent alegre said pointing early results shopping actions program ulta beautys average order value jumped 35 percent since partnering google chief executive officer mary dillon said ulta sells makeup skin care products brands mac estee lauder clinique past six months target said number items shoppers google express baskets increased nearly 20 percent average result tieup internet company enemy enemy friend retailers also eager get rapidly growing voice shopping market dominated amazons popular echo home device analysts consultants said walmart target last year struck deals appear search results via google home smart voice devices like amazon echo google home installed 55 percent us households 2022 according juniper research amazons alexa platform could generate 10 billion revenues 2020 separate report rbc capital markets estimated brands looking google enemy enemy makes google friend said guru hariharan ceo retail technology firm boomerang commerce referring competition amazon chains like walmart target target shoppers love ease convenience making target run without lifting finger using voice interface chief information digital officer mike mcnamara said beginning target google added target shoppers soon able link online account loyalty card google accounts get 5 percent purchases free shipping mcnamara said reporting nandita bose new york editing vanessa oconnell jeffrey benkoe standards thomson reuters trust principles las vegas reuters amazoncom inc making push merchants website sell goods countries setting stage greater competition rival marketplaces run ebay inc potentially alibaba group holding ltd file photo worker gathers items delivery warehouse floor amazons distribution center phoenix arizona us november 22 2013 reutersralph fresofile photo quarter revenue sellers amazon globally crossborder transactions 2017 50 percent year prior amazon vice president eric broussard said interview ahead tuesday speech shoptalk conference las vegas amounts 50 billion 75 billion merchants selling customers another country based analysts estimates amazons total gross merchandise sales amazon disclose figure crossborder increase outpacing amazons 31 percent rise overall net sales represents massive opportunity worlds largest online retailer amazon encouraged merchants list evermore products websites around world could make marketplaces desirable shoppers competition speed sellers selling globally accelerated time said broussard oversees amazons international marketplaces global trade crucial amazon ecommerce competitors 2015 news post online ebay touted crossborder sales one key strengths said crossborder represented 20 percent gross merchandise volume 2014 17 billion company declined offer figure 2017 last month ebays chief executive told reuters company planned bring worlds inventory japan part global expansion nl4n1qh72z alibaba meanwhile recruits companies sell china unit tmall global features products brands 63 countries regions said critics amazon said many counterfeit products china us marketplace amazon prohibits sale counterfeit goods said investing heavily programs keep platform file photo worker prepares packages shipped inside amazon fulfillment center robbinsville new jersey us november 27 2017 reuterslucas jacksonfile photo cut sales amazon key way attracts sellers renting space 150 warehouses worldwide merchants store inventory near customers without hassle exporting order amazon operates 13 marketplaces globally customer shops german pays euros gets rapid fulfillment product us seller example broussard said file photo packages sorted shipped inside amazon fulfillment centre robbinsville new jersey us november 27 2017 reuterslucas jacksonfile photo tech armor smartphone accessories maker near los angeles said business growing faster internationally united states shipped 12 million units fulfillment amazon fba since 2012 come partly amazons encouragement someone fba business called tech armor cofounder joe jaconi told reuters wanted talk us canada amazon takes cut merchants transactions jewelry reach 30 percent sale fulfilled amazon said elena castaneda founder bling jewelry greater new york amazons net sales seller services 32 billion 2017 castaneda said worthwhile say 1 million amazon us take europe five countries amazon marketplaces would almost equivalent amount us said exports sellers amazon merchants handle fulfillment foreign countries increased nearly 30 percent 2017 amazon said reporting jeffrey dastin las vegas editing vanessa oconnell rosalba obrien standards thomson reuters trust principles reuters android phones wait 2019 duplicate 3d sensing feature behind apples face id security three major parts producers told reuters handicapping samsung others technology set worth billions revenue next years file photo apple senior vice president worldwide marketing phil schiller introduces iphone x launch event cupertino california us september 12 2017 reutersstephen lamfile photo development new features estimated 15 billion smart phones shipped annually heart battle global market share past decade apple bolstered huge rampd budget often leading iphone 5s launched fingerprintsensing home button september 2013 example took biggest rival samsung april next year deliver galaxy s5 others following soon 3d sensing technology expected enhance next generation phones enabling accurate facial recognition well secure biometrics payments gesture sensing immersive shopping gaming experiences tech research house gartner predicts 2021 40 percent smartphones equipped 3d cameras also used socalled augmented reality ar digital objects cling tightly images real world kind functionality going important ar said gartner analyst jon erensen think something dont want get left behind according parts manufacturers viavi solutions inc finisar corp ams ag bottlenecks key parts mean mass adoption 3d sensing happen next year disappointing earlier expectations means chinas huawei xiaomi others could total almost two years behind apple launched face id iphone x anniversary phone last september particular android producers struggling source verticalcavity surfaceemitting lasers vcsels core part apples face id hardware going take lot time androidbased customers secure capacity throughout whole supply chain said bill ong senior director investor relations viavi seen major supplier optical filters needed 3d sensing modules may potential introduction second handset maker 3d sensing end calendar year volumes would low 2019 clearly see least two androidbased phones added ong declined name company might launch android phone 3d face recognition year said viavi talks major smart phone makers supply filters android phones 3d sensing capabilities hit market small numbers asus zenfone ar released last year models didnt use sensors facial recognition like iphone x apple huawei xiaomi declined comment samsung whose current phones use standard camera facial recognition firepower apples effort get ahead technology latest evidence aggressive approach cupertinobased company making technological advances financial firepower deliver iphone makers 390 million deal december secure supplies vcselmaker finisar one move another apples discussions major cobalt producers nail supplies lithiumion rechargeable batteries power mobile phones apple always focused supply chain says gartners erensen comes new technologies like implementing new phones one ways apple really aggressive differentiate take advantage position market several sector analysts say channel checks show apple initially sourcing vcsels chiefly californiabased lumentum bottlenecks production last year also spurred 390 million deal finisar lumentum declined comment ramping additional manufacturing capacity vcsels edgeemitting lasers first half fiscal 2019 according companys earnings call also helped purchase week another optical components producer oclaro inc finisar expects expand 2019 however still leaves major android producers searching supplies vcsels craig thompson vice president new markets finisar says interest technology universal across sector customer adoption timeline rollout plan cant discuss expect market opportunity vcsel technology increase substantially 2019 says another producer austriabased ams also expects vcsel chips widely available next year says large deal one phone maker part combined external internal vcsel supply chain external volume production supply chain available us currently building internal vcsel production capacity singapore moritz gmeiner head investor relations ams told reuters expect capacity available mass production next year reporting sonam rai bangalore stephen nellis san francisco writing patrick graham editing edward tobin standards thomson reuters trust principles
| 2,083 |
<p>LONDON (AP) — Manchester City remained in the hunt for a record trophy quadruple after a hat trick from teenager Kelechi Iheanacho helped them demolish Aston Villa 4-0 in the FA Cup on Saturday.</p>
<p>Fringe players such as Iheanacho got their chance in fourth-round games throughout the day, which also saw wins for cup holder Arsenal and Tottenham, while Liverpool was held by West Ham to 0-0 in the late kickoff.</p>
<p>But City's convincing victory showed the real strength in depth of Manuel Pellegrini's squad, with 19-year-old Iheanacho taking over the goalscoring duties from Sergio Aguero, who watched from the bench.</p>
<p>The bookmakers already make City the favorite to win the English Premier League, where it lies second behind surprise leader Leicester City, and also to beat Liverpool in the League Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Feb. 28.</p>
<p>That leaves the Champions League, where City has a place in the last 16, and the FA Cup.</p>
<p>Iheanacho opened the scoring, and the 19-year-old striker converted a penalty 20 minutes later after Raheem Sterling was brought down in the area. Iheanacho struck again in the second half after a 30-yard (meter) run, and Sterling added City's fourth just two minutes after that.</p>
<p>Asked about Iheanacho's performance, Pellegrini said: "That's why we didn't replace (Stevan) Jovetic and Edin Dzeko — because I see him working every day and I know how important he can be."</p>
<p>The City coach also revealed he sent orders from the touchline for Iheanacho to take City's spot kick.</p>
<p>"It's unbelievable the way he takes penalties and I've seen him do it every day," Pellegrini said. "That's why he was the right option."</p>
<p>Down in north London, Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez scored one goal and made the other in a 2-1 home victory over second-tier side Burnley.</p>
<p>Sanchez set up defender Calum Chambers to give Arsenal the lead, only for Sam Vokes to head an equalizer for Burnley on the half-hour mark.</p>
<p>Sanchez struck the winner after the break, turning home Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's cross from close range.</p>
<p>Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was quick to play down his side's chances of a third consecutive FA Cup trophy.</p>
<p>"We are still in three competitions and we will try every time to get a team out to pass the round," he told the club website.</p>
<p>Nacer Chadli scored twice as Tottenham cruised to a 4-1 victory in the early kickoff at Colchester United, after a clash of heads left one of the home side's defenders in hospital.</p>
<p>Colchester said Alex Wynter suffered a deep cut in his mouth and was slightly disorientated, but "otherwise doing OK" after colliding with teammate Tom Eastman in the opening minutes.</p>
<p>Colchester, which is at the bottom of England's third tier, then managed to keep the Premier League title contender at bay until midway through the second half — when Eric Dier scored with a deflected shot.</p>
<p>Chadli added his second with a header, but Colchester pulled a goal back when Gavin Massey's shot rebounded off the post and defender Ben Davies turned the ball into his own net. Tom Carroll scored Spurs' fourth.</p>
<p>"The job's done, we're in the next round," Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino said.</p>
<p>The big upset of the day looked to be coming from the south coast, where fourth-tier Portsmouth was leading top-flight Bournemouth 1-0 until Josh King's equalizer in the 71st minute. Marc Pugh then scored a second for the Premier League side to earn a 2-1 victory.</p>
<p>Elsewhere, West Bromwich Albion was held by third-tier Peterborough to 2-2, while Watford left it late to beat Nottingham Forest 1-0. Watford's top scorer, Odion Ighalo, came off the bench to get the only goal in the 89th minute. A solo effort by Wilfried Zaha gave Crystal Palace a 1-0 win over Stoke in an all-Premier League game.</p>
<p>LONDON (AP) — Manchester City remained in the hunt for a record trophy quadruple after a hat trick from teenager Kelechi Iheanacho helped them demolish Aston Villa 4-0 in the FA Cup on Saturday.</p>
<p>Fringe players such as Iheanacho got their chance in fourth-round games throughout the day, which also saw wins for cup holder Arsenal and Tottenham, while Liverpool was held by West Ham to 0-0 in the late kickoff.</p>
<p>But City's convincing victory showed the real strength in depth of Manuel Pellegrini's squad, with 19-year-old Iheanacho taking over the goalscoring duties from Sergio Aguero, who watched from the bench.</p>
<p>The bookmakers already make City the favorite to win the English Premier League, where it lies second behind surprise leader Leicester City, and also to beat Liverpool in the League Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Feb. 28.</p>
<p>That leaves the Champions League, where City has a place in the last 16, and the FA Cup.</p>
<p>Iheanacho opened the scoring, and the 19-year-old striker converted a penalty 20 minutes later after Raheem Sterling was brought down in the area. Iheanacho struck again in the second half after a 30-yard (meter) run, and Sterling added City's fourth just two minutes after that.</p>
<p>Asked about Iheanacho's performance, Pellegrini said: "That's why we didn't replace (Stevan) Jovetic and Edin Dzeko — because I see him working every day and I know how important he can be."</p>
<p>The City coach also revealed he sent orders from the touchline for Iheanacho to take City's spot kick.</p>
<p>"It's unbelievable the way he takes penalties and I've seen him do it every day," Pellegrini said. "That's why he was the right option."</p>
<p>Down in north London, Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez scored one goal and made the other in a 2-1 home victory over second-tier side Burnley.</p>
<p>Sanchez set up defender Calum Chambers to give Arsenal the lead, only for Sam Vokes to head an equalizer for Burnley on the half-hour mark.</p>
<p>Sanchez struck the winner after the break, turning home Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's cross from close range.</p>
<p>Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was quick to play down his side's chances of a third consecutive FA Cup trophy.</p>
<p>"We are still in three competitions and we will try every time to get a team out to pass the round," he told the club website.</p>
<p>Nacer Chadli scored twice as Tottenham cruised to a 4-1 victory in the early kickoff at Colchester United, after a clash of heads left one of the home side's defenders in hospital.</p>
<p>Colchester said Alex Wynter suffered a deep cut in his mouth and was slightly disorientated, but "otherwise doing OK" after colliding with teammate Tom Eastman in the opening minutes.</p>
<p>Colchester, which is at the bottom of England's third tier, then managed to keep the Premier League title contender at bay until midway through the second half — when Eric Dier scored with a deflected shot.</p>
<p>Chadli added his second with a header, but Colchester pulled a goal back when Gavin Massey's shot rebounded off the post and defender Ben Davies turned the ball into his own net. Tom Carroll scored Spurs' fourth.</p>
<p>"The job's done, we're in the next round," Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino said.</p>
<p>The big upset of the day looked to be coming from the south coast, where fourth-tier Portsmouth was leading top-flight Bournemouth 1-0 until Josh King's equalizer in the 71st minute. Marc Pugh then scored a second for the Premier League side to earn a 2-1 victory.</p>
<p>Elsewhere, West Bromwich Albion was held by third-tier Peterborough to 2-2, while Watford left it late to beat Nottingham Forest 1-0. Watford's top scorer, Odion Ighalo, came off the bench to get the only goal in the 89th minute. A solo effort by Wilfried Zaha gave Crystal Palace a 1-0 win over Stoke in an all-Premier League game.</p>
| false | 2 |
london ap manchester city remained hunt record trophy quadruple hat trick teenager kelechi iheanacho helped demolish aston villa 40 fa cup saturday fringe players iheanacho got chance fourthround games throughout day also saw wins cup holder arsenal tottenham liverpool held west ham 00 late kickoff citys convincing victory showed real strength depth manuel pellegrinis squad 19yearold iheanacho taking goalscoring duties sergio aguero watched bench bookmakers already make city favorite win english premier league lies second behind surprise leader leicester city also beat liverpool league cup final wembley stadium feb 28 leaves champions league city place last 16 fa cup iheanacho opened scoring 19yearold striker converted penalty 20 minutes later raheem sterling brought area iheanacho struck second half 30yard meter run sterling added citys fourth two minutes asked iheanachos performance pellegrini said thats didnt replace stevan jovetic edin dzeko see working every day know important city coach also revealed sent orders touchline iheanacho take citys spot kick unbelievable way takes penalties ive seen every day pellegrini said thats right option north london arsenals alexis sanchez scored one goal made 21 home victory secondtier side burnley sanchez set defender calum chambers give arsenal lead sam vokes head equalizer burnley halfhour mark sanchez struck winner break turning home alex oxladechamberlains cross close range arsenal manager arsene wenger quick play sides chances third consecutive fa cup trophy still three competitions try every time get team pass round told club website nacer chadli scored twice tottenham cruised 41 victory early kickoff colchester united clash heads left one home sides defenders hospital colchester said alex wynter suffered deep cut mouth slightly disorientated otherwise ok colliding teammate tom eastman opening minutes colchester bottom englands third tier managed keep premier league title contender bay midway second half eric dier scored deflected shot chadli added second header colchester pulled goal back gavin masseys shot rebounded post defender ben davies turned ball net tom carroll scored spurs fourth jobs done next round tottenham manager mauricio pochettino said big upset day looked coming south coast fourthtier portsmouth leading topflight bournemouth 10 josh kings equalizer 71st minute marc pugh scored second premier league side earn 21 victory elsewhere west bromwich albion held thirdtier peterborough 22 watford left late beat nottingham forest 10 watfords top scorer odion ighalo came bench get goal 89th minute solo effort wilfried zaha gave crystal palace 10 win stoke allpremier league game london ap manchester city remained hunt record trophy quadruple hat trick teenager kelechi iheanacho helped demolish aston villa 40 fa cup saturday fringe players iheanacho got chance fourthround games throughout day also saw wins cup holder arsenal tottenham liverpool held west ham 00 late kickoff citys convincing victory showed real strength depth manuel pellegrinis squad 19yearold iheanacho taking goalscoring duties sergio aguero watched bench bookmakers already make city favorite win english premier league lies second behind surprise leader leicester city also beat liverpool league cup final wembley stadium feb 28 leaves champions league city place last 16 fa cup iheanacho opened scoring 19yearold striker converted penalty 20 minutes later raheem sterling brought area iheanacho struck second half 30yard meter run sterling added citys fourth two minutes asked iheanachos performance pellegrini said thats didnt replace stevan jovetic edin dzeko see working every day know important city coach also revealed sent orders touchline iheanacho take citys spot kick unbelievable way takes penalties ive seen every day pellegrini said thats right option north london arsenals alexis sanchez scored one goal made 21 home victory secondtier side burnley sanchez set defender calum chambers give arsenal lead sam vokes head equalizer burnley halfhour mark sanchez struck winner break turning home alex oxladechamberlains cross close range arsenal manager arsene wenger quick play sides chances third consecutive fa cup trophy still three competitions try every time get team pass round told club website nacer chadli scored twice tottenham cruised 41 victory early kickoff colchester united clash heads left one home sides defenders hospital colchester said alex wynter suffered deep cut mouth slightly disorientated otherwise ok colliding teammate tom eastman opening minutes colchester bottom englands third tier managed keep premier league title contender bay midway second half eric dier scored deflected shot chadli added second header colchester pulled goal back gavin masseys shot rebounded post defender ben davies turned ball net tom carroll scored spurs fourth jobs done next round tottenham manager mauricio pochettino said big upset day looked coming south coast fourthtier portsmouth leading topflight bournemouth 10 josh kings equalizer 71st minute marc pugh scored second premier league side earn 21 victory elsewhere west bromwich albion held thirdtier peterborough 22 watford left late beat nottingham forest 10 watfords top scorer odion ighalo came bench get goal 89th minute solo effort wilfried zaha gave crystal palace 10 win stoke allpremier league game
| 788 |
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s recent rally in Missouri was a set-piece of distortion about taxes and the economy. He compounded his growing legacy of false tales on Twitter, where he spread a British fringe group’s factually twisted propaganda aimed at stirring hate and fear of Muslims.</p>
<p>A look at statements from his rally last week, the anti-Muslim propaganda he retweeted and more:</p>
<p>TRUMP describes the tax overhaul as “the biggest tax cut in the history of our country — bigger than Reagan,” and says of lawmakers: “For years they have not been able to get tax cuts, many, many years since Reagan.” The Senate passed its version of the package Saturday and will work to reconcile that with the version passed by the House.</p>
<p>THE FACTS: Trump is just wrong.</p>
<p>Not only have there been multiple tax cuts since President Ronald Reagan, but Trump’s cuts are nowhere near the largest in U.S. history.</p>
<p>An October analysis by the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget found that it would be the eighth biggest since 1918. As a percentage of the total economy, Reagan’s 1981 cut is the biggest followed by the 1945 rollback of taxes that financed World War II. Trump’s plan is also lower than cuts in 1948, 1964 and 1921.</p>
<p>Post-Reagan tax cuts also stand among the historically significant: President George W. Bush’s sweeping cuts in the early 2000s and President Barack Obama’s renewal of them a decade later.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>TRUMP on quarterly economic growth: “By the way, 3 percent — did you ever think you would hear that in less than a year? And now it comes in at 3.3 percent, which is the largest increase in many years.”</p>
<p>THE FACTS: Not quite. Obama saw the economy grow by 5.2 percent in the third quarter of 2014, only three years ago. So far, 3.3 percent in the third quarter is the high water mark under Trump. Obama saw growth of 4 percent or better twice prior to 2014, plus growth of 3.9 percent in two other quarters.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>TRUMP on how his own taxes will go up under the package he’s supporting: “I think my accountants are going crazy right now. It’s all right. Hey, look, I’m president. I don’t care. I don’t care anymore. I don’t care. Some of my wealthy friends care. Me? I don’t care. This is a higher calling.”</p>
<p>THE FACTS: It’s close to preposterous to think his wallet would take a hit. Little can be said with certainty because, for one thing, he’s refused to release his personal tax forms, which would provide a baseline for comparison. But nearly all available details about the House and Senate tax bills show that an extremely wealthy elite — such as the president — would get a cushy bonanza of tax cuts largely unavailable to the middle class.</p>
<p>In just one area, the Senate bill would slash the tax paid by companies with profits that double as the owner’s personal income. These are known as “pass-through” companies. Trump controls about 500 such entities, according to his lawyers. Instead of paying at a top rate of 39.6 percent, Trump would probably be taxed closer to 30 percent.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>TRUMP: “We’re back to the strong days of our banks and not the days of trouble pre that. We’re back to the — where bankers can make loans, and community bankers can make great loans to good people. You saw what happened recently where the certain agency or bureau that was causing so much trouble to lenders, where they could not lend. They just couldn’t lend. It was devastating. They were going out of business.”</p>
<p>THE FACTS: The point he is trying to make here is that federal financial regulations have choked the ability of banks to lend and devastated the industry. He said as much earlier in the week, more succinctly, but it’s not true.</p>
<p>Federally insured commercial banks and savings institutions reported more than 5 percent growth in the third quarter from a year earlier. Of more than 5,700 institutions reporting, more than two-thirds (67 percent) had year-over-year growth in quarterly earnings. The proportion of unprofitable banks fell. Quarterly net earnings also were up in the second quarter.</p>
<p>Over the longer term, the Federal Reserve says 34 firms have added more than $750 billion in capital since 2009. That capital essentially is held in reserves that would help the companies weather a future crisis like the 2008 financial meltdown that prompted steps to overhaul the financial sector. Among those steps was the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which many Republicans complain is overbearing and which became the subject of a power struggle this past week as Trump and Obama-era officials vied for control of it (Trump won).</p>
<p>As for smaller community banks, outgoing Fed chief Janet Yellen said this past week that they have indeed shrunk in recent times and federal regulation can be a weight on them. But she said their overarching problem is trying to make a profit in a low-interest-rate economy. Most small business are not reporting difficulty accessing credit, she said, though it can be struggle for the smallest of the small.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>TRUMP on attempts to repeal and replace Obama’s health care law: “You know, some people said, ‘Oh, you failed with health care.’ I said, ‘What do you mean we failed? We didn’t fail.’”</p>
<p>THE FACTS: They failed, twice. Each time Republicans could not summon the votes in their own ranks to get rid of “Obamacare.” That’s when Trump and the GOP in Congress turned to a tax overhaul instead. They are almost certain to try again on health care.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>TRUMP on his recent Asia trip: “That trip was a tremendous success. You know, we brought back $250 billion in contracts; that’s going to be over $1 trillion very soon. That’s a good — that’s a good week and a half’s work.”</p>
<p>THE FACTS: For the most part, the business he’s talking about did not come together during his trip or because of him. Various threads of existing or extended commerce were pulled together to resemble a notable achievement. That’s not unusual when world leaders meet. They like to have something to show for the effort, so largely symbolic advances are trotted out.</p>
<p>Papers signed in China during Trump’s visit, for example, were largely a packaging of previously worked-out deals, tentative investments, statements of intent and extensions of business with existing Chinese customers, with some new orders. They did not reflect a solution to underlying U.S. grievances about Chinese trading practices.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Tweet with ANTI-MUSLIM VIDEO: “VIDEO: Muslim migrant beats up Dutch boy on crutches!”</p>
<p>THE FACTS: The tweet by Jayda Fransen of the anti-Muslim group Britain First is false. Trump retweeted it anyway.</p>
<p>The video shows one young man in the Netherlands punching and kicking a young man on crutches. The attacker was a Dutch citizen, not a migrant.</p>
<p>The Dutch Embassy responded to Trump’s dissemination of the video with a tweet directed to him: “Facts do matter. The perpetrator of the violent act in this video was born and raised in the Netherlands. He received and completed his sentence under Dutch law.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Tweet with ANTI-MUSLIM VIDEO: “Muslim Destroys a Statue of Virgin Mary!”</p>
<p>THE FACTS: The circumstances of the video are not verified, but the images ring true. It’s well known that Islamic extremists target people and objects of other faiths — Christians, Jews, Muslims of other sects and movements — as well as indiscriminate populations. Also well known: Anti-Muslim extremists in the U.S. and other countries of the West have torched mosques.</p>
<p>The video shows a man, said to be a supporter of Syria’s al-Qaida affiliate then known as the Nusra Front, smashing a statue of the Virgin Mary that is half his size. The Middle East Media Research Institute identified the man as Sheikk Omar Raghba. In the video, he declares that “idols” will no longer be worshipped in the Levant before he smashes the statue in a northwestern Syrian village. The video appeared online in 2013.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Tweet with ANTI-MUSLIM VIDEO: “Islamist mob pushes a teenage boy off roof and beats him to death!”</p>
<p>THE FACTS: The circumstances of a violent act on a rooftop in Egypt are unclear in the blurry and shaky video. It shows someone falling from the roof of an apparent elevator shaft during a struggle, then at least one man punching the victim. Perpetrators of the roof violence were sentenced to death for killing a boy and a man.</p>
<p>The video was filmed days after the overthrow of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi by Egypt’s military. In the video, a supporter of Morsi is seen roaming the roof of a building in the coastal city of Alexandria, raising a black flag often used by militants. Little else is obvious from the video except that a confrontation was unfolding.</p>
<p>The wider context of those killings was ignored — the fact that both sides had blood on their hands. It was a time of violent protests by pro-Morsi protesters and a violent military crackdown. More than 1,000 people died in the military’s dispersal of Islamic protests.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>TRUMP, asking in a tweet Wednesday whether MSNBC host Joe Scarborough will be fired “based on the ‘unsolved mystery’ that took place in Florida years ago? Investigate!”</p>
<p>THE FACTS: Authorities decided years ago there’s no mystery to investigate, despite Trump’s insinuation of wrongdoing by Scarborough when he was a congressman in Florida. Lori Klausutis, who worked in Scarborough’s Fort Walton Beach congressional office, was found dead in the office in July 2001. An autopsy revealed that Klausutis had an undiagnosed heart condition and a coroner concluded she passed out and hit her head as she fell. The coroner said the head injury caused the death and no one struck her.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press writers Christopher S. Rugaber in Washington and Ian Mader in Miami contributed to this report.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Find AP Fact Checks at <a href="" type="internal">https://apnews.com/tag/APFactCheck</a></p>
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s recent rally in Missouri was a set-piece of distortion about taxes and the economy. He compounded his growing legacy of false tales on Twitter, where he spread a British fringe group’s factually twisted propaganda aimed at stirring hate and fear of Muslims.</p>
<p>A look at statements from his rally last week, the anti-Muslim propaganda he retweeted and more:</p>
<p>TRUMP describes the tax overhaul as “the biggest tax cut in the history of our country — bigger than Reagan,” and says of lawmakers: “For years they have not been able to get tax cuts, many, many years since Reagan.” The Senate passed its version of the package Saturday and will work to reconcile that with the version passed by the House.</p>
<p>THE FACTS: Trump is just wrong.</p>
<p>Not only have there been multiple tax cuts since President Ronald Reagan, but Trump’s cuts are nowhere near the largest in U.S. history.</p>
<p>An October analysis by the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget found that it would be the eighth biggest since 1918. As a percentage of the total economy, Reagan’s 1981 cut is the biggest followed by the 1945 rollback of taxes that financed World War II. Trump’s plan is also lower than cuts in 1948, 1964 and 1921.</p>
<p>Post-Reagan tax cuts also stand among the historically significant: President George W. Bush’s sweeping cuts in the early 2000s and President Barack Obama’s renewal of them a decade later.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>TRUMP on quarterly economic growth: “By the way, 3 percent — did you ever think you would hear that in less than a year? And now it comes in at 3.3 percent, which is the largest increase in many years.”</p>
<p>THE FACTS: Not quite. Obama saw the economy grow by 5.2 percent in the third quarter of 2014, only three years ago. So far, 3.3 percent in the third quarter is the high water mark under Trump. Obama saw growth of 4 percent or better twice prior to 2014, plus growth of 3.9 percent in two other quarters.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>TRUMP on how his own taxes will go up under the package he’s supporting: “I think my accountants are going crazy right now. It’s all right. Hey, look, I’m president. I don’t care. I don’t care anymore. I don’t care. Some of my wealthy friends care. Me? I don’t care. This is a higher calling.”</p>
<p>THE FACTS: It’s close to preposterous to think his wallet would take a hit. Little can be said with certainty because, for one thing, he’s refused to release his personal tax forms, which would provide a baseline for comparison. But nearly all available details about the House and Senate tax bills show that an extremely wealthy elite — such as the president — would get a cushy bonanza of tax cuts largely unavailable to the middle class.</p>
<p>In just one area, the Senate bill would slash the tax paid by companies with profits that double as the owner’s personal income. These are known as “pass-through” companies. Trump controls about 500 such entities, according to his lawyers. Instead of paying at a top rate of 39.6 percent, Trump would probably be taxed closer to 30 percent.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>TRUMP: “We’re back to the strong days of our banks and not the days of trouble pre that. We’re back to the — where bankers can make loans, and community bankers can make great loans to good people. You saw what happened recently where the certain agency or bureau that was causing so much trouble to lenders, where they could not lend. They just couldn’t lend. It was devastating. They were going out of business.”</p>
<p>THE FACTS: The point he is trying to make here is that federal financial regulations have choked the ability of banks to lend and devastated the industry. He said as much earlier in the week, more succinctly, but it’s not true.</p>
<p>Federally insured commercial banks and savings institutions reported more than 5 percent growth in the third quarter from a year earlier. Of more than 5,700 institutions reporting, more than two-thirds (67 percent) had year-over-year growth in quarterly earnings. The proportion of unprofitable banks fell. Quarterly net earnings also were up in the second quarter.</p>
<p>Over the longer term, the Federal Reserve says 34 firms have added more than $750 billion in capital since 2009. That capital essentially is held in reserves that would help the companies weather a future crisis like the 2008 financial meltdown that prompted steps to overhaul the financial sector. Among those steps was the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which many Republicans complain is overbearing and which became the subject of a power struggle this past week as Trump and Obama-era officials vied for control of it (Trump won).</p>
<p>As for smaller community banks, outgoing Fed chief Janet Yellen said this past week that they have indeed shrunk in recent times and federal regulation can be a weight on them. But she said their overarching problem is trying to make a profit in a low-interest-rate economy. Most small business are not reporting difficulty accessing credit, she said, though it can be struggle for the smallest of the small.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>TRUMP on attempts to repeal and replace Obama’s health care law: “You know, some people said, ‘Oh, you failed with health care.’ I said, ‘What do you mean we failed? We didn’t fail.’”</p>
<p>THE FACTS: They failed, twice. Each time Republicans could not summon the votes in their own ranks to get rid of “Obamacare.” That’s when Trump and the GOP in Congress turned to a tax overhaul instead. They are almost certain to try again on health care.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>TRUMP on his recent Asia trip: “That trip was a tremendous success. You know, we brought back $250 billion in contracts; that’s going to be over $1 trillion very soon. That’s a good — that’s a good week and a half’s work.”</p>
<p>THE FACTS: For the most part, the business he’s talking about did not come together during his trip or because of him. Various threads of existing or extended commerce were pulled together to resemble a notable achievement. That’s not unusual when world leaders meet. They like to have something to show for the effort, so largely symbolic advances are trotted out.</p>
<p>Papers signed in China during Trump’s visit, for example, were largely a packaging of previously worked-out deals, tentative investments, statements of intent and extensions of business with existing Chinese customers, with some new orders. They did not reflect a solution to underlying U.S. grievances about Chinese trading practices.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Tweet with ANTI-MUSLIM VIDEO: “VIDEO: Muslim migrant beats up Dutch boy on crutches!”</p>
<p>THE FACTS: The tweet by Jayda Fransen of the anti-Muslim group Britain First is false. Trump retweeted it anyway.</p>
<p>The video shows one young man in the Netherlands punching and kicking a young man on crutches. The attacker was a Dutch citizen, not a migrant.</p>
<p>The Dutch Embassy responded to Trump’s dissemination of the video with a tweet directed to him: “Facts do matter. The perpetrator of the violent act in this video was born and raised in the Netherlands. He received and completed his sentence under Dutch law.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Tweet with ANTI-MUSLIM VIDEO: “Muslim Destroys a Statue of Virgin Mary!”</p>
<p>THE FACTS: The circumstances of the video are not verified, but the images ring true. It’s well known that Islamic extremists target people and objects of other faiths — Christians, Jews, Muslims of other sects and movements — as well as indiscriminate populations. Also well known: Anti-Muslim extremists in the U.S. and other countries of the West have torched mosques.</p>
<p>The video shows a man, said to be a supporter of Syria’s al-Qaida affiliate then known as the Nusra Front, smashing a statue of the Virgin Mary that is half his size. The Middle East Media Research Institute identified the man as Sheikk Omar Raghba. In the video, he declares that “idols” will no longer be worshipped in the Levant before he smashes the statue in a northwestern Syrian village. The video appeared online in 2013.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Tweet with ANTI-MUSLIM VIDEO: “Islamist mob pushes a teenage boy off roof and beats him to death!”</p>
<p>THE FACTS: The circumstances of a violent act on a rooftop in Egypt are unclear in the blurry and shaky video. It shows someone falling from the roof of an apparent elevator shaft during a struggle, then at least one man punching the victim. Perpetrators of the roof violence were sentenced to death for killing a boy and a man.</p>
<p>The video was filmed days after the overthrow of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi by Egypt’s military. In the video, a supporter of Morsi is seen roaming the roof of a building in the coastal city of Alexandria, raising a black flag often used by militants. Little else is obvious from the video except that a confrontation was unfolding.</p>
<p>The wider context of those killings was ignored — the fact that both sides had blood on their hands. It was a time of violent protests by pro-Morsi protesters and a violent military crackdown. More than 1,000 people died in the military’s dispersal of Islamic protests.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>TRUMP, asking in a tweet Wednesday whether MSNBC host Joe Scarborough will be fired “based on the ‘unsolved mystery’ that took place in Florida years ago? Investigate!”</p>
<p>THE FACTS: Authorities decided years ago there’s no mystery to investigate, despite Trump’s insinuation of wrongdoing by Scarborough when he was a congressman in Florida. Lori Klausutis, who worked in Scarborough’s Fort Walton Beach congressional office, was found dead in the office in July 2001. An autopsy revealed that Klausutis had an undiagnosed heart condition and a coroner concluded she passed out and hit her head as she fell. The coroner said the head injury caused the death and no one struck her.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press writers Christopher S. Rugaber in Washington and Ian Mader in Miami contributed to this report.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Find AP Fact Checks at <a href="" type="internal">https://apnews.com/tag/APFactCheck</a></p>
| false | 2 |
washington ap president donald trumps recent rally missouri setpiece distortion taxes economy compounded growing legacy false tales twitter spread british fringe groups factually twisted propaganda aimed stirring hate fear muslims look statements rally last week antimuslim propaganda retweeted trump describes tax overhaul biggest tax cut history country bigger reagan says lawmakers years able get tax cuts many many years since reagan senate passed version package saturday work reconcile version passed house facts trump wrong multiple tax cuts since president ronald reagan trumps cuts nowhere near largest us history october analysis committee responsible federal budget found would eighth biggest since 1918 percentage total economy reagans 1981 cut biggest followed 1945 rollback taxes financed world war ii trumps plan also lower cuts 1948 1964 1921 postreagan tax cuts also stand among historically significant president george w bushs sweeping cuts early 2000s president barack obamas renewal decade later ___ trump quarterly economic growth way 3 percent ever think would hear less year comes 33 percent largest increase many years facts quite obama saw economy grow 52 percent third quarter 2014 three years ago far 33 percent third quarter high water mark trump obama saw growth 4 percent better twice prior 2014 plus growth 39 percent two quarters ___ trump taxes go package hes supporting think accountants going crazy right right hey look im president dont care dont care anymore dont care wealthy friends care dont care higher calling facts close preposterous think wallet would take hit little said certainty one thing hes refused release personal tax forms would provide baseline comparison nearly available details house senate tax bills show extremely wealthy elite president would get cushy bonanza tax cuts largely unavailable middle class one area senate bill would slash tax paid companies profits double owners personal income known passthrough companies trump controls 500 entities according lawyers instead paying top rate 396 percent trump would probably taxed closer 30 percent ___ trump back strong days banks days trouble pre back bankers make loans community bankers make great loans good people saw happened recently certain agency bureau causing much trouble lenders could lend couldnt lend devastating going business facts point trying make federal financial regulations choked ability banks lend devastated industry said much earlier week succinctly true federally insured commercial banks savings institutions reported 5 percent growth third quarter year earlier 5700 institutions reporting twothirds 67 percent yearoveryear growth quarterly earnings proportion unprofitable banks fell quarterly net earnings also second quarter longer term federal reserve says 34 firms added 750 billion capital since 2009 capital essentially held reserves would help companies weather future crisis like 2008 financial meltdown prompted steps overhaul financial sector among steps creation consumer financial protection bureau many republicans complain overbearing became subject power struggle past week trump obamaera officials vied control trump smaller community banks outgoing fed chief janet yellen said past week indeed shrunk recent times federal regulation weight said overarching problem trying make profit lowinterestrate economy small business reporting difficulty accessing credit said though struggle smallest small ___ trump attempts repeal replace obamas health care law know people said oh failed health care said mean failed didnt fail facts failed twice time republicans could summon votes ranks get rid obamacare thats trump gop congress turned tax overhaul instead almost certain try health care ___ trump recent asia trip trip tremendous success know brought back 250 billion contracts thats going 1 trillion soon thats good thats good week halfs work facts part business hes talking come together trip various threads existing extended commerce pulled together resemble notable achievement thats unusual world leaders meet like something show effort largely symbolic advances trotted papers signed china trumps visit example largely packaging previously workedout deals tentative investments statements intent extensions business existing chinese customers new orders reflect solution underlying us grievances chinese trading practices ___ tweet antimuslim video video muslim migrant beats dutch boy crutches facts tweet jayda fransen antimuslim group britain first false trump retweeted anyway video shows one young man netherlands punching kicking young man crutches attacker dutch citizen migrant dutch embassy responded trumps dissemination video tweet directed facts matter perpetrator violent act video born raised netherlands received completed sentence dutch law ___ tweet antimuslim video muslim destroys statue virgin mary facts circumstances video verified images ring true well known islamic extremists target people objects faiths christians jews muslims sects movements well indiscriminate populations also well known antimuslim extremists us countries west torched mosques video shows man said supporter syrias alqaida affiliate known nusra front smashing statue virgin mary half size middle east media research institute identified man sheikk omar raghba video declares idols longer worshipped levant smashes statue northwestern syrian village video appeared online 2013 ___ tweet antimuslim video islamist mob pushes teenage boy roof beats death facts circumstances violent act rooftop egypt unclear blurry shaky video shows someone falling roof apparent elevator shaft struggle least one man punching victim perpetrators roof violence sentenced death killing boy man video filmed days overthrow islamist president mohammed morsi egypts military video supporter morsi seen roaming roof building coastal city alexandria raising black flag often used militants little else obvious video except confrontation unfolding wider context killings ignored fact sides blood hands time violent protests promorsi protesters violent military crackdown 1000 people died militarys dispersal islamic protests ___ trump asking tweet wednesday whether msnbc host joe scarborough fired based unsolved mystery took place florida years ago investigate facts authorities decided years ago theres mystery investigate despite trumps insinuation wrongdoing scarborough congressman florida lori klausutis worked scarboroughs fort walton beach congressional office found dead office july 2001 autopsy revealed klausutis undiagnosed heart condition coroner concluded passed hit head fell coroner said head injury caused death one struck ___ associated press writers christopher rugaber washington ian mader miami contributed report ___ find ap fact checks httpsapnewscomtagapfactcheck washington ap president donald trumps recent rally missouri setpiece distortion taxes economy compounded growing legacy false tales twitter spread british fringe groups factually twisted propaganda aimed stirring hate fear muslims look statements rally last week antimuslim propaganda retweeted trump describes tax overhaul biggest tax cut history country bigger reagan says lawmakers years able get tax cuts many many years since reagan senate passed version package saturday work reconcile version passed house facts trump wrong multiple tax cuts since president ronald reagan trumps cuts nowhere near largest us history october analysis committee responsible federal budget found would eighth biggest since 1918 percentage total economy reagans 1981 cut biggest followed 1945 rollback taxes financed world war ii trumps plan also lower cuts 1948 1964 1921 postreagan tax cuts also stand among historically significant president george w bushs sweeping cuts early 2000s president barack obamas renewal decade later ___ trump quarterly economic growth way 3 percent ever think would hear less year comes 33 percent largest increase many years facts quite obama saw economy grow 52 percent third quarter 2014 three years ago far 33 percent third quarter high water mark trump obama saw growth 4 percent better twice prior 2014 plus growth 39 percent two quarters ___ trump taxes go package hes supporting think accountants going crazy right right hey look im president dont care dont care anymore dont care wealthy friends care dont care higher calling facts close preposterous think wallet would take hit little said certainty one thing hes refused release personal tax forms would provide baseline comparison nearly available details house senate tax bills show extremely wealthy elite president would get cushy bonanza tax cuts largely unavailable middle class one area senate bill would slash tax paid companies profits double owners personal income known passthrough companies trump controls 500 entities according lawyers instead paying top rate 396 percent trump would probably taxed closer 30 percent ___ trump back strong days banks days trouble pre back bankers make loans community bankers make great loans good people saw happened recently certain agency bureau causing much trouble lenders could lend couldnt lend devastating going business facts point trying make federal financial regulations choked ability banks lend devastated industry said much earlier week succinctly true federally insured commercial banks savings institutions reported 5 percent growth third quarter year earlier 5700 institutions reporting twothirds 67 percent yearoveryear growth quarterly earnings proportion unprofitable banks fell quarterly net earnings also second quarter longer term federal reserve says 34 firms added 750 billion capital since 2009 capital essentially held reserves would help companies weather future crisis like 2008 financial meltdown prompted steps overhaul financial sector among steps creation consumer financial protection bureau many republicans complain overbearing became subject power struggle past week trump obamaera officials vied control trump smaller community banks outgoing fed chief janet yellen said past week indeed shrunk recent times federal regulation weight said overarching problem trying make profit lowinterestrate economy small business reporting difficulty accessing credit said though struggle smallest small ___ trump attempts repeal replace obamas health care law know people said oh failed health care said mean failed didnt fail facts failed twice time republicans could summon votes ranks get rid obamacare thats trump gop congress turned tax overhaul instead almost certain try health care ___ trump recent asia trip trip tremendous success know brought back 250 billion contracts thats going 1 trillion soon thats good thats good week halfs work facts part business hes talking come together trip various threads existing extended commerce pulled together resemble notable achievement thats unusual world leaders meet like something show effort largely symbolic advances trotted papers signed china trumps visit example largely packaging previously workedout deals tentative investments statements intent extensions business existing chinese customers new orders reflect solution underlying us grievances chinese trading practices ___ tweet antimuslim video video muslim migrant beats dutch boy crutches facts tweet jayda fransen antimuslim group britain first false trump retweeted anyway video shows one young man netherlands punching kicking young man crutches attacker dutch citizen migrant dutch embassy responded trumps dissemination video tweet directed facts matter perpetrator violent act video born raised netherlands received completed sentence dutch law ___ tweet antimuslim video muslim destroys statue virgin mary facts circumstances video verified images ring true well known islamic extremists target people objects faiths christians jews muslims sects movements well indiscriminate populations also well known antimuslim extremists us countries west torched mosques video shows man said supporter syrias alqaida affiliate known nusra front smashing statue virgin mary half size middle east media research institute identified man sheikk omar raghba video declares idols longer worshipped levant smashes statue northwestern syrian village video appeared online 2013 ___ tweet antimuslim video islamist mob pushes teenage boy roof beats death facts circumstances violent act rooftop egypt unclear blurry shaky video shows someone falling roof apparent elevator shaft struggle least one man punching victim perpetrators roof violence sentenced death killing boy man video filmed days overthrow islamist president mohammed morsi egypts military video supporter morsi seen roaming roof building coastal city alexandria raising black flag often used militants little else obvious video except confrontation unfolding wider context killings ignored fact sides blood hands time violent protests promorsi protesters violent military crackdown 1000 people died militarys dispersal islamic protests ___ trump asking tweet wednesday whether msnbc host joe scarborough fired based unsolved mystery took place florida years ago investigate facts authorities decided years ago theres mystery investigate despite trumps insinuation wrongdoing scarborough congressman florida lori klausutis worked scarboroughs fort walton beach congressional office found dead office july 2001 autopsy revealed klausutis undiagnosed heart condition coroner concluded passed hit head fell coroner said head injury caused death one struck ___ associated press writers christopher rugaber washington ian mader miami contributed report ___ find ap fact checks httpsapnewscomtagapfactcheck
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<p>In a flurry of mailers sent to New York’s Upper East Side Democratic voters, challenger Reshma Saujani claims that incumbent Rep. Carolyn Maloney has taken $2.5 million from "special interests" while she has accepted none. Um, really? What about the $220,000 Saujani has received from Wall Street, her leading source of campaign funds?</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal" /></p>
<p>Yes, Maloney has accepted more than $2.5 million from political action committees over the course of her career ( <a href="http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/summary.php?cid=N00000078&amp;cycle=2010" type="external">$588,561</a> in this election cycle), but Saujani doesn’t mention that the $2.5 million was spread over Maloney’s nearly 18 years of service in the House. Saujani’s mailers paint Maloney as "taking Wall Street cash while writing its rules." Perhaps so, but <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/29/AR2009042904909.html" type="external">Maloney championed legislation</a> that curbed some of the anti-consumer practices of credit card companies, prompting President Obama to give her <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/video/President-Obama-Signs-Major-Credit-Card-Reform-Bill" type="external">a peck on the cheek</a> when he signed the bill into law last year. That didn’t please some players in New York’s financial community, who were further rankled by her <a href="http://www.politico.com/blogs/maggiehaberman/0610/Reshma_goes_the_James_Taylor_route_.html" type="external">support of the regulatory bill</a> in June.</p>
<p>It’s also true that Saujani accepts no money from political action committees. <a href="" type="internal">One mailer</a> boasts, "Only Reshma Is Rejecting Special Interest Cash." But PAC money isn’t the only form of "special interest cash," and the fact is that Saujani is relying heavily on donations from individuals who work in the financial industry. According to <a href="http://www.opensecrets.org/races/indus.php?cycle=2010&amp;id=NY14" type="external">a tabulation by the Center for Responsive Politics</a>, she’s taken in $220,255 from people in "securities and investment" and their families, while Maloney has received only $125,790 from the same sector (even counting her PAC receipts). Those figures come from the most recent reports available, as of June 13.</p>
<p>On <a href="" type="internal">one of Saujani’s mailers</a>, we’re told that "Carolyn Maloney takes money from the special interests she is supposed to regulate." It’s true that Maloney held a fundraiser at a Carole King-James Taylor concert in Washington D.C., and that she was a conferee on the regulatory bill around the same time. And it may well be that some of the donors who attended the concert were banking lobbyists&#160; — but Saujani has no evidence of that. Fundraising reports covering that period haven’t yet been released. Furthermore, Maloney <a href="http://www.govtrack.us/congress/vote.xpd?vote=h2010-413" type="external">voted for</a> the financial regulatory overhaul, which would curb some practices of banks and other financial institutions and create greater consumer protections.</p>
<p>Saujani also goes too far by including an image of a June 16 <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/15/AR2010061505643.html" type="external">Washington Post clip</a> headlined "8 House members investigated over fundraisers held near financial reform vote." In fact, Maloney was not among those investigated by the Office of Congressional Ethics; she’s not mentioned anywhere in the story.&#160;</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal" /></p>
<p>Saujani’s mailers <a href="" type="internal">criticize Maloney</a> for having taken the side of big banks in fighting against a 2000 effort to crack down on subprime lending. <a href="http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-60305954.html#mlt" type="external">That’s true</a>. Crain’s New York Business reported on March 13, 2000 that "[t]he banks have won a supporter" in Maloney. "She recently testified that the FDIC rules are likely to crimp credit availability in poor communities," Crain’s reported. "She also pegged the proposal as far too broad and suggested the FDIC should address its concerns on a case-by-case basis." <a href="" type="internal" /></p>
<p>But Saujani used to work for a hedge fund that was involved in the <a href="http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/20070924/fortress-nationalstar-subprime.htm" type="external">subprime</a> market. In fact, she’s a lawyer who has worked at <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/07/AR2010070705333.html" type="external">three hedge funds</a> during her career.</p>
<p><a href="http://query.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/dcdev/forms/C00469866/463180/sa/ALL" type="external">Saujani’s filing</a> with the Federal Election Commission for the first quarter of 2010 shows contributions from employees at dozens of investment banks and other financial firms. Twenty-three of Saujani’s donors in that quarter were identified as working for Morgan Stanley, including Chairman of the Board <a href="http://www.morganstanley.com/company/governance/board.html" type="external">John Mack</a>. <a href="http://www.opensecrets.org/races/contrib.php?cycle=2010&amp;id=NY14" type="external">Employees of Goldman Sachs</a> have given her more than those of any other single company, followed by employees of four other financial firms.</p>
<p>Saujani has also expressed sympathy for the financial industry several times: "Congress needs to <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/reshma-saujani/financial-reform-from-sou_b_463538.html" type="external">stop demonizing Wall Street</a>," she wrote in February on Huffington Post.&#160; She expressed a similar sentiment <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/27/nyregion/27maloney.html" type="external">to the New York Times</a>: "Instead of browbeating Wall Street, I want to invite them to help create jobs." The Washington Post ran an article under the headline, " <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/07/AR2010070705333.html" type="external">N.Y. challenger Saujani embraces Wall Street</a>."</p>
<p>The Post article prompted a <a href="http://www.reshma2010.com/pages/my_views_on_wall_street" type="external">lengthy retort from Saujani</a> on her campaign website. She called it a "media distortion" and said, "I am not pro-Wall Street or anti-Wall Street. I’m pro-New York City."</p>
<p>She said she would have tightened regulation of Wall Street even more than the legislation that Maloney voted for:</p>
<p>Saujani:&#160;Not only would I have voted for the House financial regulation bill last December and the final conference committee bill, I would have introduced an amendment to create an SEC regulated clearinghouse for credit rating agencies, because the current model of allowing banks to pay for faulty investment ratings was a major contributor to the crisis. During the conference committee, I also called to extend the Durbin amendment to reign in the excessive fees small businesses pay for both debit and credit card transactions. Lastly, I was strongly opposed to the carve-outs from consumer protections that the House granted to auto dealers, a special interest provision that was championed by Carolyn Maloney.</p>
<p>But Saujani didn’t dispute the Post’s account of the words she spoke to her campaign donors at an Upper East Side fundraising party.</p>
<p>Washington Post: "We need to extend a hand rather than a fist" to Wall Street, Saujani tells the guests at the apartment. "In New York, it’s complicated because 35 percent of our revenue comes from the financial services industry. We need to have transparency and reform, but we also need to understand that . . . it’s just as easy to go work in Singapore and London and Bangalore, and we can’t make it so difficult to do business here that people will vote with their feet."</p>
<p>&#160;The Democratic primary is Sept. 14.</p>
<p>Did you get campaign material in the mail (snail mail or e-mail) that you think may be wrong or misleading? E-mail it to us at [email protected], fax it to us at 202-879-6707, or send it to us at FactCheck.org, Suite 320, National Press Building, Washington DC, 20045.</p>
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flurry mailers sent new yorks upper east side democratic voters challenger reshma saujani claims incumbent rep carolyn maloney taken 25 million special interests accepted none um really 220000 saujani received wall street leading source campaign funds yes maloney accepted 25 million political action committees course career 588561 election cycle saujani doesnt mention 25 million spread maloneys nearly 18 years service house saujanis mailers paint maloney taking wall street cash writing rules perhaps maloney championed legislation curbed anticonsumer practices credit card companies prompting president obama give peck cheek signed bill law last year didnt please players new yorks financial community rankled support regulatory bill june also true saujani accepts money political action committees one mailer boasts reshma rejecting special interest cash pac money isnt form special interest cash fact saujani relying heavily donations individuals work financial industry according tabulation center responsive politics shes taken 220255 people securities investment families maloney received 125790 sector even counting pac receipts figures come recent reports available june 13 one saujanis mailers told carolyn maloney takes money special interests supposed regulate true maloney held fundraiser carole kingjames taylor concert washington dc conferee regulatory bill around time may well donors attended concert banking lobbyists160 saujani evidence fundraising reports covering period havent yet released furthermore maloney voted financial regulatory overhaul would curb practices banks financial institutions create greater consumer protections saujani also goes far including image june 16 washington post clip headlined 8 house members investigated fundraisers held near financial reform vote fact maloney among investigated office congressional ethics shes mentioned anywhere story160 saujanis mailers criticize maloney taken side big banks fighting 2000 effort crack subprime lending thats true crains new york business reported march 13 2000 banks supporter maloney recently testified fdic rules likely crimp credit availability poor communities crains reported also pegged proposal far broad suggested fdic address concerns casebycase basis saujani used work hedge fund involved subprime market fact shes lawyer worked three hedge funds career saujanis filing federal election commission first quarter 2010 shows contributions employees dozens investment banks financial firms twentythree saujanis donors quarter identified working morgan stanley including chairman board john mack employees goldman sachs given single company followed employees four financial firms saujani also expressed sympathy financial industry several times congress needs stop demonizing wall street wrote february huffington post160 expressed similar sentiment new york times instead browbeating wall street want invite help create jobs washington post ran article headline ny challenger saujani embraces wall street post article prompted lengthy retort saujani campaign website called media distortion said prowall street antiwall street im pronew york city said would tightened regulation wall street even legislation maloney voted saujani160not would voted house financial regulation bill last december final conference committee bill would introduced amendment create sec regulated clearinghouse credit rating agencies current model allowing banks pay faulty investment ratings major contributor crisis conference committee also called extend durbin amendment reign excessive fees small businesses pay debit credit card transactions lastly strongly opposed carveouts consumer protections house granted auto dealers special interest provision championed carolyn maloney saujani didnt dispute posts account words spoke campaign donors upper east side fundraising party washington post need extend hand rather fist wall street saujani tells guests apartment new york complicated 35 percent revenue comes financial services industry need transparency reform also need understand easy go work singapore london bangalore cant make difficult business people vote feet 160the democratic primary sept 14 get campaign material mail snail mail email think may wrong misleading email us editorfactcheckorg fax us 2028796707 send us factcheckorg suite 320 national press building washington dc 20045
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<p>&#160;</p>
<p>We are issuing a split decision in the Obama vs. McCain dispute over whether proper tire inflation could save as much oil as expanded offshore drilling is likely to produce.</p>
<p>We find that proper tire inflation could save more than a billion gallons of fuel per year and do it several years sooner than expanded drilling could produce a single drop. McCain has exaggerated by representing Obama’s suggestion as a silly notion or implying that it constitutes his entire energy policy.</p>
<p>But we also figure that expanded offshore drilling is projected to produce far more oil eventually than can be saved by proper tire inflation – nearly three times as much even by the conservative estimate of government experts, and more than 10 times as much if an industry-endorsed estimate is correct. And even taking into account additional fuel savings from tune-ups, which Obama also mentioned, he greatly exaggerated.</p>
<p />
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>Obama:&#160;Making sure your tires are properly inflated, simple thing, but we could save all the oil that they’re talking about getting off drilling, if everybody was just inflating their tires and getting regular tune-ups. You could actually save just as much.</p>
<p>Sen. John McCain ridiculed Obama for that remark. His campaign launched a fundraising effort offering tire gauges with the words "Obama’s Energy Plan" emblazoned on them. McCain said at a motorcycle rally in Sturgis, S.D., on Aug. 5:</p>
<p>McCain: My opponent doesn’t want to drill, he doesn’t want nuclear power, he wants you to inflate your tires.</p>
<p>McCain exaggerates. Obama’s energy <a href="http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/factsheet_energy_speech_080308.pdf" type="external">plan</a> calls for much more than conservation measures (and, in fact, doesn’t contain any language about tire inflation). It includes a proposal to spend $150 billion over the next decade to, among other things, improve fuel efficiency and develop new fuels and vehicles.</p>
<p />
<p>But was Obama exaggerating as well? Others have come up with conflicting answers.</p>
<p>We’ve continued to explore this subject. We conclude that Obama’s statement is by no means as silly as McCain tried to make it sound, but it is a rather large exaggeration nonetheless.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>Let’s start with tire pressure. Even McCain finally <a href="http://blogs.reuters.com/trail08/2008/08/05/mccain-takes-air-out-of-tire-pressure-debate/" type="external">admitted</a> Aug. 5 that keeping tires properly inflated is a good idea and can save fuel:</p>
<p>McCain: Obama said a couple of days ago says we all should inflate our tires. I don’t disagree with that. The American Automobile Association strongly recommends it.</p>
<p>He’s right; they <a href="http://www.aaanewsroom.net/main/Default.asp?CategoryID=4&amp;ArticleID=576" type="external">do</a>. And government experts agree: According to <a href="http://fueleconomy.gov/feg/maintain.shtml" type="external">FuelEconomy.gov</a>, a Web site jointly administered by the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency, "You can improve your gas mileage by around 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure."</p>
<p>But how many Americans are driving around on soft tires? According to a National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration 2001 <a href="http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/rulings/TirePressure/fedreg.htm" type="external">survey</a>, 26 percent of passenger cars and 29 percent of light trucks were found to have at least one tire that was 25 percent below the manufacturer’s required level. That’s more than a quarter of all motorists running on one or more soft tires. So the savings could certainly add up. But add up to what?</p>
<p />
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>Some have used an estimate of 2.8 billion gallons per year, but we think that’s too high. That comes from a release issued last April by the Rubber Manufacturers Association and others in connection with an event in California. One tire executive was quoted as saying that <a href="http://www.automotivetraveler.com/index.php?option=com_content&amp;task=view&amp;id=225&amp;Itemid=119" type="external">"tire experts speculate"</a> that U.S. drivers waste 2.8 billion gallons of gasoline per year because of under-inflated tires. But we could not find support for that figure, and a spokeswoman for the Rubber Manufacturers Association told us that the estimate was "not scientific."</p>
<p>A far more authoritative estimate comes from the U.S. <a href="http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d07246r.pdf" type="external">Government Accountability Office</a>, which puts the figure at 1.2 billion gallons of fuel per year. In a report dated Feb. 9, 2007, GAO says:</p>
<p>GAO: The Department of Energy’s designated economist on this issue indicated that, of the 130 billion gallons of fuel that the Transportation Research Board (TRB) estimated were used in passenger cars and light trucks in 2005, about 1.2 billion gallons were wasted as a result of driving on underinflated tires.</p>
<p>That figures out to be just under 1 percent of all fuel consumed by autos and light trucks. But would saving 1.2 billion gallons of fuel per year equal the expected increase in oil production from opening up offshore areas to drilling? For the next several years, yes. But after that, probably not, according to the best estimates we can find.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>Nobody can say for sure how much oil lies under the sea in the areas currently off-limits to drilling, and estimates of potential production from these areas over the next 15 to 20 years vary widely. The Energy Information Administration of the U.S. Department of Energy – which we’ve quoted a number of times in the past – is conservative compared with estimates that appeared in a 2007 report from the National Petroleum Council, a group which exists " <a href="http://www.npc.org/background.html" type="external">to represent the views of the oil and natural gas industries</a>" before the federal government. The estimates in the NPC report were taken from a 2006 report done for the Department of Energy by a private research firm called Advanced Resources International.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>According to <a href="http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/aeo/otheranalysis/ongr.html" type="external">EIA’s official projection</a>, allowing drilling in Outer Continental Shelf areas that currently are off-limits in the Gulf of Mexico and off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the lower 48 states would produce an additional 220,000 barrels per day by the year 2025. The <a href="http://www.npc.org/Study_Topic_Papers/7-STG-GlobalAccess.pdf" type="external">more optimistic ARI assessment</a> predicts an increase of 990,000 barrels per day by 2025.</p>
<p>ARI’s prediction is more than four times larger than the official government prediction. The DOE expects only enough oil to equal about 1.4 percent of total U.S. demand, while ARI’s prediction would amount to more than 6 percent.</p>
<p>ARI also predicts that oil could start flowing as quickly as three years after offshore areas are opened up, at least in those areas where leasing could begin immediately. But Phyllis Martin, an EIA senior energy analyst, projects a longer lead time. She predicts it would take two to three years for the Interior Department’s Minerals Management Service to put a leasing program into place, and another two to three years for oil companies to explore and drill the first producing wells, for a total delay of four to six years.</p>
<p>We’re in no position to judge which estimate is closer to the truth. We can say that government experts aren’t convinced by ARI’s arguments. The EIA’s Martin says the size of the oil fields expected to be found are "in general smaller" than those currently producing in the Gulf of Mexico, for one thing. Another factor is that most of what would be opened are "deep-water" areas, which the EIA <a href="http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/archive/aeo04/assumption/oil_gas.html" type="external">defines</a> as being more than 200 meters (656 feet) below the surface. "The high cost of deep-water exploratory drilling and deep-water production platforms is an additional factor that could initially hold back production," Martin says. "A lot of these areas may not be economically attractive to produce at this time." Indeed, it’s reported that <a href="http://industry.bnet.com/energy/2008/05/08/cost-of-offshore-drilling-rising-as-fast-as-oil-prices/" type="external">the cost of renting a high-end deep-water drilling rig</a> now runs between $500,000 and $550,000 a day. <a href="http://www.forbes.com/energy/2008/08/04/alaska-oil-energy-biz-energy-cx_wp_0805alaska.html" type="external">Other</a> <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/19/business/19drillship.html" type="external">reports</a> put the going rate at $600,000 a day.</p>
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<p />
<p>As for ARI’s prediction that leasing could start immediately in some places, Martin predicts that it would take two or three years just to put a leasing program into place. And while the government might be able to speed up the start of leasing, another two to three years is required for exploring and drilling after a lease is approved. ARI’s projection, too, assumes about a three-year lead time to find any new oil after a lease has been granted. "This is going to require time and personnel," Martin says, "and the industry is really constrained right now in terms of available personnel. And all of the [drilling] rigs right now are currently operating." Indeed, the New York Times reported June 19 that <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/19/business/19drillship.html" type="external">a global shortage of deep-water drilling rigs</a> is causing a "critical bottleneck" in drilling where oil is known to exist or exploring for new offshore fields.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>Tires can be inflated quickly, so it’s clear that paying proper attention to tire pressure could save more fuel than expanded drilling for several years, until drilling begins to produce significant additional amounts of oil. But what then?</p>
<p />
<p>By the year 2025, if even the lower of the two offshore drilling estimates proved to be correct, it would exceed the estimated 1.2 billion gallons of fuel per year that could be saved through proper tire inflation alone. Since each 42-gallon barrel of oil produces 19.15 gallons of gasoline (using 2007 figures), the peak output of oil that EIA expects from expanded offshore drilling would work out to be more than 1.5 billion gallons of gasoline per year. That’s significantly more than the 1.2 billion gallons that GAO estimates can be saved from proper tire inflation, and it doesn’t even take into account the possibility that actual production could be closer to ARI’s much higher expectations. If those projections turn out to be correct, the added offshore production would yield nearly 7 billion gallons per year of additional gasoline.</p>
<p>Yet even these figures don’t tell us everything. Each barrel of oil also produces more than 9 gallons of diesel fuel, 3 gallons of jet fuel and additional amounts of home heating oil and heavy "residual" fuel oil, among other products. Just saving gasoline can’t possibly compensate for everything that would come from each added barrel of oil, at least not directly.</p>
<p>We note here that Obama didn’t say we could "save all the gasoline" expected from expanded offshore drilling; he said "we could save all the oil’ (our emphasis). So it’s not enough to estimate only how much gasoline would result, we must somehow figure how much gasoline must be saved to offset, indirectly, everything that comes from a barrel of oil. We make the simple assumption that saving a gallon of gasoline offsets a gallon of diesel, jet fuel or any other product that comes from the added oil, and go on from there. And that makes the numbers much bigger.</p>
<p>Oddly, each 42-gallon barrel of oil actually yields between 44 and 45 gallons of refined product, according to the Energy Information Administration. This is due to something called " <a href="http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/dnav/pet/TblDefs/pet_pnp_refp2_tbldef2.asp" type="external">processing gain</a>," which happens when crude oil is made into products which, in total, have a lower specific gravity than the oil itself – like gasoline. So ending the ban on offshore drilling would result in 3.5 billion gallons of petroleum product per year under the government’s estimate, and nearly 16 billion gallons if ARI’s prediction turns out to be accurate. Both those figures are far beyond the 1.2 billion gallon savings to be expected from proper tire pressure.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>And that 1.2 billion estimate refers to "fuel," not gasoline. Many motorists today are burning fuel that is blended with ethanol. As a national average, EIA says that what motorists put in their tanks now is between 4 percent and 5 percent ethanol. That means for every gallon of fuel saved by proper tire pressure, about 95 percent to 96 percent is gasoline. So the 1.2 billion gallons of "fuel" that the GAO says could be saved would work out to be as little as 1.14 billion gallons of gasoline at the current rate of ethanol use. And that rate is due to rise. A law passed in 2007 requires ever-increasing amounts of ethanol to be blended into auto fuel. <a href="http://www.epa.gov/OMS/renewablefuels/" type="external">The EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard program</a> will require that 36 billion gallons per year of ethanol be blended in by 2022, quadruple the current 9 billion gallons.</p>
<p>But even without factoring in a correction for ethanol, it is clear that the GAO’s estimate of savings from proper tire inflation is only a little better than one-third of the amount needed to offset the EIA’s conservative estimate of increased offshore production, and less than a tenth of what would be needed to offset the increase in oil ARI says it expects.</p>
<p />
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<p>Although the public discussion has centered mostly on tire pressure, Obama also included "regular tune-ups" in his equation. The total savings that could be expected here, we judge, are modest compared with what might be saved through proper tire inflation.</p>
<p>It’s true that any individual motorist might be wasting a lot of fuel because of improper auto maintenance. Driving with a badly clogged air filter, for example, can cut mileage by as much as 10 percent, according to the government’s Web site <a href="http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/maintain.shtml" type="external">FuelEconomy.gov.</a> And correcting a "serious" maintenance problem such as a faulty oxygen sensor can save as much as 40 percent in fuel, according to the site. It says the average fuel savings from tuning up a car that is "noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test" is 4 percent.</p>
<p />
<p>But we’ve found no data on how many motorists are operating cars that are "noticeably out of tune" or have serious maintenance problems or clogged air filters, so it’s not possible for us to estimate from those figures how many gallons of fuel could be saved each year if all such problems were corrected. But we doubt very much that the possible savings is anything close to what could be achieved through proper tire pressure. The reason is that modern autos seldom, if ever, need tune-ups.</p>
<p>In the past, regular tune-ups were needed because cars used mechanical ignition systems that relied on points, rotors and distributor caps that wore and needed frequent adjustment. Today’s cars have electronic ignition systems that seldom need attention. Older cars mainly used carburetors to mix fuel, and they also tended to get out of adjustment and require frequent tweaking. Today’s cars mainly rely on fuel injection. Modern autos also come with platinum-tipped spark plugs that can last 100,000 miles, and air filters that typically don’t need replacement for 30,000 miles. So the old-fashioned tune-up is pretty much a thing of the past.</p>
<p>We tend to agree with <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Car-Maintenance---Will-it-Really-Help-Gas-Mileage?&amp;id=1392681" type="external">author-mechanic Theodore Olson</a>, who writes: "Unless your vehicle is misfiring (i.e., not running on all cylinders), your gas mileage is likely fine." We’re not saying that motorists should skip factory-recommended maintenance, such as regular oil changes. That’s a good way to shorten the useful life of the vehicle. We just see no evidence that much fuel would be saved even if everybody followed their owner’s manual.</p>
<p>But for the sake of argument, even if one assumed that another 1 billion gallons of fuel could be saved each year from proper tune-ups – and again, we’ve seen no evidence to support that idea – the combination of tire pressure and tune-ups wouldn’t equal in savings what the government expects from increased offshore production once it reaches a peak. And it would be only a small fraction of what ARI and the NPC expects.</p>
<p>— by Brooks Jackson and Emi Kolawole</p>
<p>Technical Notes:</p>
<p>" <a href="http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d07246r.pdf" type="external">Underinflated Tires</a>" U.S. Government Accountability Office: GAO-07-246R. 9 Feb 2007.</p>
<p>" <a href="http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/aeo/otheranalysis/ongr.html" type="external">Impacts of Increased Access to Oil and Natural Gas Resources in the Lower 48 Federal Outer Continental Shelf</a>." 2007. Energy Information Administration. 8 Aug. 2008.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/aeo/otheranalysis/ongr.html" type="external">OCS Oil &amp; Gas Production</a>. The Minerals Management Service. 8 Aug. 2008.</p>
<p>Phillips, David. " <a href="http://industry.bnet.com/energy/2008/05/08/cost-of-offshore-drilling-rising-as-fast-as-oil-prices/" type="external">Cost of Offshore Drilling Rising as Fast as Oil Prices.</a>" Bnet Business Network 8 May 2008.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.safercar.gov/portal/site/safercar/menuitem.13dd5c887c7e1358fefe0a2f35a67789/?vgnextoid=0e0aaa8c16e35110VgnVCM1000002fd17898RCRD" type="external">Tires Home</a>. National Highway Transportation &amp; Safety Administration. 8 Aug. 2008.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.eia.doe.gov/basics/quickoil.html" type="external">Petroleum Basic Statistics</a>. The Energy Information Administration. 8 Aug. 2008. <a href="http://fueleconomy.gov/feg/maintain.shtml" type="external">Keeping Your Car In Shape</a>. FuelEconomy.gov. 8 Aug. 2008.</p>
<p>Olson, Theodore " <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Car-Maintenance---Will-it-Really-Help-Gas-Mileage?&amp;id=1392681" type="external">Car Maintenance – Will it Really Help Gas Mileage?</a>" EzineArticles.com 7 Aug. 2008.&#160;</p>
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160 issuing split decision obama vs mccain dispute whether proper tire inflation could save much oil expanded offshore drilling likely produce find proper tire inflation could save billion gallons fuel per year several years sooner expanded drilling could produce single drop mccain exaggerated representing obamas suggestion silly notion implying constitutes entire energy policy also figure expanded offshore drilling projected produce far oil eventually saved proper tire inflation nearly three times much even conservative estimate government experts 10 times much industryendorsed estimate correct even taking account additional fuel savings tuneups obama also mentioned greatly exaggerated 160 obama160making sure tires properly inflated simple thing could save oil theyre talking getting drilling everybody inflating tires getting regular tuneups could actually save much sen john mccain ridiculed obama remark campaign launched fundraising effort offering tire gauges words obamas energy plan emblazoned mccain said motorcycle rally sturgis sd aug 5 mccain opponent doesnt want drill doesnt want nuclear power wants inflate tires mccain exaggerates obamas energy plan calls much conservation measures fact doesnt contain language tire inflation includes proposal spend 150 billion next decade among things improve fuel efficiency develop new fuels vehicles obama exaggerating well others come conflicting answers weve continued explore subject conclude obamas statement means silly mccain tried make sound rather large exaggeration nonetheless 160 lets start tire pressure even mccain finally admitted aug 5 keeping tires properly inflated good idea save fuel mccain obama said couple days ago says inflate tires dont disagree american automobile association strongly recommends hes right government experts agree according fueleconomygov web site jointly administered department energy environmental protection agency improve gas mileage around 33 percent keeping tires inflated proper pressure many americans driving around soft tires according national highway traffic safety administration 2001 survey 26 percent passenger cars 29 percent light trucks found least one tire 25 percent manufacturers required level thats quarter motorists running one soft tires savings could certainly add add 160 used estimate 28 billion gallons per year think thats high comes release issued last april rubber manufacturers association others connection event california one tire executive quoted saying tire experts speculate us drivers waste 28 billion gallons gasoline per year underinflated tires could find support figure spokeswoman rubber manufacturers association told us estimate scientific far authoritative estimate comes us government accountability office puts figure 12 billion gallons fuel per year report dated feb 9 2007 gao says gao department energys designated economist issue indicated 130 billion gallons fuel transportation research board trb estimated used passenger cars light trucks 2005 12 billion gallons wasted result driving underinflated tires figures 1 percent fuel consumed autos light trucks would saving 12 billion gallons fuel per year equal expected increase oil production opening offshore areas drilling next several years yes probably according best estimates find 160 nobody say sure much oil lies sea areas currently offlimits drilling estimates potential production areas next 15 20 years vary widely energy information administration us department energy weve quoted number times past conservative compared estimates appeared 2007 report national petroleum council group exists represent views oil natural gas industries federal government estimates npc report taken 2006 report done department energy private research firm called advanced resources international 160 according eias official projection allowing drilling outer continental shelf areas currently offlimits gulf mexico atlantic pacific coasts lower 48 states would produce additional 220000 barrels per day year 2025 optimistic ari assessment predicts increase 990000 barrels per day 2025 aris prediction four times larger official government prediction doe expects enough oil equal 14 percent total us demand aris prediction would amount 6 percent ari also predicts oil could start flowing quickly three years offshore areas opened least areas leasing could begin immediately phyllis martin eia senior energy analyst projects longer lead time predicts would take two three years interior departments minerals management service put leasing program place another two three years oil companies explore drill first producing wells total delay four six years position judge estimate closer truth say government experts arent convinced aris arguments eias martin says size oil fields expected found general smaller currently producing gulf mexico one thing another factor would opened deepwater areas eia defines 200 meters 656 feet surface high cost deepwater exploratory drilling deepwater production platforms additional factor could initially hold back production martin says lot areas may economically attractive produce time indeed reported cost renting highend deepwater drilling rig runs 500000 550000 day reports put going rate 600000 day 160 aris prediction leasing could start immediately places martin predicts would take two three years put leasing program place government might able speed start leasing another two three years required exploring drilling lease approved aris projection assumes threeyear lead time find new oil lease granted going require time personnel martin says industry really constrained right terms available personnel drilling rigs right currently operating indeed new york times reported june 19 global shortage deepwater drilling rigs causing critical bottleneck drilling oil known exist exploring new offshore fields 160 tires inflated quickly clear paying proper attention tire pressure could save fuel expanded drilling several years drilling begins produce significant additional amounts oil year 2025 even lower two offshore drilling estimates proved correct would exceed estimated 12 billion gallons fuel per year could saved proper tire inflation alone since 42gallon barrel oil produces 1915 gallons gasoline using 2007 figures peak output oil eia expects expanded offshore drilling would work 15 billion gallons gasoline per year thats significantly 12 billion gallons gao estimates saved proper tire inflation doesnt even take account possibility actual production could closer aris much higher expectations projections turn correct added offshore production would yield nearly 7 billion gallons per year additional gasoline yet even figures dont tell us everything barrel oil also produces 9 gallons diesel fuel 3 gallons jet fuel additional amounts home heating oil heavy residual fuel oil among products saving gasoline cant possibly compensate everything would come added barrel oil least directly note obama didnt say could save gasoline expected expanded offshore drilling said could save oil emphasis enough estimate much gasoline would result must somehow figure much gasoline must saved offset indirectly everything comes barrel oil make simple assumption saving gallon gasoline offsets gallon diesel jet fuel product comes added oil go makes numbers much bigger oddly 42gallon barrel oil actually yields 44 45 gallons refined product according energy information administration due something called processing gain happens crude oil made products total lower specific gravity oil like gasoline ending ban offshore drilling would result 35 billion gallons petroleum product per year governments estimate nearly 16 billion gallons aris prediction turns accurate figures far beyond 12 billion gallon savings expected proper tire pressure 160 12 billion estimate refers fuel gasoline many motorists today burning fuel blended ethanol national average eia says motorists put tanks 4 percent 5 percent ethanol means every gallon fuel saved proper tire pressure 95 percent 96 percent gasoline 12 billion gallons fuel gao says could saved would work little 114 billion gallons gasoline current rate ethanol use rate due rise law passed 2007 requires everincreasing amounts ethanol blended auto fuel epas renewable fuel standard program require 36 billion gallons per year ethanol blended 2022 quadruple current 9 billion gallons even without factoring correction ethanol clear gaos estimate savings proper tire inflation little better onethird amount needed offset eias conservative estimate increased offshore production less tenth would needed offset increase oil ari says expects 160 although public discussion centered mostly tire pressure obama also included regular tuneups equation total savings could expected judge modest compared might saved proper tire inflation true individual motorist might wasting lot fuel improper auto maintenance driving badly clogged air filter example cut mileage much 10 percent according governments web site fueleconomygov correcting serious maintenance problem faulty oxygen sensor save much 40 percent fuel according site says average fuel savings tuning car noticeably tune failed emissions test 4 percent weve found data many motorists operating cars noticeably tune serious maintenance problems clogged air filters possible us estimate figures many gallons fuel could saved year problems corrected doubt much possible savings anything close could achieved proper tire pressure reason modern autos seldom ever need tuneups past regular tuneups needed cars used mechanical ignition systems relied points rotors distributor caps wore needed frequent adjustment todays cars electronic ignition systems seldom need attention older cars mainly used carburetors mix fuel also tended get adjustment require frequent tweaking todays cars mainly rely fuel injection modern autos also come platinumtipped spark plugs last 100000 miles air filters typically dont need replacement 30000 miles oldfashioned tuneup pretty much thing past tend agree authormechanic theodore olson writes unless vehicle misfiring ie running cylinders gas mileage likely fine saying motorists skip factoryrecommended maintenance regular oil changes thats good way shorten useful life vehicle see evidence much fuel would saved even everybody followed owners manual sake argument even one assumed another 1 billion gallons fuel could saved year proper tuneups weve seen evidence support idea combination tire pressure tuneups wouldnt equal savings government expects increased offshore production reaches peak would small fraction ari npc expects brooks jackson emi kolawole technical notes underinflated tires us government accountability office gao07246r 9 feb 2007 impacts increased access oil natural gas resources lower 48 federal outer continental shelf 2007 energy information administration 8 aug 2008 ocs oil amp gas production minerals management service 8 aug 2008 phillips david cost offshore drilling rising fast oil prices bnet business network 8 may 2008 tires home national highway transportation amp safety administration 8 aug 2008 petroleum basic statistics energy information administration 8 aug 2008 keeping car shape fueleconomygov 8 aug 2008 olson theodore car maintenance really help gas mileage ezinearticlescom 7 aug 2008160 160
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<p>No. 22 Tennessee nearly blew a 20-point, second-half lead, but hung on to knock off visiting Vanderbilt, 67-62, at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville on Tuesday night.</p>
<p>Guard Jordan Bowden had 19, while forward Grant Williams chipped in 18 for the Vols (14-5, 5-3 SEC). Williams was 12-of-14 from the foul line, with many coming in the second half as the Vols struggled to get field goals.</p>
<p>A pair of seniors, guard Riley LaChance (25) and Jeff Roberson (21), led Vandy (7-13, 2-6) in scoring. All of LaChance’s points came in the second half.</p>
<p>Vanderbilt had cut UT’s lead to 60-58, but Vol guard Lamonte Turner buried an open 3 from the left side with 1:03 left. After LaChance missed a 3, Bowden hit a lay-up with 33 seconds left to provide insurance.</p>
<p>The Vols led by 20 on three different occasions in the second half in the midst of a stretch where VU missed 17 3-pointers in a row. Tennessee was up 41-21 with 14:28 left after Turner hit a jumper from the right side.</p>
<p>But the Vols suddenly had trouble scoring from the field as LaChance hit four 3s in a row. Vandy pulled within four when guard Larry Austin Jr. assisted on a couple of transition lay-ups, the second a pass to Roberson with 7:06 left.</p>
<p>But Tennessee was able to close, and with that, sweep the regular-season series.</p>
<p>Vanderbilt’s Payton Willis hit a 3 on the game’s first possession, aiding the Commodores to a 7-4 lead to start. It took a terrible turn for the Commodores, who trailed 32-15 at half, from there.</p>
<p>Tennessee’s tight man-to-man defense made it difficult for the Commodores to find an offensive rhythm. Even when Vanderbilt got open shots, it couldn’t hit them.</p>
<p>The Vols’ Bowden had no such troubles, hitting 3 of 4 of his first-half 3-pointers, leading all scorers at half.</p>
<p>Tennessee also hit 8 of 12 first-half free throws, while Vanderbilt missed its only attempt.</p>
<p>Vanderbilt announced before the game that guard Matthew Fisher-Davis’s collegiate career is over. The senior, Vanderbilt’s second-leading scorer (11.9) was a preseason first-team All-SEC pick and hadn’t played since Vanderbilt’s loss to Kentucky on Jan. 13. That leaves VU with 10 eligible scholarship players.</p>
<p>—Field Level Media</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>BEIJING (Reuters) - The launch of China’s yuan-denominated oil futures will mark the culmination of a decade-long push by the Shanghai Futures Exchange (ShFE) aimed at giving the world’s largest energy consumer more power in pricing crude sold to Asia.</p> Pumpjacks are seen at an oil field in Huaian, Jiangsu province, China November 11, 2017. REUTERS/Stringer WHAT ARE THE CONCERNS AMONG FOREIGN INVESTORS?
<p>* Worries include how to freely exchange the yuan because of a Chinese clampdown on capital outflows, while some concerns remain about Beijing’s heavy handed intervention in its commodity markets in recent years, traders and analysts said.</p>
<p>The obligation to trade Shanghai crudes in yuan will also add a currency risk to the market, which some traders are reluctant to take.</p>
<p>* The Shanghai International Energy Exchange (INE), the unit of ShFE running the contract, has strict daily limits on the number of canceled orders allowed per account, aimed at curbing spoofing. This involves placing bids to buy or offers to sell futures contracts with the intent to cancel them before execution. By creating an illusion of demand, spoofers can influence prices to benefit their market positions.</p>
<p>For a larger client placing orders of more than 300 lots, equivalent to 30,000 barrels of oil, the limit is 50 a day. Users with smaller orders are allowed 500 cancellations.</p>
<p>That’s different to international exchanges, like the CME ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=CME.O" type="external">CME.O</a>), which uses a ratio based on an investor’s traded volume.</p>
<p>On days when price volatility and volumes are high, overseas investors new to Chinese markets could get penalized if they exceed those restrictions as they try to adjust their positions, traders say.</p>
<p>* Chinese commodity futures investors do not typically trade steadily over the months, but instead pick specific months in which they deal. That could complicate efforts to trade spreads between Brent, WTI and Shanghai.</p>
<p>Take iron ore &lt;0#DCIO:&gt;, one of China’s most-active futures markets: most of the more than 2.3 million lots of open interest are in May and September contracts, with delivery months in between ranging from tens of thousands of lots to in some cases less than 10.</p>
<p>In contrast, liquidity across the first five months of the Brent and WTI contracts &lt;0#LCO:&gt; &lt;0#CL:&gt; are relatively evenly spread out, reflecting their popularity among hedge funds and other financial players, who like to trade month by month.</p>
<p>* There will be a 1.5-hour gap between the settlement and a price published by price reporting agency S&amp;P Global Platts ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=SPGI.N" type="external">SPGI.N</a>), which provides a price assessment for the region at 4:30 p.m. Singapore time in what it calls the Market On Close (MOC) process, which is closely watched by the industry.</p> WHAT WILL HAPPEN DURING CHINA’S NATIONAL HOLIDAYS?
<p>Trading will stop for China’s week-long national holidays - Spring Festival and Golden Week - leaving the Shanghai market out of synch with the western exchanges.</p> FILE PHOTO: A crude oil terminal under construction is pictured off Ningbo Zhoushan port in Zhejiang province, China January 6, 2018. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo
<p>Shorter trading hours - with three slots each day - compared with almost 24 hours on western exchanges means the market may sometimes play catch-up with the rest of the world.</p> WHO WILL USE IT IN THE DOMESTIC INDUSTRY?
<p>China has opened more than 6,000 trading accounts, including the country’s oil majors and about 150 brokerages. Ten foreign intermediaries have registered, including JPMorgan, Bands Financial, Straits Financial Services and other Hong Kong based affiliates of domestic brokerages.</p>
<p>It will likely attract mainly ‘mon-and-pop’ speculative investors, who dominate the country’s other often volatile commodity futures markets from dates to iron ore, although transaction fees for crude are relatively high.</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=CME.O" type="external">CME Group Inc</a> 160.16 CME.O Nasdaq -4.34 (-2.64%) CME.O SPGI.N
<p>China’s independent refineries are more likely to process heavy crude instead of the medium-sour crude traded in futures, a Shandong-based crude trader said.</p>
<p>At least three independent refineries who are looking to use the contract for hedging also said they are unsure about delivery. Under the rules, buyers cannot choose a specific grade that will be delivered or the location of the warehouse for delivery.</p> HOW DO FOREIGN USERS OPEN A TRADING ACCOUNT?
<p>Foreign investors will need to open a non-residential bank account with one of the eight banks that handles margin deposit for yuan crude futures, according to INE.</p>
<p>The banks are Agricultural Bank of China, CITIC Bank, China Construction Bank and Industrial and Commerical Bank of China, Bank of China, Bank of Communications, China Merchant Bank and the Development Bank of Singapore.</p>
<p>Investors will need to transfer money from that bank account to an account opened with either a domestic broker or foreign broker or agencies registered with the INE. The broker will open two accounts with INE: one for margin deposit and one for settlement for foreign currencies.</p> WHAT ARE DOMESTIC BROKERS DOING TO ATTRACT CLIENTS?
<p>Many big and small brokers such as COFCO and Zhaojin Futures have waived their transaction fees to crude oil clients and will provide free consulting services as well as free training in a bid to win more customers, sources at brokers told Reuters.</p>
<p>COFCO and Zhaojin declined to comment.</p>
<p>Medium-sized broker Huatai Futures is offering over-the-counter crude oil options, Zhang Huiyao, deputy manager of the firm’s crude department told Reuters. In January, the broker added six staff to its China-based crude oil team, which was set up last October, so it can reach more potential clients, she said.</p>
<p>Reporting by Meng Meng, Josephine Mason and Tom Daly; editing by Richard Pullin</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>BEIJING (Reuters) - China’s crude oil futures, to be launched on Monday, will be a major step in Beijing’s years-long push to win greater sway over oil pricing, but for western traders it will likely bring frustration as well as opportunity.</p> Workers are seen on an offshore oil platform surrounded by icy waters in Liaodong bay off Liaoning province, China January 18, 2018. REUTERS/Stringer
<p>Shanghai Crude aims to rival the world’s two crude benchmarks, luring overseas traders with the promise of a deep pool of liquidity and the chance for arbitrage between Asian, U.S. and European markets.</p>
<p>However, the contract will also come with quirks that traders used to London’s Brent or U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) may find less appealing, including shorter business hours, unique Chinese trading habits and extended holiday breaks.</p>
<p>Yuan-denominated trading and a blend of new rules and regulatory burdens will also likely hamper initial take-up on the Shanghai International Energy Exchange (INE), executives at a dozen banks and brokers and experts involved in the launch told Reuters.</p>
<p>“The rules around trading methodology will be unfamiliar for western houses,” said John Browning, chief operating officer of Hong Kong-based futures broker Bands Financial Ltd, which is an approved overseas intermediary for the INE.</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-china-oil-futures-explainer/china-aims-to-challenge-brent-wti-oil-with-crude-futures-launch-idUSKBN1GY0S9" type="external">China aims to challenge Brent, WTI oil with crude futures launch</a>
<p>“They’ll have to get to grips with a different set of trading parameters, including initial margin calculation, rolling between months, order cancellations ratios, etc. It’s all very different.”</p>
<p>So far, China has opened more than 6,000 trading accounts, including the country’s oil majors and about 150 brokerages. Ten foreign intermediaries have registered, including J.P.Morgan, Bands Financial, Straits Financial Services and other Hong Kong based affiliates of domestic brokerages.</p>
<p>Last-minute changes are still being made to entice overseas users. On Tuesday, the government said it would waive income taxes for foreign investors for the first three years.</p> CHINESE CHARACTERISTICS
<p>Specific issues for traders include Shanghai’s shorter trading hours, split into three slots, with the afternoon session ending at 3:00 p.m. local time (0700 GMT), just before London ramps up.</p>
<p>Although the exchange will have an overnight trading session to match late European and early U.S. trading, it will close for more than six hours before trade resumes in Beijing.</p> Slideshow (4 Images)
<p>This could mean the contract risks having to play catch-up each morning to the moods and swings of Europe and America, rather than setting its own price, several senior futures traders said.</p>
<p>Chinese trading habits may also be a shock to foreign users, they said.</p>
<p>Chinese commodity futures investors do not typically trade steadily over the months, but instead pick specific months in which they deal, due to a different cost structure. That could complicate efforts to trade spreads between Brent, WTI and Shanghai.</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=ICE.N" type="external">Intercontinental Exchange Inc</a> 71.73 ICE.N New York Stock Exchange -2.29 (-3.09%) ICE.N CME.O 601857.SS 600028.SS
<p>These and other factors mean the contract may have a “hard time” building correlations with Brent and WTI that would make arbitrage possible, said Albert Helmig, chief executive of financial consultancy Grey House and a former vice chairman of NYMEX.</p>
<p>“It’s a China market, with Chinese characteristics,” said Helmig.</p> FUTURE PLANS
<p>Still, China offers the potential for a deep, liquid market, buoyed by an explosion of interest from mom-and-pop investors that has supported its vast commodities derivative markets from apples to iron ore in Shanghai, Zhengzhou and Dalian.</p>
<p>In 2017, the total traded value of ShFE’s steel derivatives contracts was $4.4 trillion from domestic investors. This compares with global turnover of more than $10 trillion in international oil futures, the world’s biggest commodity market.</p>
<p>Previous attempts at an Asia benchmark have foundered. Contracts set up by the Dubai Mercantile Exchange a decade ago have not matched Brent or WTI, traded on the Intercontinental Exchange ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=ICE.N" type="external">ICE.N</a>) and the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) owned by CME Group ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=CME.O" type="external">CME.O</a>).</p>
<p>China hopes it can do better: with state-controlled oil majors like PetroChina ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=601857.SS" type="external">601857.SS</a>) and Sinopec ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=600028.SS" type="external">600028.SS</a>) expected to provide liquidity, analysts said the contract has a chance of succeeding even if it faces short-term caution.</p>
<p>“Launching a new exchange is enormously complex, so if the initial uptake for the contract isn’t that strong, it isn’t necessarily a bad thing,” said Bands’ Browning.</p>
<p>Reporting by Josephine Mason, Meng Meng and Tom Daly in BEIJING and Henning Gloystein in SINGAPORE; editing by Richard Pullin</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>(Reuters) - Steve Wynn, the former chief executive of Wynn Resorts Ltd, is selling all his remaining 8 million shares in the firm in a dramatic exit of the casino and hotel company he founded over 16 years ago.</p> Steve Wynn, Chairman and CEO of Wynn Resorts, speaks during the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, California, U.S., May 3, 2017. REUTERS/Mike Blake
<p>Macau casino operator Galaxy Entertainment has agreed to buy 5.3 million shares of Wynn Resorts at $175 per share, giving them around a 5 percent stake in the operator which has resorts in Las Vegas and Macau.</p>
<p>Galaxy is one of six licensed operators in the world’s largest gambling hub of Macau and competes with Wynn along with Sands China, MGM China and Melco Resorts.</p>
<p>The casino mogul’s share sale comes a week after Wynn Resorts said Steve and Elaine Wynn, who has a 9.26 percent stake, had scrapped a shareholder agreement that prevented them from selling their stakes.</p>
<p>Steve Wynn resigned as CEO of the Las Vegas-based company last month, following claims he subjected women who worked for him to unwanted advances. He has denied the accusations.</p>
<p>In a joint statement by Galaxy and Wynn on Wednesday, Galaxy Vice Chairman Francis Lui said it was a unique opportunity to “acquire an investment in a globally recognized entertainment corporation with exceptionally high quality assets and a significant development pipeline.”</p>
<p>A Galaxy spokeswoman could not comment further on whether Galaxy would look to increase its holding in the future.</p>
<p>Wynn Resorts CEO Matt Maddox said Galaxy shared many of the same core “operating philosophies and values.”</p>
<p>The announcement also follows the settlement two weeks ago of long standing litigation between Wynn Resorts and Universal Entertainment Corporation.</p> An exterior view Wynn hotel-casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S., February 7, 2018. REUTERS/Steve Marcus WYNN IMPACT
<p>Wynn, who started in Las Vegas casinos in the 1960s, created some of Las Vegas’ most iconic landmarks – the Mirage, Bellagio and Treasure Island.</p>
<p>He was forced to sell his multi-billion dollar operation Mirage Resorts to tycoon Kirk Kerkorian in a hostile takeover in 2000. Kerkorian then created MGM Mirage and Wynn went on to create Wynn Resorts with his ex-wife in 2002.</p>
<p>The 76 year old businessman, whose signature denotes the company’s logo, had built two lavish resorts in the former Portuguese colony of Macau where only six firms have licenses to operate casinos.</p>
<p>Vitaly Umansky, analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein in Hong Kong, said the implications of the Galaxy’s investment goes beyond what looks like a passive move at this stage.</p>
<p>“Wynn and Galaxy may be looking at collaborating on future development opportunities in Asia, with Japan being the critical development initiative.”</p>
<p>Galaxy’s octogenarian founder Lui Che Woo, one of Asia’s wealthiest billionaires, has a net wealth of $22 billion according to Forbes. Lui who started his career in construction has grown his casino company into one of Macau’s biggest operators over the past decade.</p>
<p>“There are other large gaming companies who do not have a presence in Macau, but who desperately want to be in Macau, and we would not be surprised to see them angling for a seat at the acquisition table too,” said Grant Goverstsen, analyst at Union Gaming in Macau.</p>
<p>Shares in Wynn Macau and Galaxy dropped 3.9 percent and 2.9 percent respectively on Friday against the benchmark Hang Seng Index which was down 3.1 percent.</p>
<p>Reporting by Farah Master in Hong Kong and Philip George in Bengaluru; Editing by Shri Navaratnam</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso said on Friday that he would closely watch the United States’ move to impose tariffs on up to $60 billion of Chinese goods.</p> FILE PHOTO - Japan's Finance Minister Taro Aso answers a question during an upper house parliamentary session in Tokyo, Japan March 19, 2018. REUTERS/Issei Kato
<p>Aso made the comment just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum that will target Chinese imports, though only after a 30-day consultation period that gives China space to respond.</p>
<p>The threatened tariffs and possible investment restrictions on China stem from a U.S. investigation of alleged theft of U.S. intellectual property by Chinese companies.</p>
<p>“Japan, as well as the United States, understands the importance of strengthening and effectively enforcing protection of intellectual property,” Aso told reporters after a cabinet meeting.</p>
<p>Aso added that he needed to examine the U.S. memorandum in detail.</p>
<p>The yen hit a 16-month high against the dollar on Friday as traders sought safety in the Japanese currency after the U.S. announcement caused worry over global trade tensions, triggering a selloff on Wall Street and stock markets in Asia.</p>
<p>The dollar fell to as low as 104.635 yen, its lowest since November 2016, in early Asian trade as the safe haven Japanese currency pushed higher.</p>
<p>Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga warned against yen’s gains on Friday, saying that he would closely monitor market movements “with a sense of urgency”.</p>
<p>The top government spokesman also said it would be extremely regrettable if U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum apply to Japan, and that he would continue to urge the United States to exempt his country.</p>
<p>Trump’s steel and aluminum tariffs, which are tied to Section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act, go into effect on Friday. Canada and Mexico have been given initial exemptions from the 25 percent steel and 10 percent aluminum tariffs.</p>
<p>U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer told U.S. lawmakers on Thursday that the European Union, Argentina, Australia, Brazil and South Korea, would also be exempted.</p>
<p>Reporting by Tetsushi Kajimoto; Additional reporting by Kaori Kaneko; Editing by Chang-Ran Kim and Eric Meijer</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
| false | 2 |
22 tennessee nearly blew 20point secondhalf lead hung knock visiting vanderbilt 6762 thompsonboling arena knoxville tuesday night guard jordan bowden 19 forward grant williams chipped 18 vols 145 53 sec williams 12of14 foul line many coming second half vols struggled get field goals pair seniors guard riley lachance 25 jeff roberson 21 led vandy 713 26 scoring lachances points came second half vanderbilt cut uts lead 6058 vol guard lamonte turner buried open 3 left side 103 left lachance missed 3 bowden hit layup 33 seconds left provide insurance vols led 20 three different occasions second half midst stretch vu missed 17 3pointers row tennessee 4121 1428 left turner hit jumper right side vols suddenly trouble scoring field lachance hit four 3s row vandy pulled within four guard larry austin jr assisted couple transition layups second pass roberson 706 left tennessee able close sweep regularseason series vanderbilts payton willis hit 3 games first possession aiding commodores 74 lead start took terrible turn commodores trailed 3215 half tennessees tight mantoman defense made difficult commodores find offensive rhythm even vanderbilt got open shots couldnt hit vols bowden troubles hitting 3 4 firsthalf 3pointers leading scorers half tennessee also hit 8 12 firsthalf free throws vanderbilt missed attempt vanderbilt announced game guard matthew fisherdaviss collegiate career senior vanderbilts secondleading scorer 119 preseason firstteam allsec pick hadnt played since vanderbilts loss kentucky jan 13 leaves vu 10 eligible scholarship players field level media standards thomson reuters trust principles beijing reuters launch chinas yuandenominated oil futures mark culmination decadelong push shanghai futures exchange shfe aimed giving worlds largest energy consumer power pricing crude sold asia pumpjacks seen oil field huaian jiangsu province china november 11 2017 reutersstringer concerns among foreign investors worries include freely exchange yuan chinese clampdown capital outflows concerns remain beijings heavy handed intervention commodity markets recent years traders analysts said obligation trade shanghai crudes yuan also add currency risk market traders reluctant take shanghai international energy exchange ine unit shfe running contract strict daily limits number canceled orders allowed per account aimed curbing spoofing involves placing bids buy offers sell futures contracts intent cancel execution creating illusion demand spoofers influence prices benefit market positions larger client placing orders 300 lots equivalent 30000 barrels oil limit 50 day users smaller orders allowed 500 cancellations thats different international exchanges like cme cmeo uses ratio based investors traded volume days price volatility volumes high overseas investors new chinese markets could get penalized exceed restrictions try adjust positions traders say chinese commodity futures investors typically trade steadily months instead pick specific months deal could complicate efforts trade spreads brent wti shanghai take iron ore lt0dciogt one chinas mostactive futures markets 23 million lots open interest may september contracts delivery months ranging tens thousands lots cases less 10 contrast liquidity across first five months brent wti contracts lt0lcogt lt0clgt relatively evenly spread reflecting popularity among hedge funds financial players like trade month month 15hour gap settlement price published price reporting agency sampp global platts spgin provides price assessment region 430 pm singapore time calls market close moc process closely watched industry happen chinas national holidays trading stop chinas weeklong national holidays spring festival golden week leaving shanghai market synch western exchanges file photo crude oil terminal construction pictured ningbo zhoushan port zhejiang province china january 6 2018 reutersstringerfile photo shorter trading hours three slots day compared almost 24 hours western exchanges means market may sometimes play catchup rest world use domestic industry china opened 6000 trading accounts including countrys oil majors 150 brokerages ten foreign intermediaries registered including jpmorgan bands financial straits financial services hong kong based affiliates domestic brokerages likely attract mainly monandpop speculative investors dominate countrys often volatile commodity futures markets dates iron ore although transaction fees crude relatively high cme group inc 16016 cmeo nasdaq 434 264 cmeo spgin chinas independent refineries likely process heavy crude instead mediumsour crude traded futures shandongbased crude trader said least three independent refineries looking use contract hedging also said unsure delivery rules buyers choose specific grade delivered location warehouse delivery foreign users open trading account foreign investors need open nonresidential bank account one eight banks handles margin deposit yuan crude futures according ine banks agricultural bank china citic bank china construction bank industrial commerical bank china bank china bank communications china merchant bank development bank singapore investors need transfer money bank account account opened either domestic broker foreign broker agencies registered ine broker open two accounts ine one margin deposit one settlement foreign currencies domestic brokers attract clients many big small brokers cofco zhaojin futures waived transaction fees crude oil clients provide free consulting services well free training bid win customers sources brokers told reuters cofco zhaojin declined comment mediumsized broker huatai futures offering overthecounter crude oil options zhang huiyao deputy manager firms crude department told reuters january broker added six staff chinabased crude oil team set last october reach potential clients said reporting meng meng josephine mason tom daly editing richard pullin standards thomson reuters trust principles beijing reuters chinas crude oil futures launched monday major step beijings yearslong push win greater sway oil pricing western traders likely bring frustration well opportunity workers seen offshore oil platform surrounded icy waters liaodong bay liaoning province china january 18 2018 reutersstringer shanghai crude aims rival worlds two crude benchmarks luring overseas traders promise deep pool liquidity chance arbitrage asian us european markets however contract also come quirks traders used londons brent us west texas intermediate wti may find less appealing including shorter business hours unique chinese trading habits extended holiday breaks yuandenominated trading blend new rules regulatory burdens also likely hamper initial takeup shanghai international energy exchange ine executives dozen banks brokers experts involved launch told reuters rules around trading methodology unfamiliar western houses said john browning chief operating officer hong kongbased futures broker bands financial ltd approved overseas intermediary ine related coverage china aims challenge brent wti oil crude futures launch theyll get grips different set trading parameters including initial margin calculation rolling months order cancellations ratios etc different far china opened 6000 trading accounts including countrys oil majors 150 brokerages ten foreign intermediaries registered including jpmorgan bands financial straits financial services hong kong based affiliates domestic brokerages lastminute changes still made entice overseas users tuesday government said would waive income taxes foreign investors first three years chinese characteristics specific issues traders include shanghais shorter trading hours split three slots afternoon session ending 300 pm local time 0700 gmt london ramps although exchange overnight trading session match late european early us trading close six hours trade resumes beijing slideshow 4 images could mean contract risks play catchup morning moods swings europe america rather setting price several senior futures traders said chinese trading habits may also shock foreign users said chinese commodity futures investors typically trade steadily months instead pick specific months deal due different cost structure could complicate efforts trade spreads brent wti shanghai intercontinental exchange inc 7173 icen new york stock exchange 229 309 icen cmeo 601857ss 600028ss factors mean contract may hard time building correlations brent wti would make arbitrage possible said albert helmig chief executive financial consultancy grey house former vice chairman nymex china market chinese characteristics said helmig future plans still china offers potential deep liquid market buoyed explosion interest momandpop investors supported vast commodities derivative markets apples iron ore shanghai zhengzhou dalian 2017 total traded value shfes steel derivatives contracts 44 trillion domestic investors compares global turnover 10 trillion international oil futures worlds biggest commodity market previous attempts asia benchmark foundered contracts set dubai mercantile exchange decade ago matched brent wti traded intercontinental exchange icen new york mercantile exchange nymex owned cme group cmeo china hopes better statecontrolled oil majors like petrochina 601857ss sinopec 600028ss expected provide liquidity analysts said contract chance succeeding even faces shortterm caution launching new exchange enormously complex initial uptake contract isnt strong isnt necessarily bad thing said bands browning reporting josephine mason meng meng tom daly beijing henning gloystein singapore editing richard pullin standards thomson reuters trust principles reuters steve wynn former chief executive wynn resorts ltd selling remaining 8 million shares firm dramatic exit casino hotel company founded 16 years ago steve wynn chairman ceo wynn resorts speaks milken institute global conference beverly hills california us may 3 2017 reutersmike blake macau casino operator galaxy entertainment agreed buy 53 million shares wynn resorts 175 per share giving around 5 percent stake operator resorts las vegas macau galaxy one six licensed operators worlds largest gambling hub macau competes wynn along sands china mgm china melco resorts casino moguls share sale comes week wynn resorts said steve elaine wynn 926 percent stake scrapped shareholder agreement prevented selling stakes steve wynn resigned ceo las vegasbased company last month following claims subjected women worked unwanted advances denied accusations joint statement galaxy wynn wednesday galaxy vice chairman francis lui said unique opportunity acquire investment globally recognized entertainment corporation exceptionally high quality assets significant development pipeline galaxy spokeswoman could comment whether galaxy would look increase holding future wynn resorts ceo matt maddox said galaxy shared many core operating philosophies values announcement also follows settlement two weeks ago long standing litigation wynn resorts universal entertainment corporation exterior view wynn hotelcasino las vegas nevada us february 7 2018 reuterssteve marcus wynn impact wynn started las vegas casinos 1960s created las vegas iconic landmarks mirage bellagio treasure island forced sell multibillion dollar operation mirage resorts tycoon kirk kerkorian hostile takeover 2000 kerkorian created mgm mirage wynn went create wynn resorts exwife 2002 76 year old businessman whose signature denotes companys logo built two lavish resorts former portuguese colony macau six firms licenses operate casinos vitaly umansky analyst sanford c bernstein hong kong said implications galaxys investment goes beyond looks like passive move stage wynn galaxy may looking collaborating future development opportunities asia japan critical development initiative galaxys octogenarian founder lui che woo one asias wealthiest billionaires net wealth 22 billion according forbes lui started career construction grown casino company one macaus biggest operators past decade large gaming companies presence macau desperately want macau would surprised see angling seat acquisition table said grant goverstsen analyst union gaming macau shares wynn macau galaxy dropped 39 percent 29 percent respectively friday benchmark hang seng index 31 percent reporting farah master hong kong philip george bengaluru editing shri navaratnam standards thomson reuters trust principles tokyo reuters japanese finance minister taro aso said friday would closely watch united states move impose tariffs 60 billion chinese goods file photo japans finance minister taro aso answers question upper house parliamentary session tokyo japan march 19 2018 reutersissei kato aso made comment hours us president donald trump signed presidential memorandum target chinese imports though 30day consultation period gives china space respond threatened tariffs possible investment restrictions china stem us investigation alleged theft us intellectual property chinese companies japan well united states understands importance strengthening effectively enforcing protection intellectual property aso told reporters cabinet meeting aso added needed examine us memorandum detail yen hit 16month high dollar friday traders sought safety japanese currency us announcement caused worry global trade tensions triggering selloff wall street stock markets asia dollar fell low 104635 yen lowest since november 2016 early asian trade safe japanese currency pushed higher chief cabinet secretary yoshihide suga warned yens gains friday saying would closely monitor market movements sense urgency top government spokesman also said would extremely regrettable us tariffs steel aluminum apply japan would continue urge united states exempt country trumps steel aluminum tariffs tied section 232 1962 trade expansion act go effect friday canada mexico given initial exemptions 25 percent steel 10 percent aluminum tariffs us trade representative robert lighthizer told us lawmakers thursday european union argentina australia brazil south korea would also exempted reporting tetsushi kajimoto additional reporting kaori kaneko editing changran kim eric meijer standards thomson reuters trust principles
| 1,959 |
<p>(John Kemp is a Reuters market analyst. The views expressed are his own. Repeats Monday’s column with no changes)</p>
<p>* Chartbook: <a href="http://tmsnrt.rs/2DpAcpw" type="external">tmsnrt.rs/2DpAcpw</a></p>
<p>By John Kemp</p>
<p>LONDON, Jan 22 (Reuters) - Hedge funds added to their record bullish positions in petroleum in the week to Jan. 16, continuing the recent wave of buying, but the extra long positions were almost entirely confined to U.S. crude rather than Brent or refined fuels.</p>
<p>Hedge funds and other money managers increased their net long position in the six most important futures and options contracts linked to crude and fuels by a total of 41 million barrels.</p>
<p>The net long position in Brent, NYMEX and ICE WTI, U.S. gasoline, U.S. heating oil and European gasoil contracts has surged by a massive 1,130 million barrels since the end of June 2017.</p>
<p>Since the start of the year, however, most of the increase has come from WTI rather than Brent or refined fuels, according to position data released by regulators and exchanges ( <a href="http://tmsnrt.rs/2DpAcpw" type="external">tmsnrt.rs/2DpAcpw</a>).</p>
<p>Total net long positions in petroleum have risen by 109 million barrels in the two most recent weeks, with WTI accounting for 87 million barrels.</p>
<p>The remainder has mostly come from U.S. gasoline, where hedge funds have boosted their net long position by almost 15 million barrels.</p>
<p>Net positions in Brent, U.S. heating oil and European gasoil are near record highs but have changed little since the start of the year.</p>
<p>There is an element of catching up in the position-building in WTI, which has traded at a large and persistent discount to Brent since July and was shunned by portfolio managers until recently.</p>
<p>The hedge funds’ net long position in WTI increased from 455 million barrels to 542 million barrels between Jan. 2 and Jan 16 compared with only a minor increase in Brent.</p>
<p>As a result, the net position in WTI has now risen by 385 million barrels since the end of June, comparable to the increase of 371 million barrels in Brent.</p>
<p>WTI position-building has corresponded with a narrowing of the prompt Brent-WTI premium, which has fallen from a high of almost $6.50 per barrel towards the end of last year to less than $5.30.</p>
<p>But across the petroleum complex as a whole, hedge fund positions look increasingly stretched, with fund managers holding almost 10.5 long positions for every short one.</p>
<p>Experience suggests such lopsided positions, either long or short, are normally followed by a sharp reversal in prices when some portfolio managers attempt to realise their profits.</p>
<p>OPEC and non-OPEC ministers have sought to validate the bullish narrative by insisting they remain committed to tightening the oil market through 2018 and plan to continue their cooperation in 2019.</p>
<p>Many hedge fund managers are betting OPEC will risk tightening the market too much and cause prices to overshoot before eventually correcting, rather than tighten it too little and allow prices to fall back.</p>
<p>This seems a fair assessment of OPEC’s strategy in the short term – even if it risks creating more price instability later in 2018 and in 2019.</p>
<p>But the enormous hedge fund long position remains a source of fragility.</p>
<p>Hedge funds hold almost 1.6 billion barrels of long positions across the six major contracts, an increase of more than 80 percent since June.</p>
<p>If and when portfolio managers try to realise their profits and liquidate some of those positions, there are few obvious immediate buyers.</p>
<p>Related columns:</p>
<p>“Hedge funds have left the oil market looking very stretched”, Reuters, Jan. 16</p>
<p>“OPEC’s focus on stocks risks prices overshooting”, Reuters, Jan. 3</p>
<p>“Hedge funds gamble OPEC will tighten oil market too much”, Reuters, Jan. 2 (Editing by Kevin Liffey)</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices settled slightly lower on Tuesday, only to fall in post-settlement electronic trading as stocks slumped and industry group data showed a surprising increase in crude inventories.</p> FILE PHOTO: A gas station attendant pumps fuel into a customer's car at a gas station in Shanghai, China November 17, 2017. REUTERS/Aly Song/File Photo
<p>Brent crude futures LCOc1 touched $71 a barrel before retreating, and settled down 1 cent at $70.11 a barrel in what traders characterized as profit-taking following several days of gains. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures CLc1 fell 30 cents to settle at $65.25 a barrel.</p>
<p>In post-settlement trading, when volumes are thinner, prices for both benchmarks slipped in tandem with equities markets, and then dropped again after industry group American Petroleum Institute (API) reported a larger-than-expected rise in U.S. oil inventories.</p>
<p>(GRAPHIC: Global spot crude futures volumes - <a href="http://reut.rs/2I32GHF" type="external">reut.rs/2I32GHF</a>)</p>
<a href="http://reut.rs/2I32GHF" type="external" />
<p>At one point, WTI fell more than $1. It traded at $64.69 a barrel, down 86 cents, as of 4:42 p.m. EDT (2042 GMT).</p>
<p>Crude inventories rose by 5.3 million barrels in the week ended March 23 to 430.6 million, API said. U.S. inventories were expected to fall by 287,000 barrels; the U.S. Energy Department releases its figures Wednesday morning.</p>
<p>The dollar .DXY rebounded from a five-week low hit earlier in the session as trade tensions eased. A stronger greenback makes dollar-denominated commodities more expensive for holders of other currencies. [FRX/]</p>
<p>“The dollar index is poking up there and that’s probably weighing a little bit on prices,” said Phillip Streible, senior market strategist at RJO Futures in Chicago.</p>
<p>Brent has risen by more than 5 percent this month while WTI is up over 4 percent. They are on track for a third consecutive quarterly gain, which last happened in 2010.</p>
<p>While both contracts have been gaining, Jim Ritterbusch, president of Ritterbusch and Associates in Galena, Illinois said Brent has outperformed WTI. The spread between the two May contracts has widened, he noted, which implies OPEC’s success in trimming supplies.</p>
<p>The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Russia and other producer countries agreed more than a year ago to reduce supply.</p>
<p>The deal is due to expire at the end of this year, but Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told Reuters that OPEC and Russia were working on an agreement to cooperate for another 10 to 20 years, though that does not specifically mean cuts will go on for that long.</p>
<p>Still, analysts said the market’s current strength may not last. Barclays Research analysts said they expected the supply deficit of the past few months to give way to a surplus on rising U.S. output.</p>
<p>Additional reporting by Amanda Cooper in London and Henning Gloystein in Singapore; editing by Marguerita Choy, Edmund Blair and G Crosse</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>LONDON (Reuters) - Oil fell on Wednesday as investors took profit on a rally the day before to this year’s highs after a report showed a surprisingly large increase in U.S. crude inventories.</p> FILE PHOTO: An oil well pump jack is seen at an oil field supply yard near Denver, Colorado, U.S., February 2, 2015. REUTERS/Rick Wilking/File Photo
<p>June Brent crude futures LCOc2 were last down 27 cents on the day at $69.19 barrel by 1135 GMT, while the May contract LCOc1, which expires on Thursday, was down 16 cents at $69.95. WTI futures CLc1 fell 40 cents to $64.85 a barrel.</p>
<p>Traders said most pressure ensued after the American Petroleum Institute (API) on Tuesday reported a surprise 5.3 million barrels rise in crude stocks in the week to March 23, against expectations for a decline of to 430.6 million barrels.</p>
<p>The oil price has risen in seven out of the last 9 months and has increased by more than 4 percent this year, making this the third consecutive quarter of gains, which is the longest stretch since late 2010.</p>
<p>“After it rebounded from its early-week high, profit-taking is likely to have ensued,” Commerzbank’s Carsten Fritsch said in a note.</p>
<p>“This was exacerbated by an appreciating U.S. dollar and an unexpected 5.3 million barrel rise in US crude oil stocks last week, as reported by the API after close of trading yesterday.”</p>
<p>Official U.S. inventory data will be published by the Energy Information Administration (EIA) late on Wednesday.</p>
<p>“From a seasonal perspective, rising crude oil stocks and falling product stocks are what can be expected at this time of year when refinery maintenance reduce demand for oil and the production of products,” Saxo Bank head of commodity strategy Ole Hansen said.</p>
<p>U.S. oil production has risen by nearly 25 percent in the last two years to over 10 million barrels per day, C-OUT-T-EIA, taking it past top exporter Saudi Arabia and within reach of the biggest producer, Russia, which pumps around 11 million bpd.</p>
<p>Wednesday’s price falls came despite Saudi Arabia saying it was working with Russia on a historic long-term pact that could extend controls over world crude supplies by major exporters for many years.</p>
<p>Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told Reuters that Riyadh and Moscow were considering greatly extending a short-term alliance on oil curbs that began in January 2017 after a crash in crude prices, with a partnership to manage supplies potentially growing “to a 10-to-20-year agreement.”</p>
<p>In Asia, Shanghai crude oil futures posted high volumes and volatile trade on their third day of trading.</p>
<p>Spot Shanghai crude futures ISCc1 were down 3.75 percent on Wednesday, to 410.4 yuan ($65.37) per barrel by 0700 GMT.</p>
<p>($1 = 6.2782 Chinese yuan renminbi)</p>
<p>Additional reporting by Henning Gloystein in SINGAPORE; Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg and Louise Heavens</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - To Wall Street money managers who make bets for a living, U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive stance against China on trade looks like a high-stakes poker hand - but they believe they can play it for all it’s worth.</p> FILE PHOTO: Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York, U.S., March 26, 2018. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid
<p>Fears that Trump could set off a trade conflict have roiled Wall Street since March 1, when the president announced plans to impose tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, risking retaliation from major trade partners like China, Europe and neighboring Canada.</p>
<p>It’s been a roller coaster ride, with markets slumping after Trump last Friday moved to impose up to $60 billion in tariffs on some Chinese imports and China declared plans to retaliate with duties of up to $3 billion of U.S. imports even as it urged the United States to “pull back from the brink.”</p>
<p>China’s willingness to negotiate spurred a rebound on Monday, though jitters in the tech sector drove markets back down on Tuesday.</p>
<p>Investors remain concerned about a trade war between the world’s two largest economies, but some big players are sanguine about their prospects to make money even as they try and dissect Trump’s strategy on trade.</p>
<p>The former celebrity businessman on March 2 tweeted, “trade wars are good, and easy to win,” shocking economists who cite evidence that trade wars in the past have been destructive to economies involved.</p>
<p>“Other administrations have gone to trading partners like China and asked for a fairer deal, only to get a cigar put out on their forehead,” said Steve Chiavarone, a portfolio manager at Federated Investors. “I suspect Trump’s bucking of norms is absolutely part of his negotiating tactics.”</p>
<p>Chiavarone and others said they remain confident the S&amp;P 500 will rise significantly this year.</p>
<p>“So far you are talking about small amounts of tariffs in niche sectors,” said Phil Blancato, head of Ladenburg Thalmann Asset Management in New York. “For anyone who is looking for an opportunity to enter the market here at better valuations, this is it.”</p> FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump, surrounded by business leaders and administration officials, prepares to sign a memorandum on intellectual property tariffs on high-tech goods from China, at the White House in Washington, U.S. March 22, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst THE ART OF THE DEAL
<p>“He has shown himself to act aggressively, quickly and unilaterally, and that’s brought China to the negotiating table,” said Ben Phillips, chief investment officer of EventShares exchange traded funds. “I truly think they are worried about him taking unilateral action and harming China’s economy.”</p>
<p>Fears of a trade war, which could hurt U.S. multinationals and dull the benefits of deep corporate tax cuts enacted this year, have helped push the S&amp;P 500 down nearly 4 percent since the end of February.</p>
<p>The Trump administration has demanded that China immediately cut its $375 billion trade surplus with the United States by $100 billion, a position seen by some as an opening tactic in a long negotiation.</p>
<p>China could respond to U.S. measures with a range of tariffs aimed at U.S. multinationals, or even farmers in rural regions who helped Trump win the 2016 presidential election.</p> Global markets jump after Wall Street rally
<p>Trump’s bellicose stance with U.S. trade partners reflects a negotiating style outlined in his 1987 book, “Trump: The Art of the Deal,” said Oliver Pursche, chief market strategist at Bruderman Asset Management in New York.</p>
<p>“You propose something horrific, and then when you pull back what you want is not as painful as feared,” Pursche said. “The problem is the other side isn’t dumb. Eventually, they’re going to figure that out.”</p>
<p>Reporting by Noel Randewich, additional reporting by April Joyner and Trevor Hunnicutt in New York; Editing by Alden Bentley</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>FRANKFURT/ZURICH (Reuters) - GlaxoSmithKline ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=GSK.L" type="external">GSK.L</a>) is buying Novartis ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=NOVN.S" type="external">NOVN.S</a>) out of their consumer healthcare joint venture for $13 billion, taking full control of products including Sensodyne toothpaste, Panadol headache tablets, muscle gel Voltaren, and Nicotinell patches.</p>
<p>GSK’s biggest move since Emma Walmsley became chief executive last year follows the British drugmaker’s decision last week to quit the race to buy Pfizer’s ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=PFE.N" type="external">PFE.N</a>) consumer healthcare business, endangering an auction the U.S. company hoped would bring in as much as $20 billion.</p>
<p>Consumer remedies sold over the counter have lower margins than prescription drugs, but they are typically well-known brands with customers.</p>
<p>“The proposed transaction addresses one of our key capital allocation priorities and will allow GSK shareholders to capture the full value of one of the world’s leading consumer healthcare businesses,” Walmsley said in a statement on Tuesday.</p>
<p>Although some pharmaceuticals groups have been keen to hold consumer care products, intense price competition online, mainly from Amazon ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=AMZN.O" type="external">AMZN.O</a>), as well as cheaper store-brand products, have led others to doubt their stable returns longer-term.</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-novartis-gsk-margins/gsk-says-very-confident-about-consumer-margin-goal-of-at-least-20-percent-idUSKBN1H317X" type="external">GSK says very confident about consumer margin goal of at least 20 percent</a>
<p>The British group’s shares jumped 6.1 percent, outperforming a 2 percent gain in the STOXX Europe 600 Health Care .SXDP.</p>
<p>GSK said that as well as ending the Novartis venture it would start a strategic review of Horlicks and other consumer nutrition products, sparking another potential industry shake-up. The review will include an assessment of its majority stake in India-listed GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=GLSM.NS" type="external">GLSM.NS</a>).</p>
<p>“The decision not to pay up for Pfizer’s consumer assets will have led GSK CEO Emma Walmsley to remove uncertainty by bringing all the consumer revenues in-house and assisting toward efficient capital allocation,” said Ketan Patel, co-manager of the Amity UK Fund at EdenTree Investment Management, who holds GSK shares.</p>
<p>“Long-term investors will welcome the greater clarity this brings to both companies.”</p>
<p>GSK said that the purchase would boost adjusted earnings and cash flows.</p>
<p>Pfizer has been struggling to sell its consumer healthcare business after GSK and Reckitt Benckiser ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=RB.L" type="external">RB.L</a>) both dropped out of the bidding, while differences in price expectations have also hobbled German drugmaker Merck KGaA’s ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=MRCG.DE" type="external">MRCG.DE</a>) attempts to sell its consumer products unit.</p>
<p>And GSK’s call for bids for its consumer healthcare nutrition brands - with a regional focus on India - could detract attention from Merck’s asset, which relies heavily on sales of vitamins and dietary supplements in emerging markets.</p> NOVARTIS SHARES RISE
<p>Barclays analysts said Glaxo was paying less than 17 times expected 2018 core earnings for the joint venture stake, while sources have told Reuters that both Merck and Pfizer had asked for up to 20 times for their respective assets.</p>
<p>Yet analysts at Baader Helvea welcomed the cash price fetched by Novartis as “excellent news” for the Swiss company, whose shares opened 1.9 percent higher.</p>
<p>Deutsche Bank analysts said the move decluttered Novartis’s portfolio, but cautioned that the Swiss group was being too vague about what it would do with the cash.</p>
<p>“The time&#160;is&#160;right for Novartis to divest&#160;a&#160;non-core asset at an&#160;attractive price,” Novartis CEO Vas Narasimhan said.</p>
<p>Novartis said the money would be used by Novartis to expand its business organically as well as for bolt-on acquisitions.</p> Slideshow (2 Images)
<p>In an interview before the deal was announced, Narasimhan ruled out large acquisitions by the Basel-based company.</p>
<p>“We want to focus our M&amp;A efforts on bolt on acquisitions that have either new technologies or products that fit into our core therapeutic areas,” he told CNBC in an interview recorded on Sunday.</p>
<p>For Narasimhan, a Harvard trained medical doctor, the disposal is among his first moves as CEO, a role he took on less than two months ago when he replaced Joe Jimenez.</p>
<p>He is now emphasizing the use of technology to boost returns on research investment but Novartis is currently also reviewing its Alcon eye care unit for a possible spinoff to shareholders, which could come in early 2019.</p>
<p>Under the 2014 deal to pool their consumer assets, Novartis had the right so sell its 36.5 percent stake to Glaxo from this month. The transaction is set to complete in the second quarter, subject to necessary approvals.</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=GSK.L" type="external">GlaxoSmithKline PLC</a> 1373.8 GSK.L London Stock Exchange +22.80 (+1.69%) GSK.L NOVN.S PFE.N AMZN.O GLSM.NS
<p>($1 = 0.7029 pounds)</p>
<p>additional reporting by Simon Jessop in London, Michael Shields in Zurich; editing by Alexander Smith and Louise Heavens</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
| false | 2 |
john kemp reuters market analyst views expressed repeats mondays column changes chartbook tmsnrtrs2dpacpw john kemp london jan 22 reuters hedge funds added record bullish positions petroleum week jan 16 continuing recent wave buying extra long positions almost entirely confined us crude rather brent refined fuels hedge funds money managers increased net long position six important futures options contracts linked crude fuels total 41 million barrels net long position brent nymex ice wti us gasoline us heating oil european gasoil contracts surged massive 1130 million barrels since end june 2017 since start year however increase come wti rather brent refined fuels according position data released regulators exchanges tmsnrtrs2dpacpw total net long positions petroleum risen 109 million barrels two recent weeks wti accounting 87 million barrels remainder mostly come us gasoline hedge funds boosted net long position almost 15 million barrels net positions brent us heating oil european gasoil near record highs changed little since start year element catching positionbuilding wti traded large persistent discount brent since july shunned portfolio managers recently hedge funds net long position wti increased 455 million barrels 542 million barrels jan 2 jan 16 compared minor increase brent result net position wti risen 385 million barrels since end june comparable increase 371 million barrels brent wti positionbuilding corresponded narrowing prompt brentwti premium fallen high almost 650 per barrel towards end last year less 530 across petroleum complex whole hedge fund positions look increasingly stretched fund managers holding almost 105 long positions every short one experience suggests lopsided positions either long short normally followed sharp reversal prices portfolio managers attempt realise profits opec nonopec ministers sought validate bullish narrative insisting remain committed tightening oil market 2018 plan continue cooperation 2019 many hedge fund managers betting opec risk tightening market much cause prices overshoot eventually correcting rather tighten little allow prices fall back seems fair assessment opecs strategy short term even risks creating price instability later 2018 2019 enormous hedge fund long position remains source fragility hedge funds hold almost 16 billion barrels long positions across six major contracts increase 80 percent since june portfolio managers try realise profits liquidate positions obvious immediate buyers related columns hedge funds left oil market looking stretched reuters jan 16 opecs focus stocks risks prices overshooting reuters jan 3 hedge funds gamble opec tighten oil market much reuters jan 2 editing kevin liffey standards thomson reuters trust principles new york reuters oil prices settled slightly lower tuesday fall postsettlement electronic trading stocks slumped industry group data showed surprising increase crude inventories file photo gas station attendant pumps fuel customers car gas station shanghai china november 17 2017 reutersaly songfile photo brent crude futures lcoc1 touched 71 barrel retreating settled 1 cent 7011 barrel traders characterized profittaking following several days gains west texas intermediate wti futures clc1 fell 30 cents settle 6525 barrel postsettlement trading volumes thinner prices benchmarks slipped tandem equities markets dropped industry group american petroleum institute api reported largerthanexpected rise us oil inventories graphic global spot crude futures volumes reutrs2i32ghf one point wti fell 1 traded 6469 barrel 86 cents 442 pm edt 2042 gmt crude inventories rose 53 million barrels week ended march 23 4306 million api said us inventories expected fall 287000 barrels us energy department releases figures wednesday morning dollar dxy rebounded fiveweek low hit earlier session trade tensions eased stronger greenback makes dollardenominated commodities expensive holders currencies frx dollar index poking thats probably weighing little bit prices said phillip streible senior market strategist rjo futures chicago brent risen 5 percent month wti 4 percent track third consecutive quarterly gain last happened 2010 contracts gaining jim ritterbusch president ritterbusch associates galena illinois said brent outperformed wti spread two may contracts widened noted implies opecs success trimming supplies organization petroleum exporting countries opec russia producer countries agreed year ago reduce supply deal due expire end year saudi crown prince mohammed bin salman told reuters opec russia working agreement cooperate another 10 20 years though specifically mean cuts go long still analysts said markets current strength may last barclays research analysts said expected supply deficit past months give way surplus rising us output additional reporting amanda cooper london henning gloystein singapore editing marguerita choy edmund blair g crosse standards thomson reuters trust principles london reuters oil fell wednesday investors took profit rally day years highs report showed surprisingly large increase us crude inventories file photo oil well pump jack seen oil field supply yard near denver colorado us february 2 2015 reutersrick wilkingfile photo june brent crude futures lcoc2 last 27 cents day 6919 barrel 1135 gmt may contract lcoc1 expires thursday 16 cents 6995 wti futures clc1 fell 40 cents 6485 barrel traders said pressure ensued american petroleum institute api tuesday reported surprise 53 million barrels rise crude stocks week march 23 expectations decline 4306 million barrels oil price risen seven last 9 months increased 4 percent year making third consecutive quarter gains longest stretch since late 2010 rebounded earlyweek high profittaking likely ensued commerzbanks carsten fritsch said note exacerbated appreciating us dollar unexpected 53 million barrel rise us crude oil stocks last week reported api close trading yesterday official us inventory data published energy information administration eia late wednesday seasonal perspective rising crude oil stocks falling product stocks expected time year refinery maintenance reduce demand oil production products saxo bank head commodity strategy ole hansen said us oil production risen nearly 25 percent last two years 10 million barrels per day coutteia taking past top exporter saudi arabia within reach biggest producer russia pumps around 11 million bpd wednesdays price falls came despite saudi arabia saying working russia historic longterm pact could extend controls world crude supplies major exporters many years saudi crown prince mohammed bin salman told reuters riyadh moscow considering greatly extending shortterm alliance oil curbs began january 2017 crash crude prices partnership manage supplies potentially growing 10to20year agreement asia shanghai crude oil futures posted high volumes volatile trade third day trading spot shanghai crude futures iscc1 375 percent wednesday 4104 yuan 6537 per barrel 0700 gmt 1 62782 chinese yuan renminbi additional reporting henning gloystein singapore editing matthew mpoke bigg louise heavens standards thomson reuters trust principles san francisco reuters wall street money managers make bets living us president donald trumps aggressive stance china trade looks like highstakes poker hand believe play worth file photo traders work floor new york stock exchange nyse new york us march 26 2018 reutersbrendan mcdermid fears trump could set trade conflict roiled wall street since march 1 president announced plans impose tariffs imported steel aluminum risking retaliation major trade partners like china europe neighboring canada roller coaster ride markets slumping trump last friday moved impose 60 billion tariffs chinese imports china declared plans retaliate duties 3 billion us imports even urged united states pull back brink chinas willingness negotiate spurred rebound monday though jitters tech sector drove markets back tuesday investors remain concerned trade war worlds two largest economies big players sanguine prospects make money even try dissect trumps strategy trade former celebrity businessman march 2 tweeted trade wars good easy win shocking economists cite evidence trade wars past destructive economies involved administrations gone trading partners like china asked fairer deal get cigar put forehead said steve chiavarone portfolio manager federated investors suspect trumps bucking norms absolutely part negotiating tactics chiavarone others said remain confident sampp 500 rise significantly year far talking small amounts tariffs niche sectors said phil blancato head ladenburg thalmann asset management new york anyone looking opportunity enter market better valuations file photo us president donald trump surrounded business leaders administration officials prepares sign memorandum intellectual property tariffs hightech goods china white house washington us march 22 2018 reutersjonathan ernst art deal shown act aggressively quickly unilaterally thats brought china negotiating table said ben phillips chief investment officer eventshares exchange traded funds truly think worried taking unilateral action harming chinas economy fears trade war could hurt us multinationals dull benefits deep corporate tax cuts enacted year helped push sampp 500 nearly 4 percent since end february trump administration demanded china immediately cut 375 billion trade surplus united states 100 billion position seen opening tactic long negotiation china could respond us measures range tariffs aimed us multinationals even farmers rural regions helped trump win 2016 presidential election global markets jump wall street rally trumps bellicose stance us trade partners reflects negotiating style outlined 1987 book trump art deal said oliver pursche chief market strategist bruderman asset management new york propose something horrific pull back want painful feared pursche said problem side isnt dumb eventually theyre going figure reporting noel randewich additional reporting april joyner trevor hunnicutt new york editing alden bentley standards thomson reuters trust principles frankfurtzurich reuters glaxosmithkline gskl buying novartis novns consumer healthcare joint venture 13 billion taking full control products including sensodyne toothpaste panadol headache tablets muscle gel voltaren nicotinell patches gsks biggest move since emma walmsley became chief executive last year follows british drugmakers decision last week quit race buy pfizers pfen consumer healthcare business endangering auction us company hoped would bring much 20 billion consumer remedies sold counter lower margins prescription drugs typically wellknown brands customers proposed transaction addresses one key capital allocation priorities allow gsk shareholders capture full value one worlds leading consumer healthcare businesses walmsley said statement tuesday although pharmaceuticals groups keen hold consumer care products intense price competition online mainly amazon amzno well cheaper storebrand products led others doubt stable returns longerterm related coverage gsk says confident consumer margin goal least 20 percent british groups shares jumped 61 percent outperforming 2 percent gain stoxx europe 600 health care sxdp gsk said well ending novartis venture would start strategic review horlicks consumer nutrition products sparking another potential industry shakeup review include assessment majority stake indialisted glaxosmithkline consumer healthcare glsmns decision pay pfizers consumer assets led gsk ceo emma walmsley remove uncertainty bringing consumer revenues inhouse assisting toward efficient capital allocation said ketan patel comanager amity uk fund edentree investment management holds gsk shares longterm investors welcome greater clarity brings companies gsk said purchase would boost adjusted earnings cash flows pfizer struggling sell consumer healthcare business gsk reckitt benckiser rbl dropped bidding differences price expectations also hobbled german drugmaker merck kgaas mrcgde attempts sell consumer products unit gsks call bids consumer healthcare nutrition brands regional focus india could detract attention mercks asset relies heavily sales vitamins dietary supplements emerging markets novartis shares rise barclays analysts said glaxo paying less 17 times expected 2018 core earnings joint venture stake sources told reuters merck pfizer asked 20 times respective assets yet analysts baader helvea welcomed cash price fetched novartis excellent news swiss company whose shares opened 19 percent higher deutsche bank analysts said move decluttered novartiss portfolio cautioned swiss group vague would cash time160is160right novartis divest160a160noncore asset an160attractive price novartis ceo vas narasimhan said novartis said money would used novartis expand business organically well bolton acquisitions slideshow 2 images interview deal announced narasimhan ruled large acquisitions baselbased company want focus mampa efforts bolt acquisitions either new technologies products fit core therapeutic areas told cnbc interview recorded sunday narasimhan harvard trained medical doctor disposal among first moves ceo role took less two months ago replaced joe jimenez emphasizing use technology boost returns research investment novartis currently also reviewing alcon eye care unit possible spinoff shareholders could come early 2019 2014 deal pool consumer assets novartis right sell 365 percent stake glaxo month transaction set complete second quarter subject necessary approvals glaxosmithkline plc 13738 gskl london stock exchange 2280 169 gskl novns pfen amzno glsmns 1 07029 pounds additional reporting simon jessop london michael shields zurich editing alexander smith louise heavens standards thomson reuters trust principles
| 1,931 |
<p>Academy Charter 80, West Caldwell Tech 77, 2OT</p>
<p>Audubon 45, Schalick 44</p>
<p>Central Regional 49, Toms River South 48</p>
<p>Chatham 56, Morristown-Beard 41</p>
<p>Cherokee 72, Woodstown 32</p>
<p>Cinnaminson 60, New Egypt 53</p>
<p>Clearview Regional 53, Pitman 49</p>
<p>Clifton 55, Mahwah 46</p>
<p>Cranford 60, Passaic Charter 35</p>
<p>Delaware Valley Regional 56, Mount Olive 40</p>
<p>Demarest 71, Bergen Tech 59</p>
<p>Deptford 64, Camden Charter 23</p>
<p>Dickinson 76, Shabazz 61</p>
<p>Dumont 41, Weehawken 32</p>
<p>Dwight-Englewood 68, Dwight-Morrow 63</p>
<p>Eastern 66, Atlantic City 57</p>
<p>Edison 61, Colonia 52</p>
<p>Emerson 38, Lyndhurst 29</p>
<p>Fair Lawn 55, Madison 46</p>
<p>Florence 52, Holy Cross 39</p>
<p>Gateway 69, LEAP Academy 54</p>
<p>Gill St. Bernard's 74, Rutgers Prep 60</p>
<p>Glen Ridge 53, Kinnelon 40</p>
<p>Gloucester Catholic 85, Clayton 53</p>
<p>Governor Livingston 52, Pingry 32</p>
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<p>Hightstown 68, Ewing 67</p>
<p>Hillsborough 46, Lawrence 40</p>
<p>Hillside 56, Stem Civics 34</p>
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<p>Mercersburg Academy, Pa. 66, Hun 46</p>
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<p>Chatham 56, Morristown-Beard 41</p>
<p>Cherokee 72, Woodstown 32</p>
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<p>Clearview Regional 53, Pitman 49</p>
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<p>Cranford 60, Passaic Charter 35</p>
<p>Delaware Valley Regional 56, Mount Olive 40</p>
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<p>Deptford 64, Camden Charter 23</p>
<p>Dickinson 76, Shabazz 61</p>
<p>Dumont 41, Weehawken 32</p>
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<p>Edison 61, Colonia 52</p>
<p>Emerson 38, Lyndhurst 29</p>
<p>Fair Lawn 55, Madison 46</p>
<p>Florence 52, Holy Cross 39</p>
<p>Gateway 69, LEAP Academy 54</p>
<p>Gill St. Bernard's 74, Rutgers Prep 60</p>
<p>Glen Ridge 53, Kinnelon 40</p>
<p>Gloucester Catholic 85, Clayton 53</p>
<p>Governor Livingston 52, Pingry 32</p>
<p>Haddonfield 78, Overbrook 38</p>
<p>Hightstown 68, Ewing 67</p>
<p>Hillsborough 46, Lawrence 40</p>
<p>Hillside 56, Stem Civics 34</p>
<p>Hopewell Valley Central 39, Metuchen 29</p>
<p>Hudson Catholic 67, Patrick School 59</p>
<p>Immaculata 49, Plainfield 46</p>
<p>Indian Hills 40, Eastern Christian 28</p>
<p>Lakewood 56, Jackson Liberty 28</p>
<p>Lenape 58, Paul VI 51</p>
<p>Livingston 71, Newark Academy 63</p>
<p>Lodi 60, Hawthorne 55</p>
<p>Manchester Regional 61, Eastside Paterson 57</p>
<p>Matawan 57, Raritan 51</p>
<p>Medford Tech 83, Pemberton 75</p>
<p>Memorial 45, Ferris 43</p>
<p>Mercersburg Academy, Pa. 66, Hun 46</p>
<p>Middle Township 43, Burlington City 42</p>
<p>Midland Park 56, Cliffside Park 51</p>
<p>Millburn 46, Bloomfield Tech 45</p>
<p>Montgomery 49, Somerville 30</p>
<p>Morris Tech 51, Hopatcong 20</p>
<p>Neptune 51, Colts Neck 43</p>
<p>Newark Central 60, Verona 52</p>
<p>Newark East Side 60, Hackensack 44</p>
<p>North Bergen 67, West Orange 62</p>
<p>North Brunswick 57, Steinert 37</p>
<p>North Hunterdon 72, Westfield 51</p>
<p>North Plainfield 56, South Brunswick 52</p>
<p>North Star Academy 60, Cedar Grove 48</p>
<p>Ocean Township 61, Freehold 26</p>
<p>Pennington 61, Allentown 46</p>
<p>Penns Grove 55, Haddon Heights 51</p>
<p>Pequannock 59, Roxbury 45</p>
<p>Phillipsburg 49, Easton, Pa. 42</p>
<p>Pinelands Regional 46, Donovan Catholic 33</p>
<p>Piscataway 56, J.P. Stevens 49</p>
<p>Point Pleasant Boro 43, Brick Memorial 29</p>
<p>Pope John XXIII 60, Delbarton 56</p>
<p>Princeton Day 74, Doane Academy 71</p>
<p>Rahway 66, Roselle 52</p>
<p>Ramapo 46, Bloomfield 43</p>
<p>Ridgefield Park 48, Bergenfield 45</p>
<p>River Dell 65, St. Mary's-Rutherford 63</p>
<p>Robbinsville 73, South Plainfield 52</p>
<p>Rumson-Fair Haven 54, Point Pleasant Beach 50</p>
<p>Sayreville 77, New Brunswick 48</p>
<p>Seton Hall Prep 62, St. Peter's Prep 55</p>
<p>Snyder 64, Newark Tech 45</p>
<p>South Hunterdon 65, Manville 30</p>
<p>Southern 56, Jackson Memorial 42</p>
<p>Spotswood 75, Iselin Kennedy 48</p>
<p>St. Joseph-Hammonton 73, Bridgeton 22</p>
<p>Summit 56, Oratory Catholic 50</p>
<p>The Hill School, Pa. 54, Peddie 47</p>
<p>Toms River East 70, St. John Vianney 66</p>
<p>Toms River North 66, Bayonne 36</p>
<p>Trenton Catholic 75, Trenton Central 57</p>
<p>Union Catholic 62, North 13th Street Tech 42</p>
<p>Union City 64, Vernon 47</p>
<p>Voorhees 68, Warren Tech 33</p>
<p>Wall 88, Brick Township 86</p>
<p>Wallkill Valley 55, Ridgefield 49</p>
<p>Watchung Hills 60, West Morris 54</p>
<p>Wayne Valley 66, Old Tappan 43</p>
<p>West Side 73, Barringer 56</p>
<p>Westwood 58, Paramus 44</p>
| false | 2 |
academy charter 80 west caldwell tech 77 2ot audubon 45 schalick 44 central regional 49 toms river south 48 chatham 56 morristownbeard 41 cherokee 72 woodstown 32 cinnaminson 60 new egypt 53 clearview regional 53 pitman 49 clifton 55 mahwah 46 cranford 60 passaic charter 35 delaware valley regional 56 mount olive 40 demarest 71 bergen tech 59 deptford 64 camden charter 23 dickinson 76 shabazz 61 dumont 41 weehawken 32 dwightenglewood 68 dwightmorrow 63 eastern 66 atlantic city 57 edison 61 colonia 52 emerson 38 lyndhurst 29 fair lawn 55 madison 46 florence 52 holy cross 39 gateway 69 leap academy 54 gill st bernards 74 rutgers prep 60 glen ridge 53 kinnelon 40 gloucester catholic 85 clayton 53 governor livingston 52 pingry 32 haddonfield 78 overbrook 38 hightstown 68 ewing 67 hillsborough 46 lawrence 40 hillside 56 stem civics 34 hopewell valley central 39 metuchen 29 hudson catholic 67 patrick school 59 immaculata 49 plainfield 46 indian hills 40 eastern christian 28 lakewood 56 jackson liberty 28 lenape 58 paul vi 51 livingston 71 newark academy 63 lodi 60 hawthorne 55 manchester regional 61 eastside paterson 57 matawan 57 raritan 51 medford tech 83 pemberton 75 memorial 45 ferris 43 mercersburg academy pa 66 hun 46 middle township 43 burlington city 42 midland park 56 cliffside park 51 millburn 46 bloomfield tech 45 montgomery 49 somerville 30 morris tech 51 hopatcong 20 neptune 51 colts neck 43 newark central 60 verona 52 newark east side 60 hackensack 44 north bergen 67 west orange 62 north brunswick 57 steinert 37 north hunterdon 72 westfield 51 north plainfield 56 south brunswick 52 north star academy 60 cedar grove 48 ocean township 61 freehold 26 pennington 61 allentown 46 penns grove 55 haddon heights 51 pequannock 59 roxbury 45 phillipsburg 49 easton pa 42 pinelands regional 46 donovan catholic 33 piscataway 56 jp stevens 49 point pleasant boro 43 brick memorial 29 pope john xxiii 60 delbarton 56 princeton day 74 doane academy 71 rahway 66 roselle 52 ramapo 46 bloomfield 43 ridgefield park 48 bergenfield 45 river dell 65 st marysrutherford 63 robbinsville 73 south plainfield 52 rumsonfair 54 point pleasant beach 50 sayreville 77 new brunswick 48 seton hall prep 62 st peters prep 55 snyder 64 newark tech 45 south hunterdon 65 manville 30 southern 56 jackson memorial 42 spotswood 75 iselin kennedy 48 st josephhammonton 73 bridgeton 22 summit 56 oratory catholic 50 hill school pa 54 peddie 47 toms river east 70 st john vianney 66 toms river north 66 bayonne 36 trenton catholic 75 trenton central 57 union catholic 62 north 13th street tech 42 union city 64 vernon 47 voorhees 68 warren tech 33 wall 88 brick township 86 wallkill valley 55 ridgefield 49 watchung hills 60 west morris 54 wayne valley 66 old tappan 43 west side 73 barringer 56 westwood 58 paramus 44 academy charter 80 west caldwell tech 77 2ot audubon 45 schalick 44 central regional 49 toms river south 48 chatham 56 morristownbeard 41 cherokee 72 woodstown 32 cinnaminson 60 new egypt 53 clearview regional 53 pitman 49 clifton 55 mahwah 46 cranford 60 passaic charter 35 delaware valley regional 56 mount olive 40 demarest 71 bergen tech 59 deptford 64 camden charter 23 dickinson 76 shabazz 61 dumont 41 weehawken 32 dwightenglewood 68 dwightmorrow 63 eastern 66 atlantic city 57 edison 61 colonia 52 emerson 38 lyndhurst 29 fair lawn 55 madison 46 florence 52 holy cross 39 gateway 69 leap academy 54 gill st bernards 74 rutgers prep 60 glen ridge 53 kinnelon 40 gloucester catholic 85 clayton 53 governor livingston 52 pingry 32 haddonfield 78 overbrook 38 hightstown 68 ewing 67 hillsborough 46 lawrence 40 hillside 56 stem civics 34 hopewell valley central 39 metuchen 29 hudson catholic 67 patrick school 59 immaculata 49 plainfield 46 indian hills 40 eastern christian 28 lakewood 56 jackson liberty 28 lenape 58 paul vi 51 livingston 71 newark academy 63 lodi 60 hawthorne 55 manchester regional 61 eastside paterson 57 matawan 57 raritan 51 medford tech 83 pemberton 75 memorial 45 ferris 43 mercersburg academy pa 66 hun 46 middle township 43 burlington city 42 midland park 56 cliffside park 51 millburn 46 bloomfield tech 45 montgomery 49 somerville 30 morris tech 51 hopatcong 20 neptune 51 colts neck 43 newark central 60 verona 52 newark east side 60 hackensack 44 north bergen 67 west orange 62 north brunswick 57 steinert 37 north hunterdon 72 westfield 51 north plainfield 56 south brunswick 52 north star academy 60 cedar grove 48 ocean township 61 freehold 26 pennington 61 allentown 46 penns grove 55 haddon heights 51 pequannock 59 roxbury 45 phillipsburg 49 easton pa 42 pinelands regional 46 donovan catholic 33 piscataway 56 jp stevens 49 point pleasant boro 43 brick memorial 29 pope john xxiii 60 delbarton 56 princeton day 74 doane academy 71 rahway 66 roselle 52 ramapo 46 bloomfield 43 ridgefield park 48 bergenfield 45 river dell 65 st marysrutherford 63 robbinsville 73 south plainfield 52 rumsonfair 54 point pleasant beach 50 sayreville 77 new brunswick 48 seton hall prep 62 st peters prep 55 snyder 64 newark tech 45 south hunterdon 65 manville 30 southern 56 jackson memorial 42 spotswood 75 iselin kennedy 48 st josephhammonton 73 bridgeton 22 summit 56 oratory catholic 50 hill school pa 54 peddie 47 toms river east 70 st john vianney 66 toms river north 66 bayonne 36 trenton catholic 75 trenton central 57 union catholic 62 north 13th street tech 42 union city 64 vernon 47 voorhees 68 warren tech 33 wall 88 brick township 86 wallkill valley 55 ridgefield 49 watchung hills 60 west morris 54 wayne valley 66 old tappan 43 west side 73 barringer 56 westwood 58 paramus 44
| 962 |
<p>SYDNEY (Reuters) - The Australian Taxation Office will investigate more than 20 million international visa holders and foreign students using data-matching audits to catch tax avoidance and enforce superannuation compliance, the agency said on Sunday.</p>
<p>The three-year data matching audit will cross-reference information from the Australian government’s Home Affairs Department with Australian Tax Office (ATO) records.</p>
<p>“It is estimated that records of 20 million individuals will be obtained over the course of the three-year period,” the ATO confirmed with Reuters on Sunday.</p>
<p>“These records will be electronically matched with ATO data holdings to identify non-compliance with obligations under taxation and superannuation laws.”</p>
<p>Information on visa holders, foreign students, their sponsors, education providers and migration agents will be reviewed along with address records, travel movements and visa lodgments over financial years from 2017-18 and 2019-20.</p>
<p>If any discrepancies are found, the individual will have 28 days to respond to a request for information before administrative action is taken, said the ATO.</p>
<p>Reporting by Alison Bevege; Editing by Michael Perry</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>SAN BRUNO, Calif. (Reuters) - A woman who had voiced complaints online about YouTube opened fire with a handgun at the tech company’s headquarters near San Francisco on Tuesday, wounding three people before shooting herself dead, authorities and media said.</p>
<p>It was the latest in a string of mass shootings in the United States in recent years. Most recently, the massacre of 17 people at a Florida high school has led to calls for tighter curbs on gun ownership.</p>
<p>Police did not identify the suspect or say what might have motivated Tuesday’s shooting at YouTube, a video-sharing service owned by Alphabet Inc’s Google which employs nearly 2,000 people at the San Bruno, California offices.</p>
<p>The woman approached an outdoor patio and dining courtyard on the campus around lunchtime and began to fire before entering the building, police said.</p>
<p>An affiliate of ABC and other local media, citing unnamed sources, identified the woman as Nasim Aghdam.</p>
<p>San Bruno police officials could not immediately be reached for comment on the identity of the attacker.</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-california-youtube-shooting-ceos/tech-ceos-call-for-gun-control-following-youtube-shooting-idUSKCN1HB05T" type="external">Tech CEOs call for gun control following YouTube shooting</a>
<p>YouTube spokeswoman Jessica Mason could not immediately be reached for comment on the identification by media.</p>
<p>The website NasimeSabz.com, which media said was linked to the attacker, had several posts about Persian culture and veganism, interspersed with screeds against YouTube.</p>
<p>Those complaints included claims the company was not sharing enough revenue with people who create videos for the platform.</p>
<p>“There is no equal growth opportunity on YouTube, or any other video-sharing site, your channel will grow if they want to,” read one posting on the site.</p>
<p>A YouTube account in the name of Nasime Sabz was deleted on Tuesday evening.</p>
<p>A U.S. government security official told Reuters there was no known connection to terrorism.</p>
<p>ABC News, citing unnamed law enforcement sources, said the suspect was 35 to 40 years old, and lived in Southern California.</p>
<p>A YouTube product manager, Todd Sherman, described on Twitter hearing people running, first thinking it was an earthquake before he was told that a person had a gun.</p>
<p>“At that point every new person I saw was a potential shooter. Someone else said that the person shot out the back doors and then shot themselves,” Sherman said in a tweet.</p>
<p>“I looked down and saw blood drips on the floor and stairs. Peeked around for threats and then we headed downstairs, and out the front,” Sherman said.</p>
<p>In a recording of a 911 call posted online by the Los Angeles Times, a dispatcher can be heard saying: “Shooter. Another party said they spotted someone with a gun. Suspect came from the back patio ... Again we have a report of a subject with a gun. They heard seven or eight shots being fired.”</p>
<p>Dozens of emergency vehicles quickly converged on the YouTube campus, and police could be seen on televised aerial video systematically frisking several employees leaving the area with their hands raised.</p>
<p>One victim, a 36-year-old man, was listed in critical condition at San Francisco General Hospital. A 32-year-old woman was listed in serious condition and a 27-year-old woman in fair condition. Authorities did not release names of the victims.</p>
<p>The three patients taken to San Francisco General Hospital were all awake, Dr. Andre Campbell, a trauma surgeon at the hospital, told a news conference. All were victims of gunshot wounds, Campbell said, but none of them had undergone surgery.</p>
<p>A fourth person was taken to a local hospital with an ankle injury from fleeing the scene.</p>
<p>“It’s with great sadness that I tell you - based on the latest information - four people were injured in this horrific act of violence,” Google Chief Executive Sundar Pichai said in letter to employees posted on Twitter.</p> Police officers and crime scene tape are seen at Youtube headquarters following an active shooter situation in San Bruno, California, U.S., April 3, 2018. REUTERS/Elijah Nouvelage
<p>“I know a lot of you are in shock right now. Over the coming days, we will continue to provide support to help everyone in our Google family heal from this unimaginable tragedy.”</p>
<p>In a separate tweet, Pichai said he and YouTube Chief Executive Susan Wojcicki were “focused on supporting our employees and the @YouTube community through this difficult time together.”</p>
<p>President Donald Trump said on Twitter that he had been briefed on the shooting.</p>
<p>“Our thoughts and prayers are with everybody involved,” Trump tweeted. “Thank you to our phenomenal law enforcement officers and first responders that are currently on the scene.”</p>
<p>In response, Twitter Chief Executive Jack Dorsey tweeted: “We can’t keep being reactive to this, thinking and praying it won’t happen again at our schools, jobs, or our community spots. It’s beyond time to evolve our policies.”</p>
<p>Last month, YouTube announced it would ban content promoting the sale of guns and gun accessories, as well as videos that teach how to make guns.</p> Slideshow (11 Images)
<p>Female mass shooters are rare. A recent Washington Post analysis shows only three of 150 U.S. shootings with more than four victims since 1966 were carried out by women. In 2015, a husband and wife killed 14 people in San Bernardino, California.</p>
<p>Additional reporting by Gina Cherelus in New York, Suzannah Gonzales in Chicago, Mark Hosenball in Washington, D.C.; Andrew Hay in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Alex Dobuzinskis and Dan Whitcomb in Los Angeles; Salvador Rodriguez, Heather Somerville, Noel Randewich, Stephen Nellis and Jeffrey Dastin in San Francisco; Keith Coffman in Denver; Writing by Dan Whitcomb; Editing by Peter Cooney and Clarence Fernandez</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>BEIJING (Reuters) - China will raise anti-dumping tariffs on ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol imported from the United States and some European suppliers, the Ministry of Commerce said on Wednesday.</p>
<p>Producers impacted by the tariffs include Dow Chemical, now known as DowDuPont, Equistar, Eastman, Ineos, Sasol and BASF.</p>
<p>The tariffs, which are as high as 75.5 percent for some companies including DowDuPont, will be effective from April 12, the statement said.</p>
<p>Ethylene glycol is used in many consumer products including antifreeze, coolant and other solvents and paints.</p>
<p>Reporting by Cheng Fang and Dominique Patton; Editing by Christian Schmollinger</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Facebook Inc ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=FB.O" type="external">FB.O</a>) Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg said on Tuesday that he agreed “in spirit” with a strict new European Union law on data privacy but stopped short of committing to it as the standard for the social network across the world.</p>
<p>As Facebook reels from a scandal over the mishandling of personal information belonging to millions of users, the company is facing demands to improve privacy and learn lessons from the landmark EU law scheduled to take effect next month.</p>
<p>Zuckerberg told Reuters in a phone interview that Facebook was working on a version of the law that would work globally, bringing some European privacy guarantees worldwide, but the 33-year-old billionaire demurred when asked what parts of the law he would not extend worldwide.</p>
<p>“We’re still nailing down details on this, but it should directionally be, in spirit, the whole thing,” Zuckerberg said. He did not elaborate.</p>
<p>His comments signal that U.S. Facebook users, many of them still angry over the company’s admission that political consultancy Cambridge Analytica got hold of Facebook data on 50 million members, could find themselves in a worse position than Europeans.</p>
<p>The European law, called the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), is the biggest overhaul of online privacy since the birth of the internet, giving Europeans the right to know what data is stored on them and the right to have it deleted.</p>
<p>Apple Inc ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=AAPL.O" type="external">AAPL.O</a>) and some other tech firms have said they do plan to give people in the United States and elsewhere the same protections and rights that Europeans will gain.</p>
<p>Shares of Facebook closed up 0.5 percent on Tuesday at $156.11. They are down more than 15 percent since March 16, when the scandal broke over Cambridge Analytica.</p> PUSH FOR DATA PRIVACY
<p>Privacy advocacy groups have been urging Facebook and its Silicon Valley competitors such as Alphabet Inc’s ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=GOOGL.O" type="external">GOOGL.O</a>) Google to apply EU data laws worldwide, largely without success.</p>
<p>“We want Facebook and Google and all the other companies to immediately adopt in the United States and worldwide any new protections that they implement in Europe,” said Jeff Chester, executive director of the Center for Digital Democracy, in Washington.</p>
<p>Zuckerberg said many of the tools that are part of the law, such as the ability of users to delete all their data, are already available for people on Facebook.</p>
<p>“We think that this is a good opportunity to take that moment across the rest of the world,” he said. “The vast majority of what is required here are things that we’ve already had for years across the world for everyone.”</p> FILE PHOTO: Facebook Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg speaks on stage during the annual Facebook F8 developers conference in San Jose, California, U.S., April 18, 2017. REUTERS/Stephen Lam/File Photo
<p>Google and Facebook are the global leaders in internet ad revenue. Both based in California, they possess enormous amounts of data on billions of people.</p>
<p>Google has declined to comment on its plans.</p>
<p>When GDPR takes effect on May 25, people in EU countries will gain the right to transfer their data to other social networks, for example. Facebook and its competitors will also need to be much more specific about how they plan to use people’s data, and they will need to get explicit consent.</p>
<p>GDPR is likely to hurt profit at Facebook because it could reduce the value of ads if the company cannot use personal information as freely and the added expense of hiring lawyers to ensure compliance with the new law.</p>
<p>Data is central to Facebook’s advertising business, and it has not yet sketched out a satisfying plan for how it plans to comply, said Pivotal Research analyst Brian Wieser.</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=FB.O" type="external">Facebook Inc</a> 156.11 FB.O Nasdaq +0.72 (+0.46%) FB.O AAPL.O GOOGL.O
<p>“I haven’t heard any solutions from Facebook to get ahead of the problem yet,” Wieser said.</p>
<p>Failure to comply with the law carries a maximum penalty of up to 4 percent of annual revenue.</p>
<p>It should not be difficult for companies to extend EU practices and policies elsewhere because they already have systems in place, said Nicole Ozer, director of technology and civil liberties at the American Civil Liberties Union of California.</p>
<p>Companies’ promises are less reassuring than laws, she said: “If user privacy is going to be properly protected, the law has to require it.”</p>
<p>Reporting by David Ingram and Joseph Menn in San Francisco; Additional reporting by Salvador Rodriguez ; Editing by Peter Henderson, Bill Rigby and Himani Sarkar</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>MATIAS ROMERO, Mexico (Reuters) - Mexican officials on Tuesday screened a dwindling group of hundreds of largely Central American migrants who are moving through Mexico toward the United States, seeking to break up the “caravan” that has drawn the ire of U.S. President Donald Trump.</p>
<p>Trump, doubling down on his tough stance against illegal immigration, has railed against those making their way from the Guatemala-Mexico border in the past 10 days.</p>
<p>Trump repeated threats to torpedo the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which underpins much of Mexico’s foreign trade, and said he wanted to send troops to the U.S. border to stop illegal immigrants until a long-promised border wall is built.</p>
<p>In response, the Mexican government has said the migrants are being vetted to determine whether they have a right to stay, or would be returned to their countries of origin.</p>
<p>Hundreds of men, women and children from Central America were stuck on Tuesday in the town of Matias Romero in the poor southern Mexican state of Oaxaca awaiting clarification of their legal status after officials began registering them.</p>
<p>Confused and frustrated by paperwork, many were uncertain what lay in store, and desperate for information.</p>
<p>“What was the point of all this then if they don’t let us stay?” Elizabeth Avalos, 23, a migrant from El Salvador who was traveling with two children, said angrily. “There’s no food, my children haven’t eaten since yesterday.”</p>
<p>Hundreds of people camped out overnight in a park near the town’s train station, with shoes and bags strewn about.</p>
<p>Jaime Alexander Variega, 35, sat alone in a patch of shade and cupped his head in his hands, weeping or praying, his feet still bearing lacerations from walking for four or five days straight through Guatemala from El Salvador.</p>
<p>“We’re not safe in El Salvador,” said the former security guard, his hat smeared in dirt, explaining he had left his home because of the threats from local gangs. “I know it’s difficult to get into the United States. But it’s not impossible.”</p>
<p>Around them, Mexican migration officials with notepads and pens took basic information from the migrants, asking for names, nationalities, dates of birth and proof of identity.</p>
<p>The caravan was organized by U.S-based advocacy group Pueblo Sin Fronteras, which seeks to draw attention to the rights of migrants and provide them with aid. The Mexican government says the caravan, which like others travels by road, rail and on foot, has been organized every year since 2010.</p>
<p>Honduran Carlos Ricardo Ellis Garcia clutched a handwritten list of names belonging to more than 100 people who joined the caravan in the southern border town of Tapachula, where it began on March 25, reaching a peak of around 1,500 people.</p>
<p>But by Tuesday the number was down to about 1,100, according to Pueblo Sin Fronteras spokeswoman Gina Garibo.</p>
<p>Many had broken off from the group, eager to move on more quickly, she said. Many others aimed to stay in Mexico because they had family ties there or planned to work, Garibo said.</p>
<p>“Now they’re separating these groups,” Ellis Garcia said, referring to an estimated 300 people who split from the caravan on Monday. “I don’t know what’s the deal, we have no answers.”</p> Central American migrants take a break from traveling in their caravan, as they journey to the U.S., in Matias Romero, Oaxaca, Mexico April 3, 2018. REUTERS/Henry Romero
<p>Advocacy groups told Reuters dozens of people left the caravan and traveled to the crime-ridden eastern state of Veracruz, where they were met by migration officials and police.</p>
<p>The government said on Monday evening around 400 people in the caravan had already been sent back to their home countries.</p>
<p>Geronimo Gutierrez, Mexico’s ambassador to the United States, told CNN that Mexican authorities were “looking at the status of the individuals so we can proceed either with a repatriation process” or offer humanitarian relief. That could include granting asylum or humanitarian visas.</p>
<p>Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala are among the most violent and impoverished countries in the Americas, prompting many people to leave in search of a better life.</p>
<p>Trump, who ran for office in 2016 on a platform to stem illegal immigrants from Mexico, said he had “told Mexico” he hoped it would halt the caravan.</p>
<p>The migrant caravan also poses a political problem for Mexico’s unpopular government in a presidential election year.</p> Slideshow (7 Images)
<p>President Enrique Pena Nieto is barred by law from seeking re-election in the July 1 vote, but the ruling party candidate is running third, well behind the front-runner.</p>
<p>The government does not want to be seen as kowtowing to threats by Trump, who is deeply unpopular in Mexico.</p>
<p>In a country where millions of people have friends or relatives who have migrated legally or illegally to the United States, many Mexicans harbor sympathy for the Central Americans.</p>
<p>Reporting by Delphine Schrank; Additional reporting by Lizbeth Diaz, Diego Ore and Daina Solomon; Editing by Dave Graham and Grant McCool</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
| false | 2 |
sydney reuters australian taxation office investigate 20 million international visa holders foreign students using datamatching audits catch tax avoidance enforce superannuation compliance agency said sunday threeyear data matching audit crossreference information australian governments home affairs department australian tax office ato records estimated records 20 million individuals obtained course threeyear period ato confirmed reuters sunday records electronically matched ato data holdings identify noncompliance obligations taxation superannuation laws information visa holders foreign students sponsors education providers migration agents reviewed along address records travel movements visa lodgments financial years 201718 201920 discrepancies found individual 28 days respond request information administrative action taken said ato reporting alison bevege editing michael perry standards thomson reuters trust principles san bruno calif reuters woman voiced complaints online youtube opened fire handgun tech companys headquarters near san francisco tuesday wounding three people shooting dead authorities media said latest string mass shootings united states recent years recently massacre 17 people florida high school led calls tighter curbs gun ownership police identify suspect say might motivated tuesdays shooting youtube videosharing service owned alphabet incs google employs nearly 2000 people san bruno california offices woman approached outdoor patio dining courtyard campus around lunchtime began fire entering building police said affiliate abc local media citing unnamed sources identified woman nasim aghdam san bruno police officials could immediately reached comment identity attacker related coverage tech ceos call gun control following youtube shooting youtube spokeswoman jessica mason could immediately reached comment identification media website nasimesabzcom media said linked attacker several posts persian culture veganism interspersed screeds youtube complaints included claims company sharing enough revenue people create videos platform equal growth opportunity youtube videosharing site channel grow want read one posting site youtube account name nasime sabz deleted tuesday evening us government security official told reuters known connection terrorism abc news citing unnamed law enforcement sources said suspect 35 40 years old lived southern california youtube product manager todd sherman described twitter hearing people running first thinking earthquake told person gun point every new person saw potential shooter someone else said person shot back doors shot sherman said tweet looked saw blood drips floor stairs peeked around threats headed downstairs front sherman said recording 911 call posted online los angeles times dispatcher heard saying shooter another party said spotted someone gun suspect came back patio report subject gun heard seven eight shots fired dozens emergency vehicles quickly converged youtube campus police could seen televised aerial video systematically frisking several employees leaving area hands raised one victim 36yearold man listed critical condition san francisco general hospital 32yearold woman listed serious condition 27yearold woman fair condition authorities release names victims three patients taken san francisco general hospital awake dr andre campbell trauma surgeon hospital told news conference victims gunshot wounds campbell said none undergone surgery fourth person taken local hospital ankle injury fleeing scene great sadness tell based latest information four people injured horrific act violence google chief executive sundar pichai said letter employees posted twitter police officers crime scene tape seen youtube headquarters following active shooter situation san bruno california us april 3 2018 reuterselijah nouvelage know lot shock right coming days continue provide support help everyone google family heal unimaginable tragedy separate tweet pichai said youtube chief executive susan wojcicki focused supporting employees youtube community difficult time together president donald trump said twitter briefed shooting thoughts prayers everybody involved trump tweeted thank phenomenal law enforcement officers first responders currently scene response twitter chief executive jack dorsey tweeted cant keep reactive thinking praying wont happen schools jobs community spots beyond time evolve policies last month youtube announced would ban content promoting sale guns gun accessories well videos teach make guns slideshow 11 images female mass shooters rare recent washington post analysis shows three 150 us shootings four victims since 1966 carried women 2015 husband wife killed 14 people san bernardino california additional reporting gina cherelus new york suzannah gonzales chicago mark hosenball washington dc andrew hay santa fe new mexico alex dobuzinskis dan whitcomb los angeles salvador rodriguez heather somerville noel randewich stephen nellis jeffrey dastin san francisco keith coffman denver writing dan whitcomb editing peter cooney clarence fernandez standards thomson reuters trust principles beijing reuters china raise antidumping tariffs ethylene glycol diethylene glycol imported united states european suppliers ministry commerce said wednesday producers impacted tariffs include dow chemical known dowdupont equistar eastman ineos sasol basf tariffs high 755 percent companies including dowdupont effective april 12 statement said ethylene glycol used many consumer products including antifreeze coolant solvents paints reporting cheng fang dominique patton editing christian schmollinger standards thomson reuters trust principles san francisco reuters facebook inc fbo chief executive mark zuckerberg said tuesday agreed spirit strict new european union law data privacy stopped short committing standard social network across world facebook reels scandal mishandling personal information belonging millions users company facing demands improve privacy learn lessons landmark eu law scheduled take effect next month zuckerberg told reuters phone interview facebook working version law would work globally bringing european privacy guarantees worldwide 33yearold billionaire demurred asked parts law would extend worldwide still nailing details directionally spirit whole thing zuckerberg said elaborate comments signal us facebook users many still angry companys admission political consultancy cambridge analytica got hold facebook data 50 million members could find worse position europeans european law called general data protection regulation gdpr biggest overhaul online privacy since birth internet giving europeans right know data stored right deleted apple inc aaplo tech firms said plan give people united states elsewhere protections rights europeans gain shares facebook closed 05 percent tuesday 15611 15 percent since march 16 scandal broke cambridge analytica push data privacy privacy advocacy groups urging facebook silicon valley competitors alphabet incs googlo google apply eu data laws worldwide largely without success want facebook google companies immediately adopt united states worldwide new protections implement europe said jeff chester executive director center digital democracy washington zuckerberg said many tools part law ability users delete data already available people facebook think good opportunity take moment across rest world said vast majority required things weve already years across world everyone file photo facebook founder ceo mark zuckerberg speaks stage annual facebook f8 developers conference san jose california us april 18 2017 reutersstephen lamfile photo google facebook global leaders internet ad revenue based california possess enormous amounts data billions people google declined comment plans gdpr takes effect may 25 people eu countries gain right transfer data social networks example facebook competitors also need much specific plan use peoples data need get explicit consent gdpr likely hurt profit facebook could reduce value ads company use personal information freely added expense hiring lawyers ensure compliance new law data central facebooks advertising business yet sketched satisfying plan plans comply said pivotal research analyst brian wieser facebook inc 15611 fbo nasdaq 072 046 fbo aaplo googlo havent heard solutions facebook get ahead problem yet wieser said failure comply law carries maximum penalty 4 percent annual revenue difficult companies extend eu practices policies elsewhere already systems place said nicole ozer director technology civil liberties american civil liberties union california companies promises less reassuring laws said user privacy going properly protected law require reporting david ingram joseph menn san francisco additional reporting salvador rodriguez editing peter henderson bill rigby himani sarkar standards thomson reuters trust principles matias romero mexico reuters mexican officials tuesday screened dwindling group hundreds largely central american migrants moving mexico toward united states seeking break caravan drawn ire us president donald trump trump doubling tough stance illegal immigration railed making way guatemalamexico border past 10 days trump repeated threats torpedo north american free trade agreement nafta underpins much mexicos foreign trade said wanted send troops us border stop illegal immigrants longpromised border wall built response mexican government said migrants vetted determine whether right stay would returned countries origin hundreds men women children central america stuck tuesday town matias romero poor southern mexican state oaxaca awaiting clarification legal status officials began registering confused frustrated paperwork many uncertain lay store desperate information point dont let us stay elizabeth avalos 23 migrant el salvador traveling two children said angrily theres food children havent eaten since yesterday hundreds people camped overnight park near towns train station shoes bags strewn jaime alexander variega 35 sat alone patch shade cupped head hands weeping praying feet still bearing lacerations walking four five days straight guatemala el salvador safe el salvador said former security guard hat smeared dirt explaining left home threats local gangs know difficult get united states impossible around mexican migration officials notepads pens took basic information migrants asking names nationalities dates birth proof identity caravan organized usbased advocacy group pueblo sin fronteras seeks draw attention rights migrants provide aid mexican government says caravan like others travels road rail foot organized every year since 2010 honduran carlos ricardo ellis garcia clutched handwritten list names belonging 100 people joined caravan southern border town tapachula began march 25 reaching peak around 1500 people tuesday number 1100 according pueblo sin fronteras spokeswoman gina garibo many broken group eager move quickly said many others aimed stay mexico family ties planned work garibo said theyre separating groups ellis garcia said referring estimated 300 people split caravan monday dont know whats deal answers central american migrants take break traveling caravan journey us matias romero oaxaca mexico april 3 2018 reutershenry romero advocacy groups told reuters dozens people left caravan traveled crimeridden eastern state veracruz met migration officials police government said monday evening around 400 people caravan already sent back home countries geronimo gutierrez mexicos ambassador united states told cnn mexican authorities looking status individuals proceed either repatriation process offer humanitarian relief could include granting asylum humanitarian visas honduras el salvador guatemala among violent impoverished countries americas prompting many people leave search better life trump ran office 2016 platform stem illegal immigrants mexico said told mexico hoped would halt caravan migrant caravan also poses political problem mexicos unpopular government presidential election year slideshow 7 images president enrique pena nieto barred law seeking reelection july 1 vote ruling party candidate running third well behind frontrunner government want seen kowtowing threats trump deeply unpopular mexico country millions people friends relatives migrated legally illegally united states many mexicans harbor sympathy central americans reporting delphine schrank additional reporting lizbeth diaz diego ore daina solomon editing dave graham grant mccool standards thomson reuters trust principles
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<p>Jan 24 (Reuters) - ESTERAD INVESTMENT CO BSC:</p>
<p>* FY NET PROFIT ATTRIBUTABLE TO SHAREHOLDERS 1.3 MILLION DINARS VERSUS 787,822‍ DINARS YEAR AGO</p>
<p>* BOARD PROPOSES FY CASH DIVIDEND OF 0.006 DINAR PER SHARE Source:( <a href="http://bit.ly/2DBN6UR" type="external">bit.ly/2DBN6UR</a>) Further company coverage:</p> Our Standards:
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<p>BRUSSELS (Reuters) - German conglomerate Bayer won EU antitrust approval on Wednesday for its $62.5 billion buy of U.S. peer Monsanto, the latest in a trio of mega mergers that will reshape the agrochemicals industry.</p>
<p>The tie-up is set to create a company with control of more than a quarter of the world’s seed and pesticides market.</p>
<p>Driven by shifting weather patterns, competition in grain exports and a faltering global farm economy, Dow and Dupont, and ChemChina and Syngenta had earlier led a wave of consolidation in the sector.</p>
<p>Both deals secured EU approval only after the companies offered substantial asset sales to boost rivals.</p>
<p>Environmental and farming groups have opposed all three deals, worried about their power and their advantage in digital farming data, which can tell farmers how and when to till, sow, spray, fertilize and pick crops based on algorithms.</p>
<p>The European Commission said Bayer addressed its concerns with its offer to sell a swathe of assets to boost rival BASF, confirming a Reuters story on Feb. 28.</p>
<p>“Our decision ensures that there will be effective competition and innovation in seeds, pesticides and digital agriculture markets also after this merger,” European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in a statement.</p>
<p>“In particular, we have made sure that the number of global players actively competing in these markets stays the same.”</p>
<p>Vestager said the Commission, which received more than a million petitions concerning the deal, had been thorough by examining more than 2,000 different product markets and 2.7 million internal documents to produce a 1,285-page ruling.</p>
<p>The U.S. Justice Department, which is also reviewing the merger, said in a statement on its website that it would press on with its review and that the market in the two regions was quite different.</p> European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager holds a news conference at the EU Commission's headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, March 21, 2018. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir
<p>“While genetically modified seeds are largely prohibited in Europe, they are widely used throughout the United States,” the department noted. “The Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice continues to examine the effects of the proposed transaction on American farmers and consumers.”</p>
<p>China has given conditional approval to the Bayer and Monsanto deal, which has won a green light in Brazil. It is currently being reviewed by Russian antitrust authorities too.</p>
<p>Australia said on Thursday it would not oppose the deal following the divestment commitment.</p> Slideshow (3 Images)
<p>Bayer has already reached a deal to sell certain seed and herbicide assets for 5.9 billion euros ($7.2 billion) to BASF and to give it a license to its global digital farming data. It will also divest its vegetable seeds business to BASF.</p>
<p>The Commission is due to rule on the BASF deal by April 16.</p>
<p>Online campaigns group Avaaz criticized the EU approval.</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-monsanto-m-a-bayer-usa/u-s-says-it-is-still-reviewing-bayers-planned-monsanto-acquisition-idUSKBN1GX2HZ" type="external">U.S. says it is still reviewing Bayer's planned Monsanto acquisition</a>
<p>“This is a marriage made in hell. The Commission ignored a million people who called on them to block this deal, and caved in to lobbying to create a mega-corporation which will dominate our food supply,” Avaaz legal director Nick Flynn said.</p>
<p>U.S.-incorporated Avaaz, funded by its members, is active in climate change, poverty, conflict and corruption issues.</p>
<p>The Greens grouping in the European Parliament echoed the sentiment, saying smaller players in the agriculture industry needed to be helped too.</p>
<p>“The agriculture industry is already far too concentrated, giving a handful of massive firms a stranglehold on food production. Merging two of the biggest players only makes a bad situation worse,” Greens spokesman Bart Staes said.</p>
<p>Reporting by Foo Yun Chee with additional reporting by Diane Bartz in Washington; editing by Robin Emmott, David Evans and Cynthia Osterman</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>BEIJING (Reuters) - China’s crude oil futures, to be launched on Monday, will be a major step in Beijing’s years-long push to win greater sway over oil pricing, but for western traders it will likely bring frustration as well as opportunity.</p> Workers are seen on an offshore oil platform surrounded by icy waters in Liaodong bay off Liaoning province, China January 18, 2018. REUTERS/Stringer
<p>Shanghai Crude aims to rival the world’s two crude benchmarks, luring overseas traders with the promise of a deep pool of liquidity and the chance for arbitrage between Asian, U.S. and European markets.</p>
<p>However, the contract will also come with quirks that traders used to London’s Brent or U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) may find less appealing, including shorter business hours, unique Chinese trading habits and extended holiday breaks.</p>
<p>Yuan-denominated trading and a blend of new rules and regulatory burdens will also likely hamper initial take-up on the Shanghai International Energy Exchange (INE), executives at a dozen banks and brokers and experts involved in the launch told Reuters.</p>
<p>“The rules around trading methodology will be unfamiliar for western houses,” said John Browning, chief operating officer of Hong Kong-based futures broker Bands Financial Ltd, which is an approved overseas intermediary for the INE.</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-china-oil-futures-explainer/china-aims-to-challenge-brent-wti-oil-with-crude-futures-launch-idUSKBN1GY0S9" type="external">China aims to challenge Brent, WTI oil with crude futures launch</a>
<p>“They’ll have to get to grips with a different set of trading parameters, including initial margin calculation, rolling between months, order cancellations ratios, etc. It’s all very different.”</p>
<p>So far, China has opened more than 6,000 trading accounts, including the country’s oil majors and about 150 brokerages. Ten foreign intermediaries have registered, including J.P.Morgan, Bands Financial, Straits Financial Services and other Hong Kong based affiliates of domestic brokerages.</p>
<p>Last-minute changes are still being made to entice overseas users. On Tuesday, the government said it would waive income taxes for foreign investors for the first three years.</p> CHINESE CHARACTERISTICS
<p>Specific issues for traders include Shanghai’s shorter trading hours, split into three slots, with the afternoon session ending at 3:00 p.m. local time (0700 GMT), just before London ramps up.</p>
<p>Although the exchange will have an overnight trading session to match late European and early U.S. trading, it will close for more than six hours before trade resumes in Beijing.</p> Slideshow (4 Images)
<p>This could mean the contract risks having to play catch-up each morning to the moods and swings of Europe and America, rather than setting its own price, several senior futures traders said.</p>
<p>Chinese trading habits may also be a shock to foreign users, they said.</p>
<p>Chinese commodity futures investors do not typically trade steadily over the months, but instead pick specific months in which they deal, due to a different cost structure. That could complicate efforts to trade spreads between Brent, WTI and Shanghai.</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=ICE.N" type="external">Intercontinental Exchange Inc</a> 71.88 ICE.N New York Stock Exchange -2.14 (-2.89%) ICE.N CME.O 601857.SS 600028.SS
<p>These and other factors mean the contract may have a “hard time” building correlations with Brent and WTI that would make arbitrage possible, said Albert Helmig, chief executive of financial consultancy Grey House and a former vice chairman of NYMEX.</p>
<p>“It’s a China market, with Chinese characteristics,” said Helmig.</p> FUTURE PLANS
<p>Still, China offers the potential for a deep, liquid market, buoyed by an explosion of interest from mom-and-pop investors that has supported its vast commodities derivative markets from apples to iron ore in Shanghai, Zhengzhou and Dalian.</p>
<p>In 2017, the total traded value of ShFE’s steel derivatives contracts was $4.4 trillion from domestic investors. This compares with global turnover of more than $10 trillion in international oil futures, the world’s biggest commodity market.</p>
<p>Previous attempts at an Asia benchmark have foundered. Contracts set up by the Dubai Mercantile Exchange a decade ago have not matched Brent or WTI, traded on the Intercontinental Exchange ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=ICE.N" type="external">ICE.N</a>) and the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) owned by CME Group ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=CME.O" type="external">CME.O</a>).</p>
<p>China hopes it can do better: with state-controlled oil majors like PetroChina ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=601857.SS" type="external">601857.SS</a>) and Sinopec ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=600028.SS" type="external">600028.SS</a>) expected to provide liquidity, analysts said the contract has a chance of succeeding even if it faces short-term caution.</p> Related Video
<p>“Launching a new exchange is enormously complex, so if the initial uptake for the contract isn’t that strong, it isn’t necessarily a bad thing,” said Bands’ Browning.</p>
<p>Reporting by Josephine Mason, Meng Meng and Tom Daly in BEIJING and Henning Gloystein in SINGAPORE; editing by Richard Pullin</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump’s administration urged a federal judge on Thursday to block AT&amp;T Inc’s proposed $85 billion merger with Time Warner Inc, saying the deal would hand the company a “weapon” to harm competition and raise consumer prices.</p> Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes arrives ahead of arguments in the trial to determine if AT&amp;T's merger with Time Warner is legal under antitrust law at U.S. District Court in Washington, U.S., March 22, 2018. REUTERS/Aaron P. Bernstein
<p>During opening statements in one of the most closely watched U.S. antitrust trials in years, Justice Department lawyer Craig Conrath said the deal would hike prices for consumers by more than $400 million annually, or an average of $0.45 a month for pay TV subscribers.</p>
<p>AT&amp;T lawyer Daniel Petrocelli, in his opening statement, ridiculed the Justice Department’s case and suggested the administration was “fundamentally stuck in the past” and that its arguments were “divorced from reality.”</p>
<p>Petrocelli said the deal would actually lead to a 50-cent decrease in prices for pay TV subscribers, citing a number of errors in a government expert’s model of how the transaction would impact future prices.</p>
<p>But Conrath said AT&amp;T would be able to use content from movie and TV show maker Time Warner, including its Turner unit, to prevent innovation. The merger would hurt 90 million U.S. pay TV subscribers, Conrath added.</p>
<p>“This is a weapon to harm competition,” Conrath told U.S. District Judge Richard Leon, who will decide the case after a trial expected to last six to eight weeks.</p>
<p>“Time Warner would be a weapon for AT&amp;T because AT&amp;T’s competitors need Time Warner,” Conrath added.</p>
<p>The Justice Department, Petrocelli said, “cannot meet their burden of proof. They cannot prove that this would lessen competition.”</p>
<p>The merger is about the companies trying to better compete with technology businesses like Alphabet Inc, Amazon.com Inc and others that are changing how people watch television, Petrocelli said.</p>
<p>Petrocelli added that the combined company would have a better ability to use data from users to target advertising. Companies like General Motors Co and Mastercard In will pay more for higher quality advertising and consumers will pay less, he said.</p>
<p>The Justice Department filed suit in November to stop AT&amp;T, which has some 25 million pay-TV subscribers, from closing the deal. AT&amp;T says a merger would benefit consumers by creating efficiencies. AT&amp;T is the biggest pay-TV provider via subsidiary DirecTV.</p> An AT&amp;T logo is pictured in Pasadena, California, U.S., January 24, 2018. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
<p>Opening statements were delayed one day by bad weather in Washington.</p>
<p>Conrath suggested that AT&amp;T would be able to hike fees that Turner charges for its content by about 10 percent if the merger were approved and that the company could withhold content from rival distributors. He referenced an internal email from Turner executives that Dish Network Corp’s Sling service would be “crap” without Turner content, as he paraphrased the stronger language in the email.</p> Slideshow (3 Images) TRUMP’S CRITICISM
<p>Trump publicly criticized the deal as a candidate and as president, and the Republican president often has excoriated Time Warner’s CNN news network.</p>
<p>If the administration loses, that could open up the field for similar tie-ups between distributors and content providers. But a win could strengthen the hand of antitrust regulators looking at other, similarly structured mergers.</p>
<p>AT&amp;T and Time Warner are not direct competitors, making the deal a so-called vertical merger between companies on the same supply chain. The vast majority of challenged mergers involve one rival buying another.</p>
<p>The merger would hand AT&amp;T, if it becomes the new owner of Time Warner, the motive and opportunity to refuse to license March Madness NCAA basketball tournament games, along with premium cable channel HBO and other content, to pay-TV rivals and online distributors, the Justice Department has said.</p>
<p>Petrocelli had asked for access to communications between the White House and Justice Department about the deal, but the judge denied the request. Trump’s opposition to the merger did not come up during opening statements. AT&amp;T lawyers have previously said the Time Warner deal may have been singled out for enforcement, citing Trump’s statements that the deal was bad for consumers and the country.</p>
<p>If the government loses, Verizon Communications Inc and Charter Communications Inc could strike deals to buy movie or television makers and squeeze smaller pay-TV providers.</p>
<p>AT&amp;T has said the merger would result in more than $2.5 billion in annual cost savings by 2020. It argues that the deal is crucial to compete with companies like Facebook Inc, Alphabet Inc, Amazon.com Inc and Netflix Inc.</p>
<p>The internet companies pose two challenges to pay TV. They either compete with cable and satellite television for ad dollars or provide cheaper online video that has hurt pricey pay-TV. Some do both.</p>
<p>Reporting by Diane Bartz and David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Will Dunham</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum on Thursday that could impose tariffs on up to $60 billion of imports from China, although his action was far removed from threats that could have ignited a global trade war.</p>
<p>Under the terms of the memorandum, Trump will target the Chinese imports only after a consultation period, a measure that will give industry lobbyists and legislators a chance to water down a proposed target list which runs to 1,300 products.</p>
<p>China will also have space to respond to Trump’s actions, reducing the risk of immediate dramatic retaliation from Beijing, and Trump struck an emollient tone as he started speaking. “I view them as a friend,” he said.</p>
<p>“We have spoken to China and we are in the middle of negotiations,” Trump said, adding that the loss of American jobs from unfair trade was one of the main reasons he had been elected in 2016.</p>
<p>The threatened tariffs as well as possible investment restrictions on China stem from the U.S. Trade Representative’s investigation of alleged misappropriation of U.S. intellectual property by Beijing.</p>
<p>U.S. officials say that probe, undertaken through Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act, has found that China engages in unfair trade practices by forcing American investors to turn over key technologies to Chinese firms.</p>
<p>Washington will also pursue alleged breaches of intellectual property law by China through the World Trade Organization, a body that has repeatedly drawn the ire of the administration but which could provide a resolution that avoids a trade war.</p>
<p>Trump, who earlier this month announced steep tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to the United States, also wants the Chinese to take action that would lower the $375 billion goods trade deficit that the United States is running with China.</p>
<p>Global stocks sold off earlier on Thursday on the expectation of tough action from Trump and fears of a global trade war. They recovered somewhat after his announcement but fell again in late afternoon trading.</p> WILL CHINA ROCK THE BOAT?
<p>The U.S. Trade Representative’s office will now present a list of Chinese products that could be targeted, primarily from the high-tech sector. There will then be a 60-day consultation period before definitive action is taken.</p>
<p>White House officials told a briefing ahead of the trade announcement that the administration was eyeing tariffs on $50 billion in Chinese goods. They said the figure was based on a calculation of the impact on the profits of U.S. companies that had been forced to hand over intellectual property as the price of doing business in China.</p> U.S. President Donald Trump holds his signed memorandum on intellectual property tariffs on high-tech goods from China, at the White House in Washington, U.S. March 22, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
<p>There was no explanation of the difference between that figure and Trump’s $60 billion.</p>
<p>“Many of these areas are those where China has sought to acquire advantage through the unfair acquisition and forced technology transfer from U.S. companies,” said Everett Eissenstat, deputy director of the National Economic Council.</p>
<p>In addition, Trump will also direct the U.S. Treasury to propose measures that could restrict Chinese investments in the United States, Eissenstat said.</p>
<p>China has threatened to target U.S. exports of agricultural commodities, in particular the $14 billion in exports of soybeans. Aircraft maker Boeing Co and machinery company Caterpillar Inc could also be in Beijing’s sights.</p> Slideshow (12 Images)
<p>“We urge the Trump administration to consider the impact these escalating tariff actions will have on farm country,” Farmers for Free Trade, an industry lobby group, said in a statement after the tariffs were announced.</p>
<p>Farm incomes were at their second-lowest levels since 2003 in inflation-adjusted terms in 2017, according to the Congressional Research Service. Many farming districts favored Trump in the presidential election.</p>
<p>Despite threats of retaliation, China has been keen to portray itself as a defender of globalization, a message that was reinforced in a call between President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron.</p>
<p>That said, there is a risk of a mounting cycle of retaliation. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer warned on Wednesday that Washington would take “counter measures” if Beijing targeted U.S. agriculture.</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-usa-trade-eu/eu-leaders-receive-positive-news-on-trump-tariffs-idUSKBN1GY02V" type="external">EU leaders receive positive news on Trump tariffs</a>
<a href="/article/us-usa-trade-china/trump-administration-eyes-tariffs-on-50-billion-in-chinese-goods-idUSKBN1GY2DM" type="external">Trump administration eyes tariffs on $50 billion in Chinese goods</a>
<a href="/article/us-usa-trade-germany-tariffs/german-bga-trade-association-welcomes-us-tariff-exemptions-for-eu-idUSKBN1GY2BB" type="external">German BGA trade association welcomes US tariff exemptions for EU</a>
<p>The biggest risk to world trade over the longer term may not be a tit-for-tat trade war, but the breakdown of global supply chains that feed companies such as U.S. auto giant General Motors Co and Apple Inc.</p>
<p>“Tensions are likely to escalate further, even without a full-scale trade war. This could disrupt global supply chains and damage investor sentiment,” said Dario Perkins, head of global macroeconomics research at TS Lombard, a London-based economic consultancy.</p>
<p>Trump’s steel and aluminum tariffs, which are tied to Section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act, go into effect on Friday. Canada and Mexico have been given initial exemptions from the 25 percent steel and 10 percent aluminum tariffs.</p>
<p>Lighthizer told U.S. lawmakers on Thursday that the European Union, along with Argentina, Australia, Brazil and South Korea, would also be exempted.</p>
<p>Additional reporting by Steve Holland, David Chance, David Lawder and Susan Heavey; Writing by David Chance; Editing by Doina Chiacu and Paul Simao</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
| false | 2 |
jan 24 reuters esterad investment co bsc fy net profit attributable shareholders 13 million dinars versus 787822 dinars year ago board proposes fy cash dividend 0006 dinar per share source bitly2dbn6ur company coverage standards thomson reuters trust principles brussels reuters german conglomerate bayer eu antitrust approval wednesday 625 billion buy us peer monsanto latest trio mega mergers reshape agrochemicals industry tieup set create company control quarter worlds seed pesticides market driven shifting weather patterns competition grain exports faltering global farm economy dow dupont chemchina syngenta earlier led wave consolidation sector deals secured eu approval companies offered substantial asset sales boost rivals environmental farming groups opposed three deals worried power advantage digital farming data tell farmers till sow spray fertilize pick crops based algorithms european commission said bayer addressed concerns offer sell swathe assets boost rival basf confirming reuters story feb 28 decision ensures effective competition innovation seeds pesticides digital agriculture markets also merger european competition commissioner margrethe vestager said statement particular made sure number global players actively competing markets stays vestager said commission received million petitions concerning deal thorough examining 2000 different product markets 27 million internal documents produce 1285page ruling us justice department also reviewing merger said statement website would press review market two regions quite different european competition commissioner margrethe vestager holds news conference eu commissions headquarters brussels belgium march 21 2018 reutersfrancois lenoir genetically modified seeds largely prohibited europe widely used throughout united states department noted antitrust division department justice continues examine effects proposed transaction american farmers consumers china given conditional approval bayer monsanto deal green light brazil currently reviewed russian antitrust authorities australia said thursday would oppose deal following divestment commitment slideshow 3 images bayer already reached deal sell certain seed herbicide assets 59 billion euros 72 billion basf give license global digital farming data also divest vegetable seeds business basf commission due rule basf deal april 16 online campaigns group avaaz criticized eu approval related coverage us says still reviewing bayers planned monsanto acquisition marriage made hell commission ignored million people called block deal caved lobbying create megacorporation dominate food supply avaaz legal director nick flynn said usincorporated avaaz funded members active climate change poverty conflict corruption issues greens grouping european parliament echoed sentiment saying smaller players agriculture industry needed helped agriculture industry already far concentrated giving handful massive firms stranglehold food production merging two biggest players makes bad situation worse greens spokesman bart staes said reporting foo yun chee additional reporting diane bartz washington editing robin emmott david evans cynthia osterman standards thomson reuters trust principles beijing reuters chinas crude oil futures launched monday major step beijings yearslong push win greater sway oil pricing western traders likely bring frustration well opportunity workers seen offshore oil platform surrounded icy waters liaodong bay liaoning province china january 18 2018 reutersstringer shanghai crude aims rival worlds two crude benchmarks luring overseas traders promise deep pool liquidity chance arbitrage asian us european markets however contract also come quirks traders used londons brent us west texas intermediate wti may find less appealing including shorter business hours unique chinese trading habits extended holiday breaks yuandenominated trading blend new rules regulatory burdens also likely hamper initial takeup shanghai international energy exchange ine executives dozen banks brokers experts involved launch told reuters rules around trading methodology unfamiliar western houses said john browning chief operating officer hong kongbased futures broker bands financial ltd approved overseas intermediary ine related coverage china aims challenge brent wti oil crude futures launch theyll get grips different set trading parameters including initial margin calculation rolling months order cancellations ratios etc different far china opened 6000 trading accounts including countrys oil majors 150 brokerages ten foreign intermediaries registered including jpmorgan bands financial straits financial services hong kong based affiliates domestic brokerages lastminute changes still made entice overseas users tuesday government said would waive income taxes foreign investors first three years chinese characteristics specific issues traders include shanghais shorter trading hours split three slots afternoon session ending 300 pm local time 0700 gmt london ramps although exchange overnight trading session match late european early us trading close six hours trade resumes beijing slideshow 4 images could mean contract risks play catchup morning moods swings europe america rather setting price several senior futures traders said chinese trading habits may also shock foreign users said chinese commodity futures investors typically trade steadily months instead pick specific months deal due different cost structure could complicate efforts trade spreads brent wti shanghai intercontinental exchange inc 7188 icen new york stock exchange 214 289 icen cmeo 601857ss 600028ss factors mean contract may hard time building correlations brent wti would make arbitrage possible said albert helmig chief executive financial consultancy grey house former vice chairman nymex china market chinese characteristics said helmig future plans still china offers potential deep liquid market buoyed explosion interest momandpop investors supported vast commodities derivative markets apples iron ore shanghai zhengzhou dalian 2017 total traded value shfes steel derivatives contracts 44 trillion domestic investors compares global turnover 10 trillion international oil futures worlds biggest commodity market previous attempts asia benchmark foundered contracts set dubai mercantile exchange decade ago matched brent wti traded intercontinental exchange icen new york mercantile exchange nymex owned cme group cmeo china hopes better statecontrolled oil majors like petrochina 601857ss sinopec 600028ss expected provide liquidity analysts said contract chance succeeding even faces shortterm caution related video launching new exchange enormously complex initial uptake contract isnt strong isnt necessarily bad thing said bands browning reporting josephine mason meng meng tom daly beijing henning gloystein singapore editing richard pullin standards thomson reuters trust principles washington reuters president donald trumps administration urged federal judge thursday block atampt incs proposed 85 billion merger time warner inc saying deal would hand company weapon harm competition raise consumer prices time warner ceo jeff bewkes arrives ahead arguments trial determine atampts merger time warner legal antitrust law us district court washington us march 22 2018 reutersaaron p bernstein opening statements one closely watched us antitrust trials years justice department lawyer craig conrath said deal would hike prices consumers 400 million annually average 045 month pay tv subscribers atampt lawyer daniel petrocelli opening statement ridiculed justice departments case suggested administration fundamentally stuck past arguments divorced reality petrocelli said deal would actually lead 50cent decrease prices pay tv subscribers citing number errors government experts model transaction would impact future prices conrath said atampt would able use content movie tv show maker time warner including turner unit prevent innovation merger would hurt 90 million us pay tv subscribers conrath added weapon harm competition conrath told us district judge richard leon decide case trial expected last six eight weeks time warner would weapon atampt atampts competitors need time warner conrath added justice department petrocelli said meet burden proof prove would lessen competition merger companies trying better compete technology businesses like alphabet inc amazoncom inc others changing people watch television petrocelli said petrocelli added combined company would better ability use data users target advertising companies like general motors co mastercard pay higher quality advertising consumers pay less said justice department filed suit november stop atampt 25 million paytv subscribers closing deal atampt says merger would benefit consumers creating efficiencies atampt biggest paytv provider via subsidiary directv atampt logo pictured pasadena california us january 24 2018 reutersmario anzuoni opening statements delayed one day bad weather washington conrath suggested atampt would able hike fees turner charges content 10 percent merger approved company could withhold content rival distributors referenced internal email turner executives dish network corps sling service would crap without turner content paraphrased stronger language email slideshow 3 images trumps criticism trump publicly criticized deal candidate president republican president often excoriated time warners cnn news network administration loses could open field similar tieups distributors content providers win could strengthen hand antitrust regulators looking similarly structured mergers atampt time warner direct competitors making deal socalled vertical merger companies supply chain vast majority challenged mergers involve one rival buying another merger would hand atampt becomes new owner time warner motive opportunity refuse license march madness ncaa basketball tournament games along premium cable channel hbo content paytv rivals online distributors justice department said petrocelli asked access communications white house justice department deal judge denied request trumps opposition merger come opening statements atampt lawyers previously said time warner deal may singled enforcement citing trumps statements deal bad consumers country government loses verizon communications inc charter communications inc could strike deals buy movie television makers squeeze smaller paytv providers atampt said merger would result 25 billion annual cost savings 2020 argues deal crucial compete companies like facebook inc alphabet inc amazoncom inc netflix inc internet companies pose two challenges pay tv either compete cable satellite television ad dollars provide cheaper online video hurt pricey paytv reporting diane bartz david shepardson washington editing dunham standards thomson reuters trust principles washington reuters us president donald trump signed presidential memorandum thursday could impose tariffs 60 billion imports china although action far removed threats could ignited global trade war terms memorandum trump target chinese imports consultation period measure give industry lobbyists legislators chance water proposed target list runs 1300 products china also space respond trumps actions reducing risk immediate dramatic retaliation beijing trump struck emollient tone started speaking view friend said spoken china middle negotiations trump said adding loss american jobs unfair trade one main reasons elected 2016 threatened tariffs well possible investment restrictions china stem us trade representatives investigation alleged misappropriation us intellectual property beijing us officials say probe undertaken section 301 1974 trade act found china engages unfair trade practices forcing american investors turn key technologies chinese firms washington also pursue alleged breaches intellectual property law china world trade organization body repeatedly drawn ire administration could provide resolution avoids trade war trump earlier month announced steep tariffs steel aluminum imports united states also wants chinese take action would lower 375 billion goods trade deficit united states running china global stocks sold earlier thursday expectation tough action trump fears global trade war recovered somewhat announcement fell late afternoon trading china rock boat us trade representatives office present list chinese products could targeted primarily hightech sector 60day consultation period definitive action taken white house officials told briefing ahead trade announcement administration eyeing tariffs 50 billion chinese goods said figure based calculation impact profits us companies forced hand intellectual property price business china us president donald trump holds signed memorandum intellectual property tariffs hightech goods china white house washington us march 22 2018 reutersjonathan ernst explanation difference figure trumps 60 billion many areas china sought acquire advantage unfair acquisition forced technology transfer us companies said everett eissenstat deputy director national economic council addition trump also direct us treasury propose measures could restrict chinese investments united states eissenstat said china threatened target us exports agricultural commodities particular 14 billion exports soybeans aircraft maker boeing co machinery company caterpillar inc could also beijings sights slideshow 12 images urge trump administration consider impact escalating tariff actions farm country farmers free trade industry lobby group said statement tariffs announced farm incomes secondlowest levels since 2003 inflationadjusted terms 2017 according congressional research service many farming districts favored trump presidential election despite threats retaliation china keen portray defender globalization message reinforced call president xi jinping french president emmanuel macron said risk mounting cycle retaliation us trade representative robert lighthizer warned wednesday washington would take counter measures beijing targeted us agriculture related coverage eu leaders receive positive news trump tariffs trump administration eyes tariffs 50 billion chinese goods german bga trade association welcomes us tariff exemptions eu biggest risk world trade longer term may titfortat trade war breakdown global supply chains feed companies us auto giant general motors co apple inc tensions likely escalate even without fullscale trade war could disrupt global supply chains damage investor sentiment said dario perkins head global macroeconomics research ts lombard londonbased economic consultancy trumps steel aluminum tariffs tied section 232 1962 trade expansion act go effect friday canada mexico given initial exemptions 25 percent steel 10 percent aluminum tariffs lighthizer told us lawmakers thursday european union along argentina australia brazil south korea would also exempted additional reporting steve holland david chance david lawder susan heavey writing david chance editing doina chiacu paul simao standards thomson reuters trust principles
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<p>TORONTO (AP) — Dwane Casey liked what he saw from his Raptors, and wants to see it more often.</p>
<p>DeMar DeRozan scored 28 points, Kyle Lowry added 19 and Toronto snapped the San Antonio Spurs’ four-game winning streak with a 97-94 victory on Wednesday night.</p>
<p>Casey has seen this before. Solid victories at Oklahoma City, at Washington and at Atlanta have been followed up by less-than-desirable efforts at Orlando, against Phoenix and against Denver.</p>
<p>So even a victory over the Spurs did little to bring a smile to Casey’s face.</p>
<p>“We have to build a consistent identity of playing this way if we’re serious about doing anything,” he said. “We can be up and down and get happy on the farm and do all this on one night and come back and lay an egg the next night.</p>
<p>“We have to make sure we tend to our business and keep this same concentration, execution in the next game.”</p>
<p>Toronto won despite taking just 64 shots, the seventh time in franchise history that the team won attempting 64 or fewer and the first time since a 2009 win over Detroit. The Raptors made them count, connecting on a season-high 57.8 percent.</p>
<p>It was the first time all season that San Antonio, the NBA’s best defensive team in terms of points allowed per game, permitted an opponent to shoot 50 percent from the floor.</p>
<p>“I don’t know how we only shot 64 times but it worked,” Lowry said. “Don’t get used to it though.”</p>
<p>DeRozan shot 10 of 15 as Toronto’s starters combined for 79 points. The Raptors had 27 in the first quarter, their most this season at home.</p>
<p>“I think we just came out and took good shots,” Lowry said.</p>
<p>Toronto led by as much as 13 at one point and the Spurs could get no closer than three down the stretch.</p>
<p>“They played well, give them credit,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. “It’s not a certain play, or anything new that happened, they played sharper than we did and I thought they were more aggressive than we were.</p>
<p>“It’s as simple as that, there’s no hidden mystery there.”</p>
<p>Manu Ginobili scored 17 points but forward Kawhi Leonard was clearly still feeling the after-effects of a bout of gastroenteritis that saw him sit out Monday’s 51-point victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.</p>
<p>Leonard played 27 minutes, scoring nine points and adding seven rebounds.</p>
<p>“I thought towards the end of the game he started to look fairly normal again, but he obviously wasn’t himself,” Popovich said.</p>
<p>NO HOME COOKING</p>
<p>The Spurs, who are 11-0 at home, fell to 7-5 away from the AT&amp;T Center.</p>
<p>QUOTABLE</p>
<p>“We saw him at 18 or 19, I don’t know how old he was when he got there. He was very raw. You could see all his energy and toughness, but he was very raw. Now you see him as a man, and a well-developed player and it’s a good thing.” Ginobili, on facing former teammate Cory Joseph for the first time as rivals.</p>
<p>TIP-INS</p>
<p>Spurs: The game marked a return to the Air Canada Centre for Matt Bonner, who played for the Raptors from 2004-06, and Spurs assistant GM Sean Marks, who played there from 1998-2000. . Ginobili and Toronto’s Luis Scola are former teammates on the Argentina national team.</p>
<p>Raptors: For the third straight game, Toronto played a team with an NBA MVP in its lineup. After succumbing to reigning MVP Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors on Saturday and beating Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, the Raptors knocked off Tim Duncan’s Spurs. . Through the first four games in December, Toronto’s backcourt duo of DeRozan and Lowry is averaging 49.5 points per game, while shooting .451 from the field. . DeMarre Carroll (right knee) and Lucas Nogueira (left ankle) both missed their second consecutive games. . The Raptors are 7-6 against Western Conference teams this season.</p>
<p>UP NEXT</p>
<p>Spurs: Host Los Angeles Lakers on Friday.</p>
<p>Raptors: Host Milwaukee on Friday.</p>
<p>TORONTO (AP) — Dwane Casey liked what he saw from his Raptors, and wants to see it more often.</p>
<p>DeMar DeRozan scored 28 points, Kyle Lowry added 19 and Toronto snapped the San Antonio Spurs’ four-game winning streak with a 97-94 victory on Wednesday night.</p>
<p>Casey has seen this before. Solid victories at Oklahoma City, at Washington and at Atlanta have been followed up by less-than-desirable efforts at Orlando, against Phoenix and against Denver.</p>
<p>So even a victory over the Spurs did little to bring a smile to Casey’s face.</p>
<p>“We have to build a consistent identity of playing this way if we’re serious about doing anything,” he said. “We can be up and down and get happy on the farm and do all this on one night and come back and lay an egg the next night.</p>
<p>“We have to make sure we tend to our business and keep this same concentration, execution in the next game.”</p>
<p>Toronto won despite taking just 64 shots, the seventh time in franchise history that the team won attempting 64 or fewer and the first time since a 2009 win over Detroit. The Raptors made them count, connecting on a season-high 57.8 percent.</p>
<p>It was the first time all season that San Antonio, the NBA’s best defensive team in terms of points allowed per game, permitted an opponent to shoot 50 percent from the floor.</p>
<p>“I don’t know how we only shot 64 times but it worked,” Lowry said. “Don’t get used to it though.”</p>
<p>DeRozan shot 10 of 15 as Toronto’s starters combined for 79 points. The Raptors had 27 in the first quarter, their most this season at home.</p>
<p>“I think we just came out and took good shots,” Lowry said.</p>
<p>Toronto led by as much as 13 at one point and the Spurs could get no closer than three down the stretch.</p>
<p>“They played well, give them credit,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. “It’s not a certain play, or anything new that happened, they played sharper than we did and I thought they were more aggressive than we were.</p>
<p>“It’s as simple as that, there’s no hidden mystery there.”</p>
<p>Manu Ginobili scored 17 points but forward Kawhi Leonard was clearly still feeling the after-effects of a bout of gastroenteritis that saw him sit out Monday’s 51-point victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.</p>
<p>Leonard played 27 minutes, scoring nine points and adding seven rebounds.</p>
<p>“I thought towards the end of the game he started to look fairly normal again, but he obviously wasn’t himself,” Popovich said.</p>
<p>NO HOME COOKING</p>
<p>The Spurs, who are 11-0 at home, fell to 7-5 away from the AT&amp;T Center.</p>
<p>QUOTABLE</p>
<p>“We saw him at 18 or 19, I don’t know how old he was when he got there. He was very raw. You could see all his energy and toughness, but he was very raw. Now you see him as a man, and a well-developed player and it’s a good thing.” Ginobili, on facing former teammate Cory Joseph for the first time as rivals.</p>
<p>TIP-INS</p>
<p>Spurs: The game marked a return to the Air Canada Centre for Matt Bonner, who played for the Raptors from 2004-06, and Spurs assistant GM Sean Marks, who played there from 1998-2000. . Ginobili and Toronto’s Luis Scola are former teammates on the Argentina national team.</p>
<p>Raptors: For the third straight game, Toronto played a team with an NBA MVP in its lineup. After succumbing to reigning MVP Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors on Saturday and beating Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, the Raptors knocked off Tim Duncan’s Spurs. . Through the first four games in December, Toronto’s backcourt duo of DeRozan and Lowry is averaging 49.5 points per game, while shooting .451 from the field. . DeMarre Carroll (right knee) and Lucas Nogueira (left ankle) both missed their second consecutive games. . The Raptors are 7-6 against Western Conference teams this season.</p>
<p>UP NEXT</p>
<p>Spurs: Host Los Angeles Lakers on Friday.</p>
<p>Raptors: Host Milwaukee on Friday.</p>
| false | 2 |
toronto ap dwane casey liked saw raptors wants see often demar derozan scored 28 points kyle lowry added 19 toronto snapped san antonio spurs fourgame winning streak 9794 victory wednesday night casey seen solid victories oklahoma city washington atlanta followed lessthandesirable efforts orlando phoenix denver even victory spurs little bring smile caseys face build consistent identity playing way serious anything said get happy farm one night come back lay egg next night make sure tend business keep concentration execution next game toronto despite taking 64 shots seventh time franchise history team attempting 64 fewer first time since 2009 win detroit raptors made count connecting seasonhigh 578 percent first time season san antonio nbas best defensive team terms points allowed per game permitted opponent shoot 50 percent floor dont know shot 64 times worked lowry said dont get used though derozan shot 10 15 torontos starters combined 79 points raptors 27 first quarter season home think came took good shots lowry said toronto led much 13 one point spurs could get closer three stretch played well give credit spurs coach gregg popovich said certain play anything new happened played sharper thought aggressive simple theres hidden mystery manu ginobili scored 17 points forward kawhi leonard clearly still feeling aftereffects bout gastroenteritis saw sit mondays 51point victory philadelphia 76ers leonard played 27 minutes scoring nine points adding seven rebounds thought towards end game started look fairly normal obviously wasnt popovich said home cooking spurs 110 home fell 75 away atampt center quotable saw 18 19 dont know old got raw could see energy toughness raw see man welldeveloped player good thing ginobili facing former teammate cory joseph first time rivals tipins spurs game marked return air canada centre matt bonner played raptors 200406 spurs assistant gm sean marks played 19982000 ginobili torontos luis scola former teammates argentina national team raptors third straight game toronto played team nba mvp lineup succumbing reigning mvp stephen curry golden state warriors saturday beating kobe bryant los angeles lakers monday raptors knocked tim duncans spurs first four games december torontos backcourt duo derozan lowry averaging 495 points per game shooting 451 field demarre carroll right knee lucas nogueira left ankle missed second consecutive games raptors 76 western conference teams season next spurs host los angeles lakers friday raptors host milwaukee friday toronto ap dwane casey liked saw raptors wants see often demar derozan scored 28 points kyle lowry added 19 toronto snapped san antonio spurs fourgame winning streak 9794 victory wednesday night casey seen solid victories oklahoma city washington atlanta followed lessthandesirable efforts orlando phoenix denver even victory spurs little bring smile caseys face build consistent identity playing way serious anything said get happy farm one night come back lay egg next night make sure tend business keep concentration execution next game toronto despite taking 64 shots seventh time franchise history team attempting 64 fewer first time since 2009 win detroit raptors made count connecting seasonhigh 578 percent first time season san antonio nbas best defensive team terms points allowed per game permitted opponent shoot 50 percent floor dont know shot 64 times worked lowry said dont get used though derozan shot 10 15 torontos starters combined 79 points raptors 27 first quarter season home think came took good shots lowry said toronto led much 13 one point spurs could get closer three stretch played well give credit spurs coach gregg popovich said certain play anything new happened played sharper thought aggressive simple theres hidden mystery manu ginobili scored 17 points forward kawhi leonard clearly still feeling aftereffects bout gastroenteritis saw sit mondays 51point victory philadelphia 76ers leonard played 27 minutes scoring nine points adding seven rebounds thought towards end game started look fairly normal obviously wasnt popovich said home cooking spurs 110 home fell 75 away atampt center quotable saw 18 19 dont know old got raw could see energy toughness raw see man welldeveloped player good thing ginobili facing former teammate cory joseph first time rivals tipins spurs game marked return air canada centre matt bonner played raptors 200406 spurs assistant gm sean marks played 19982000 ginobili torontos luis scola former teammates argentina national team raptors third straight game toronto played team nba mvp lineup succumbing reigning mvp stephen curry golden state warriors saturday beating kobe bryant los angeles lakers monday raptors knocked tim duncans spurs first four games december torontos backcourt duo derozan lowry averaging 495 points per game shooting 451 field demarre carroll right knee lucas nogueira left ankle missed second consecutive games raptors 76 western conference teams season next spurs host los angeles lakers friday raptors host milwaukee friday
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<p>FILE - In this July 9, 2015, file photo, then-Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Joseph Dunford, Jr., testifies during his Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing to become the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Faced with escalating aggression from Russia and China, the Pentagon is planning to increase its use of drones by about 50 percent over the next several years. Top military leaders, including the incoming chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Dunford, have named Russia as the nation's most serious security threat. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen, File)</p>
<p>JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. - Faced with escalating aggression from Russia and China, the Pentagon is planning to increase its use of drones by about 50 percent over the next several years, using the Army and civilian contractors to put more of the unmanned aircraft in the air.</p>
<p>The decision to add Army and civilian-operated missions to the mix was triggered because the Air Force - which had been running about 65 combat air patrol missions a day - asked to decrease that number to 60 because of stress on the force. But 60 patrols don't come close to meeting the demands of top military commanders facing growing security threats around the world.</p>
<p>Senior U.S. officials said that while drones have been used largely to target terrorists and collect intelligence over combat zones, those needs may shift in the coming years.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Top military leaders, including the incoming chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Joseph Dunford, have named Russia as the nation's most serious security threat. And China's rising military power and island-building program in the South China Sea have increased tensions and prompted a greater demand for U.S. surveillance and intelligence across the Pacific.</p>
<p>One senior defense official said Pentagon leaders are taking those security challenges into account as they decide how armed and unarmed drones will be used across Europe and the Pacific. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to discuss the issue publicly.</p>
<p>Pentagon leaders have been wrestling with the problem for some time, as the need for more airstrikes and surveillance by drones over Iraq and Syria to battle the Islamic State group offsets a decline in unmanned flights over Afghanistan as the war there winds down. Under the plans laid out by senior defense officials, the Air Force would continue to provide 60 daily drone missions, while the Army would conduct about 16, and U.S. Special Operations Command and civilian contractors would do up to 10 each.</p>
<p>"It's the combatant commanders, they need more. They're tasked to do our nation's business overseas so they feel that stress on them, and it's not getting better," said Air Force Maj. Gen. J.D. Harris, Jr., vice commander of Air Combat Command at Joint Base Langley-Eustis. "There's just not enough of the Air Force to go around."</p>
<p>The civilian contractors would fly surveillance drones, not the armed aircraft. But senior defense officials said they need at least a small contractor contribution in order to reach the total of 90 combat air patrols per day.</p>
<p>The key unanswered questions, however, are how the Pentagon will pay for the additional patrols and how the military will sort out and analyze the growing torrent of data pouring in.</p>
<p>Officials said some of the costs could be borne by war funding - the overseas contingency operations in a separate account approved by Congress. The account funded some of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as some counterterrorism operations in the Middle East and Africa.</p>
<p>The use of the Army and contractor flights will give the Air Force time to recover and rebuild its drone staffing. Over the past decade, the Air Force had to very quickly expand the number of unmanned flights over Iraq and Afghanistan. To do that, it made fighter pilots switch to unmanned Predator and Reaper drones, and moved trainers into operations missions.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>"Five, six years ago, we overmatched our system and we said we could provide more than what we were capable of providing on a sustained basis," Harris told The Associated Press in an interview at his Langley office. "We actually decimated our training units. We pulled crews that were instructors that should be training the next round of students, and we put them on the operational lines flying missions overseas just to provide everything we could to the combatant commanders."</p>
<p>As a result, the Air Force has trained about 180 air crew members per year, far short of the goal of 300.</p>
<p>Harris and other military leaders thought that the demand for drones would dip as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan waned. But the renewed conflict in Iraq, the fighting in Syria, the terror threat in North Africa, the Russian invasion of Ukraine's Crimea region and the simmering tensions in the Pacific have only increased commanders' appetite for drones.</p>
<p>To relieve the burden on the Air Force, the military has already begun using Army Gray Eagle drones in Afghanistan and could expand to other regions as required.</p>
<p>But, as the missions increase, the amount of video and other data being funneled to analysts will also spike.</p>
<p>Officials said they are working on ways to filter the data more efficiently so that key intelligence is identified and gets to the right people.</p>
<p>"The intelligence analysts who process the information coming from these flights are a critical part of this," said Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman. "So, as we talk about expanding the number of UAV (drone) flights, we also have to look at the workload of the analysts who process that. We have to have the supporting backbone to be able to process that information and turn it into actionable intelligence."</p>
| false | 2 |
file july 9 2015 file photo thenmarine corps commandant gen joseph dunford jr testifies senate armed services committee confirmation hearing become chairman joint chiefs staff capitol hill washington faced escalating aggression russia china pentagon planning increase use drones 50 percent next several years top military leaders including incoming chairman joint chiefs dunford named russia nations serious security threat ap photocliff owen file joint base langleyeustis va faced escalating aggression russia china pentagon planning increase use drones 50 percent next several years using army civilian contractors put unmanned aircraft air decision add army civilianoperated missions mix triggered air force running 65 combat air patrol missions day asked decrease number 60 stress force 60 patrols dont come close meeting demands top military commanders facing growing security threats around world senior us officials said drones used largely target terrorists collect intelligence combat zones needs may shift coming years advertisement top military leaders including incoming chairman joint chiefs staff gen joseph dunford named russia nations serious security threat chinas rising military power islandbuilding program south china sea increased tensions prompted greater demand us surveillance intelligence across pacific one senior defense official said pentagon leaders taking security challenges account decide armed unarmed drones used across europe pacific officials spoke condition anonymity werent authorized discuss issue publicly pentagon leaders wrestling problem time need airstrikes surveillance drones iraq syria battle islamic state group offsets decline unmanned flights afghanistan war winds plans laid senior defense officials air force would continue provide 60 daily drone missions army would conduct 16 us special operations command civilian contractors would 10 combatant commanders need theyre tasked nations business overseas feel stress getting better said air force maj gen jd harris jr vice commander air combat command joint base langleyeustis theres enough air force go around civilian contractors would fly surveillance drones armed aircraft senior defense officials said need least small contractor contribution order reach total 90 combat air patrols per day key unanswered questions however pentagon pay additional patrols military sort analyze growing torrent data pouring officials said costs could borne war funding overseas contingency operations separate account approved congress account funded wars iraq afghanistan well counterterrorism operations middle east africa use army contractor flights give air force time recover rebuild drone staffing past decade air force quickly expand number unmanned flights iraq afghanistan made fighter pilots switch unmanned predator reaper drones moved trainers operations missions advertisement five six years ago overmatched system said could provide capable providing sustained basis harris told associated press interview langley office actually decimated training units pulled crews instructors training next round students put operational lines flying missions overseas provide everything could combatant commanders result air force trained 180 air crew members per year far short goal 300 harris military leaders thought demand drones would dip wars iraq afghanistan waned renewed conflict iraq fighting syria terror threat north africa russian invasion ukraines crimea region simmering tensions pacific increased commanders appetite drones relieve burden air force military already begun using army gray eagle drones afghanistan could expand regions required missions increase amount video data funneled analysts also spike officials said working ways filter data efficiently key intelligence identified gets right people intelligence analysts process information coming flights critical part said navy capt jeff davis pentagon spokesman talk expanding number uav drone flights also look workload analysts process supporting backbone able process information turn actionable intelligence
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