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<p>HOUSTON — The Latest on Game 4 of the World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros (all times local):</p>
<p>10:25 p.m.</p>
<p>Cody Bellinger lined a go-ahead double in the ninth inning, four Dodgers pitchers combined on a two-hitter and Los Angeles rallied past the Houston Astros 6-2 Saturday night to tie the World Series at 2-all.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Joc Pederson homered to cap a five-run burst in the ninth, ensuring the Series will be decided next week at Dodger Stadium.</p>
<p>Next up is Game 5 on Sunday night at Minute Maid Park in a marquee matchup. Los Angeles ace Clayton Kershaw faces Dallas Keuchel in a rematch of the opener, won by the Dodgers.</p>
<p>Bellinger was 0 for 13 with eight strikeouts when he doubled and scored in the seventh to tie it at 1. Bellinger’s tiebreaking hit in the ninth came off closer Ken Giles, who was booed off the mound.</p>
<p>Dodgers starter Alex Wood pitched no-hit ball until George Springer homered with two outs in the sixth. That was the only hit Houston managed until Alex Bregman homered with two outs in the ninth off Kenley Jansen.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>9:53 p.m.</p>
<p>Still a tie game going to the ninth inning in Game 4 of the World Series.</p>
<p>The Los Angeles Dodgers and Astros have combined for only five hits in a 1-1 game. Houston’s lone hit was a big one, with George Springer homering in the sixth.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Both teams went to their third pitchers of the night in the eighth.</p>
<p>After Astros right-hander Chris Devenski recorded a 1-2-3 top of the eighth, Los Angeles lefty Tony Watson did the same in the bottom half of the frame.</p>
<p>Struggling closer Ken Giles was coming on for the Astros to start the ninth.</p>
<p>Kenley Jansen, the Dodgers closer, was stretching in their bullpen.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>9:35 p.m.</p>
<p>Logan Forsythe’s two-out RBI single for the Los Angeles Dodgers tied the game at 1-1 in the seventh inning.</p>
<p>Justin Turner hit a grounder to start the seventh. Alex Bregman fumbled with it for a second but his throw was still able to beat Turner to first.</p>
<p>Cody Bellinger snapped an 0 for 13 skid, which included eight strikeouts, with a double to chase Charlie Morton before Will Harris retired Yasiel Puig.</p>
<p>Forsythe then lined a ball into right-center to send Bellinger home and tie the game.</p>
<p>Brandon Morrow then pitched a 1-2-3 bottom of the seventh to keep the game tied.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>9:09 p.m.</p>
<p>George Springer delivered the first hit of the game for the Houston Astros and it was a huge one, a long home run in the sixth inning that put them ahead 1-0.</p>
<p>Dodgers lefty Alex Wood had completely shut down the Astros until Springer homered deep to left field. Wood fell to one knee as he watched his final pitch sail, and Minute Maid Park erupted.</p>
<p>Astros third baseman Alex Bregman made the play of the game, keeping things scoreless in the top of the sixth. After Los Angeles put runners at the corners with one out against Charlie Morton, Chris Taylor hit a sharp grounder to Bregman.</p>
<p>Bregman aggressively charged the two-hopper, snagged it and made a perfect throw home to nail Enrique Hernandez.</p>
<p>Morton has given up two singles and struck out seven.</p>
<p>Going into the sixth, Wood had already accomplished something that no Dodgers pitcher had achieved. Not Sandy Koufax, not Don Drysdale, not Orel Hershiser, not Sal “The Barber” Maglie, not any Dodgers pitcher in Los Angeles or Brooklyn had taken a no-hit bid into the sixth in the World Series.</p>
<p>Overall, at 5 2/3 innings this was the longest no-hit try in Dodgers postseason history.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>8:42 p.m.</p>
<p>Astros starter Charlie Morton has still faced the minimum 15 batters through five innings. But it’s Dodgers starter Alex Wood who still hasn’t allowed a hit in Game 4 of the World Series.</p>
<p>Wood has walked two batters, but one of them was retired on a double-play grounder.</p>
<p>The only hit Morton allowed was to Chris Taylor leading off the game for the Dodgers. Taylor was thrown out trying to steal second base.</p>
<p>Morton has seven strikeouts after getting two more Ks in the fifth.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>8:26 p.m.</p>
<p>Charlie Morton and Alex Wood are locked in a pitcher’s duel through four innings.</p>
<p>Morton struck out two in a scoreless fourth to give him five on Saturday night and Wood retired Alex Bregman, Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa to leave Houston hitless.</p>
<p>Morton struck out Chris Taylor to start the fourth before Corey Seager grounded out and he fanned Justin Turner.</p>
<p>Wood has issued two walks and struck out one and Morton has allowed a hit but hasn’t walked a batter.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>8:12 p.m.</p>
<p>Not much traffic on the bases so far in Game 4 of the World Series. It’s scoreless through three innings, with Dodgers lefty Alex Wood and Houston’s Charlie Morton in charge.</p>
<p>There’s been only one hit, a single by Chris Taylor leading off the game. Wood has walked a couple, but no one has made it past first base.</p>
<p>The crowd hasn’t gotten crazy yet. Sounds like the fans are waiting for something big to happen.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>8:11 p.m.</p>
<p>Seven-year-old Hailey Dawson, who was born without three fingers on her right hand, threw out the ceremonial first pitch with a 3-D printed prosthetic hand.</p>
<p>Dawson’s prosthesis was gold and had the words “World Series” on it. She tossed the ball to Astros star Jose Altuve, who hugged her before signing the hand.</p>
<p>Earlier on Saturday, Houston ace Justin Verlander gifted the little girl, who is from Las Vegas, with custom-made cleats that said “Vegas Strong.”</p>
<p>Dawson, whose goal is to throw out a pitch at every major league ballpark, started by tossing out one at Nationals Park in June.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>7:52 p.m.</p>
<p>Both starting pitchers in Game 4 have faced the minimum number of batters through two innings, even while allowing runners.</p>
<p>Dodgers starter Alex Wood issued a leadoff walk to Carlos Correa to start the bottom of the second. But Correa was erased when Yuli Gurriel grounded into a double play. Los Angeles second baseman Logan Forsythe then made a nifty sliding stop toward the middle of the infield, getting up to throw out Josh Reddick for the inning-ending out.</p>
<p>Houston right-hander Charlie Morton pitched a 1-2-3 second.</p>
<p>The only Dodgers player to reach was Chris Taylor with a one-out single in the first, but he was then caught trying to steal second base.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>7:35 p.m.</p>
<p>Game 4 of the World Series is scoreless after the first inning.</p>
<p>The Dodgers held a team huddle in the dugout shortly before the first pitch. They trail 2-1 in the Series and were hoping to break loose against Houston starter Charlie Morton.</p>
<p>Chris Taylor led off the game with a sharp single, but was later caught trying to steal. It was the first time Houston catcher Brian McCann had thrown out a would-be base stealer since mid-June 18.</p>
<p>Los Angeles left-hander Alex Wood breezed through the first. The Astros contended that leadoff man George Springer was hit by a pitch, but lost their challenge.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>5:07 p.m.</p>
<p>Dodgers rookie first baseman Cody Bellinger entered Saturday 0 for 11 with seven strikeouts in the World Series.</p>
<p>Bellinger went 0 for 4 with four strikeouts in Game 3, prompting manager Dave Roberts to say “it’s just trying to get Cody to slow down a little bit. I think he’s been a little too quick.”</p>
<p>Roberts said Saturday the coaching staff had spoken with Bellinger, who set an NL rookie record with 39 home runs.</p>
<p>“They’ve got a plan together, and part of it is having a plan and also executing it,” he said. “I talked to Cody a little bit and saw the boyish smile, didn’t want to get too deep in things, because he’s a few games removed from the CS, which he swung the bat very well. So to put so much weight into a couple of games of not swinging the bat well I think is unfair.”</p>
<p>Bellinger hit .318 (7 for 22) with a home run and two RBIs in the NL Championship Series against the Chicago Cubs.</p>
<p>__</p>
<p>4:44 p.m.</p>
<p>Houston’s 5-3 win in Game 3 of the World Series was seen by 16,163,000 viewers on Fox’s three outlets, down 17 percent from the 19,386,000 who viewed Cleveland’s 1-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs in the third game last year.</p>
<p>Fox said Friday’s game was seen by an average of 15,658,000 on its main Fox network and 386,000 on Fox Deportes. In addition, an average of 124,500 streamed the game on Fox Sports Go.</p>
<p>The game was up 22 percent from 13,205,000 from the New York Mets’ 9-3 win over Kansas City in Game 3 in 2015 and up 33 percent from 12,133,000 for Kansas City’s 3-2 victory over San Francisco in 2014.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>4:15 p.m.</p>
<p>The Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros are staying with the same batting orders for Game 4 of the World Series.</p>
<p>Center fielder Chris Taylor leads off Saturday night for the Dodgers, followed by shortstop Corey Seager, third baseman Justin Turner, first baseman Cody Bellinger, right fielder Yasiel Puig, second baseman Logan Forsythe, catcher Austin Barnes, designated hitter Joc Pederson and left fielder Enrique Hernandez. Left-hander Alex Wood pitches.</p>
<p>Center fielder George Springer tops the Astros’ order, followed by third baseman Alex Bregman, second baseman Jose Altuve, shortstop Carlos Correa, first baseman Yuli Gurriel, right fielder Josh Reddick, designated hitter Evan Gattis, left fielder Marwin Gonzalez and catcher Brian McCann. Right-hander Charlie Morton is on the mound.</p>
<p>Los Angeles won the opener 3-1, Houston rallied to win Game 2 7-6 in 11 innings and the Astros won Game 3 by a 5-3 score for a 2-1 Series lead.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>More MLB baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball</p>
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houston latest game 4 world series los angeles dodgers houston astros times local 1025 pm cody bellinger lined goahead double ninth inning four dodgers pitchers combined twohitter los angeles rallied past houston astros 62 saturday night tie world series 2all advertisement joc pederson homered cap fiverun burst ninth ensuring series decided next week dodger stadium next game 5 sunday night minute maid park marquee matchup los angeles ace clayton kershaw faces dallas keuchel rematch opener dodgers bellinger 0 13 eight strikeouts doubled scored seventh tie 1 bellingers tiebreaking hit ninth came closer ken giles booed mound dodgers starter alex wood pitched nohit ball george springer homered two outs sixth hit houston managed alex bregman homered two outs ninth kenley jansen ___ 953 pm still tie game going ninth inning game 4 world series los angeles dodgers astros combined five hits 11 game houstons lone hit big one george springer homering sixth advertisement teams went third pitchers night eighth astros righthander chris devenski recorded 123 top eighth los angeles lefty tony watson bottom half frame struggling closer ken giles coming astros start ninth kenley jansen dodgers closer stretching bullpen ___ 935 pm logan forsythes twoout rbi single los angeles dodgers tied game 11 seventh inning justin turner hit grounder start seventh alex bregman fumbled second throw still able beat turner first cody bellinger snapped 0 13 skid included eight strikeouts double chase charlie morton harris retired yasiel puig forsythe lined ball rightcenter send bellinger home tie game brandon morrow pitched 123 bottom seventh keep game tied ___ 909 pm george springer delivered first hit game houston astros huge one long home run sixth inning put ahead 10 dodgers lefty alex wood completely shut astros springer homered deep left field wood fell one knee watched final pitch sail minute maid park erupted astros third baseman alex bregman made play game keeping things scoreless top sixth los angeles put runners corners one charlie morton chris taylor hit sharp grounder bregman bregman aggressively charged twohopper snagged made perfect throw home nail enrique hernandez morton given two singles struck seven going sixth wood already accomplished something dodgers pitcher achieved sandy koufax drysdale orel hershiser sal barber maglie dodgers pitcher los angeles brooklyn taken nohit bid sixth world series overall 5 23 innings longest nohit try dodgers postseason history ___ 842 pm astros starter charlie morton still faced minimum 15 batters five innings dodgers starter alex wood still hasnt allowed hit game 4 world series wood walked two batters one retired doubleplay grounder hit morton allowed chris taylor leading game dodgers taylor thrown trying steal second base morton seven strikeouts getting two ks fifth ___ 826 pm charlie morton alex wood locked pitchers duel four innings morton struck two scoreless fourth give five saturday night wood retired alex bregman jose altuve carlos correa leave houston hitless morton struck chris taylor start fourth corey seager grounded fanned justin turner wood issued two walks struck one morton allowed hit hasnt walked batter ___ 812 pm much traffic bases far game 4 world series scoreless three innings dodgers lefty alex wood houstons charlie morton charge theres one hit single chris taylor leading game wood walked couple one made past first base crowd hasnt gotten crazy yet sounds like fans waiting something big happen ___ 811 pm sevenyearold hailey dawson born without three fingers right hand threw ceremonial first pitch 3d printed prosthetic hand dawsons prosthesis gold words world series tossed ball astros star jose altuve hugged signing hand earlier saturday houston ace justin verlander gifted little girl las vegas custommade cleats said vegas strong dawson whose goal throw pitch every major league ballpark started tossing one nationals park june ___ 752 pm starting pitchers game 4 faced minimum number batters two innings even allowing runners dodgers starter alex wood issued leadoff walk carlos correa start bottom second correa erased yuli gurriel grounded double play los angeles second baseman logan forsythe made nifty sliding stop toward middle infield getting throw josh reddick inningending houston righthander charlie morton pitched 123 second dodgers player reach chris taylor oneout single first caught trying steal second base ___ 735 pm game 4 world series scoreless first inning dodgers held team huddle dugout shortly first pitch trail 21 series hoping break loose houston starter charlie morton chris taylor led game sharp single later caught trying steal first time houston catcher brian mccann thrown wouldbe base stealer since midjune 18 los angeles lefthander alex wood breezed first astros contended leadoff man george springer hit pitch lost challenge ___ 507 pm dodgers rookie first baseman cody bellinger entered saturday 0 11 seven strikeouts world series bellinger went 0 4 four strikeouts game 3 prompting manager dave roberts say trying get cody slow little bit think hes little quick roberts said saturday coaching staff spoken bellinger set nl rookie record 39 home runs theyve got plan together part plan also executing said talked cody little bit saw boyish smile didnt want get deep things hes games removed cs swung bat well put much weight couple games swinging bat well think unfair bellinger hit 318 7 22 home run two rbis nl championship series chicago cubs __ 444 pm houstons 53 win game 3 world series seen 16163000 viewers foxs three outlets 17 percent 19386000 viewed clevelands 10 victory chicago cubs third game last year fox said fridays game seen average 15658000 main fox network 386000 fox deportes addition average 124500 streamed game fox sports go game 22 percent 13205000 new york mets 93 win kansas city game 3 2015 33 percent 12133000 kansas citys 32 victory san francisco 2014 ___ 415 pm los angeles dodgers houston astros staying batting orders game 4 world series center fielder chris taylor leads saturday night dodgers followed shortstop corey seager third baseman justin turner first baseman cody bellinger right fielder yasiel puig second baseman logan forsythe catcher austin barnes designated hitter joc pederson left fielder enrique hernandez lefthander alex wood pitches center fielder george springer tops astros order followed third baseman alex bregman second baseman jose altuve shortstop carlos correa first baseman yuli gurriel right fielder josh reddick designated hitter evan gattis left fielder marwin gonzalez catcher brian mccann righthander charlie morton mound los angeles opener 31 houston rallied win game 2 76 11 innings astros game 3 53 score 21 series lead ___ mlb baseball httpsapnewscomtagmlbbaseball
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<p>RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - A speeding car plowed through evening strollers on a crowded sidewalk of Rio’s famed Copacabana beach on Thursday in an apparent accident, killing an 8-month old baby and injuring 15 people, police said.</p>
<p>Injured pedestrians lay sprawled out on the sidewalk, recalling recent terrorist attacks by vehicles mowing down pedestrians, but there was no indication that the Copacabana incident was deliberate.</p>
<p>The G1 news website reported the driver, who fled the scene but was quickly arrested by police, said he had an epileptic fit, and medicine for epilepsy was found in the car.</p>
<p>An officer at the Copacabana police station confirmed the baby’s death by telephone and said 15 injured people were being treated in hospital. He did not know if the driver’s epilepsy fit had been confirmed.</p> Slideshow (3 Images)
<p>Witnesses said on the Globo News network that the racing car shot over a bicycle path and across the sidewalk, hitting people and crashing through tables and chairs, before coming to a stop on the sand of the beach. The smashed widescreen and dented roof indicated the force with which the vehicle had hit people.</p>
<p>The sidewalk of the Copacabana crescent-shaped beach is a favorite summer evening walk for Rio residents and tourists that have begun to arrive in Rio ahead of Carnival celebrations next month.</p>
<p>Reporting by Anthony Boadle; Editing by Sandra Maler</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>NEW YORK (Reuters) - One man was killed and six firefighters received minor injuries in an apartment fire on the 50th floor of Trump Tower in New York on Saturday, in a blaze that was quickly extinguished, fire officials said.</p>
<p>The victim, Todd Brassner, 67, was found unresponsive and unconscious in his 50th floor apartment and was pronounced dead at an area hospital, police said.</p>
<p>No information about the cause of the fire was available late Saturday night.</p>
<p>U.S. President Donald Trump, who has an office and a private residence in the midtown Manhattan structure, was not in the building at the time.</p>
<p>“Fire at Trump Tower is out. Very confined (well built building). Firemen (and women) did a great job. THANK YOU!” Trump tweeted.</p>
<p>Fire officials said no member of the Trump family was in the building at the time.</p>
<p>“This was a very difficult fire. As you can imagine, the apartment is quite large, we are 50 stories up. The rest of the building had a considerable amount of smoke,” Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said on Twitter.</p> Trump Tower is pictured during a fire in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, U.S., April 7, 2018. REUTERS/Catherine Koppel
<p>About 200 fire personnel responded to the incident that the department said was a four-alarm fire.</p>
<p>Video on social media showed flames outside of a few windows and black smoke billowing up from the high-rise.</p>
<p>In January, three people were injured in an early-morning fire at the top of Trump Tower. One firefighter was hospitalized while two people received minor injuries that were treated at the scene, the New York Fire Department said.</p> Slideshow (13 Images)
<p>In addition to the president’s 66th-floor penthouse, Trump Tower houses the headquarters of the Trump Organization as well as other residences, offices and stores.</p>
<p>Reporting by Jon Herskovitz in Austin, Texas and Meredith Mazzilli in New York, additional reporting by Rich McKay in Atlanta; Editing by Sandra Maler</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>BEIRUT (Reuters) - A Syrian rebel group accused government forces on Saturday of launching a deadly chemical attack on civilians in a rebel-held town in eastern Ghouta, and a medical relief organization said 35 people had been killed in chemical attacks on the area.</p> FILE PHOTO - A man stands on rubble of damaged buildings in the besieged town of Douma, Eastern Ghouta, in Damascus, Syria March 30, 2018. REUTERS/Bassam Khabieh
<p>Syrian state media denied government forces had launched any chemical attack and said rebels in the eastern Ghouta town of Douma were in a state of collapse and spreading false news.</p>
<p>The U.S. State Department said it was monitoring the situation and that Russia should be blamed if chemicals were used.</p>
<p>Reuters could not independently verify reports of a chemical attack.</p>
<p>The Syrian government has recaptured nearly all of eastern Ghouta from rebels in an offensive that began in February, leaving just Douma in the hands of an insurgent group, Jaish al-Islam.</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-attack-us/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>Russian-backed Syrian government forces resumed the assault on Friday afternoon with heavy air strikes after days of calm.</p>
<p>The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights 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>Rami Abdulrahman, the Observatory director, said he could not confirm if chemical weapons had been used.</p>
<p>Medical relief organization Syrian American Medical Society (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</p>
<p>SAMS, told Reuters the total death toll in the chemical attacks was 35. “We are contacting the U.N. and the U.S. government and the European governments,” he said by telephone.</p>
<p>The political official of Jaish al-Islam said the chemical attack had killed 100 people.</p>
<p>A U.S. State Department official in a statement said the Syrian government’s history of using chemical weapons against its own people “was not in dispute”. “Russia ultimately bears responsibility for the brutal targeting of countless Syrians with chemical weapons,” the official said.</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>In the face of military defeat, rebel groups in other parts of eastern Ghouta opted to accept safe passage out of the area to the opposition-held territory at the Turkish border.</p>
<p>Several thousand people — fighters and civilians — left Douma for northern Syria in recent days as Jaish al-Islam held talks with Russia over Douma. Jaish al-Islam has insisted on remaining in the town.</p>
<p>The group rejects what it calls President Bashar al-Assad’s policy of forcibly transferring his opponents to areas near the Turkish border.</p>
<p>Rebel-held areas of the Ghouta region were hit in a major chemical attack in 2013.</p>
<p>Last year, a joint inquiry by the U.N. and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) found the Syrian government was responsible for an April 4, 2017 attack using the banned nerve agent sarin in the opposition-held town of Khan Sheikhoun, killing dozens of people.</p>
<p>The inquiry had previously found that Syrian government forces were responsible for three chlorine gas attacks in 2014 and 2015 and that Islamic State militants used mustard gas.</p>
<p>Reporting by Dahlia Nehme and Mustafa Hashem; Additional reporting by Patrick Rucker in Washington; Editing by Hugh Lawson and Sandra Maler</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>HUMBOLDT, Saskatchewan (Reuters) - Fifteen people were killed when a bus carrying a Canadian junior ice hockey team collided with a truck in Saskatchewan province, police said on Saturday, in one of the worst disasters to strike Canada’s sporting community.</p>
<p>The tragedy sent shock waves through the hockey-loving country and engulfed the home of the Humboldt Broncos hockey team, a small farming town of fewer than 6,000 people, in grief. Fourteen survivors were still in hospital, with some in critical condition, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said.</p>
<p>The accident occurred at about 5 p.m. on Friday near the Tisdale area, around 185 miles (300 km) north of Regina.</p>
<p>“Our Broncos family is in shock as we try to come to grips with our incredible loss,” Kevin Garinger, the team’s president, said in a statement.</p>
<p>The players had been on their way to compete in Game 5 of a playoff series against the Nipawin Hawks when the bus they were traveling in collided with a semi-trailer.</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-canada-crash-icehockey/ice-hockey-world-shocked-by-fatal-junior-team-crash-in-canada-idUSKBN1HE0U6" type="external">Ice hockey world shocked by fatal junior team crash in Canada</a>
<p>The Hawks’ president, Darren Opp, told the Globe and Mail newspaper that the truck T-boned the players’ bus. “It’s a horrible accident, my God,” he said. “It’s very, very bad.”</p>
<p>The driver of the tractor trailer was not injured in the crash, RCMP Saskatchewan assistant commissioner Curtis Zablocki told a media conference. He said the driver was initially detained, but later released.</p>
<p>Zablocki said it was too early to comment on the cause of the collision and that the RCMP is continuing its investigation, which will examine the road, weather and mechanical condition of both vehicles.</p>
<p>Citing relatives, the Canadian Press reported that the Broncos’ head coach Darcy Haugan and the team’s 20-year-old captain, Logan Schatz, were among those killed.</p>
<p>Many social media users posted Haugan’s photograph alongside messages of shock and sympathy, and the hashtags #prayersforhumboldt and #humboldtstrong.</p>
<p>“God bless Darcy Haugan for being an incredible mentor and coach to young hockey players and prayers for his family to help cope with their immense loss,” the Western Provinces Hockey Association wrote on Twitter.</p>
<p>National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman said the NHL mourned the passing of those who died “and offers strength and comfort to those injured while traveling to play and be part of a game they loved.”</p>
<p>Ice hockey teams around the world expressed shock and paid tribute to the Broncos.</p> ‘HEARTBROKEN’
<p>A steady stream of people arrived at Humboldt’s Elgar Petersen sports arena on Saturday, consoling the grieving families and offering flowers. Counseling services for the victims’ relatives were offered nearby.</p>
<p>“We woke up to the reality of what happened last night,” Humboldt Mayor Rob Muench told Reuters. “It has been a tragedy nobody would have imagined. It’s very tough, but I have been trying to get the message out that we will get through this, we will see the light at the end of the tunnel.”</p>
<p>Condolences poured in from both current and former players, sports organizations and political leaders.</p>
<p>Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the entire country was in shock and mourning as the details of the tragedy emerged. Canada’s hockey family was a close one, he said.</p> The 2017-2018 Humboldt Broncos Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League team is pictured in this undated handout photo. Amanda Brochu/Handout via REUTERS
<p>“We are heartbroken knowing many of those we lost had their entire lives in front of them,” he said in a statement.</p>
<p>U.S. President Donald Trump said in a Twitter post that he spoke with Trudeau “to pay my highest respect and condolences to the families of the terrible Humboldt Team tragedy. May God be with them all!”</p>
<p>Pastor Jordan Gadsby of Nipawin’s Apostolic Church said hundreds of people, including parents and relatives of players on the bus, had gathered at the church late on Friday to seek information and solace.</p>
<p>“The worst part of the night was watching parents waiting for news of their kids,” he said. “There’s not a lot we can do. It’s a terrible thing that happened.”</p>
<p>For some, the tragedy revived painful memories of a bus crash in the province in December 1986 that killed four young players from the Swift Current Broncos ice hockey team.</p> Slideshow (17 Images)
<p>An online fundraising campaign for the affected players and their families was set up late on Friday by the mother of a former Broncos teammate with an initial target of $10,000.</p>
<p>By Saturday evening, it had raised more than $2.1 million. ( <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/funds-for-humboldt-broncos" type="external">here</a>)</p>
<p>“Stay Hockey family strong,” wrote one donor on the GoFundMe site who said he was a coach from rural Saskatchewan.</p>
<p>Reporting by Matt Smith in Humboldt; Additional reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee and Frank Pingue in Augusta, Georgia; Writing by Denny Thomas and Daniel Wallis; Editing by Tom Brown and G Crosse</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>HOUSTON (Reuters) - Saudi Aramco IPO-ARMO.SE took the first steps toward expanding the largest U.S. refinery on Saturday, which is operated by its subsidiary Motiva Enterprises.</p> FILE PHOTO - Logo of Saudi Aramco is seen at the 20th Middle East Oil &amp; Gas Show and Conference (MOES 2017) in Manama, Bahrain, March 7, 2017. REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed/File Photo
<p>Aramco’s Chief Executive Amin Nasser signed agreements with Honeywell UOP, ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=HON.N" type="external">HON.N</a>) and Technip FMC ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=FTI.N" type="external">FTI.N</a>) to study petrochemical production technology for use in a multi-billion-dollar chemical plant the company is considering building at the Port Arthur refinery.</p>
<p>“These agreements signal our plans for expansion into petrochemicals,” said Motiva’s Chief Executive Brian Coffman.</p>
<p>Coffman also said Motiva is evaluating boosting the 603,000 barrel-per-day (bpd) refinery’s capacity to 1 million or 1.5 million bpd, which would make it the largest in the world.</p>
<p>Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is finishing a two-week visit to the United States, Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih and U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry were present at the signing.</p>
<p>The aromatics unit for which Honeywell UOP’s technology is being considered would convert benzene and paraxylene, byproducts of gasoline production, into 2 million tons annually of feedstocks for chemicals and plastics.</p>
<p>The Technip FMC technology would produce 2 million tons a year of ethylene, which is used to make plastics, Motiva said.</p> FILE PHOTO - Chief Executive Officer of ARAMCO, Amin Nasser speaks during an interview with REUTERS in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, December 13, 2017. REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
<p>The final investment decision on the Port Arthur petrochemical plant is not expected until 2019, Motiva said in a statement.</p>
<p>Coffman did not provide a timeline for the possible expansion of the Port Arthur refinery’s crude oil processing capacity.</p>
<p>“That’s something we’re evaluating, we’re studying for in the future,” he said.</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=HON.N" type="external">Honeywell International Inc</a> 142.74 HON.N New York Stock Exchange -3.66 (-2.50%) HON.N FTI.N RELI.NS CVX.N PSX.N
<p>The 1.2-million bpd Reliance Industries ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=RELI.NS" type="external">RELI.NS</a>) refinery in Jamnagar, India, has the world’s largest crude oil processing capacity.</p>
<p>Aramco last year said it would invest $18 billion in Motiva to expand the refinery and move into petrochemical production.</p>
<p>Other U.S. companies, including Chevron Phillips Chemical Co - a joint venture of Chevron Corp ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=CVX.N" type="external">CVX.N</a>) and Phillips 66 ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=PSX.N" type="external">PSX.N</a>) - and Exxon Mobil Corp ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=XOM.N" type="external">XOM.N</a>), have recently opened plants, like the one Motiva is considering, to process ethane into ethylene.</p>
<p>Chevron Phillips is considering building a second ethane cracker on the Gulf Coast of Texas.</p>
<p>The price tag for a large ethane cracker is typically over $6 billion, according to analysts. In addition to taking refining byproducts, ethane crackers provide hydrogen for refineries to use in making motor fuels.</p>
<p>Reporting by Erwin Seba; Editing by Sandra Maler</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
| false | 2 |
rio de janeiro reuters speeding car plowed evening strollers crowded sidewalk rios famed copacabana beach thursday apparent accident killing 8month old baby injuring 15 people police said injured pedestrians lay sprawled sidewalk recalling recent terrorist attacks vehicles mowing pedestrians indication copacabana incident deliberate g1 news website reported driver fled scene quickly arrested police said epileptic fit medicine epilepsy found car officer copacabana police station confirmed babys death telephone said 15 injured people treated hospital know drivers epilepsy fit confirmed slideshow 3 images witnesses said globo news network racing car shot bicycle path across sidewalk hitting people crashing tables chairs coming stop sand beach smashed widescreen dented roof indicated force vehicle hit people sidewalk copacabana crescentshaped beach favorite summer evening walk rio residents tourists begun arrive rio ahead carnival celebrations next month reporting anthony boadle editing sandra maler standards thomson reuters trust principles new york reuters one man killed six firefighters received minor injuries apartment fire 50th floor trump tower new york saturday blaze quickly extinguished fire officials said victim todd brassner 67 found unresponsive unconscious 50th floor apartment pronounced dead area hospital police said information cause fire available late saturday night us president donald trump office private residence midtown manhattan structure building time fire trump tower confined well built building firemen women great job thank trump tweeted fire officials said member trump family building time difficult fire imagine apartment quite large 50 stories rest building considerable amount smoke fire commissioner daniel nigro said twitter trump tower pictured fire manhattan borough new york city new york us april 7 2018 reuterscatherine koppel 200 fire personnel responded incident department said fouralarm fire video social media showed flames outside windows black smoke billowing highrise january three people injured earlymorning fire top trump tower one firefighter hospitalized two people received minor injuries treated scene new york fire department said slideshow 13 images addition presidents 66thfloor penthouse trump tower houses headquarters trump organization well residences offices stores reporting jon herskovitz austin texas meredith mazzilli new york additional reporting rich mckay atlanta editing sandra maler standards thomson reuters trust principles beirut reuters syrian rebel group accused government forces saturday launching deadly chemical attack civilians rebelheld town eastern ghouta medical relief organization said 35 people killed chemical attacks area file photo man stands rubble damaged buildings besieged town douma eastern ghouta damascus syria march 30 2018 reutersbassam khabieh syrian state media denied government forces launched chemical attack said rebels eastern ghouta town douma state collapse spreading false news us state department said monitoring situation russia blamed chemicals used reuters could independently verify reports chemical attack syrian government recaptured nearly eastern ghouta rebels offensive began february leaving douma hands insurgent group jaish alislam related coverage us says reports chemical attack syria horrifying confirmed calls response russianbacked syrian government forces resumed assault friday afternoon heavy air strikes days calm syrian observatory human rights said 11 people died douma result suffocation caused smoke conventional weapons dropped government said total 70 people suffered breathing difficulties rami abdulrahman observatory director said could confirm chemical weapons used medical relief organization syrian american medical society 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 total death toll chemical attacks 35 contacting un us government european governments said telephone political official jaish alislam said chemical attack killed 100 people us state department official statement said syrian governments history using chemical weapons people dispute russia ultimately bears responsibility brutal targeting countless syrians chemical weapons official said 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 face military defeat rebel groups parts eastern ghouta opted accept safe passage area oppositionheld territory turkish border several thousand people fighters civilians left douma northern syria recent days jaish alislam held talks russia douma jaish alislam insisted remaining town group rejects calls president bashar alassads policy forcibly transferring opponents areas near turkish border rebelheld areas ghouta region hit major chemical attack 2013 last year joint inquiry un organization prohibition chemical weapons opcw found syrian government responsible april 4 2017 attack using banned nerve agent sarin oppositionheld town khan sheikhoun killing dozens people inquiry previously found syrian government forces responsible three chlorine gas attacks 2014 2015 islamic state militants used mustard gas reporting dahlia nehme mustafa hashem additional reporting patrick rucker washington editing hugh lawson sandra maler standards thomson reuters trust principles humboldt saskatchewan reuters fifteen people killed bus carrying canadian junior ice hockey team collided truck saskatchewan province police said saturday one worst disasters strike canadas sporting community tragedy sent shock waves hockeyloving country engulfed home humboldt broncos hockey team small farming town fewer 6000 people grief fourteen survivors still hospital critical condition royal canadian mounted police rcmp said accident occurred 5 pm friday near tisdale area around 185 miles 300 km north regina broncos family shock try come grips incredible loss kevin garinger teams president said statement players way compete game 5 playoff series nipawin hawks bus traveling collided semitrailer related coverage ice hockey world shocked fatal junior team crash canada hawks president darren opp told globe mail newspaper truck tboned players bus horrible accident god said bad driver tractor trailer injured crash rcmp saskatchewan assistant commissioner curtis zablocki told media conference said driver initially detained later released zablocki said early comment cause collision rcmp continuing investigation examine road weather mechanical condition vehicles citing relatives canadian press reported broncos head coach darcy haugan teams 20yearold captain logan schatz among killed many social media users posted haugans photograph alongside messages shock sympathy hashtags prayersforhumboldt humboldtstrong god bless darcy haugan incredible mentor coach young hockey players prayers family help cope immense loss western provinces hockey association wrote twitter national hockey league commissioner gary bettman said nhl mourned passing died offers strength comfort injured traveling play part game loved ice hockey teams around world expressed shock paid tribute broncos heartbroken steady stream people arrived humboldts elgar petersen sports arena saturday consoling grieving families offering flowers counseling services victims relatives offered nearby woke reality happened last night humboldt mayor rob muench told reuters tragedy nobody would imagined tough trying get message get see light end tunnel condolences poured current former players sports organizations political leaders canadian prime minister justin trudeau said entire country shock mourning details tragedy emerged canadas hockey family close one said 20172018 humboldt broncos saskatchewan junior hockey league team pictured undated handout photo amanda brochuhandout via reuters heartbroken knowing many lost entire lives front said statement us president donald trump said twitter post spoke trudeau pay highest respect condolences families terrible humboldt team tragedy may god pastor jordan gadsby nipawins apostolic church said hundreds people including parents relatives players bus gathered church late friday seek information solace worst part night watching parents waiting news kids said theres lot terrible thing happened tragedy revived painful memories bus crash province december 1986 killed four young players swift current broncos ice hockey team slideshow 17 images online fundraising campaign affected players families set late friday mother former broncos teammate initial target 10000 saturday evening raised 21 million stay hockey family strong wrote one donor gofundme site said coach rural saskatchewan reporting matt smith humboldt additional reporting brendan obrien milwaukee frank pingue augusta georgia writing denny thomas daniel wallis editing tom brown g crosse standards thomson reuters trust principles houston reuters saudi aramco ipoarmose took first steps toward expanding largest us refinery saturday operated subsidiary motiva enterprises file photo logo saudi aramco seen 20th middle east oil amp gas show conference moes 2017 manama bahrain march 7 2017 reutershamad mohammedfile photo aramcos chief executive amin nasser signed agreements honeywell uop honn technip fmc ftin study petrochemical production technology use multibilliondollar chemical plant company considering building port arthur refinery agreements signal plans expansion petrochemicals said motivas chief executive brian coffman coffman also said motiva evaluating boosting 603000 barrelperday bpd refinerys capacity 1 million 15 million bpd would make largest world saudi arabias crown prince mohammed bin salman finishing twoweek visit united states saudi energy minister khalid alfalih us energy secretary rick perry present signing aromatics unit honeywell uops technology considered would convert benzene paraxylene byproducts gasoline production 2 million tons annually feedstocks chemicals plastics technip fmc technology would produce 2 million tons year ethylene used make plastics motiva said file photo chief executive officer aramco amin nasser speaks interview reuters dhahran saudi arabia december 13 2017 reutershamad mohammed final investment decision port arthur petrochemical plant expected 2019 motiva said statement coffman provide timeline possible expansion port arthur refinerys crude oil processing capacity thats something evaluating studying future said honeywell international inc 14274 honn new york stock exchange 366 250 honn ftin relins cvxn psxn 12million bpd reliance industries relins refinery jamnagar india worlds largest crude oil processing capacity aramco last year said would invest 18 billion motiva expand refinery move petrochemical production us companies including chevron phillips chemical co joint venture chevron corp cvxn phillips 66 psxn exxon mobil corp xomn recently opened plants like one motiva considering process ethane ethylene chevron phillips considering building second ethane cracker gulf coast texas price tag large ethane cracker typically 6 billion according analysts addition taking refining byproducts ethane crackers provide hydrogen refineries use making motor fuels reporting erwin seba editing sandra maler standards thomson reuters trust principles
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<p />
<p>The first target is a rule published in early June by the Environmental Protection Agency imposing stricter greenhouse gas emissions standards on oil and gas operations. The second is a rule just issued by the Interior Department last month prohibiting coal-mining companies from conducting any activities that could permanently pollute streams and other sources of drinking water. Both rules were met with immediate opposition from Republicans, and before the new Congress even convened, experts were speculating that they would be high priorities for repeal under the incoming Trump administration.</p>
<p>What happens to the rules now will depend on whether the resolutions make it through Congress – and whether President-elect Donald Trump signs them once in office.</p>
<p>The proposed resolutions take advantage of an obscure law known as the Congressional Review Act, or CRA, which allows Congress a period of 60 legislative days from the time a rule is published to overturn new federal regulations via a “joint resolution of disapproval” (if Congress adjourns before the 60 days are up, the countdown starts over again on the 15th day of the next session). If the resolution is signed by the president, the targeted rule is immediately repealed – and, even more importantly, may not be issued again in “substantially the same form” unless explicitly authorized by a new congressional law.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>But while it packs a hefty punch, the CRA is a notoriously difficult procedure to pull off – in fact, it’s only been used effectively once since it was enacted in 1996. That’s because the president holds veto power over any joint resolution of disapproval submitted, and presidents are rarely inclined to overturn rules their own administrations have written.</p>
<p>But this year, experts say special political circumstances have given the law a rare potency. A presidential transition is occurring, bringing the White House and Congress under the control of the same party – and, notably, not the party that has been issuing rules for the past eight years. This means a Republican Congress could issue joint resolutions of disapproval on late-breaking rules enacted under the Obama administration, which Trump may be likely to sign.</p>
<p>Because legislative days tend to be spread out, and because Congress often adjourns before the allotted time period is up, the total period open for action under the CRA can often drag out for months in real time. In this case, the Congressional Research Service has pegged June 13 as the cutoff date for rules issued by the Obama administration that may be subject to repeal under the CRA.</p>
<p>That means it’s likely the resolution targeting the EPA emissions rule, published on June 3, 10 days before the cutoff date, will not be permitted to proceed. The resolution was introduced by Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., on Jan. 6, right at the start of the new Congress – at the time, there may still have been some confusion about the CRA cutoff date, said Sam Batkins, director of regulatory policy at the right-leaning think tank American Action Forum. Even now, he says, the Office of the Parliamentarian, which provides the House with guidance on rules and procedures, will give the final word on the cutoff – although now that Congress is in session and the calendar has started over, the June 13 date appears fairly set in stone.</p>
<p>This means there’s a good chance the EPA rule will be safe after all, and House Republicans will probably soon abandon that resolution in favor of something else. “If they realize that the rule is not eligible, they’re not going to waste their time going to the floor with a resolution that won’t be ruled,” Batkins said.</p>
<p>The Interior Department’s stream protection act, on the other hand, was published well within the time limit for a rule to be addressed via the CRA. It’s actually been targeted by two resolutions already – one introduced on Jan. 3 by Rep. Evan Jenkins, R-W.Va., and the other introduced Jan. 4 by Rep. Doug Lamborn, R-Colo. Both have been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.</p>
<p>The CRA dictates that up to 10 hours of debate may be allotted for joint resolutions of disapproval in the House, Batkins noted, although less time may be spent on any one. If the resolution passes a vote in the House, it generally gets an easier time in the Senate, where the law dictates that it may not be subject to filibuster. In the only previous instance the CRA was successfully used to repeal a regulation – an ergonomics rule passed by the Clinton administration and nullified in 2001 under President George W. Bush – the resolution was introduced on March 1, passed in the House on March 6 and in the Senate on March 7, Batkins said.</p>
<p>He suggested that if Congress were to devote an entire week to nothing but CRA action, it could potentially move as many as three or four resolutions a day. However, experts have generally suggested that between five and 10 rules in total is the most reasonable number of regulations likely to be addressed in this way.</p>
<p>While the stream protection act is an early target – and one that has been subject to talk of repeal among Republican lawmakers since it was published – Batkins added that there’s probably still some coordination to be done among Republican members of Congress and the incoming Trump administration before a set list of CRA targets is finalized.</p>
<p>“They need to work out a timing between the House and the Senate and the list of rules with the administration,” he said. “They don’t want the House and the Senate to pass a resolution of disapproval and it be vetoed by the president.”</p>
<p>However, there are still a few environmental rules experts say they believe are probably on the shortlist for repeal. One of these is a regulation issued in November by the Interior Department that would curb excess methane emissions from oil and gas operations on public lands. It’s the other major emissions regulation for the oil and gas sector finalized in the past year besides the already targeted EPA rule.</p>
<p>The possible repeal of either the emissions rules or the stream protection act has sparked concern among environmentalists, especially with the prospect that no substantially similar rules could be issued in their place once nullified under the CRA.</p>
<p>“We’re not surprised that this is where members of Congress have decided to put a lot of their energy,” said Josh Mantell, energy campaign manager for the Wilderness Society. “But it would be a shame to really prioritize the fossil fuel industry – oil and gas and coal – ahead of the needs of the American taxpayer and the health of the American people.”</p>
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first target rule published early june environmental protection agency imposing stricter greenhouse gas emissions standards oil gas operations second rule issued interior department last month prohibiting coalmining companies conducting activities could permanently pollute streams sources drinking water rules met immediate opposition republicans new congress even convened experts speculating would high priorities repeal incoming trump administration happens rules depend whether resolutions make congress whether presidentelect donald trump signs office proposed resolutions take advantage obscure law known congressional review act cra allows congress period 60 legislative days time rule published overturn new federal regulations via joint resolution disapproval congress adjourns 60 days countdown starts 15th day next session resolution signed president targeted rule immediately repealed even importantly may issued substantially form unless explicitly authorized new congressional law advertisement packs hefty punch cra notoriously difficult procedure pull fact used effectively since enacted 1996 thats president holds veto power joint resolution disapproval submitted presidents rarely inclined overturn rules administrations written year experts say special political circumstances given law rare potency presidential transition occurring bringing white house congress control party notably party issuing rules past eight years means republican congress could issue joint resolutions disapproval latebreaking rules enacted obama administration trump may likely sign legislative days tend spread congress often adjourns allotted time period total period open action cra often drag months real time case congressional research service pegged june 13 cutoff date rules issued obama administration may subject repeal cra means likely resolution targeting epa emissions rule published june 3 10 days cutoff date permitted proceed resolution introduced rep scott perry rpa jan 6 right start new congress time may still confusion cra cutoff date said sam batkins director regulatory policy rightleaning think tank american action forum even says office parliamentarian provides house guidance rules procedures give final word cutoff although congress session calendar started june 13 date appears fairly set stone means theres good chance epa rule safe house republicans probably soon abandon resolution favor something else realize rule eligible theyre going waste time going floor resolution wont ruled batkins said interior departments stream protection act hand published well within time limit rule addressed via cra actually targeted two resolutions already one introduced jan 3 rep evan jenkins rwva introduced jan 4 rep doug lamborn rcolo referred house committee natural resources cra dictates 10 hours debate may allotted joint resolutions disapproval house batkins noted although less time may spent one resolution passes vote house generally gets easier time senate law dictates may subject filibuster previous instance cra successfully used repeal regulation ergonomics rule passed clinton administration nullified 2001 president george w bush resolution introduced march 1 passed house march 6 senate march 7 batkins said suggested congress devote entire week nothing cra action could potentially move many three four resolutions day however experts generally suggested five 10 rules total reasonable number regulations likely addressed way stream protection act early target one subject talk repeal among republican lawmakers since published batkins added theres probably still coordination done among republican members congress incoming trump administration set list cra targets finalized need work timing house senate list rules administration said dont want house senate pass resolution disapproval vetoed president however still environmental rules experts say believe probably shortlist repeal one regulation issued november interior department would curb excess methane emissions oil gas operations public lands major emissions regulation oil gas sector finalized past year besides already targeted epa rule possible repeal either emissions rules stream protection act sparked concern among environmentalists especially prospect substantially similar rules could issued place nullified cra surprised members congress decided put lot energy said josh mantell energy campaign manager wilderness society would shame really prioritize fossil fuel industry oil gas coal ahead needs american taxpayer health american people
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<p>DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - As protests over Iran's faltering economy rapidly spread across the country, a channel on a mobile messaging app run by an exiled journalist helped fan the passions of some of those who took to the street.</p>
<p>The Telegram app closed a channel run by Roohallah Zam after Iranian authorities complained that it was inciting violence, just hours before the government shut down the app entirely on Sunday. Zam, who denies the allegations, meanwhile launched new channels to spread messages about upcoming protests and share videos from demonstrations.</p>
<p>What happens next could influence the future course of the largest protests Iran has seen since 2009.</p>
<p>It's hard to overstate the power of Telegram in Iran. Of its 80 million people, an estimated 40 million use the free app created by Russian national Pavel Durov. Its clients share videos and photos, subscribing to groups where everyone from politicians to poets broadcast to fellow users.</p>
<p>While authorities ban social media websites like Facebook and Twitter and censor others, Telegram users can say nearly anything. In the last presidential election, the app played a big role in motivating turnout and spreading political screeds.</p>
<p>Telegram touts itself as being highly encrypted and allows users to set their messages to "self-destruct" after a certain period, making it a favorite among activists and others concerned about their privacy. That too has made it a worry of Iranian authorities.</p>
<p>Zam has used the app to share news and information published by his AmadNews website. Posts included times and locations for protests, as well as videos of demonstrators shouting inflammatory chants, including those targeting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani, a relative moderate in Iran's clerically overseen government.</p>
<p>Thousands have taken to the streets of several cities over the past three days to vent anger at high unemployment and rising prices, in the largest demonstrations since those that followed a disputed election nine years ago.</p>
<p>Officials have meanwhile targeted Telegram in recent remarks, with prosecutors going as far as filing criminal charges against Durov.</p>
<p>On Saturday, Iran's Telecommunications Minister Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi wrote to Durov on Twitter, complaining AmadNews was "encouraging hateful conduct, use (of) Molotov cocktails, armed uprising and social unrest."</p>
<p>Durov responded by saying Telegram suspended the account.</p>
<p>"A Telegram channel (Amadnews) started to instruct their subscribers to use Molotov cocktails against police and got suspended due to our 'no calls for violence' rule. Be careful - there are lines one shouldn't cross." Durov tweeted.</p>
<p>Zam, who has said he fled Iran after being falsely accused of working with foreign intelligence services, denied inciting violence on Telegram.</p>
<p>Telegram's decision drew criticism from free internet advocates and Iranians. Edward Snowden, the former National Security Agency contractor who exposed U.S. government surveillance programs in 2013, said Telegram should instead be working on how to make the service accessible after a potential government ban.</p>
<p>"Telegram will face increasing pressure over time to collaborate with the Iranian government's demands for this or that," Snowden wrote on Twitter. He added: "You can't keep an independent, destabilizing service from being blocked in authoritarian regimes, you can only delay it."</p>
<p>Those words proved prophetic Sunday, as Durov himself wrote on Twitter that Iran blocked the app "for the majority of Iranians after our public refusal to shut down ... peacefully protesting channels." Iranian state television later quoted an anonymous official as saying the app would be temporarily limited as a safety measure.</p>
<p>It also marks a setback for Zam, the son of Shiite cleric Mohammad Ali Zam, a reformist who once served in a government policy position in the early 1980s. The cleric wrote a letter published by Iranian media in July in which he said he wouldn't support his son over AmadNews' reporting and messages on its Telegram channel.</p>
<p>"I found that you crossed the red line," the cleric wrote, referring to comments the channel circulated about Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. "Our red line is the supreme leader, but you passed the red line."</p>
<p>Zam did not respond to a request for comment Sunday from The Associated Press, though he published a video late Saturday on the channel being blocked.</p>
<p>"Unfortunately the Amadnews was blocked," Zam said in a message to his followers. A new channel "will continue its work as hard as before and with the help of God, we will become millions again."</p>
<p>At least 1.7 million people have viewed the first message on the new channel, according to Telegram. It called for protests Sunday at sites across Iran before the government ordered the app shut down.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press writer Amir Vahdat in Tehran, Iran, contributed to this report.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow Jon Gambrell on Twitter at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jongambrellap" type="external">www.twitter.com/jongambrellap</a> . His work can be found at <a href="http://apne.ws/2galNpz" type="external">http://apne.ws/2galNpz</a> .</p>
<p>DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - As protests over Iran's faltering economy rapidly spread across the country, a channel on a mobile messaging app run by an exiled journalist helped fan the passions of some of those who took to the street.</p>
<p>The Telegram app closed a channel run by Roohallah Zam after Iranian authorities complained that it was inciting violence, just hours before the government shut down the app entirely on Sunday. Zam, who denies the allegations, meanwhile launched new channels to spread messages about upcoming protests and share videos from demonstrations.</p>
<p>What happens next could influence the future course of the largest protests Iran has seen since 2009.</p>
<p>It's hard to overstate the power of Telegram in Iran. Of its 80 million people, an estimated 40 million use the free app created by Russian national Pavel Durov. Its clients share videos and photos, subscribing to groups where everyone from politicians to poets broadcast to fellow users.</p>
<p>While authorities ban social media websites like Facebook and Twitter and censor others, Telegram users can say nearly anything. In the last presidential election, the app played a big role in motivating turnout and spreading political screeds.</p>
<p>Telegram touts itself as being highly encrypted and allows users to set their messages to "self-destruct" after a certain period, making it a favorite among activists and others concerned about their privacy. That too has made it a worry of Iranian authorities.</p>
<p>Zam has used the app to share news and information published by his AmadNews website. Posts included times and locations for protests, as well as videos of demonstrators shouting inflammatory chants, including those targeting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani, a relative moderate in Iran's clerically overseen government.</p>
<p>Thousands have taken to the streets of several cities over the past three days to vent anger at high unemployment and rising prices, in the largest demonstrations since those that followed a disputed election nine years ago.</p>
<p>Officials have meanwhile targeted Telegram in recent remarks, with prosecutors going as far as filing criminal charges against Durov.</p>
<p>On Saturday, Iran's Telecommunications Minister Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi wrote to Durov on Twitter, complaining AmadNews was "encouraging hateful conduct, use (of) Molotov cocktails, armed uprising and social unrest."</p>
<p>Durov responded by saying Telegram suspended the account.</p>
<p>"A Telegram channel (Amadnews) started to instruct their subscribers to use Molotov cocktails against police and got suspended due to our 'no calls for violence' rule. Be careful - there are lines one shouldn't cross." Durov tweeted.</p>
<p>Zam, who has said he fled Iran after being falsely accused of working with foreign intelligence services, denied inciting violence on Telegram.</p>
<p>Telegram's decision drew criticism from free internet advocates and Iranians. Edward Snowden, the former National Security Agency contractor who exposed U.S. government surveillance programs in 2013, said Telegram should instead be working on how to make the service accessible after a potential government ban.</p>
<p>"Telegram will face increasing pressure over time to collaborate with the Iranian government's demands for this or that," Snowden wrote on Twitter. He added: "You can't keep an independent, destabilizing service from being blocked in authoritarian regimes, you can only delay it."</p>
<p>Those words proved prophetic Sunday, as Durov himself wrote on Twitter that Iran blocked the app "for the majority of Iranians after our public refusal to shut down ... peacefully protesting channels." Iranian state television later quoted an anonymous official as saying the app would be temporarily limited as a safety measure.</p>
<p>It also marks a setback for Zam, the son of Shiite cleric Mohammad Ali Zam, a reformist who once served in a government policy position in the early 1980s. The cleric wrote a letter published by Iranian media in July in which he said he wouldn't support his son over AmadNews' reporting and messages on its Telegram channel.</p>
<p>"I found that you crossed the red line," the cleric wrote, referring to comments the channel circulated about Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. "Our red line is the supreme leader, but you passed the red line."</p>
<p>Zam did not respond to a request for comment Sunday from The Associated Press, though he published a video late Saturday on the channel being blocked.</p>
<p>"Unfortunately the Amadnews was blocked," Zam said in a message to his followers. A new channel "will continue its work as hard as before and with the help of God, we will become millions again."</p>
<p>At least 1.7 million people have viewed the first message on the new channel, according to Telegram. It called for protests Sunday at sites across Iran before the government ordered the app shut down.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press writer Amir Vahdat in Tehran, Iran, contributed to this report.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow Jon Gambrell on Twitter at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jongambrellap" type="external">www.twitter.com/jongambrellap</a> . His work can be found at <a href="http://apne.ws/2galNpz" type="external">http://apne.ws/2galNpz</a> .</p>
| false | 2 |
dubai united arab emirates ap protests irans faltering economy rapidly spread across country channel mobile messaging app run exiled journalist helped fan passions took street telegram app closed channel run roohallah zam iranian authorities complained inciting violence hours government shut app entirely sunday zam denies allegations meanwhile launched new channels spread messages upcoming protests share videos demonstrations happens next could influence future course largest protests iran seen since 2009 hard overstate power telegram iran 80 million people estimated 40 million use free app created russian national pavel durov clients share videos photos subscribing groups everyone politicians poets broadcast fellow users authorities ban social media websites like facebook twitter censor others telegram users say nearly anything last presidential election app played big role motivating turnout spreading political screeds telegram touts highly encrypted allows users set messages selfdestruct certain period making favorite among activists others concerned privacy made worry iranian authorities zam used app share news information published amadnews website posts included times locations protests well videos demonstrators shouting inflammatory chants including targeting supreme leader ayatollah ali khamenei president hassan rouhani relative moderate irans clerically overseen government thousands taken streets several cities past three days vent anger high unemployment rising prices largest demonstrations since followed disputed election nine years ago officials meanwhile targeted telegram recent remarks prosecutors going far filing criminal charges durov saturday irans telecommunications minister mohammad javad azari jahromi wrote durov twitter complaining amadnews encouraging hateful conduct use molotov cocktails armed uprising social unrest durov responded saying telegram suspended account telegram channel amadnews started instruct subscribers use molotov cocktails police got suspended due calls violence rule careful lines one shouldnt cross durov tweeted zam said fled iran falsely accused working foreign intelligence services denied inciting violence telegram telegrams decision drew criticism free internet advocates iranians edward snowden former national security agency contractor exposed us government surveillance programs 2013 said telegram instead working make service accessible potential government ban telegram face increasing pressure time collaborate iranian governments demands snowden wrote twitter added cant keep independent destabilizing service blocked authoritarian regimes delay words proved prophetic sunday durov wrote twitter iran blocked app majority iranians public refusal shut peacefully protesting channels iranian state television later quoted anonymous official saying app would temporarily limited safety measure also marks setback zam son shiite cleric mohammad ali zam reformist served government policy position early 1980s cleric wrote letter published iranian media july said wouldnt support son amadnews reporting messages telegram channel found crossed red line cleric wrote referring comments channel circulated supreme leader ayatollah ali khamenei red line supreme leader passed red line zam respond request comment sunday associated press though published video late saturday channel blocked unfortunately amadnews blocked zam said message followers new channel continue work hard help god become millions least 17 million people viewed first message new channel according telegram called protests sunday sites across iran government ordered app shut ___ associated press writer amir vahdat tehran iran contributed report ___ follow jon gambrell twitter wwwtwittercomjongambrellap work found httpapnews2galnpz dubai united arab emirates ap protests irans faltering economy rapidly spread across country channel mobile messaging app run exiled journalist helped fan passions took street telegram app closed channel run roohallah zam iranian authorities complained inciting violence hours government shut app entirely sunday zam denies allegations meanwhile launched new channels spread messages upcoming protests share videos demonstrations happens next could influence future course largest protests iran seen since 2009 hard overstate power telegram iran 80 million people estimated 40 million use free app created russian national pavel durov clients share videos photos subscribing groups everyone politicians poets broadcast fellow users authorities ban social media websites like facebook twitter censor others telegram users say nearly anything last presidential election app played big role motivating turnout spreading political screeds telegram touts highly encrypted allows users set messages selfdestruct certain period making favorite among activists others concerned privacy made worry iranian authorities zam used app share news information published amadnews website posts included times locations protests well videos demonstrators shouting inflammatory chants including targeting supreme leader ayatollah ali khamenei president hassan rouhani relative moderate irans clerically overseen government thousands taken streets several cities past three days vent anger high unemployment rising prices largest demonstrations since followed disputed election nine years ago officials meanwhile targeted telegram recent remarks prosecutors going far filing criminal charges durov saturday irans telecommunications minister mohammad javad azari jahromi wrote durov twitter complaining amadnews encouraging hateful conduct use molotov cocktails armed uprising social unrest durov responded saying telegram suspended account telegram channel amadnews started instruct subscribers use molotov cocktails police got suspended due calls violence rule careful lines one shouldnt cross durov tweeted zam said fled iran falsely accused working foreign intelligence services denied inciting violence telegram telegrams decision drew criticism free internet advocates iranians edward snowden former national security agency contractor exposed us government surveillance programs 2013 said telegram instead working make service accessible potential government ban telegram face increasing pressure time collaborate iranian governments demands snowden wrote twitter added cant keep independent destabilizing service blocked authoritarian regimes delay words proved prophetic sunday durov wrote twitter iran blocked app majority iranians public refusal shut peacefully protesting channels iranian state television later quoted anonymous official saying app would temporarily limited safety measure also marks setback zam son shiite cleric mohammad ali zam reformist served government policy position early 1980s cleric wrote letter published iranian media july said wouldnt support son amadnews reporting messages telegram channel found crossed red line cleric wrote referring comments channel circulated supreme leader ayatollah ali khamenei red line supreme leader passed red line zam respond request comment sunday associated press though published video late saturday channel blocked unfortunately amadnews blocked zam said message followers new channel continue work hard help god become millions least 17 million people viewed first message new channel according telegram called protests sunday sites across iran government ordered app shut ___ associated press writer amir vahdat tehran iran contributed report ___ follow jon gambrell twitter wwwtwittercomjongambrellap work found httpapnews2galnpz
| 994 |
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<p />
<p>People who accidentally wind up on the agency’s Death Master File have seen their bank accounts frozen, credit cards closed, health insurance cut off and benefit payments canceled or even pulled back from checking accounts.</p>
<p>One California man told me his 97-year-old mother nearly had her utilities shut off after her bank froze her account and all her checks bounced, including a birthday gift to a grandchild. A retired professor in Massachusetts wasn’t allowed to get his prescriptions filled and found that all his medical appointments had been canceled, according to a recent article in the New England Journal of Medicine. A woman in New Hampshire told CNNMoney couldn’t get her driver’s license renewed for months.</p>
<p>The fact that they were alive was no match for the Social Security database, which said otherwise.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>“It’s understandably quite disturbing to a consumer,” says Paul Stephens, director of policy and advocacy for the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization in San Diego. “And it can take months to resolve.”</p>
<p>Jack VanderKnyff of Oceanside, California, discovered that he was no longer counted among the living in late September when he couldn’t access his health insurance account online. When he called the company, a representative said Medicare had informed the insurer of his death. Meanwhile, a Medicare representative blamed Social Security. VanderKnyff is the brother of NerdWallet senior assigning editor Rick VanderKnyff.</p>
<p>“I thought it was funny at first, but there are so many ramifications,” says VanderKnyff, 73.</p>
<p>Not only was his Social Security check briefly cut off, but his wife’s payment was adjusted upward because she was technically a widow and qualified for a survivor’s benefit. His disabled son’s government benefits were altered as well.</p>
<p>People often don’t know why they land in the Death Master File. The retired professor from Massachusetts was reported to have died on the same day that his wife actually passed away. Having a joint bank or credit account with someone who dies may put people at risk. Many people seem to be the victim of data entry errors.</p>
<p>VanderKnyff says he has no idea how he wound up dead. “Maybe somebody’s out to get me,” he jokes.</p>
<p>7,400 WALKING UNDEAD A YEAR</p>
<p>More than 36,000 living people were erroneously listed as dead between 2007 and 2010, according to a 2011 audit by Social Security’s Office of the Inspector General. Since then, the federal agency says, the number of people declared dead prematurely has dropped by about half, to below 7,400 instances per year. That’s a little less than one day’s worth of the 2.8 million reports of death made to Social Security each year.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Social Security spokeswoman Nicole Tiggemann attributes the decline to a rise in the number of states that use electronic death registration systems, which can upload data directly to the federal agency.</p>
<p>“Universal implementation of (electronic death registration) has the potential to virtually eliminate death reporting errors and would ensure our death records, whether pertaining to current beneficiaries or other persons, include the most accurate and most current information,” Tiggemann says.</p>
<p>Most death reports now come from the states, compared with the vast majority that used to come from funeral directors and family members in the past. The Social Security Administration also gets death reports from financial institutions.</p>
<p>Financial firms and government agencies are big users of the master file. Banks, credit card issuers and insurers scour the records in efforts to prevent fraud and identity theft. Agencies that pay benefits — including the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, the Railroad Retirement Board and the Office of Personnel Management — match the file against their own records to ensure that they don’t make payments after a person’s death.</p>
<p>HOW TO COME BACK TO LIFE</p>
<p>If you’ve been informed that your name is in the Death Master File, or you suspect that it is, the Social Security Administration recommends you visit a local office as soon as possible with at least one piece of identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, employee or school identification card or health insurance card.</p>
<p>Once your record has been corrected, you’ll be issued an “erroneous death case — third party contact” notice. You can provide that letter to financial institutions, creditors, medical providers and others who may have been informed of your death.</p>
<p>You likely should get your free credit reports, as well, and monitor the accounts. Credit bureaus check the death file and may flag you as deceased, which could stop you from getting new credit and lead to the shutdown of your current credit accounts.</p>
<p>If a financial institution won’t recognize that you’re alive, you can turn to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which forwards people’s complaints directly to banks, credit card issuers and credit bureaus for quick resolution.</p>
<p>“For any sort of financial problem, the CFPB is amazing,” Stephens says.</p>
<p>If your problem with the Social Security Administration or another government office is unresolved, Stephens recommends contacting your local congressional representative ‘s constituent services office. These offices often can get people resurrected and solve other bureaucratic nightmares.</p>
<p>“They can work wonders when dealing with government agencies,” he says.</p>
<p>______</p>
<p>This column was provided to The Associated Press by the personal finance website NerdWallet.</p>
<p>Liz Weston is a certified financial planner and columnist at NerdWallet. Email: lweston @lizweston.</p>
<p>RELATED LINKS:</p>
<p>NerdWallet: How to get your free credit report</p>
<p>https://nerd.me/2-nerdwallet-credit</p>
<p>Find a local Social Security office</p>
<p>https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp</p>
<p>Find your congressional representative</p>
<p><a href="http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/" type="external">http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/</a></p>
| false | 2 |
people accidentally wind agencys death master file seen bank accounts frozen credit cards closed health insurance cut benefit payments canceled even pulled back checking accounts one california man told 97yearold mother nearly utilities shut bank froze account checks bounced including birthday gift grandchild retired professor massachusetts wasnt allowed get prescriptions filled found medical appointments canceled according recent article new england journal medicine woman new hampshire told cnnmoney couldnt get drivers license renewed months fact alive match social security database said otherwise advertisement understandably quite disturbing consumer says paul stephens director policy advocacy privacy rights clearinghouse nonprofit consumer advocacy organization san diego take months resolve jack vanderknyff oceanside california discovered longer counted among living late september couldnt access health insurance account online called company representative said medicare informed insurer death meanwhile medicare representative blamed social security vanderknyff brother nerdwallet senior assigning editor rick vanderknyff thought funny first many ramifications says vanderknyff 73 social security check briefly cut wifes payment adjusted upward technically widow qualified survivors benefit disabled sons government benefits altered well people often dont know land death master file retired professor massachusetts reported died day wife actually passed away joint bank credit account someone dies may put people risk many people seem victim data entry errors vanderknyff says idea wound dead maybe somebodys get jokes 7400 walking undead year 36000 living people erroneously listed dead 2007 2010 according 2011 audit social securitys office inspector general since federal agency says number people declared dead prematurely dropped half 7400 instances per year thats little less one days worth 28 million reports death made social security year advertisement social security spokeswoman nicole tiggemann attributes decline rise number states use electronic death registration systems upload data directly federal agency universal implementation electronic death registration potential virtually eliminate death reporting errors would ensure death records whether pertaining current beneficiaries persons include accurate current information tiggemann says death reports come states compared vast majority used come funeral directors family members past social security administration also gets death reports financial institutions financial firms government agencies big users master file banks credit card issuers insurers scour records efforts prevent fraud identity theft agencies pay benefits including department veterans affairs department defense railroad retirement board office personnel management match file records ensure dont make payments persons death come back life youve informed name death master file suspect social security administration recommends visit local office soon possible least one piece identification drivers license passport employee school identification card health insurance card record corrected youll issued erroneous death case third party contact notice provide letter financial institutions creditors medical providers others may informed death likely get free credit reports well monitor accounts credit bureaus check death file may flag deceased could stop getting new credit lead shutdown current credit accounts financial institution wont recognize youre alive turn consumer financial protection bureau forwards peoples complaints directly banks credit card issuers credit bureaus quick resolution sort financial problem cfpb amazing stephens says problem social security administration another government office unresolved stephens recommends contacting local congressional representative constituent services office offices often get people resurrected solve bureaucratic nightmares work wonders dealing government agencies says ______ column provided associated press personal finance website nerdwallet liz weston certified financial planner columnist nerdwallet email lweston lizweston related links nerdwallet get free credit report httpsnerdme2nerdwalletcredit find local social security office httpssecuressagoviconmainjsp find congressional representative httpwwwhousegovrepresentativesfind
| 557 |
<p>SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 20, 2018--BET Networks and Paramount Players are giving aspiring, undiscovered filmmakers the opportunity to produce an original film with the launch of a nationwide competition titled, “PROJECT CRE8.” The search was announced today during Blackhouse’s panel “Killer Creativity: The New Breed” at Sundance . Mentored by a team of industry professionals, the filmmaking-hopeful must deal with the pressures of delivering a viable movie -- on schedule and on budget. BET will purchase the winning screenplay and work with the winner and Paramount Players to produce a feature film with a million dollar budget. The Network will follow and document the winner’s journey in a one-hour companion special. Submissions can be made through <a href="http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bet.com%2FCre8&amp;esheet=51746340&amp;newsitemid=20180120005021&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=BET.com%2FCre8&amp;index=1&amp;md5=4b9882eeeb71a8ad75a89917197dd2ab" type="external">BET.com/Cre8</a>.</p>
<p>“As an established brand in the entertainment space, it is our responsibility to give new voices an opportunity to create engaging and provocative stories,” said Connie Orlando, Head of Programming and Production, BET Networks. “This partnership with Paramount Players opens this door and displays our ongoing commitment to the expansion of diverse voices within the creative community.”</p>
<p>“In a world where the barriers to the craft of filmmaking are less than ever before, we are thrilled to be part of this opportunity to find and nurture the next great filmmaking talent,” said Paramount Players President, Brian Robbins.</p>
<p>Key Dates:</p>
<p>Round One: Submissions</p>
<p>Top fifty (50) screenplays determined After judging, only fifty (50) submissions will advance to Round Two.</p>
<p>Round Two: Top ten (10) screenplays determined BET and Paramount Players narrow down the top fifty (50) submissions to the top ten (10) for Round Three. The top ten (10) will be given $2,500 and one month to create a 2-3 minute scene for their screenplay.</p>
<p>Round Three: Online Voting: Public Voting on the produced scenes by top ten (10) Begins The scene receiving the greatest number of votes from the public will automatically advance to the next round. Judges from BET, Paramount players, and other independent judges will determine four (4) additional contestants for the Final Round, to complete the top five (5).</p>
<p>Final Round: Pitch and Interviews The top five (5) finalists pitch their film to multiple panels of successful filmmakers, writers and executives.</p>
<p>Winner Announced</p>
<p>For more information on “ PROJECT CRE8 ” and for contest rules go to BET.com/Cre8. Join the conversation on Social Media by using and following the hashtag #ProjectCRE8.</p>
<p>About BET Networks BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ:VIA)(NASDAQ:VIA.B), is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel is in nearly 85 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, sub-Saharan Africa, France and South Korea. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions including BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; BET HER (formerly CENTRIC), a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the African-American woman; BET Music Networks - BET Jams, BET Soul and BET Gospel; BET Home Entertainment; BET Live, BET’s growing festival business; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET Networks around the globe.</p>
<p />
<p />
<p>View source version on businesswire.com: <a href="http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180120005021/en/" type="external">http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180120005021/en/</a></p>
<p>CONTACT: BET Networks</p>
<p>Luis Defrank, 212-205-3156</p>
<p>[email protected]</p>
<p>KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA UTAH</p>
<p>INDUSTRY KEYWORD: WOMEN OTHER CONSUMER ENTERTAINMENT OTHER ENTERTAINMENT FILM &amp; MOTION PICTURES GENERAL ENTERTAINMENT ONLINE CONSUMER MEN</p>
<p>SOURCE: BET Networks</p>
<p>Copyright Business Wire 2018.</p>
<p>PUB: 01/20/2018 07:00 PM/DISC: 01/20/2018 07:00 PM</p>
<p>http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180120005021/en</p>
<p>SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 20, 2018--BET Networks and Paramount Players are giving aspiring, undiscovered filmmakers the opportunity to produce an original film with the launch of a nationwide competition titled, “PROJECT CRE8.” The search was announced today during Blackhouse’s panel “Killer Creativity: The New Breed” at Sundance . Mentored by a team of industry professionals, the filmmaking-hopeful must deal with the pressures of delivering a viable movie -- on schedule and on budget. BET will purchase the winning screenplay and work with the winner and Paramount Players to produce a feature film with a million dollar budget. The Network will follow and document the winner’s journey in a one-hour companion special. Submissions can be made through <a href="http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bet.com%2FCre8&amp;esheet=51746340&amp;newsitemid=20180120005021&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=BET.com%2FCre8&amp;index=1&amp;md5=4b9882eeeb71a8ad75a89917197dd2ab" type="external">BET.com/Cre8</a>.</p>
<p>“As an established brand in the entertainment space, it is our responsibility to give new voices an opportunity to create engaging and provocative stories,” said Connie Orlando, Head of Programming and Production, BET Networks. “This partnership with Paramount Players opens this door and displays our ongoing commitment to the expansion of diverse voices within the creative community.”</p>
<p>“In a world where the barriers to the craft of filmmaking are less than ever before, we are thrilled to be part of this opportunity to find and nurture the next great filmmaking talent,” said Paramount Players President, Brian Robbins.</p>
<p>Key Dates:</p>
<p>Round One: Submissions</p>
<p>Top fifty (50) screenplays determined After judging, only fifty (50) submissions will advance to Round Two.</p>
<p>Round Two: Top ten (10) screenplays determined BET and Paramount Players narrow down the top fifty (50) submissions to the top ten (10) for Round Three. The top ten (10) will be given $2,500 and one month to create a 2-3 minute scene for their screenplay.</p>
<p>Round Three: Online Voting: Public Voting on the produced scenes by top ten (10) Begins The scene receiving the greatest number of votes from the public will automatically advance to the next round. Judges from BET, Paramount players, and other independent judges will determine four (4) additional contestants for the Final Round, to complete the top five (5).</p>
<p>Final Round: Pitch and Interviews The top five (5) finalists pitch their film to multiple panels of successful filmmakers, writers and executives.</p>
<p>Winner Announced</p>
<p>For more information on “ PROJECT CRE8 ” and for contest rules go to BET.com/Cre8. Join the conversation on Social Media by using and following the hashtag #ProjectCRE8.</p>
<p>About BET Networks BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ:VIA)(NASDAQ:VIA.B), is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel is in nearly 85 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, sub-Saharan Africa, France and South Korea. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions including BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; BET HER (formerly CENTRIC), a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the African-American woman; BET Music Networks - BET Jams, BET Soul and BET Gospel; BET Home Entertainment; BET Live, BET’s growing festival business; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET Networks around the globe.</p>
<p />
<p />
<p>View source version on businesswire.com: <a href="http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180120005021/en/" type="external">http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180120005021/en/</a></p>
<p>CONTACT: BET Networks</p>
<p>Luis Defrank, 212-205-3156</p>
<p>[email protected]</p>
<p>KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA UTAH</p>
<p>INDUSTRY KEYWORD: WOMEN OTHER CONSUMER ENTERTAINMENT OTHER ENTERTAINMENT FILM &amp; MOTION PICTURES GENERAL ENTERTAINMENT ONLINE CONSUMER MEN</p>
<p>SOURCE: BET Networks</p>
<p>Copyright Business Wire 2018.</p>
<p>PUB: 01/20/2018 07:00 PM/DISC: 01/20/2018 07:00 PM</p>
<p>http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180120005021/en</p>
| false | 2 |
salt lake citybusiness wirejan 20 2018bet networks paramount players giving aspiring undiscovered filmmakers opportunity produce original film launch nationwide competition titled project cre8 search announced today blackhouses panel killer creativity new breed sundance mentored team industry professionals filmmakinghopeful must deal pressures delivering viable movie schedule budget bet purchase winning screenplay work winner paramount players produce feature film million dollar budget network follow document winners journey onehour companion special submissions made betcomcre8 established brand entertainment space responsibility give new voices opportunity create engaging provocative stories said connie orlando head programming production bet networks partnership paramount players opens door displays ongoing commitment expansion diverse voices within creative community world barriers craft filmmaking less ever thrilled part opportunity find nurture next great filmmaking talent said paramount players president brian robbins key dates round one submissions top fifty 50 screenplays determined judging fifty 50 submissions advance round two round two top ten 10 screenplays determined bet paramount players narrow top fifty 50 submissions top ten 10 round three top ten 10 given 2500 one month create 23 minute scene screenplay round three online voting public voting produced scenes top ten 10 begins scene receiving greatest number votes public automatically advance next round judges bet paramount players independent judges determine four 4 additional contestants final round complete top five 5 final round pitch interviews top five 5 finalists pitch film multiple panels successful filmmakers writers executives winner announced information project cre8 contest rules go betcomcre8 join conversation social media using following hashtag projectcre8 bet networks bet networks subsidiary viacom inc nasdaqvianasdaqviab nations leading provider quality entertainment music news public affairs television programming africanamerican audience primary bet channel nearly 85 million households seen united states canada caribbean united kingdom subsaharan africa france south korea bet dominant africanamerican consumer brand diverse group business extensions including betcom leading internet destination black entertainment music culture news bet formerly centric 24hour entertainment network targeting africanamerican woman bet music networks bet jams bet soul bet gospel bet home entertainment bet live bets growing festival business bet mobile provides ringtones games video content wireless devices bet international operates bet networks around globe view source version businesswirecom httpwwwbusinesswirecomnewshome20180120005021en contact bet networks luis defrank 2122053156 luisdefrankbetnet keyword united states north america utah industry keyword women consumer entertainment entertainment film amp motion pictures general entertainment online consumer men source bet networks copyright business wire 2018 pub 01202018 0700 pmdisc 01202018 0700 pm httpwwwbusinesswirecomnewshome20180120005021en salt lake citybusiness wirejan 20 2018bet networks paramount players giving aspiring undiscovered filmmakers opportunity produce original film launch nationwide competition titled project cre8 search announced today blackhouses panel killer creativity new breed sundance mentored team industry professionals filmmakinghopeful must deal pressures delivering viable movie schedule budget bet purchase winning screenplay work winner paramount players produce feature film million dollar budget network follow document winners journey onehour companion special submissions made betcomcre8 established brand entertainment space responsibility give new voices opportunity create engaging provocative stories said connie orlando head programming production bet networks partnership paramount players opens door displays ongoing commitment expansion diverse voices within creative community world barriers craft filmmaking less ever thrilled part opportunity find nurture next great filmmaking talent said paramount players president brian robbins key dates round one submissions top fifty 50 screenplays determined judging fifty 50 submissions advance round two round two top ten 10 screenplays determined bet paramount players narrow top fifty 50 submissions top ten 10 round three top ten 10 given 2500 one month create 23 minute scene screenplay round three online voting public voting produced scenes top ten 10 begins scene receiving greatest number votes public automatically advance next round judges bet paramount players independent judges determine four 4 additional contestants final round complete top five 5 final round pitch interviews top five 5 finalists pitch film multiple panels successful filmmakers writers executives winner announced information project cre8 contest rules go betcomcre8 join conversation social media using following hashtag projectcre8 bet networks bet networks subsidiary viacom inc nasdaqvianasdaqviab nations leading provider quality entertainment music news public affairs television programming africanamerican audience primary bet channel nearly 85 million households seen united states canada caribbean united kingdom subsaharan africa france south korea bet dominant africanamerican consumer brand diverse group business extensions including betcom leading internet destination black entertainment music culture news bet formerly centric 24hour entertainment network targeting africanamerican woman bet music networks bet jams bet soul bet gospel bet home entertainment bet live bets growing festival business bet mobile provides ringtones games video content wireless devices bet international operates bet networks around globe view source version businesswirecom httpwwwbusinesswirecomnewshome20180120005021en contact bet networks luis defrank 2122053156 luisdefrankbetnet keyword united states north america utah industry keyword women consumer entertainment entertainment film amp motion pictures general entertainment online consumer men source bet networks copyright business wire 2018 pub 01202018 0700 pmdisc 01202018 0700 pm httpwwwbusinesswirecomnewshome20180120005021en
| 796 |
<p>LONDON (Reuters) - Hedge funds which have bet on a fall in the share price of Ocado will have taken a hit after the online retailer unveiled a new international technology deal which sent its stock up by more than a fifth.</p>
<p>Canadian retailer Sobeys has agreed to use Ocado’s e-commerce technology to expand its online business. It follows a similar deal in November between Ocado and French rival Casino that also helped to boost Ocado’s shares..</p>
<p>Ocado was a favoured as a “short” bet amongst hedge funds throughout 2017 partly because of divergent views among investors over whether the company is a food retailer or a technology provider able to command a high valuation.</p>
<p>Short selling occurs when a fund borrows shares and sells them, hoping to buy them back at a later date for a lower price, before returning them and booking a profit.</p>
<p>According to market data provider Astec Analytics, around 10 percent of the company’s shares are held by short sellers.</p>
<p>The number of Ocado shares out on loan had fallen by around a quarter from a mid-November high of around 85 million, before the Casino deal was announced, to around 60 million heading into the weekend, data from Astec Analytics showed.</p>
<p>But a number of hedge funds were still heavily invested, with around 60 percent of the shares that had been put up for loan by pension funds and other long-term investors actually out on loan to hedge funds, the data showed.</p>
<p>Regulatory filings up to the close of business on Friday showed 10 funds had short positions in Ocado shares in excess of 0.5 percent of its issued share capital, the level at which British finance industry regulator the Financial Conduct Authority requires disclosure.</p>
<p>Funds also have to make a public announcement for every 0.1 percent increase or decrease above that level.</p>
<p>The biggest position heading into Monday was held by Discovery Capital Management, with 3.1 percent, the FCA said.</p>
<p>Other big holders included GMT Capital Corp, with a 2.3 percent short position; Marshall Wace, with 1.7 percent; and JPMorgan Asset Management, with a 1.1 percent position, the FCA data showed.</p>
<p>“The shares have surged from 2.38 pounds in November to close last week at 4.13 pounds, a rise of some 74 percent,” David Lewis at Astec Analytics said.</p>
<p>“Short sellers, who had made substantial sums on the rollercoaster-like performance of the company’s share price, have been hurriedly closing out of their positions as the shares recover.”</p>
<p>With so many shares out on loan, any positive news has the potential to spook funds into trying to buy back the shares, fuelling share price gains in what is known as a “short squeeze”.</p>
<p>At 1445 GMT, shares in Ocado were up 20 percent.</p>
<p>If every fund with a short position in Ocado tried to exit the trade at the same time, it would take around 24.7 days, based on the average daily traded volume in the shares, the Astec Analytics data showed.</p>
<p>Reporting by Simon Jessop. Editing by Jane Merriman</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks in the United States, Japan and emerging markets rose on Monday, reflecting optimism that the United States and China are set to begin negotiations on trade.</p>
<p>MSCI’s world equity index, which tracks shares in 47 countries, touched its lowest level since Feb. 9 but was then buoyed to a 0.81 percent gain after a Wall Street Journal report that U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin was considering a visit to Beijing to begin negotiations.</p>
<p>Hope of a rapprochement between the countries abbreviated the markets’ hangover about a trade war pitting the world’s two largest economies against one another.</p>
<p>The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 302.37 points, or 1.28 percent, to 23,835.57, the S&amp;P 500 gained 25.69 points, or 0.99 percent, to 2,613.95 and the Nasdaq Composite added 70.57 points, or 1.01 percent, to 7,063.23.</p>
<p>“This is a time to be adding risk, not reducing it. We are confident purchases at current prices will prove to be a very good entry point for an eventual move to new all time highs this summer,” wrote Morgan Stanley &amp; Co LLC equity strategists including Michael Wilson early on Monday.</p>
<p>“Friday’s action does not dissuade us.”</p>
<p>The Dow sank more than 1,000 points over the two days ended Friday while the selloff pushed the S&amp;P 500 to within a hair of its 200-day moving average, a key level watched by market tacticians.</p>
<p>Emerging market stocks rose 0.69 percent. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan closed 0.57 percent higher, while Japan’s Nikkei rose 0.72 percent to erase earlier losses.</p>
<p>Fears of a trade war mounted this month after Trump first slapped tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, and then on Thursday specifically targeted China by announcing plans for tariffs on up to $60 billion of Chinese goods.</p> Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York, U.S., March 26, 2018. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid
<p>Signs of potential compromise were also supported by news that South Korea would be exempt from U.S. steel tariffs in a revision of the bilateral trade pact between the two countries. South Korea’s benchmark share index rose 0.84 percent.</p> SIGNS OF FEAR
<p>Benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury notes were little changed, but with yields rising at the front of the curve as the government planned to sell a record high $294 billion of debt this week in a test of investor appetite.</p> FILE PHOTO: Steel pipes are seen before being loaded for export at Lianyungang port, Jiangsu province, China, May 8, 2017. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo
<p>In a sign of fear still hovering in the market, yields on longer-dated Treasury debt were falling at the back end of the curve. Spot gold added 0.6 percent to $1,354.65 an ounce at two-month highs.</p>
<p>The dollar index fell 0.38 percent.</p>
<p>European markets were mixed, with concerns over the formation of a new anti-establishment government in Italy weighing on Southern European debt in particular on Monday, though this was counterbalanced to an extent by a ratings upgrade for Spain late on Friday.</p>
<p>Italian bonds underperformed, with 10-year yields rising as much as 0.055 percentage points on further signs that the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement and the anti-migrant League might explore an alliance to form a government.</p>
<p>The pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 index lost 0.81 percent. But the euro still moved up 0.7 percent to $1.2438.</p>
<p>In commodities, international Brent crude futures were last at $69.32, down 0.7 percent on the day. The possibility of a full-blown trade war had weighed on the energy complex on fears that it could harm oil demand.</p>
<p>Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt; Additional reporting by Abhinav Ramnarayan and Julien Ponthus in London and Swati Pandey in Sydney; Editing by David Goodman and Chizu Nomiyama</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>NORTH CHARLESTON S.C. (Reuters) - Boeing Co ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=BA.N" type="external">BA.N</a>) delivered its first 787-10 Dreamliner to Singapore Airlines ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=SIAL.SI" type="external">SIAL.SI</a>) on Sunday, rounding out a family of lightweight jets on which the U.S. planemaker is betting its future.</p> A Boeing 787-10 aircraft being built for Singapore Airlines sits in the Final Assembly Area before a delivery ceremony of the first Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner at Boeing South Carolina in North Charleston, South Carolina, United States March 25, 2018. REUTERS/Randall Hill
<p>The ceremonial key to the plane was handed to Singapore Airlines Chief Executive Goh Choon Phong on the tarmac at Boeing’s South Carolina plant, where the carbon composite jet is built, in front of more than a thousand Boeing workers and guests.</p>
<p>Goh called it a “beautiful aircraft” and an “unparalleled product for regional operations.”</p>
<p>Boeing Commercial Airplanes Chief Executive Kevin McAllister hailed the two airlines’ 45-year relationship.</p>
<p>Singapore Airlines was the first Southeast Asian carrier to buy Boeing’s 747 jumbo jet in 1972, Goh said, and the group is now the world’s first to operate all the 787 Dreamliner family of models.</p>
<p>The new Dreamliner was parked in front of a line of about 10 787 airplanes in various stages of completion.</p>
<p>Singapore Airlines, which expanded its order for 787-10s to 49 jets last year, plans to introduce the jet on services to Osaka, Japan, followed by Perth, Australia, starting in May.</p>
<p>The 787-10 is built exclusively at the North Charleston plant due to its large size, which prevents the transfer of sections to Boeing’s factory outside Seattle. Unlike the Washington state assembly lines, the plant, which has about 7,000 workers, is not unionized.</p>
<p>The aircraft, which sells for $326 million at list prices, completes a line-up of three models starting with the 787-8 which debuted in 2011. All boast carbon-composite fabrication materials, fuel efficiency and new state-of-the-air filtration systems with higher levels of humidity in the air for long-distance flight.</p> Slideshow (6 Images)
<p>The 787-10’s range is 6,430 nautical miles (11,910 kilometers).</p>
<p>At 223 feet long (68 meters), the aircraft is 18 feet (5.5 meters) longer than the 787-9 and seats around 330 passengers, 40 more than the 787-9 and 88 more than the 787-8.</p>
<p>Europe’s Airbus ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=AIR.PA" type="external">AIR.PA</a>) competes against the 787-10 with its A330neo, an upgraded version of its most-sold wide-body aircraft with fuel-efficient engines and a new cabin.</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=BA.N" type="external">Boeing Co</a> 324.88 BA.N New York Stock Exchange +3.88 (+1.21%) BA.N SIAL.SI AIR.PA AAL.O
<p>Both jets are designed for shorter flights compared with other mid-size wide-body planes, tapping into the rapid growth of trade within Asia as well as across other regions.</p>
<p>But after brisk initial sales, orders for both models have slowed, with Airbus selling 214 of its A330neo.</p>
<p>The 787-10 has 171 orders, about 13 percent of the total of firm orders for the 787.</p>
<p>The mid-sized 787-9 is the most popular variant and competes mainly with Airbus’s new-generation carbon-composite A350.</p>
<p>The 787 and A330neo are locked in a fierce battle for sales and profits in the market for jets with around 300 seats.</p>
<p>Boeing looks poised to win a hotly contested order from American Airlines ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=AAL.O" type="external">AAL.O</a>), beating competition from the A330neo, people familiar with the matter said on Friday.</p>
<p>(This story corrects Boeing executive’s title and first name.)</p>
<p>Reporting by Harriet McLeod; Editing by Daniel Wallis</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Ride-hailing firm Uber Technologies Inc [UBER.UL] has agreed to sell its Southeast Asian business to bigger regional rival Grab, sources with knowledge of the matter said on Sunday, in what would be the U.S. company’s second retreat from Asia.</p> Uber's logo is pictured at its office in Tokyo, Japan, November 27, 2017. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
<p>The deal, which could be announced as early as Monday, marks the industry’s first big consolidation in Southeast Asia, home to about 640 million people, and puts pressure on rivals such as Indonesia’s Go-Jek, backed by Alphabet Inc’s Google and China’s Tencent Holdings Ltd.</p>
<p>As part of the transaction, Uber would get a stake of as much as 30 percent in the combined business, said a source with direct knowledge of the matter who did not want to be identified as the deal is not yet public.</p>
<p>Another source familiar with the deal said Uber would acquire a 25 percent to 30 percent stake in Grab, valuing the entire business at $6 billion, the same valuation it commanded in its most recent capital raising.</p>
<p>Uber and Singapore-based Grab, Southeast Asia’s biggest ride-hailing firm, declined to comment.</p>
<p>Expectations of consolidation in Asia’s fiercely competitive ride-hailing industry were stoked earlier this year when Japan’s SoftBank Group Corp made a multi-billion dollar investment in Uber.</p>
<p>SoftBank is also one of the main investors in several of Uber’s rivals, including Grab, China’s Didi Chuxing, and India’s Ola.</p>
<p>Ride-hailing companies throughout Asia have relied on discounts and promotions to attract both riders and drivers in the fast-growing market, driving down profit margins.</p>
<p>Uber, which is preparing for a potential initial public offering in 2019, lost $4.5 billion last year and is facing fierce competition at home and in Asia, as well as a regulatory crackdown in Europe.</p> FILE PHOTO: New hires relax at a lounge area in a Grab office in Singapore September 23, 2016. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo
<p>It is also recovering from a year of scandals that saw co-founder Travis Kalanick forced out as chief executive in June amid U.S. criminal inquiries and a workplace marred by sexual harassment allegations.</p>
<p>SoftBank gained two seats on Uber’s board of directors through its investment and has said it wants the company to focus on growing in the United States, Europe, Latin America and Australia, but not in Asia, due to the lack of profitability.</p>
<p>Uber’s CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said at a conference in New York in November that the company’s Asia operations were not going to be “profitable any time soon,” particularly because of how heavily Uber was subsidizing rides there.</p>
<p>“The economics of that market are not what we want them to be,” he said at the time.</p>
<p>Khosrowshahi, who took over the top job at Uber in August, has been working to clean up the company’s financials ahead taking it public.</p>
<p>Still, during a visit to India in February, he pledged to continue investing aggressively in Southeast Asia.</p>
<p>Now that Uber is pulling out of Southeast Asia, attention may turn to the company’s operations in India, which accounts for more than 10 percent of Uber’s trips globally, but is not making money yet.</p>
<p>Uber’s deal with Grab would be similar to the one struck in China in 2016, when a bruising price war ended in Didi Chuxing buying out Uber’s China business in return for a stake in the company.</p>
<p>Grab raised about $2.5 billion last July from Didi, SoftBank and others in a deal valuing the company at around $6 billion. Bloomberg first reported the deal.</p>
<p>Reporting by Anshuman Daga; Additional reporting by Greg Roumeliotis and John McCrank in New York, and Heather Somerville in San Francisco; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and Grant McCool</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>NEW YORK (Reuters) - Crude oil futures slipped on Monday as investors cashed in some profits from last week’s rally but concerns about Saudi-Iran tensions kept losses in check.</p> FILE PHOTO: An oil pump is seen operating in the Permian Basin near Midland, Texas, U.S., May 3, 2017. REUTERS/Ernest Scheyder/File Photo
<p>Brent crude futures LCOc1 were down 35 cents at $70.10 a barrel by 1:05 p.m. EDT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures CLc1 lost 47 cents to $65.41.</p>
<p>Last week, Brent gained 6.4 percent and WTI rose 5.7 percent, the strongest weekly gains since July.</p>
<p>“I don’t see anything extraordinarily bearish in the market today. I think some folks here are just ... happy to take profits,” said Bob Yawger, director of energy futures at Mizuho in New York.</p>
<p>Although crude and product futures slipped on Monday, most share prices for energy companies, especially refiners, were up, Yawger said. The S&amp;P Energy Index .SPNY was up 0.7 percent.</p>
<p>Global stocks came off six-week lows on reports that the United States and China were set to begin trade talks, easing fears about a trade war. Analysts had been concerned that a trade war could hurt oil demand.</p>
<p>U.S. President Donald Trump last week signed a memorandum that could impose tariffs on up to $60 billion of imports from China.</p>
<p>“The (oil) market is pulling back after pushing strongly high last week. I think the $70 level in Brent, $67 for WTI ... start to trigger worries of increased U.S. production levels,” said Gene McGillian, manager of market research at Tradition Energy in Stamford, Connecticut.</p>
<p>The number of active U.S. oil rigs rose to a three-year high of 804 last week, implying further rises in future production. C-OUT-T-EIA</p>
<p>“With U.S. crude production likely to be close to 10.5 million barrels per day by now and NGL (natural gas liquids) output also increasing strongly, there is a clear chance that year-on-year supply growth in the U.S. could at least temporarily hit 2 million bpd over the summer months,” JBC analysts wrote.</p>
<p>The market found some support from rising Middle East tensions.</p>
<p>Saudi air defenses shot down ballistic missiles fired by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi militia on Sunday, some of which targeted Saudi capital Riyadh.</p>
<p>In Asia, Shanghai crude oil futures made a strong debut in terms of volume as investors and commodity merchants bought into the world’s newest financial oil trading instrument.</p>
<p>Hedge funds and other money managers raised their net long U.S. crude futures and options positions in the week to March 20 after two weeks of cutting bullish bets, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) said on Friday.</p>
<p>Additional reporting by Ahmad Ghaddar in London and Henning Gloystein in Singapore; Editing by Marguerita Choy and David Gregorio</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
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london reuters hedge funds bet fall share price ocado taken hit online retailer unveiled new international technology deal sent stock fifth canadian retailer sobeys agreed use ocados ecommerce technology expand online business follows similar deal november ocado french rival casino also helped boost ocados shares ocado favoured short bet amongst hedge funds throughout 2017 partly divergent views among investors whether company food retailer technology provider able command high valuation short selling occurs fund borrows shares sells hoping buy back later date lower price returning booking profit according market data provider astec analytics around 10 percent companys shares held short sellers number ocado shares loan fallen around quarter midnovember high around 85 million casino deal announced around 60 million heading weekend data astec analytics showed number hedge funds still heavily invested around 60 percent shares put loan pension funds longterm investors actually loan hedge funds data showed regulatory filings close business friday showed 10 funds short positions ocado shares excess 05 percent issued share capital level british finance industry regulator financial conduct authority requires disclosure funds also make public announcement every 01 percent increase decrease level biggest position heading monday held discovery capital management 31 percent fca said big holders included gmt capital corp 23 percent short position marshall wace 17 percent jpmorgan asset management 11 percent position fca data showed shares surged 238 pounds november close last week 413 pounds rise 74 percent david lewis astec analytics said short sellers made substantial sums rollercoasterlike performance companys share price hurriedly closing positions shares recover many shares loan positive news potential spook funds trying buy back shares fuelling share price gains known short squeeze 1445 gmt shares ocado 20 percent every fund short position ocado tried exit trade time would take around 247 days based average daily traded volume shares astec analytics data showed reporting simon jessop editing jane merriman standards thomson reuters trust principles new york reuters stocks united states japan emerging markets rose monday reflecting optimism united states china set begin negotiations trade mscis world equity index tracks shares 47 countries touched lowest level since feb 9 buoyed 081 percent gain wall street journal report us treasury secretary steven mnuchin considering visit beijing begin negotiations hope rapprochement countries abbreviated markets hangover trade war pitting worlds two largest economies one another dow jones industrial average rose 30237 points 128 percent 2383557 sampp 500 gained 2569 points 099 percent 261395 nasdaq composite added 7057 points 101 percent 706323 time adding risk reducing confident purchases current prices prove good entry point eventual move new time highs summer wrote morgan stanley amp co llc equity strategists including michael wilson early monday fridays action dissuade us dow sank 1000 points two days ended friday selloff pushed sampp 500 within hair 200day moving average key level watched market tacticians emerging market stocks rose 069 percent mscis broadest index asiapacific shares outside japan closed 057 percent higher japans nikkei rose 072 percent erase earlier losses fears trade war mounted month trump first slapped tariffs steel aluminum imports thursday specifically targeted china announcing plans tariffs 60 billion chinese goods traders work floor new york stock exchange nyse new york us march 26 2018 reutersbrendan mcdermid signs potential compromise also supported news south korea would exempt us steel tariffs revision bilateral trade pact two countries south koreas benchmark share index rose 084 percent signs fear benchmark 10year us treasury notes little changed yields rising front curve government planned sell record high 294 billion debt week test investor appetite file photo steel pipes seen loaded export lianyungang port jiangsu province china may 8 2017 reutersstringerfile photo sign fear still hovering market yields longerdated treasury debt falling back end curve spot gold added 06 percent 135465 ounce twomonth highs dollar index fell 038 percent european markets mixed concerns formation new antiestablishment government italy weighing southern european debt particular monday though counterbalanced extent ratings upgrade spain late friday italian bonds underperformed 10year yields rising much 0055 percentage points signs antiestablishment 5star movement antimigrant league might explore alliance form government paneuropean ftseurofirst 300 index lost 081 percent euro still moved 07 percent 12438 commodities international brent crude futures last 6932 07 percent day possibility fullblown trade war weighed energy complex fears could harm oil demand reporting trevor hunnicutt additional reporting abhinav ramnarayan julien ponthus london swati pandey sydney editing david goodman chizu nomiyama standards thomson reuters trust principles north charleston sc reuters boeing co ban delivered first 78710 dreamliner singapore airlines sialsi sunday rounding family lightweight jets us planemaker betting future boeing 78710 aircraft built singapore airlines sits final assembly area delivery ceremony first boeing 78710 dreamliner boeing south carolina north charleston south carolina united states march 25 2018 reutersrandall hill ceremonial key plane handed singapore airlines chief executive goh choon phong tarmac boeings south carolina plant carbon composite jet built front thousand boeing workers guests goh called beautiful aircraft unparalleled product regional operations boeing commercial airplanes chief executive kevin mcallister hailed two airlines 45year relationship singapore airlines first southeast asian carrier buy boeings 747 jumbo jet 1972 goh said group worlds first operate 787 dreamliner family models new dreamliner parked front line 10 787 airplanes various stages completion singapore airlines expanded order 78710s 49 jets last year plans introduce jet services osaka japan followed perth australia starting may 78710 built exclusively north charleston plant due large size prevents transfer sections boeings factory outside seattle unlike washington state assembly lines plant 7000 workers unionized aircraft sells 326 million list prices completes lineup three models starting 7878 debuted 2011 boast carboncomposite fabrication materials fuel efficiency new stateoftheair filtration systems higher levels humidity air longdistance flight slideshow 6 images 78710s range 6430 nautical miles 11910 kilometers 223 feet long 68 meters aircraft 18 feet 55 meters longer 7879 seats around 330 passengers 40 7879 88 7878 europes airbus airpa competes 78710 a330neo upgraded version mostsold widebody aircraft fuelefficient engines new cabin boeing co 32488 ban new york stock exchange 388 121 ban sialsi airpa aalo jets designed shorter flights compared midsize widebody planes tapping rapid growth trade within asia well across regions brisk initial sales orders models slowed airbus selling 214 a330neo 78710 171 orders 13 percent total firm orders 787 midsized 7879 popular variant competes mainly airbuss newgeneration carboncomposite a350 787 a330neo locked fierce battle sales profits market jets around 300 seats boeing looks poised win hotly contested order american airlines aalo beating competition a330neo people familiar matter said friday story corrects boeing executives title first name reporting harriet mcleod editing daniel wallis standards thomson reuters trust principles singapore reuters ridehailing firm uber technologies inc uberul agreed sell southeast asian business bigger regional rival grab sources knowledge matter said sunday would us companys second retreat asia ubers logo pictured office tokyo japan november 27 2017 reuterskim kyunghoon deal could announced early monday marks industrys first big consolidation southeast asia home 640 million people puts pressure rivals indonesias gojek backed alphabet incs google chinas tencent holdings ltd part transaction uber would get stake much 30 percent combined business said source direct knowledge matter want identified deal yet public another source familiar deal said uber would acquire 25 percent 30 percent stake grab valuing entire business 6 billion valuation commanded recent capital raising uber singaporebased grab southeast asias biggest ridehailing firm declined comment expectations consolidation asias fiercely competitive ridehailing industry stoked earlier year japans softbank group corp made multibillion dollar investment uber softbank also one main investors several ubers rivals including grab chinas didi chuxing indias ola ridehailing companies throughout asia relied discounts promotions attract riders drivers fastgrowing market driving profit margins uber preparing potential initial public offering 2019 lost 45 billion last year facing fierce competition home asia well regulatory crackdown europe file photo new hires relax lounge area grab office singapore september 23 2016 reutersedgar sufile photo also recovering year scandals saw cofounder travis kalanick forced chief executive june amid us criminal inquiries workplace marred sexual harassment allegations softbank gained two seats ubers board directors investment said wants company focus growing united states europe latin america australia asia due lack profitability ubers ceo dara khosrowshahi said conference new york november companys asia operations going profitable time soon particularly heavily uber subsidizing rides economics market want said time khosrowshahi took top job uber august working clean companys financials ahead taking public still visit india february pledged continue investing aggressively southeast asia uber pulling southeast asia attention may turn companys operations india accounts 10 percent ubers trips globally making money yet ubers deal grab would similar one struck china 2016 bruising price war ended didi chuxing buying ubers china business return stake company grab raised 25 billion last july didi softbank others deal valuing company around 6 billion bloomberg first reported deal reporting anshuman daga additional reporting greg roumeliotis john mccrank new york heather somerville san francisco editing lisa shumaker grant mccool standards thomson reuters trust principles new york reuters crude oil futures slipped monday investors cashed profits last weeks rally concerns saudiiran tensions kept losses check file photo oil pump seen operating permian basin near midland texas us may 3 2017 reutersernest scheyderfile photo brent crude futures lcoc1 35 cents 7010 barrel 105 pm edt us west texas intermediate wti crude futures clc1 lost 47 cents 6541 last week brent gained 64 percent wti rose 57 percent strongest weekly gains since july dont see anything extraordinarily bearish market today think folks happy take profits said bob yawger director energy futures mizuho new york although crude product futures slipped monday share prices energy companies especially refiners yawger said sampp energy index spny 07 percent global stocks came sixweek lows reports united states china set begin trade talks easing fears trade war analysts concerned trade war could hurt oil demand us president donald trump last week signed memorandum could impose tariffs 60 billion imports china oil market pulling back pushing strongly high last week think 70 level brent 67 wti start trigger worries increased us production levels said gene mcgillian manager market research tradition energy stamford connecticut number active us oil rigs rose threeyear high 804 last week implying rises future production coutteia us crude production likely close 105 million barrels per day ngl natural gas liquids output also increasing strongly clear chance yearonyear supply growth us could least temporarily hit 2 million bpd summer months jbc analysts wrote market found support rising middle east tensions saudi air defenses shot ballistic missiles fired yemens iranaligned houthi militia sunday targeted saudi capital riyadh asia shanghai crude oil futures made strong debut terms volume investors commodity merchants bought worlds newest financial oil trading instrument hedge funds money managers raised net long us crude futures options positions week march 20 two weeks cutting bullish bets us commodity futures trading commission cftc said friday additional reporting ahmad ghaddar london henning gloystein singapore editing marguerita choy david gregorio standards thomson reuters trust principles
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<p>The Tea Party movement is at a crossroads. &#160;It will either morph into a viable, third party by 2012, or it will fade away as most populist movements do. &#160;It will either develop into a platform of credible fiscal conservatism and constitutional fidelity, or it will be co-opted by GOP bigwigs whose sole agenda lies in bashing President Obama, Speaker Pelosi, and Senator Reid.</p>
<p>CNN ran a thought provoking <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/12/07/tea.party/index.html" type="external">article</a> exploring the direction of the Tea Party movement. &#160;There are growing concerns that the populist movement is internally fractured, caught between GOP elites and legitimate grassroots protestors. &#160;What originated as a strictly grassroots outcry against big government, big spending, and constitutional infidelity, was in part co-opted by the likes of GOP figureheads and Fox News. &#160;Soon, protests became a forum to bash Obama and the Democrats, while ignoring the huge deficits, massive debt, Dollar devaluation, and Wall St. bailouts of the Bush administration and a largely Republican Congress.</p>
<p>To be completely accurate, the present Tea Party movement owes its existence to Ron Paul, a divisive figure among current Tea Party activists. &#160;In late 2007, his historic, grassroots presidential campaign raised $4.3 million on November 5 and a record setting $6 million on December 16, the date of the original Boston Tea Party. &#160;Tens of thousands of individuals, all across the political spectrum, donated to the “Champion of the Constitution” and the most fiscally conservative member of Congress, without any help from Fox News or the GOP establishment. Dick Armey, Newt Gingrich, Sean Hannity, Sarah Palin, or Michelle Bachmann didn’t promote or participate in these purely, grassroots driven events.&#160;</p>
<p>Fast forward to 2009, and with President Obama and a Democratic Congress in charge, suddenly the GOP leadership and Fox News come out of the woodworks. &#160;Millions of tea party protestors take to the streets to criticize the big government, big deficits, and huge debt of Barack Obama. &#160;Suddenly, deficits, debt, a weak Dollar, and ever expanding government mattered, even though deficits, debt, a weak Dollar, and ever expanding government were signatures of the Bush administration.</p>
<p>Liberal pundits and independent voters were rightly skeptical. &#160;Where were these protestors during the Bush era? &#160;The protestors were now mocking Congress for not reading novel length bills before voting on them, but why were they not protesting when Congress passed a 300+ page Patriot Act that no one even read? &#160;The protests, though impressive in number, presented a stridently partisan image to skeptics and astute observers.</p>
<p>Now, one major tea party group is set to hold a major convention in February 2010. &#160;Sarah Palin will be the keynote speaker. &#160;Will Palin emerge as the face of the Tea Party? &#160;She’s certainly a celebrity among many GOP circles, but her performance as a vice presidential candidate and her extremely brief tenure as Alaska Governor raise many questions. &#160;And for Tea Party activists, what about her fellowship with John McCain, the candidate who fully supported the $700 billion Wall St. bailout and whose policies were projected to continue the big deficits and massive debt of George W. Bush?</p>
<p>Or, will Newt Gingrich emerge as the Tea Party leader? &#160;Newt is extremely popular in conservative circles and is currently heading up American Solutions, a nonpartisan think tank. &#160;He was instrumental in crafting balanced budgets during the latter years of the Clinton administration, although his ethics violations and marital indiscretions undermine his moral credibility. &#160;In addition, Tea Party activists should know that Gingrich would have “reluctantly” voted “yes” on the $700 billion Wall St. bailout. &#160;He, like Palin, also advocates virtually unlimited military spending, even though unchecked military spending was largely responsible for the big deficits and massive debt of the Reagan and George W. Bush administrations.</p>
<p>Will Ron Paul or someone of his ilk lead the charge and turn the tea party movement into a viable, third party? &#160;Dr. Paul has inspired a whole new slate of state and federal candidates to run in 2010, and his status has grown since he was the only presidential candidate to predict the economic crisis. &#160;His brand carries the potential to appeal to a broad base of Republicans, Independents, Democrats, and Third Party groups, but thus far, his advocacy of a more limited, cost-effective foreign policy remains repugnant to a significant portion of the GOP base. &#160;The GOP establishment also detests Paul, because he was quite open in his criticism of several of the party’s policies during the 2007-2008 presidential election, though it is this honesty and eminent credibility that could expand his movement’s following across party lines.</p>
<p>At this time, the Tea Party is up for grabs. &#160;Three, distinct possibilities exist. &#160;First, it could fade away into the sunset as most grassroots movements sadly do. &#160;Second, it could splinter into a “Bush-lite” faction with a celebrity type leader and a platform that talks a big game about limited government, the Constitution, and fiscal conservatism, but in reality, is not all that different in practice. Third, it could splinter into a more independent-libertarian faction with a leader who takes on the party establishment on both sides of the aisle and offers a whole new, fiscally conservative vision for domestic and foreign policy.</p>
<p>Over the next couple of years, we should get our answer.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
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tea party movement crossroads 160it either morph viable third party 2012 fade away populist movements 160it either develop platform credible fiscal conservatism constitutional fidelity coopted gop bigwigs whose sole agenda lies bashing president obama speaker pelosi senator reid cnn ran thought provoking article exploring direction tea party movement 160there growing concerns populist movement internally fractured caught gop elites legitimate grassroots protestors 160what originated strictly grassroots outcry big government big spending constitutional infidelity part coopted likes gop figureheads fox news 160soon protests became forum bash obama democrats ignoring huge deficits massive debt dollar devaluation wall st bailouts bush administration largely republican congress completely accurate present tea party movement owes existence ron paul divisive figure among current tea party activists 160in late 2007 historic grassroots presidential campaign raised 43 million november 5 record setting 6 million december 16 date original boston tea party 160tens thousands individuals across political spectrum donated champion constitution fiscally conservative member congress without help fox news gop establishment dick armey newt gingrich sean hannity sarah palin michelle bachmann didnt promote participate purely grassroots driven events160 fast forward 2009 president obama democratic congress charge suddenly gop leadership fox news come woodworks 160millions tea party protestors take streets criticize big government big deficits huge debt barack obama 160suddenly deficits debt weak dollar ever expanding government mattered even though deficits debt weak dollar ever expanding government signatures bush administration liberal pundits independent voters rightly skeptical 160where protestors bush era 160the protestors mocking congress reading novel length bills voting protesting congress passed 300 page patriot act one even read 160the protests though impressive number presented stridently partisan image skeptics astute observers one major tea party group set hold major convention february 2010 160sarah palin keynote speaker 160will palin emerge face tea party 160shes certainly celebrity among many gop circles performance vice presidential candidate extremely brief tenure alaska governor raise many questions 160and tea party activists fellowship john mccain candidate fully supported 700 billion wall st bailout whose policies projected continue big deficits massive debt george w bush newt gingrich emerge tea party leader 160newt extremely popular conservative circles currently heading american solutions nonpartisan think tank 160he instrumental crafting balanced budgets latter years clinton administration although ethics violations marital indiscretions undermine moral credibility 160in addition tea party activists know gingrich would reluctantly voted yes 700 billion wall st bailout 160he like palin also advocates virtually unlimited military spending even though unchecked military spending largely responsible big deficits massive debt reagan george w bush administrations ron paul someone ilk lead charge turn tea party movement viable third party 160dr paul inspired whole new slate state federal candidates run 2010 status grown since presidential candidate predict economic crisis 160his brand carries potential appeal broad base republicans independents democrats third party groups thus far advocacy limited costeffective foreign policy remains repugnant significant portion gop base 160the gop establishment also detests paul quite open criticism several partys policies 20072008 presidential election though honesty eminent credibility could expand movements following across party lines time tea party grabs 160three distinct possibilities exist 160first could fade away sunset grassroots movements sadly 160second could splinter bushlite faction celebrity type leader platform talks big game limited government constitution fiscal conservatism reality different practice third could splinter independentlibertarian faction leader takes party establishment sides aisle offers whole new fiscally conservative vision domestic foreign policy next couple years get answer 160
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<p>Jan 25 (Reuters) - Cross Country Healthcare Inc:</p>
<p>* CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE ANNOUNCES ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGES TO SUPPORT EXPANDED NATIONWIDE PLATFORM AND ENHANCE OPERATIONAL FOCUS</p>
<p>* CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE INC - ‍COMPANY HAS CREATED ROLE OF CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER​</p>
<p>* CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE INC - ‍CROSS COUNTRY STAFFING, COMPANY’S LEGACY NURSE AND ALLIED BUSINESS, HAS BEEN SPLIT INTO TWO DIVISIONS​</p>
<p>* CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE INC - ‍WILLIAM J. BURNS, COMPANY’S FORMER EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, CFO, APPOINTED AS EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, COO Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage:</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>(Reuters) - The FBI has reminded parcel delivery companies in the United States to follow “established protocols” for handling suspicious packages following a bomb blast at a FedEx Corp ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=FDX.N" type="external">FDX.N</a>) sorting facility in Texas, an agency spokeswoman said on Wednesday.</p> Law enforcement personnel investigate the surroundings of a house linked to the bomber in Pflugerville, Texas, U.S., March 21, 2018. REUTERS/Loren Elliott
<p>A three-week bombing spree, which sent a shiver through the Texas capital of Austin and rattled the rest of the country, raised fears about the possibility of other attackers via package delivery.</p>
<p>“In light of the bombings in Austin the FBI has reached out to our private-sector partners to remind them of established protocols of how to handle suspicious packages,” Federal Bureau of Investigation spokeswoman Lindsay Ram said by email.</p>
<p>There was no suggestion by the FBI that FedEx had not followed protocols to the letter.</p>
<p>Federal prosecutors said on Wednesday they had charged Mark Conditt of Pflugerville, Texas, with unlawful possession and transfer of a destructive device before he blew himself up as police closed in on his vehicle.</p>
<p>FedEx, United Parcel Service Inc ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=UPS.N" type="external">UPS.N</a>) and other couriers collect a vast amount of data on packages in their systems. Some of the information may have helped identify the man who carried out the bombings, a FedEx executive said.</p>
<p>FedEx Chief Operations Officer David Bronczek told employees in an internal memo seen by Reuters that the company provided “key evidence” to law enforcement officials on identifying the suspect.</p>
<p>The FBI’s Ram did not elaborate on whether the agency was concerned about other deadly packages that may have slipped into a mail network that handles roughly 40 million parcels daily in the United States.</p>
<p>FedEx was taking the extraordinary step of screening every package at the sorting facility outside Austin where a parcel bomb exploded on a conveyor belt on Tuesday. It was also x-raying entire trailers filled with packages at that location and other trailers with packages originating from central Texas, a FedEx manager said.</p>
<p>FedEx spokesman Jim McCluskey declined to comment on package screening and on the evidence FedEx provided authorities.</p>
<p>Like FedEx, UPS shipping terms and conditions allow employees to open and inspect packages, and the companies train employees on how to respond if they see packages that look suspicious or may contain drugs.</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=FDX.N" type="external">FedEx Corp</a> 249.02 FDX.N New York Stock Exchange -2.97 (-1.18%) FDX.N UPS.N
<p>FedEx and UPS have so far not described steps they may take to expand screening.</p>
<p>UPS spokesman Glenn Zaccara said the company constantly evaluates and adjusts its security measures, but does not discuss them in order to maintain their effectiveness.</p>
<p>The United States Postal Service said in a statement that although it appeared none of the devices in Austin were sent through the U.S. mail, USPS reminded employees and customers to be observant about suspicious packages.</p>
<p>Inspectors in its Dangerous Mail Investigations Program “are trained to recognize the common characteristics of suspicious mail and are highly proficient in the use of state-of-the-art equipment to include portable X-ray machines,” the USPS said.</p>
<p>The FedEx manager said in-bound international shipments are screened by x-ray or bomb-sniffing dogs, and said the Texas blast could lead to changes in domestic security screening.</p>
<p>Airport-like security measures inside package sorting facilities and retail locations would be a costly and unnecessary step that would paralyze operations, particularly given the rarity of package bombs, said Satish Jindel, a founder of the delivery company that became FedEx Ground.</p>
<p>Reporting by Eric M. Johnson; Additional reporting by Mark Hosenball; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and Grant McCool</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (Reuters) - The Texas man who police say carried out a three-week deadly bombing spree made a 25-minute video “confession” on his phone, which authorities recovered after he blew himself up on Wednesday as officers closed in to make an arrest.</p>
<p>Mark Conditt, 23, an unemployed man from the Austin suburb of Pflugerville, detailed how he made all seven bombs that have been accounted for - five that exploded in public, one that was recovered before it went off, and a seventh that he detonated as police rushed his vehicle early on Wednesday.</p>
<p>“He does not at all mention anything about terrorism, nor does he mention anything about hate, but instead it is the outcry of a very challenged young man, talking about challenges in his personal life,” Austin Police Chief Brian Manley told reporters.</p>
<p>“I would classify this as a confession,” Manley said.</p>
<p>Conditt, who had never before been in trouble with the law, killed two people and wounded five with a campaign of violence that began on March 2, authorities said.</p>
<p>Police recovered a “target list” of addresses for future attacks, the Los Angeles Times reported, citing U.S. Representative Michael McCaul of Texas, the Republican chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee.</p>
<p>But the video indicated there were no more devices unaccounted for.</p>
<p>Conditt likely made the video between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Tuesday. According to Manley, Conditt said he believed police were getting close to him, and he was right. Authorities filed a criminal complaint and issued an arrest warrant around that time.</p>
<p>By Wednesday morning, police had tracked Conditt to a hotel and were waiting for the arrival of tactical units and equipment before they planned to make an arrest, Manley said. But then Conditt drove away.</p>
<p>Police followed and decided to stop him before he got on the highway. Just as officers approached the vehicle, the explosion went off, Manley said. There was also some police shooting.</p>
<p>“This can never be called a happy ending, but it’s a damn good one for the people of this community, the people of the state of Texas,” Travis County District Attorney Margaret Moore told reporters.</p> Texas blast suspect Mark Anthony Conditt is seen in this undated handout photo released by Austin Community College in Austin, Texas, U.S. March 21, 2018. Austin Community College/Handout via REUTERS
<p>There was a sense of relief in Austin, the Texas state capital of 1 million people, which is a liberal enclave of university students and tech companies.</p>
<p>“I am going to be leery and extra careful tomorrow at work, but I feel relieved now,” said Jesus Borjon, 44, an employee of parcel delivery firm UPS, who lives in Pflugerville.</p> TRAIL OF CLUES
<p>The trail of clues leading investigators to the serial bomber ranged from store receipts and fragments of booby-trapped packages to surveillance video of the suspect in a hat and wig.</p> Slideshow (28 Images)
<p>Experts scoured the suspect’s home for further evidence on Wednesday, removing bomb components.</p>
<p>“I wouldn’t call it a bomb-making factory, but there’s definitely components consistent with what we’ve seen in all these other devices,” Fred Milanowski, special agent in charge of Houston office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, told reporters.</p>
<p>Investigators evacuated a four-block radius around Conditt’s house while they searched the home, which Conditt shared with two roommates who had been detained for questioning. Conditt moved in a year ago after leaving his parents’ home about a mile (1.6 km) away, public records showed.</p>
<p>One law enforcement official involved in the investigation but speaking on condition of anonymity told Reuters that some of the materials found in remnants of the bombs were traced back to where they had been sold.</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-texas-blast-fbi/fbi-asks-delivery-companies-to-be-more-careful-handling-suspicious-packages-idUSKBN1GX2XB" type="external">FBI asks delivery companies to be more careful handling suspicious packages</a>
<a href="/article/us-texas-blast-fedex/fbi-reminds-couriers-on-suspicious-package-protocols-after-texas-bombings-idUSKBN1GX2AR" type="external">FBI reminds couriers on suspicious package protocols after Texas bombings</a>
<p>The source also said investigators, once they had identified Conditt as a potential suspect, obtained a warrant to monitor his Google search history.</p>
<p>Surveillance video showed the suspect in a hat and a blond wig, as he prepared to ship one of two booby-trapped packages he was known to have sent through FedEx Corp’s delivery service, according to the source.</p>
<p>He used the alias “Kelly Killmore” to ship those packages, ABC News reported, citing unnamed law enforcement sources.</p>
<p>Conditt, who was home-schooled, described himself as a conservative but said he was not politically inclined, according to blog posts he wrote as part of a U.S. politics class at Austin Community College. He attended from 2010 to 2012 and had no record of any disciplinary actions, the school said.</p>
<p>Reporting by Jon Herskovitz; Additional reporting by Jim Forsyth in San Antonio, Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee, Mark Hosenball in Washington, and Jonathan Allen and Gina Cherelus in New York;Writing by Daniel Trotta; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien and Peter Cooney</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg said on Wednesday that his company made mistakes in how it handled data belonging to 50 million of its users and promised tougher steps to restrict developers’ access to such information.</p>
<p>The world’s largest social media network is facing growing government scrutiny in Europe and the United States about a whistleblower’s allegations that London-based political consultancy Cambridge Analytica improperly accessed user information to build profiles on American voters which were later used to help elect U.S. President Donald Trump in 2016.</p>
<p>Zuckerberg, in his first public comments since the scandal erupted at the weekend, said in a post on Facebook that the company "made mistakes, there's more to do, and we need to step up and do it." ( <a href="http://bit.ly/2DHAlUJ" type="external">bit.ly/2DHAlUJ</a>)</p>
<p>He did not elaborate on what the mistakes were, but he said the social network plans to conduct an investigation of apps on its platform, restrict developer access to data, and give members a tool that lets them more easily disable access to their Facebook data.</p>
<p>His plans did not represent a big reduction of advertisers’ ability to use Facebook data, which is the company’s lifeblood.</p>
<p>Zuckerberg later told CNN, “This was a major breach of trust. I’m really sorry this happened. We have a basic responsibility to protect people’s data.”</p>
<p>He told CNN that Facebook was committed to stopping interference in the U.S. midterm election in November and elections in India and Brazil.</p>
<p>Zuckerberg said he was open to additional government regulation and happy to testify before the U.S. Congress if he was the right person.</p>
<p>“I’m not sure we shouldn’t be regulated,” he said. “I actually think the question is more what is the right regulation rather than yes or no, should it be regulated? ... People should know who is buying the ads that they see on Facebook.”</p>
<p>Facebook shares pared gains on Wednesday after Zuckerberg’s post, closing up 0.7 percent. The company has lost more than $45 billion of its stock market value over the past three days on investor fears that any failure by big tech firms to protect personal data could deter advertisers and users and invite tougher regulation.</p>
<p>Facebook representatives including Deputy Chief Privacy Officer Rob Sherman met U.S. congressional staff for nearly two hours on Wednesday and planned to continue meetings on Capitol Hill on Thursday. Facebook was unable to answer many questions, two aides who attended the briefing said.</p>
<p>Zuckerberg told the website Recode that fixes to protect users' data would cost "many millions of dollars." ( <a href="http://bit.ly/2IJbYJS" type="external">bit.ly/2IJbYJS</a>)</p>
<p>The whistleblower who launched the scandal, Christopher Wylie, formerly of Cambridge Analytica, said in a tweet that he had accepted invitations to testify before U.S. and UK lawmakers.</p> Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg speaks during the Alumni Exercises following the 366th Commencement Exercises at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., May 25, 2017. REUTERS/Brian Snyder
<p>The German government said Facebook must explain whether the personal data of the country’s 30 million users were protected from unlawful use by third parties, according to a report in the Funke group of German regional newspapers.</p> ‘SCAPEGOAT’
<p>On Tuesday, the board of Cambridge Analytica suspended its Chief Executive Alexander Nix, who was caught in a secret recording boasting that his company played a decisive role in Trump’s victory.</p>
<p>But the academic who provided the data disputed that on Wednesday.</p> Slideshow (5 Images)
<p>“I think what Cambridge Analytica has tried to sell is magic, and they’ve made claims that this is incredibly accurate and it tells you everything there is to tell about you. But I think the reality is it’s not that,” psychologist Aleksandr Kogan, an academic at Cambridge University, told the BBC in an interview broadcast on Wednesday.</p>
<p>Kogan, who gathered the data by running a survey app on Facebook, also said that he was being made a scapegoat by Facebook and Cambridge Analytica. Both companies have blamed Kogan for alleged data misuse.</p>
<p>Only 300,000 Facebook users responded to Kogan’s quiz, but that gave the researcher access to those people’s Facebook friends as well, who had not agreed to share information, producing details on 50 million users.</p>
<p>Facebook has said it subsequently made changes that prevent people from sharing data about friends, and maintains that no data breach occurred because the original users gave permission. Critics say that it essentially was a breach because data of unsuspecting friends was taken.</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-facebook-cambridge-analytica-leave-eu/what-are-the-links-between-cambridge-analytica-and-a-brexit-campaign-group-idUSKBN1GX2IO" type="external">What are the links between Cambridge Analytica and a Brexit campaign group?</a>
<a href="/article/us-facebook-cambridge-analytica-germany/germany-summons-facebook-over-user-data-safety-concerns-report-idUSKBN1GY006" type="external">Germany summons Facebook over user data safety concerns: report</a>
<a href="/article/us-facebook-cambridge-analytica-brazil/brazil-prosecutors-open-investigation-into-cambridge-analytica-idUSKBN1GX35A" type="external">Brazil prosecutors open investigation into Cambridge Analytica</a>
<p>Facebook banned Cambridge Analytica from using any of Facebook’s services on Friday.</p>
<p>Zuckerberg said the company “will restrict developers’ data access even further to prevent other kinds of abuse” and that the company is working with regulators as they investigate what happened.</p>
<p>Many analysts have now raised concerns that the incident will have a negative impact on user engagement with Facebook, potentially reducing its clout with advertisers. Three Wall Street brokerages cut their price targets.</p>
<p>“Investors now have to consider whether or not the company will conclude that it has grown in a manner that has proven to be untenable or whether it needs to significantly improve how it is managed,” said Pivotal Research Group analyst Brian Wieser.</p>
<p>Facebook shares are down more than 8 percent since Friday. The company has risen more than 550 percent in value in the past five years.</p>
<p>Reporting by David Ingram; Additional reporting by Dustin Volz and David Shepardson in Washington and Kate Holton in London; Writing by Susan Thomas; Editing by Bill Rigby and Lisa Shumaker</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Republican candidate in a close U.S. House of Representatives special election on March 13 in Pennsylvania conceded to his Democratic opponent on Wednesday, cementing a Democratic upset in a long-time Republican area that President Donald Trump handily won in 2016.</p> U.S. Democratic congressional candidate Conor Lamb is greeted by supporters during his election night rally in Pennsylvania's 18th U.S. Congressional district special election against Republican candidate and State Rep. Rick Saccone, in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, March 13, 2018. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid
<p>In an ominous sign for Trump’s Republicans eight months before national midterm elections, moderate Democrat Conor Lamb led conservative Rick Saccone by a fraction of a percentage point in the race for the southwestern Pennsylvania seat.</p>
<p>Trump won the district by almost 20 points in the presidential election. He campaigned for Saccone, who started the race well ahead of Lamb.</p>
<p>“Just got off the phone with my opponent, @RickSaccone4PA, who congratulated me &amp; graciously conceded last Tuesday’s election,” Lamb said on Twitter.</p>
<p>An official at Saccone’s campaign confirmed the candidate had conceded.</p>
<p>The earliest the final election result could be certified is March 26, but the final tally could be unknown for weeks.</p> U.S. Democratic congressional candidate Conor Lamb is greeted by supporters during his election night rally in Pennsylvania's 18th U.S. Congressional district special election against Republican candidate and State Rep. Rick Saccone, in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, March 13, 2018. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid
<p>Lamb led Saccone by 627 votes unofficially, state returns showed last week; Lamb had 49.8 percent of the vote and Saccone 49.6 percent.</p>
<p>House Republicans had called the race unique, noting that Lamb, 33, a Marine Corps veteran, had distanced himself from his party’s leaders and staked out positions to the right of many Democrats.</p>
<p>The patchwork of small towns, farms and Pittsburgh suburbs that make up Pennsylvania’s 18th congressional district has been so staunchly Republican that Democrats did not field candidates in the previous two House elections.</p>
<p>Come November, the district will cease to exist because boundaries have been redrawn. Both Lamb and Saccone are expected to run again, though in different districts.</p>
<p>The election, held to replace a Republican who resigned amid a scandal last year, was the latest forceful electoral showing for Democrats, who also won a governor’s race in Virginia and scored a U.S. Senate upset in conservative Alabama.</p>
<p>Lamb’s strong showing could buoy Democrats nationally as they seek to win control of the House from Republicans in the November elections. Democrats see 118 Republican-held districts in play. If they flip 24 seats, they could reclaim a House majority.</p>
<p>The Lamb win vindicates a strategy Democrats are using in some races to enlist candidates whose positions and ideologies are well suited to the district even while conflicting in significant ways with the positions of the Democratic leadership in Washington.</p>
<p>Reporting by Eric Walsh; additional reporting by David Morgan; editing by Toni Reinhold and Grant McCool</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
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jan 25 reuters cross country healthcare inc cross country healthcare announces organizational changes support expanded nationwide platform enhance operational focus cross country healthcare inc company created role chief operating officer cross country healthcare inc cross country staffing companys legacy nurse allied business split two divisions cross country healthcare inc william j burns companys former executive vice president cfo appointed executive vice president coo source text eikon company coverage standards thomson reuters trust principles reuters fbi reminded parcel delivery companies united states follow established protocols handling suspicious packages following bomb blast fedex corp fdxn sorting facility texas agency spokeswoman said wednesday law enforcement personnel investigate surroundings house linked bomber pflugerville texas us march 21 2018 reutersloren elliott threeweek bombing spree sent shiver texas capital austin rattled rest country raised fears possibility attackers via package delivery light bombings austin fbi reached privatesector partners remind established protocols handle suspicious packages federal bureau investigation spokeswoman lindsay ram said email suggestion fbi fedex followed protocols letter federal prosecutors said wednesday charged mark conditt pflugerville texas unlawful possession transfer destructive device blew police closed vehicle fedex united parcel service inc upsn couriers collect vast amount data packages systems information may helped identify man carried bombings fedex executive said fedex chief operations officer david bronczek told employees internal memo seen reuters company provided key evidence law enforcement officials identifying suspect fbis ram elaborate whether agency concerned deadly packages may slipped mail network handles roughly 40 million parcels daily united states fedex taking extraordinary step screening every package sorting facility outside austin parcel bomb exploded conveyor belt tuesday also xraying entire trailers filled packages location trailers packages originating central texas fedex manager said fedex spokesman jim mccluskey declined comment package screening evidence fedex provided authorities like fedex ups shipping terms conditions allow employees open inspect packages companies train employees respond see packages look suspicious may contain drugs fedex corp 24902 fdxn new york stock exchange 297 118 fdxn upsn fedex ups far described steps may take expand screening ups spokesman glenn zaccara said company constantly evaluates adjusts security measures discuss order maintain effectiveness united states postal service said statement although appeared none devices austin sent us mail usps reminded employees customers observant suspicious packages inspectors dangerous mail investigations program trained recognize common characteristics suspicious mail highly proficient use stateoftheart equipment include portable xray machines usps said fedex manager said inbound international shipments screened xray bombsniffing dogs said texas blast could lead changes domestic security screening airportlike security measures inside package sorting facilities retail locations would costly unnecessary step would paralyze operations particularly given rarity package bombs said satish jindel founder delivery company became fedex ground reporting eric johnson additional reporting mark hosenball editing lisa shumaker grant mccool standards thomson reuters trust principles pflugerville texas reuters texas man police say carried threeweek deadly bombing spree made 25minute video confession phone authorities recovered blew wednesday officers closed make arrest mark conditt 23 unemployed man austin suburb pflugerville detailed made seven bombs accounted five exploded public one recovered went seventh detonated police rushed vehicle early wednesday mention anything terrorism mention anything hate instead outcry challenged young man talking challenges personal life austin police chief brian manley told reporters would classify confession manley said conditt never trouble law killed two people wounded five campaign violence began march 2 authorities said police recovered target list addresses future attacks los angeles times reported citing us representative michael mccaul texas republican chairman house homeland security committee video indicated devices unaccounted conditt likely made video 9 pm 11 pm tuesday according manley conditt said believed police getting close right authorities filed criminal complaint issued arrest warrant around time wednesday morning police tracked conditt hotel waiting arrival tactical units equipment planned make arrest manley said conditt drove away police followed decided stop got highway officers approached vehicle explosion went manley said also police shooting never called happy ending damn good one people community people state texas travis county district attorney margaret moore told reporters texas blast suspect mark anthony conditt seen undated handout photo released austin community college austin texas us march 21 2018 austin community collegehandout via reuters sense relief austin texas state capital 1 million people liberal enclave university students tech companies going leery extra careful tomorrow work feel relieved said jesus borjon 44 employee parcel delivery firm ups lives pflugerville trail clues trail clues leading investigators serial bomber ranged store receipts fragments boobytrapped packages surveillance video suspect hat wig slideshow 28 images experts scoured suspects home evidence wednesday removing bomb components wouldnt call bombmaking factory theres definitely components consistent weve seen devices fred milanowski special agent charge houston office bureau alcohol tobacco firearms explosives told reporters investigators evacuated fourblock radius around conditts house searched home conditt shared two roommates detained questioning conditt moved year ago leaving parents home mile 16 km away public records showed one law enforcement official involved investigation speaking condition anonymity told reuters materials found remnants bombs traced back sold related coverage fbi asks delivery companies careful handling suspicious packages fbi reminds couriers suspicious package protocols texas bombings source also said investigators identified conditt potential suspect obtained warrant monitor google search history surveillance video showed suspect hat blond wig prepared ship one two boobytrapped packages known sent fedex corps delivery service according source used alias kelly killmore ship packages abc news reported citing unnamed law enforcement sources conditt homeschooled described conservative said politically inclined according blog posts wrote part us politics class austin community college attended 2010 2012 record disciplinary actions school said reporting jon herskovitz additional reporting jim forsyth san antonio brendan obrien milwaukee mark hosenball washington jonathan allen gina cherelus new yorkwriting daniel trotta editing rosalba obrien peter cooney standards thomson reuters trust principles san francisco reuters facebook inc chief executive mark zuckerberg said wednesday company made mistakes handled data belonging 50 million users promised tougher steps restrict developers access information worlds largest social media network facing growing government scrutiny europe united states whistleblowers allegations londonbased political consultancy cambridge analytica improperly accessed user information build profiles american voters later used help elect us president donald trump 2016 zuckerberg first public comments since scandal erupted weekend said post facebook company made mistakes theres need step bitly2dhaluj elaborate mistakes said social network plans conduct investigation apps platform restrict developer access data give members tool lets easily disable access facebook data plans represent big reduction advertisers ability use facebook data companys lifeblood zuckerberg later told cnn major breach trust im really sorry happened basic responsibility protect peoples data told cnn facebook committed stopping interference us midterm election november elections india brazil zuckerberg said open additional government regulation happy testify us congress right person im sure shouldnt regulated said actually think question right regulation rather yes regulated people know buying ads see facebook facebook shares pared gains wednesday zuckerbergs post closing 07 percent company lost 45 billion stock market value past three days investor fears failure big tech firms protect personal data could deter advertisers users invite tougher regulation facebook representatives including deputy chief privacy officer rob sherman met us congressional staff nearly two hours wednesday planned continue meetings capitol hill thursday facebook unable answer many questions two aides attended briefing said zuckerberg told website recode fixes protect users data would cost many millions dollars bitly2ijbyjs whistleblower launched scandal christopher wylie formerly cambridge analytica said tweet accepted invitations testify us uk lawmakers facebook founder mark zuckerberg speaks alumni exercises following 366th commencement exercises harvard university cambridge massachusetts us may 25 2017 reutersbrian snyder german government said facebook must explain whether personal data countrys 30 million users protected unlawful use third parties according report funke group german regional newspapers scapegoat tuesday board cambridge analytica suspended chief executive alexander nix caught secret recording boasting company played decisive role trumps victory academic provided data disputed wednesday slideshow 5 images think cambridge analytica tried sell magic theyve made claims incredibly accurate tells everything tell think reality psychologist aleksandr kogan academic cambridge university told bbc interview broadcast wednesday kogan gathered data running survey app facebook also said made scapegoat facebook cambridge analytica companies blamed kogan alleged data misuse 300000 facebook users responded kogans quiz gave researcher access peoples facebook friends well agreed share information producing details 50 million users facebook said subsequently made changes prevent people sharing data friends maintains data breach occurred original users gave permission critics say essentially breach data unsuspecting friends taken related coverage links cambridge analytica brexit campaign group germany summons facebook user data safety concerns report brazil prosecutors open investigation cambridge analytica facebook banned cambridge analytica using facebooks services friday zuckerberg said company restrict developers data access even prevent kinds abuse company working regulators investigate happened many analysts raised concerns incident negative impact user engagement facebook potentially reducing clout advertisers three wall street brokerages cut price targets investors consider whether company conclude grown manner proven untenable whether needs significantly improve managed said pivotal research group analyst brian wieser facebook shares 8 percent since friday company risen 550 percent value past five years reporting david ingram additional reporting dustin volz david shepardson washington kate holton london writing susan thomas editing bill rigby lisa shumaker standards thomson reuters trust principles washington reuters republican candidate close us house representatives special election march 13 pennsylvania conceded democratic opponent wednesday cementing democratic upset longtime republican area president donald trump handily 2016 us democratic congressional candidate conor lamb greeted supporters election night rally pennsylvanias 18th us congressional district special election republican candidate state rep rick saccone canonsburg pennsylvania march 13 2018 reutersbrendan mcdermid ominous sign trumps republicans eight months national midterm elections moderate democrat conor lamb led conservative rick saccone fraction percentage point race southwestern pennsylvania seat trump district almost 20 points presidential election campaigned saccone started race well ahead lamb got phone opponent ricksaccone4pa congratulated amp graciously conceded last tuesdays election lamb said twitter official saccones campaign confirmed candidate conceded earliest final election result could certified march 26 final tally could unknown weeks us democratic congressional candidate conor lamb greeted supporters election night rally pennsylvanias 18th us congressional district special election republican candidate state rep rick saccone canonsburg pennsylvania march 13 2018 reutersbrendan mcdermid lamb led saccone 627 votes unofficially state returns showed last week lamb 498 percent vote saccone 496 percent house republicans called race unique noting lamb 33 marine corps veteran distanced partys leaders staked positions right many democrats patchwork small towns farms pittsburgh suburbs make pennsylvanias 18th congressional district staunchly republican democrats field candidates previous two house elections come november district cease exist boundaries redrawn lamb saccone expected run though different districts election held replace republican resigned amid scandal last year latest forceful electoral showing democrats also governors race virginia scored us senate upset conservative alabama lambs strong showing could buoy democrats nationally seek win control house republicans november elections democrats see 118 republicanheld districts play flip 24 seats could reclaim house majority lamb win vindicates strategy democrats using races enlist candidates whose positions ideologies well suited district even conflicting significant ways positions democratic leadership washington reporting eric walsh additional reporting david morgan editing toni reinhold grant mccool standards thomson reuters trust principles
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<p>All of them have been in Albuquerque.</p>
<p>“I love to travel but every time I come back, I tell my grandkids ‘you are so blessed to be born here,'” he says. “People would love to live here. It’s a great place.”</p>
<p>But Lucero has had even fewer employers than residences.</p>
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<p>His first job was helping his dad with after-hours office cleaning for the family’s maintenance business.</p>
<p>Today – more than 40 years later – he’s the company’s president and owner.</p>
<p>Save for a teenage job in the Zanios Foods warehouse and a brief stint at a government contracting firm, Lucero’s career has always been intertwined with Sparkle Maintenance, the company his parents founded in 1964.</p>
<p>At first, Lucero recalls with a laugh, such involvement wasn’t optional. His father – who worked days as a technician at Sandia National Laboratories – expected his four children to help with the workload. Lucero remembers being just 7 or 8 when he was called into action.</p>
<p>“The upbringing was very deliberate on the part of my parents to involve us in the business – much like a ranching family – so we were expected to clean,” he recalls. “But, you know, when dad’s not looking, I’m stealing staple removers.”</p>
<p>(He stashed his collection of those ill-gotten office implements – which reminded him of dinosaur jaws – in a shoebox that was ultimately discovered by his father.)</p>
<p>By the time he was a teenager, Lucero was a supervisor with the company. He took on a vice president’s role while in college.</p>
<p>It’s hardly unusual for children to follow in their parents’ footsteps, but Lucero always had other plans.</p>
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<p>He went to University of New Mexico for his bachelor’s in economics and followed up by getting his MBA. A smart man with a knack for debate, he assumed the next step was law school.</p>
<p>But he was feeling pretty “schooled out” by that point and becoming increasingly interested on the entrepreneurial challenges associated with running a small business.</p>
<p>He decided that guiding the family company and helping it grow – it now has 400 employees in four states – was his calling.</p>
<p>Lucero and his brother, Paul, bought the business from their parents in 1991, and Lucero has no regrets.</p>
<p />
<p>WHAT YOU DIDN’T KNOW: Lucero won the Sombra del Monte Elementary School spelling bee in the sixth grade on the word “calendar,” but then threw the citywide spelling bee out of concern for his campus reputation. “I was then the school nerd (after winning the school bee), and I didn’t like being known as a smart guy because I was a sports kid,” he says. “I actually lost on purpose at the city competition, much to my mother’s disappointment.”</p>
<p>“This is where I belong. This is where God wants me, this is what I’m good at,” he says.</p>
<p>And it’s been every bit as interesting and professionally satisfying as he’d expected. He likes to compare the day-to-day ups and downs to being in a bar fight.</p>
<p>“Chairs are flying and fists are flying and you never really know where the next challenge – or blow – is going to come from. Even if you’re doing pretty good and you kind of take a break and dust yourself off, the bottle comes flying at your head,” he says.</p>
<p>He’s become active in the small-business community and has held leadership positions with both the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce and Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce. He is also a founding board member for the New Mexico Connections Academy Charter School. The K-12 online-only school has generated controversy because its courses would be administered by a for-profit company, but Lucero says he’s involved because of its potential to provide a “tremendous education options for a lot of children,” including those in the state’s more rural areas.</p>
<p>“You really can’t separate education and economic development; they go together,” he says.</p>
<p>When he’s not dodging the metaphorical beer bottles at work or advocating for the small-business owner, Lucero might be helping to parent his two grandsons (who live next door), playing golf or searching for a vintage “radio bar.” He started an old radio collection 40 years ago after buying a 1932 Philco wooden box radio at a flea market for $10.</p>
<p>“I’ve been fascinated with them ever since. I couldn’t fix it if I tried, but I love them,” he says. “I just love the character. I love the history part. I love the fact that it was the center-point for families back when radio was the means for communication.”</p>
<p>Q: Was your dad with you every step of the way (after you bought Sparkle) or did he take a hands-off approach?</p>
<p>A: He was always involved, but what I admire most about how they handled us taking over is the amount of faith they had in us. I cannot imaging turning (over) something you’ve worked so hard to build, turning something over without wanting to keep control of something. And the way they did that I admire tremendously, because I don’t think I could do it.</p>
<p>Q: Do you have a professional mentor?</p>
<p>A: Oh, my gosh, I have several. One tremendous mentor I’ve had is Fred Mondragon. … Fred was Gov. (Bill) Richardson’s Economic Development secretary. I actually cleaned Fred’s office in the early ’80s and he wrote a letter of recommendation for me to get into the Anderson School (at UNM) and I barely knew him. To this day, he’s a dear friend. … Alex Romero at the Hispano Chamber has been a very good mentor. I’ve learned a lot from him. Running a chamber is very difficult because they do a lot of the same things a business owner does, but it’s more of a fish bowl environment. It’s delicate politically. Terri Cole has also been a very positive influence. Her involvement at the Legislature is absolutely amazing. … Another big mentor is Sherman McCorkle.</p>
<p>Q: Describe yourself as a teenager.</p>
<p>A: I wasn’t a leader in high school by any means, but I’ve always had great friends. To this day, I have wonderful friends. I also was working pretty much throughout high school. I actually employed many of my friends in high school. I always had a van in high school – unfortunately it often smelled like beer because we cleaned American Legion halls and I’d collect the aluminum cans and put them in the back of my van.</p>
<p>Q: Do you ever still actually go clean?</p>
<p>A: (Laughs) At home. I don’t have a housekeeper.</p>
<p>Q: Do you have any hobbies?</p>
<p>A: Golf and I love to bike ride. I still can beat my grandsons in basketball. They’re only 12 and 11, so that’s not saying a whole lot, but I play a lot of basketball still.</p>
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albuquerque love travel every time come back tell grandkids blessed born says people would love live great place lucero even fewer employers residences advertisement first job helping dad afterhours office cleaning familys maintenance business today 40 years later hes companys president owner save teenage job zanios foods warehouse brief stint government contracting firm luceros career always intertwined sparkle maintenance company parents founded 1964 first lucero recalls laugh involvement wasnt optional father worked days technician sandia national laboratories expected four children help workload lucero remembers 7 8 called action upbringing deliberate part parents involve us business much like ranching family expected clean recalls know dads looking im stealing staple removers stashed collection illgotten office implements reminded dinosaur jaws shoebox ultimately discovered father time teenager lucero supervisor company took vice presidents role college hardly unusual children follow parents footsteps lucero always plans advertisement went university new mexico bachelors economics followed getting mba smart man knack debate assumed next step law school feeling pretty schooled point becoming increasingly interested entrepreneurial challenges associated running small business decided guiding family company helping grow 400 employees four states calling lucero brother paul bought business parents 1991 lucero regrets didnt know lucero sombra del monte elementary school spelling bee sixth grade word calendar threw citywide spelling bee concern campus reputation school nerd winning school bee didnt like known smart guy sports kid says actually lost purpose city competition much mothers disappointment belong god wants im good says every bit interesting professionally satisfying hed expected likes compare daytoday ups downs bar fight chairs flying fists flying never really know next challenge blow going come even youre pretty good kind take break dust bottle comes flying head says hes become active smallbusiness community held leadership positions greater albuquerque chamber commerce albuquerque hispano chamber commerce also founding board member new mexico connections academy charter school k12 onlineonly school generated controversy courses would administered forprofit company lucero says hes involved potential provide tremendous education options lot children including states rural areas really cant separate education economic development go together says hes dodging metaphorical beer bottles work advocating smallbusiness owner lucero might helping parent two grandsons live next door playing golf searching vintage radio bar started old radio collection 40 years ago buying 1932 philco wooden box radio flea market 10 ive fascinated ever since couldnt fix tried love says love character love history part love fact centerpoint families back radio means communication q dad every step way bought sparkle take handsoff approach always involved admire handled us taking amount faith us imaging turning something youve worked hard build turning something without wanting keep control something way admire tremendously dont think could q professional mentor oh gosh several one tremendous mentor ive fred mondragon fred gov bill richardsons economic development secretary actually cleaned freds office early 80s wrote letter recommendation get anderson school unm barely knew day hes dear friend alex romero hispano chamber good mentor ive learned lot running chamber difficult lot things business owner fish bowl environment delicate politically terri cole also positive influence involvement legislature absolutely amazing another big mentor sherman mccorkle q describe teenager wasnt leader high school means ive always great friends day wonderful friends also working pretty much throughout high school actually employed many friends high school always van high school unfortunately often smelled like beer cleaned american legion halls id collect aluminum cans put back van q ever still actually go clean laughs home dont housekeeper q hobbies golf love bike ride still beat grandsons basketball theyre 12 11 thats saying whole lot play lot basketball still
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<p>Jan 18 (Reuters) - Myer Holdings Ltd:</p> * MARK CRIPSEY HAS BEEN PROMOTED TO COO
<p>* "GRANT DEVONPORT WILL BE STEPPING DOWN AS CFO" Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage:</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>DAMASCUS/THE HAGUE (Reuters) - The United States accused Russia on Monday of blocking international inspectors from reaching the site of a suspected poison gas attack in Syria and said Russians or Syrians may have tampered with evidence on the ground.</p>
<p>Moscow denied the charge and blamed delays on retaliatory U.S.-led missile strikes on Syria at the weekend.</p>
<p>In the fraught aftermath of the suspected attack in Douma and the West's response, Washington also prepared to increase pressure on Russia, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's main ally, with new economic sanctions. European Union foreign ministers threatened similar measures.</p>
<p>And in London and Paris, British Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron faced criticism from political opponents over their decisions to take part in the air strikes against Syria.</p>
<p>Syria and Russia deny unleashing poison gas on April 7 during their offensive on Douma, which ended with the recapture of the town that had been the last rebel stronghold near the capital Damascus.</p>
<p>Relief organisations say dozens of men, women and children were killed. Footage of young victims foaming at the mouth and weeping in agony has thrust Syria's civil war - in which half a million people have been killed in the past seven years - to the forefront of world concern again.</p>
<p>Inspectors from the Hague-based Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) travelled to Syria last week to inspect the site, but have yet to gain access to Douma, which is now under government control after the rebels withdrew.</p>
<p>"It is our understanding the Russians may have visited the attack site," U.S. Ambassador Kenneth Ward said at an OPCW meeting in The Hague on Monday.</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-eu/eu-threatens-new-sanctions-against-syria-but-not-russia-idUSKBN1HN16P" type="external">EU threatens new sanctions against Syria but not Russia</a>
<a href="/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-trump/trump-still-wants-u-s-troops-to-leave-syria-but-no-timeline-white-house-idUSKBN1HN2BV" type="external">Trump still wants U.S. troops to leave Syria, but no timeline: White House</a>
<a href="/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-chemicalweapons/factbox-chemical-weapons-inspectors-how-do-they-work-idUSKBN1HN2DB" type="external">Factbox: Chemical weapons inspectors - how do they work?</a>
<p>"It is our concern that they may have tampered with it with the intent of thwarting the efforts of the OPCW Fact-Finding Mission to conduct an effective investigation," he said. His comments at the closed-door meeting were obtained by Reuters.</p>
<p>Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov denied that Moscow had interfered with any evidence. "I can guarantee that Russia has not tampered with the site," he told the BBC.</p> ?UNFETTERED ACCESS?
<p>Britain's delegation to the OPCW accused Russia and the Assad government of stopping inspectors from reaching Douma.</p>
<p>"Unfettered access is essential," the British delegation said in a statement. "Russia and Syria must cooperate."</p>
<p>The team aims to collect samples, interview witnesses and document evidence to determine whether banned toxic munitions were used, although it is not permitted to assign blame for the attack.</p>
<p>Britain's Ambassador Peter Wilson said in The Hague that the United Nations had cleared the inspectors to go but they had been unable to reach Douma because Syria and Russia had been unable to guarantee their safety.</p>
<p>Moscow blamed the delay on the air strikes, in which the United States, France and Britain targeted what the Pentagon said were three chemical weapons facilities.</p>
<p>"We called for an objective investigation. This was at the very beginning after this information [of the attack] appeared. Therefore allegations of this towards Russia are groundless," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.</p>
<p>Russia's defence ministry later said the United States and its allies had hit military targets at the weekend and not just research facilities, Interfax news agency reported.</p>
<p>The Syrian military destroyed 71 out of 103 cruise missiles detected in Syrian airspace, RIA news agency quoted the defence ministry as saying.</p>
<p>U.S. envoy Ward also condemned the Syrian government for what he called its "reign of chemical terror".</p>
<p>The inspectors met Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad in the presence of Russian officers and a senior Syrian security official in Damascus for about three hours on Sunday.</p>
<p>OPCW inspectors have been attacked on two previous missions to the sites of chemical weapons attacks in Syria.</p> HORRIBLE, MISERABLE
<p>Syrian flags flew in Douma on Monday, security forces stood on street corners and Russian military police patrolled the streets. State aid trucks handed out bread, rice and pasta to people who had lived under siege for years.</p>
<p>A government-organised media tour did not include the building where, according to rescue workers and medics who were in town at the time, dozens of people were killed by poison gas.</p>
<p>Doctors at the hospital where suspected victims were treated told reporters on the tour that none of the patients that night had suffered chemical weapons injuries - they were asphyxiated by dust and smoke in a bombardment.</p>
<p>Medical aid groups and the White Helmets rescue organisation have said such statements - already aired on state television in recent days - were made under duress.</p>
<p>The U.S.-led strikes did nothing to alter the strategic balance or dent Assad's supremacy and the Western allies have said the aim was to prevent the further use of chemical weapons, not to intervene in the civil war or topple Assad.</p>
<p>At a meeting in Luxembourg, the 28 European Union foreign ministers endorsed the missile strikes and considered steps to deepen Assad's isolation.</p>
<p>"The European Union will continue to consider further restrictive measures against Syria as long as the repression continues," they said in a statement after their talks.</p> A boy walks along a damaged street at the city of Douma in Damascus, Syria, April 16, 2018. REUTERS/Omar Sanadiki
<p>The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, said on Sunday the United States would announce new economic sanctions aimed at companies dealing with equipment related to Assad's alleged use of chemical weapons, though the White House said on Monday that no decision had been taken yet.</p>
<p>"We are considering additional sanctions on Russia and a decision will be made in the near future," White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said.</p> DOMESTIC OPPOSITION
<p>The Western leaders faced scrutiny at home over their actions, with Britain's May facing questions over why she did not seek parliamentary approval for the action.</p>
<p>She told parliament the decision to conduct air strikes against Syria was in the British national interest and not as a result of pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump.</p>
<p>"We have not done this because President Trump asked us to, we have done it because we believed it was the right thing to do, and we are not alone. There is broad-based international support for the action we have taken," May said.</p>
<p>Asked whether she could order new strikes if chemical weapons were found to have been used in the future, she said: "Nobody should be in any doubt of our resolve to ensure that we cannot see a situation where the use of chemical weapons is normalised."</p>
<p>May has said she did not seek a green light from parliament for the attacks due to the need to act quickly.</p> A man is washed following alleged chemical weapons attack, in what is said to be Douma, Syria in this still image from video obtained by Reuters on April 8, 2018. White Helmets/Reuters TV via REUTERS
<p>Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour Party, has questioned the legal basis for Britain's involvement.</p>
<p>Britain has said there are no plans for future strikes against Syria, but Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson warned Assad that all options would be considered if chemical weapons were used against Syrians again.</p>
<p>In France, the conservatives, the far-left and the far-right have all criticised the strikes.</p>
<p>Prime Minister Edouard Philippe was due to respond to their criticism in parliament on Monday. The French constitution bars presidents from going to parliament and Macron will therefore not be questioned directly by lawmakers.</p>
<p>Additional reporting by Jack Stubbs and Andrey Ostroukh in Moscow, Jeff Mason, Susan Cornwell and Leslie Wroughton in Washington, Michelle Nichols in New York, Samia Nakhoul, Tom Perry, Ellen Francis and Angus McDowall in Beirut, Kinda Makieh in Barzeh, Syria, Elizabeth Piper, Michael Holden and Guy Faulconbridge in London, Laurence Frost, Michel Rose and Ingrid Melander in Paris, Writing by Angus MacSwan and Richard Balmforth; Editing by Gareth Jones</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Commerce is banning American companies from selling components to leading Chinese telecom equipment maker&#160;ZTE Corp for seven years for violating the terms of a sanctions violation case, U.S. officials said on Monday.</p>
<p>The Chinese company, which sells smartphones in the United States, pleaded guilty last year in federal court in Texas for conspiring to violate U.S. sanctions by illegally shipping U.S. goods and technology to Iran. It paid $890 million in fines and penalties, with an additional penalty of $300 million that could be imposed.</p>
<p>As part of the agreement, Shenzhen-based ZTE Corp promised to dismiss four senior employees and discipline 35 others by either reducing their bonuses or reprimanding them, senior Commerce Department officials told Reuters. But the Chinese company admitted in March that while it had fired the four senior employees, it had not disciplined or reduced bonuses to the 35 others.</p>
<p>Shares of big U.S. ZTE suppliers fell on the Commerce ban. Acacia Communications Inc, which got 30 percent of its total 2017 revenue from ZTE, tumbled as much as 34.7 percent in early trade, hitting a near two-year low.</p>
<p>Shares of optical companies including Lumentum Holdings Inc fell 6.8 percent and Finisar Corp dropped 6 percent. Oclaro Inc, which got 18 percent of its fiscal 2017 revenue from ZTE, lost 17.4 percent.</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-usa-china-zte-britain/uks-ncsc-says-national-security-risk-from-equipment-from-chinas-zte-cannot-be-mitigated-idUSKBN1HN1ZY" type="external">UK's NCSC says national security risk from equipment from China's ZTE cannot be mitigated</a>
<a href="/article/us-usa-china-zte-suppliers/zte-ban-hits-shares-of-u-s-optical-component-suppliers-idUSKBN1HN1ZQ" type="external">ZTE ban hits shares of U.S. optical component suppliers</a>
<p>ZTE "provided information back to us basically admitting that they had made these false statements," said a senior department official. "That was in response to the U.S. asking for the information."</p>
<p>"We can't trust what they are telling us is truthful," the official said. "And in international commerce, truth is pretty important."</p>
<p>ZTE officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Britain's main cyber security agency said on Monday it has written to organizations in the UK's telecommunications sector warning about using services or equipment from ZTE.</p> ?DEVASTATING TO THE COMPANY?
<p>Douglas Jacobson, an exports control lawyer who represents suppliers to ZTE, called the ban highly unusual and said it would severely affect the company.</p>
<p>"This will be devastating to the company, given their reliance on U.S. products and software," said Jacobson. "It's certainly going to make it very difficult for them to produce and will have a potentially significant short and long-term negative impact on the company."</p>
<p>"This is going to tank their stock," Jacobson added.</p>
<p>ZTE has sold handset devices to U.S. mobile carriers AT&amp;T Inc, T-Mobile US Inc and Sprint Corp. It has relied on U.S. companies including Qualcomm Inc, Microsoft Corp and Intel Corp for components.</p>
<p>The U.S. action against ZTE is likely to further exacerbate current tensions between Washington and Beijing over trade. After the U.S. placed export restrictions on ZTE in 2016 for Iran sanctions violations, the China's Ministry of Commerce and Foreign Ministry criticized the decision.</p>
<p>A five-year federal investigation found last year that ZTE had conspired to evade U.S. embargoes by buying U.S. components, incorporating them into ZTE equipment and illegally shipping them to Iran.</p>
<p>ZTE, which devised elaborate schemes to hide the illegal activity, agreed to plead guilty after the Commerce Department took actions that threatened to cut off its global supply chain.</p>
<p>The U.S. government had allowed the company continued access to the U.S. market under the 2017 agreement. American companies are estimated to provide 25 percent to 30 percent of the components used in ZTE's equipment, which includes networking gear and smartphones.</p> Visitors pass in front of the Chinese telecoms equipment group ZTE Corp booth at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, February 26, 2018. REUTERS/Sergio Perez
<p>The new restrictions stem from a Jan. 16 report by a U.S. monitor appointed by a federal judge in Texas who accepted the guilty plea in March 2017. Although Commerce Department officials would not discuss the report, they said the department followed up in February.</p>
<p>The U.S. government's investigation into sanctions violations by ZTE followed reports by Reuters in 2012 that the company had signed contracts to ship millions of dollars' worth of hardware and software from some of the best known U.S. technology companies to Iran's largest telecoms carrier.</p>
<p>(To read the Reuters report that exposed the practice, click Special Report: <a href="https://reut.rs/2JP2MnX" type="external">reut.rs/2JP2MnX</a>)</p>
<p>Reporting by Karen Freifeld in New York and Steve Stecklow in London; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States and United Kingdom on Monday charged that Russian government-backed hackers have infected computer routers around the world in a cyber espionage campaign that targeted government agencies, businesses and critical infrastructure operators.</p>
<p>U.S and UK officials told reporters in a conference call that they plan to issue a joint alert on the attacks, which target routers that form a key part of the internet infrastructure, in a cyber espionage campaign that could be levered in the future to launch offensive attacks.</p>
<p>Reporting by Jim Finkle and Doina Chiacu; Editing by David Alexander</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's main cyber security agency said on Monday it had written to organizations in the UK's telecommunications sector warning them about using services or equipment from Chinese telecom equipment maker ZTE Corp.</p> Visitors pass in front of the Chinese telecoms equipment group ZTE Corp booth at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, February 26, 2018. REUTERS/Yves Herman
<p>"NCSC assess that the national security risks arising from the use of ZTE equipment or services within the context of the existing UK telecommunications infrastructure cannot be mitigated," said Ian Levy, the Technical Director of the National Cyber Security Center.</p>
<p>Reporting by Michael Holden; editing by Guy Faulconbridge</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
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jan 18 reuters myer holdings ltd mark cripsey promoted coo grant devonport stepping cfo source text eikon company coverage standards thomson reuters trust principles damascusthe hague reuters united states accused russia monday blocking international inspectors reaching site suspected poison gas attack syria said russians syrians may tampered evidence ground moscow denied charge blamed delays retaliatory usled missile strikes syria weekend fraught aftermath suspected attack douma wests response washington also prepared increase pressure russia syrian president bashar alassads main ally new economic sanctions european union foreign ministers threatened similar measures london paris british prime minister theresa may french president emmanuel macron faced criticism political opponents decisions take part air strikes syria syria russia deny unleashing poison gas april 7 offensive douma ended recapture town last rebel stronghold near capital damascus relief organisations say dozens men women children killed footage young victims foaming mouth weeping agony thrust syrias civil war half million people killed past seven years forefront world concern inspectors haguebased organization prohibition chemical weapons opcw travelled syria last week inspect site yet gain access douma government control rebels withdrew understanding russians may visited attack site us ambassador kenneth ward said opcw meeting hague monday related coverage eu threatens new sanctions syria russia trump still wants us troops leave syria timeline white house factbox chemical weapons inspectors work concern may tampered intent thwarting efforts opcw factfinding mission conduct effective investigation said comments closeddoor meeting obtained reuters russian foreign minister sergei lavrov denied moscow interfered evidence guarantee russia tampered site told bbc unfettered access britains delegation opcw accused russia assad government stopping inspectors reaching douma unfettered access essential british delegation said statement russia syria must cooperate team aims collect samples interview witnesses document evidence determine whether banned toxic munitions used although permitted assign blame attack britains ambassador peter wilson said hague united nations cleared inspectors go unable reach douma syria russia unable guarantee safety moscow blamed delay air strikes united states france britain targeted pentagon said three chemical weapons facilities called objective investigation beginning information attack appeared therefore allegations towards russia groundless kremlin spokesman dmitry peskov said russias defence ministry later said united states allies hit military targets weekend research facilities interfax news agency reported syrian military destroyed 71 103 cruise missiles detected syrian airspace ria news agency quoted defence ministry saying us envoy ward also condemned syrian government called reign chemical terror inspectors met syrian deputy foreign minister faisal mekdad presence russian officers senior syrian security official damascus three hours sunday opcw inspectors attacked two previous missions sites chemical weapons attacks syria horrible miserable syrian flags flew douma monday security forces stood street corners russian military police patrolled streets state aid trucks handed bread rice pasta people lived siege years governmentorganised media tour include building according rescue workers medics town time dozens people killed poison gas doctors hospital suspected victims treated told reporters tour none patients night suffered chemical weapons injuries asphyxiated dust smoke bombardment medical aid groups white helmets rescue organisation said statements already aired state television recent days made duress usled strikes nothing alter strategic balance dent assads supremacy western allies said aim prevent use chemical weapons intervene civil war topple assad meeting luxembourg 28 european union foreign ministers endorsed missile strikes considered steps deepen assads isolation european union continue consider restrictive measures syria long repression continues said statement talks boy walks along damaged street city douma damascus syria april 16 2018 reutersomar sanadiki us ambassador united nations nikki haley said sunday united states would announce new economic sanctions aimed companies dealing equipment related assads alleged use chemical weapons though white house said monday decision taken yet considering additional sanctions russia decision made near future white house spokeswoman sarah sanders said domestic opposition western leaders faced scrutiny home actions britains may facing questions seek parliamentary approval action told parliament decision conduct air strikes syria british national interest result pressure us president donald trump done president trump asked us done believed right thing alone broadbased international support action taken may said asked whether could order new strikes chemical weapons found used future said nobody doubt resolve ensure see situation use chemical weapons normalised may said seek green light parliament attacks due need act quickly man washed following alleged chemical weapons attack said douma syria still image video obtained reuters april 8 2018 white helmetsreuters tv via reuters jeremy corbyn leader main opposition labour party questioned legal basis britains involvement britain said plans future strikes syria foreign secretary boris johnson warned assad options would considered chemical weapons used syrians france conservatives farleft farright criticised strikes prime minister edouard philippe due respond criticism parliament monday french constitution bars presidents going parliament macron therefore questioned directly lawmakers additional reporting jack stubbs andrey ostroukh moscow jeff mason susan cornwell leslie wroughton washington michelle nichols new york samia nakhoul tom perry ellen francis angus mcdowall beirut kinda makieh barzeh syria elizabeth piper michael holden guy faulconbridge london laurence frost michel rose ingrid melander paris writing angus macswan richard balmforth editing gareth jones standards thomson reuters trust principles washington reuters us department commerce banning american companies selling components leading chinese telecom equipment maker160zte corp seven years violating terms sanctions violation case us officials said monday chinese company sells smartphones united states pleaded guilty last year federal court texas conspiring violate us sanctions illegally shipping us goods technology iran paid 890 million fines penalties additional penalty 300 million could imposed part agreement shenzhenbased zte corp promised dismiss four senior employees discipline 35 others either reducing bonuses reprimanding senior commerce department officials told reuters chinese company admitted march fired four senior employees disciplined reduced bonuses 35 others shares big us zte suppliers fell commerce ban acacia communications inc got 30 percent total 2017 revenue zte tumbled much 347 percent early trade hitting near twoyear low shares optical companies including lumentum holdings inc fell 68 percent finisar corp dropped 6 percent oclaro inc got 18 percent fiscal 2017 revenue zte lost 174 percent related coverage uks ncsc says national security risk equipment chinas zte mitigated zte ban hits shares us optical component suppliers zte provided information back us basically admitting made false statements said senior department official response us asking information cant trust telling us truthful official said international commerce truth pretty important zte officials immediately respond requests comment meanwhile britains main cyber security agency said monday written organizations uks telecommunications sector warning using services equipment zte devastating company douglas jacobson exports control lawyer represents suppliers zte called ban highly unusual said would severely affect company devastating company given reliance us products software said jacobson certainly going make difficult produce potentially significant short longterm negative impact company going tank stock jacobson added zte sold handset devices us mobile carriers atampt inc tmobile us inc sprint corp relied us companies including qualcomm inc microsoft corp intel corp components us action zte likely exacerbate current tensions washington beijing trade us placed export restrictions zte 2016 iran sanctions violations chinas ministry commerce foreign ministry criticized decision fiveyear federal investigation found last year zte conspired evade us embargoes buying us components incorporating zte equipment illegally shipping iran zte devised elaborate schemes hide illegal activity agreed plead guilty commerce department took actions threatened cut global supply chain us government allowed company continued access us market 2017 agreement american companies estimated provide 25 percent 30 percent components used ztes equipment includes networking gear smartphones visitors pass front chinese telecoms equipment group zte corp booth mobile world congress barcelona spain february 26 2018 reuterssergio perez new restrictions stem jan 16 report us monitor appointed federal judge texas accepted guilty plea march 2017 although commerce department officials would discuss report said department followed february us governments investigation sanctions violations zte followed reports reuters 2012 company signed contracts ship millions dollars worth hardware software best known us technology companies irans largest telecoms carrier read reuters report exposed practice click special report reutrs2jp2mnx reporting karen freifeld new york steve stecklow london editing jeffrey benkoe standards thomson reuters trust principles washington reuters united states united kingdom monday charged russian governmentbacked hackers infected computer routers around world cyber espionage campaign targeted government agencies businesses critical infrastructure operators us uk officials told reporters conference call plan issue joint alert attacks target routers form key part internet infrastructure cyber espionage campaign could levered future launch offensive attacks reporting jim finkle doina chiacu editing david alexander standards thomson reuters trust principles london reuters britains main cyber security agency said monday written organizations uks telecommunications sector warning using services equipment chinese telecom equipment maker zte corp visitors pass front chinese telecoms equipment group zte corp booth mobile world congress barcelona spain february 26 2018 reutersyves herman ncsc assess national security risks arising use zte equipment services within context existing uk telecommunications infrastructure mitigated said ian levy technical director national cyber security center reporting michael holden editing guy faulconbridge standards thomson reuters trust principles
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<p>SANDRINGHAM, England (AP) — Queen Elizabeth II and senior members of the British royal family — along with newcomer Meghan Markle, an American actress engaged to Prince Harry — attended a Christmas church service on Monday as a crowd of local residents gathered.</p>
<p>Markle smiled and gave a brief wave in her first public appearance with the queen. She and Harry stopped to talk with several locals on their way back to the queen’s residence.</p>
<p>“She was very, very lovely,” said Judith Wallis, a woman who chatted briefly with the couple. The crowd was larger than in previous years, perhaps because of curiosity about Markle.</p>
<p>The queen was joined by her husband, Prince Philip, and close family members including grandson Prince William and his wife, Kate, who is expected to give birth to the couple’s third child in the spring.</p>
<p>Elizabeth, 91, and Philip, 96, missed last year’s church service because they had the flu, but they seemed in good health during Monday’s brief appearance. Philip walked back to the queen’s house with other royals, but Elizabeth opted to be driven.</p>
<p>She and Prince Charles’ wife, Camilla, rode to and from the service in a chauffeured Bentley with a horse-themed hood ornament, perhaps chosen by the queen, who loves horses and horse racing.</p>
<p>Elizabeth used her annual Christmas message to pay tribute to the way London and Manchester pulled together after extremist attacks earlier this year. The brief speech was televised on Christmas Day in the United Kingdom and the 51 other Commonwealth countries.</p>
<p>The queen, seated at a desk in her study, praised Manchester, hit by a suicide bomber in May, and London, which endured attacks on Parliament, London Bridge and other landmarks.</p>
<p>She said the cities’ “powerful identities shone through over the past 12 months in the face of appalling attacks.”</p>
<p>The queen said it was her privilege to visit young survivors of the attack on a Manchester concert hall as they were recovering from the blast which claimed 22 lives.</p>
<p>“I describe that hospital visit as a ‘privilege’ because the patients I met were an example to us all, showing extraordinary bravery and resilience,” Elizabeth said.</p>
<p>Elizabeth also had kind words for her husband, who this year stepped down from most public duties because of his advancing years. She praised him for his “support and unique sense of humor.”</p>
<p>The queen and Philip are spending the holidays at Elizabeth’s country estate in Sandringham, 110 miles (175 kilometers) north of London.</p>
<p>The royal family had a private lunch scheduled after the church service, with turkey reared on the estate featured on the menu.</p>
<p>This is the first Christmas the family is joined by Markle. The actress and Prince Harry plan to marry at Windsor Castle in May.</p>
<p>Markle seemed comfortable walking to the church arm-in-arm with Harry. She and Kate curtsied in front of the queen after the service was over.</p>
<p>Elizabeth said in her brief broadcast that the royal family looks forward “to welcoming new members into it next year.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Gregory Katz reported from London.</p>
<p>SANDRINGHAM, England (AP) — Queen Elizabeth II and senior members of the British royal family — along with newcomer Meghan Markle, an American actress engaged to Prince Harry — attended a Christmas church service on Monday as a crowd of local residents gathered.</p>
<p>Markle smiled and gave a brief wave in her first public appearance with the queen. She and Harry stopped to talk with several locals on their way back to the queen’s residence.</p>
<p>“She was very, very lovely,” said Judith Wallis, a woman who chatted briefly with the couple. The crowd was larger than in previous years, perhaps because of curiosity about Markle.</p>
<p>The queen was joined by her husband, Prince Philip, and close family members including grandson Prince William and his wife, Kate, who is expected to give birth to the couple’s third child in the spring.</p>
<p>Elizabeth, 91, and Philip, 96, missed last year’s church service because they had the flu, but they seemed in good health during Monday’s brief appearance. Philip walked back to the queen’s house with other royals, but Elizabeth opted to be driven.</p>
<p>She and Prince Charles’ wife, Camilla, rode to and from the service in a chauffeured Bentley with a horse-themed hood ornament, perhaps chosen by the queen, who loves horses and horse racing.</p>
<p>Elizabeth used her annual Christmas message to pay tribute to the way London and Manchester pulled together after extremist attacks earlier this year. The brief speech was televised on Christmas Day in the United Kingdom and the 51 other Commonwealth countries.</p>
<p>The queen, seated at a desk in her study, praised Manchester, hit by a suicide bomber in May, and London, which endured attacks on Parliament, London Bridge and other landmarks.</p>
<p>She said the cities’ “powerful identities shone through over the past 12 months in the face of appalling attacks.”</p>
<p>The queen said it was her privilege to visit young survivors of the attack on a Manchester concert hall as they were recovering from the blast which claimed 22 lives.</p>
<p>“I describe that hospital visit as a ‘privilege’ because the patients I met were an example to us all, showing extraordinary bravery and resilience,” Elizabeth said.</p>
<p>Elizabeth also had kind words for her husband, who this year stepped down from most public duties because of his advancing years. She praised him for his “support and unique sense of humor.”</p>
<p>The queen and Philip are spending the holidays at Elizabeth’s country estate in Sandringham, 110 miles (175 kilometers) north of London.</p>
<p>The royal family had a private lunch scheduled after the church service, with turkey reared on the estate featured on the menu.</p>
<p>This is the first Christmas the family is joined by Markle. The actress and Prince Harry plan to marry at Windsor Castle in May.</p>
<p>Markle seemed comfortable walking to the church arm-in-arm with Harry. She and Kate curtsied in front of the queen after the service was over.</p>
<p>Elizabeth said in her brief broadcast that the royal family looks forward “to welcoming new members into it next year.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Gregory Katz reported from London.</p>
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sandringham england ap queen elizabeth ii senior members british royal family along newcomer meghan markle american actress engaged prince harry attended christmas church service monday crowd local residents gathered markle smiled gave brief wave first public appearance queen harry stopped talk several locals way back queens residence lovely said judith wallis woman chatted briefly couple crowd larger previous years perhaps curiosity markle queen joined husband prince philip close family members including grandson prince william wife kate expected give birth couples third child spring elizabeth 91 philip 96 missed last years church service flu seemed good health mondays brief appearance philip walked back queens house royals elizabeth opted driven prince charles wife camilla rode service chauffeured bentley horsethemed hood ornament perhaps chosen queen loves horses horse racing elizabeth used annual christmas message pay tribute way london manchester pulled together extremist attacks earlier year brief speech televised christmas day united kingdom 51 commonwealth countries queen seated desk study praised manchester hit suicide bomber may london endured attacks parliament london bridge landmarks said cities powerful identities shone past 12 months face appalling attacks queen said privilege visit young survivors attack manchester concert hall recovering blast claimed 22 lives describe hospital visit privilege patients met example us showing extraordinary bravery resilience elizabeth said elizabeth also kind words husband year stepped public duties advancing years praised support unique sense humor queen philip spending holidays elizabeths country estate sandringham 110 miles 175 kilometers north london royal family private lunch scheduled church service turkey reared estate featured menu first christmas family joined markle actress prince harry plan marry windsor castle may markle seemed comfortable walking church arminarm harry kate curtsied front queen service elizabeth said brief broadcast royal family looks forward welcoming new members next year ___ gregory katz reported london sandringham england ap queen elizabeth ii senior members british royal family along newcomer meghan markle american actress engaged prince harry attended christmas church service monday crowd local residents gathered markle smiled gave brief wave first public appearance queen harry stopped talk several locals way back queens residence lovely said judith wallis woman chatted briefly couple crowd larger previous years perhaps curiosity markle queen joined husband prince philip close family members including grandson prince william wife kate expected give birth couples third child spring elizabeth 91 philip 96 missed last years church service flu seemed good health mondays brief appearance philip walked back queens house royals elizabeth opted driven prince charles wife camilla rode service chauffeured bentley horsethemed hood ornament perhaps chosen queen loves horses horse racing elizabeth used annual christmas message pay tribute way london manchester pulled together extremist attacks earlier year brief speech televised christmas day united kingdom 51 commonwealth countries queen seated desk study praised manchester hit suicide bomber may london endured attacks parliament london bridge landmarks said cities powerful identities shone past 12 months face appalling attacks queen said privilege visit young survivors attack manchester concert hall recovering blast claimed 22 lives describe hospital visit privilege patients met example us showing extraordinary bravery resilience elizabeth said elizabeth also kind words husband year stepped public duties advancing years praised support unique sense humor queen philip spending holidays elizabeths country estate sandringham 110 miles 175 kilometers north london royal family private lunch scheduled church service turkey reared estate featured menu first christmas family joined markle actress prince harry plan marry windsor castle may markle seemed comfortable walking church arminarm harry kate curtsied front queen service elizabeth said brief broadcast royal family looks forward welcoming new members next year ___ gregory katz reported london
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<p>LOS ANGELES (AP) — Meryl Streep, Michelle Williams, Emma Watson and Amy Poehler were among eight actresses bringing gender and racial justice activists as their guests to Sunday’s Golden Globe Awards in an effort to shift the focus back on survivors and solutions, and away from those accused of sexual misconduct.</p>
<p>Streep walked the red carpet with Ai-jen Poo, director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance.</p>
<p>“I think that people are aware now of a power imbalance and it’s something that leads to abuse,” Streep told E! News. “It’s led to abuse in our own industry, and it’s led to abuse across domestic workers’ field of work. It’s in the military, it’s in Congress, it’s everywhere. And we want to fix that. And we feel sort of emboldened in this particular moment to stand together in a thick black line dividing then from now.”</p>
<p>Williams brought Tarana Burke, the founder of the “me too” movement, and Watson brought Marai Larasi, the executive director of Imkaan, a black feminist organization.</p>
<p>“You know why we’re here? We’re here because of Tarana,” Williams told Ryan Seacrest on the carpet. “We’re here because Tarana started a movement and she planted a seed years ago and it’s grown and caught fire. She started the #MeToo movement.”</p>
<p>Poehler’s guest was Saru Jayaraman, president of Restaurant Opportunities Centers, Shailene Woodley was being accompanied by Suquamish Tribe member Calina Lawrence, and Laura Dern walked alongside Monica Ramirez, a supporter of worker-led movements. Susan Sarandon brought Rosa Clemente, a political commentator. Nominee Emma Stone took tennis champ and advocate Billie Jean King, whom the actress portrayed in the film “Battle of the Sexes.”</p>
<p>Dern said she had reached out to Ramirez “to say that she stood with all the 700,000 women farm workers in solidarity for the women in our industry who were brave enough to speak out about sexual harassment and assault.”</p>
<p>Ramirez said that farmworker women “pick, pack and plant the food that we eat and have a long history of combating workplace sexual violence. When we learned about what was happening in Hollywood, our members felt very strongly that they wanted to send a message to the women in this industry and all women who are experiencing sexual violence in the workplace that they are not alone.”</p>
<p>In a statement Sunday, the advocates said they were inspired by the Time’s Up initiative, which launched Monday with the backing of hundreds of Hollywood women, like Streep, Reese Witherspoon and Shonda Rhimes. The initiative vowed support for women in the entertainment business and beyond, from janitors to health care workers.</p>
<p>“Each of us will be highlighting legislative, community-level and interpersonal solutions that contribute to ending violence against women in all our communities,” the advocates’ statement said Sunday. “It is our hope that in doing so, we will also help to broaden conversations about the connection to power, privilege and other systemic inequalities.”</p>
<p>The statement says that women of color should be at the center of the solutions.</p>
<p>“We want to encourage all women — from those who live in the shadows to those who live in the spotlight, from all walks of life, and across generations — to continue to step forward and know that they will be supported when they do,” the statement continued.</p>
<p>Many attending the Golden Globes were wearing black to protest sexual harassment. Mark Ruffalo tweeted Sunday that he wore black “in solidarity with the men and women asking for respect and equality.”</p>
<p>LOS ANGELES (AP) — Meryl Streep, Michelle Williams, Emma Watson and Amy Poehler were among eight actresses bringing gender and racial justice activists as their guests to Sunday’s Golden Globe Awards in an effort to shift the focus back on survivors and solutions, and away from those accused of sexual misconduct.</p>
<p>Streep walked the red carpet with Ai-jen Poo, director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance.</p>
<p>“I think that people are aware now of a power imbalance and it’s something that leads to abuse,” Streep told E! News. “It’s led to abuse in our own industry, and it’s led to abuse across domestic workers’ field of work. It’s in the military, it’s in Congress, it’s everywhere. And we want to fix that. And we feel sort of emboldened in this particular moment to stand together in a thick black line dividing then from now.”</p>
<p>Williams brought Tarana Burke, the founder of the “me too” movement, and Watson brought Marai Larasi, the executive director of Imkaan, a black feminist organization.</p>
<p>“You know why we’re here? We’re here because of Tarana,” Williams told Ryan Seacrest on the carpet. “We’re here because Tarana started a movement and she planted a seed years ago and it’s grown and caught fire. She started the #MeToo movement.”</p>
<p>Poehler’s guest was Saru Jayaraman, president of Restaurant Opportunities Centers, Shailene Woodley was being accompanied by Suquamish Tribe member Calina Lawrence, and Laura Dern walked alongside Monica Ramirez, a supporter of worker-led movements. Susan Sarandon brought Rosa Clemente, a political commentator. Nominee Emma Stone took tennis champ and advocate Billie Jean King, whom the actress portrayed in the film “Battle of the Sexes.”</p>
<p>Dern said she had reached out to Ramirez “to say that she stood with all the 700,000 women farm workers in solidarity for the women in our industry who were brave enough to speak out about sexual harassment and assault.”</p>
<p>Ramirez said that farmworker women “pick, pack and plant the food that we eat and have a long history of combating workplace sexual violence. When we learned about what was happening in Hollywood, our members felt very strongly that they wanted to send a message to the women in this industry and all women who are experiencing sexual violence in the workplace that they are not alone.”</p>
<p>In a statement Sunday, the advocates said they were inspired by the Time’s Up initiative, which launched Monday with the backing of hundreds of Hollywood women, like Streep, Reese Witherspoon and Shonda Rhimes. The initiative vowed support for women in the entertainment business and beyond, from janitors to health care workers.</p>
<p>“Each of us will be highlighting legislative, community-level and interpersonal solutions that contribute to ending violence against women in all our communities,” the advocates’ statement said Sunday. “It is our hope that in doing so, we will also help to broaden conversations about the connection to power, privilege and other systemic inequalities.”</p>
<p>The statement says that women of color should be at the center of the solutions.</p>
<p>“We want to encourage all women — from those who live in the shadows to those who live in the spotlight, from all walks of life, and across generations — to continue to step forward and know that they will be supported when they do,” the statement continued.</p>
<p>Many attending the Golden Globes were wearing black to protest sexual harassment. Mark Ruffalo tweeted Sunday that he wore black “in solidarity with the men and women asking for respect and equality.”</p>
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los angeles ap meryl streep michelle williams emma watson amy poehler among eight actresses bringing gender racial justice activists guests sundays golden globe awards effort shift focus back survivors solutions away accused sexual misconduct streep walked red carpet aijen poo director national domestic workers alliance think people aware power imbalance something leads abuse streep told e news led abuse industry led abuse across domestic workers field work military congress everywhere want fix feel sort emboldened particular moment stand together thick black line dividing williams brought tarana burke founder movement watson brought marai larasi executive director imkaan black feminist organization know tarana williams told ryan seacrest carpet tarana started movement planted seed years ago grown caught fire started metoo movement poehlers guest saru jayaraman president restaurant opportunities centers shailene woodley accompanied suquamish tribe member calina lawrence laura dern walked alongside monica ramirez supporter workerled movements susan sarandon brought rosa clemente political commentator nominee emma stone took tennis champ advocate billie jean king actress portrayed film battle sexes dern said reached ramirez say stood 700000 women farm workers solidarity women industry brave enough speak sexual harassment assault ramirez said farmworker women pick pack plant food eat long history combating workplace sexual violence learned happening hollywood members felt strongly wanted send message women industry women experiencing sexual violence workplace alone statement sunday advocates said inspired times initiative launched monday backing hundreds hollywood women like streep reese witherspoon shonda rhimes initiative vowed support women entertainment business beyond janitors health care workers us highlighting legislative communitylevel interpersonal solutions contribute ending violence women communities advocates statement said sunday hope also help broaden conversations connection power privilege systemic inequalities statement says women color center solutions want encourage women live shadows live spotlight walks life across generations continue step forward know supported statement continued many attending golden globes wearing black protest sexual harassment mark ruffalo tweeted sunday wore black solidarity men women asking respect equality los angeles ap meryl streep michelle williams emma watson amy poehler among eight actresses bringing gender racial justice activists guests sundays golden globe awards effort shift focus back survivors solutions away accused sexual misconduct streep walked red carpet aijen poo director national domestic workers alliance think people aware power imbalance something leads abuse streep told e news led abuse industry led abuse across domestic workers field work military congress everywhere want fix feel sort emboldened particular moment stand together thick black line dividing williams brought tarana burke founder movement watson brought marai larasi executive director imkaan black feminist organization know tarana williams told ryan seacrest carpet tarana started movement planted seed years ago grown caught fire started metoo movement poehlers guest saru jayaraman president restaurant opportunities centers shailene woodley accompanied suquamish tribe member calina lawrence laura dern walked alongside monica ramirez supporter workerled movements susan sarandon brought rosa clemente political commentator nominee emma stone took tennis champ advocate billie jean king actress portrayed film battle sexes dern said reached ramirez say stood 700000 women farm workers solidarity women industry brave enough speak sexual harassment assault ramirez said farmworker women pick pack plant food eat long history combating workplace sexual violence learned happening hollywood members felt strongly wanted send message women industry women experiencing sexual violence workplace alone statement sunday advocates said inspired times initiative launched monday backing hundreds hollywood women like streep reese witherspoon shonda rhimes initiative vowed support women entertainment business beyond janitors health care workers us highlighting legislative communitylevel interpersonal solutions contribute ending violence women communities advocates statement said sunday hope also help broaden conversations connection power privilege systemic inequalities statement says women color center solutions want encourage women live shadows live spotlight walks life across generations continue step forward know supported statement continued many attending golden globes wearing black protest sexual harassment mark ruffalo tweeted sunday wore black solidarity men women asking respect equality
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<p>The 10-member jury deliberated over parts of three days before finding the shooting of Christian Green unjustified.</p>
<p>Officer Robert Gonzalez claimed that 17-year-old Green turned and pointed a weapon at him before he opened fire — an account backed up by the three other tactical officers at the scene. But a lawyer for Green’s mother, Patricia, said in closing arguments Friday that story makes no sense.</p>
<p>Green had already tried to ditch the weapon once as officers chased him in two unmarked vehicles into a vacant lot, attorney Victor Henderson told the jury. The skinny teen was running full tilt away from the police and was about to make an escape when one of the 11 bullets fired by Gonzalez struck him in the back.</p>
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<p>“Christian is 5 feet, 5 inches, 116 pounds,” Henderson said. “He’s being chased by a Crown Vic. He’s got to be scared to death! … If you heard the story that these officers told and it was just regular people, you wouldn’t believe it. Because it isn’t true.”</p>
<p>Assistant Corporation Counsel Victoria Benson, however, said Gonzalez was absolutely justified in firing at Green once he saw the open barrel of Green’s semiautomatic handgun pointed at him. She said while “no one wanted that day to end the way it did,” it was Green’s own actions that led to his death.</p>
<p>“Why would Officer Gonzalez decide to kill Mr. Green for no reason?” she said. “He wouldn’t, and he didn’t.”</p>
<p>Henderson did not ask for a specific dollar award if the jury found in favor of Green’s mother. But he asked them to consider the pain and suffering Green suffered as well as the grief his family continues to go through — the kisses his mother no longer gets in the morning, the graduations, birthdays and grandchildren she will never see.</p>
<p>“The money doesn’t bring Christian back, but it is a symbol,” Henderson said. “It shows that, yeah, he was somebody. Yeah, he mattered. Yeah, he counts.”</p>
<p>According to court records, Gonzalez and his partner, Officer George Hernandez, were patrolling around 1 p.m. on July 4, 2013, when they responded to a call that fellow tactical Officers Manuel Leano and Douglas Nichols Jr. were chasing a person with a gun.</p>
<p>Surveillance video from a nearby liquor store that was played during the trial showed Green trying to throw a gun into a trash can as he sprinted up to 57th and State streets. The gun bounced off the can’s rim onto the sidewalk. Green doubled back, bent quickly and picked it up before taking off again.</p>
<p>Gonzalez testified Friday that he saw Green pick up the weapon and was yelling from his unmarked SUV, “Police! Drop the gun! Drop the gun!” But the teen ignored him, he said. As the vehicle came to a stop at the edge of the lot, Gonzalez said he saw the barrel of Green’s gun pointed in his direction from about 25 feet away, but he could not recall the exact position of the teen’s body at the moment he opened fire.</p>
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<p>“I was just focused on the gun,” Gonzalez testified. “That barrel was pointed right at me, and I fired my weapon as quickly as I could.”</p>
<p>Green was struck in the left side of his back by a bullet that pierced his lung and heart before exiting his chest. He died en route to Stroger Hospital. His gun, meanwhile, was found in the vacant lot about 75 feet from his body, according to court records.</p>
<p>Henderson has alleged that a shoddy investigation by the Police Department and the Independent Police Review Authority allowed Gonzalez and his colleagues to conspire to get their stories straight before they were interviewed about the shooting. The much-maligned IPRA ruled in September 2014 that the shooting was justified.</p>
<p>The officers’ accounts of the shooting were contradicted last week by a witness, Laticia Whitehead, who said she saw Green running full speed away from the police and that he never turned before Gonzalez opened fire. After the boy jerked and fell to the ground, Whitehead said, the officer who shot him got out of the vehicle, put a foot on his motionless body and started yelling.</p>
<p>“You wanna run? Huh? Huh?” Whitehead quoted the officer as saying in a videotaped deposition played in court. “You see how … far you got?”</p>
<p>In his closing argument Friday, Henderson noted that Green’s body was found 150 feet from where the shell casings from Gonzalez’s weapon landed on State Street, calling into question the officer’s claim that he could clearly see the barrel of the gun pointed at him.</p>
<p>Henderson also said it made no sense that Gonzalez would miss 10 of 11 shots from just 25 feet away.</p>
<p>“Officer Gonzalez is sitting here telling you guys a bunch of lies because he doesn’t want to admit that he did something wrong,” Henderson said as Gonzalez, dressed in a gray suit, sat expressionless at the defense table.</p>
<p>Green’s shooting was one of three fatal police shootings that Gonzalez was involved in over a two-year span, records show. In the other two cases — the 2012 shooting of 16-year-old Rickey Childs and the 2014 shooting of Ronald Johnson III, 25 — it was Gonzalez’s partner who opened fire.</p>
<p>Henderson was barred by the judge from asking Gonzalez about the other police shootings he’s been involved in or his alleged connection to a corrupt team of officers in the early 2000s.</p>
<p>Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson was called to testify early in the trial because at the time of Green’s shooting he was the acting street deputy who responded to the scene and signed off on the officers’ use-of-force reports of the incident. He also gave a sworn deposition in the lawsuit last year.</p>
<p>Johnson testified that police officers are sometimes justified in shooting a fleeing suspect in the back. He recounted being shot at years ago by a fleeing suspect who had turned and pointed a weapon at him, grazing him in the head.</p>
<p>“Just like this,” testified Johnson, demonstrating for the jury by moving his body a quarter-turn and pointing with his finger like a handgun at the wall behind him. “So I know it can happen.”</p>
<p>——</p>
<p>©2017 Chicago Tribune</p>
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10member jury deliberated parts three days finding shooting christian green unjustified officer robert gonzalez claimed 17yearold green turned pointed weapon opened fire account backed three tactical officers scene lawyer greens mother patricia said closing arguments friday story makes sense green already tried ditch weapon officers chased two unmarked vehicles vacant lot attorney victor henderson told jury skinny teen running full tilt away police make escape one 11 bullets fired gonzalez struck back advertisement christian 5 feet 5 inches 116 pounds henderson said hes chased crown vic hes got scared death heard story officers told regular people wouldnt believe isnt true assistant corporation counsel victoria benson however said gonzalez absolutely justified firing green saw open barrel greens semiautomatic handgun pointed said one wanted day end way greens actions led death would officer gonzalez decide kill mr green reason said wouldnt didnt henderson ask specific dollar award jury found favor greens mother asked consider pain suffering green suffered well grief family continues go kisses mother longer gets morning graduations birthdays grandchildren never see money doesnt bring christian back symbol henderson said shows yeah somebody yeah mattered yeah counts according court records gonzalez partner officer george hernandez patrolling around 1 pm july 4 2013 responded call fellow tactical officers manuel leano douglas nichols jr chasing person gun surveillance video nearby liquor store played trial showed green trying throw gun trash sprinted 57th state streets gun bounced cans rim onto sidewalk green doubled back bent quickly picked taking gonzalez testified friday saw green pick weapon yelling unmarked suv police drop gun drop gun teen ignored said vehicle came stop edge lot gonzalez said saw barrel greens gun pointed direction 25 feet away could recall exact position teens body moment opened fire advertisement focused gun gonzalez testified barrel pointed right fired weapon quickly could green struck left side back bullet pierced lung heart exiting chest died en route stroger hospital gun meanwhile found vacant lot 75 feet body according court records henderson alleged shoddy investigation police department independent police review authority allowed gonzalez colleagues conspire get stories straight interviewed shooting muchmaligned ipra ruled september 2014 shooting justified officers accounts shooting contradicted last week witness laticia whitehead said saw green running full speed away police never turned gonzalez opened fire boy jerked fell ground whitehead said officer shot got vehicle put foot motionless body started yelling wan na run huh huh whitehead quoted officer saying videotaped deposition played court see far got closing argument friday henderson noted greens body found 150 feet shell casings gonzalezs weapon landed state street calling question officers claim could clearly see barrel gun pointed henderson also said made sense gonzalez would miss 10 11 shots 25 feet away officer gonzalez sitting telling guys bunch lies doesnt want admit something wrong henderson said gonzalez dressed gray suit sat expressionless defense table greens shooting one three fatal police shootings gonzalez involved twoyear span records show two cases 2012 shooting 16yearold rickey childs 2014 shooting ronald johnson iii 25 gonzalezs partner opened fire henderson barred judge asking gonzalez police shootings hes involved alleged connection corrupt team officers early 2000s chicago police superintendent eddie johnson called testify early trial time greens shooting acting street deputy responded scene signed officers useofforce reports incident also gave sworn deposition lawsuit last year johnson testified police officers sometimes justified shooting fleeing suspect back recounted shot years ago fleeing suspect turned pointed weapon grazing head like testified johnson demonstrating jury moving body quarterturn pointing finger like handgun wall behind know happen 2017 chicago tribune visit chicago tribune wwwchicagotribunecom distributed tribune content agency llc photo help images contact 3122224194 chicagopoliceshooting _____
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<p>5:20 p.m.</p>
<p>Current and former Charleston police officers and a firefighter have described what they found when they responded to the scene of nine slayings at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church.</p>
<p>They testified Wednesday as Dylann Roof’s death penalty trial got underway.</p>
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<p>Roof, who is white, faces 33 counts including hate crimes in the June 2015 shootings of nine black parishioners at the church. Prosecutors say Roof targeted the historic church because he wanted to start a race war.</p>
<p>The shooting happened during a Bible study in the church basement. One officer testified that he found one of the shooting victims lying on the floor in the church basement. He said he gave the man his hand and the man squeezed it, smiled and passed away.</p>
<p>Testimony has ended for the day.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>2:30 p.m.</p>
<p>Charleston church shooting survivor Felicia Sanders choked back tears and called Dylann Roof “evil, evil, evil” as she described how the young white man shot nine black parishioners during a Bible study last year.</p>
<p>Sanders talked about how Roof came to Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church and was welcomed to the Bible study. She said when the shooting started she first thought there was an electrical problem with an elevator.</p>
<p>Her son Tywanza was one of those who died. She said she watched her son come into this world and watched him leave. Emotions overcame her and the judge called a recess in Roof’s federal death penalty trial. Several jurors were dabbing their eyes leaving the courtroom.</p>
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<p>Roof sat with his head looking down at the defense table during the testimony.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>12:40 p.m.</p>
<p>A lawyer for the white man accused of killing nine black people at a Charleston church is not disputing that his client committed the heinous crimes.</p>
<p>But Attorney David Bruck told jurors Wednesday that they should pay attention to the little things and use their common sense to try and figure out what made 22-year-old Dylann Roof hate black people so much.</p>
<p>Bruck says he may not call any witnesses during the guilt or innocence phase of the death penalty trial because there is little question Roof committed the slayings.</p>
<p>The second part of the trial is the penalty phase. Bruck tried to hint at reasons why Roof shouldn’t be put to death, but prosecutors loudly objected, saying that was for the penalty phase. The judge agreed.</p>
<p>Roof says he wants to represent himself during the penalty phase.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>12 p.m.</p>
<p>A federal prosecutor says Dylann Roof was a man with a “cold and hateful heart” when he pulled out a Glock pistol and shot and killed nine black parishioners at a Charleston, South Carolina, church last year.</p>
<p>Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Richardson told jurors during his opening statement in Roof’s death penalty trial on Wednesday that the young white man must have appeared harmless to those attending a Bible study at Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in June 2015. Richardson said Roof showed exactly what was in his heart when he pointed the gun and pulled the trigger, hitting the church members more than 60 times.</p>
<p>Richardson told jurors they will hear Roof’s confession and hear how he hoped to start a race war by targeting the AME parishioners. He urged the jurors to convict Roof on 33 federal counts, including hate crimes.</p>
<p>Richardson vowed that Roof’s “racism, his violence, his assault on a house of worship won’t prevail in this courtroom.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>11:10 a.m.</p>
<p>The 12 jurors who will hear the death penalty trial of Dylann Roof have been picked and will decide whether the white man killed nine black people in racially motivated attack at a Charleston church.</p>
<p>Jury selection took about 20 minutes Wednesday. According to a reporter who observed the process, it appears that the panel is racially mixed. Police say Roof shot nine people at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in June 2015. Authorities say the 22-year-old man wanted to start a race war.</p>
<p>U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel only allowed one pool reporter to watch the jury selection, and she said she couldn’t immediately determine the racial makeup of the panel.</p>
<p>Court officials also didn’t release the races of the jurors.</p>
<p>Roof faces hate crime and obstruction of religion charges. If jurors find him guilty, they will decide if he should be put to death.</p>
<p>Opening statements are expected Wednesday morning.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>9:40 a.m.</p>
<p>The final phase of jury selection is underway in the death-penalty trial of Dylann Roof, the white man accused of gunning down nine black parishioners during a Bible study at a church in Charleston, South Carolina, last year.</p>
<p>Roof faces 33 charges in federal court, including hate crimes and obstruction of religion. Federal prosecutors say he spoke of starting a race war when he shot the parishioners at Emanuel AME Church. State prosecutors plan a second death penalty trial on nine murder charges next year.</p>
<p>The federal jury selection process began last summer when about 3,000 potential jurors received jury summonses. After filling out questionnaires and being questioned by attorneys, that pool has now been reduced to 67 people.</p>
<p>Attorneys are using juror strikes Wednesday to select the final panel of 12 jurors and six alternates who’ll hear the case.</p>
<p>Opening statements are scheduled for later in the day.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>3:50 a.m.</p>
<p>The death penalty trial for a white man who said he wanted to start a race war by killing black people in their South Carolina church is set to begin.</p>
<p>Jury selection and opening statements are scheduled for Wednesday in Dylann Roof’s federal death penalty trial in Charleston.</p>
<p>The city is already bruised by a former police officer’s racially charged murder trial that ended in a hung jury Monday.</p>
<p>But Roof’s trial shouldn’t be so hard fought. His lawyers have offered for Roof to plead guilty several times if prosecutors agreed not to seek the death penalty.</p>
<p>Authorities say Roof killed nine people at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in June 2015 after spending an hour with them in Bible study.</p>
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520 pm current former charleston police officers firefighter described found responded scene nine slayings emanuel african methodist episcopal church testified wednesday dylann roofs death penalty trial got underway advertisement roof white faces 33 counts including hate crimes june 2015 shootings nine black parishioners church prosecutors say roof targeted historic church wanted start race war shooting happened bible study church basement one officer testified found one shooting victims lying floor church basement said gave man hand man squeezed smiled passed away testimony ended day ___ 230 pm charleston church shooting survivor felicia sanders choked back tears called dylann roof evil evil evil described young white man shot nine black parishioners bible study last year sanders talked roof came emmanuel african methodist episcopal church welcomed bible study said shooting started first thought electrical problem elevator son tywanza one died said watched son come world watched leave emotions overcame judge called recess roofs federal death penalty trial several jurors dabbing eyes leaving courtroom advertisement roof sat head looking defense table testimony ___ 1240 pm lawyer white man accused killing nine black people charleston church disputing client committed heinous crimes attorney david bruck told jurors wednesday pay attention little things use common sense try figure made 22yearold dylann roof hate black people much bruck says may call witnesses guilt innocence phase death penalty trial little question roof committed slayings second part trial penalty phase bruck tried hint reasons roof shouldnt put death prosecutors loudly objected saying penalty phase judge agreed roof says wants represent penalty phase ___ 12 pm federal prosecutor says dylann roof man cold hateful heart pulled glock pistol shot killed nine black parishioners charleston south carolina church last year assistant us attorney jay richardson told jurors opening statement roofs death penalty trial wednesday young white man must appeared harmless attending bible study emmanuel african methodist episcopal church june 2015 richardson said roof showed exactly heart pointed gun pulled trigger hitting church members 60 times richardson told jurors hear roofs confession hear hoped start race war targeting ame parishioners urged jurors convict roof 33 federal counts including hate crimes richardson vowed roofs racism violence assault house worship wont prevail courtroom ___ 1110 12 jurors hear death penalty trial dylann roof picked decide whether white man killed nine black people racially motivated attack charleston church jury selection took 20 minutes wednesday according reporter observed process appears panel racially mixed police say roof shot nine people emanuel african methodist episcopal church june 2015 authorities say 22yearold man wanted start race war us district judge richard gergel allowed one pool reporter watch jury selection said couldnt immediately determine racial makeup panel court officials also didnt release races jurors roof faces hate crime obstruction religion charges jurors find guilty decide put death opening statements expected wednesday morning ___ 940 final phase jury selection underway deathpenalty trial dylann roof white man accused gunning nine black parishioners bible study church charleston south carolina last year roof faces 33 charges federal court including hate crimes obstruction religion federal prosecutors say spoke starting race war shot parishioners emanuel ame church state prosecutors plan second death penalty trial nine murder charges next year federal jury selection process began last summer 3000 potential jurors received jury summonses filling questionnaires questioned attorneys pool reduced 67 people attorneys using juror strikes wednesday select final panel 12 jurors six alternates wholl hear case opening statements scheduled later day ___ 350 death penalty trial white man said wanted start race war killing black people south carolina church set begin jury selection opening statements scheduled wednesday dylann roofs federal death penalty trial charleston city already bruised former police officers racially charged murder trial ended hung jury monday roofs trial shouldnt hard fought lawyers offered roof plead guilty several times prosecutors agreed seek death penalty authorities say roof killed nine people emanuel african methodist episcopal church june 2015 spending hour bible study
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<p>Sizeable majorities of both the app and web groups agreed to take part in the study, and majorities of those who signed up actually participated in one or more of the individual surveys. The web group outperformed the app group in terms of cooperation rates and responses rates, both overall and to each of the 14 surveys. This is perhaps due to the fact that panelists assigned to the web treatment knew they could and did respond via smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop while the app panelists were restricted to a mobile device.</p>
<p>The experimental web group was more likely to agree to participate in the follow up surveys than the app group. The agreement rate was 90% for the experimental web group and 76% for the app group. Of all panelists in the app group, 16% did not agree to participate using the app but said yes to using the web (APP2WEB). Overall 91% of those invited to participate in the follow up surveys agreed to do so; however this includes all of the app, experimental web, non-experimental web and APP2WEB groups.</p>
<p>In total, 80% of those who agreed to participate using an app actually downloaded the app. This corresponds to 61% of those invited.</p>
<p>The experimental web group was also more likely to respond to individual survey requests. Of those invited, the overall experimental web response rate (one or more completions) was 84% vs. 58% for the app group. Additionally 53% of the experimental web group vs. 40% of the app group completed 10 or more surveys, and 15% vs. 9% completing all 14 surveys, respectively. Of those who agreed to participate the overall completion rate was 94% for the experimental web group vs. 76% for the app group. Looking at those who completed 10 or more surveys these numbers drop to 59% and 53% respectively and when we look at who participated in all 14 surveys they decrease further to 17% and 12%, respectively.</p>
<p>Looking at the surveys across the field period, the app response rate was lower than the experimental web completion rate at every day and time. Additionally, we see a lower response rate on the first day than the second day for both modes, except when comparing the afternoon web surveys of the first two days. Of the subsequent days, each day is not statistically significantly higher or lower than the day before.</p>
<p>Combining all completed surveys by treatment across all days and times, we looked at when each completed survey was initially accessed within the two hour survey window. We find that a plurality of both the app and experimental web surveys was initially accessed within the first two minutes after the invite was dispatched, but a higher percent of the app surveys were accessed within that time frame compared to the experimental web group. Perhaps the push notifications the app group received, in addition to the text messages and emails both groups received, accounts for some of this increase. It could also be related to the demographics of the app group, discussed below.</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal" />The original research plan called for capturing the device used to complete each survey, for each panelist regardless of experimental treatment. However, due to an oversight, the device information for the experimental web group was captured for only the respondent’s last survey. Keep in mind that for some respondents their last survey could have been the second survey and for others the 14th survey. While the vast majority (80%) completed their last survey on a mobile phone, 7% used a tablet and 14% used a desktop or laptop computer.</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal" />The app group’s smartphone or tablet operating system was captured for every survey. iOS users (iPhone, iPad) outnumbered Android (smartphone, tablet) users 57% to 42% in the initial survey, a ratio that gradually narrowed to 51% to 48% by survey 14.</p>
<p>The unweighted demographic composition of the study’s participants and the weighted full sample of smartphone users from the October wave of the panel were very similar, suggesting that either experimental group could have been used to represent all smartphone users. However, app respondents represented all smartphone users slightly better than did experimental web respondents, in the sense that they were more likely to be young and not registered to vote. There were some relatively modest demographic differences between the app and web groups. For example, in comparing app vs. web for both those who agreed to participate and those who actually responded, the profile of the app group was younger, more likely to be from the Midwest and less likely to be registered to vote compared to those who agreed to participate and those who responded in the experimental web group.</p>
<p>One possible factor that could have contributed to the age difference between the app and web groups was that numerous panelists had technical difficulties in trying to download the app. Approximately 100 panelists emailed or called the panel help line reporting problems such as not knowing what the Google Play or Apple App Store were, not having their accounts configured to use said stores, not knowing how to download an app or even trying to download the app on their computer. If we assume that these less tech savvy panelists may perhaps have been older, this would skew the demographic composition of the app treatment towards younger panelists who were able to download the app.</p>
<p>In addition to tabular comparisons of cooperating and non-cooperating groups, researchers conducted a multivariate analysis of the factors predicting whether an individual responded as a way to test whether panelists invited to the app treatment were less likely to respond regardless of demographics. The dependent variable was whether an invited panelist responded to any of the 14 follow up surveys or not. The base is thus all invited, not just those who agreed to participate.</p>
<p>The model controlled for age, gender, education, race and ethnicity, census region, marital status, religiously affiliated or not, registered to vote, political party affiliation, treatment group (app vs. experimental web) and two-way interactions between treatment and select demographics (age, education and gender). The interactions were not significant and thus were dropped from the model.</p>
<p>The analysis found that the app group was less likely to respond than the web group even when controlling for demographics. Of the demographics, age was a significant predictor of responding with younger panelists more likely to respond regardless of treatment (app vs. web). Those from the Midwest were more than to respond than those from the West and those who were married were more likely to respond than those who had never been married.</p>
<p>Of greatest interest, of course, are the substantive questions in the study. Do the app and web versions yield different results for the questions at the heart of the research? The answer is no. The weighted <a href="#fn-268477-1" type="external">1</a>&#160;substantive results from the app and the web groups do not differ. The app and the web groups were each separately weighted to targets for all smartphone users. Responses were compared for which activities respondents did at least once over the week, in which location, for what purpose and how it made them feel. On only one item out of 34, “taking pictures or videos,” was the app group significantly different from the experimental web group (app respondents were less likely to report having done so). Thus, this study suggests the choice of using an app or a web implementation of the survey would likely not affect the results of a future study attempting to represent all smartphone users at least on this topic.</p>
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sizeable majorities app web groups agreed take part study majorities signed actually participated one individual surveys web group outperformed app group terms cooperation rates responses rates overall 14 surveys perhaps due fact panelists assigned web treatment knew could respond via smartphone tablet laptop desktop app panelists restricted mobile device experimental web group likely agree participate follow surveys app group agreement rate 90 experimental web group 76 app group panelists app group 16 agree participate using app said yes using web app2web overall 91 invited participate follow surveys agreed however includes app experimental web nonexperimental web app2web groups total 80 agreed participate using app actually downloaded app corresponds 61 invited experimental web group also likely respond individual survey requests invited overall experimental web response rate one completions 84 vs 58 app group additionally 53 experimental web group vs 40 app group completed 10 surveys 15 vs 9 completing 14 surveys respectively agreed participate overall completion rate 94 experimental web group vs 76 app group looking completed 10 surveys numbers drop 59 53 respectively look participated 14 surveys decrease 17 12 respectively looking surveys across field period app response rate lower experimental web completion rate every day time additionally see lower response rate first day second day modes except comparing afternoon web surveys first two days subsequent days day statistically significantly higher lower day combining completed surveys treatment across days times looked completed survey initially accessed within two hour survey window find plurality app experimental web surveys initially accessed within first two minutes invite dispatched higher percent app surveys accessed within time frame compared experimental web group perhaps push notifications app group received addition text messages emails groups received accounts increase could also related demographics app group discussed original research plan called capturing device used complete survey panelist regardless experimental treatment however due oversight device information experimental web group captured respondents last survey keep mind respondents last survey could second survey others 14th survey vast majority 80 completed last survey mobile phone 7 used tablet 14 used desktop laptop computer app groups smartphone tablet operating system captured every survey ios users iphone ipad outnumbered android smartphone tablet users 57 42 initial survey ratio gradually narrowed 51 48 survey 14 unweighted demographic composition studys participants weighted full sample smartphone users october wave panel similar suggesting either experimental group could used represent smartphone users however app respondents represented smartphone users slightly better experimental web respondents sense likely young registered vote relatively modest demographic differences app web groups example comparing app vs web agreed participate actually responded profile app group younger likely midwest less likely registered vote compared agreed participate responded experimental web group one possible factor could contributed age difference app web groups numerous panelists technical difficulties trying download app approximately 100 panelists emailed called panel help line reporting problems knowing google play apple app store accounts configured use said stores knowing download app even trying download app computer assume less tech savvy panelists may perhaps older would skew demographic composition app treatment towards younger panelists able download app addition tabular comparisons cooperating noncooperating groups researchers conducted multivariate analysis factors predicting whether individual responded way test whether panelists invited app treatment less likely respond regardless demographics dependent variable whether invited panelist responded 14 follow surveys base thus invited agreed participate model controlled age gender education race ethnicity census region marital status religiously affiliated registered vote political party affiliation treatment group app vs experimental web twoway interactions treatment select demographics age education gender interactions significant thus dropped model analysis found app group less likely respond web group even controlling demographics demographics age significant predictor responding younger panelists likely respond regardless treatment app vs web midwest respond west married likely respond never married greatest interest course substantive questions study app web versions yield different results questions heart research answer weighted 1160substantive results app web groups differ app web groups separately weighted targets smartphone users responses compared activities respondents least week location purpose made feel one item 34 taking pictures videos app group significantly different experimental web group app respondents less likely report done thus study suggests choice using app web implementation survey would likely affect results future study attempting represent smartphone users least topic
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<p><a href="" type="internal" /></p>
<p>When Americans cast their ballots at the polls next week, it is safe to assume that many will be voting for candidates whom they consider to be the “lesser of two evils.”&#160; However, in a number of high-profile races for governor and US Senate, the lesser evil probably isn’t who you think it is.&#160;</p>
<p>When partisans of the Democratic and Republicans parties seek to dissuade others from voting for third party and Independent candidates for office, they often have recourse to a number of stock arguments. &#160;Among the latter is the spoiler argument, which states that it is counterproductive to vote for third party or Independent candidates because it will result in the election of the major party candidate you dislike more. &#160;</p>
<p>We are told, for example, that those who voted for Ralph Nader in the 2000 presidential election spoiled Al Gore’s chances of success, thus resulting in the election of George W. Bush. &#160;Similarly, it is argued that those who voted for Ross Perot in the presidential election of 1992, helped defeat George H.W. Bush by splitting the conservative vote, thus handing the election to Bill Clinton. &#160;On the basis of such evidence, die-hard Democrats and Republicans argue that we must be pragmatic and defensively cast our ballots to ensure the defeat of the candidates from the other major party. &#160;We must vote for the “lesser of two evils” between the Democrats and Republicans, they say, to prevent the election of the greater evil among the two. &#160;&#160;&#160;</p>
<p>In a number of high profile contests for governor and US Senate, however, this very logic dictates support for third party and Independent candidates for office. &#160;In Maine’s gubernatorial race, Republican Paul LePage has maintained a consistent lead over his Democratic challenger Libby Mitchell. &#160;In recent weeks, support for Mitchell has steadily eroded while the poll numbers for Independent Eliot Cutler have doubled, putting him in a statistical tie with the Democrat. &#160;At the same time, Cutler has received a virtual avalanche of endorsements from newspapers across the state. &#160;A recent editorial in the <a href="https://www.bangordailynews.com/story/Opinion/Eliot-Cutler-for-Governor,156357" type="external">Bangor Daily News</a> opens with these lines:</p>
<p>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; “Maine has a rare opportunity to remake its government. State finances demand it. The public, increasingly aware that big changes are needed for the state to prosper, wants it. Only one candidate for governor — Eliot Cutler — has the skills, vision and detailed plans to lead this work.” &#160;</p>
<p>Given the unlikelihood of Mitchell’s victory in this race, coupled with Cutler’s momentum, the pragmatic logic of lesser evilism suggests Democrats should break toward the Independent.&#160;</p>
<p>Something similar might be said of the race for US Senate in Florida. &#160;In this contest, Democrat Kendrick Meek finds himself in a distant third place, trailing Republican front-runner Marco Rubio and Independent Charlie Crist. &#160;Since declaring his independence from the Republican party, Crist has made significant efforts to garner the support of traditional Democratic party constituencies, and even led the race for much of the summer. &#160;If Meek’s waning Democratic base opts at the last minute to throw its support behind Crist in order to avert the election of Rubio, the gambit may well pay off. &#160;As <a href="http://www.uncoveredpolitics.com/2010/10/a-fighting-chance-zogby-shows-charlie-crist-suddenly-within-six-points-of-republican-rival-in-florida%E2%80%99s-u-s-senate-race/" type="external">Darcy Richardson</a> writes at Uncovered Politics, Crist still has a fighting chance and “Floridians might be on the verge of witnessing one of the most exciting political comebacks in recent history.”</p>
<p>On the other side of the duopoly divide, we may witness Republicans aid in the defeat of Democrats by backing Independent and third party gubernatorial candidates. &#160;In Rhode Island’s race for governor, Republican-turned-Independent Lincoln Chafee has battled Democrat Frank Caprio for the lead in the polls, while Republican John Robitaille has demonstrated some difficulty even catching up with the front-runners. &#160;Republicans, whose primary interest is in defeating the Democratic candidate, may well end up casting their ballots for Chafee, but Chafee’s primary interest must be shoring up support among Independents and Democrats, who respectively account for 48% and 41% of the state’s registered voters. &#160;Significantly, in the last week, President Obama opted not to make an endorsement in the race, which was widely viewed as a severe snub of the Democratic candidate, while Chafee has touted past support from Obama.</p>
<p>Finally, in Colorado, former Republican Tom Tancredo’s late entrance into the gubernatorial race under the banner of the Constitution Party has stunned many observers and resulted in the absolute collapse of support for Republican candidate Dan Maes. &#160;Democrat John Hickenlooper maintains a small lead in the contest, but Tancredo’s meteoric rise in the polls must have many Democrats shaking in their boots. &#160;Indeed, Tancredo even turned the tables on his Republican rival, successfully labeling him with the dreaded term “spoiler.” &#160;In a recent <a href="http://www.independentpoliticalreport.com/2010/10/tom-tancredo-time-to-get-out-the-vote/" type="external">message to supporters</a>, Tancredo roars, “We can win this race! We just have to get our vote out –and that is what we are doing now!” &#160;If the remaining supporters of Dan Maes are willing to place the principle of pragmatism over their allegiance to party, they could easily tip the scales in favor of the conservative third party candidate, dealing a stinging defeat to Colorado’s Democrats. &#160;</p>
<p>While the argument in favor of the so-called “lesser evil” is most often put forward as a defense against the third party and Independent vote, in these races, the traditional logic of political pragmatism has effectively been turned on its head. &#160;Next week, voters will have the final say in the matter. &#160;</p>
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americans cast ballots polls next week safe assume many voting candidates consider lesser two evils160 however number highprofile races governor us senate lesser evil probably isnt think is160 partisans democratic republicans parties seek dissuade others voting third party independent candidates office often recourse number stock arguments 160among latter spoiler argument states counterproductive vote third party independent candidates result election major party candidate dislike 160 told example voted ralph nader 2000 presidential election spoiled al gores chances success thus resulting election george w bush 160similarly argued voted ross perot presidential election 1992 helped defeat george hw bush splitting conservative vote thus handing election bill clinton 160on basis evidence diehard democrats republicans argue must pragmatic defensively cast ballots ensure defeat candidates major party 160we must vote lesser two evils democrats republicans say prevent election greater evil among two 160160160 number high profile contests governor us senate however logic dictates support third party independent candidates office 160in maines gubernatorial race republican paul lepage maintained consistent lead democratic challenger libby mitchell 160in recent weeks support mitchell steadily eroded poll numbers independent eliot cutler doubled putting statistical tie democrat 160at time cutler received virtual avalanche endorsements newspapers across state 160a recent editorial bangor daily news opens lines 160160160160 maine rare opportunity remake government state finances demand public increasingly aware big changes needed state prosper wants one candidate governor eliot cutler skills vision detailed plans lead work 160 given unlikelihood mitchells victory race coupled cutlers momentum pragmatic logic lesser evilism suggests democrats break toward independent160 something similar might said race us senate florida 160in contest democrat kendrick meek finds distant third place trailing republican frontrunner marco rubio independent charlie crist 160since declaring independence republican party crist made significant efforts garner support traditional democratic party constituencies even led race much summer 160if meeks waning democratic base opts last minute throw support behind crist order avert election rubio gambit may well pay 160as darcy richardson writes uncovered politics crist still fighting chance floridians might verge witnessing one exciting political comebacks recent history side duopoly divide may witness republicans aid defeat democrats backing independent third party gubernatorial candidates 160in rhode islands race governor republicanturnedindependent lincoln chafee battled democrat frank caprio lead polls republican john robitaille demonstrated difficulty even catching frontrunners 160republicans whose primary interest defeating democratic candidate may well end casting ballots chafee chafees primary interest must shoring support among independents democrats respectively account 48 41 states registered voters 160significantly last week president obama opted make endorsement race widely viewed severe snub democratic candidate chafee touted past support obama finally colorado former republican tom tancredos late entrance gubernatorial race banner constitution party stunned many observers resulted absolute collapse support republican candidate dan maes 160democrat john hickenlooper maintains small lead contest tancredos meteoric rise polls must many democrats shaking boots 160indeed tancredo even turned tables republican rival successfully labeling dreaded term spoiler 160in recent message supporters tancredo roars win race get vote 160if remaining supporters dan maes willing place principle pragmatism allegiance party could easily tip scales favor conservative third party candidate dealing stinging defeat colorados democrats 160 argument favor socalled lesser evil often put forward defense third party independent vote races traditional logic political pragmatism effectively turned head 160next week voters final say matter 160
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<p>Jan 19 (Reuters) - Nikkei:</p>
<p>* TOPPAN PRINTING CO TO MAKE CHIP-PRINTING TECH IN CHINA FROM FISCAL 2018; INVESTMENT MAY TOTAL SEVERAL BILLION YEN - NIKKEI ‍​ Source text: ( <a href="http://s.nikkei.com/2ERK6Rd" type="external">s.nikkei.com/2ERK6Rd</a>) Further company coverage:</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - A pledge by Pakistan’s ruling party to end electricity outages ahead of a general election in mid-2018 is being undermined by the possibility of further delays in new power plants that run on General Electric’s flagship gas turbines.</p> A man uses a piece of paper to fan himseld during a power outage, at a shop selling television sets in Karachi, Pakistan April 12, 2018. REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro
<p>State-owned gas company Pakistan LNG has been diverting liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments earmarked for the three plants, trade and government sources said, a move suggesting doubts in parts of the government that the power plants would not be at full capacity in time for the election, likely to be held in July.</p>
<p>The delays come at a rocky time for GE’s power business, which suffered a 45 percent drop in profit last year in part due to weak sales of new power equipment and services. GE’s shares have plunged more than 50 percent in the past 12 months and the power unit is cutting 12,000 jobs, 18 percent of its workforce.</p>
<p>Pakistan made a big bet on the promised efficiency of GE’s new flagship 9HA gas turbines as part of its solution to crippling power outages - pushing to finish three new plants in a shorter than usual time frame.</p>
<p>The Pakistan plants, being constructed by Chinese contractors, were together due to add 3,600 megawatts of power by January this year after the final phase of installation. Now, some officials say, they are likely to come on stream over April and May.</p>
<p>A senior energy official told Reuters that Pakistan had been scheduled to import 540 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) of gas for the power plants, but that this has been slashed to about 250-300 mmcfd until around July.</p>
<p>A trader familiar with the situation confirmed LNG cargoes were being shipped elsewhere instead of Pakistan due to power plant delays.</p>
<p>The energy ministry in Islamabad did not respond to requests for comment.</p>
<p>Asked about the possible delays, GE did not say when the plants were likely to be fully operational. It said its role is to provide equipment to the project contractors.</p>
<p>“GE understands the significance of the projects to help meet Pakistan’s growing energy demands and has repeatedly gone beyond contractually-defined obligations to support them,” a GE spokesperson said.</p> FILE PHOTO: An aerial view of the Haveli Bahadur Shah LNG power plant in Jhang, Pakistan July 7, 2017. REUTERS/Drazen Jorgic/File Photo
<p>“We remain committed to helping our (contractor) customers bring the plants online as soon as possible.”</p> ENDING “LOAD SHEDDING”
<p>The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) swept to power in 2013 vowing to end power outages that have crippled most of the country, and in the past year senior PML-N politicians have frequently touted the reduction in blackouts as proof the country is on a path to increased prosperity.</p>
<p>Since PML-N assumed office, scheduled outages, also known as load shedding, in urban areas has sharply reduced from about 12 hours a day during peak summer demand to about a few hours last summer. This summer, the government has promised there will be no load shedding.</p>
<p>A key plank of PML-N’s plan to fulfill their electoral promise rests on the three major power stations.</p>
<p>But the delays to the three plants, all in Pakistan’s most populous state Punjab, have unnerved PML-N officials. Punjab is the party’s power base.</p>
<p>One senior PML-N official said he believes outages will be ended if two of the three LNG plants are operational by May.</p>
<p>“It really is going down to the wire but we still think we will be able to pull it off,” he said.</p>
<p>Two weeks ago, GE said a Reliability Run Test (RRT) test has been completed on Haveli, one of the three power plants, with the turbines running “under real conditions, without any failure, for a period of 7 days”.</p>
<p>That signals that the Haveli plant is close to being fully functional.</p>
<p>All the Pakistani officials said they expect Haveli to begin operating fully by mid-April at combined cycle mode, when the turbines can generate maximum capacity of 1,230MW.</p>
<p>The senior PML-N official said it was hoped Bhikki, a sister LNG plant, would come online in late April.</p> Slideshow (7 Images)
<p>But the third plant, Balloki, has been delayed due to a “bushing problem on a transformer”, which means the aim for the plant to come online between mid-to-late May, according to a second senior energy ministry official.</p>
<p>He added the delays were due to ambitious deadlines for plants that are normally constructed in 35-40 months.</p>
<p>“The Chinese and GE have tried to do it in 27 months but they are more likely to do it in 30-32 months. That’s not so bad,” he said, adding that the plants are 30-year projects and would save Pakistan huge sums in the long term.</p>
<p>The senior PML-N figure said he hoped voters who remember daily rolling blackouts of 12 hours per day in urban areas would be willing to overlook outages of an hour or two.</p>
<p>“I think people will be more than willing to forgive us,” he said.</p>
<p>However, others within the ruling party are skeptical.</p>
<p>“If load shedding persists or gets worse, it’s going to affect the results for PML-N,” said Enver Baig, a retired senator and active PML-N member who has been critical of the party’s leadership.</p>
<p>“You have these very hot summers in Pakistan, and everyone is heating up. Of course their anger will come out on the day of the election.”</p>
<p>Additional reporting by Kay Johnson in Islamabad, Mubasher Bukhari in Lahore, Jessica Jaganathan in Singapore and Alwyn Scott in New York; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>KANE COUNTY, Ill. (Reuters) - Lucas Strom, who runs a century-old family farm in rural Illinois, canceled an order to buy a new $71,000 grain storage bin last month - after the seller raised the price 5 percent in a day.</p> Illinois grain farmer Lucas Strom checks on his tractor inside his barn in unincorporated Kane County, Illinois, U.S., April 10, 2018. REUTERS/P.J. Huffstutter
<p>The reason: steel prices jumped right after U.S. President Donald Trump announced tariffs.</p>
<p>Throughout U.S. farm country, where Trump has enjoyed strong support, tariffs on steel and aluminum imports are boosting costs for equipment and infrastructure and causing some farmers and agricultural firms to scrap purchases and expansion plans, according to Reuters’ interviews with farmers, manufacturers, construction firms and food shippers.</p>
<p>The impact of rising steel prices on agriculture illustrates the unintended and unpredictable consequences of aggressive protectionism in a global economy. And the blow comes as farmers fear a more direct hit from retaliatory tariffs threatened by China on crops such as sorghum and soybeans, the most valuable U.S. agricultural export.</p>
<p>A&amp;P Grain Systems in Maple Park, Illinois - the seller of the storage bin Strom wanted to buy with a neighboring farmer - raised its price two days after Trump announced aluminum and steel tariffs on March 1 to protect U.S. producers of the metals. Strom and his neighbor backed out.</p>
<p>“Would that price destroy us? No,” Strom said. “But these days, you have to be smart about your expenses.”</p>
<p>The metals tariffs also hitting makers and sellers of farm equipment, from smaller firms like A&amp;P Grain to global giants such as Deere &amp; Co ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=DE.N" type="external">DE.N</a>) and Caterpillar Inc ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=CAT.N" type="external">CAT.N</a>). Such firms are struggling with whether and how to pass along their higher raw materials costs to farmers who are already reeling from low commodity prices amid a global grains glut.</p>
<p>The world’s two largest economies have threatened each other with tariffs on tens of billions of dollars of goods recent weeks.</p>
<p>Trump imposed&#160;tariffs of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum in a move mainly aimed at curbing imports from China. He&#160;has since temporarily excluded the&#160;European Union and six other allies from the duties and given them until May 1 to negotiate permanent exemptions.</p>
<p>A&amp;P Grain President Dave Altepeter said the steel used in their bins is made in the United States, but domestic steel prices also have soared because of the tariffs.</p>
<p>U.S. steel mills typically adjust their prices once a year, normally in the first quarter, Altepeter said. But this year, those prices have jumped four times, he said.</p>
<p>The price of steel used in A&amp;P’s grain bins has jumped about 20 percent since January 1.</p>
<p>“Any time there’s any type of negative talk that affects the steel mill, they’ve raised the price,” said Altepeter.</p>
<p>Last year, about 95,000 tons of steel was shipped to the agriculture industry, compared to the 14 million tons for the U.S. auto industry, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute, an industry group.</p>
<p>Other factors had been driving up steel prices before the recent trade disputes, including&#160;an improving global economy and accelerating manufacturing and construction, particularly in the U.S.</p>
<p>The White House referred questions from Reuters to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which did not respond to a request for comment. Trump and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue have vowed the U.S. government will protect farmers from China’s tariffs, but not explained how.</p>
<p>U.S. farmers can ill-afford any loss of sales. Farm income has dropped by more than half since 2013, following years of massive harvests that have depressed prices for staples such as corn and soybeans.</p>
<p>U.S. competitors Brazil, Argentina and Russia have all raised grain output in recent years, eating into the U.S. share of global markets. Mexico imported ten times more corn from Brazil last year and is set to buy even more in 2018 on worries that renegotiations of the NAFTA trade pact could disrupt their U.S. supplies.</p>
<p>Strom said he has also pushed back plans to build a new metal storage building to house his planter and the combine head he uses for harvesting corn and soybeans. Other farmers, food producers and beer makers have scrambled to finalize deals for steel-based equipment before prices climb more.</p> Slideshow (2 Images) CONSTRUCTION POSTPONED
<p>In Riverton, Illinois, farmer Allen Entwistle said he postponed construction of a new $800,000 storage system for grain after AGCO Corp’s ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=AGCO.N" type="external">AGCO.N</a>) GSI unit increased prices by 15 percent.</p>
<p>Entwistle, who voted for Trump, will instead store corn in bags on the ground.</p>
<p>“President Trump keeps telling us he’s going to get a better deal,” Entwistle said. “When are we gonna make it better?”</p>
<p>AGCO said Trump’s tariffs will raise its costs and make price hikes to customers unavoidable.</p>
<p>“As the entire grain storage industry has weathered increased steel prices, AGCO and GSI are constantly looking for new ways to maximize efficiency and minimize the impact to customers,” said spokeswoman Kelli Cook.</p>
<p>Other companies, including Deere and Caterpillar, are also facing pain from rising steel prices, which account for about 10 percent of equipment manufacturers’ direct costs.</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=DE.N" type="external">Deere &amp; Co</a> 150.26 DE.N New York Stock Exchange +5.85 (+4.05%) DE.N CAT.N AGCO.N
<p>Deere CEO Samuel Allen told Reuters last month the company will have to absorb the price increase and cut costs elsewhere. China’s threatened tariffs on U.S. crops could hurt the company even more by undermining demand from farmers, he said.</p>
<p>“This has a huge effect on livelihood of the farmer right now, and at the same time it has a huge impact on manufacturers,” said Dennis Slater, president at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, an industry group.</p>
<p>U.S. net farm income is forecast to drop to $59.5 billion in 2018 dollars, down from $64.9 billion in 2017, an 8.3 percent decline, according to the USDA.</p>
<p>TARIFF ‘DOOM-AND-GLOOM’</p>
<p>In Sheffield, Iowa, Sukup Manufacturing has seen steel prices soar 40 percent since November, said Brent Hansen, the company’s commercial accounts manager.</p>
<p>The maker of grain bins and pre-manufactured steel buildings has encouraged customers to buy quickly before prices jump more. But some have already postponed projects, Hansen said.</p>
<p>“That’s obviously a big price increase for an industry that’s a little bit doom-and-gloom over tariffs,” Hansen said.</p>
<p>Sukup used to give customers up to two months to consider its bids for projects. Now, it allows just a week in some cases because of volatile steel prices, Hansen said.</p>
<p>Prices have jumped by 25 percent for thermal insulated panels that keep food cold – which can use either steel, aluminum or both, said Glenn Todd, owner of Todd Construction Services. The company has built food processing and storage facilities for Bumble Bee Seafoods and poultry company Foster Farms.</p>
<p>Richard Adkins, director of sales at Discovery Designs Refrigeration in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, thought his company wouldn’t have to worry about Trump’s tariffs. Most of the metal they use to design industrial refrigeration systems comes from Canada and Mexico, he said, and the president has exempted both countries from the levies.</p>
<p>It didn’t matter. Price-hike notices from vendors landed in Adkins’ mailbox days after Trump announced the duties.</p>
<p>“There’s this knee-jerk reaction,” Adkins said. “We’re quoting prices for projects that won’t be awarded for another six or eight months, and no one wants to be hung out to dry.”</p>
<p>Reporting by Tom Polansek in Chicago and PJ Huffstutter in Kane County. Additional reporting by Rajesh Kumar Singh in Chicago.; Editing by David Gaffen, Simon Webb and Brian Thevenot</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> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-usa-trade-tpp-japan/japans-aso-says-he-would-welcome-u-s-taking-fresh-look-at-tpp-idUSKBN1HK016" type="external">Japan's Aso says he would welcome U.S. taking fresh look at TPP</a>
<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> 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>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>
<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>MANILA (Reuters) - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to arrest an International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor if she conducts activities in his country, arguing it was no longer an ICC member so the court had no right to do any investigating.</p> Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte gestures as he delivers a speech during the 121st founding anniversary of the Philippine Army (PA) at Taguig city, Metro Manila, Philippines March 20, 2018. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco
<p>Hitting out at what he said was an international effort to paint him as a “ruthless and heartless violator of human rights”, Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the ICC’s Rome Statute a month ago and promised to continue his crackdown on drugs, in which thousands have been killed.</p>
<p>ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda in February announced the start of a preliminary examination into a complaint by a Philippine lawyer which accuses Duterte and top officials of crimes against humanity, and of killing criminals as a policy.</p>
<p>Duterte has cited numerous reasons why he believes the ICC has no jurisdiction over him, and on Friday suggested that any doubts about that should have been dispelled by his withdrawal.</p>
<p>“What is your authority now? If we are not members of the treaty, why are you ... in this country?,” told reporters, in comments aimed at Bensouda.</p>
<p>“You cannot exercise any proceedings here without basis. That is illegal and I will arrest you.”</p>
<p>It is not clear whether Bensouda or the ICC has carried out any activities in the Philippines related to the complaint against Duterte.</p>
<p>The office of the prosecutor in The Hague and the Philippine foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.</p>
<p>Police have since July 2016 killed more than 4,000 people they say are drug dealers who resisted arrest. Activists say many of those were executions, which police deny.</p>
<p>Duterte has told security forces not to cooperate with any foreign investigators and last month said he would convince other ICC members to withdraw.</p>
<p>Duterte had earlier vowed to face the ICC and critics say pulling out is futile, because the ICC has jurisdiction to investigate alleged crimes committed in the period from when the Philippines joined in 2011 to when its withdrawal takes effect in March 2019.</p>
<p>Under the Rome Statute, the ICC can step in and exercise jurisdiction if states are unable or unwilling to investigate suspected crimes.</p>
<p>But the mercurial former mayor and his legal aides argue that technically, the Philippines never actually joined the ICC, because it was not announced in the country’s official gazette.</p>
<p>“If there is no publication, it is as if there is no law at all,” Duterte said on Friday.</p>
<p>Reporting by Martin Petty and Neil Jerome Morales; Editing by Robert Birsel</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
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jan 19 reuters nikkei toppan printing co make chipprinting tech china fiscal 2018 investment may total several billion yen nikkei source text snikkeicom2erk6rd company coverage standards thomson reuters trust principles islamabad reuters pledge pakistans ruling party end electricity outages ahead general election mid2018 undermined possibility delays new power plants run general electrics flagship gas turbines man uses piece paper fan himseld power outage shop selling television sets karachi pakistan april 12 2018 reutersakhtar soomro stateowned gas company pakistan lng diverting liquefied natural gas lng shipments earmarked three plants trade government sources said move suggesting doubts parts government power plants would full capacity time election likely held july delays come rocky time ges power business suffered 45 percent drop profit last year part due weak sales new power equipment services ges shares plunged 50 percent past 12 months power unit cutting 12000 jobs 18 percent workforce pakistan made big bet promised efficiency ges new flagship 9ha gas turbines part solution crippling power outages pushing finish three new plants shorter usual time frame pakistan plants constructed chinese contractors together due add 3600 megawatts power january year final phase installation officials say likely come stream april may senior energy official told reuters pakistan scheduled import 540 million cubic feet per day mmcfd gas power plants slashed 250300 mmcfd around july trader familiar situation confirmed lng cargoes shipped elsewhere instead pakistan due power plant delays energy ministry islamabad respond requests comment asked possible delays ge say plants likely fully operational said role provide equipment project contractors ge understands significance projects help meet pakistans growing energy demands repeatedly gone beyond contractuallydefined obligations support ge spokesperson said file photo aerial view haveli bahadur shah lng power plant jhang pakistan july 7 2017 reutersdrazen jorgicfile photo remain committed helping contractor customers bring plants online soon possible ending load shedding pakistan muslim leaguenawaz pmln swept power 2013 vowing end power outages crippled country past year senior pmln politicians frequently touted reduction blackouts proof country path increased prosperity since pmln assumed office scheduled outages also known load shedding urban areas sharply reduced 12 hours day peak summer demand hours last summer summer government promised load shedding key plank pmlns plan fulfill electoral promise rests three major power stations delays three plants pakistans populous state punjab unnerved pmln officials punjab partys power base one senior pmln official said believes outages ended two three lng plants operational may really going wire still think able pull said two weeks ago ge said reliability run test rrt test completed haveli one three power plants turbines running real conditions without failure period 7 days signals haveli plant close fully functional pakistani officials said expect haveli begin operating fully midapril combined cycle mode turbines generate maximum capacity 1230mw senior pmln official said hoped bhikki sister lng plant would come online late april slideshow 7 images third plant balloki delayed due bushing problem transformer means aim plant come online midtolate may according second senior energy ministry official added delays due ambitious deadlines plants normally constructed 3540 months chinese ge tried 27 months likely 3032 months thats bad said adding plants 30year projects would save pakistan huge sums long term senior pmln figure said hoped voters remember daily rolling blackouts 12 hours per day urban areas would willing overlook outages hour two think people willing forgive us said however others within ruling party skeptical load shedding persists gets worse going affect results pmln said enver baig retired senator active pmln member critical partys leadership hot summers pakistan everyone heating course anger come day election additional reporting kay johnson islamabad mubasher bukhari lahore jessica jaganathan singapore alwyn scott new york editing raju gopalakrishnan standards thomson reuters trust principles kane county ill reuters lucas strom runs centuryold family farm rural illinois canceled order buy new 71000 grain storage bin last month seller raised price 5 percent day illinois grain farmer lucas strom checks tractor inside barn unincorporated kane county illinois us april 10 2018 reuterspj huffstutter reason steel prices jumped right us president donald trump announced tariffs throughout us farm country trump enjoyed strong support tariffs steel aluminum imports boosting costs equipment infrastructure causing farmers agricultural firms scrap purchases expansion plans according reuters interviews farmers manufacturers construction firms food shippers impact rising steel prices agriculture illustrates unintended unpredictable consequences aggressive protectionism global economy blow comes farmers fear direct hit retaliatory tariffs threatened china crops sorghum soybeans valuable us agricultural export aampp grain systems maple park illinois seller storage bin strom wanted buy neighboring farmer raised price two days trump announced aluminum steel tariffs march 1 protect us producers metals strom neighbor backed would price destroy us strom said days smart expenses metals tariffs also hitting makers sellers farm equipment smaller firms like aampp grain global giants deere amp co den caterpillar inc catn firms struggling whether pass along higher raw materials costs farmers already reeling low commodity prices amid global grains glut worlds two largest economies threatened tariffs tens billions dollars goods recent weeks trump imposed160tariffs 25 percent steel 10 percent aluminum move mainly aimed curbing imports china he160has since temporarily excluded the160european union six allies duties given may 1 negotiate permanent exemptions aampp grain president dave altepeter said steel used bins made united states domestic steel prices also soared tariffs us steel mills typically adjust prices year normally first quarter altepeter said year prices jumped four times said price steel used aampps grain bins jumped 20 percent since january 1 time theres type negative talk affects steel mill theyve raised price said altepeter last year 95000 tons steel shipped agriculture industry compared 14 million tons us auto industry according american iron steel institute industry group factors driving steel prices recent trade disputes including160an improving global economy accelerating manufacturing construction particularly us white house referred questions reuters us department agriculture respond request comment trump agriculture secretary sonny perdue vowed us government protect farmers chinas tariffs explained us farmers illafford loss sales farm income dropped half since 2013 following years massive harvests depressed prices staples corn soybeans us competitors brazil argentina russia raised grain output recent years eating us share global markets mexico imported ten times corn brazil last year set buy even 2018 worries renegotiations nafta trade pact could disrupt us supplies strom said also pushed back plans build new metal storage building house planter combine head uses harvesting corn soybeans farmers food producers beer makers scrambled finalize deals steelbased equipment prices climb slideshow 2 images construction postponed riverton illinois farmer allen entwistle said postponed construction new 800000 storage system grain agco corps agcon gsi unit increased prices 15 percent entwistle voted trump instead store corn bags ground president trump keeps telling us hes going get better deal entwistle said gon na make better agco said trumps tariffs raise costs make price hikes customers unavoidable entire grain storage industry weathered increased steel prices agco gsi constantly looking new ways maximize efficiency minimize impact customers said spokeswoman kelli cook companies including deere caterpillar also facing pain rising steel prices account 10 percent equipment manufacturers direct costs deere amp co 15026 den new york stock exchange 585 405 den catn agcon deere ceo samuel allen told reuters last month company absorb price increase cut costs elsewhere chinas threatened tariffs us crops could hurt company even undermining demand farmers said huge effect livelihood farmer right time huge impact manufacturers said dennis slater president association equipment manufacturers industry group us net farm income forecast drop 595 billion 2018 dollars 649 billion 2017 83 percent decline according usda tariff doomandgloom sheffield iowa sukup manufacturing seen steel prices soar 40 percent since november said brent hansen companys commercial accounts manager maker grain bins premanufactured steel buildings encouraged customers buy quickly prices jump already postponed projects hansen said thats obviously big price increase industry thats little bit doomandgloom tariffs hansen said sukup used give customers two months consider bids projects allows week cases volatile steel prices hansen said prices jumped 25 percent thermal insulated panels keep food cold use either steel aluminum said glenn todd owner todd construction services company built food processing storage facilities bumble bee seafoods poultry company foster farms richard adkins director sales discovery designs refrigeration mukwonago wisconsin thought company wouldnt worry trumps tariffs metal use design industrial refrigeration systems comes canada mexico said president exempted countries levies didnt matter pricehike notices vendors landed adkins mailbox days trump announced duties theres kneejerk reaction adkins said quoting prices projects wont awarded another six eight months one wants hung dry reporting tom polansek chicago pj huffstutter kane county additional reporting rajesh kumar singh chicago editing david gaffen simon webb brian thevenot 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 related coverage japans aso says would welcome us taking fresh look tpp 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 file photo us president donald trump holds executive order withdrawal trans pacific partnership signing oval office white house washington january 23 2017 reuterskevin lamarque 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 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 manila reuters philippine president rodrigo duterte threatened arrest international criminal court icc prosecutor conducts activities country arguing longer icc member court right investigating philippine president rodrigo duterte gestures delivers speech 121st founding anniversary philippine army pa taguig city metro manila philippines march 20 2018 reutersromeo ranoco hitting said international effort paint ruthless heartless violator human rights duterte withdrew philippines iccs rome statute month ago promised continue crackdown drugs thousands killed icc prosecutor fatou bensouda february announced start preliminary examination complaint philippine lawyer accuses duterte top officials crimes humanity killing criminals policy duterte cited numerous reasons believes icc jurisdiction friday suggested doubts dispelled withdrawal authority members treaty country told reporters comments aimed bensouda exercise proceedings without basis illegal arrest clear whether bensouda icc carried activities philippines related complaint duterte office prosecutor hague philippine foreign ministry immediately respond requests comment police since july 2016 killed 4000 people say drug dealers resisted arrest activists say many executions police deny duterte told security forces cooperate foreign investigators last month said would convince icc members withdraw duterte earlier vowed face icc critics say pulling futile icc jurisdiction investigate alleged crimes committed period philippines joined 2011 withdrawal takes effect march 2019 rome statute icc step exercise jurisdiction states unable unwilling investigate suspected crimes mercurial former mayor legal aides argue technically philippines never actually joined icc announced countrys official gazette publication law duterte said friday reporting martin petty neil jerome morales editing robert birsel standards thomson reuters trust principles
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<p>Andrew Wiggins and Karl Anthony-Towns hit clutch 3-pointers down the stretch as the Minnesota Timberwolves withstood a 40-point night by Toronto point guard Kyle Lowry and recorded a 115-109 victory over the Raptors Saturday night at the Target Center in Minneapolis.</p>
<p>Wiggins, who scored a season-high 29 points, gave Minnesota the lead at 107-106 by knocking down a 3-pointer from the left wing with 2:05 remaining.</p>
<p>Towns, who scored all of his 22 points after halftime, added a top of the key 3-pointer with 1:43 left for a 110-106 edge.</p>
<p>Lowry recorded his most productive night of the season and posted his fourth career game with 40 points. He made 14 of 25 shots and hit six 3-pointers.</p>
<p>Wiggins and Towns helped Minnesota extend its home winning streak to nine games on a night when Jimmy Butler (sore right knee) and Jamal Crawford (sprained left big toe) did not play. The duo combined to make 17 of 28 from the field as Minnesota shot 46.9 percent.</p>
<p>DeMar DeRozan added 20 for Toronto, which shot 47 percent.</p>
<p>Taj Gibson added 14 points, eight rebounds and a key block of Jonas Valanciunas that preceded Towns’ 3-pointer. Marcus Georges-Hunt contributed 12 and also drew a charge on DeRozan with 22 seconds left.</p>
<p>Minnesota led 113-108 when Georges-Hunt drew the offensive foul and the guard split a pair with 15.3 seconds left. After Serge Ibaka missed a long 3-pointer and Lowry split a pair at the line with 8.4 seconds left, Jeff Teague provided the final margin.</p>
<p>Before getting the late 3-pointers, Minnesota took an 87-83 lead into the fourth when Gorgui Dieng’s 3-pointer banked off the glass to cap a 12-3 run.</p>
<p>Toronto was within 92-90 on a 19-footer by DeRozan with 9:06 left in the fourth but Minnesota responded again with a 10-2 run to get a 102-92 lead on two free throws by Wiggins with 7:10 left.</p>
<p>Lowry and DeRozan then combined on seven points as Toronto scored the next 11 points shortly before the late 3-pointers.</p>
<p>—Field Level Media</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 the social network had no immediate plans to apply a strict new European Union law on data privacy in its entirety to the rest of the world, as the company reels from a scandal over its handling of personal information of millions of its users.</p>
<p>Zuckerberg told Reuters in a phone interview that Facebook already complies with many parts of the law ahead of its implementation in May. He said the company wanted to extend privacy guarantees worldwide in spirit, but would make exceptions, which he declined to describe.</p>
<p>“We’re still nailing down details on this, but it should directionally be, in spirit, the whole thing,” said Zuckerberg. 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, may soon 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, an advocacy group in Washington.</p>
<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>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> 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>“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>
<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>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>
<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>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 and Bill Rigby</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>
<p>SAN BRUNO, Calif. (Reuters) - A woman opened fire with a handgun at YouTube’s headquarters near San Francisco on Tuesday, wounding three people before shooting herself dead as employees of the Silicon Valley tech company fled into the surrounding streets, authorities said.</p>
<p>Police did not identify the suspect or say what might have motivated the 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>The San Jose Mercury News, citing a law enforcement source, said that she was targeting her boyfriend due to a domestic dispute.</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>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, with no apparent connection to YouTube.</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. Peaked around for threats and then we headed downstairs and out the front,” Sherman said.</p>
<p>The shooting was the latest in a string of mass killings carried out 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 restrictions on gun ownership.</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 of the victims, 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, said at a news conference. All three people were victims of gunshot wounds, Campbell said, but none of them had undergone surgery. A fourth person was taken to a local hospital with an ankle injury from fleeing the scene.</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>YouTube Chief Executive Susan Wojcicki declined to comment to reporters as she left the building.</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 that was posted on Twitter.</p>
<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,” he added.</p>
<p>In a separate tweet, Pichai said he and Wojcicki were “focused on supporting our employees &amp; the @YouTube community through this difficult time together.”</p> Slideshow (11 Images)
<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>
<p>Female mass shooters are rare. A recent Washington Post analysis shows only three out of 150 U.S. shootings with more than four victims since 1966 were done 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; Writing by Dan Whitcomb; Editing by Peter Cooney and Lisa Shumaker</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
| false | 2 |
andrew wiggins karl anthonytowns hit clutch 3pointers stretch minnesota timberwolves withstood 40point night toronto point guard kyle lowry recorded 115109 victory raptors saturday night target center minneapolis wiggins scored seasonhigh 29 points gave minnesota lead 107106 knocking 3pointer left wing 205 remaining towns scored 22 points halftime added top key 3pointer 143 left 110106 edge lowry recorded productive night season posted fourth career game 40 points made 14 25 shots hit six 3pointers wiggins towns helped minnesota extend home winning streak nine games night jimmy butler sore right knee jamal crawford sprained left big toe play duo combined make 17 28 field minnesota shot 469 percent demar derozan added 20 toronto shot 47 percent taj gibson added 14 points eight rebounds key block jonas valanciunas preceded towns 3pointer marcus georgeshunt contributed 12 also drew charge derozan 22 seconds left minnesota led 113108 georgeshunt drew offensive foul guard split pair 153 seconds left serge ibaka missed long 3pointer lowry split pair line 84 seconds left jeff teague provided final margin getting late 3pointers minnesota took 8783 lead fourth gorgui diengs 3pointer banked glass cap 123 run toronto within 9290 19footer derozan 906 left fourth minnesota responded 102 run get 10292 lead two free throws wiggins 710 left lowry derozan combined seven points toronto scored next 11 points shortly late 3pointers field level media 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 social network immediate plans apply strict new european union law data privacy entirety rest world company reels scandal handling personal information millions users zuckerberg told reuters phone interview facebook already complies many parts law ahead implementation may said company wanted extend privacy guarantees worldwide spirit would make exceptions declined describe still nailing details directionally spirit whole thing said zuckerberg elaborate comments signal us facebook users many still angry companys admission political consultancy cambridge analytica got hold facebook data 50 million members may soon 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 advocacy group washington google facebook global leaders internet ad revenue based california possess enormous amounts data billions people google declined comment plans zuckerberg said many tools part law ability users delete data already available people facebook file photo facebook founder ceo mark zuckerberg speaks stage annual facebook f8 developers conference san jose california us april 18 2017 reutersstephen lamfile photo think good opportunity take moment across rest world said vast majority required things weve already years across world everyone 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 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 facebook inc 15611 fbo nasdaq 072 046 fbo aaplo googlo 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 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 san bruno calif reuters woman opened fire handgun youtubes headquarters near san francisco tuesday wounding three people shooting dead employees silicon valley tech company fled surrounding streets authorities said police identify suspect say might motivated 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 san jose mercury news citing law enforcement source said targeting boyfriend due domestic dispute related coverage tech ceos call gun control following youtube shooting 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 apparent connection youtube 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 peaked around threats headed downstairs front sherman said shooting latest string mass killings carried united states recent years recently massacre 17 people florida high school led calls tighter restrictions gun ownership 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 victims 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 said news conference three people victims gunshot wounds campbell said none undergone surgery fourth person taken local hospital ankle injury fleeing scene police officers crime scene tape seen youtube headquarters following active shooter situation san bruno california us april 3 2018 reuterselijah nouvelage youtube chief executive susan wojcicki declined comment reporters left building great sadness tell based latest information four people injured horrific act violence google chief executive sundar pichai said letter employees posted twitter know lot shock right coming days continue provide support help everyone google family heal unimaginable tragedy added separate tweet pichai said wojcicki focused supporting employees amp youtube community difficult time together slideshow 11 images 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 female mass shooters rare recent washington post analysis shows three 150 us shootings four victims since 1966 done 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 writing dan whitcomb editing peter cooney lisa shumaker standards thomson reuters trust principles
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<p>Jan 23 (Reuters) - Energy Fuels Inc:</p>
<p>* ENERGY FUELS ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF MARK S. CHALMERS AS PRESIDENT AND CEO; RETIREMENT OF STEPHEN P. ANTONY Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage:</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>BEIJING/SHANGHAI (Reuters) - China urged the United States on Friday to “pull back from the brink” as President Donald Trump’s plans for tariffs on up to $60 billion in Chinese goods brought the world’s two largest economies closer to a trade war.</p>
<p>The escalating tensions between Beijing and Washington sent shivers through financial markets, as investors foresaw dire consequences for the global economy if trade barriers start going up.</p>
<p>Trump is planning to impose the tariffs over what his administration says is misappropriation of U.S. intellectual property. A probe was launched last year under Section 301 of the 1974 U.S. Trade Act.</p>
<p>Responding the U.S. import tariffs on steel and aluminum that went into effect on Friday, though announced by Trump earlier this month, China unveiled plans to levy additional duties on up to $3 billion of U.S. imports including fresh fruit, wine and nuts.</p>
<p>“China doesn’t hope to be in a trade war, but is not afraid of engaging in one,” the Chinese commerce ministry said in a statement on Friday.</p>
<p>“China hopes the United States will pull back from the brink, make prudent decisions, and avoid dragging bilateral trade relations to a dangerous place.”</p>
<p>In a presidential memorandum signed by Trump on Thursday, there will be a 30-day consultation period that only starts once a list of Chinese goods is published.</p>
<p>That effectively creates room for potential talks to address Trump’s allegations on intellectual property theft and forced technology transfers.</p>
<p>Trump said he views the Chinese as “a friend”, and both sides are in the midst of negotiations.</p>
<p>The inevitable fall in demand from a full-blown trade war would spell trouble for all the economies supplying the United States and China.</p>
<p>Feeling the chill, MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan dropped 2.4 percent, tracking a large overnight fall in Wall Street shares, but perceived safe havens such as government bonds gained.</p>
<p>“The upshot is that today’s (U.S.) tariffs amount to no more than a slap on the wrist for China,” Mark Williams, Chief Asia Economist at Capital Economics, wrote in a note. “China won’t change its ways. Worries about escalation therefore won’t go away.”</p>
<p>Williams estimated that the $506 billion that China exported to the United States drove around 2.5 percent of its total gross domestic product, and the $50-60 billion targeted by the U.S. tariffs contributed just around 0.25 percent.</p> FILE PHOTO - A worker checks steel wires at a warehouse in Dalian, Liaoning province, China May 15, 2017. REUTERS/Stringer
<p>Trump, however, appears intent on fulfilling election campaign promises to reduce China’s huge trade surplus with the United States.</p>
<p>“The American and Chinese governments should resolve existing trade frictions in a way that averts a trade war and promotes open markets and fair economic exchange,” said AmCham Shanghai President Kenneth Jarrett.”</p>
<p>“As our members increasingly tell us, however, the current trading relationship is neither open nor fair. It is time for China to take remedial action and show that it is a true partner in global trade.”</p> ‘DRAWING ITS BOW’
<p>Alarm over Trump’s protectionist leanings mounted earlier this month after he imposed hefty import tariffs on steel and aluminum under Section 232 of the 1962 U.S. Trade Expansion Act, which allows safeguards based on “national security”.</p>
<p>That measure had not targeted Chinese imports alone.</p>
<p>On Friday, the Chinese commerce ministry said China will levy duties on up to $3 billion of U.S. imports in response to the steel and aluminum tariffs, which appeared modest by comparison to the U.S. penalties.</p>
<p>“With the restrained response, China hopes Trump can realize his errors and mend his ways,” said Xu Hongcai, deputy chief economist at the China Centre for International Economic Exchanges, a Beijing think tank.</p>
<p>“If we really want to counter, the strongest response would be to target soybean and automobiles. This would hurt the U.S.,” said Xu. “China is ‘drawing its bow but not firing. We still have some cards to play.”</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-usa-trade-china-relations/china-urges-u-s-against-taking-trade-relations-to-dangerous-place-idUSKBN1GZ05X" type="external">China urges U.S. against taking trade relations to 'dangerous place'</a>
<a href="/article/us-usa-trade-japan/japans-aso-says-closely-watching-u-s-tariff-moves-against-china-idUSKBN1GZ004" type="external">Japan's Aso says closely watching U.S. tariff moves against China</a>
<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>
<p>In retaliation for the U.S. tariffs in steel and aluminum, China is considering levying an additional 15 percent tariff on U.S. products including dried fruit, wine and steel pipes and an extra 25 percent duty on pork products and recycled aluminum.</p>
<p>China has assembled a list of 128 U.S. products in total that could be targeted if the two countries are unable to reach an agreement on trade issues, the ministry said.</p>
<p>The commerce ministry said China would implement the measures in two stages: first the 15 percent tariff on 120 products including steel pipes and wine worth $977 million, and later, the higher 25 percent tariff on $1.99 billion of pork and aluminum.</p>
<p>U.S. wine exports to China last year were $79 million, according to data from the U.S. Wine Institute, which represents Californian wine makers.</p>
<p>The Chinese list also included close to 80 fruit and nut products. U.S. exports of fruits, frozen juices and nuts to China amounted to $669 million last year, and it was the top supplier of apples, cherries, walnuts and almonds.</p>
<p>Reporting by Ryan Woo and Adam Jourdan; Additional reporting by Wang Jing, Lusha Zhang, John Ruwitch, Elias Glenn and Dominique Patton; Editing By Simon Cameron-Moore</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>(Reuters) - The Kentucky Senate overwhelmingly approved legislation on Thursday to ban a common abortion procedure once the patient reaches her 11th week of pregnancy, in what would amount to one of the strictest abortion limits yet in the United States.</p>
<p>The Senate voted 31-5 in favor of the measure, which now goes back to the state’s House of Representatives for final approval of changes to a version of the bill it passed 71-11 vote on March 12. Both bodies are controlled by Republicans.</p>
<p>The procedure in question, called dilation and evacuation, accounts for 16 percent of all abortions performed in Kentucky. It is primarily for pregnancies in the second trimester.</p>
<p>The House and Senate are in recess until March 27.</p>
<p>On Monday, Mississippi’s governor signed into law the most restrictive abortion measure enacted in the United States, which bans any type of procedure once pregnancies reach 15 weeks.</p>
<p>But on Tuesday, a U.S. federal judge blocked the law from taking effect for 10 days, pending legal arguments over whether the injunction should remain in effect while the overall case remains under judicial review.</p>
<p>The Kentucky and Mississippi measures both allow medical emergency procedures that otherwise would be prohibited.</p>
<p>Representatives for Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin, a Republican who has described himself as “100 percent pro-life,” could not be reached immediately for comment.</p>
<p>Since last year, when Republicans won control of the Kentucky House for the first time since 1921, the state’s legislature has passed several measures to restrict access to abortion, including banning any type of abortion after the 20th week of pregnancy.</p>
<p>Representative Addia Wuchner, a Republican, tweeted after a state Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, that her bill protects “unborn children in Kentucky from intentional bodily dismemberment”.</p>
<p>But critics say that the bill will almost certainly face a legal challenge. Last year, a similar measure passed by Texas lawmakers was struck down by a federal judge.</p>
<p>Similar bans in other states including Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas and Oklahoma have also been struck down by courts.</p>
<p>“Kentucky can’t afford doomed legislation created out of willful ignorance,” Marcie Crim, executive director of the Kentucky Health Justice Network, said on Twitter. “We need every dime of our money to go towards real improvements, not grandstanding.”</p>
<p>While dilation and evacuation is used in most second-trimester abortions, nearly 90 percent of all abortions are performed in the first trimester, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports abortion rights.</p>
<p>Reporting by Steve Bittenbender in Louisville, Kentucky; Editing by Bernie Woodall and Richard Borsuk</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>
<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 enterprise 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>In a surprise move, Macau casino operator Galaxy Entertainment said it 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 Govertsen, analyst at Union Gaming in Macau.</p>
<p>While Galaxy has been primarily focused on Macau with its three casinos, it this week received a license to operate a roughly $500 million resort in Boracay, the Philippines most famous holiday island.</p>
<p>Wynn, which operates a resort on Cotai and Macau’s main peninsula, focuses on premium and VIP customers, while Galaxy targets both the high end segment and the broader mass. Both companies have reported strong earnings growth in the fourth quarter with Galaxy posting a 67 percent surge in 2017 profit.</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>
| false | 2 |
jan 23 reuters energy fuels inc energy fuels announces appointment mark chalmers president ceo retirement stephen p antony source text eikon company coverage standards thomson reuters trust principles beijingshanghai reuters china urged united states friday pull back brink president donald trumps plans tariffs 60 billion chinese goods brought worlds two largest economies closer trade war escalating tensions beijing washington sent shivers financial markets investors foresaw dire consequences global economy trade barriers start going trump planning impose tariffs administration says misappropriation us intellectual property probe launched last year section 301 1974 us trade act responding us import tariffs steel aluminum went effect friday though announced trump earlier month china unveiled plans levy additional duties 3 billion us imports including fresh fruit wine nuts china doesnt hope trade war afraid engaging one chinese commerce ministry said statement friday china hopes united states pull back brink make prudent decisions avoid dragging bilateral trade relations dangerous place presidential memorandum signed trump thursday 30day consultation period starts list chinese goods published effectively creates room potential talks address trumps allegations intellectual property theft forced technology transfers trump said views chinese friend sides midst negotiations inevitable fall demand fullblown trade war would spell trouble economies supplying united states china feeling chill mscis broadest index asiapacific shares outside japan dropped 24 percent tracking large overnight fall wall street shares perceived safe havens government bonds gained upshot todays us tariffs amount slap wrist china mark williams chief asia economist capital economics wrote note china wont change ways worries escalation therefore wont go away williams estimated 506 billion china exported united states drove around 25 percent total gross domestic product 5060 billion targeted us tariffs contributed around 025 percent file photo worker checks steel wires warehouse dalian liaoning province china may 15 2017 reutersstringer trump however appears intent fulfilling election campaign promises reduce chinas huge trade surplus united states american chinese governments resolve existing trade frictions way averts trade war promotes open markets fair economic exchange said amcham shanghai president kenneth jarrett members increasingly tell us however current trading relationship neither open fair time china take remedial action show true partner global trade drawing bow alarm trumps protectionist leanings mounted earlier month imposed hefty import tariffs steel aluminum section 232 1962 us trade expansion act allows safeguards based national security measure targeted chinese imports alone friday chinese commerce ministry said china levy duties 3 billion us imports response steel aluminum tariffs appeared modest comparison us penalties restrained response china hopes trump realize errors mend ways said xu hongcai deputy chief economist china centre international economic exchanges beijing think tank really want counter strongest response would target soybean automobiles would hurt us said xu china drawing bow firing still cards play related coverage china urges us taking trade relations dangerous place japans aso says closely watching us tariff moves china eu leaders receive positive news trump tariffs retaliation us tariffs steel aluminum china considering levying additional 15 percent tariff us products including dried fruit wine steel pipes extra 25 percent duty pork products recycled aluminum china assembled list 128 us products total could targeted two countries unable reach agreement trade issues ministry said commerce ministry said china would implement measures two stages first 15 percent tariff 120 products including steel pipes wine worth 977 million later higher 25 percent tariff 199 billion pork aluminum us wine exports china last year 79 million according data us wine institute represents californian wine makers chinese list also included close 80 fruit nut products us exports fruits frozen juices nuts china amounted 669 million last year top supplier apples cherries walnuts almonds reporting ryan woo adam jourdan additional reporting wang jing lusha zhang john ruwitch elias glenn dominique patton editing simon cameronmoore standards thomson reuters trust principles reuters kentucky senate overwhelmingly approved legislation thursday ban common abortion procedure patient reaches 11th week pregnancy would amount one strictest abortion limits yet united states senate voted 315 favor measure goes back states house representatives final approval changes version bill passed 7111 vote march 12 bodies controlled republicans procedure question called dilation evacuation accounts 16 percent abortions performed kentucky primarily pregnancies second trimester house senate recess march 27 monday mississippis governor signed law restrictive abortion measure enacted united states bans type procedure pregnancies reach 15 weeks tuesday us federal judge blocked law taking effect 10 days pending legal arguments whether injunction remain effect overall case remains judicial review kentucky mississippi measures allow medical emergency procedures otherwise would prohibited representatives kentucky governor matt bevin republican described 100 percent prolife could reached immediately comment since last year republicans control kentucky house first time since 1921 states legislature passed several measures restrict access abortion including banning type abortion 20th week pregnancy representative addia wuchner republican tweeted state senate judiciary committee hearing bill protects unborn children kentucky intentional bodily dismemberment critics say bill almost certainly face legal challenge last year similar measure passed texas lawmakers struck federal judge similar bans states including alabama arkansas kansas oklahoma also struck courts kentucky cant afford doomed legislation created willful ignorance marcie crim executive director kentucky health justice network said twitter need every dime money go towards real improvements grandstanding dilation evacuation used secondtrimester abortions nearly 90 percent abortions performed first trimester according guttmacher institute research group supports abortion rights reporting steve bittenbender louisville kentucky editing bernie woodall richard borsuk 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 reuters steve wynn former chief executive wynn resorts ltd selling remaining 8 million shares firm dramatic exit casino hotel enterprise founded 16 years ago steve wynn chairman ceo wynn resorts speaks milken institute global conference beverly hills california us may 3 2017 reutersmike blake surprise move macau casino operator galaxy entertainment said 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 govertsen analyst union gaming macau galaxy primarily focused macau three casinos week received license operate roughly 500 million resort boracay philippines famous holiday island wynn operates resort cotai macaus main peninsula focuses premium vip customers galaxy targets high end segment broader mass companies reported strong earnings growth fourth quarter galaxy posting 67 percent surge 2017 profit 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
| 1,572 |
<p>Here’s how critical Philadelphia’s game at Dallas will be on Thanksgiving Day: The winner can start thinking about a home postseason game, maybe even a bye for the wild-card round. The loser winds up needing to win the rematch in 17 days to be viable in the NFC East.</p>
<p>A sweep by either the Eagles or Cowboys, both 8-3, makes that team a contender for top record in the conference. It also puts the loser in a scrambling position just to make the postseason.</p>
<p>A juicy serving, no doubt, with the Cowboys (No. 5, AP Pro32) a 3-point favorite over the Eagles (No. 6, AP Pro32).</p>
<p>“Now, it’s all about Dallas,” Eagles linebacker Trent Cole says. “If you can’t get excited for this game, you shouldn’t be playing football.”</p>
<p>The Cowboys actually have a slight disadvantage in that they were on the road last Sunday night, beating the Giants. Philly was home in the afternoon and defeated Tennessee.</p>
<p>“I think the excitement and adrenaline can override how tired you are,” tight end Jason Witten says. “It’s a great opportunity for us. You can’t worry about anything else. Just get through it and move forward.”</p>
<p>Dallas will move forward, barely.</p>
<p>COWBOYS, 30-28</p>
<p>No. 22 New Orleans (plus 3) at No. 12 (tie) Pittsburgh</p>
<p>This one jumped out at us. If Saints can lose three straight at home, then what shot do they have in Steel City?</p>
<p>BEST BET: STEELERS, 33-24</p>
<p>No. 1 New England (plus 3 1-2) at No. 2 Green Bay</p>
<p>Same thing Pro Picks said two weeks ago: Patriots are underdogs, then they are ...</p>
<p>UPSET SPECIAL: Patriots, 31-26</p>
<p>No. 7 Seattle (plus 1) at No. 9 San Francisco, Thursday</p>
<p>Very important conference and division game sure to get nasty in prime time.</p>
<p>49ERS, 20-17</p>
<p>No. 20 (tie) Chicago (plus 7) at No. 14 Detroit, Thursday</p>
<p>Lions exposed in past two weeks. Bears exposed all season.</p>
<p>LIONS, 23-20</p>
<p>No. 3 Denver (minus 1) at No. 10 (tie) Kansas City</p>
<p>Intriguing Sunday night matchup that Chiefs might have been looking ahead to last week.</p>
<p>BRONCOS, 27-24</p>
<p>No. 15 Miami (minus 5 1-2) at No. 30 New York Jets, Monday night</p>
<p>We learned a lesson last Monday: avoid the Jets at all costs.</p>
<p>DOLPHINS, 27-6</p>
<p>No. 29 Washington (plus 9 1-2) at No. 10 (tie) Indianapolis</p>
<p>No Andrew Luck vs. RG3 with Colt McCoy in for Redskins. No matter.</p>
<p>COLTS, 31-16</p>
<p>No. 4 Arizona (minus 2 1-2) at No. 23 Atlanta</p>
<p>Two first-place teams; wonders never cease. Cardinals rebound from loss to Seahawks.</p>
<p>CARDINALS, 20-16</p>
<p>No. 17 San Diego (plus 4 1-2) at No. 12 (tie) Baltimore</p>
<p>Ravens’ toughest remaining game.</p>
<p>RAVENS, 23-17</p>
<p>No. 16 Cleveland (plus 3) at No. 18 Buffalo</p>
<p>Bills came together after horrific weather. They can handle Browns in tight one.</p>
<p>BILLS, 21-20</p>
<p>No. 25 New York Giants (minus 2 1-2) at No. 32 Jacksonville</p>
<p>Giants need lowest-ranked NFL opponent to break six-game slide.</p>
<p>GIANTS, 22-17</p>
<p>No. 10 (tie) Cincinnati (minus 4) at No. 27 Tampa Bay</p>
<p>After some stumbles, Bengals looking like a contender again.</p>
<p>BENGALS, 24-21</p>
<p>No. 26 Carolina (plus 2 1-2) at No. 24 Minnesota</p>
<p>After many stumbles, Panthers not looking like contender despite horrid NFC South.</p>
<p>VIKINGS, 23-20</p>
<p>No. 31 Oakland (plus 7) at No. 20 (tie) St. Louis</p>
<p>With their first victory in their pockets, Raiders go for a winning streak. Nah.</p>
<p>RAMS, 26-16</p>
<p>No. 28 Tennessee (plus 6 1-2) at No. 19 Houston</p>
<p>Former Houston occupants go back to get spanked. Well, beaten in a close one.</p>
<p>TEXANS, 23-20</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>2014 RECORD: Against spread: This week (6-9); Season (83-86-4). Straight up: This week (11-4); Season (116-58-1)</p>
<p>Best Bet: 5-7 against spread, 7-5 straight up.</p>
<p>Upset special: 7-5 against spread, 5-7 straight up.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL</p>
<p>Here’s how critical Philadelphia’s game at Dallas will be on Thanksgiving Day: The winner can start thinking about a home postseason game, maybe even a bye for the wild-card round. The loser winds up needing to win the rematch in 17 days to be viable in the NFC East.</p>
<p>A sweep by either the Eagles or Cowboys, both 8-3, makes that team a contender for top record in the conference. It also puts the loser in a scrambling position just to make the postseason.</p>
<p>A juicy serving, no doubt, with the Cowboys (No. 5, AP Pro32) a 3-point favorite over the Eagles (No. 6, AP Pro32).</p>
<p>“Now, it’s all about Dallas,” Eagles linebacker Trent Cole says. “If you can’t get excited for this game, you shouldn’t be playing football.”</p>
<p>The Cowboys actually have a slight disadvantage in that they were on the road last Sunday night, beating the Giants. Philly was home in the afternoon and defeated Tennessee.</p>
<p>“I think the excitement and adrenaline can override how tired you are,” tight end Jason Witten says. “It’s a great opportunity for us. You can’t worry about anything else. Just get through it and move forward.”</p>
<p>Dallas will move forward, barely.</p>
<p>COWBOYS, 30-28</p>
<p>No. 22 New Orleans (plus 3) at No. 12 (tie) Pittsburgh</p>
<p>This one jumped out at us. If Saints can lose three straight at home, then what shot do they have in Steel City?</p>
<p>BEST BET: STEELERS, 33-24</p>
<p>No. 1 New England (plus 3 1-2) at No. 2 Green Bay</p>
<p>Same thing Pro Picks said two weeks ago: Patriots are underdogs, then they are ...</p>
<p>UPSET SPECIAL: Patriots, 31-26</p>
<p>No. 7 Seattle (plus 1) at No. 9 San Francisco, Thursday</p>
<p>Very important conference and division game sure to get nasty in prime time.</p>
<p>49ERS, 20-17</p>
<p>No. 20 (tie) Chicago (plus 7) at No. 14 Detroit, Thursday</p>
<p>Lions exposed in past two weeks. Bears exposed all season.</p>
<p>LIONS, 23-20</p>
<p>No. 3 Denver (minus 1) at No. 10 (tie) Kansas City</p>
<p>Intriguing Sunday night matchup that Chiefs might have been looking ahead to last week.</p>
<p>BRONCOS, 27-24</p>
<p>No. 15 Miami (minus 5 1-2) at No. 30 New York Jets, Monday night</p>
<p>We learned a lesson last Monday: avoid the Jets at all costs.</p>
<p>DOLPHINS, 27-6</p>
<p>No. 29 Washington (plus 9 1-2) at No. 10 (tie) Indianapolis</p>
<p>No Andrew Luck vs. RG3 with Colt McCoy in for Redskins. No matter.</p>
<p>COLTS, 31-16</p>
<p>No. 4 Arizona (minus 2 1-2) at No. 23 Atlanta</p>
<p>Two first-place teams; wonders never cease. Cardinals rebound from loss to Seahawks.</p>
<p>CARDINALS, 20-16</p>
<p>No. 17 San Diego (plus 4 1-2) at No. 12 (tie) Baltimore</p>
<p>Ravens’ toughest remaining game.</p>
<p>RAVENS, 23-17</p>
<p>No. 16 Cleveland (plus 3) at No. 18 Buffalo</p>
<p>Bills came together after horrific weather. They can handle Browns in tight one.</p>
<p>BILLS, 21-20</p>
<p>No. 25 New York Giants (minus 2 1-2) at No. 32 Jacksonville</p>
<p>Giants need lowest-ranked NFL opponent to break six-game slide.</p>
<p>GIANTS, 22-17</p>
<p>No. 10 (tie) Cincinnati (minus 4) at No. 27 Tampa Bay</p>
<p>After some stumbles, Bengals looking like a contender again.</p>
<p>BENGALS, 24-21</p>
<p>No. 26 Carolina (plus 2 1-2) at No. 24 Minnesota</p>
<p>After many stumbles, Panthers not looking like contender despite horrid NFC South.</p>
<p>VIKINGS, 23-20</p>
<p>No. 31 Oakland (plus 7) at No. 20 (tie) St. Louis</p>
<p>With their first victory in their pockets, Raiders go for a winning streak. Nah.</p>
<p>RAMS, 26-16</p>
<p>No. 28 Tennessee (plus 6 1-2) at No. 19 Houston</p>
<p>Former Houston occupants go back to get spanked. Well, beaten in a close one.</p>
<p>TEXANS, 23-20</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>2014 RECORD: Against spread: This week (6-9); Season (83-86-4). Straight up: This week (11-4); Season (116-58-1)</p>
<p>Best Bet: 5-7 against spread, 7-5 straight up.</p>
<p>Upset special: 7-5 against spread, 5-7 straight up.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL</p>
| false | 2 |
heres critical philadelphias game dallas thanksgiving day winner start thinking home postseason game maybe even bye wildcard round loser winds needing win rematch 17 days viable nfc east sweep either eagles cowboys 83 makes team contender top record conference also puts loser scrambling position make postseason juicy serving doubt cowboys 5 ap pro32 3point favorite eagles 6 ap pro32 dallas eagles linebacker trent cole says cant get excited game shouldnt playing football cowboys actually slight disadvantage road last sunday night beating giants philly home afternoon defeated tennessee think excitement adrenaline override tired tight end jason witten says great opportunity us cant worry anything else get move forward dallas move forward barely cowboys 3028 22 new orleans plus 3 12 tie pittsburgh one jumped us saints lose three straight home shot steel city best bet steelers 3324 1 new england plus 3 12 2 green bay thing pro picks said two weeks ago patriots underdogs upset special patriots 3126 7 seattle plus 1 9 san francisco thursday important conference division game sure get nasty prime time 49ers 2017 20 tie chicago plus 7 14 detroit thursday lions exposed past two weeks bears exposed season lions 2320 3 denver minus 1 10 tie kansas city intriguing sunday night matchup chiefs might looking ahead last week broncos 2724 15 miami minus 5 12 30 new york jets monday night learned lesson last monday avoid jets costs dolphins 276 29 washington plus 9 12 10 tie indianapolis andrew luck vs rg3 colt mccoy redskins matter colts 3116 4 arizona minus 2 12 23 atlanta two firstplace teams wonders never cease cardinals rebound loss seahawks cardinals 2016 17 san diego plus 4 12 12 tie baltimore ravens toughest remaining game ravens 2317 16 cleveland plus 3 18 buffalo bills came together horrific weather handle browns tight one bills 2120 25 new york giants minus 2 12 32 jacksonville giants need lowestranked nfl opponent break sixgame slide giants 2217 10 tie cincinnati minus 4 27 tampa bay stumbles bengals looking like contender bengals 2421 26 carolina plus 2 12 24 minnesota many stumbles panthers looking like contender despite horrid nfc south vikings 2320 31 oakland plus 7 20 tie st louis first victory pockets raiders go winning streak nah rams 2616 28 tennessee plus 6 12 19 houston former houston occupants go back get spanked well beaten close one texans 2320 ___ 2014 record spread week 69 season 83864 straight week 114 season 116581 best bet 57 spread 75 straight upset special 75 spread 57 straight ___ ap nfl website wwwpro32aporg wwwtwittercomap_nfl heres critical philadelphias game dallas thanksgiving day winner start thinking home postseason game maybe even bye wildcard round loser winds needing win rematch 17 days viable nfc east sweep either eagles cowboys 83 makes team contender top record conference also puts loser scrambling position make postseason juicy serving doubt cowboys 5 ap pro32 3point favorite eagles 6 ap pro32 dallas eagles linebacker trent cole says cant get excited game shouldnt playing football cowboys actually slight disadvantage road last sunday night beating giants philly home afternoon defeated tennessee think excitement adrenaline override tired tight end jason witten says great opportunity us cant worry anything else get move forward dallas move forward barely cowboys 3028 22 new orleans plus 3 12 tie pittsburgh one jumped us saints lose three straight home shot steel city best bet steelers 3324 1 new england plus 3 12 2 green bay thing pro picks said two weeks ago patriots underdogs upset special patriots 3126 7 seattle plus 1 9 san francisco thursday important conference division game sure get nasty prime time 49ers 2017 20 tie chicago plus 7 14 detroit thursday lions exposed past two weeks bears exposed season lions 2320 3 denver minus 1 10 tie kansas city intriguing sunday night matchup chiefs might looking ahead last week broncos 2724 15 miami minus 5 12 30 new york jets monday night learned lesson last monday avoid jets costs dolphins 276 29 washington plus 9 12 10 tie indianapolis andrew luck vs rg3 colt mccoy redskins matter colts 3116 4 arizona minus 2 12 23 atlanta two firstplace teams wonders never cease cardinals rebound loss seahawks cardinals 2016 17 san diego plus 4 12 12 tie baltimore ravens toughest remaining game ravens 2317 16 cleveland plus 3 18 buffalo bills came together horrific weather handle browns tight one bills 2120 25 new york giants minus 2 12 32 jacksonville giants need lowestranked nfl opponent break sixgame slide giants 2217 10 tie cincinnati minus 4 27 tampa bay stumbles bengals looking like contender bengals 2421 26 carolina plus 2 12 24 minnesota many stumbles panthers looking like contender despite horrid nfc south vikings 2320 31 oakland plus 7 20 tie st louis first victory pockets raiders go winning streak nah rams 2616 28 tennessee plus 6 12 19 houston former houston occupants go back get spanked well beaten close one texans 2320 ___ 2014 record spread week 69 season 83864 straight week 114 season 116581 best bet 57 spread 75 straight upset special 75 spread 57 straight ___ ap nfl website wwwpro32aporg wwwtwittercomap_nfl
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<p>Jan 25 (Reuters) - Investech Holdings Ltd:</p> * EXPECTED TO RECORD AN INCREASE IN FY NET LOSS
<p>* EXPECTED RESULT DUE TO ‍REALIZED LOSS ARISING FROM DISPOSAL OF HELD-FOR-TRADING SECURITIES INVESTMENTS OF ABOUT RMB45 MILLION​ Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage:</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>(Reuters) - Singapore-based Broadcom Ltd withdrew its $117 billion bid to acquire Qualcomm Inc on Wednesday, two days after U.S. President Donald Trump blocked the attempt citing national security concerns.</p>
<p>The company said it has also withdrawn its slate of independent director nominees for Qualcomm’s annual shareholder meeting.</p>
<p>Broadcom, however, expects to continue with its plan to redomicile to the United States.</p>
<p>“Although we are disappointed with this outcome, Broadcom will comply with the order,” the chipmaker said.</p> Slideshow (3 Images)
<p>Sources had told Reuters on Tuesday that Broadcom was ready to scrap its bid for Qualcomm.</p>
<p>Broadcom’s board met late on Tuesday to formalize plans to move its base to the United States, at a cost of about $500 million a year under a higher tax rate, the sources said.</p>
<p>Being based in the United States as opposed to Singapore should make it easier for Broadcom to make acquisitions of U.S. companies without falling under the jurisdiction of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).</p>
<p>Shares of Broadcom were untraded, while those of Qualcomm were up marginally before the opening bell.</p>
<p>Reporting by Supantha Mukherjee in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun Koyyur</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>PARKLAND, Fla. (Reuters) - U.S. students spilled out of classrooms by the tens of thousands on Wednesday, chanting slogans like “No more silence” and “We want change” as part of a coast-to-coast protest over gun violence prompted by last month’s massacre at a Florida high school.</p>
<p>The #ENOUGH National School Walkout was intended to pressure federal and state lawmakers to tighten laws on gun ownership despite opposition by the National Rifle Association (NRA), the powerful gun rights advocacy group.</p>
<p>With some students dressed in orange, the color adopted by the gun control movement, the walkouts began at 10 a.m. local time in each time zone and were scheduled to last 17 minutes. Many rallies went longer.</p>
<p>The duration was a tribute to 17 students and staff killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, on Feb. 14. It was the latest in a series of shootings that have plagued U.S. schools and colleges over the past two decades.</p>
<p>While many school districts gave their blessings to the walkouts, others said anyone who participated would face discipline. Many students defied the warnings and left school anyway. They included over two dozen at Lindenhurst High School on New York state’s Long Island, who were at first suspended, then had their punishment reduced to detentions, according to a senior and the school superintendent.</p>
<p>In Parkland, thousands of students slowly filed onto the Stoneman Douglas school football field to the applause of families and supporters beyond the fences as law enforcement officers looked on. News helicopters hovered overhead.</p>
<p>Ty Thompson, the principal, called for the “biggest group hug,” and the students obliged around the 50-yard line.</p>
<p>“We want change!” students chanted on the sidewalks outside the school. “Can you hear the children screaming?” read one of the signs.</p>
<p>But not all students in Florida were in favor of gun control. About 80 miles (129 km) north of Parkland at Vero Beach High School, chants of “No More Silence, end gun violence,” were countered by shouts of “Trump!” and “We want guns” from other students, according to video posted by local newspaper TCPalm.</p>
<p>At New York City’s Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School, crowds of students poured into the streets of Manhattan, many dressed in orange, symbolic of the bright color worn by hunters to avoid being shot by accident.</p>
<p>“Thoughts and prayers are not enough,” read one sign at LaGuardia, a jab at a response often uttered by lawmakers after mass shootings.</p>
<p>In Akron, Ohio, hundreds of students wearing orange t-shirts with black targets on the front walked out of Firestone High School.</p>
<p>At Granada Hills Charter High School in Los Angeles, students laid prone on the field of a football stadium to form a giant #ENOUGH, symbolizing the thousands of youth who die of gun violence every year in the United States.</p>
<p>Students at Columbine High, Colorado remembered the 1999 massacre at their school that began an era in which mass shootings became common in U.S. schools.</p> Students from Washington, DC-area schools carry signs during a protest for stricter gun control during a walkout by students at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., March 14, 2018. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts
<p>“I grew up in a community still haunted by the tragedy from 19 years ago,” said 16-year-old sophomore Abigail Orton.</p> LOBBYING LAWMAKERS
<p>The walkouts were part of a burgeoning, grassroots movement prompted by the Parkland attack and came 10 days before major protests planned in Washington and elsewhere. Survivors have lobbied lawmakers and President Donald Trump in a push for new restrictions on gun ownership, a right protected by the U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment.</p>
<p>“We don’t feel safe in schools anymore,” said Sarah Chatfield, a high school student from Maryland, standing with hundreds of other protesters outside the White House.</p>
<p>Chanting “Hey hey, ho ho, the NRA has got to go!” students, many of whom will be able to vote in 2020, marched to the U.S. Capitol, where Democratic lawmakers emerged from the white-domed landmark to praise them.</p> Slideshow (29 Images)
<p>The student-led initiative helped bring about a tightening of Florida’s gun laws last week, when the minimum age of 21 for buying any handguns was extended to all firearms. But lawmakers rejected a ban on the sort of semiautomatic rifle used in the Parkland attack.</p>
<p>In Washington, however, proposals to strengthen the background-check system for gun sales, among other measures, appear to be languishing.</p>
<p>After protests began on Wednesday, the NRA tweeted a picture of a semiautomatic rifle with the caption “I’ll control my own guns, thank you.”</p> SCHOOLS VARY IN RESPONSE
<p>Students from more than 3,000 schools and groups joined the walkouts, many with the backing of their school districts, according to the event’s organizers, who also coordinated the Women’s March protests staged nationwide over the past two years.</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-usa-guns-legislation-passage/house-passes-bill-to-prevent-gun-violence-in-schools-in-rare-bipartisan-vote-idUSKCN1GQ2W7" type="external">House passes bill to prevent gun violence in schools in rare bipartisan vote</a>
<a href="/article/us-usa-guns-florida/suspected-florida-school-shooter-silent-in-court-judge-enters-not-guilty-plea-idUSKCN1GQ2OB" type="external">Suspected Florida school shooter silent in court, judge enters not-guilty plea</a>
<p>In Newtown, Pennsylvania, more than 100 students walked out of Council Rock High School despite warnings they would face discipline if they left the building.</p>
<p>But after the walkout, Superintendent Robert Fraser said “the level of maturity and sincerity was amazing” among protesters, and the school district waived any punishments.</p>
<p>At Norton High School in the rural-suburban district in northeastern Ohio, a small group of students, including a teenage boy with an American flag draped over his shoulder, stood apart from a larger gathering of nearly 300 students who walked out of class. One of the students also flew a large Trump flag at the end of his truck.</p>
<p>Ryan Shanor, the school’s principal, said the small group wanted to honor the victims but disagreed with sentiment they considered to be against the Second Amendment.</p>
<p>“They did not agree with everything they thought the protest was about,” he said.</p>
<p>Additional reporting by Gina Cherelus, Jonathan Allen and Alice Popovici in New York; Suzanne Barlyn in Newtown, Pennsylvania; Joe Skipper in Parkland, Florida; Scott Malone in Boston; Kim Palmer in Cleveland; Susan Heavey, Richard Cowan, Sarah N. Lynch and Ian Simpson in Washington; Lindsey Wasson in Seattle; Keith Coffman in Colorado; writing by Jonathan Allen and Andrew Hay; editing by Frank McGurty and Jonathan Oatis</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>CANONSBURG, Pa./WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republicans sounded alarms on Wednesday after Democrats claimed victory in a Pennsylvania congressional election seen as a referendum on U.S. President Donald Trump’s performance, although the vote tally remained officially too close to call.</p>
<p>In an ominous sign for Trump’s Republicans eight months before national midterm elections, moderate Democrat Conor Lamb led conservative Republican Rick Saccone on Wednesday by a fraction of a percentage point for the House of Representatives seat.</p>
<p>The earliest the election result could be certified is March 26, according to a state official, but the final tally could be unknown for weeks.</p>
<p>County officials are expected to begin counting an unknown number of provisional paper ballots late this week, and military ballots next week, officials said.</p>
<p>Republicans have until the results are officially certified to challenge the outcome or pursue a recount. Saccone on Wednesday afternoon sent a fundraising email to supporters saying the “campaign is far from over.”</p>
<p>The election should have been a shoo-in for Republicans in a district that Trump won by almost 20 points in the 2016 presidential election. He campaigned for Saccone, who started the race well ahead of Lamb.</p>
<p>Republican Speaker Paul Ryan called the election a “wakeup call” in a meeting with Republican House members and pushed them to raise more campaign funds. He also urged them to do more to highlight tax cuts approved by the Republican-dominated Congress and signed by Trump.</p>
<p>Lamb led Saccone by 627 votes on Wednesday, the state’s unofficial returns showed; Lamb had 49.8 percent of the vote and Saccone 49.6 percent.</p>
<p>Republicans have not conceded the race and were not ruling out a recount or other legal action, a spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee said.</p>
<p>House Republicans called the race unique, noting that Lamb, 33, a Marine Corps veteran, had distanced himself from his party’s leaders and staked out positions to the right of many Democrats.</p>
<p>“I don’t think you’ll see another candidate like Lamb,” said Republican Representative Chris Collins of New York.</p>
<p>Representative Mike Kelly, who represents Pennsylvania’s 3rd District, said Lamb was “more like a Republican.”</p> U.S. Democratic congressional candidate Conor Lamb is greeted by supporters during his election night rally in Pennsylvania's 18th U.S. Congressional district special election against Republican candidate and State Rep. Rick Saccone, in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, March 13, 2018. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid ‘TRUMP BEFORE TRUMP WAS TRUMP’
<p>The patchwork of small towns, farms and Pittsburgh suburbs that make up Pennsylvania’s 18th congressional district is so Republican that Democrats did not even field candidates in the previous two House elections.</p>
<p>Come November, the district will cease to exist because boundaries have been redrawn. Both Lamb and Saccone were expected to run again, though in different districts.</p>
<p>Saccone, 60, a former Air Force counter-intelligence officer, has described himself as “Trump before Trump was Trump,” and in January he led the race by more than 10 percentage points.</p>
<p>Trump held two events in the district during the campaign, including a rally on Saturday. Last week, he announced tariffs on imported steel that had been expected to appeal to voters in a state known for its steel industry.</p> Slideshow (17 Images)
<p>The election, held to replace a Republican who resigned amid a scandal last year, was the latest forceful electoral showing for Democrats, who also won a governor’s race in Virginia and scored a U.S. Senate upset in conservative Alabama.</p>
<p>Lamb’s strong showing could buoy Democrats nationally as they seek to win control of the House from Republicans in the November elections. Democrats see 118 Republican-held districts in play. If they flip 24 seats, they could reclaim a House majority.</p>
<p>Saccone’s poor performance is worrying for Republicans who were sure that tax cuts they passed last year, the party’s only major legislative achievement under Trump, would be a vote winner.</p>
<p>A Lamb win could vindicate a strategy Democrats are using in some races to enlist candidates whose positions and ideologies are well suited to the district even while conflicting in significant ways with the positions of the Democratic leadership in Washington.</p> Related Coverage
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<p>Lamb advocated for gun rights and said Nancy Pelosi should be replaced as House Democratic leader, making it harder than expected for Republicans to attack some of his positions.</p>
<p>Representative Tim Ryan, a Democrat from the Ohio Rust Belt who unsuccessfully challenged Pelosi’s leadership in late 2016, said he believed Lamb’s apparent victory sent a message to other candidates not to be afraid to break with party leadership.</p>
<p>“I hope it means that other candidates will take the lead, and run a very organic race based on the communities that they come from,” Ryan told reporters.</p>
<p>Representative Cheri Bustos, a Democrat from a largely agricultural and blue collar district in Illinois, said Lamb was a strong candidate because he mirrored his district.</p>
<p>“When you have swing districts, you better make sure you’ve got a candidate that fits that district,” Bustos said.</p>
<p>Additional reporting by Ginger Gibson and Susan Heavey in Washington and Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee; Writing by Alistair Bell, Roberta Rampton and Amanda Becker; Editing by John Stonestreet and Bill Trott</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>PARIS (Reuters) - France on Wednesday said it would be in touch with Britain in the coming hours to coordinate a response to a nerve agent attack on a Russian spy, which London has blamed on Russia, after an earlier muted reaction to Britain’s allegations.</p>
<p>British Prime Minister Theresa May earlier on Wednesday announced that Britain was expelling 23 Russian diplomats because it had received no explanation for the poisoning of Sergei Skripal, a Russian former double agent, and his daughter with a Soviet-made nerve toxin.</p>
<p>In contrast to German Chancellor Angela Merkel and U.S. President Donald Trump who assured May they were taking her government’s views seriously, President Emmanuel Macron and other French officials have declined to point a finger directly at Russia.</p>
<p>French government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux said it was too early for Paris to decide whether action should be taken and a decisions would be made only once a case of Russian involvement was proven.</p>
<p>Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian later expressed full confidence in the investigations being carried out by Britain, though he too was careful not to say directly that Russia was behind the attack.</p>
<p>“In the coming hours, France will be in contact at the highest level with the British authorities to coordinate our response,” Le Drian said before going into a meeting with his new German counterpart Heiko Maas.</p>
<p>Britain’s ambassador to France, Ed Llewellyn, tweeted on Tuesday that the first neuro toxin attack on European soil since 1945 required a “strong and coordinated response from our allies.”</p> DIPLOMACY
<p>Le Drian said that not only was the security of one of France’s main allies at stake, but also that of France and Europe because a lethal nerve agent had been used despite international rules against chemical weapons proliferation.</p>
<p>France’s nuanced reaction was in line with Macron’s efforts since coming into office to build a new relationship with Russia’s Vladimir Putin.</p>
<p>Rather than directly confronting Putin through threats and megaphone diplomacy, he has emphasised private dialogue, while pushing for a restoration of business and cultural ties despite existing European Union sanctions on Moscow.</p>
<p>Diplomats say Macron believes ostracising Moscow will not yield results given its importance on the world stage and role in world crises. Despite obvious differences, he believes it is vital to keep a working relationship going with Russia.</p> Related Video
<p>Standing alongside Putin last May at the Chateau de Versailles, Macron heralded the start to a new page in relations after tensions under the previous administration. He said at the time that he wouldn’t let differences over Syria, Ukraine and human rights strain their relationship.</p>
<p>Nearly a year on, there is little evidence to suggest he has gained anything tangible from the alternative approach in terms of foreign policy successes. However, he is due to be the guest of honour at an investor forum in Saint Petersburg at the end of May where a large French business delegation will also be present.</p>
<p>“France has a policy on Russia that it’s going to stick to. There’s no reason for this to knock that off-target,” a French official said. “You’ve got to remember there are pretty close ties between France and Russia, whether around literature, culture and business, and they are important.”</p>
<p>Additional reporting by Jean-Baptiste Vey and Luke Baker; Editing by Richard Balmforth</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
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jan 25 reuters investech holdings ltd expected record increase fy net loss expected result due realized loss arising disposal heldfortrading securities investments rmb45 million source text eikon company coverage standards thomson reuters trust principles reuters singaporebased broadcom ltd withdrew 117 billion bid acquire qualcomm inc wednesday two days us president donald trump blocked attempt citing national security concerns company said also withdrawn slate independent director nominees qualcomms annual shareholder meeting broadcom however expects continue plan redomicile united states although disappointed outcome broadcom comply order chipmaker said slideshow 3 images sources told reuters tuesday broadcom ready scrap bid qualcomm broadcoms board met late tuesday formalize plans move base united states cost 500 million year higher tax rate sources said based united states opposed singapore make easier broadcom make acquisitions us companies without falling jurisdiction committee foreign investment united states cfius shares broadcom untraded qualcomm marginally opening bell reporting supantha mukherjee bengaluru editing arun koyyur standards thomson reuters trust principles parkland fla reuters us students spilled classrooms tens thousands wednesday chanting slogans like silence want change part coasttocoast protest gun violence prompted last months massacre florida high school enough national school walkout intended pressure federal state lawmakers tighten laws gun ownership despite opposition national rifle association nra powerful gun rights advocacy group students dressed orange color adopted gun control movement walkouts began 10 local time time zone scheduled last 17 minutes many rallies went longer duration tribute 17 students staff killed marjory stoneman douglas high school parkland florida feb 14 latest series shootings plagued us schools colleges past two decades many school districts gave blessings walkouts others said anyone participated would face discipline many students defied warnings left school anyway included two dozen lindenhurst high school new york states long island first suspended punishment reduced detentions according senior school superintendent parkland thousands students slowly filed onto stoneman douglas school football field applause families supporters beyond fences law enforcement officers looked news helicopters hovered overhead ty thompson principal called biggest group hug students obliged around 50yard line want change students chanted sidewalks outside school hear children screaming read one signs students florida favor gun control 80 miles 129 km north parkland vero beach high school chants silence end gun violence countered shouts trump want guns students according video posted local newspaper tcpalm new york citys fiorello h laguardia high school crowds students poured streets manhattan many dressed orange symbolic bright color worn hunters avoid shot accident thoughts prayers enough read one sign laguardia jab response often uttered lawmakers mass shootings akron ohio hundreds students wearing orange tshirts black targets front walked firestone high school granada hills charter high school los angeles students laid prone field football stadium form giant enough symbolizing thousands youth die gun violence every year united states students columbine high colorado remembered 1999 massacre school began era mass shootings became common us schools students washington dcarea schools carry signs protest stricter gun control walkout students us capitol washington us march 14 2018 reutersjoshua roberts grew community still haunted tragedy 19 years ago said 16yearold sophomore abigail orton lobbying lawmakers walkouts part burgeoning grassroots movement prompted parkland attack came 10 days major protests planned washington elsewhere survivors lobbied lawmakers president donald trump push new restrictions gun ownership right protected us constitutions second amendment dont feel safe schools anymore said sarah chatfield high school student maryland standing hundreds protesters outside white house chanting hey hey ho ho nra got go students many able vote 2020 marched us capitol democratic lawmakers emerged whitedomed landmark praise slideshow 29 images studentled initiative helped bring tightening floridas gun laws last week minimum age 21 buying handguns extended firearms lawmakers rejected ban sort semiautomatic rifle used parkland attack washington however proposals strengthen backgroundcheck system gun sales among measures appear languishing protests began wednesday nra tweeted picture semiautomatic rifle caption ill control guns thank schools vary response students 3000 schools groups joined walkouts many backing school districts according events organizers also coordinated womens march protests staged nationwide past two years related coverage house passes bill prevent gun violence schools rare bipartisan vote suspected florida school shooter silent court judge enters notguilty plea newtown pennsylvania 100 students walked council rock high school despite warnings would face discipline left building walkout superintendent robert fraser said level maturity sincerity amazing among protesters school district waived punishments norton high school ruralsuburban district northeastern ohio small group students including teenage boy american flag draped shoulder stood apart larger gathering nearly 300 students walked class one students also flew large trump flag end truck ryan shanor schools principal said small group wanted honor victims disagreed sentiment considered second amendment agree everything thought protest said additional reporting gina cherelus jonathan allen alice popovici new york suzanne barlyn newtown pennsylvania joe skipper parkland florida scott malone boston kim palmer cleveland susan heavey richard cowan sarah n lynch ian simpson washington lindsey wasson seattle keith coffman colorado writing jonathan allen andrew hay editing frank mcgurty jonathan oatis standards thomson reuters trust principles canonsburg pawashington reuters republicans sounded alarms wednesday democrats claimed victory pennsylvania congressional election seen referendum us president donald trumps performance although vote tally remained officially close call ominous sign trumps republicans eight months national midterm elections moderate democrat conor lamb led conservative republican rick saccone wednesday fraction percentage point house representatives seat earliest election result could certified march 26 according state official final tally could unknown weeks county officials expected begin counting unknown number provisional paper ballots late week military ballots next week officials said republicans results officially certified challenge outcome pursue recount saccone wednesday afternoon sent fundraising email supporters saying campaign far election shooin republicans district trump almost 20 points 2016 presidential election campaigned saccone started race well ahead lamb republican speaker paul ryan called election wakeup call meeting republican house members pushed raise campaign funds also urged highlight tax cuts approved republicandominated congress signed trump lamb led saccone 627 votes wednesday states unofficial returns showed lamb 498 percent vote saccone 496 percent republicans conceded race ruling recount legal action spokesman national republican congressional committee said house republicans called race unique noting lamb 33 marine corps veteran distanced partys leaders staked positions right many democrats dont think youll see another candidate like lamb said republican representative chris collins new york representative mike kelly represents pennsylvanias 3rd district said lamb like republican us democratic congressional candidate conor lamb greeted supporters election night rally pennsylvanias 18th us congressional district special election republican candidate state rep rick saccone canonsburg pennsylvania march 13 2018 reutersbrendan mcdermid trump trump trump patchwork small towns farms pittsburgh suburbs make pennsylvanias 18th congressional district republican democrats even field candidates previous two house elections come november district cease exist boundaries redrawn lamb saccone expected run though different districts saccone 60 former air force counterintelligence officer described trump trump trump january led race 10 percentage points trump held two events district campaign including rally saturday last week announced tariffs imported steel expected appeal voters state known steel industry slideshow 17 images election held replace republican resigned amid scandal last year latest forceful electoral showing democrats also governors race virginia scored us senate upset conservative alabama lambs strong showing could buoy democrats nationally seek win control house republicans november elections democrats see 118 republicanheld districts play flip 24 seats could reclaim house majority saccones poor performance worrying republicans sure tax cuts passed last year partys major legislative achievement trump would vote winner lamb win could vindicate strategy democrats using races enlist candidates whose positions ideologies well suited district even conflicting significant ways positions democratic leadership washington related coverage pennsylvania race shows need us voting machine upgrades experts lamb advocated gun rights said nancy pelosi replaced house democratic leader making harder expected republicans attack positions representative tim ryan democrat ohio rust belt unsuccessfully challenged pelosis leadership late 2016 said believed lambs apparent victory sent message candidates afraid break party leadership hope means candidates take lead run organic race based communities come ryan told reporters representative cheri bustos democrat largely agricultural blue collar district illinois said lamb strong candidate mirrored district swing districts better make sure youve got candidate fits district bustos said additional reporting ginger gibson susan heavey washington brendan obrien milwaukee writing alistair bell roberta rampton amanda becker editing john stonestreet bill trott standards thomson reuters trust principles paris reuters france wednesday said would touch britain coming hours coordinate response nerve agent attack russian spy london blamed russia earlier muted reaction britains allegations british prime minister theresa may earlier wednesday announced britain expelling 23 russian diplomats received explanation poisoning sergei skripal russian former double agent daughter sovietmade nerve toxin contrast german chancellor angela merkel us president donald trump assured may taking governments views seriously president emmanuel macron french officials declined point finger directly russia french government spokesman benjamin griveaux said early paris decide whether action taken decisions would made case russian involvement proven foreign minister jeanyves le drian later expressed full confidence investigations carried britain though careful say directly russia behind attack coming hours france contact highest level british authorities coordinate response le drian said going meeting new german counterpart heiko maas britains ambassador france ed llewellyn tweeted tuesday first neuro toxin attack european soil since 1945 required strong coordinated response allies diplomacy le drian said security one frances main allies stake also france europe lethal nerve agent used despite international rules chemical weapons proliferation frances nuanced reaction line macrons efforts since coming office build new relationship russias vladimir putin rather directly confronting putin threats megaphone diplomacy emphasised private dialogue pushing restoration business cultural ties despite existing european union sanctions moscow diplomats say macron believes ostracising moscow yield results given importance world stage role world crises despite obvious differences believes vital keep working relationship going russia related video standing alongside putin last may chateau de versailles macron heralded start new page relations tensions previous administration said time wouldnt let differences syria ukraine human rights strain relationship nearly year little evidence suggest gained anything tangible alternative approach terms foreign policy successes however due guest honour investor forum saint petersburg end may large french business delegation also present france policy russia going stick theres reason knock offtarget french official said youve got remember pretty close ties france russia whether around literature culture business important additional reporting jeanbaptiste vey luke baker editing richard balmforth standards thomson reuters trust principles
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<p>Enemies are thrown together for a perilous journey in “ <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJz5l5ru7ws" type="external">Hostiles</a> ,” an unforgivingly violent and sparse revisionist Western set in 1892 that explores the traumas of American westward expansion.</p>
<p>There’s hardly a soul in writer-director Scott Cooper’s ambitious odyssey who isn’t haunted by some gruesome incident of the past, whether it’s the cavalry officers who slaughtered and scalped untold numbers of natives, the natives who slaughtered untold numbers of cavalry officers, or the young settler family that goes from five members to only one in the distressing opening scene of the film. To say this is a grim and difficult watch is an understatement.</p>
<p>Christian Bale, who also starred in Cooper’s gloomy “Out of the Furnace,” leads a formidable ensemble cast as a U.S. Cavalry Officer, Captain Joseph J. Blocker, who is ordered to lead an aging Cheyenne chief, Yellow Hawk (Wes Studi), and his family from a base in New Mexico to their homelands in Montana. Having had encounters with this man before, Blocker has no interest in embarking on this endeavor, convinced that Yellow Hawk could only be a safe and trustworthy companion dead. But this choice isn’t up to him and he’s going to have to go through with it whether he likes it or not —so they assemble a crew (including Jonathan Majors, Jesse Plemons and Timothee Chalamet) and head off on the trail.</p>
<p>It’s a premise that lends significant and compelling tension to every scene. Although not much is happening early on, it’s the threat of what might happen that keeps you glued to the screen and worried for all involved. Will there be a misunderstanding? A mistake? A scuffle that escalates too quickly? Things are further complicated when group encounters a burned down settlement and a grieving woman shuttered inside. She is Rosalie Quaid (Rosamund Pike) and has suffered nearly unspeakable loss. Blocker, likely not knowing what else to do with the possibly suicidal woman, takes her along with them.</p>
<p>“Hostiles” takes its time getting its characters across the over 1,000-mile stretch of the United States, but it is a gorgeous journey thanks to cinematographer Masanobu Takayanagi. His camera makes even the most familiar western milieus looks splendidly fresh and invigorating. If only the meandering story and dialogue were matches for the pure poetry of the scenery.</p>
<p>Cooper wrote the screenplay off of a manuscript from the late Donald E. Stewart (“Missing,” ″Patriot Games”). Misery, regret and grief drip from every word, and it’s hard not to wonder if the impact is dulled as a result. That’s not to say that there aren’t moments that are deserving of this seriousness. Indeed, Cooper has chosen to bite off no less than the sins of the entire American West and give voice and compassion to everyone — the people defending their lands, the settlers looking for a new life, and those who were “just doing their jobs,” even if their jobs involve killing women and children.</p>
<p>Actors like Bale, Pike, Studi and the rest of the cast (even the clichéd casting of Ben Foster as an unhinged, outspoken criminal) elevate the dreariness of the script with compelling dramatic performances. Bale especially stands out as the gruff Blocker, whose layers start to be exposed as the story moves along. And, while she isn’t given all that much to do, it is a treat to see actress Q’orianka Kilcher, who played Pocahontas opposite Bale in “The New World,” back in a mainstream film.</p>
<p>Bursts of intense violence are punctuated with sometimes tedious blocks of speeches and silence, but “Hostiles,” despite its posture of brutal amorality, has a goodness at its core, of understanding and empathy. It also has something that so many sequel and franchise-hungry studios today wouldn’t dare show — an actual ending.</p>
<p>“Hostiles,” an Entertainment Studios release, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America for “strong violence, and language.” Running time: 135 minutes. Two and a half stars out of four.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>MPAA Definition of R: Restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr on Twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/ldbahr" type="external">www.twitter.com/ldbahr</a></p>
<p>Enemies are thrown together for a perilous journey in “ <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJz5l5ru7ws" type="external">Hostiles</a> ,” an unforgivingly violent and sparse revisionist Western set in 1892 that explores the traumas of American westward expansion.</p>
<p>There’s hardly a soul in writer-director Scott Cooper’s ambitious odyssey who isn’t haunted by some gruesome incident of the past, whether it’s the cavalry officers who slaughtered and scalped untold numbers of natives, the natives who slaughtered untold numbers of cavalry officers, or the young settler family that goes from five members to only one in the distressing opening scene of the film. To say this is a grim and difficult watch is an understatement.</p>
<p>Christian Bale, who also starred in Cooper’s gloomy “Out of the Furnace,” leads a formidable ensemble cast as a U.S. Cavalry Officer, Captain Joseph J. Blocker, who is ordered to lead an aging Cheyenne chief, Yellow Hawk (Wes Studi), and his family from a base in New Mexico to their homelands in Montana. Having had encounters with this man before, Blocker has no interest in embarking on this endeavor, convinced that Yellow Hawk could only be a safe and trustworthy companion dead. But this choice isn’t up to him and he’s going to have to go through with it whether he likes it or not —so they assemble a crew (including Jonathan Majors, Jesse Plemons and Timothee Chalamet) and head off on the trail.</p>
<p>It’s a premise that lends significant and compelling tension to every scene. Although not much is happening early on, it’s the threat of what might happen that keeps you glued to the screen and worried for all involved. Will there be a misunderstanding? A mistake? A scuffle that escalates too quickly? Things are further complicated when group encounters a burned down settlement and a grieving woman shuttered inside. She is Rosalie Quaid (Rosamund Pike) and has suffered nearly unspeakable loss. Blocker, likely not knowing what else to do with the possibly suicidal woman, takes her along with them.</p>
<p>“Hostiles” takes its time getting its characters across the over 1,000-mile stretch of the United States, but it is a gorgeous journey thanks to cinematographer Masanobu Takayanagi. His camera makes even the most familiar western milieus looks splendidly fresh and invigorating. If only the meandering story and dialogue were matches for the pure poetry of the scenery.</p>
<p>Cooper wrote the screenplay off of a manuscript from the late Donald E. Stewart (“Missing,” ″Patriot Games”). Misery, regret and grief drip from every word, and it’s hard not to wonder if the impact is dulled as a result. That’s not to say that there aren’t moments that are deserving of this seriousness. Indeed, Cooper has chosen to bite off no less than the sins of the entire American West and give voice and compassion to everyone — the people defending their lands, the settlers looking for a new life, and those who were “just doing their jobs,” even if their jobs involve killing women and children.</p>
<p>Actors like Bale, Pike, Studi and the rest of the cast (even the clichéd casting of Ben Foster as an unhinged, outspoken criminal) elevate the dreariness of the script with compelling dramatic performances. Bale especially stands out as the gruff Blocker, whose layers start to be exposed as the story moves along. And, while she isn’t given all that much to do, it is a treat to see actress Q’orianka Kilcher, who played Pocahontas opposite Bale in “The New World,” back in a mainstream film.</p>
<p>Bursts of intense violence are punctuated with sometimes tedious blocks of speeches and silence, but “Hostiles,” despite its posture of brutal amorality, has a goodness at its core, of understanding and empathy. It also has something that so many sequel and franchise-hungry studios today wouldn’t dare show — an actual ending.</p>
<p>“Hostiles,” an Entertainment Studios release, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America for “strong violence, and language.” Running time: 135 minutes. Two and a half stars out of four.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>MPAA Definition of R: Restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr on Twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/ldbahr" type="external">www.twitter.com/ldbahr</a></p>
| false | 2 |
enemies thrown together perilous journey hostiles unforgivingly violent sparse revisionist western set 1892 explores traumas american westward expansion theres hardly soul writerdirector scott coopers ambitious odyssey isnt haunted gruesome incident past whether cavalry officers slaughtered scalped untold numbers natives natives slaughtered untold numbers cavalry officers young settler family goes five members one distressing opening scene film say grim difficult watch understatement christian bale also starred coopers gloomy furnace leads formidable ensemble cast us cavalry officer captain joseph j blocker ordered lead aging cheyenne chief yellow hawk wes studi family base new mexico homelands montana encounters man blocker interest embarking endeavor convinced yellow hawk could safe trustworthy companion dead choice isnt hes going go whether likes assemble crew including jonathan majors jesse plemons timothee chalamet head trail premise lends significant compelling tension every scene although much happening early threat might happen keeps glued screen worried involved misunderstanding mistake scuffle escalates quickly things complicated group encounters burned settlement grieving woman shuttered inside rosalie quaid rosamund pike suffered nearly unspeakable loss blocker likely knowing else possibly suicidal woman takes along hostiles takes time getting characters across 1000mile stretch united states gorgeous journey thanks cinematographer masanobu takayanagi camera makes even familiar western milieus looks splendidly fresh invigorating meandering story dialogue matches pure poetry scenery cooper wrote screenplay manuscript late donald e stewart missing patriot games misery regret grief drip every word hard wonder impact dulled result thats say arent moments deserving seriousness indeed cooper chosen bite less sins entire american west give voice compassion everyone people defending lands settlers looking new life jobs even jobs involve killing women children actors like bale pike studi rest cast even clichéd casting ben foster unhinged outspoken criminal elevate dreariness script compelling dramatic performances bale especially stands gruff blocker whose layers start exposed story moves along isnt given much treat see actress qorianka kilcher played pocahontas opposite bale new world back mainstream film bursts intense violence punctuated sometimes tedious blocks speeches silence hostiles despite posture brutal amorality goodness core understanding empathy also something many sequel franchisehungry studios today wouldnt dare show actual ending hostiles entertainment studios release rated r motion picture association america strong violence language running time 135 minutes two half stars four ___ mpaa definition r restricted 17 requires accompanying parent adult guardian ___ follow ap film writer lindsey bahr twitter wwwtwittercomldbahr enemies thrown together perilous journey hostiles unforgivingly violent sparse revisionist western set 1892 explores traumas american westward expansion theres hardly soul writerdirector scott coopers ambitious odyssey isnt haunted gruesome incident past whether cavalry officers slaughtered scalped untold numbers natives natives slaughtered untold numbers cavalry officers young settler family goes five members one distressing opening scene film say grim difficult watch understatement christian bale also starred coopers gloomy furnace leads formidable ensemble cast us cavalry officer captain joseph j blocker ordered lead aging cheyenne chief yellow hawk wes studi family base new mexico homelands montana encounters man blocker interest embarking endeavor convinced yellow hawk could safe trustworthy companion dead choice isnt hes going go whether likes assemble crew including jonathan majors jesse plemons timothee chalamet head trail premise lends significant compelling tension every scene although much happening early threat might happen keeps glued screen worried involved misunderstanding mistake scuffle escalates quickly things complicated group encounters burned settlement grieving woman shuttered inside rosalie quaid rosamund pike suffered nearly unspeakable loss blocker likely knowing else possibly suicidal woman takes along hostiles takes time getting characters across 1000mile stretch united states gorgeous journey thanks cinematographer masanobu takayanagi camera makes even familiar western milieus looks splendidly fresh invigorating meandering story dialogue matches pure poetry scenery cooper wrote screenplay manuscript late donald e stewart missing patriot games misery regret grief drip every word hard wonder impact dulled result thats say arent moments deserving seriousness indeed cooper chosen bite less sins entire american west give voice compassion everyone people defending lands settlers looking new life jobs even jobs involve killing women children actors like bale pike studi rest cast even clichéd casting ben foster unhinged outspoken criminal elevate dreariness script compelling dramatic performances bale especially stands gruff blocker whose layers start exposed story moves along isnt given much treat see actress qorianka kilcher played pocahontas opposite bale new world back mainstream film bursts intense violence punctuated sometimes tedious blocks speeches silence hostiles despite posture brutal amorality goodness core understanding empathy also something many sequel franchisehungry studios today wouldnt dare show actual ending hostiles entertainment studios release rated r motion picture association america strong violence language running time 135 minutes two half stars four ___ mpaa definition r restricted 17 requires accompanying parent adult guardian ___ follow ap film writer lindsey bahr twitter wwwtwittercomldbahr
| 772 |
<p>KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine's parliament on Thursday passed a bill that aims to reintegrate the eastern territories currently controlled by Russia-backed separatists, and goes as far as to declare support for taking them back by military force if necessary.</p>
<p>The bill describes the areas in Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions as "temporarily occupied" by "aggressor country" Russia. President Petro Poroshenko welcomed the new bill, saying it would help restore control of the east by "political and diplomatic means."</p>
<p>Russia warned, however, that the deal effectively kills the peace accords that Ukraine is party to and that were supposed to resolve the deadly conflict.</p>
<p>Fighting in eastern Ukraine, which erupted weeks after Russia's annexation of Crimea, has killed more than 10,000 people since April 2014. The 2015 Minsk peace deal helped reduce the scope of hostilities, but clashes have continued and attempts at a political settlement have stalled.</p>
<p>The new bill, passed by the Supreme Rada after days of raucous debate, contains no reference to the peace deal brokered by Russia, France and Germany that obliged Ukraine to offer a broad autonomy to the separatist regions and a sweeping amnesty to the rebels. Most Ukrainian political parties rejected that idea as a betrayal of national interests.</p>
<p>"We can't embed diplomatic and political agreements that are prone to change into the Ukrainian legislation," Ivan Vinnyk, a member of Poroshenko's faction in parliament, said on Thursday while explaining why the Minsk deal wasn't mentioned.</p>
<p>In a terse statement issued after the vote, Russia's Foreign Ministry said that the bill is nothing "but a preparation for a new war." The foreign ministry said the bill runs against Kiev's commitments under the Minsk accords and further alienates Ukrainians living in separatist-held areas.</p>
<p>"Sadly, we are witnessing the making of a situation which is fraught with a dangerous escalation in Ukraine and (carrying) unpredictable consequences for global peace and security."</p>
<p>Konstantin Kosachev, the head of the foreign affairs committee in the Russian parliament's upper house, said the new bill effectively spikes the Minsk peace pact, the implementation of which the U.S. and the European Union have said was a condition for lifting sanctions against Russia.</p>
<p>"Kiev has gone from sabotaging the Minsk agreements to burying them," he said.</p>
<p>The bill backs a ban on trade as well as a transport blockade of the east that Ukraine introduced last year. Of all the documents issued by separatist authorities, Ukraine would only recognize birth and death certificates.</p>
<p>Alexander Zakharchenko, the chief rebel leader in the Donetsk region, also criticized the new bill as a flagrant violation of the Minsk agreement signed by Ukraine and the rebels, saying it would encourage hawkish elements in Ukraine and fuel hostilities.</p>
<p>Volodymyr Fesenko, head of the Penta research center, an independent Kiev-based think-tank, said the main purpose of the bill is to defend Ukraine's interests in international courts.</p>
<p>KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine's parliament on Thursday passed a bill that aims to reintegrate the eastern territories currently controlled by Russia-backed separatists, and goes as far as to declare support for taking them back by military force if necessary.</p>
<p>The bill describes the areas in Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions as "temporarily occupied" by "aggressor country" Russia. President Petro Poroshenko welcomed the new bill, saying it would help restore control of the east by "political and diplomatic means."</p>
<p>Russia warned, however, that the deal effectively kills the peace accords that Ukraine is party to and that were supposed to resolve the deadly conflict.</p>
<p>Fighting in eastern Ukraine, which erupted weeks after Russia's annexation of Crimea, has killed more than 10,000 people since April 2014. The 2015 Minsk peace deal helped reduce the scope of hostilities, but clashes have continued and attempts at a political settlement have stalled.</p>
<p>The new bill, passed by the Supreme Rada after days of raucous debate, contains no reference to the peace deal brokered by Russia, France and Germany that obliged Ukraine to offer a broad autonomy to the separatist regions and a sweeping amnesty to the rebels. Most Ukrainian political parties rejected that idea as a betrayal of national interests.</p>
<p>"We can't embed diplomatic and political agreements that are prone to change into the Ukrainian legislation," Ivan Vinnyk, a member of Poroshenko's faction in parliament, said on Thursday while explaining why the Minsk deal wasn't mentioned.</p>
<p>In a terse statement issued after the vote, Russia's Foreign Ministry said that the bill is nothing "but a preparation for a new war." The foreign ministry said the bill runs against Kiev's commitments under the Minsk accords and further alienates Ukrainians living in separatist-held areas.</p>
<p>"Sadly, we are witnessing the making of a situation which is fraught with a dangerous escalation in Ukraine and (carrying) unpredictable consequences for global peace and security."</p>
<p>Konstantin Kosachev, the head of the foreign affairs committee in the Russian parliament's upper house, said the new bill effectively spikes the Minsk peace pact, the implementation of which the U.S. and the European Union have said was a condition for lifting sanctions against Russia.</p>
<p>"Kiev has gone from sabotaging the Minsk agreements to burying them," he said.</p>
<p>The bill backs a ban on trade as well as a transport blockade of the east that Ukraine introduced last year. Of all the documents issued by separatist authorities, Ukraine would only recognize birth and death certificates.</p>
<p>Alexander Zakharchenko, the chief rebel leader in the Donetsk region, also criticized the new bill as a flagrant violation of the Minsk agreement signed by Ukraine and the rebels, saying it would encourage hawkish elements in Ukraine and fuel hostilities.</p>
<p>Volodymyr Fesenko, head of the Penta research center, an independent Kiev-based think-tank, said the main purpose of the bill is to defend Ukraine's interests in international courts.</p>
| false | 2 |
kiev ukraine ap ukraines parliament thursday passed bill aims reintegrate eastern territories currently controlled russiabacked separatists goes far declare support taking back military force necessary bill describes areas ukraines donetsk luhansk regions temporarily occupied aggressor country russia president petro poroshenko welcomed new bill saying would help restore control east political diplomatic means russia warned however deal effectively kills peace accords ukraine party supposed resolve deadly conflict fighting eastern ukraine erupted weeks russias annexation crimea killed 10000 people since april 2014 2015 minsk peace deal helped reduce scope hostilities clashes continued attempts political settlement stalled new bill passed supreme rada days raucous debate contains reference peace deal brokered russia france germany obliged ukraine offer broad autonomy separatist regions sweeping amnesty rebels ukrainian political parties rejected idea betrayal national interests cant embed diplomatic political agreements prone change ukrainian legislation ivan vinnyk member poroshenkos faction parliament said thursday explaining minsk deal wasnt mentioned terse statement issued vote russias foreign ministry said bill nothing preparation new war foreign ministry said bill runs kievs commitments minsk accords alienates ukrainians living separatistheld areas sadly witnessing making situation fraught dangerous escalation ukraine carrying unpredictable consequences global peace security konstantin kosachev head foreign affairs committee russian parliaments upper house said new bill effectively spikes minsk peace pact implementation us european union said condition lifting sanctions russia kiev gone sabotaging minsk agreements burying said bill backs ban trade well transport blockade east ukraine introduced last year documents issued separatist authorities ukraine would recognize birth death certificates alexander zakharchenko chief rebel leader donetsk region also criticized new bill flagrant violation minsk agreement signed ukraine rebels saying would encourage hawkish elements ukraine fuel hostilities volodymyr fesenko head penta research center independent kievbased thinktank said main purpose bill defend ukraines interests international courts kiev ukraine ap ukraines parliament thursday passed bill aims reintegrate eastern territories currently controlled russiabacked separatists goes far declare support taking back military force necessary bill describes areas ukraines donetsk luhansk regions temporarily occupied aggressor country russia president petro poroshenko welcomed new bill saying would help restore control east political diplomatic means russia warned however deal effectively kills peace accords ukraine party supposed resolve deadly conflict fighting eastern ukraine erupted weeks russias annexation crimea killed 10000 people since april 2014 2015 minsk peace deal helped reduce scope hostilities clashes continued attempts political settlement stalled new bill passed supreme rada days raucous debate contains reference peace deal brokered russia france germany obliged ukraine offer broad autonomy separatist regions sweeping amnesty rebels ukrainian political parties rejected idea betrayal national interests cant embed diplomatic political agreements prone change ukrainian legislation ivan vinnyk member poroshenkos faction parliament said thursday explaining minsk deal wasnt mentioned terse statement issued vote russias foreign ministry said bill nothing preparation new war foreign ministry said bill runs kievs commitments minsk accords alienates ukrainians living separatistheld areas sadly witnessing making situation fraught dangerous escalation ukraine carrying unpredictable consequences global peace security konstantin kosachev head foreign affairs committee russian parliaments upper house said new bill effectively spikes minsk peace pact implementation us european union said condition lifting sanctions russia kiev gone sabotaging minsk agreements burying said bill backs ban trade well transport blockade east ukraine introduced last year documents issued separatist authorities ukraine would recognize birth death certificates alexander zakharchenko chief rebel leader donetsk region also criticized new bill flagrant violation minsk agreement signed ukraine rebels saying would encourage hawkish elements ukraine fuel hostilities volodymyr fesenko head penta research center independent kievbased thinktank said main purpose bill defend ukraines interests international courts
| 582 |
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) - The Trump administration moved Thursday to vastly expand offshore drilling from the Atlantic to the Arctic oceans with a plan that would open up federal waters off California for the first time in more than three decades.</p>
<p>The new five-year drilling plan also could open new areas of oil and gas exploration in areas off the East Coast from Florida to Maine, where drilling has been blocked for decades. While some lawmakers in those states support offshore drilling, the plan drew immediate opposition from governors up and down the East Coast, including Republican Govs. Rick Scott of Florida and Larry Hogan of Maryland, who pressed President Donald Trump to withdraw their states from consideration.</p>
<p>Democratic governors on both coasts blasted the plan. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo called it "another federal assault on our environment" while California Gov. Jerry Brown vowed to block "this reckless, short-sighted action."</p>
<p>Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke announced the plan, saying that responsible development of offshore energy resources would boost jobs and economic security while providing billions of dollars to fund conservation along U.S. coastlines.</p>
<p>The five-year plan would open 90 percent of the nation's offshore reserves to development by private companies, Zinke said, with 47 leases proposed off the nation's coastlines from 2019 to 2024. Nineteen sales would be off Alaska, 12 in the Gulf of Mexico, nine in the Atlantic and seven in the Pacific, including six off California.</p>
<p>"This is a draft program," Zinke told reporters during a conference call. "Nothing is final yet, and our department is continuing to engage the American people to get to our final product."</p>
<p>Industry groups praised the announcement, which would be the most expansive offshore drilling proposal in decades. The proposal follows Trump's executive order in April encouraging more drilling rights in federal waters, part of the administration's strategy to help the U.S. achieve "energy dominance" in the global market.</p>
<p>"To kick off a national discussion, you need a national plan - something that has been lacking the past several years," said Randall Luthi, president of the National Ocean Industries Association. President Barack Obama blocked Atlantic and Pacific drilling under a five-year plan finalized in 2016.</p>
<p>A coalition of more than 60 environmental groups denounced the plan, saying it would impose "severe and unacceptable harm" to America's oceans, coastal economies, public health and marine life.</p>
<p>"These ocean waters are not President Trump's personal playground. They belong to all Americans and the public wants them preserved and protected, not sold off to multinational oil companies," read the coalition's statement, which was signed by leaders of the Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council, League of Conservation Voters and other environmental groups.</p>
<p>The proposal comes less than a week after the Trump administration proposed to rewrite or kill rules on offshore oil and gas drilling imposed after the 2010 rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico. The accident on BP's Deepwater Horizon rig killed 11 workers and triggered the biggest offshore oil spill in U.S. history.</p>
<p>The Trump administration called the rules an unnecessary burden on industry and said rolling them back will encourage more energy production. Environmentalists said Trump was raising the risk of more deadly oil spills.</p>
<p>The Obama administration imposed tougher rules in response to the BP spill. The rules targeted blowout preventers, massive valve-like devices designed to prevent spills from wells on the ocean floor. The preventer used by BP failed. The rules require more frequent inspections of those and other devices and dictate that experts onshore monitor drilling of highly complex wells in real time.</p>
<p>The Gulf of Mexico is still recovering from the BP spill, said Diane Hoskins, campaign director for the marine conservation group Oceana.</p>
<p>"Americans have seen the devastation that comes from offshore drilling," she said. "Will we allow Florida's white beaches or the popular and pristine Outer Banks to share a similar fate? What about the scenic Pacific coast or even remote Arctic waters?"</p>
<p>Zinke's announcement "ignores widespread and bipartisan opposition to offshore drilling," including from more than 150 municipalities nationwide and 1,200 local, state and federal officials, Hoskins said.</p>
<p>Scott, the Florida governor, said he has asked for an immediate meeting with Zinke to discuss his concerns. "My top priority is to ensure that Florida's natural resources are protected," Scott said. Hogan, of Maryland, said he would oppose the plan "to the fullest extent that is legally possible."</p>
<p>California was the site of the first offshore drilling in the U.S. more than 120 years ago, but the region was tarnished by one of the worst spills in U.S. history in 1969, when more than 3 million gallons of oil poured into the ocean near Santa Barbara.</p>
<p>Thousands of sea birds were killed, along with dolphins, elephant seals and sea lions. Virtually all commercial fishing near Santa Barbara was halted, and tourism dropped dramatically.</p>
<p>Public outrage generated by the spill helped spark the modern environmental movement, and no federal leases have been granted off the California coast since 1984.</p>
<p>Democratic Govs. Jerry Brown of California, Kate Brown of Oregon and Jay Inslee of Washington issued a joint statement slamming the proposal, which they said ignored science and the devastation of past offshore spills.</p>
<p>"For more than 30 years, our shared coastline has been protected from further federal drilling and we'll do whatever it takes to stop this reckless, short-sighted action," they said.</p>
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) - The Trump administration moved Thursday to vastly expand offshore drilling from the Atlantic to the Arctic oceans with a plan that would open up federal waters off California for the first time in more than three decades.</p>
<p>The new five-year drilling plan also could open new areas of oil and gas exploration in areas off the East Coast from Florida to Maine, where drilling has been blocked for decades. While some lawmakers in those states support offshore drilling, the plan drew immediate opposition from governors up and down the East Coast, including Republican Govs. Rick Scott of Florida and Larry Hogan of Maryland, who pressed President Donald Trump to withdraw their states from consideration.</p>
<p>Democratic governors on both coasts blasted the plan. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo called it "another federal assault on our environment" while California Gov. Jerry Brown vowed to block "this reckless, short-sighted action."</p>
<p>Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke announced the plan, saying that responsible development of offshore energy resources would boost jobs and economic security while providing billions of dollars to fund conservation along U.S. coastlines.</p>
<p>The five-year plan would open 90 percent of the nation's offshore reserves to development by private companies, Zinke said, with 47 leases proposed off the nation's coastlines from 2019 to 2024. Nineteen sales would be off Alaska, 12 in the Gulf of Mexico, nine in the Atlantic and seven in the Pacific, including six off California.</p>
<p>"This is a draft program," Zinke told reporters during a conference call. "Nothing is final yet, and our department is continuing to engage the American people to get to our final product."</p>
<p>Industry groups praised the announcement, which would be the most expansive offshore drilling proposal in decades. The proposal follows Trump's executive order in April encouraging more drilling rights in federal waters, part of the administration's strategy to help the U.S. achieve "energy dominance" in the global market.</p>
<p>"To kick off a national discussion, you need a national plan - something that has been lacking the past several years," said Randall Luthi, president of the National Ocean Industries Association. President Barack Obama blocked Atlantic and Pacific drilling under a five-year plan finalized in 2016.</p>
<p>A coalition of more than 60 environmental groups denounced the plan, saying it would impose "severe and unacceptable harm" to America's oceans, coastal economies, public health and marine life.</p>
<p>"These ocean waters are not President Trump's personal playground. They belong to all Americans and the public wants them preserved and protected, not sold off to multinational oil companies," read the coalition's statement, which was signed by leaders of the Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council, League of Conservation Voters and other environmental groups.</p>
<p>The proposal comes less than a week after the Trump administration proposed to rewrite or kill rules on offshore oil and gas drilling imposed after the 2010 rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico. The accident on BP's Deepwater Horizon rig killed 11 workers and triggered the biggest offshore oil spill in U.S. history.</p>
<p>The Trump administration called the rules an unnecessary burden on industry and said rolling them back will encourage more energy production. Environmentalists said Trump was raising the risk of more deadly oil spills.</p>
<p>The Obama administration imposed tougher rules in response to the BP spill. The rules targeted blowout preventers, massive valve-like devices designed to prevent spills from wells on the ocean floor. The preventer used by BP failed. The rules require more frequent inspections of those and other devices and dictate that experts onshore monitor drilling of highly complex wells in real time.</p>
<p>The Gulf of Mexico is still recovering from the BP spill, said Diane Hoskins, campaign director for the marine conservation group Oceana.</p>
<p>"Americans have seen the devastation that comes from offshore drilling," she said. "Will we allow Florida's white beaches or the popular and pristine Outer Banks to share a similar fate? What about the scenic Pacific coast or even remote Arctic waters?"</p>
<p>Zinke's announcement "ignores widespread and bipartisan opposition to offshore drilling," including from more than 150 municipalities nationwide and 1,200 local, state and federal officials, Hoskins said.</p>
<p>Scott, the Florida governor, said he has asked for an immediate meeting with Zinke to discuss his concerns. "My top priority is to ensure that Florida's natural resources are protected," Scott said. Hogan, of Maryland, said he would oppose the plan "to the fullest extent that is legally possible."</p>
<p>California was the site of the first offshore drilling in the U.S. more than 120 years ago, but the region was tarnished by one of the worst spills in U.S. history in 1969, when more than 3 million gallons of oil poured into the ocean near Santa Barbara.</p>
<p>Thousands of sea birds were killed, along with dolphins, elephant seals and sea lions. Virtually all commercial fishing near Santa Barbara was halted, and tourism dropped dramatically.</p>
<p>Public outrage generated by the spill helped spark the modern environmental movement, and no federal leases have been granted off the California coast since 1984.</p>
<p>Democratic Govs. Jerry Brown of California, Kate Brown of Oregon and Jay Inslee of Washington issued a joint statement slamming the proposal, which they said ignored science and the devastation of past offshore spills.</p>
<p>"For more than 30 years, our shared coastline has been protected from further federal drilling and we'll do whatever it takes to stop this reckless, short-sighted action," they said.</p>
| false | 2 |
washington ap trump administration moved thursday vastly expand offshore drilling atlantic arctic oceans plan would open federal waters california first time three decades new fiveyear drilling plan also could open new areas oil gas exploration areas east coast florida maine drilling blocked decades lawmakers states support offshore drilling plan drew immediate opposition governors east coast including republican govs rick scott florida larry hogan maryland pressed president donald trump withdraw states consideration democratic governors coasts blasted plan new york gov andrew cuomo called another federal assault environment california gov jerry brown vowed block reckless shortsighted action interior secretary ryan zinke announced plan saying responsible development offshore energy resources would boost jobs economic security providing billions dollars fund conservation along us coastlines fiveyear plan would open 90 percent nations offshore reserves development private companies zinke said 47 leases proposed nations coastlines 2019 2024 nineteen sales would alaska 12 gulf mexico nine atlantic seven pacific including six california draft program zinke told reporters conference call nothing final yet department continuing engage american people get final product industry groups praised announcement would expansive offshore drilling proposal decades proposal follows trumps executive order april encouraging drilling rights federal waters part administrations strategy help us achieve energy dominance global market kick national discussion need national plan something lacking past several years said randall luthi president national ocean industries association president barack obama blocked atlantic pacific drilling fiveyear plan finalized 2016 coalition 60 environmental groups denounced plan saying would impose severe unacceptable harm americas oceans coastal economies public health marine life ocean waters president trumps personal playground belong americans public wants preserved protected sold multinational oil companies read coalitions statement signed leaders sierra club natural resources defense council league conservation voters environmental groups proposal comes less week trump administration proposed rewrite kill rules offshore oil gas drilling imposed 2010 rig explosion gulf mexico accident bps deepwater horizon rig killed 11 workers triggered biggest offshore oil spill us history trump administration called rules unnecessary burden industry said rolling back encourage energy production environmentalists said trump raising risk deadly oil spills obama administration imposed tougher rules response bp spill rules targeted blowout preventers massive valvelike devices designed prevent spills wells ocean floor preventer used bp failed rules require frequent inspections devices dictate experts onshore monitor drilling highly complex wells real time gulf mexico still recovering bp spill said diane hoskins campaign director marine conservation group oceana americans seen devastation comes offshore drilling said allow floridas white beaches popular pristine outer banks share similar fate scenic pacific coast even remote arctic waters zinkes announcement ignores widespread bipartisan opposition offshore drilling including 150 municipalities nationwide 1200 local state federal officials hoskins said scott florida governor said asked immediate meeting zinke discuss concerns top priority ensure floridas natural resources protected scott said hogan maryland said would oppose plan fullest extent legally possible california site first offshore drilling us 120 years ago region tarnished one worst spills us history 1969 3 million gallons oil poured ocean near santa barbara thousands sea birds killed along dolphins elephant seals sea lions virtually commercial fishing near santa barbara halted tourism dropped dramatically public outrage generated spill helped spark modern environmental movement federal leases granted california coast since 1984 democratic govs jerry brown california kate brown oregon jay inslee washington issued joint statement slamming proposal said ignored science devastation past offshore spills 30 years shared coastline protected federal drilling well whatever takes stop reckless shortsighted action said washington ap trump administration moved thursday vastly expand offshore drilling atlantic arctic oceans plan would open federal waters california first time three decades new fiveyear drilling plan also could open new areas oil gas exploration areas east coast florida maine drilling blocked decades lawmakers states support offshore drilling plan drew immediate opposition governors east coast including republican govs rick scott florida larry hogan maryland pressed president donald trump withdraw states consideration democratic governors coasts blasted plan new york gov andrew cuomo called another federal assault environment california gov jerry brown vowed block reckless shortsighted action interior secretary ryan zinke announced plan saying responsible development offshore energy resources would boost jobs economic security providing billions dollars fund conservation along us coastlines fiveyear plan would open 90 percent nations offshore reserves development private companies zinke said 47 leases proposed nations coastlines 2019 2024 nineteen sales would alaska 12 gulf mexico nine atlantic seven pacific including six california draft program zinke told reporters conference call nothing final yet department continuing engage american people get final product industry groups praised announcement would expansive offshore drilling proposal decades proposal follows trumps executive order april encouraging drilling rights federal waters part administrations strategy help us achieve energy dominance global market kick national discussion need national plan something lacking past several years said randall luthi president national ocean industries association president barack obama blocked atlantic pacific drilling fiveyear plan finalized 2016 coalition 60 environmental groups denounced plan saying would impose severe unacceptable harm americas oceans coastal economies public health marine life ocean waters president trumps personal playground belong americans public wants preserved protected sold multinational oil companies read coalitions statement signed leaders sierra club natural resources defense council league conservation voters environmental groups proposal comes less week trump administration proposed rewrite kill rules offshore oil gas drilling imposed 2010 rig explosion gulf mexico accident bps deepwater horizon rig killed 11 workers triggered biggest offshore oil spill us history trump administration called rules unnecessary burden industry said rolling back encourage energy production environmentalists said trump raising risk deadly oil spills obama administration imposed tougher rules response bp spill rules targeted blowout preventers massive valvelike devices designed prevent spills wells ocean floor preventer used bp failed rules require frequent inspections devices dictate experts onshore monitor drilling highly complex wells real time gulf mexico still recovering bp spill said diane hoskins campaign director marine conservation group oceana americans seen devastation comes offshore drilling said allow floridas white beaches popular pristine outer banks share similar fate scenic pacific coast even remote arctic waters zinkes announcement ignores widespread bipartisan opposition offshore drilling including 150 municipalities nationwide 1200 local state federal officials hoskins said scott florida governor said asked immediate meeting zinke discuss concerns top priority ensure floridas natural resources protected scott said hogan maryland said would oppose plan fullest extent legally possible california site first offshore drilling us 120 years ago region tarnished one worst spills us history 1969 3 million gallons oil poured ocean near santa barbara thousands sea birds killed along dolphins elephant seals sea lions virtually commercial fishing near santa barbara halted tourism dropped dramatically public outrage generated spill helped spark modern environmental movement federal leases granted california coast since 1984 democratic govs jerry brown california kate brown oregon jay inslee washington issued joint statement slamming proposal said ignored science devastation past offshore spills 30 years shared coastline protected federal drilling well whatever takes stop reckless shortsighted action said
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<p>DALLAS (AP) - A 3-year-old girl whose body was found in a culvert near her suburban Dallas home little more than a year after she was adopted from an Indian orphanage died from "homicidal violence," according to autopsy findings released Wednesday.</p>
<p>Steven Kurtz with the Dallas County medical examiner's office said Sherin Mathews was a victim of homicide but that he couldn't provide any other details from the autopsy at this point. The Texas attorney general's office must decide whether the full report can be released to the public, he said.</p>
<p>Police in Richardson have released their findings in Sherin's October death to the Dallas County district attorney's office, and a grand jury this month is expected to review charges filed against the girl's adoptive parents, Wesley and Sini Mathews.</p>
<p>The couple is being held at the Dallas County jail: Wesley Mathews is held on a $1 million bond and faces a charge of felony injury to a child, while his wife has a bond of $250,000 on a charge of abandoning a child.</p>
<p>Mitch Nolte, the attorney for Sini Mathews, told WFAA-TV that he's received a copy of the full autopsy report and that nothing in it implicates his client in the girl's death.</p>
<p>An attorney for Wesley Mathews, Rafael De La Garza, did not immediately return a call Wednesday for comment on the autopsy findings.</p>
<p>Wesley Mathews initially told police Sherin disappeared after he punished her by sending her out in the night to stand by a tree near the home.</p>
<p>He later told investigators Sherin had developmental disabilities and was malnourished. He described a special diet regimen in which she had to eat whenever she was awake in order to gain weight.</p>
<p>Mathews said he had been trying to get the girl to drink milk in the garage of their home, according to an arrest affidavit filed by Richardson police.</p>
<p>"Eventually the 3-year-old girl began to drink the milk. Wesley Mathews then physically assisted the 3-year-old girl in drinking the milk," according to the affidavit.</p>
<p>Mathews told police that Sherin choked and coughed and eventually he felt no pulse and believed the child had died. Investigators wrote that he "then admitted to removing the body from the home."</p>
<p>Sherin's disappearance in October generated a broad search involving a number of law enforcement agencies. Her body was found in the culvert Oct. 22.</p>
<p>Richardson police Sgt. Kevin Perlich would not say if additional charges could be forthcoming in light of the autopsy results, explaining that decision would be left to the district attorney's office. A spokeswoman for the office declined to comment.</p>
<p>The couple adopted Sherin in June 2016. Their 4-year-old biological daughter is staying with family in the Houston area.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>This story has been corrected to show Sherin's body was found Oct. 22 not 24.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow David Warren on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/WarrenJourno" type="external">https://twitter.com/WarrenJourno</a></p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Sign up for the AP's weekly newsletter showcasing our best reporting from Texas and the Midwest at <a href="http://apne.ws/2u1RMfv" type="external">http://apne.ws/2u1RMfv</a> .</p>
<p>DALLAS (AP) - A 3-year-old girl whose body was found in a culvert near her suburban Dallas home little more than a year after she was adopted from an Indian orphanage died from "homicidal violence," according to autopsy findings released Wednesday.</p>
<p>Steven Kurtz with the Dallas County medical examiner's office said Sherin Mathews was a victim of homicide but that he couldn't provide any other details from the autopsy at this point. The Texas attorney general's office must decide whether the full report can be released to the public, he said.</p>
<p>Police in Richardson have released their findings in Sherin's October death to the Dallas County district attorney's office, and a grand jury this month is expected to review charges filed against the girl's adoptive parents, Wesley and Sini Mathews.</p>
<p>The couple is being held at the Dallas County jail: Wesley Mathews is held on a $1 million bond and faces a charge of felony injury to a child, while his wife has a bond of $250,000 on a charge of abandoning a child.</p>
<p>Mitch Nolte, the attorney for Sini Mathews, told WFAA-TV that he's received a copy of the full autopsy report and that nothing in it implicates his client in the girl's death.</p>
<p>An attorney for Wesley Mathews, Rafael De La Garza, did not immediately return a call Wednesday for comment on the autopsy findings.</p>
<p>Wesley Mathews initially told police Sherin disappeared after he punished her by sending her out in the night to stand by a tree near the home.</p>
<p>He later told investigators Sherin had developmental disabilities and was malnourished. He described a special diet regimen in which she had to eat whenever she was awake in order to gain weight.</p>
<p>Mathews said he had been trying to get the girl to drink milk in the garage of their home, according to an arrest affidavit filed by Richardson police.</p>
<p>"Eventually the 3-year-old girl began to drink the milk. Wesley Mathews then physically assisted the 3-year-old girl in drinking the milk," according to the affidavit.</p>
<p>Mathews told police that Sherin choked and coughed and eventually he felt no pulse and believed the child had died. Investigators wrote that he "then admitted to removing the body from the home."</p>
<p>Sherin's disappearance in October generated a broad search involving a number of law enforcement agencies. Her body was found in the culvert Oct. 22.</p>
<p>Richardson police Sgt. Kevin Perlich would not say if additional charges could be forthcoming in light of the autopsy results, explaining that decision would be left to the district attorney's office. A spokeswoman for the office declined to comment.</p>
<p>The couple adopted Sherin in June 2016. Their 4-year-old biological daughter is staying with family in the Houston area.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>This story has been corrected to show Sherin's body was found Oct. 22 not 24.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow David Warren on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/WarrenJourno" type="external">https://twitter.com/WarrenJourno</a></p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Sign up for the AP's weekly newsletter showcasing our best reporting from Texas and the Midwest at <a href="http://apne.ws/2u1RMfv" type="external">http://apne.ws/2u1RMfv</a> .</p>
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dallas ap 3yearold girl whose body found culvert near suburban dallas home little year adopted indian orphanage died homicidal violence according autopsy findings released wednesday steven kurtz dallas county medical examiners office said sherin mathews victim homicide couldnt provide details autopsy point texas attorney generals office must decide whether full report released public said police richardson released findings sherins october death dallas county district attorneys office grand jury month expected review charges filed girls adoptive parents wesley sini mathews couple held dallas county jail wesley mathews held 1 million bond faces charge felony injury child wife bond 250000 charge abandoning child mitch nolte attorney sini mathews told wfaatv hes received copy full autopsy report nothing implicates client girls death attorney wesley mathews rafael de la garza immediately return call wednesday comment autopsy findings wesley mathews initially told police sherin disappeared punished sending night stand tree near home later told investigators sherin developmental disabilities malnourished described special diet regimen eat whenever awake order gain weight mathews said trying get girl drink milk garage home according arrest affidavit filed richardson police eventually 3yearold girl began drink milk wesley mathews physically assisted 3yearold girl drinking milk according affidavit mathews told police sherin choked coughed eventually felt pulse believed child died investigators wrote admitted removing body home sherins disappearance october generated broad search involving number law enforcement agencies body found culvert oct 22 richardson police sgt kevin perlich would say additional charges could forthcoming light autopsy results explaining decision would left district attorneys office spokeswoman office declined comment couple adopted sherin june 2016 4yearold biological daughter staying family houston area ___ story corrected show sherins body found oct 22 24 ___ follow david warren twitter httpstwittercomwarrenjourno ___ sign aps weekly newsletter showcasing best reporting texas midwest httpapnews2u1rmfv dallas ap 3yearold girl whose body found culvert near suburban dallas home little year adopted indian orphanage died homicidal violence according autopsy findings released wednesday steven kurtz dallas county medical examiners office said sherin mathews victim homicide couldnt provide details autopsy point texas attorney generals office must decide whether full report released public said police richardson released findings sherins october death dallas county district attorneys office grand jury month expected review charges filed girls adoptive parents wesley sini mathews couple held dallas county jail wesley mathews held 1 million bond faces charge felony injury child wife bond 250000 charge abandoning child mitch nolte attorney sini mathews told wfaatv hes received copy full autopsy report nothing implicates client girls death attorney wesley mathews rafael de la garza immediately return call wednesday comment autopsy findings wesley mathews initially told police sherin disappeared punished sending night stand tree near home later told investigators sherin developmental disabilities malnourished described special diet regimen eat whenever awake order gain weight mathews said trying get girl drink milk garage home according arrest affidavit filed richardson police eventually 3yearold girl began drink milk wesley mathews physically assisted 3yearold girl drinking milk according affidavit mathews told police sherin choked coughed eventually felt pulse believed child died investigators wrote admitted removing body home sherins disappearance october generated broad search involving number law enforcement agencies body found culvert oct 22 richardson police sgt kevin perlich would say additional charges could forthcoming light autopsy results explaining decision would left district attorneys office spokeswoman office declined comment couple adopted sherin june 2016 4yearold biological daughter staying family houston area ___ story corrected show sherins body found oct 22 24 ___ follow david warren twitter httpstwittercomwarrenjourno ___ sign aps weekly newsletter showcasing best reporting texas midwest httpapnews2u1rmfv
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<p />
<p>Mattis, 66, is a Marine Corps general who retired in 2013 after serving as commander of the U.S. Central Command, responsible for directing America’s wars in both Iraq and Afghanistan.</p>
<p>The president-elect, who has referred to Mattis by his nickname “Mad Dog,” made the announcement of his choice for defense secretary at a postelection victory rally Thursday night in Cincinnati.</p>
<p>The selection raises questions about increased military influence in a job designed to ensure civilian control of the armed forces. Those traditional concerns revolve around whether a recently retired service member would rely more on military solutions to international problems rather than take a broader, more diplomatic approach.</p>
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<p>For Mattis to be confirmed, Congress would first have to approve legislation bypassing a law that bars retired military officers from becoming defense secretary within seven years of leaving active duty.</p>
<p>Mattis has a reputation as a battle-hardened, tough-talking Marine who was entrusted with some of the most challenging commands in the U.S. military. In a tweet last month, Trump described him as “A true General’s General!”</p>
<p>Mattis also has talked tough on Middle East policy, and was blunt in his assessment in 2013 that the Obama administration’s program of sanctions and diplomatic efforts to stop Iran from gaining nuclear weapons were not working. Tehran, he said, “has a history of denial and deceit.”</p>
<p>He also warned of risks in setting up the no-fly zone over Libya in 2011. And he was vocal in his assessment that the U.S. needed to keep two Navy aircraft carriers in the Middle East to provide additional security and support for American military interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan that dragged on in recent years.</p>
<p>Mattis would be only the second retired general to serve as defense secretary, the first being George C. Marshall in 1950-51 during the Korean War. Marshall was a much different figure, having previously served as U.S. secretary of state and playing a key role in creating closer ties with Western Europe after World War II.</p>
<p>The only previous exception to the law requiring a gap after military service was for Marshall.</p>
<p>Although his record in combat and his credentials as a senior commander are widely admired, Mattis has little experience in the diplomatic aspects of the job of secretary of defense.</p>
<p>Richard Fontaine, president of the Center for a New American Security, described him as a defense intellectual and as a military leader who distinguished himself in combat.</p>
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<p>“He knows the Middle East, South Asia, NATO and other areas and has evinced both a nuanced approach to the wars we’re in and an appreciation for the importance of allies,” Fontaine said in an email exchange. “If he were to get the nomination, I suspect that he could attract a number of very talented people to work with him.”</p>
<p>But Mattis hasn’t been free of controversy. He was criticized for remarking in 2005 that he enjoyed shooting people. He also drew more recent scrutiny for his involvement with the embattled biotech company Theranos, where he serves on the board.</p>
<p>Born in Pullman, Washington, Mattis enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1969, later earning a history degree from Central Washington University. He was commissioned as an officer in 1972. As a lieutenant colonel, he led an assault battalion into Kuwait during the first U.S. war with Iraq in 1991.</p>
<p>As head of Central Command from 2010 until his retirement in 2013, he was in charge of both the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.</p>
<p>In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, Mattis commanded the Marines who launched an early amphibious assault into Afghanistan and established a U.S. foothold in the Taliban heartland.</p>
<p>As the first wave of Marines moved toward Kandahar, Mattis declared, “The Marines have landed, and now we own a piece of Afghanistan.”</p>
<p>Two years later, he helped lead the invasion into Iraq in 2003 as the two-star commander of the 1st Marine Division.</p>
<p>In 2005, he raised eyebrows when he told a San Diego forum that it was “fun to shoot some people.”</p>
<p>According to a recording of his remarks, Mattis said, “Actually, it’s a lot of fun to fight. You know, it’s a hell of a hoot. … It’s fun to shoot some people. I’ll be right up front with you, I like brawling.”</p>
<p>He added, “You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didn’t wear a veil,” Mattis continued. “You know, guys like that ain’t got no manhood left anyway. So it’s a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them.”</p>
<p>Mattis was counseled to choose his words more carefully.</p>
<p>A year later, Mattis came under scrutiny during one of the more high-profile criminal investigations of the Iraq war, the shooting deaths of 24 Iraqis by Marines.</p>
<p>The Iraqis, who included unarmed women and children, were killed by Marines in the town of Haditha after one of their comrades was killed by a roadside bomb. Eight Marines were charged in connection with the killings — four enlisted men were charged with unpremeditated murder, and four officers who weren’t there at the time were accused of failures in investigating and reporting the deaths.</p>
<p>As commander of the accused Marines’ parent unit, the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Mattis ultimately dismissed charges against most of the Marines.</p>
<p>Separately, as a top Marine general, Mattis pushed for the military to adopt blood-testing technology developed by Theranos.</p>
<p>As reported by The Washington Post , Mattis first met Theranos founder Elizabeth A. Holmes in 2011. A year later, according to emails obtained by the Post, Holmes used her connection to Mattis to pressure him to intervene after a Pentagon official raised concerns that the company was distributing its technology without approval by the Food and Drug Administration.</p>
<p>The emails show within hours after Holmes asked Mattis for help, he forwarded her email to other military officials asking them, “How do we overcome this new obstacle.”</p>
<p>Mattis joined the Theranos board the same year he retired. The company, which raised hundreds of millions of dollars on the promise of breakthrough blood-testing technology, was forced to invalidate two years of patients’ test results after the reliability of its proprietary blood-testing machinery was questioned by internal and government whistleblowers and investigative reporting by The Wall Street Journal.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press writers Chad Day and Robert Burns contributed to this report.</p>
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mattis 66 marine corps general retired 2013 serving commander us central command responsible directing americas wars iraq afghanistan presidentelect referred mattis nickname mad dog made announcement choice defense secretary postelection victory rally thursday night cincinnati selection raises questions increased military influence job designed ensure civilian control armed forces traditional concerns revolve around whether recently retired service member would rely military solutions international problems rather take broader diplomatic approach advertisement mattis confirmed congress would first approve legislation bypassing law bars retired military officers becoming defense secretary within seven years leaving active duty mattis reputation battlehardened toughtalking marine entrusted challenging commands us military tweet last month trump described true generals general mattis also talked tough middle east policy blunt assessment 2013 obama administrations program sanctions diplomatic efforts stop iran gaining nuclear weapons working tehran said history denial deceit also warned risks setting nofly zone libya 2011 vocal assessment us needed keep two navy aircraft carriers middle east provide additional security support american military interventions iraq afghanistan dragged recent years mattis would second retired general serve defense secretary first george c marshall 195051 korean war marshall much different figure previously served us secretary state playing key role creating closer ties western europe world war ii previous exception law requiring gap military service marshall although record combat credentials senior commander widely admired mattis little experience diplomatic aspects job secretary defense richard fontaine president center new american security described defense intellectual military leader distinguished combat advertisement knows middle east south asia nato areas evinced nuanced approach wars appreciation importance allies fontaine said email exchange get nomination suspect could attract number talented people work mattis hasnt free controversy criticized remarking 2005 enjoyed shooting people also drew recent scrutiny involvement embattled biotech company theranos serves board born pullman washington mattis enlisted marine corps 1969 later earning history degree central washington university commissioned officer 1972 lieutenant colonel led assault battalion kuwait first us war iraq 1991 head central command 2010 retirement 2013 charge wars iraq afghanistan aftermath 911 attacks mattis commanded marines launched early amphibious assault afghanistan established us foothold taliban heartland first wave marines moved toward kandahar mattis declared marines landed piece afghanistan two years later helped lead invasion iraq 2003 twostar commander 1st marine division 2005 raised eyebrows told san diego forum fun shoot people according recording remarks mattis said actually lot fun fight know hell hoot fun shoot people ill right front like brawling added go afghanistan got guys slap women around five years didnt wear veil mattis continued know guys like aint got manhood left anyway hell lot fun shoot mattis counseled choose words carefully year later mattis came scrutiny one highprofile criminal investigations iraq war shooting deaths 24 iraqis marines iraqis included unarmed women children killed marines town haditha one comrades killed roadside bomb eight marines charged connection killings four enlisted men charged unpremeditated murder four officers werent time accused failures investigating reporting deaths commander accused marines parent unit 1st marine expeditionary force mattis ultimately dismissed charges marines separately top marine general mattis pushed military adopt bloodtesting technology developed theranos reported washington post mattis first met theranos founder elizabeth holmes 2011 year later according emails obtained post holmes used connection mattis pressure intervene pentagon official raised concerns company distributing technology without approval food drug administration emails show within hours holmes asked mattis help forwarded email military officials asking overcome new obstacle mattis joined theranos board year retired company raised hundreds millions dollars promise breakthrough bloodtesting technology forced invalidate two years patients test results reliability proprietary bloodtesting machinery questioned internal government whistleblowers investigative reporting wall street journal ___ associated press writers chad day robert burns contributed report
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<p>BEIJING – President Donald Trump just backed down from what could have been a serious fight with China.</p>
<p>On Thursday evening in Washington, Trump appeared to shy away from confrontation with Beijing by agreeing to honor the one-China policy during a lengthy telephone call with China’s President Xi Jinping.</p>
<p>The one-China policy, ruling out independence for the island of Taiwan, forms the bedrock of U.S.-China diplomatic ties. By previously questioning it, Trump had underlined his combative and unpredictable style of diplomacy but also clearly crossed a red line with China.</p>
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<p>Relations had been inflamed after Trump suggested that he would commit to the one-China policy only if Beijing addressed his concerns about trade and currency issues. Trump’s suggestion that it could be used as a bargaining chip had brought a sharp rebuke from China, which insisted that the policy was “nonnegotiable.”</p>
<p>It was not clear whether Trump had gained any concessions from China in return for reversing course and endorsing the policy. It’s much more likely, experts said, that Trump might simply have been persuaded that relations would never get off the ground without agreeing to the one-China idea.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, the whole episode is likely to have cost Trump credibility in China.</p>
<p>James Zimmerman, former head of the American Chamber of Commerce in China, said Trump never should have raised the one-China policy in the first place. Trump probably stepped back, Zimmerman said, because he realized it was a “complicated, thorny issue that is simply not open for discussion.”</p>
<p>“There is certainly a way of negotiating with the Chinese, but threats concerning fundamental, core interests are counterproductive from the get-go,” he said. “The end result is that Trump just confirmed to the world that he is a paper tiger, a ‘zhilaohu’ – someone that seems threatening but is wholly ineffectual and unable to stomach a challenge.”</p>
<p>Experts had previously noted with concern that Trump had not spoken to Xi since his inauguration, despite holding conversations or meetings with at least 18 other world leaders (although Trump and Xi did talk by phone days after Trump’s election victory in November).</p>
<p>Ni Feng, deputy director of the Institute of American Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing, said Trump’s previous comments had sent the relationship between the two countries “tumbling and collapsing,” adding that he believes that was why the phone call had been delayed.</p>
<p>“Without acknowledgment of the one-China policy, Sino-U.S. relations cannot proceed,” he said. “No president has ever refused to acknowledge it since the U.S. and China established diplomatic relations in the ’70s, and no U.S. president has ever created such confusion.”</p>
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<p>“Now we can say that Sino-U.S. relations can proceed,” he said.</p>
<p>Lv Xiang, another Sino-U.S. relations expert at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that by mentioning “at the request of President Xi” in the White House statement, the United States “might want to show that they still have reservations on the issue.” However, Lv said the one-China policy had been a very important topic in preliminary conversations leading up to the phone call. “The precondition of the call was the basic understanding and acceptance of the one-China policy,” he said.</p>
<p>In a statement issued late Thursday, the White House said the two men had held a lengthy and “extremely cordial” conversation. “The two leaders discussed numerous topics and President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honor our one-China policy,” the White House statement said.</p>
<p>In return, Xi said he “appreciated his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump, for stressing that the U.S. government adheres to the one-China policy,” which he called the “political basis” of relations between the nations, the state news agency Xinhua reported.</p>
<p>“The development of China and the United States absolutely can complement each other and advance together,” Xi said. “Both sides can absolutely become very good cooperative partners.”</p>
<p>Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang would not be drawn out on the consultations and negotiations leading up to the call, saying only that adhering to the one-China principle is the “obligation” any American government should fulfill and adding that adherence to it is an “important safeguard” for the sound and steady growth of bilateral ties.</p>
<p>Taiwan’s presidential spokesman, Huang Chung-yen, suggested that the administration of Tsai Ing-wen had been warned in advance, saying in a statement that Taipei and Washington “have been in close contact and communication regarding this development, and continue to take an effective ‘zero surprise’ approach.”</p>
<p>In recent days, he said, the U.S. administration, including Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, had “on multiple occasions reiterated its support for Taiwan.”</p>
<p>The timing of the phone call also appeared significant, coming on the eve of a formal summit between Trump and Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Washington on Friday.</p>
<p>Japan is a historic enemy of China and a key modern-day strategic rival, and Beijing was sure to be watching closely.</p>
<p>Trump was expected to use the occasion to reinforce his commitment to the mutual defense pact between the United States and Japan, a policy that Defense Secretary Jim Mattis took pains to underline during a visit to Tokyo last week.</p>
<p>Norio Maruyama, a spokesman for the Japanese delegation, said Japan welcomed Trump’s conversation with Xi. “It’s good and positive in terms of peace and security of the region and the international community,” Maruyama said. “This is the right way forward.”</p>
<p>In December, after his election, Trump had a protocol-breaking call with Taiwan’s Tsai. It was the first communication between leaders of the United States and Taiwan since 1979 and the product of months of preparation by Trump’s advisers, who advocated for a new strategy of engagement with Taiwan to rattle China.</p>
<p>Trump then told Fox News, “I don’t know why we have to be bound by a one-China policy unless we make a deal with China having to do with other things, including trade.”</p>
<p>Despite closing its embassy in Taipei in 1979, the United States remains Taiwan’s biggest ally and arms supplier and is bound by legislation to provide the means for the island to defend itself.</p>
<p>Defeated nationalist forces fled to the island in 1949 after losing a civil war to the communists.</p>
<p>—</p>
<p>Philip Rucker in Washington and Congcong Zhang and Luna Lin in Beijing contributed to this report.</p>
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beijing president donald trump backed could serious fight china thursday evening washington trump appeared shy away confrontation beijing agreeing honor onechina policy lengthy telephone call chinas president xi jinping onechina policy ruling independence island taiwan forms bedrock uschina diplomatic ties previously questioning trump underlined combative unpredictable style diplomacy also clearly crossed red line china advertisement relations inflamed trump suggested would commit onechina policy beijing addressed concerns trade currency issues trumps suggestion could used bargaining chip brought sharp rebuke china insisted policy nonnegotiable clear whether trump gained concessions china return reversing course endorsing policy much likely experts said trump might simply persuaded relations would never get ground without agreeing onechina idea nevertheless whole episode likely cost trump credibility china james zimmerman former head american chamber commerce china said trump never raised onechina policy first place trump probably stepped back zimmerman said realized complicated thorny issue simply open discussion certainly way negotiating chinese threats concerning fundamental core interests counterproductive getgo said end result trump confirmed world paper tiger zhilaohu someone seems threatening wholly ineffectual unable stomach challenge experts previously noted concern trump spoken xi since inauguration despite holding conversations meetings least 18 world leaders although trump xi talk phone days trumps election victory november ni feng deputy director institute american studies chinese academy social sciences beijing said trumps previous comments sent relationship two countries tumbling collapsing adding believes phone call delayed without acknowledgment onechina policy sinous relations proceed said president ever refused acknowledge since us china established diplomatic relations 70s us president ever created confusion advertisement say sinous relations proceed said lv xiang another sinous relations expert chinese academy social sciences said mentioning request president xi white house statement united states might want show still reservations issue however lv said onechina policy important topic preliminary conversations leading phone call precondition call basic understanding acceptance onechina policy said statement issued late thursday white house said two men held lengthy extremely cordial conversation two leaders discussed numerous topics president trump agreed request president xi honor onechina policy white house statement said return xi said appreciated us counterpart donald trump stressing us government adheres onechina policy called political basis relations nations state news agency xinhua reported development china united states absolutely complement advance together xi said sides absolutely become good cooperative partners chinese foreign ministry spokesman lu kang would drawn consultations negotiations leading call saying adhering onechina principle obligation american government fulfill adding adherence important safeguard sound steady growth bilateral ties taiwans presidential spokesman huang chungyen suggested administration tsai ingwen warned advance saying statement taipei washington close contact communication regarding development continue take effective zero surprise approach recent days said us administration including secretary state rex tillerson multiple occasions reiterated support taiwan timing phone call also appeared significant coming eve formal summit trump japans prime minister shinzo abe washington friday japan historic enemy china key modernday strategic rival beijing sure watching closely trump expected use occasion reinforce commitment mutual defense pact united states japan policy defense secretary jim mattis took pains underline visit tokyo last week norio maruyama spokesman japanese delegation said japan welcomed trumps conversation xi good positive terms peace security region international community maruyama said right way forward december election trump protocolbreaking call taiwans tsai first communication leaders united states taiwan since 1979 product months preparation trumps advisers advocated new strategy engagement taiwan rattle china trump told fox news dont know bound onechina policy unless make deal china things including trade despite closing embassy taipei 1979 united states remains taiwans biggest ally arms supplier bound legislation provide means island defend defeated nationalist forces fled island 1949 losing civil war communists philip rucker washington congcong zhang luna lin beijing contributed report
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<p>Jan 23 (Reuters) - Force Motors Ltd:</p>
<p>* DEC QUARTER NET PROFIT 146.5 MILLION RUPEES VERSUS PROFIT OF 232.5 MILLION RUPEES YEAR AGO</p>
<p>* DEC QUARTER REVENUE FROM OPERATIONS 7.50 BILLION RUPEES VERSUS 7.16 BILLION RUPEES YEAR AGO Source text - <a href="http://bit.ly/2BlQgXJ" type="external">bit.ly/2BlQgXJ</a> Further company coverage:</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Stormy Daniels sued Donald Trump’s lawyer Michael Cohen on Monday for defamation, according to court documents, escalating a legal battle between the American president and the porn star that the White House was struggling to contain.</p>
<p>Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, made the claim a day after her widely watched TV interview on “60 Minutes” on CBS. Daniels said she was threatened with violence to keep quiet about her alleged 2006 tryst with Trump.</p>
<p>At the White House, a spokesman in a briefing with reporters cast aspersions on her account. The White House has denied allegations that Trump had a sexual relationship with Daniels.</p>
<p>CBS Corp said the show drew its biggest audience in more than eight years, with 21.3 million Americans tuning in, more than double the previous week’s edition of “60 Minutes.”</p>
<p>Presidential spokesman Raj Shah told the briefing, “The president doesn’t believe any of the claims Ms. Daniels made in the interview last night were accurate.”</p>
<p>Asked if Trump believed Daniels was threatened, Shah said, “No, he does not. ... There’s nothing to corroborate her claim.”</p>
<p>Daniels’ “60 Minutes” appearance also drew a denial from the president’s personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, that he was involved in the alleged threat of violence against her.</p>
<p>Daniels originally sued Trump on March 6, saying he never signed an agreement for her to stay silent about what she called their “intimate” relationship. Monday’s filing in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles amended the original lawsuit to say Daniels was defamed.</p>
<p>Her attorney, Michael Avenatti, said Cohen “meant to convey that Ms. Clifford is a liar, someone who should not be trusted, and that her claims about her relationship with Mr. Trump” were not true.</p>
<p>Daniels’ defamation allegation was based on a Feb. 13 statement by Cohen that she said hurt her reputation.</p> Stormy Daniels is interviewed by Anderson Cooper. CBSNews/60 MINUTES/via REUTERS
<p>The latest filing also said $130,000 Cohen paid Daniels in October 2016 just before the presidential election to secure her silence amounted to an illegal campaign contribution, and that the agreement should be declared void.</p>
<p>Cohen has said he paid Daniels out of his own pocket, but has not explained why or if Trump was aware of the payment.</p>
<p>In filings with the Justice Department and Federal Election Commission, watchdog groups have said the $130,000 may have exceeded campaign contribution limits, violating U.S. law. Cohen has denied this.</p>
<p>California attorney Michael Overing, who specializes in defamation law, said it would be difficult for Daniels to prevail on her defamation claim because she is a public figure.</p> Slideshow (2 Images)
<p>To prove libel, she would have to show that a false statement was made with either reckless or purposeful disregard for the truth, Overing said.</p>
<p>Trump attorney Cohen’s denial of involvement in the alleged threat against Daniels came in a “cease-and-desist” letter sent to Avenatti shortly after “60 Minutes” aired that demanded a retraction and an apology. A copy of the letter was seen by Reuters on Monday.</p>
<p>The letter said, “Mr. Cohen had absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with any such person or incident, and does not even believe that any such person exists, or that such incident ever occurred.”</p>
<p>Daniels said the threat of harm was made by a stranger in a Las Vegas parking lot in 2011.</p>
<p>Avenatti said on NBC on Monday that the man who threatened her while she was with her infant daughter was not Cohen, but “had to be someone that is related to Mr. Trump or Mr. Cohen.”</p>
<p>Last week CNN interviewed former Playboy model Karen McDougal, who described a 10-month affair with Trump starting in 2006.</p>
<p>Trump was married to his wife, Melania, during both alleged relationships. In addition to denying Trump had sex with Daniels, the White House has said he denies having an affair with McDougal.</p>
<p>Reporting by Lisa Lambert and Makini Brice; Additional reporting by Jan Wolfe; Editing by Jonathan Oatis</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>BEIJING/SEOUL (Reuters) - Events are unfolding quickly on the Korean peninsula with planned summits between North and South Korea and the United States, a presidential official in Seoul said on Tuesday, amid reports that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is in China.</p> Police officers patrol near the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, where foreign dignitaries usually stay, in Beijing, China March 27, 2018. REUTERS/Jason Lee
<p>Bloomberg, citing three unidentified sources, reported on Monday that Kim was in Beijing in what would be his first known trip outside North Korea since taking power in 2011. The unconfirmed visit also comes ahead of a potential summit with U.S. President Donald Trump.</p>
<p>“The presidential Blue House is watching things in Beijing very closely, while keeping all possibilities open,” said the senior official in Seoul, who spoke on condition of anonymity.</p>
<p>Improving bilateral ties between North Korea and China would be a positive sign before the planned summits, he said.</p>
<p>A Reuters reporter saw a convoy leave Beijing’s Diaoyutai State Guest House, where senior foreign leaders often stay on visits to the Chinese capital, and drive north on Tuesday morning. It was unclear where the convoy was headed.</p>
<p>Diplomatic sources in Beijing said it was likely Kim was in China, but they could not confirm it definitively.</p>
<p>One source with ties to China’s leadership said it was possible Kim’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, was in the city. She visited South Korea for the Winter Olympics last month, paving the way for a summit between the two Koreas.</p>
<p>South Korean news agency Newsis reported that Kim Yo Jong and the North’s ceremonial leader, Kim Yong Nam, were visiting Beijing, citing an unidentified North Korea-related source in Beijing.</p>
<p>The pair visited South Korean President Moon Jae-in at his office in Seoul during the Winter Olympics in February.</p> PURPOSE UNKNOWN
<p>The details of Kim Jong Un’s visit, including its purpose and itinerary, were not yet known, Bloomberg reported. Japanese media reported earlier on Monday that a high-ranking Pyongyang official appeared to have arrived by train in Beijing.</p> FILE PHOTO: 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/File Photo
<p>The Blue House official said the South Korean government had been aware of “related movements” in North Korea, such as the train, for a few days but he could not confirm whether Kim or another high-ranking North Korean official was visiting China.</p>
<p>Beijing is secretive and isolated North Korea’s main ally, as well as its biggest trading partner.</p>
<p>China has not confirmed any visit by a North Korean but has not totally censored speculation Kim himself might be in town.</p> Slideshow (2 Images)
<p>Searches on Baidu News, China’s equivalent of Google News, brought up a story in the simplified Chinese edition of Taiwanese newspaper the China Times that reported, without citing sources, that Kim was on a secret visit to Beijing.</p>
<p>There were also posts on Chinese social media talking about the possibility Kim was in China, some citing family members in the Chinese border city of Dandong where the main train link between the two countries is located.</p>
<p>Kim is due to hold separate summits with South Korea in late April and the United States in May, including a potential meeting with Trump.</p>
<p>“The fact that the summits are being held has been beyond our expectations. Right now, the situation surrounding the Korean peninsula is moving very quickly and it would be inadvisable to think with prejudice,” the Blue House official said.</p>
<p>Kim Jong Un’s father, Kim Jong Il, met then-president Jiang Zemin in China in 2000 before a summit between the two Koreas in June that year.</p>
<p>Kim Jong Il was considered at the time to have made the visit to reaffirm close ties with the North’s biggest ally.</p>
<p>“North Korea likely wants to confirm its relationship with China and believes it has some leverage with which it can ask for things from China,” said Yoo Ho-yeol, Professor of North Korean studies at Seoul’s Korea University.</p>
<p>“If North Korea speaks with the United States on its own it might feel it is at a disadvantage but, if it has China as an ally, Pyongyang may think it will be able to protect its interests and profits during the summits,” Yoo said.</p>
<p>Reporting by Ben Blanchard in BEIJING and Christine Kim in SEOUL; Additional reporting by Heekyong Yang in SEOUL; Editing by Paul Tait</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>(Reuters) - Police have arrested a former Michigan State University dean who supervised ex-USA Gymnastics physician Larry Nassar before the sports doctor was arrested and convicted of sexually abusing female athletes, the county sheriff said on Monday.</p>
<p>“William Strampel is currently lodged at the Ingham County jail,” Ingham County Sheriff Scott Wriggelsworth told Reuters.</p>
<p>Wriggelsworth declined to say on what charges Strampel, 70, was arrested until the defendant was arraigned at a court hearing scheduled for Tuesday.</p>
<p>A jail website listed the former dean of Michigan State’s College of Osteopathic Medicine as an inmate there but gave no other information.</p>
<p>The Detroit Free-Press newspaper reported that he faces multiple charges, at least one a felony.</p>
<p>An attorney for Strampel, who has been on medical leave from the university since December, could not be reached by Reuters for comment on Monday evening.</p>
<p>Michigan State University President John Engler said in February he was moving to revoke tenure for Strampel for failing to enforce 2014 guidelines created for Nassar in treating young athletes after complaints of sexual misconduct against him.</p>
<p>The college has been criticized for its handling of complaints about Nassar stretching back for years.</p>
<p>Michigan State terminated Nassar in September 2016 for his failure to follow those protocols, including having another person present when he performed the procedures.</p>
<p>Numerous women said they were assaulted even after the guidelines were put in place.</p>
<p>Nassar was sentenced in February to up to 125 years in prison after some 200 young women testified about decades of abuse at his hands.</p>
<p>He had already received a sentence up to 175 years in a neighboring Michigan county, and was sentenced to a 60-year federal term for child pornography convictions.</p>
<p>Reporting by Dan Whitcomb in Los Angeles; Editing by Sandra Maler and Lisa Shumaker</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia will expel two Russian diplomats in response to a nerve agent attack on a former Russian spy in Britain that the British government has blamed on Moscow, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said on Tuesday.</p> Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop speak to the media during a news conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, March 27, 2018. AAP Image/Lukas Coch/via REUTERS
<p>The United States said on Monday it would expel 60 Russian diplomats, joining governments across Europe in punishing the Kremlin. In total, 100 Russian diplomats were being removed, the biggest Western expulsion of Russian diplomats since the height of the Cold War.</p>
<p>“Together with the United Kingdom and other allies and partners, Australia is taking action in response to the recent nerve agent attack in Salisbury, UK,” Turnbull announced in a statement.</p>
<p>“Two Russian diplomats identified as undeclared intelligence officers will be expelled by the Australian government for actions inconsistent with their status, pursuant to the Vienna Conventions.”</p> Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull speaks to the media during a news conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, March 27, 2018. AAP/Lukas Coch/via REUTERS
<p>Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said other options, such as Australia boycotting the 2018 World Cup in Russia, could also be taken over the poisoning incident.</p>
<p>“There are a whole range of further options of action that could be taken, the boycott of the World Cup is one of the further actions that could be taken in relation to this matter,” Bishop told reporters in Canberra.</p>
<p>Australia has already imposed a series of sanctions against Russia following the downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 and the Russian annexing of parts of Ukraine in 2014.</p>
<p>Traveling from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, MH17 which was shot down in 2014 killing all 298 passengers and crew. Most of the victims were Dutch and 28 were Australians.</p>
<p>International prosecutors concluded the airliner was shot down by a missile fired from a launcher brought into Ukraine from Russia and located in a village held by pro-Russian rebels, contradicting Moscow’s suggestion that Ukraine’s military brought down the plane.</p>
<p>Reporting by Wayne Cole and Colin Packham; Editing by Tom Brown and Michael Perry</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
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jan 23 reuters force motors ltd dec quarter net profit 1465 million rupees versus profit 2325 million rupees year ago dec quarter revenue operations 750 billion rupees versus 716 billion rupees year ago source text bitly2blqgxj company coverage standards thomson reuters trust principles washington reuters stormy daniels sued donald trumps lawyer michael cohen monday defamation according court documents escalating legal battle american president porn star white house struggling contain daniels whose real name stephanie clifford made claim day widely watched tv interview 60 minutes cbs daniels said threatened violence keep quiet alleged 2006 tryst trump white house spokesman briefing reporters cast aspersions account white house denied allegations trump sexual relationship daniels cbs corp said show drew biggest audience eight years 213 million americans tuning double previous weeks edition 60 minutes presidential spokesman raj shah told briefing president doesnt believe claims ms daniels made interview last night accurate asked trump believed daniels threatened shah said theres nothing corroborate claim daniels 60 minutes appearance also drew denial presidents personal lawyer michael cohen involved alleged threat violence daniels originally sued trump march 6 saying never signed agreement stay silent called intimate relationship mondays filing us district court los angeles amended original lawsuit say daniels defamed attorney michael avenatti said cohen meant convey ms clifford liar someone trusted claims relationship mr trump true daniels defamation allegation based feb 13 statement cohen said hurt reputation stormy daniels interviewed anderson cooper cbsnews60 minutesvia reuters latest filing also said 130000 cohen paid daniels october 2016 presidential election secure silence amounted illegal campaign contribution agreement declared void cohen said paid daniels pocket explained trump aware payment filings justice department federal election commission watchdog groups said 130000 may exceeded campaign contribution limits violating us law cohen denied california attorney michael overing specializes defamation law said would difficult daniels prevail defamation claim public figure slideshow 2 images prove libel would show false statement made either reckless purposeful disregard truth overing said trump attorney cohens denial involvement alleged threat daniels came ceaseanddesist letter sent avenatti shortly 60 minutes aired demanded retraction apology copy letter seen reuters monday letter said mr cohen absolutely nothing whatsoever person incident even believe person exists incident ever occurred daniels said threat harm made stranger las vegas parking lot 2011 avenatti said nbc monday man threatened infant daughter cohen someone related mr trump mr cohen last week cnn interviewed former playboy model karen mcdougal described 10month affair trump starting 2006 trump married wife melania alleged relationships addition denying trump sex daniels white house said denies affair mcdougal reporting lisa lambert makini brice additional reporting jan wolfe editing jonathan oatis standards thomson reuters trust principles beijingseoul reuters events unfolding quickly korean peninsula planned summits north south korea united states presidential official seoul said tuesday amid reports north korean leader kim jong un china police officers patrol near diaoyutai state guesthouse foreign dignitaries usually stay beijing china march 27 2018 reutersjason lee bloomberg citing three unidentified sources reported monday kim beijing would first known trip outside north korea since taking power 2011 unconfirmed visit also comes ahead potential summit us president donald trump presidential blue house watching things beijing closely keeping possibilities open said senior official seoul spoke condition anonymity improving bilateral ties north korea china would positive sign planned summits said reuters reporter saw convoy leave beijings diaoyutai state guest house senior foreign leaders often stay visits chinese capital drive north tuesday morning unclear convoy headed diplomatic sources beijing said likely kim china could confirm definitively one source ties chinas leadership said possible kims sister kim yo jong city visited south korea winter olympics last month paving way summit two koreas south korean news agency newsis reported kim yo jong norths ceremonial leader kim yong nam visiting beijing citing unidentified north korearelated source beijing pair visited south korean president moon jaein office seoul winter olympics february purpose unknown details kim jong uns visit including purpose itinerary yet known bloomberg reported japanese media reported earlier monday highranking pyongyang official appeared arrived train beijing file photo 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 sagoljfile photo blue house official said south korean government aware related movements north korea train days could confirm whether kim another highranking north korean official visiting china beijing secretive isolated north koreas main ally well biggest trading partner china confirmed visit north korean totally censored speculation kim might town slideshow 2 images searches baidu news chinas equivalent google news brought story simplified chinese edition taiwanese newspaper china times reported without citing sources kim secret visit beijing also posts chinese social media talking possibility kim china citing family members chinese border city dandong main train link two countries located kim due hold separate summits south korea late april united states may including potential meeting trump fact summits held beyond expectations right situation surrounding korean peninsula moving quickly would inadvisable think prejudice blue house official said kim jong uns father kim jong il met thenpresident jiang zemin china 2000 summit two koreas june year kim jong il considered time made visit reaffirm close ties norths biggest ally north korea likely wants confirm relationship china believes leverage ask things china said yoo hoyeol professor north korean studies seouls korea university north korea speaks united states might feel disadvantage china ally pyongyang may think able protect interests profits summits yoo said reporting ben blanchard beijing christine kim seoul additional reporting heekyong yang seoul editing paul tait standards thomson reuters trust principles reuters police arrested former michigan state university dean supervised exusa gymnastics physician larry nassar sports doctor arrested convicted sexually abusing female athletes county sheriff said monday william strampel currently lodged ingham county jail ingham county sheriff scott wriggelsworth told reuters wriggelsworth declined say charges strampel 70 arrested defendant arraigned court hearing scheduled tuesday jail website listed former dean michigan states college osteopathic medicine inmate gave information detroit freepress newspaper reported faces multiple charges least one felony attorney strampel medical leave university since december could reached reuters comment monday evening michigan state university president john engler said february moving revoke tenure strampel failing enforce 2014 guidelines created nassar treating young athletes complaints sexual misconduct college criticized handling complaints nassar stretching back years michigan state terminated nassar september 2016 failure follow protocols including another person present performed procedures numerous women said assaulted even guidelines put place nassar sentenced february 125 years prison 200 young women testified decades abuse hands already received sentence 175 years neighboring michigan county sentenced 60year federal term child pornography convictions reporting dan whitcomb los angeles editing sandra maler lisa shumaker standards thomson reuters trust principles sydney reuters australia expel two russian diplomats response nerve agent attack former russian spy britain british government blamed moscow prime minister malcolm turnbull said tuesday australian prime minister malcolm turnbull australian foreign minister julie bishop speak media news conference parliament house canberra australia march 27 2018 aap imagelukas cochvia reuters united states said monday would expel 60 russian diplomats joining governments across europe punishing kremlin total 100 russian diplomats removed biggest western expulsion russian diplomats since height cold war together united kingdom allies partners australia taking action response recent nerve agent attack salisbury uk turnbull announced statement two russian diplomats identified undeclared intelligence officers expelled australian government actions inconsistent status pursuant vienna conventions australian prime minister malcolm turnbull speaks media news conference parliament house canberra australia march 27 2018 aaplukas cochvia reuters foreign minister julie bishop said options australia boycotting 2018 world cup russia could also taken poisoning incident whole range options action could taken boycott world cup one actions could taken relation matter bishop told reporters canberra australia already imposed series sanctions russia following downing malaysian airlines flight mh17 russian annexing parts ukraine 2014 traveling amsterdam kuala lumpur mh17 shot 2014 killing 298 passengers crew victims dutch 28 australians international prosecutors concluded airliner shot missile fired launcher brought ukraine russia located village held prorussian rebels contradicting moscows suggestion ukraines military brought plane reporting wayne cole colin packham editing tom brown michael perry standards thomson reuters trust principles
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<p>BERLIN (Reuters) - Delegates to a special congress in Bonn of Germany's Social Democrats (SPD) vote on Sunday on whether to let their leadership enter formal talks on joining conservative Chancellor Angela Merkel in government for another four years.</p> Martin Schulz, Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) leader, gives a statement as he meets with local SPD members in Dortmund, Germany, January 15, 2018. REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay
<p>Party bigwigs led by leader Martin Schulz are arguing for a repeat coalition, saying that a blueprint they have thrashed out with Merkel's camp secures clear left-wing policy goals and that the SPD should step up for the sake of the country.</p>
<p>But much of the party's membership, bruised by its disastrous showing in a September national election, oppose renewing the coalition. Local party branches in the states of Saxony-Anhalt and Berlin have both also rebuked the leadership with symbolic votes against a tie-up.</p>
<p>Even if the 600 delegates vote to authorize talks on Sunday, Schulz's team has one more hurdle to clear. The party's 443,000 members must vote in a postal ballot to approve the final coalition deal before the SPD can agree to join a government.</p>
<p>Following is a list of key stages in the SPD's ratification process.</p> REGIONAL PARTIES
<p>The SPD's regional branches in Saxony-Anhalt and Berlin have both voted against opening coalition talks, but they are minnows compared with the branches in its western German heartlands. Furthermore, delegates are free to vote their consciences, unconstrained by their regional parties.</p> CAMPAIGNING
<p>Supporters and opponents of the deal are criss-crossing the country trying to win delegates to their cause ahead of Sunday's congress. Schulz and most of the 45 members of the party's presidium back a deal. Six of them oppose it and are joined by other groups, including the Jusos, the party's youth wing.</p>
<p>Schulz was in Dortmund on Monday, urging delegates from North Rhine-Westphalia, the largest branch of the party, to back the deal, and leaders can be expected to focus further lobbying on the delegates from Lower Saxony, the second-largest branch.</p>
<p>Although the party's leftist groups broadly oppose the deal, some are nonetheless in favor of authorizing talks, arguing that it is for the party's broad membership to decide if they want to reject or accept a final deal.</p>
<p>Schulz also has the support of trade unions and the municipalities, which have largely welcomed the deal.</p> CONGRESS
<p>The 600 delegates and 45 presidium members vote at Sunday's congress in the former West German capital of Bonn. Thirty-two of the presidium members have already voted in favor of talks, six against.</p>
<p>The North Rhine-Westphalia branch will have the greatest weight at the congress, contributing 144 of the 600 delegates. It will be followed by Lower Saxony, contributing 81 delegates. Failure to carry these two branches could be fatal to the deal.</p>
<p>The Jusos youth organization, the largest group to have announced its opposition, which represents all members aged below 35, will have 80 to 90 delegates.</p> POSTAL BALLOT
<p>Assuming talks go ahead and yield a final coalition agreement, Schulz has pledged to ask the SPD's 443,000 members in a postal ballot if they back a renewed coalition.</p>
<p>Reporting by Holger Hansen; Writing by Thomas Escritt; Editing by Hugh Lawson</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - A team of inspectors from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) visited a site in Douma, Syria on Saturday to collect samples as it tries to determine whether such weapons were used there on April 7, the agency said.</p>
<p>In a statement, the OPCW said it would now evaluate and consider whether the team needs to make a second visit to Douma.</p>
<p>Samples will be transported back to the Netherlands and onward to the organization's network of designated labs for analysis.</p>
<p>Based on the analysis of the sample results as well other information and materials collected by the team, the mission would compile a report and submit it to the organization's member states, the statement said.</p> Slideshow (2 Images)
<p>The OPCW has been investigating use of toxic chemicals in Syria's civil war since 2014. Inspectors had been trying to reach Douma for several days but were delayed after an advance security detail was fired upon on April 17.</p>
<p>The OPCW team will attempt to determine whether chemical weapons were used and if so, which. It is not mandated to conclude which side in the conflict used them.</p>
<p>Reporting by Toby Sterling; editing by Andrew Roche</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>ISTANBUL (Reuters) - President Tayyip Erdogan said the United States should look at its own actions if it wants the return of an American Christian pastor who has been jailed in Turkey for suspected links to a 2016 failed coup.</p> Andrew Brunson, a Christian pastor from North Carolina, U.S. who has been in jail in Turkey since December 2016, is seen in this undated picture taken in Izmir, Turkey. Depo Photos via REUTERS -
<p>Erdogan made the comment in a live interview with broadcaster NTV.</p> Slideshow (2 Images)
<p>Andrew Brunson, who has lived in Turkey for more than two decades, was indicted on charges of helping the group that Ankara holds responsible for the failed coup against Erdogan. He faces up to 35 years in prison. Brunson denies the charges.</p>
<p>Erdogan has previously linked Brunson's fate to that of the cleric Fethullah Gulen, the Muslim cleric Turkey blames for the coup attempt. Gulen has lived in the United States since 1999 and denies the charges. Turkey is seeking his extradition from the United States.</p>
<p>U.S. President Donald Trump and dozens of U.S. senators have urged Erdogan to release Brunson.</p>
<p>Reporting by Ali Kucukgocmen; Writing by David Dolan; Editing by Gareth Jones</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's Queen Elizabeth attended a star-studded special concert on Saturday as the world's oldest and longest-reigning living monarch celebrated her 92nd birthday.</p> Britain's&#160;Queen&#160;Elizabeth waves next to Prince Charles and Prince&#160;William, Duke of Cambridge, during a special concert "The Queen's Birthday Party" to celebrate her 92nd birthday at the Royal Albert Hall in London, Britain April 21, 2018. Andrew Parsons/Pool&#160;via&#160;Reuters
<p>Welsh singer Tom Jones kicked off the show with his hit "It's Not Unusual" shortly before Elizabeth appeared in the royal box of London's Albert Hall, flanked by her family.</p>
<p>Kylie Minogue, Sting, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Shaggy were among those on the bill, along with stars of the stage and screen.</p> People gather for a special concert "The Queen's Birthday Party" to celebrate the 92nd birthday of Britain's&#160;Queen&#160;Elizabeth at the Royal Albert Hall in London, Britain April 21, 2018. Andrew Parsons/Pool&#160;via&#160;Reuters
<p>At the end of the night Elizabeth joined the stage with her son, Prince Charles. He joked that she could not have predicted in 1948, when Charles was born, decades later a 92-year-old queen would be sharing a stage with her 70-year-old son.</p>
<p>Charles then led a round of cheers from members of the audience. The queen acknowledged them with a smile and her trademark royal wave.</p>
<p>The event is a break in tradition for the queen who usually spends her birthday privately with little public celebration, although there were nationwide events to mark her 90th.</p> Slideshow (8 Images)
<p>The concert comes at the end of a week in which leaders and dignitaries from 53 countries came to London for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, and featured performers from the network of mostly former British colonies.</p>
<p>The queen is head of the Commonwealth. The major beneficiary of Saturday's event, televised live on BBC TV and radio, will be the Queen's Commonwealth Trust youth charity, of which her grandson Prince Harry was appointed president this week.</p>
<p>Elizabeth was born on April 21, 1926, and became queen in 1952 at the age of 25, meaning she has now reigned for more than 66 years.</p>
<p>She still carries out official engagements but her husband Prince Philip, who spent 10 days in hospital this month for a hip replacement, retired from public life last year.</p>
<p>As is customary with monarch's birthdays, soldiers from the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery and the Honourable Artillery Company fired gun salutes in London's Hyde Park and the Tower of London earlier on Saturday.</p>
<p>Elizabeth also has an "official" birthday in June, which is marked with a large parade of soldiers through central London, known as Trooping the Colour.</p>
<p>Reporting by Michael Holden and Andy Bruce; editing by Andrew Roche</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>DUBAI (Reuters) - Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday Iran's atomic agency was ready with "expected and unexpected" reactions if the United States pulls out of a multinational nuclear deal, as U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to do.</p>
<p>"Our atomic energy organization is fully prepared ... for actions that they expect and actions they do not expect," Rouhani said, without elaborating in a speech carried by state television, referring to a possible decision by Trump to leave the accord next month.</p>
<p>The deal reached between Iran, the United States and five other world powers put curbs on Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.</p>
<p>Trump has called the agreement one of the worst deals ever negotiated. In January he sent an ultimatum to Britain, France and Germany, saying they must agree to fix what the United States sees as the deal's flaws or he would refuse to extend the critical U.S. sanctions relief that it entails.</p>
<p>U.S. disarmament ambassador Robert Wood said on Thursday Washington had been having "intense" discussions with European allies ahead of the May 12 deadline, when U.S. sanctions against Iran will resume unless Trump issues new waivers to suspend them.</p>
<p>Iran has said it will stick to the accord as long as the other parties respect it, but will "shred" the deal if Washington pulls out.</p>
<p>"Iran has several options if the United States leaves the nuclear deal. Tehran's reaction to America's withdrawal of the deal will be unpleasant," Iranian state TV quoted Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif as saying in New York.</p> FOREIGN EXCHANGE
<p>Rouhani said his government intended to prevent instability in the foreign exchange market after a possible Washington exit from the nuclear accord when the central bank this month slapped controls on markets.</p>
<p>"This was a preventative blow against any American decision on May 12. They fully hoped to ... cause chaos in the (foreign exchange) market. I promise to the people that the plot of the enemy has been thwarted, and whether or not the nuclear deal remains in effect, we will have no problem," Rouhani said.</p>
<p>On April 9, Iran moved to formally unify the country's official and open market exchange rates and banned money changing outside of banks, after its currency, the rial, plunged to an all-time low on concerns over a return of crippling sanctions.</p> SOCIAL MEDIA
<p>Rouhani, a pragmatic cleric who has advocated expanding social freedoms, criticized moves by his powerful hardline opponents to restrict access to social media, including blocking access to the popular messaging app Telegram.</p>
<p>"Some people dislike social media, and don't like people to have information, and they say people sleep better if they are totally uninformed," Rouhani said, without naming anyone.</p>
<p>Iranian media said this week that government bodies were banned from using Telegram after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's office said his account would shut down to protect national security.</p>
<p>In January, Iran temporarily blocked Telegram, with an estimated 40 million users in Iran, as security forces sought to contain anti-government protests in more than 80 cities.</p> FILE PHOTO - Iranian President Hassan Rouhani attends a meeting with Muslim leaders and scholars in Hyderabad, India, February 15, 2018. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui
<p>Many Iranians kept accessing Telegram then, using virtual private networks (VPNs) and other tools to bypass government filtering.</p>
<p>Reporting by Dubai Newsroom; Editing by Andrew Bolton</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
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berlin reuters delegates special congress bonn germanys social democrats spd vote sunday whether let leadership enter formal talks joining conservative chancellor angela merkel government another four years martin schulz germanys social democratic party spd leader gives statement meets local spd members dortmund germany january 15 2018 reuterswolfgang rattay party bigwigs led leader martin schulz arguing repeat coalition saying blueprint thrashed merkels camp secures clear leftwing policy goals spd step sake country much partys membership bruised disastrous showing september national election oppose renewing coalition local party branches states saxonyanhalt berlin also rebuked leadership symbolic votes tieup even 600 delegates vote authorize talks sunday schulzs team one hurdle clear partys 443000 members must vote postal ballot approve final coalition deal spd agree join government following list key stages spds ratification process regional parties spds regional branches saxonyanhalt berlin voted opening coalition talks minnows compared branches western german heartlands furthermore delegates free vote consciences unconstrained regional parties campaigning supporters opponents deal crisscrossing country trying win delegates cause ahead sundays congress schulz 45 members partys presidium back deal six oppose joined groups including jusos partys youth wing schulz dortmund monday urging delegates north rhinewestphalia largest branch party back deal leaders expected focus lobbying delegates lower saxony secondlargest branch although partys leftist groups broadly oppose deal nonetheless favor authorizing talks arguing partys broad membership decide want reject accept final deal schulz also support trade unions municipalities largely welcomed deal congress 600 delegates 45 presidium members vote sundays congress former west german capital bonn thirtytwo presidium members already voted favor talks six north rhinewestphalia branch greatest weight congress contributing 144 600 delegates followed lower saxony contributing 81 delegates failure carry two branches could fatal deal jusos youth organization largest group announced opposition represents members aged 35 80 90 delegates postal ballot assuming talks go ahead yield final coalition agreement schulz pledged ask spds 443000 members postal ballot back renewed coalition reporting holger hansen writing thomas escritt editing hugh lawson standards thomson reuters trust principles amsterdam reuters team inspectors organisation prohibition chemical weapons opcw visited site douma syria saturday collect samples tries determine whether weapons used april 7 agency said statement opcw said would evaluate consider whether team needs make second visit douma samples transported back netherlands onward organizations network designated labs analysis based analysis sample results well information materials collected team mission would compile report submit organizations member states statement said slideshow 2 images opcw investigating use toxic chemicals syrias civil war since 2014 inspectors trying reach douma several days delayed advance security detail fired upon april 17 opcw team attempt determine whether chemical weapons used mandated conclude side conflict used reporting toby sterling editing andrew roche standards thomson reuters trust principles istanbul reuters president tayyip erdogan said united states look actions wants return american christian pastor jailed turkey suspected links 2016 failed coup andrew brunson christian pastor north carolina us jail turkey since december 2016 seen undated picture taken izmir turkey depo photos via reuters erdogan made comment live interview broadcaster ntv slideshow 2 images andrew brunson lived turkey two decades indicted charges helping group ankara holds responsible failed coup erdogan faces 35 years prison brunson denies charges erdogan previously linked brunsons fate cleric fethullah gulen muslim cleric turkey blames coup attempt gulen lived united states since 1999 denies charges turkey seeking extradition united states us president donald trump dozens us senators urged erdogan release brunson reporting ali kucukgocmen writing david dolan editing gareth jones standards thomson reuters trust principles london reuters britains queen elizabeth attended starstudded special concert saturday worlds oldest longestreigning living monarch celebrated 92nd birthday britains160queen160elizabeth waves next prince charles prince160william duke cambridge special concert queens birthday party celebrate 92nd birthday royal albert hall london britain april 21 2018 andrew parsonspool160via160reuters welsh singer tom jones kicked show hit unusual shortly elizabeth appeared royal box londons albert hall flanked family kylie minogue sting ladysmith black mambazo shaggy among bill along stars stage screen people gather special concert queens birthday party celebrate 92nd birthday britains160queen160elizabeth royal albert hall london britain april 21 2018 andrew parsonspool160via160reuters end night elizabeth joined stage son prince charles joked could predicted 1948 charles born decades later 92yearold queen would sharing stage 70yearold son charles led round cheers members audience queen acknowledged smile trademark royal wave event break tradition queen usually spends birthday privately little public celebration although nationwide events mark 90th slideshow 8 images concert comes end week leaders dignitaries 53 countries came london commonwealth heads government meeting featured performers network mostly former british colonies queen head commonwealth major beneficiary saturdays event televised live bbc tv radio queens commonwealth trust youth charity grandson prince harry appointed president week elizabeth born april 21 1926 became queen 1952 age 25 meaning reigned 66 years still carries official engagements husband prince philip spent 10 days hospital month hip replacement retired public life last year customary monarchs birthdays soldiers kings troop royal horse artillery honourable artillery company fired gun salutes londons hyde park tower london earlier saturday elizabeth also official birthday june marked large parade soldiers central london known trooping colour reporting michael holden andy bruce editing andrew roche standards thomson reuters trust principles dubai reuters iranian president hassan rouhani said saturday irans atomic agency ready expected unexpected reactions united states pulls multinational nuclear deal us president donald trump threatened atomic energy organization fully prepared actions expect actions expect rouhani said without elaborating speech carried state television referring possible decision trump leave accord next month deal reached iran united states five world powers put curbs irans nuclear program exchange sanctions relief trump called agreement one worst deals ever negotiated january sent ultimatum britain france germany saying must agree fix united states sees deals flaws would refuse extend critical us sanctions relief entails us disarmament ambassador robert wood said thursday washington intense discussions european allies ahead may 12 deadline us sanctions iran resume unless trump issues new waivers suspend iran said stick accord long parties respect shred deal washington pulls iran several options united states leaves nuclear deal tehrans reaction americas withdrawal deal unpleasant iranian state tv quoted iranian foreign minister mohammad javad zarif saying new york foreign exchange rouhani said government intended prevent instability foreign exchange market possible washington exit nuclear accord central bank month slapped controls markets preventative blow american decision may 12 fully hoped cause chaos foreign exchange market promise people plot enemy thwarted whether nuclear deal remains effect problem rouhani said april 9 iran moved formally unify countrys official open market exchange rates banned money changing outside banks currency rial plunged alltime low concerns return crippling sanctions social media rouhani pragmatic cleric advocated expanding social freedoms criticized moves powerful hardline opponents restrict access social media including blocking access popular messaging app telegram people dislike social media dont like people information say people sleep better totally uninformed rouhani said without naming anyone iranian media said week government bodies banned using telegram supreme leader ayatollah ali khameneis office said account would shut protect national security january iran temporarily blocked telegram estimated 40 million users iran security forces sought contain antigovernment protests 80 cities file photo iranian president hassan rouhani attends meeting muslim leaders scholars hyderabad india february 15 2018 reutersdanish siddiqui many iranians kept accessing telegram using virtual private networks vpns tools bypass government filtering reporting dubai newsroom editing andrew bolton standards thomson reuters trust principles
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<p>DENVER (AP) — Ed Andrieski, a retired Associated Press photographer who covered nearly every major news story in Colorado for more than three decades, has died. He was 73.</p>
<p>Andrieski was found dead in his Denver apartment on Tuesday, said his brother, Bill Andrieski. The cause of death was not immediately known.</p>
<p>Andrieski started work at the AP's Denver bureau in 1979 and was based there until he retired in 2014. He traveled widely on assignments, photographing natural disasters and plane crashes, politics, the Super Bowl and the World Series.</p>
<p>He also covered human tragedies, including the 1999 shootings at Columbine High School and the 2012 theater shootings in suburban Aurora, both in Colorado.</p>
<p>"Ed was a consummate professional. He had a great touch with colleagues in and out of the AP and worked hard to get the best possible shots on the wire," said Jim Clarke, the AP's Central Regional director and Andrieski's former bureau chief.</p>
<p>"He also could cook like nobody's business — his chocolate chip cookies were the stuff of legend," Clarke said.</p>
<p>Among journalists, Andrieski's reputation as a cook almost rivaled his renown as a photographer. Sometimes he prepared enormous spreads for teams of reporters and photographers covering professional skiing in the Colorado mountains, and sometimes it was a plate of cookies for staffers working over the holidays.</p>
<p>Andrieski was born June 30, 1944, in Meadville, Pennsylvania. He attended the University of South Carolina and worked for The State newspaper in Columbia, South Carolina, from 1968 until 1975. He then ran his own photography business until joining the AP.</p>
<p>He could be hard-nosed in pursuit of a photo. In 1981, United Press International, AP's competitor, obtained family photos of Coloradan John Hinckley Jr., who had shot then-President Ronald Reagan.</p>
<p>Andrieski went to the Denver FBI office and demanded, "I want the photographs furnished to UPI by the Secret Service," FBI agent Gary Lisotto said later.</p>
<p>Lisotto said that was the first he'd heard of the photos.</p>
<p>It's not clear whether Andrieski got them. But a judge quashed subpoenas from the Justice Department attempting to force testimony from Andrieski and others on what they knew about the leak.</p>
<p>Andrieski was known for nurturing other photographers, whether they worked for AP, its member news organizations or competitors.</p>
<p>J. David Ake, AP's deputy chief of bureau for visual journalism in Washington, said Andrieski was a source of encouragement when Ake worked for a suburban Denver newspaper. Later, they went head-to-head when Ake worked for UPI in Denver.</p>
<p>"Sometimes I won, and sometimes not so much. But even as a competitor he was a gracious man 'after' the job was done," Ake recalled.</p>
<p>DENVER (AP) — Ed Andrieski, a retired Associated Press photographer who covered nearly every major news story in Colorado for more than three decades, has died. He was 73.</p>
<p>Andrieski was found dead in his Denver apartment on Tuesday, said his brother, Bill Andrieski. The cause of death was not immediately known.</p>
<p>Andrieski started work at the AP's Denver bureau in 1979 and was based there until he retired in 2014. He traveled widely on assignments, photographing natural disasters and plane crashes, politics, the Super Bowl and the World Series.</p>
<p>He also covered human tragedies, including the 1999 shootings at Columbine High School and the 2012 theater shootings in suburban Aurora, both in Colorado.</p>
<p>"Ed was a consummate professional. He had a great touch with colleagues in and out of the AP and worked hard to get the best possible shots on the wire," said Jim Clarke, the AP's Central Regional director and Andrieski's former bureau chief.</p>
<p>"He also could cook like nobody's business — his chocolate chip cookies were the stuff of legend," Clarke said.</p>
<p>Among journalists, Andrieski's reputation as a cook almost rivaled his renown as a photographer. Sometimes he prepared enormous spreads for teams of reporters and photographers covering professional skiing in the Colorado mountains, and sometimes it was a plate of cookies for staffers working over the holidays.</p>
<p>Andrieski was born June 30, 1944, in Meadville, Pennsylvania. He attended the University of South Carolina and worked for The State newspaper in Columbia, South Carolina, from 1968 until 1975. He then ran his own photography business until joining the AP.</p>
<p>He could be hard-nosed in pursuit of a photo. In 1981, United Press International, AP's competitor, obtained family photos of Coloradan John Hinckley Jr., who had shot then-President Ronald Reagan.</p>
<p>Andrieski went to the Denver FBI office and demanded, "I want the photographs furnished to UPI by the Secret Service," FBI agent Gary Lisotto said later.</p>
<p>Lisotto said that was the first he'd heard of the photos.</p>
<p>It's not clear whether Andrieski got them. But a judge quashed subpoenas from the Justice Department attempting to force testimony from Andrieski and others on what they knew about the leak.</p>
<p>Andrieski was known for nurturing other photographers, whether they worked for AP, its member news organizations or competitors.</p>
<p>J. David Ake, AP's deputy chief of bureau for visual journalism in Washington, said Andrieski was a source of encouragement when Ake worked for a suburban Denver newspaper. Later, they went head-to-head when Ake worked for UPI in Denver.</p>
<p>"Sometimes I won, and sometimes not so much. But even as a competitor he was a gracious man 'after' the job was done," Ake recalled.</p>
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denver ap ed andrieski retired associated press photographer covered nearly every major news story colorado three decades died 73 andrieski found dead denver apartment tuesday said brother bill andrieski cause death immediately known andrieski started work aps denver bureau 1979 based retired 2014 traveled widely assignments photographing natural disasters plane crashes politics super bowl world series also covered human tragedies including 1999 shootings columbine high school 2012 theater shootings suburban aurora colorado ed consummate professional great touch colleagues ap worked hard get best possible shots wire said jim clarke aps central regional director andrieskis former bureau chief also could cook like nobodys business chocolate chip cookies stuff legend clarke said among journalists andrieskis reputation cook almost rivaled renown photographer sometimes prepared enormous spreads teams reporters photographers covering professional skiing colorado mountains sometimes plate cookies staffers working holidays andrieski born june 30 1944 meadville pennsylvania attended university south carolina worked state newspaper columbia south carolina 1968 1975 ran photography business joining ap could hardnosed pursuit photo 1981 united press international aps competitor obtained family photos coloradan john hinckley jr shot thenpresident ronald reagan andrieski went denver fbi office demanded want photographs furnished upi secret service fbi agent gary lisotto said later lisotto said first hed heard photos clear whether andrieski got judge quashed subpoenas justice department attempting force testimony andrieski others knew leak andrieski known nurturing photographers whether worked ap member news organizations competitors j david ake aps deputy chief bureau visual journalism washington said andrieski source encouragement ake worked suburban denver newspaper later went headtohead ake worked upi denver sometimes sometimes much even competitor gracious man job done ake recalled denver ap ed andrieski retired associated press photographer covered nearly every major news story colorado three decades died 73 andrieski found dead denver apartment tuesday said brother bill andrieski cause death immediately known andrieski started work aps denver bureau 1979 based retired 2014 traveled widely assignments photographing natural disasters plane crashes politics super bowl world series also covered human tragedies including 1999 shootings columbine high school 2012 theater shootings suburban aurora colorado ed consummate professional great touch colleagues ap worked hard get best possible shots wire said jim clarke aps central regional director andrieskis former bureau chief also could cook like nobodys business chocolate chip cookies stuff legend clarke said among journalists andrieskis reputation cook almost rivaled renown photographer sometimes prepared enormous spreads teams reporters photographers covering professional skiing colorado mountains sometimes plate cookies staffers working holidays andrieski born june 30 1944 meadville pennsylvania attended university south carolina worked state newspaper columbia south carolina 1968 1975 ran photography business joining ap could hardnosed pursuit photo 1981 united press international aps competitor obtained family photos coloradan john hinckley jr shot thenpresident ronald reagan andrieski went denver fbi office demanded want photographs furnished upi secret service fbi agent gary lisotto said later lisotto said first hed heard photos clear whether andrieski got judge quashed subpoenas justice department attempting force testimony andrieski others knew leak andrieski known nurturing photographers whether worked ap member news organizations competitors j david ake aps deputy chief bureau visual journalism washington said andrieski source encouragement ake worked suburban denver newspaper later went headtohead ake worked upi denver sometimes sometimes much even competitor gracious man job done ake recalled
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<p>HAMBURG, Jan 19 (Reuters) - U.S. agribusiness Cargill plans to expand its starches and sweeteners factory in Krefeld, Germany, and switch to using wheat as a raw material, it said on Friday.</p>
<p>The Krefeld plant currently produces starches and sweeteners from corn for products including jams, sweets, chewing gum and custard powder.</p>
<p>“We are in the planning process. Work will be completed in 2020,” a Cargill spokeswoman said without providing figures on production capacity or tonnage of wheat involved.</p>
<p>The plant’s expansion will add products including vegetable wheat protein, specialised industrial wheat starches and advanced biofuels. (Reporting by Michael Hogan; Editing by David Goodman)</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>BEIRUT (Reuters) - A Syrian rebel group accused government forces on Saturday of dropping a barrel bomb containing poisonous chemicals on civilians in eastern Ghouta, and a medical relief organization said 35 people had been killed in chemical attacks on the area.</p>
<p>Syrian state media denied government forces had launched any chemical attack as soon as the reports began circulating and said rebels in the eastern Ghouta town of Douma were in a state of collapse and spreading false news.</p>
<p>The U.S. State Department said on Saturday 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> 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 Syrian Observatory for Human Rights 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>Rami Abdulrahman, the Observatory director, said he could not confirm if chemical weapons had been used.</p>
<p>Medical relief organization Syrian American Medical Society (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 the total death toll in the chemical attacks was 35. “We are contacting the U.N. and the U.S. government and the European governments,” he said by telephone.</p>
<p>Reuters could not independently verify the reports.</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>“The Assad regime and its backers must be held accountable and any further attacks prevented immediately”, said U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauret, recalling a 2017 sarin gas attack that the West and the United Nations blamed on Assad’s government.</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>WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department said on Saturday reports of mass casualties from an alleged chemical weapons attack in Douma, Syria, were “horrifying” and would demand an international response if confirmed.</p>
<p>“These reports, if confirmed, are horrifying and demand an immediate response by the international community,” State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement.</p>
<p>Citing a history of chemical weapons use by the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Nauert said Assad’s government and its backer Russia needed to be held accountable and “any further attacks prevented immediately.”</p>
<p>“Russia, with its unwavering support for the regime ultimately bears responsibility for these brutal attacks,” Nauert said.</p>
<p>Reporting by Tim Ahmann; Editing by Michael Perry</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>NEW YORK (Reuters) - One man was killed and six firefighters received minor injuries in an apartment fire on the 50th floor of Trump Tower in New York on Saturday, in a blaze that was quickly extinguished, fire officials said.</p>
<p>The victim, Todd Brassner, 67, was found unresponsive and unconscious in his 50th floor apartment and was pronounced dead at an area hospital, police said.</p>
<p>No information about the cause of the fire was available late Saturday night.</p>
<p>U.S. President Donald Trump, who has an office and a private residence in the midtown Manhattan structure, was not in the building at the time.</p>
<p>“Fire at Trump Tower is out. Very confined (well built building). Firemen (and women) did a great job. THANK YOU!” Trump tweeted.</p>
<p>Fire officials said no member of the Trump family was in the building at the time.</p>
<p>“This was a very difficult fire. As you can imagine, the apartment is quite large, we are 50 stories up. The rest of the building had a considerable amount of smoke,” Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said on Twitter.</p> Trump Tower is pictured during a fire in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, U.S., April 7, 2018. REUTERS/Catherine Koppel
<p>About 200 fire personnel responded to the incident that the department said was a four-alarm fire.</p>
<p>Video on social media showed flames outside of a few windows and black smoke billowing up from the high-rise.</p>
<p>In January, three people were injured in an early-morning fire at the top of Trump Tower. One firefighter was hospitalized while two people received minor injuries that were treated at the scene, the New York Fire Department said.</p> Slideshow (13 Images)
<p>In addition to the president’s 66th-floor penthouse, Trump Tower houses the headquarters of the Trump Organization as well as other residences, offices and stores.</p>
<p>Reporting by Jon Herskovitz in Austin, Texas and Meredith Mazzilli in New York, additional reporting by Rich McKay in Atlanta; Editing by Sandra Maler</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>HUMBOLDT, Saskatchewan (Reuters) - Fifteen people were killed when a bus carrying a Canadian junior ice hockey team collided with a truck in Saskatchewan province, police said on Saturday, in one of the worst disasters to strike Canada’s sporting community.</p>
<p>The tragedy sent shock waves through the hockey-loving country and engulfed the home of the Humboldt Broncos hockey team, a small farming town of fewer than 6,000 people, in grief. Fourteen survivors were still in hospital, with some in critical condition, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said.</p>
<p>The accident occurred at about 5 p.m. on Friday near the Tisdale area, around 185 miles (300 km) north of Regina.</p>
<p>“Our Broncos family is in shock as we try to come to grips with our incredible loss,” Kevin Garinger, the team’s president, said in a statement.</p>
<p>The players had been on their way to compete in Game 5 of a playoff series against the Nipawin Hawks when the bus they were traveling in collided with a semi-trailer.</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-canada-crash-icehockey/ice-hockey-world-shocked-by-fatal-junior-team-crash-in-canada-idUSKBN1HE0U6" type="external">Ice hockey world shocked by fatal junior team crash in Canada</a>
<p>The Hawks’ president, Darren Opp, told the Globe and Mail newspaper that the truck T-boned the players’ bus. “It’s a horrible accident, my God,” he said. “It’s very, very bad.”</p>
<p>The driver of the tractor trailer was not injured in the crash, RCMP Saskatchewan assistant commissioner Curtis Zablocki told a media conference. He said the driver was initially detained, but later released.</p>
<p>Zablocki said it was too early to comment on the cause of the collision and that the RCMP is continuing its investigation, which will examine the road, weather and mechanical condition of both vehicles.</p>
<p>Citing relatives, the Canadian Press reported that the Broncos’ head coach Darcy Haugan and the team’s 20-year-old captain, Logan Schatz, were among those killed.</p>
<p>Many social media users posted Haugan’s photograph alongside messages of shock and sympathy, and the hashtags #prayersforhumboldt and #humboldtstrong.</p>
<p>“God bless Darcy Haugan for being an incredible mentor and coach to young hockey players and prayers for his family to help cope with their immense loss,” the Western Provinces Hockey Association wrote on Twitter.</p>
<p>National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman said the NHL mourned the passing of those who died “and offers strength and comfort to those injured while traveling to play and be part of a game they loved.”</p>
<p>Ice hockey teams around the world expressed shock and paid tribute to the Broncos.</p> ‘HEARTBROKEN’
<p>A steady stream of people arrived at Humboldt’s Elgar Petersen sports arena on Saturday, consoling the grieving families and offering flowers. Counseling services for the victims’ relatives were offered nearby.</p>
<p>“We woke up to the reality of what happened last night,” Humboldt Mayor Rob Muench told Reuters. “It has been a tragedy nobody would have imagined. It’s very tough, but I have been trying to get the message out that we will get through this, we will see the light at the end of the tunnel.”</p>
<p>Condolences poured in from both current and former players, sports organizations and political leaders.</p>
<p>Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the entire country was in shock and mourning as the details of the tragedy emerged. Canada’s hockey family was a close one, he said.</p> The 2017-2018 Humboldt Broncos Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League team is pictured in this undated handout photo. Amanda Brochu/Handout via REUTERS
<p>“We are heartbroken knowing many of those we lost had their entire lives in front of them,” he said in a statement.</p>
<p>U.S. President Donald Trump said in a Twitter post that he spoke with Trudeau “to pay my highest respect and condolences to the families of the terrible Humboldt Team tragedy. May God be with them all!”</p>
<p>Pastor Jordan Gadsby of Nipawin’s Apostolic Church said hundreds of people, including parents and relatives of players on the bus, had gathered at the church late on Friday to seek information and solace.</p>
<p>“The worst part of the night was watching parents waiting for news of their kids,” he said. “There’s not a lot we can do. It’s a terrible thing that happened.”</p>
<p>For some, the tragedy revived painful memories of a bus crash in the province in December 1986 that killed four young players from the Swift Current Broncos ice hockey team.</p> Slideshow (20 Images)
<p>An online fundraising campaign for the affected players and their families was set up late on Friday by the mother of a former Broncos teammate with an initial target of $10,000.</p>
<p>By Saturday evening, it had raised more than $2.1 million. ( <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/funds-for-humboldt-broncos" type="external">here</a>)</p>
<p>“Stay Hockey family strong,” wrote one donor on the GoFundMe site who said he was a coach from rural Saskatchewan.</p>
<p>Reporting by Matt Smith in Humboldt; Additional reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee and Frank Pingue in Augusta, Georgia; Writing by Denny Thomas and Daniel Wallis; Editing by Tom Brown and G Crosse</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
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hamburg jan 19 reuters us agribusiness cargill plans expand starches sweeteners factory krefeld germany switch using wheat raw material said friday krefeld plant currently produces starches sweeteners corn products including jams sweets chewing gum custard powder planning process work completed 2020 cargill spokeswoman said without providing figures production capacity tonnage wheat involved plants expansion add products including vegetable wheat protein specialised industrial wheat starches advanced biofuels reporting michael hogan editing david goodman standards thomson reuters trust principles beirut reuters syrian rebel group accused government forces saturday dropping barrel bomb containing poisonous chemicals civilians eastern ghouta medical relief organization said 35 people killed chemical attacks area syrian state media denied government forces launched chemical attack soon reports began circulating said rebels eastern ghouta town douma state collapse spreading false news us state department said saturday reports mass casualties alleged chemical weapons attack douma horrifying would confirmed demand immediate response international community related coverage us says reports chemical attack syria horrifying confirmed calls response syrian observatory human rights said 11 people died douma result suffocation caused smoke conventional weapons dropped government said total 70 people suffered breathing difficulties rami abdulrahman observatory director said could confirm chemical weapons used medical relief organization syrian american medical society 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 total death toll chemical attacks 35 contacting un us government european governments said telephone reuters could independently verify reports 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 assad regime backers must held accountable attacks prevented immediately said us state department spokeswoman heather nauret recalling 2017 sarin gas attack west united nations blamed assads government 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 washington reuters us state department said saturday reports mass casualties alleged chemical weapons attack douma syria horrifying would demand international response confirmed reports confirmed horrifying demand immediate response international community state department spokeswoman heather nauert said statement citing history chemical weapons use government syrian president bashar alassad nauert said assads government backer russia needed held accountable attacks prevented immediately russia unwavering support regime ultimately bears responsibility brutal attacks nauert said reporting tim ahmann editing michael perry standards thomson reuters trust principles new york reuters one man killed six firefighters received minor injuries apartment fire 50th floor trump tower new york saturday blaze quickly extinguished fire officials said victim todd brassner 67 found unresponsive unconscious 50th floor apartment pronounced dead area hospital police said information cause fire available late saturday night us president donald trump office private residence midtown manhattan structure building time fire trump tower confined well built building firemen women great job thank trump tweeted fire officials said member trump family building time difficult fire imagine apartment quite large 50 stories rest building considerable amount smoke fire commissioner daniel nigro said twitter trump tower pictured fire manhattan borough new york city new york us april 7 2018 reuterscatherine koppel 200 fire personnel responded incident department said fouralarm fire video social media showed flames outside windows black smoke billowing highrise january three people injured earlymorning fire top trump tower one firefighter hospitalized two people received minor injuries treated scene new york fire department said slideshow 13 images addition presidents 66thfloor penthouse trump tower houses headquarters trump organization well residences offices stores reporting jon herskovitz austin texas meredith mazzilli new york additional reporting rich mckay atlanta editing sandra maler standards thomson reuters trust principles humboldt saskatchewan reuters fifteen people killed bus carrying canadian junior ice hockey team collided truck saskatchewan province police said saturday one worst disasters strike canadas sporting community tragedy sent shock waves hockeyloving country engulfed home humboldt broncos hockey team small farming town fewer 6000 people grief fourteen survivors still hospital critical condition royal canadian mounted police rcmp said accident occurred 5 pm friday near tisdale area around 185 miles 300 km north regina broncos family shock try come grips incredible loss kevin garinger teams president said statement players way compete game 5 playoff series nipawin hawks bus traveling collided semitrailer related coverage ice hockey world shocked fatal junior team crash canada hawks president darren opp told globe mail newspaper truck tboned players bus horrible accident god said bad driver tractor trailer injured crash rcmp saskatchewan assistant commissioner curtis zablocki told media conference said driver initially detained later released zablocki said early comment cause collision rcmp continuing investigation examine road weather mechanical condition vehicles citing relatives canadian press reported broncos head coach darcy haugan teams 20yearold captain logan schatz among killed many social media users posted haugans photograph alongside messages shock sympathy hashtags prayersforhumboldt humboldtstrong god bless darcy haugan incredible mentor coach young hockey players prayers family help cope immense loss western provinces hockey association wrote twitter national hockey league commissioner gary bettman said nhl mourned passing died offers strength comfort injured traveling play part game loved ice hockey teams around world expressed shock paid tribute broncos heartbroken steady stream people arrived humboldts elgar petersen sports arena saturday consoling grieving families offering flowers counseling services victims relatives offered nearby woke reality happened last night humboldt mayor rob muench told reuters tragedy nobody would imagined tough trying get message get see light end tunnel condolences poured current former players sports organizations political leaders canadian prime minister justin trudeau said entire country shock mourning details tragedy emerged canadas hockey family close one said 20172018 humboldt broncos saskatchewan junior hockey league team pictured undated handout photo amanda brochuhandout via reuters heartbroken knowing many lost entire lives front said statement us president donald trump said twitter post spoke trudeau pay highest respect condolences families terrible humboldt team tragedy may god pastor jordan gadsby nipawins apostolic church said hundreds people including parents relatives players bus gathered church late friday seek information solace worst part night watching parents waiting news kids said theres lot terrible thing happened tragedy revived painful memories bus crash province december 1986 killed four young players swift current broncos ice hockey team slideshow 20 images online fundraising campaign affected players families set late friday mother former broncos teammate initial target 10000 saturday evening raised 21 million stay hockey family strong wrote one donor gofundme site said coach rural saskatchewan reporting matt smith humboldt additional reporting brendan obrien milwaukee frank pingue augusta georgia writing denny thomas daniel wallis editing tom brown g crosse standards thomson reuters trust principles
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<p>MUMBAI, Jan 25 (Reuters) - Shares in State Bank of India and other big state-run banks fell on Thursday as they stood to receive less money than investors had expected from the government’s much-awaited recapitalisation plan.</p>
<p>By contrast, smaller state-run lenders such as UCO Bank gained, as analysts said they would receive more funds than expected.</p>
<p>India’s government pledged on Wednesday to inject nearly $14 billion combined into all but one state-run lender by March in return for them implementing reforms, in a bid to boost lending and tackle a record bad debt problem.</p>
<p>But the government also said lenders must implement a series of reforms to get the funds, including improving due diligence, allowing specialised monitoring for loans above 2.5 billion rupees ($39.35 million), and limiting the number of lenders that can club together to dole out loans.</p>
<p>“We believe this is overall positive for the banking sector, but not exactly in tune with Street expectations,” Jefferies, a global investment banking firm, said in a note on Wednesday.</p>
<p>It said smaller lenders already closely monitored by the central bank had received more funds while the bigger and healthier banks would benefit less.</p>
<p>“This is in contrast to market expectations of bigger/healthier banks receiving a higher share of capital,” Jeffries said.</p>
<p>The Nifty PSU bank index was trading down 2.7 percent at 0455 GMT. State Bank of India shares were down 2.7 percent, Punjab National Bank was down 3.5 percent while Bank of Baroda was down 3.6 percent.</p>
<p>Smaller banks however gained. UCO Bank was up 5.7 percent, United Bank of India rose 1.4 percent and Indian Overseas Bank was up 1.7 percent. ($1 = 63.5300 Indian rupees) (Reporting by Swati Bhat; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore)</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller has subpoenaed the Trump Organization for documents, including some related to Russia, the New York Times reported on Thursday, citing two people briefed on the matter.</p> FILE PHOTO: Special Counsel Robert Mueller departs after briefing members of the U.S. Senate on his investigation into potential collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, U.S., June 21, 2017. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts/File Photo
<p>Details of the subpoena were not available, the newspaper said. The Trump Organization, which U.S. President Donald Trump ran with his family before he entered the White House, played down the significance of any subpoena, a lawyer saying on Thursday that the company has told the public since July that it is being cooperative with the special counsel’s investigation.</p>
<p>Mueller is investigating Russian attempts to influence the 2016 U.S. election, and potential collusion by Trump aides. Russia has denied U.S. intelligence agencies’ conclusion that it meddled in the election and Trump has said there was no collusion between his campaign and Moscow officials.</p>
<p>Mueller has charged several Trump associates and more than a dozen Russians.</p>
<p>Peter Carr, a spokesman for Mueller, declined to comment on the Times report about a subpoena, which was the first known time Mueller had demanded materials directly related to Trump’s businesses.</p>
<p>The S&amp;P 500 ended slightly lower on Thursday in choppy trade as strong jobs and manufacturing data was balanced by the Times report on Mueller’s subpoena.</p>
<p>“This is old news and our assistance and cooperation with the various investigations remains the same today,” New York lawyer Alan Futerfas, who represents the Trump Organization in the Russia probe, said in a statement.</p>
<p>Futerfas also represents Donald Trump Jr. and other Trump Organization officers and employees.</p>
<p>Congressional committees also have been investigating Russia and the 2016 election and possible collusion with the Trump campaign.</p>
<p>The White House declined to comment specifically on the report and referred questions to the Trump Organization.</p>
<p>“We’re going to continue to fully cooperate. Out of respect for the special counsel, we’re not going to comment,” White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said.</p>
<p>Reporting by Karen Freifeld, Doina Chiacu and James Oliphant; editing by Grant McCool</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>(Reuters) - Iconic toy retailer Toys ‘R’ Us Inc will shutter or sell its stores in the United States after failing to revamp its struggling business, putting 30,000 jobs at risk and leaving a void for vendors who supplied the company with $11 billion worth of goods a year.</p>
<p>As shoppers flock to Amazon.com Inc and children choose smartphones and screens 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 plans to liquidate inventory at 735 U.S. stores, including Babies ‘R’ Us locations, by the end of this year. The wind-down follows a bruising holiday season, when the company failed to stay competitive and sales came in well below projections. The quarter accounts for 40 percent of its annual net sales.</p>
<p>With the disappearance of Toys ‘R’ Us, everything from squishies and slime kits made by small companies, to board games and Barbie dolls by heavyweights Hasbro Inc and Mattel Inc, will lose a top customer.</p>
<p>Hasbro said on Thursday the pending liquidation and closure is expected to be “disruptive” in the near term.</p>
<p>Lutz Muller, president of consultancy Klosters Trading Corp, estimated a single-digit sales impact on companies like Mattel, Hasbro, Spin Master Corp, Jakks Pacific Inc, Funko Inc and MGA Entertainment Inc.</p>
<p>“Bad but not fatal,” Muller said. “But for the little guys that depended on Toys ‘R’ Us as a major showcase ... a large number will go to the wall.”</p>
<p>Jefferies predicted the bankruptcy would depress 2018 revenue across the industry by between 2.5 percent and 5.5 percent. It said 40 percent of the toy sales up for grabs would flow to Amazon and 30 percent to Walmart Inc.</p>
<p>Shares of Mattel fell nearly 3 percent while shares of Hasbro were trading slightly lower on Thursday; they had tumbled last week on Toys ‘R’ Us’ liquidation reports.</p>
<p>Toys ‘R’ Us’ creditors said in a court filing that Target Corp, Walmart and Amazon pricing toys at low margins, and a greater-than-expected decline in toy and gift card sales following its bankruptcy filing in September, led to the weak performance in the quarter.</p>
<p>“Even during recent store close-outs, Toys ‘R’ Us failed to create any sense of excitement,” said Neil Saunders, managing director of retail research firm GlobalData Retail. “Its so-called heavy discounts remained well above the standard prices of many rivals.”</p> The logo of Toys R Us is seen on a store at Saint-Sebastien-sur-Loire near Nantes, France, March 15, 2018. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe TOYS ABROAD
<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 specialty retailer.</p>
<p>In September, when the company operated more than 1,600 stores globally, with roughly 800 stores outside the United States, it got court permission to borrow more than $2 billion to start paying suppliers.</p>
<p>But efforts to keep the business going collapsed after lenders decided they could recover more in a liquidation by closing stores and raising money from merchandise sales.</p> Slideshow (5 Images)
<p>The company, which is also winding down its UK business, is still trying to salvage some 200 U.S. stores as part of negotiations to sell its Canadian business.</p>
<p>It is also pursuing a reorganization or sale of its operations in Asia and Central Europe, including Germany, Austria and Switzerland.</p>
<p>Keeping up a good relationship with vendors who supply across Toys ‘R’ Us throughout liquidation proceedings will be key to those deals, sources with knowledge of the matter said.</p>
<p>Seventy-year Toys ‘R’ Us does not rule out a last-minute offer for all of its stores and said it will announce the winning bidder of a March 29 auction on April 12.</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-toys-r-us-bankruptcy-payment/toys-r-us-asks-court-to-halt-vendor-payments-lawyer-idUSKCN1GR2XM" type="external">Toys 'R' Us asks court to halt vendor payments: lawyer</a>
<a href="/article/us-toys-r-us-bankruptcy-hasbro/hasbro-sees-near-term-disruption-from-toys-r-us-liquidation-idUSKCN1GR2I9" type="external">Hasbro sees near-term disruption from Toys 'R' Us liquidation</a>
<a href="/article/us-toys-r-us-bankruptcy-reit/reits-slip-anew-despite-minor-exposure-to-toys-r-us-closings-idUSKCN1GR2NA" type="external">REITs slip anew despite minor exposure to Toys 'R' Us closings</a>
<p>The company’s troubles mirror those of other mall-based retailers in the United States that have shut stores and fired employees in a bid to stay relevant.</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>
<p>Despite the threat of 30,000 job losses, experts do not expect retail employment and wages to be subdued in the near term. Approximately 700,000 jobs in the industry need to be filled, say retail staffing firms and trade federations such as the NRF.</p>
<p>Aly Sanchez, a two-year employee of Toys R Us in Kansas City, said, “It’s an overwhelming feeling not knowing what’s going to happen. And if we do close, we don’t know if we’ll even get severance pay.”</p>
<p>Reporting by Tracy Rucinski in Chicago and Abinaya Vijayaraghavan in Bengaluru; additional reporting by Aishwarya Venugopal and Nandita Bose; Editing by Sayantani Ghosh and Nick Zieminski</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States slapped sanctions on Russian individuals and entities for U.S. election meddling and cyber attacks but put off targeting oligarchs and government officials close to President Vladimir Putin, prompting lawmakers in both parties to say President Donald Trump needs to do much more.</p>
<p>With the United States under pressure to act, the actions announced by the U.S. Treasury Department - targeting 19 individuals and five entities including Russian intelligence services - represented the most significant steps taken against Moscow since Trump assumed office in January 2017.</p>
<p>The United States also joined Britain, Germany and France in demanding that Russia explain a military-grade nerve toxin attack in England on a former Russian double agent, and Trump said “it certainly looks like the Russians were behind” the incident.</p>
<p>But congressional critics called the administration’s action a woefully inadequate retaliation for Russia interference in the 2016 U.S. election and cyber attacks stretching back two years that targeted the U.S. power grid including nuclear facilities.</p>
<p>“The sanctions today are a grievous disappointment and fall far short of what is needed to respond to that attack on our democracy let alone deter Russia’s escalating aggression, which now includes a chemical weapons attack on the soil of our closest ally,” said Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee.</p>
<p>“Today’s action, using authorities provided by Congress, is an important step by the administration. But more must be done,” Republican House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce added.</p>
<p>Trump has faced fierce criticism in the United States for doing too little to punish Russia for the election meddling and other actions, and special counsel Robert Mueller is looking into whether Trump’s campaign colluded with the Russians, an allegation the president denies.</p>
<p>Sixteen of the Russian individuals and entities sanctioned were indicted on Feb. 16 as part of Mueller’s criminal investigation.</p>
<p>“They didn’t hit Putin’s power structure and they didn’t team up with Europe,” Brian O’Toole, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council think tank and a former senior adviser at the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, said of the administration’s actions.</p>
<p>A senior administration official told Reuters that Trump, who campaigned on warmer ties with Putin, has grown exasperated with Russian activity.</p>
<p>In Moscow, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Russia was preparing retaliatory measures, as U.S.-Russian relations plunged again despite Trump’s stated desire for improved ties.</p>
<p>Thursday’s announcement also marked the first time that the U.S. government stated publicly that Russia had attempted to break into the American energy grid, which U.S. security officials have longed warned may be vulnerable to debilitating cyber attacks from hostile adversaries.</p>
<p>The Treasury Department said the sanctions were also meant to counter destructive cyber attacks including the NotPetya attack that cost billions of dollars in damage across Europe, Asia and the United States. The United States and Britain last month blamed Russian military for that attack.</p> FILE PHOTO: U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin discusses the Trump administration's tax reform proposal in the White House briefing room in Washington, U.S, April 26, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Barria/File photo
<p>Trump has frequently questioned a January 2017 finding by U.S. intelligence agencies that Russia interfered in the 2016 campaign using hacking and propaganda in an effort eventually aimed at tilting the race in Trump’s favor. Russia denies interfering in the election.</p>
<p>But Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin was unequivocal in saying that Thursday’s action by his department “counters Russia’s continuing destabilizing activities, ranging from interference in the 2016 election to conducting destructive cyber-attacks.”</p> ‘GET SMART’
<p>“Putin constantly attacks our friends. So, President Trump, are you going to get smart about the threat Russia poses to the United States and our allies?” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said.</p>
<p>Schiff said that only two new senior Russian officials with ties to military intelligence were included in Thursday’s action and the Obama administration had already imposed sanctions in December 2016 on the other named Russian intelligence entities and individuals.</p> FILE PHOTO: Voters cast their votes during the U.S. presidential election in Elyria, Ohio, U.S. November 8, 2016. REUTERS/Aaron Josefczyk/File Photo
<p>Trump told reporters during a White House event with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar that “it certainly looks like the Russians were behind” the use of a nerve agent to attack Sergei Skripal, a former Russian double agent in England. Trump called it “something that should never, ever happen, and we’re taking it very seriously, as I think are many others.”</p>
<p>Russian government hackers since at least March 2016 “have also targeted U.S. government entities and multiple U.S. critical infrastructure sectors, including the energy, nuclear, commercial facilities, water, aviation, and critical manufacturing sectors,” a Treasury Department statement said.</p>
<p>A senior administration told reporters on a conference call that Russian actors infiltrated parts of the U.S. energy sector.</p>
<p>“We were able to identify where they were located within those business systems and remove them from those business systems,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-usa-russia-sanctions-whitehouse/white-house-will-remain-tough-on-russia-until-its-behavior-changes-idUSKCN1GR313" type="external">White House: will remain tough on Russia until its behavior changes</a>
<a href="/article/us-usa-russia-sanctions-energygrid/u-s-blames-russia-for-cyber-attacks-on-energy-grid-other-sectors-idUSKCN1GR2G3" type="external">U.S. blames Russia for cyber attacks on energy grid, other sectors</a>
<a href="/article/us-usa-russia-sanctions-prigozhin/russian-businessman-prigozhin-dismisses-new-u-s-sanctions-ria-idUSKCN1GR2G7" type="external">Russian businessman Prigozhin dismisses new U.S. sanctions: RIA</a>
<p>Mnuchin said there would be additional sanctions against Russian government officials and oligarchs “for their destabilizing activities.” Mnuchin did not give a time frame for those sanctions, which he said would sever the individuals’ access to the U.S. financial system.</p>
<p>The new sanctions include Russian intelligence services, the Federal Security Service (FSB) and Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU), and six individuals working on behalf of the GRU.</p>
<p>Thursday’s action blocks all property of those targeted that is subject to U.S. jurisdiction and prohibits American citizens from engaging in transactions with them.</p>
<p>Russian businessman Evgeny Prigozhin, one of those indicted by Mueller and hit with sanctions on Thursday, said in comments cited by RIA news agency that he was not worried.</p>
<p>“I have been sanctioned maybe three or four times - I’m tired of counting, I can’t remember. I don’t have any business in the United States or with Americans. I’m not worried by this. Except that now I will stop going to McDonald’s,” Prigozhin was quoted as saying.</p>
<p>Reporting by Steve Holland and Doina Chiacu; Additional reporting by Dustin Volz, Lesley Wroughton, Warren Strobel and James Oliphant in Washington and Polina Ivanova in Moscow; Editing by Mary Milliken and Will Dunham</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration will maintain tough policies against Russia until Moscow changes its behavior, the White House said on Thursday.</p> White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders takes questions during a daily briefing at the White House in Washington, U.S. March 12, 2018. REUTERS/Leah Millis
<p>“I think you can see from the actions we’ve taken up until this point we’re going to be tough on Russia until they decide to change their behavior,” White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told a regular briefing after being asked if Russian President Vladimir Putin was “playing” Trump.</p>
<p>Earlier in the day, Washington slapped sanctions on Russian individuals and entities for alleged U.S. election meddling and cyber attacks but put off targeting oligarchs and government officials close to Putin, prompting U.S. lawmakers in both parties to say Trump needs to do much more.</p>
<p>Reporting by Jim Oliphant; Writing by Eric Walsh; Editing by Eric Beech</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
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mumbai jan 25 reuters shares state bank india big staterun banks fell thursday stood receive less money investors expected governments muchawaited recapitalisation plan contrast smaller staterun lenders uco bank gained analysts said would receive funds expected indias government pledged wednesday inject nearly 14 billion combined one staterun lender march return implementing reforms bid boost lending tackle record bad debt problem government also said lenders must implement series reforms get funds including improving due diligence allowing specialised monitoring loans 25 billion rupees 3935 million limiting number lenders club together dole loans believe overall positive banking sector exactly tune street expectations jefferies global investment banking firm said note wednesday said smaller lenders already closely monitored central bank received funds bigger healthier banks would benefit less contrast market expectations biggerhealthier banks receiving higher share capital jeffries said nifty psu bank index trading 27 percent 0455 gmt state bank india shares 27 percent punjab national bank 35 percent bank baroda 36 percent smaller banks however gained uco bank 57 percent united bank india rose 14 percent indian overseas bank 17 percent 1 635300 indian rupees reporting swati bhat editing simon cameronmoore standards thomson reuters trust principles washington reuters us special counsel robert mueller subpoenaed trump organization documents including related russia new york times reported thursday citing two people briefed matter file photo special counsel robert mueller departs briefing members us senate investigation potential collusion russia trump campaign capitol hill washington dc us june 21 2017 reutersjoshua robertsfile photo details subpoena available newspaper said trump organization us president donald trump ran family entered white house played significance subpoena lawyer saying thursday company told public since july cooperative special counsels investigation mueller investigating russian attempts influence 2016 us election potential collusion trump aides russia denied us intelligence agencies conclusion meddled election trump said collusion campaign moscow officials mueller charged several trump associates dozen russians peter carr spokesman mueller declined comment times report subpoena first known time mueller demanded materials directly related trumps businesses sampp 500 ended slightly lower thursday choppy trade strong jobs manufacturing data balanced times report muellers subpoena old news assistance cooperation various investigations remains today new york lawyer alan futerfas represents trump organization russia probe said statement futerfas also represents donald trump jr trump organization officers employees congressional committees also investigating russia 2016 election possible collusion trump campaign white house declined comment specifically report referred questions trump organization going continue fully cooperate respect special counsel going comment white house spokeswoman sarah sanders said reporting karen freifeld doina chiacu james oliphant editing grant mccool standards thomson reuters trust principles reuters iconic toy retailer toys r us inc shutter sell stores united states failing revamp struggling business putting 30000 jobs risk leaving void vendors supplied company 11 billion worth goods year shoppers flock amazoncom inc children choose smartphones screens toys toys r us struggled boost sales service debt following 66billion leveraged buyout private equity firms 2005 toys r us plans liquidate inventory 735 us stores including babies r us locations end year winddown follows bruising holiday season company failed stay competitive sales came well projections quarter accounts 40 percent annual net sales disappearance toys r us everything squishies slime kits made small companies board games barbie dolls heavyweights hasbro inc mattel inc lose top customer hasbro said thursday pending liquidation closure expected disruptive near term lutz muller president consultancy klosters trading corp estimated singledigit sales impact companies like mattel hasbro spin master corp jakks pacific inc funko inc mga entertainment inc bad fatal muller said little guys depended toys r us major showcase large number go wall jefferies predicted bankruptcy would depress 2018 revenue across industry 25 percent 55 percent said 40 percent toy sales grabs would flow amazon 30 percent walmart inc shares mattel fell nearly 3 percent shares hasbro trading slightly lower thursday tumbled last week toys r us liquidation reports toys r us creditors said court filing target corp walmart amazon pricing toys low margins greaterthanexpected decline toy gift card sales following bankruptcy filing september led weak performance quarter even recent store closeouts toys r us failed create sense excitement said neil saunders managing director retail research firm globaldata retail socalled heavy discounts remained well standard prices many rivals logo toys r us seen store saintsebastiensurloire near nantes france march 15 2018 reutersstephane mahe toys abroad wayne new jerseybased toys r us already process closing onefifth stores part attempt emerge one largest ever bankruptcies specialty retailer september company operated 1600 stores globally roughly 800 stores outside united states got court permission borrow 2 billion start paying suppliers efforts keep business going collapsed lenders decided could recover liquidation closing stores raising money merchandise sales slideshow 5 images company also winding uk business still trying salvage 200 us stores part negotiations sell canadian business also pursuing reorganization sale operations asia central europe including germany austria switzerland keeping good relationship vendors supply across toys r us throughout liquidation proceedings key deals sources knowledge matter said seventyyear toys r us rule lastminute offer stores said announce winning bidder march 29 auction april 12 related coverage toys r us asks court halt vendor payments lawyer hasbro sees nearterm disruption toys r us liquidation reits slip anew despite minor exposure toys r us closings companys troubles mirror mallbased retailers united states shut stores fired employees bid stay relevant 8000 us retail stores closed 2017 roughly double average annual store closures previous decade according data international council shopping centers despite threat 30000 job losses experts expect retail employment wages subdued near term approximately 700000 jobs industry need filled say retail staffing firms trade federations nrf aly sanchez twoyear employee toys r us kansas city said overwhelming feeling knowing whats going happen close dont know well even get severance pay reporting tracy rucinski chicago abinaya vijayaraghavan bengaluru additional reporting aishwarya venugopal nandita bose editing sayantani ghosh nick zieminski standards thomson reuters trust principles washington reuters united states slapped sanctions russian individuals entities us election meddling cyber attacks put targeting oligarchs government officials close president vladimir putin prompting lawmakers parties say president donald trump needs much united states pressure act actions announced us treasury department targeting 19 individuals five entities including russian intelligence services represented significant steps taken moscow since trump assumed office january 2017 united states also joined britain germany france demanding russia explain militarygrade nerve toxin attack england former russian double agent trump said certainly looks like russians behind incident congressional critics called administrations action woefully inadequate retaliation russia interference 2016 us election cyber attacks stretching back two years targeted us power grid including nuclear facilities sanctions today grievous disappointment fall far short needed respond attack democracy let alone deter russias escalating aggression includes chemical weapons attack soil closest ally said adam schiff top democrat house representatives intelligence committee todays action using authorities provided congress important step administration must done republican house foreign affairs committee chairman ed royce added trump faced fierce criticism united states little punish russia election meddling actions special counsel robert mueller looking whether trumps campaign colluded russians allegation president denies sixteen russian individuals entities sanctioned indicted feb 16 part muellers criminal investigation didnt hit putins power structure didnt team europe brian otoole senior fellow atlantic council think tank former senior adviser treasury departments office foreign assets control said administrations actions senior administration official told reuters trump campaigned warmer ties putin grown exasperated russian activity moscow deputy foreign minister sergei ryabkov said russia preparing retaliatory measures usrussian relations plunged despite trumps stated desire improved ties thursdays announcement also marked first time us government stated publicly russia attempted break american energy grid us security officials longed warned may vulnerable debilitating cyber attacks hostile adversaries treasury department said sanctions also meant counter destructive cyber attacks including notpetya attack cost billions dollars damage across europe asia united states united states britain last month blamed russian military attack file photo us secretary treasury steven mnuchin discusses trump administrations tax reform proposal white house briefing room washington us april 26 2017 reuterscarlos barriafile photo trump frequently questioned january 2017 finding us intelligence agencies russia interfered 2016 campaign using hacking propaganda effort eventually aimed tilting race trumps favor russia denies interfering election treasury secretary steven mnuchin unequivocal saying thursdays action department counters russias continuing destabilizing activities ranging interference 2016 election conducting destructive cyberattacks get smart putin constantly attacks friends president trump going get smart threat russia poses united states allies senate democratic leader chuck schumer said schiff said two new senior russian officials ties military intelligence included thursdays action obama administration already imposed sanctions december 2016 named russian intelligence entities individuals file photo voters cast votes us presidential election elyria ohio us november 8 2016 reutersaaron josefczykfile photo trump told reporters white house event irish prime minister leo varadkar certainly looks like russians behind use nerve agent attack sergei skripal former russian double agent england trump called something never ever happen taking seriously think many others russian government hackers since least march 2016 also targeted us government entities multiple us critical infrastructure sectors including energy nuclear commercial facilities water aviation critical manufacturing sectors treasury department statement said senior administration told reporters conference call russian actors infiltrated parts us energy sector able identify located within business systems remove business systems official said speaking condition anonymity related coverage white house remain tough russia behavior changes us blames russia cyber attacks energy grid sectors russian businessman prigozhin dismisses new us sanctions ria mnuchin said would additional sanctions russian government officials oligarchs destabilizing activities mnuchin give time frame sanctions said would sever individuals access us financial system new sanctions include russian intelligence services federal security service fsb main intelligence directorate gru six individuals working behalf gru thursdays action blocks property targeted subject us jurisdiction prohibits american citizens engaging transactions russian businessman evgeny prigozhin one indicted mueller hit sanctions thursday said comments cited ria news agency worried sanctioned maybe three four times im tired counting cant remember dont business united states americans im worried except stop going mcdonalds prigozhin quoted saying reporting steve holland doina chiacu additional reporting dustin volz lesley wroughton warren strobel james oliphant washington polina ivanova moscow editing mary milliken dunham standards thomson reuters trust principles washington reuters us president donald trumps administration maintain tough policies russia moscow changes behavior white house said thursday white house press secretary sarah huckabee sanders takes questions daily briefing white house washington us march 12 2018 reutersleah millis think see actions weve taken point going tough russia decide change behavior white house spokeswoman sarah sanders told regular briefing asked russian president vladimir putin playing trump earlier day washington slapped sanctions russian individuals entities alleged us election meddling cyber attacks put targeting oligarchs government officials close putin prompting us lawmakers parties say trump needs much reporting jim oliphant writing eric walsh editing eric beech standards thomson reuters trust principles
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<p>The job conditions for President Barack Obama’s next defense secretary have already spurred some top contenders to bow out, leaving the White House with a slim list of candidates to fill the post for the administration’s final two years. On Monday, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson became the latest to tell the White House he wasn’t interested in the job, according to people familiar with the process.</p>
<p>People familiar with the decision-making process say President Barack Obama’s shortlist for Defense Secretary includes Ashton Carter, the former deputy defense secretary who left the administration in late 2013, and Robert Work, who currently holds the No. 2 job at the Pentagon. (The Associated Press)</p>
<p>Johnson’s decision to stay put at DHS is likely to deepen the impression that the Pentagon post — typically a highly sought-after Cabinet spot –is drawing little interest. The president’s short list of contenders now includes longtime public servants who have deep Pentagon experience, but may be less likely to give Obama’s national security agenda the jolt that critics — and increasingly some supporters — say is needed.</p>
<p>Top contenders include Ashton Carter, the former deputy defense secretary who left the administration in late 2013, and Robert Work, who now holds the Pentagon’s No. 2 job.</p>
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<p>That’s a far shorter list than some in the White House had hoped when Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel resigned last week under pressure from Obama. Michele Flournoy, one of Obama’s top choices, quickly took her name out of contention, in part because of concerns over the tight rein the White House has tried to keep on the Defense Department. Sen. Jack Reed, a Rhode Island Democrat and West Point graduate, also made clear within hours of Hagel’s resignation that he wasn’t interested.</p>
<p>Defense analyst Anthony Cordesman said that as Obama approaches the end of his presidency, the Cabinet post is “not particularly desirable” for anyone with broader political ambitions.</p>
<p>“It’s very unlikely you will get political visibility or credit for being the secretary,” said Cordesman, who works at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “There are just too many problems and uncertainties.”</p>
<p>Among them: questions about the effectiveness of Obama’s military campaign against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, Russia’s continued provocations in Ukraine, tensions between the White House and Defense Department over closing the Guantanamo Bay detention center, and concerns at the Pentagon with the impact of deep spending cuts.</p>
<p>Hanging over all of those policy concerns is the uneasy relationship between the White House and the Pentagon throughout Obama’s six years in office. His first two defense secretaries, Robert Gates and Leon Panetta, have been bitingly critical about White House efforts to micromanage the Pentagon. And Hagel is said to have grown frustrated by the White House’s drawn-out policymaking process and lack of clarity in the president’s eventual decisions.</p>
<p>Lawrence Korb, a former assistant defense secretary, said that with just two years left in Obama’s presidency, the next Pentagon chief will be hamstrung in efforts to shape both the administration’s policies and the department’s relationship with the White House.</p>
<p>“The clock is ticking in terms of being able to make significant changes,” said Korb, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, a think-tank closely aligned with the White House.</p>
<p>People familiar with the decision-making process say President Barack Obama’s shortlist for Defense Secretary includes Deputy Defense Secretary Robert Work, above, Ashton Carter, the former deputy defense secretary who left the administration in late 2013, and Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson. (The Associated Press)</p>
<p>Mindful that the window on Obama’s administration is closing, some White House officials are pressing the president to name Hagel’s replacement quickly. He could seek to have a nominee in time for a previously scheduled meeting Wednesday in Washington with combat commanders and other military leaders, though officials said that as of Monday, Obama has not made a final decision.</p>
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<p>Carter, 60, is seen as the leading contender by many people with knowledge of how such decisions are made. He held two top jobs at the Pentagon during Obama’s first term, serving first as the undersecretary for acquisitions and technology before being promoted to deputy defense secretary.</p>
<p>“He’s a technocrat and a good manager,” said Jane Harman, a former California congresswoman and now president of the Wilson Center. “He knows the acquisitions side of the building and has impressed the military with his commitment to the troops.”</p>
<p>Work, a retired Marine, was confirmed earlier this year as deputy defense secretary. He also has ties to Obama, having served on the president’s Defense Department transition team after the 2008 election.</p>
<p>Administration officials had been pushing Johnson, the Homeland Security secretary, as a candidate for the Pentagon job. Johnson is a favorite in the West Wing, where officials have praised the process he ran to provide Obama with recommendations for executive actions on immigration.</p>
<p>But Johnson’s involvement in that effort risked turning his confirmation hearing into a referendum on the president’s immigration moves, which Republicans staunchly oppose. A move to the Pentagon would have also pulled Johnson out of DHS just as the agency is implementing the executive actions he spent months crafting.</p>
<p>Despite the smaller than expected pool of candidates, analysts say it would still be difficult for many potential nominees to turn down an offer to join the Cabinet.</p>
<p>“Most people, if asked by the president, will respond,” Cordesman said. “But when people like Michele Flournoy take themselves out of the running, you do have to say you may not have as many options as normal.”</p>
<p>——</p>
<p>Associated Press writer Donna Cassata contributed to this report.</p>
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job conditions president barack obamas next defense secretary already spurred top contenders bow leaving white house slim list candidates fill post administrations final two years monday homeland security secretary jeh johnson became latest tell white house wasnt interested job according people familiar process people familiar decisionmaking process say president barack obamas shortlist defense secretary includes ashton carter former deputy defense secretary left administration late 2013 robert work currently holds 2 job pentagon associated press johnsons decision stay put dhs likely deepen impression pentagon post typically highly soughtafter cabinet spot drawing little interest presidents short list contenders includes longtime public servants deep pentagon experience may less likely give obamas national security agenda jolt critics increasingly supporters say needed top contenders include ashton carter former deputy defense secretary left administration late 2013 robert work holds pentagons 2 job advertisement thats far shorter list white house hoped defense secretary chuck hagel resigned last week pressure obama michele flournoy one obamas top choices quickly took name contention part concerns tight rein white house tried keep defense department sen jack reed rhode island democrat west point graduate also made clear within hours hagels resignation wasnt interested defense analyst anthony cordesman said obama approaches end presidency cabinet post particularly desirable anyone broader political ambitions unlikely get political visibility credit secretary said cordesman works center strategic international studies many problems uncertainties among questions effectiveness obamas military campaign islamic state iraq syria russias continued provocations ukraine tensions white house defense department closing guantanamo bay detention center concerns pentagon impact deep spending cuts hanging policy concerns uneasy relationship white house pentagon throughout obamas six years office first two defense secretaries robert gates leon panetta bitingly critical white house efforts micromanage pentagon hagel said grown frustrated white houses drawnout policymaking process lack clarity presidents eventual decisions lawrence korb former assistant defense secretary said two years left obamas presidency next pentagon chief hamstrung efforts shape administrations policies departments relationship white house clock ticking terms able make significant changes said korb senior fellow center american progress thinktank closely aligned white house people familiar decisionmaking process say president barack obamas shortlist defense secretary includes deputy defense secretary robert work ashton carter former deputy defense secretary left administration late 2013 homeland security secretary jeh johnson associated press mindful window obamas administration closing white house officials pressing president name hagels replacement quickly could seek nominee time previously scheduled meeting wednesday washington combat commanders military leaders though officials said monday obama made final decision advertisement carter 60 seen leading contender many people knowledge decisions made held two top jobs pentagon obamas first term serving first undersecretary acquisitions technology promoted deputy defense secretary hes technocrat good manager said jane harman former california congresswoman president wilson center knows acquisitions side building impressed military commitment troops work retired marine confirmed earlier year deputy defense secretary also ties obama served presidents defense department transition team 2008 election administration officials pushing johnson homeland security secretary candidate pentagon job johnson favorite west wing officials praised process ran provide obama recommendations executive actions immigration johnsons involvement effort risked turning confirmation hearing referendum presidents immigration moves republicans staunchly oppose move pentagon would also pulled johnson dhs agency implementing executive actions spent months crafting despite smaller expected pool candidates analysts say would still difficult many potential nominees turn offer join cabinet people asked president respond cordesman said people like michele flournoy take running say may many options normal associated press writer donna cassata contributed report
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<p>LUXEMBOURG — Greece avoided another potential brush with bankruptcy after striking a deal Thursday with European creditors to tide it over for the rest of the year and gained assurances that its repayment burden will be eased when it finally can stand on its own after nearly a decade on financial life support.</p>
<p>After months of haggling that raised fears of another escalation in Greece’s near 8-year debt crisis, the 19-country eurozone cleared the release of a further 8.5 billion euros ($9.5 billion) after the Greek government delivered on an array of reforms. Getting the money was becoming increasingly urgent as Greece has a big repayment hump next month.</p>
<p>Perhaps more importantly for the longer-term, the so-called Eurogroup made clear that it is ready to ease the burden of Greece’s debt repayments at the conclusion of the current bailout program next year. The International Monetary Fund may also get involved financially, on a limited basis of up to $2 billion.</p>
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<p>“Overall, I think this is a major step forward,” said Jeroen Dijsselbloem, the eurozone’s top official. “We are now going into the last year of the financial support program for Greece; we will prepare an exit strategy going forward to enable Greece to stand on its own feet again over the course of next year.”</p>
<p>He singled out the Greek people for their “intense efforts and resolve” over the past few years of the country’s bailout era when successive governments had to enact drastic spending cuts and tax increases in return for the money needed to avoid bankruptcy and a possible exit from the euro currency.</p>
<p>The left-led Greek government, which has lost a lot of support since signing up for the country’s third bailout even after campaigning against austerity, hopes Thursday’s deal will help it get to a position to tap the international bond markets that lost faith in 2010 and forced Greece to rely on rescue money.</p>
<p>“We feel that after this Eurogroup (agreement) there is a much greater clarity for both the Greek people and for financial markets,” Greek Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos said.</p>
<p>There is now “light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.</p>
<p>The office of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said in a statement that the decision sends markets a positive message.</p>
<p>“The main point of today’s decision is that — for the first time — there is a clear Eurogroup commitment to support Greece’s market access and the successful completion of the program, with the creation of a significant liquidity reserve to back the country’s market access,” it said.</p>
<p>Among the measures offered to Greece was a possible 15-year extension in debt and interest payments due European creditors. Also, following a recommendation from the new French government of President Emmanuel Macron, the possibility was raised of linking Greek repayments to growth, which could mean debt repayments being postponed in the event of an adverse shock.</p>
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<p>In return for these assurance, Greece’s government will have to continue with strict budgetary discipline beyond the end of its bailout program, including running a budget surplus after debt and interest payments of 3.5 percent of GDP through 2022 and then around 2 percent until 2060.</p>
<p>While conceding that Greece didn’t get everything it wanted, Tsakalotos said the country could now turn the page on its bailout era.</p>
<p>“We recognize that we did not want the perfect to be the enemy of the good,” he said. “And we also recognize that all sides have tried to give and compromise to some extent.”</p>
<p>Under the terms of its 2015 bailout, Greece’s European creditors had promised to provide cash and find a way to lighten the country’s long-term debt load — as long as the government kept a lid on spending and deeply reformed the Greek economy.</p>
<p>Despite years of austerity since Greece was first bailed out in 2010, the country’s debt burden still stands at about 320 billion euros, or around 180 percent of Greece’s annual gross domestic product. That’s largely because the Greek economy has contracted around 25 percent, meaning a worsening in the debt load even as the government’s budget improved markedly.</p>
<p>An outright cut in Greece’s debt is not allowed under euro rules, but the length of time the country has in paying back its debts can be extended, and the interest rates on those debts can be cut.</p>
<p>For Greece, Thursday’s agreement should limit the amount it has to pay out in debt servicing each year, freeing up money it can use to help the Greek economy and society. More comprehensive details should emerge in the coming months.</p>
<p>One of the reasons why Greece’s bailout program stalled over the past few months was a disagreement on debt relief between the eurozone and the IMF, which contributed financially to Greece’s first two bailouts but not the third. Before deciding whether to participate in the latest deal, the IMF has wanted more information about what debt relief Greece may get, to see if the debt burden will be sustainable in the long run.</p>
<p>Thursday’s compromise shows the disagreement has yet to be fully bridged.</p>
<p>However, Christine Lagarde, the IMF’s managing director, said enough progress was made at Thursday’s meeting for her to go to the IMF executive board in Washington to get the stand-by facility of less than $2 billion.</p>
<p>“I think there is a very strong focus on growth and that’s a strong change of attitude and tone,” she said.</p>
<p>For austerity-weary Greeks, the latest deal is unlikely to mean much change any time soon.</p>
<p>On Thursday, more than 2,000 older Greeks marched through Athens to demonstrate against cuts to monthly pensions.</p>
<p>“We can’t live on 300 euros!” they chanted, with some waving sticks.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press writer Ioanna Spanou in Athens contributed to this report.</p>
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luxembourg greece avoided another potential brush bankruptcy striking deal thursday european creditors tide rest year gained assurances repayment burden eased finally stand nearly decade financial life support months haggling raised fears another escalation greeces near 8year debt crisis 19country eurozone cleared release 85 billion euros 95 billion greek government delivered array reforms getting money becoming increasingly urgent greece big repayment hump next month perhaps importantly longerterm socalled eurogroup made clear ready ease burden greeces debt repayments conclusion current bailout program next year international monetary fund may also get involved financially limited basis 2 billion advertisement overall think major step forward said jeroen dijsselbloem eurozones top official going last year financial support program greece prepare exit strategy going forward enable greece stand feet course next year singled greek people intense efforts resolve past years countrys bailout era successive governments enact drastic spending cuts tax increases return money needed avoid bankruptcy possible exit euro currency leftled greek government lost lot support since signing countrys third bailout even campaigning austerity hopes thursdays deal help get position tap international bond markets lost faith 2010 forced greece rely rescue money feel eurogroup agreement much greater clarity greek people financial markets greek finance minister euclid tsakalotos said light end tunnel said office prime minister alexis tsipras said statement decision sends markets positive message main point todays decision first time clear eurogroup commitment support greeces market access successful completion program creation significant liquidity reserve back countrys market access said among measures offered greece possible 15year extension debt interest payments due european creditors also following recommendation new french government president emmanuel macron possibility raised linking greek repayments growth could mean debt repayments postponed event adverse shock advertisement return assurance greeces government continue strict budgetary discipline beyond end bailout program including running budget surplus debt interest payments 35 percent gdp 2022 around 2 percent 2060 conceding greece didnt get everything wanted tsakalotos said country could turn page bailout era recognize want perfect enemy good said also recognize sides tried give compromise extent terms 2015 bailout greeces european creditors promised provide cash find way lighten countrys longterm debt load long government kept lid spending deeply reformed greek economy despite years austerity since greece first bailed 2010 countrys debt burden still stands 320 billion euros around 180 percent greeces annual gross domestic product thats largely greek economy contracted around 25 percent meaning worsening debt load even governments budget improved markedly outright cut greeces debt allowed euro rules length time country paying back debts extended interest rates debts cut greece thursdays agreement limit amount pay debt servicing year freeing money use help greek economy society comprehensive details emerge coming months one reasons greeces bailout program stalled past months disagreement debt relief eurozone imf contributed financially greeces first two bailouts third deciding whether participate latest deal imf wanted information debt relief greece may get see debt burden sustainable long run thursdays compromise shows disagreement yet fully bridged however christine lagarde imfs managing director said enough progress made thursdays meeting go imf executive board washington get standby facility less 2 billion think strong focus growth thats strong change attitude tone said austerityweary greeks latest deal unlikely mean much change time soon thursday 2000 older greeks marched athens demonstrate cuts monthly pensions cant live 300 euros chanted waving sticks ___ associated press writer ioanna spanou athens contributed report
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<p>The Alaska Senate candidates exaggerate the impact of a $500 million settlement that Republican Dan Sullivan reached as state attorney general in 2010.</p>
<p>The Alaska Retirement Management Board sued its actuarial firm in December 2007 for&#160;erroneous calculations that the board claimed caused the state to underfund its pension system by $2.8 billion. The state sought $2.8 billion in damages and settled in June 2010 for $500 million.</p>
<p>Sullivan and his Democratic opponent, Sen. Mark Begich, have put a misleading spin on the settlement in recent TV ads:</p>
<p>The Alaska Senate race — one of several <a href="http://cookpolitical.com/senate/charts/race-ratings" type="external">highly competitive elections</a> that <a href="http://fivethirtyeight.com/datalab/six-consistently-close-races-will-probably-decide-control-of-the-senate/" type="external">could decide control of the Senate</a> — has focused of late on Sullivan’s record as attorney general. Earlier this month, <a href="" type="internal">we wrote about a Begich TV ad</a> that claimed Sullivan let a sex offender now accused of murder get off with a “light” sentence. The ad, which was pulled because of complaints by the victims’ families, exaggerated Sullivan’s role in mistakes that were made that resulted in a shorter sentence than could have been handed down.</p>
<p>Standing up for Teachers?</p>
<p>This time it’s Sullivan who made an issue of his experience as attorney general when he aired a TV ad&#160;called “Alaska’s Teachers.” The ad, which aired from Sept. 4 to Sept. 13, features Anchorage teacher Leslie Moore, who leaves the false impression that the Teachers’ Retirement System was victimized by a “Wall Street firm” during the recent financial crisis.</p>
<p>&lt;iframe style="width: 500px; height:300px;" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen src="https://video.factcheck.org/play/28c8133e081"&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;</p>
<p>“After the financial crisis, my pension took a big hit. It was a difficult time for all of Alaska’s teachers,” Moore says. “But Attorney General Dan Sullivan fought back, forcing a Wall Street firm to pay for their malpractice – returning almost half a billion dollars into the retirement fund for Alaskans. Dan Sullivan stood up for me and every Alaska teacher.”</p>
<p>The fact is that the lawsuit had nothing to do with the recent financial crisis, and the teachers’ fund got far less from the $500 million settlement than suggested by the ad.</p>
<p>Here are the facts: The Alaska Retirement Management Board filed a negligence suit in <a href="http://www.abcmoney.co.uk/news/072007178628.htm" type="external">December 2007</a> against Mercer — <a href="http://www.mercer.com/about-us.html" type="external">a subsidiary of Marsh &amp; McLennan Companies</a> — for $1.8 billion in damages. (The damages amount was later increased to $2.8 billion.) Mercer was the state’s longtime actuarial firm for both the Teachers’ Retirement System and the Public Employees Retirement System and, as such, was responsible for determining assets and liabilities and calculating the state obligation to adequately fund the pension accounts.</p>
<p>The lawsuit, as the New York Times explained in a <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/20/business/20gret.html?pagewanted=all" type="external">2009 story</a>, accused Mercer of making&#160;errors in the 2002 report, understating the pension fund liabilities by as much as $1 billion.</p>
<p>New York Times, Dec. 19, 2009: The error was compounded in 2003 because Mercer continued to use an artificially low number for pre-retirement-aged beneficiaries. If the firm had corrected the earlier mistake, an actuary said in a deposition, “It would have been difficult to explain.”</p>
<p>Because of the errors and cover-up, the lawsuit said, Mercer underreported by more than $2.8 billion the contributions required to fund the plans.</p>
<p>So, the alleged mistakes were made in 2002 and 2003 — at least five years before the financial crisis caused steep stock market losses that are still fresh in voters’ minds. Stock prices fell 50 percent from October 2007 to March 2009, <a href="http://www.frbatlanta.org/cenfis/pubscf/stock_prices_infinancial_crisis.cfm" type="external">according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta</a>.</p>
<p>Sullivan, who was <a href="http://www.adn.com/article/20090616/palin-names-sullivan-attorney-general" type="external">nominated attorney general in June 2009</a>, settled the suit on <a href="http://www.law.state.ak.us/pdf/press/061110-Settlement.pdf" type="external">June 11, 2010, for $500 million,</a> as the ad states, <a href="http://www.arlis.org/docs/vol1/C/160072817/160072817-2009.pdf" type="external">about a month before the trial was supposed to start</a>. Despite the impression left by the ad, the teachers’ fund got a relatively small percentage of the $500 million.</p>
<p>After court costs and legal fees, the pension funds received <a href="http://www.law.state.ak.us/press/releases/2010/061110-retirement.html" type="external">$403 million</a>. Most of that money — <a href="http://doa.alaska.gov/drb/pdf/newsltrs/newsbreak/2011/PERS101_Feb2011.pdf" type="external">$359 million</a> — went to the Public Employees Retirement System. The teachers’ fund received only <a href="http://doa.alaska.gov/drb/pdf/newsltrs/newsbreak/2011/TRS102_March2011.pdf" type="external">$44 million</a>.</p>
<p>Response Ads</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">The NEA Advocacy Fund</a>, which is the super PAC of the National Education Association, and the Begich campaign responded to Sullivan’s ad with ads of their own.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/news/crime/article/Union-reps-assail-settlement-touted-by-Sullivan-5746396.php" type="external">NEA fund went up with an ad on Sept. 10</a> that expressed the opinion that Sullivan “sold Alaska’s teachers out.” The ad, which is still on the air, says, “Instead of recovering what could have been nearly $3 billion, he cut a deal for just pennies on the dollar.” The text on the screen shows “20 cents on the dollar.”</p>
<p>Whether the deal was good or bad for the state’s retirement funds is a matter of opinion, so we won’t take a position on that. However, the Begich campaign goes too far in its ad, which also accuses Sullivan of cutting a bad deal.</p>
<p>The Begich ad, called “Reprise,” deals largely with the differences between Begich and President Obama. But at one point in the ad, the narrator says Sullivan “let Alaska’s pension fund get ripped off by a New York financial firm, putting the permanent fund at risk.”</p>
<p>&lt;iframe style="width: 500px; height:300px;" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen src="https://video.factcheck.org/play/a4ab1fc34f0"&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;</p>
<p>We should first note that “ <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rip-off" type="external">ripped off</a>” implies that Mercer stole money from the fund. That was not the case.</p>
<p>But, more to the point, the ad suggests that all residents — not just teachers and public employees — may have to pay for Sullivan’s settlement when it claims that his decision to settle is “putting the permanent fund at risk.” That’s an exaggeration.</p>
<p>Gov. Sean Parnell in June <a href="http://www.ktoo.org/2014/06/23/gov-parnell-signs-3-billion-perstrs-infusion-bill/" type="external">signed legislation</a> that transferred $3 billion from the state’s rainy day fund, known as the <a href="http://treasury.dor.alaska.gov/Investments/ConstitutionalBudgetReserve.aspx" type="external">Constitution Budget Reserve</a>, into the state’s pension funds. In signing the legislation, Parnell said the infusion of cash will allow the state to reduce future annual pension payments and help preserve the state’s AAA bond rating. Fitch Rating indeed <a href="http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20140811005638/en/Fitch-Rates-Alaskas-31MM-COPS-AA-Affirms#.VBtL4hZAc1I" type="external">affirmed the state’s AAA rating</a> for its general obligation bonds on Aug. 11.</p>
<p>Parnell notably did not tap the Alaska Permanent Fund. And there was no legislation proposing to take money from the permanent fund to cover pension costs, according to <a href="http://www.apfc.org/home/Content/aboutAPFC/directorComms.cfm" type="external">Laura Achee</a>, the director of communications for the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation. Why? The permanent fund, which is funded with lease agreements and royalties received from production of oil, gas and other minerals,&#160; <a href="http://www.adn.com/article/20140917/years-permanent-fund-dividend-check-1884" type="external">will pay a dividend of $1,844</a> this year to every Alaska resident who <a href="http://pfd.alaska.gov/Eligibility/EligibilityRequirements" type="external">lived in the state all of last year</a>. It would be politically unpopular to divert money from the permanent fund and reduce future dividends.</p>
<p>Yes, it’s legally possible that the permanent fund can be used this way, and some have suggested that it may need to happen in the future. The Begich campaign points to some speculative statements — <a href="http://www.adn.com/article/20140418/alaska-lawmakers-debate-how-stuff-sock-yawning-pension-shortfall" type="external">including one from Republican Rep. Bill Stoltze,</a> who in April said the state would have no choice but to use the permanent fund if it was the only available funding, since the state is constitutionally obligated to meet its pension payments. But such speculation has existed for years.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_single_minute.asp?house=H&amp;session=24&amp;comm=W!M&amp;date=20051207&amp;time=1330" type="external">At a legislative hearing in 2005</a>,&#160;Larry Semmens, the then-finance director for the city of Kenai, suggested using the permanent fund to reduce the state’s unfunded pension liabilities. The meeting minutes paraphrased him as saying, “There will be little public support to use the permanent fund to pay down the debt but it may make sense in this case.” It didn’t happen.</p>
<p>In 1999, then-Gov. Tony Knowles proposed using the permanent fund to close a budget gap. Although he didn’t need it, Knowles sought voter approval in a nonbinding referendum, because, as&#160; <a href="http://newspaperarchive.com/us/alaska/sitka/daily-sitka-sentinel/1999/01-21/" type="external">the Associated Press wrote</a>, “touching the permanent fund is widely considered political suicide.” A whopping <a href="http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1999-09-16/news/9909160167_1_alaska-permanent-fund-oil-royalty-annual-dividend" type="external">83 percent voted against using the permanent fund to balance the budget</a>. A post-election poll showed that half of the voters “would never agree to use the Permanent Fund money for government,” <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=ERrGAAAAQBAJ&amp;pg=PA101&amp;lpg=PA101&amp;dq=%22After+paying+annual+dividends+to+residents+and+inflation-proofing+the+permanent+fund,+should+a+portion+of+permanent+fund+investment+earnings+be+used+to+help+balance+the+state+budget?%22&amp;source=bl&amp;ots=SHsZNpoMGb&amp;sig=PXBywJaw3vu9lxSDbBldmJ3wTvE&amp;hl=en&amp;sa=X&amp;ei=aEEcVIrvNPPGsQSzgYLoDQ&amp;ved=0CCYQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&amp;q=%22After%20paying%20annual%20dividends%20to%20residents%20and%20inflation-proofing%20the%20permanent%20fund%2C%20should%20a%20portion%20of%20permanent%20fund%20investment%20earnings%20be%20used%20to%20help%20balance%20the%20state%20budget%3F%22&amp;f=false" type="external">according to a 2012 book</a> titled “ <a href="http://www.palgrave.com/page/detail/?k=9780230112070" type="external">Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend: Examining its Suitability as a Model</a>.”</p>
<p>Achee told us it is still considered “the third rail of Alaska politics” to use the fund for anything other than dividends or expenses related to the fund’s management.</p>
<p>Although the fund ended fiscal year 2014 with <a href="http://www.apfc.org/home/Content/pressroom/pressStory2009.cfm?story=Permanent%20Fund%20returns%2015.5%20percent%20for%20FY14&amp;s=1&amp;i=580" type="external">a balance of $51.2 billion,</a>Achee said only $6.2 billion of that was available to state legislators after paying the 2014 dividend and accounting for the effect of inflation on the fund’s principal ( <a href="http://www.apfc.org/_amiReportsArchive/201407Proj.pdf" type="external">see “end assigned balance” for fiscal year 2014</a>). But, she said, “it could be potentially career-ending for an elected official to vote to spend from the earnings of the permanent fund.”</p>
<p>The 2012 book on the permanent fund noted that the state spent $210 million from the APF in fiscal year 2010 to cover expenses related to the fund that were once covered by the general budget — such as Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation’s operating costs, contract investment managers and investment management fees. The fund is also used to help pay for inmates’ health care “based on the number of inmates ineligible to receive a Permanent Fund dividend,” <a href="http://www.legfin.akleg.gov/BudgetReports/LY2014/Operating/HouseSubNumbers/DOC-Narrative.pdf" type="external">according to a House Finance Committee budget document</a>. Inmates are <a href="http://pfd.alaska.gov/Eligibility/EligibilityRequirements" type="external">not eligible</a> for a dividend.</p>
<p>If the $210 million had been paid with general funds, instead of permanent funds, the individual dividend for 2010 “would have increased by $316 (by 25 percent), to $1,597,” the book said.</p>
<p>Even if the fund is tapped for pension costs in the future, Sullivan’s settlement wouldn’t be the sole or even primary reason for such a “raid,” as <a href="http://www.markbegich.com/news/2014/dan-sullivans-lawsuit-numbers/" type="external">the Begich campaign calls it.</a></p>
<p>The ad cites <a href="http://www.adn.com/article/20140418/alaska-lawmakers-debate-how-stuff-sock-yawning-pension-shortfall" type="external">an Alaska Dispatch News article from April 18, 2014,</a> as evidence that Sullivan’s settlement is “putting the permanent fund at risk.” That’s the article that included a quote from Stoltze, the GOP state legislator, speculating about the permanent fund. At the time, the state’s unfunded pension liability was about $12 billion — far more than the $2.3 billion difference between the lawsuit and the settlement — and the Legislature was considering Parnell’s $3 billion cash infusion plan. The article blamed the $12 billion in unfunded liabilities on legislative inaction — not on the $500 million settlement. “Alaska leaders have not dealt with the state’s growing retirement debts, making minimum payments in years of oil-fueled surplus so they could have more money available for more popular programs,” the article said.</p>
<p>There was also the matter of the stock market collapse in 2008 — six years after the actuarial errors were made. In a segment last year on Parnell’s $3 billion pension rescue plan, <a href="http://www.alaskapublic.org/2013/11/04/state-wrestles-with-12-billion-pension-shortfall/" type="external">Alaska Public Radio</a> noted that “the retirement burden really grew in 2008, when the state lost a fifth of the money it had saved because of the recession.”</p>
<p>In announcing the settlement, Sullivan also said the unfunded liabilities were not caused just by the funds’ actuarial firm. “The unfunded liabilities were caused by stock market declines, significant increases in health care costs and, as alleged by the ARM Board, Mercer’s negligence,” the <a href="http://www.law.state.ak.us/press/releases/2010/061110-retirement.html" type="external">June 11, 2010, press release said</a>.</p>
<p>We take no position on Sullivan’s decision to settle the case before it went to trial. There is no way to know if the state could have done better if the case went to trial, or whether Sullivan could have negotiated a better deal.</p>
<p>But the facts show the ads by both candidates exaggerate the impact of the $500 million settlement on the lives of teachers and all Alaskans.</p>
<p>— Eugene Kiely</p>
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alaska senate candidates exaggerate impact 500 million settlement republican dan sullivan reached state attorney general 2010 alaska retirement management board sued actuarial firm december 2007 for160erroneous calculations board claimed caused state underfund pension system 28 billion state sought 28 billion damages settled june 2010 500 million sullivan democratic opponent sen mark begich put misleading spin settlement recent tv ads alaska senate race one several highly competitive elections could decide control senate focused late sullivans record attorney general earlier month wrote begich tv ad claimed sullivan let sex offender accused murder get light sentence ad pulled complaints victims families exaggerated sullivans role mistakes made resulted shorter sentence could handed standing teachers time sullivan made issue experience attorney general aired tv ad160called alaskas teachers ad aired sept 4 sept 13 features anchorage teacher leslie moore leaves false impression teachers retirement system victimized wall street firm recent financial crisis ltiframe stylewidth 500px height300px frameborder0 allowfullscreen srchttpsvideofactcheckorgplay28c8133e081gtltiframegt financial crisis pension took big hit difficult time alaskas teachers moore says attorney general dan sullivan fought back forcing wall street firm pay malpractice returning almost half billion dollars retirement fund alaskans dan sullivan stood every alaska teacher fact lawsuit nothing recent financial crisis teachers fund got far less 500 million settlement suggested ad facts alaska retirement management board filed negligence suit december 2007 mercer subsidiary marsh amp mclennan companies 18 billion damages damages amount later increased 28 billion mercer states longtime actuarial firm teachers retirement system public employees retirement system responsible determining assets liabilities calculating state obligation adequately fund pension accounts lawsuit new york times explained 2009 story accused mercer making160errors 2002 report understating pension fund liabilities much 1 billion new york times dec 19 2009 error compounded 2003 mercer continued use artificially low number preretirementaged beneficiaries firm corrected earlier mistake actuary said deposition would difficult explain errors coverup lawsuit said mercer underreported 28 billion contributions required fund plans alleged mistakes made 2002 2003 least five years financial crisis caused steep stock market losses still fresh voters minds stock prices fell 50 percent october 2007 march 2009 according federal reserve bank atlanta sullivan nominated attorney general june 2009 settled suit june 11 2010 500 million ad states month trial supposed start despite impression left ad teachers fund got relatively small percentage 500 million court costs legal fees pension funds received 403 million money 359 million went public employees retirement system teachers fund received 44 million response ads nea advocacy fund super pac national education association begich campaign responded sullivans ad ads nea fund went ad sept 10 expressed opinion sullivan sold alaskas teachers ad still air says instead recovering could nearly 3 billion cut deal pennies dollar text screen shows 20 cents dollar whether deal good bad states retirement funds matter opinion wont take position however begich campaign goes far ad also accuses sullivan cutting bad deal begich ad called reprise deals largely differences begich president obama one point ad narrator says sullivan let alaskas pension fund get ripped new york financial firm putting permanent fund risk ltiframe stylewidth 500px height300px frameborder0 allowfullscreen srchttpsvideofactcheckorgplaya4ab1fc34f0gtltiframegt first note ripped implies mercer stole money fund case point ad suggests residents teachers public employees may pay sullivans settlement claims decision settle putting permanent fund risk thats exaggeration gov sean parnell june signed legislation transferred 3 billion states rainy day fund known constitution budget reserve states pension funds signing legislation parnell said infusion cash allow state reduce future annual pension payments help preserve states aaa bond rating fitch rating indeed affirmed states aaa rating general obligation bonds aug 11 parnell notably tap alaska permanent fund legislation proposing take money permanent fund cover pension costs according laura achee director communications alaska permanent fund corporation permanent fund funded lease agreements royalties received production oil gas minerals160 pay dividend 1844 year every alaska resident lived state last year would politically unpopular divert money permanent fund reduce future dividends yes legally possible permanent fund used way suggested may need happen future begich campaign points speculative statements including one republican rep bill stoltze april said state would choice use permanent fund available funding since state constitutionally obligated meet pension payments speculation existed years legislative hearing 2005160larry semmens thenfinance director city kenai suggested using permanent fund reduce states unfunded pension liabilities meeting minutes paraphrased saying little public support use permanent fund pay debt may make sense case didnt happen 1999 thengov tony knowles proposed using permanent fund close budget gap although didnt need knowles sought voter approval nonbinding referendum as160 associated press wrote touching permanent fund widely considered political suicide whopping 83 percent voted using permanent fund balance budget postelection poll showed half voters would never agree use permanent fund money government according 2012 book titled alaskas permanent fund dividend examining suitability model achee told us still considered third rail alaska politics use fund anything dividends expenses related funds management although fund ended fiscal year 2014 balance 512 billionachee said 62 billion available state legislators paying 2014 dividend accounting effect inflation funds principal see end assigned balance fiscal year 2014 said could potentially careerending elected official vote spend earnings permanent fund 2012 book permanent fund noted state spent 210 million apf fiscal year 2010 cover expenses related fund covered general budget alaska permanent fund corporations operating costs contract investment managers investment management fees fund also used help pay inmates health care based number inmates ineligible receive permanent fund dividend according house finance committee budget document inmates eligible dividend 210 million paid general funds instead permanent funds individual dividend 2010 would increased 316 25 percent 1597 book said even fund tapped pension costs future sullivans settlement wouldnt sole even primary reason raid begich campaign calls ad cites alaska dispatch news article april 18 2014 evidence sullivans settlement putting permanent fund risk thats article included quote stoltze gop state legislator speculating permanent fund time states unfunded pension liability 12 billion far 23 billion difference lawsuit settlement legislature considering parnells 3 billion cash infusion plan article blamed 12 billion unfunded liabilities legislative inaction 500 million settlement alaska leaders dealt states growing retirement debts making minimum payments years oilfueled surplus could money available popular programs article said also matter stock market collapse 2008 six years actuarial errors made segment last year parnells 3 billion pension rescue plan alaska public radio noted retirement burden really grew 2008 state lost fifth money saved recession announcing settlement sullivan also said unfunded liabilities caused funds actuarial firm unfunded liabilities caused stock market declines significant increases health care costs alleged arm board mercers negligence june 11 2010 press release said take position sullivans decision settle case went trial way know state could done better case went trial whether sullivan could negotiated better deal facts show ads candidates exaggerate impact 500 million settlement lives teachers alaskans eugene kiely
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<p>COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio's prison system must produce records about lethal drugs it wants shielded from public view for justices on the state Supreme Court to review privately as part of an open records dispute, the court ruled.</p>
<p>At issue is a lawyer's request for multiple records about Ohio's lethal injection drugs, including who made them and when they expire, and whether a state secrecy law prohibits that information from release.</p>
<p>The high court ordered the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction on Dec. 29 to provide the records for justices to review within 10 days.</p>
<p>Among other disputed documents are correspondence related to Ohio's efforts to obtain those drugs, and correspondence from the prison system to or from any manufacturers.</p>
<p>The open records complaint was brought on behalf of Elizabeth Ochs, a Denver lawyer whose firm, Hogan Lovells, previously represented a Virginia death row inmate challenging the constitutionality of that state's lethal drugs. Killer Ricky Gray was executed in January 2017 for killing a family in 2006.</p>
<p>Drug companies providing lethal drugs to Ohio must apply to the state to receive confidentiality under the secrecy law, but Ohio hasn't provided any evidence it received such a request from any drugmaker, Cincinnati attorney John Greiner, representing Ochs, said in a court filing last year.</p>
<p>In a twist, two drugmakers have joined the lawsuit to urge the records' release. Both produce the kind of drugs used by Ohio to put inmates to death.</p>
<p>Illinois-based Fresenius Kabi USA makes midazolam, rocuronium bromide and potassium chloride. New Jersey-based Sandoz Inc. produces rocuronium bromide. Both companies oppose the use of their drugs in executions. It's unknown if the companies' products are among the supplies of drugs Ohio has obtained.</p>
<p>Because the companies have not asked for confidentiality, the records should be produced, an attorney for both firms argued in a July 10 filing with the state Supreme Court.</p>
<p>"Any refusal by the state to disclose the manufacturers of its lethal injection drugs directly undermines the manufacturers' interests, impeding their ability to preserve the integrity of their contracts," the companies said.</p>
<p>The state argues it provided the lethal injection records sought by Ochs more than a year ago and explained the parts of Ohio law that allowed some records to be shielded.</p>
<p>As a result, the request for documents is moot, according to Charles Wille, an assistant Ohio attorney general representing the prisons department.</p>
<p>Ohio's next execution is Feb. 13, when the state plans to put to death Raymond Tibbetts for fatally stabbing a man in Cincinnati in 1997.</p>
<p>Records obtained by The Associated Press last year show Ohio has been able to replenish part of its lethal drug supply in recent months, and could carry out nearly 20 additional executions under certain conditions.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Andrew Welsh-Huggins can be reached on Twitter at https://twitter.com/awhcolumbus.</p>
<p>COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio's prison system must produce records about lethal drugs it wants shielded from public view for justices on the state Supreme Court to review privately as part of an open records dispute, the court ruled.</p>
<p>At issue is a lawyer's request for multiple records about Ohio's lethal injection drugs, including who made them and when they expire, and whether a state secrecy law prohibits that information from release.</p>
<p>The high court ordered the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction on Dec. 29 to provide the records for justices to review within 10 days.</p>
<p>Among other disputed documents are correspondence related to Ohio's efforts to obtain those drugs, and correspondence from the prison system to or from any manufacturers.</p>
<p>The open records complaint was brought on behalf of Elizabeth Ochs, a Denver lawyer whose firm, Hogan Lovells, previously represented a Virginia death row inmate challenging the constitutionality of that state's lethal drugs. Killer Ricky Gray was executed in January 2017 for killing a family in 2006.</p>
<p>Drug companies providing lethal drugs to Ohio must apply to the state to receive confidentiality under the secrecy law, but Ohio hasn't provided any evidence it received such a request from any drugmaker, Cincinnati attorney John Greiner, representing Ochs, said in a court filing last year.</p>
<p>In a twist, two drugmakers have joined the lawsuit to urge the records' release. Both produce the kind of drugs used by Ohio to put inmates to death.</p>
<p>Illinois-based Fresenius Kabi USA makes midazolam, rocuronium bromide and potassium chloride. New Jersey-based Sandoz Inc. produces rocuronium bromide. Both companies oppose the use of their drugs in executions. It's unknown if the companies' products are among the supplies of drugs Ohio has obtained.</p>
<p>Because the companies have not asked for confidentiality, the records should be produced, an attorney for both firms argued in a July 10 filing with the state Supreme Court.</p>
<p>"Any refusal by the state to disclose the manufacturers of its lethal injection drugs directly undermines the manufacturers' interests, impeding their ability to preserve the integrity of their contracts," the companies said.</p>
<p>The state argues it provided the lethal injection records sought by Ochs more than a year ago and explained the parts of Ohio law that allowed some records to be shielded.</p>
<p>As a result, the request for documents is moot, according to Charles Wille, an assistant Ohio attorney general representing the prisons department.</p>
<p>Ohio's next execution is Feb. 13, when the state plans to put to death Raymond Tibbetts for fatally stabbing a man in Cincinnati in 1997.</p>
<p>Records obtained by The Associated Press last year show Ohio has been able to replenish part of its lethal drug supply in recent months, and could carry out nearly 20 additional executions under certain conditions.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Andrew Welsh-Huggins can be reached on Twitter at https://twitter.com/awhcolumbus.</p>
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columbus ohio ap ohios prison system must produce records lethal drugs wants shielded public view justices state supreme court review privately part open records dispute court ruled issue lawyers request multiple records ohios lethal injection drugs including made expire whether state secrecy law prohibits information release high court ordered department rehabilitation correction dec 29 provide records justices review within 10 days among disputed documents correspondence related ohios efforts obtain drugs correspondence prison system manufacturers open records complaint brought behalf elizabeth ochs denver lawyer whose firm hogan lovells previously represented virginia death row inmate challenging constitutionality states lethal drugs killer ricky gray executed january 2017 killing family 2006 drug companies providing lethal drugs ohio must apply state receive confidentiality secrecy law ohio hasnt provided evidence received request drugmaker cincinnati attorney john greiner representing ochs said court filing last year twist two drugmakers joined lawsuit urge records release produce kind drugs used ohio put inmates death illinoisbased fresenius kabi usa makes midazolam rocuronium bromide potassium chloride new jerseybased sandoz inc produces rocuronium bromide companies oppose use drugs executions unknown companies products among supplies drugs ohio obtained companies asked confidentiality records produced attorney firms argued july 10 filing state supreme court refusal state disclose manufacturers lethal injection drugs directly undermines manufacturers interests impeding ability preserve integrity contracts companies said state argues provided lethal injection records sought ochs year ago explained parts ohio law allowed records shielded result request documents moot according charles wille assistant ohio attorney general representing prisons department ohios next execution feb 13 state plans put death raymond tibbetts fatally stabbing man cincinnati 1997 records obtained associated press last year show ohio able replenish part lethal drug supply recent months could carry nearly 20 additional executions certain conditions ___ andrew welshhuggins reached twitter httpstwittercomawhcolumbus columbus ohio ap ohios prison system must produce records lethal drugs wants shielded public view justices state supreme court review privately part open records dispute court ruled issue lawyers request multiple records ohios lethal injection drugs including made expire whether state secrecy law prohibits information release high court ordered department rehabilitation correction dec 29 provide records justices review within 10 days among disputed documents correspondence related ohios efforts obtain drugs correspondence prison system manufacturers open records complaint brought behalf elizabeth ochs denver lawyer whose firm hogan lovells previously represented virginia death row inmate challenging constitutionality states lethal drugs killer ricky gray executed january 2017 killing family 2006 drug companies providing lethal drugs ohio must apply state receive confidentiality secrecy law ohio hasnt provided evidence received request drugmaker cincinnati attorney john greiner representing ochs said court filing last year twist two drugmakers joined lawsuit urge records release produce kind drugs used ohio put inmates death illinoisbased fresenius kabi usa makes midazolam rocuronium bromide potassium chloride new jerseybased sandoz inc produces rocuronium bromide companies oppose use drugs executions unknown companies products among supplies drugs ohio obtained companies asked confidentiality records produced attorney firms argued july 10 filing state supreme court refusal state disclose manufacturers lethal injection drugs directly undermines manufacturers interests impeding ability preserve integrity contracts companies said state argues provided lethal injection records sought ochs year ago explained parts ohio law allowed records shielded result request documents moot according charles wille assistant ohio attorney general representing prisons department ohios next execution feb 13 state plans put death raymond tibbetts fatally stabbing man cincinnati 1997 records obtained associated press last year show ohio able replenish part lethal drug supply recent months could carry nearly 20 additional executions certain conditions ___ andrew welshhuggins reached twitter httpstwittercomawhcolumbus
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<p>New Mexico Lobos Softball – @ 2013 Husky Softball Classic (hosted by Washington); March 8-10 – Seattle, Wash.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.gohuskies.com/sports/w-softbl/sched/wash-w-softbl-sched.html" type="external">Washington Softball Schedule (full tourney schedule &amp; links to GameTracker)</a></p>
<p>Friday, March 8:&#160;Lobos 7, Bradley 1 | Lobos 2, Seattle 0 Saturday, March 9:&#160;Lobos @ No. 19/16 Washington, 8 p.m. MT Sunday, March 10:&#160;Lobos vs. Yale, 11 a.m. MT Looking ahead:&#160;Lobos @ Oregon on March 13, 3 p.m. MT (DH) | Lobos @ Oregon State on March 14, 1 p.m. MT (DH) GoLobos.com:Box scores and recaps</p>
<p>SEATTLE — The University of New Mexico softball team improved to 13-12 overall on Friday with wins over Bradley and Seattle in the opening day of the Husky Classic hosted by No. 19/16 Washington.The Lobos face the nationally-ranked Huskies on Saturday evening at 8 p.m. MT.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Senior&#160; <a href="http://www.golobos.com/sports/w-softbl/mtt/sheryl_guillermo_467385.html" type="external">Sheryl Guillermo</a>&#160;led the Lobos on offense against the Bradley Braves as she went 2-for-2 and scored one run. Junior&#160; <a href="http://www.golobos.com/sports/w-softbl/mtt/chelsea_anaya_731756.html" type="external">Chelsea Anaya</a>&#160;and freshman&#160; <a href="http://www.golobos.com/sports/w-softbl/mtt/naomi_tellez_808097.html" type="external">Naomi Tellez</a>both went 1-for-4 and drove in two runs apiece. Tellez’s two RBIs came in the bottom of the first inning when she homered to right field.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.golobos.com/sports/w-softbl/mtt/kaela_debroeck_467383.html" type="external">Kaela DeBroeck</a>threw all seven innings and improved to 2-1. In 30 batters faced, the senior allowed six hits and one earned run while walking two and striking out five.</p>
<p>Freshman&#160; <a href="http://www.golobos.com/sports/w-softbl/mtt/lauren_soles_818230.html" type="external">Lauren Soles</a>got the start and the win against Seattle, throwing five innings and allowing just one hit while striking out a career-high nine batters. Her previous career high was seven batters in seven innings in the Lobos’ 3-1 win over Bradley at home on Feb. 16.</p>
<p>Soles had a no-hitter going through four innings. The Redhawks’ Jenny Hurst hit a single in the top of the fifth to thwart a no-no for the Lobos’ lefty.</p>
<p>Soles improves to 6-4.</p>
<p>Sophomore&#160; <a href="http://www.golobos.com/sports/w-softbl/mtt/carrie_sheehan_763092.html" type="external">Carrie Sheehan</a>came in to throw the final two frames and picks up her first save of the season (third of her career). She faced 10 batters and allowed two hits and walked two.</p>
<p>Offensively,&#160; <a href="http://www.golobos.com/sports/w-softbl/mtt/mariah_rimmer_808918.html" type="external">Mariah Rimmer</a>&#160;led the Lobos as the freshman went 3-for-4 and drove in one run.&#160; <a href="http://www.golobos.com/sports/w-softbl/mtt/kaity_ingram_731754.html" type="external">Kaity Ingram</a>,&#160; <a href="http://www.golobos.com/sports/w-softbl/mtt/chelsea_anaya_731756.html" type="external">Chelsea Anaya</a>,&#160; <a href="http://www.golobos.com/sports/w-softbl/mtt/sheryl_guillermo_467385.html" type="external">Sheryl Guillermo</a>&#160;and&#160; <a href="http://www.golobos.com/sports/w-softbl/mtt/mia_hignojos_763099.html" type="external">Mia Hignojos</a>had one hit apiece.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Lobos 7, Bradley 1</p>
<p>UNM snapped a three-game losing skid with a 7-1 victory over Bradley. The Lobos put runners on base in every inning and put up three runs in the bottom of the first and another three in the bottom of the second to take an early 6-0 lead.</p>
<p>A triple to right center by&#160; <a href="http://www.golobos.com/sports/w-softbl/mtt/chelsea_anaya_731756.html" type="external">Chelsea Anaya</a>&#160;in the first inning drove in the first run of the game as&#160; <a href="http://www.golobos.com/sports/w-softbl/mtt/kaity_ingram_731754.html" type="external">Kaity Ingram</a>&#160;had reached on a walk. Freshman&#160; <a href="http://www.golobos.com/sports/w-softbl/mtt/naomi_tellez_808097.html" type="external">Naomi Tellez</a>one-upped Anaya with a homer to right field, which brought around the other two runs of the inning.</p>
<p>The Lobos loaded the bases in the bottom of the second inning with a single to the short stop by&#160; <a href="http://www.golobos.com/sports/w-softbl/mtt/sheryl_guillermo_467385.html" type="external">Sheryl Guillermo</a>, who advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by&#160; <a href="http://www.golobos.com/sports/w-softbl/mtt/mia_hignojos_763099.html" type="external">Mia Hignojos</a>, and consecutive walks by Rimmer and&#160; <a href="http://www.golobos.com/sports/w-softbl/mtt/jordan_sjostrand_790553.html" type="external">Jordan Sjostrand</a>. Guillermo scored on a ground out by Ingram, and Rimmer and Sjostrand reached home on an error by the center fielder who was taking care of a ball hit by Anaya.</p>
<p>UNM struck for the final time in the bottom of the fourth inning. With one out away, Ingram tripled to right field and was driven in by a ground out to the pitcher by Anaya.</p>
<p>The Braves managed to put up one run on one hit in the top of the fifth inning, but the Lobos held off any other scoring attempts to take the game, 7-1.</p>
<p>Lobos 2, Seattle 0</p>
<p>The contest remained scoreless through three innings before the Lobos put up one run in both the fourth and fifth, and then held on for the shutout win.</p>
<p>UNM put their first runner on base in the top of the third inning as&#160; <a href="http://www.golobos.com/sports/w-softbl/mtt/jordan_sjostrand_790553.html" type="external">Jordan Sjostrand</a>drew a walk with two outs away, however, the next Lobo batter fouled out and Sjostrand was stranded.</p>
<p>The next Lobo to reach was Ingram as she singled with a slap to first base. Anaya, UNM’s next batter flied out to left field and then Tellez grounded out on a sacrifice bunt down the third base line that allowed Ingram to advance to third base.&#160; <a href="http://www.golobos.com/sports/w-softbl/mtt/cassandra_kalapsa_467386.html" type="external">Cassandra Kalapsa</a>hit a hard ball to third base and the Redhawks coudln’t handle it. An error allowed Ingram to score and the Lobos went up, 1-0, in the fourth.</p>
<p>Guillermo led off the top of the fifth inning with a single to left field and then advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Sjostrand. She was driven in off a single by Rimmer and the score moved to 2-0.</p>
<p>Seattle’s first hit of the game came in the fifth inning and the Redhawks were able to get two more – one in the sixth and another in the seventh – but the Lobo defense fended off any scored runs to close the contest, 2-0.</p>
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<p>The Automated ScoreBook Bradley vs New Mexico Mar 08, 2013 at Seattle (Husky Softball)</p>
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new mexico lobos softball 2013 husky softball classic hosted washington march 810 seattle wash washington softball schedule full tourney schedule amp links gametracker friday march 8160lobos 7 bradley 1 lobos 2 seattle 0 saturday march 9160lobos 1916 washington 8 pm mt sunday march 10160lobos vs yale 11 mt looking ahead160lobos oregon march 13 3 pm mt dh lobos oregon state march 14 1 pm mt dh goloboscombox scores recaps seattle university new mexico softball team improved 1312 overall friday wins bradley seattle opening day husky classic hosted 1916 washingtonthe lobos face nationallyranked huskies saturday evening 8 pm mt advertisement senior160 sheryl guillermo160led lobos offense bradley braves went 2for2 scored one run junior160 chelsea anaya160and freshman160 naomi tellezboth went 1for4 drove two runs apiece tellezs two rbis came bottom first inning homered right field kaela debroeckthrew seven innings improved 21 30 batters faced senior allowed six hits one earned run walking two striking five freshman160 lauren solesgot start win seattle throwing five innings allowing one hit striking careerhigh nine batters previous career high seven batters seven innings lobos 31 win bradley home feb 16 soles nohitter going four innings redhawks jenny hurst hit single top fifth thwart nono lobos lefty soles improves 64 sophomore160 carrie sheehancame throw final two frames picks first save season third career faced 10 batters allowed two hits walked two offensively160 mariah rimmer160led lobos freshman went 3for4 drove one run160 kaity ingram160 chelsea anaya160 sheryl guillermo160and160 mia hignojoshad one hit apiece advertisement lobos 7 bradley 1 unm snapped threegame losing skid 71 victory bradley lobos put runners base every inning put three runs bottom first another three bottom second take early 60 lead triple right center by160 chelsea anaya160in first inning drove first run game as160 kaity ingram160had reached walk freshman160 naomi tellezoneupped anaya homer right field brought around two runs inning lobos loaded bases bottom second inning single short stop by160 sheryl guillermo advanced second sacrifice bunt by160 mia hignojos consecutive walks rimmer and160 jordan sjostrand guillermo scored ground ingram rimmer sjostrand reached home error center fielder taking care ball hit anaya unm struck final time bottom fourth inning one away ingram tripled right field driven ground pitcher anaya braves managed put one run one hit top fifth inning lobos held scoring attempts take game 71 lobos 2 seattle 0 contest remained scoreless three innings lobos put one run fourth fifth held shutout win unm put first runner base top third inning as160 jordan sjostranddrew walk two outs away however next lobo batter fouled sjostrand stranded next lobo reach ingram singled slap first base anaya unms next batter flied left field tellez grounded sacrifice bunt third base line allowed ingram advance third base160 cassandra kalapsahit hard ball third base redhawks coudlnt handle error allowed ingram score lobos went 10 fourth guillermo led top fifth inning single left field advanced second sacrifice bunt sjostrand driven single rimmer score moved 20 seattles first hit game came fifth inning redhawks able get two one sixth another seventh lobo defense fended scored runs close contest 20 160 automated scorebook bradley vs new mexico mar 08 2013 seattle husky softball 160 160 160 160 160 automated scorebook bradley vs new mexico mar 08 2013 seattle husky softball 160 160 160 automated scorebook new mexico vs seattle mar 08 2013 seattle wash husky softball 160 160 160 automated scorebook new mexico vs seattle mar 08 2013 seattle wash husky softball 160 160 160 160 160 automated scorebook bradley vs new mexico mar 08 2013 seattle husky softball 160 160 160 160 automated scorebook bradley vs new mexico mar 08 2013 seattle husky softball 160 160 160 160 160 160 160 160 160 160 160 160 160 160 160 160 160 160 automated scorebook new mexico vs seattle mar 08 2013 seattle wash husky softball 160 160 160 160 automated scorebook new mexico vs seattle mar 08 2013 seattle wash husky softball 160 160 160 160 160 160 160 160 160 160 160 160 160 160 160 160
| 665 |
<p>SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Things are getting so bad, Colin Kaepernick is being booed in his own stadium. And he's not the only one.</p>
<p>Kaepernick threw his fifth interception in two games, took six more sacks and watched Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers pull off the big plays for a team San Francisco's quarterback used to dominate in the 49ers' latest ugly loss, 17-3 to the unbeaten Packers on Sunday.</p>
<p>"We have to be able to get the ball out quicker to get it into playmakers' hands," Kaepernick said.</p>
<p>San Francisco (1-3), off to its worst start since 2010, has been limited to 28 total points over three games while giving up 107.</p>
<p>The frustration is clearly mounting. It showed from wideouts Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith.</p>
<p>"I don't want to be rude, but I've got nothing to say," Boldin said to the large swarm of reporters at his locker.</p>
<p>There's little to celebrate in any phase. Rookie punter Bradley Pinion even took venom from the home crowd as the 49ers had their four-game winning streak against Green Bay (4-0) snapped in the teams' fifth matchup since 2012, including two playoff wins.</p>
<p>On one particular 49ers mishap, Australian rookie returner Jarryd Hayne was trying to catch a punt on the sideline when he was run into by two teammates, first L.J. McCray and then Jaquiski Tartt, and the ball bounced off the pile of 49ers before teammate Dontae Johnson recovered.</p>
<p>Kaepernick, who had played some of his best games against the Packers, went 13 for 25 for 160 yards and a 55.4 passer rating. Carlos Hyde was held to 20 yards on eight carries.</p>
<p>All of this on a day home run king Barry Bonds and the NBA champion Golden State Warriors were in attendance.</p>
<p>"We've got to collectively on offense have 11 guys going in the same direction," coach Jim Tomsula said.</p>
<p>In the third, Green Bay capitalized shortly after San Francisco's Reggie Bush was stuffed for no gain trying to go up the middle on third-and-11 in a play call that was immediately scrutinized.</p>
<p>On the ensuing drive, James Jones caught a 38-yard pass on the left sideline by barely staying in bounds. Rodgers then scrambled 17 yards to set up John Kuhn's 1-yard scoring burst.</p>
<p>Green Bay made just enough plays. The Packers sacked Kaepernick on consecutive snaps late in the first half, and the Niners settled for Phil Dawson's 33-yard field goal in their best scoring opportunity of the day.</p>
<p>"We're an offense that can run the ball and throw the ball," Smith said. "We're not doing either well right now."</p>
<p>Clay Matthews added his own flair to this one. When he sacked Kaepernick in the third quarter, he kissed his right biceps Kaepernick-style to punctuate the play — one of Green Bay's six sacks to give the team 13 in the past two games.</p>
<p>The Packers certainly hope their trip to Levi's Stadium will be the first of two this season. The Super Bowl comes to the second-year, $1.3 billion Bay Area venue in four months for its 50th year celebration.</p>
<p>Rodgers passed for 224 yards and a touchdown, ran 17 yards to set up a key second-half score to lead the Packers to their first 4-0 start in four years.</p>
<p>Green Bay went on the road after a Monday night game for just the fifth time since 2006, improving to 4-1 in those games. The Packers also improved to 10-2 during the regular season in California since 1990.</p>
<p>"We're 4-0, we're first in the division and we're playing the kind of ball we want to play in most of the phases," Rodgers said matter-of-factly when asked to assess his team. "It was a grind out there."</p>
<p>Richard Rodgers caught a 9-yard touchdown pass on the game's opening drive before Aaron Rodgers got his team going in the second half after a slow start.</p>
<p>While methodical with nothing fancy, Green Bay seemed unfazed with a short week and long trip West after beating Kansas City last Monday night. This is the team's first 4-0 start since winning the initial 13 games in 2011.</p>
<p>"Fortunately, we were able to wear them down both offensively and defensively and get a big road win," Matthews said.</p>
<p>NOTES: Green Bay S Sean Richardson experienced cramping in the second half but returned. 49ers WR Quinton Patton was checked for a concussion. ... Bush returned for the first time since injuring his left calf in a Week 1 win against Minnesota and had just that one run for no yards. ... Rodgers was sacked three times to match his combined total in the first three games.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>AP NFL websites: http://pro32.ap.org and <a href="http://twitter.com/AP_NFL" type="external">http://twitter.com/AP_NFL</a></p>
<p>SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Things are getting so bad, Colin Kaepernick is being booed in his own stadium. And he's not the only one.</p>
<p>Kaepernick threw his fifth interception in two games, took six more sacks and watched Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers pull off the big plays for a team San Francisco's quarterback used to dominate in the 49ers' latest ugly loss, 17-3 to the unbeaten Packers on Sunday.</p>
<p>"We have to be able to get the ball out quicker to get it into playmakers' hands," Kaepernick said.</p>
<p>San Francisco (1-3), off to its worst start since 2010, has been limited to 28 total points over three games while giving up 107.</p>
<p>The frustration is clearly mounting. It showed from wideouts Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith.</p>
<p>"I don't want to be rude, but I've got nothing to say," Boldin said to the large swarm of reporters at his locker.</p>
<p>There's little to celebrate in any phase. Rookie punter Bradley Pinion even took venom from the home crowd as the 49ers had their four-game winning streak against Green Bay (4-0) snapped in the teams' fifth matchup since 2012, including two playoff wins.</p>
<p>On one particular 49ers mishap, Australian rookie returner Jarryd Hayne was trying to catch a punt on the sideline when he was run into by two teammates, first L.J. McCray and then Jaquiski Tartt, and the ball bounced off the pile of 49ers before teammate Dontae Johnson recovered.</p>
<p>Kaepernick, who had played some of his best games against the Packers, went 13 for 25 for 160 yards and a 55.4 passer rating. Carlos Hyde was held to 20 yards on eight carries.</p>
<p>All of this on a day home run king Barry Bonds and the NBA champion Golden State Warriors were in attendance.</p>
<p>"We've got to collectively on offense have 11 guys going in the same direction," coach Jim Tomsula said.</p>
<p>In the third, Green Bay capitalized shortly after San Francisco's Reggie Bush was stuffed for no gain trying to go up the middle on third-and-11 in a play call that was immediately scrutinized.</p>
<p>On the ensuing drive, James Jones caught a 38-yard pass on the left sideline by barely staying in bounds. Rodgers then scrambled 17 yards to set up John Kuhn's 1-yard scoring burst.</p>
<p>Green Bay made just enough plays. The Packers sacked Kaepernick on consecutive snaps late in the first half, and the Niners settled for Phil Dawson's 33-yard field goal in their best scoring opportunity of the day.</p>
<p>"We're an offense that can run the ball and throw the ball," Smith said. "We're not doing either well right now."</p>
<p>Clay Matthews added his own flair to this one. When he sacked Kaepernick in the third quarter, he kissed his right biceps Kaepernick-style to punctuate the play — one of Green Bay's six sacks to give the team 13 in the past two games.</p>
<p>The Packers certainly hope their trip to Levi's Stadium will be the first of two this season. The Super Bowl comes to the second-year, $1.3 billion Bay Area venue in four months for its 50th year celebration.</p>
<p>Rodgers passed for 224 yards and a touchdown, ran 17 yards to set up a key second-half score to lead the Packers to their first 4-0 start in four years.</p>
<p>Green Bay went on the road after a Monday night game for just the fifth time since 2006, improving to 4-1 in those games. The Packers also improved to 10-2 during the regular season in California since 1990.</p>
<p>"We're 4-0, we're first in the division and we're playing the kind of ball we want to play in most of the phases," Rodgers said matter-of-factly when asked to assess his team. "It was a grind out there."</p>
<p>Richard Rodgers caught a 9-yard touchdown pass on the game's opening drive before Aaron Rodgers got his team going in the second half after a slow start.</p>
<p>While methodical with nothing fancy, Green Bay seemed unfazed with a short week and long trip West after beating Kansas City last Monday night. This is the team's first 4-0 start since winning the initial 13 games in 2011.</p>
<p>"Fortunately, we were able to wear them down both offensively and defensively and get a big road win," Matthews said.</p>
<p>NOTES: Green Bay S Sean Richardson experienced cramping in the second half but returned. 49ers WR Quinton Patton was checked for a concussion. ... Bush returned for the first time since injuring his left calf in a Week 1 win against Minnesota and had just that one run for no yards. ... Rodgers was sacked three times to match his combined total in the first three games.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>AP NFL websites: http://pro32.ap.org and <a href="http://twitter.com/AP_NFL" type="external">http://twitter.com/AP_NFL</a></p>
| false | 2 |
santa clara calif ap things getting bad colin kaepernick booed stadium hes one kaepernick threw fifth interception two games took six sacks watched green bays aaron rodgers pull big plays team san franciscos quarterback used dominate 49ers latest ugly loss 173 unbeaten packers sunday able get ball quicker get playmakers hands kaepernick said san francisco 13 worst start since 2010 limited 28 total points three games giving 107 frustration clearly mounting showed wideouts anquan boldin torrey smith dont want rude ive got nothing say boldin said large swarm reporters locker theres little celebrate phase rookie punter bradley pinion even took venom home crowd 49ers fourgame winning streak green bay 40 snapped teams fifth matchup since 2012 including two playoff wins one particular 49ers mishap australian rookie returner jarryd hayne trying catch punt sideline run two teammates first lj mccray jaquiski tartt ball bounced pile 49ers teammate dontae johnson recovered kaepernick played best games packers went 13 25 160 yards 554 passer rating carlos hyde held 20 yards eight carries day home run king barry bonds nba champion golden state warriors attendance weve got collectively offense 11 guys going direction coach jim tomsula said third green bay capitalized shortly san franciscos reggie bush stuffed gain trying go middle thirdand11 play call immediately scrutinized ensuing drive james jones caught 38yard pass left sideline barely staying bounds rodgers scrambled 17 yards set john kuhns 1yard scoring burst green bay made enough plays packers sacked kaepernick consecutive snaps late first half niners settled phil dawsons 33yard field goal best scoring opportunity day offense run ball throw ball smith said either well right clay matthews added flair one sacked kaepernick third quarter kissed right biceps kaepernickstyle punctuate play one green bays six sacks give team 13 past two games packers certainly hope trip levis stadium first two season super bowl comes secondyear 13 billion bay area venue four months 50th year celebration rodgers passed 224 yards touchdown ran 17 yards set key secondhalf score lead packers first 40 start four years green bay went road monday night game fifth time since 2006 improving 41 games packers also improved 102 regular season california since 1990 40 first division playing kind ball want play phases rodgers said matteroffactly asked assess team grind richard rodgers caught 9yard touchdown pass games opening drive aaron rodgers got team going second half slow start methodical nothing fancy green bay seemed unfazed short week long trip west beating kansas city last monday night teams first 40 start since winning initial 13 games 2011 fortunately able wear offensively defensively get big road win matthews said notes green bay sean richardson experienced cramping second half returned 49ers wr quinton patton checked concussion bush returned first time since injuring left calf week 1 win minnesota one run yards rodgers sacked three times match combined total first three games ___ ap nfl websites httppro32aporg httptwittercomap_nfl santa clara calif ap things getting bad colin kaepernick booed stadium hes one kaepernick threw fifth interception two games took six sacks watched green bays aaron rodgers pull big plays team san franciscos quarterback used dominate 49ers latest ugly loss 173 unbeaten packers sunday able get ball quicker get playmakers hands kaepernick said san francisco 13 worst start since 2010 limited 28 total points three games giving 107 frustration clearly mounting showed wideouts anquan boldin torrey smith dont want rude ive got nothing say boldin said large swarm reporters locker theres little celebrate phase rookie punter bradley pinion even took venom home crowd 49ers fourgame winning streak green bay 40 snapped teams fifth matchup since 2012 including two playoff wins one particular 49ers mishap australian rookie returner jarryd hayne trying catch punt sideline run two teammates first lj mccray jaquiski tartt ball bounced pile 49ers teammate dontae johnson recovered kaepernick played best games packers went 13 25 160 yards 554 passer rating carlos hyde held 20 yards eight carries day home run king barry bonds nba champion golden state warriors attendance weve got collectively offense 11 guys going direction coach jim tomsula said third green bay capitalized shortly san franciscos reggie bush stuffed gain trying go middle thirdand11 play call immediately scrutinized ensuing drive james jones caught 38yard pass left sideline barely staying bounds rodgers scrambled 17 yards set john kuhns 1yard scoring burst green bay made enough plays packers sacked kaepernick consecutive snaps late first half niners settled phil dawsons 33yard field goal best scoring opportunity day offense run ball throw ball smith said either well right clay matthews added flair one sacked kaepernick third quarter kissed right biceps kaepernickstyle punctuate play one green bays six sacks give team 13 past two games packers certainly hope trip levis stadium first two season super bowl comes secondyear 13 billion bay area venue four months 50th year celebration rodgers passed 224 yards touchdown ran 17 yards set key secondhalf score lead packers first 40 start four years green bay went road monday night game fifth time since 2006 improving 41 games packers also improved 102 regular season california since 1990 40 first division playing kind ball want play phases rodgers said matteroffactly asked assess team grind richard rodgers caught 9yard touchdown pass games opening drive aaron rodgers got team going second half slow start methodical nothing fancy green bay seemed unfazed short week long trip west beating kansas city last monday night teams first 40 start since winning initial 13 games 2011 fortunately able wear offensively defensively get big road win matthews said notes green bay sean richardson experienced cramping second half returned 49ers wr quinton patton checked concussion bush returned first time since injuring left calf week 1 win minnesota one run yards rodgers sacked three times match combined total first three games ___ ap nfl websites httppro32aporg httptwittercomap_nfl
| 958 |
<p>___</p>
<p>Tax law brings big paper losses, long-term gains to US banks</p>
<p>NEW YORK (AP) — Big U.S. banks have been reporting billions of dollars in paper losses this month as they are forced to come into compliance with the new tax law. The losses were widely expected, and bank executives say the new tax law will be good not only for banks but also the broader economy in the long run.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Concept cars from Japan automakers offer glimpse into future</p>
<p>DETROIT (AP) — Japanese vehicle brands are exploring new design ideas — and figuring out what sets them apart from their U.S. and European rivals — with new prototype vehicles. Nissan, Infiniti and Lexus are all unveiling new concept cars at the Detroit auto show, which opens to the public Saturday.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>New small cars unveiled at auto show but will anyone buy?</p>
<p>DETROIT (AP) — Among the many shiny models vying for attention at Detroit's North American International Auto Show are the revamped Volkswagen Jetta, Hyundai Veloster and Kia Forte. But cars — particularly small ones — are having a tough time getting buyers to look their way as SUVs grow in popularity. Car sales are expected to hit a record low this year after steadily declining for several years. SUVs first surpassed cars in 2016, and the gap only widens.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Wave of lawsuits filed to block net-neutrality repeal</p>
<p>NEW YORK (AP) — The expected wave of litigation against the Federal Communications Commission's repeal of net-neutrality rules has begun. A group of 22 attorneys general, a tech company and a public-interest group has sued to block the Federal Communications Commission's repeal of the rules. These rules barred companies like AT&amp;T, Comcast and Verizon from interfering with internet traffic and favoring their own sites and apps. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai's push to undo them inspired both street and online protests.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Consumer watchdog considering repeal of payday lending rule</p>
<p>NEW YORK (AP) — The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is reconsidering a key set of rules enacted last year that would have protected consumers against harmful payday lenders. The bureau, now under Trump administration control, says it plans to take a second look at rules put in place last year under an Obama appointee.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>With a $6B charge comes new thoughts about GE's future</p>
<p>BOSTON (AP) — General Electric Co. is signaling it may undergo a more comprehensive transformation, a decade after breaking off substantial pieces of the multinational conglomerate in bid to a return it to its industrial roots. CEO John Flannery, who was put in charge of reviving the company last summer, on Tuesday revealed significant issues at GE Capital that will lead to a $6.2 billion after-tax charge in the fourth quarter. That has led to more discussions about what GE should be.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Watchdog: Foreign groups among spenders at Trump properties</p>
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — An ethics watchdog group says foreign interests, political campaigns, business entities and other groups spent more than $600,000 over the past year at Trump properties in the U.S. The watchdog group Public Citizen says the frequent use of Trump Organization properties poses potential conflicts despite President Donald Trump's insistence that he no longer controls his company. Trump gave up direct management of his company, but a trust allows him to continue withdrawing funds.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Dow industrials recede from 26,000 as early gains fade</p>
<p>Losses by industrial and technology companies helped drag U.S. stocks lower Tuesday, pulling the market back from its latest record highs. The slide erased some of the gains from a broad rally earlier in the day that had sent the Dow Jones industrial average past the 26,000-point threshold for the first time. Energy stocks also fell as crude oil prices declined. Health care stocks were among the gainers as investors sized up the latest company earnings and deal news.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Nestle selling US candy business for $2.8 billion</p>
<p>NEW YORK (AP) — Swiss food and drink giant Nestle is selling its U.S. candy business to Italy's Ferrero for about $2.8 billion in cash. Ferrero will take over iconic chocolate brands Butterfinger and Crunch bars, as well as the sugary Nerds, SweeTarts and FunDip.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>The Standard &amp; Poor's 500 index fell 9.82 points, or 0.4 percent, to 2,776.42. The Dow lost 10.33 points, or 0.04 percent, to 25,792.86. The Nasdaq shed 37.38 points, or 0.5 percent, to 7,223.69.</p>
<p>Benchmark U.S. crude fell 57 cents to $63.73 per barrel. Brent crude, used to price international oils, shed 99 cents, or 1.4 percent, to $69.27. In other energy trading, wholesale gasoline slipped 2 cents to $2.06 a gallon. Heating oil lost a penny to $1.84 a gallon. Natural gas fell 7 cents, or 2.2 percent, to $3.13 per 1,000 cubic feet.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Tax law brings big paper losses, long-term gains to US banks</p>
<p>NEW YORK (AP) — Big U.S. banks have been reporting billions of dollars in paper losses this month as they are forced to come into compliance with the new tax law. The losses were widely expected, and bank executives say the new tax law will be good not only for banks but also the broader economy in the long run.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Concept cars from Japan automakers offer glimpse into future</p>
<p>DETROIT (AP) — Japanese vehicle brands are exploring new design ideas — and figuring out what sets them apart from their U.S. and European rivals — with new prototype vehicles. Nissan, Infiniti and Lexus are all unveiling new concept cars at the Detroit auto show, which opens to the public Saturday.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>New small cars unveiled at auto show but will anyone buy?</p>
<p>DETROIT (AP) — Among the many shiny models vying for attention at Detroit's North American International Auto Show are the revamped Volkswagen Jetta, Hyundai Veloster and Kia Forte. But cars — particularly small ones — are having a tough time getting buyers to look their way as SUVs grow in popularity. Car sales are expected to hit a record low this year after steadily declining for several years. SUVs first surpassed cars in 2016, and the gap only widens.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Wave of lawsuits filed to block net-neutrality repeal</p>
<p>NEW YORK (AP) — The expected wave of litigation against the Federal Communications Commission's repeal of net-neutrality rules has begun. A group of 22 attorneys general, a tech company and a public-interest group has sued to block the Federal Communications Commission's repeal of the rules. These rules barred companies like AT&amp;T, Comcast and Verizon from interfering with internet traffic and favoring their own sites and apps. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai's push to undo them inspired both street and online protests.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Consumer watchdog considering repeal of payday lending rule</p>
<p>NEW YORK (AP) — The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is reconsidering a key set of rules enacted last year that would have protected consumers against harmful payday lenders. The bureau, now under Trump administration control, says it plans to take a second look at rules put in place last year under an Obama appointee.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>With a $6B charge comes new thoughts about GE's future</p>
<p>BOSTON (AP) — General Electric Co. is signaling it may undergo a more comprehensive transformation, a decade after breaking off substantial pieces of the multinational conglomerate in bid to a return it to its industrial roots. CEO John Flannery, who was put in charge of reviving the company last summer, on Tuesday revealed significant issues at GE Capital that will lead to a $6.2 billion after-tax charge in the fourth quarter. That has led to more discussions about what GE should be.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Watchdog: Foreign groups among spenders at Trump properties</p>
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — An ethics watchdog group says foreign interests, political campaigns, business entities and other groups spent more than $600,000 over the past year at Trump properties in the U.S. The watchdog group Public Citizen says the frequent use of Trump Organization properties poses potential conflicts despite President Donald Trump's insistence that he no longer controls his company. Trump gave up direct management of his company, but a trust allows him to continue withdrawing funds.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Dow industrials recede from 26,000 as early gains fade</p>
<p>Losses by industrial and technology companies helped drag U.S. stocks lower Tuesday, pulling the market back from its latest record highs. The slide erased some of the gains from a broad rally earlier in the day that had sent the Dow Jones industrial average past the 26,000-point threshold for the first time. Energy stocks also fell as crude oil prices declined. Health care stocks were among the gainers as investors sized up the latest company earnings and deal news.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Nestle selling US candy business for $2.8 billion</p>
<p>NEW YORK (AP) — Swiss food and drink giant Nestle is selling its U.S. candy business to Italy's Ferrero for about $2.8 billion in cash. Ferrero will take over iconic chocolate brands Butterfinger and Crunch bars, as well as the sugary Nerds, SweeTarts and FunDip.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>The Standard &amp; Poor's 500 index fell 9.82 points, or 0.4 percent, to 2,776.42. The Dow lost 10.33 points, or 0.04 percent, to 25,792.86. The Nasdaq shed 37.38 points, or 0.5 percent, to 7,223.69.</p>
<p>Benchmark U.S. crude fell 57 cents to $63.73 per barrel. Brent crude, used to price international oils, shed 99 cents, or 1.4 percent, to $69.27. In other energy trading, wholesale gasoline slipped 2 cents to $2.06 a gallon. Heating oil lost a penny to $1.84 a gallon. Natural gas fell 7 cents, or 2.2 percent, to $3.13 per 1,000 cubic feet.</p>
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___ tax law brings big paper losses longterm gains us banks new york ap big us banks reporting billions dollars paper losses month forced come compliance new tax law losses widely expected bank executives say new tax law good banks also broader economy long run ___ concept cars japan automakers offer glimpse future detroit ap japanese vehicle brands exploring new design ideas figuring sets apart us european rivals new prototype vehicles nissan infiniti lexus unveiling new concept cars detroit auto show opens public saturday ___ new small cars unveiled auto show anyone buy detroit ap among many shiny models vying attention detroits north american international auto show revamped volkswagen jetta hyundai veloster kia forte cars particularly small ones tough time getting buyers look way suvs grow popularity car sales expected hit record low year steadily declining several years suvs first surpassed cars 2016 gap widens ___ wave lawsuits filed block netneutrality repeal new york ap expected wave litigation federal communications commissions repeal netneutrality rules begun group 22 attorneys general tech company publicinterest group sued block federal communications commissions repeal rules rules barred companies like atampt comcast verizon interfering internet traffic favoring sites apps fcc chairman ajit pais push undo inspired street online protests ___ consumer watchdog considering repeal payday lending rule new york ap consumer financial protection bureau reconsidering key set rules enacted last year would protected consumers harmful payday lenders bureau trump administration control says plans take second look rules put place last year obama appointee ___ 6b charge comes new thoughts ges future boston ap general electric co signaling may undergo comprehensive transformation decade breaking substantial pieces multinational conglomerate bid return industrial roots ceo john flannery put charge reviving company last summer tuesday revealed significant issues ge capital lead 62 billion aftertax charge fourth quarter led discussions ge ___ watchdog foreign groups among spenders trump properties washington ap ethics watchdog group says foreign interests political campaigns business entities groups spent 600000 past year trump properties us watchdog group public citizen says frequent use trump organization properties poses potential conflicts despite president donald trumps insistence longer controls company trump gave direct management company trust allows continue withdrawing funds ___ dow industrials recede 26000 early gains fade losses industrial technology companies helped drag us stocks lower tuesday pulling market back latest record highs slide erased gains broad rally earlier day sent dow jones industrial average past 26000point threshold first time energy stocks also fell crude oil prices declined health care stocks among gainers investors sized latest company earnings deal news ___ nestle selling us candy business 28 billion new york ap swiss food drink giant nestle selling us candy business italys ferrero 28 billion cash ferrero take iconic chocolate brands butterfinger crunch bars well sugary nerds sweetarts fundip ___ standard amp poors 500 index fell 982 points 04 percent 277642 dow lost 1033 points 004 percent 2579286 nasdaq shed 3738 points 05 percent 722369 benchmark us crude fell 57 cents 6373 per barrel brent crude used price international oils shed 99 cents 14 percent 6927 energy trading wholesale gasoline slipped 2 cents 206 gallon heating oil lost penny 184 gallon natural gas fell 7 cents 22 percent 313 per 1000 cubic feet ___ tax law brings big paper losses longterm gains us banks new york ap big us banks reporting billions dollars paper losses month forced come compliance new tax law losses widely expected bank executives say new tax law good banks also broader economy long run ___ concept cars japan automakers offer glimpse future detroit ap japanese vehicle brands exploring new design ideas figuring sets apart us european rivals new prototype vehicles nissan infiniti lexus unveiling new concept cars detroit auto show opens public saturday ___ new small cars unveiled auto show anyone buy detroit ap among many shiny models vying attention detroits north american international auto show revamped volkswagen jetta hyundai veloster kia forte cars particularly small ones tough time getting buyers look way suvs grow popularity car sales expected hit record low year steadily declining several years suvs first surpassed cars 2016 gap widens ___ wave lawsuits filed block netneutrality repeal new york ap expected wave litigation federal communications commissions repeal netneutrality rules begun group 22 attorneys general tech company publicinterest group sued block federal communications commissions repeal rules rules barred companies like atampt comcast verizon interfering internet traffic favoring sites apps fcc chairman ajit pais push undo inspired street online protests ___ consumer watchdog considering repeal payday lending rule new york ap consumer financial protection bureau reconsidering key set rules enacted last year would protected consumers harmful payday lenders bureau trump administration control says plans take second look rules put place last year obama appointee ___ 6b charge comes new thoughts ges future boston ap general electric co signaling may undergo comprehensive transformation decade breaking substantial pieces multinational conglomerate bid return industrial roots ceo john flannery put charge reviving company last summer tuesday revealed significant issues ge capital lead 62 billion aftertax charge fourth quarter led discussions ge ___ watchdog foreign groups among spenders trump properties washington ap ethics watchdog group says foreign interests political campaigns business entities groups spent 600000 past year trump properties us watchdog group public citizen says frequent use trump organization properties poses potential conflicts despite president donald trumps insistence longer controls company trump gave direct management company trust allows continue withdrawing funds ___ dow industrials recede 26000 early gains fade losses industrial technology companies helped drag us stocks lower tuesday pulling market back latest record highs slide erased gains broad rally earlier day sent dow jones industrial average past 26000point threshold first time energy stocks also fell crude oil prices declined health care stocks among gainers investors sized latest company earnings deal news ___ nestle selling us candy business 28 billion new york ap swiss food drink giant nestle selling us candy business italys ferrero 28 billion cash ferrero take iconic chocolate brands butterfinger crunch bars well sugary nerds sweetarts fundip ___ standard amp poors 500 index fell 982 points 04 percent 277642 dow lost 1033 points 004 percent 2579286 nasdaq shed 3738 points 05 percent 722369 benchmark us crude fell 57 cents 6373 per barrel brent crude used price international oils shed 99 cents 14 percent 6927 energy trading wholesale gasoline slipped 2 cents 206 gallon heating oil lost penny 184 gallon natural gas fell 7 cents 22 percent 313 per 1000 cubic feet
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<p>LOS ANGELES (AP) — Three rival Los Angeles gangs united in a rare alliance to conspire to control drug trafficking and carried out crimes that included murder and extortion, federal prosecutors said Thursday in announcing a racketeering indictment against 22 gang members.</p>
<p>Gangs that trace their roots back as far as the 1950s along a gritty stretch of the Los Angeles River were brought together by a convicted murderer who ordered the truce from his state prison cell near the Oregon border.</p>
<p>Arnold Gonzales, 55, was named as an unindicted co-conspirator in unifying the Frogtown, Toonerville and Rascals gangs to divvy up drug profits and control crime in northeast Los Angeles.</p>
<p>Gonzales, an alleged member of the Mexican Mafia that directs gang crime from prisons by sending coded messages to disciples outside, allegedly took control of the gangs in 2010 after other incarcerated gang leaders were convicted of racketeering and sent to federal prison.</p>
<p>One member of the alleged conspiracy referred to the brokered peace as the "United Nations."</p>
<p>Former U.S. Attorney Thomas O'Brien, who focused on gang crime as a prosecutor, said the unification of the three gangs was a "unique and dangerous turn" of events.</p>
<p>"Historically, the Mexican Mafia exercised control over numerous individual street gangs in Southern California," O'Brien said. "To actually take this a step further and unite rival street gangs as one is troubling. They don't normally work that way."</p>
<p>Jorge Grey was appointed to direct the so-called Arnold Gonzales Organization on the street, the 88-page indictment said. Grey said he was the mouthpiece for Gonzales.</p>
<p>Grey, 38, was not among the 15 defendants arrested Thursday morning. He and two others remained at large. Four other defendants were previously in custody.</p>
<p>No attorney was listed for Grey to contact for comment.</p>
<p>Grey and others conducted drug and gun deals at Homeboy Industries, a well-known organization that finds work for ex-gang members and removes tattoos, authorities said.</p>
<p>Grey was a former client of the organization. CEO Thomas Vozzo said he was saddened to learn that alleged crimes occurred at "the safe haven we have created."</p>
<p>"Each year, more than 9,000 men and women receive services at Homeboy Industries headquarters," Vozzo said. "We operate with a zero-tolerance policy for illegal activity and believe that people should be held accountable for their actions."</p>
<p>Grey allegedly ordered others to carry out drug sales and collect "taxes" from dealers to be used to fuel business and funnel money to Gonzales</p>
<p>A woman charged in the racketeering conspiracy allegedly deposited $133,000 in Gonzales' prison bank account, which is supposed to be used to pay for phone calls, snacks and other good such as socks and deodorant.</p>
<p>LOS ANGELES (AP) — Three rival Los Angeles gangs united in a rare alliance to conspire to control drug trafficking and carried out crimes that included murder and extortion, federal prosecutors said Thursday in announcing a racketeering indictment against 22 gang members.</p>
<p>Gangs that trace their roots back as far as the 1950s along a gritty stretch of the Los Angeles River were brought together by a convicted murderer who ordered the truce from his state prison cell near the Oregon border.</p>
<p>Arnold Gonzales, 55, was named as an unindicted co-conspirator in unifying the Frogtown, Toonerville and Rascals gangs to divvy up drug profits and control crime in northeast Los Angeles.</p>
<p>Gonzales, an alleged member of the Mexican Mafia that directs gang crime from prisons by sending coded messages to disciples outside, allegedly took control of the gangs in 2010 after other incarcerated gang leaders were convicted of racketeering and sent to federal prison.</p>
<p>One member of the alleged conspiracy referred to the brokered peace as the "United Nations."</p>
<p>Former U.S. Attorney Thomas O'Brien, who focused on gang crime as a prosecutor, said the unification of the three gangs was a "unique and dangerous turn" of events.</p>
<p>"Historically, the Mexican Mafia exercised control over numerous individual street gangs in Southern California," O'Brien said. "To actually take this a step further and unite rival street gangs as one is troubling. They don't normally work that way."</p>
<p>Jorge Grey was appointed to direct the so-called Arnold Gonzales Organization on the street, the 88-page indictment said. Grey said he was the mouthpiece for Gonzales.</p>
<p>Grey, 38, was not among the 15 defendants arrested Thursday morning. He and two others remained at large. Four other defendants were previously in custody.</p>
<p>No attorney was listed for Grey to contact for comment.</p>
<p>Grey and others conducted drug and gun deals at Homeboy Industries, a well-known organization that finds work for ex-gang members and removes tattoos, authorities said.</p>
<p>Grey was a former client of the organization. CEO Thomas Vozzo said he was saddened to learn that alleged crimes occurred at "the safe haven we have created."</p>
<p>"Each year, more than 9,000 men and women receive services at Homeboy Industries headquarters," Vozzo said. "We operate with a zero-tolerance policy for illegal activity and believe that people should be held accountable for their actions."</p>
<p>Grey allegedly ordered others to carry out drug sales and collect "taxes" from dealers to be used to fuel business and funnel money to Gonzales</p>
<p>A woman charged in the racketeering conspiracy allegedly deposited $133,000 in Gonzales' prison bank account, which is supposed to be used to pay for phone calls, snacks and other good such as socks and deodorant.</p>
| false | 2 |
los angeles ap three rival los angeles gangs united rare alliance conspire control drug trafficking carried crimes included murder extortion federal prosecutors said thursday announcing racketeering indictment 22 gang members gangs trace roots back far 1950s along gritty stretch los angeles river brought together convicted murderer ordered truce state prison cell near oregon border arnold gonzales 55 named unindicted coconspirator unifying frogtown toonerville rascals gangs divvy drug profits control crime northeast los angeles gonzales alleged member mexican mafia directs gang crime prisons sending coded messages disciples outside allegedly took control gangs 2010 incarcerated gang leaders convicted racketeering sent federal prison one member alleged conspiracy referred brokered peace united nations former us attorney thomas obrien focused gang crime prosecutor said unification three gangs unique dangerous turn events historically mexican mafia exercised control numerous individual street gangs southern california obrien said actually take step unite rival street gangs one troubling dont normally work way jorge grey appointed direct socalled arnold gonzales organization street 88page indictment said grey said mouthpiece gonzales grey 38 among 15 defendants arrested thursday morning two others remained large four defendants previously custody attorney listed grey contact comment grey others conducted drug gun deals homeboy industries wellknown organization finds work exgang members removes tattoos authorities said grey former client organization ceo thomas vozzo said saddened learn alleged crimes occurred safe created year 9000 men women receive services homeboy industries headquarters vozzo said operate zerotolerance policy illegal activity believe people held accountable actions grey allegedly ordered others carry drug sales collect taxes dealers used fuel business funnel money gonzales woman charged racketeering conspiracy allegedly deposited 133000 gonzales prison bank account supposed used pay phone calls snacks good socks deodorant los angeles ap three rival los angeles gangs united rare alliance conspire control drug trafficking carried crimes included murder extortion federal prosecutors said thursday announcing racketeering indictment 22 gang members gangs trace roots back far 1950s along gritty stretch los angeles river brought together convicted murderer ordered truce state prison cell near oregon border arnold gonzales 55 named unindicted coconspirator unifying frogtown toonerville rascals gangs divvy drug profits control crime northeast los angeles gonzales alleged member mexican mafia directs gang crime prisons sending coded messages disciples outside allegedly took control gangs 2010 incarcerated gang leaders convicted racketeering sent federal prison one member alleged conspiracy referred brokered peace united nations former us attorney thomas obrien focused gang crime prosecutor said unification three gangs unique dangerous turn events historically mexican mafia exercised control numerous individual street gangs southern california obrien said actually take step unite rival street gangs one troubling dont normally work way jorge grey appointed direct socalled arnold gonzales organization street 88page indictment said grey said mouthpiece gonzales grey 38 among 15 defendants arrested thursday morning two others remained large four defendants previously custody attorney listed grey contact comment grey others conducted drug gun deals homeboy industries wellknown organization finds work exgang members removes tattoos authorities said grey former client organization ceo thomas vozzo said saddened learn alleged crimes occurred safe created year 9000 men women receive services homeboy industries headquarters vozzo said operate zerotolerance policy illegal activity believe people held accountable actions grey allegedly ordered others carry drug sales collect taxes dealers used fuel business funnel money gonzales woman charged racketeering conspiracy allegedly deposited 133000 gonzales prison bank account supposed used pay phone calls snacks good socks deodorant
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<p>The man, 29-year-old John Matteson, was booked into the Ventura County Jail on two felony counts – making criminal threats and violating the civil rights code – and one misdemeanor charge of disturbing the peace by fighting. His bond was set at $25,000 and he is due in court Tuesday, according to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office website.</p>
<p>Another suspect fled when Simi Valley police arrived at the scene, a department spokesman told The Washington Post. That person remains at large.</p>
<p>The mosque, Masjid Al-Rasool, is located in Simi Valley, Calif., about 40 miles northwest of Los Angeles.</p>
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<p>At 11:15 p.m., police received several 911 calls that a fight had broken out in a shopping center parking lot in the 1800 block of Erringer Road, the same street where the mosque is located. Authorities arrived, defused the fight and found that a man had been stabbed in the abdomen, police said.</p>
<p>“During their investigation, [officers] discovered a suspect had confronted a worshiper from the mosque, and after a verbal altercation, they began to fight,” Sgt. Adam Darough told the Los Angeles Times. “During the fight, [the suspect] stabbed the victim.”</p>
<p>Police have not identified the victim but told The Post he is a 36-year-old male. As of late Sunday night, the man was in stable condition with a perforated bowel, authorities said.</p>
<p>Sgt. Darough told the Los Angeles Daily News that police decided to charge Matteson with a hate crime based on what the victim was wearing and the mosque’s proximity to the fight.</p>
<p>“He may have been targeted because of that and the statements made” to him, Darough said.</p>
<p>Police would not elaborate Sunday night.</p>
<p>“We’re quite concerned that this occurred,” Darough told the Los Angeles Times. “We want to keep people of all faiths safe in the city.”</p>
<p>In an interview with the Daily News, Hussam Ayloush, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations’s Greater Los Angeles office, offered more details about the stabbing.</p>
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<p>An eyewitness to the scuffle told Ayloush that Matteson, smelling of alcohol, approached the mosque Saturday night and asked to use the restroom. The suspect left after members of the mosque declined and explained their bathroom was not public, but Matteson later returned, this time with another man, according to Ayloush and the witness.</p>
<p>Matteson then insulted the mosque members, using racial slurs like “sand n—-,” and threw a bottle that hit a worshiper in the face, Ayloush told the Daily News. The fight and stabbing followed.</p>
<p>The victim, Ayloush said, is a father of two.</p>
<p>“We are unfortunately very heartbroken to know that anyone could hold such anger and hatred to the point they would be willing to stab or use violence against any person just because they are different than them,” Ayloush told the Daily News. “It’s tragic to witness in this day and age, such incidents and especially in a diverse place as Southern California.”</p>
<p>According to court records obtained by the Los Angeles Times, Matteson had been previously investigated by the Simi Valley Police Department several times in recent years. The Times wrote:</p>
<p>“He pleaded no contest in October to disturbing the peace by loud noise, an infraction. In July, Matteson pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of public intoxication from a June 30 incident, according to court records. He also pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of disturbing the peace stemming from a Nov. 9, 2015, incident.</p>
<p>“Last year, he also pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of making terrorist threats.”</p>
<p>Matteson’s father, John Matteson, Sr., told a local TV station, CBS 2, that he prays to God to “fix him or take him.”</p>
<p>“I lost my son already 10,000 times,” Matteson Sr., told the station. “It’s a broken record. It keeps happening over and over again.”</p>
<p>Simi Valley residents told CBS 2 they were disappointed and heartbroken about the alleged hate-crime incident.</p>
<p>“[This incident] breaks my heart,” resident Annette Pearson said. “We all have the rights to worship as we see fit and it just isn’t right.”</p>
<p>Hate-crime incidents have spiked since the recent election of Donald Trump, who his critics say espoused xenophobic and racist rhetoric during his presidential campaign and who at times obliquely discussed his support of a database to track Muslims. Once elected, however, his campaign denied the president-elect ever contemplated such a system.</p>
<p>Since Election Day, CAIR has received nearly 200 reports of hate incidents aimed at Muslims in America, Ayloush told the Associated Press. In 2015, law enforcement agencies reported 257 anti-Muslim incidents for the entire year, up 67 percent from 2014, according to FBI data published last month. The last time the FBI reported more than 160 such incidents in a single year was 2001 – the year the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were attacked. It reported 481 attacks.</p>
<p>Amid the spike in attacks, Attorney General Loretta Lynch plans to visit a Virginia mosque this week, her first visit to a mosque in her role as attorney general. In a video statement in November, Lynch said the new, high numbers recently reported by the FBI should be “deeply sobering for all Americans,” reported the AP.</p>
<p>calif-mosque</p>
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man 29yearold john matteson booked ventura county jail two felony counts making criminal threats violating civil rights code one misdemeanor charge disturbing peace fighting bond set 25000 due court tuesday according ventura county sheriffs office website another suspect fled simi valley police arrived scene department spokesman told washington post person remains large mosque masjid alrasool located simi valley calif 40 miles northwest los angeles advertisement 1115 pm police received several 911 calls fight broken shopping center parking lot 1800 block erringer road street mosque located authorities arrived defused fight found man stabbed abdomen police said investigation officers discovered suspect confronted worshiper mosque verbal altercation began fight sgt adam darough told los angeles times fight suspect stabbed victim police identified victim told post 36yearold male late sunday night man stable condition perforated bowel authorities said sgt darough told los angeles daily news police decided charge matteson hate crime based victim wearing mosques proximity fight may targeted statements made darough said police would elaborate sunday night quite concerned occurred darough told los angeles times want keep people faiths safe city interview daily news hussam ayloush executive director council americanislamic relationss greater los angeles office offered details stabbing advertisement eyewitness scuffle told ayloush matteson smelling alcohol approached mosque saturday night asked use restroom suspect left members mosque declined explained bathroom public matteson later returned time another man according ayloush witness matteson insulted mosque members using racial slurs like sand n threw bottle hit worshiper face ayloush told daily news fight stabbing followed victim ayloush said father two unfortunately heartbroken know anyone could hold anger hatred point would willing stab use violence person different ayloush told daily news tragic witness day age incidents especially diverse place southern california according court records obtained los angeles times matteson previously investigated simi valley police department several times recent years times wrote pleaded contest october disturbing peace loud noise infraction july matteson pleaded guilty misdemeanor count public intoxication june 30 incident according court records also pleaded guilty misdemeanor count disturbing peace stemming nov 9 2015 incident last year also pleaded guilty misdemeanor count making terrorist threats mattesons father john matteson sr told local tv station cbs 2 prays god fix take lost son already 10000 times matteson sr told station broken record keeps happening simi valley residents told cbs 2 disappointed heartbroken alleged hatecrime incident incident breaks heart resident annette pearson said rights worship see fit isnt right hatecrime incidents spiked since recent election donald trump critics say espoused xenophobic racist rhetoric presidential campaign times obliquely discussed support database track muslims elected however campaign denied presidentelect ever contemplated system since election day cair received nearly 200 reports hate incidents aimed muslims america ayloush told associated press 2015 law enforcement agencies reported 257 antimuslim incidents entire year 67 percent 2014 according fbi data published last month last time fbi reported 160 incidents single year 2001 year world trade center pentagon attacked reported 481 attacks amid spike attacks attorney general loretta lynch plans visit virginia mosque week first visit mosque role attorney general video statement november lynch said new high numbers recently reported fbi deeply sobering americans reported ap califmosque
| 520 |
<p>Jan 19 (Reuters) - Shenzhen Centralcon Investment Holding Co Ltd:</p>
<p>* SAYS SHAREHOLDER PLANS TO CUT UP TO 2 PERCENT STAKE IN THE COMPANY WITHIN SIX MONTHS Source text in Chinese: <a href="http://bit.ly/2Dtxkex" type="external">bit.ly/2Dtxkex</a> Further company coverage: (Reporting by Hong Kong newsroom)</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>PARIS (Reuters) - Air France grounded just under a third of flights on Saturday as staff staged a walkout over pay, and travelers also braced for a fresh wave of train strikes starting later in the day, crippling much of France’s transport network.</p>
<p>The industrial action at France’s flag carrier - marking the fifth day of worker stoppages over the past month and a half - has began to overlap with nationwide rolling train strikes, as rail unions protest against President Emmanuel Macron’s reforms.</p>
<p>Air France had forecast that some 70 percent of flights would operate on Saturday.</p>
<p>Unions representing airline staff, locked in a dispute with Air France management over their request for a six percent pay rise, last week called four more strike days in April, in addition to stoppages planned for April 10 and 11.</p>
<p>Queues formed at Paris’ Roissy airport on Saturday as stranded passengers sought to rebook flights.</p>
<p>“We wasted one day here,” said Harinath Reddy, an Indian software engineer whose connecting flight in Paris between Nuremberg in Germany and Mumbai was canceled, causing him to miss another leg of his journey within India.</p>
<p>“If I have to book new ticket within a short time, it’s very expensive. And they are saying they cannot do anything about that. It’s totally ridiculous.”</p> Passengers arrive at the Air France check-in at Bordeaux-Merignac airport, as Air France pilots, cabin and ground crews unions call for a strike over salaries in Merignac near Bordeaux, France April 7, 2018. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau
<p>Train strikes due to start at 1900CET (17GMT) and lasting through to the early hours of Tuesday spelled more chaos for commuters and travelers at the beginning of some mid-term school holidays in France.</p>
<p>The rolling strikes, called in protest at Macron’s bid to modernize the state-run rail company SNCF, through a reform that would end job-for-life guarantees for workers, are set to last until June.</p>
<p>On Sunday, some 35 percent of the workers needed for the network to run smoothly were expected to be absent, SNCF officials said on Saturday. That compares to a 48 percent absentee rate during strikes last Tuesday and Wednesday.</p> Slideshow (2 Images)
<p>One in five high-speed TGV trains were set to run on Sunday, while three out of four international Eurostar and Thalys routes would be operational, the SNCF said.</p>
<p>Reporting by Michaela Cabrera and Myriam Rivet, Writing by Sarah White; Editing by Stephen Powell</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Deutsche Bank’s ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=DBKGn.DE" type="external">DBKGn.DE</a>) supervisory board intends to “take a decision” on Sunday after discussing John Cryan’s job at the helm of the bank, the German lender said late on Saturday.</p> Deutsche Bank building before the bank's annual news conference in Frankfurt, Germany, February 2, 2018. REUTERS/Ralph Orlowski
<p>In a brief statement, the bank confirmed earlier reports that Chairman Paul Achleitner had invited the supervisory board to an “update call”. Two people familiar with the matter told Reuters that a replacement for Cryan could be discussed at the meeting.</p>
<p>“Deutsche Bank’s Supervisory Board will have a discussion on the bank’s CEO position on Sunday evening,” the bank said. “It is planned to take a decision in this context on the same day.”</p>
<p>A representative for the bank was not immediately available to elaborate, but the two sources said earlier on Saturday that they could not rule out the possibility of a major announcement.</p>
<p>An external candidate to succeed Cryan was more likely than an internal candidate, one of the sources said.</p>
<p>Achleitner will act quickly to resolve the situation, said a third person who is a major investor in the bank, also speaking on condition of anonymity.</p>
<p>The Sunday discussion by the board follows two weeks of turmoil over the bank’s leadership.</p>
<p>Achleitner had initiated a search to replace Cryan, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters on March 27, following a flurry of negative headlines after the bank reported a third consecutive annual loss.</p>
<p>Cryan, who has been in office less than three years, responded by writing a memo to staff in which he said he remained “absolutely committed” to the bank. But Achleitner stayed silent, to the chagrin of major investors seeking clarity.</p>
<p>In recent days, Achleitner has broken his silence and reached out to some major investors, according to two other people with knowledge of the matter.</p>
<p>Achleitner was criticized by two major investors this week over the bank’s performance and his handling of the search for a new chief executive.</p>
<p>The leadership debate underscores the continued fragility of the 148-year-old bank after speculation of a possible government bailout just over a year ago.</p> Deutsche Bank CEO John Cryan during the bank's annual news conference in Frankfurt, Germany, February 2, 2018. REUTERS/Ralph Orlowski INVESTMENT BANK WOES
<p>The debate also parallels concern about the path forward for Deutsche’s investment bank, whose swift expansion in the years leading up to the financial crisis is blamed for many of the bank’s current woes.</p>
<p>Revenue at the investment bank in 2017 was down 25 percent compared with 2015, a steeper fall than those suffered by its competitors. The division employed more than 41,000 staff at the end of 2017, up 4 percent from 2015, but key staff have left.</p>
<p>Cryan is conducting a global review of the investment bank, known internally as Project Colombo, a person with direct knowledge of the matter has said.</p>
<p>Cryan, the son of a jazz musician, is married into the wealthy Du Pont family of the United States. He was appointed to the helm of Deutsche in 2015 to overhaul the bank after years of rapid growth under investment bankers.</p>
<p>But his tumultuous tenure as CEO highlights many of the bank’s underlying issues.</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=DBKGn.DE" type="external">Deutsche Bank AG</a> 11.352 DBKGn.DE Xetra -0.31 (-2.64%) DBKGn.DE
<p>Early on, Cryan quickly announced thousands of job cuts to trim costs but reversed the bank’s plans to sell its Postbank retail unit after tepid interest from buyers.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the bank announced earlier this year that it would post its third consecutive annual loss for 2017.</p>
<p>The German government and some of the nation’s most senior politicians criticized Cryan for paying 2.3 billion euros ($2.82 billion) in staff bonuses despite those losses, four times higher than the previous year.</p>
<p>One board member, Kim Hammonds, told leadership at a recent meeting that the bank was “the most dysfunctional company” she had ever worked for, according to a person with direct knowledge of the matter.</p>
<p>Over the past weeks, a number of names have surfaced in the media as possible replacements for Cryan. But some analysts wonder whether anyone would be able to do a better job on turning the bank around.</p>
<p>“There has been actually a disciplined execution in a tough environment by this team,” said Peter Nerby, who analyses the bank for Moody’s. “I wonder if anyone really has a better way to get there. It’s not obvious to me what that way would be.”</p>
<p>($1 = 0.8143 euros)</p>
<p>Reporting by Tom Sims and Hans Seidenstuecker; additional reporting by Christoph Steitz and Oliver Hirt; editing by Jason Neely and Daniel Wallis</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>CHICAGO (Reuters) - Chicago Federal Reserve Bank President Charles Evans, one of the Fed’s most dovish policymakers, said Saturday that he is optimistic inflation will reach the Fed’s 2 percent goal and that slow, gradual rate increases will be appropriate.</p> FILE PHOTO: Charles Evans, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, poses for a photo in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S. January 17, 2018. REUTERS/Ann Saphir/File Photo
<p>“Fiscal policy has been much more supportive of further growth and so the need for accommodative monetary policy is less than it was before,” Evans told reporters in comments after a talk at the University of Chicago Graduate China Forum.</p>
<p>The Fed next meets to set policy in June. If it remains on track for 2 percent, and inflation expectations rise, “continuing our slow, gradual increases will be appropriate to get us to the point where monetary policy isn’t really providing more lift to the economy.”</p>
<p>Evans comments on Saturday are notable because they suggest that one of the Fed’s most outspoken rate-hike skeptics backs further hikes even as worries about a potential trade war roil global equities markets.</p>
<p>China warned on Friday it was fully prepared to respond with a “fierce counter strike” of fresh measures if the United States follows through on President Donald Trump’s threat to slap tariffs on an additional $100 billion of Chinese goods.</p>
<p>Asked about the effect of the trade conflict on his rate-hike view, Evans suggested that while he is mindful of the potential impact and sees stable and predictable trade policy as supportive for business, it is too soon to see anything in the data.</p>
<p>“Even the fiscal policy effects are mostly in the future,” he said.</p>
<p>In December, Evans cast one of two votes against the Fed’s decision to raise rates, saying he wanted to give the economy more time to rev up and lift inflation and inflation expectations, which continued to linger below the Fed’s target even as unemployment dropped to levels not seen in 17 years.</p>
<p>Saying he would be surprised if inflation did not reach the Fed’s goal, given the “very strong” national economy and labor market, Evans suggested he would be on board with the three or four rate hikes for this year that most of his colleagues expect.</p>
<p>“I am optimistic that we are going get to 2 percent; it would be surprising if we didn’t, I just want to make sure we do,” he said. “In that environment, a gradual increase in our interest rate range objectives is appropriate.”</p>
<p>Reporting by Tom Polansek, writing by Ann Saphir, Editing by Franklin Paul</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany’s public debt is falling faster than expected thanks to high tax revenues and should drop below the European Union’s target threshold next year, a year earlier than previously expected, magazine Der Spiegel reported on Saturday.</p> FILE PHOTO - The Frankfurt skyline with its financial district is photographed on early evening in Frankfurt, Germany, March 25, 2018. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach
<p>Citing the government’s new stability program, due to be agreed by the cabinet next Wednesday, Spiegel said the debt ratio was now projected to fall to just over 58 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019 from 61 percent this year.</p>
<p>That would see the debt ratio drop below the EU Stability and Growth Pact threshold of 60 percent of GDP a year earlier than previously forecast.</p>
<p>Writing by Paul Carrel; Editing by Hugh Lawson</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
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jan 19 reuters shenzhen centralcon investment holding co ltd says shareholder plans cut 2 percent stake company within six months source text chinese bitly2dtxkex company coverage reporting hong kong newsroom standards thomson reuters trust principles paris reuters air france grounded third flights saturday staff staged walkout pay travelers also braced fresh wave train strikes starting later day crippling much frances transport network industrial action frances flag carrier marking fifth day worker stoppages past month half began overlap nationwide rolling train strikes rail unions protest president emmanuel macrons reforms air france forecast 70 percent flights would operate saturday unions representing airline staff locked dispute air france management request six percent pay rise last week called four strike days april addition stoppages planned april 10 11 queues formed paris roissy airport saturday stranded passengers sought rebook flights wasted one day said harinath reddy indian software engineer whose connecting flight paris nuremberg germany mumbai canceled causing miss another leg journey within india book new ticket within short time expensive saying anything totally ridiculous passengers arrive air france checkin bordeauxmerignac airport air france pilots cabin ground crews unions call strike salaries merignac near bordeaux france april 7 2018 reutersregis duvignau train strikes due start 1900cet 17gmt lasting early hours tuesday spelled chaos commuters travelers beginning midterm school holidays france rolling strikes called protest macrons bid modernize staterun rail company sncf reform would end jobforlife guarantees workers set last june sunday 35 percent workers needed network run smoothly expected absent sncf officials said saturday compares 48 percent absentee rate strikes last tuesday wednesday slideshow 2 images one five highspeed tgv trains set run sunday three four international eurostar thalys routes would operational sncf said reporting michaela cabrera myriam rivet writing sarah white editing stephen powell standards thomson reuters trust principles frankfurt reuters deutsche banks dbkgnde supervisory board intends take decision sunday discussing john cryans job helm bank german lender said late saturday deutsche bank building banks annual news conference frankfurt germany february 2 2018 reutersralph orlowski brief statement bank confirmed earlier reports chairman paul achleitner invited supervisory board update call two people familiar matter told reuters replacement cryan could discussed meeting deutsche banks supervisory board discussion banks ceo position sunday evening bank said planned take decision context day representative bank immediately available elaborate two sources said earlier saturday could rule possibility major announcement external candidate succeed cryan likely internal candidate one sources said achleitner act quickly resolve situation said third person major investor bank also speaking condition anonymity sunday discussion board follows two weeks turmoil banks leadership achleitner initiated search replace cryan two people familiar matter told reuters march 27 following flurry negative headlines bank reported third consecutive annual loss cryan office less three years responded writing memo staff said remained absolutely committed bank achleitner stayed silent chagrin major investors seeking clarity recent days achleitner broken silence reached major investors according two people knowledge matter achleitner criticized two major investors week banks performance handling search new chief executive leadership debate underscores continued fragility 148yearold bank speculation possible government bailout year ago deutsche bank ceo john cryan banks annual news conference frankfurt germany february 2 2018 reutersralph orlowski investment bank woes debate also parallels concern path forward deutsches investment bank whose swift expansion years leading financial crisis blamed many banks current woes revenue investment bank 2017 25 percent compared 2015 steeper fall suffered competitors division employed 41000 staff end 2017 4 percent 2015 key staff left cryan conducting global review investment bank known internally project colombo person direct knowledge matter said cryan son jazz musician married wealthy du pont family united states appointed helm deutsche 2015 overhaul bank years rapid growth investment bankers tumultuous tenure ceo highlights many banks underlying issues deutsche bank ag 11352 dbkgnde xetra 031 264 dbkgnde early cryan quickly announced thousands job cuts trim costs reversed banks plans sell postbank retail unit tepid interest buyers meanwhile bank announced earlier year would post third consecutive annual loss 2017 german government nations senior politicians criticized cryan paying 23 billion euros 282 billion staff bonuses despite losses four times higher previous year one board member kim hammonds told leadership recent meeting bank dysfunctional company ever worked according person direct knowledge matter past weeks number names surfaced media possible replacements cryan analysts wonder whether anyone would able better job turning bank around actually disciplined execution tough environment team said peter nerby analyses bank moodys wonder anyone really better way get obvious way would 1 08143 euros reporting tom sims hans seidenstuecker additional reporting christoph steitz oliver hirt editing jason neely daniel wallis standards thomson reuters trust principles chicago reuters chicago federal reserve bank president charles evans one feds dovish policymakers said saturday optimistic inflation reach feds 2 percent goal slow gradual rate increases appropriate file photo charles evans president federal reserve bank chicago poses photo palm beach florida us january 17 2018 reutersann saphirfile photo fiscal policy much supportive growth need accommodative monetary policy less evans told reporters comments talk university chicago graduate china forum fed next meets set policy june remains track 2 percent inflation expectations rise continuing slow gradual increases appropriate get us point monetary policy isnt really providing lift economy evans comments saturday notable suggest one feds outspoken ratehike skeptics backs hikes even worries potential trade war roil global equities markets china warned friday fully prepared respond fierce counter strike fresh measures united states follows president donald trumps threat slap tariffs additional 100 billion chinese goods asked effect trade conflict ratehike view evans suggested mindful potential impact sees stable predictable trade policy supportive business soon see anything data even fiscal policy effects mostly future said december evans cast one two votes feds decision raise rates saying wanted give economy time rev lift inflation inflation expectations continued linger feds target even unemployment dropped levels seen 17 years saying would surprised inflation reach feds goal given strong national economy labor market evans suggested would board three four rate hikes year colleagues expect optimistic going get 2 percent would surprising didnt want make sure said environment gradual increase interest rate range objectives appropriate reporting tom polansek writing ann saphir editing franklin paul standards thomson reuters trust principles berlin reuters germanys public debt falling faster expected thanks high tax revenues drop european unions target threshold next year year earlier previously expected magazine der spiegel reported saturday file photo frankfurt skyline financial district photographed early evening frankfurt germany march 25 2018 reuterskai pfaffenbach citing governments new stability program due agreed cabinet next wednesday spiegel said debt ratio projected fall 58 percent gross domestic product gdp 2019 61 percent year would see debt ratio drop eu stability growth pact threshold 60 percent gdp year earlier previously forecast writing paul carrel editing hugh lawson standards thomson reuters trust principles
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<p>Sen. Rand Paul misrepresented two studies supported by federal grants, while advocating legislation he introduced to change the federal grant funding process.</p>
<p>In both cases, Paul, a <a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2016/02/rand-paul-dropping-out-of-white-house-race-218675" type="external">2016 presidential candidate</a> and <a href="https://www.paul.senate.gov/" type="external">Republican from Kentucky</a>, confused the&#160;means&#160;the researchers used to conduct their experiments with the studies’ ends, or purpose. Paul also ignored the broader implications of the research.</p>
<p>Paul,&#160;who worked as an <a href="https://www.paul.senate.gov/about-rand/meet" type="external">ophthalmologist</a>&#160;before entering politics, made his remarks on Oct. 18 during a <a href="https://www.hsgac.senate.gov/hearings/broken-beakers-federal-support-for-research" type="external">hearing</a> on federal support for research. A day earlier, Paul introduced the&#160; <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/1973?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22S.+1973%22%5D%7D&amp;r=1" type="external">BASIC Research Act</a>, which, if passed, would make a number of changes to the way federal agencies fund basic research.</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal" />Paul mentioned his legislation multiple times during the Oct. 18 hearing, arguing it would help take the “bias” out of the grant review process.</p>
<p>Among other things, the bill would require grant review panels to include a “taxpayer advocate.” The bill defines this person as “someone whose main focus is on the value proposed research delivers to the taxpayer.”</p>
<p>Paul’s bill would also require panels to include a least one person who is an expert in an unrelated field to the proposed grant project and hasn’t been affiliated with any academic or research institution for 10 years.</p>
<p>To be clear, we take no position on whether or not the federal government should have funded these two research projects – that’s a matter of opinion. Paul has the right to his opinion that the government shouldn’t have funded them.&#160;But in advocating his legislation, he mischaracterized the purpose and scope of the two research projects.</p>
<p>During the hearing, the study involving a “shrimp on a treadmill” came up many times, but it was first mentioned by Paul in his opening statement.</p>
<p>Paul, Oct. 18:&#160;I’m concerned that the government system of supporting research is inefficient and often incentivizes the wrong things which leads to bad science and wasted taxpayer dollars. We’ve published examples like this National Science Foundation study which was, had money being spent on Ugandan gambling habits. I just see no reason at all taxpayer money would go to that, period. I just don’t know, and we do it year, after year, after year. Senator Lankford found an NIH study, $2 million, investigating if kids don’t like food that has been sneezed on. Are you more or less likely to eat the food in front of you in the buffet line if someone sneezes on it? That’s absurd. And who would forget the&#160;shrimp on a treadmill found by Senator Coburn?</p>
<p>Thomas Coburn, a <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/thomas_coburn/400576" type="external">former Republican senator from Oklahoma</a>, did identify the shrimp research in his 2011 <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110604011242/http://coburn.senate.gov/public//index.cfm?a=Files.Serve&amp;File_id=f6cd2052-b088-44c3-b146-5baa5c01552a" type="external">report</a> on NSF funding, calling it a “questionable NSF project.”&#160;In his description of the study, Coburn said scientists&#160;“put shrimp on a tiny treadmill to determine if sickness impaired the mobility of the crustaceans.”</p>
<p>That’s not completely off the mark,&#160; <a href="http://burnettl.people.cofc.edu/" type="external">Louis Burnett</a>, the professor of biology at the College of Charleston in South Carolina who received NSF funding for the research, told us over the phone.</p>
<p>In their grant project <a href="https://nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=0725245" type="external">description</a>, Burnett and his colleague and wife, <a href="http://biology.cofc.edu/about-the-department/faculty-staff-listing/burnett-karen.php" type="external">Karen Burnett</a>, a research associate at Charleston, explained that they aimed to&#160;test whether the “act of launching an immune defense against bacteria interferes with the ability of shrimp and crabs to engage in normal activities of swimming or feeding and that this effect will be exacerbated by environmental stress, such as hypoxia,” or low water oxygen levels.</p>
<p>Human activity has <a href="http://www.wri.org/our-work/project/eutrophication-and-hypoxia/about-eutrophication" type="external">caused</a> significant increases in the severity and length of periods of low oxygen levels in coastal waters. For example, when farmers apply nitrogen and phosphorus-rich fertilizers to their crops, those fertilizers can leach into rivers, which flow out to the coast. The excess nutrients then lead to the proliferation of algae and other aquatic plants, which suck oxygen out of the water, leaving less for shrimp, crabs and other sea creatures to breathe.</p>
<p>It’s this broader context that both Paul and Coburn left out of their descriptions of the Burnetts’ research.&#160;Given human-induced changes to coastal environments, the researchers created treadmills for shrimp and crabs to understand how low water oxygen combined with bacterial infection might impact these crustaceans we eat.</p>
<p>In fact, Louis Burnett said his group is not the first to use treadmills as a “stress test” for animals. “Biologists have put everything on treadmills,” he told us, because it’s a way to understand how organisms respond to different variables while active as opposed to inactive. In the wild, these organisms move around frequently, he added.</p>
<p>Generally, the Burnetts have <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=121887&amp;org=NSF&amp;preview=false" type="external">found</a> that shrimp, crabs and other sea life can’t fight off infections as well in low oxygen conditions, and conversely, that infections limit these animals’ abilities to breathe in oxygen, even in oxygen-rich environments.</p>
<p>While the Burnetts don’t directly study how changes to the oceans will impact the seafood industry, the NSF <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=121887&amp;org=NSF&amp;preview=false" type="external">makes</a> that connection in a 2011 article.</p>
<p>Their research could help “lay the foundation” for “an early warning system that could be used to help flag conditions that may harm economically and ecologically important crustaceans,” writes the NSF. This system could be used to determine when pollution or nutrient levels “rise high enough to jeopardize the health or marketability of nearby organisms,” the agency adds.</p>
<p>Paul also claimed the NIH spent “$2 million investigating if kids don’t like food that has been sneezed on.” At the end of his opening statement, Paul added, “Some will say that the general public doesn’t understand scientists, but I don’t think you need a PhD to understand people are less likely to choose food that’s been sneezed on.”</p>
<p>The senator’s statements are misleading for multiple reasons.</p>
<p>First,&#160; <a href="http://www.psych.cornell.edu/people/faculty/kinzler-profile/" type="external">Katherine D. Kinzler</a> and <a href="https://psych.wisc.edu/faculty-shutts.htm" type="external">Kristin B. Shutts</a>, associate professors studying social cognition at Cornell and the University of Wisconsin, Madison, respectively, received about $1.89 million from the NIH for a five-year&#160; <a href="https://projectreporter.nih.gov/project_info_description.cfm?aid=9397803&amp;icde=36713210" type="external">project</a> on children’s reasoning about foods — not just one study on sneezing. The researchers told us by phone that the NIH allowed them to use up remaining funds during one additional year, making their project span six years.</p>
<p>Second, when we reached out to Paul’s office, a spokesperson pointed us to a particular <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25558024" type="external">study</a> by Kinzler and Shutts to back the senator’s claims. But the purpose of that study&#160;wasn’t to determine whether children don’t like sneezed-on food — it was to understand whether&#160;kids of various ages can pick up on subtle cues about contamination.</p>
<p>The study also didn’t find that “people are less likely to choose food that’s been sneezed on,” as Paul said. That might be the case for adults, but the picture is more complicated with children.</p>
<p>Published in the journal Appetite in April 2015, the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25558024" type="external">study</a> consisted of showing two different videos to children ages 3 to 8. In one video, an adult ate applesauce from a blue bowl, positively endorsed the food and then offered the applesauce to the child watching. In the second video, an adult ate applesauce from a red bowl, endorsed the food, sneezed on the food and then offered the applesauce to the kids.</p>
<p>The researchers then offered children identical applesauce in red and blue bowls and observed which ones the kids ate. But having just watched the videos, the kids were led to believe that the blue bowl would contain clean applesauce and the red bowl would contain contaminated applesauce.</p>
<p>Kinzler and Shutts found that 57 percent of the 3- to 8-year-olds ate from both bowls and 28 percent only ate from the “clean” bowls. Five percent only ate from the “contaminated” bowls, but this group only consisted of 3- and 4-year-olds.</p>
<p>The researchers also measured how much from each bowl the kids ate. Five- to 8-year-olds ate significantly more “clean” food than “contaminated” food, but the opposite was true for 3- and 4-year-olds. Likewise, 3- and 4-year-olds generally rated the “contaminated” food as tastier, while 5- to 8-year-olds rated the “clean” food as tastier, even though they were identical.</p>
<p>What do these results show? “[S]ubtle cues can effectively impact children’s choice, consumption, and evaluation of otherwise identical foods,” the study concludes, and that&#160;influence differs by age.</p>
<p>Given the difference between 3- to 4-year-olds and 5- to 8-year-olds, the researchers hypothesized that the younger children have a hard time understanding that “two perceptually similar items can be different and that nonvisible particles such as germs can be present and cause illness,” a hypothesis that’s supported by previous research. This means that safe eating interventions might need to be different for kids under 4 years old.</p>
<p>Still, when we spoke with&#160;Kinzler and Shutts on the phone, they emphasized that plenty of 5- to 8-year-olds still tasted both foods. So even if the older kids ate more of the “clean” food and rated it tastier, they still risked (hypothetical) illness by at least tasting the “contaminated” food.</p>
<p>The researchers showed the videos at conferences to adults, who reacted markedly differently than the children. They were “visibly disgusted” by the sneezing video, Kinzler said.</p>
<p>The study concludes that “future research is necessary to understand the scope of contexts that might either decrease or heighten children’s sensitivity to contamination.” In fact, in other studies that the NIH grant funded, the researchers looked at how social contexts affected babies’ reasoning about what should be eaten and what shouldn’t.</p>
<p>For example, in a <a href="http://www.pnas.org/content/113/34/9480.long" type="external">study</a> published in the journal&#160;Proceedings of the National Academy of the Sciences Kinzler and colleagues found that 1-year-olds may develop food preferences by watching who’s eating the food in addition to tasting the food itself. In a&#160;New York Times <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/21/opinion/sunday/babies-watching-people-eat.html" type="external">op-ed</a> summarizing her research, Kinzler explains how these findings might be used to help kids make healthier choices.</p>
<p>Kinzler, Aug. 19, 2016: Parents of young children may want to take note of our findings. Infants are not just learning to eat the foods they are given; they are also learning by watching adults eat, and figuring out who eats what foods with whom. By introducing babies to social contexts in which adults make healthful food choices, parents may help children learn the cultural norms of healthful eating themselves.</p>
<p>Practicing healthy and safe eating in front of children could have lasting effects on them, too, Kinzler and Shutts argue. “Evidence suggests that infants’ and children’s earliest patterns of eating have lasting consequences for health across the lifespan,” they wrote in their NIH grant proposal.</p>
<p>So, the NIH didn’t spend nearly $2 million figuring out if people don’t like food that has been sneezed on. And the NSF didn’t fund a study that aimed to measure how long shrimp can run on a treadmill. Paul confused the means of conducting these studies with their ends. In both cases, he also ignores the broader goals of the research.</p>
<p>Editor’s Note: SciCheck is made possible by a grant from the Stanton Foundation.&#160;</p>
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sen rand paul misrepresented two studies supported federal grants advocating legislation introduced change federal grant funding process cases paul 2016 presidential candidate republican kentucky confused the160means160the researchers used conduct experiments studies ends purpose paul also ignored broader implications research paul160who worked ophthalmologist160before entering politics made remarks oct 18 hearing federal support research day earlier paul introduced the160 basic research act passed would make number changes way federal agencies fund basic research paul mentioned legislation multiple times oct 18 hearing arguing would help take bias grant review process among things bill would require grant review panels include taxpayer advocate bill defines person someone whose main focus value proposed research delivers taxpayer pauls bill would also require panels include least one person expert unrelated field proposed grant project hasnt affiliated academic research institution 10 years clear take position whether federal government funded two research projects thats matter opinion paul right opinion government shouldnt funded them160but advocating legislation mischaracterized purpose scope two research projects hearing study involving shrimp treadmill came many times first mentioned paul opening statement paul oct 18160im concerned government system supporting research inefficient often incentivizes wrong things leads bad science wasted taxpayer dollars weve published examples like national science foundation study money spent ugandan gambling habits see reason taxpayer money would go period dont know year year year senator lankford found nih study 2 million investigating kids dont like food sneezed less likely eat food front buffet line someone sneezes thats absurd would forget the160shrimp treadmill found senator coburn thomas coburn former republican senator oklahoma identify shrimp research 2011 report nsf funding calling questionable nsf project160in description study coburn said scientists160put shrimp tiny treadmill determine sickness impaired mobility crustaceans thats completely mark160 louis burnett professor biology college charleston south carolina received nsf funding research told us phone grant project description burnett colleague wife karen burnett research associate charleston explained aimed to160test whether act launching immune defense bacteria interferes ability shrimp crabs engage normal activities swimming feeding effect exacerbated environmental stress hypoxia low water oxygen levels human activity caused significant increases severity length periods low oxygen levels coastal waters example farmers apply nitrogen phosphorusrich fertilizers crops fertilizers leach rivers flow coast excess nutrients lead proliferation algae aquatic plants suck oxygen water leaving less shrimp crabs sea creatures breathe broader context paul coburn left descriptions burnetts research160given humaninduced changes coastal environments researchers created treadmills shrimp crabs understand low water oxygen combined bacterial infection might impact crustaceans eat fact louis burnett said group first use treadmills stress test animals biologists put everything treadmills told us way understand organisms respond different variables active opposed inactive wild organisms move around frequently added generally burnetts found shrimp crabs sea life cant fight infections well low oxygen conditions conversely infections limit animals abilities breathe oxygen even oxygenrich environments burnetts dont directly study changes oceans impact seafood industry nsf makes connection 2011 article research could help lay foundation early warning system could used help flag conditions may harm economically ecologically important crustaceans writes nsf system could used determine pollution nutrient levels rise high enough jeopardize health marketability nearby organisms agency adds paul also claimed nih spent 2 million investigating kids dont like food sneezed end opening statement paul added say general public doesnt understand scientists dont think need phd understand people less likely choose food thats sneezed senators statements misleading multiple reasons first160 katherine kinzler kristin b shutts associate professors studying social cognition cornell university wisconsin madison respectively received 189 million nih fiveyear160 project childrens reasoning foods one study sneezing researchers told us phone nih allowed use remaining funds one additional year making project span six years second reached pauls office spokesperson pointed us particular study kinzler shutts back senators claims purpose study160wasnt determine whether children dont like sneezedon food understand whether160kids various ages pick subtle cues contamination study also didnt find people less likely choose food thats sneezed paul said might case adults picture complicated children published journal appetite april 2015 study consisted showing two different videos children ages 3 8 one video adult ate applesauce blue bowl positively endorsed food offered applesauce child watching second video adult ate applesauce red bowl endorsed food sneezed food offered applesauce kids researchers offered children identical applesauce red blue bowls observed ones kids ate watched videos kids led believe blue bowl would contain clean applesauce red bowl would contain contaminated applesauce kinzler shutts found 57 percent 3 8yearolds ate bowls 28 percent ate clean bowls five percent ate contaminated bowls group consisted 3 4yearolds researchers also measured much bowl kids ate five 8yearolds ate significantly clean food contaminated food opposite true 3 4yearolds likewise 3 4yearolds generally rated contaminated food tastier 5 8yearolds rated clean food tastier even though identical results show subtle cues effectively impact childrens choice consumption evaluation otherwise identical foods study concludes that160influence differs age given difference 3 4yearolds 5 8yearolds researchers hypothesized younger children hard time understanding two perceptually similar items different nonvisible particles germs present cause illness hypothesis thats supported previous research means safe eating interventions might need different kids 4 years old still spoke with160kinzler shutts phone emphasized plenty 5 8yearolds still tasted foods even older kids ate clean food rated tastier still risked hypothetical illness least tasting contaminated food researchers showed videos conferences adults reacted markedly differently children visibly disgusted sneezing video kinzler said study concludes future research necessary understand scope contexts might either decrease heighten childrens sensitivity contamination fact studies nih grant funded researchers looked social contexts affected babies reasoning eaten shouldnt example study published journal160proceedings national academy sciences kinzler colleagues found 1yearolds may develop food preferences watching whos eating food addition tasting food a160new york times oped summarizing research kinzler explains findings might used help kids make healthier choices kinzler aug 19 2016 parents young children may want take note findings infants learning eat foods given also learning watching adults eat figuring eats foods introducing babies social contexts adults make healthful food choices parents may help children learn cultural norms healthful eating practicing healthy safe eating front children could lasting effects kinzler shutts argue evidence suggests infants childrens earliest patterns eating lasting consequences health across lifespan wrote nih grant proposal nih didnt spend nearly 2 million figuring people dont like food sneezed nsf didnt fund study aimed measure long shrimp run treadmill paul confused means conducting studies ends cases also ignores broader goals research editors note scicheck made possible grant stanton foundation160
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<p>Wind turbines and solar panels accounted for more than two-thirds of all new electric generation capacity added to the nation's grid in 2015, according to a recent analysis by the U.S. Department of Energy. The remaining third was largely new power plants fueled by natural gas, which has become cheap and plentiful as a result of hydraulic fracturing.</p>
<p>It was the second straight year U.S. investment in renewable energy projects has outpaced that of fossil fuels. Robust growth is once again predicted for this year.</p>
<p>And while Republican lawmakers in Washington have fought to protect coal-fired power plants, opposing President Barack Obama's efforts to curtail climate-warming carbon emissions, data show their home states are often the ones benefiting most from the nation's accelerating shift to renewable energy.</p>
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<p>Leading the way in new wind projects are GOP strongholds Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas, home to some of the leading critics of climate science and renewable energy incentives in Congress. Republican-dominated North Carolina trails only California in new solar farms, thanks largely to pro-renewables polices enacted years ago under a Democratic legislature.</p>
<p>The most dramatic change has been seen in the plummeting cost of emissions-free wind energy, which has declined by two-thirds in the last six years thanks to the availability of cheaper, more efficient turbines. An annual analysis by the Wall Street investment firm Lazard determined that wind energy is now the lowest-cost energy source, even before federal green-energy tax incentives are factored in.</p>
<p>"Wind energy is very low-cost and not subject to the fuel price risk that both natural gas and coal face," said Michael Goggin, senior director of research at the American Wind Energy Association, an industry trade group. "Adding wind is cheaper than new gas or new coal. It is by far the lowest-cost resource."</p>
<p>Billions of dollars in private equity are going to construct massive new renewables projects, especially in the Sun Belt and Great Plains. Thousands of miles of new high-voltage transmission lines are also under construction to send power from the wind and sun from the sparsely populated areas where it is collected to the urban centers where it's needed.</p>
<p>Even with the surge in new projects, energy from such renewable sources as wind, solar and water accounted for only about a tenth of total U.S. power generation last year.</p>
<p>Still, the U.S. leads the world in wind energy with about 48,800 utility-scale turbines operating across the country, generating enough electricity to power about 20 million homes. By 2030, the Energy Department estimates wind will provide a fifth of the nation's electricity.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, coal has dropped over the last decade from providing half of all U.S. electricity to about one-third.</p>
<p>Peabody Energy, the world's largest coal company, last month joined a growing list of major mining firms forced to seek bankruptcy protection. Big banks appear to also be writing coal's financial obituary. JPMorgan Chase recently announced it will no longer finance new coal mines or coal-fired power plants, following similar announcements from Bank of America, Citigroup, Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo.</p>
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<p>"We didn't see the decline coming this fast and this deep," said Luke Popovich, spokesman for the National Mining Association, an industry trade group. "I don't think we anticipated the determination of this administration to drive coal out of the market."</p>
<p>While new clean-air regulations and tax incentives for renewables are having a negative impact on coal, the plummeting cost of cleaner-burning natural gas made possible by fracking is largely driving the closure of many old coal-fired power plants. Exports of coal to foreign customers such as China also are down.</p>
<p>Closures mean America's coal mines now employ about only about 56,700 people, down from a peak of more than 10 times that. By contrast, the fast-growing solar industry now employs more than 210,000 workers. Wind energy accounts for another 77,000 by federal estimates.</p>
<p>Political giving by the big coal companies and their executives has declined, but the industry still spends heavily to protect its interests in Washington. Pro-coal interests spent at least $11 million to influence the 2014 Congressional midterm elections, according to the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics. More than 95 percent of that went to support Republican candidates.</p>
<p>Among them is Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who rarely misses an opportunity to blame Obama's "War on Coal" for killing mining jobs. Nearly all of the 27 states that have sued to stop the administration's carbon emissions-cutting Clean Power Plan have GOP governors. All but one of the 34 senators and 171 House members who have signed on to support the court challenge are Republicans. Sen. Joe Manchin of coal-dependent West Virginia is the lone Democrat.</p>
<p>For Republicans from areas benefiting from renewable energy, the political calculus is more complicated. An increasing number of them try to balance criticizing Obama's environmental efforts with quietly supporting the federal tax incentives helping drive investment in renewables.</p>
<p>GOP leaders compromised with Democrats and a growing number of pro-renewables Republicans to include a five-year extension of tax breaks for wind and solar projects as part of a federal budget agreement approved in December.</p>
<p>Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, among the earliest boosters of government support for wind power, points out that fossil fuels and nuclear plants have long benefited from tax credits. Last month, MidAmerican Energy announced plans to invest another $3.6 billion to add new turbines in Iowa, which already gets about a third of its electricity from the wind.</p>
<p>"We've seen the economic success story behind renewables up close and personal," Grassley said as the new project was announced. "There are more than 6,000 good wind jobs in Iowa."</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow Michael Biesecker on Twitter at https://twitter.com/mbieseck and find his work at <a href="http://bigstory.ap.org/content/michael-biesecker" type="external">http://bigstory.ap.org/content/michael-biesecker</a></p>
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wind turbines solar panels accounted twothirds new electric generation capacity added nations grid 2015 according recent analysis us department energy remaining third largely new power plants fueled natural gas become cheap plentiful result hydraulic fracturing second straight year us investment renewable energy projects outpaced fossil fuels robust growth predicted year republican lawmakers washington fought protect coalfired power plants opposing president barack obamas efforts curtail climatewarming carbon emissions data show home states often ones benefiting nations accelerating shift renewable energy advertisement leading way new wind projects gop strongholds texas oklahoma kansas home leading critics climate science renewable energy incentives congress republicandominated north carolina trails california new solar farms thanks largely prorenewables polices enacted years ago democratic legislature dramatic change seen plummeting cost emissionsfree wind energy declined twothirds last six years thanks availability cheaper efficient turbines annual analysis wall street investment firm lazard determined wind energy lowestcost energy source even federal greenenergy tax incentives factored wind energy lowcost subject fuel price risk natural gas coal face said michael goggin senior director research american wind energy association industry trade group adding wind cheaper new gas new coal far lowestcost resource billions dollars private equity going construct massive new renewables projects especially sun belt great plains thousands miles new highvoltage transmission lines also construction send power wind sun sparsely populated areas collected urban centers needed even surge new projects energy renewable sources wind solar water accounted tenth total us power generation last year still us leads world wind energy 48800 utilityscale turbines operating across country generating enough electricity power 20 million homes 2030 energy department estimates wind provide fifth nations electricity meanwhile coal dropped last decade providing half us electricity onethird peabody energy worlds largest coal company last month joined growing list major mining firms forced seek bankruptcy protection big banks appear also writing coals financial obituary jpmorgan chase recently announced longer finance new coal mines coalfired power plants following similar announcements bank america citigroup morgan stanley wells fargo advertisement didnt see decline coming fast deep said luke popovich spokesman national mining association industry trade group dont think anticipated determination administration drive coal market new cleanair regulations tax incentives renewables negative impact coal plummeting cost cleanerburning natural gas made possible fracking largely driving closure many old coalfired power plants exports coal foreign customers china also closures mean americas coal mines employ 56700 people peak 10 times contrast fastgrowing solar industry employs 210000 workers wind energy accounts another 77000 federal estimates political giving big coal companies executives declined industry still spends heavily protect interests washington procoal interests spent least 11 million influence 2014 congressional midterm elections according nonpartisan center responsive politics 95 percent went support republican candidates among senate majority leader mitch mcconnell kentucky rarely misses opportunity blame obamas war coal killing mining jobs nearly 27 states sued stop administrations carbon emissionscutting clean power plan gop governors one 34 senators 171 house members signed support court challenge republicans sen joe manchin coaldependent west virginia lone democrat republicans areas benefiting renewable energy political calculus complicated increasing number try balance criticizing obamas environmental efforts quietly supporting federal tax incentives helping drive investment renewables gop leaders compromised democrats growing number prorenewables republicans include fiveyear extension tax breaks wind solar projects part federal budget agreement approved december republican sen chuck grassley iowa among earliest boosters government support wind power points fossil fuels nuclear plants long benefited tax credits last month midamerican energy announced plans invest another 36 billion add new turbines iowa already gets third electricity wind weve seen economic success story behind renewables close personal grassley said new project announced 6000 good wind jobs iowa ___ follow michael biesecker twitter httpstwittercommbieseck find work httpbigstoryaporgcontentmichaelbiesecker
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<p>FILE – In this April 19, 2011 file photo, a member of the National Guard checks on his colleague inside a Border Patrol Skybox near the Hidalgo International Bridge in Hidalgo, Texas. If lawmakers in Austin have their way, the Texas National Guard will be staying at the border at a cost of $12 million. But is it worth it to have the guardsmen at the border? And what can they do, other than watch the brush, as the number of illegal immigrants crossing from Mexico continues to dwindle.(AP Photo/Delcia Lopez, File)</p>
<p>McALLEN, Texas — On U.S. 83, the highway that hugs the southern stretch of the Texas-Mexico border, law enforcement is everywhere.</p>
<p>Even on a national holiday this week, the green-and-white trucks of U.S. Customs and Border Protection circled tirelessly around the empty streets of Rio Grande City, a hotspot for illegal border crossings. Texas state troopers pulled over vehicles, and a Border Patrol helicopter hovered above, keeping watch over the Rio Grande.</p>
<p>Less visible are hundreds of Texas National Guard troops who arrived last summer and are under new orders from Gov. Greg Abbott to remain indefinitely — probably at least through next year. But with migration numbers falling and the guard moving to remote outposts, local authorities and residents are questioning the troops’ continued presence here.</p>
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<p>Previously scheduled to leave in March, guard members who typically respond to short-term disasters like hurricanes are instead digging in for one of the longest domestic deployments in the U.S. That is despite dwindling apprehensions and an even steeper drop in unaccompanied children arriving from Central America.</p>
<p>It was the arrival of those children in overwhelming numbers that prompted former Gov. Rick Perry to activate the guard in the first place. Abbott says the extended mission remains necessary until Texas hires more state troopers.</p>
<p>“We will stay on station until our presence there is not needed any further,” National Guard Maj. Gen. John Nichols said.</p>
<p>The troops had been stationed mostly along the Rio Grande. But in recent weeks, their presence became less visible as the guard began a gradual drawdown in anticipation of the mission ending in March.</p>
<p>Still unclear is how many guard troops will remain, serving in their strictly surveillance role. They are armed, but they do not have arrest authority and must call another agency at the first sign of trouble.</p>
<p>Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw this week refused to disclose the total number of gun-carrying patrolmen the state has saturating the Rio Grande Valley, making a complete picture of security elusive.</p>
<p>The governor and state officials no longer disclose the number of guard troops being kept on the border, citing what they call operational security.</p>
<p>When about 1,000 guard troops first arrived in August, more than 6,600 illegal crossers were apprehended in the first week, according to state officials. Those numbers have since fallen to around 200 guard members and about 2,000 weekly apprehensions.</p>
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<p>The National Butterfly Center, on a 100-acre property adjacent to the Rio Grande in Mission, was home to a group of guardsmen through the end of 2014. The center’s executive director recalled seeing them set up on a nearby levee in full body armor in the hot sun with high-tech surveillance equipment. Their presence appeared to act as a deterrent.</p>
<p>“The folks on the other side are aware of everything going on, so they move it elsewhere. It is a business, and they want business to go smoothly,” Marianna Trevino Wright said.</p>
<p>But the crush of law-enforcement activity and the media attention focused on the border also deterred visitors — the birders and butterfly enthusiasts who come from as far away as Japan. Participation in the center’s annual festival last fall fell by 20 percent, she said.</p>
<p>“You come out here and see how lovely and tranquil and peaceful it is, and the news made it sound like we were being invaded,” she said.</p>
<p>The center held two dinners for guard troops, but she said she has not seen one guard member anywhere in the area since January. “They sort of vanished,” she said.</p>
<p>The National Guard’s lowered profile has caused some local law enforcement officials to balk at the cost of keeping them in the area. Next year, Texas will surpass $1 billion in border-security spending since 2008. The money has paid for everything from raw manpower to futuristic spy planes and $600,000 armored boats with machine guns that fire 900 rounds per minute.</p>
<p>Cameron County Sheriff Omar Lucio said that he’s never spotted the guard working in his county and his officers don’t report seeing them either. That money would be better used beefing up local law enforcement, he said.</p>
<p>“We have to know when you can stop somebody, when you can interrogate someone, when you have probable cause to stop. The National Guard does not have that authority,” Lucio said.</p>
<p>Sister Norma Pimentel, executive director of Catholic Charities in McAllen, which opened a shelter for migrants last summer, also questioned what the guardsmen added.</p>
<p>“Folks in general appreciate the sense of safety that our local law enforcement provide for us,” Pimentel said. “I don’t know that the National Guard is doing anything to increase that safety.”</p>
<p>——</p>
<p>Weber reported from Austin. Follow him on Twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/pauljweber" type="external">www.twitter.com/pauljweber</a> .</p>
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file april 19 2011 file photo member national guard checks colleague inside border patrol skybox near hidalgo international bridge hidalgo texas lawmakers austin way texas national guard staying border cost 12 million worth guardsmen border watch brush number illegal immigrants crossing mexico continues dwindleap photodelcia lopez file mcallen texas us 83 highway hugs southern stretch texasmexico border law enforcement everywhere even national holiday week greenandwhite trucks us customs border protection circled tirelessly around empty streets rio grande city hotspot illegal border crossings texas state troopers pulled vehicles border patrol helicopter hovered keeping watch rio grande less visible hundreds texas national guard troops arrived last summer new orders gov greg abbott remain indefinitely probably least next year migration numbers falling guard moving remote outposts local authorities residents questioning troops continued presence advertisement previously scheduled leave march guard members typically respond shortterm disasters like hurricanes instead digging one longest domestic deployments us despite dwindling apprehensions even steeper drop unaccompanied children arriving central america arrival children overwhelming numbers prompted former gov rick perry activate guard first place abbott says extended mission remains necessary texas hires state troopers stay station presence needed national guard maj gen john nichols said troops stationed mostly along rio grande recent weeks presence became less visible guard began gradual drawdown anticipation mission ending march still unclear many guard troops remain serving strictly surveillance role armed arrest authority must call another agency first sign trouble texas department public safety director steve mccraw week refused disclose total number guncarrying patrolmen state saturating rio grande valley making complete picture security elusive governor state officials longer disclose number guard troops kept border citing call operational security 1000 guard troops first arrived august 6600 illegal crossers apprehended first week according state officials numbers since fallen around 200 guard members 2000 weekly apprehensions advertisement national butterfly center 100acre property adjacent rio grande mission home group guardsmen end 2014 centers executive director recalled seeing set nearby levee full body armor hot sun hightech surveillance equipment presence appeared act deterrent folks side aware everything going move elsewhere business want business go smoothly marianna trevino wright said crush lawenforcement activity media attention focused border also deterred visitors birders butterfly enthusiasts come far away japan participation centers annual festival last fall fell 20 percent said come see lovely tranquil peaceful news made sound like invaded said center held two dinners guard troops said seen one guard member anywhere area since january sort vanished said national guards lowered profile caused local law enforcement officials balk cost keeping area next year texas surpass 1 billion bordersecurity spending since 2008 money paid everything raw manpower futuristic spy planes 600000 armored boats machine guns fire 900 rounds per minute cameron county sheriff omar lucio said hes never spotted guard working county officers dont report seeing either money would better used beefing local law enforcement said know stop somebody interrogate someone probable cause stop national guard authority lucio said sister norma pimentel executive director catholic charities mcallen opened shelter migrants last summer also questioned guardsmen added folks general appreciate sense safety local law enforcement provide us pimentel said dont know national guard anything increase safety weber reported austin follow twitter wwwtwittercompauljweber
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<p>Hillary Clinton says “most charter schools … don’t take the hardest-to-teach kids. Or&#160;if they do, they don’t keep them.” But her campaign could not provide evidence for such a sweeping claim.</p>
<p>The campaign cited a study that showed charter schools enrolled a lower percentage of students with disabilities than traditional public schools. But a 2012 report by the Government Accountability Office said “little is known” about why that gap exists, citing several factors based only on anecdotal information — including the possibility that “fewer parents of students with disabilities choose to enroll their children in charter schools.”</p>
<p>The campaign also cited a higher rate of expulsions in Washington, D.C., charter schools compared with&#160;the district’s traditional public schools in the 2011-12 school year. However, nearly two-thirds of D.C. charter schools did not expel any students that school year. Although that, too, is only anecdotal, the Washington, D.C., experience directly contradicts Clinton’s claim that “most charter schools … don’t keep them.”</p>
<p>Clinton, the leading candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, made her remarks during a recent town hall meeting in South Carolina (at about the <a href="http://www.c-span.org/video/?400357-1/hillary-clinton-town-hall-meeting-orangeburg-south-carolina&amp;live&amp;start=2199" type="external">36:40 mark of a C-Span video</a> of the event). Roland Martin, who moderated the town hall event, asked her if she supports the expansion of charter schools. She said she has long supported the idea of charter schools, but then she noted some problems with them.</p>
<p>Clinton, Nov. 7: And here’s a couple of problems. Most charter schools, I don’t want to say every one, but most charter schools, they don’t take the hardest-to-teach kids. Or if they do, they don’t keep them.</p>
<p>The word “most” is what caught our attention. We asked the Clinton campaign for information that supports her claim charter schools don’t take and don’t keep the hardest-to-keep students. It pointed to two areas in particular: expulsion rates and enrollment of students with disabilities.</p>
<p>We will first look at Clinton’s claim that “most charter schools … don’t take the hardest-to-teach kids.”</p>
<p>The Clinton campaign cited a <a href="http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/charterschoice/2015/11/charter_schools_serve_fewer_special_ed_students_but_are_more_inclusive_analysis_finds.html" type="external">Nov. 10 blog item on Education Week‘s website</a> about an <a href="http://static1.squarespace.com/static/52feb326e4b069fc72abb0c8/t/564109d3e4b027fb791d1964/1447102931798/crdc_full.pdf" type="external">October 2015 study</a> produced by the National Center for Special Education in Charter Schools, an independent nonprofit organization.</p>
<p>The study analyzed data from the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights for the 2011-2012 school year. It found that charter schools serve fewer special needs students compared with traditional public schools. But it also found that the gap had narrowed over a three-year period and charter schools “serve more students in an inclusive setting [within regular classrooms] than their district counterparts.”</p>
<p>Education Week, Nov. 10: The NCSECS’ analysis found that 12.55 percent of traditional public school students receive special education, compared to 10.42 percent in charter schools. That gap has shrunk since the 2008-09 school year when a U.S. Government Accountability Office report found that students with disabilities made up only 7.7 percent of charter school enrollment nationally, versus 11.3 percent in district schools.</p>
<p>We also reviewed the June 2012 <a href="http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/591435.pdf" type="external">GAO report</a> mentioned in the Education Week blog item to determine the reason or reasons for the enrollment gap. But the GAO said it could not explain the gap.</p>
<p>The GAO said “little is known about the factors contributing” to the gap between traditional public schools and charter schools. The report said, based on anecdotal information, that several factors may be contributing to the gap. Charter schools may discourage students with disabilities from enrolling, but it also may simply be that “fewer parents of students with disabilities choose to enroll their children in charter schools.”</p>
<p>GAO, June 2012: Several factors may help explain why enrollment levels of students with disabilities in charter schools and traditional public schools differ, but the information is anecdotal. For example, charter schools are schools of choice, so enrollment levels may differ because fewer parents of students with disabilities choose to enroll their children in charter schools. In addition, some charter schools may be discouraging students with disabilities from enrolling. Further, in certain instances, traditional public school districts play a role in the placement of students with disabilities in charter schools. In these instances, while charter schools participate in the placement process, they do not always make the final placement decisions for students with disabilities. Finally, charter schools’ resources may be constrained, making it difficult to meet the needs of students with more severe disabilities.</p>
<p>The report noted that federal law, which requires public charter schools to have an open admissions policy, specifically states that charter schools cannot deny admissions to students based on a disability. The Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights is responsible for investigating claims of discrimination, and only 2 percent of all complaints concerning disabilities in 2010 were made against charter schools, according to the GAO report.</p>
<p>We are not saying that there aren’t charter schools that discourage or even outright deny students with disabilities from enrolling. Clearly it happens.</p>
<p>On Nov. 26, 2014, for example, the <a href="http://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-education-department-reaches-agreement-texas-harmony-public-schools-ensure-equal-access-english-language-learner-students-and-students-disabilities" type="external">Education Department announced</a> it had entered into an agreement with Harmony Public Schools, which runs 43 charter schools in Texas, after its civil rights office “uncovered admissions and enrollment policies at HPS charter schools that provide that HPS may exclude students with disciplinary problems and also require students to provide enrollment documentation that may chill or discourage the participation of students based on their or their parents’ or guardian’s citizenship or immigration status.”</p>
<p>“Like all public schools, Harmony’s charter schools must be open to all students, including ELL students and students with disabilities,” Catherine E. Lhamon, assistant secretary for civil rights, said in a press release.</p>
<p>But none of this is evidence that “most charter schools … don’t take the hardest-to-teach kids,” as Clinton said.</p>
<p>As for expulsion rates, the Clinton campaign cited a July 2, 2013, speech by <a href="http://www2.ed.gov/news/staff/bios/duncan.html" type="external">Education Secretary Arnie Duncan to the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.</a> Specifically, the campaign pointed to a part of his speech where Duncan called on charter schools to reduce their rates of expulsions.</p>
<p>Duncan said that in Washington, D.C., where 40 percent of public school students attend charter schools, nearly all of the students expelled in the 2011-2012 school year were in charter schools. Duncan gave these numbers: 227 of the 230 expulsions, or 99 percent, were at charter schools.</p>
<p>“Just 11 charter schools — and that list included some high-performing charters — accounted for 75 percent of those expulsions citywide,” he said of the D.C. rate. “That’s not acceptable.”</p>
<p>That may not be acceptable, but it is not evidence that “most charter schools … don’t keep” the hardest-to-teach students.</p>
<p>There were 53 charter schools on 98 campuses in Washington, D.C., in 2011, serving more than 32,000 students, according to the District of Columbia Public Charter School Board <a href="http://www.dcpcsb.org/sites/default/files/data/images/pcsb%20book_dec1.pdf" type="external">2011 annual report</a> on school performance. That means the expulsions happened not at “most charter schools,” but rather they happened at “some” charter schools, since 21 percent of them were responsible for 75 percent of the expulsions.</p>
<p>The campaign also cited a <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/dc-charter-schools-expel-students-at-far-higher-rates-than-traditional-public-schools/2013/01/05/e155e4bc-44a9-11e2-8061-253bccfc7532_story.html" type="external">Jan. 5, 2013, Washington Post story</a> on the rate of expulsions in Washington, D.C., in 2011-12 — the same school year cited by Duncan. But the&#160;Post wrote: “Many charter schools — 60 out of 97 campuses — did not expel students in 2011-12.” That not only doesn’t support Clinton’s claim; it is evidence that helps to refute it.</p>
<p>We take no position on the merits of charter schools. But we find that Clinton’s broad claim that “most charter schools” don’t accept or don’t keep the hardest-to-teach kids is not supported by the evidence.</p>
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hillary clinton says charter schools dont take hardesttoteach kids or160if dont keep campaign could provide evidence sweeping claim campaign cited study showed charter schools enrolled lower percentage students disabilities traditional public schools 2012 report government accountability office said little known gap exists citing several factors based anecdotal information including possibility fewer parents students disabilities choose enroll children charter schools campaign also cited higher rate expulsions washington dc charter schools compared with160the districts traditional public schools 201112 school year however nearly twothirds dc charter schools expel students school year although anecdotal washington dc experience directly contradicts clintons claim charter schools dont keep clinton leading candidate democratic presidential nomination made remarks recent town hall meeting south carolina 3640 mark cspan video event roland martin moderated town hall event asked supports expansion charter schools said long supported idea charter schools noted problems clinton nov 7 heres couple problems charter schools dont want say every one charter schools dont take hardesttoteach kids dont keep word caught attention asked clinton campaign information supports claim charter schools dont take dont keep hardesttokeep students pointed two areas particular expulsion rates enrollment students disabilities first look clintons claim charter schools dont take hardesttoteach kids clinton campaign cited nov 10 blog item education weeks website october 2015 study produced national center special education charter schools independent nonprofit organization study analyzed data department educations office civil rights 20112012 school year found charter schools serve fewer special needs students compared traditional public schools also found gap narrowed threeyear period charter schools serve students inclusive setting within regular classrooms district counterparts education week nov 10 ncsecs analysis found 1255 percent traditional public school students receive special education compared 1042 percent charter schools gap shrunk since 200809 school year us government accountability office report found students disabilities made 77 percent charter school enrollment nationally versus 113 percent district schools also reviewed june 2012 gao report mentioned education week blog item determine reason reasons enrollment gap gao said could explain gap gao said little known factors contributing gap traditional public schools charter schools report said based anecdotal information several factors may contributing gap charter schools may discourage students disabilities enrolling also may simply fewer parents students disabilities choose enroll children charter schools gao june 2012 several factors may help explain enrollment levels students disabilities charter schools traditional public schools differ information anecdotal example charter schools schools choice enrollment levels may differ fewer parents students disabilities choose enroll children charter schools addition charter schools may discouraging students disabilities enrolling certain instances traditional public school districts play role placement students disabilities charter schools instances charter schools participate placement process always make final placement decisions students disabilities finally charter schools resources may constrained making difficult meet needs students severe disabilities report noted federal law requires public charter schools open admissions policy specifically states charter schools deny admissions students based disability department educations office civil rights responsible investigating claims discrimination 2 percent complaints concerning disabilities 2010 made charter schools according gao report saying arent charter schools discourage even outright deny students disabilities enrolling clearly happens nov 26 2014 example education department announced entered agreement harmony public schools runs 43 charter schools texas civil rights office uncovered admissions enrollment policies hps charter schools provide hps may exclude students disciplinary problems also require students provide enrollment documentation may chill discourage participation students based parents guardians citizenship immigration status like public schools harmonys charter schools must open students including ell students students disabilities catherine e lhamon assistant secretary civil rights said press release none evidence charter schools dont take hardesttoteach kids clinton said expulsion rates clinton campaign cited july 2 2013 speech education secretary arnie duncan national alliance public charter schools specifically campaign pointed part speech duncan called charter schools reduce rates expulsions duncan said washington dc 40 percent public school students attend charter schools nearly students expelled 20112012 school year charter schools duncan gave numbers 227 230 expulsions 99 percent charter schools 11 charter schools list included highperforming charters accounted 75 percent expulsions citywide said dc rate thats acceptable may acceptable evidence charter schools dont keep hardesttoteach students 53 charter schools 98 campuses washington dc 2011 serving 32000 students according district columbia public charter school board 2011 annual report school performance means expulsions happened charter schools rather happened charter schools since 21 percent responsible 75 percent expulsions campaign also cited jan 5 2013 washington post story rate expulsions washington dc 201112 school year cited duncan the160post wrote many charter schools 60 97 campuses expel students 201112 doesnt support clintons claim evidence helps refute take position merits charter schools find clintons broad claim charter schools dont accept dont keep hardesttoteach kids supported evidence
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<p>The watchdog group, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, said that the clause prohibits Trump-owned businesses from accepting payments from foreign governments.</p>
<p>They asked a court to stop Trump’s businesses from taking them now.</p>
<p>“This cannot be allowed,” the group wrote in its legal complaint.</p>
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<p>Trump called the case “totally without merit” during an event at the White House on Monday.</p>
<p>Even if this case runs aground in court, there could be others. In fact, one of the parties best positioned to sue Trump might be the D.C. government – if D.C. officials decided it was worth the risk to sue the president.</p>
<p>Below are four questions about the Emoluments Clause and what it might mean for President Trump.</p>
<p>1. What, exactly, is the Emoluments Clause?</p>
<p>It is 49 words in Article I of the Constitution.</p>
<p>“No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.”</p>
<p>In this instance, the words that matter most are “accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.”</p>
<p>According to legal scholars, these words were added out of a concern from the 1700s that American ambassadors, on the far side of the ocean, might be corrupted by gifts from rich European powers.</p>
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<p>Benjamin Franklin, for instance, had accepted a snuffbox festooned with 408 diamonds from the King of France. John Jay accepted a horse from the King of Spain.</p>
<p>After that, the Emoluments Clause rarely came up again. It’s never been the subject of a major court case and never been taken up by the Supreme Court, leaving great uncertainty about what it means – and to whom, exactly, it applies – in the 21st century.</p>
<p>2. Is President Trump violating the Emoluments Clause?</p>
<p>That’s uncertain.</p>
<p>The group that filed Monday’s lawsuit – whose attorneys include prominent ethics lawyers from the Barack Obama and George W. Bush White Houses – says Trump is in violation.</p>
<p>Their logic is that the clause prohibits Trump from taking any money at all from a foreign state. To them, the clause prohibits not just straight-up gifts but also payments for services rendered. So it would prohibit a Trump-owned hotel from renting a ballroom to a foreign embassy and prohibit Trump Tower from renting out office space – as it already does – to a state-controlled Chinese bank.</p>
<p>In their complaint, they ask a federal judge to stop Trump’s businesses from taking those payments.</p>
<p>“A federal officeholder who receives something of value from a foreign power can be imperceptibly induced to compromise what the Constitution insists be his or her exclusive loyalty: the best interest of the United States of America,” the group wrote in its legal filing.</p>
<p>Trump and his attorneys have rejected that idea.</p>
<p>Although Trump has promised to relinquish management of his companies to his two oldest sons and top executives, he will continue to own the businesses.</p>
<p>His attorney said Trump will avoid running afoul of the Constitution because his businesses will not be accepting gifts from foreign countries, rather they’ll be accepting payments, for services rendered.</p>
<p>“Paying for a hotel room is not a gift or a present,” attorney Sheri Dillon said at a news conference before his inauguration.</p>
<p>Dillon also sought to address a secondary concern – that foreign governments might turn those payments into gifts, by wildly overpaying Trump for a ballroom or a round of golf.</p>
<p>Dillon said that Trump would turn over “profits” from foreign governments at his hotels to the U.S. treasury. It is unclear, however, exactly how Trump’s businesses would calculate that, because the Trump Organization hasn’t provided any details on how such payments would be tracked, collected and dispersed.</p>
<p>Is that enough?</p>
<p>“Too many people are asserting more than they could possible know,” said Seth Barrett Tillman, a lecturer on American law at Maynooth University in Ireland who has studied the Emoluments Clause. “Until the courts speak – particularly the Supreme Court – we don’t know.”</p>
<p>3. Will the lawsuit work?</p>
<p>That depends on what you mean by “work.”</p>
<p>Several legal experts have said they doubt a federal judge would give the watchdog group a full victory. One big question: Does the watchdog group even have “standing” to sue Trump in the first place?</p>
<p>“Just complaining about bad government does not give rise to standing – or you or I would have standing to challenge just about anything that goes on.” said Erik Jensen, a law professor at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. “And the system just couldn’t work.”</p>
<p>To have standing to sue, the watchdog group must show evidence it was harmed by Trump’s actions. The group says it can. The logic: Its workload has increased because Trump has given them new concerns to investigate.</p>
<p>“The injury to the organization is that it’s much more difficult to accomplish the organization’s mission,” said Richard Painter, a University of Minnesota law professor and former chief White House ethics lawyer for President Bush. He is one of the attorneys on the case and vice chairman of the watchdog group’s board. “Basically the administration has opened up a whole new avenue of corruption.”</p>
<p>Other legal scholars are skeptical about this. They say that nobody – especially not Trump – forced the watchdogs to work on this issue.</p>
<p>“This injury is self-inflicted,” Josh Blackman, a professor at the South Texas College of Law in Houston, wrote on his blog Monday. Therefore, he said, the argument “does not find support in the [Supreme Court’s] caselaw.”</p>
<p>It’s possible, however, that the lawsuit still could be a success for the watchdog group, even if a judge eventually rules against it.</p>
<p>If the case progresses far enough, for instance, Trump’s businesses might be forced to turn over documents that detail their dealings with foreign governments. Trump might be forced to turn over his tax returns, which he has refused to do. The watchdog group could then use those to unearth more details about Trump’s potential conflicts of interest – learning more about who he does business with and whom he owes money to.</p>
<p>4. Would somebody else have a stronger case?</p>
<p>Among those best positioned to raise the issue legally, according to experts, are business competitors who can demonstrate that they’ve lost clients or profits to Trump firms, particularly in cases where Trump’s presidency benefits his company.</p>
<p>Top on the list are hotels competing for that same foreign business, a group that includes investors from China, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, as well as Washington-area developers and the D.C. government.</p>
<p>The owners of competing luxury hotels in Washington, D.C. include a range of large institutional investors, many of them from abroad. The Four Seasons in Georgetown, which lost thousands of dollars in business when the Kuwaiti Embassy decided to hold its National Day celebration next month at Trump’s D.C. hotel, is majority-owned by Anbang Insurance Group, a Chinese insurance giant affiliated with the Chinese government.</p>
<p>The Four Seasons hosted the Kuwaiti event in previous years and initially planned to hold the 2017 event there as well. Although event organizers said they were under no political pressure to hold the celebration at Trump’s hotel, that could place Anbang or another investor in the property, Chicago-based Strategic Hotels &amp; Resorts, in position to take legal action.</p>
<p>Four Seasons Georgetown spokeswoman Liliana Baldassari is among those who has familiarized herself with the Emoluments Clause in recent weeks.</p>
<p>“We’ve been taking a look at it,” she said. She declined to comment however on whether the hotel’s owners would utilize it.</p>
<p>Other hotel owners may have similar standing to raise the issue. The W Hotel nearby, also popular with the embassy crowd, is majority-owned by the UAE government, through a subsidiary of the Investment Corporation Of Dubai, a sovereign wealth fund. The St. Regis Washington is owned by a subsidiary of a Qatari investment firm, Al Faisal Holding, that was founded and is controlled by the country’s richest man, Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani.</p>
<p>Suing the president, particularly one who freely uses Twitter to attack businesses and executives, would be a daunting effort for any business owner. For that reason, some experts expect attacks on Trump’s business to originate with Democratic leaders or officials rather than competitors.</p>
<p>In that case, there may be no Democrats better positioned to take aim at Trump over the Constitution than Washington, D.C.’s mayor, Muriel E. Bowser, D, or its attorney general, Karl Racine.</p>
<p>Bowser and Racine may be loath to incite the new president, given the outsize influence the federal government has on D.C.’s laws and budget rules. Bowser met with Trump at Trump Tower in New York after the election, and she said the president-elect told her that “he is a supporter of the District of Columbia, he’s familiar with the District of Columbia, and he wants to be supportive.”</p>
<p>But Bowser and Racine have a particular entree should they choose to pursue it: The D.C. government owns the land beneath the Marriott Marquis hotel and lent $383 million in taxpayer funds to the project.</p>
<p>The District also owns the land under the Conrad Hotel, a luxury 360-room property that is under construction downtown and will compete directly with the Trump hotel when it opens in the first quarter of 2019.</p>
<p>“If D.C. can allege that it has lost economically because of the benefits that the Trump violation of that Emoluments Clause, then D.C. could sue,” argued Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of the University of California at Irvine School of Law and an American Constitution Society board member . “And the way to do that would be to show that foreign governments are sending business to the Trump hotel that would otherwise go to D.C.’s hotels.”</p>
<p>Bowser’s chief of staff, John Falcicchio, declined to comment, citing legal advice. Racine is already engaged in litigation with Trump because the president has sued Washington over his hotel’s tax bill.</p>
<p>Racine’s spokesman, Robert Marus, issued a statement saying that “generally speaking, we at the Office of the Attorney General will consider any viable legal claim that would advance the public interest of the District of Columbia. However, it would be inappropriate at this point to speculate on any litigation strategy or potential cause of action in a specific case, including any Emoluments Clause claim.”</p>
| false | 2 |
watchdog group citizens responsibility ethics washington said clause prohibits trumpowned businesses accepting payments foreign governments asked court stop trumps businesses taking allowed group wrote legal complaint advertisement trump called case totally without merit event white house monday even case runs aground court could others fact one parties best positioned sue trump might dc government dc officials decided worth risk sue president four questions emoluments clause might mean president trump 1 exactly emoluments clause 49 words article constitution title nobility shall granted united states person holding office profit trust shall without consent congress accept present emolument office title kind whatever king prince foreign state instance words matter accept present emolument office title kind whatever king prince foreign state according legal scholars words added concern 1700s american ambassadors far side ocean might corrupted gifts rich european powers advertisement benjamin franklin instance accepted snuffbox festooned 408 diamonds king france john jay accepted horse king spain emoluments clause rarely came never subject major court case never taken supreme court leaving great uncertainty means exactly applies 21st century 2 president trump violating emoluments clause thats uncertain group filed mondays lawsuit whose attorneys include prominent ethics lawyers barack obama george w bush white houses says trump violation logic clause prohibits trump taking money foreign state clause prohibits straightup gifts also payments services rendered would prohibit trumpowned hotel renting ballroom foreign embassy prohibit trump tower renting office space already statecontrolled chinese bank complaint ask federal judge stop trumps businesses taking payments federal officeholder receives something value foreign power imperceptibly induced compromise constitution insists exclusive loyalty best interest united states america group wrote legal filing trump attorneys rejected idea although trump promised relinquish management companies two oldest sons top executives continue businesses attorney said trump avoid running afoul constitution businesses accepting gifts foreign countries rather theyll accepting payments services rendered paying hotel room gift present attorney sheri dillon said news conference inauguration dillon also sought address secondary concern foreign governments might turn payments gifts wildly overpaying trump ballroom round golf dillon said trump would turn profits foreign governments hotels us treasury unclear however exactly trumps businesses would calculate trump organization hasnt provided details payments would tracked collected dispersed enough many people asserting could possible know said seth barrett tillman lecturer american law maynooth university ireland studied emoluments clause courts speak particularly supreme court dont know 3 lawsuit work depends mean work several legal experts said doubt federal judge would give watchdog group full victory one big question watchdog group even standing sue trump first place complaining bad government give rise standing would standing challenge anything goes said erik jensen law professor case western reserve university cleveland system couldnt work standing sue watchdog group must show evidence harmed trumps actions group says logic workload increased trump given new concerns investigate injury organization much difficult accomplish organizations mission said richard painter university minnesota law professor former chief white house ethics lawyer president bush one attorneys case vice chairman watchdog groups board basically administration opened whole new avenue corruption legal scholars skeptical say nobody especially trump forced watchdogs work issue injury selfinflicted josh blackman professor south texas college law houston wrote blog monday therefore said argument find support supreme courts caselaw possible however lawsuit still could success watchdog group even judge eventually rules case progresses far enough instance trumps businesses might forced turn documents detail dealings foreign governments trump might forced turn tax returns refused watchdog group could use unearth details trumps potential conflicts interest learning business owes money 4 would somebody else stronger case among best positioned raise issue legally according experts business competitors demonstrate theyve lost clients profits trump firms particularly cases trumps presidency benefits company top list hotels competing foreign business group includes investors china united arab emirates qatar well washingtonarea developers dc government owners competing luxury hotels washington dc include range large institutional investors many abroad four seasons georgetown lost thousands dollars business kuwaiti embassy decided hold national day celebration next month trumps dc hotel majorityowned anbang insurance group chinese insurance giant affiliated chinese government four seasons hosted kuwaiti event previous years initially planned hold 2017 event well although event organizers said political pressure hold celebration trumps hotel could place anbang another investor property chicagobased strategic hotels amp resorts position take legal action four seasons georgetown spokeswoman liliana baldassari among familiarized emoluments clause recent weeks weve taking look said declined comment however whether hotels owners would utilize hotel owners may similar standing raise issue w hotel nearby also popular embassy crowd majorityowned uae government subsidiary investment corporation dubai sovereign wealth fund st regis washington owned subsidiary qatari investment firm al faisal holding founded controlled countrys richest man sheikh faisal bin qassim al thani suing president particularly one freely uses twitter attack businesses executives would daunting effort business owner reason experts expect attacks trumps business originate democratic leaders officials rather competitors case may democrats better positioned take aim trump constitution washington dcs mayor muriel e bowser attorney general karl racine bowser racine may loath incite new president given outsize influence federal government dcs laws budget rules bowser met trump trump tower new york election said presidentelect told supporter district columbia hes familiar district columbia wants supportive bowser racine particular entree choose pursue dc government owns land beneath marriott marquis hotel lent 383 million taxpayer funds project district also owns land conrad hotel luxury 360room property construction downtown compete directly trump hotel opens first quarter 2019 dc allege lost economically benefits trump violation emoluments clause dc could sue argued erwin chemerinsky dean university california irvine school law american constitution society board member way would show foreign governments sending business trump hotel would otherwise go dcs hotels bowsers chief staff john falcicchio declined comment citing legal advice racine already engaged litigation trump president sued washington hotels tax bill racines spokesman robert marus issued statement saying generally speaking office attorney general consider viable legal claim would advance public interest district columbia however would inappropriate point speculate litigation strategy potential cause action specific case including emoluments clause claim
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<p>BOSTON (Reuters) - Billionaire investor Daniel Loeb praised food group Nestle’s chief, but is keeping up the pressure with demands that the company move faster to overhaul its strategy.</p>
<p>“We hope now that Dr. Schneider has completed his first year and there is new blood on the board, the company is able to move with greater alacrity,” Loeb wrote about CEO Mark Schneider in a letter to his own investors. A copy was seen by Reuters.</p>
<p>Loeb said he wants the Swiss company to buy back more of its stock at a quicker pace and sell its stake in beauty business L’Oreal.</p>
<p>Loeb’s hedge fund Third Point made a $3.5 billion investment in Nestle in June and has - for now - given Schneider, who became Nestle’s first external leader in nearly a century when he took over as CEO a year ago, room to maneuver.</p>
<p>Schneider has taken positive steps including announcing plans to buy back as much as 20 billion Swiss francs ($20.8 billion) worth of stock and make portfolio adjustments, Loeb wrote.</p>
<p>But the influential investor said the company now has to make good on promises, including boosting its exposure in high-growth areas such as coffee, pet care, bottled water and nutrition while selling “ill-fitting businesses” more quickly.</p>
<p>It should also buy back shares more quickly before the price climbs, Loeb wrote, adding that there are better uses for the money currently tied up in its L’Oreal stake.</p>
<p>Loeb expressed some concern about why the company pushed more deeply into consumer healthcare with the purchase of Canadian vitamin maker Atrium Innovations [AIII.UL] and said he wants a better explanation of that move.</p>
<p>To date, Loeb has given Schneider a tentative thumbs up, but his patience may not last forever.</p>
<p>Famous for his sharply-worded letters to corporate chieftains, Loeb has helped push out bosses at Yahoo and Sotheby’s. Activist investors have recently become quicker to push out chief executives who they think are not up to the job.</p>
<p>Loeb’s Third Point Offshore fund returned 18.1 percent last year, largely as stock investment powered ahead.</p>
<p>Looking at the outlook for this year, Loeb said growth is unlikely to accelerate much more.</p>
<p>“While we remain optimistic about the trajectory of the economy and markets, we have weighed our positioning with an acute awareness of the risks,” he said.</p>
<p>Reporting by Svea Herbst-Bayliss with additional reporting by Simon Jessop; editing by Chizu Nomiyama and G Crosse</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>(Reuters) - Online retailing behemoth Amazon.com Inc ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=AMZN.O" type="external">AMZN.O</a>) has cut ties with Washington lobbying firms Akin Gump Strauss Hauer &amp; Feld LLP and Squire Patton Boggs, Bloomberg reported on Friday.</p> FILE PHOTO: An Amazon.com Inc driver stands next to an Amazon delivery truck in Los Angeles, California, U.S., May 21, 2016. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson/File Photo
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=AMZN.O" type="external">Amazon.com Inc</a> 1447.34 AMZN.O Nasdaq +15.92 (+1.11%) AMZN.O ORCL.N
<p>The changes took place about a week before U.S. President Donald Trump accused Amazon in a tweet on Thursday of not paying enough tax, taking advantage of the U.S. postal system and putting small retailers out of business.</p>
<p>Amazon had cut ties from the lobbying firms last Friday and in their place hired Paul Brathwaite of Federal Street Strategies LLC and Josh Holly of Holly Strategies Inc, both of whom have previously worked as outside lobbyists for Airbnb Inc and Oracle Corp ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=ORCL.N" type="external">ORCL.N</a>), the report said, citing a source.</p>
<p>Neither of the parties were immediately available for comment outside regular business hours.</p>
<p>The e-commerce giant employs about 15 lobbyists, according to earlier disclosures submitted to the U.S. Senate, with another 15 outside lobbying firms who each assign more lobbyists to work on behalf of the company.</p>
<p>The retailer spent $15.4 million in 2017 on lobbying in Washington, up from $12 million a year earlier.</p>
<p>Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Sunil Nair</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>(Reuters) - U.S. retailer Walmart Inc ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=WMT.N" type="external">WMT.N</a>) is in early-stage talks with health insurer Humana Inc ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=HUM.N" type="external">HUM.N</a>) about developing closer ties, with the acquisition of Humana being discussed as one possibility, people familiar with the matter said on Thursday.</p> Shopping carts are seen outside a new Wal-Mart Express store in Chicago July 26, 2011. REUTERS/John Gress/Files
<p>Should the talks lead to a tieup, it would be the latest deal to bring together a retail chain and a health insurer in the last few months, following CVS Health Corp’s ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=CVS.N" type="external">CVS.N</a>) $69 billion deal to acquire Aetna Inc ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=AET.N" type="external">AET.N</a>) and Cigna Corp’s ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=CI.N" type="external">CI.N</a>) $54 billion deal to buy Express Scripts Holding Co ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=ESRX.O" type="external">ESRX.O</a>).</p>
<p>Walmart approached Humana earlier this month and the deliberations are preliminary, two of the sources said. While the conversations have focused on new partnerships, an acquisition of Humana by Walmart is also something being discussed, the sources added.</p>
<p>The sources asked not to be identified because the deliberations are confidential. Humana and Walmart declined to comment.</p>
<p>Walmart and Humana have market capitalizations of $264 billion and $37 billion, respectively.</p>
<p>An acquisition of Humana would represent a significant strategic shift for Walmart, which is the world’s largest retailer and has been focused on fending off Amazon.com Inc ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=AMZN.O" type="external">AMZN.O</a>) in online shopping.</p>
<p>Amazon has also been looking at entering the healthcare sector. Earlier this year, Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway Inc ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=BRKa.N" type="external">BRKa.N</a>) and JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=JPM.N" type="external">JPM.N</a>), said they would form a company aimed at cutting healthcare costs for their U.S. employees.</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=WMT.N" type="external">Walmart Inc</a> 88.97 WMT.N New York Stock Exchange +1.20 (+1.37%) WMT.N HUM.N CVS.N AET.N CI.N
<p>“The risks (for Walmart) of becoming entangled in the complex U.S. healthcare industry are considerable, especially at a time when Walmart is grappling with the competitive challenges of a rapidly shifting retail market,” Neil Saunders, managing director of retail consultancy GlobalData Retail, wrote in a note.</p>
<p>“The hammering out of any agreement, which would be Walmart’s largest ever corporate deal, would, of itself, be an enormous distraction,” Saunders added.</p>
<p>Walmart currently has a co-branded Medicare drug plan with Humana that steers patients to Walmart stores. The partnership offers a prescription drug plan that can save up to 20 percent in drug costs for customers.</p>
<p>Closer ties between the two companies could allow Walmart to tap into Humana’s patient population, expanding low-level medical services in its pharmacies to avoid ER visits. They could allow it to better manage prescription drug use though access to medical records.</p>
<p>Humana’s biggest business is managing Medicare Advantage health plans for older and disabled people, a heavily regulated business that Walmart would have to take on in an acquisition.</p>
<p>Memberships in retail Medicare Advantage plans - where individuals sign up directly with Humana - rose about 1 percent to 2.86 million, as of Dec. 31. Employer or other group-based Medicare Advantage membership climbed 24 percent to 441,400.</p>
<p>Last month, Walmart reported a sharp drop in profit and online sales growth during the critical holiday period and forecast annual profit at the lower end of expectations.</p>
<p>Reporting by Carl O'Donnell and Greg Roumeliotis in New York; Additional reporting by Nandita Bose and Michele Gershberg in New York; Editing by Sandra Maler and Leslie Adler</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>NEW YORK (Reuters) - General Electric Co is poised to shine light into a sizable part of its financial black box, an area that governs how it estimates revenue from long-term contracts.</p> The logo of General Electric Co. is pictured at the Global Operations Center in San Pedro Garza Garcia, neighbouring Monterrey, Mexico, May 12, 2017. REUTERS/Daniel Becerril
<p>The 126-year-old, Boston-based industrial conglomerate is due to publish figures soon that analysts say should help explain why it receives less cash from earnings than the industry average. The company has indicated it may release the figures by the end of this month.</p>
<p>The increased disclosure stems from new accounting standards that require companies to reveal more about how they estimate revenue from such long-term contracts, known as contract assets.</p>
<p>Companies typically use the cost of providing services as a basis for revenue estimates, but the process can lead to over- or under-estimating the value of the contracts, experts say.</p>
<p>GE’s contract asset tally has soared 70 percent to $28.8 billion in 2017, from $16.9 billion in 2014, most of it in its power and aviation units. The majority of the total reflects revenue GE has already booked but for which it has not billed customers, which creates the gap between profit and cash flow, according to GE’s regulatory filings.</p>
<p>GE’s accounting is under scrutiny after earnings swung to a loss last year and GE said its 2018 results would be at the low end of its forecasted range. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission also is looking into GE’s accounting for contract assets, raising investor concern. GE has said it is not overly concerned about the investigation.</p>
<p>GE said in February that it expects to take a $4.2 billion accounting charge as it switches to the new standard. Some analysts think the charge could be higher, since competitors of GE’s power business say the company is signing long-term service contracts at low prices to win equipment sales.</p> The logo of General Electric is seen at its plant in Baden, Switzerland November 15, 2017. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann
<p>“That’s what the competitors have been grousing,” Deane Dray, analyst at RBC Capital Markets, said on Wednesday.</p>
<p>If the charge is close to what GE disclosed, it could bolster GE Chief Executive John Flannery’s credibility, which has been dented by falling profit and a charge for old insurance policies revealed in January.</p>
<p>GE also is restating financial results for 2016 and 2017 so that 2018 results will be comparable. The company’s financial situation has prompted talk that it might raise capital. Its shares rose on Tuesday after reports that billionaire investor Warren Buffett may buy a stake after selling last year.</p>
<p>GE declined to comment on the Buffett reports. It said it chose to restate prior earnings - a more exacting standard under the new rules - because it will allow investors to compare 2018 results with the prior years on the same basis. “We chose that approach because we believe that it is the most helpful to our investors,” GE spokeswoman Jennifer Erickson said.</p>
<p>Reporting by Alwyn Scott; Editing by Matthew Lewis</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>BEIJING (Reuters) - China warned the United States on Thursday not to open Pandora’s Box and spark a flurry of protectionist practices across the globe, even as Beijing pointed to U.S. goods that it could target in a deepening Sino-U.S. trade dispute.</p>
<p>China could target a broad range of U.S. businesses from agriculture to aircraft, autos, semiconductors and even services if the trade conflict escalates, the official China Daily newspaper said in an editorial on Thursday.</p>
<p>President Donald Trump’s move last week to slap up to $60 billion in tariffs on some Chinese imports has since provoked a warning from Beijing that it could retaliate with duties of up to $3 billion of U.S. imports.</p>
<p>China’s biggest U.S. imports are aircraft and related equipment, soybeans and autos, with the total bill about $40 billion last year.</p>
<p>“The malicious practices of the United States are like opening Pandora’s Box, and there is a danger of triggering a chain reaction that will spread the virus of trade protectionism across the globe,” a commerce ministry spokesman said.</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-china-economy-intellectualproperty/china-issues-guidelines-on-transfer-of-ip-rights-to-foreign-investors-idUSKBN1H514P" type="external">China issues guidelines on transfer of IP rights to foreign investors</a>
<p>The official line from China continues to be stern even as Beijing says it is all for dialogue and negotiations. The feedback from U.S. and Chinese officials on the nature and extent of trade talks remains mixed, media reports show.</p>
<p>The Financial Times reported only on Monday that China had offered to buy more U.S. micro-chips and move more quickly to finalize rules allowing foreign firms to take majority stakes in Chinese securities firms, citing people briefed on the negotiations.</p>
<p>Chinese customs data shows the U.S. accounted for just $2.6 billion, or 1 percent, of China’s total semiconductor imports last year by value, with suppliers in South Korea, Taiwan and Japan commanding a bigger share.</p>
<p>But a source in the U.S. semiconductor industry said U.S. companies have slightly more than 50 percent of China’s market for chips, though export data does not reflect that because much of the product is sent offshore for low value added processing.</p>
<p>The source said the U.S. semiconductor industry had not asked the Trump administration to urge China to buy more U.S. chips and had been told by senior U.S. officials that the U.S. government had not made such a request to Beijing.</p>
<p>“We don’t need China to buy more chips,” the source said, adding that U.S. industry was concerned about being targeted by Chinese non-tariff barriers.</p>
<p>“It’s more about (Chinese) subsidies, IP protection, and cyber rules,” the source said, referring to concerns over Chinese retaliation.</p>
<p>China has long said it would like to import more U.S. high-tech goods, including high-end chips, but has been stymied by U.S. export controls set on national security grounds.</p>
<p>The Trump administration is accusing Chinese firms of stealing intellectual property and forcing U.S. firms to share commercial secrets - allegations that China denies.</p>
<p>On Thursday, China’s State Council, or cabinet, said transfers of Chinese intellectual property rights to foreign investors will be reviewed if national security is determined to be at stake, or if core technological innovations are involved.</p>
<p>Government approval will also be needed for intellectual property transfers involving semiconductors, software and agriculture.</p> SERVICES MAY BE TARGETED
<p>China’s commerce ministry said on Thursday the U.S. approach to trade could trigger a domino effect and U.S. trade protectionism will only hurt U.S. consumers.</p> FILE PHOTO: Container boxes are seen at the Yangshan Deep Water Port, part of the Shanghai Free Trade Zone, in Shanghai, China September 24, 2016. REUTERS/Aly Song/File Photo
<p>While China hopes the U.S. will resolve trade conflicts with China through dialogue, it will take all possible steps to protect its interests, ministry spokesman Gao Feng told a regular briefing in Beijing.</p>
<p>“Negotiations must be equal, and China will not accept any consultation under unilateral coercion,” Gao said.</p>
<p>On Wednesday, Trump’s top trade envoy said he would give China a 60-day window before tariffs on Chinese goods take effect, but added that it would take years to bring the two countries’ trading relationship “to a good place.”</p>
<p>The tariff list is expected in the next several days.</p>
<p>The China Daily on Thursday quoted Premier Li Keqiang as telling a U.S. Congressional delegation this week that China was open to dialogue but “fully prepared with countermeasures”.</p> FILE PHOTO: Containers are seen at the port in San Pedro, California, U.S., March 22, 2018. REUTERS/Bob Riha, Jr.
<p>It warned that if the conflict continued to escalate “China could consider taking reciprocal measures against U.S. imports of agricultural products besides soybeans, as well as aircraft, automobiles and semiconductors.”</p>
<p>“And should the Trump administration further obstruct Chinese investments in the U.S., even tougher measures such as restrictions on imports of U.S. services and similar investment reviews would likely be on the table,” it said.</p>
<p>Separately, Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post reported on Thursday that U.S. and Chinese officials had been holding talks to shield American soybeans and other agricultural products from trade sanctions.</p>
<p>China is still considering import curbs on U.S. soybeans, U.S. Soybean Export Council Asia director Paul Burke said on Thursday, following a meeting with the Ministry of Agriculture.</p>
<p>Reporting by Se Young Lee and Yawen Chen in BEIJING; Additional reporting by Michael Martina, John Ruwitch, Dominique Patton and Stella Qiu; Additional writing by Ryan Woo; Editing by Shri Navaratnam and Kim Coghill</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
| false | 2 |
boston reuters billionaire investor daniel loeb praised food group nestles chief keeping pressure demands company move faster overhaul strategy hope dr schneider completed first year new blood board company able move greater alacrity loeb wrote ceo mark schneider letter investors copy seen reuters loeb said wants swiss company buy back stock quicker pace sell stake beauty business loreal loebs hedge fund third point made 35 billion investment nestle june given schneider became nestles first external leader nearly century took ceo year ago room maneuver schneider taken positive steps including announcing plans buy back much 20 billion swiss francs 208 billion worth stock make portfolio adjustments loeb wrote influential investor said company make good promises including boosting exposure highgrowth areas coffee pet care bottled water nutrition selling illfitting businesses quickly also buy back shares quickly price climbs loeb wrote adding better uses money currently tied loreal stake loeb expressed concern company pushed deeply consumer healthcare purchase canadian vitamin maker atrium innovations aiiiul said wants better explanation move date loeb given schneider tentative thumbs patience may last forever famous sharplyworded letters corporate chieftains loeb helped push bosses yahoo sothebys activist investors recently become quicker push chief executives think job loebs third point offshore fund returned 181 percent last year largely stock investment powered ahead looking outlook year loeb said growth unlikely accelerate much remain optimistic trajectory economy markets weighed positioning acute awareness risks said reporting svea herbstbayliss additional reporting simon jessop editing chizu nomiyama g crosse standards thomson reuters trust principles reuters online retailing behemoth amazoncom inc amzno cut ties washington lobbying firms akin gump strauss hauer amp feld llp squire patton boggs bloomberg reported friday file photo amazoncom inc driver stands next amazon delivery truck los angeles california us may 21 2016 reuterslucy nicholsonfile photo amazoncom inc 144734 amzno nasdaq 1592 111 amzno orcln changes took place week us president donald trump accused amazon tweet thursday paying enough tax taking advantage us postal system putting small retailers business amazon cut ties lobbying firms last friday place hired paul brathwaite federal street strategies llc josh holly holly strategies inc previously worked outside lobbyists airbnb inc oracle corp orcln report said citing source neither parties immediately available comment outside regular business hours ecommerce giant employs 15 lobbyists according earlier disclosures submitted us senate another 15 outside lobbying firms assign lobbyists work behalf company retailer spent 154 million 2017 lobbying washington 12 million year earlier reporting kanishka singh bengaluru editing sunil nair standards thomson reuters trust principles reuters us retailer walmart inc wmtn earlystage talks health insurer humana inc humn developing closer ties acquisition humana discussed one possibility people familiar matter said thursday shopping carts seen outside new walmart express store chicago july 26 2011 reutersjohn gressfiles talks lead tieup would latest deal bring together retail chain health insurer last months following cvs health corps cvsn 69 billion deal acquire aetna inc aetn cigna corps cin 54 billion deal buy express scripts holding co esrxo walmart approached humana earlier month deliberations preliminary two sources said conversations focused new partnerships acquisition humana walmart also something discussed sources added sources asked identified deliberations confidential humana walmart declined comment walmart humana market capitalizations 264 billion 37 billion respectively acquisition humana would represent significant strategic shift walmart worlds largest retailer focused fending amazoncom inc amzno online shopping amazon also looking entering healthcare sector earlier year amazon berkshire hathaway inc brkan jpmorgan chase amp co jpmn said would form company aimed cutting healthcare costs us employees walmart inc 8897 wmtn new york stock exchange 120 137 wmtn humn cvsn aetn cin risks walmart becoming entangled complex us healthcare industry considerable especially time walmart grappling competitive challenges rapidly shifting retail market neil saunders managing director retail consultancy globaldata retail wrote note hammering agreement would walmarts largest ever corporate deal would enormous distraction saunders added walmart currently cobranded medicare drug plan humana steers patients walmart stores partnership offers prescription drug plan save 20 percent drug costs customers closer ties two companies could allow walmart tap humanas patient population expanding lowlevel medical services pharmacies avoid er visits could allow better manage prescription drug use though access medical records humanas biggest business managing medicare advantage health plans older disabled people heavily regulated business walmart would take acquisition memberships retail medicare advantage plans individuals sign directly humana rose 1 percent 286 million dec 31 employer groupbased medicare advantage membership climbed 24 percent 441400 last month walmart reported sharp drop profit online sales growth critical holiday period forecast annual profit lower end expectations reporting carl odonnell greg roumeliotis new york additional reporting nandita bose michele gershberg new york editing sandra maler leslie adler standards thomson reuters trust principles new york reuters general electric co poised shine light sizable part financial black box area governs estimates revenue longterm contracts logo general electric co pictured global operations center san pedro garza garcia neighbouring monterrey mexico may 12 2017 reutersdaniel becerril 126yearold bostonbased industrial conglomerate due publish figures soon analysts say help explain receives less cash earnings industry average company indicated may release figures end month increased disclosure stems new accounting standards require companies reveal estimate revenue longterm contracts known contract assets companies typically use cost providing services basis revenue estimates process lead underestimating value contracts experts say ges contract asset tally soared 70 percent 288 billion 2017 169 billion 2014 power aviation units majority total reflects revenue ge already booked billed customers creates gap profit cash flow according ges regulatory filings ges accounting scrutiny earnings swung loss last year ge said 2018 results would low end forecasted range us securities exchange commission also looking ges accounting contract assets raising investor concern ge said overly concerned investigation ge said february expects take 42 billion accounting charge switches new standard analysts think charge could higher since competitors ges power business say company signing longterm service contracts low prices win equipment sales logo general electric seen plant baden switzerland november 15 2017 reutersarnd wiegmann thats competitors grousing deane dray analyst rbc capital markets said wednesday charge close ge disclosed could bolster ge chief executive john flannerys credibility dented falling profit charge old insurance policies revealed january ge also restating financial results 2016 2017 2018 results comparable companys financial situation prompted talk might raise capital shares rose tuesday reports billionaire investor warren buffett may buy stake selling last year ge declined comment buffett reports said chose restate prior earnings exacting standard new rules allow investors compare 2018 results prior years basis chose approach believe helpful investors ge spokeswoman jennifer erickson said reporting alwyn scott editing matthew lewis standards thomson reuters trust principles beijing reuters china warned united states thursday open pandoras box spark flurry protectionist practices across globe even beijing pointed us goods could target deepening sinous trade dispute china could target broad range us businesses agriculture aircraft autos semiconductors even services trade conflict escalates official china daily newspaper said editorial thursday president donald trumps move last week slap 60 billion tariffs chinese imports since provoked warning beijing could retaliate duties 3 billion us imports chinas biggest us imports aircraft related equipment soybeans autos total bill 40 billion last year malicious practices united states like opening pandoras box danger triggering chain reaction spread virus trade protectionism across globe commerce ministry spokesman said related coverage china issues guidelines transfer ip rights foreign investors official line china continues stern even beijing says dialogue negotiations feedback us chinese officials nature extent trade talks remains mixed media reports show financial times reported monday china offered buy us microchips move quickly finalize rules allowing foreign firms take majority stakes chinese securities firms citing people briefed negotiations chinese customs data shows us accounted 26 billion 1 percent chinas total semiconductor imports last year value suppliers south korea taiwan japan commanding bigger share source us semiconductor industry said us companies slightly 50 percent chinas market chips though export data reflect much product sent offshore low value added processing source said us semiconductor industry asked trump administration urge china buy us chips told senior us officials us government made request beijing dont need china buy chips source said adding us industry concerned targeted chinese nontariff barriers chinese subsidies ip protection cyber rules source said referring concerns chinese retaliation china long said would like import us hightech goods including highend chips stymied us export controls set national security grounds trump administration accusing chinese firms stealing intellectual property forcing us firms share commercial secrets allegations china denies thursday chinas state council cabinet said transfers chinese intellectual property rights foreign investors reviewed national security determined stake core technological innovations involved government approval also needed intellectual property transfers involving semiconductors software agriculture services may targeted chinas commerce ministry said thursday us approach trade could trigger domino effect us trade protectionism hurt us consumers file photo container boxes seen yangshan deep water port part shanghai free trade zone shanghai china september 24 2016 reutersaly songfile photo china hopes us resolve trade conflicts china dialogue take possible steps protect interests ministry spokesman gao feng told regular briefing beijing negotiations must equal china accept consultation unilateral coercion gao said wednesday trumps top trade envoy said would give china 60day window tariffs chinese goods take effect added would take years bring two countries trading relationship good place tariff list expected next several days china daily thursday quoted premier li keqiang telling us congressional delegation week china open dialogue fully prepared countermeasures file photo containers seen port san pedro california us march 22 2018 reutersbob riha jr warned conflict continued escalate china could consider taking reciprocal measures us imports agricultural products besides soybeans well aircraft automobiles semiconductors trump administration obstruct chinese investments us even tougher measures restrictions imports us services similar investment reviews would likely table said separately hong kongs south china morning post reported thursday us chinese officials holding talks shield american soybeans agricultural products trade sanctions china still considering import curbs us soybeans us soybean export council asia director paul burke said thursday following meeting ministry agriculture reporting se young lee yawen chen beijing additional reporting michael martina john ruwitch dominique patton stella qiu additional writing ryan woo editing shri navaratnam kim coghill standards thomson reuters trust principles
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<a href="" type="internal">here</a>#/1C/events-overview =======================PRESS DIGEST============================= VOLKSWAGEN: Volkswagen's Slovak plant resumed operations on Tuesday after a month-long holiday break, the company said.
<a href="https://spravy.pravda.sk/ekonomika/clanok/455765-volkswagen-slovakia-spustil-po-odstavke-vyrobu/" type="external">here</a> (Reuters has not verified the stories, nor does it vouch for their accuracy.) For real-time stock market index quotes click in brackets: Warsaw WIG20 Budapest BUX Prague PX Main currency report TOP NEWS -- Emerging markets News editor of the day: Jan Lopatka +420 224 190 476 E-mail: [email protected] (Reporting by Prague Newsroom) Our Standards:
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<p>UST-DJEGUTA, Russia (Reuters) - Ludmila Sklyarevskaya, a Russian hospital administrator, voted on Sunday in an election that gave Vladimir Putin another term as Russia’s president.</p>
<p>Then she went to another polling station and voted again, according to Reuters reporters who witnessed her movements.</p>
<p>Sklyarevskaya, who denied any wrongdoing, was among 17 people who were photographed by Reuters apparently casting ballots at more than one polling station Sunday in the town of Ust-Djeguta, southern Russia.</p>
<p>Many appeared to be state employees, and some showed up in groups and in mini buses bearing the names of state-provided services.&#160;</p>
<p>An employee at the hospital where Sklyarevskaya worked&#160;confirmed the woman captured in photos at the two polling stations was Sklyarevskaya and identified her as the hospital’s deputy director of health and safety.</p>
<p>Voting twice is a misdemeanor under Russian law, carrying a penalty of a fine. Shown pictures of some of the people who apparently voted twice, including at Ust-Djeguta’s polling station no. 217, Leila Koichuyeva, a member of the election commission there, said: “They could be twins.”</p>
<p>Sklyarevskaya, when it was pointed out she had been seen voting at polling stations 216 and 215, said “that’s not me.”&#160;</p>
<p>Reuters was able to speak to seven of 17 people photographed casting multiple votes. They either denied voting more than once or declined to comment.</p>
<p>Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there were established procedures for reporting election violations. “If these reports from the respected Reuters agency are backed up by corresponding statements to law enforcement agencies from the observers who were at each polling station, then it’s a worry. If they are not backed up, then it does not worry us at all.”</p>
<p>Putin’s opponents, and independent election observers, say Sunday’s vote was skewed across the country by officials loyal to Putin using a variety of tricks to inflate the turnout.</p>
<p>Putin is genuinely popular but a low turnout caused by apathy at a one-sided contest would have deprived him of the resounding mandate he sought. In the end, he won by a landslide and on a strong turnout of nearly 70 percent.</p>
<p>As well as multiple voting in Ust-Djeguta - a practice known in Russia as a “carousel” - Reuters reporters who monitored 12 polling stations around the country witnessed other irregularities though they were mostly narrow in scale.</p>
<p>In all 12 polling stations, the turnout declared by election officials exceeded a tally kept by Reuters of how many people voted. In one case in Simferopol the difference between the two figures was significant: 528 votes, or 66 percent of the votes cast.&#160;</p>
<p>Reuters reporters also uncovered a loophole in the voter registration system that could allow multiple voting by obtaining authorization to vote in more than one location. Under a new system designed to make it easier for people to vote when away from home, a voter can apply online to register temporarily at a different polling station. Three Reuters reporters who registered through the new system as well as at their local election office were able to vote once and then get the go-ahead by officials to vote a second time at a different polling station.</p>
<p>A Central Election Commission spokeswoman didn’t respond to a request for comment.</p> MEDICAL HELP
<p>On election day in Ust-Djeguta, Sklyarevskaya arrived just after 17:30 local time (10.30 a.m. ET), leading a group of eight other women and one man through the gates of polling station number 216.</p>
<p>About twenty minutes later, Reuters reporters observed the same group voting again a few hundred meters away at polling station no. 215.</p>
<p>Several of the women with her were wearing surgical scrubs, and the man wore a jacket with the word “ambulance” written on it. Ust-Djeguta, a town of 30,000 people and 1,500 km (930 miles) south of Moscow, has only one hospital, the state-run Central District Hospital.</p>
<p>In an interview next to her office on the hospital’s fourth floor, Sklyarevskaya said she had voted only once, at a third polling station, number 217. “Who directed you to do this investigation?” she asked when approached by Reuters reporters. “You do not have the right to get involved in the electoral system.”</p>
<p>Marat Shakmanov, head doctor at the hospital, said he didn’t believe anyone from the hospital violated election rules.</p>
<p>Another woman, wearing sparkly heels, also appeared to vote twice on Sunday.&#160;</p> Ludmila Sklyarevskaya, who denied voting multiple times, casting a ballot at polling station number 215 (L) and casting a ballot at polling station number 216, in Ust-Djeguta. REUTERS/Staff
<p>When approached by Reuters in the town hall on Monday, the woman said her name was Jamila Tebueva, a social-care specialist in the town administration. She said she voted only once, and went to a second polling station to accompany friends.&#160;</p>
<p>When told she had been photographed with a voting slip in her hand at the second location she said: “Is it alright if I don’t reply?”</p>
<p>Zukhra Chomaeva, the head election official at polling station number 217, said she could not answer for what happened outside her precinct when asked about multiple voting.</p>
<p>“How do I know if they’re the same person? They might look the same.”</p>
<p>Larissa Tekeyeva, head of the election commission for polling station 216, said after looking at a picture of a woman in a pink coat who voted at polling stations 216 and 217: “We all have the same mentality. We all look alike.”</p>
<p>Ludmila Djukayeva, head of the town’s polling station 215, said she hadn’t witnessed any multiple voting. Ruslan Shagarov, a spokesman for the town administration, said he knew nothing about any employees breaking voting rules.&#160;&#160;</p>
<p>Official results released on Monday showed the three polling stations had an average turnout of 81.5 percent and delivered a majority for Putin of 89.86 percent. National turnout was 67 percent, according to the central election commission.&#160;</p> Slideshow (6 Images) TURNOUT DISCREPANCIES
<p>Reuters reporters used mechanical counters to count everybody who cast a ballot at the 12 polling stations they monitored from open to close on Sunday.</p>
<p>In some places, the discrepancies between the official count and the Reuters tally were small, with local election officials putting it down to the margin of error. But in nine of the 12 polling stations, the discrepancies were 10% or greater.</p>
<p>The biggest divergence, as a share of the total vote, was in polling station number 265, inside a technical college in Simferopol, Crimea. Moscow annexed the region from Ukraine four years ago.</p>
<p>Reuters reporters saw 797 voters at that station, while the official figures state that 1,325 people voted on the day and in person.</p>
<p>Asked about the discrepancy, the chairwoman of the polling station’s election commission, Oksana Mediyeva, said independent monitors had watched the vote and had raised no issues.</p>
<p>The three monitors, two from the governing party and one who said he would vote for Putin, didn’t appear to be keeping count of the turnout.&#160;</p>
<p>Typically in elections, the official turnout figures are produced when election tellers count the number of ballots cast.</p>
<p>But in three polling stations, in Ust-Djeguta and in Simferopol, the election officials weren’t seen physically counting all the ballot papers.</p>
<p>At Ust-Djeguta’s polling station number 216, a count revealed there were not enough ballot papers to tally with the figure for Putin votes, of 1,299, that officials there had provisionally penciled in.&#160;</p>
<p>After a recount produced the same outcome, the election officials said they were going home.</p>
<p>When a Reuters reporter asked how they could do that without finishing the count, Tatiana Chernyaeva, the director of the school hosting the polling station, said: “You want to cast doubt on Putin’s victory.”</p> FLAWED SYSTEM
<p>Under the new registration system the three Reuters reporters were able to register online to vote in one location and also obtain authorization to vote in another location by using the old procedure of going to the local election office where they are resident.&#160;</p>
<p>All three reporters were offered a ballot paper in their second location after they had already voted in their first, though none cast a second vote.</p>
<p>Djukayeva the head of the election commission at polling station 215, where one of the reporters was offered a ballot to cast a second vote, said: “I don’t know whose mistake that was .... They gave us lists yesterday of voters who should be included and excluded.” She was in the list to be included, Djukayeva added.&#160;</p>
<p>Reporting by Maria Tsvetkova, Polina Nikolskaya, Tatiana Voronova and Polina Ivanova in UST-DJEGUTA; Olesya Astakhova, Olga Sichkar, Alla Afanasyeva and Kevin O'Flynn in SIMFEROPOL; Vladimir Soldatkin, Jack Stubbs and Gleb Stolyarov in KEMEROVO; Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber, Darya Korsunskaya and Anastasia Lyrchikova in ZELENODOLSK; Maxim Rodionov, Andrey Kuzmin and Andrey Ostroukh in GRYAZI.; Writing by Maria Tsvetkova and Christian Lowe; Editing by Cassell Bryan-Low</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg apologized on Wednesday for mistakes his company made in how it handled data belonging to 50 million of its users and promised tougher steps to restrict developers’ access to such information.</p>
<p>The world’s largest social media network is facing growing government scrutiny in Europe and the United States about a whistleblower’s allegations that London-based political consultancy Cambridge Analytica improperly accessed user information to build profiles on American voters that were later used to help elect U.S. President Donald Trump in 2016.</p>
<p>“This was a major breach of trust. I’m really sorry this happened. We have a basic responsibility to protect people’s data,” Zuckerberg said in an interview with CNN, breaking a public silence since the scandal erupted at the weekend.</p>
<p>Zuckerberg said in a post on Facebook the company "made mistakes, there's more to do, and we need to step up and do it." ( <a href="http://bit.ly/2DHAlUJ" type="external">bit.ly/2DHAlUJ</a>)</p>
<p>He said the social network planned to conduct an investigation of thousands of apps that have used Facebook’s platform, restrict developer access to data, and give members a tool that lets them to disable access to their Facebook data more easily.</p>
<p>His plans did not represent a big reduction of advertisers’ ability to use Facebook data, which is the company’s lifeblood.</p>
<p>Zuckerberg said he was open to additional government regulation and happy to testify before the U.S. Congress if he was the right person.</p>
<p>“I’m not sure we shouldn’t be regulated,” he told CNN. “I actually think the question is more what is the right regulation rather than yes or no, should it be regulated? ... People should know who is buying the ads that they see on Facebook.”</p>
<p>Zuckerberg said Facebook was committed to stopping interference in the U.S. midterm election in November and elections in India and Brazil.</p> INVESTOR FEARS
<p>Facebook shares pared gains on Wednesday after Zuckerberg’s post, closing up 0.7 percent. The company has lost more than $45 billion of its stock market value over the past three days on investor fears that any failure by big tech firms to protect personal data could deter advertisers and users and invite tougher regulation.</p>
<p>Zuckerberg told the New York Times in an interview published on Wednesday he had not seen a “meaningful number of people” deleting their accounts over the scandal.</p>
<p>Facebook representatives, including Deputy Chief Privacy Officer Rob Sherman, met U.S. congressional staff for nearly two hours on Wednesday and planned to continue meetings on Capitol Hill on Thursday. Facebook was unable to answer many questions, two aides who attended the briefing said.</p> Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg speaks during the Alumni Exercises following the 366th Commencement Exercises at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., May 25, 2017. REUTERS/Brian Snyder
<p>Zuckerberg told the website Recode that fixes to protect users' data would cost "many millions of dollars." ( <a href="http://bit.ly/2IJbYJS" type="external">bit.ly/2IJbYJS</a>)</p>
<p>The whistleblower who launched the scandal, Christopher Wylie, formerly of Cambridge Analytica, said on Twitter he had accepted invitations to testify before U.S. and UK lawmakers.</p>
<p>The German government said Facebook must explain whether the personal data of the country’s 30 million users were protected from unlawful use by third parties, according to a report in the Funke group of German regional newspapers.</p> Slideshow (5 Images) ‘SCAPEGOAT’
<p>On Tuesday, the board of Cambridge Analytica suspended its Chief Executive Alexander Nix, who was caught in a secret recording boasting that his company played a decisive role in Trump’s victory.</p>
<p>However, the academic who provided the data disputed that on Wednesday.</p>
<p>“I think what Cambridge Analytica has tried to sell is magic, and they’ve made claims that this is incredibly accurate and it tells you everything there is to tell about you. But I think the reality is it’s not that,” psychologist Aleksandr Kogan, an academic at Cambridge University, told the BBC in an interview.</p>
<p>Kogan, who gathered the data by running a survey app on Facebook, also said he was being made a scapegoat by Facebook and Cambridge Analytica. Both companies have blamed Kogan for alleged data misuse.</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-facebook-cambridge-analytica-leave-eu/what-are-the-links-between-cambridge-analytica-and-a-brexit-campaign-group-idUSKBN1GX2IO" type="external">What are the links between Cambridge Analytica and a Brexit campaign group?</a>
<a href="/article/us-facebook-cambridge-analytica-germany/germany-summons-facebook-over-user-data-safety-concerns-report-idUSKBN1GY006" type="external">Germany summons Facebook over user data safety concerns: report</a>
<a href="/article/us-facebook-cambridge-analytica-brazil/brazil-prosecutors-open-investigation-into-cambridge-analytica-idUSKBN1GX35A" type="external">Brazil prosecutors open investigation into Cambridge Analytica</a>
<p>Only 300,000 Facebook users responded to Kogan’s quiz, but that gave the researcher access to those people’s Facebook friends as well, who had not agreed to share information, producing details on 50 million users.</p>
<p>Facebook has said it subsequently made changes that prevent people from sharing data about friends and maintains that no breach occurred because the original users gave permission. Critics say that it essentially was a breach because data of unsuspecting friends was taken.</p>
<p>Analysts have raised concerns that the incident will reduce user engagement with Facebook, potentially lessening its clout with advertisers. Three Wall Street brokerages cut their price targets.</p>
<p>“Investors now have to consider whether or not the company will conclude that it has grown in a manner that has proven to be untenable,” said Pivotal Research Group analyst Brian Wieser.</p>
<p>The company has risen more than 550 percent in value in the past five years.</p>
<p>Reporting by David Ingram; Additional reporting by Dustin Volz and David Shepardson in WASHINGTON and Kate Holton in LONDON; Writing by Susan Thomas; Editing by Bill Rigby, Lisa Shumaker and Paul Tait</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>PARIS (Reuters) - French ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy told magistrates who put him under formal investigation on Wednesday that accusations that he got illicit Libyan funding for his 2007 election campaign were lies that were making his life “hell”, Le Figaro newspaper said.</p> FILE PHOTO: Nicolas Sarkozy, former head of the Les Republicains political party, attends a Les Republicains (LR) public meeting in Les Sables d'Olonne, France, October 1, 2016. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe/File Photo
<p>The newspaper published a lengthy account of what it said was a declaration by Sarkozy, in power from 2007 until 2012, made to investigators who told him after two days in custody he was formally suspected of passive corruption and other offences.</p>
<p>“This calumny has made my life a living hell since March 11, 2011,” the newspaper quoted the 63-year-old as having told the investigators. Prosecutors are looking into allegations that Sarkozy’s 2007 election campaign was aided by millions of euros in money from late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.</p>
<p>According to Le Figaro, Sarkozy said he was the victim of a destabilization campaign that began in March 2011, based on accusations from Tripoli and a Franco-Lebanese businessman who is also at the center of a judicial inquiry that began in 2013 but snowballed this week when Sarkozy was held for questioning.</p>
<p>Reporting by Brian Love and Emmanuel Jarry; Editing by Geert De Clercq</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>BEIJING (Reuters) - China accused the United States of “repeatedly abusing” trade practices, as Beijing braced on Thursday for an imminent announcement from U.S. President Donald Trump slapping more tariffs on Chinese imports.</p> FILE PHOTO - Containers are seen at the Yangshan Deep Water Port, part of the Shanghai Free Trade Zone, in Shanghai, China September 24, 2016. REUTERS/Aly Song/File Photo
<p>The U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports worth as much as up to $60 billion are set to be unveiled later on Thursday, raising fears that the world’s two largest economies could be sliding toward a trade war.</p>
<p>On Wednesday, the World Trade Organization ruled that Washington had not fully complied with a 2014 ruling against its anti-subsidy tariffs on various Chinese products ranging from solar panels and wind towers to steel cylinders and aluminum extrusions.</p>
<p>The WTO ruling “proves that the U.S. side has violated WTO rules, repeatedly abused trade remedy measures, which has seriously damaged the fair and just nature of the international trade environment, and weakened the stability of the multilateral trading system,” China’s commerce ministry said late on Wednesday.</p>
<p>The tariffs Trump is set to announce will be imposed under Section 301 of the 1974 U.S. Trade Act, following an intellectual property probe launched in August last year.</p>
<p>Trump is accusing Beijing of compelling U.S. firms to transfer their intellectual property (IP) to China as a cost of doing business there.</p>
<p>Trade wars are “good” and “easy to win”, said Trump, having made election campaign promises to get tough with China over its huge surplus with the United States.</p>
<p>China has repeatedly said it has no wish to fight a trade war, but warned that it is ready if needed.</p>
<p>“With regards to the Section 301 investigation, China has expressed its position on many occasions that we resolutely oppose this type of unilateral and protectionist action by the U.S.,” the Commerce Ministry said in a fresh statement on Thursday.</p>
<p>“China will not sit idly by while legitimate rights and interests are hurt. We must take all necessary measures to firmly defend our rights and interests.”</p>
<p>The Wall Street Journal reported that Beijing has already prepared to strike back with tariffs aimed at Trump’s support base, including levies targeting U.S. agricultural exports.</p> “FOR TARIFFS SAKE”
<p>U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said on Wednesday the tariffs would target China’s high-technology sector and there could also be restrictions on Chinese investments in the United States.</p> FILE PHOTO - A man rides a vehicle past containers at a port in Shanghai, China, February 17, 2016. REUTERS/Aly Song/File Photo
<p>Other sectors like apparel could also be hit.</p>
<p>Jacob Parker, Beijing-based vice president of China operations at the U.S.-China Business Council said the group wanted to know what action the U.S. administration wants China to take to improve protection for intellectual property, and over forced technology transfer.</p>
<p>“It’s really important for them to lay that out so that we have a strategy going forward and it’s not just tariffs for tariffs’ sake.”</p>
<p>Parker said China needs to adopt a tougher deterrent against counterfeiting and IP theft, and do away with joint venture and business licensing requirements that can be used to mandate technology transfers to gain market access.</p>
<p>“At the moment, it’s very difficult for the two sides to sit down and talk because the Trump administration seems determined to go this way regardless of China’s maneuvers,” said He Weiwen, a senior fellow at the Center for China and Globalization (CCG), a Beijing-based think tank.</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=BBY.N" type="external">Best Buy Co Inc</a> 68.44 BBY.N New York Stock Exchange -1.60 (-2.28%) BBY.N BA.N 600029.SS QCOM.O NXPI.O LIMITED IMPACT
<p>The measures planned by Washington so far are expected to have a limited impact on China’s economy, which is far less dependent on exports than it was a decade ago.</p>
<p>“Most Chinese corporates seems to be quite resilient against a potential trade war given the high share of domestic revenue,” said Alicia Garcia Herrero, chief economist for Asia Pacific at Natixis. “However, there are certain sectors which will be relatively more affected, such as information technology and consumer durables.”</p>
<p>In a possible sign of what is to come, Best Buy Co Inc ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=BBY.N" type="external">BBY.N</a>), the largest U.S. consumer electronics retailer, has decided to stop buying smartphones from Chinese telecom equipment maker Huawei, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters.</p>
<p>Moody’s Investors Service said the impact would be far greater if the United States significantly expands tariffs and throws in broad-ranging protectionist measures.</p>
<p>Sectors with a large, direct exposure to the U.S. market, Moody’s said, included cork and wood products, furniture, office machines, household appliances, electrical equipment, road vehicles, telecommunications equipment, electrical machinery, apparel and footwear, animal oils and fats.</p>
<p>Analysts said U.S. companies like Boeing Co ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=BA.N" type="external">BA.N</a>), which sell billions of dollars worth of planes to Chinese airlines, as well as deals which require Chinese approval could also become caught in the cross fire should a trade war break out.</p>
<p>Boeing this week announced a $3.6 billion order from China Southern Airlines Co Ltd’s ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=600029.SS" type="external">600029.SS</a>) subsidiary Xiamen Airlines. Chip giant Qualcomm Inc ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=QCOM.O" type="external">QCOM.O</a>) is still waiting for Chinese approval of its proposed $44 billion acquisition of NXP Semiconductors NV ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=NXPI.O" type="external">NXPI.O</a>).</p>
<p>U.S. electric carmaker Tesla Inc ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=TSLA.O" type="external">TSLA.O</a>) is in long-running talks with Shanghai authorities to build a local manufacturing plant in the city, while Chinese state media have called for measures against U.S. soybean imports to China.</p>
<p>Reporting by Brenda Goh in SHANGHAI and Elias Glenn in BEIJING; Writing by Ryan Woo; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
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here1ceventsoverview press digest volkswagen volkswagens slovak plant resumed operations tuesday monthlong holiday break company said reuters verified stories vouch accuracy realtime stock market index quotes click brackets warsaw wig20 budapest bux prague px main currency report top news emerging markets news editor day jan lopatka 420 224 190 476 email praguenewsroomthomsonreuterscom reporting prague newsroom standards thomson reuters trust principles ustdjeguta russia reuters ludmila sklyarevskaya russian hospital administrator voted sunday election gave vladimir putin another term russias president went another polling station voted according reuters reporters witnessed movements sklyarevskaya denied wrongdoing among 17 people photographed reuters apparently casting ballots one polling station sunday town ustdjeguta southern russia many appeared state employees showed groups mini buses bearing names stateprovided services160 employee hospital sklyarevskaya worked160confirmed woman captured photos two polling stations sklyarevskaya identified hospitals deputy director health safety voting twice misdemeanor russian law carrying penalty fine shown pictures people apparently voted twice including ustdjegutas polling station 217 leila koichuyeva member election commission said could twins sklyarevskaya pointed seen voting polling stations 216 215 said thats me160 reuters able speak seven 17 people photographed casting multiple votes either denied voting declined comment kremlin spokesman dmitry peskov said established procedures reporting election violations reports respected reuters agency backed corresponding statements law enforcement agencies observers polling station worry backed worry us putins opponents independent election observers say sundays vote skewed across country officials loyal putin using variety tricks inflate turnout putin genuinely popular low turnout caused apathy onesided contest would deprived resounding mandate sought end landslide strong turnout nearly 70 percent well multiple voting ustdjeguta practice known russia carousel reuters reporters monitored 12 polling stations around country witnessed irregularities though mostly narrow scale 12 polling stations turnout declared election officials exceeded tally kept reuters many people voted one case simferopol difference two figures significant 528 votes 66 percent votes cast160 reuters reporters also uncovered loophole voter registration system could allow multiple voting obtaining authorization vote one location new system designed make easier people vote away home voter apply online register temporarily different polling station three reuters reporters registered new system well local election office able vote get goahead officials vote second time different polling station central election commission spokeswoman didnt respond request comment medical help election day ustdjeguta sklyarevskaya arrived 1730 local time 1030 et leading group eight women one man gates polling station number 216 twenty minutes later reuters reporters observed group voting hundred meters away polling station 215 several women wearing surgical scrubs man wore jacket word ambulance written ustdjeguta town 30000 people 1500 km 930 miles south moscow one hospital staterun central district hospital interview next office hospitals fourth floor sklyarevskaya said voted third polling station number 217 directed investigation asked approached reuters reporters right get involved electoral system marat shakmanov head doctor hospital said didnt believe anyone hospital violated election rules another woman wearing sparkly heels also appeared vote twice sunday160 ludmila sklyarevskaya denied voting multiple times casting ballot polling station number 215 l casting ballot polling station number 216 ustdjeguta reutersstaff approached reuters town hall monday woman said name jamila tebueva socialcare specialist town administration said voted went second polling station accompany friends160 told photographed voting slip hand second location said alright dont reply zukhra chomaeva head election official polling station number 217 said could answer happened outside precinct asked multiple voting know theyre person might look larissa tekeyeva head election commission polling station 216 said looking picture woman pink coat voted polling stations 216 217 mentality look alike ludmila djukayeva head towns polling station 215 said hadnt witnessed multiple voting ruslan shagarov spokesman town administration said knew nothing employees breaking voting rules160160 official results released monday showed three polling stations average turnout 815 percent delivered majority putin 8986 percent national turnout 67 percent according central election commission160 slideshow 6 images turnout discrepancies reuters reporters used mechanical counters count everybody cast ballot 12 polling stations monitored open close sunday places discrepancies official count reuters tally small local election officials putting margin error nine 12 polling stations discrepancies 10 greater biggest divergence share total vote polling station number 265 inside technical college simferopol crimea moscow annexed region ukraine four years ago reuters reporters saw 797 voters station official figures state 1325 people voted day person asked discrepancy chairwoman polling stations election commission oksana mediyeva said independent monitors watched vote raised issues three monitors two governing party one said would vote putin didnt appear keeping count turnout160 typically elections official turnout figures produced election tellers count number ballots cast three polling stations ustdjeguta simferopol election officials werent seen physically counting ballot papers ustdjegutas polling station number 216 count revealed enough ballot papers tally figure putin votes 1299 officials provisionally penciled in160 recount produced outcome election officials said going home reuters reporter asked could without finishing count tatiana chernyaeva director school hosting polling station said want cast doubt putins victory flawed system new registration system three reuters reporters able register online vote one location also obtain authorization vote another location using old procedure going local election office resident160 three reporters offered ballot paper second location already voted first though none cast second vote djukayeva head election commission polling station 215 one reporters offered ballot cast second vote said dont know whose mistake gave us lists yesterday voters included excluded list included djukayeva added160 reporting maria tsvetkova polina nikolskaya tatiana voronova polina ivanova ustdjeguta olesya astakhova olga sichkar alla afanasyeva kevin oflynn simferopol vladimir soldatkin jack stubbs gleb stolyarov kemerovo gabrielle tetraultfarber darya korsunskaya anastasia lyrchikova zelenodolsk maxim rodionov andrey kuzmin andrey ostroukh gryazi writing maria tsvetkova christian lowe editing cassell bryanlow standards thomson reuters trust principles san francisco reuters facebook inc chief executive mark zuckerberg apologized wednesday mistakes company made handled data belonging 50 million users promised tougher steps restrict developers access information worlds largest social media network facing growing government scrutiny europe united states whistleblowers allegations londonbased political consultancy cambridge analytica improperly accessed user information build profiles american voters later used help elect us president donald trump 2016 major breach trust im really sorry happened basic responsibility protect peoples data zuckerberg said interview cnn breaking public silence since scandal erupted weekend zuckerberg said post facebook company made mistakes theres need step bitly2dhaluj said social network planned conduct investigation thousands apps used facebooks platform restrict developer access data give members tool lets disable access facebook data easily plans represent big reduction advertisers ability use facebook data companys lifeblood zuckerberg said open additional government regulation happy testify us congress right person im sure shouldnt regulated told cnn actually think question right regulation rather yes regulated people know buying ads see facebook zuckerberg said facebook committed stopping interference us midterm election november elections india brazil investor fears facebook shares pared gains wednesday zuckerbergs post closing 07 percent company lost 45 billion stock market value past three days investor fears failure big tech firms protect personal data could deter advertisers users invite tougher regulation zuckerberg told new york times interview published wednesday seen meaningful number people deleting accounts scandal facebook representatives including deputy chief privacy officer rob sherman met us congressional staff nearly two hours wednesday planned continue meetings capitol hill thursday facebook unable answer many questions two aides attended briefing said facebook founder mark zuckerberg speaks alumni exercises following 366th commencement exercises harvard university cambridge massachusetts us may 25 2017 reutersbrian snyder zuckerberg told website recode fixes protect users data would cost many millions dollars bitly2ijbyjs whistleblower launched scandal christopher wylie formerly cambridge analytica said twitter accepted invitations testify us uk lawmakers german government said facebook must explain whether personal data countrys 30 million users protected unlawful use third parties according report funke group german regional newspapers slideshow 5 images scapegoat tuesday board cambridge analytica suspended chief executive alexander nix caught secret recording boasting company played decisive role trumps victory however academic provided data disputed wednesday think cambridge analytica tried sell magic theyve made claims incredibly accurate tells everything tell think reality psychologist aleksandr kogan academic cambridge university told bbc interview kogan gathered data running survey app facebook also said made scapegoat facebook cambridge analytica companies blamed kogan alleged data misuse related coverage links cambridge analytica brexit campaign group germany summons facebook user data safety concerns report brazil prosecutors open investigation cambridge analytica 300000 facebook users responded kogans quiz gave researcher access peoples facebook friends well agreed share information producing details 50 million users facebook said subsequently made changes prevent people sharing data friends maintains breach occurred original users gave permission critics say essentially breach data unsuspecting friends taken analysts raised concerns incident reduce user engagement facebook potentially lessening clout advertisers three wall street brokerages cut price targets investors consider whether company conclude grown manner proven untenable said pivotal research group analyst brian wieser company risen 550 percent value past five years reporting david ingram additional reporting dustin volz david shepardson washington kate holton london writing susan thomas editing bill rigby lisa shumaker paul tait standards thomson reuters trust principles paris reuters french expresident nicolas sarkozy told magistrates put formal investigation wednesday accusations got illicit libyan funding 2007 election campaign lies making life hell le figaro newspaper said file photo nicolas sarkozy former head les republicains political party attends les republicains lr public meeting les sables dolonne france october 1 2016 reutersstephane mahefile photo newspaper published lengthy account said declaration sarkozy power 2007 2012 made investigators told two days custody formally suspected passive corruption offences calumny made life living hell since march 11 2011 newspaper quoted 63yearold told investigators prosecutors looking allegations sarkozys 2007 election campaign aided millions euros money late libyan leader muammar gaddafi according le figaro sarkozy said victim destabilization campaign began march 2011 based accusations tripoli francolebanese businessman also center judicial inquiry began 2013 snowballed week sarkozy held questioning reporting brian love emmanuel jarry editing geert de clercq standards thomson reuters trust principles beijing reuters china accused united states repeatedly abusing trade practices beijing braced thursday imminent announcement us president donald trump slapping tariffs chinese imports file photo containers seen yangshan deep water port part shanghai free trade zone shanghai china september 24 2016 reutersaly songfile photo us tariffs chinese imports worth much 60 billion set unveiled later thursday raising fears worlds two largest economies could sliding toward trade war wednesday world trade organization ruled washington fully complied 2014 ruling antisubsidy tariffs various chinese products ranging solar panels wind towers steel cylinders aluminum extrusions wto ruling proves us side violated wto rules repeatedly abused trade remedy measures seriously damaged fair nature international trade environment weakened stability multilateral trading system chinas commerce ministry said late wednesday tariffs trump set announce imposed section 301 1974 us trade act following intellectual property probe launched august last year trump accusing beijing compelling us firms transfer intellectual property ip china cost business trade wars good easy win said trump made election campaign promises get tough china huge surplus united states china repeatedly said wish fight trade war warned ready needed regards section 301 investigation china expressed position many occasions resolutely oppose type unilateral protectionist action us commerce ministry said fresh statement thursday china sit idly legitimate rights interests hurt must take necessary measures firmly defend rights interests wall street journal reported beijing already prepared strike back tariffs aimed trumps support base including levies targeting us agricultural exports tariffs sake us trade representative robert lighthizer said wednesday tariffs would target chinas hightechnology sector could also restrictions chinese investments united states file photo man rides vehicle past containers port shanghai china february 17 2016 reutersaly songfile photo sectors like apparel could also hit jacob parker beijingbased vice president china operations uschina business council said group wanted know action us administration wants china take improve protection intellectual property forced technology transfer really important lay strategy going forward tariffs tariffs sake parker said china needs adopt tougher deterrent counterfeiting ip theft away joint venture business licensing requirements used mandate technology transfers gain market access moment difficult two sides sit talk trump administration seems determined go way regardless chinas maneuvers said weiwen senior fellow center china globalization ccg beijingbased think tank best buy co inc 6844 bbyn new york stock exchange 160 228 bbyn ban 600029ss qcomo nxpio limited impact measures planned washington far expected limited impact chinas economy far less dependent exports decade ago chinese corporates seems quite resilient potential trade war given high share domestic revenue said alicia garcia herrero chief economist asia pacific natixis however certain sectors relatively affected information technology consumer durables possible sign come best buy co inc bbyn largest us consumer electronics retailer decided stop buying smartphones chinese telecom equipment maker huawei source familiar matter told reuters moodys investors service said impact would far greater united states significantly expands tariffs throws broadranging protectionist measures sectors large direct exposure us market moodys said included cork wood products furniture office machines household appliances electrical equipment road vehicles telecommunications equipment electrical machinery apparel footwear animal oils fats analysts said us companies like boeing co ban sell billions dollars worth planes chinese airlines well deals require chinese approval could also become caught cross fire trade war break boeing week announced 36 billion order china southern airlines co ltds 600029ss subsidiary xiamen airlines chip giant qualcomm inc qcomo still waiting chinese approval proposed 44 billion acquisition nxp semiconductors nv nxpio us electric carmaker tesla inc tslao longrunning talks shanghai authorities build local manufacturing plant city chinese state media called measures us soybean imports china reporting brenda goh shanghai elias glenn beijing writing ryan woo editing simon cameronmoore standards thomson reuters trust principles
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<p>TRUJILLO, Peru (AP) — Pope Francis denounced femicides and other gender-based crimes that have turned Latin America into the most violent place on Earth for women, calling Saturday for legislation to protect them and a new cultural mindset as he visited one of Peru's most dangerous parts.</p>
<p>At a Marian prayer in the northern seaside city of Trujillo, Francis called women, mothers and grandmothers the guiding force for families. And yet, he said, in the Americas they are too often victims of murder and "many situations of violence that are kept quiet behind so many walls."</p>
<p>The first Latin American pope called for lawmakers to protect women and for a new culture "that repudiates every form of violence." His remarks came the same day large crowds marched throughout the United States and other countries in support of female empowerment.</p>
<p>Francis' use of the term femicide — the killing of women where the motive is directly related to gender— marked the second time in as many days that he has spoken out against "machismo" culture in Latin America. The region has the dubious honor of having the world's highest rates of violence against women occurring outside romantic partnerships, and the second-highest within.</p>
<p>Even though more and more countries in the region are adopting protective policies for women, female homicides are rising in Latin America with two in every five resulting from domestic violence, according to a November 2017 report from U.N. Women and the U.N. Development Program that called the phenomenon a "global pandemic."</p>
<p>In recent years women have taken to the streets across Latin America, including in Peru, to protest gender violence as part of the international "Ni Una Menos" or "Not One Less" campaign.</p>
<p>In the Peruvian Amazon this week, Francis denounced forced prostitution and the trafficking of women in the area, saying it pained him how they are "devalued, denigrated and exposed to endless violence.</p>
<p>"Violence against women cannot be treated as 'normal,' maintaining a culture of machismo blind to the leading role that women play in our communities," he said Friday. "It is not right for us to look the other way and let the dignity of so many women, especially young women, be trampled upon."</p>
<p>Francis' decision to directly address the issue followed a reticence to speak out last year when he visited Ciudad Juarez, the Mexican border city notorious for hundreds of killings of women that brought international attention to the problem. More than 100 women died in eerily similar killings in the city across from El Paso, Texas, starting in 1993, although the serial or copycat nature of them tapered off a decade later.</p>
<p>At a 2016 open-air mass in Juarez, Francis made an emotional plea to recognize the "human tragedy" of the treatment of migrants but made only a passing mention of the women's killings. At the time he did not use the word "femicide," saying only, "And what can we say about so many women who have unjustly had their lives taken?"</p>
<p>Mothers of some of the Juarez victims had sought unsuccessfully to meet with Francis, and Saturday marked the first time he is known to have used the term "femicide" in public.</p>
<p>Central American countries have the highest rates of gender-based violence, but the issue is also a serious problem in Peru. More than 1,000 women died from gender violence in the South American country from 2009 through last October — the vast majority murdered by a partner or relative — according to a report by the Public Ministry.</p>
<p>Francis' comments came in his final event in Trujillo, where devastating floods last year killed more than 150 people and destroyed hundreds of thousands of homes.</p>
<p>At a seaside Mass for some 200,000 faithful, Francis said he came to pray with those who lost everything and who must also contend with the "other storms that can hit these coasts, with devastating effects on the lives of the children of these lands."</p>
<p>He cited organized violence and contract killings, a major problem in Peru and in the north in particular. Extortion is also common in the area, especially around Trujillo and parts hit hardest by the floods, and bus drivers who refuse to pay often see their minibuses torched.</p>
<p>Francis said Peruvians have shown life's greatest problems can be confronted when communities come together "to help one another like true brothers and sisters."</p>
<p>In Trujillo the pope found a frustrated population hoping his visit could quicken reconstruction from Peru's worst environmental disaster in nearly two decades. Of the 200,000 homes destroyed in last year's floods, only about 60 percent have been repaired, said Edwin Trujillo, an emergency coordinator for the Peruvian Red Cross.</p>
<p>"People are furious because authorities haven't done anything," said Carlos Bocanegra, 60, a biologist who lives in Trujillo.</p>
<p>Francis is the second pope to visit the city. He follows in the footsteps of St. John Paul II, who came here in 1985, a decade when Peru was afflicted not only by El Nino floods but also hyperinflation and political violence.</p>
<p>Three decades later many of the same inequalities that existed back then remain entrenched, with poor, rural areas still unprepared to face the damage caused by environmental calamity.</p>
<p>Many in northern Peru lament that streets are still contaminated by fungus and filled with debris from the storms, estimated to have cause several billion dollars in damage.</p>
<p>"For us it is a blessing that Pope Francis has come to Buenos Aires to see everything we have suffered," said Carlos Covenas, who lives in the small Peruvian town that shares the name of Francis' Argentine birthplace.</p>
<p>While Francis has received a decidedly warm welcome in Peru, his tumultuous visit to Chile earlier this week continued to cast a shadow. Authorities said Saturday that another church had been destroyed in a blaze 60 miles (100 kilometers) south of the Chilean capital, Santiago, following a string of fires to religious buildings that started even before Francis landed in that country.</p>
<p>Francis' top adviser on clerical sex abuse, Cardinal Sean O'Malley, also implicitly rebuked the pontiff Saturday over remarks he made upon leaving Chile two days earlier. Francis accused victims of the country's most notorious pedophile priest of having slandered another bishop, Juan Barros. The victims say Barros knew about the abuse and did nothing to stop it — a charge Barros denies.</p>
<p>O'Malley, archbishop of Boston, called Francis' words "a source of great pain for survivors of sexual abuse."</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press writer Nicole Winfield reported from Trujillo, and AP writer Christine Armario reported from Lima, Peru. AP writers Franklin Briceno in Lima and Mark Stevenson in Mexico City contributed.</p>
<p>TRUJILLO, Peru (AP) — Pope Francis denounced femicides and other gender-based crimes that have turned Latin America into the most violent place on Earth for women, calling Saturday for legislation to protect them and a new cultural mindset as he visited one of Peru's most dangerous parts.</p>
<p>At a Marian prayer in the northern seaside city of Trujillo, Francis called women, mothers and grandmothers the guiding force for families. And yet, he said, in the Americas they are too often victims of murder and "many situations of violence that are kept quiet behind so many walls."</p>
<p>The first Latin American pope called for lawmakers to protect women and for a new culture "that repudiates every form of violence." His remarks came the same day large crowds marched throughout the United States and other countries in support of female empowerment.</p>
<p>Francis' use of the term femicide — the killing of women where the motive is directly related to gender— marked the second time in as many days that he has spoken out against "machismo" culture in Latin America. The region has the dubious honor of having the world's highest rates of violence against women occurring outside romantic partnerships, and the second-highest within.</p>
<p>Even though more and more countries in the region are adopting protective policies for women, female homicides are rising in Latin America with two in every five resulting from domestic violence, according to a November 2017 report from U.N. Women and the U.N. Development Program that called the phenomenon a "global pandemic."</p>
<p>In recent years women have taken to the streets across Latin America, including in Peru, to protest gender violence as part of the international "Ni Una Menos" or "Not One Less" campaign.</p>
<p>In the Peruvian Amazon this week, Francis denounced forced prostitution and the trafficking of women in the area, saying it pained him how they are "devalued, denigrated and exposed to endless violence.</p>
<p>"Violence against women cannot be treated as 'normal,' maintaining a culture of machismo blind to the leading role that women play in our communities," he said Friday. "It is not right for us to look the other way and let the dignity of so many women, especially young women, be trampled upon."</p>
<p>Francis' decision to directly address the issue followed a reticence to speak out last year when he visited Ciudad Juarez, the Mexican border city notorious for hundreds of killings of women that brought international attention to the problem. More than 100 women died in eerily similar killings in the city across from El Paso, Texas, starting in 1993, although the serial or copycat nature of them tapered off a decade later.</p>
<p>At a 2016 open-air mass in Juarez, Francis made an emotional plea to recognize the "human tragedy" of the treatment of migrants but made only a passing mention of the women's killings. At the time he did not use the word "femicide," saying only, "And what can we say about so many women who have unjustly had their lives taken?"</p>
<p>Mothers of some of the Juarez victims had sought unsuccessfully to meet with Francis, and Saturday marked the first time he is known to have used the term "femicide" in public.</p>
<p>Central American countries have the highest rates of gender-based violence, but the issue is also a serious problem in Peru. More than 1,000 women died from gender violence in the South American country from 2009 through last October — the vast majority murdered by a partner or relative — according to a report by the Public Ministry.</p>
<p>Francis' comments came in his final event in Trujillo, where devastating floods last year killed more than 150 people and destroyed hundreds of thousands of homes.</p>
<p>At a seaside Mass for some 200,000 faithful, Francis said he came to pray with those who lost everything and who must also contend with the "other storms that can hit these coasts, with devastating effects on the lives of the children of these lands."</p>
<p>He cited organized violence and contract killings, a major problem in Peru and in the north in particular. Extortion is also common in the area, especially around Trujillo and parts hit hardest by the floods, and bus drivers who refuse to pay often see their minibuses torched.</p>
<p>Francis said Peruvians have shown life's greatest problems can be confronted when communities come together "to help one another like true brothers and sisters."</p>
<p>In Trujillo the pope found a frustrated population hoping his visit could quicken reconstruction from Peru's worst environmental disaster in nearly two decades. Of the 200,000 homes destroyed in last year's floods, only about 60 percent have been repaired, said Edwin Trujillo, an emergency coordinator for the Peruvian Red Cross.</p>
<p>"People are furious because authorities haven't done anything," said Carlos Bocanegra, 60, a biologist who lives in Trujillo.</p>
<p>Francis is the second pope to visit the city. He follows in the footsteps of St. John Paul II, who came here in 1985, a decade when Peru was afflicted not only by El Nino floods but also hyperinflation and political violence.</p>
<p>Three decades later many of the same inequalities that existed back then remain entrenched, with poor, rural areas still unprepared to face the damage caused by environmental calamity.</p>
<p>Many in northern Peru lament that streets are still contaminated by fungus and filled with debris from the storms, estimated to have cause several billion dollars in damage.</p>
<p>"For us it is a blessing that Pope Francis has come to Buenos Aires to see everything we have suffered," said Carlos Covenas, who lives in the small Peruvian town that shares the name of Francis' Argentine birthplace.</p>
<p>While Francis has received a decidedly warm welcome in Peru, his tumultuous visit to Chile earlier this week continued to cast a shadow. Authorities said Saturday that another church had been destroyed in a blaze 60 miles (100 kilometers) south of the Chilean capital, Santiago, following a string of fires to religious buildings that started even before Francis landed in that country.</p>
<p>Francis' top adviser on clerical sex abuse, Cardinal Sean O'Malley, also implicitly rebuked the pontiff Saturday over remarks he made upon leaving Chile two days earlier. Francis accused victims of the country's most notorious pedophile priest of having slandered another bishop, Juan Barros. The victims say Barros knew about the abuse and did nothing to stop it — a charge Barros denies.</p>
<p>O'Malley, archbishop of Boston, called Francis' words "a source of great pain for survivors of sexual abuse."</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press writer Nicole Winfield reported from Trujillo, and AP writer Christine Armario reported from Lima, Peru. AP writers Franklin Briceno in Lima and Mark Stevenson in Mexico City contributed.</p>
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trujillo peru ap pope francis denounced femicides genderbased crimes turned latin america violent place earth women calling saturday legislation protect new cultural mindset visited one perus dangerous parts marian prayer northern seaside city trujillo francis called women mothers grandmothers guiding force families yet said americas often victims murder many situations violence kept quiet behind many walls first latin american pope called lawmakers protect women new culture repudiates every form violence remarks came day large crowds marched throughout united states countries support female empowerment francis use term femicide killing women motive directly related gender marked second time many days spoken machismo culture latin america region dubious honor worlds highest rates violence women occurring outside romantic partnerships secondhighest within even though countries region adopting protective policies women female homicides rising latin america two every five resulting domestic violence according november 2017 report un women un development program called phenomenon global pandemic recent years women taken streets across latin america including peru protest gender violence part international ni una menos one less campaign peruvian amazon week francis denounced forced prostitution trafficking women area saying pained devalued denigrated exposed endless violence violence women treated normal maintaining culture machismo blind leading role women play communities said friday right us look way let dignity many women especially young women trampled upon francis decision directly address issue followed reticence speak last year visited ciudad juarez mexican border city notorious hundreds killings women brought international attention problem 100 women died eerily similar killings city across el paso texas starting 1993 although serial copycat nature tapered decade later 2016 openair mass juarez francis made emotional plea recognize human tragedy treatment migrants made passing mention womens killings time use word femicide saying say many women unjustly lives taken mothers juarez victims sought unsuccessfully meet francis saturday marked first time known used term femicide public central american countries highest rates genderbased violence issue also serious problem peru 1000 women died gender violence south american country 2009 last october vast majority murdered partner relative according report public ministry francis comments came final event trujillo devastating floods last year killed 150 people destroyed hundreds thousands homes seaside mass 200000 faithful francis said came pray lost everything must also contend storms hit coasts devastating effects lives children lands cited organized violence contract killings major problem peru north particular extortion also common area especially around trujillo parts hit hardest floods bus drivers refuse pay often see minibuses torched francis said peruvians shown lifes greatest problems confronted communities come together help one another like true brothers sisters trujillo pope found frustrated population hoping visit could quicken reconstruction perus worst environmental disaster nearly two decades 200000 homes destroyed last years floods 60 percent repaired said edwin trujillo emergency coordinator peruvian red cross people furious authorities havent done anything said carlos bocanegra 60 biologist lives trujillo francis second pope visit city follows footsteps st john paul ii came 1985 decade peru afflicted el nino floods also hyperinflation political violence three decades later many inequalities existed back remain entrenched poor rural areas still unprepared face damage caused environmental calamity many northern peru lament streets still contaminated fungus filled debris storms estimated cause several billion dollars damage us blessing pope francis come buenos aires see everything suffered said carlos covenas lives small peruvian town shares name francis argentine birthplace francis received decidedly warm welcome peru tumultuous visit chile earlier week continued cast shadow authorities said saturday another church destroyed blaze 60 miles 100 kilometers south chilean capital santiago following string fires religious buildings started even francis landed country francis top adviser clerical sex abuse cardinal sean omalley also implicitly rebuked pontiff saturday remarks made upon leaving chile two days earlier francis accused victims countrys notorious pedophile priest slandered another bishop juan barros victims say barros knew abuse nothing stop charge barros denies omalley archbishop boston called francis words source great pain survivors sexual abuse ___ associated press writer nicole winfield reported trujillo ap writer christine armario reported lima peru ap writers franklin briceno lima mark stevenson mexico city contributed trujillo peru ap pope francis denounced femicides genderbased crimes turned latin america violent place earth women calling saturday legislation protect new cultural mindset visited one perus dangerous parts marian prayer northern seaside city trujillo francis called women mothers grandmothers guiding force families yet said americas often victims murder many situations violence kept quiet behind many walls first latin american pope called lawmakers protect women new culture repudiates every form violence remarks came day large crowds marched throughout united states countries support female empowerment francis use term femicide killing women motive directly related gender marked second time many days spoken machismo culture latin america region dubious honor worlds highest rates violence women occurring outside romantic partnerships secondhighest within even though countries region adopting protective policies women female homicides rising latin america two every five resulting domestic violence according november 2017 report un women un development program called phenomenon global pandemic recent years women taken streets across latin america including peru protest gender violence part international ni una menos one less campaign peruvian amazon week francis denounced forced prostitution trafficking women area saying pained devalued denigrated exposed endless violence violence women treated normal maintaining culture machismo blind leading role women play communities said friday right us look way let dignity many women especially young women trampled upon francis decision directly address issue followed reticence speak last year visited ciudad juarez mexican border city notorious hundreds killings women brought international attention problem 100 women died eerily similar killings city across el paso texas starting 1993 although serial copycat nature tapered decade later 2016 openair mass juarez francis made emotional plea recognize human tragedy treatment migrants made passing mention womens killings time use word femicide saying say many women unjustly lives taken mothers juarez victims sought unsuccessfully meet francis saturday marked first time known used term femicide public central american countries highest rates genderbased violence issue also serious problem peru 1000 women died gender violence south american country 2009 last october vast majority murdered partner relative according report public ministry francis comments came final event trujillo devastating floods last year killed 150 people destroyed hundreds thousands homes seaside mass 200000 faithful francis said came pray lost everything must also contend storms hit coasts devastating effects lives children lands cited organized violence contract killings major problem peru north particular extortion also common area especially around trujillo parts hit hardest floods bus drivers refuse pay often see minibuses torched francis said peruvians shown lifes greatest problems confronted communities come together help one another like true brothers sisters trujillo pope found frustrated population hoping visit could quicken reconstruction perus worst environmental disaster nearly two decades 200000 homes destroyed last years floods 60 percent repaired said edwin trujillo emergency coordinator peruvian red cross people furious authorities havent done anything said carlos bocanegra 60 biologist lives trujillo francis second pope visit city follows footsteps st john paul ii came 1985 decade peru afflicted el nino floods also hyperinflation political violence three decades later many inequalities existed back remain entrenched poor rural areas still unprepared face damage caused environmental calamity many northern peru lament streets still contaminated fungus filled debris storms estimated cause several billion dollars damage us blessing pope francis come buenos aires see everything suffered said carlos covenas lives small peruvian town shares name francis argentine birthplace francis received decidedly warm welcome peru tumultuous visit chile earlier week continued cast shadow authorities said saturday another church destroyed blaze 60 miles 100 kilometers south chilean capital santiago following string fires religious buildings started even francis landed country francis top adviser clerical sex abuse cardinal sean omalley also implicitly rebuked pontiff saturday remarks made upon leaving chile two days earlier francis accused victims countrys notorious pedophile priest slandered another bishop juan barros victims say barros knew abuse nothing stop charge barros denies omalley archbishop boston called francis words source great pain survivors sexual abuse ___ associated press writer nicole winfield reported trujillo ap writer christine armario reported lima peru ap writers franklin briceno lima mark stevenson mexico city contributed
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<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is expected this week to extend relief from economic sanctions to Iran as part of the nuclear deal, citing progress in amending U.S. legislation that governs Washington's participation in the landmark accord, according to U.S. officials and others familiar with the administration's deliberations.</p>
<p>But Trump is likely to pair his decision to renew the concessions to Tehran with new, targeted sanctions on Iranian businesses and people, the six people briefed on the matter said. The restrictions could hit some firms and individuals whose sanctions were scrapped under the 2015 nuclear agreement, a decision that could test Tehran's willingness to abide by its side of the bargain.</p>
<p>The individuals — two administration officials, two congressional aides and two outside experts who consult with the government — weren't authorized to speak publicly on the matter and demanded anonymity. They cautioned that Trump could still reject the recommendation from Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Defense Secretary James Mattis and national security adviser H.R. McMaster and that no final decision had been made. They said heated discussions were going on within the administration and with key Republican lawmakers.</p>
<p>The State Department and White House didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.</p>
<p>Trump must decide by Friday to extend the nuclear-related sanctions relief for Iran's central bank or re-impose the restrictions that President Barack Obama suspended two years ago.</p>
<p>The old, central bank sanctions largely cut Iran out of the international financial system, and are considered to be the most powerful of the penalties imposed by the U.S. during the Obama era, along with global penalties for buying Iranian oil. Some Iran hawks want to see both sets of restrictions return, but the six people with knowledge of Trump's plans say the president isn't planning to reinstate either at this point.</p>
<p>The individuals said Trump's top national security aides appear to have successfully made a different case to the president: Waiving anew for 120 days the nuclear-linked sanctions while simultaneously imposing new measures to punish Iran's ballistic missile testing, alleged terrorism support and human rights violations.</p>
<p>Such a balance could satisfy Trump's demand to raise pressure on Iran, while not embarking on a frontal assault on the most central trade-offs of the nuclear agreement. While the U.S. and other world powers rolled back economic restrictions on Tehran, the Iranians severely curtailed their enrichment of uranium and other nuclear activity. Trump has complained that many of the Iranian restrictions expire next decade and has vacillated between talk of toughening the deal and pulling the U.S. out entirely.</p>
<p>A senior State Department official told reporters Wednesday that Tillerson and Mattis would be meeting with Trump on the matter before an announcement Friday. Trump, Tillerson and Vice President Mike Pence were scheduled to have lunch Wednesday at the White House after a formal Cabinet meeting.</p>
<p>The decision coincides with the administration's efforts to secure a face-saving fix from Congress on the requirement for Trump to address Iran's compliance every three months. In October, Trump decertified the nuclear deal under U.S. law, saying the sanctions relief was disproportionate to Iran's nuclear concessions, and describing the arrangement as contrary to America's national security interests.</p>
<p>Tillerson told The Associated Press in an interview last week that he and others were working with Congress on ways to amend the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, or INARA, to resolve concerns Trump has with the deal. That will be coupled with diplomacy with European government on addressing Iran's missile testing and support for the Hezbollah militant movement, Shiite rebels in Yemen and Syrian President Bashar Assad.</p>
<p>"The president said he is either going to fix it or cancel it," Tillerson said of the overall deal. "We are in the process of trying to deliver on the promise he made to fix it."</p>
<p>On the INARA law, it's unlikely Congress could move fast enough to codify changes by Friday. So Tillerson and others are hoping to convince the president there's enough momentum to warrant another extension of sanctions relief and not jeopardizing the entire agreement. The goal would be for Congress to make the changes sometime before May, when Trump is next required to address the sanctions.</p>
<p>Trump has repeatedly dismissed the Iran deal, one of Obama's signature foreign policy achievements, as the worst ever negotiated by the U.S. He has particularly bristled at having to give Iran a "thumbs up" every few months by acknowledging that it is meeting the requirements to invest in foreign banks, sell petroleum overseas, buy U.S. and European aircraft, and so forth.</p>
<p>Iran hawks in Congress and elsewhere worry the changes being discussed don't strengthen the nuclear deal enough.</p>
<p>One would automatically re-impose, or "snap back," suspended sanctions if Iran commits certain actions, possibly including things unrelated to its nuclear program. Currently, Congress must act for the sanctions to snap back.</p>
<p>Another proposal would require snapback if Iran refuses a request from the International Atomic Energy Agency, the U.N.'s atomic watchdog, to inspect a military site not currently being monitored. Iran hawks worry the IAEA, fearing a confrontation with Iran, won't even ask for such an inspection.</p>
<p>Other debates center on Iran's missile testing. Hardline Republican Sens. Tom Cotton, Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz want sanctions back if Iran launches any ballistic missiles capable of targeting territory outside of Iran, such as Israel or Saudi Arabia, and not just an intercontinental missile.</p>
<p>Senate Democrats, generally more supportive of the nuclear deal, are pushing their own suggestions. One would let a simple House and Senate majority stop any effort to snap back sanctions, unless the president vetoes the block. While such a mechanism is unlikely to threaten Trump in the short term, some anti-deal Republicans fear it could be used against them under a future Democratic president.</p>
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is expected this week to extend relief from economic sanctions to Iran as part of the nuclear deal, citing progress in amending U.S. legislation that governs Washington's participation in the landmark accord, according to U.S. officials and others familiar with the administration's deliberations.</p>
<p>But Trump is likely to pair his decision to renew the concessions to Tehran with new, targeted sanctions on Iranian businesses and people, the six people briefed on the matter said. The restrictions could hit some firms and individuals whose sanctions were scrapped under the 2015 nuclear agreement, a decision that could test Tehran's willingness to abide by its side of the bargain.</p>
<p>The individuals — two administration officials, two congressional aides and two outside experts who consult with the government — weren't authorized to speak publicly on the matter and demanded anonymity. They cautioned that Trump could still reject the recommendation from Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Defense Secretary James Mattis and national security adviser H.R. McMaster and that no final decision had been made. They said heated discussions were going on within the administration and with key Republican lawmakers.</p>
<p>The State Department and White House didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.</p>
<p>Trump must decide by Friday to extend the nuclear-related sanctions relief for Iran's central bank or re-impose the restrictions that President Barack Obama suspended two years ago.</p>
<p>The old, central bank sanctions largely cut Iran out of the international financial system, and are considered to be the most powerful of the penalties imposed by the U.S. during the Obama era, along with global penalties for buying Iranian oil. Some Iran hawks want to see both sets of restrictions return, but the six people with knowledge of Trump's plans say the president isn't planning to reinstate either at this point.</p>
<p>The individuals said Trump's top national security aides appear to have successfully made a different case to the president: Waiving anew for 120 days the nuclear-linked sanctions while simultaneously imposing new measures to punish Iran's ballistic missile testing, alleged terrorism support and human rights violations.</p>
<p>Such a balance could satisfy Trump's demand to raise pressure on Iran, while not embarking on a frontal assault on the most central trade-offs of the nuclear agreement. While the U.S. and other world powers rolled back economic restrictions on Tehran, the Iranians severely curtailed their enrichment of uranium and other nuclear activity. Trump has complained that many of the Iranian restrictions expire next decade and has vacillated between talk of toughening the deal and pulling the U.S. out entirely.</p>
<p>A senior State Department official told reporters Wednesday that Tillerson and Mattis would be meeting with Trump on the matter before an announcement Friday. Trump, Tillerson and Vice President Mike Pence were scheduled to have lunch Wednesday at the White House after a formal Cabinet meeting.</p>
<p>The decision coincides with the administration's efforts to secure a face-saving fix from Congress on the requirement for Trump to address Iran's compliance every three months. In October, Trump decertified the nuclear deal under U.S. law, saying the sanctions relief was disproportionate to Iran's nuclear concessions, and describing the arrangement as contrary to America's national security interests.</p>
<p>Tillerson told The Associated Press in an interview last week that he and others were working with Congress on ways to amend the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, or INARA, to resolve concerns Trump has with the deal. That will be coupled with diplomacy with European government on addressing Iran's missile testing and support for the Hezbollah militant movement, Shiite rebels in Yemen and Syrian President Bashar Assad.</p>
<p>"The president said he is either going to fix it or cancel it," Tillerson said of the overall deal. "We are in the process of trying to deliver on the promise he made to fix it."</p>
<p>On the INARA law, it's unlikely Congress could move fast enough to codify changes by Friday. So Tillerson and others are hoping to convince the president there's enough momentum to warrant another extension of sanctions relief and not jeopardizing the entire agreement. The goal would be for Congress to make the changes sometime before May, when Trump is next required to address the sanctions.</p>
<p>Trump has repeatedly dismissed the Iran deal, one of Obama's signature foreign policy achievements, as the worst ever negotiated by the U.S. He has particularly bristled at having to give Iran a "thumbs up" every few months by acknowledging that it is meeting the requirements to invest in foreign banks, sell petroleum overseas, buy U.S. and European aircraft, and so forth.</p>
<p>Iran hawks in Congress and elsewhere worry the changes being discussed don't strengthen the nuclear deal enough.</p>
<p>One would automatically re-impose, or "snap back," suspended sanctions if Iran commits certain actions, possibly including things unrelated to its nuclear program. Currently, Congress must act for the sanctions to snap back.</p>
<p>Another proposal would require snapback if Iran refuses a request from the International Atomic Energy Agency, the U.N.'s atomic watchdog, to inspect a military site not currently being monitored. Iran hawks worry the IAEA, fearing a confrontation with Iran, won't even ask for such an inspection.</p>
<p>Other debates center on Iran's missile testing. Hardline Republican Sens. Tom Cotton, Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz want sanctions back if Iran launches any ballistic missiles capable of targeting territory outside of Iran, such as Israel or Saudi Arabia, and not just an intercontinental missile.</p>
<p>Senate Democrats, generally more supportive of the nuclear deal, are pushing their own suggestions. One would let a simple House and Senate majority stop any effort to snap back sanctions, unless the president vetoes the block. While such a mechanism is unlikely to threaten Trump in the short term, some anti-deal Republicans fear it could be used against them under a future Democratic president.</p>
| false | 2 |
washington ap president donald trump expected week extend relief economic sanctions iran part nuclear deal citing progress amending us legislation governs washingtons participation landmark accord according us officials others familiar administrations deliberations trump likely pair decision renew concessions tehran new targeted sanctions iranian businesses people six people briefed matter said restrictions could hit firms individuals whose sanctions scrapped 2015 nuclear agreement decision could test tehrans willingness abide side bargain individuals two administration officials two congressional aides two outside experts consult government werent authorized speak publicly matter demanded anonymity cautioned trump could still reject recommendation secretary state rex tillerson defense secretary james mattis national security adviser hr mcmaster final decision made said heated discussions going within administration key republican lawmakers state department white house didnt immediately respond requests comment trump must decide friday extend nuclearrelated sanctions relief irans central bank reimpose restrictions president barack obama suspended two years ago old central bank sanctions largely cut iran international financial system considered powerful penalties imposed us obama era along global penalties buying iranian oil iran hawks want see sets restrictions return six people knowledge trumps plans say president isnt planning reinstate either point individuals said trumps top national security aides appear successfully made different case president waiving anew 120 days nuclearlinked sanctions simultaneously imposing new measures punish irans ballistic missile testing alleged terrorism support human rights violations balance could satisfy trumps demand raise pressure iran embarking frontal assault central tradeoffs nuclear agreement us world powers rolled back economic restrictions tehran iranians severely curtailed enrichment uranium nuclear activity trump complained many iranian restrictions expire next decade vacillated talk toughening deal pulling us entirely senior state department official told reporters wednesday tillerson mattis would meeting trump matter announcement friday trump tillerson vice president mike pence scheduled lunch wednesday white house formal cabinet meeting decision coincides administrations efforts secure facesaving fix congress requirement trump address irans compliance every three months october trump decertified nuclear deal us law saying sanctions relief disproportionate irans nuclear concessions describing arrangement contrary americas national security interests tillerson told associated press interview last week others working congress ways amend iran nuclear agreement review act inara resolve concerns trump deal coupled diplomacy european government addressing irans missile testing support hezbollah militant movement shiite rebels yemen syrian president bashar assad president said either going fix cancel tillerson said overall deal process trying deliver promise made fix inara law unlikely congress could move fast enough codify changes friday tillerson others hoping convince president theres enough momentum warrant another extension sanctions relief jeopardizing entire agreement goal would congress make changes sometime may trump next required address sanctions trump repeatedly dismissed iran deal one obamas signature foreign policy achievements worst ever negotiated us particularly bristled give iran thumbs every months acknowledging meeting requirements invest foreign banks sell petroleum overseas buy us european aircraft forth iran hawks congress elsewhere worry changes discussed dont strengthen nuclear deal enough one would automatically reimpose snap back suspended sanctions iran commits certain actions possibly including things unrelated nuclear program currently congress must act sanctions snap back another proposal would require snapback iran refuses request international atomic energy agency uns atomic watchdog inspect military site currently monitored iran hawks worry iaea fearing confrontation iran wont even ask inspection debates center irans missile testing hardline republican sens tom cotton marco rubio ted cruz want sanctions back iran launches ballistic missiles capable targeting territory outside iran israel saudi arabia intercontinental missile senate democrats generally supportive nuclear deal pushing suggestions one would let simple house senate majority stop effort snap back sanctions unless president vetoes block mechanism unlikely threaten trump short term antideal republicans fear could used future democratic president washington ap president donald trump expected week extend relief economic sanctions iran part nuclear deal citing progress amending us legislation governs washingtons participation landmark accord according us officials others familiar administrations deliberations trump likely pair decision renew concessions tehran new targeted sanctions iranian businesses people six people briefed matter said restrictions could hit firms individuals whose sanctions scrapped 2015 nuclear agreement decision could test tehrans willingness abide side bargain individuals two administration officials two congressional aides two outside experts consult government werent authorized speak publicly matter demanded anonymity cautioned trump could still reject recommendation secretary state rex tillerson defense secretary james mattis national security adviser hr mcmaster final decision made said heated discussions going within administration key republican lawmakers state department white house didnt immediately respond requests comment trump must decide friday extend nuclearrelated sanctions relief irans central bank reimpose restrictions president barack obama suspended two years ago old central bank sanctions largely cut iran international financial system considered powerful penalties imposed us obama era along global penalties buying iranian oil iran hawks want see sets restrictions return six people knowledge trumps plans say president isnt planning reinstate either point individuals said trumps top national security aides appear successfully made different case president waiving anew 120 days nuclearlinked sanctions simultaneously imposing new measures punish irans ballistic missile testing alleged terrorism support human rights violations balance could satisfy trumps demand raise pressure iran embarking frontal assault central tradeoffs nuclear agreement us world powers rolled back economic restrictions tehran iranians severely curtailed enrichment uranium nuclear activity trump complained many iranian restrictions expire next decade vacillated talk toughening deal pulling us entirely senior state department official told reporters wednesday tillerson mattis would meeting trump matter announcement friday trump tillerson vice president mike pence scheduled lunch wednesday white house formal cabinet meeting decision coincides administrations efforts secure facesaving fix congress requirement trump address irans compliance every three months october trump decertified nuclear deal us law saying sanctions relief disproportionate irans nuclear concessions describing arrangement contrary americas national security interests tillerson told associated press interview last week others working congress ways amend iran nuclear agreement review act inara resolve concerns trump deal coupled diplomacy european government addressing irans missile testing support hezbollah militant movement shiite rebels yemen syrian president bashar assad president said either going fix cancel tillerson said overall deal process trying deliver promise made fix inara law unlikely congress could move fast enough codify changes friday tillerson others hoping convince president theres enough momentum warrant another extension sanctions relief jeopardizing entire agreement goal would congress make changes sometime may trump next required address sanctions trump repeatedly dismissed iran deal one obamas signature foreign policy achievements worst ever negotiated us particularly bristled give iran thumbs every months acknowledging meeting requirements invest foreign banks sell petroleum overseas buy us european aircraft forth iran hawks congress elsewhere worry changes discussed dont strengthen nuclear deal enough one would automatically reimpose snap back suspended sanctions iran commits certain actions possibly including things unrelated nuclear program currently congress must act sanctions snap back another proposal would require snapback iran refuses request international atomic energy agency uns atomic watchdog inspect military site currently monitored iran hawks worry iaea fearing confrontation iran wont even ask inspection debates center irans missile testing hardline republican sens tom cotton marco rubio ted cruz want sanctions back iran launches ballistic missiles capable targeting territory outside iran israel saudi arabia intercontinental missile senate democrats generally supportive nuclear deal pushing suggestions one would let simple house senate majority stop effort snap back sanctions unless president vetoes block mechanism unlikely threaten trump short term antideal republicans fear could used future democratic president
| 1,208 |
<p>CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Notre Dame coach Mike Brey believes his program had been perfect against Clemson because during the crucial stretches, it was the Fighting Irish who made the biggest plays.</p>
<p>"Tonight, they made plays," Brey said after No. 20 Clemson beat Notre Dame for the first time, 67-58 on Saturday.</p>
<p>Gabe DeVoe had 17 points including a critical 3-pointer with 3:18 left to keep the Tigers out front. Shelton Mitchell had 10 of the Tigers' final 20 points after Notre Dame cut an 11-point deficit to 47-46, and freshman Amir Simms hit a 3 from the right corner with just over a minute left that proved the winning blow for the Tigers (16-3, 5-2 Atlantic Coast Conference).</p>
<p>The victory came after an awful-looking injury to Clemson captain Donte Grantham, whose right knee buckled after getting fouled from behind.</p>
<p>Grantham, a 6-foot-8 senior who averages 14 points a game, had 11 before going down with 10:54 left in the game. Clemson coach Brad Brownell said Grantham would have an MRI on the knee.</p>
<p>"He's had a very good year and we're hopeful it's not over for us," Brownell said.</p>
<p>Notre Dame (13-7, 3-4) lost its fourth straight. The Fighting Irish had a 5-0 all-time mark over the Tigers, and Clemson barely escaped continuing a second streak of failure in the same week: The Tigers fell to 0-59 all-time at Chapel Hill with their 87-78 loss to North Carolina on Tuesday night.</p>
<p>DeVoe said the Tigers learned from the slow start in that game to break out on top, 21-10 against the Fighting Irish. When things tightened up, he said Clemson's experience came through.</p>
<p>"Knowing how to finish games has really helped us out a lot this year," he said.</p>
<p>Mitchell and Marcquise Reed scored 12 points each for the Tigers. Mitchell caught fire after Notre Dame's rally with a 3-pointer and a driving layup to extend the lead to 52-46.</p>
<p>TJ Gibbs led Notre Dame with 18 points. Matt Farrell, who came in averaging 18 points per game, ended with six on 2-of-11 shooting.</p>
<p>"He had an off night shooting," Brownell said of Farrell. "But I'd like to think some of it was our defense."</p>
<p>BIG PICTURE</p>
<p>Notre Dame: The Fighting Irish dug themselves an early hole as Clemson made seven of its first eight shots. But Notre Dame answered, gradually cutting the lead to 31-30 as it tightened up the defense and found its shooting touch. ... Notre Dame shot just two free throws.</p>
<p>Clemson: When the Tigers are hitting shots, they're tough to beat. Unfortunately for Clemson, it doesn't always happen that way. DeVoe, Reed and Grantham all had open 3s early on as the Tigers forged a double-digit lead. Clemson went cold after that, making just four of its last 16 shots of the opening half to open the door for the Fighting Irish. Clemson did just enough to stay in front.</p>
<p>WELCOME BREAK</p>
<p>Brey believes his team's week off — the Irish don't play until next Saturday — will help them physically and mentally before trying to even their ACC record. "I think 4-4 (in the ACC) would feel like 8-0 to this group," Brey said.</p>
<p>TREE TIME</p>
<p>Clemson great and NBA standout Wayne "Tree" Rollins was the featured former Tiger during a pregame alumni celebration. Rollins was recently inducted into the school's Ring of Honor, the highest athletic award the university gives out. Rollins played 18 years in the NBA, 11 with the Atlanta Hawks. Rollins finished his degree from Clemson two years ago.</p>
<p>UP NEXT</p>
<p>Notre Dame faces Virginia Tech at home on Jan. 27.</p>
<p>Clemson visits No. 2 Virginia on Tuesday night.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>More AP college basketball: <a href="https://collegebasketball.ap.org" type="external">https://collegebasketball.ap.org</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/AP_Top25" type="external">https://twitter.com/AP_Top25</a></p>
<p>CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Notre Dame coach Mike Brey believes his program had been perfect against Clemson because during the crucial stretches, it was the Fighting Irish who made the biggest plays.</p>
<p>"Tonight, they made plays," Brey said after No. 20 Clemson beat Notre Dame for the first time, 67-58 on Saturday.</p>
<p>Gabe DeVoe had 17 points including a critical 3-pointer with 3:18 left to keep the Tigers out front. Shelton Mitchell had 10 of the Tigers' final 20 points after Notre Dame cut an 11-point deficit to 47-46, and freshman Amir Simms hit a 3 from the right corner with just over a minute left that proved the winning blow for the Tigers (16-3, 5-2 Atlantic Coast Conference).</p>
<p>The victory came after an awful-looking injury to Clemson captain Donte Grantham, whose right knee buckled after getting fouled from behind.</p>
<p>Grantham, a 6-foot-8 senior who averages 14 points a game, had 11 before going down with 10:54 left in the game. Clemson coach Brad Brownell said Grantham would have an MRI on the knee.</p>
<p>"He's had a very good year and we're hopeful it's not over for us," Brownell said.</p>
<p>Notre Dame (13-7, 3-4) lost its fourth straight. The Fighting Irish had a 5-0 all-time mark over the Tigers, and Clemson barely escaped continuing a second streak of failure in the same week: The Tigers fell to 0-59 all-time at Chapel Hill with their 87-78 loss to North Carolina on Tuesday night.</p>
<p>DeVoe said the Tigers learned from the slow start in that game to break out on top, 21-10 against the Fighting Irish. When things tightened up, he said Clemson's experience came through.</p>
<p>"Knowing how to finish games has really helped us out a lot this year," he said.</p>
<p>Mitchell and Marcquise Reed scored 12 points each for the Tigers. Mitchell caught fire after Notre Dame's rally with a 3-pointer and a driving layup to extend the lead to 52-46.</p>
<p>TJ Gibbs led Notre Dame with 18 points. Matt Farrell, who came in averaging 18 points per game, ended with six on 2-of-11 shooting.</p>
<p>"He had an off night shooting," Brownell said of Farrell. "But I'd like to think some of it was our defense."</p>
<p>BIG PICTURE</p>
<p>Notre Dame: The Fighting Irish dug themselves an early hole as Clemson made seven of its first eight shots. But Notre Dame answered, gradually cutting the lead to 31-30 as it tightened up the defense and found its shooting touch. ... Notre Dame shot just two free throws.</p>
<p>Clemson: When the Tigers are hitting shots, they're tough to beat. Unfortunately for Clemson, it doesn't always happen that way. DeVoe, Reed and Grantham all had open 3s early on as the Tigers forged a double-digit lead. Clemson went cold after that, making just four of its last 16 shots of the opening half to open the door for the Fighting Irish. Clemson did just enough to stay in front.</p>
<p>WELCOME BREAK</p>
<p>Brey believes his team's week off — the Irish don't play until next Saturday — will help them physically and mentally before trying to even their ACC record. "I think 4-4 (in the ACC) would feel like 8-0 to this group," Brey said.</p>
<p>TREE TIME</p>
<p>Clemson great and NBA standout Wayne "Tree" Rollins was the featured former Tiger during a pregame alumni celebration. Rollins was recently inducted into the school's Ring of Honor, the highest athletic award the university gives out. Rollins played 18 years in the NBA, 11 with the Atlanta Hawks. Rollins finished his degree from Clemson two years ago.</p>
<p>UP NEXT</p>
<p>Notre Dame faces Virginia Tech at home on Jan. 27.</p>
<p>Clemson visits No. 2 Virginia on Tuesday night.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>More AP college basketball: <a href="https://collegebasketball.ap.org" type="external">https://collegebasketball.ap.org</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/AP_Top25" type="external">https://twitter.com/AP_Top25</a></p>
| false | 2 |
clemson sc ap notre dame coach mike brey believes program perfect clemson crucial stretches fighting irish made biggest plays tonight made plays brey said 20 clemson beat notre dame first time 6758 saturday gabe devoe 17 points including critical 3pointer 318 left keep tigers front shelton mitchell 10 tigers final 20 points notre dame cut 11point deficit 4746 freshman amir simms hit 3 right corner minute left proved winning blow tigers 163 52 atlantic coast conference victory came awfullooking injury clemson captain donte grantham whose right knee buckled getting fouled behind grantham 6foot8 senior averages 14 points game 11 going 1054 left game clemson coach brad brownell said grantham would mri knee hes good year hopeful us brownell said notre dame 137 34 lost fourth straight fighting irish 50 alltime mark tigers clemson barely escaped continuing second streak failure week tigers fell 059 alltime chapel hill 8778 loss north carolina tuesday night devoe said tigers learned slow start game break top 2110 fighting irish things tightened said clemsons experience came knowing finish games really helped us lot year said mitchell marcquise reed scored 12 points tigers mitchell caught fire notre dames rally 3pointer driving layup extend lead 5246 tj gibbs led notre dame 18 points matt farrell came averaging 18 points per game ended six 2of11 shooting night shooting brownell said farrell id like think defense big picture notre dame fighting irish dug early hole clemson made seven first eight shots notre dame answered gradually cutting lead 3130 tightened defense found shooting touch notre dame shot two free throws clemson tigers hitting shots theyre tough beat unfortunately clemson doesnt always happen way devoe reed grantham open 3s early tigers forged doubledigit lead clemson went cold making four last 16 shots opening half open door fighting irish clemson enough stay front welcome break brey believes teams week irish dont play next saturday help physically mentally trying even acc record think 44 acc would feel like 80 group brey said tree time clemson great nba standout wayne tree rollins featured former tiger pregame alumni celebration rollins recently inducted schools ring honor highest athletic award university gives rollins played 18 years nba 11 atlanta hawks rollins finished degree clemson two years ago next notre dame faces virginia tech home jan 27 clemson visits 2 virginia tuesday night ___ ap college basketball httpscollegebasketballaporg httpstwittercomap_top25 clemson sc ap notre dame coach mike brey believes program perfect clemson crucial stretches fighting irish made biggest plays tonight made plays brey said 20 clemson beat notre dame first time 6758 saturday gabe devoe 17 points including critical 3pointer 318 left keep tigers front shelton mitchell 10 tigers final 20 points notre dame cut 11point deficit 4746 freshman amir simms hit 3 right corner minute left proved winning blow tigers 163 52 atlantic coast conference victory came awfullooking injury clemson captain donte grantham whose right knee buckled getting fouled behind grantham 6foot8 senior averages 14 points game 11 going 1054 left game clemson coach brad brownell said grantham would mri knee hes good year hopeful us brownell said notre dame 137 34 lost fourth straight fighting irish 50 alltime mark tigers clemson barely escaped continuing second streak failure week tigers fell 059 alltime chapel hill 8778 loss north carolina tuesday night devoe said tigers learned slow start game break top 2110 fighting irish things tightened said clemsons experience came knowing finish games really helped us lot year said mitchell marcquise reed scored 12 points tigers mitchell caught fire notre dames rally 3pointer driving layup extend lead 5246 tj gibbs led notre dame 18 points matt farrell came averaging 18 points per game ended six 2of11 shooting night shooting brownell said farrell id like think defense big picture notre dame fighting irish dug early hole clemson made seven first eight shots notre dame answered gradually cutting lead 3130 tightened defense found shooting touch notre dame shot two free throws clemson tigers hitting shots theyre tough beat unfortunately clemson doesnt always happen way devoe reed grantham open 3s early tigers forged doubledigit lead clemson went cold making four last 16 shots opening half open door fighting irish clemson enough stay front welcome break brey believes teams week irish dont play next saturday help physically mentally trying even acc record think 44 acc would feel like 80 group brey said tree time clemson great nba standout wayne tree rollins featured former tiger pregame alumni celebration rollins recently inducted schools ring honor highest athletic award university gives rollins played 18 years nba 11 atlanta hawks rollins finished degree clemson two years ago next notre dame faces virginia tech home jan 27 clemson visits 2 virginia tuesday night ___ ap college basketball httpscollegebasketballaporg httpstwittercomap_top25
| 780 |
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — Technical problems at an air traffic control center in Virginia left passengers stranded as hundreds of flights to and from airports throughout a large swath of the Northeast were delayed or canceled.</p>
<p>Miller Roberts of Dallas was trying to fly from Baltimore to Kansas City to set up a robotics display at the Missouri State Fair but was caught in a flight delay for more than four hours.</p>
<p>Roberts, 40, said he boarded a Southwest Airlines flight Saturday that was supposed to take off at 10 a.m., but he was still sitting on the plane, waiting after 2 p.m. But he said his fellow passengers were taking the delay in stride.</p>
<p>“I think everyone realizes this is out of our control,” he said.</p>
<p>The FAA blamed the problem on “technical issues” at an air traffic control center in Leesburg, Va. Around 4 p.m., the agency said the problem had been resolved, and that officials were working to lift any remaining orders to hold planes on the ground.</p>
<p>Delays began building about 9:45 a.m., according to FlightRadar24, a flight monitoring website. Flights bound for airports in the Washington area were some of the most affected, including Washington’s Reagan National Airport and Dulles International, as well as Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport in North Carolina.</p>
<p>By midafternoon, 50 percent of inbound flights and 42 percent of outbound flights had been cancelled at Reagan National, and delays were averaging about three hours, according to FlightRadar24. In Baltimore, 58 percent of inbound flights and 36 of outbound flights had been cancelled, and delays were averaging over an hour.</p>
<p>Flights departing from Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey and John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia airports in New York that normally flight over the Washington region as they head southward were also affected, although the FAA had said it was trying to route the flights around the affected area.</p>
<p>FAA officials said in a statement that the snarl was the result of an “automation problem” at the Leesburg center. The center handles high-altitude air traffic for the affected region. The problem wasn’t believed to be caused by any accident or hacking.</p>
<p>Information posted online by the FAA indicated there was a problem with the En Route Automation Modernization computer system, also known as ERAM, at the Leesburg center.</p>
<p>The FAA finished installing the troubled computer system in the last of 20 high-altitude traffic control centers earlier this year. The completion was years behind schedule.</p>
<p>“The FAA is continuing its root cause analysis to determine what caused the problem,” the agency said in a statement.</p>
<p>Kate Smith, of Bethesda, Maryland, was sitting on a JetBlue plane at Boston’s Logan International Airport, trying to get home to her two cats after a vacation in Boston and Maine. Her flight was supposed to leave at 12:45 p.m., but the delays persisted by 2:30 p.m.</p>
<p>The pilot first announced the plane would be able to take off and fly at a lower altitude. But later, the pilot said there were too many flights at the lower altitudes and they would have to wait.</p>
<p>Smith said JetBlue was keeping passengers comfortable by providing snacks and drinks.</p>
<p>By 9:30 p.m. general arrival and departure delays were 15 minutes or less, according to the Federal Aviation Administration’s Flight Delay Information site. The information on the site reports general airport conditions and is not flight-specific.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow Joan Lowy at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/AP_Joan_Lowy" type="external" /> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/AP_Joan_Lowy" type="external">http://www.twitter.com/AP_Joan_Lowy</a></p>
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — Technical problems at an air traffic control center in Virginia left passengers stranded as hundreds of flights to and from airports throughout a large swath of the Northeast were delayed or canceled.</p>
<p>Miller Roberts of Dallas was trying to fly from Baltimore to Kansas City to set up a robotics display at the Missouri State Fair but was caught in a flight delay for more than four hours.</p>
<p>Roberts, 40, said he boarded a Southwest Airlines flight Saturday that was supposed to take off at 10 a.m., but he was still sitting on the plane, waiting after 2 p.m. But he said his fellow passengers were taking the delay in stride.</p>
<p>“I think everyone realizes this is out of our control,” he said.</p>
<p>The FAA blamed the problem on “technical issues” at an air traffic control center in Leesburg, Va. Around 4 p.m., the agency said the problem had been resolved, and that officials were working to lift any remaining orders to hold planes on the ground.</p>
<p>Delays began building about 9:45 a.m., according to FlightRadar24, a flight monitoring website. Flights bound for airports in the Washington area were some of the most affected, including Washington’s Reagan National Airport and Dulles International, as well as Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport in North Carolina.</p>
<p>By midafternoon, 50 percent of inbound flights and 42 percent of outbound flights had been cancelled at Reagan National, and delays were averaging about three hours, according to FlightRadar24. In Baltimore, 58 percent of inbound flights and 36 of outbound flights had been cancelled, and delays were averaging over an hour.</p>
<p>Flights departing from Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey and John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia airports in New York that normally flight over the Washington region as they head southward were also affected, although the FAA had said it was trying to route the flights around the affected area.</p>
<p>FAA officials said in a statement that the snarl was the result of an “automation problem” at the Leesburg center. The center handles high-altitude air traffic for the affected region. The problem wasn’t believed to be caused by any accident or hacking.</p>
<p>Information posted online by the FAA indicated there was a problem with the En Route Automation Modernization computer system, also known as ERAM, at the Leesburg center.</p>
<p>The FAA finished installing the troubled computer system in the last of 20 high-altitude traffic control centers earlier this year. The completion was years behind schedule.</p>
<p>“The FAA is continuing its root cause analysis to determine what caused the problem,” the agency said in a statement.</p>
<p>Kate Smith, of Bethesda, Maryland, was sitting on a JetBlue plane at Boston’s Logan International Airport, trying to get home to her two cats after a vacation in Boston and Maine. Her flight was supposed to leave at 12:45 p.m., but the delays persisted by 2:30 p.m.</p>
<p>The pilot first announced the plane would be able to take off and fly at a lower altitude. But later, the pilot said there were too many flights at the lower altitudes and they would have to wait.</p>
<p>Smith said JetBlue was keeping passengers comfortable by providing snacks and drinks.</p>
<p>By 9:30 p.m. general arrival and departure delays were 15 minutes or less, according to the Federal Aviation Administration’s Flight Delay Information site. The information on the site reports general airport conditions and is not flight-specific.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow Joan Lowy at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/AP_Joan_Lowy" type="external" /> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/AP_Joan_Lowy" type="external">http://www.twitter.com/AP_Joan_Lowy</a></p>
| false | 2 |
washington ap technical problems air traffic control center virginia left passengers stranded hundreds flights airports throughout large swath northeast delayed canceled miller roberts dallas trying fly baltimore kansas city set robotics display missouri state fair caught flight delay four hours roberts 40 said boarded southwest airlines flight saturday supposed take 10 still sitting plane waiting 2 pm said fellow passengers taking delay stride think everyone realizes control said faa blamed problem technical issues air traffic control center leesburg va around 4 pm agency said problem resolved officials working lift remaining orders hold planes ground delays began building 945 according flightradar24 flight monitoring website flights bound airports washington area affected including washingtons reagan national airport dulles international well baltimorewashington international thurgood marshall airport charlottedouglas international airport north carolina midafternoon 50 percent inbound flights 42 percent outbound flights cancelled reagan national delays averaging three hours according flightradar24 baltimore 58 percent inbound flights 36 outbound flights cancelled delays averaging hour flights departing newark liberty international airport new jersey john f kennedy laguardia airports new york normally flight washington region head southward also affected although faa said trying route flights around affected area faa officials said statement snarl result automation problem leesburg center center handles highaltitude air traffic affected region problem wasnt believed caused accident hacking information posted online faa indicated problem en route automation modernization computer system also known eram leesburg center faa finished installing troubled computer system last 20 highaltitude traffic control centers earlier year completion years behind schedule faa continuing root cause analysis determine caused problem agency said statement kate smith bethesda maryland sitting jetblue plane bostons logan international airport trying get home two cats vacation boston maine flight supposed leave 1245 pm delays persisted 230 pm pilot first announced plane would able take fly lower altitude later pilot said many flights lower altitudes would wait smith said jetblue keeping passengers comfortable providing snacks drinks 930 pm general arrival departure delays 15 minutes less according federal aviation administrations flight delay information site information site reports general airport conditions flightspecific ___ follow joan lowy httpwwwtwittercomap_joan_lowy washington ap technical problems air traffic control center virginia left passengers stranded hundreds flights airports throughout large swath northeast delayed canceled miller roberts dallas trying fly baltimore kansas city set robotics display missouri state fair caught flight delay four hours roberts 40 said boarded southwest airlines flight saturday supposed take 10 still sitting plane waiting 2 pm said fellow passengers taking delay stride think everyone realizes control said faa blamed problem technical issues air traffic control center leesburg va around 4 pm agency said problem resolved officials working lift remaining orders hold planes ground delays began building 945 according flightradar24 flight monitoring website flights bound airports washington area affected including washingtons reagan national airport dulles international well baltimorewashington international thurgood marshall airport charlottedouglas international airport north carolina midafternoon 50 percent inbound flights 42 percent outbound flights cancelled reagan national delays averaging three hours according flightradar24 baltimore 58 percent inbound flights 36 outbound flights cancelled delays averaging hour flights departing newark liberty international airport new jersey john f kennedy laguardia airports new york normally flight washington region head southward also affected although faa said trying route flights around affected area faa officials said statement snarl result automation problem leesburg center center handles highaltitude air traffic affected region problem wasnt believed caused accident hacking information posted online faa indicated problem en route automation modernization computer system also known eram leesburg center faa finished installing troubled computer system last 20 highaltitude traffic control centers earlier year completion years behind schedule faa continuing root cause analysis determine caused problem agency said statement kate smith bethesda maryland sitting jetblue plane bostons logan international airport trying get home two cats vacation boston maine flight supposed leave 1245 pm delays persisted 230 pm pilot first announced plane would able take fly lower altitude later pilot said many flights lower altitudes would wait smith said jetblue keeping passengers comfortable providing snacks drinks 930 pm general arrival departure delays 15 minutes less according federal aviation administrations flight delay information site information site reports general airport conditions flightspecific ___ follow joan lowy httpwwwtwittercomap_joan_lowy
| 686 |
<p>LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ready or not, California kicks off recreational marijuana sales on Jan. 1. And, mostly, it’s not.</p>
<p>Los Angeles and San Francisco are among many cities still struggling to fashion local rules for pot shops and growers. Without the regulations, there could be limited options in many places for consumers eager to ring in the new year with a legal pot purchase.</p>
<p>“The bulk of folks probably are not going to be ready Jan. 1,” conceded Cara Martinson of the California State Association of Counties.</p>
<p>In general, California will treat cannabis like alcohol, allowing people 21 and older to legally possess up to an ounce and grow six marijuana plants at home.</p>
<p>Come January, the newly legalized recreational sales will be merged with the state’s two-decade-old medical marijuana market, which is also coming under much stronger regulation.</p>
<p>But big gaps loom in the system intended to move cannabis from the field to distribution centers, then to testing labs and eventually retail shops.</p>
<p>The state intends to issue only temporary licenses starting in January, and it has yet to release its plan to govern the estimated $7 billion marketplace, the nation’s largest legal pot economy.</p>
<p>If businesses aren’t licensed and operating in the legal market, governments aren’t collecting their slice of revenue from sales. The state alone estimates it could see as much as $1 billion roll in within several years.</p>
<p>Operators have complained about what they see as potential conflicts in various laws and rules, or seemingly contradictory plans.</p>
<p>The state expects businesses that receive licenses will only work with others that hold them. But that has alarmed operators who wonder what will happen if their supplier, for instance, decides not to join the new legal market.</p>
<p>Others say it’s not clear what could happen in cities that don’t enact pot laws, which they warn could open a loophole for businesses to set up shop. Some communities have banned recreational sales completely.</p>
<p>Most banks continue to refuse to do business with marijuana operators - pot remains illegal under federal law - and there are also problems obtaining insurance.</p>
<p>With recreational legalization fast approaching, “we don’t have enough of anything,” lamented Hezekiah Allen, executive director of the California Growers Association, a marijuana industry group.</p>
<p>The route to legalization began last year when voters approved Proposition 64, which opened the way for recreational pot sales to adults in the nation’s most populous state.</p>
<p>Unlike the state, cities and counties face no deadline to act. However, the concern is that confusion and a patchwork of local rules could discourage operators from entering the legal economy, feeding a black market that could undercut the legitimate one.</p>
<p>Local regulation is a foundation block of the emerging pot economy: A grower or retailer needs a local permit first, which is a steppingstone to obtaining a state license to operate.</p>
<p>But those rules remain in limbo in many places.</p>
<p>San Jose, the state’s third-largest city, has a temporary ban on sales other than medical pot but officials this week proposed hearings to take another look at how to regulate the local industry.</p>
<p>Kern County, home to nearly 900,000 people, has banned the sale of marijuana even as California legalizes it. Supervisors said they see it as a danger to citizens and also voted to phase out more than two dozen medical marijuana dispensaries.</p>
<p>In Los Angeles, which by some estimates could be a $1 billion marketplace, voters have been strongly supportive of legal pot.</p>
<p>But its proposed regulations hit snags, including a dispute over a proposal for so-called certificates of compliance, which operators feared would not meet qualification requirements for state licenses.</p>
<p>Adam Spiker, executive director of the Southern California Coalition, an industry group, warned last month that L.A.’s draft rules could upend the emerging industry by failing to provide a prompt way to license suppliers, potentially forcing then to shut down. And he’s dubious that the city will be ready to begin issuing licenses on Jan. 1.</p>
<p>“There’s not a lot of calendar days left in the year,” he said.</p>
<p>San Francisco, another city that strongly supports legalization, still is debating local rules. Again, it’s uncertain what will be ready, or when.</p>
<p>“What we want to do is bring everything into the daylight, regulate it, get fees for the cost of regulation and collect taxes as appropriate,” said county Supervisor Jeff Sheehy.</p>
<p>San Diego is among the cities ready to get the recreational market going.</p>
<p>Phil Rath, executive director of the United Medical Marijuana Coalition, a San Diego trade group, said years of disorder in the medical market led to increased black market business. That provided a ready example of how not to manage recreational sales.</p>
<p>San Diego moved promptly, setting up a system that will allow recreational sales at dispensaries permitted under the medical system, once they qualify for a state license.</p>
<p>Industry experts say the distribution system - a sort of main artery where pot will be received from growers, sent out for testing, taxed, and eventually shipped to retail stores - is not robust enough to support the vast new market.</p>
<p>The distributor model “was the subject of most of the political wrangling over the last two years,” Allen said.</p>
<p>“That’s the control point,” he said, but “we don’t have enough of them.”</p>
<p>LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ready or not, California kicks off recreational marijuana sales on Jan. 1. And, mostly, it’s not.</p>
<p>Los Angeles and San Francisco are among many cities still struggling to fashion local rules for pot shops and growers. Without the regulations, there could be limited options in many places for consumers eager to ring in the new year with a legal pot purchase.</p>
<p>“The bulk of folks probably are not going to be ready Jan. 1,” conceded Cara Martinson of the California State Association of Counties.</p>
<p>In general, California will treat cannabis like alcohol, allowing people 21 and older to legally possess up to an ounce and grow six marijuana plants at home.</p>
<p>Come January, the newly legalized recreational sales will be merged with the state’s two-decade-old medical marijuana market, which is also coming under much stronger regulation.</p>
<p>But big gaps loom in the system intended to move cannabis from the field to distribution centers, then to testing labs and eventually retail shops.</p>
<p>The state intends to issue only temporary licenses starting in January, and it has yet to release its plan to govern the estimated $7 billion marketplace, the nation’s largest legal pot economy.</p>
<p>If businesses aren’t licensed and operating in the legal market, governments aren’t collecting their slice of revenue from sales. The state alone estimates it could see as much as $1 billion roll in within several years.</p>
<p>Operators have complained about what they see as potential conflicts in various laws and rules, or seemingly contradictory plans.</p>
<p>The state expects businesses that receive licenses will only work with others that hold them. But that has alarmed operators who wonder what will happen if their supplier, for instance, decides not to join the new legal market.</p>
<p>Others say it’s not clear what could happen in cities that don’t enact pot laws, which they warn could open a loophole for businesses to set up shop. Some communities have banned recreational sales completely.</p>
<p>Most banks continue to refuse to do business with marijuana operators - pot remains illegal under federal law - and there are also problems obtaining insurance.</p>
<p>With recreational legalization fast approaching, “we don’t have enough of anything,” lamented Hezekiah Allen, executive director of the California Growers Association, a marijuana industry group.</p>
<p>The route to legalization began last year when voters approved Proposition 64, which opened the way for recreational pot sales to adults in the nation’s most populous state.</p>
<p>Unlike the state, cities and counties face no deadline to act. However, the concern is that confusion and a patchwork of local rules could discourage operators from entering the legal economy, feeding a black market that could undercut the legitimate one.</p>
<p>Local regulation is a foundation block of the emerging pot economy: A grower or retailer needs a local permit first, which is a steppingstone to obtaining a state license to operate.</p>
<p>But those rules remain in limbo in many places.</p>
<p>San Jose, the state’s third-largest city, has a temporary ban on sales other than medical pot but officials this week proposed hearings to take another look at how to regulate the local industry.</p>
<p>Kern County, home to nearly 900,000 people, has banned the sale of marijuana even as California legalizes it. Supervisors said they see it as a danger to citizens and also voted to phase out more than two dozen medical marijuana dispensaries.</p>
<p>In Los Angeles, which by some estimates could be a $1 billion marketplace, voters have been strongly supportive of legal pot.</p>
<p>But its proposed regulations hit snags, including a dispute over a proposal for so-called certificates of compliance, which operators feared would not meet qualification requirements for state licenses.</p>
<p>Adam Spiker, executive director of the Southern California Coalition, an industry group, warned last month that L.A.’s draft rules could upend the emerging industry by failing to provide a prompt way to license suppliers, potentially forcing then to shut down. And he’s dubious that the city will be ready to begin issuing licenses on Jan. 1.</p>
<p>“There’s not a lot of calendar days left in the year,” he said.</p>
<p>San Francisco, another city that strongly supports legalization, still is debating local rules. Again, it’s uncertain what will be ready, or when.</p>
<p>“What we want to do is bring everything into the daylight, regulate it, get fees for the cost of regulation and collect taxes as appropriate,” said county Supervisor Jeff Sheehy.</p>
<p>San Diego is among the cities ready to get the recreational market going.</p>
<p>Phil Rath, executive director of the United Medical Marijuana Coalition, a San Diego trade group, said years of disorder in the medical market led to increased black market business. That provided a ready example of how not to manage recreational sales.</p>
<p>San Diego moved promptly, setting up a system that will allow recreational sales at dispensaries permitted under the medical system, once they qualify for a state license.</p>
<p>Industry experts say the distribution system - a sort of main artery where pot will be received from growers, sent out for testing, taxed, and eventually shipped to retail stores - is not robust enough to support the vast new market.</p>
<p>The distributor model “was the subject of most of the political wrangling over the last two years,” Allen said.</p>
<p>“That’s the control point,” he said, but “we don’t have enough of them.”</p>
| false | 2 |
los angeles ap ready california kicks recreational marijuana sales jan 1 mostly los angeles san francisco among many cities still struggling fashion local rules pot shops growers without regulations could limited options many places consumers eager ring new year legal pot purchase bulk folks probably going ready jan 1 conceded cara martinson california state association counties general california treat cannabis like alcohol allowing people 21 older legally possess ounce grow six marijuana plants home come january newly legalized recreational sales merged states twodecadeold medical marijuana market also coming much stronger regulation big gaps loom system intended move cannabis field distribution centers testing labs eventually retail shops state intends issue temporary licenses starting january yet release plan govern estimated 7 billion marketplace nations largest legal pot economy businesses arent licensed operating legal market governments arent collecting slice revenue sales state alone estimates could see much 1 billion roll within several years operators complained see potential conflicts various laws rules seemingly contradictory plans state expects businesses receive licenses work others hold alarmed operators wonder happen supplier instance decides join new legal market others say clear could happen cities dont enact pot laws warn could open loophole businesses set shop communities banned recreational sales completely banks continue refuse business marijuana operators pot remains illegal federal law also problems obtaining insurance recreational legalization fast approaching dont enough anything lamented hezekiah allen executive director california growers association marijuana industry group route legalization began last year voters approved proposition 64 opened way recreational pot sales adults nations populous state unlike state cities counties face deadline act however concern confusion patchwork local rules could discourage operators entering legal economy feeding black market could undercut legitimate one local regulation foundation block emerging pot economy grower retailer needs local permit first steppingstone obtaining state license operate rules remain limbo many places san jose states thirdlargest city temporary ban sales medical pot officials week proposed hearings take another look regulate local industry kern county home nearly 900000 people banned sale marijuana even california legalizes supervisors said see danger citizens also voted phase two dozen medical marijuana dispensaries los angeles estimates could 1 billion marketplace voters strongly supportive legal pot proposed regulations hit snags including dispute proposal socalled certificates compliance operators feared would meet qualification requirements state licenses adam spiker executive director southern california coalition industry group warned last month las draft rules could upend emerging industry failing provide prompt way license suppliers potentially forcing shut hes dubious city ready begin issuing licenses jan 1 theres lot calendar days left year said san francisco another city strongly supports legalization still debating local rules uncertain ready want bring everything daylight regulate get fees cost regulation collect taxes appropriate said county supervisor jeff sheehy san diego among cities ready get recreational market going phil rath executive director united medical marijuana coalition san diego trade group said years disorder medical market led increased black market business provided ready example manage recreational sales san diego moved promptly setting system allow recreational sales dispensaries permitted medical system qualify state license industry experts say distribution system sort main artery pot received growers sent testing taxed eventually shipped retail stores robust enough support vast new market distributor model subject political wrangling last two years allen said thats control point said dont enough los angeles ap ready california kicks recreational marijuana sales jan 1 mostly los angeles san francisco among many cities still struggling fashion local rules pot shops growers without regulations could limited options many places consumers eager ring new year legal pot purchase bulk folks probably going ready jan 1 conceded cara martinson california state association counties general california treat cannabis like alcohol allowing people 21 older legally possess ounce grow six marijuana plants home come january newly legalized recreational sales merged states twodecadeold medical marijuana market also coming much stronger regulation big gaps loom system intended move cannabis field distribution centers testing labs eventually retail shops state intends issue temporary licenses starting january yet release plan govern estimated 7 billion marketplace nations largest legal pot economy businesses arent licensed operating legal market governments arent collecting slice revenue sales state alone estimates could see much 1 billion roll within several years operators complained see potential conflicts various laws rules seemingly contradictory plans state expects businesses receive licenses work others hold alarmed operators wonder happen supplier instance decides join new legal market others say clear could happen cities dont enact pot laws warn could open loophole businesses set shop communities banned recreational sales completely banks continue refuse business marijuana operators pot remains illegal federal law also problems obtaining insurance recreational legalization fast approaching dont enough anything lamented hezekiah allen executive director california growers association marijuana industry group route legalization began last year voters approved proposition 64 opened way recreational pot sales adults nations populous state unlike state cities counties face deadline act however concern confusion patchwork local rules could discourage operators entering legal economy feeding black market could undercut legitimate one local regulation foundation block emerging pot economy grower retailer needs local permit first steppingstone obtaining state license operate rules remain limbo many places san jose states thirdlargest city temporary ban sales medical pot officials week proposed hearings take another look regulate local industry kern county home nearly 900000 people banned sale marijuana even california legalizes supervisors said see danger citizens also voted phase two dozen medical marijuana dispensaries los angeles estimates could 1 billion marketplace voters strongly supportive legal pot proposed regulations hit snags including dispute proposal socalled certificates compliance operators feared would meet qualification requirements state licenses adam spiker executive director southern california coalition industry group warned last month las draft rules could upend emerging industry failing provide prompt way license suppliers potentially forcing shut hes dubious city ready begin issuing licenses jan 1 theres lot calendar days left year said san francisco another city strongly supports legalization still debating local rules uncertain ready want bring everything daylight regulate get fees cost regulation collect taxes appropriate said county supervisor jeff sheehy san diego among cities ready get recreational market going phil rath executive director united medical marijuana coalition san diego trade group said years disorder medical market led increased black market business provided ready example manage recreational sales san diego moved promptly setting system allow recreational sales dispensaries permitted medical system qualify state license industry experts say distribution system sort main artery pot received growers sent testing taxed eventually shipped retail stores robust enough support vast new market distributor model subject political wrangling last two years allen said thats control point said dont enough
| 1,088 |
<p>Alba 31, Alanson 26</p>
<p>Alpena 57, Traverse City West 45</p>
<p>Ashley 76, Coleman 37</p>
<p>Baldwin 69, Big Rapids Crossroads Charter Academy 44</p>
<p>Battle Creek St. Philip 56, Jackson Christian 41</p>
<p>Bear Lake 67, Brethren 40</p>
<p>Beaverton 60, Gladwin 38</p>
<p>Bellevue 66, Tekonsha 24</p>
<p>Berkley 54, Ferndale 49</p>
<p>Breckenridge 65, Merrill 23</p>
<p>Britton-Deerfield 54, Whitmore Lake 40</p>
<p>Burr Oak 61, Waldron 25</p>
<p>Camden-Frontier 61, Pittsford 58</p>
<p>Canton Prep 64, Michigan Math and Science 53</p>
<p>Cedarville 67, Pickford 59</p>
<p>Cheboygan 70, Rudyard 67</p>
<p>Clare 84, Farwell 20</p>
<p>Clinton Township Clintondale 79, St. Clair Shores Lakeview 59</p>
<p>Colon 50, North Adams-Jerome 45</p>
<p>Dansville 64, Portland St. Patrick 47</p>
<p>Detroit Public Safety 65, Madison Heights Lamphere 25</p>
<p>Elk Rapids 74, East Jordan 42</p>
<p>Erie-Mason 60, Dundee 53</p>
<p>Farmington 65, Pontiac 56</p>
<p>Flushing 55, Ortonville Brandon 22</p>
<p>Fowler 55, Fulton-Middleton 48</p>
<p>Frankfort 69, Buckley 53</p>
<p>Grand Rapids Christian 55, Battle Creek Academy 22</p>
<p>Grand Rapids Northview 90, Lowell 80, 2OT</p>
<p>Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett 53, Waterford Our Lady 46</p>
<p>Hale 82, Charlton Heston 27</p>
<p>Hanover-Horton 59, Addison 28</p>
<p>Hazel Park 67, North Farmington 34</p>
<p>Hillman 72, Oscoda 56</p>
<p>Hillsdale 69, Brooklyn Columbia Central 58</p>
<p>Hillsdale Academy 56, Athens 54</p>
<p>Indian River-Inland Lakes 72, Gaylord St. Mary 61</p>
<p>Johannesburg-Lewiston 53, Bellaire 41</p>
<p>Kingsley 67, Suttons Bay 30</p>
<p>Kingston 49, Deckerville 41</p>
<p>Laingsburg 30, Pewamo-Westphalia 20, OT</p>
<p>Linden 62, Holly 47</p>
<p>Livonia Stevenson 63, Hartland 59</p>
<p>Mackinaw City 57, Harbor Light Christian 48</p>
<p>Madison Heights Madison 75, Clawson 46</p>
<p>Manchester 60, Vandercook Lake 47</p>
<p>Maple City Glen Lake 81, Benzie Central 50</p>
<p>Marine City 75, Center Line 72</p>
<p>Marine City Cardinal Mooney 60, Frankel Jewish Academy 43</p>
<p>Mason County Central 45, Muskegon Oakridge 41</p>
<p>Michigan Center 69, Grass Lake 30</p>
<p>Mio-Au Sable 60, Rogers City 48</p>
<p>Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart 65, Blanchard Montabella 53</p>
<p>Napoleon 64, Jackson East Jackson 62</p>
<p>New Haven 75, Warren Cousino 48</p>
<p>Newberry 53, St. Ignace LaSalle 46</p>
<p>North Muskegon 54, Ravenna 36</p>
<p>Northport 30, Lake Leelanau St. Mary 16</p>
<p>Oak Park 46, Auburn Hills Avondale 45</p>
<p>Onaway 64, Mancelona 53</p>
<p>Onekama 58, Leland 36</p>
<p>Onsted 67, Ida 64</p>
<p>Ottawa Lake Whiteford 69, Morenci 41</p>
<p>Oxford 56, Rochester Hills Stoney Creek 42</p>
<p>Paw Paw 69, HOPE for Hyndman, Pa. 50</p>
<p>Pellston 65, Central Lake 63</p>
<p>Pentwater 69, Mason County Eastern 30</p>
<p>Petersburg Summerfield 60, Adrian Madison 40</p>
<p>Port Huron Northern 59, Port Huron 47</p>
<p>Rochester 60, Lake Orion 50</p>
<p>Roscommon 63, Houghton Lake 34</p>
<p>Roseville 55, Grosse Pointe North 43</p>
<p>Sand Creek 45, Clinton 35</p>
<p>Sanford-Meridian 64, Harrison 41</p>
<p>Shelby 62, Hart 40</p>
<p>St. Clair 66, St. Clair Shores Lake Shore 62</p>
<p>St. Clair Shores South Lake 48, Warren Lincoln 25</p>
<p>Sterling Heights 56, Marysville 51</p>
<p>Troy Athens 56, Rochester Adams 52</p>
<p>Walkerville 57, Manistee Catholic Central 47</p>
<p>Warren Mott 64, Utica 62</p>
<p>Warren Woods Tower 52, Fraser 49, OT</p>
<p>West Bloomfield 66, Bloomfield Hills 38</p>
<p>Whitehall 55, Montague 28</p>
<p>Alba 31, Alanson 26</p>
<p>Alpena 57, Traverse City West 45</p>
<p>Ashley 76, Coleman 37</p>
<p>Baldwin 69, Big Rapids Crossroads Charter Academy 44</p>
<p>Battle Creek St. Philip 56, Jackson Christian 41</p>
<p>Bear Lake 67, Brethren 40</p>
<p>Beaverton 60, Gladwin 38</p>
<p>Bellevue 66, Tekonsha 24</p>
<p>Berkley 54, Ferndale 49</p>
<p>Breckenridge 65, Merrill 23</p>
<p>Britton-Deerfield 54, Whitmore Lake 40</p>
<p>Burr Oak 61, Waldron 25</p>
<p>Camden-Frontier 61, Pittsford 58</p>
<p>Canton Prep 64, Michigan Math and Science 53</p>
<p>Cedarville 67, Pickford 59</p>
<p>Cheboygan 70, Rudyard 67</p>
<p>Clare 84, Farwell 20</p>
<p>Clinton Township Clintondale 79, St. Clair Shores Lakeview 59</p>
<p>Colon 50, North Adams-Jerome 45</p>
<p>Dansville 64, Portland St. Patrick 47</p>
<p>Detroit Public Safety 65, Madison Heights Lamphere 25</p>
<p>Elk Rapids 74, East Jordan 42</p>
<p>Erie-Mason 60, Dundee 53</p>
<p>Farmington 65, Pontiac 56</p>
<p>Flushing 55, Ortonville Brandon 22</p>
<p>Fowler 55, Fulton-Middleton 48</p>
<p>Frankfort 69, Buckley 53</p>
<p>Grand Rapids Christian 55, Battle Creek Academy 22</p>
<p>Grand Rapids Northview 90, Lowell 80, 2OT</p>
<p>Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett 53, Waterford Our Lady 46</p>
<p>Hale 82, Charlton Heston 27</p>
<p>Hanover-Horton 59, Addison 28</p>
<p>Hazel Park 67, North Farmington 34</p>
<p>Hillman 72, Oscoda 56</p>
<p>Hillsdale 69, Brooklyn Columbia Central 58</p>
<p>Hillsdale Academy 56, Athens 54</p>
<p>Indian River-Inland Lakes 72, Gaylord St. Mary 61</p>
<p>Johannesburg-Lewiston 53, Bellaire 41</p>
<p>Kingsley 67, Suttons Bay 30</p>
<p>Kingston 49, Deckerville 41</p>
<p>Laingsburg 30, Pewamo-Westphalia 20, OT</p>
<p>Linden 62, Holly 47</p>
<p>Livonia Stevenson 63, Hartland 59</p>
<p>Mackinaw City 57, Harbor Light Christian 48</p>
<p>Madison Heights Madison 75, Clawson 46</p>
<p>Manchester 60, Vandercook Lake 47</p>
<p>Maple City Glen Lake 81, Benzie Central 50</p>
<p>Marine City 75, Center Line 72</p>
<p>Marine City Cardinal Mooney 60, Frankel Jewish Academy 43</p>
<p>Mason County Central 45, Muskegon Oakridge 41</p>
<p>Michigan Center 69, Grass Lake 30</p>
<p>Mio-Au Sable 60, Rogers City 48</p>
<p>Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart 65, Blanchard Montabella 53</p>
<p>Napoleon 64, Jackson East Jackson 62</p>
<p>New Haven 75, Warren Cousino 48</p>
<p>Newberry 53, St. Ignace LaSalle 46</p>
<p>North Muskegon 54, Ravenna 36</p>
<p>Northport 30, Lake Leelanau St. Mary 16</p>
<p>Oak Park 46, Auburn Hills Avondale 45</p>
<p>Onaway 64, Mancelona 53</p>
<p>Onekama 58, Leland 36</p>
<p>Onsted 67, Ida 64</p>
<p>Ottawa Lake Whiteford 69, Morenci 41</p>
<p>Oxford 56, Rochester Hills Stoney Creek 42</p>
<p>Paw Paw 69, HOPE for Hyndman, Pa. 50</p>
<p>Pellston 65, Central Lake 63</p>
<p>Pentwater 69, Mason County Eastern 30</p>
<p>Petersburg Summerfield 60, Adrian Madison 40</p>
<p>Port Huron Northern 59, Port Huron 47</p>
<p>Rochester 60, Lake Orion 50</p>
<p>Roscommon 63, Houghton Lake 34</p>
<p>Roseville 55, Grosse Pointe North 43</p>
<p>Sand Creek 45, Clinton 35</p>
<p>Sanford-Meridian 64, Harrison 41</p>
<p>Shelby 62, Hart 40</p>
<p>St. Clair 66, St. Clair Shores Lake Shore 62</p>
<p>St. Clair Shores South Lake 48, Warren Lincoln 25</p>
<p>Sterling Heights 56, Marysville 51</p>
<p>Troy Athens 56, Rochester Adams 52</p>
<p>Walkerville 57, Manistee Catholic Central 47</p>
<p>Warren Mott 64, Utica 62</p>
<p>Warren Woods Tower 52, Fraser 49, OT</p>
<p>West Bloomfield 66, Bloomfield Hills 38</p>
<p>Whitehall 55, Montague 28</p>
| false | 2 |
alba 31 alanson 26 alpena 57 traverse city west 45 ashley 76 coleman 37 baldwin 69 big rapids crossroads charter academy 44 battle creek st philip 56 jackson christian 41 bear lake 67 brethren 40 beaverton 60 gladwin 38 bellevue 66 tekonsha 24 berkley 54 ferndale 49 breckenridge 65 merrill 23 brittondeerfield 54 whitmore lake 40 burr oak 61 waldron 25 camdenfrontier 61 pittsford 58 canton prep 64 michigan math science 53 cedarville 67 pickford 59 cheboygan 70 rudyard 67 clare 84 farwell 20 clinton township clintondale 79 st clair shores lakeview 59 colon 50 north adamsjerome 45 dansville 64 portland st patrick 47 detroit public safety 65 madison heights lamphere 25 elk rapids 74 east jordan 42 eriemason 60 dundee 53 farmington 65 pontiac 56 flushing 55 ortonville brandon 22 fowler 55 fultonmiddleton 48 frankfort 69 buckley 53 grand rapids christian 55 battle creek academy 22 grand rapids northview 90 lowell 80 2ot grosse pointe woods university liggett 53 waterford lady 46 hale 82 charlton heston 27 hanoverhorton 59 addison 28 hazel park 67 north farmington 34 hillman 72 oscoda 56 hillsdale 69 brooklyn columbia central 58 hillsdale academy 56 athens 54 indian riverinland lakes 72 gaylord st mary 61 johannesburglewiston 53 bellaire 41 kingsley 67 suttons bay 30 kingston 49 deckerville 41 laingsburg 30 pewamowestphalia 20 ot linden 62 holly 47 livonia stevenson 63 hartland 59 mackinaw city 57 harbor light christian 48 madison heights madison 75 clawson 46 manchester 60 vandercook lake 47 maple city glen lake 81 benzie central 50 marine city 75 center line 72 marine city cardinal mooney 60 frankel jewish academy 43 mason county central 45 muskegon oakridge 41 michigan center 69 grass lake 30 mioau sable 60 rogers city 48 mount pleasant sacred heart 65 blanchard montabella 53 napoleon 64 jackson east jackson 62 new 75 warren cousino 48 newberry 53 st ignace lasalle 46 north muskegon 54 ravenna 36 northport 30 lake leelanau st mary 16 oak park 46 auburn hills avondale 45 onaway 64 mancelona 53 onekama 58 leland 36 onsted 67 ida 64 ottawa lake whiteford 69 morenci 41 oxford 56 rochester hills stoney creek 42 paw paw 69 hope hyndman pa 50 pellston 65 central lake 63 pentwater 69 mason county eastern 30 petersburg summerfield 60 adrian madison 40 port huron northern 59 port huron 47 rochester 60 lake orion 50 roscommon 63 houghton lake 34 roseville 55 grosse pointe north 43 sand creek 45 clinton 35 sanfordmeridian 64 harrison 41 shelby 62 hart 40 st clair 66 st clair shores lake shore 62 st clair shores south lake 48 warren lincoln 25 sterling heights 56 marysville 51 troy athens 56 rochester adams 52 walkerville 57 manistee catholic central 47 warren mott 64 utica 62 warren woods tower 52 fraser 49 ot west bloomfield 66 bloomfield hills 38 whitehall 55 montague 28 alba 31 alanson 26 alpena 57 traverse city west 45 ashley 76 coleman 37 baldwin 69 big rapids crossroads charter academy 44 battle creek st philip 56 jackson christian 41 bear lake 67 brethren 40 beaverton 60 gladwin 38 bellevue 66 tekonsha 24 berkley 54 ferndale 49 breckenridge 65 merrill 23 brittondeerfield 54 whitmore lake 40 burr oak 61 waldron 25 camdenfrontier 61 pittsford 58 canton prep 64 michigan math science 53 cedarville 67 pickford 59 cheboygan 70 rudyard 67 clare 84 farwell 20 clinton township clintondale 79 st clair shores lakeview 59 colon 50 north adamsjerome 45 dansville 64 portland st patrick 47 detroit public safety 65 madison heights lamphere 25 elk rapids 74 east jordan 42 eriemason 60 dundee 53 farmington 65 pontiac 56 flushing 55 ortonville brandon 22 fowler 55 fultonmiddleton 48 frankfort 69 buckley 53 grand rapids christian 55 battle creek academy 22 grand rapids northview 90 lowell 80 2ot grosse pointe woods university liggett 53 waterford lady 46 hale 82 charlton heston 27 hanoverhorton 59 addison 28 hazel park 67 north farmington 34 hillman 72 oscoda 56 hillsdale 69 brooklyn columbia central 58 hillsdale academy 56 athens 54 indian riverinland lakes 72 gaylord st mary 61 johannesburglewiston 53 bellaire 41 kingsley 67 suttons bay 30 kingston 49 deckerville 41 laingsburg 30 pewamowestphalia 20 ot linden 62 holly 47 livonia stevenson 63 hartland 59 mackinaw city 57 harbor light christian 48 madison heights madison 75 clawson 46 manchester 60 vandercook lake 47 maple city glen lake 81 benzie central 50 marine city 75 center line 72 marine city cardinal mooney 60 frankel jewish academy 43 mason county central 45 muskegon oakridge 41 michigan center 69 grass lake 30 mioau sable 60 rogers city 48 mount pleasant sacred heart 65 blanchard montabella 53 napoleon 64 jackson east jackson 62 new 75 warren cousino 48 newberry 53 st ignace lasalle 46 north muskegon 54 ravenna 36 northport 30 lake leelanau st mary 16 oak park 46 auburn hills avondale 45 onaway 64 mancelona 53 onekama 58 leland 36 onsted 67 ida 64 ottawa lake whiteford 69 morenci 41 oxford 56 rochester hills stoney creek 42 paw paw 69 hope hyndman pa 50 pellston 65 central lake 63 pentwater 69 mason county eastern 30 petersburg summerfield 60 adrian madison 40 port huron northern 59 port huron 47 rochester 60 lake orion 50 roscommon 63 houghton lake 34 roseville 55 grosse pointe north 43 sand creek 45 clinton 35 sanfordmeridian 64 harrison 41 shelby 62 hart 40 st clair 66 st clair shores lake shore 62 st clair shores south lake 48 warren lincoln 25 sterling heights 56 marysville 51 troy athens 56 rochester adams 52 walkerville 57 manistee catholic central 47 warren mott 64 utica 62 warren woods tower 52 fraser 49 ot west bloomfield 66 bloomfield hills 38 whitehall 55 montague 28
| 948 |
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — In bountiful tweets and self-praise, President Donald Trump plays up “tremendous progress” in improving care for veterans in his first year. His claims fall short of reality.</p>
<p>Trump’s initiatives have yet to show meaningful impact, and his campaign promises of expanding access to doctors and adding mental health specialists are unfulfilled.</p>
<p>Several of the 2017 accomplishments highlighted in a Trump tweet this week are largely symbolic — proclamations routinely signed by presidents or initiatives that haven’t taken full effect or were later acknowledged by the Department of Veterans Affairs to be largely unneeded. In the meantime, wait times for veterans seeking treatment at VA medical centers haven’t improved much, as Congress remains deadlocked over a long-term fix aimed at expanding access to doctors, in part due to rising costs.</p>
<p>The VA also admits it fell short of adding 1,000 new mental health professionals last year, even after Trump singled out mental health as especially in need of attention during the campaign and pledged a hiring surge.</p>
<p>Trump speaks often about his commitment to veterans, a group that backed him by nearly 2-to-1 over Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election.</p>
<p>A look at his rhetoric on veterans and White House statements marking his first year in office:</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>TRUMP: “We will not rest until all of America’s GREAT VETERANS can receive the care they so richly deserve. Tremendous progress has been made in a short period of time.” — tweet Tuesday, with an Instagram video describing eight accomplishments that show Trump is “fighting for our veterans.”</p>
<p />
<p>THE FACTS: The video with catchy music overstates the impact of these steps.</p>
<p>Of the eight achievements cited, two are ceremonial proclamations recognizing National Veterans and Military Families Month and National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.</p>
<p>Two are pieces of legislation that extended the troubled Veterans Choice program on a temporary basis. This became necessary because the Trump administration repeatedly miscalculated the amount of taxpayer dollars available to pay for care from private doctors outside the VA system when veterans had to endure long waits for treatment at VA medical centers. The department’s poor budget planning caught lawmakers off guard.</p>
<p>A fifth claim involves “telehealth,” a step letting doctors practice medicine across state lines using digital technology. Announced in August, it has yet to take full effect because a proposed VA regulation hasn’t been completed. The VA wants authority to practice across state lines to come from legislation, not a regulation. On Wednesday, the Senate approved a telehealth measure that now goes to the House.</p>
<p>A sixth claim refers to legislation that streamlines the appeals process for disability compensation claims within the VA. This step has had limited impact so far because it applies to new disability claims, not the 470,000 pending claims.</p>
<p>The other two initiatives mentioned make it easier for the VA to discipline employees. The department has pointed to more than 1,300 employees who have been fired under Trump’s watch. Because their infractions are not detailed in public documents, the impact on veterans’ care is not fully known.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>TRUMP: “The VA was a mess.” Before, “you couldn’t fire anybody at the VA, if they were sadists, if they were horrible people. ... Now we look at them, they’re no good — we say, ‘You’re fired. Get out of here.’” — Dec. 8 rally in Pensacola, Florida.</p>
<p>THE FACTS: It’s wrong to say VA employees were never fired before Trump took office. In fact, more were fired in President Barack Obama’s last budget year than in Trump’s first.</p>
<p>In fiscal 2017, covering Obama’s last three months and Trump’s first nine months, 2,061 VA employees were removed for discipline or performance. About 1,419 firings took place since January 2017, when Trump took office, to present. That’s down from 2,662 in the previous fiscal year, according to Office of Personnel Management information on the agency’s data archive FedScope.</p>
<p>However, it’s true that it often took longer for terminations to become final under an appeals process that has been shortened under Trump. Because a new accountability law making it easier to fire VA employees did not take effect until late June 2017, about 500 of the firings last year occurred under the former appeals system, which remains in place at other federal agencies. The new law shortens the length of time to challenge a disciplinary action and lowers the burden of proof needed to fire VA employees.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>TRUMP: “Why would smart voters want to put Democrats in Congress in 2018 Election ... People are much better off now not to mention ISIS, VA ...” — Dec. 31 tweet.</p>
<p>THE FACTS: He’s entitled to his politics, but the tweet masks the fact that each veterans’ bill signed into law by Trump won approval with strong support from Democrats as well as Republicans.</p>
<p>House Democrats did block one VA Choice emergency funding bill after major veterans groups complained it focused too much on private care without also investing in core VA programs. The bill was revised to add the money, was overwhelmingly approved and was signed by Trump on Aug. 12.</p>
<p>The bipartisan display began with David Shulkin, a holdover from the Obama administration confirmed unanimously by the Senate to serve as VA secretary in February. Trump calls Shulkin the “100-to-nothing man” because of that vote, since he is the only Trump Cabinet member to achieve that.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>WHITE HOUSE: “Secretary Shulkin has expanded access to urgent mental health care to former service members with other-than-honorable discharges.” — Nov. 9 press release.</p>
<p>THE FACTS: This claim glosses over VA’s difficulty in hiring mental health professionals and providing counseling support to higher-risk veterans, due in part to a tightening VA budget. Trump cited mental health care as a top priority for fixing VA during the presidential campaign and pledged a hiring surge. But the VA only netted about 258 new personnel as of late November, far below the 1,000 additional mental-health specialists it had targeted for 2017.</p>
<p>In March, Shulkin announced an initiative to expand urgent mental health care to those with other-than-honorable discharges with much fanfare, but soon after, he revealed he wouldn’t be asking Congress for additional money to pay for it. The program provides mostly emergency care, something that had been offered already to any veteran, not preventive services.</p>
<p>To reduce suicide rates, VA is seeking to establish “telehealth” hubs in rural areas to provide veterans with mental health assistance. It has launched a new predictive model to analyze veterans’ health records to identify those at risk. Roughly 20 veterans take their lives each day.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>WHITE HOUSE: “President Trump signed the VA Choice and Quality Employment Act of 2017 to authorize $2.1 billion in additional funds for the Veterans Choice Program.” — Dec. 22 press release.</p>
<p>THE FACTS: The money was quickly used up. Weeks after Congress approved the $2.1 billion in emergency funding to keep the VA Choice private-care program running, the VA acknowledged in September the program would again run out of money earlier than expected. The VA asked Congress to approve a long-term fix to its VA Choice program that could cost as much as $54 billion over five years, but divided lawmakers in December decided instead to approve another stopgap measure of $2.1 billion, punting the bigger issues until later.</p>
<p>The delay means that a larger overhaul of VA Choice — which Shulkin says will help significantly reduce wait times at VA medical centers — isn’t likely to be fully implemented until 2019 or later.</p>
<p>The VA Choice program was put in place after a 2014 wait-time scandal that was discovered at the Phoenix VA hospital and elsewhere throughout the country. Veterans waited weeks or months for appointments while phony records covered up the lengthy waits. The program allows veterans to go to private doctors if they endure long waits for VA appointments, but it has suffered extended wait times of its own.</p>
<p>Last year, Shulkin said veterans were waiting more than 60 days for new appointments in about 30 VA locations nationwide.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press writer Calvin Woodward contributed to this report.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Find AP Fact Checks at <a href="http://apne.ws/2kbx8bd" type="external">http://apne.ws/2kbx8bd</a></p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow Hope Yen on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/hopeyen1" type="external">https://twitter.com/hopeyen1</a></p>
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — In bountiful tweets and self-praise, President Donald Trump plays up “tremendous progress” in improving care for veterans in his first year. His claims fall short of reality.</p>
<p>Trump’s initiatives have yet to show meaningful impact, and his campaign promises of expanding access to doctors and adding mental health specialists are unfulfilled.</p>
<p>Several of the 2017 accomplishments highlighted in a Trump tweet this week are largely symbolic — proclamations routinely signed by presidents or initiatives that haven’t taken full effect or were later acknowledged by the Department of Veterans Affairs to be largely unneeded. In the meantime, wait times for veterans seeking treatment at VA medical centers haven’t improved much, as Congress remains deadlocked over a long-term fix aimed at expanding access to doctors, in part due to rising costs.</p>
<p>The VA also admits it fell short of adding 1,000 new mental health professionals last year, even after Trump singled out mental health as especially in need of attention during the campaign and pledged a hiring surge.</p>
<p>Trump speaks often about his commitment to veterans, a group that backed him by nearly 2-to-1 over Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election.</p>
<p>A look at his rhetoric on veterans and White House statements marking his first year in office:</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>TRUMP: “We will not rest until all of America’s GREAT VETERANS can receive the care they so richly deserve. Tremendous progress has been made in a short period of time.” — tweet Tuesday, with an Instagram video describing eight accomplishments that show Trump is “fighting for our veterans.”</p>
<p />
<p>THE FACTS: The video with catchy music overstates the impact of these steps.</p>
<p>Of the eight achievements cited, two are ceremonial proclamations recognizing National Veterans and Military Families Month and National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.</p>
<p>Two are pieces of legislation that extended the troubled Veterans Choice program on a temporary basis. This became necessary because the Trump administration repeatedly miscalculated the amount of taxpayer dollars available to pay for care from private doctors outside the VA system when veterans had to endure long waits for treatment at VA medical centers. The department’s poor budget planning caught lawmakers off guard.</p>
<p>A fifth claim involves “telehealth,” a step letting doctors practice medicine across state lines using digital technology. Announced in August, it has yet to take full effect because a proposed VA regulation hasn’t been completed. The VA wants authority to practice across state lines to come from legislation, not a regulation. On Wednesday, the Senate approved a telehealth measure that now goes to the House.</p>
<p>A sixth claim refers to legislation that streamlines the appeals process for disability compensation claims within the VA. This step has had limited impact so far because it applies to new disability claims, not the 470,000 pending claims.</p>
<p>The other two initiatives mentioned make it easier for the VA to discipline employees. The department has pointed to more than 1,300 employees who have been fired under Trump’s watch. Because their infractions are not detailed in public documents, the impact on veterans’ care is not fully known.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>TRUMP: “The VA was a mess.” Before, “you couldn’t fire anybody at the VA, if they were sadists, if they were horrible people. ... Now we look at them, they’re no good — we say, ‘You’re fired. Get out of here.’” — Dec. 8 rally in Pensacola, Florida.</p>
<p>THE FACTS: It’s wrong to say VA employees were never fired before Trump took office. In fact, more were fired in President Barack Obama’s last budget year than in Trump’s first.</p>
<p>In fiscal 2017, covering Obama’s last three months and Trump’s first nine months, 2,061 VA employees were removed for discipline or performance. About 1,419 firings took place since January 2017, when Trump took office, to present. That’s down from 2,662 in the previous fiscal year, according to Office of Personnel Management information on the agency’s data archive FedScope.</p>
<p>However, it’s true that it often took longer for terminations to become final under an appeals process that has been shortened under Trump. Because a new accountability law making it easier to fire VA employees did not take effect until late June 2017, about 500 of the firings last year occurred under the former appeals system, which remains in place at other federal agencies. The new law shortens the length of time to challenge a disciplinary action and lowers the burden of proof needed to fire VA employees.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>TRUMP: “Why would smart voters want to put Democrats in Congress in 2018 Election ... People are much better off now not to mention ISIS, VA ...” — Dec. 31 tweet.</p>
<p>THE FACTS: He’s entitled to his politics, but the tweet masks the fact that each veterans’ bill signed into law by Trump won approval with strong support from Democrats as well as Republicans.</p>
<p>House Democrats did block one VA Choice emergency funding bill after major veterans groups complained it focused too much on private care without also investing in core VA programs. The bill was revised to add the money, was overwhelmingly approved and was signed by Trump on Aug. 12.</p>
<p>The bipartisan display began with David Shulkin, a holdover from the Obama administration confirmed unanimously by the Senate to serve as VA secretary in February. Trump calls Shulkin the “100-to-nothing man” because of that vote, since he is the only Trump Cabinet member to achieve that.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>WHITE HOUSE: “Secretary Shulkin has expanded access to urgent mental health care to former service members with other-than-honorable discharges.” — Nov. 9 press release.</p>
<p>THE FACTS: This claim glosses over VA’s difficulty in hiring mental health professionals and providing counseling support to higher-risk veterans, due in part to a tightening VA budget. Trump cited mental health care as a top priority for fixing VA during the presidential campaign and pledged a hiring surge. But the VA only netted about 258 new personnel as of late November, far below the 1,000 additional mental-health specialists it had targeted for 2017.</p>
<p>In March, Shulkin announced an initiative to expand urgent mental health care to those with other-than-honorable discharges with much fanfare, but soon after, he revealed he wouldn’t be asking Congress for additional money to pay for it. The program provides mostly emergency care, something that had been offered already to any veteran, not preventive services.</p>
<p>To reduce suicide rates, VA is seeking to establish “telehealth” hubs in rural areas to provide veterans with mental health assistance. It has launched a new predictive model to analyze veterans’ health records to identify those at risk. Roughly 20 veterans take their lives each day.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>WHITE HOUSE: “President Trump signed the VA Choice and Quality Employment Act of 2017 to authorize $2.1 billion in additional funds for the Veterans Choice Program.” — Dec. 22 press release.</p>
<p>THE FACTS: The money was quickly used up. Weeks after Congress approved the $2.1 billion in emergency funding to keep the VA Choice private-care program running, the VA acknowledged in September the program would again run out of money earlier than expected. The VA asked Congress to approve a long-term fix to its VA Choice program that could cost as much as $54 billion over five years, but divided lawmakers in December decided instead to approve another stopgap measure of $2.1 billion, punting the bigger issues until later.</p>
<p>The delay means that a larger overhaul of VA Choice — which Shulkin says will help significantly reduce wait times at VA medical centers — isn’t likely to be fully implemented until 2019 or later.</p>
<p>The VA Choice program was put in place after a 2014 wait-time scandal that was discovered at the Phoenix VA hospital and elsewhere throughout the country. Veterans waited weeks or months for appointments while phony records covered up the lengthy waits. The program allows veterans to go to private doctors if they endure long waits for VA appointments, but it has suffered extended wait times of its own.</p>
<p>Last year, Shulkin said veterans were waiting more than 60 days for new appointments in about 30 VA locations nationwide.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press writer Calvin Woodward contributed to this report.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Find AP Fact Checks at <a href="http://apne.ws/2kbx8bd" type="external">http://apne.ws/2kbx8bd</a></p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow Hope Yen on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/hopeyen1" type="external">https://twitter.com/hopeyen1</a></p>
| false | 2 |
washington ap bountiful tweets selfpraise president donald trump plays tremendous progress improving care veterans first year claims fall short reality trumps initiatives yet show meaningful impact campaign promises expanding access doctors adding mental health specialists unfulfilled several 2017 accomplishments highlighted trump tweet week largely symbolic proclamations routinely signed presidents initiatives havent taken full effect later acknowledged department veterans affairs largely unneeded meantime wait times veterans seeking treatment va medical centers havent improved much congress remains deadlocked longterm fix aimed expanding access doctors part due rising costs va also admits fell short adding 1000 new mental health professionals last year even trump singled mental health especially need attention campaign pledged hiring surge trump speaks often commitment veterans group backed nearly 2to1 democrat hillary clinton 2016 election look rhetoric veterans white house statements marking first year office ___ trump rest americas great veterans receive care richly deserve tremendous progress made short period time tweet tuesday instagram video describing eight accomplishments show trump fighting veterans facts video catchy music overstates impact steps eight achievements cited two ceremonial proclamations recognizing national veterans military families month national pearl harbor remembrance day two pieces legislation extended troubled veterans choice program temporary basis became necessary trump administration repeatedly miscalculated amount taxpayer dollars available pay care private doctors outside va system veterans endure long waits treatment va medical centers departments poor budget planning caught lawmakers guard fifth claim involves telehealth step letting doctors practice medicine across state lines using digital technology announced august yet take full effect proposed va regulation hasnt completed va wants authority practice across state lines come legislation regulation wednesday senate approved telehealth measure goes house sixth claim refers legislation streamlines appeals process disability compensation claims within va step limited impact far applies new disability claims 470000 pending claims two initiatives mentioned make easier va discipline employees department pointed 1300 employees fired trumps watch infractions detailed public documents impact veterans care fully known ___ trump va mess couldnt fire anybody va sadists horrible people look theyre good say youre fired get dec 8 rally pensacola florida facts wrong say va employees never fired trump took office fact fired president barack obamas last budget year trumps first fiscal 2017 covering obamas last three months trumps first nine months 2061 va employees removed discipline performance 1419 firings took place since january 2017 trump took office present thats 2662 previous fiscal year according office personnel management information agencys data archive fedscope however true often took longer terminations become final appeals process shortened trump new accountability law making easier fire va employees take effect late june 2017 500 firings last year occurred former appeals system remains place federal agencies new law shortens length time challenge disciplinary action lowers burden proof needed fire va employees ___ trump would smart voters want put democrats congress 2018 election people much better mention isis va dec 31 tweet facts hes entitled politics tweet masks fact veterans bill signed law trump approval strong support democrats well republicans house democrats block one va choice emergency funding bill major veterans groups complained focused much private care without also investing core va programs bill revised add money overwhelmingly approved signed trump aug 12 bipartisan display began david shulkin holdover obama administration confirmed unanimously senate serve va secretary february trump calls shulkin 100tonothing man vote since trump cabinet member achieve ___ white house secretary shulkin expanded access urgent mental health care former service members otherthanhonorable discharges nov 9 press release facts claim glosses vas difficulty hiring mental health professionals providing counseling support higherrisk veterans due part tightening va budget trump cited mental health care top priority fixing va presidential campaign pledged hiring surge va netted 258 new personnel late november far 1000 additional mentalhealth specialists targeted 2017 march shulkin announced initiative expand urgent mental health care otherthanhonorable discharges much fanfare soon revealed wouldnt asking congress additional money pay program provides mostly emergency care something offered already veteran preventive services reduce suicide rates va seeking establish telehealth hubs rural areas provide veterans mental health assistance launched new predictive model analyze veterans health records identify risk roughly 20 veterans take lives day ___ white house president trump signed va choice quality employment act 2017 authorize 21 billion additional funds veterans choice program dec 22 press release facts money quickly used weeks congress approved 21 billion emergency funding keep va choice privatecare program running va acknowledged september program would run money earlier expected va asked congress approve longterm fix va choice program could cost much 54 billion five years divided lawmakers december decided instead approve another stopgap measure 21 billion punting bigger issues later delay means larger overhaul va choice shulkin says help significantly reduce wait times va medical centers isnt likely fully implemented 2019 later va choice program put place 2014 waittime scandal discovered phoenix va hospital elsewhere throughout country veterans waited weeks months appointments phony records covered lengthy waits program allows veterans go private doctors endure long waits va appointments suffered extended wait times last year shulkin said veterans waiting 60 days new appointments 30 va locations nationwide ___ associated press writer calvin woodward contributed report ___ find ap fact checks httpapnews2kbx8bd ___ follow hope yen twitter httpstwittercomhopeyen1 washington ap bountiful tweets selfpraise president donald trump plays tremendous progress improving care veterans first year claims fall short reality trumps initiatives yet show meaningful impact campaign promises expanding access doctors adding mental health specialists unfulfilled several 2017 accomplishments highlighted trump tweet week largely symbolic proclamations routinely signed presidents initiatives havent taken full effect later acknowledged department veterans affairs largely unneeded meantime wait times veterans seeking treatment va medical centers havent improved much congress remains deadlocked longterm fix aimed expanding access doctors part due rising costs va also admits fell short adding 1000 new mental health professionals last year even trump singled mental health especially need attention campaign pledged hiring surge trump speaks often commitment veterans group backed nearly 2to1 democrat hillary clinton 2016 election look rhetoric veterans white house statements marking first year office ___ trump rest americas great veterans receive care richly deserve tremendous progress made short period time tweet tuesday instagram video describing eight accomplishments show trump fighting veterans facts video catchy music overstates impact steps eight achievements cited two ceremonial proclamations recognizing national veterans military families month national pearl harbor remembrance day two pieces legislation extended troubled veterans choice program temporary basis became necessary trump administration repeatedly miscalculated amount taxpayer dollars available pay care private doctors outside va system veterans endure long waits treatment va medical centers departments poor budget planning caught lawmakers guard fifth claim involves telehealth step letting doctors practice medicine across state lines using digital technology announced august yet take full effect proposed va regulation hasnt completed va wants authority practice across state lines come legislation regulation wednesday senate approved telehealth measure goes house sixth claim refers legislation streamlines appeals process disability compensation claims within va step limited impact far applies new disability claims 470000 pending claims two initiatives mentioned make easier va discipline employees department pointed 1300 employees fired trumps watch infractions detailed public documents impact veterans care fully known ___ trump va mess couldnt fire anybody va sadists horrible people look theyre good say youre fired get dec 8 rally pensacola florida facts wrong say va employees never fired trump took office fact fired president barack obamas last budget year trumps first fiscal 2017 covering obamas last three months trumps first nine months 2061 va employees removed discipline performance 1419 firings took place since january 2017 trump took office present thats 2662 previous fiscal year according office personnel management information agencys data archive fedscope however true often took longer terminations become final appeals process shortened trump new accountability law making easier fire va employees take effect late june 2017 500 firings last year occurred former appeals system remains place federal agencies new law shortens length time challenge disciplinary action lowers burden proof needed fire va employees ___ trump would smart voters want put democrats congress 2018 election people much better mention isis va dec 31 tweet facts hes entitled politics tweet masks fact veterans bill signed law trump approval strong support democrats well republicans house democrats block one va choice emergency funding bill major veterans groups complained focused much private care without also investing core va programs bill revised add money overwhelmingly approved signed trump aug 12 bipartisan display began david shulkin holdover obama administration confirmed unanimously senate serve va secretary february trump calls shulkin 100tonothing man vote since trump cabinet member achieve ___ white house secretary shulkin expanded access urgent mental health care former service members otherthanhonorable discharges nov 9 press release facts claim glosses vas difficulty hiring mental health professionals providing counseling support higherrisk veterans due part tightening va budget trump cited mental health care top priority fixing va presidential campaign pledged hiring surge va netted 258 new personnel late november far 1000 additional mentalhealth specialists targeted 2017 march shulkin announced initiative expand urgent mental health care otherthanhonorable discharges much fanfare soon revealed wouldnt asking congress additional money pay program provides mostly emergency care something offered already veteran preventive services reduce suicide rates va seeking establish telehealth hubs rural areas provide veterans mental health assistance launched new predictive model analyze veterans health records identify risk roughly 20 veterans take lives day ___ white house president trump signed va choice quality employment act 2017 authorize 21 billion additional funds veterans choice program dec 22 press release facts money quickly used weeks congress approved 21 billion emergency funding keep va choice privatecare program running va acknowledged september program would run money earlier expected va asked congress approve longterm fix va choice program could cost much 54 billion five years divided lawmakers december decided instead approve another stopgap measure 21 billion punting bigger issues later delay means larger overhaul va choice shulkin says help significantly reduce wait times va medical centers isnt likely fully implemented 2019 later va choice program put place 2014 waittime scandal discovered phoenix va hospital elsewhere throughout country veterans waited weeks months appointments phony records covered lengthy waits program allows veterans go private doctors endure long waits va appointments suffered extended wait times last year shulkin said veterans waiting 60 days new appointments 30 va locations nationwide ___ associated press writer calvin woodward contributed report ___ find ap fact checks httpapnews2kbx8bd ___ follow hope yen twitter httpstwittercomhopeyen1
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<p>Third-ranked Oregon is using a week off to get healthy and rest up for the final stretch of the regular season and beyond.</p>
<p>The Ducks (9-1, 6-1) have already clinched the Pac-12 North, so they're headed to the conference championship on Dec. 5 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara. They'll face Arizona State if the Sun Devils (8-1, 5-1) can win their final three games.</p>
<p>Oregon moved up to No. 2 in the College Football Playoff rankings, meaning if the Ducks win out and capture the league championship, they'll also have a spot in one of the playoff games that determine who contends for the national championship.</p>
<p>The Ducks will host Colorado next weekend before visiting Corvallis for the annual Civil War against Oregon State. Both the Buffaloes and the Beavers are struggling this season.</p>
<p>Oregon will get a chance to heal up from a rough outing against No. 25 Utah in Salt Lake City. Cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, center Hroniss Grasu and tight end Pharaoh Brown were injured in the 51-27 victory over the Utes.</p>
<p>Brown's right knee injury in the fourth quarter was the most severe, ending his season. He had surgery in Utah this week before returning home to Ohio for his recovery.</p>
<p>Brown, a junior, had 25 catches for 420 yards and six touchdowns this season, including a TD catch in the game against the Utes. He also played a big role blocking for the Ducks on running plays.</p>
<p>Because of his injury, Oregon will give more work to sophomores Evan Baylis and Johnny Mundt as well as junior Koa Ka'ai.</p>
<p>"Whoever is next will be ready to roll. Obviously, over the next two weeks we'll kind of evaluate what the best deal is going forward, whether it's one or two tight ends, one or two receivers here and there," coach Mark Helfrich said. "But we have a ton of confidence in those guys."</p>
<p>There is uncertainty about the status of center Hroniss Grasu because of an apparent left leg injury. The Ducks don't discuss injuries as a policy.</p>
<p>Redshirt freshman Doug Brenner assumed Grasu's duties against Utah, and will likely start if the senior can't go against the Buffaloes or Beavers.</p>
<p>Oregon also lost Ekpre-Olomu with a big toe injury early in the Utah game, but later he told The Oregonian that he just "tweaked" it and would be ready for Colorado.</p>
<p>In addition to assessing the injury situation, Helfrich wants to make sure his player hit the books during the bye. There are only three weeks left in the fall term.</p>
<p>"It's going to be a big academic week obviously, a big health week, a big push," he said. "At this point in the season, getting healthy and smart is just as important. Our guys are in great shape to work and do the things we do in practice. Getting smart and getting healthy are more important."</p>
<p>Because of the victory at Utah, Oregon moved up two spots to No. 3 in the AP Top 25, while the Utes dropped from No. 20 to No. 25. The Utes are currently No. 23 in the College Football Playoff rankings.</p>
<p>The Ducks have three wins against teams currently in the top 25 (Michigan State, UCLA, Utah), while Florida State has two (Notre Dame and Clemson).</p>
<p>"It was a very close call, but the committee placed significant value on Oregon's quality of wins against three top 25 teams, two of which were on the road," said playoff committee chairman Jeff Long.</p>
<p>The 12-person committee will choose the four teams on Dec. 7 for the inaugural playoff.</p>
<p>Third-ranked Oregon is using a week off to get healthy and rest up for the final stretch of the regular season and beyond.</p>
<p>The Ducks (9-1, 6-1) have already clinched the Pac-12 North, so they're headed to the conference championship on Dec. 5 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara. They'll face Arizona State if the Sun Devils (8-1, 5-1) can win their final three games.</p>
<p>Oregon moved up to No. 2 in the College Football Playoff rankings, meaning if the Ducks win out and capture the league championship, they'll also have a spot in one of the playoff games that determine who contends for the national championship.</p>
<p>The Ducks will host Colorado next weekend before visiting Corvallis for the annual Civil War against Oregon State. Both the Buffaloes and the Beavers are struggling this season.</p>
<p>Oregon will get a chance to heal up from a rough outing against No. 25 Utah in Salt Lake City. Cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, center Hroniss Grasu and tight end Pharaoh Brown were injured in the 51-27 victory over the Utes.</p>
<p>Brown's right knee injury in the fourth quarter was the most severe, ending his season. He had surgery in Utah this week before returning home to Ohio for his recovery.</p>
<p>Brown, a junior, had 25 catches for 420 yards and six touchdowns this season, including a TD catch in the game against the Utes. He also played a big role blocking for the Ducks on running plays.</p>
<p>Because of his injury, Oregon will give more work to sophomores Evan Baylis and Johnny Mundt as well as junior Koa Ka'ai.</p>
<p>"Whoever is next will be ready to roll. Obviously, over the next two weeks we'll kind of evaluate what the best deal is going forward, whether it's one or two tight ends, one or two receivers here and there," coach Mark Helfrich said. "But we have a ton of confidence in those guys."</p>
<p>There is uncertainty about the status of center Hroniss Grasu because of an apparent left leg injury. The Ducks don't discuss injuries as a policy.</p>
<p>Redshirt freshman Doug Brenner assumed Grasu's duties against Utah, and will likely start if the senior can't go against the Buffaloes or Beavers.</p>
<p>Oregon also lost Ekpre-Olomu with a big toe injury early in the Utah game, but later he told The Oregonian that he just "tweaked" it and would be ready for Colorado.</p>
<p>In addition to assessing the injury situation, Helfrich wants to make sure his player hit the books during the bye. There are only three weeks left in the fall term.</p>
<p>"It's going to be a big academic week obviously, a big health week, a big push," he said. "At this point in the season, getting healthy and smart is just as important. Our guys are in great shape to work and do the things we do in practice. Getting smart and getting healthy are more important."</p>
<p>Because of the victory at Utah, Oregon moved up two spots to No. 3 in the AP Top 25, while the Utes dropped from No. 20 to No. 25. The Utes are currently No. 23 in the College Football Playoff rankings.</p>
<p>The Ducks have three wins against teams currently in the top 25 (Michigan State, UCLA, Utah), while Florida State has two (Notre Dame and Clemson).</p>
<p>"It was a very close call, but the committee placed significant value on Oregon's quality of wins against three top 25 teams, two of which were on the road," said playoff committee chairman Jeff Long.</p>
<p>The 12-person committee will choose the four teams on Dec. 7 for the inaugural playoff.</p>
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thirdranked oregon using week get healthy rest final stretch regular season beyond ducks 91 61 already clinched pac12 north theyre headed conference championship dec 5 levis stadium santa clara theyll face arizona state sun devils 81 51 win final three games oregon moved 2 college football playoff rankings meaning ducks win capture league championship theyll also spot one playoff games determine contends national championship ducks host colorado next weekend visiting corvallis annual civil war oregon state buffaloes beavers struggling season oregon get chance heal rough outing 25 utah salt lake city cornerback ifo ekpreolomu center hroniss grasu tight end pharaoh brown injured 5127 victory utes browns right knee injury fourth quarter severe ending season surgery utah week returning home ohio recovery brown junior 25 catches 420 yards six touchdowns season including td catch game utes also played big role blocking ducks running plays injury oregon give work sophomores evan baylis johnny mundt well junior koa kaai whoever next ready roll obviously next two weeks well kind evaluate best deal going forward whether one two tight ends one two receivers coach mark helfrich said ton confidence guys uncertainty status center hroniss grasu apparent left leg injury ducks dont discuss injuries policy redshirt freshman doug brenner assumed grasus duties utah likely start senior cant go buffaloes beavers oregon also lost ekpreolomu big toe injury early utah game later told oregonian tweaked would ready colorado addition assessing injury situation helfrich wants make sure player hit books bye three weeks left fall term going big academic week obviously big health week big push said point season getting healthy smart important guys great shape work things practice getting smart getting healthy important victory utah oregon moved two spots 3 ap top 25 utes dropped 20 25 utes currently 23 college football playoff rankings ducks three wins teams currently top 25 michigan state ucla utah florida state two notre dame clemson close call committee placed significant value oregons quality wins three top 25 teams two road said playoff committee chairman jeff long 12person committee choose four teams dec 7 inaugural playoff thirdranked oregon using week get healthy rest final stretch regular season beyond ducks 91 61 already clinched pac12 north theyre headed conference championship dec 5 levis stadium santa clara theyll face arizona state sun devils 81 51 win final three games oregon moved 2 college football playoff rankings meaning ducks win capture league championship theyll also spot one playoff games determine contends national championship ducks host colorado next weekend visiting corvallis annual civil war oregon state buffaloes beavers struggling season oregon get chance heal rough outing 25 utah salt lake city cornerback ifo ekpreolomu center hroniss grasu tight end pharaoh brown injured 5127 victory utes browns right knee injury fourth quarter severe ending season surgery utah week returning home ohio recovery brown junior 25 catches 420 yards six touchdowns season including td catch game utes also played big role blocking ducks running plays injury oregon give work sophomores evan baylis johnny mundt well junior koa kaai whoever next ready roll obviously next two weeks well kind evaluate best deal going forward whether one two tight ends one two receivers coach mark helfrich said ton confidence guys uncertainty status center hroniss grasu apparent left leg injury ducks dont discuss injuries policy redshirt freshman doug brenner assumed grasus duties utah likely start senior cant go buffaloes beavers oregon also lost ekpreolomu big toe injury early utah game later told oregonian tweaked would ready colorado addition assessing injury situation helfrich wants make sure player hit books bye three weeks left fall term going big academic week obviously big health week big push said point season getting healthy smart important guys great shape work things practice getting smart getting healthy important victory utah oregon moved two spots 3 ap top 25 utes dropped 20 25 utes currently 23 college football playoff rankings ducks three wins teams currently top 25 michigan state ucla utah florida state two notre dame clemson close call committee placed significant value oregons quality wins three top 25 teams two road said playoff committee chairman jeff long 12person committee choose four teams dec 7 inaugural playoff
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<p>A generation after the fictional oil tycoons of the TV soap “Dynasty” gave Denver’s oil and gas industry a glamorous sheen, the Rocky Mountain region appears to be questioning its romance with the industry. New drilling technology has moved oil and gas production from the sparsely populated plains, where oil rigs are embraced as job creators, closer to cities and suburbs. Now, conflicts are increasing along the populous eastern fringe of the Rockies.</p>
<p>Gas-mask-wearing protesters are confronting city and county officials considering whether to limit or ban hydraulic fracturing, a drilling procedure in which water, sand and chemicals are forced deep underground to pry oil and gas from rock. Fracking, as the procedure is called, has led to an energy boom in areas previously unattractive to energy producers, but it is also raising concerns about air and water quality.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>The protests in Colorado have gotten intense. At hearings across the state, shouting opponents harass oil and gas representatives. Even Colorado’s governor, a Democrat and former geologist who says fracking is safe, has been mobbed by protesters. Leaving a suburban Denver meeting about drilling earlier this fall, Gov. John Hickenlooper ducked into an SUV and pulled away as a crowd of protesters, some of them children, chanted, “Dirty water, dirty air, we get sick and you don’t care!”</p>
<p>Opposition to fracking has also surfaced in Idaho, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has probed whether the procedure may be responsible for groundwater contamination near the Wyoming town of Pavillion. State officials and others have disputed that claim.</p>
<p>The West’s anti-fracking movement hit a watershed moment in a Denver suburb in this year’s elections. Longmont, a town of about 85,000 located 30 miles from Denver, voted overwhelmingly to buck state law and prohibit fracking in the city, setting up a legal showdown over whether individual communities can challenge the powerful Colorado Oil &amp; Gas Conservation Commission, which regulates the industry statewide.</p>
<p>The vote inspired other fracking opponents from Fort Collins to Colorado Springs — and underscores the energy industry’s challenge as it looks to expand into new production areas.</p>
<p>“It’s the classic case … of where you stand depends on where you sit,” said David Kennedy, head of the Bill Lane Center for the American West at Stanford University. “The historic battle in the West has been the cities and the farmers. Now it’s the cities, farmers and the frackers, all battling for water.”</p>
<p>The battle is one fracking opponents say they can win, despite a legacy of pro-drilling policies across the state and region.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>“We’re an oil and gas state. We know that. We’re going up against a huge industry,” said Neshama Abraham, a freelance writer in Boulder who has helped lead fracking opposition in her county. “This is tremendously dangerous technology that is at our front door.”</p>
<p>The “fracktivists” are making noise even in heavily Republican areas. At a recent city council meeting in Colorado Springs, fracking protesters waved signs warning of environmental destruction while passing drivers honked their support. “You can’t drink oil,” read one poster.</p>
<p>“I think Longmont gave people hope that it is possible to take on this industry,” said Laurel Biedermann, a fracking skeptic in Colorado Springs. “We don’t have to bend over and be a doormat for this industry.”</p>
<p>The Colorado Springs council has postponed a final vote on drilling regulations. In Fort Collins, city officials put a six-month moratorium on fracking after a public hearing in which residents sought the delay.</p>
<p>Fracking proponent Justin Williams, owner of Colorado-based Lone Star Energy, argued at the Colorado Springs council meeting that cities are foolish to try to stop the procedure. Fracking is necessary, he said, because of the nation’s energy appetite.</p>
<p>“This demand is unquenchable. If we don’t produce it here, it’ll be done in countries employing 15-year-olds to do it,” Williams said.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Another drilling supporter decried what he calls a “mob mentality” by anti-fracking activists. Former Colorado Springs councilman Sean Paige, now with Colorado’s chapter of the right-leaning Americans For Prosperity, said he’s disheartened by the new intense tone from opponents. Paige wrote a letter to Colorado governor’s calling for more civility after recent boisterous protests.</p>
<p>“There’s more conflict,” he said, “than ever before.”</p>
<p>The dispute will soon shift to the Colorado Capitol, where lawmakers have tried and failed to ease drilling disputes.</p>
<p>During the last legislative session that ended in May, the fracking debate broke down completely. Some Democrats proposed bills to add new environmental requirements for the industry, or to give towns more say over drilling regulations. Republicans countered with proposals that would have stripped any town that banned the drilling procedure of certain tax benefits.</p>
<p>Ultimately Colorado’s Democratic Senate and Republican House agreed on nothing related to drilling.</p>
<p>The session that begins next month could be different. With both chambers under Democratic control, fracking limits are likely to be debated again.</p>
<p>“People don’t want an industrial process going right across their fence,” said Rep. Max Tyler, a Democrat from Denver’s western suburbs who will lead a House committee likely to consider drilling regulations next year. “We’ll definitely be talking about this.”</p>
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generation fictional oil tycoons tv soap dynasty gave denvers oil gas industry glamorous sheen rocky mountain region appears questioning romance industry new drilling technology moved oil gas production sparsely populated plains oil rigs embraced job creators closer cities suburbs conflicts increasing along populous eastern fringe rockies gasmaskwearing protesters confronting city county officials considering whether limit ban hydraulic fracturing drilling procedure water sand chemicals forced deep underground pry oil gas rock fracking procedure called led energy boom areas previously unattractive energy producers also raising concerns air water quality advertisement protests colorado gotten intense hearings across state shouting opponents harass oil gas representatives even colorados governor democrat former geologist says fracking safe mobbed protesters leaving suburban denver meeting drilling earlier fall gov john hickenlooper ducked suv pulled away crowd protesters children chanted dirty water dirty air get sick dont care opposition fracking also surfaced idaho new mexico utah wyoming us environmental protection agency probed whether procedure may responsible groundwater contamination near wyoming town pavillion state officials others disputed claim wests antifracking movement hit watershed moment denver suburb years elections longmont town 85000 located 30 miles denver voted overwhelmingly buck state law prohibit fracking city setting legal showdown whether individual communities challenge powerful colorado oil amp gas conservation commission regulates industry statewide vote inspired fracking opponents fort collins colorado springs underscores energy industrys challenge looks expand new production areas classic case stand depends sit said david kennedy head bill lane center american west stanford university historic battle west cities farmers cities farmers frackers battling water battle one fracking opponents say win despite legacy prodrilling policies across state region advertisement oil gas state know going huge industry said neshama abraham freelance writer boulder helped lead fracking opposition county tremendously dangerous technology front door fracktivists making noise even heavily republican areas recent city council meeting colorado springs fracking protesters waved signs warning environmental destruction passing drivers honked support cant drink oil read one poster think longmont gave people hope possible take industry said laurel biedermann fracking skeptic colorado springs dont bend doormat industry colorado springs council postponed final vote drilling regulations fort collins city officials put sixmonth moratorium fracking public hearing residents sought delay fracking proponent justin williams owner coloradobased lone star energy argued colorado springs council meeting cities foolish try stop procedure fracking necessary said nations energy appetite demand unquenchable dont produce itll done countries employing 15yearolds williams said advertisement another drilling supporter decried calls mob mentality antifracking activists former colorado springs councilman sean paige colorados chapter rightleaning americans prosperity said hes disheartened new intense tone opponents paige wrote letter colorado governors calling civility recent boisterous protests theres conflict said ever dispute soon shift colorado capitol lawmakers tried failed ease drilling disputes last legislative session ended may fracking debate broke completely democrats proposed bills add new environmental requirements industry give towns say drilling regulations republicans countered proposals would stripped town banned drilling procedure certain tax benefits ultimately colorados democratic senate republican house agreed nothing related drilling session begins next month could different chambers democratic control fracking limits likely debated people dont want industrial process going right across fence said rep max tyler democrat denvers western suburbs lead house committee likely consider drilling regulations next year well definitely talking
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<p>NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Trae Young <a href="https://twitter.com/AP_Top25/status/955933023504973824" type="external">vowed to make changes</a> after his spectacular, yet inefficient game against Oklahoma State.</p>
<p>He wasn’t kidding.</p>
<p>Oklahoma’s fabulous freshman point guard had 26 points on just nine field goal attempts, and the 12th-ranked Sooners rallied to beat the fifth-ranked Jayhawks 85-80 on Tuesday night.</p>
<p>Young scored 48 points against Oklahoma State, but he took 39 shots and <a href="https://twitter.com/AP_Top25/status/954850471814074368" type="external">missed potential game-winning 3-pointers at the end of regulation and overtime in a loss</a> . Before that, he turned the ball over 12 times in a loss to Kansas State.</p>
<p>“The way I played at OSU — I was overly aggressive at OSU,” Young said. “I think tonight, I managed the game a lot better. I got back to the way I was playing before last week and even before K-State. I managed the game a lot better and teammates did a great job of making plays, too.”</p>
<p>Kansas coach Bill Self was impressed with the way Young adjusted.</p>
<p>“Kid played great,” Self said. “I mean he got 26 points on nine shots. That’s very impressive for a guard, and he was very under control and seemed to make the vast majority of the right plays for his team.”</p>
<p>Christian James scored 15 points and Brady Manek added 14 for the Sooners (15-4, 5-3 Big 12), who won their 13th straight at home.</p>
<p>Svi Mykhailiuk scored 24 points and Malik Newman added 20 for Kansas (16-4, 6-2), which had won five straight.</p>
<p>Devonte’ Graham, Kansas’ leading scorer, finished with 11 points on 4-of-19 shooting.</p>
<p>“I just missed shots,” Graham said. “I told the guys in the locker room that you could put this one on me because I felt like I let the team down today. I had good open shots, but I was just missing them.”</p>
<p>Kansas led for most of the second half before Young made two critical, unselfish plays. James’ 3-pointer with 1:09 remaining on an assist from Young put the Sooners up 82-80. Manek later drained a 3-pointer, also on an assist from Young, to make it 85-80 with 25 seconds to play.</p>
<p>“It’s in Trae’s hands to make a read and decision and create,” Oklahoma coach Lon Kruger said. “We did that all night, really. He made a good play to find Christian and Christian jumped in there and knocked it down. Brady did the same thing on the next possession. Two big shots.”</p>
<p>Oklahoma effectively limited Kansas center Udoka Azubuike. The 7-footer scored nine points, all in the second half. He played with foul trouble and made just 1 of 7 free throws.</p>
<p>Oklahoma drew the second foul on Azubuike with 10:14 left in the first half and Kansas leading 19-13. The Sooners went on a 13-4 run in the next three minutes to take the lead.</p>
<p>The Sooners led 43-41 at halftime. Young took just four shots and had six assists before the break, and he didn’t attempt a 3-pointer. Newman led Kansas with 15 points in the half and Mykhailiuk added 11. Graham was held to 7 points on 2 for 9 shooting before the break.</p>
<p>Azubuike made three consecutive buckets during a stretch early in the second half to give Kansas a 55-47 lead.</p>
<p>Oklahoma chipped away and got within striking range. The Sooners intentionally fouled Azubuike, a 41-percent free-throw shooter coming in, several times. He missed all five of his free throws in the final 3:37 to help the Sooners get back into the game.</p>
<p>“It was definitely frustrating because we didn’t really get a chance to run anything,” Graham said. “But I guess it was pretty smart on them doing that.”</p>
<p>BIG PICTURE</p>
<p>Kansas: The Jayhawks were two games ahead of the rest of the Big 12 in the loss column and missed a chance to take control of the conference race.</p>
<p>Oklahoma: The Sooners needed a win after the two road losses to unranked opponents. They also helped the rest of the league stay within range of the Jayhawks.</p>
<p>STAT LINES</p>
<p>Young’s nine field-goal attempts were his fewest of the season. He had attempted at least 20 shots in each of his previous five games. He had five turnovers against the Jayhawks, down from 12 against Kansas State and seven against Oklahoma State last week. He also attempted just three 3-pointers after taking 20 against Oklahoma State and at least 10 in each of his previous five games.</p>
<p>COACHES VS. CANCER</p>
<p>Oklahoma’s coaches and staff wore Nike Metcon 3 sneakers to support Suits and Sneakers Week, a Coaches vs. Cancer initiative that benefits the American Cancer Society. The National Association of Basketball Coaches is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Coaches vs. Cancer.</p>
<p>ROAD RUN SNAPPED</p>
<p>Kansas had won 10 straight true road games dating to last season.</p>
<p>UP NEXT</p>
<p>Kansas hosts Texas A&amp;M on Saturday in the Big 12/SEC Challenge.</p>
<p>Oklahoma travels to Alabama on Saturday in the Big 12/SEC Challenge.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow Cliff Brunt on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/CliffBruntAP" type="external" /> <a href="https://twitter.com/CliffBruntAP" type="external">https://twitter.com/CliffBruntAP</a></p>
<p>___</p>
<p>More AP college basketball: <a href="https://collegebasketball.ap.org" type="external" /> <a href="https://collegebasketball.ap.org" type="external">https://collegebasketball.ap.org</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/AP_Top25" type="external" /> <a href="https://twitter.com/AP_Top25" type="external">https://twitter.com/AP_Top25</a></p>
<p>NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Trae Young <a href="https://twitter.com/AP_Top25/status/955933023504973824" type="external">vowed to make changes</a> after his spectacular, yet inefficient game against Oklahoma State.</p>
<p>He wasn’t kidding.</p>
<p>Oklahoma’s fabulous freshman point guard had 26 points on just nine field goal attempts, and the 12th-ranked Sooners rallied to beat the fifth-ranked Jayhawks 85-80 on Tuesday night.</p>
<p>Young scored 48 points against Oklahoma State, but he took 39 shots and <a href="https://twitter.com/AP_Top25/status/954850471814074368" type="external">missed potential game-winning 3-pointers at the end of regulation and overtime in a loss</a> . Before that, he turned the ball over 12 times in a loss to Kansas State.</p>
<p>“The way I played at OSU — I was overly aggressive at OSU,” Young said. “I think tonight, I managed the game a lot better. I got back to the way I was playing before last week and even before K-State. I managed the game a lot better and teammates did a great job of making plays, too.”</p>
<p>Kansas coach Bill Self was impressed with the way Young adjusted.</p>
<p>“Kid played great,” Self said. “I mean he got 26 points on nine shots. That’s very impressive for a guard, and he was very under control and seemed to make the vast majority of the right plays for his team.”</p>
<p>Christian James scored 15 points and Brady Manek added 14 for the Sooners (15-4, 5-3 Big 12), who won their 13th straight at home.</p>
<p>Svi Mykhailiuk scored 24 points and Malik Newman added 20 for Kansas (16-4, 6-2), which had won five straight.</p>
<p>Devonte’ Graham, Kansas’ leading scorer, finished with 11 points on 4-of-19 shooting.</p>
<p>“I just missed shots,” Graham said. “I told the guys in the locker room that you could put this one on me because I felt like I let the team down today. I had good open shots, but I was just missing them.”</p>
<p>Kansas led for most of the second half before Young made two critical, unselfish plays. James’ 3-pointer with 1:09 remaining on an assist from Young put the Sooners up 82-80. Manek later drained a 3-pointer, also on an assist from Young, to make it 85-80 with 25 seconds to play.</p>
<p>“It’s in Trae’s hands to make a read and decision and create,” Oklahoma coach Lon Kruger said. “We did that all night, really. He made a good play to find Christian and Christian jumped in there and knocked it down. Brady did the same thing on the next possession. Two big shots.”</p>
<p>Oklahoma effectively limited Kansas center Udoka Azubuike. The 7-footer scored nine points, all in the second half. He played with foul trouble and made just 1 of 7 free throws.</p>
<p>Oklahoma drew the second foul on Azubuike with 10:14 left in the first half and Kansas leading 19-13. The Sooners went on a 13-4 run in the next three minutes to take the lead.</p>
<p>The Sooners led 43-41 at halftime. Young took just four shots and had six assists before the break, and he didn’t attempt a 3-pointer. Newman led Kansas with 15 points in the half and Mykhailiuk added 11. Graham was held to 7 points on 2 for 9 shooting before the break.</p>
<p>Azubuike made three consecutive buckets during a stretch early in the second half to give Kansas a 55-47 lead.</p>
<p>Oklahoma chipped away and got within striking range. The Sooners intentionally fouled Azubuike, a 41-percent free-throw shooter coming in, several times. He missed all five of his free throws in the final 3:37 to help the Sooners get back into the game.</p>
<p>“It was definitely frustrating because we didn’t really get a chance to run anything,” Graham said. “But I guess it was pretty smart on them doing that.”</p>
<p>BIG PICTURE</p>
<p>Kansas: The Jayhawks were two games ahead of the rest of the Big 12 in the loss column and missed a chance to take control of the conference race.</p>
<p>Oklahoma: The Sooners needed a win after the two road losses to unranked opponents. They also helped the rest of the league stay within range of the Jayhawks.</p>
<p>STAT LINES</p>
<p>Young’s nine field-goal attempts were his fewest of the season. He had attempted at least 20 shots in each of his previous five games. He had five turnovers against the Jayhawks, down from 12 against Kansas State and seven against Oklahoma State last week. He also attempted just three 3-pointers after taking 20 against Oklahoma State and at least 10 in each of his previous five games.</p>
<p>COACHES VS. CANCER</p>
<p>Oklahoma’s coaches and staff wore Nike Metcon 3 sneakers to support Suits and Sneakers Week, a Coaches vs. Cancer initiative that benefits the American Cancer Society. The National Association of Basketball Coaches is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Coaches vs. Cancer.</p>
<p>ROAD RUN SNAPPED</p>
<p>Kansas had won 10 straight true road games dating to last season.</p>
<p>UP NEXT</p>
<p>Kansas hosts Texas A&amp;M on Saturday in the Big 12/SEC Challenge.</p>
<p>Oklahoma travels to Alabama on Saturday in the Big 12/SEC Challenge.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow Cliff Brunt on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/CliffBruntAP" type="external" /> <a href="https://twitter.com/CliffBruntAP" type="external">https://twitter.com/CliffBruntAP</a></p>
<p>___</p>
<p>More AP college basketball: <a href="https://collegebasketball.ap.org" type="external" /> <a href="https://collegebasketball.ap.org" type="external">https://collegebasketball.ap.org</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/AP_Top25" type="external" /> <a href="https://twitter.com/AP_Top25" type="external">https://twitter.com/AP_Top25</a></p>
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norman okla ap trae young vowed make changes spectacular yet inefficient game oklahoma state wasnt kidding oklahomas fabulous freshman point guard 26 points nine field goal attempts 12thranked sooners rallied beat fifthranked jayhawks 8580 tuesday night young scored 48 points oklahoma state took 39 shots missed potential gamewinning 3pointers end regulation overtime loss turned ball 12 times loss kansas state way played osu overly aggressive osu young said think tonight managed game lot better got back way playing last week even kstate managed game lot better teammates great job making plays kansas coach bill self impressed way young adjusted kid played great self said mean got 26 points nine shots thats impressive guard control seemed make vast majority right plays team christian james scored 15 points brady manek added 14 sooners 154 53 big 12 13th straight home svi mykhailiuk scored 24 points malik newman added 20 kansas 164 62 five straight devonte graham kansas leading scorer finished 11 points 4of19 shooting missed shots graham said told guys locker room could put one felt like let team today good open shots missing kansas led second half young made two critical unselfish plays james 3pointer 109 remaining assist young put sooners 8280 manek later drained 3pointer also assist young make 8580 25 seconds play traes hands make read decision create oklahoma coach lon kruger said night really made good play find christian christian jumped knocked brady thing next possession two big shots oklahoma effectively limited kansas center udoka azubuike 7footer scored nine points second half played foul trouble made 1 7 free throws oklahoma drew second foul azubuike 1014 left first half kansas leading 1913 sooners went 134 run next three minutes take lead sooners led 4341 halftime young took four shots six assists break didnt attempt 3pointer newman led kansas 15 points half mykhailiuk added 11 graham held 7 points 2 9 shooting break azubuike made three consecutive buckets stretch early second half give kansas 5547 lead oklahoma chipped away got within striking range sooners intentionally fouled azubuike 41percent freethrow shooter coming several times missed five free throws final 337 help sooners get back game definitely frustrating didnt really get chance run anything graham said guess pretty smart big picture kansas jayhawks two games ahead rest big 12 loss column missed chance take control conference race oklahoma sooners needed win two road losses unranked opponents also helped rest league stay within range jayhawks stat lines youngs nine fieldgoal attempts fewest season attempted least 20 shots previous five games five turnovers jayhawks 12 kansas state seven oklahoma state last week also attempted three 3pointers taking 20 oklahoma state least 10 previous five games coaches vs cancer oklahomas coaches staff wore nike metcon 3 sneakers support suits sneakers week coaches vs cancer initiative benefits american cancer society national association basketball coaches celebrating 25th anniversary coaches vs cancer road run snapped kansas 10 straight true road games dating last season next kansas hosts texas aampm saturday big 12sec challenge oklahoma travels alabama saturday big 12sec challenge ___ follow cliff brunt twitter httpstwittercomcliffbruntap ___ ap college basketball httpscollegebasketballaporg httpstwittercomap_top25 norman okla ap trae young vowed make changes spectacular yet inefficient game oklahoma state wasnt kidding oklahomas fabulous freshman point guard 26 points nine field goal attempts 12thranked sooners rallied beat fifthranked jayhawks 8580 tuesday night young scored 48 points oklahoma state took 39 shots missed potential gamewinning 3pointers end regulation overtime loss turned ball 12 times loss kansas state way played osu overly aggressive osu young said think tonight managed game lot better got back way playing last week even kstate managed game lot better teammates great job making plays kansas coach bill self impressed way young adjusted kid played great self said mean got 26 points nine shots thats impressive guard control seemed make vast majority right plays team christian james scored 15 points brady manek added 14 sooners 154 53 big 12 13th straight home svi mykhailiuk scored 24 points malik newman added 20 kansas 164 62 five straight devonte graham kansas leading scorer finished 11 points 4of19 shooting missed shots graham said told guys locker room could put one felt like let team today good open shots missing kansas led second half young made two critical unselfish plays james 3pointer 109 remaining assist young put sooners 8280 manek later drained 3pointer also assist young make 8580 25 seconds play traes hands make read decision create oklahoma coach lon kruger said night really made good play find christian christian jumped knocked brady thing next possession two big shots oklahoma effectively limited kansas center udoka azubuike 7footer scored nine points second half played foul trouble made 1 7 free throws oklahoma drew second foul azubuike 1014 left first half kansas leading 1913 sooners went 134 run next three minutes take lead sooners led 4341 halftime young took four shots six assists break didnt attempt 3pointer newman led kansas 15 points half mykhailiuk added 11 graham held 7 points 2 9 shooting break azubuike made three consecutive buckets stretch early second half give kansas 5547 lead oklahoma chipped away got within striking range sooners intentionally fouled azubuike 41percent freethrow shooter coming several times missed five free throws final 337 help sooners get back game definitely frustrating didnt really get chance run anything graham said guess pretty smart big picture kansas jayhawks two games ahead rest big 12 loss column missed chance take control conference race oklahoma sooners needed win two road losses unranked opponents also helped rest league stay within range jayhawks stat lines youngs nine fieldgoal attempts fewest season attempted least 20 shots previous five games five turnovers jayhawks 12 kansas state seven oklahoma state last week also attempted three 3pointers taking 20 oklahoma state least 10 previous five games coaches vs cancer oklahomas coaches staff wore nike metcon 3 sneakers support suits sneakers week coaches vs cancer initiative benefits american cancer society national association basketball coaches celebrating 25th anniversary coaches vs cancer road run snapped kansas 10 straight true road games dating last season next kansas hosts texas aampm saturday big 12sec challenge oklahoma travels alabama saturday big 12sec challenge ___ follow cliff brunt twitter httpstwittercomcliffbruntap ___ ap college basketball httpscollegebasketballaporg httpstwittercomap_top25
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<p>September 30, 2005: An excerpt from a <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/30/politics/30COURT.html?ei=5094&amp;en=2ad1e58f95f5ea69&amp;hp=&amp;ex=1128139200&amp;adxnnl=1&amp;partner=homepage&amp;adxnnlx=1128082365-zILS94LfK0PEFtmCbNN1qw" type="external">story</a> in <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/" type="external">The New York Times</a> -- Times Reporter Free From Jail; She Will Testify By David Johnston and Douglas Jehl</p>
<p>WASHINGTON, Sept. 29 - Judith Miller, the reporter for The New York Times who has been jailed since July 6 for refusing to testify in the C.I.A. leak case, was released Thursday from a Virginia detention center after she and her lawyers reached an agreement with a federal prosecutor in which she would testify before a grand jury investigating the case, the publisher and the executive editor of the paper said.</p>
<p>Ms. Miller was freed after spending more than 12 weeks in jail, during which she refused to cooperate with the inquiry. Her decision to testify was made after she had obtained what she described as a waiver offered "voluntarily and personally" by a source who said she was no longer bound by any pledge of confidentiality she had made to him. Ms. Miller said the source had made clear that he genuinely wanted her to testify.___________________________________________________September 29, 2005: An excerpt from a story in the Austin (Texas) <a href="http://www.statesman.com/" type="external">American-Statesman</a> --</p>
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<p>DeLay blames vengeful politics for indictment</p>
<p>By Laylan CopelinU.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay temporarily resigned his leadership post Wednesday and demanded a quick trial on charges that he conspired to violate election laws barring the use of corporate money in Texas campaigns.</p>
<p>The moves came in reponse to a Travis County grand jury indicting DeLay and reindicting two associates, John Colyandro of Austin and Jim Ellis of Washington, on state felony charges of criminal conspiracy.____________________________________________________</p>
<p>September 28, 2005: An excerpt from a <a href="http://www.nola.com/katrina/" type="external">story</a> in The (New Orleans, Louisiana) <a href="http://www.nola.com/t-p/" type="external">Times-Picayune</a> -- COMPASS RESIGNSBy James Varney and Michael Perlstein</p>
<p>New Orleans Police Superintendent Eddie Compass, whose emotional media appearances since Hurricane Katrina made him one of the city's most recognizable figures nationwide, abruptly announced his retirement Tuesday.The stunning departure of the city's top cop roiled New Orleans leaders, and raised questions of whether Mayor Ray Nagin forced Compass from his job. Earlier this month, on Sept. 9, Compass said, "I want to be police chief here as long as I can and as long as Mayor Nagin will have me."_____________________________________________________</p>
<p>September 27, 2005: An excerpt from a <a href="http://www.lufkindailynews.com/news/content/news/stories/2005/09/27/20050927LDNjasper.html" type="external">story</a> in The Lufkin (Texas) <a href="http://www.lufkindailynews.com/" type="external">Daily News</a> --Situation in Jasper 'desperate'By Christine S. Diamond and Bronwyn Turner</p>
<p>JASPER -- This is a city without power and in peril, rescue workers said Monday, citing a worst-case scenario of two months without electricity for the town nicknamed "The Jewel of the Forest."The curtain of trees surrounding Jasper became her enemy when Hurricane Rita roared through."We sustained hurricane winds of about 100 to 120 mph for about a nine-hour period, so we have thousands of trees down within our city," said Jasper Police Chief Todd Hunter, who paused during a hectic day to sound a shrill note of alarm. "Our city is without gas. We have no gas except to run emergency vehicles, This city is without food. There were some MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) brought in yesterday, but it was not enough."People are becoming desperate. They've been three days without water. They weren't prepared," he added.______________________________________________________</p>
<p>September 26, 2005: An excerpt from a <a href="http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/topstory/3369452" type="external">story</a> in the <a href="http://www.houstonchronicle.com/" type="external">Houston Chronicle</a> -- WELCOME HOMEBy Tony Freemantle and Bill MurphyLike a prizefighter shaking off a glancing blow, Houston is getting back on its feet as stores and restaurants slowly reopen, thousands of residents return to their homes and tankers begin replenishing parched gasoline stations.The greater metropolitan area was spared major damage from Hurricane Rita as it came ashore early Saturday. But the storm, in one way or another, disrupted daily life to such a degree that it will likely take days to get back to normal._______________________________________________________September 25, 2005: An excerpt from a Page One publisher's note in the Corpus Christi (Texas) <a href="http://www.caller.com/" type="external">Caller-Times</a> --Publisher's noteBy Patrick J. Birmingham, President &amp; PublisherFrom all of us at the Corpus Christi Caller-Times, welcome back, and we hope that you and your loved ones are safe and secure as you return to your homes and businesses.This morning's edition of the Caller-Times signals operations at the newspaper almost are back to normal....It was a difficult decision to suspend publication of the print edition of the Caller-Times, but the safety and welfare of our employees and our carriers were, and always will be, our primary concern.....We appreciate your understanding and thank you for your loyalty. We, of course, will continue to provide you with award-winning coverage of Coastal Bend news and events in the Caller-Times and on Caller.com._________________________________________________________September 23, 2005: A Page One announcement from The Beaumont (Texas) <a href="http://www.southeasttexaslive.com/" type="external">Enterprise</a> -- TO OUR READERSToday's special hurricane edition of The Beaumont Enterprise -- and maybe newspapers in coming days -- will be reduced to essentials so we can balance storm coverage against the safety of our employees, many of whom have evacuated.Continue to go to <a href="http://www.southeasttexaslive.com/" type="external">southeasttexaslive.com</a> for expanded, real-time updates as Rita unfolds.________________________________________________________September 22, 2005: An excerpt from a <a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-jetblue22sep22,0,835870.story?coll=la-home-headlines" type="external">story</a> in the <a href="http://www.latimes.com/" type="external">Los Angeles Times</a> --Disabled Airliner Creates a 3-Hour Drama in SkiesBy Stuart Pfeifer, Megan Garvey and Monte Morin A landing gear malfunction on a packed JetBlue airliner turned a routine coast-to-coast flight into a three-hour ordeal for 145 passengers and crew members Wednesday as pilots repeatedly circled above Southern California before making an emergency landing at Los Angeles International Airport.The plight of JetBlue Flight 292 became a national spectacle as television stations carried live images of the crippled jet. In a twist that some described as bizarre, passengers themselves avidly watched the newscasts on seatback screens."My friend said, 'Hey dude, something's wrong with our plane. We're on TV,' " recalled Jorge Santiago, 24, of El Monte, saying he woke from his slumber and realized the severity of the situation. "Honest to God, I thought it was a dream."__________________________________________________September 21, 2005: An excerpt from a column in The (Galveston County, Texas) <a href="http://galvestondailynews.com/" type="external">Daily News</a> --Publisher's Letter to ReadersDear readers, No matter what Hurricane Rita does, now that Galveston County has called a mandatory evacuation, events will affect The Galveston County Daily News in a number of ways.We hope for your patience and understanding as we face production and distribution problems over the next few days.....All of us who work at The Daily News thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through a difficult time.&#160; We also urge you to heed the evacuation call, and take care of yourselves and your families.And we promise -- we'll be back to normal as soom as possible. Dolph TillotsonPresident &amp; Publisher_________________________________________________________September 20, 2005: An excerpt from a <a href="http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050920/NEWS02/509200332" type="external">story</a> in the&#160;(Melbourne)&#160; <a href="http://www.floridatoday.com/" type="external">Florida Today</a> --</p>
<p>'Apollo on steroids'NASA envisions moon landing by 2018By Todd HalvorsonFlorida Today</p>
<p>CAPE CANAVERAL - NASA will spend about $104 billion to send astronauts back to the moon by 2018 with new rockets fashioned from shuttle components and Apollo-style capsules and lunar landers, officials said Monday.</p>
<p>Spread out over 13 years, the price tag is about half the cost of the Apollo moon-landing project when measured in current dollars, NASA Administrator Mike Griffin said.__________________________________________________________</p>
<p>September 19, 2005: The German newspaper,&#160; <a href="http://www.welt.de/" type="external">Die Welt</a>, reports on the country's parliamentary election.&#160;_____________________________________________________________September 16, 2005: An excerpt from a <a href="http://www.theadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050916/NEWS05/509160343" type="external">story</a> in The (Lafayette, Louisiana) <a href="http://www.theadvertiser.com/" type="external">Daily Advertiser</a> --Bush vows to rebuild cityBy Richard BenedettoUSA Today</p>
<p>NEW ORLEANS - Promising that "this great city will rise again," President Bush said Thursday that the federal government will pay for most rebuilding. Bush did not put a price tag on what he said will be "one of the largest reconstruction efforts the world has ever seen."</p>
<p>Bush proposed initiatives to help evacuees find jobs and give them a chance to get free federal land for new homes. When the area is rebuilt in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, he said, it should confront poverty and "rise above the legacy of inequality" so people can return to jobs and houses they own._____________________________________________________________</p>
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<p>By Scott DoddKnight Ridder NewspapersBILOXI -- Overwhelming need gripped the Mississippi Coast two days after Hurricane Katrina dealt the region a devastating blow.</p>
<p>In the hardest-hit areas, where hundreds of people lost their homes, cars and everything they own, parents wandered the streets Wednesday begging for water for their babies, and local officials grew frustrated at the slow response."We're not getting any help yet," said Biloxi Fire Department Battalion Chief Joe Boney. "We need water. We need ice. I've been told it's coming, but we've got people in shelters who haven't had a drink since the storm."</p>
<p>Lucrece Phillips' sleepless nights are filled with the images of dead babies and women, and young and old men with tattered T-shirts or graying temples, all of whom she saw floating along the streets of the Lower 9th Ward.</p>
<p>The deaths of many of her neighbors who chose to brave the hurricane from behind the walls of their Painter Street homes shook tears from Phillips' bloodshot eyes Tuesday, as a harrowing tale of death and survival tumbled from her lips.</p>
<p>"The rescuers in the boats that picked us up had to push the bodies back with sticks," Phillips said sobbing. "And there was this little baby. She looked so perfect and so beautiful. I just wanted to scoop her up and breathe life back into her little lungs. She wasn't bloated or anything, just perfect."</p>
<p>A few hours after Phillips, 42, and five members of her family and a friend had been rescued from the attic of her second-story home in the 2700 block of Painter Street, she broke down with a range of emotions. Joy, for surviving the killer floods; pain, for the loss of so many lives; and uncertainty, about the well-being of her family missing in the city's most ravaged quarters.</p>
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september 30 2005 excerpt story new york times times reporter free jail testify david johnston douglas jehl washington sept 29 judith miller reporter new york times jailed since july 6 refusing testify cia leak case released thursday virginia detention center lawyers reached agreement federal prosecutor would testify grand jury investigating case publisher executive editor paper said ms miller freed spending 12 weeks jail refused cooperate inquiry decision testify made obtained described waiver offered voluntarily personally source said longer bound pledge confidentiality made ms miller said source made clear genuinely wanted testify___________________________________________________september 29 2005 excerpt story austin texas americanstatesman delay blames vengeful politics indictment laylan copelinus house majority leader tom delay temporarily resigned leadership post wednesday demanded quick trial charges conspired violate election laws barring use corporate money texas campaigns moves came reponse travis county grand jury indicting delay reindicting two associates john colyandro austin jim ellis washington state felony charges criminal conspiracy____________________________________________________ september 28 2005 excerpt story new orleans louisiana timespicayune compass resignsby james varney michael perlstein new orleans police superintendent eddie compass whose emotional media appearances since hurricane katrina made one citys recognizable figures nationwide abruptly announced retirement tuesdaythe stunning departure citys top cop roiled new orleans leaders raised questions whether mayor ray nagin forced compass job earlier month sept 9 compass said want police chief long long mayor nagin me_____________________________________________________ september 27 2005 excerpt story lufkin texas daily news situation jasper desperateby christine diamond bronwyn turner jasper city without power peril rescue workers said monday citing worstcase scenario two months without electricity town nicknamed jewel forestthe curtain trees surrounding jasper became enemy hurricane rita roared throughwe sustained hurricane winds 100 120 mph ninehour period thousands trees within city said jasper police chief todd hunter paused hectic day sound shrill note alarm city without gas gas except run emergency vehicles city without food mres meals ready eat brought yesterday enoughpeople becoming desperate theyve three days without water werent prepared added______________________________________________________ september 26 2005 excerpt story houston chronicle welcome homeby tony freemantle bill murphylike prizefighter shaking glancing blow houston getting back feet stores restaurants slowly reopen thousands residents return homes tankers begin replenishing parched gasoline stationsthe greater metropolitan area spared major damage hurricane rita came ashore early saturday storm one way another disrupted daily life degree likely take days get back normal_______________________________________________________september 25 2005 excerpt page one publishers note corpus christi texas callertimes publishers noteby patrick j birmingham president amp publisherfrom us corpus christi callertimes welcome back hope loved ones safe secure return homes businessesthis mornings edition callertimes signals operations newspaper almost back normalit difficult decision suspend publication print edition callertimes safety welfare employees carriers always primary concernwe appreciate understanding thank loyalty course continue provide awardwinning coverage coastal bend news events callertimes callercom_________________________________________________________september 23 2005 page one announcement beaumont texas enterprise readerstodays special hurricane edition beaumont enterprise maybe newspapers coming days reduced essentials balance storm coverage safety employees many evacuatedcontinue go southeasttexaslivecom expanded realtime updates rita unfolds________________________________________________________september 22 2005 excerpt story los angeles times disabled airliner creates 3hour drama skiesby stuart pfeifer megan garvey monte morin landing gear malfunction packed jetblue airliner turned routine coasttocoast flight threehour ordeal 145 passengers crew members wednesday pilots repeatedly circled southern california making emergency landing los angeles international airportthe plight jetblue flight 292 became national spectacle television stations carried live images crippled jet twist described bizarre passengers avidly watched newscasts seatback screensmy friend said hey dude somethings wrong plane tv recalled jorge santiago 24 el monte saying woke slumber realized severity situation honest god thought dream__________________________________________________september 21 2005 excerpt column galveston county texas daily news publishers letter readersdear readers matter hurricane rita galveston county called mandatory evacuation events affect galveston county daily news number wayswe hope patience understanding face production distribution problems next daysall us work daily news thank patience understanding work difficult time160 also urge heed evacuation call take care familiesand promise well back normal soom possible dolph tillotsonpresident amp publisher_________________________________________________________september 20 2005 excerpt story the160melbourne160 florida today apollo steroidsnasa envisions moon landing 2018by todd halvorsonflorida today cape canaveral nasa spend 104 billion send astronauts back moon 2018 new rockets fashioned shuttle components apollostyle capsules lunar landers officials said monday spread 13 years price tag half cost apollo moonlanding project measured current dollars nasa administrator mike griffin said__________________________________________________________ september 19 2005 german newspaper160 die welt reports countrys parliamentary election160_____________________________________________________________september 16 2005 excerpt story lafayette louisiana daily advertiser bush vows rebuild cityby richard benedettousa today new orleans promising great city rise president bush said thursday federal government pay rebuilding bush put price tag said one largest reconstruction efforts world ever seen bush proposed initiatives help evacuees find jobs give chance get free federal land new homes area rebuilt aftermath hurricane katrina said confront poverty rise legacy inequality people return jobs houses own_____________________________________________________________ scott doddknight ridder newspapersbiloxi overwhelming need gripped mississippi coast two days hurricane katrina dealt region devastating blow hardesthit areas hundreds people lost homes cars everything parents wandered streets wednesday begging water babies local officials grew frustrated slow responsewere getting help yet said biloxi fire department battalion chief joe boney need water need ice ive told coming weve got people shelters havent drink since storm lucrece phillips sleepless nights filled images dead babies women young old men tattered tshirts graying temples saw floating along streets lower 9th ward deaths many neighbors chose brave hurricane behind walls painter street homes shook tears phillips bloodshot eyes tuesday harrowing tale death survival tumbled lips rescuers boats picked us push bodies back sticks phillips said sobbing little baby looked perfect beautiful wanted scoop breathe life back little lungs wasnt bloated anything perfect hours phillips 42 five members family friend rescued attic secondstory home 2700 block painter street broke range emotions joy surviving killer floods pain loss many lives uncertainty wellbeing family missing citys ravaged quarters
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<p>WASHINGTON — By just about everyone’s estimation, the Federal Reserve will have an announcement to make Wednesday afternoon: It’s raising interest rates.</p>
<p>The expected hike, the Fed’s first since last December, will signal its view that the U.S. job market and economy are nearing full health, with the unemployment rate at an unusually low 4.6 percent. It would also mean that rates on some consumer and business loans will likely increase modestly.</p>
<p>What no one knows is what the Fed may say about the likely pace of future rate increases or perhaps about the economy’s prospects under the incoming Trump administration. Any answers — or at least hints — could come in a statement the Fed will release, in its updated economic forecasts and in a news conference by Chair Janet Yellen.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Whatever message they send, Fed policymakers will have had much to discuss during their two-day meeting, having not met since President-elect Donald Trump’s surprise election victory Nov. 8.</p>
<p>Here are three things to watch for after the Fed’s meeting ends:</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>STATE OF THE ECONOMY</p>
<p>The Fed most recently raised its key policy rate last December, after having left it at a record low near zero since the financial crisis erupted seven years earlier. In a statement, it will explain its rate decision and its view of the economy.</p>
<p>So far, the Fed has expressed the belief that still-low inflation gives it leeway to raise rates at a very gradual pace. Investors will be watching to see if it modifies that view.</p>
<p>An especially rosy view, with expectations of a steadily rising job market and inflation edging closer to the Fed’s 2 percent target, could suggest a relatively fast pace of future rate increases. A more cautious outlook, by contrast, would signal that the central bank expects to further raise rates only incrementally.</p>
<p>In the arcane world of Fed-speak, seemingly trivial word changes can sometimes have a major impact. Investors will be watching its statement, for example, to see whether the Fed changes its observation that “near-term risks to the economic outlook appear roughly balanced.” Just dropping the word “roughly” would be seen as an upgrade of the Fed’s economic view — and perhaps a signal that it foresees a relatively quickened pace of rate increases.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>FORECAST AND DOT PLOT</p>
<p>Each quarter, the 17 members of the Fed’s policy committee — five board members (there are two vacancies) and 12 regional bank presidents — offer their own individual, but anonymous, forecasts for the economy’s performance. Any significant upgrade Wednesday of those forecasts — for economic growth, the unemployment rate and inflation — could mean the Fed is growing more confident that the economy has strengthened enough to withstand a faster pace of rate hikes.</p>
<p>The current 4.6 percent unemployment rate, a nine-year low, is below the 4.8 percent that Fed officials in September had collectively pegged as full employment. And after an anemic first half of the year, economic growth has accelerated in the second half.</p>
<p>Another gauge to watch is where the 17 officials foresee the path of their benchmark rate, the federal funds rate. Each official’s expectation is represented as a dot on the rate chart. Fed officials stress that the chart is merely a projection of where rates might go and is not a pledge of any kind. A year ago, for example, the “dot plot” suggested that the Fed would raise rates four times in 2016. Yet a rate hike Wednesday would be the first this year.</p>
<p>In September, the Fed officials projected one rate hike for 2016 and two each in 2017 and 2018. Some economists are now revising their own forecasts to show three or even four rate increases for next year if Trump succeeds in getting his economic program through Congress and the program begins to accelerate the economy.</p>
<p>Once inaugurated, Trump will have the authority to immediately fill the two vacancies on the Fed’s board. Those new officials could have a key role in influencing future rate decisions.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>YELLEN’S VIEW</p>
<p>After the Fed’s announcement, Yellen will take questions from reporters, who will seek details about the Fed’s discussions, its economic outlook and its thoughts on the Trump administration. If history is a guide, expect Yellen to be exceedingly cautious in discussing how the Fed may or may not fine-tune its policymaking in response to Trump’s plans to slash taxes, ease regulations, speed infrastructure spending — and possibly try to diminish the Fed’s independence.</p>
<p>Since Trump’s victory, stock markets have rallied, sending stocks to record highs, while bonds have absorbed losses on expectations of higher inflation and interest rates. Investors appear to be betting that the economy will strengthen along with corporate profits. A faster-growing economy could mean more rapid rate hikes from the Fed.</p>
<p>Yellen, though, will likely tread carefully in her assessment of the Trump agenda’s likely impact on the economy, in part because the president-elect’s agenda could undergo significant revision in its path through Congress.</p>
<p>The Fed chair may be less hesitant to reject Republican proposals in Congress to rein in the Fed’s authority and independence. These efforts include a proposal to authorize Congress’s auditing arm to review the Fed’s rate decisions and require it to establish a formula to use in setting its policies.</p>
<p>Yellen has criticized all those proposals, arguing that restricting the Fed’s political independence would be a serious error, with possibly dangerous consequences for the economy.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>An animated explainer on the Fed’s benchmark rate: <a href="http://bit.ly/2daPpm5" type="external">http://bit.ly/2daPpm5</a></p>
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washington everyones estimation federal reserve announcement make wednesday afternoon raising interest rates expected hike feds first since last december signal view us job market economy nearing full health unemployment rate unusually low 46 percent would also mean rates consumer business loans likely increase modestly one knows fed may say likely pace future rate increases perhaps economys prospects incoming trump administration answers least hints could come statement fed release updated economic forecasts news conference chair janet yellen advertisement whatever message send fed policymakers much discuss twoday meeting met since presidentelect donald trumps surprise election victory nov 8 three things watch feds meeting ends ___ state economy fed recently raised key policy rate last december left record low near zero since financial crisis erupted seven years earlier statement explain rate decision view economy far fed expressed belief stilllow inflation gives leeway raise rates gradual pace investors watching see modifies view especially rosy view expectations steadily rising job market inflation edging closer feds 2 percent target could suggest relatively fast pace future rate increases cautious outlook contrast would signal central bank expects raise rates incrementally arcane world fedspeak seemingly trivial word changes sometimes major impact investors watching statement example see whether fed changes observation nearterm risks economic outlook appear roughly balanced dropping word roughly would seen upgrade feds economic view perhaps signal foresees relatively quickened pace rate increases advertisement ___ forecast dot plot quarter 17 members feds policy committee five board members two vacancies 12 regional bank presidents offer individual anonymous forecasts economys performance significant upgrade wednesday forecasts economic growth unemployment rate inflation could mean fed growing confident economy strengthened enough withstand faster pace rate hikes current 46 percent unemployment rate nineyear low 48 percent fed officials september collectively pegged full employment anemic first half year economic growth accelerated second half another gauge watch 17 officials foresee path benchmark rate federal funds rate officials expectation represented dot rate chart fed officials stress chart merely projection rates might go pledge kind year ago example dot plot suggested fed would raise rates four times 2016 yet rate hike wednesday would first year september fed officials projected one rate hike 2016 two 2017 2018 economists revising forecasts show three even four rate increases next year trump succeeds getting economic program congress program begins accelerate economy inaugurated trump authority immediately fill two vacancies feds board new officials could key role influencing future rate decisions ___ yellens view feds announcement yellen take questions reporters seek details feds discussions economic outlook thoughts trump administration history guide expect yellen exceedingly cautious discussing fed may may finetune policymaking response trumps plans slash taxes ease regulations speed infrastructure spending possibly try diminish feds independence since trumps victory stock markets rallied sending stocks record highs bonds absorbed losses expectations higher inflation interest rates investors appear betting economy strengthen along corporate profits fastergrowing economy could mean rapid rate hikes fed yellen though likely tread carefully assessment trump agendas likely impact economy part presidentelects agenda could undergo significant revision path congress fed chair may less hesitant reject republican proposals congress rein feds authority independence efforts include proposal authorize congresss auditing arm review feds rate decisions require establish formula use setting policies yellen criticized proposals arguing restricting feds political independence would serious error possibly dangerous consequences economy ___ animated explainer feds benchmark rate httpbitly2dappm5
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<p>Those actions set the stage for a special session in the coming weeks.</p>
<p>The two-term Republican governor did sign a separate budget bill approved by lawmakers but used her line-item veto authority to ax $774.8 million from the plan – including the higher education funding as well as all funding for the legislative branch.</p>
<p>Those vetoes were apparently aimed at forcing lawmakers back to the bargaining table for the special session while temporarily balancing the spending bill without tax increases.</p>
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<p>Both lawmakers and the governor said they intend to pass a new funding measure for universities and the legislative branch in a special session, but university leaders say the vetoes could make it difficult for them to plan for the coming budget year, which starts in less than three months. And the vetoes drew scathing criticism from top-ranking Democratic lawmakers.</p>
<p>Senate Finance Committee Chairman John Arthur Smith, D-Deming, said Martinez’s action reflected a lack of “fiscal competence.”</p>
<p>“I’ve served under five governors, and all of those previous governors were responsible,” Smith told the Journal. “The bottom line is, I’ve never seen anything like this.”</p>
<p>Another longtime lawmaker, Senate Minority Leader Stuart Ingle, R-Portales, called the governor’s actions a “little bit different,” but expressed confidence that a deal will be struck to ensure adequate funding is provided before July.</p>
<p>“We’ve got to come back up there and get it fixed, and I’m sure we will,” Ingle said Friday.</p>
<p>Martinez, who also vetoed a Democratic-backed tax overhaul measure, signaled Friday that there would be ample time in the special session to come up with a new funding measure for higher education institutions, which have already faced steep spending reductions in recent years.</p>
<p>But the governor also expressed simmering frustration with the Senate for not holding confirmation hearings on several of her regent appointees, including some at the University of New Mexico, as part of the reason for her line-item veto of $744.8 million in proposed funding for colleges and universities.</p>
<p>“The Legislature has disappointed me in the past, but I cannot recall another time where I’ve ever felt that their reckless decision had left New Mexico hanging in the balance,” Martinez said in a statement.</p>
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<p>Budget crisis</p>
<p>A state budget crisis caused largely by plummeting oil and natural gas prices was a dominant theme in this year’s 60-day legislative session, which ended last month.</p>
<p>Lawmakers began the session by approving a $190 million solvency package aimed at plugging a projected budget deficit for this year by taking money from school district reserve funds and various state government accounts.</p>
<p>Later in the session, in putting together a $6.1 billion spending plan for the coming year, leading Democratic lawmakers relied on tax and fee increases to help fund government operations, saying additional spending cuts would harm the state’s economy – New Mexico already has the nation’s highest jobless rate – and cripple state services.</p>
<p>But Martinez, in her veto message on the $350 million tax package, House Bill 202, said the legislation would have hit low- and middle-income New Mexico families the hardest.</p>
<p>“From the beginning, I have said that I will not raise taxes, yet the Legislature continues to try to force tax increases on New Mexican families and small businesses,” she said.</p>
<p>Since taking office in 2011, Martinez has vowed to oppose any tax increases approved by lawmakers, though her administration has signaled a willingness to close certain tax “loopholes” if doing so levels the state’s tax code.</p>
<p>The vetoed tax legislation included an increase of 10 cents a gallon in the state’s gasoline tax, a higher tax rate for buying new or used vehicles and a requirement that out-of-state online retailers collect gross receipts tax from consumers.</p>
<p>In her veto message Friday, Martinez encouraged lawmakers to work in a bipartisan fashion on tax overhaul legislation during the coming special session.</p>
<p>Such legislation could include both a plan to overhaul the state’s gross receipts tax system by eliminating hundreds of exemptions and lowering the state’s base rate, and a proposal to create a new “rainy-day” fund that would bolster the state’s cash reserves when oil and gas prices drop.</p>
<p>Both proposals were introduced by Republican lawmakers during this year’s legislative session, and there’s no guarantee the Democratic-controlled Legislature would have the appetite to pass them in a special session.</p>
<p>Rep. Jason Harper, R-Rio Rancho, who sponsored the measure to overhaul the gross receipts tax, applauded the governor’s veto of the tax package and expressed optimism that a deal could be in the works.</p>
<p>“We are ready to compromise on ways to generate revenue if it’s part of comprehensive tax reform to get us out of our economic death spiral,” Harper said in an interview. “I’m hopeful we can come together.”</p>
<p>However, some Democratic lawmakers questioned how much leverage Martinez, whose term ends in 2018, would have in a special session.</p>
<p>“We’re going to find out how many (legislators) are still going to be willing to walk in lockstep with her,” Smith said.</p>
<p>Legal questions</p>
<p>The governor’s line-item veto of both funding for higher education institutions and nearly $18.8 million in funding for legislative branch agencies prompted some legislators to question the legality of the action.</p>
<p>Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe, said Friday that legislative staff would review the constitutionality of the vetoes, which could pave the way for a possible court challenge.</p>
<p>“The question is whether a line-item veto can be used to eliminate state agencies and go one step further and eliminate another branch of government by taking away its funding,” Wirth said Friday. “She clearly can veto the whole budget, but that’s not what she did. These are targeted vetoes.”</p>
<p>“I think it’s the Legislature’s authority to create agencies,” Wirth added. “This action in effect does away with higher education in New Mexico – I think there are a number of legal questions about whether that’s allowable.”</p>
<p>Legislative Council Service Director Raúl Burciaga confirmed Friday that the administrative agency had initiated a legal review of the issue, which he described as largely unprecedented in recent New Mexico history.</p>
<p>The decision to veto legislative branch funding is not expected to have an immediate impact. It was made largely due to frustration with lawmakers’ resistance to reducing legislative spending levels, according to the Governor’s Office.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, a date for the special session has not been announced, but it’s expected to be called before the end of this month.</p>
<p>Martinez has said she’d like for the special session to be a short one – such sessions can cost up to $50,000 a day in taxpayer dollars – but has also indicated she might add other issues to the agenda.</p>
<p>Journal Capitol Bureau reporter Dan McKay contributed to this report.</p>
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actions set stage special session coming weeks twoterm republican governor sign separate budget bill approved lawmakers used lineitem veto authority ax 7748 million plan including higher education funding well funding legislative branch vetoes apparently aimed forcing lawmakers back bargaining table special session temporarily balancing spending bill without tax increases advertisement lawmakers governor said intend pass new funding measure universities legislative branch special session university leaders say vetoes could make difficult plan coming budget year starts less three months vetoes drew scathing criticism topranking democratic lawmakers senate finance committee chairman john arthur smith ddeming said martinezs action reflected lack fiscal competence ive served five governors previous governors responsible smith told journal bottom line ive never seen anything like another longtime lawmaker senate minority leader stuart ingle rportales called governors actions little bit different expressed confidence deal struck ensure adequate funding provided july weve got come back get fixed im sure ingle said friday martinez also vetoed democraticbacked tax overhaul measure signaled friday would ample time special session come new funding measure higher education institutions already faced steep spending reductions recent years governor also expressed simmering frustration senate holding confirmation hearings several regent appointees including university new mexico part reason lineitem veto 7448 million proposed funding colleges universities legislature disappointed past recall another time ive ever felt reckless decision left new mexico hanging balance martinez said statement advertisement budget crisis state budget crisis caused largely plummeting oil natural gas prices dominant theme years 60day legislative session ended last month lawmakers began session approving 190 million solvency package aimed plugging projected budget deficit year taking money school district reserve funds various state government accounts later session putting together 61 billion spending plan coming year leading democratic lawmakers relied tax fee increases help fund government operations saying additional spending cuts would harm states economy new mexico already nations highest jobless rate cripple state services martinez veto message 350 million tax package house bill 202 said legislation would hit low middleincome new mexico families hardest beginning said raise taxes yet legislature continues try force tax increases new mexican families small businesses said since taking office 2011 martinez vowed oppose tax increases approved lawmakers though administration signaled willingness close certain tax loopholes levels states tax code vetoed tax legislation included increase 10 cents gallon states gasoline tax higher tax rate buying new used vehicles requirement outofstate online retailers collect gross receipts tax consumers veto message friday martinez encouraged lawmakers work bipartisan fashion tax overhaul legislation coming special session legislation could include plan overhaul states gross receipts tax system eliminating hundreds exemptions lowering states base rate proposal create new rainyday fund would bolster states cash reserves oil gas prices drop proposals introduced republican lawmakers years legislative session theres guarantee democraticcontrolled legislature would appetite pass special session rep jason harper rrio rancho sponsored measure overhaul gross receipts tax applauded governors veto tax package expressed optimism deal could works ready compromise ways generate revenue part comprehensive tax reform get us economic death spiral harper said interview im hopeful come together however democratic lawmakers questioned much leverage martinez whose term ends 2018 would special session going find many legislators still going willing walk lockstep smith said legal questions governors lineitem veto funding higher education institutions nearly 188 million funding legislative branch agencies prompted legislators question legality action senate majority leader peter wirth dsanta fe said friday legislative staff would review constitutionality vetoes could pave way possible court challenge question whether lineitem veto used eliminate state agencies go one step eliminate another branch government taking away funding wirth said friday clearly veto whole budget thats targeted vetoes think legislatures authority create agencies wirth added action effect away higher education new mexico think number legal questions whether thats allowable legislative council service director raúl burciaga confirmed friday administrative agency initiated legal review issue described largely unprecedented recent new mexico history decision veto legislative branch funding expected immediate impact made largely due frustration lawmakers resistance reducing legislative spending levels according governors office meanwhile date special session announced expected called end month martinez said shed like special session short one sessions cost 50000 day taxpayer dollars also indicated might add issues agenda journal capitol bureau reporter dan mckay contributed report 160
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<p>SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — Tyus Battle's 16 second-half points — including 10 straight for Syracuse — created some separation from Eastern Michigan but it was Paschal Chukwu's unexpected success from the foul line that kept the Orange in the game.</p>
<p>Battle finished with 22 points and Chukwu added a career-high 15 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks to lead Syracuse (11-2) to a 62-47 win over Eastern Michigan (8-4) on Wednesday night.</p>
<p>Chukwu, a 48-percent shooter from the foul line entering the game, hit 9-of-11 free throws, including 5-of-6 in the first half when Syracuse had a hard time mustering any kind of offense. The Orange had just five field goals on 21 attempts in the first 20 minutes with half of its 24 points coming at the line. The teams were tied at 24 at the break.</p>
<p>"That's the goal, if they're going to foul me, to make them pay," Chukwu said of his nine made foul shots, also a career high. "I was able to accomplish that today. As my foul shooting gets better, I'll make them pay more."</p>
<p>Syracuse was called for just seven personal fouls to Eastern Michigan's 19 and took 20 more foul shots than the Eagles — hitting 20-of-26 to the Eagles' 4-of-6.</p>
<p>"When you come into a venue like this you have to overcome an ACC team coached by a Hall of Fame coach (Jim Boeheim)," Eastern Michigan coach Rob Murphy said. "But, then, when it's consistent calls every time up the floor and they're against you — 19 fouls to seven — you just can't win that way. I'm not one to talk about officiating or fouls being called, but tonight it was evident. We just couldn't overcome it."</p>
<p>Battle had just six points on 1-of-6 shooting, including 0-of-5 from 3-point range, in the first half, but heated up in the second, hitting 6-of-9 field-goal attempts, including 3-of-4 3-pointers, to lead the Orange. Frank Howard and Oshae Brissett had 11 points each, and Brissett snagged 12 rebounds.</p>
<p>Elijah Minnie led Eastern Michigan with 13 points. James Thompson IV added 12.</p>
<p>The game was tied at 26-all when Howard and Battle went to work. After Chukwu hit two free throws, Howard scored the next five on a layup and 3-pointer and Battle scored the next 10 for the Orange, hitting back-to-back 3s, a layup and a jumper to give Syracuse a 43-36 lead with 11:30 to go. Eastern Michigan scored the next five but Syracuse closed the game on a 19-6 run, including six more from Battle. The Orange shot 52 percent from the field after intermission.</p>
<p>"I knew one was going to fall eventually," said Battle, who shot just 3-of-18 in Syracuse's loss to St. Bonaventure last Friday. "You can't miss that many shots, one has to go in. I wasn't worried. You can't stop shooting or that means you've lost confidence and that's never good."</p>
<p>The story of the game, though, was Chukwu_on both ends of the court.</p>
<p>"He's (7 feet 2 inches). He blocks shots. He alters shots," Murphy said. "When you're (7 feet 2 inches), guys on offense always think about you. Even if you're not around they wonder where you are. I also saw from him he was able to step to the line and make free throws. He shoots something like 48 percent but he stepped up and made some big free throws. He was great defensively, he made his free throws. He had a huge impact on the game."</p>
<p>BIG PICTURE:</p>
<p>Eastern Michigan hung tough but was outgunned by a more athletic team. Nothing to be ashamed of but the Eagles have just one day to regroup for a game Friday.</p>
<p>Syracuse heated up in the second half but must improve its perimeter game if Jim Boeheim's club is to do any damage in the ACC. Another worry: the physical condition of backup center Bourama Sidibe, who sat out with nagging knee and ankle injuries.</p>
<p>SIDIBE SIDELINED:</p>
<p>Sidibe sat out for the third time in the last five games and Jim Boeheim said the team is thinking about a medical redshirt. That would be a big blow.</p>
<p>UP NEXT:</p>
<p>Eastern Michigan hosts Rochester Friday.</p>
<p>Syracuse begins ACC play at home Sunday against Virginia Tech.</p>
<p>SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — Tyus Battle's 16 second-half points — including 10 straight for Syracuse — created some separation from Eastern Michigan but it was Paschal Chukwu's unexpected success from the foul line that kept the Orange in the game.</p>
<p>Battle finished with 22 points and Chukwu added a career-high 15 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks to lead Syracuse (11-2) to a 62-47 win over Eastern Michigan (8-4) on Wednesday night.</p>
<p>Chukwu, a 48-percent shooter from the foul line entering the game, hit 9-of-11 free throws, including 5-of-6 in the first half when Syracuse had a hard time mustering any kind of offense. The Orange had just five field goals on 21 attempts in the first 20 minutes with half of its 24 points coming at the line. The teams were tied at 24 at the break.</p>
<p>"That's the goal, if they're going to foul me, to make them pay," Chukwu said of his nine made foul shots, also a career high. "I was able to accomplish that today. As my foul shooting gets better, I'll make them pay more."</p>
<p>Syracuse was called for just seven personal fouls to Eastern Michigan's 19 and took 20 more foul shots than the Eagles — hitting 20-of-26 to the Eagles' 4-of-6.</p>
<p>"When you come into a venue like this you have to overcome an ACC team coached by a Hall of Fame coach (Jim Boeheim)," Eastern Michigan coach Rob Murphy said. "But, then, when it's consistent calls every time up the floor and they're against you — 19 fouls to seven — you just can't win that way. I'm not one to talk about officiating or fouls being called, but tonight it was evident. We just couldn't overcome it."</p>
<p>Battle had just six points on 1-of-6 shooting, including 0-of-5 from 3-point range, in the first half, but heated up in the second, hitting 6-of-9 field-goal attempts, including 3-of-4 3-pointers, to lead the Orange. Frank Howard and Oshae Brissett had 11 points each, and Brissett snagged 12 rebounds.</p>
<p>Elijah Minnie led Eastern Michigan with 13 points. James Thompson IV added 12.</p>
<p>The game was tied at 26-all when Howard and Battle went to work. After Chukwu hit two free throws, Howard scored the next five on a layup and 3-pointer and Battle scored the next 10 for the Orange, hitting back-to-back 3s, a layup and a jumper to give Syracuse a 43-36 lead with 11:30 to go. Eastern Michigan scored the next five but Syracuse closed the game on a 19-6 run, including six more from Battle. The Orange shot 52 percent from the field after intermission.</p>
<p>"I knew one was going to fall eventually," said Battle, who shot just 3-of-18 in Syracuse's loss to St. Bonaventure last Friday. "You can't miss that many shots, one has to go in. I wasn't worried. You can't stop shooting or that means you've lost confidence and that's never good."</p>
<p>The story of the game, though, was Chukwu_on both ends of the court.</p>
<p>"He's (7 feet 2 inches). He blocks shots. He alters shots," Murphy said. "When you're (7 feet 2 inches), guys on offense always think about you. Even if you're not around they wonder where you are. I also saw from him he was able to step to the line and make free throws. He shoots something like 48 percent but he stepped up and made some big free throws. He was great defensively, he made his free throws. He had a huge impact on the game."</p>
<p>BIG PICTURE:</p>
<p>Eastern Michigan hung tough but was outgunned by a more athletic team. Nothing to be ashamed of but the Eagles have just one day to regroup for a game Friday.</p>
<p>Syracuse heated up in the second half but must improve its perimeter game if Jim Boeheim's club is to do any damage in the ACC. Another worry: the physical condition of backup center Bourama Sidibe, who sat out with nagging knee and ankle injuries.</p>
<p>SIDIBE SIDELINED:</p>
<p>Sidibe sat out for the third time in the last five games and Jim Boeheim said the team is thinking about a medical redshirt. That would be a big blow.</p>
<p>UP NEXT:</p>
<p>Eastern Michigan hosts Rochester Friday.</p>
<p>Syracuse begins ACC play at home Sunday against Virginia Tech.</p>
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syracuse ny ap tyus battles 16 secondhalf points including 10 straight syracuse created separation eastern michigan paschal chukwus unexpected success foul line kept orange game battle finished 22 points chukwu added careerhigh 15 points 12 rebounds five blocks lead syracuse 112 6247 win eastern michigan 84 wednesday night chukwu 48percent shooter foul line entering game hit 9of11 free throws including 5of6 first half syracuse hard time mustering kind offense orange five field goals 21 attempts first 20 minutes half 24 points coming line teams tied 24 break thats goal theyre going foul make pay chukwu said nine made foul shots also career high able accomplish today foul shooting gets better ill make pay syracuse called seven personal fouls eastern michigans 19 took 20 foul shots eagles hitting 20of26 eagles 4of6 come venue like overcome acc team coached hall fame coach jim boeheim eastern michigan coach rob murphy said consistent calls every time floor theyre 19 fouls seven cant win way im one talk officiating fouls called tonight evident couldnt overcome battle six points 1of6 shooting including 0of5 3point range first half heated second hitting 6of9 fieldgoal attempts including 3of4 3pointers lead orange frank howard oshae brissett 11 points brissett snagged 12 rebounds elijah minnie led eastern michigan 13 points james thompson iv added 12 game tied 26all howard battle went work chukwu hit two free throws howard scored next five layup 3pointer battle scored next 10 orange hitting backtoback 3s layup jumper give syracuse 4336 lead 1130 go eastern michigan scored next five syracuse closed game 196 run including six battle orange shot 52 percent field intermission knew one going fall eventually said battle shot 3of18 syracuses loss st bonaventure last friday cant miss many shots one go wasnt worried cant stop shooting means youve lost confidence thats never good story game though chukwu_on ends court hes 7 feet 2 inches blocks shots alters shots murphy said youre 7 feet 2 inches guys offense always think even youre around wonder also saw able step line make free throws shoots something like 48 percent stepped made big free throws great defensively made free throws huge impact game big picture eastern michigan hung tough outgunned athletic team nothing ashamed eagles one day regroup game friday syracuse heated second half must improve perimeter game jim boeheims club damage acc another worry physical condition backup center bourama sidibe sat nagging knee ankle injuries sidibe sidelined sidibe sat third time last five games jim boeheim said team thinking medical redshirt would big blow next eastern michigan hosts rochester friday syracuse begins acc play home sunday virginia tech syracuse ny ap tyus battles 16 secondhalf points including 10 straight syracuse created separation eastern michigan paschal chukwus unexpected success foul line kept orange game battle finished 22 points chukwu added careerhigh 15 points 12 rebounds five blocks lead syracuse 112 6247 win eastern michigan 84 wednesday night chukwu 48percent shooter foul line entering game hit 9of11 free throws including 5of6 first half syracuse hard time mustering kind offense orange five field goals 21 attempts first 20 minutes half 24 points coming line teams tied 24 break thats goal theyre going foul make pay chukwu said nine made foul shots also career high able accomplish today foul shooting gets better ill make pay syracuse called seven personal fouls eastern michigans 19 took 20 foul shots eagles hitting 20of26 eagles 4of6 come venue like overcome acc team coached hall fame coach jim boeheim eastern michigan coach rob murphy said consistent calls every time floor theyre 19 fouls seven cant win way im one talk officiating fouls called tonight evident couldnt overcome battle six points 1of6 shooting including 0of5 3point range first half heated second hitting 6of9 fieldgoal attempts including 3of4 3pointers lead orange frank howard oshae brissett 11 points brissett snagged 12 rebounds elijah minnie led eastern michigan 13 points james thompson iv added 12 game tied 26all howard battle went work chukwu hit two free throws howard scored next five layup 3pointer battle scored next 10 orange hitting backtoback 3s layup jumper give syracuse 4336 lead 1130 go eastern michigan scored next five syracuse closed game 196 run including six battle orange shot 52 percent field intermission knew one going fall eventually said battle shot 3of18 syracuses loss st bonaventure last friday cant miss many shots one go wasnt worried cant stop shooting means youve lost confidence thats never good story game though chukwu_on ends court hes 7 feet 2 inches blocks shots alters shots murphy said youre 7 feet 2 inches guys offense always think even youre around wonder also saw able step line make free throws shoots something like 48 percent stepped made big free throws great defensively made free throws huge impact game big picture eastern michigan hung tough outgunned athletic team nothing ashamed eagles one day regroup game friday syracuse heated second half must improve perimeter game jim boeheims club damage acc another worry physical condition backup center bourama sidibe sat nagging knee ankle injuries sidibe sidelined sidibe sat third time last five games jim boeheim said team thinking medical redshirt would big blow next eastern michigan hosts rochester friday syracuse begins acc play home sunday virginia tech
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<p>Copyright © 2013 Albuquerque Journal</p>
<p>Fifty years ago today, newsmen like Eddie Hughes, now retired and living in Ventana Ranch, had the unenviable task of reporting the chaotic events surrounding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy to a shocked and mourning nation.</p>
<p>Even now, Hughes recalls those heady yet tragic days with uncommon clarity.</p>
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<p>Hughes was a 27-year-old reporter for The Dallas Morning News when Kennedy was shot in downtown Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963.</p>
<p>The Austin-born Hughes started working for the Morning News in June 1958 after working at The Austin American-Statesman while attending college at the University of Texas.</p>
<p>“When they first announced that Kennedy would be coming, it was the first time in recent memory that a U.S. president had come to Texas,” Hughes said last week at his home. “That was before Texas started producing presidents,” he quipped.</p>
<p>Initially, the White House said the president would visit San Antonio, Austin, Houston and Fort Worth, but didn’t mention Dallas, Hughes said.</p>
<p>“Kennedy’s staff had urged him to not visit Dallas … a hotbed of conservatism” at the time, Hughes said. But Vice President Lyndon Johnson and other Texas Democrats felt Dallas should be on the itinerary to counter Republican influence in the metroplex and to tap into deep-pocketed Texans for the campaign coffers.</p>
<p>The Kennedys arrive</p>
<p>LBJ prevailed, and on Thursday night, Nov. 21, Air Force One touched down at Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth.</p>
<p>Eddie Hughes was there to report on, and photograph, the president’s arrival, the crowds that greeted him and his overnight stay at Hotel Texas in downtown Fort Worth.</p>
<p>From left, Texas Gov. John Connally, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson and President John F. Kennedy greet a crowd in Fort Worth on Nov. 22, 1963. Later that day in Dallas, Kennedy was assassinated and Connally was wounded by Lee Harvey Oswald. Johnson was sworn in as president aboard Air Force One. (Courtesy of Eddie Hughes/Dallas Morning News)</p>
<p>“Now, protocol was for the president to step off the plane first,” Hughes recalled. “But someone must have told him that, here in Texas, it’s always ladies first.” Jacqueline Kennedy got off the plane first.</p>
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<p>Instead of going directly to his limousine, Kennedy – much to the chagrin of his Secret Service detail – walked toward the crowd and began shaking hands.</p>
<p>“That was the closest I have ever been to the president of the United States – about 8 or 10 feet away,” Hughes said. “He looked tired … but that was understandable. He had already been to San Antonio and Houston that day. The first lady, she just looked like a million dollars.”</p>
<p>After the president left Carswell, Hughes used the two-way radio in his car to inform the city desk that Kennedy had arrived safely.</p>
<p>“The guy on the other end – I still don’t know who it was – said ‘You mean no one took a shot?’ That hit me like a ton of bricks,” Hughes said, adding that his reply was, “Only about 50 photographers.”</p>
<p>Until that moment, he said, “I had never even thought about anyone taking a shot at the president. We had been concerned about his trip, whether there would be protesters and that kind of stuff, but not about an assassination attempt.”</p>
<p>Nov. 22, 1963</p>
<p>The next morning, Kennedy spoke briefly outside the hotel and, once again, headed across the street to shake hands with an appreciative crowd.</p>
<p>“As the president shook hands, I peered down into my twin-reflex Yashika-mat camera to take a photograph,” Hughes said. He then stumbled backward, either tripping on his raincoat or a curb, which caught the president’s eye.</p>
<p>“The president looked right at me, like he was wondering whether I was hurt,” he said. “I said I was OK, gave the president a wink and off he went.”</p>
<p>Hughes covered what turned out to be President Kennedy’s final public speech, delivered in the hotel’s ballroom. Kennedy threw his support behind the TFX, an under-development aircraft being built by General Dynamics in Fort Worth that would become known as the F-111 Aardvark, a multi-role aircraft that would see action in Vietnam.</p>
<p>The president left Fort Worth for Dallas shortly afterward aboard Air Force One.</p>
<p>The following day, Nov. 22, Hughes drove to the nearly empty Morning News in Dallas to process film of Kennedy’s Fort Worth visit.</p>
<p>About 12:30 p.m., he fielded a phone call from someone asking whether the president had been shot. Then he got a call from Bob Baskin, the paper’s Washington bureau chief, who was covering the Dallas motorcade.</p>
<p>“Eddie, the president may have been shot. I know Gov. Connally’s hit. The president’s head is down. There’s a lot of blood,” Baskin told him.</p>
<p>For the next several hours, the newsroom was chaotic.</p>
<p>Hughes was told to interview three Morning News staffers who had walked the two block from the paper to Dealey Plaza to see the motorcade. He fielded calls from other papers around the nation and the world.</p>
<p>When he called his wife, Linda, about 1:30 p.m. to say he would be working late, she told him Walter Cronkite had just confirmed on television that the president was dead.</p>
<p>“That stunned me,” Hughes said. “I hung up the phone and just sat there silent for a few seconds. Then it occurred to me that I had a job to do.”</p>
<p>He typed out two stories for the next day’s edition which, in huge black headlines on the front page read “Kennedy Slain On Dallas Street.” Hughes wrote one story about the president’s propensity to mix with the crowds; the other was on the president’s final public speech.</p>
<p>He headed for home about 9 p.m., driving beneath the triple-overpass under which, hours before, a fatally wounded president had been rushed to Parkland Hospital.</p>
<p>“I remember how the streets were abandoned, and how the streetlights gave everything a sort of red glow. It was surreal,” Hughes said.</p>
<p>Oswald’s funeral</p>
<p>Three days later – after Lyndon Johnson was sworn in as president, Kennedy’s body was returned to Washington, and Lee Harvey Oswald was killed by nightclub owner Jack Ruby – Hughes was assigned to cover the funeral of Kennedy’s assassin.</p>
<p>Reporters and photographers were recruited by police to carry the casket of Lee Harvey Oswald at the assassin’s funeral in Shannon Rose Hill Memorial Burial Park on Nov. 25, 1963. Oswald was buried the same day as Kennedy. (Courtesy of Eddie Hughes/Dallas Morning News)</p>
<p>The same day Kennedy was buried, Oswald was laid to rest in Shannon Rose Hill Memorial Burial Park, between Fort Worth and Arlington.</p>
<p>The funeral, held late Monday afternoon, was attended only by Oswald’s mother, Marguerite, his wife, Marina, their two infant daughters, and Lee’s older brother, Robert. Fort Worth Police Chief Cato Hightower recruited several reporters to carry Oswald’s casket. Several of them, Hughes said, refused.</p>
<p>“I carried it briefly from the chapel toward the grave, but then I realized that I needed to be photographing this,” Hughes said. “One of the other reporters noted that this was history taking place. I knew I had to get photos, so I got another reporter to take my place.”</p>
<p>In his story published the following day, Hughes noted that the Rev. Louis Saunders – executive secretary of the Fort Worth Council of Churches – volunteered to conduct the services after being unable to find another minister who would do it. Oswald’s body was lowered into the ground at 4:31 p.m.</p>
<p>While shooting photos of the funeral, Hughes nearly tripped on a headstone not far from Oswald’s grave. He glanced down at the headstone which was engraved with a name that chilled him to the core – J.L. Kennedy.</p>
<p>Hughes left the Morning News two years later and went to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone, doing mostly media work for the phone system. He retired in 1990.</p>
<p>Hughes has followed the Kennedy assassination, and the myriad conspiracy theories that have hounded it, for years.</p>
<p>He’s convinced Lee Harvey Oswald killed the president, and that he acted alone.</p>
<p>In a recent presentation before the Del Norte Rotary Club, he summed up his time in Dallas.</p>
<p>“Even if those tragic events in Dallas had never occurred, if President John F. Kennedy had continued to bring smiles to cheering crowds and had continued to get our country moving again – even off to the moon – then Nov. 22, 1963, would still have been my 15 seconds of fame, a glorious memory of falling on my butt right in front of the president of the United States.”</p>
| false | 2 |
copyright 2013 albuquerque journal fifty years ago today newsmen like eddie hughes retired living ventana ranch unenviable task reporting chaotic events surrounding assassination president john f kennedy shocked mourning nation even hughes recalls heady yet tragic days uncommon clarity advertisement hughes 27yearold reporter dallas morning news kennedy shot downtown dallas nov 22 1963 austinborn hughes started working morning news june 1958 working austin americanstatesman attending college university texas first announced kennedy would coming first time recent memory us president come texas hughes said last week home texas started producing presidents quipped initially white house said president would visit san antonio austin houston fort worth didnt mention dallas hughes said kennedys staff urged visit dallas hotbed conservatism time hughes said vice president lyndon johnson texas democrats felt dallas itinerary counter republican influence metroplex tap deeppocketed texans campaign coffers kennedys arrive lbj prevailed thursday night nov 21 air force one touched carswell air force base fort worth eddie hughes report photograph presidents arrival crowds greeted overnight stay hotel texas downtown fort worth left texas gov john connally vice president lyndon b johnson president john f kennedy greet crowd fort worth nov 22 1963 later day dallas kennedy assassinated connally wounded lee harvey oswald johnson sworn president aboard air force one courtesy eddie hughesdallas morning news protocol president step plane first hughes recalled someone must told texas always ladies first jacqueline kennedy got plane first advertisement instead going directly limousine kennedy much chagrin secret service detail walked toward crowd began shaking hands closest ever president united states 8 10 feet away hughes said looked tired understandable already san antonio houston day first lady looked like million dollars president left carswell hughes used twoway radio car inform city desk kennedy arrived safely guy end still dont know said mean one took shot hit like ton bricks hughes said adding reply 50 photographers moment said never even thought anyone taking shot president concerned trip whether would protesters kind stuff assassination attempt nov 22 1963 next morning kennedy spoke briefly outside hotel headed across street shake hands appreciative crowd president shook hands peered twinreflex yashikamat camera take photograph hughes said stumbled backward either tripping raincoat curb caught presidents eye president looked right like wondering whether hurt said said ok gave president wink went hughes covered turned president kennedys final public speech delivered hotels ballroom kennedy threw support behind tfx underdevelopment aircraft built general dynamics fort worth would become known f111 aardvark multirole aircraft would see action vietnam president left fort worth dallas shortly afterward aboard air force one following day nov 22 hughes drove nearly empty morning news dallas process film kennedys fort worth visit 1230 pm fielded phone call someone asking whether president shot got call bob baskin papers washington bureau chief covering dallas motorcade eddie president may shot know gov connallys hit presidents head theres lot blood baskin told next several hours newsroom chaotic hughes told interview three morning news staffers walked two block paper dealey plaza see motorcade fielded calls papers around nation world called wife linda 130 pm say would working late told walter cronkite confirmed television president dead stunned hughes said hung phone sat silent seconds occurred job typed two stories next days edition huge black headlines front page read kennedy slain dallas street hughes wrote one story presidents propensity mix crowds presidents final public speech headed home 9 pm driving beneath tripleoverpass hours fatally wounded president rushed parkland hospital remember streets abandoned streetlights gave everything sort red glow surreal hughes said oswalds funeral three days later lyndon johnson sworn president kennedys body returned washington lee harvey oswald killed nightclub owner jack ruby hughes assigned cover funeral kennedys assassin reporters photographers recruited police carry casket lee harvey oswald assassins funeral shannon rose hill memorial burial park nov 25 1963 oswald buried day kennedy courtesy eddie hughesdallas morning news day kennedy buried oswald laid rest shannon rose hill memorial burial park fort worth arlington funeral held late monday afternoon attended oswalds mother marguerite wife marina two infant daughters lees older brother robert fort worth police chief cato hightower recruited several reporters carry oswalds casket several hughes said refused carried briefly chapel toward grave realized needed photographing hughes said one reporters noted history taking place knew get photos got another reporter take place story published following day hughes noted rev louis saunders executive secretary fort worth council churches volunteered conduct services unable find another minister would oswalds body lowered ground 431 pm shooting photos funeral hughes nearly tripped headstone far oswalds grave glanced headstone engraved name chilled core jl kennedy hughes left morning news two years later went work southwestern bell telephone mostly media work phone system retired 1990 hughes followed kennedy assassination myriad conspiracy theories hounded years hes convinced lee harvey oswald killed president acted alone recent presentation del norte rotary club summed time dallas even tragic events dallas never occurred president john f kennedy continued bring smiles cheering crowds continued get country moving even moon nov 22 1963 would still 15 seconds fame glorious memory falling butt right front president united states
| 841 |
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — In a story Jan. 17 about meteors, The Associated Press reported erroneously the size of asteroids that scientists hope to be able to deflect from Earth's path in the future. They want to have a defensive system for asteroids larger than 165 feet (50 meters), not 30 miles (50 kilometers).</p>
<p>A corrected version of the story is below:</p>
<p>Science Says: That Michigan meteor could have been meatier</p>
<p>Science Says: That Michigan meteor could have been meatier</p>
<p>By SETH BORENSTEIN</p>
<p>AP Science Writer</p>
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — The fireball that streaked through the Michigan sky put on quite a show but as far as potentially killer space rocks, it was merely a flash in the pan.</p>
<p>There are much bigger asteroids careening through our solar system. Scientists who watch for them hope they spot them in time to get people out of the way if a truly dangerous one is heading straight to Earth.</p>
<p>So far, one isn't coming.</p>
<p>Just as Tuesday's meteor lit up the Michigan skies, about 30 scientists were gathered in California to discuss the biggest meteor hit in modern history — the 1908 explosion over Tunguska, Russia, that flattened 800 square miles (2,100 square kilometers) of forest.</p>
<p>And that's nothing compared to what happened 65 million years ago when a 6-mile-wide (10 kilometer) asteroid that caused 70 percent of life on Earth to go extinct, including many dinosaurs.</p>
<p>"There are no Earth-crossing asteroids of that size in the solar system today," said NASA senior scientist David Morrison, a space rock expert who organized the California workshop.</p>
<p>Since the 1990s, NASA has been conducting the Spaceguard survey looking for those large asteroids. So far, astronomers can rule out rocks bigger than 3 miles wide (5 kilometers), Morrison said.</p>
<p>Still, "something as small as 2 kilometers (1.2 kilometers) could really ruin your whole day for the whole Earth" and maybe kill three-quarters of the people but "wouldn't be extinction," he said.</p>
<p>Tuesday's 6-foot-wide (2 meters) Michigan rock was too small to be tracked. It exploded in the air with the power of 100 tons of TNT, said Bill Cooke of NASA's Meteoroid Environment Office. Scientists will now try to figure out where it came from.</p>
<p>A meteoroid is a small chunk of asteroid or comet. When it enters Earth's atmosphere it becomes a meteor or fireball or shooting star. The pieces of rock that hit the ground, valuable to collectors, are meteorites.</p>
<p>Doppler weather radar shows flashes that indicate meteorites are on the ground northwest of Detroit, Cooke said.</p>
<p>For comparison, the fireball that shook Chelyabinsk, Russia, in 2013 was 60 feet wide (20 meters). It shattered windows and injured 1,600 people because of flying glass. It expelled 4,700 of times more energy than the Michigan one, Cooke said.</p>
<p>That one "came out of the sun at us like the Red Baron. It was too close to be picked up," he said.</p>
<p>There are nine asteroids NASA is tracking for "potential future Earth impact" but none of them are likely to hit.</p>
<p>Eventually, scientists hope to have a defensive system, especially for rocks bigger than 165 feet wide (50 meters).</p>
<p>"We do have the basic technology to deflect an asteroid. We haven't done it yet, but some of it is fairly basic physics. Like running into it with a spacecraft," said Ed Lu, a former astronaut and head of the B612 Asteroid Institute, which works to protect Earth from being hit by space rocks.</p>
<p>Once astronomers spot a space rock heading into our planet, they can calculate where on Earth it should hit, said Morrison said.</p>
<p>"Probably the most useful thing we could do is evacuate the target area," he said.</p>
<p>The world's space agencies and astronomers have agreed on guidelines for warning and possible action if scientists spot space rocks 33 feet (10 meters) wide, NASA planetary defense officer Lindley Johnson said in an email. They will start with "shelter in place" advice and consider evacuations if there's time and the rock is about 100 feet wide (30 meters).</p>
<p>Space agencies will consider trying to deflect an asteroid if it is at least 165 feet (50 meters) wide, he said.</p>
<p>Meteor fireballs "appear every few days somewhere in the world," said Purdue University planetary scientist Jay Melosh. "Typically fireballs don't do much. If they occur in the sunlight, people don't notice them."</p>
<p>Tuesday's happened near Detroit — at night when it could be seen — so it got a lot of attention, Cooke said. It was powerful enough that it registered 2.0 on the U. S. Geological Survey's seismic monitors.</p>
<p>But even at 28,000 mph, it wasn't very zippy.</p>
<p>"For a meteor this is about as slow as it gets," Cooke said.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow Seth Borenstein on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/borenbears" type="external">@borenbears</a> . His work can be found <a href="" type="internal">here</a> .</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>This Associated Press <a href="" type="internal">series</a> was produced in <a href="https://www.ap.org/press-releases/2017/ap-and-howard-hughes-medical-institute-collaborate-to-enhance-science-journalism" type="external">partnership</a> with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.</p>
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — In a story Jan. 17 about meteors, The Associated Press reported erroneously the size of asteroids that scientists hope to be able to deflect from Earth's path in the future. They want to have a defensive system for asteroids larger than 165 feet (50 meters), not 30 miles (50 kilometers).</p>
<p>A corrected version of the story is below:</p>
<p>Science Says: That Michigan meteor could have been meatier</p>
<p>Science Says: That Michigan meteor could have been meatier</p>
<p>By SETH BORENSTEIN</p>
<p>AP Science Writer</p>
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — The fireball that streaked through the Michigan sky put on quite a show but as far as potentially killer space rocks, it was merely a flash in the pan.</p>
<p>There are much bigger asteroids careening through our solar system. Scientists who watch for them hope they spot them in time to get people out of the way if a truly dangerous one is heading straight to Earth.</p>
<p>So far, one isn't coming.</p>
<p>Just as Tuesday's meteor lit up the Michigan skies, about 30 scientists were gathered in California to discuss the biggest meteor hit in modern history — the 1908 explosion over Tunguska, Russia, that flattened 800 square miles (2,100 square kilometers) of forest.</p>
<p>And that's nothing compared to what happened 65 million years ago when a 6-mile-wide (10 kilometer) asteroid that caused 70 percent of life on Earth to go extinct, including many dinosaurs.</p>
<p>"There are no Earth-crossing asteroids of that size in the solar system today," said NASA senior scientist David Morrison, a space rock expert who organized the California workshop.</p>
<p>Since the 1990s, NASA has been conducting the Spaceguard survey looking for those large asteroids. So far, astronomers can rule out rocks bigger than 3 miles wide (5 kilometers), Morrison said.</p>
<p>Still, "something as small as 2 kilometers (1.2 kilometers) could really ruin your whole day for the whole Earth" and maybe kill three-quarters of the people but "wouldn't be extinction," he said.</p>
<p>Tuesday's 6-foot-wide (2 meters) Michigan rock was too small to be tracked. It exploded in the air with the power of 100 tons of TNT, said Bill Cooke of NASA's Meteoroid Environment Office. Scientists will now try to figure out where it came from.</p>
<p>A meteoroid is a small chunk of asteroid or comet. When it enters Earth's atmosphere it becomes a meteor or fireball or shooting star. The pieces of rock that hit the ground, valuable to collectors, are meteorites.</p>
<p>Doppler weather radar shows flashes that indicate meteorites are on the ground northwest of Detroit, Cooke said.</p>
<p>For comparison, the fireball that shook Chelyabinsk, Russia, in 2013 was 60 feet wide (20 meters). It shattered windows and injured 1,600 people because of flying glass. It expelled 4,700 of times more energy than the Michigan one, Cooke said.</p>
<p>That one "came out of the sun at us like the Red Baron. It was too close to be picked up," he said.</p>
<p>There are nine asteroids NASA is tracking for "potential future Earth impact" but none of them are likely to hit.</p>
<p>Eventually, scientists hope to have a defensive system, especially for rocks bigger than 165 feet wide (50 meters).</p>
<p>"We do have the basic technology to deflect an asteroid. We haven't done it yet, but some of it is fairly basic physics. Like running into it with a spacecraft," said Ed Lu, a former astronaut and head of the B612 Asteroid Institute, which works to protect Earth from being hit by space rocks.</p>
<p>Once astronomers spot a space rock heading into our planet, they can calculate where on Earth it should hit, said Morrison said.</p>
<p>"Probably the most useful thing we could do is evacuate the target area," he said.</p>
<p>The world's space agencies and astronomers have agreed on guidelines for warning and possible action if scientists spot space rocks 33 feet (10 meters) wide, NASA planetary defense officer Lindley Johnson said in an email. They will start with "shelter in place" advice and consider evacuations if there's time and the rock is about 100 feet wide (30 meters).</p>
<p>Space agencies will consider trying to deflect an asteroid if it is at least 165 feet (50 meters) wide, he said.</p>
<p>Meteor fireballs "appear every few days somewhere in the world," said Purdue University planetary scientist Jay Melosh. "Typically fireballs don't do much. If they occur in the sunlight, people don't notice them."</p>
<p>Tuesday's happened near Detroit — at night when it could be seen — so it got a lot of attention, Cooke said. It was powerful enough that it registered 2.0 on the U. S. Geological Survey's seismic monitors.</p>
<p>But even at 28,000 mph, it wasn't very zippy.</p>
<p>"For a meteor this is about as slow as it gets," Cooke said.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow Seth Borenstein on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/borenbears" type="external">@borenbears</a> . His work can be found <a href="" type="internal">here</a> .</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>This Associated Press <a href="" type="internal">series</a> was produced in <a href="https://www.ap.org/press-releases/2017/ap-and-howard-hughes-medical-institute-collaborate-to-enhance-science-journalism" type="external">partnership</a> with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.</p>
| false | 2 |
washington ap story jan 17 meteors associated press reported erroneously size asteroids scientists hope able deflect earths path future want defensive system asteroids larger 165 feet 50 meters 30 miles 50 kilometers corrected version story science says michigan meteor could meatier science says michigan meteor could meatier seth borenstein ap science writer washington ap fireball streaked michigan sky put quite show far potentially killer space rocks merely flash pan much bigger asteroids careening solar system scientists watch hope spot time get people way truly dangerous one heading straight earth far one isnt coming tuesdays meteor lit michigan skies 30 scientists gathered california discuss biggest meteor hit modern history 1908 explosion tunguska russia flattened 800 square miles 2100 square kilometers forest thats nothing compared happened 65 million years ago 6milewide 10 kilometer asteroid caused 70 percent life earth go extinct including many dinosaurs earthcrossing asteroids size solar system today said nasa senior scientist david morrison space rock expert organized california workshop since 1990s nasa conducting spaceguard survey looking large asteroids far astronomers rule rocks bigger 3 miles wide 5 kilometers morrison said still something small 2 kilometers 12 kilometers could really ruin whole day whole earth maybe kill threequarters people wouldnt extinction said tuesdays 6footwide 2 meters michigan rock small tracked exploded air power 100 tons tnt said bill cooke nasas meteoroid environment office scientists try figure came meteoroid small chunk asteroid comet enters earths atmosphere becomes meteor fireball shooting star pieces rock hit ground valuable collectors meteorites doppler weather radar shows flashes indicate meteorites ground northwest detroit cooke said comparison fireball shook chelyabinsk russia 2013 60 feet wide 20 meters shattered windows injured 1600 people flying glass expelled 4700 times energy michigan one cooke said one came sun us like red baron close picked said nine asteroids nasa tracking potential future earth impact none likely hit eventually scientists hope defensive system especially rocks bigger 165 feet wide 50 meters basic technology deflect asteroid havent done yet fairly basic physics like running spacecraft said ed lu former astronaut head b612 asteroid institute works protect earth hit space rocks astronomers spot space rock heading planet calculate earth hit said morrison said probably useful thing could evacuate target area said worlds space agencies astronomers agreed guidelines warning possible action scientists spot space rocks 33 feet 10 meters wide nasa planetary defense officer lindley johnson said email start shelter place advice consider evacuations theres time rock 100 feet wide 30 meters space agencies consider trying deflect asteroid least 165 feet 50 meters wide said meteor fireballs appear every days somewhere world said purdue university planetary scientist jay melosh typically fireballs dont much occur sunlight people dont notice tuesdays happened near detroit night could seen got lot attention cooke said powerful enough registered 20 u geological surveys seismic monitors even 28000 mph wasnt zippy meteor slow gets cooke said ___ follow seth borenstein twitter borenbears work found ___ associated press series produced partnership howard hughes medical institutes department science education ap solely responsible content washington ap story jan 17 meteors associated press reported erroneously size asteroids scientists hope able deflect earths path future want defensive system asteroids larger 165 feet 50 meters 30 miles 50 kilometers corrected version story science says michigan meteor could meatier science says michigan meteor could meatier seth borenstein ap science writer washington ap fireball streaked michigan sky put quite show far potentially killer space rocks merely flash pan much bigger asteroids careening solar system scientists watch hope spot time get people way truly dangerous one heading straight earth far one isnt coming tuesdays meteor lit michigan skies 30 scientists gathered california discuss biggest meteor hit modern history 1908 explosion tunguska russia flattened 800 square miles 2100 square kilometers forest thats nothing compared happened 65 million years ago 6milewide 10 kilometer asteroid caused 70 percent life earth go extinct including many dinosaurs earthcrossing asteroids size solar system today said nasa senior scientist david morrison space rock expert organized california workshop since 1990s nasa conducting spaceguard survey looking large asteroids far astronomers rule rocks bigger 3 miles wide 5 kilometers morrison said still something small 2 kilometers 12 kilometers could really ruin whole day whole earth maybe kill threequarters people wouldnt extinction said tuesdays 6footwide 2 meters michigan rock small tracked exploded air power 100 tons tnt said bill cooke nasas meteoroid environment office scientists try figure came meteoroid small chunk asteroid comet enters earths atmosphere becomes meteor fireball shooting star pieces rock hit ground valuable collectors meteorites doppler weather radar shows flashes indicate meteorites ground northwest detroit cooke said comparison fireball shook chelyabinsk russia 2013 60 feet wide 20 meters shattered windows injured 1600 people flying glass expelled 4700 times energy michigan one cooke said one came sun us like red baron close picked said nine asteroids nasa tracking potential future earth impact none likely hit eventually scientists hope defensive system especially rocks bigger 165 feet wide 50 meters basic technology deflect asteroid havent done yet fairly basic physics like running spacecraft said ed lu former astronaut head b612 asteroid institute works protect earth hit space rocks astronomers spot space rock heading planet calculate earth hit said morrison said probably useful thing could evacuate target area said worlds space agencies astronomers agreed guidelines warning possible action scientists spot space rocks 33 feet 10 meters wide nasa planetary defense officer lindley johnson said email start shelter place advice consider evacuations theres time rock 100 feet wide 30 meters space agencies consider trying deflect asteroid least 165 feet 50 meters wide said meteor fireballs appear every days somewhere world said purdue university planetary scientist jay melosh typically fireballs dont much occur sunlight people dont notice tuesdays happened near detroit night could seen got lot attention cooke said powerful enough registered 20 u geological surveys seismic monitors even 28000 mph wasnt zippy meteor slow gets cooke said ___ follow seth borenstein twitter borenbears work found ___ associated press series produced partnership howard hughes medical institutes department science education ap solely responsible content
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<p>ED HAUN/DETROIT FREE PRESS/MCTCook the potatoes one day in advance to make Double-Stuffed Potatoes.</p>
<p>Thanksgiving is the one time of year when roasting a big turkey is not enough.</p>
<p>As cooks, we wrestle with also having to prepare a string of side dishes to please guests.</p>
<p>Trouble is we’re often in side dish rut. And too often we try to make complicated sides.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>For example, don’t make risotto, unless you have time. Risottos need constant stirring and adding of liquids for at least 45 minutes.</p>
<p>Who has time for that on the biggest cooking holiday of the year?</p>
<p>But if you’ve never tried vegetables like Brussels sprouts, now is your chance. And if you can’t sway from mashed sweet potatoes, vary them a little. Our Double-Stuffed Potatoes is fine and flavorful with a mix of sweet potatoes and baked and mashed potatoes.</p>
<p>There are no set rules of how many side dishes to have. Just don’t overdo it. One or two sides to along with mashed potatoes and stuffing are perfectly fine.</p>
<p>Here are some tips to help you better tackle turkey day:</p>
<p>⋄&#160; You can peel potatoes for mashed potatoes in the morning or several hours in advance and put them in a bowl of cold water and refrigerate.</p>
<p>⋄&#160; Clean most vegetables to be used in casseroles or on their own the day before. Chop, slice or dice them and store in plastic sealable bags in the refrigerator.</p>
<p>⋄&#160; Dishes that have a cream- or milk-based sauce don’t reheat well. Make them Thanksgiving Day.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>⋄&#160; For stuffing: Sauté onions and carrots and any meats used in stuffing the night before, then cool them and store them in separate plastic bags. Then put everything together on Thanksgiving Day so it’s ready to bake. The stuffing needs to reach 160 degrees when it is cooked inside the bird, therefore you should put hot, freshly made stuffing into the cold bird.</p>
<p>⋄&#160; Some casserole-type dishes like potato gratins can be assembled the day before baking. Plan on adding an extra 10 to 15 minutes baking time for the chilled dishes.</p>
<p>⋄&#160; If you are running out of oven space, don’t forget you can use the outdoor grill. Keep it on low (200 degrees) and cover the dishes with foil to keep things warm. (Note: Be sure to use dishes that are designed for the grill such as foil pans.)</p>
<p>DOUBLE-STUFFED POTATOES</p>
<p>Serves 12 / Preparation time: 1 hour, 20 minutes / Total time: 2 hours</p>
<p>2 pears</p>
<p>1 lemon, halved</p>
<p>3 medium sweet potatoes, baked and cooled</p>
<p>4 medium baking potatoes, baked and cooled</p>
<p>½ cup 2 percent milk, heated</p>
<p>5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted</p>
<p>1 large egg, lightly beaten</p>
<p>¾ teaspoon salt</p>
<p>¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper</p>
<p>1/8 teaspoon ground cloves</p>
<p>¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, divided</p>
<p>¼ cup light brown sugar</p>
<p>3 fresh thyme sprigs</p>
<p>Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Peel, core and roughly chop the pears; place them in the water. Squeeze the lemon juice into the water and add the lemon. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the pears are easily pierced with a fork – about 15 minutes. Remove the pears using a slotted spoon and set them aside.</p>
<p>Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Scoop the cooked flesh into a large bowl, reserving 12 of the empty potato skins. Add the milk, butter and pears to the potatoes and mash until the mixture is smooth. Add the egg, salt, pepper, cloves and 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg and fill the reserved skin shells.</p>
<p>In a small bowl mix together the remaining 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg and the brown sugar.</p>
<p>Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the potato tops and transfer to a baking sheet. Bake until the tops brown, about 25 minutes. Remove from the oven, garnish with thyme and serve immediately.</p>
<p>COOK’S NOTE: Cook the potatoes one day in advance. To cook the potatoes, poke each twice with a fork. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack for about 50 minutes or until they are tender. Cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh. Store them in the refrigerator in separate plastic bags or containers.</p>
<p>You may substitute canned pears (packed in juice) for the cooked pears.</p>
<p>PER SERVING: 164 calories (30 percent from fat), 5 g fat (3 grams sat. fat), 27 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein, 167 mg sodium, 31 mg cholesterol, 3 g fiber.</p>
<p>– Adapted from Country Living magazine, November 2004 issue. Tested by Susan M. Selasky for the Free Press Test Kitchen.</p>
<p>BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH CARAMELIZED PEARL ONIONS AND MAPLE SYRUP</p>
<p>Serves 10 / Preparation time: 12 minutes / Total time: 25 minutes</p>
<p>¾ cup coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans</p>
<p>¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted</p>
<p>1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup (adjust for desired sweetness)</p>
<p>1 teaspoon salt, divided</p>
<p>2 pounds Brussels sprouts, discolored leaves discarded, stems trimmed, quartered</p>
<p>1 bag (16 ounces) frozen pearl onions, slightly thawed</p>
<p>¼ teaspoon black pepper</p>
<p>1 tablespoon cider vinegar</p>
<p>Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the nuts on a baking sheet and toast them about 10 minutes or until fragrant and a few shades darker.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, in a small bowl stir together 1 tablespoon of the butter, the maple syrup and ½ teaspoon salt. Add the maple glaze to the hot nuts and toss to coat.</p>
<p>In a large nonstick skillet, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add the Brussels sprouts and sauté them about 5 minutes. Add the onions to the skillet, stir, cover and continue cooking until the onions are slightly golden and the Brussels sprouts are crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Uncover, add the black pepper and vinegar and sauté, stirring about 2 minutes. Add the nuts and any glaze in the baking pan and sauté, stirring 1 minute more. Serve.</p>
<p>COOK’S NOTE: The nuts can be toasted and glazed a day in advance. Store them covered at room temperature. The Brussels sprouts can be quartered a day ahead and kept in a plastic bag lined with paper towels in the refrigerator.</p>
<p>PER SERVING: 156 calories (57 percent from fat), 11 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 14 g carbohydrate, 4 g protein, 272 mg sodium, 12 mg cholesterol, 47 mg calcium, 4 g fiber.</p>
<p>– Adapted from Gourmet magazine, November 2003 issue</p>
<p>– Tested by Susan Selasky for the Free Press Test Kitchen</p>
<p />
| false | 2 |
ed haundetroit free pressmctcook potatoes one day advance make doublestuffed potatoes thanksgiving one time year roasting big turkey enough cooks wrestle also prepare string side dishes please guests trouble often side dish rut often try make complicated sides advertisement example dont make risotto unless time risottos need constant stirring adding liquids least 45 minutes time biggest cooking holiday year youve never tried vegetables like brussels sprouts chance cant sway mashed sweet potatoes vary little doublestuffed potatoes fine flavorful mix sweet potatoes baked mashed potatoes set rules many side dishes dont overdo one two sides along mashed potatoes stuffing perfectly fine tips help better tackle turkey day 160 peel potatoes mashed potatoes morning several hours advance put bowl cold water refrigerate 160 clean vegetables used casseroles day chop slice dice store plastic sealable bags refrigerator 160 dishes cream milkbased sauce dont reheat well make thanksgiving day advertisement 160 stuffing sauté onions carrots meats used stuffing night cool store separate plastic bags put everything together thanksgiving day ready bake stuffing needs reach 160 degrees cooked inside bird therefore put hot freshly made stuffing cold bird 160 casseroletype dishes like potato gratins assembled day baking plan adding extra 10 15 minutes baking time chilled dishes 160 running oven space dont forget use outdoor grill keep low 200 degrees cover dishes foil keep things warm note sure use dishes designed grill foil pans doublestuffed potatoes serves 12 preparation time 1 hour 20 minutes total time 2 hours 2 pears 1 lemon halved 3 medium sweet potatoes baked cooled 4 medium baking potatoes baked cooled ½ cup 2 percent milk heated 5 tablespoons unsalted butter melted 1 large egg lightly beaten ¾ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 18 teaspoon ground cloves ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg divided ¼ cup light brown sugar 3 fresh thyme sprigs bring medium saucepan water boil peel core roughly chop pears place water squeeze lemon juice water add lemon reduce heat simmer cook pears easily pierced fork 15 minutes remove pears using slotted spoon set aside preheat oven 425 degrees line baking sheet foil cut potatoes half lengthwise scoop cooked flesh large bowl reserving 12 empty potato skins add milk butter pears potatoes mash mixture smooth add egg salt pepper cloves 18 teaspoon nutmeg fill reserved skin shells small bowl mix together remaining 18 teaspoon nutmeg brown sugar sprinkle sugar mixture potato tops transfer baking sheet bake tops brown 25 minutes remove oven garnish thyme serve immediately cooks note cook potatoes one day advance cook potatoes poke twice fork preheat oven 400 degrees bake potatoes directly oven rack 50 minutes tender cut half lengthwise scoop flesh store refrigerator separate plastic bags containers may substitute canned pears packed juice cooked pears per serving 164 calories 30 percent fat 5 g fat 3 grams sat fat 27 g carbohydrates 3 g protein 167 mg sodium 31 mg cholesterol 3 g fiber adapted country living magazine november 2004 issue tested susan selasky free press test kitchen brussels sprouts caramelized pearl onions maple syrup serves 10 preparation time 12 minutes total time 25 minutes ¾ cup coarsely chopped walnuts pecans ¼ cup ½ stick unsalted butter melted 1 2 tablespoons maple syrup adjust desired sweetness 1 teaspoon salt divided 2 pounds brussels sprouts discolored leaves discarded stems trimmed quartered 1 bag 16 ounces frozen pearl onions slightly thawed ¼ teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon cider vinegar preheat oven 350 degrees place nuts baking sheet toast 10 minutes fragrant shades darker meanwhile small bowl stir together 1 tablespoon butter maple syrup ½ teaspoon salt add maple glaze hot nuts toss coat large nonstick skillet heat remaining 3 tablespoons butter mediumhigh heat add brussels sprouts sauté 5 minutes add onions skillet stir cover continue cooking onions slightly golden brussels sprouts crisptender 5 minutes uncover add black pepper vinegar sauté stirring 2 minutes add nuts glaze baking pan sauté stirring 1 minute serve cooks note nuts toasted glazed day advance store covered room temperature brussels sprouts quartered day ahead kept plastic bag lined paper towels refrigerator per serving 156 calories 57 percent fat 11 g fat 3 g saturated fat 14 g carbohydrate 4 g protein 272 mg sodium 12 mg cholesterol 47 mg calcium 4 g fiber adapted gourmet magazine november 2003 issue tested susan selasky free press test kitchen
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<p>PATERSON, N.J. — In the halal bakeries and markets that line Main Street, and in mosques that have been part of the community for decades, a familiar dread has taken hold after the latest terror attack in the U.S.</p>
<p>Sayfullo Saipov, the Muslim man accused of using a truck to mow down people on a New York City bike path in the name of the Islamic State group, lived in Paterson.</p>
<p>Paterson saw a surge of anti-Muslim harassment after 9/11, particularly after it was learned that as many as a half-dozen of the hijackers who flew planes into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a Pennsylvania field lived or spent time in the city 20 miles (32 kilometers) outside New York.</p>
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<p>After the rampage on Tuesday that left eight people dead, “it’s the same feeling again,” said Imam Mohammad Qatanani, spiritual leader of the Islamic Center of Passaic County, the region’s most influential mosque.</p>
<p>“People here feel they will be blamed as a religion and as a people. Because this guy was a Muslim, Muslims will be blamed anywhere and everywhere.”</p>
<p>By Thursday, it had already begun. The Islamic Center of Passaic County had received eight telephone threats, prompting police to assign extra patrols to the area.</p>
<p>“They say they’re going to kill us, they’re going to burn the place down, all using extremely foul language,” said the mosque’s president, Omar Awad. “They say, ‘We’re going to come rip your … beard off.'”</p>
<p>The New Jersey office of the Council on American Islamic Relations reported threats had also been made against the Omar Mosque, next door to the apartment house where Saipov lived. Mosque officials did not immediately return a message seeking comment.</p>
<p>Tensions have flared within the Muslim community as well, with two men getting into a fistfight at a mosque in a dispute over the cause of Saipov’s alleged radicalization.</p>
<p>Until this week, Saipov, who came to the U.S. in 2010 from Uzbekistan, was just one more recent arrival in a city that is home to immigrants from more than four dozen countries.</p>
<p>Neighborhoods have been dubbed Little Ramallah or Little Istanbul for their respective Arab and Turkish residents. Peru has a consulate in the city to serve the large number of Peruvians.</p>
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<p>More than 34 percent of the city’s residents were born in another country, according to the Census Bureau.</p>
<p>Islamic leaders in the city of 147,000 people estimate Paterson’s Muslim population at 25,000 to 30,000.</p>
<p>Paterson was an engine of the Industrial Revolution, its factories churning out textiles and embroidery that helped earn it the nickname Silk City. But many of the industrial jobs are gone, and nearly a third of Paterson’s population lives in poverty, the city beset by crime and drugs.</p>
<p>It has been in this environment that the Muslim community established itself over decades, with a mix of Arab, Asian, African-American and European members of the faith. The Islamic Center of Passaic County, formed nearly three decades ago in Paterson, draws about 2,000 people for Friday communal prayers.</p>
<p>Now, some are afraid they will be made to answer for the actions of a man many leaders of the community say they didn’t know.</p>
<p>Saipov did not attend the Passaic County mosque, Qatanani said. As for the Omar Mosque, congregants disagreed over whether he prayed there.</p>
<p>Ramy Elhelw, 30, of Hoboken, said he never saw Saipov there. “This is not somebody we recognize in any way, shape or form,” Elhelw said. “A person who does something of this nature is a deranged human being.”</p>
<p>But Abu Mohammed, a 46-year-old Palestinian construction worker and olive oil importer who came to America at 18, said he saw Saipov worship there.</p>
<p>While he condemned Saipov’s alleged crimes, he also said he understands what can send a law-abiding Muslim down the path of radicalization.</p>
<p>“It’s simple: They see the U.S. terrorizing Muslims left and right for the last 27 years, hundreds of thousands of them,” Mohammed said. “That’s terrorism, and terrorism creates terrorists. The one who starts the fight is more guilty.”</p>
<p>Upon hearing Mohammed’s remarks to reporters at the Omar Mosque, an elderly man yelled at him and punched him in the face, and they scuffled.</p>
<p>The mosque had been targeted by the New York Police Department, which conducted broad surveillance of Muslims in New Jersey, New York and beyond after 9/11, a program uncovered by The Associated Press in 2011. An NYPD report from the surveillance found no evidence of criminal activity at the Omar Mosque.</p>
<p>Frank Cagatay, who lives in an apartment building where Saipov had lived, said the latest attack will further damage Paterson’s reputation.</p>
<p>“The people that do this cite God in carrying out terrorist attacks, but God never told anyone to kill innocent people,” Cagatay said.</p>
<p>After 9/11, Muslims in and around Paterson reported that people screamed anti-Muslim insults and threw objects at them, particularly after false rumors spread that people were dancing in the streets to celebrate the attacks. Several Muslims were assaulted, and mosques received bomb threats.</p>
<p>Muslim leaders have gone to great lengths to try to ease the hostility by reaching out to law enforcement officials and local residents.</p>
<p>Government agencies held job fairs at Qatanani’s mosque to recruit Arabic-speaking Muslims, and high-ranking political and counterterrorism officials were guests at its annual Ramadan dinner.</p>
<p>The local FBI office, which began meeting with Paterson Muslims in 1999, said tips and other information from the Muslim community were extremely helpful after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, and they praised local residents who served as translators when investigators conducted interviews.</p>
<p>Worries over discrimination against Muslims in New Jersey continue, however, in part because of efforts by some towns to thwart construction of mosques.</p>
<p>Many people here worry that President Donald Trump’s statements — including calling Saipov an “animal” — will inflame tensions.</p>
<p>Aref Assaf, a Palestinian active in Paterson’s Muslim community, said Muslims have been at the forefront of efforts to counter extremism.</p>
<p>“This guilt by association is hurtful for those of us who are working so hard to see this curse wiped from the face of the Earth,” Assaf said.</p>
<p>____</p>
<p>AP Religion Writer Rachel Zoll and reporter Deepti Hajela contributed to this report.</p>
<p>____</p>
<p>Follow Wayne Parry at <a href="http://twitter.com/WayneParryAC" type="external">http://twitter.com/WayneParryAC</a></p>
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paterson nj halal bakeries markets line main street mosques part community decades familiar dread taken hold latest terror attack us sayfullo saipov muslim man accused using truck mow people new york city bike path name islamic state group lived paterson paterson saw surge antimuslim harassment 911 particularly learned many halfdozen hijackers flew planes world trade center pentagon pennsylvania field lived spent time city 20 miles 32 kilometers outside new york advertisement rampage tuesday left eight people dead feeling said imam mohammad qatanani spiritual leader islamic center passaic county regions influential mosque people feel blamed religion people guy muslim muslims blamed anywhere everywhere thursday already begun islamic center passaic county received eight telephone threats prompting police assign extra patrols area say theyre going kill us theyre going burn place using extremely foul language said mosques president omar awad say going come rip beard new jersey office council american islamic relations reported threats also made omar mosque next door apartment house saipov lived mosque officials immediately return message seeking comment tensions flared within muslim community well two men getting fistfight mosque dispute cause saipovs alleged radicalization week saipov came us 2010 uzbekistan one recent arrival city home immigrants four dozen countries neighborhoods dubbed little ramallah little istanbul respective arab turkish residents peru consulate city serve large number peruvians advertisement 34 percent citys residents born another country according census bureau islamic leaders city 147000 people estimate patersons muslim population 25000 30000 paterson engine industrial revolution factories churning textiles embroidery helped earn nickname silk city many industrial jobs gone nearly third patersons population lives poverty city beset crime drugs environment muslim community established decades mix arab asian africanamerican european members faith islamic center passaic county formed nearly three decades ago paterson draws 2000 people friday communal prayers afraid made answer actions man many leaders community say didnt know saipov attend passaic county mosque qatanani said omar mosque congregants disagreed whether prayed ramy elhelw 30 hoboken said never saw saipov somebody recognize way shape form elhelw said person something nature deranged human abu mohammed 46yearold palestinian construction worker olive oil importer came america 18 said saw saipov worship condemned saipovs alleged crimes also said understands send lawabiding muslim path radicalization simple see us terrorizing muslims left right last 27 years hundreds thousands mohammed said thats terrorism terrorism creates terrorists one starts fight guilty upon hearing mohammeds remarks reporters omar mosque elderly man yelled punched face scuffled mosque targeted new york police department conducted broad surveillance muslims new jersey new york beyond 911 program uncovered associated press 2011 nypd report surveillance found evidence criminal activity omar mosque frank cagatay lives apartment building saipov lived said latest attack damage patersons reputation people cite god carrying terrorist attacks god never told anyone kill innocent people cagatay said 911 muslims around paterson reported people screamed antimuslim insults threw objects particularly false rumors spread people dancing streets celebrate attacks several muslims assaulted mosques received bomb threats muslim leaders gone great lengths try ease hostility reaching law enforcement officials local residents government agencies held job fairs qatananis mosque recruit arabicspeaking muslims highranking political counterterrorism officials guests annual ramadan dinner local fbi office began meeting paterson muslims 1999 said tips information muslim community extremely helpful sept 11 2001 attacks praised local residents served translators investigators conducted interviews worries discrimination muslims new jersey continue however part efforts towns thwart construction mosques many people worry president donald trumps statements including calling saipov animal inflame tensions aref assaf palestinian active patersons muslim community said muslims forefront efforts counter extremism guilt association hurtful us working hard see curse wiped face earth assaf said ____ ap religion writer rachel zoll reporter deepti hajela contributed report ____ follow wayne parry httptwittercomwayneparryac
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<p>HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Stymied by Republicans in his effort to pass a law raising the minimum wage, Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf is moving to boost pay in Pennsylvania through another means — by making hundreds of thousands of additional salaried employees eligible for overtime pay, administration officials said Wednesday.</p>
<p>The proposed regulation extending overtime to more salaried employees would need approval only from a five-member board that has a 3-2 majority of Democratic appointees.</p>
<p>The approval process could take more than a year, meaning that Wolf — who is seeking a second term in November’s election — must get re-elected to ensure it stays alive. Raising the overtime threshold would strengthen the middle class, boost the economy and help make wages fairer, Wolf said.</p>
<p>“It’s simple. If you work overtime, then you should get paid fairly for it,” Wolf said in a statement. “This important step will put more money into the pockets of hardworking people and will help expand the middle class in Pennsylvania.”</p>
<p>Labor unions applauded the move, but it drew quick opposition from business groups that also had cheered when federal courts blocked a similar move by former Democratic President Barack Obama.</p>
<p>A handful of other states with higher minimum wages require overtime pay for salaried workers above the federal baseline, although Wolf’s proposal would appear to put Pennsylvania on par with the states with the highest thresholds, including California, New York and Alaska.</p>
<p>Wolf’s administration said the regulation would phase in the increase over three years and eventually cover 460,000 more salaried workers, or about 8 percent of Pennsylvania’s estimated payrolls of nearly 6 million. It would require that salaried workers earning up to almost $48,000 a year in 2022, or about $920 a week, get time-and-a-half pay for any time they work over 40 hours in a week. In 2020, the threshold would rise to $31,720 annually, or $610 per week, and in 2021 to nearly $40,000, or $766 per week.</p>
<p>Pennsylvania’s current threshold is set at the federal baseline of $23,660, or $455 per week, which took effect in 2004. The state last raised its overtime threshold by regulation to $250 per week in 1977, the administration said. That is comparable to about $1,000 in today’s dollar value, using the federal government’s online inflation calculator.</p>
<p>Wolf’s proposal, like Obama’s, also would cover nonprofit organizations, from social services providers to higher education institutions.</p>
<p>Worker-advocacy groups say that some employees often put in far more than 40 hours a week and end up making less than the minimum wage. In Pennsylvania, an employee can earn as little as $24,000, and still be ineligible for overtime pay, the groups say.</p>
<p>Business advocates warned that it would force employers to cut back hours and pay.</p>
<p>The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry’s president and CEO, Gene Barr, said it will increase the cost of doing business, create more burdensome record-keeping for employers, make workplace schedules less flexible and potentially reduce pay for former salary workers.</p>
<p>The National Federation of Independent Business’ Pennsylvania director, Kevin Shivers, called Wolf’s move “an election-year stunt” while David Taylor, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Manufacturers Association, said the decision on overtime is best left to employees and employers.</p>
<p>“Every time that the government intervenes in the market, it makes jobs more expensive, and whenever things get more expensive you get fewer of them,” Taylor said.</p>
<p>The move comes after Wolf has spent three years fruitlessly asking the Republican-controlled Legislature to increase the state’s minimum wage, which is set at the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour.</p>
<p>Republican lawmakers haven’t budged on Pennsylvania’s minimum wage, leaving Pennsylvania in the bottom half of states.</p>
<p>Obama’s administration tried in 2016 to more than double the federal overtime threshold by regulation to $47,476, or $913 a week, but it was blocked by a federal court in Texas after 21 states sued and it was never enforced. Still, some businesses had adjusted pay scales or overtime pay policies to accommodate Obama’s rule before the court blocked it.</p>
<p>Republican President Donald Trump’s administration has not taken action to increase the federal baseline for overtime pay.</p>
<p>HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Stymied by Republicans in his effort to pass a law raising the minimum wage, Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf is moving to boost pay in Pennsylvania through another means — by making hundreds of thousands of additional salaried employees eligible for overtime pay, administration officials said Wednesday.</p>
<p>The proposed regulation extending overtime to more salaried employees would need approval only from a five-member board that has a 3-2 majority of Democratic appointees.</p>
<p>The approval process could take more than a year, meaning that Wolf — who is seeking a second term in November’s election — must get re-elected to ensure it stays alive. Raising the overtime threshold would strengthen the middle class, boost the economy and help make wages fairer, Wolf said.</p>
<p>“It’s simple. If you work overtime, then you should get paid fairly for it,” Wolf said in a statement. “This important step will put more money into the pockets of hardworking people and will help expand the middle class in Pennsylvania.”</p>
<p>Labor unions applauded the move, but it drew quick opposition from business groups that also had cheered when federal courts blocked a similar move by former Democratic President Barack Obama.</p>
<p>A handful of other states with higher minimum wages require overtime pay for salaried workers above the federal baseline, although Wolf’s proposal would appear to put Pennsylvania on par with the states with the highest thresholds, including California, New York and Alaska.</p>
<p>Wolf’s administration said the regulation would phase in the increase over three years and eventually cover 460,000 more salaried workers, or about 8 percent of Pennsylvania’s estimated payrolls of nearly 6 million. It would require that salaried workers earning up to almost $48,000 a year in 2022, or about $920 a week, get time-and-a-half pay for any time they work over 40 hours in a week. In 2020, the threshold would rise to $31,720 annually, or $610 per week, and in 2021 to nearly $40,000, or $766 per week.</p>
<p>Pennsylvania’s current threshold is set at the federal baseline of $23,660, or $455 per week, which took effect in 2004. The state last raised its overtime threshold by regulation to $250 per week in 1977, the administration said. That is comparable to about $1,000 in today’s dollar value, using the federal government’s online inflation calculator.</p>
<p>Wolf’s proposal, like Obama’s, also would cover nonprofit organizations, from social services providers to higher education institutions.</p>
<p>Worker-advocacy groups say that some employees often put in far more than 40 hours a week and end up making less than the minimum wage. In Pennsylvania, an employee can earn as little as $24,000, and still be ineligible for overtime pay, the groups say.</p>
<p>Business advocates warned that it would force employers to cut back hours and pay.</p>
<p>The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry’s president and CEO, Gene Barr, said it will increase the cost of doing business, create more burdensome record-keeping for employers, make workplace schedules less flexible and potentially reduce pay for former salary workers.</p>
<p>The National Federation of Independent Business’ Pennsylvania director, Kevin Shivers, called Wolf’s move “an election-year stunt” while David Taylor, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Manufacturers Association, said the decision on overtime is best left to employees and employers.</p>
<p>“Every time that the government intervenes in the market, it makes jobs more expensive, and whenever things get more expensive you get fewer of them,” Taylor said.</p>
<p>The move comes after Wolf has spent three years fruitlessly asking the Republican-controlled Legislature to increase the state’s minimum wage, which is set at the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour.</p>
<p>Republican lawmakers haven’t budged on Pennsylvania’s minimum wage, leaving Pennsylvania in the bottom half of states.</p>
<p>Obama’s administration tried in 2016 to more than double the federal overtime threshold by regulation to $47,476, or $913 a week, but it was blocked by a federal court in Texas after 21 states sued and it was never enforced. Still, some businesses had adjusted pay scales or overtime pay policies to accommodate Obama’s rule before the court blocked it.</p>
<p>Republican President Donald Trump’s administration has not taken action to increase the federal baseline for overtime pay.</p>
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harrisburg pa ap stymied republicans effort pass law raising minimum wage democratic gov tom wolf moving boost pay pennsylvania another means making hundreds thousands additional salaried employees eligible overtime pay administration officials said wednesday proposed regulation extending overtime salaried employees would need approval fivemember board 32 majority democratic appointees approval process could take year meaning wolf seeking second term novembers election must get reelected ensure stays alive raising overtime threshold would strengthen middle class boost economy help make wages fairer wolf said simple work overtime get paid fairly wolf said statement important step put money pockets hardworking people help expand middle class pennsylvania labor unions applauded move drew quick opposition business groups also cheered federal courts blocked similar move former democratic president barack obama handful states higher minimum wages require overtime pay salaried workers federal baseline although wolfs proposal would appear put pennsylvania par states highest thresholds including california new york alaska wolfs administration said regulation would phase increase three years eventually cover 460000 salaried workers 8 percent pennsylvanias estimated payrolls nearly 6 million would require salaried workers earning almost 48000 year 2022 920 week get timeandahalf pay time work 40 hours week 2020 threshold would rise 31720 annually 610 per week 2021 nearly 40000 766 per week pennsylvanias current threshold set federal baseline 23660 455 per week took effect 2004 state last raised overtime threshold regulation 250 per week 1977 administration said comparable 1000 todays dollar value using federal governments online inflation calculator wolfs proposal like obamas also would cover nonprofit organizations social services providers higher education institutions workeradvocacy groups say employees often put far 40 hours week end making less minimum wage pennsylvania employee earn little 24000 still ineligible overtime pay groups say business advocates warned would force employers cut back hours pay pennsylvania chamber business industrys president ceo gene barr said increase cost business create burdensome recordkeeping employers make workplace schedules less flexible potentially reduce pay former salary workers national federation independent business pennsylvania director kevin shivers called wolfs move electionyear stunt david taylor president ceo pennsylvania manufacturers association said decision overtime best left employees employers every time government intervenes market makes jobs expensive whenever things get expensive get fewer taylor said move comes wolf spent three years fruitlessly asking republicancontrolled legislature increase states minimum wage set federal minimum wage 725 hour republican lawmakers havent budged pennsylvanias minimum wage leaving pennsylvania bottom half states obamas administration tried 2016 double federal overtime threshold regulation 47476 913 week blocked federal court texas 21 states sued never enforced still businesses adjusted pay scales overtime pay policies accommodate obamas rule court blocked republican president donald trumps administration taken action increase federal baseline overtime pay harrisburg pa ap stymied republicans effort pass law raising minimum wage democratic gov tom wolf moving boost pay pennsylvania another means making hundreds thousands additional salaried employees eligible overtime pay administration officials said wednesday proposed regulation extending overtime salaried employees would need approval fivemember board 32 majority democratic appointees approval process could take year meaning wolf seeking second term novembers election must get reelected ensure stays alive raising overtime threshold would strengthen middle class boost economy help make wages fairer wolf said simple work overtime get paid fairly wolf said statement important step put money pockets hardworking people help expand middle class pennsylvania labor unions applauded move drew quick opposition business groups also cheered federal courts blocked similar move former democratic president barack obama handful states higher minimum wages require overtime pay salaried workers federal baseline although wolfs proposal would appear put pennsylvania par states highest thresholds including california new york alaska wolfs administration said regulation would phase increase three years eventually cover 460000 salaried workers 8 percent pennsylvanias estimated payrolls nearly 6 million would require salaried workers earning almost 48000 year 2022 920 week get timeandahalf pay time work 40 hours week 2020 threshold would rise 31720 annually 610 per week 2021 nearly 40000 766 per week pennsylvanias current threshold set federal baseline 23660 455 per week took effect 2004 state last raised overtime threshold regulation 250 per week 1977 administration said comparable 1000 todays dollar value using federal governments online inflation calculator wolfs proposal like obamas also would cover nonprofit organizations social services providers higher education institutions workeradvocacy groups say employees often put far 40 hours week end making less minimum wage pennsylvania employee earn little 24000 still ineligible overtime pay groups say business advocates warned would force employers cut back hours pay pennsylvania chamber business industrys president ceo gene barr said increase cost business create burdensome recordkeeping employers make workplace schedules less flexible potentially reduce pay former salary workers national federation independent business pennsylvania director kevin shivers called wolfs move electionyear stunt david taylor president ceo pennsylvania manufacturers association said decision overtime best left employees employers every time government intervenes market makes jobs expensive whenever things get expensive get fewer taylor said move comes wolf spent three years fruitlessly asking republicancontrolled legislature increase states minimum wage set federal minimum wage 725 hour republican lawmakers havent budged pennsylvanias minimum wage leaving pennsylvania bottom half states obamas administration tried 2016 double federal overtime threshold regulation 47476 913 week blocked federal court texas 21 states sued never enforced still businesses adjusted pay scales overtime pay policies accommodate obamas rule court blocked republican president donald trumps administration taken action increase federal baseline overtime pay
| 886 |
<p>TEMUCO, Chile (AP) — When Pope Francis visits the de facto capital of Chile’s Mapuche people, he will be inserting himself into one of Latin America’s longest-running conflicts involving indigenous populations, and one that periodically erupts in violence.</p>
<p>Leaders of both the Mapuches and the Chilean government have said in recent weeks they hope Francis can facilitate dialogue on disputes dating to the late 19th century, when the Mapuches, known for their ferocity resisting Spanish and other European settlers, were definitively defeated by the Chilean military.</p>
<p>At stake are many thorny issues: ownership of ancestral lands in the southern Araucania region, legal recognition of the Mapuches’ language and culture, and discrimination that their leaders say permeates all facets of life.</p>
<p>“In practical terms, we as a people don’t exist. It’s shameful,” said Hugo Alcaman, president of ENAMA, a Mapuche group that encourages local businesses and advocates social change. “We need negotiations. We hope that the pope plants the seeds for it to happen.”</p>
<p>How far the pope goes in any statement supporting the Mapuches will be closely watched, and even fretted over. Francis, a native of neighboring Argentina and the first pope from Latin America, has shown strong support for indigenous peoples during visits in other countries. In Bolivia in 2015, he went so far as to apologize for the Roman Catholic Church’s “grave sins” committed against indigenous communities during the colonial era.</p>
<p>His visit to Temuco on Wednesday takes him to a region of high volatility. While the vast majority of Chile’s estimated 1 million citizens of Mapuche descent oppose using violence, a small number use it to push their agenda.</p>
<p>In recent years scores of churches have been among the targets — including three firebombed Friday in the nation’s capital, Santiago. Like in previous incidents in Araucania, pamphlets extolling the Mapuche cause were found at the scene of one of the churches, though no arrests were made and no group has claimed responsibility.</p>
<p>“There is both hope and worry about the pope’s visit,” said Emilio Taladriz, director of Multigremial de la Araucania, a conglomerate of unions across several industries. “The area is still one of conflict.”</p>
<p>Protests are expected in Temuco, including outside the Maquehue Air Base where the pope will celebrate Mass. It was built on land that was taken from Mapuches in the early 20th century and remains a point of friction.</p>
<p>Chilean authorities plan to deploy more than 4,000 police officers in Temuco’s streets as, flanked by 16 police vehicles, Francis rides in the popemobile down a central avenue before visiting an order of nuns.</p>
<p>A Mapuche choir will participate in the Mass, and afterward the pope will have lunch with a group of Mapuches hand-picked by local bishops.</p>
<p>Fernando Diaz, a priest in the Temuco area who has worked with Mapuches for years, expressed disappointment that Francis is not scheduled to meet with any of the leaders of the cause.</p>
<p>“The visit has been planned so the pope sees as little of the reality as possible,” Diaz said.</p>
<p>Massimo Faggioli, a Vatican expert and theology professor at Villanova University in Philadelphia, said every papal visit disappointments someone over who gets or does not get an audience, but the pope generally finds a way to carve out time for what is important to him.</p>
<p>“Usually Francis has a good ear and tries to adapt,” said Faggioli.</p>
<p>The first papal visit to Chile since Saint John Paul II in 1987 comes as the Catholic Church’s role with indigenous peoples in the Andean nation of 17 million people has shifted.</p>
<p>During the 1973-1990 dictatorship of Gen. Augusto Pinochet, many Chilean bishops pushed to protect native peoples and get their cultures recognized. But today the hierarchy is much more aligned with business interests.</p>
<p>In 1987, John Paul II gave a pointed nod to Mapuches that surely prompted cringes within Pinochet’s government, which was unsympathetic toward indigenous groups and cracked down on any form of dissent.</p>
<p>During his homily, John Paul said faith in God could overcome all human-caused problems, implicitly referring to friction between Mapuches and the Chilean state.</p>
<p>“It’s for this reason that the pope, from Temuco, encourages the Mapuches to conserve with healthy pride the culture of its people,” the former pontiff said, adding that included “the traditions and customs, the language and its own values.”</p>
<p>Since then, the Mapuches have made significant strides. The return of democracy in Chile in the 1990s set the stage for creation of a government body, the National Corporation of Indigenous Development, that is dedicated to issues related to the country’s native peoples and spurred many changes.</p>
<p>Some ancestral lands have been returned. University scholarships have been set aside for Mapuches along with other benefits not open to all Chileans. Various aspects of Mapuche culture, such as many foods, have become part of the mainstream.</p>
<p>Still, problems persist, ranging from economic to social. Araucania remains the country’s poorest region, and Mapuches complain of frequent abuse at the hands of security forces.</p>
<p>One case that reverberated strongly in the community involved the arrest of two Mapuche brothers, ages 13 and 17, while police were searching for five wanted Mapuche men in December 2016.</p>
<p>The 17-year-old, Brandon Hernandez Huentecol, was shot in the back by a police officer while face-down on the ground, resulting in a nearly two-month stay in the hospital and several surgeries for a shattered pelvis.</p>
<p>The officer has not been charged and failed to appear in court in response to a summons to testify.</p>
<p>Over a year later, the boy’s mother is beseeching Francis to bring his influence to bear.</p>
<p>“I know you are a man who professes Christian values and love for thy neighbor and for those who can’t defend themselves,” Ada Huentecol, said recently in an open letter to the pope. “That is why I ask that you help us, that you speak up and demand justice for my son.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press writer Mauricio Cuevas reported from Temuco, and Peter Prengaman reported from Paihuano, Chile.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow Prengaman on Twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/peterprengaman" type="external">www.twitter.com/peterprengaman</a></p>
<p>TEMUCO, Chile (AP) — When Pope Francis visits the de facto capital of Chile’s Mapuche people, he will be inserting himself into one of Latin America’s longest-running conflicts involving indigenous populations, and one that periodically erupts in violence.</p>
<p>Leaders of both the Mapuches and the Chilean government have said in recent weeks they hope Francis can facilitate dialogue on disputes dating to the late 19th century, when the Mapuches, known for their ferocity resisting Spanish and other European settlers, were definitively defeated by the Chilean military.</p>
<p>At stake are many thorny issues: ownership of ancestral lands in the southern Araucania region, legal recognition of the Mapuches’ language and culture, and discrimination that their leaders say permeates all facets of life.</p>
<p>“In practical terms, we as a people don’t exist. It’s shameful,” said Hugo Alcaman, president of ENAMA, a Mapuche group that encourages local businesses and advocates social change. “We need negotiations. We hope that the pope plants the seeds for it to happen.”</p>
<p>How far the pope goes in any statement supporting the Mapuches will be closely watched, and even fretted over. Francis, a native of neighboring Argentina and the first pope from Latin America, has shown strong support for indigenous peoples during visits in other countries. In Bolivia in 2015, he went so far as to apologize for the Roman Catholic Church’s “grave sins” committed against indigenous communities during the colonial era.</p>
<p>His visit to Temuco on Wednesday takes him to a region of high volatility. While the vast majority of Chile’s estimated 1 million citizens of Mapuche descent oppose using violence, a small number use it to push their agenda.</p>
<p>In recent years scores of churches have been among the targets — including three firebombed Friday in the nation’s capital, Santiago. Like in previous incidents in Araucania, pamphlets extolling the Mapuche cause were found at the scene of one of the churches, though no arrests were made and no group has claimed responsibility.</p>
<p>“There is both hope and worry about the pope’s visit,” said Emilio Taladriz, director of Multigremial de la Araucania, a conglomerate of unions across several industries. “The area is still one of conflict.”</p>
<p>Protests are expected in Temuco, including outside the Maquehue Air Base where the pope will celebrate Mass. It was built on land that was taken from Mapuches in the early 20th century and remains a point of friction.</p>
<p>Chilean authorities plan to deploy more than 4,000 police officers in Temuco’s streets as, flanked by 16 police vehicles, Francis rides in the popemobile down a central avenue before visiting an order of nuns.</p>
<p>A Mapuche choir will participate in the Mass, and afterward the pope will have lunch with a group of Mapuches hand-picked by local bishops.</p>
<p>Fernando Diaz, a priest in the Temuco area who has worked with Mapuches for years, expressed disappointment that Francis is not scheduled to meet with any of the leaders of the cause.</p>
<p>“The visit has been planned so the pope sees as little of the reality as possible,” Diaz said.</p>
<p>Massimo Faggioli, a Vatican expert and theology professor at Villanova University in Philadelphia, said every papal visit disappointments someone over who gets or does not get an audience, but the pope generally finds a way to carve out time for what is important to him.</p>
<p>“Usually Francis has a good ear and tries to adapt,” said Faggioli.</p>
<p>The first papal visit to Chile since Saint John Paul II in 1987 comes as the Catholic Church’s role with indigenous peoples in the Andean nation of 17 million people has shifted.</p>
<p>During the 1973-1990 dictatorship of Gen. Augusto Pinochet, many Chilean bishops pushed to protect native peoples and get their cultures recognized. But today the hierarchy is much more aligned with business interests.</p>
<p>In 1987, John Paul II gave a pointed nod to Mapuches that surely prompted cringes within Pinochet’s government, which was unsympathetic toward indigenous groups and cracked down on any form of dissent.</p>
<p>During his homily, John Paul said faith in God could overcome all human-caused problems, implicitly referring to friction between Mapuches and the Chilean state.</p>
<p>“It’s for this reason that the pope, from Temuco, encourages the Mapuches to conserve with healthy pride the culture of its people,” the former pontiff said, adding that included “the traditions and customs, the language and its own values.”</p>
<p>Since then, the Mapuches have made significant strides. The return of democracy in Chile in the 1990s set the stage for creation of a government body, the National Corporation of Indigenous Development, that is dedicated to issues related to the country’s native peoples and spurred many changes.</p>
<p>Some ancestral lands have been returned. University scholarships have been set aside for Mapuches along with other benefits not open to all Chileans. Various aspects of Mapuche culture, such as many foods, have become part of the mainstream.</p>
<p>Still, problems persist, ranging from economic to social. Araucania remains the country’s poorest region, and Mapuches complain of frequent abuse at the hands of security forces.</p>
<p>One case that reverberated strongly in the community involved the arrest of two Mapuche brothers, ages 13 and 17, while police were searching for five wanted Mapuche men in December 2016.</p>
<p>The 17-year-old, Brandon Hernandez Huentecol, was shot in the back by a police officer while face-down on the ground, resulting in a nearly two-month stay in the hospital and several surgeries for a shattered pelvis.</p>
<p>The officer has not been charged and failed to appear in court in response to a summons to testify.</p>
<p>Over a year later, the boy’s mother is beseeching Francis to bring his influence to bear.</p>
<p>“I know you are a man who professes Christian values and love for thy neighbor and for those who can’t defend themselves,” Ada Huentecol, said recently in an open letter to the pope. “That is why I ask that you help us, that you speak up and demand justice for my son.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press writer Mauricio Cuevas reported from Temuco, and Peter Prengaman reported from Paihuano, Chile.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow Prengaman on Twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/peterprengaman" type="external">www.twitter.com/peterprengaman</a></p>
| false | 2 |
temuco chile ap pope francis visits de facto capital chiles mapuche people inserting one latin americas longestrunning conflicts involving indigenous populations one periodically erupts violence leaders mapuches chilean government said recent weeks hope francis facilitate dialogue disputes dating late 19th century mapuches known ferocity resisting spanish european settlers definitively defeated chilean military stake many thorny issues ownership ancestral lands southern araucania region legal recognition mapuches language culture discrimination leaders say permeates facets life practical terms people dont exist shameful said hugo alcaman president enama mapuche group encourages local businesses advocates social change need negotiations hope pope plants seeds happen far pope goes statement supporting mapuches closely watched even fretted francis native neighboring argentina first pope latin america shown strong support indigenous peoples visits countries bolivia 2015 went far apologize roman catholic churchs grave sins committed indigenous communities colonial era visit temuco wednesday takes region high volatility vast majority chiles estimated 1 million citizens mapuche descent oppose using violence small number use push agenda recent years scores churches among targets including three firebombed friday nations capital santiago like previous incidents araucania pamphlets extolling mapuche cause found scene one churches though arrests made group claimed responsibility hope worry popes visit said emilio taladriz director multigremial de la araucania conglomerate unions across several industries area still one conflict protests expected temuco including outside maquehue air base pope celebrate mass built land taken mapuches early 20th century remains point friction chilean authorities plan deploy 4000 police officers temucos streets flanked 16 police vehicles francis rides popemobile central avenue visiting order nuns mapuche choir participate mass afterward pope lunch group mapuches handpicked local bishops fernando diaz priest temuco area worked mapuches years expressed disappointment francis scheduled meet leaders cause visit planned pope sees little reality possible diaz said massimo faggioli vatican expert theology professor villanova university philadelphia said every papal visit disappointments someone gets get audience pope generally finds way carve time important usually francis good ear tries adapt said faggioli first papal visit chile since saint john paul ii 1987 comes catholic churchs role indigenous peoples andean nation 17 million people shifted 19731990 dictatorship gen augusto pinochet many chilean bishops pushed protect native peoples get cultures recognized today hierarchy much aligned business interests 1987 john paul ii gave pointed nod mapuches surely prompted cringes within pinochets government unsympathetic toward indigenous groups cracked form dissent homily john paul said faith god could overcome humancaused problems implicitly referring friction mapuches chilean state reason pope temuco encourages mapuches conserve healthy pride culture people former pontiff said adding included traditions customs language values since mapuches made significant strides return democracy chile 1990s set stage creation government body national corporation indigenous development dedicated issues related countrys native peoples spurred many changes ancestral lands returned university scholarships set aside mapuches along benefits open chileans various aspects mapuche culture many foods become part mainstream still problems persist ranging economic social araucania remains countrys poorest region mapuches complain frequent abuse hands security forces one case reverberated strongly community involved arrest two mapuche brothers ages 13 17 police searching five wanted mapuche men december 2016 17yearold brandon hernandez huentecol shot back police officer facedown ground resulting nearly twomonth stay hospital several surgeries shattered pelvis officer charged failed appear court response summons testify year later boys mother beseeching francis bring influence bear know man professes christian values love thy neighbor cant defend ada huentecol said recently open letter pope ask help us speak demand justice son ___ associated press writer mauricio cuevas reported temuco peter prengaman reported paihuano chile ___ follow prengaman twitter wwwtwittercompeterprengaman temuco chile ap pope francis visits de facto capital chiles mapuche people inserting one latin americas longestrunning conflicts involving indigenous populations one periodically erupts violence leaders mapuches chilean government said recent weeks hope francis facilitate dialogue disputes dating late 19th century mapuches known ferocity resisting spanish european settlers definitively defeated chilean military stake many thorny issues ownership ancestral lands southern araucania region legal recognition mapuches language culture discrimination leaders say permeates facets life practical terms people dont exist shameful said hugo alcaman president enama mapuche group encourages local businesses advocates social change need negotiations hope pope plants seeds happen far pope goes statement supporting mapuches closely watched even fretted francis native neighboring argentina first pope latin america shown strong support indigenous peoples visits countries bolivia 2015 went far apologize roman catholic churchs grave sins committed indigenous communities colonial era visit temuco wednesday takes region high volatility vast majority chiles estimated 1 million citizens mapuche descent oppose using violence small number use push agenda recent years scores churches among targets including three firebombed friday nations capital santiago like previous incidents araucania pamphlets extolling mapuche cause found scene one churches though arrests made group claimed responsibility hope worry popes visit said emilio taladriz director multigremial de la araucania conglomerate unions across several industries area still one conflict protests expected temuco including outside maquehue air base pope celebrate mass built land taken mapuches early 20th century remains point friction chilean authorities plan deploy 4000 police officers temucos streets flanked 16 police vehicles francis rides popemobile central avenue visiting order nuns mapuche choir participate mass afterward pope lunch group mapuches handpicked local bishops fernando diaz priest temuco area worked mapuches years expressed disappointment francis scheduled meet leaders cause visit planned pope sees little reality possible diaz said massimo faggioli vatican expert theology professor villanova university philadelphia said every papal visit disappointments someone gets get audience pope generally finds way carve time important usually francis good ear tries adapt said faggioli first papal visit chile since saint john paul ii 1987 comes catholic churchs role indigenous peoples andean nation 17 million people shifted 19731990 dictatorship gen augusto pinochet many chilean bishops pushed protect native peoples get cultures recognized today hierarchy much aligned business interests 1987 john paul ii gave pointed nod mapuches surely prompted cringes within pinochets government unsympathetic toward indigenous groups cracked form dissent homily john paul said faith god could overcome humancaused problems implicitly referring friction mapuches chilean state reason pope temuco encourages mapuches conserve healthy pride culture people former pontiff said adding included traditions customs language values since mapuches made significant strides return democracy chile 1990s set stage creation government body national corporation indigenous development dedicated issues related countrys native peoples spurred many changes ancestral lands returned university scholarships set aside mapuches along benefits open chileans various aspects mapuche culture many foods become part mainstream still problems persist ranging economic social araucania remains countrys poorest region mapuches complain frequent abuse hands security forces one case reverberated strongly community involved arrest two mapuche brothers ages 13 17 police searching five wanted mapuche men december 2016 17yearold brandon hernandez huentecol shot back police officer facedown ground resulting nearly twomonth stay hospital several surgeries shattered pelvis officer charged failed appear court response summons testify year later boys mother beseeching francis bring influence bear know man professes christian values love thy neighbor cant defend ada huentecol said recently open letter pope ask help us speak demand justice son ___ associated press writer mauricio cuevas reported temuco peter prengaman reported paihuano chile ___ follow prengaman twitter wwwtwittercompeterprengaman
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<p />
<p>The Navajo Nation will join the other members of the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition — the Hopi, Uintah and Ouray Ute, Ute Mountain Ute, and Zuni tribes — in a lawsuit against the president.</p>
<p>In a statement, Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye said Trump did not consult the tribe. Begaye said the national monument is of critical importance to tribes in the region, including Navajo Nation.</p>
<p>“The Navajo Nation will defend Bears Ears,” Begaye said. “The reduction in the size of the Monument leaves us no choice but to litigate this decision.”</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>All but one of the Navajo Nation chapters in Utah support Bears Ears National Monument as it was designated by President Barack Obama last year. The designation came following a petition from the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition.</p>
<p>“Navajo people have advocated for protection of the Bears Ears for decades, and continue to use and value the land for their livelihoods and cultural practices,” Council Delegate Davis Filfred, who represents several Utah Navajo communities, said in a press release. “This monument represents part of our history and our future.”</p>
<p>Rep. Steve Pearce, R-New Mexico, described the proclamation as a compromise.</p>
<p>“Responsible conservation is about compromise, balancing preservation with economic impact for surrounding communities,” Pearce said in an email statement to The Daily Times. “The Obama Administration, and the Administrations before it, repeatedly abused the Antiquities Act by creating expansive national monuments that blatantly disregarded input from local communities and governments that are directly affected by these designations. Folks all across the nation deserve to have access to federal lands for recreational use, hunting, grazing, and the economic opportunity that comes with it. I’ve been working to preserve the multiple uses that some public lands can provide while preserving our environmental beauty.”</p>
<p>U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich, both Democrats representing New Mexico, have voiced support for lawsuits and questioned Trump’s authority to reduce the size of a national monument.</p>
<p>“He is using never-tested and dubious legal theories to try to reverse designations, and he will be challenged in court,” Udall said.</p>
<p>The monument has been controversial and Utah lawmakers have called it government overreach and a federal land grab. Signs displayed near the entrances to Blanding, Utah — a gateway community to the Bears Ears region — read #RescindBearsEars.</p>
<p>A White House press release states designating too much land as a national monument hurts local tax bases by restricting grazing, timber and mineral extraction and by restricting access to hunting and fishing. The press release also highlights that the Bears Ears National Monument encompassed federal, private and state land.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>The combined acreage of the Shash Jáa and Indian Creek national monuments will be less than 229,000, which is about 83 percent smaller than the nearly 1.35 million acre original monument designation.</p>
<p>According to a transcript of the president’s speech provided by the White House Press Office, Trump said the public lands should be controlled by the local people.</p>
<p>“The families and communities of Utah know and love this land the best, and you know the best how to take care of your land,” he said. “You know how to protect it, and you know best how to conserve this land for many, many generations to come.”</p>
<p>Trump said the Antiquities Act — which Obama used to designate the Bears Ears National Monument — has been abused.</p>
<p>“This law requires that only the smallest necessary area be set aside for special protection as national monuments,” he said. “Unfortunately, previous administrations have ignored the standard and used the law to lock up hundreds of millions of acres of land and water under strict government control.”</p>
<p>Trump said the Bears Ears designation was done despite objections from people who live in the region.</p>
<p>The San Juan County, Utah, commission opposed the designation, as did the Aneth Chapter of Navajo Nation, located south of Blanding.</p>
<p>The Shash Jáa National Monument, which takes its name from the Diné word for Bears Ears, contains the iconic twin buttes known as Bears Ears. It also includes Arch Canyon, located east of the buttes, where a large number of cliff dwellings can be found as well as numerous fossils. The monument also includes Mule Canyon, just south of Arch Canyon. The canyon includes the famous House on Fire Ruin.</p>
<p>Shash Jáa National Monument also includes Comb Ridge, west of Blanding, Utah. The Comb Ridge includes Butler Wash, an archaeological site that Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke visited during his review of the national monuments.</p>
<p>Indian Creek National Monument will be located near Canyonlands National Park. It will include the Canyonlands Research Center, which Zinke visited in May. Indian Creek Canyon will be at the center of the monument. The monument will also include Newspaper Rock, a roadside rock art panel that includes both ancestral Puebloan and Ute rock art.</p>
<p>In addition to reducing the size of Bears Ears National Monument, Trump also issued a proclamation today reducing the size of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, located near Kanab, Utah.</p>
<p>Hannah Grover covers government for The Daily Times. She can be reached at 505-564-4652 or via email at [email protected].</p>
<p>——</p>
<p>©2017 The Daily Times (Farmington, N.M.)</p>
<p>Visit The Daily Times (Farmington, N.M.) at <a href="http://www.daily-times.com" type="external">www.daily-times.com</a></p>
<p>Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.</p>
<p>_____</p>
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navajo nation join members bears ears intertribal coalition hopi uintah ouray ute ute mountain ute zuni tribes lawsuit president statement navajo nation president russell begaye said trump consult tribe begaye said national monument critical importance tribes region including navajo nation navajo nation defend bears ears begaye said reduction size monument leaves us choice litigate decision advertisement one navajo nation chapters utah support bears ears national monument designated president barack obama last year designation came following petition bears ears intertribal coalition navajo people advocated protection bears ears decades continue use value land livelihoods cultural practices council delegate davis filfred represents several utah navajo communities said press release monument represents part history future rep steve pearce rnew mexico described proclamation compromise responsible conservation compromise balancing preservation economic impact surrounding communities pearce said email statement daily times obama administration administrations repeatedly abused antiquities act creating expansive national monuments blatantly disregarded input local communities governments directly affected designations folks across nation deserve access federal lands recreational use hunting grazing economic opportunity comes ive working preserve multiple uses public lands provide preserving environmental beauty us senators tom udall martin heinrich democrats representing new mexico voiced support lawsuits questioned trumps authority reduce size national monument using nevertested dubious legal theories try reverse designations challenged court udall said monument controversial utah lawmakers called government overreach federal land grab signs displayed near entrances blanding utah gateway community bears ears region read rescindbearsears white house press release states designating much land national monument hurts local tax bases restricting grazing timber mineral extraction restricting access hunting fishing press release also highlights bears ears national monument encompassed federal private state land advertisement combined acreage shash jáa indian creek national monuments less 229000 83 percent smaller nearly 135 million acre original monument designation according transcript presidents speech provided white house press office trump said public lands controlled local people families communities utah know love land best know best take care land said know protect know best conserve land many many generations come trump said antiquities act obama used designate bears ears national monument abused law requires smallest necessary area set aside special protection national monuments said unfortunately previous administrations ignored standard used law lock hundreds millions acres land water strict government control trump said bears ears designation done despite objections people live region san juan county utah commission opposed designation aneth chapter navajo nation located south blanding shash jáa national monument takes name diné word bears ears contains iconic twin buttes known bears ears also includes arch canyon located east buttes large number cliff dwellings found well numerous fossils monument also includes mule canyon south arch canyon canyon includes famous house fire ruin shash jáa national monument also includes comb ridge west blanding utah comb ridge includes butler wash archaeological site secretary interior ryan zinke visited review national monuments indian creek national monument located near canyonlands national park include canyonlands research center zinke visited may indian creek canyon center monument monument also include newspaper rock roadside rock art panel includes ancestral puebloan ute rock art addition reducing size bears ears national monument trump also issued proclamation today reducing size grand staircaseescalante national monument located near kanab utah hannah grover covers government daily times reached 5055644652 via email hgroverdailytimescom 2017 daily times farmington nm visit daily times farmington nm wwwdailytimescom distributed tribune content agency llc _____
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<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court agreed Friday to wade into the issue of sales tax collection on internet purchases in a case that could force consumers to pay more for certain purchases and allow states to recoup what they say is billions in lost revenue annually.</p>
<p>Under previous Supreme Court rulings, when internet retailers don't have a physical presence in a state, they can't be forced to collect sales tax on sales into that state. Consumers who purchase from out-of-state retailers are generally supposed to pay the state taxes themselves, but few do. A total of 36 states and the District of Columbia had asked the high court to revisit the issue.</p>
<p>Large brick-and-mortar retailers like Walmart and Target have long bemoaned the fact that they have to collect sales tax on online purchases because they have physical stores nationwide. Meanwhile, smaller online retailers, who don't have vast networks of stores, don't have to collect the tax where they don't have a physical presence.</p>
<p>Internet giant Amazon.com fought for years against collecting sales tax but now does so nationwide, though third-party sellers on its site make their own decisions. But the case before the Supreme Court does directly affect other online retailers, including Overstock.com, home goods company Wayfair and electronics retailer Newegg, who are part of the case the court accepted.</p>
<p>States say the court's previous rulings have also hurt them. According to one estimate cited by the states in a brief they filed with the high court, they'll lose out on nearly $34 billion in 2018 if the Supreme Court's previous rulings stand. The Government Accountability Office, which provides nonpartisan reports to Congress, wrote in a report last year that state and local governments would have been able to gain between $8.5 billion and $13 billion in 2017 if they could require out-of-state sellers to collect tax on sales into the state. All but five states charge a sales tax.</p>
<p>The Supreme Court first adopted its physical presence rule on sales tax collection in a case dealing with catalog retailers in 1967, a year that states pointed out in their brief was "two years before the moon landing and decades before" the first online retail transaction. The high court last considered the issue in 1992.</p>
<p>The National Retail Federation, which represents both internet and brick-and-mortar sellers, said Friday it welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to take the case.</p>
<p>"Unfortunately, antiquated sales tax collection rules have resulted in an uneven playing field that's making it harder for Main Street retailers to compete in today's digital economy. This is a basic question about fairness, which all of our members deserve whether they're selling in stores or online," federation president Matthew Shay said in a statement.</p>
<p>The case the Supreme Court agreed to hear Friday comes from South Dakota, which has no state income tax and relies on retail sales and use taxes for revenue. In 2016, South Dakota lawmakers passed a law requiring out-of-state sellers to collect and turn over sales tax to the state. The state's highest court struck down the law, citing previous Supreme Court decisions.</p>
<p>Overstock.com said in a statement Friday that it "looks forward to the opportunity to convince the Supreme Court to confirm its prior rulings protecting the free flow of interstate commerce from overreaching state tax laws."</p>
<p>The Supreme Court will probably hear arguments in the case in April.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>AP Retail Writers Anne D'Innocenzio and Joseph Pisani contributed to this report from New York.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow Jessica Gresko on Twitter at http://twitter.com/jessicagresko</p>
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court agreed Friday to wade into the issue of sales tax collection on internet purchases in a case that could force consumers to pay more for certain purchases and allow states to recoup what they say is billions in lost revenue annually.</p>
<p>Under previous Supreme Court rulings, when internet retailers don't have a physical presence in a state, they can't be forced to collect sales tax on sales into that state. Consumers who purchase from out-of-state retailers are generally supposed to pay the state taxes themselves, but few do. A total of 36 states and the District of Columbia had asked the high court to revisit the issue.</p>
<p>Large brick-and-mortar retailers like Walmart and Target have long bemoaned the fact that they have to collect sales tax on online purchases because they have physical stores nationwide. Meanwhile, smaller online retailers, who don't have vast networks of stores, don't have to collect the tax where they don't have a physical presence.</p>
<p>Internet giant Amazon.com fought for years against collecting sales tax but now does so nationwide, though third-party sellers on its site make their own decisions. But the case before the Supreme Court does directly affect other online retailers, including Overstock.com, home goods company Wayfair and electronics retailer Newegg, who are part of the case the court accepted.</p>
<p>States say the court's previous rulings have also hurt them. According to one estimate cited by the states in a brief they filed with the high court, they'll lose out on nearly $34 billion in 2018 if the Supreme Court's previous rulings stand. The Government Accountability Office, which provides nonpartisan reports to Congress, wrote in a report last year that state and local governments would have been able to gain between $8.5 billion and $13 billion in 2017 if they could require out-of-state sellers to collect tax on sales into the state. All but five states charge a sales tax.</p>
<p>The Supreme Court first adopted its physical presence rule on sales tax collection in a case dealing with catalog retailers in 1967, a year that states pointed out in their brief was "two years before the moon landing and decades before" the first online retail transaction. The high court last considered the issue in 1992.</p>
<p>The National Retail Federation, which represents both internet and brick-and-mortar sellers, said Friday it welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to take the case.</p>
<p>"Unfortunately, antiquated sales tax collection rules have resulted in an uneven playing field that's making it harder for Main Street retailers to compete in today's digital economy. This is a basic question about fairness, which all of our members deserve whether they're selling in stores or online," federation president Matthew Shay said in a statement.</p>
<p>The case the Supreme Court agreed to hear Friday comes from South Dakota, which has no state income tax and relies on retail sales and use taxes for revenue. In 2016, South Dakota lawmakers passed a law requiring out-of-state sellers to collect and turn over sales tax to the state. The state's highest court struck down the law, citing previous Supreme Court decisions.</p>
<p>Overstock.com said in a statement Friday that it "looks forward to the opportunity to convince the Supreme Court to confirm its prior rulings protecting the free flow of interstate commerce from overreaching state tax laws."</p>
<p>The Supreme Court will probably hear arguments in the case in April.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>AP Retail Writers Anne D'Innocenzio and Joseph Pisani contributed to this report from New York.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow Jessica Gresko on Twitter at http://twitter.com/jessicagresko</p>
| false | 2 |
washington ap supreme court agreed friday wade issue sales tax collection internet purchases case could force consumers pay certain purchases allow states recoup say billions lost revenue annually previous supreme court rulings internet retailers dont physical presence state cant forced collect sales tax sales state consumers purchase outofstate retailers generally supposed pay state taxes total 36 states district columbia asked high court revisit issue large brickandmortar retailers like walmart target long bemoaned fact collect sales tax online purchases physical stores nationwide meanwhile smaller online retailers dont vast networks stores dont collect tax dont physical presence internet giant amazoncom fought years collecting sales tax nationwide though thirdparty sellers site make decisions case supreme court directly affect online retailers including overstockcom home goods company wayfair electronics retailer newegg part case court accepted states say courts previous rulings also hurt according one estimate cited states brief filed high court theyll lose nearly 34 billion 2018 supreme courts previous rulings stand government accountability office provides nonpartisan reports congress wrote report last year state local governments would able gain 85 billion 13 billion 2017 could require outofstate sellers collect tax sales state five states charge sales tax supreme court first adopted physical presence rule sales tax collection case dealing catalog retailers 1967 year states pointed brief two years moon landing decades first online retail transaction high court last considered issue 1992 national retail federation represents internet brickandmortar sellers said friday welcomed supreme courts decision take case unfortunately antiquated sales tax collection rules resulted uneven playing field thats making harder main street retailers compete todays digital economy basic question fairness members deserve whether theyre selling stores online federation president matthew shay said statement case supreme court agreed hear friday comes south dakota state income tax relies retail sales use taxes revenue 2016 south dakota lawmakers passed law requiring outofstate sellers collect turn sales tax state states highest court struck law citing previous supreme court decisions overstockcom said statement friday looks forward opportunity convince supreme court confirm prior rulings protecting free flow interstate commerce overreaching state tax laws supreme court probably hear arguments case april ___ ap retail writers anne dinnocenzio joseph pisani contributed report new york ___ follow jessica gresko twitter httptwittercomjessicagresko washington ap supreme court agreed friday wade issue sales tax collection internet purchases case could force consumers pay certain purchases allow states recoup say billions lost revenue annually previous supreme court rulings internet retailers dont physical presence state cant forced collect sales tax sales state consumers purchase outofstate retailers generally supposed pay state taxes total 36 states district columbia asked high court revisit issue large brickandmortar retailers like walmart target long bemoaned fact collect sales tax online purchases physical stores nationwide meanwhile smaller online retailers dont vast networks stores dont collect tax dont physical presence internet giant amazoncom fought years collecting sales tax nationwide though thirdparty sellers site make decisions case supreme court directly affect online retailers including overstockcom home goods company wayfair electronics retailer newegg part case court accepted states say courts previous rulings also hurt according one estimate cited states brief filed high court theyll lose nearly 34 billion 2018 supreme courts previous rulings stand government accountability office provides nonpartisan reports congress wrote report last year state local governments would able gain 85 billion 13 billion 2017 could require outofstate sellers collect tax sales state five states charge sales tax supreme court first adopted physical presence rule sales tax collection case dealing catalog retailers 1967 year states pointed brief two years moon landing decades first online retail transaction high court last considered issue 1992 national retail federation represents internet brickandmortar sellers said friday welcomed supreme courts decision take case unfortunately antiquated sales tax collection rules resulted uneven playing field thats making harder main street retailers compete todays digital economy basic question fairness members deserve whether theyre selling stores online federation president matthew shay said statement case supreme court agreed hear friday comes south dakota state income tax relies retail sales use taxes revenue 2016 south dakota lawmakers passed law requiring outofstate sellers collect turn sales tax state states highest court struck law citing previous supreme court decisions overstockcom said statement friday looks forward opportunity convince supreme court confirm prior rulings protecting free flow interstate commerce overreaching state tax laws supreme court probably hear arguments case april ___ ap retail writers anne dinnocenzio joseph pisani contributed report new york ___ follow jessica gresko twitter httptwittercomjessicagresko
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<p />
<p>The source of her angst is whether to begin treating her osteoporosis with bisphosphonates, drugs that are very effective at increasing bone density but carry some small risks.</p>
<p>These include an increased chance of developing osteonecrosis of the jaw, in which the jawbone fails to heal after a minor injury – getting a tooth pulled, for example – and of suffering an uncommon type of fracture in the femur, or upper thigh bone.</p>
<p>While serious, these conditions are rare. Nevertheless, Riskind is nervous. “I’ve read all the latest studies about jaw problems and femur breaks, and [I] want to avoid taking the drugs for as long as possible,” she says.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Bone specialists worry about women like Riskind because those who fail to treat their osteoporosis face a growing danger of a debilitating hip fracture as they age.</p>
<p>Osteoporosis develops when the body loses too much bone or makes too little of it, or both. When this happens, bones weaken and are susceptible to breaking from a fall, or even from something more benign, such as a bump or a sneeze.</p>
<p>About 54 million Americans have osteoporosis or osteopenia, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. The latter condition is a softening of the bone, which puts a person at higher risk of developing full-blown osteoporosis. The disease results in 2 million broken bones and $19 billion in costs annually, according to the foundation.</p>
<p>Many fractures result from falls, the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC recently reported that an estimated 27,000 older adults died in 2014 as a result of falling, while 2.8 million were treated in emergency departments. Furthermore, about 800,000 of these ER patients were later hospitalized.</p>
<p>Experts have become very concerned about trends that show an end to the 30-year decline in the incidence of hip fractures among older American women. This trend may be caused by, among other things, a reluctance to take bisphosphonates. Moreover, they fear the numbers are going to start rising again.</p>
<p>“We have a crisis, not only in this country but around the world,” says Douglas P. Kiel, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and president of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. “We are not adequately treating osteoporosis.”</p>
<p>Between 2002 and 2012, the annual rate of hip fractures among American women older than 65 declined steadily, from 884 per 100,000 women to 740, according to research presented at the society’s annual meeting in September, Kiel says. “However, since 2012, the rate of decline has plateaued,” he adds.</p>
<p>In addition to fear of the drugs, there probably are additional explanations for the changes in reported fracture incidence. In 2007, for example, Medicare cut reimbursement for all office-based imaging services, including for DXA scans – tests that measure bone density – which may have discouraged doctors from offering them to women.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>“In 2006, the national average for Medicare reimbursement of DXA scans was $139,” Kiel says. “Today, the national average is $42,” he says. “There has been a marked decrease in the number of physicians who provide the test in their office,” he adds. “The current Medicare reimbursement . . . no longer covers a physician’s costs to perform the scan, which includes the technologist’s time to perform the scan and the doctor’s time to interpret the test.”</p>
<p>When women aren’t tested, they won’t know whether they have osteoporosis – which means they won’t receive treatment.</p>
<p>“We’re trying to get everyone – patients, doctors, insurance companies and the government – all on the same page making informed decisions,” Kiel says.</p>
<p>Kiel says that concerns about bisphosphonates are overblown.</p>
<p>“A very small percentage of patients on these drugs encounter side effects, and researchers are working hard to understand how we can minimize them further,” he says. “The data are clear that these drugs prevent enormous suffering and needless deaths.</p>
<p>“Both men and women with osteoporosis who have had an osteoporotic spine or hip fracture are at high risk for another fracture and should be treated with medications that can substantially lower their risk of future fracture,” he adds. “It’s shocking . . . that so many patients don’t even realize that they are at risk for another fracture.”</p>
<p>Some of the medicines are inconvenient to take, requiring an empty stomach and sitting or standing upright for at least 30 minutes to prevent heartburn. However, there are other options, he says.</p>
<p>“There are oral drugs taken weekly or even monthly, and one that does not require an empty stomach,” Kiel says. “For those who do not want to take pills, there are twice-a-year injections or once-a-year IV [intravenous] infusions. They are all effective. People see their doctor annually, so it is not inconvenient to get treated annually and then not have to take pills and get refills.”</p>
<p>Recently, Kiels’s society and 34 other health and medical organizations around the world called on providers, governments, insurers and others in the health-care system to ease access to screening and therapies for high-risk individuals and to increase research and education to ensure that hip-fracture rates do not increase.</p>
<p>“My mother died of a hip fracture that cut her life short by many years,” Kiel says. “Up to 25 percent of hip-fracture patients die within one year of that injury. Some women have said that they would rather be dead than have a hip fracture and end up disabled or in a nursing home for the rest of their lives. We can prevent both with proper screening, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis.”</p>
<p>osteoporosis</p>
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source angst whether begin treating osteoporosis bisphosphonates drugs effective increasing bone density carry small risks include increased chance developing osteonecrosis jaw jawbone fails heal minor injury getting tooth pulled example suffering uncommon type fracture femur upper thigh bone serious conditions rare nevertheless riskind nervous ive read latest studies jaw problems femur breaks want avoid taking drugs long possible says advertisement bone specialists worry women like riskind fail treat osteoporosis face growing danger debilitating hip fracture age osteoporosis develops body loses much bone makes little happens bones weaken susceptible breaking fall even something benign bump sneeze 54 million americans osteoporosis osteopenia according national osteoporosis foundation latter condition softening bone puts person higher risk developing fullblown osteoporosis disease results 2 million broken bones 19 billion costs annually according foundation many fractures result falls leading cause fatal nonfatal injuries among older adults according centers disease control prevention cdc recently reported estimated 27000 older adults died 2014 result falling 28 million treated emergency departments furthermore 800000 er patients later hospitalized experts become concerned trends show end 30year decline incidence hip fractures among older american women trend may caused among things reluctance take bisphosphonates moreover fear numbers going start rising crisis country around world says douglas p kiel professor medicine harvard medical school president american society bone mineral research adequately treating osteoporosis 2002 2012 annual rate hip fractures among american women older 65 declined steadily 884 per 100000 women 740 according research presented societys annual meeting september kiel says however since 2012 rate decline plateaued adds addition fear drugs probably additional explanations changes reported fracture incidence 2007 example medicare cut reimbursement officebased imaging services including dxa scans tests measure bone density may discouraged doctors offering women advertisement 2006 national average medicare reimbursement dxa scans 139 kiel says today national average 42 says marked decrease number physicians provide test office adds current medicare reimbursement longer covers physicians costs perform scan includes technologists time perform scan doctors time interpret test women arent tested wont know whether osteoporosis means wont receive treatment trying get everyone patients doctors insurance companies government page making informed decisions kiel says kiel says concerns bisphosphonates overblown small percentage patients drugs encounter side effects researchers working hard understand minimize says data clear drugs prevent enormous suffering needless deaths men women osteoporosis osteoporotic spine hip fracture high risk another fracture treated medications substantially lower risk future fracture adds shocking many patients dont even realize risk another fracture medicines inconvenient take requiring empty stomach sitting standing upright least 30 minutes prevent heartburn however options says oral drugs taken weekly even monthly one require empty stomach kiel says want take pills twiceayear injections onceayear iv intravenous infusions effective people see doctor annually inconvenient get treated annually take pills get refills recently kielss society 34 health medical organizations around world called providers governments insurers others healthcare system ease access screening therapies highrisk individuals increase research education ensure hipfracture rates increase mother died hip fracture cut life short many years kiel says 25 percent hipfracture patients die within one year injury women said would rather dead hip fracture end disabled nursing home rest lives prevent proper screening diagnosis treatment osteoporosis osteoporosis
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<p>NEW YORK (AP) — In a thrilling series featuring two of the NHL’s top goal scorers and two of the league’s best goaltenders, Chris Kreider of the New York Rangers is stealing the spotlight.</p>
<p>The 24-year-old power forward who is one of fastest skaters in the league has been the biggest reason why the Rangers are still going and heading to a decisive Game 7 of their Eastern Conference semifinal on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden.</p>
<p>Down 3-1 in the series, Kreider scored with 1:41 left in regulation in Game 5 to force overtime. Ryan McDonagh then got the winner in overtime.</p>
<p>Kreider stepped up big again in Game 6, scoring goals early and late in the first period and the Rangers held on for a 4-3 win. He also had the early goal in Game 2 when New York evened the series.</p>
<p>“There is a very young player with tons of potential and he’s working on putting it all together, as much offensively as defensively,” Rangers coach Alain Vigneault said. “There has been a real strong improvement on his game from last year to this year. There was progress last season. With his potential, it’s normal. He’s become a very important piece of our team with a big role. For us, like any team that expects to win at this time of year, you need to have your players to play up to their level and Chris is doing that for us now and he needs to continue.”</p>
<p>Kreider has a team-high four goals in the series — all in the Rangers’ three wins — and he is tied for the team lead with five in the postseason.</p>
<p>“He’s the fastest guy I’ve ever played with and he showed it on the first goal, huge first goal ,” said Rangers defenseman Dan Boyle, who had the game-winning goal in Game 6.</p>
<p>The Rangers struggled for goals in the opening five games of the series.</p>
<p>Rick Nash, who led the Rangers with 42 goals in the regular season, has two in the playoffs, one this series against Braden Holtby.</p>
<p>Alexander Ovechkin, who led the NHL with 53 goals in the regular season, has two in this series, one in each of the first two games. He has been blanked by Henrik Lundqvist the past four games.</p>
<p>Capitals coach Barry Trotz said the key to winning with the big names not scoring is to get support from the other guys.</p>
<p>Kreider has been the guy for the Rangers.</p>
<p>“Only thing that will matter: Whatever it says on the scoreboard at the end of the game,” Trotz said. “If a top player can take a team on his shoulders for a game or a foot soldier can have that game or the unsung hero can have a little bit of a breakout game, that’s all that’s going to matter. We’ll take one of each if we can.”</p>
<p>Ovechkin told reporters after Game 6 that the Capitals would win Game 7 and play either Montreal or Tampa Bay in the conference finals.</p>
<p>The bravado didn’t bother Trotz.</p>
<p>“His whole career, he’s said stuff,” Trotz said Monday. “Every year, he says stuff that (is) bold — and he backs it up, usually.”</p>
<p>NOTES: Vigneault said he expects D Ryan McDonagh to play Wednesday. McDonagh left the ice after taking a big hit from Ovechkin in the third period of Game 6 but returned. ... Since 1985, the Capitals have managed to lose nine series in which they led 2-0 or 3-1.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>AP Sports Writer Howard Fendrich in Arlington, Va., contributed to this report.</p>
<p>NEW YORK (AP) — In a thrilling series featuring two of the NHL’s top goal scorers and two of the league’s best goaltenders, Chris Kreider of the New York Rangers is stealing the spotlight.</p>
<p>The 24-year-old power forward who is one of fastest skaters in the league has been the biggest reason why the Rangers are still going and heading to a decisive Game 7 of their Eastern Conference semifinal on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden.</p>
<p>Down 3-1 in the series, Kreider scored with 1:41 left in regulation in Game 5 to force overtime. Ryan McDonagh then got the winner in overtime.</p>
<p>Kreider stepped up big again in Game 6, scoring goals early and late in the first period and the Rangers held on for a 4-3 win. He also had the early goal in Game 2 when New York evened the series.</p>
<p>“There is a very young player with tons of potential and he’s working on putting it all together, as much offensively as defensively,” Rangers coach Alain Vigneault said. “There has been a real strong improvement on his game from last year to this year. There was progress last season. With his potential, it’s normal. He’s become a very important piece of our team with a big role. For us, like any team that expects to win at this time of year, you need to have your players to play up to their level and Chris is doing that for us now and he needs to continue.”</p>
<p>Kreider has a team-high four goals in the series — all in the Rangers’ three wins — and he is tied for the team lead with five in the postseason.</p>
<p>“He’s the fastest guy I’ve ever played with and he showed it on the first goal, huge first goal ,” said Rangers defenseman Dan Boyle, who had the game-winning goal in Game 6.</p>
<p>The Rangers struggled for goals in the opening five games of the series.</p>
<p>Rick Nash, who led the Rangers with 42 goals in the regular season, has two in the playoffs, one this series against Braden Holtby.</p>
<p>Alexander Ovechkin, who led the NHL with 53 goals in the regular season, has two in this series, one in each of the first two games. He has been blanked by Henrik Lundqvist the past four games.</p>
<p>Capitals coach Barry Trotz said the key to winning with the big names not scoring is to get support from the other guys.</p>
<p>Kreider has been the guy for the Rangers.</p>
<p>“Only thing that will matter: Whatever it says on the scoreboard at the end of the game,” Trotz said. “If a top player can take a team on his shoulders for a game or a foot soldier can have that game or the unsung hero can have a little bit of a breakout game, that’s all that’s going to matter. We’ll take one of each if we can.”</p>
<p>Ovechkin told reporters after Game 6 that the Capitals would win Game 7 and play either Montreal or Tampa Bay in the conference finals.</p>
<p>The bravado didn’t bother Trotz.</p>
<p>“His whole career, he’s said stuff,” Trotz said Monday. “Every year, he says stuff that (is) bold — and he backs it up, usually.”</p>
<p>NOTES: Vigneault said he expects D Ryan McDonagh to play Wednesday. McDonagh left the ice after taking a big hit from Ovechkin in the third period of Game 6 but returned. ... Since 1985, the Capitals have managed to lose nine series in which they led 2-0 or 3-1.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>AP Sports Writer Howard Fendrich in Arlington, Va., contributed to this report.</p>
| false | 2 |
new york ap thrilling series featuring two nhls top goal scorers two leagues best goaltenders chris kreider new york rangers stealing spotlight 24yearold power forward one fastest skaters league biggest reason rangers still going heading decisive game 7 eastern conference semifinal wednesday night madison square garden 31 series kreider scored 141 left regulation game 5 force overtime ryan mcdonagh got winner overtime kreider stepped big game 6 scoring goals early late first period rangers held 43 win also early goal game 2 new york evened series young player tons potential hes working putting together much offensively defensively rangers coach alain vigneault said real strong improvement game last year year progress last season potential normal hes become important piece team big role us like team expects win time year need players play level chris us needs continue kreider teamhigh four goals series rangers three wins tied team lead five postseason hes fastest guy ive ever played showed first goal huge first goal said rangers defenseman dan boyle gamewinning goal game 6 rangers struggled goals opening five games series rick nash led rangers 42 goals regular season two playoffs one series braden holtby alexander ovechkin led nhl 53 goals regular season two series one first two games blanked henrik lundqvist past four games capitals coach barry trotz said key winning big names scoring get support guys kreider guy rangers thing matter whatever says scoreboard end game trotz said top player take team shoulders game foot soldier game unsung hero little bit breakout game thats thats going matter well take one ovechkin told reporters game 6 capitals would win game 7 play either montreal tampa bay conference finals bravado didnt bother trotz whole career hes said stuff trotz said monday every year says stuff bold backs usually notes vigneault said expects ryan mcdonagh play wednesday mcdonagh left ice taking big hit ovechkin third period game 6 returned since 1985 capitals managed lose nine series led 20 31 ___ ap sports writer howard fendrich arlington va contributed report new york ap thrilling series featuring two nhls top goal scorers two leagues best goaltenders chris kreider new york rangers stealing spotlight 24yearold power forward one fastest skaters league biggest reason rangers still going heading decisive game 7 eastern conference semifinal wednesday night madison square garden 31 series kreider scored 141 left regulation game 5 force overtime ryan mcdonagh got winner overtime kreider stepped big game 6 scoring goals early late first period rangers held 43 win also early goal game 2 new york evened series young player tons potential hes working putting together much offensively defensively rangers coach alain vigneault said real strong improvement game last year year progress last season potential normal hes become important piece team big role us like team expects win time year need players play level chris us needs continue kreider teamhigh four goals series rangers three wins tied team lead five postseason hes fastest guy ive ever played showed first goal huge first goal said rangers defenseman dan boyle gamewinning goal game 6 rangers struggled goals opening five games series rick nash led rangers 42 goals regular season two playoffs one series braden holtby alexander ovechkin led nhl 53 goals regular season two series one first two games blanked henrik lundqvist past four games capitals coach barry trotz said key winning big names scoring get support guys kreider guy rangers thing matter whatever says scoreboard end game trotz said top player take team shoulders game foot soldier game unsung hero little bit breakout game thats thats going matter well take one ovechkin told reporters game 6 capitals would win game 7 play either montreal tampa bay conference finals bravado didnt bother trotz whole career hes said stuff trotz said monday every year says stuff bold backs usually notes vigneault said expects ryan mcdonagh play wednesday mcdonagh left ice taking big hit ovechkin third period game 6 returned since 1985 capitals managed lose nine series led 20 31 ___ ap sports writer howard fendrich arlington va contributed report
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<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — Imagine if cigarettes were no longer addictive and smoking itself became almost obsolete; only a tiny segment of Americans still lit up. That’s the goal of an unprecedented anti-smoking plan being carefully fashioned by U.S. health officials.</p>
<p>But the proposal from the Food and Drug Administration could have another unexpected effect: opening the door for companies to sell a new generation of alternative tobacco products, allowing the industry to survive — even thrive — for generations to come.</p>
<p>The plan puts the FDA at the center of a long-standing debate over so-called “reduced-risk” products, such as e-cigarettes, and whether they should have a role in anti-smoking efforts, which have long focused exclusively on getting smokers to quit.</p>
<p>“This is the single most controversial — and frankly, divisive — issue I’ve seen in my 40 years studying tobacco control policy,” said Kenneth Warner, professor emeritus at University of Michigan’s school of public health.</p>
<p>The FDA plan is two-fold: drastically cut nicotine levels in cigarettes so that they are essentially non-addictive. For those who can’t or won’t quit, allow lower-risk products that deliver nicotine without the deadly effects of traditional cigarettes.</p>
<p>US health officials are pushing ahead with an unprecedented plan to make cigarettes less addictive and provide lower-risk alternative products to US smokers. (Jan. 19)</p>
<p>This month the government effort is poised to take off. The FDA is expected to soon begin what will likely be a years-long process to control nicotine in cigarettes. And next week, the agency will hold a public meeting on a closely watched cigarette alternative from Philip Morris International, which, if granted FDA clearance, could launch as early as February.</p>
<p>The product, called iQOS (pronounced EYE-kose), is a penlike device that heats Marlboro-branded tobacco but stops short of burning it, an approach that Philip Morris says reduces exposure to tar and other toxic byproducts of burning cigarettes. This is different from e-cigarettes, which don’t use tobacco at all but instead vaporize liquid usually containing nicotine.</p>
<p>For anti-smoking activists these new products may mean surrendering hopes of a knockout blow to the industry. They say there is no safe tobacco product and the focus should be on getting people to quit. But others are more open to the idea of alternatives to get people away from cigarettes, the deadliest form of tobacco.</p>
<p>Tobacco companies have made claims about “safer” cigarettes since the 1950s, all later proven false. In some cases the introduction of these products, such as filtered and “low tar” cigarettes, propped up cigarette sales and kept millions of Americans smoking. Although the adult smoking rate has fallen to an all-time low of 15 percent, smoking remains the nation’s leading preventable cause of death and illness, responsible for about one in five U.S. deaths.</p>
<p>Anti-smoking groups also point to Big Tobacco’s history of manipulating public opinion and government efforts against smoking: In 2006, a federal judge ruled that Big Tobacco had lied and deceived the American public about the effects of smoking for more than 50 years. The industry defeated a 2010 proposal by the FDA to add graphic warning labels to cigarette packs. And FDA scrutiny of menthol-flavored cigarettes — used disproportionately by young people and minorities — has been bogged down since 2011, due to legal challenges.</p>
<p>“We’re not talking about an industry that is legitimately interested in saving lives here,” said Erika Sward of the American Lung Association.</p>
<p />
<p>But some industry observers say this time will be different.</p>
<p>“The environment has changed, the technology has changed, the companies have changed — that is the reality,” said Scott Ballin, a health policy consultant who previously worked for the American Heart Association.</p>
<p>Under a 2009 law, the FDA gained authority to regulate certain parts of the tobacco industry, including nicotine in cigarettes, though it cannot remove the ingredient completely. The same law allows the agency to scientifically review and permit sales of new tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. Little has happened so far. Last year, the agency said it would delay the deadline for manufacturers to submit their vapor-emitting products for review until 2022.</p>
<p>The FDA says it wants to continue to help people quit by supporting a variety of approaches, including new quit-smoking aids and opening opportunities for a variety of companies, including drugmakers, to help attack the problem. As part of this, the FDA sees an important role for alternative products — but in a world where cigarettes contain such a small amount of nicotine that they become unappealing even to lifelong smokers.</p>
<p>“We still have to provide an opportunity for adults who want to get access to satisfying levels of nicotine,” but without the hazards of burning tobacco, said FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb. He estimates the FDA plan could eventually prevent 8 million smoking-related deaths.</p>
<p>“SMOKE-FREE FUTURE”</p>
<p>Philip Morris International and its U.S. partner Altria will try to navigate the first steps of the new regulatory path next week.</p>
<p>At a two-day meeting before the FDA, company scientists will try and convince government experts that iQOS is less-harmful than cigarettes. If successful, iQOS could be advertised by Altria to U.S. consumers as a “reduced-risk” tobacco product, the first ever sanctioned by the FDA.</p>
<p>Because iQOS works with real tobacco the company believes it will be more effective than e-cigarettes in getting smokers to switch.</p>
<p>Philip Morris already sells the product in about 30 countries, including Canada, Japan and the United Kingdom.</p>
<p>iQOS is part of an elaborate corporate makeover for Philip Morris, which last year rebranded its website with the slogan: “Designing a smoke-free future.” The cigarette giant says it has invested over $3 billion in iQOS and eventually plans to stop selling cigarettes worldwide — though it resists setting a deadline.</p>
<p>Philip Morris executives say they are offering millions of smokers a better, less-harmful product.</p>
<p>Matthew Myers of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids still sees danger. He says FDA must strictly limit marketing of products like iQOS to adult smokers who are unable or unwilling to quit. Otherwise they may be used in combination with cigarettes or even picked up by nonsmokers or young people who might see the new devices as harmless enough to try.</p>
<p>“As a growing percentage of the world makes the decision that smoking is too dangerous and too risky, iQOS provides an alternative to quitting that keeps them in the market,” Myers says.</p>
<p>It’s unclear whether existing alternatives to cigarettes help smokers quit, a claim often made by e-cigarette supporters. Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests about 60 percent of adult e-cigarette users also smoke regular cigarettes.</p>
<p>THE CASE FOR LOWER NICOTINE</p>
<p>Experts who study nicotine addiction say the FDA plan is grounded in the latest science.</p>
<p>Several recent studies have shown that when smokers switch to very low-nicotine cigarettes they smoke less and are more likely to try quitting. But they also seek nicotine from other sources, underscoring the need for alternatives. Without new options, smokers would likely seek regular-strength cigarettes on the black market.</p>
<p>Crucial to the FDA proposal is a simple fact: nicotine is highly addictive, but not deadly. It’s the burning tobacco and other substances inhaled through smoking that cause cancer, heart disease and bronchitis.</p>
<p>“It’s hard to imagine that using nicotine and tobacco in a way that isn’t burned, in a non-combustible form, isn’t going to be much safer,” said Eric Donny, an addiction researcher at the University of Pittsburgh.</p>
<p>A study of 800 smokers by Donny and other researchers showed that when nicotine was limited to less than 1 milligram per gram of tobacco, users smoked fewer cigarettes. The study, funded by the FDA, was pivotal to showing that smokers won’t compensate by smoking more if nicotine intake is reduced enough. That was the case with “light” and “low-tar” cigarettes introduced in the 1960s and 1970s, when some smokers actually began smoking more cigarettes per day.</p>
<p>Still, many in the anti-smoking community say larger, longer studies are needed to predict how low-nicotine cigarettes would work in the real world.</p>
<p>LEGAL RISKS</p>
<p>Key to the FDA plan is the assumption that the two actions will happen at the same time: as regulators cut nicotine in conventional cigarettes, manufacturers will provide alternative products.</p>
<p>But that presumes that tobacco companies will willingly part with their flagship product, which remains enormously profitable.</p>
<p>Kenneth Warner, the public policy professor, said he would be “astonished” if industry cooperates on reducing nicotine levels.</p>
<p>“I don’t think they will. I think they will bring out all of their political guns against it and I’m quite certain they will sue to prevent it,” he said.</p>
<p>In that scenario, the FDA plan to make cigarettes less addictive could be stalled in court for years while companies begin launching FDA-sanctioned alternative products. Tobacco critics say that scenario would be the most profitable for industry.</p>
<p>“It’s like Coke, you can have regular Coke, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, we’ll sell you any Coke you like,” said Robin Koval, president of the Truth Initiative, which runs educational anti-tobacco campaigns.</p>
<p>But the FDA’s Gottlieb says the two parts of the plan must go together. “I’m not going to advance this in a piecemeal fashion,” he said.</p>
<p>When pressed about whether industry will sue FDA over mandatory nicotine reductions, tobacco executives for Altria and other companies instead emphasized the long, complicated nature of the regulatory process.</p>
<p>“I’m not going to speculate about what may happen at the end of a multiyear process,” said Jose Murillo, an Altria vice president. “It will be science and evidence-based and we will be engaged at every step of the way.”</p>
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — Imagine if cigarettes were no longer addictive and smoking itself became almost obsolete; only a tiny segment of Americans still lit up. That’s the goal of an unprecedented anti-smoking plan being carefully fashioned by U.S. health officials.</p>
<p>But the proposal from the Food and Drug Administration could have another unexpected effect: opening the door for companies to sell a new generation of alternative tobacco products, allowing the industry to survive — even thrive — for generations to come.</p>
<p>The plan puts the FDA at the center of a long-standing debate over so-called “reduced-risk” products, such as e-cigarettes, and whether they should have a role in anti-smoking efforts, which have long focused exclusively on getting smokers to quit.</p>
<p>“This is the single most controversial — and frankly, divisive — issue I’ve seen in my 40 years studying tobacco control policy,” said Kenneth Warner, professor emeritus at University of Michigan’s school of public health.</p>
<p>The FDA plan is two-fold: drastically cut nicotine levels in cigarettes so that they are essentially non-addictive. For those who can’t or won’t quit, allow lower-risk products that deliver nicotine without the deadly effects of traditional cigarettes.</p>
<p>US health officials are pushing ahead with an unprecedented plan to make cigarettes less addictive and provide lower-risk alternative products to US smokers. (Jan. 19)</p>
<p>This month the government effort is poised to take off. The FDA is expected to soon begin what will likely be a years-long process to control nicotine in cigarettes. And next week, the agency will hold a public meeting on a closely watched cigarette alternative from Philip Morris International, which, if granted FDA clearance, could launch as early as February.</p>
<p>The product, called iQOS (pronounced EYE-kose), is a penlike device that heats Marlboro-branded tobacco but stops short of burning it, an approach that Philip Morris says reduces exposure to tar and other toxic byproducts of burning cigarettes. This is different from e-cigarettes, which don’t use tobacco at all but instead vaporize liquid usually containing nicotine.</p>
<p>For anti-smoking activists these new products may mean surrendering hopes of a knockout blow to the industry. They say there is no safe tobacco product and the focus should be on getting people to quit. But others are more open to the idea of alternatives to get people away from cigarettes, the deadliest form of tobacco.</p>
<p>Tobacco companies have made claims about “safer” cigarettes since the 1950s, all later proven false. In some cases the introduction of these products, such as filtered and “low tar” cigarettes, propped up cigarette sales and kept millions of Americans smoking. Although the adult smoking rate has fallen to an all-time low of 15 percent, smoking remains the nation’s leading preventable cause of death and illness, responsible for about one in five U.S. deaths.</p>
<p>Anti-smoking groups also point to Big Tobacco’s history of manipulating public opinion and government efforts against smoking: In 2006, a federal judge ruled that Big Tobacco had lied and deceived the American public about the effects of smoking for more than 50 years. The industry defeated a 2010 proposal by the FDA to add graphic warning labels to cigarette packs. And FDA scrutiny of menthol-flavored cigarettes — used disproportionately by young people and minorities — has been bogged down since 2011, due to legal challenges.</p>
<p>“We’re not talking about an industry that is legitimately interested in saving lives here,” said Erika Sward of the American Lung Association.</p>
<p />
<p>But some industry observers say this time will be different.</p>
<p>“The environment has changed, the technology has changed, the companies have changed — that is the reality,” said Scott Ballin, a health policy consultant who previously worked for the American Heart Association.</p>
<p>Under a 2009 law, the FDA gained authority to regulate certain parts of the tobacco industry, including nicotine in cigarettes, though it cannot remove the ingredient completely. The same law allows the agency to scientifically review and permit sales of new tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. Little has happened so far. Last year, the agency said it would delay the deadline for manufacturers to submit their vapor-emitting products for review until 2022.</p>
<p>The FDA says it wants to continue to help people quit by supporting a variety of approaches, including new quit-smoking aids and opening opportunities for a variety of companies, including drugmakers, to help attack the problem. As part of this, the FDA sees an important role for alternative products — but in a world where cigarettes contain such a small amount of nicotine that they become unappealing even to lifelong smokers.</p>
<p>“We still have to provide an opportunity for adults who want to get access to satisfying levels of nicotine,” but without the hazards of burning tobacco, said FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb. He estimates the FDA plan could eventually prevent 8 million smoking-related deaths.</p>
<p>“SMOKE-FREE FUTURE”</p>
<p>Philip Morris International and its U.S. partner Altria will try to navigate the first steps of the new regulatory path next week.</p>
<p>At a two-day meeting before the FDA, company scientists will try and convince government experts that iQOS is less-harmful than cigarettes. If successful, iQOS could be advertised by Altria to U.S. consumers as a “reduced-risk” tobacco product, the first ever sanctioned by the FDA.</p>
<p>Because iQOS works with real tobacco the company believes it will be more effective than e-cigarettes in getting smokers to switch.</p>
<p>Philip Morris already sells the product in about 30 countries, including Canada, Japan and the United Kingdom.</p>
<p>iQOS is part of an elaborate corporate makeover for Philip Morris, which last year rebranded its website with the slogan: “Designing a smoke-free future.” The cigarette giant says it has invested over $3 billion in iQOS and eventually plans to stop selling cigarettes worldwide — though it resists setting a deadline.</p>
<p>Philip Morris executives say they are offering millions of smokers a better, less-harmful product.</p>
<p>Matthew Myers of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids still sees danger. He says FDA must strictly limit marketing of products like iQOS to adult smokers who are unable or unwilling to quit. Otherwise they may be used in combination with cigarettes or even picked up by nonsmokers or young people who might see the new devices as harmless enough to try.</p>
<p>“As a growing percentage of the world makes the decision that smoking is too dangerous and too risky, iQOS provides an alternative to quitting that keeps them in the market,” Myers says.</p>
<p>It’s unclear whether existing alternatives to cigarettes help smokers quit, a claim often made by e-cigarette supporters. Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests about 60 percent of adult e-cigarette users also smoke regular cigarettes.</p>
<p>THE CASE FOR LOWER NICOTINE</p>
<p>Experts who study nicotine addiction say the FDA plan is grounded in the latest science.</p>
<p>Several recent studies have shown that when smokers switch to very low-nicotine cigarettes they smoke less and are more likely to try quitting. But they also seek nicotine from other sources, underscoring the need for alternatives. Without new options, smokers would likely seek regular-strength cigarettes on the black market.</p>
<p>Crucial to the FDA proposal is a simple fact: nicotine is highly addictive, but not deadly. It’s the burning tobacco and other substances inhaled through smoking that cause cancer, heart disease and bronchitis.</p>
<p>“It’s hard to imagine that using nicotine and tobacco in a way that isn’t burned, in a non-combustible form, isn’t going to be much safer,” said Eric Donny, an addiction researcher at the University of Pittsburgh.</p>
<p>A study of 800 smokers by Donny and other researchers showed that when nicotine was limited to less than 1 milligram per gram of tobacco, users smoked fewer cigarettes. The study, funded by the FDA, was pivotal to showing that smokers won’t compensate by smoking more if nicotine intake is reduced enough. That was the case with “light” and “low-tar” cigarettes introduced in the 1960s and 1970s, when some smokers actually began smoking more cigarettes per day.</p>
<p>Still, many in the anti-smoking community say larger, longer studies are needed to predict how low-nicotine cigarettes would work in the real world.</p>
<p>LEGAL RISKS</p>
<p>Key to the FDA plan is the assumption that the two actions will happen at the same time: as regulators cut nicotine in conventional cigarettes, manufacturers will provide alternative products.</p>
<p>But that presumes that tobacco companies will willingly part with their flagship product, which remains enormously profitable.</p>
<p>Kenneth Warner, the public policy professor, said he would be “astonished” if industry cooperates on reducing nicotine levels.</p>
<p>“I don’t think they will. I think they will bring out all of their political guns against it and I’m quite certain they will sue to prevent it,” he said.</p>
<p>In that scenario, the FDA plan to make cigarettes less addictive could be stalled in court for years while companies begin launching FDA-sanctioned alternative products. Tobacco critics say that scenario would be the most profitable for industry.</p>
<p>“It’s like Coke, you can have regular Coke, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, we’ll sell you any Coke you like,” said Robin Koval, president of the Truth Initiative, which runs educational anti-tobacco campaigns.</p>
<p>But the FDA’s Gottlieb says the two parts of the plan must go together. “I’m not going to advance this in a piecemeal fashion,” he said.</p>
<p>When pressed about whether industry will sue FDA over mandatory nicotine reductions, tobacco executives for Altria and other companies instead emphasized the long, complicated nature of the regulatory process.</p>
<p>“I’m not going to speculate about what may happen at the end of a multiyear process,” said Jose Murillo, an Altria vice president. “It will be science and evidence-based and we will be engaged at every step of the way.”</p>
| false | 2 |
washington ap imagine cigarettes longer addictive smoking became almost obsolete tiny segment americans still lit thats goal unprecedented antismoking plan carefully fashioned us health officials proposal food drug administration could another unexpected effect opening door companies sell new generation alternative tobacco products allowing industry survive even thrive generations come plan puts fda center longstanding debate socalled reducedrisk products ecigarettes whether role antismoking efforts long focused exclusively getting smokers quit single controversial frankly divisive issue ive seen 40 years studying tobacco control policy said kenneth warner professor emeritus university michigans school public health fda plan twofold drastically cut nicotine levels cigarettes essentially nonaddictive cant wont quit allow lowerrisk products deliver nicotine without deadly effects traditional cigarettes us health officials pushing ahead unprecedented plan make cigarettes less addictive provide lowerrisk alternative products us smokers jan 19 month government effort poised take fda expected soon begin likely yearslong process control nicotine cigarettes next week agency hold public meeting closely watched cigarette alternative philip morris international granted fda clearance could launch early february product called iqos pronounced eyekose penlike device heats marlborobranded tobacco stops short burning approach philip morris says reduces exposure tar toxic byproducts burning cigarettes different ecigarettes dont use tobacco instead vaporize liquid usually containing nicotine antismoking activists new products may mean surrendering hopes knockout blow industry say safe tobacco product focus getting people quit others open idea alternatives get people away cigarettes deadliest form tobacco tobacco companies made claims safer cigarettes since 1950s later proven false cases introduction products filtered low tar cigarettes propped cigarette sales kept millions americans smoking although adult smoking rate fallen alltime low 15 percent smoking remains nations leading preventable cause death illness responsible one five us deaths antismoking groups also point big tobaccos history manipulating public opinion government efforts smoking 2006 federal judge ruled big tobacco lied deceived american public effects smoking 50 years industry defeated 2010 proposal fda add graphic warning labels cigarette packs fda scrutiny mentholflavored cigarettes used disproportionately young people minorities bogged since 2011 due legal challenges talking industry legitimately interested saving lives said erika sward american lung association industry observers say time different environment changed technology changed companies changed reality said scott ballin health policy consultant previously worked american heart association 2009 law fda gained authority regulate certain parts tobacco industry including nicotine cigarettes though remove ingredient completely law allows agency scientifically review permit sales new tobacco products including ecigarettes little happened far last year agency said would delay deadline manufacturers submit vaporemitting products review 2022 fda says wants continue help people quit supporting variety approaches including new quitsmoking aids opening opportunities variety companies including drugmakers help attack problem part fda sees important role alternative products world cigarettes contain small amount nicotine become unappealing even lifelong smokers still provide opportunity adults want get access satisfying levels nicotine without hazards burning tobacco said fda commissioner dr scott gottlieb estimates fda plan could eventually prevent 8 million smokingrelated deaths smokefree future philip morris international us partner altria try navigate first steps new regulatory path next week twoday meeting fda company scientists try convince government experts iqos lessharmful cigarettes successful iqos could advertised altria us consumers reducedrisk tobacco product first ever sanctioned fda iqos works real tobacco company believes effective ecigarettes getting smokers switch philip morris already sells product 30 countries including canada japan united kingdom iqos part elaborate corporate makeover philip morris last year rebranded website slogan designing smokefree future cigarette giant says invested 3 billion iqos eventually plans stop selling cigarettes worldwide though resists setting deadline philip morris executives say offering millions smokers better lessharmful product matthew myers campaign tobaccofree kids still sees danger says fda must strictly limit marketing products like iqos adult smokers unable unwilling quit otherwise may used combination cigarettes even picked nonsmokers young people might see new devices harmless enough try growing percentage world makes decision smoking dangerous risky iqos provides alternative quitting keeps market myers says unclear whether existing alternatives cigarettes help smokers quit claim often made ecigarette supporters research centers disease control prevention suggests 60 percent adult ecigarette users also smoke regular cigarettes case lower nicotine experts study nicotine addiction say fda plan grounded latest science several recent studies shown smokers switch lownicotine cigarettes smoke less likely try quitting also seek nicotine sources underscoring need alternatives without new options smokers would likely seek regularstrength cigarettes black market crucial fda proposal simple fact nicotine highly addictive deadly burning tobacco substances inhaled smoking cause cancer heart disease bronchitis hard imagine using nicotine tobacco way isnt burned noncombustible form isnt going much safer said eric donny addiction researcher university pittsburgh study 800 smokers donny researchers showed nicotine limited less 1 milligram per gram tobacco users smoked fewer cigarettes study funded fda pivotal showing smokers wont compensate smoking nicotine intake reduced enough case light lowtar cigarettes introduced 1960s 1970s smokers actually began smoking cigarettes per day still many antismoking community say larger longer studies needed predict lownicotine cigarettes would work real world legal risks key fda plan assumption two actions happen time regulators cut nicotine conventional cigarettes manufacturers provide alternative products presumes tobacco companies willingly part flagship product remains enormously profitable kenneth warner public policy professor said would astonished industry cooperates reducing nicotine levels dont think think bring political guns im quite certain sue prevent said scenario fda plan make cigarettes less addictive could stalled court years companies begin launching fdasanctioned alternative products tobacco critics say scenario would profitable industry like coke regular coke diet coke coke zero well sell coke like said robin koval president truth initiative runs educational antitobacco campaigns fdas gottlieb says two parts plan must go together im going advance piecemeal fashion said pressed whether industry sue fda mandatory nicotine reductions tobacco executives altria companies instead emphasized long complicated nature regulatory process im going speculate may happen end multiyear process said jose murillo altria vice president science evidencebased engaged every step way washington ap imagine cigarettes longer addictive smoking became almost obsolete tiny segment americans still lit thats goal unprecedented antismoking plan carefully fashioned us health officials proposal food drug administration could another unexpected effect opening door companies sell new generation alternative tobacco products allowing industry survive even thrive generations come plan puts fda center longstanding debate socalled reducedrisk products ecigarettes whether role antismoking efforts long focused exclusively getting smokers quit single controversial frankly divisive issue ive seen 40 years studying tobacco control policy said kenneth warner professor emeritus university michigans school public health fda plan twofold drastically cut nicotine levels cigarettes essentially nonaddictive cant wont quit allow lowerrisk products deliver nicotine without deadly effects traditional cigarettes us health officials pushing ahead unprecedented plan make cigarettes less addictive provide lowerrisk alternative products us smokers jan 19 month government effort poised take fda expected soon begin likely yearslong process control nicotine cigarettes next week agency hold public meeting closely watched cigarette alternative philip morris international granted fda clearance could launch early february product called iqos pronounced eyekose penlike device heats marlborobranded tobacco stops short burning approach philip morris says reduces exposure tar toxic byproducts burning cigarettes different ecigarettes dont use tobacco instead vaporize liquid usually containing nicotine antismoking activists new products may mean surrendering hopes knockout blow industry say safe tobacco product focus getting people quit others open idea alternatives get people away cigarettes deadliest form tobacco tobacco companies made claims safer cigarettes since 1950s later proven false cases introduction products filtered low tar cigarettes propped cigarette sales kept millions americans smoking although adult smoking rate fallen alltime low 15 percent smoking remains nations leading preventable cause death illness responsible one five us deaths antismoking groups also point big tobaccos history manipulating public opinion government efforts smoking 2006 federal judge ruled big tobacco lied deceived american public effects smoking 50 years industry defeated 2010 proposal fda add graphic warning labels cigarette packs fda scrutiny mentholflavored cigarettes used disproportionately young people minorities bogged since 2011 due legal challenges talking industry legitimately interested saving lives said erika sward american lung association industry observers say time different environment changed technology changed companies changed reality said scott ballin health policy consultant previously worked american heart association 2009 law fda gained authority regulate certain parts tobacco industry including nicotine cigarettes though remove ingredient completely law allows agency scientifically review permit sales new tobacco products including ecigarettes little happened far last year agency said would delay deadline manufacturers submit vaporemitting products review 2022 fda says wants continue help people quit supporting variety approaches including new quitsmoking aids opening opportunities variety companies including drugmakers help attack problem part fda sees important role alternative products world cigarettes contain small amount nicotine become unappealing even lifelong smokers still provide opportunity adults want get access satisfying levels nicotine without hazards burning tobacco said fda commissioner dr scott gottlieb estimates fda plan could eventually prevent 8 million smokingrelated deaths smokefree future philip morris international us partner altria try navigate first steps new regulatory path next week twoday meeting fda company scientists try convince government experts iqos lessharmful cigarettes successful iqos could advertised altria us consumers reducedrisk tobacco product first ever sanctioned fda iqos works real tobacco company believes effective ecigarettes getting smokers switch philip morris already sells product 30 countries including canada japan united kingdom iqos part elaborate corporate makeover philip morris last year rebranded website slogan designing smokefree future cigarette giant says invested 3 billion iqos eventually plans stop selling cigarettes worldwide though resists setting deadline philip morris executives say offering millions smokers better lessharmful product matthew myers campaign tobaccofree kids still sees danger says fda must strictly limit marketing products like iqos adult smokers unable unwilling quit otherwise may used combination cigarettes even picked nonsmokers young people might see new devices harmless enough try growing percentage world makes decision smoking dangerous risky iqos provides alternative quitting keeps market myers says unclear whether existing alternatives cigarettes help smokers quit claim often made ecigarette supporters research centers disease control prevention suggests 60 percent adult ecigarette users also smoke regular cigarettes case lower nicotine experts study nicotine addiction say fda plan grounded latest science several recent studies shown smokers switch lownicotine cigarettes smoke less likely try quitting also seek nicotine sources underscoring need alternatives without new options smokers would likely seek regularstrength cigarettes black market crucial fda proposal simple fact nicotine highly addictive deadly burning tobacco substances inhaled smoking cause cancer heart disease bronchitis hard imagine using nicotine tobacco way isnt burned noncombustible form isnt going much safer said eric donny addiction researcher university pittsburgh study 800 smokers donny researchers showed nicotine limited less 1 milligram per gram tobacco users smoked fewer cigarettes study funded fda pivotal showing smokers wont compensate smoking nicotine intake reduced enough case light lowtar cigarettes introduced 1960s 1970s smokers actually began smoking cigarettes per day still many antismoking community say larger longer studies needed predict lownicotine cigarettes would work real world legal risks key fda plan assumption two actions happen time regulators cut nicotine conventional cigarettes manufacturers provide alternative products presumes tobacco companies willingly part flagship product remains enormously profitable kenneth warner public policy professor said would astonished industry cooperates reducing nicotine levels dont think think bring political guns im quite certain sue prevent said scenario fda plan make cigarettes less addictive could stalled court years companies begin launching fdasanctioned alternative products tobacco critics say scenario would profitable industry like coke regular coke diet coke coke zero well sell coke like said robin koval president truth initiative runs educational antitobacco campaigns fdas gottlieb says two parts plan must go together im going advance piecemeal fashion said pressed whether industry sue fda mandatory nicotine reductions tobacco executives altria companies instead emphasized long complicated nature regulatory process im going speculate may happen end multiyear process said jose murillo altria vice president science evidencebased engaged every step way
| 1,950 |
<p>NEW YORK (AP) — For some Walmart employees, the day brought news of a pay raise. Others learned they were out of a job.</p>
<p>Walmart said Thursday that it is boosting its starting salary for U.S. workers and handing out bonuses. The announcement came as the company also confirmed it is closing dozens of Sam’s Club warehouse stores — a move that a union-backed group estimated could cost thousands of jobs.</p>
<p>The world’s largest private employer said it was closing 63 of its 660 Sam’s Clubs over the next weeks, with some shut already. Up to 12 are being converted into e-commerce distribution centers, the company said.</p>
<p>It did not disclose how many people would lose their jobs, but said some workers may be placed at other Walmart locations. Making Change at Walmart, a campaign backed by the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, estimates that 150 to 160 people work at each Sam’s Club store, meaning the closures could affect about 10,000 people.</p>
<p>Lauren Fitz, 22, said she was at her other job as a church secretary when a colleague texted to say that the Sam’s Club where they both worked in Loveland, Ohio, had closed. Fitz had been pleased earlier to read the news that Walmart was boosting starting salaries and offering bonuses.</p>
<p>“I thought, ‘This is really cool.’ And then to find out that my store is closing,” said Fitz, who said she had worked as a sales associate in the jewelry department for two months. At home, she got a call from her manager and had a letter in the mail saying the store had closed and she could seek employment at another Sam’s Club or Walmart store.</p>
<p>Local news reports said Sam’s Clubs stores were closing in Texas, California, New Jersey, Ohio, Indiana and Alaska, among other states.</p>
<p>“Transforming our business means managing our real estate portfolio and Walmart needs a strong fleet of Sam’s Clubs that are fit for the future,” Sam’s Club CEO John Furner said in a statement. “We know this is difficult news for our associates and we are working to place as many of them as possible at nearby locations.”</p>
<p>Earlier in the day, Walmart cited the sweeping Republican tax overhaul that will save it money in announcing the higher hourly wages, one-time bonuses and expanded parental benefits that will affect more than a million hourly workers in the U.S.</p>
<p>President Donald Trump cheered the announcement with a tweet, saying, “Great news, as a result of our TAX CUTS &amp; JOBS ACT!” White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders later said she would not comment on the Sam’s Club closings but that the wage increases were a sign that the tax measures “are having the impact that we had hoped.”</p>
<p>Walmart representatives did not respond to a question about the timing of the dual developments.</p>
<p>Rising wages reflect a generally tight labor market. The conversion of stores to e-commerce sites also illustrates how companies are trying to leverage their store locations to better compete against Amazon as shopping moves online.</p>
<p>Large employers also have been under pressure to boost benefits for workers because unemployment rates are at historic lows, allowing job seekers to be pickier.</p>
<p>But the low unemployment has meant that retailers have had trouble attracting and keeping talented workers, experts said. Walmart employees previously started at $9 an hour, with a rise to $10 after completing a training program. Target had raised its minimum hourly wage to $11 in October, and said it would raise wages to $15 by the end of 2020.</p>
<p>While many department store chains such as Macy’s and Sears are struggling, retailers as a whole are still trying to hire. The retail industry is seeking to fill 711,000 open jobs, the highest on records dating back to 2001, according to government data. The longer those jobs go unfilled, the greater pressure on employers to offer higher wages.</p>
<p>Walmart, which reported annual revenue of nearly $486 billion in the most recent fiscal year, said the wage increases will cost it an additional $300 million in the next fiscal year. The bonuses will cost it about $400 million in this fiscal year, which ends on Jan. 31.</p>
<p>It joins dozens of companies including American Airlines and Bank of America that have announced worker bonuses following the passage of the Republican tax plan that slashed the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent.</p>
<p>The company said the wage increase benefits all hourly U.S. workers at its stores, including Sam’s Club, as well as hourly employees at its websites, distribution centers and its Bentonville, Arkansas, headquarters. The one-time bonus between $200 and $1,000 will be given to Walmart employees who won’t receive a pay raise.</p>
<p>In all, Walmart employs 2.3 million people around the world, 1.5 million of which are in the U.S.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>AP Business writers Michelle Chapman in Newark, New Jersey; Chris Rugaber in Washington, D.C.; and Joyce M. Rosenberg in New York contributed to this report.</p>
<p>NEW YORK (AP) — For some Walmart employees, the day brought news of a pay raise. Others learned they were out of a job.</p>
<p>Walmart said Thursday that it is boosting its starting salary for U.S. workers and handing out bonuses. The announcement came as the company also confirmed it is closing dozens of Sam’s Club warehouse stores — a move that a union-backed group estimated could cost thousands of jobs.</p>
<p>The world’s largest private employer said it was closing 63 of its 660 Sam’s Clubs over the next weeks, with some shut already. Up to 12 are being converted into e-commerce distribution centers, the company said.</p>
<p>It did not disclose how many people would lose their jobs, but said some workers may be placed at other Walmart locations. Making Change at Walmart, a campaign backed by the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, estimates that 150 to 160 people work at each Sam’s Club store, meaning the closures could affect about 10,000 people.</p>
<p>Lauren Fitz, 22, said she was at her other job as a church secretary when a colleague texted to say that the Sam’s Club where they both worked in Loveland, Ohio, had closed. Fitz had been pleased earlier to read the news that Walmart was boosting starting salaries and offering bonuses.</p>
<p>“I thought, ‘This is really cool.’ And then to find out that my store is closing,” said Fitz, who said she had worked as a sales associate in the jewelry department for two months. At home, she got a call from her manager and had a letter in the mail saying the store had closed and she could seek employment at another Sam’s Club or Walmart store.</p>
<p>Local news reports said Sam’s Clubs stores were closing in Texas, California, New Jersey, Ohio, Indiana and Alaska, among other states.</p>
<p>“Transforming our business means managing our real estate portfolio and Walmart needs a strong fleet of Sam’s Clubs that are fit for the future,” Sam’s Club CEO John Furner said in a statement. “We know this is difficult news for our associates and we are working to place as many of them as possible at nearby locations.”</p>
<p>Earlier in the day, Walmart cited the sweeping Republican tax overhaul that will save it money in announcing the higher hourly wages, one-time bonuses and expanded parental benefits that will affect more than a million hourly workers in the U.S.</p>
<p>President Donald Trump cheered the announcement with a tweet, saying, “Great news, as a result of our TAX CUTS &amp; JOBS ACT!” White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders later said she would not comment on the Sam’s Club closings but that the wage increases were a sign that the tax measures “are having the impact that we had hoped.”</p>
<p>Walmart representatives did not respond to a question about the timing of the dual developments.</p>
<p>Rising wages reflect a generally tight labor market. The conversion of stores to e-commerce sites also illustrates how companies are trying to leverage their store locations to better compete against Amazon as shopping moves online.</p>
<p>Large employers also have been under pressure to boost benefits for workers because unemployment rates are at historic lows, allowing job seekers to be pickier.</p>
<p>But the low unemployment has meant that retailers have had trouble attracting and keeping talented workers, experts said. Walmart employees previously started at $9 an hour, with a rise to $10 after completing a training program. Target had raised its minimum hourly wage to $11 in October, and said it would raise wages to $15 by the end of 2020.</p>
<p>While many department store chains such as Macy’s and Sears are struggling, retailers as a whole are still trying to hire. The retail industry is seeking to fill 711,000 open jobs, the highest on records dating back to 2001, according to government data. The longer those jobs go unfilled, the greater pressure on employers to offer higher wages.</p>
<p>Walmart, which reported annual revenue of nearly $486 billion in the most recent fiscal year, said the wage increases will cost it an additional $300 million in the next fiscal year. The bonuses will cost it about $400 million in this fiscal year, which ends on Jan. 31.</p>
<p>It joins dozens of companies including American Airlines and Bank of America that have announced worker bonuses following the passage of the Republican tax plan that slashed the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent.</p>
<p>The company said the wage increase benefits all hourly U.S. workers at its stores, including Sam’s Club, as well as hourly employees at its websites, distribution centers and its Bentonville, Arkansas, headquarters. The one-time bonus between $200 and $1,000 will be given to Walmart employees who won’t receive a pay raise.</p>
<p>In all, Walmart employs 2.3 million people around the world, 1.5 million of which are in the U.S.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>AP Business writers Michelle Chapman in Newark, New Jersey; Chris Rugaber in Washington, D.C.; and Joyce M. Rosenberg in New York contributed to this report.</p>
| false | 2 |
new york ap walmart employees day brought news pay raise others learned job walmart said thursday boosting starting salary us workers handing bonuses announcement came company also confirmed closing dozens sams club warehouse stores move unionbacked group estimated could cost thousands jobs worlds largest private employer said closing 63 660 sams clubs next weeks shut already 12 converted ecommerce distribution centers company said disclose many people would lose jobs said workers may placed walmart locations making change walmart campaign backed united food commercial workers international union estimates 150 160 people work sams club store meaning closures could affect 10000 people lauren fitz 22 said job church secretary colleague texted say sams club worked loveland ohio closed fitz pleased earlier read news walmart boosting starting salaries offering bonuses thought really cool find store closing said fitz said worked sales associate jewelry department two months home got call manager letter mail saying store closed could seek employment another sams club walmart store local news reports said sams clubs stores closing texas california new jersey ohio indiana alaska among states transforming business means managing real estate portfolio walmart needs strong fleet sams clubs fit future sams club ceo john furner said statement know difficult news associates working place many possible nearby locations earlier day walmart cited sweeping republican tax overhaul save money announcing higher hourly wages onetime bonuses expanded parental benefits affect million hourly workers us president donald trump cheered announcement tweet saying great news result tax cuts amp jobs act white house spokeswoman sarah huckabee sanders later said would comment sams club closings wage increases sign tax measures impact hoped walmart representatives respond question timing dual developments rising wages reflect generally tight labor market conversion stores ecommerce sites also illustrates companies trying leverage store locations better compete amazon shopping moves online large employers also pressure boost benefits workers unemployment rates historic lows allowing job seekers pickier low unemployment meant retailers trouble attracting keeping talented workers experts said walmart employees previously started 9 hour rise 10 completing training program target raised minimum hourly wage 11 october said would raise wages 15 end 2020 many department store chains macys sears struggling retailers whole still trying hire retail industry seeking fill 711000 open jobs highest records dating back 2001 according government data longer jobs go unfilled greater pressure employers offer higher wages walmart reported annual revenue nearly 486 billion recent fiscal year said wage increases cost additional 300 million next fiscal year bonuses cost 400 million fiscal year ends jan 31 joins dozens companies including american airlines bank america announced worker bonuses following passage republican tax plan slashed corporate tax rate 35 percent 21 percent company said wage increase benefits hourly us workers stores including sams club well hourly employees websites distribution centers bentonville arkansas headquarters onetime bonus 200 1000 given walmart employees wont receive pay raise walmart employs 23 million people around world 15 million us ___ ap business writers michelle chapman newark new jersey chris rugaber washington dc joyce rosenberg new york contributed report new york ap walmart employees day brought news pay raise others learned job walmart said thursday boosting starting salary us workers handing bonuses announcement came company also confirmed closing dozens sams club warehouse stores move unionbacked group estimated could cost thousands jobs worlds largest private employer said closing 63 660 sams clubs next weeks shut already 12 converted ecommerce distribution centers company said disclose many people would lose jobs said workers may placed walmart locations making change walmart campaign backed united food commercial workers international union estimates 150 160 people work sams club store meaning closures could affect 10000 people lauren fitz 22 said job church secretary colleague texted say sams club worked loveland ohio closed fitz pleased earlier read news walmart boosting starting salaries offering bonuses thought really cool find store closing said fitz said worked sales associate jewelry department two months home got call manager letter mail saying store closed could seek employment another sams club walmart store local news reports said sams clubs stores closing texas california new jersey ohio indiana alaska among states transforming business means managing real estate portfolio walmart needs strong fleet sams clubs fit future sams club ceo john furner said statement know difficult news associates working place many possible nearby locations earlier day walmart cited sweeping republican tax overhaul save money announcing higher hourly wages onetime bonuses expanded parental benefits affect million hourly workers us president donald trump cheered announcement tweet saying great news result tax cuts amp jobs act white house spokeswoman sarah huckabee sanders later said would comment sams club closings wage increases sign tax measures impact hoped walmart representatives respond question timing dual developments rising wages reflect generally tight labor market conversion stores ecommerce sites also illustrates companies trying leverage store locations better compete amazon shopping moves online large employers also pressure boost benefits workers unemployment rates historic lows allowing job seekers pickier low unemployment meant retailers trouble attracting keeping talented workers experts said walmart employees previously started 9 hour rise 10 completing training program target raised minimum hourly wage 11 october said would raise wages 15 end 2020 many department store chains macys sears struggling retailers whole still trying hire retail industry seeking fill 711000 open jobs highest records dating back 2001 according government data longer jobs go unfilled greater pressure employers offer higher wages walmart reported annual revenue nearly 486 billion recent fiscal year said wage increases cost additional 300 million next fiscal year bonuses cost 400 million fiscal year ends jan 31 joins dozens companies including american airlines bank america announced worker bonuses following passage republican tax plan slashed corporate tax rate 35 percent 21 percent company said wage increase benefits hourly us workers stores including sams club well hourly employees websites distribution centers bentonville arkansas headquarters onetime bonus 200 1000 given walmart employees wont receive pay raise walmart employs 23 million people around world 15 million us ___ ap business writers michelle chapman newark new jersey chris rugaber washington dc joyce rosenberg new york contributed report
| 1,002 |
<p>MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Simona Halep joked she was "almost dead" after her 4-6, 6-4, 15-13 win over Lauren Davis in the third round of the Australian Open on Saturday, a grueling 3-hour, 45-minute match that featured a countless energy-sapping rallies and a remarkable 38 break points.</p>
<p>But what Halep said got her through the match wasn't her legs, it was her head.</p>
<p>This is a big change for a player who has sometimes wilted under pressure.</p>
<p>"For sure, I'm stronger mentally, and I could resist like (that) for every moment in the match," Halep said. "That makes me very happy, and I think the big win is that I could handle it."</p>
<p>No. 1-ranked Halep has won 15 titles in her career and is a perennial contender at the majors, but has never won a Grand Slam. In last year's French Open final against Jelena Ostapenko, Halep was up a set and 3-0 and still went on to lose.</p>
<p>Against Davis, however, Halep held her nerve as the third set wore on and her 24-year-old opponent seemed to be gaining in confidence.</p>
<p>The critical moment came when she was serving at 10-11 and found herself down 0-40, facing three match points. Halep remained composed and saved them all — the first time she's come back from triple match point down in her career.</p>
<p>The 26-year-old Romanian also didn't get too down after wasting chance after chance to put Davis away. She blew four break points at 8-all, then another five break points at 11-all, before finally converting to take a pivotal 14-13 lead and serve it out.</p>
<p>The match equaled the longest-ever in the women's draw at the Australian Open in terms of games played — Chanda Rubin's win over Arantxa Sanchez Vicario in 1996 was also 48 games — but was almost an hour shorter in duration than the record 4:44 that Francesca Schiavone needed to beat Svetlana Kuznetsova in 2011.</p>
<p>Had this kind of match happened a year or two ago, Halep admitted, she might not have won it.</p>
<p>"It's much better if we compare the old Simona with the new Simona," she said. "I'm just trying to change myself to not think that much about the points."</p>
<p>The other challenge was also playing an opponent like Davis, who is similarly short in stature and plays a mirror-image game. Like Halep, Davis relies on speed and footwork to make up for her lack of power. And both women are scrappy competitors, doggedly chasing down every ball that comes their way.</p>
<p>"I think today she played the highest level in tennis," Halep said "And her backhand was just too good sometimes."</p>
<p>Davis, who at 5-foot-2 (1.57-meter) is the shortest women in the top 100, surprised herself, as well. She's been ranked as high as No. 26, but has never advanced beyond the third round at a major.</p>
<p>Playing such a tough match against Halep, however, showed Davis just how competitive she could be.</p>
<p>"We were both fighting our hearts out," she said. "I got to the point where I was so tired where I just told myself to swing and move, and, I mean, for the most part it was very effective."</p>
<p>It was effective for Halep, too.</p>
<p>"I think in the past I wouldn't have fought that hard," she said. "Doesn't matter what is gonna happen now. I say that it's a big win in many ways, and I take it."</p>
<p>MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Simona Halep joked she was "almost dead" after her 4-6, 6-4, 15-13 win over Lauren Davis in the third round of the Australian Open on Saturday, a grueling 3-hour, 45-minute match that featured a countless energy-sapping rallies and a remarkable 38 break points.</p>
<p>But what Halep said got her through the match wasn't her legs, it was her head.</p>
<p>This is a big change for a player who has sometimes wilted under pressure.</p>
<p>"For sure, I'm stronger mentally, and I could resist like (that) for every moment in the match," Halep said. "That makes me very happy, and I think the big win is that I could handle it."</p>
<p>No. 1-ranked Halep has won 15 titles in her career and is a perennial contender at the majors, but has never won a Grand Slam. In last year's French Open final against Jelena Ostapenko, Halep was up a set and 3-0 and still went on to lose.</p>
<p>Against Davis, however, Halep held her nerve as the third set wore on and her 24-year-old opponent seemed to be gaining in confidence.</p>
<p>The critical moment came when she was serving at 10-11 and found herself down 0-40, facing three match points. Halep remained composed and saved them all — the first time she's come back from triple match point down in her career.</p>
<p>The 26-year-old Romanian also didn't get too down after wasting chance after chance to put Davis away. She blew four break points at 8-all, then another five break points at 11-all, before finally converting to take a pivotal 14-13 lead and serve it out.</p>
<p>The match equaled the longest-ever in the women's draw at the Australian Open in terms of games played — Chanda Rubin's win over Arantxa Sanchez Vicario in 1996 was also 48 games — but was almost an hour shorter in duration than the record 4:44 that Francesca Schiavone needed to beat Svetlana Kuznetsova in 2011.</p>
<p>Had this kind of match happened a year or two ago, Halep admitted, she might not have won it.</p>
<p>"It's much better if we compare the old Simona with the new Simona," she said. "I'm just trying to change myself to not think that much about the points."</p>
<p>The other challenge was also playing an opponent like Davis, who is similarly short in stature and plays a mirror-image game. Like Halep, Davis relies on speed and footwork to make up for her lack of power. And both women are scrappy competitors, doggedly chasing down every ball that comes their way.</p>
<p>"I think today she played the highest level in tennis," Halep said "And her backhand was just too good sometimes."</p>
<p>Davis, who at 5-foot-2 (1.57-meter) is the shortest women in the top 100, surprised herself, as well. She's been ranked as high as No. 26, but has never advanced beyond the third round at a major.</p>
<p>Playing such a tough match against Halep, however, showed Davis just how competitive she could be.</p>
<p>"We were both fighting our hearts out," she said. "I got to the point where I was so tired where I just told myself to swing and move, and, I mean, for the most part it was very effective."</p>
<p>It was effective for Halep, too.</p>
<p>"I think in the past I wouldn't have fought that hard," she said. "Doesn't matter what is gonna happen now. I say that it's a big win in many ways, and I take it."</p>
| false | 2 |
melbourne australia ap simona halep joked almost dead 46 64 1513 win lauren davis third round australian open saturday grueling 3hour 45minute match featured countless energysapping rallies remarkable 38 break points halep said got match wasnt legs head big change player sometimes wilted pressure sure im stronger mentally could resist like every moment match halep said makes happy think big win could handle 1ranked halep 15 titles career perennial contender majors never grand slam last years french open final jelena ostapenko halep set 30 still went lose davis however halep held nerve third set wore 24yearold opponent seemed gaining confidence critical moment came serving 1011 found 040 facing three match points halep remained composed saved first time shes come back triple match point career 26yearold romanian also didnt get wasting chance chance put davis away blew four break points 8all another five break points 11all finally converting take pivotal 1413 lead serve match equaled longestever womens draw australian open terms games played chanda rubins win arantxa sanchez vicario 1996 also 48 games almost hour shorter duration record 444 francesca schiavone needed beat svetlana kuznetsova 2011 kind match happened year two ago halep admitted might much better compare old simona new simona said im trying change think much points challenge also playing opponent like davis similarly short stature plays mirrorimage game like halep davis relies speed footwork make lack power women scrappy competitors doggedly chasing every ball comes way think today played highest level tennis halep said backhand good sometimes davis 5foot2 157meter shortest women top 100 surprised well shes ranked high 26 never advanced beyond third round major playing tough match halep however showed davis competitive could fighting hearts said got point tired told swing move mean part effective effective halep think past wouldnt fought hard said doesnt matter gon na happen say big win many ways take melbourne australia ap simona halep joked almost dead 46 64 1513 win lauren davis third round australian open saturday grueling 3hour 45minute match featured countless energysapping rallies remarkable 38 break points halep said got match wasnt legs head big change player sometimes wilted pressure sure im stronger mentally could resist like every moment match halep said makes happy think big win could handle 1ranked halep 15 titles career perennial contender majors never grand slam last years french open final jelena ostapenko halep set 30 still went lose davis however halep held nerve third set wore 24yearold opponent seemed gaining confidence critical moment came serving 1011 found 040 facing three match points halep remained composed saved first time shes come back triple match point career 26yearold romanian also didnt get wasting chance chance put davis away blew four break points 8all another five break points 11all finally converting take pivotal 1413 lead serve match equaled longestever womens draw australian open terms games played chanda rubins win arantxa sanchez vicario 1996 also 48 games almost hour shorter duration record 444 francesca schiavone needed beat svetlana kuznetsova 2011 kind match happened year two ago halep admitted might much better compare old simona new simona said im trying change think much points challenge also playing opponent like davis similarly short stature plays mirrorimage game like halep davis relies speed footwork make lack power women scrappy competitors doggedly chasing every ball comes way think today played highest level tennis halep said backhand good sometimes davis 5foot2 157meter shortest women top 100 surprised well shes ranked high 26 never advanced beyond third round major playing tough match halep however showed davis competitive could fighting hearts said got point tired told swing move mean part effective effective halep think past wouldnt fought hard said doesnt matter gon na happen say big win many ways take
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<p>MILWAUKEE (AP) — Former Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke did not violate a man’s free speech with taunting Facebook posts after detaining him at an airport last year for shaking his head at Clarke while boarding a flight, a federal jury concluded Monday night.</p>
<p>In a civil lawsuit against Clarke, Daniel Black argued he received hateful messages and was fearful after Clarke called him a “snowflake” online and said Black “wouldn’t be around to whine” if the then-sheriff really wanted to harass him. Clarke made the comment after Black complained to the county that the sheriff had his deputies detain and question him for 15 minutes after he got off the plane in Milwaukee.</p>
<p>Jurors deliberated nearly three hours before deciding Clarke’s posts were not enough to chill Black’s future speech. Clarke resigned on Aug. 31 to join a political action committee that supports President Donald Trump.</p>
<p>Black said he shook his head at Clarke last January on the flight from Dallas to Milwaukee because Clarke was wearing Cowboys gear when they were playing the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs.</p>
<p>Black at one point became teary-eyed while testifying Monday, saying he would never file another complaint against an elected official because the incident left him so rattled. He said he sued last year because he needed “someone to say this is wrong.”</p>
<p>Although Black was not arrested or cited, his attorneys argued that Clarke’s actions — particularly his social media taunts — were retaliatory and threatening enough to silence criticism of the sheriff.</p>
<p>“I felt guilty, I felt scared, that I had a target on my back,” Black testified, recalling one post in particular on the sheriff’s official Facebook site.</p>
<p>Clarke wrote on Facebook: “Cheer up, snowflake ... if Sheriff Clarke were to really harass you, you wouldn’t be around to whine about it.”</p>
<p>Black’s attorney, Anne Sulton, showed jurors an email from Clarke staffer Fran McLaughlin expressing concern about the post, telling the sheriff it was “perceived as a threat, and I don’t think it should be on our agency page.” Clarke responded by saying, “It stays.”</p>
<p>“That shows the malice,” Sulton said.</p>
<p>Clarke was not in court Monday. His attorneys said Black did television interviews after the encounter and didn’t appear scared.</p>
<p>“Far from being chilled, he was encouraged and he enjoyed it,” attorney Charles Bohl said during opening statements, describing the case as “an unfriendly internet spat between two people who apparently don’t like each other very much.”</p>
<p>In his closing arguments, Bohl told jurors that Black’s TV interviews and social media posts about the incident showed that Clarke’s comments did not stop Black from exercising his free speech rights “abundantly” and that “he got his 15 minutes of fame.”</p>
<p>Black wanted jurors to award him a compensation amount of their choosing for emotional distress and other damages, as well as attorneys’ fees.</p>
<p>MILWAUKEE (AP) — Former Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke did not violate a man’s free speech with taunting Facebook posts after detaining him at an airport last year for shaking his head at Clarke while boarding a flight, a federal jury concluded Monday night.</p>
<p>In a civil lawsuit against Clarke, Daniel Black argued he received hateful messages and was fearful after Clarke called him a “snowflake” online and said Black “wouldn’t be around to whine” if the then-sheriff really wanted to harass him. Clarke made the comment after Black complained to the county that the sheriff had his deputies detain and question him for 15 minutes after he got off the plane in Milwaukee.</p>
<p>Jurors deliberated nearly three hours before deciding Clarke’s posts were not enough to chill Black’s future speech. Clarke resigned on Aug. 31 to join a political action committee that supports President Donald Trump.</p>
<p>Black said he shook his head at Clarke last January on the flight from Dallas to Milwaukee because Clarke was wearing Cowboys gear when they were playing the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs.</p>
<p>Black at one point became teary-eyed while testifying Monday, saying he would never file another complaint against an elected official because the incident left him so rattled. He said he sued last year because he needed “someone to say this is wrong.”</p>
<p>Although Black was not arrested or cited, his attorneys argued that Clarke’s actions — particularly his social media taunts — were retaliatory and threatening enough to silence criticism of the sheriff.</p>
<p>“I felt guilty, I felt scared, that I had a target on my back,” Black testified, recalling one post in particular on the sheriff’s official Facebook site.</p>
<p>Clarke wrote on Facebook: “Cheer up, snowflake ... if Sheriff Clarke were to really harass you, you wouldn’t be around to whine about it.”</p>
<p>Black’s attorney, Anne Sulton, showed jurors an email from Clarke staffer Fran McLaughlin expressing concern about the post, telling the sheriff it was “perceived as a threat, and I don’t think it should be on our agency page.” Clarke responded by saying, “It stays.”</p>
<p>“That shows the malice,” Sulton said.</p>
<p>Clarke was not in court Monday. His attorneys said Black did television interviews after the encounter and didn’t appear scared.</p>
<p>“Far from being chilled, he was encouraged and he enjoyed it,” attorney Charles Bohl said during opening statements, describing the case as “an unfriendly internet spat between two people who apparently don’t like each other very much.”</p>
<p>In his closing arguments, Bohl told jurors that Black’s TV interviews and social media posts about the incident showed that Clarke’s comments did not stop Black from exercising his free speech rights “abundantly” and that “he got his 15 minutes of fame.”</p>
<p>Black wanted jurors to award him a compensation amount of their choosing for emotional distress and other damages, as well as attorneys’ fees.</p>
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milwaukee ap former milwaukee county sheriff david clarke violate mans free speech taunting facebook posts detaining airport last year shaking head clarke boarding flight federal jury concluded monday night civil lawsuit clarke daniel black argued received hateful messages fearful clarke called snowflake online said black wouldnt around whine thensheriff really wanted harass clarke made comment black complained county sheriff deputies detain question 15 minutes got plane milwaukee jurors deliberated nearly three hours deciding clarkes posts enough chill blacks future speech clarke resigned aug 31 join political action committee supports president donald trump black said shook head clarke last january flight dallas milwaukee clarke wearing cowboys gear playing green bay packers playoffs black one point became tearyeyed testifying monday saying would never file another complaint elected official incident left rattled said sued last year needed someone say wrong although black arrested cited attorneys argued clarkes actions particularly social media taunts retaliatory threatening enough silence criticism sheriff felt guilty felt scared target back black testified recalling one post particular sheriffs official facebook site clarke wrote facebook cheer snowflake sheriff clarke really harass wouldnt around whine blacks attorney anne sulton showed jurors email clarke staffer fran mclaughlin expressing concern post telling sheriff perceived threat dont think agency page clarke responded saying stays shows malice sulton said clarke court monday attorneys said black television interviews encounter didnt appear scared far chilled encouraged enjoyed attorney charles bohl said opening statements describing case unfriendly internet spat two people apparently dont like much closing arguments bohl told jurors blacks tv interviews social media posts incident showed clarkes comments stop black exercising free speech rights abundantly got 15 minutes fame black wanted jurors award compensation amount choosing emotional distress damages well attorneys fees milwaukee ap former milwaukee county sheriff david clarke violate mans free speech taunting facebook posts detaining airport last year shaking head clarke boarding flight federal jury concluded monday night civil lawsuit clarke daniel black argued received hateful messages fearful clarke called snowflake online said black wouldnt around whine thensheriff really wanted harass clarke made comment black complained county sheriff deputies detain question 15 minutes got plane milwaukee jurors deliberated nearly three hours deciding clarkes posts enough chill blacks future speech clarke resigned aug 31 join political action committee supports president donald trump black said shook head clarke last january flight dallas milwaukee clarke wearing cowboys gear playing green bay packers playoffs black one point became tearyeyed testifying monday saying would never file another complaint elected official incident left rattled said sued last year needed someone say wrong although black arrested cited attorneys argued clarkes actions particularly social media taunts retaliatory threatening enough silence criticism sheriff felt guilty felt scared target back black testified recalling one post particular sheriffs official facebook site clarke wrote facebook cheer snowflake sheriff clarke really harass wouldnt around whine blacks attorney anne sulton showed jurors email clarke staffer fran mclaughlin expressing concern post telling sheriff perceived threat dont think agency page clarke responded saying stays shows malice sulton said clarke court monday attorneys said black television interviews encounter didnt appear scared far chilled encouraged enjoyed attorney charles bohl said opening statements describing case unfriendly internet spat two people apparently dont like much closing arguments bohl told jurors blacks tv interviews social media posts incident showed clarkes comments stop black exercising free speech rights abundantly got 15 minutes fame black wanted jurors award compensation amount choosing emotional distress damages well attorneys fees
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<p>Allen Weh, business owner and former state Republican Party chairman now running for the U.S. Senate, talks to people attending the Los Ranchos Farmer’s Market last week. (Marla Brose/Albuquerque Journal)</p>
<p>Republican Allen Weh, after retiring from the U.S. Marine Corps and building a successful Albuquerque airline business, says he is running for the U.S. Senate to fulfill a sense of duty and put his experience to use.</p>
<p>Weh’s challenge to the re-election bid of Democratic Sen. Tom Udall comes after he represented the state Republican Party as chairman and made an unsuccessful bid for governor in 2010. But 71-year-old Weh, who served 38 years in the Marine Corps and fought in four conflicts, says he’s not ready to call it quits.</p>
<p>” I don’t need a job; I just want to serve,” Weh said. “And I’ve got the health and the mental capacity, I think, to make a contribution in a meaningful way.”</p>
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<p>Weh’s view of the Washington political landscape is colored by his military experience.</p>
<p>A retired Marine Corps Reserve colonel, he has served tours of duty in Iraq, Kuwait, Somalia and Vietnam. Even after retiring in 1997, he found himself called back to Iraq for a final deployment to help train the Iraqi military.</p>
<p>Weh cites those credentials when he criticizes President Barack Obama and Udall for a U.S. foreign policy that Weh calls a failure.</p>
<p>“To let domestic policy and politics drive foreign policy is doing a great disservice to every citizen in this nation,” Weh said.</p>
<p>Weh cites the re-emerging conflict with extremists in Iraq as proof that the Obama policy to exit Iraq on a fixed timetable had violent results. The renewed violence has prompted national security leaders to seize on the opportunity to turn once again to military action in the Middle East, he said.</p>
<p>“The problem with the administration and some of these would-be foreign policy hawks on both sides – (saying) ‘Let’s do this, let’s do this’ – they don’t know what they’re talking about,” Weh said.</p>
<p>“… Guys like me are the last ones to want to go to war. Because we understand. We’ve seen the consequences. We’ve seen the pain. We’ve seen the deaths,” he said.</p>
<p>But Weh’s hard-nosed approach on foreign policy and national security issues has not been without controversy in his bid for the Senate.</p>
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<p>In late August, Weh sparked criticism after airing an online ad, criticizing Obama and Udall for what the ad mockingly characterized as inattention to national security. The ad featured a screen shot of the Islamic State member who executed U.S. journalist James Foley in a Web video.</p>
<p>Weh responded to the criticism unapologetically, saying on social media: “The fight against terrorists is ugly.”</p>
<p>On gridlock</p>
<p>John Wertheim, the former Democratic Party chair who served opposite Weh when the candidate led the Republican Party in the mid-2000s, said Weh is too fixed in his views and could exacerbate the gridlock that has become common in Washington.</p>
<p>“I had perfectly friendly relations with Allen and I have respect for him,” Wertheim said. “But I do think he comes from a very narrow perspective politically. I don’t think dialog and reaching across the aisle is his strong suit.”</p>
<p>Weh said he would welcome sitting down with political opponents, a practice he said is not occurring enough. He took a shot at the partisanship in general.</p>
<p>“What I see in Washington are men and women of both parties who practice partisan ideology before their party’s benefit, before the nation’s benefit,” Weh said. “That’s not me. You’ll never find that in me. I’m going to be willing to sit down.”</p>
<p>Doug Turner, who ran against Weh in the 2010 Republican primary for governor, said he can understand that people who don’t know Weh well might assume he’s fixed in his views given his military background. But contrary to that assumption, Turner said, Weh brings an innovative approach to the table.</p>
<p>“I have always found Allen to be a data-driven, results-oriented person who is not so much interested in doing it his way but doing things in effective ways,” Turner said.</p>
<p>Adopting New Mexico</p>
<p>After growing up in New Jersey, North Carolina and Georgia, Weh came to New Mexico in 1963 after his first military enlistment to attend the University of New Mexico and major in education.</p>
<p>Weh’s subsequent military tours after graduation led him out of state, but Weh later returned to New Mexico as his adopted home in the mid-1970s to start a business and enroll in graduate school studying counseling.</p>
<p>Although a first attempt to start a business failed, Weh successfully launched his flight charter company, CSI Aviation, in 1979. The company operates charter flights on contract across the country and now employs 32 people.</p>
<p>Weh reported earning nearly $3.4 million in salary from his work as the company CEO in the prior year, according to a Senate financial disclosure filed in May. Weh says he plans to leave the company if elected.</p>
<p>The experience building the company into a successful venture has helped shape the views on economic development that Weh would says he would take to Washington.</p>
<p>“I’ve had to run a business, deal with the things any businessman deals with,” Weh said.</p>
<p>Allen Weh, a retired Marine Corps Reserve colonel, stumps as the state Republican Party chairman for former President George W. Bush’s re-election campaign in 2004. (Albuquerque Journal File Photo)</p>
<p>Immigration business</p>
<p>Weh’s business interests overlap with his views on immigration policy.</p>
<p>Weh said he supports overhauling the nation’s immigration policies and strengthening enforcement to turn around what he called “de facto amnesty.”</p>
<p>Such an approach likely would mean more deportations.</p>
<p>Weh’s company is the No. 1 private contractor for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement air transport division, the Los Angeles Times reported this year. The federal government has paid Weh’s CSI Aviation about $560 million since 2010 to operate flights deporting immigrants in the U.S. illegally, the newspaper reported.</p>
<p>Weh defended the ICE contract, saying it is competitively bid every year and represents only one component of his company’s work.</p>
<p>“Our mission has always been under that contract to just fly where they (ICE) said they want to go, repatriating these illegals,” Weh said.</p>
<p>CSI Aviation’s federal contract has included operating flights related to the surge of women and children who have illegally immigrated to the U.S. from the Central American nations of Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras.</p>
<p>Weh says he supports the policy of deporting the Central American immigrants, who are often reported to have fled their homes to escape violence and now seek asylum in the U.S.</p>
<p>Weh called that claim a “P.R. spin.” Instead, he said, the Central American immigrants likely were attracted to the U.S. by the inconsistent enforcement of immigration laws.</p>
<p>“Once they’ve been taken into our custody, they ought to be fed, they ought to be given clean clothes, bathed, given a medical exam and then repatriated,” Weh said.</p>
<p>However, Weh said he supports dramatically expanding the nation’s guest-worker program and deferring deportation action against children who were brought to the U.S. illegally by their parents.</p>
<p>Minimum wage</p>
<p>While Weh’s views on many issues, such as opposition to Obamacare mandates, are on track with his Republican Party, his take on what is best for business doesn’t entirely follow the party line.</p>
<p>For example, Weh says he’s on board for an increase in the minimum wage if teen and young adult workers are excluded.</p>
<p>Weh said the federal $7.25 minimum wage should be increased, but he said workers younger than age 26 should be allowed to work for less as a way to promote higher rates of youth employment.</p>
<p>“We could not only reduce teen unemployment; we could reduce juvenile delinquency and juvenile crime with one fell swoop,” Weh said. “And so what if we pay them $3 an hour, or $4 an hour or $5 an hour, that would be between the employer and the willing youngster.”</p>
<p>Rather than committing to a specific dollar amount, Weh said the minimum wage should be tied to each state’s cost of living.</p>
<p>Political life</p>
<p>Weh is a relative latecomer to New Mexico politics.</p>
<p>His first foray on the political stage came in 2000 when he agreed to help raise money for the presidential campaign of then-Gov. George W. Bush of Texas and serve as a Republican delegate from New Mexico.</p>
<p>At the time, Weh was largely unknown to Republican insiders. But that was seen as an advantage by state party leaders who, in 2004, tapped him to serve as chairman of the Republican Party of New Mexico amid conflicting ideas of the party’s direction, he said.</p>
<p>“I had never been in the party, I had no enemies, nobody knew who I was,” Weh said. “… Once you’re the chairman, then a lot of people don’t like you.”</p>
<p>Six years later, Weh was on his first ballot in the Republican primary for governor, a race he lost to then-District Attorney Susana Martinez.</p>
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allen weh business owner former state republican party chairman running us senate talks people attending los ranchos farmers market last week marla brosealbuquerque journal republican allen weh retiring us marine corps building successful albuquerque airline business says running us senate fulfill sense duty put experience use wehs challenge reelection bid democratic sen tom udall comes represented state republican party chairman made unsuccessful bid governor 2010 71yearold weh served 38 years marine corps fought four conflicts says hes ready call quits dont need job want serve weh said ive got health mental capacity think make contribution meaningful way advertisement wehs view washington political landscape colored military experience retired marine corps reserve colonel served tours duty iraq kuwait somalia vietnam even retiring 1997 found called back iraq final deployment help train iraqi military weh cites credentials criticizes president barack obama udall us foreign policy weh calls failure let domestic policy politics drive foreign policy great disservice every citizen nation weh said weh cites reemerging conflict extremists iraq proof obama policy exit iraq fixed timetable violent results renewed violence prompted national security leaders seize opportunity turn military action middle east said problem administration wouldbe foreign policy hawks sides saying lets lets dont know theyre talking weh said guys like last ones want go war understand weve seen consequences weve seen pain weve seen deaths said wehs hardnosed approach foreign policy national security issues without controversy bid senate advertisement late august weh sparked criticism airing online ad criticizing obama udall ad mockingly characterized inattention national security ad featured screen shot islamic state member executed us journalist james foley web video weh responded criticism unapologetically saying social media fight terrorists ugly gridlock john wertheim former democratic party chair served opposite weh candidate led republican party mid2000s said weh fixed views could exacerbate gridlock become common washington perfectly friendly relations allen respect wertheim said think comes narrow perspective politically dont think dialog reaching across aisle strong suit weh said would welcome sitting political opponents practice said occurring enough took shot partisanship general see washington men women parties practice partisan ideology partys benefit nations benefit weh said thats youll never find im going willing sit doug turner ran weh 2010 republican primary governor said understand people dont know weh well might assume hes fixed views given military background contrary assumption turner said weh brings innovative approach table always found allen datadriven resultsoriented person much interested way things effective ways turner said adopting new mexico growing new jersey north carolina georgia weh came new mexico 1963 first military enlistment attend university new mexico major education wehs subsequent military tours graduation led state weh later returned new mexico adopted home mid1970s start business enroll graduate school studying counseling although first attempt start business failed weh successfully launched flight charter company csi aviation 1979 company operates charter flights contract across country employs 32 people weh reported earning nearly 34 million salary work company ceo prior year according senate financial disclosure filed may weh says plans leave company elected experience building company successful venture helped shape views economic development weh would says would take washington ive run business deal things businessman deals weh said allen weh retired marine corps reserve colonel stumps state republican party chairman former president george w bushs reelection campaign 2004 albuquerque journal file photo immigration business wehs business interests overlap views immigration policy weh said supports overhauling nations immigration policies strengthening enforcement turn around called de facto amnesty approach likely would mean deportations wehs company 1 private contractor us immigration customs enforcement air transport division los angeles times reported year federal government paid wehs csi aviation 560 million since 2010 operate flights deporting immigrants us illegally newspaper reported weh defended ice contract saying competitively bid every year represents one component companys work mission always contract fly ice said want go repatriating illegals weh said csi aviations federal contract included operating flights related surge women children illegally immigrated us central american nations guatemala el salvador honduras weh says supports policy deporting central american immigrants often reported fled homes escape violence seek asylum us weh called claim pr spin instead said central american immigrants likely attracted us inconsistent enforcement immigration laws theyve taken custody ought fed ought given clean clothes bathed given medical exam repatriated weh said however weh said supports dramatically expanding nations guestworker program deferring deportation action children brought us illegally parents minimum wage wehs views many issues opposition obamacare mandates track republican party take best business doesnt entirely follow party line example weh says hes board increase minimum wage teen young adult workers excluded weh said federal 725 minimum wage increased said workers younger age 26 allowed work less way promote higher rates youth employment could reduce teen unemployment could reduce juvenile delinquency juvenile crime one fell swoop weh said pay 3 hour 4 hour 5 hour would employer willing youngster rather committing specific dollar amount weh said minimum wage tied states cost living political life weh relative latecomer new mexico politics first foray political stage came 2000 agreed help raise money presidential campaign thengov george w bush texas serve republican delegate new mexico time weh largely unknown republican insiders seen advantage state party leaders 2004 tapped serve chairman republican party new mexico amid conflicting ideas partys direction said never party enemies nobody knew weh said youre chairman lot people dont like six years later weh first ballot republican primary governor race lost thendistrict attorney susana martinez
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<p>SANTA FE - New Mexico's budget crunch has left the state facing a $417 million Medicaid shortfall over the next 16 months, a daunting figure that could mean reduced reimbursement rates for providers and hospitals and, down the road, new mandatory payments for some patients.</p>
<p>The belt-tightening measures, some of which will probably take effect in July, come at a time when the state's Medicaid enrollment is skyrocketing - roughly 850,000 New Mexicans are on the state's rolls, and that number is expected to rise.</p>
<p>State funding is not expected to keep up, and without that match, New Mexico loses hundreds of millions of federal dollars.</p>
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<p>At a Friday meeting of a state Medicaid advisory committee, Human Services Secretary Brent Earnest said his agency will seek to avoid affecting patients, if possible.</p>
<p>"We want, frankly, to protect benefits and eligibility as much as we can," Earnest told a crowd of about 100 health care executives, advocates and others.</p>
<p>But some health care providers warned that cuts to their reimbursement rates could result in clinics turning away Medicaid patients and physicians leaving the state.</p>
<p>"It would be helpful, if you want to see more providers in the state, not to reduce reimbursement rates," said Nancy Resnick, an Albuquerque doctor.</p>
<p>The state's Medicaid shortfall is due to a combination of factors: Skyrocketing enrollment, a pending decrease in the federal matching rate and soaring drug costs.</p>
<p>During this year's 30-day legislative session, lawmakers approved a $6.2 billion budget for the fiscal year starting in July that includes $928.5 million in state funds for Medicaid in the coming year - a $20.8 million increase over this year's levels.</p>
<p>However, the Human Services Department had requested an $85.2 million increase to keep up with enrollment growth and the looming decrease in the federal matching rate for states like New Mexico that opted to expand their Medicaid programs.</p>
<p>The agency had also asked for $41 million in state funding to help get through the rest of the current year, but less than half that amount was appropriated as legislators grappled with a decline in state revenue caused by plummeting oil and gas prices.</p>
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<p>As a result, HSD came up $86 million short of what it projected it needed in state funds for the next 16 months. The federal government pays New Mexico from $3 to $4 for every dollar it spends - so the total shortfall balloons to $417 million when the missing federal matching funds are factored in.</p>
<p>Although the budget bill includes language directing HSD to cut provider rates and examine other cost-saving measures, Earnest said that making up the entire shortfall by cutting costs is impossible and that the agency will ask lawmakers for an emergency appropriation during the 2017 legislative session.</p>
<p>But a number of cost-cutting options are on the table - including the provider rate cuts and new co-payments for some services - and will be studied in the coming weeks by subcommittees made up of state officials, health care executives and advocates.</p>
<p>"Given the position of the budget, we're going to have to consider a lot of things," Earnest said Friday.</p>
<p>Cost cutting</p>
<p>Jim Hinton, CEO and president of Presbyterian Healthcare Services, said Friday that his company will have to reduce its costs by about $50 million due to the state's Medicaid shortfall.</p>
<p>That could mean not filling vacant jobs and not recruiting as many physicians, he said.</p>
<p>Presbyterian operates a for-profit Medicaid managed care plan for 208,000 New Mexicans, about one-fourth of the state's beneficiaries.</p>
<p>"It's just simply not possible to take that much money out of Medicaid and not directly affect patients, members and health care providers," Hinton told the Journal.</p>
<p>Mary Eden, vice president for government programs at Presbyterian Health Plan, a subsidiary of Presbyterian Healthcare Services, said none of three basic options for Medicaid cost savings - cutting provider rates, eligibility or benefits - are easy to swallow.</p>
<p>"None of those are really popular, but that's kind of what we're faced with," Eden said Friday.</p>
<p>However, several individuals representing health care advocacy groups said during Friday's hearing in Santa Fe that the Legislature and the Martinez administration should look for ways to increase Medicaid spending instead of relying on cuts.</p>
<p>Despite the state's worsening budgetary situation, Martinez has stuck to the "no tax increase" stance she's held since taking office in 2011.</p>
<p>Abuko Estrada, a staff attorney for the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty, called the Medicaid shortfall a "deliberate" choice by lawmakers and the governor.</p>
<p>Obamacare</p>
<p>Medicaid is a joint federal-state health care program that has historically provided health care coverage primarily for low-income children, pregnant women, disabled adults and the elderly.</p>
<p>Under the federal Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, states were able to decide whether to expand Medicaid benefits to adults earning 138 percent of the federal poverty level. For 2016, that equates to roughly $16,242 a year for a single adult, and $33,465 for a family of four.</p>
<p>Gov. Martinez decided in 2013 to accept Medicaid expansion, saying the move would help New Mexico families and would not jeopardize the state's long-term budget outlook.</p>
<p>The federal government initially funded 100 percent of the expansion costs for participating states, but that will be gradually be scaled back to 90 percent by 2020. The federal government also pays for about 70 percent of general, non-expansion Medicaid costs in New Mexico.</p>
<p>Human Services Department officials have said Medicaid enrollment has increased much more rapidly than the agency expected.</p>
<p>By July 2017, the department now projects, more than 925,000 New Mexicans - nearly half the state's population - will be enrolled in Medicaid. That's up from about 560,000 New Mexicans on Medicaid rolls at the start of 2013.</p>
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santa fe new mexicos budget crunch left state facing 417 million medicaid shortfall next 16 months daunting figure could mean reduced reimbursement rates providers hospitals road new mandatory payments patients belttightening measures probably take effect july come time states medicaid enrollment skyrocketing roughly 850000 new mexicans states rolls number expected rise state funding expected keep without match new mexico loses hundreds millions federal dollars advertisement friday meeting state medicaid advisory committee human services secretary brent earnest said agency seek avoid affecting patients possible want frankly protect benefits eligibility much earnest told crowd 100 health care executives advocates others health care providers warned cuts reimbursement rates could result clinics turning away medicaid patients physicians leaving state would helpful want see providers state reduce reimbursement rates said nancy resnick albuquerque doctor states medicaid shortfall due combination factors skyrocketing enrollment pending decrease federal matching rate soaring drug costs years 30day legislative session lawmakers approved 62 billion budget fiscal year starting july includes 9285 million state funds medicaid coming year 208 million increase years levels however human services department requested 852 million increase keep enrollment growth looming decrease federal matching rate states like new mexico opted expand medicaid programs agency also asked 41 million state funding help get rest current year less half amount appropriated legislators grappled decline state revenue caused plummeting oil gas prices advertisement result hsd came 86 million short projected needed state funds next 16 months federal government pays new mexico 3 4 every dollar spends total shortfall balloons 417 million missing federal matching funds factored although budget bill includes language directing hsd cut provider rates examine costsaving measures earnest said making entire shortfall cutting costs impossible agency ask lawmakers emergency appropriation 2017 legislative session number costcutting options table including provider rate cuts new copayments services studied coming weeks subcommittees made state officials health care executives advocates given position budget going consider lot things earnest said friday cost cutting jim hinton ceo president presbyterian healthcare services said friday company reduce costs 50 million due states medicaid shortfall could mean filling vacant jobs recruiting many physicians said presbyterian operates forprofit medicaid managed care plan 208000 new mexicans onefourth states beneficiaries simply possible take much money medicaid directly affect patients members health care providers hinton told journal mary eden vice president government programs presbyterian health plan subsidiary presbyterian healthcare services said none three basic options medicaid cost savings cutting provider rates eligibility benefits easy swallow none really popular thats kind faced eden said friday however several individuals representing health care advocacy groups said fridays hearing santa fe legislature martinez administration look ways increase medicaid spending instead relying cuts despite states worsening budgetary situation martinez stuck tax increase stance shes held since taking office 2011 abuko estrada staff attorney new mexico center law poverty called medicaid shortfall deliberate choice lawmakers governor obamacare medicaid joint federalstate health care program historically provided health care coverage primarily lowincome children pregnant women disabled adults elderly federal affordable care act obamacare states able decide whether expand medicaid benefits adults earning 138 percent federal poverty level 2016 equates roughly 16242 year single adult 33465 family four gov martinez decided 2013 accept medicaid expansion saying move would help new mexico families would jeopardize states longterm budget outlook federal government initially funded 100 percent expansion costs participating states gradually scaled back 90 percent 2020 federal government also pays 70 percent general nonexpansion medicaid costs new mexico human services department officials said medicaid enrollment increased much rapidly agency expected july 2017 department projects 925000 new mexicans nearly half states population enrolled medicaid thats 560000 new mexicans medicaid rolls start 2013
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<p>BERLIN, Jan 17 (Reuters) - Euro zone countries must first agree on a clear plan to reduce risk in the banking sector before progress can be made toward completing a banking union in the currency bloc, Germany's acting Finance Minister Peter Altmaier said on Wednesday.</p>
<p>Speaking during a joint news conference with Eurogroup chief Mario Centeno of Portugal, Altmaier added that the prospects on reaching agreement on risk reduction in the sector were good. But he declined to give a timeline.</p>
<p>Asked about when a joint deposit insurance scheme (EDIS), meant to cover insured savers would be in place, Altmaier said: "We first must reduce risks before there can be risk-sharing. Therefore, from our point of view and from today's perspective, there cannot be a fixed date."</p>
<p>He added: "In the last two Eurogroup meetings, we agreed to try to come to a common understanding over the next few weeks about what we mean by risk-reduction and what steps are needed for this."</p>
<p>Centeno said the banking union was one of many pillars to shield the euro zone from future crisis. He said the currency bloc should not become a transfer union in which richer member states are asked to bankroll poorer peers. (Reporting by Joseph Nasr, Michael Nienaber and Gernot Heller; Editing by Alison Williams)</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>THE HAGUE (Reuters) - A visit by international chemical weapons inspectors to the location of a suspected poison gas attack in the Syrian town of Douma has been delayed after gunfire at the site during a visit by a U.N. security team on Tuesday, sources told Reuters.</p>
<p>The U.N. security team entered Douma to assess the situation ahead of the planned visit by inspectors from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) international watchdog, said the sources, who had been briefed on the team's deployment.</p>
<p>One source told Reuters the advance team had "encountered a security issue" including gunfire which led to the delay, but could not provide additional details. Another said they had been met by protesters demanding aid, and gunfire was heard. The U.N. then left.</p>
<p>Syria's U.N. ambassador said on Tuesday the fact-finding mission would begin its work in Douma on Wednesday if the U.N. security team deemed the situation there safe.</p>
<p>Separately, a U.N. source said the OPCW inspectors would probably not be going to Douma on Wednesday. The U.N. source did not give details of the shooting incident.</p>
<p>The U.N. source did not say when the inspectors might visit the site, or whether a planned visit to Douma on Wednesday had been postponed. The inspectors arrived in Damascus at the weekend.</p>
<p>The suspected chemical attack on April 7 killed dozens of people in Douma, medical relief organizations say. It led to the rebel group that controlled Douma agreeing to surrender control of the town to the Syrian government.</p>
<p>The government and its Russian allies say the attack was fabricated as a pretext to justify military strikes that were launched on Saturday by the United States, Britain and France.</p>
<p>France has said it was very likely that evidence of the poison gas attack was disappearing before the inspectors could reach the town.</p>
<p>The United States accused Russia on Monday of blocking international inspectors from reaching the site of the suspected poison gas attack in Syria and said Russians or Syrians may have tampered with evidence on the ground.</p>
<p>Moscow denied the charge and blamed delays on retaliatory U.S.-led missile strikes on Syria at the weekend.</p>
<p>Reporting by Anthony Deutsch in The Hague; Writing by Ellen Francis/Tom Perry in Beirut, Editing by Angus MacSwan and Raissa Kasolowsky</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>(Reuters) - European regulators this month began requiring an inspection by early next year of the type of engine that blew apart on a fatal Southwest Airlines flight on Tuesday, and a source said U.S. regulators were near a similar rule.</p> U.S. NTSB investigators are on scene examining damage to the engine of the Southwest Airlines plane in this image released from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., April 17, 2018. NTSB/Handout via REUTERS
<p>The actions by regulators show that there has been some concern, albeit non-urgent, about the engine, a workhorse of the global civil aviation fleet that has logged more than 350 million hours of safe travel but was also being examined after a 2016 accident.</p>
<p>Southwest Flight 1380 made an emergency landing in Philadelphia on Tuesday after an engine ripped apart mid-air, shattering a window on the Boeing 737 and nearly sucking a passenger through. One of 144 passengers died.</p>
<p>The CFM56 engine was produced by a joint venture of General Electric Co and France's Safran SA called CFM International and is one of the most common engines, paired with the world's most-sold plane, the Boeing 737. Boeing and CFM said they will help with the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) investigation into the incident.</p>
<p>Southwest Airlines Co said it is speeding up inspections of all related engines out of extra caution, which it expects to complete within 30 days. Minimal flight disruptions may result, it said.</p>
<p>An early review of the failed engine found apparent metal fatigue where a fan blade had broken off, Robert Sumwalt, chairman of the NTSB, told reporters.</p>
<p>"We are very concerned" about metal fatigue, Sumwalt said. "There needs to be proper inspection mechanisms in place to check for this before there's a catastrophic event."</p>
<p>In August 2016, a Southwest flight made a safe emergency landing in Pensacola, Florida after a fan blade separated from the same type of engine, and debris ripped a foot-long hole above the left wing. Investigators found signs of metal fatigue.</p>
<p>The 2016 incident prompted the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to propose ultrasonic inspections of similar fan blades and their replacement should they fail the test. Sumwalt said the NTSB will review whether the engines involved in Tuesday's incident might have been subject to the directive, which is not yet finalized.</p>
<p>The FAA had "determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design," according to its proposal last year.</p>
<p>The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued an airworthiness directive last month requiring a one-time ultrasonic inspection of each affected fan blade on models of CFM56 engines within nine months of April 2. It said that CFM had sent a service bulletin recommending inspections, leading regulators to make the directive.</p>
<p>EASA said the directive was issued after the failure of a fan blade on a CFM56 engine, which led to the uncontained release of debris. It did not name the airline involved or the incident, but the service bulletin it referenced was the same as in the FAA proposal.</p>
<p>"This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to fan blade failure, possibly resulting in uncontained forward release of debris, with consequent damage to the engine and the aeroplane," EASA said.</p>
<p>Southwest's voluntary, accelerated checks will be ultrasonic. American, United and Delta Air Lines did not immediately comment if they too would speed up such checks, though it was unclear if they at all needed to.</p>
<p>The FAA proposal estimated 220 engines on U.S. registered planes would be affected and that checks would require two hours of labor per inspection.</p>
<p>It proposed for engines with more than 15,000 cycles since the last shop visit to be inspected within six months and engines with less than 15,000 cycles to be checked within 18 months or at the next fan blade lubrication. A cycle is one take-off and landing.</p>
<p>Any design issues with the long-established CFM56 engine could have repercussions for fleets worldwide. But given that thousands of the engines are already in use globally, industry experts say the focus of the investigation is more likely to fall on one-off production or maintenance issues.</p>
<p>A government source said the FAA could finalize its directive soon. The FAA did not respond to a request for comment late on Tuesday, and Southwest declined to say whether it had ultrasonically examined the engine involved in the incident, because the event is under investigation by the NTSB.</p>
<p>Reporting by Jeffrey Dastin in San Francisco, David Shepardson in Washington and Jamie Freed in Singapore; Additional reporting by Tim Hepher in Paris; Editing by Peter Henderson and Muralikumar Anantharaman</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>THE HAGUE (Reuters) - Chemical weapons inspectors had to delay visiting the site of an alleged chemical weapons attack in Syria's Douma on Wednesday after a U.N. security team reported gunfire at the location a day earlier, sources briefed on the team's deployment told Reuters.</p>
<p>Details of the shooting were unclear, but weapons inspectors from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons have pushed back their visit which was supposed to happen on Wednesday, the sources said.</p>
<p>Reporting by Anthony Deutsch; Editing by Robin Pomeroy</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea said on Wednesday it is considering how to change a decades-old armistice with North Korea into a peace agreement, as U.S. officials confirmed an unprecedented top-level meeting with the North Korean leader.</p> North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meets Song Tao, the head of the China's Communist Party's International Department who led a Chinese art troupe to North Korea for the April Spring Friendship Art Festival, in this handout photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on April 15, 2018. KCNA/via REUTERS
<p>U.S. Secretary of State nominee and CIA Director Mike Pompeo became the most senior U.S. official known to have met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un when he visited Pyongyang at the end of March to discuss a planned summit with U.S. President Donald Trump.</p>
<p>Pompeo's visit provided the strongest sign yet about Trump's willingness to become the first serving U.S. president ever to meet a North Korean leader.</p>
<p>At the same time, old rivals North Korea and South Korea are preparing for their own summit, between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, on April 27, with a bid to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War a major factor in talks.</p>
<p>"As one of the plans, we are looking at a possibility of shifting the Korean peninsula's armistice to a peace regime," a high-ranking South Korean presidential official told reporters when asked about the North-South summit.</p>
<p>"But that's not a matter than can be resolved between the two Koreas alone. It requires close consultations with other concerned nations, as well as North Korea," the official said.</p>
<p>South Korea and a U.S.-led U.N. force are technically still at war with North Korea after the Korean War ended with a truce, not a peace treaty. The U.S.-led United Nations Command, Chinese forces and North Korea signed the 1953 armistice, to which South Korea is not a party.</p>
<p>"I do not know if any joint statement to be reached at the inter-Korean summit would include wording about ending the war, but we certainly hope to be able to include an agreement to end hostile acts between the South and North," the official said.</p>
<p>Such discussions between the two Koreas, and between North Korea and the United States, would have been unthinkable at the end of last year, after months of escalating tension, and fear of war, over the North's nuclear and missile programs.</p>
<p>But then Kim declared in a New Year's speech his country was "a peace-loving and responsible nuclear power" and called for lower military tension and improved ties with the South.</p>
<p>He also said he was considering sending a delegation to the Winter Olympics in South Korea in February, a visit that began a succession of steps to improve ties.</p> WAR NOT OVER
<p>Pompeo's visit to the North was arranged by South Korean intelligence chief Suh Hoon with his North Korean counterpart, Kim Yong Chol, and was intended to assess whether Kim was prepared to hold serious talks, a U.S. official said.</p>
<p>Pompeo flew from a U.S. air force base in Osan, south of Seoul, an official with the South's defense ministry said. The South's presidential office declined to comment on the trip.</p>
<p>Amid the diplomatic flurry, CNN reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping also planned to visit Pyongyang soon, after North Korean leader Kim made a surprise trip last month to China, its major sole ally.</p>
<p>Speaking in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said she had no information about any Xi visit to North Korea.</p>
<p>"What I can stress is that China and North Korea have a tradition of high level mutual visits," she told reporters.</p>
<p>"China is willing to strengthen high-level exchanges with North Korea, deepen strategic communications, expand talks and cooperation, and to bring out the important leading role of high-level contact in China-North Korea relations."</p>
<p>Trump said on Tuesday he backed efforts between North and South Korea aimed at ending the state of war.</p>
<p>"People don't realize the Korean War has not ended," Trump told reporters.</p>
<p>"It's going on right now. And they are discussing an end to the war. Subject to a deal, they have my blessing and they do have my blessing to discuss that."</p>
<p>Trump said he believed there was a lot of goodwill in the diplomatic push with North Korea, but added it was possible the summit - first proposed in March and which the president said could take place in late May or early June - may not happen.</p>
<p>If the summit did not happen, the United States and its allies would maintain pressure on North Korea through sanctions, he said.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, Pompeo's conversations in North Korea had fueled Trump's belief that productive negotiations were possible, according to a U.S. senior official briefed on the trip.</p>
<p>Additional reporting by Soyoung Kim and Joyce Lee in SEOUL, John Walcott and Steve Holland in WASHINGTON, and Christian Shepherd in BEIJING; Editing by Robert Birsel</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
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berlin jan 17 reuters euro zone countries must first agree clear plan reduce risk banking sector progress made toward completing banking union currency bloc germanys acting finance minister peter altmaier said wednesday speaking joint news conference eurogroup chief mario centeno portugal altmaier added prospects reaching agreement risk reduction sector good declined give timeline asked joint deposit insurance scheme edis meant cover insured savers would place altmaier said first must reduce risks risksharing therefore point view todays perspective fixed date added last two eurogroup meetings agreed try come common understanding next weeks mean riskreduction steps needed centeno said banking union one many pillars shield euro zone future crisis said currency bloc become transfer union richer member states asked bankroll poorer peers reporting joseph nasr michael nienaber gernot heller editing alison williams standards thomson reuters trust principles hague reuters visit international chemical weapons inspectors location suspected poison gas attack syrian town douma delayed gunfire site visit un security team tuesday sources told reuters un security team entered douma assess situation ahead planned visit inspectors organisation prohibition chemical weapons opcw international watchdog said sources briefed teams deployment one source told reuters advance team encountered security issue including gunfire led delay could provide additional details another said met protesters demanding aid gunfire heard un left syrias un ambassador said tuesday factfinding mission would begin work douma wednesday un security team deemed situation safe separately un source said opcw inspectors would probably going douma wednesday un source give details shooting incident un source say inspectors might visit site whether planned visit douma wednesday postponed inspectors arrived damascus weekend suspected chemical attack april 7 killed dozens people douma medical relief organizations say led rebel group controlled douma agreeing surrender control town syrian government government russian allies say attack fabricated pretext justify military strikes launched saturday united states britain france france said likely evidence poison gas attack disappearing inspectors could reach town united states accused russia monday blocking international inspectors reaching site suspected poison gas attack syria said russians syrians may tampered evidence ground moscow denied charge blamed delays retaliatory usled missile strikes syria weekend reporting anthony deutsch hague writing ellen francistom perry beirut editing angus macswan raissa kasolowsky standards thomson reuters trust principles reuters european regulators month began requiring inspection early next year type engine blew apart fatal southwest airlines flight tuesday source said us regulators near similar rule us ntsb investigators scene examining damage engine southwest airlines plane image released philadelphia pennsylvania us april 17 2018 ntsbhandout via reuters actions regulators show concern albeit nonurgent engine workhorse global civil aviation fleet logged 350 million hours safe travel also examined 2016 accident southwest flight 1380 made emergency landing philadelphia tuesday engine ripped apart midair shattering window boeing 737 nearly sucking passenger one 144 passengers died cfm56 engine produced joint venture general electric co frances safran sa called cfm international one common engines paired worlds mostsold plane boeing 737 boeing cfm said help us national transportation safety boards ntsb investigation incident southwest airlines co said speeding inspections related engines extra caution expects complete within 30 days minimal flight disruptions may result said early review failed engine found apparent metal fatigue fan blade broken robert sumwalt chairman ntsb told reporters concerned metal fatigue sumwalt said needs proper inspection mechanisms place check theres catastrophic event august 2016 southwest flight made safe emergency landing pensacola florida fan blade separated type engine debris ripped footlong hole left wing investigators found signs metal fatigue 2016 incident prompted us federal aviation administration faa propose ultrasonic inspections similar fan blades replacement fail test sumwalt said ntsb review whether engines involved tuesdays incident might subject directive yet finalized faa determined unsafe condition described previously likely exist develop products type design according proposal last year european aviation safety agency easa issued airworthiness directive last month requiring onetime ultrasonic inspection affected fan blade models cfm56 engines within nine months april 2 said cfm sent service bulletin recommending inspections leading regulators make directive easa said directive issued failure fan blade cfm56 engine led uncontained release debris name airline involved incident service bulletin referenced faa proposal condition detected corrected could lead fan blade failure possibly resulting uncontained forward release debris consequent damage engine aeroplane easa said southwests voluntary accelerated checks ultrasonic american united delta air lines immediately comment would speed checks though unclear needed faa proposal estimated 220 engines us registered planes would affected checks would require two hours labor per inspection proposed engines 15000 cycles since last shop visit inspected within six months engines less 15000 cycles checked within 18 months next fan blade lubrication cycle one takeoff landing design issues longestablished cfm56 engine could repercussions fleets worldwide given thousands engines already use globally industry experts say focus investigation likely fall oneoff production maintenance issues government source said faa could finalize directive soon faa respond request comment late tuesday southwest declined say whether ultrasonically examined engine involved incident event investigation ntsb reporting jeffrey dastin san francisco david shepardson washington jamie freed singapore additional reporting tim hepher paris editing peter henderson muralikumar anantharaman standards thomson reuters trust principles hague reuters chemical weapons inspectors delay visiting site alleged chemical weapons attack syrias douma wednesday un security team reported gunfire location day earlier sources briefed teams deployment told reuters details shooting unclear weapons inspectors organisation prohibition chemical weapons pushed back visit supposed happen wednesday sources said reporting anthony deutsch editing robin pomeroy standards thomson reuters trust principles seoul reuters south korea said wednesday considering change decadesold armistice north korea peace agreement us officials confirmed unprecedented toplevel meeting north korean leader north korean leader kim jong un meets song tao head chinas communist partys international department led chinese art troupe north korea april spring friendship art festival handout photo released north koreas korean central news agency kcna april 15 2018 kcnavia reuters us secretary state nominee cia director mike pompeo became senior us official known met north korean leader kim jong un visited pyongyang end march discuss planned summit us president donald trump pompeos visit provided strongest sign yet trumps willingness become first serving us president ever meet north korean leader time old rivals north korea south korea preparing summit kim south korean president moon jaein april 27 bid formally end 195053 korean war major factor talks one plans looking possibility shifting korean peninsulas armistice peace regime highranking south korean presidential official told reporters asked northsouth summit thats matter resolved two koreas alone requires close consultations concerned nations well north korea official said south korea usled un force technically still war north korea korean war ended truce peace treaty usled united nations command chinese forces north korea signed 1953 armistice south korea party know joint statement reached interkorean summit would include wording ending war certainly hope able include agreement end hostile acts south north official said discussions two koreas north korea united states would unthinkable end last year months escalating tension fear war norths nuclear missile programs kim declared new years speech country peaceloving responsible nuclear power called lower military tension improved ties south also said considering sending delegation winter olympics south korea february visit began succession steps improve ties war pompeos visit north arranged south korean intelligence chief suh hoon north korean counterpart kim yong chol intended assess whether kim prepared hold serious talks us official said pompeo flew us air force base osan south seoul official souths defense ministry said souths presidential office declined comment trip amid diplomatic flurry cnn reported chinese president xi jinping also planned visit pyongyang soon north korean leader kim made surprise trip last month china major sole ally speaking beijing chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman hua chunying said information xi visit north korea stress china north korea tradition high level mutual visits told reporters china willing strengthen highlevel exchanges north korea deepen strategic communications expand talks cooperation bring important leading role highlevel contact chinanorth korea relations trump said tuesday backed efforts north south korea aimed ending state war people dont realize korean war ended trump told reporters going right discussing end war subject deal blessing blessing discuss trump said believed lot goodwill diplomatic push north korea added possible summit first proposed march president said could take place late may early june may happen summit happen united states allies would maintain pressure north korea sanctions said nevertheless pompeos conversations north korea fueled trumps belief productive negotiations possible according us senior official briefed trip additional reporting soyoung kim joyce lee seoul john walcott steve holland washington christian shepherd beijing editing robert birsel standards thomson reuters trust principles
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<p>But once the carbon is stripped away, it will be used to do something that is not so green at all.</p>
<p>It will extract oil.</p>
<p>When President Barack Obama first endorsed this “carbon-capture” technology, the idea was that it would fight global warming by sparing the atmosphere from more greenhouse gases. It makes coal plants cleaner by burying deep underground the carbon dioxide that typically is pumped out of smokestacks.</p>
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<p>But that green vision proved too expensive and complicated. So the administration accepted a trade-off.</p>
<p>To help the environment, the government allows power companies to sell the carbon dioxide to oil companies, which pump it into old oil fields to force more crude to the surface. A side benefit is that the carbon gets permanently stuck underground.</p>
<p>The program shows the ingenuity of the oil industry, which is using government green-energy money to subsidize oil production. But it also showcases the environmental trade-offs Obama is willing to make, but rarely talks about, in his fight against global warming.</p>
<p>Companies have been injecting carbon dioxide into old oil fields for decades. But the tactic hasn’t been seen as a pollution-control strategy until recently.</p>
<p>Obama has spent more than $1 billion on carbon-capture projects tied to oil fields and has pledged billions more for clean coal. Recently, the administration said it wanted to require all new coal-fired power plants to capture carbon dioxide. Four power plants in the U.S. and Canada planning to do so intend to sell their carbon waste for oil recovery.</p>
<p>Just last week, former Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced he was joining the board of a company developing carbon capture technology.</p>
<p>The unlikely marriage of coal burners and oil producers hits a political sweet spot.</p>
<p>It silences critics who say the administration is killing coal and discouraging oil production. It appeases environmentalists who want Obama to get tougher on coal, the largest source of carbon dioxide.</p>
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<p>It also allows Obama to make headway on a second-term push to tackle climate change, even though energy analysts predict that few coal plants will be built in the face of low natural gas prices and Environmental Protection Agency rules that require no controls on carbon for new natural gas plants.</p>
<p>“By using captured man-made carbon dioxide, we can increase domestic oil production, promote economic development, create jobs, reduce carbon emissions and drive innovation,” Judi Greenwald told Congress in July, months before she was hired as deputy director of the Energy Department’s climate, environment and energy efficiency office.</p>
<p>Before joining the Energy Department, Greenwald headed the National Enhanced Oil Recovery Initiative, a consortium of coal producers, power companies and state and environmental officials promoting the process.</p>
<p>But the environmental benefits of this so-called enhanced oil recovery aren’t as certain as the administration advertises.</p>
<p>“Enhanced oil recovery just undermines the entire logic of it,” said Kyle Ash of Greenpeace, one of the few environmental groups critical of the process. “They can’t have it both ways, but they want to really, really bad.”</p>
<p>That has become a theme in some of Obama’s green-energy policies. To promote new, cleaner technologies, the administration has allowed companies to do things it otherwise would oppose as harmful to the environment.</p>
<p>For wind power, the government has shielded companies from prosecution for killing protected birds with giant turbines.</p>
<p>For corn-based ethanol, the administration underestimated the environmental effects of millions of new acres of corn farming. The government even failed to conduct required air and water quality studies to document its toll on the environment.</p>
<p>The administration wants to make similar concessions to make carbon-capture technology a success.</p>
<p>The EPA last week exempted carbon dioxide injection from strict hazardous waste laws. It classified the wells used to inject the gas underground for oil production in a category that offers less protection for drinking water.</p>
<p>Oil companies using carbon to get oil also aren’t subject now to the tougher reporting and monitoring requirements that experts say are necessary to ensure the carbon stays underground, and they’re fighting an EPA proposal that would require them to be if the carbon comes from power plants covered by the new federal rules.</p>
<p>“It amounts to looking the other way,” said George Peridas, a scientist with the Natural Resources Defense Council, which supports using carbon for oil extraction. The group believes it replaces dirtier oil or oil produced in more environmentally sensitive places and reduces carbon in the atmosphere.</p>
<p>The administration also did not evaluate the global warming emissions associated with the oil production when it proposed requiring power plants to capture carbon.</p>
<p>A 2009 peer-reviewed paper found that for every ton of carbon dioxide injected underground into an oil field, four times more carbon dioxide is released when the oil produced is burned.</p>
<p>“There is no form of energy that is free of impacts. It is always about trade-offs and someone will always be unhappy,” the paper’s author, Paulina Jaramillo, the assistant professor at Carnegie Mellon University, said in an interview.</p>
<p>Administration officials counter by saying the oil was going to be extracted anyway, so the policy should only be seen as reducing carbon dioxide from coal plants.</p>
<p>The administration also promotes the benefits for energy security. Every barrel of oil produced here will mean one less produced abroad.</p>
<p>“We are taking carbon dioxide that would have gone to the atmosphere in coal plants, storing it and displacing imported oil with domestic oil,” said Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz, asking a question posed by The Associated Press on C-SPAN’s “Newsmakers” program in September.</p>
<p>In Mississippi, where Southern Company’s Kemper County power plant eventually will supply two oil producers with carbon dioxide, Denbury Resources Inc. says it would not be able to produce oil there otherwise.</p>
<p>Denbury is already using carbon dioxide trapped beneath a salt dome near Jackson to produce oil in the state. But it can use more carbon dioxide than nature can provide. That’s where the power plant comes in.</p>
<p>The federal support for Kemper lowers the cost of installing the carbon capture equipment, and ultimately, the cost of carbon dioxide for the oil producer.</p>
<p>The company has entered into a long-term contract with Southern for carbon dioxide. It will permit Denbury to recover a total of between 3.5 million and 4.2 million barrels of oil, a tiny fraction of the 91 million barrels of oil the world consumed daily last month. But for the oil companies, it still means millions of dollars more in revenue.</p>
<p>The nearly $5-billion project received $270 million from the Energy Department, prior to the Obama administration, and $279 million more in federal tax credits.</p>
<p>A member of Mississippi’s Public Service Commission, Brandon Presley, bristled over what he described as pressure from Washington to approve the project, which already has meant a 15 percent increase in utility bills for Mississippi Power customers.</p>
<p>Secretary Chu wrote Presley a letter in May 2010 that said without the Kemper County project, the U.S. government might not be able to use the technology anywhere. The commission approved it over Presley’s objection.</p>
<p>“The (Energy Department) is knee deep in this,” Presley said. “I don’t think you’ll find anywhere in the country where you’ve found more heavy-handedness by the federal government or by elected officials than what went on here to try and get this passed.”</p>
<p>In an interview with the AP, Chu said pairing oil production with pollution reduction is an imperfect method for “developing the capture and ramping up the technologies.”</p>
<p>“It’s not one for one,” he said. “You are not sequestering all the carbon dioxide.”</p>
<p>While Kemper is the first, it’s not the only one.</p>
<p>The Energy Department under Obama has provided $1.1 billion to six projects that capture carbon and sell it to oil companies. Four of those projects are power plants.</p>
<p>The EPA recently highlighted two of those projects, with a combined $858 million in federal money, as a way to reduce power plant emissions. Both plan on selling the carbon dioxide to oil companies.</p>
<p>“We sold the carbon dioxide immediately,” said Laura Miller, a spokeswoman for Summit Power’s Texas Clean Energy Project, which is still working on getting the financing needed to break ground on the 400-megawatt power plant in West Texas. “The projects that are still alive are the ones that are selling the carbon dioxide.”</p>
<p>Despite billions in federal aid, coal projects that simply stored carbon dioxide failed to take off.</p>
<p>In 2010, a plan for a $1.8 billion power plant in Illinois was replaced with a scaled-back project after it couldn’t secure private financing. In July 2011, American Electric Power, shelved a project in West Virginia that had received $334 million in late 2009, in part because a Democrat-controlled Congress failed to enact legislation, backed by the administration, that would have created a marketplace for carbon dioxide.</p>
<p>Oil recovery provided a market for carbon dioxide in the absence of federal legislation or regulations that put a price on it. For power plant operators, it could help offset the cost of the technology to capture it.</p>
<p>But the marriage was rocky from the start.</p>
<p>Oil companies want to use the least amount of carbon dioxide possible to extract oil, not exactly what is desired in a strategy to reduce pollution. Oil producers, no stranger to federal regulations, don’t want to deal with any more rules, such as strict and costly monitoring and reporting requirements aimed at verifying that the carbon doesn’t escape.</p>
<p>On the coal side, it takes more energy, and thus more coal and more carbon dioxide pollution, to run the equipment needed to capture carbon and compress it to be sent down a pipeline to an oil field.</p>
<p>It’s the other environmental effects that have local environmentalists concerned.</p>
<p>There still is a 31,000-acre surface mine, and the other pollutants that power plants emit that could sully the air locally. Southern Co. was recently cited by the state for discharges from its reservoir on site, which the company blames on excessive rainfall and the fact that equipment that draws water from the reservoir for use in the plant was not ready.</p>
<p>“If you add up all the environmental costs, this is not going to be green,” said Stan Flint, a Jackson-based consultant who works with environmental groups.</p>
<p>In June, the Energy Department and California Energy Commission raised serious environmental concerns about a California-based carbon capture-enhanced oil recovery project funded by the Obama administration and recognized by the EPA when it released its power plant standards.</p>
<p>In a preliminary environmental evaluation, state and federal officials found the Hydrogen Energy California Project would fail to comply with laws and standards in eight out of 16 environmental areas evaluated. The concerns included whether the project would comply with state landfill rules and its impacts on the blunt-nosed leopard lizard, a protected species.</p>
<p>Other studies have looked at the association between carbon dioxide injection and earthquakes. A peer-reviewed study published in November linked for the first time earthquakes in Texas to the injection of carbon dioxide in oil fields.</p>
<p>Another potential risk is blowouts. Many oil fields that are ideal candidates for carbon dioxide injection have many old and abandoned wells that may or may not be plugged properly.</p>
<p>Denbury Resources has had a series of uncontrolled blowouts in recent years, as the pressure created by injecting carbon dioxide tests the cement plugs in long-shuttered wells. The largest, and one that was responsible for one of the largest environmental fines in Mississippi in the past decade, occurred in 2011 at the Tinsley Field, one of several old oil fields that will receive carbon from Southern Co.’s power plant.</p>
<p>The company paid $662,500 for a blowout that vented carbon dioxide, oil and drilling mud for 37 days. So much carbon dioxide came out that it settled in some hollows, suffocating deer and other animals, Mississippi officials said. The company ultimately drilled a new well to plug the old one, and removed 27,000 tons of drilling mud and contaminated soil and 32,000 barrels of liquids from the site.</p>
<p>The company still claims it’s green because of the carbon it is storing as part of its oil production process.</p>
<p>——</p>
<p>Follow Dina Cappiello on Twitter at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/dinacappiello" type="external">http://www.twitter.com/dinacappiello</a></p>
<p>——</p>
<p>Associated Press writer Matthew Daly in Washington contributed to this report.</p>
| false | 2 |
carbon stripped away used something green extract oil president barack obama first endorsed carboncapture technology idea would fight global warming sparing atmosphere greenhouse gases makes coal plants cleaner burying deep underground carbon dioxide typically pumped smokestacks advertisement green vision proved expensive complicated administration accepted tradeoff help environment government allows power companies sell carbon dioxide oil companies pump old oil fields force crude surface side benefit carbon gets permanently stuck underground program shows ingenuity oil industry using government greenenergy money subsidize oil production also showcases environmental tradeoffs obama willing make rarely talks fight global warming companies injecting carbon dioxide old oil fields decades tactic hasnt seen pollutioncontrol strategy recently obama spent 1 billion carboncapture projects tied oil fields pledged billions clean coal recently administration said wanted require new coalfired power plants capture carbon dioxide four power plants us canada planning intend sell carbon waste oil recovery last week former energy secretary steven chu announced joining board company developing carbon capture technology unlikely marriage coal burners oil producers hits political sweet spot silences critics say administration killing coal discouraging oil production appeases environmentalists want obama get tougher coal largest source carbon dioxide advertisement also allows obama make headway secondterm push tackle climate change even though energy analysts predict coal plants built face low natural gas prices environmental protection agency rules require controls carbon new natural gas plants using captured manmade carbon dioxide increase domestic oil production promote economic development create jobs reduce carbon emissions drive innovation judi greenwald told congress july months hired deputy director energy departments climate environment energy efficiency office joining energy department greenwald headed national enhanced oil recovery initiative consortium coal producers power companies state environmental officials promoting process environmental benefits socalled enhanced oil recovery arent certain administration advertises enhanced oil recovery undermines entire logic said kyle ash greenpeace one environmental groups critical process cant ways want really really bad become theme obamas greenenergy policies promote new cleaner technologies administration allowed companies things otherwise would oppose harmful environment wind power government shielded companies prosecution killing protected birds giant turbines cornbased ethanol administration underestimated environmental effects millions new acres corn farming government even failed conduct required air water quality studies document toll environment administration wants make similar concessions make carboncapture technology success epa last week exempted carbon dioxide injection strict hazardous waste laws classified wells used inject gas underground oil production category offers less protection drinking water oil companies using carbon get oil also arent subject tougher reporting monitoring requirements experts say necessary ensure carbon stays underground theyre fighting epa proposal would require carbon comes power plants covered new federal rules amounts looking way said george peridas scientist natural resources defense council supports using carbon oil extraction group believes replaces dirtier oil oil produced environmentally sensitive places reduces carbon atmosphere administration also evaluate global warming emissions associated oil production proposed requiring power plants capture carbon 2009 peerreviewed paper found every ton carbon dioxide injected underground oil field four times carbon dioxide released oil produced burned form energy free impacts always tradeoffs someone always unhappy papers author paulina jaramillo assistant professor carnegie mellon university said interview administration officials counter saying oil going extracted anyway policy seen reducing carbon dioxide coal plants administration also promotes benefits energy security every barrel oil produced mean one less produced abroad taking carbon dioxide would gone atmosphere coal plants storing displacing imported oil domestic oil said energy secretary ernest moniz asking question posed associated press cspans newsmakers program september mississippi southern companys kemper county power plant eventually supply two oil producers carbon dioxide denbury resources inc says would able produce oil otherwise denbury already using carbon dioxide trapped beneath salt dome near jackson produce oil state use carbon dioxide nature provide thats power plant comes federal support kemper lowers cost installing carbon capture equipment ultimately cost carbon dioxide oil producer company entered longterm contract southern carbon dioxide permit denbury recover total 35 million 42 million barrels oil tiny fraction 91 million barrels oil world consumed daily last month oil companies still means millions dollars revenue nearly 5billion project received 270 million energy department prior obama administration 279 million federal tax credits member mississippis public service commission brandon presley bristled described pressure washington approve project already meant 15 percent increase utility bills mississippi power customers secretary chu wrote presley letter may 2010 said without kemper county project us government might able use technology anywhere commission approved presleys objection energy department knee deep presley said dont think youll find anywhere country youve found heavyhandedness federal government elected officials went try get passed interview ap chu said pairing oil production pollution reduction imperfect method developing capture ramping technologies one one said sequestering carbon dioxide kemper first one energy department obama provided 11 billion six projects capture carbon sell oil companies four projects power plants epa recently highlighted two projects combined 858 million federal money way reduce power plant emissions plan selling carbon dioxide oil companies sold carbon dioxide immediately said laura miller spokeswoman summit powers texas clean energy project still working getting financing needed break ground 400megawatt power plant west texas projects still alive ones selling carbon dioxide despite billions federal aid coal projects simply stored carbon dioxide failed take 2010 plan 18 billion power plant illinois replaced scaledback project couldnt secure private financing july 2011 american electric power shelved project west virginia received 334 million late 2009 part democratcontrolled congress failed enact legislation backed administration would created marketplace carbon dioxide oil recovery provided market carbon dioxide absence federal legislation regulations put price power plant operators could help offset cost technology capture marriage rocky start oil companies want use least amount carbon dioxide possible extract oil exactly desired strategy reduce pollution oil producers stranger federal regulations dont want deal rules strict costly monitoring reporting requirements aimed verifying carbon doesnt escape coal side takes energy thus coal carbon dioxide pollution run equipment needed capture carbon compress sent pipeline oil field environmental effects local environmentalists concerned still 31000acre surface mine pollutants power plants emit could sully air locally southern co recently cited state discharges reservoir site company blames excessive rainfall fact equipment draws water reservoir use plant ready add environmental costs going green said stan flint jacksonbased consultant works environmental groups june energy department california energy commission raised serious environmental concerns californiabased carbon captureenhanced oil recovery project funded obama administration recognized epa released power plant standards preliminary environmental evaluation state federal officials found hydrogen energy california project would fail comply laws standards eight 16 environmental areas evaluated concerns included whether project would comply state landfill rules impacts bluntnosed leopard lizard protected species studies looked association carbon dioxide injection earthquakes peerreviewed study published november linked first time earthquakes texas injection carbon dioxide oil fields another potential risk blowouts many oil fields ideal candidates carbon dioxide injection many old abandoned wells may may plugged properly denbury resources series uncontrolled blowouts recent years pressure created injecting carbon dioxide tests cement plugs longshuttered wells largest one responsible one largest environmental fines mississippi past decade occurred 2011 tinsley field one several old oil fields receive carbon southern cos power plant company paid 662500 blowout vented carbon dioxide oil drilling mud 37 days much carbon dioxide came settled hollows suffocating deer animals mississippi officials said company ultimately drilled new well plug old one removed 27000 tons drilling mud contaminated soil 32000 barrels liquids site company still claims green carbon storing part oil production process follow dina cappiello twitter httpwwwtwittercomdinacappiello associated press writer matthew daly washington contributed report
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<p>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — After a tumultuous few months that saw numerous lawmakers accused of sexual misconduct, a majority of state legislatures across the country are considering strengthening sexual harassment policies that have gone unheeded or unchanged for years.</p>
<p>A 50-state review by The Associated Press found that almost all legislative chambers now have at least some type of written sexual harassment policy, though they vary widely, and many are placing a greater emphasis on preventing and punishing sexual misconduct as they convene for their 2018 sessions.</p>
<p>This week alone, lawmakers in Arizona, Idaho, Tennessee and Rhode Island underwent detailed training about sexual harassment, some for the first time. And a Florida Senate panel voted to mandate an hour-long course.</p>
<p>Yet about a third of all legislative chambers do not require lawmakers to receive training about what constitutes sexual harassment, how to report it and what consequences it carries, the AP's review found.</p>
<p>The AP also found that only a minority of legislative bodies conduct external investigations into complaints, with most others entrusting lawmakers or staff to look into allegations against colleagues. That has contributed to a culture in some capitols in which the targets of sexual harassment have been reluctant to come forward with complaints — until recently.</p>
<p>Lawmakers around the country have said it's now time to take concrete steps to change that culture.</p>
<p>"Let's treat all women — regardless of their background, their age, their political affiliation, their role in the process — as ladies, as we would like anybody to treat our wives, our daughters, mothers, sisters," said J.D. Mesnard, the Republican who heads the Arizona state House, where lawmakers took part in mandated sexual harassment training this week.</p>
<p>A wave of sexual misconduct claims against prominent figures in entertainment, media and politics gained momentum last fall after a multitude of women made allegations against movie producer Harvey Weinstein.</p>
<p>In the past year, at least 14 legislators in 10 states have resigned from office following accusations of sexual harassment or misconduct, according to the AP's review. At least 16 others in more than a dozen states have faced other repercussions, such as the voluntary or forced removal from legislative leadership positions. Some others remain defiant in the face of ongoing investigations into sexual harassment complaints.</p>
<p>The AP found that more than three-fourths of the states have at least one legislative chamber that has updated its sexual harassment policy during the past several months, developed specific proposals to do so or undertaken a review of whether changes are needed.</p>
<p>The Arizona House had no written sexual harassment policy until November, when Mesnard issued one after a female lawmaker accused a male colleague of sexually harassing her. In the weeks that followed, several other women came forward with stories of crude behavior by state Rep. Don Shooter.</p>
<p>On Tuesday, at the start of mandatory sexual harassment training, Shooter stood before colleagues and apologized for conduct he called "jarring, insensitive and demeaning." But he denied the most serious complaint — that he tried to pressure Rep. Michelle Ugenti-Rita into a sexual relationship.</p>
<p>Ugenti-Rita was sitting just three rows in front of Shooter and appeared shaken at times as he spoke.</p>
<p>Shooter, a Republican, has been removed as head of the appropriations committee as an investigation into his conduct continues.</p>
<p>In Kentucky, the acting House speaker has appointed a committee to devise a formal system to address workplace complaints. That comes after former Speaker Jeff Hoover resigned his leadership post following revelations that he had paid to keep a sexual harassment settlement secret. Three other lawmakers who signed the secret settlement were removed as chairmen of various committees.</p>
<p>"If people felt like they had to be accountable and responsible for their behavior and there were strict guidelines for what they had to follow, sometimes that's all people need is a list of duties or a list of dos and don'ts," said Kentucky Rep. Mary Lou Marzian, who has been pushing for a formal House policy.</p>
<p>Legislative chambers in Alaska, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Nevada and Ohio are among the states considering improved policies on sexual harassment — in each case as sexual harassment claims were brought to light.</p>
<p>In Washington state, more than 40 lawmakers joined scores of other women in a letter last November calling for a change in the capitol culture. They wrote it has "too often functioned to serve and support harassers' power and privilege over protection of those who work for them."</p>
<p>A Senate panel subsequently approved annual training for senators and staff, and both chambers now are reviewing their policies.</p>
<p>Among states that require sexual harassment training for lawmakers, the frequency varies greatly. Some offer it annually or every other year, while others require it only once, when a lawmaker is first elected.</p>
<p>The New Mexico House and Senate last provided sexual harassment training to lawmakers in 2004, but will hold mandatory training next week.</p>
<p>Experts say more frequent training is best, but they emphasize that its effectiveness also depends on how it is conducted.</p>
<p>Providing only generic definitions of sexual harassment or relying solely on online and video training can be unproductive, said Jennifer Drobac, a law professor at Indiana University who focuses on sexual harassment law. A better approach uses in-person training with real-life scenarios about what constitutes harassment and what to do about it, she said.</p>
<p>Debbie S. Dougherty, a communications professor at the University of Missouri who researches sexual harassment policies, recommends that such policies include more emotional language — referring to harassers as predators, for example — to emphasize the seriousness of the issue. They also should be tailored to the unique work culture of a legislature, where the people with the most influence are elected rather than hired.</p>
<p>Experts say external investigations also are important for people to feel comfortable in reporting sexual harassment allegations. Yet the AP's review found that only about a dozen House chambers and slightly more Senate chambers conduct external investigations, with several additional chambers offering it as an option.</p>
<p>Among those is the Texas House, which until December had a written policy encouraging accusers who wanted to pursue an external complaint to call a phone number that didn't work at a state commission that was defunct. The revised House policy explains the internal complaint process in greater detail, offers an external review on a situational basis and gives accusers options for filing complaints through an external agency.</p>
<p>The Missouri House updated its policies after former Speaker John Diehl Jr. resigned in 2015 while admitting to sending sexually suggestive text messages to a House intern. Among other things, the new policy requires a private attorney to be hired to investigate any sexual harassment allegations involving lawmakers.</p>
<p>House Speaker Todd Richardson said the chamber continues to review its procedures.</p>
<p>"As I said from the day we implemented that policy, it was going to be an ongoing effort to make sure that we got it right," he said.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press data editor Meghan Hoyer in Washington, D.C., and AP writers Adam Beam in Frankfort, Kentucky, Bob Christie in Phoenix and Rachel La Corte in Olympia, Washington, contributed to this report.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow David A. Lieb at: <a href="http://twitter.com/DavidALieb" type="external">http://twitter.com/DavidALieb</a></p>
<p>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — After a tumultuous few months that saw numerous lawmakers accused of sexual misconduct, a majority of state legislatures across the country are considering strengthening sexual harassment policies that have gone unheeded or unchanged for years.</p>
<p>A 50-state review by The Associated Press found that almost all legislative chambers now have at least some type of written sexual harassment policy, though they vary widely, and many are placing a greater emphasis on preventing and punishing sexual misconduct as they convene for their 2018 sessions.</p>
<p>This week alone, lawmakers in Arizona, Idaho, Tennessee and Rhode Island underwent detailed training about sexual harassment, some for the first time. And a Florida Senate panel voted to mandate an hour-long course.</p>
<p>Yet about a third of all legislative chambers do not require lawmakers to receive training about what constitutes sexual harassment, how to report it and what consequences it carries, the AP's review found.</p>
<p>The AP also found that only a minority of legislative bodies conduct external investigations into complaints, with most others entrusting lawmakers or staff to look into allegations against colleagues. That has contributed to a culture in some capitols in which the targets of sexual harassment have been reluctant to come forward with complaints — until recently.</p>
<p>Lawmakers around the country have said it's now time to take concrete steps to change that culture.</p>
<p>"Let's treat all women — regardless of their background, their age, their political affiliation, their role in the process — as ladies, as we would like anybody to treat our wives, our daughters, mothers, sisters," said J.D. Mesnard, the Republican who heads the Arizona state House, where lawmakers took part in mandated sexual harassment training this week.</p>
<p>A wave of sexual misconduct claims against prominent figures in entertainment, media and politics gained momentum last fall after a multitude of women made allegations against movie producer Harvey Weinstein.</p>
<p>In the past year, at least 14 legislators in 10 states have resigned from office following accusations of sexual harassment or misconduct, according to the AP's review. At least 16 others in more than a dozen states have faced other repercussions, such as the voluntary or forced removal from legislative leadership positions. Some others remain defiant in the face of ongoing investigations into sexual harassment complaints.</p>
<p>The AP found that more than three-fourths of the states have at least one legislative chamber that has updated its sexual harassment policy during the past several months, developed specific proposals to do so or undertaken a review of whether changes are needed.</p>
<p>The Arizona House had no written sexual harassment policy until November, when Mesnard issued one after a female lawmaker accused a male colleague of sexually harassing her. In the weeks that followed, several other women came forward with stories of crude behavior by state Rep. Don Shooter.</p>
<p>On Tuesday, at the start of mandatory sexual harassment training, Shooter stood before colleagues and apologized for conduct he called "jarring, insensitive and demeaning." But he denied the most serious complaint — that he tried to pressure Rep. Michelle Ugenti-Rita into a sexual relationship.</p>
<p>Ugenti-Rita was sitting just three rows in front of Shooter and appeared shaken at times as he spoke.</p>
<p>Shooter, a Republican, has been removed as head of the appropriations committee as an investigation into his conduct continues.</p>
<p>In Kentucky, the acting House speaker has appointed a committee to devise a formal system to address workplace complaints. That comes after former Speaker Jeff Hoover resigned his leadership post following revelations that he had paid to keep a sexual harassment settlement secret. Three other lawmakers who signed the secret settlement were removed as chairmen of various committees.</p>
<p>"If people felt like they had to be accountable and responsible for their behavior and there were strict guidelines for what they had to follow, sometimes that's all people need is a list of duties or a list of dos and don'ts," said Kentucky Rep. Mary Lou Marzian, who has been pushing for a formal House policy.</p>
<p>Legislative chambers in Alaska, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Nevada and Ohio are among the states considering improved policies on sexual harassment — in each case as sexual harassment claims were brought to light.</p>
<p>In Washington state, more than 40 lawmakers joined scores of other women in a letter last November calling for a change in the capitol culture. They wrote it has "too often functioned to serve and support harassers' power and privilege over protection of those who work for them."</p>
<p>A Senate panel subsequently approved annual training for senators and staff, and both chambers now are reviewing their policies.</p>
<p>Among states that require sexual harassment training for lawmakers, the frequency varies greatly. Some offer it annually or every other year, while others require it only once, when a lawmaker is first elected.</p>
<p>The New Mexico House and Senate last provided sexual harassment training to lawmakers in 2004, but will hold mandatory training next week.</p>
<p>Experts say more frequent training is best, but they emphasize that its effectiveness also depends on how it is conducted.</p>
<p>Providing only generic definitions of sexual harassment or relying solely on online and video training can be unproductive, said Jennifer Drobac, a law professor at Indiana University who focuses on sexual harassment law. A better approach uses in-person training with real-life scenarios about what constitutes harassment and what to do about it, she said.</p>
<p>Debbie S. Dougherty, a communications professor at the University of Missouri who researches sexual harassment policies, recommends that such policies include more emotional language — referring to harassers as predators, for example — to emphasize the seriousness of the issue. They also should be tailored to the unique work culture of a legislature, where the people with the most influence are elected rather than hired.</p>
<p>Experts say external investigations also are important for people to feel comfortable in reporting sexual harassment allegations. Yet the AP's review found that only about a dozen House chambers and slightly more Senate chambers conduct external investigations, with several additional chambers offering it as an option.</p>
<p>Among those is the Texas House, which until December had a written policy encouraging accusers who wanted to pursue an external complaint to call a phone number that didn't work at a state commission that was defunct. The revised House policy explains the internal complaint process in greater detail, offers an external review on a situational basis and gives accusers options for filing complaints through an external agency.</p>
<p>The Missouri House updated its policies after former Speaker John Diehl Jr. resigned in 2015 while admitting to sending sexually suggestive text messages to a House intern. Among other things, the new policy requires a private attorney to be hired to investigate any sexual harassment allegations involving lawmakers.</p>
<p>House Speaker Todd Richardson said the chamber continues to review its procedures.</p>
<p>"As I said from the day we implemented that policy, it was going to be an ongoing effort to make sure that we got it right," he said.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press data editor Meghan Hoyer in Washington, D.C., and AP writers Adam Beam in Frankfort, Kentucky, Bob Christie in Phoenix and Rachel La Corte in Olympia, Washington, contributed to this report.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow David A. Lieb at: <a href="http://twitter.com/DavidALieb" type="external">http://twitter.com/DavidALieb</a></p>
| false | 2 |
jefferson city mo ap tumultuous months saw numerous lawmakers accused sexual misconduct majority state legislatures across country considering strengthening sexual harassment policies gone unheeded unchanged years 50state review associated press found almost legislative chambers least type written sexual harassment policy though vary widely many placing greater emphasis preventing punishing sexual misconduct convene 2018 sessions week alone lawmakers arizona idaho tennessee rhode island underwent detailed training sexual harassment first time florida senate panel voted mandate hourlong course yet third legislative chambers require lawmakers receive training constitutes sexual harassment report consequences carries aps review found ap also found minority legislative bodies conduct external investigations complaints others entrusting lawmakers staff look allegations colleagues contributed culture capitols targets sexual harassment reluctant come forward complaints recently lawmakers around country said time take concrete steps change culture lets treat women regardless background age political affiliation role process ladies would like anybody treat wives daughters mothers sisters said jd mesnard republican heads arizona state house lawmakers took part mandated sexual harassment training week wave sexual misconduct claims prominent figures entertainment media politics gained momentum last fall multitude women made allegations movie producer harvey weinstein past year least 14 legislators 10 states resigned office following accusations sexual harassment misconduct according aps review least 16 others dozen states faced repercussions voluntary forced removal legislative leadership positions others remain defiant face ongoing investigations sexual harassment complaints ap found threefourths states least one legislative chamber updated sexual harassment policy past several months developed specific proposals undertaken review whether changes needed arizona house written sexual harassment policy november mesnard issued one female lawmaker accused male colleague sexually harassing weeks followed several women came forward stories crude behavior state rep shooter tuesday start mandatory sexual harassment training shooter stood colleagues apologized conduct called jarring insensitive demeaning denied serious complaint tried pressure rep michelle ugentirita sexual relationship ugentirita sitting three rows front shooter appeared shaken times spoke shooter republican removed head appropriations committee investigation conduct continues kentucky acting house speaker appointed committee devise formal system address workplace complaints comes former speaker jeff hoover resigned leadership post following revelations paid keep sexual harassment settlement secret three lawmakers signed secret settlement removed chairmen various committees people felt like accountable responsible behavior strict guidelines follow sometimes thats people need list duties list dos donts said kentucky rep mary lou marzian pushing formal house policy legislative chambers alaska california colorado minnesota nevada ohio among states considering improved policies sexual harassment case sexual harassment claims brought light washington state 40 lawmakers joined scores women letter last november calling change capitol culture wrote often functioned serve support harassers power privilege protection work senate panel subsequently approved annual training senators staff chambers reviewing policies among states require sexual harassment training lawmakers frequency varies greatly offer annually every year others require lawmaker first elected new mexico house senate last provided sexual harassment training lawmakers 2004 hold mandatory training next week experts say frequent training best emphasize effectiveness also depends conducted providing generic definitions sexual harassment relying solely online video training unproductive said jennifer drobac law professor indiana university focuses sexual harassment law better approach uses inperson training reallife scenarios constitutes harassment said debbie dougherty communications professor university missouri researches sexual harassment policies recommends policies include emotional language referring harassers predators example emphasize seriousness issue also tailored unique work culture legislature people influence elected rather hired experts say external investigations also important people feel comfortable reporting sexual harassment allegations yet aps review found dozen house chambers slightly senate chambers conduct external investigations several additional chambers offering option among texas house december written policy encouraging accusers wanted pursue external complaint call phone number didnt work state commission defunct revised house policy explains internal complaint process greater detail offers external review situational basis gives accusers options filing complaints external agency missouri house updated policies former speaker john diehl jr resigned 2015 admitting sending sexually suggestive text messages house intern among things new policy requires private attorney hired investigate sexual harassment allegations involving lawmakers house speaker todd richardson said chamber continues review procedures said day implemented policy going ongoing effort make sure got right said ___ associated press data editor meghan hoyer washington dc ap writers adam beam frankfort kentucky bob christie phoenix rachel la corte olympia washington contributed report ___ follow david lieb httptwittercomdavidalieb jefferson city mo ap tumultuous months saw numerous lawmakers accused sexual misconduct majority state legislatures across country considering strengthening sexual harassment policies gone unheeded unchanged years 50state review associated press found almost legislative chambers least type written sexual harassment policy though vary widely many placing greater emphasis preventing punishing sexual misconduct convene 2018 sessions week alone lawmakers arizona idaho tennessee rhode island underwent detailed training sexual harassment first time florida senate panel voted mandate hourlong course yet third legislative chambers require lawmakers receive training constitutes sexual harassment report consequences carries aps review found ap also found minority legislative bodies conduct external investigations complaints others entrusting lawmakers staff look allegations colleagues contributed culture capitols targets sexual harassment reluctant come forward complaints recently lawmakers around country said time take concrete steps change culture lets treat women regardless background age political affiliation role process ladies would like anybody treat wives daughters mothers sisters said jd mesnard republican heads arizona state house lawmakers took part mandated sexual harassment training week wave sexual misconduct claims prominent figures entertainment media politics gained momentum last fall multitude women made allegations movie producer harvey weinstein past year least 14 legislators 10 states resigned office following accusations sexual harassment misconduct according aps review least 16 others dozen states faced repercussions voluntary forced removal legislative leadership positions others remain defiant face ongoing investigations sexual harassment complaints ap found threefourths states least one legislative chamber updated sexual harassment policy past several months developed specific proposals undertaken review whether changes needed arizona house written sexual harassment policy november mesnard issued one female lawmaker accused male colleague sexually harassing weeks followed several women came forward stories crude behavior state rep shooter tuesday start mandatory sexual harassment training shooter stood colleagues apologized conduct called jarring insensitive demeaning denied serious complaint tried pressure rep michelle ugentirita sexual relationship ugentirita sitting three rows front shooter appeared shaken times spoke shooter republican removed head appropriations committee investigation conduct continues kentucky acting house speaker appointed committee devise formal system address workplace complaints comes former speaker jeff hoover resigned leadership post following revelations paid keep sexual harassment settlement secret three lawmakers signed secret settlement removed chairmen various committees people felt like accountable responsible behavior strict guidelines follow sometimes thats people need list duties list dos donts said kentucky rep mary lou marzian pushing formal house policy legislative chambers alaska california colorado minnesota nevada ohio among states considering improved policies sexual harassment case sexual harassment claims brought light washington state 40 lawmakers joined scores women letter last november calling change capitol culture wrote often functioned serve support harassers power privilege protection work senate panel subsequently approved annual training senators staff chambers reviewing policies among states require sexual harassment training lawmakers frequency varies greatly offer annually every year others require lawmaker first elected new mexico house senate last provided sexual harassment training lawmakers 2004 hold mandatory training next week experts say frequent training best emphasize effectiveness also depends conducted providing generic definitions sexual harassment relying solely online video training unproductive said jennifer drobac law professor indiana university focuses sexual harassment law better approach uses inperson training reallife scenarios constitutes harassment said debbie dougherty communications professor university missouri researches sexual harassment policies recommends policies include emotional language referring harassers predators example emphasize seriousness issue also tailored unique work culture legislature people influence elected rather hired experts say external investigations also important people feel comfortable reporting sexual harassment allegations yet aps review found dozen house chambers slightly senate chambers conduct external investigations several additional chambers offering option among texas house december written policy encouraging accusers wanted pursue external complaint call phone number didnt work state commission defunct revised house policy explains internal complaint process greater detail offers external review situational basis gives accusers options filing complaints external agency missouri house updated policies former speaker john diehl jr resigned 2015 admitting sending sexually suggestive text messages house intern among things new policy requires private attorney hired investigate sexual harassment allegations involving lawmakers house speaker todd richardson said chamber continues review procedures said day implemented policy going ongoing effort make sure got right said ___ associated press data editor meghan hoyer washington dc ap writers adam beam frankfort kentucky bob christie phoenix rachel la corte olympia washington contributed report ___ follow david lieb httptwittercomdavidalieb
| 1,418 |
<p>OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — After carrying Houston to the Western Conference finals, James Harden couldn't even hold onto the ball when the Rockets needed him most.</p>
<p>Harden set a playoff record with 13 turnovers and the Rockets were unable to stave off playoff elimination for a fifth time this postseason, losing 104-90 to the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals.</p>
<p>"I put so much pressure on myself to just be really good every single night, and so some cases you're not going to do that," Harden said. "You're not going to be good. Tonight that was the case. It's tough to go out like this."</p>
<p>Harden helped lead Houston to a Southwest Division title, fueled the comeback from a 3-1 series deficit in the second round against the Los Angeles Clippers and carried his team to a Game 4 win to extend the conference finals.</p>
<p>But with the season on the line once again, Harden struggled against the tough Warriors defense.</p>
<p>"James didn't play well, but as I've said all year long, we don't win the division, we don't win 56 games, we don't have home court, we don't beat the Clippers in Game 7 if it wasn't for James," coach Kevin McHale said. "He had a tough go tonight. There's nothing else you can really say about it, man. Sometimes you go out there and you're trying your best and things just don't work out."</p>
<p>Harden finished with just 14 points on 2-for-11 shooting and didn't make a single shot from the field for the final 29:48 of the game. His rough night could be encapsulated in the closing minutes, when he shot an airball from 3-point range and then dribbled the ball off his foot for his 13th turnover.</p>
<p>That's how the whole night went for Harden, whose turnovers fueled the Warriors' transition game and gave them easy baskets on a night both teams struggled to score.</p>
<p>As much as he was frustrated by his play in the final game, Harden also was ruing his inability to get a shot off in the closing seconds of a one-point loss at Golden State in Game 2.</p>
<p>"Just valuing possessions in the postseason. It's tough. Like I said, the first two games you take away some of those possessions that we gave away, and it's a different series," he said. "Tonight was another case for myself. Thirteen turnovers is unacceptable."</p>
<p>Stephen Curry had 26 points and eight rebounds, Harrison Barnes added 24 points and the Warriors advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time in 40 years.</p>
<p>All five Rockets starters scored at least 10 points, with Dwight Howard leading the way with 18 points and 16 rebounds. But Harden had a forgettable finale to a special season that included him finishing second in MVP voting to Curry.</p>
<p>"James has been carrying us all year long," guard Jason Terry said. "If you come this far, you need some help. We tried to help as much as we could tonight. It just wasn't his night."</p>
<p>The Warriors started the fourth on a 13-4 run and held off Houston's last-ditch efforts on free throws.</p>
<p>Barnes highlighted the decisive spurt with a dunk that gave Golden State an 87-72 lead with 7:10 remaining. He flexed his muscles to the sellout crowd of 19,596, which spent the final quarter on its feet in anticipation of a celebration a generation in the works.</p>
<p>Now the Rockets head into the offseason proud of their ability to overcome season-ending injuries to starting point guard Patrick Beverley and big man Donatas Matiejunas, as well as long absences by Howard in the regular season. But they still fell short at the end.</p>
<p>"It wasn't our time," Howard said. "We gave everything we got. We fought to the end."</p>
<p>TIP-INS</p>
<p>Rockets: Howard and Andrew Bogut were called for double technical fouls in the second quarter. It was Howard's seventh technical foul of the postseason, meaning he would've been suspended if there was a Game 6. ... The Rockets last won at Oracle Arena on Dec. 13, 2013.</p>
<p>Warriors: Golden State is 46-3 at home this season, including 7-1 in the playoffs. ... The Warriors are 16-2 in close-out games at home, the best winning percentage of any team.</p>
<p>SUSPENSION SPARED</p>
<p>While the penalty for Howard's seventh technical foul won't carry over to next season, he was spared a possible suspension for the season opener next fall when he extended his arm into Andre Iguodala's shoulder on a hard foul while setting a screen. After a replay review, the officials determined Howard did not commit a flagrant foul. That would have been his fourth flagrant foul point of the playoffs, which would have led to a suspension next season.</p>
<p>OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — After carrying Houston to the Western Conference finals, James Harden couldn't even hold onto the ball when the Rockets needed him most.</p>
<p>Harden set a playoff record with 13 turnovers and the Rockets were unable to stave off playoff elimination for a fifth time this postseason, losing 104-90 to the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals.</p>
<p>"I put so much pressure on myself to just be really good every single night, and so some cases you're not going to do that," Harden said. "You're not going to be good. Tonight that was the case. It's tough to go out like this."</p>
<p>Harden helped lead Houston to a Southwest Division title, fueled the comeback from a 3-1 series deficit in the second round against the Los Angeles Clippers and carried his team to a Game 4 win to extend the conference finals.</p>
<p>But with the season on the line once again, Harden struggled against the tough Warriors defense.</p>
<p>"James didn't play well, but as I've said all year long, we don't win the division, we don't win 56 games, we don't have home court, we don't beat the Clippers in Game 7 if it wasn't for James," coach Kevin McHale said. "He had a tough go tonight. There's nothing else you can really say about it, man. Sometimes you go out there and you're trying your best and things just don't work out."</p>
<p>Harden finished with just 14 points on 2-for-11 shooting and didn't make a single shot from the field for the final 29:48 of the game. His rough night could be encapsulated in the closing minutes, when he shot an airball from 3-point range and then dribbled the ball off his foot for his 13th turnover.</p>
<p>That's how the whole night went for Harden, whose turnovers fueled the Warriors' transition game and gave them easy baskets on a night both teams struggled to score.</p>
<p>As much as he was frustrated by his play in the final game, Harden also was ruing his inability to get a shot off in the closing seconds of a one-point loss at Golden State in Game 2.</p>
<p>"Just valuing possessions in the postseason. It's tough. Like I said, the first two games you take away some of those possessions that we gave away, and it's a different series," he said. "Tonight was another case for myself. Thirteen turnovers is unacceptable."</p>
<p>Stephen Curry had 26 points and eight rebounds, Harrison Barnes added 24 points and the Warriors advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time in 40 years.</p>
<p>All five Rockets starters scored at least 10 points, with Dwight Howard leading the way with 18 points and 16 rebounds. But Harden had a forgettable finale to a special season that included him finishing second in MVP voting to Curry.</p>
<p>"James has been carrying us all year long," guard Jason Terry said. "If you come this far, you need some help. We tried to help as much as we could tonight. It just wasn't his night."</p>
<p>The Warriors started the fourth on a 13-4 run and held off Houston's last-ditch efforts on free throws.</p>
<p>Barnes highlighted the decisive spurt with a dunk that gave Golden State an 87-72 lead with 7:10 remaining. He flexed his muscles to the sellout crowd of 19,596, which spent the final quarter on its feet in anticipation of a celebration a generation in the works.</p>
<p>Now the Rockets head into the offseason proud of their ability to overcome season-ending injuries to starting point guard Patrick Beverley and big man Donatas Matiejunas, as well as long absences by Howard in the regular season. But they still fell short at the end.</p>
<p>"It wasn't our time," Howard said. "We gave everything we got. We fought to the end."</p>
<p>TIP-INS</p>
<p>Rockets: Howard and Andrew Bogut were called for double technical fouls in the second quarter. It was Howard's seventh technical foul of the postseason, meaning he would've been suspended if there was a Game 6. ... The Rockets last won at Oracle Arena on Dec. 13, 2013.</p>
<p>Warriors: Golden State is 46-3 at home this season, including 7-1 in the playoffs. ... The Warriors are 16-2 in close-out games at home, the best winning percentage of any team.</p>
<p>SUSPENSION SPARED</p>
<p>While the penalty for Howard's seventh technical foul won't carry over to next season, he was spared a possible suspension for the season opener next fall when he extended his arm into Andre Iguodala's shoulder on a hard foul while setting a screen. After a replay review, the officials determined Howard did not commit a flagrant foul. That would have been his fourth flagrant foul point of the playoffs, which would have led to a suspension next season.</p>
| false | 2 |
oakland calif ap carrying houston western conference finals james harden couldnt even hold onto ball rockets needed harden set playoff record 13 turnovers rockets unable stave playoff elimination fifth time postseason losing 10490 golden state warriors game 5 western conference finals put much pressure really good every single night cases youre going harden said youre going good tonight case tough go like harden helped lead houston southwest division title fueled comeback 31 series deficit second round los angeles clippers carried team game 4 win extend conference finals season line harden struggled tough warriors defense james didnt play well ive said year long dont win division dont win 56 games dont home court dont beat clippers game 7 wasnt james coach kevin mchale said tough go tonight theres nothing else really say man sometimes go youre trying best things dont work harden finished 14 points 2for11 shooting didnt make single shot field final 2948 game rough night could encapsulated closing minutes shot airball 3point range dribbled ball foot 13th turnover thats whole night went harden whose turnovers fueled warriors transition game gave easy baskets night teams struggled score much frustrated play final game harden also ruing inability get shot closing seconds onepoint loss golden state game 2 valuing possessions postseason tough like said first two games take away possessions gave away different series said tonight another case thirteen turnovers unacceptable stephen curry 26 points eight rebounds harrison barnes added 24 points warriors advanced nba finals first time 40 years five rockets starters scored least 10 points dwight howard leading way 18 points 16 rebounds harden forgettable finale special season included finishing second mvp voting curry james carrying us year long guard jason terry said come far need help tried help much could tonight wasnt night warriors started fourth 134 run held houstons lastditch efforts free throws barnes highlighted decisive spurt dunk gave golden state 8772 lead 710 remaining flexed muscles sellout crowd 19596 spent final quarter feet anticipation celebration generation works rockets head offseason proud ability overcome seasonending injuries starting point guard patrick beverley big man donatas matiejunas well long absences howard regular season still fell short end wasnt time howard said gave everything got fought end tipins rockets howard andrew bogut called double technical fouls second quarter howards seventh technical foul postseason meaning wouldve suspended game 6 rockets last oracle arena dec 13 2013 warriors golden state 463 home season including 71 playoffs warriors 162 closeout games home best winning percentage team suspension spared penalty howards seventh technical foul wont carry next season spared possible suspension season opener next fall extended arm andre iguodalas shoulder hard foul setting screen replay review officials determined howard commit flagrant foul would fourth flagrant foul point playoffs would led suspension next season oakland calif ap carrying houston western conference finals james harden couldnt even hold onto ball rockets needed harden set playoff record 13 turnovers rockets unable stave playoff elimination fifth time postseason losing 10490 golden state warriors game 5 western conference finals put much pressure really good every single night cases youre going harden said youre going good tonight case tough go like harden helped lead houston southwest division title fueled comeback 31 series deficit second round los angeles clippers carried team game 4 win extend conference finals season line harden struggled tough warriors defense james didnt play well ive said year long dont win division dont win 56 games dont home court dont beat clippers game 7 wasnt james coach kevin mchale said tough go tonight theres nothing else really say man sometimes go youre trying best things dont work harden finished 14 points 2for11 shooting didnt make single shot field final 2948 game rough night could encapsulated closing minutes shot airball 3point range dribbled ball foot 13th turnover thats whole night went harden whose turnovers fueled warriors transition game gave easy baskets night teams struggled score much frustrated play final game harden also ruing inability get shot closing seconds onepoint loss golden state game 2 valuing possessions postseason tough like said first two games take away possessions gave away different series said tonight another case thirteen turnovers unacceptable stephen curry 26 points eight rebounds harrison barnes added 24 points warriors advanced nba finals first time 40 years five rockets starters scored least 10 points dwight howard leading way 18 points 16 rebounds harden forgettable finale special season included finishing second mvp voting curry james carrying us year long guard jason terry said come far need help tried help much could tonight wasnt night warriors started fourth 134 run held houstons lastditch efforts free throws barnes highlighted decisive spurt dunk gave golden state 8772 lead 710 remaining flexed muscles sellout crowd 19596 spent final quarter feet anticipation celebration generation works rockets head offseason proud ability overcome seasonending injuries starting point guard patrick beverley big man donatas matiejunas well long absences howard regular season still fell short end wasnt time howard said gave everything got fought end tipins rockets howard andrew bogut called double technical fouls second quarter howards seventh technical foul postseason meaning wouldve suspended game 6 rockets last oracle arena dec 13 2013 warriors golden state 463 home season including 71 playoffs warriors 162 closeout games home best winning percentage team suspension spared penalty howards seventh technical foul wont carry next season spared possible suspension season opener next fall extended arm andre iguodalas shoulder hard foul setting screen replay review officials determined howard commit flagrant foul would fourth flagrant foul point playoffs would led suspension next season
| 916 |
<p>ATLANTA (AP) - Alabama's vaunted defense is about to face perhaps college football's best running back duo.</p>
<p>Those kinds of matchups tend to work out pretty well for the fourth-ranked Crimson Tide, which shuts down opposing ground games better than anybody.</p>
<p>Only Auburn in the regular season meeting has truly contained Nick Chubb and Sony Michel. With the nation's top defense, Alabama is well equipped to at least defend them well enough to win Monday night's national championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.</p>
<p>Leading that charge will be linebacker Rashaan Evans, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and defensive tackle Da'Ron Payne. Payne is ready to get back to doing what he does best after a Sugar Bowl interception and touchdown catch.</p>
<p>"I've just been trying to focus on being dominant up front, for real," Payne said.</p>
<p>Being dominant up front, on both sides of the ball, has been a big part of Alabama's success under coach Nick Saban. This team's no different.</p>
<p>Alabama also has a veteran secondary to contend with the passing of Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm. Fromm has had a terrific freshman season, but he struggled when Auburn's defense held Chubb and Michel to a combined 48 rushing yards.</p>
<p>The Tide does have to replace yet another starting linebacker with Anfernee Jennings out with a knee injury sustained in the Sugar Bowl win over Clemson. That leaves probably Terrell Lewis or Jamey Mosley to start.</p>
<p>Linebacker Mack Wilson was already a first-time starter in the Sugar Bowl and had a pick six and a career-high six tackles.</p>
<p>"Once we lose one man, it's the next man up," Tide defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs said. "Alabama recruits the best of the best so you always have to be locked in and ready to go, because you never know when it's your time. Having Mack Wilson step up and have a bigtime game, everybody on the defense trusts him and I think he's going to have another big game."</p>
<p>Offensively, Alabama has playmakers like quarterback Jalen Hurts, tailback Damien Harris and wide receiver Calvin Ridley. The Tide does have to replace guard Lester Cotton, who suffered a knee injury in the semifinal game.</p>
<p>If history holds up, Alabama will have an edge in another regard. Saban has a perfect track record against former assistants like Georgia coach Kirby Smart. He's 11-0 and none of them have come closer than 17 points against his Tide teams.</p>
<p>Saban has also had a full year to emphasize to his team "Don't waste a failure" since a title game loss to Clemson. Alabama is a slight favorite for this game, just like in the semifinals, but can summon up a little extra motivation from critics of the Tide's choice over Big Ten champion Ohio State for the final playoff spot.</p>
<p>It all worked to the tune of a 24-6 win in the playoff rematch with the Tigers.</p>
<p>"The real challenge will be, can we duplicate that kind of energy in this game," Saban said.</p>
<p>Prediction: Alabama 31, Georgia 17</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>More AP college football: www.collegefootball.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_Top25</p>
<p>ATLANTA (AP) - Alabama's vaunted defense is about to face perhaps college football's best running back duo.</p>
<p>Those kinds of matchups tend to work out pretty well for the fourth-ranked Crimson Tide, which shuts down opposing ground games better than anybody.</p>
<p>Only Auburn in the regular season meeting has truly contained Nick Chubb and Sony Michel. With the nation's top defense, Alabama is well equipped to at least defend them well enough to win Monday night's national championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.</p>
<p>Leading that charge will be linebacker Rashaan Evans, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and defensive tackle Da'Ron Payne. Payne is ready to get back to doing what he does best after a Sugar Bowl interception and touchdown catch.</p>
<p>"I've just been trying to focus on being dominant up front, for real," Payne said.</p>
<p>Being dominant up front, on both sides of the ball, has been a big part of Alabama's success under coach Nick Saban. This team's no different.</p>
<p>Alabama also has a veteran secondary to contend with the passing of Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm. Fromm has had a terrific freshman season, but he struggled when Auburn's defense held Chubb and Michel to a combined 48 rushing yards.</p>
<p>The Tide does have to replace yet another starting linebacker with Anfernee Jennings out with a knee injury sustained in the Sugar Bowl win over Clemson. That leaves probably Terrell Lewis or Jamey Mosley to start.</p>
<p>Linebacker Mack Wilson was already a first-time starter in the Sugar Bowl and had a pick six and a career-high six tackles.</p>
<p>"Once we lose one man, it's the next man up," Tide defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs said. "Alabama recruits the best of the best so you always have to be locked in and ready to go, because you never know when it's your time. Having Mack Wilson step up and have a bigtime game, everybody on the defense trusts him and I think he's going to have another big game."</p>
<p>Offensively, Alabama has playmakers like quarterback Jalen Hurts, tailback Damien Harris and wide receiver Calvin Ridley. The Tide does have to replace guard Lester Cotton, who suffered a knee injury in the semifinal game.</p>
<p>If history holds up, Alabama will have an edge in another regard. Saban has a perfect track record against former assistants like Georgia coach Kirby Smart. He's 11-0 and none of them have come closer than 17 points against his Tide teams.</p>
<p>Saban has also had a full year to emphasize to his team "Don't waste a failure" since a title game loss to Clemson. Alabama is a slight favorite for this game, just like in the semifinals, but can summon up a little extra motivation from critics of the Tide's choice over Big Ten champion Ohio State for the final playoff spot.</p>
<p>It all worked to the tune of a 24-6 win in the playoff rematch with the Tigers.</p>
<p>"The real challenge will be, can we duplicate that kind of energy in this game," Saban said.</p>
<p>Prediction: Alabama 31, Georgia 17</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>More AP college football: www.collegefootball.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_Top25</p>
| false | 2 |
atlanta ap alabamas vaunted defense face perhaps college footballs best running back duo kinds matchups tend work pretty well fourthranked crimson tide shuts opposing ground games better anybody auburn regular season meeting truly contained nick chubb sony michel nations top defense alabama well equipped least defend well enough win monday nights national championship game mercedesbenz stadium leading charge linebacker rashaan evans safety minkah fitzpatrick defensive tackle daron payne payne ready get back best sugar bowl interception touchdown catch ive trying focus dominant front real payne said dominant front sides ball big part alabamas success coach nick saban teams different alabama also veteran secondary contend passing georgia quarterback jake fromm fromm terrific freshman season struggled auburns defense held chubb michel combined 48 rushing yards tide replace yet another starting linebacker anfernee jennings knee injury sustained sugar bowl win clemson leaves probably terrell lewis jamey mosley start linebacker mack wilson already firsttime starter sugar bowl pick six careerhigh six tackles lose one man next man tide defensive lineman isaiah buggs said alabama recruits best best always locked ready go never know time mack wilson step bigtime game everybody defense trusts think hes going another big game offensively alabama playmakers like quarterback jalen hurts tailback damien harris wide receiver calvin ridley tide replace guard lester cotton suffered knee injury semifinal game history holds alabama edge another regard saban perfect track record former assistants like georgia coach kirby smart hes 110 none come closer 17 points tide teams saban also full year emphasize team dont waste failure since title game loss clemson alabama slight favorite game like semifinals summon little extra motivation critics tides choice big ten champion ohio state final playoff spot worked tune 246 win playoff rematch tigers real challenge duplicate kind energy game saban said prediction alabama 31 georgia 17 ___ ap college football wwwcollegefootballaporg wwwtwittercomap_top25 atlanta ap alabamas vaunted defense face perhaps college footballs best running back duo kinds matchups tend work pretty well fourthranked crimson tide shuts opposing ground games better anybody auburn regular season meeting truly contained nick chubb sony michel nations top defense alabama well equipped least defend well enough win monday nights national championship game mercedesbenz stadium leading charge linebacker rashaan evans safety minkah fitzpatrick defensive tackle daron payne payne ready get back best sugar bowl interception touchdown catch ive trying focus dominant front real payne said dominant front sides ball big part alabamas success coach nick saban teams different alabama also veteran secondary contend passing georgia quarterback jake fromm fromm terrific freshman season struggled auburns defense held chubb michel combined 48 rushing yards tide replace yet another starting linebacker anfernee jennings knee injury sustained sugar bowl win clemson leaves probably terrell lewis jamey mosley start linebacker mack wilson already firsttime starter sugar bowl pick six careerhigh six tackles lose one man next man tide defensive lineman isaiah buggs said alabama recruits best best always locked ready go never know time mack wilson step bigtime game everybody defense trusts think hes going another big game offensively alabama playmakers like quarterback jalen hurts tailback damien harris wide receiver calvin ridley tide replace guard lester cotton suffered knee injury semifinal game history holds alabama edge another regard saban perfect track record former assistants like georgia coach kirby smart hes 110 none come closer 17 points tide teams saban also full year emphasize team dont waste failure since title game loss clemson alabama slight favorite game like semifinals summon little extra motivation critics tides choice big ten champion ohio state final playoff spot worked tune 246 win playoff rematch tigers real challenge duplicate kind energy game saban said prediction alabama 31 georgia 17 ___ ap college football wwwcollegefootballaporg wwwtwittercomap_top25
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<p>During his football career at the University of New Mexico, Daniel Henry heard those phrases uttered many times by Lobos head coach Bob Davie – and over the course of that career came to know exactly what they meant.</p>
<p>His experiences at UNM, he believes, stood him in good stead when he reported to the Baltimore Ravens’ rookie minicamp May 3.</p>
<p>The following morning, the former Lobos safety said, “We met as a unit with the defensive coordinator and (the defensive staff).</p>
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<p>“Basically,” he said, “They walked in and said ‘We’re gonna try and break you guys.'”</p>
<p>Unbroken, Henry returned to Albuquerque a week ago to undergo another pressure situation: finals week at UNM. He’s a first-year graduate student in physical education.</p>
<p>Henry, an undrafted free-agent signee, was scheduled to return today to the Ravens’ training facility in Owings Mills, Md.</p>
<p>During his first visit, he said, the Ravens wasted no time in testing the rookies’ mettle.</p>
<p>“We installed probably 20 to 25 defenses in three days,” he said. “So, yeah, there was a lot of pressure.</p>
<p>“The pressure was definitely on right from the beginning, on how they expected us to be able to learn the defenses and play fast and run to the ball.”</p>
<p>It helped, he said, that he found some resemblances between the Ravens’ defensive system and UNM’s.</p>
<p>“The Ravens run a 3-4 (alignment), which is kind of similar even though we ran a 3-3-5,” he said. “The concepts are pretty similar.”</p>
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<p>Coincidentally or not, Dean Pees, the Ravens’ defensive coordinator, worked with Davie under Lou Holtz for one year (1994) at Notre Dame. Davie was the defensive coordinator, Pees the secondary coach.</p>
<p>Henry credited Davie, UNM defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove and safeties coach Charles McMillian for a football education that helped him cope with the pressure applied by the Ravens’ defensive staff.</p>
<p>“They taught us not only how to play defense, but they taught us how to understand it,” he said. “There were a lot of guys (at the Ravens’ camp) from big schools, ACC schools and Big 12 and SEC schools, that couldn’t pick up the defense that fast because they’d relied on their athletic ability so long that they don’t understand football.</p>
<p>“So I definitely think our defensive coaches (at UNM) got me ready for that.”</p>
<p>Henry, a transfer from Iowa Western Community College, started for UNM at free safety the past two years. He finished his career with 137 tackles – second on the team during that span – 10 pass breakups, four fumbles forced and two fumbles recovered.</p>
<p>Listed by UNM at 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, he was an All-Mountain West Conference honorable-mention selection as a senior.</p>
<p>MARTIN: Former Lobos cornerback Nias Martin, who was to have signed a free-agent contract with the Ravens, has not done so.</p>
<p>Martin, reached by the Journal on social media, declined comment.</p>
<p>Henry said he talked with his former teammate and said his absence at rookie camp was due to a personal matter. “I really don’t know too much about it,” he said.</p>
<p>In March 2016, the Journal reported that UNM police were investigating an accusation of rape made against Martin by a 19-year-old woman.</p>
<p>In February, KRQE-TV reported that police opted not to pursue the case further because the woman was not cooperating with their investigation.</p>
<p>GIANTS SIGN EDWARDS: Former UNM cornerback SaQwan Edwards (2012-14) has signed with the New York Giants after a successful rookie tryout.</p>
<p>Edwards was on the Oakland Raiders’ practice squad in 2015 but has never played in an NFL game.</p>
<p>He was charged with rape stemming from an incident in the spring of 2014, but the charges later were dropped.</p>
<p>THE GRADUATES: Twenty-six former and current Lobo football players were awarded their undergraduate degrees this weekend. Of the 26, 10 are scheduled to play this fall while in graduate school or pursuing a second major.</p>
<p />
<p>Spring graduates UNM football (player, position, major)</p>
<p>UNM football (player, position, major)</p>
<p>Toye Adewon, OL, criminology</p>
<p>Darian Allen, OL, psychology</p>
<p>Daryl Chestnut, RB, liberal arts.*</p>
<p>Lee Crosby, S, liberal arts</p>
<p>Maurice Daniels, LB, liberal arts</p>
<p>Nik D’Avanzo, DE, liberal arts</p>
<p>Kenya Donaldson, LB, liberal arts</p>
<p>Tevita Fonua, OL, liberal arts</p>
<p>Dameon Gamblin, WR, liberal arts</p>
<p>Jacob Girgle, S, communications*</p>
<p>Garrett Hughes, DE, liberal arts*</p>
<p>Lamar Jordan, QB, communications*</p>
<p>Nick Lehman, TE, finance</p>
<p>Chris Lewis, OL, liberal arts</p>
<p>Nias Martin, CB, liberal arts</p>
<p>Kenneth Maxwell, S, liberal arts*</p>
<p>Steven Romero, deep snapper, biology/psychology</p>
<p>Jake Rothschiller, S, liberal arts*</p>
<p>Kyle Rothschiller, S, liberal arts*</p>
<p>Ryan Santos, S, communications</p>
<p>Ewing Simmons, DE, liberal arts*</p>
<p>Taylor Timmons, NT, liberal arts</p>
<p>William Udeh, NT, biology</p>
<p>Dorsett Valdez, DB, criminology*</p>
<p>Donnie White, LB, liberal arts</p>
<p>Johnny Williams, NT, liberal arts*</p>
<p>* — Have football eligibility remaining</p>
<p />
<p />
| false | 2 |
football career university new mexico daniel henry heard phrases uttered many times lobos head coach bob davie course career came know exactly meant experiences unm believes stood good stead reported baltimore ravens rookie minicamp may 3 following morning former lobos safety said met unit defensive coordinator defensive staff advertisement basically said walked said gon na try break guys unbroken henry returned albuquerque week ago undergo another pressure situation finals week unm hes firstyear graduate student physical education henry undrafted freeagent signee scheduled return today ravens training facility owings mills md first visit said ravens wasted time testing rookies mettle installed probably 20 25 defenses three days said yeah lot pressure pressure definitely right beginning expected us able learn defenses play fast run ball helped said found resemblances ravens defensive system unms ravens run 34 alignment kind similar even though ran 335 said concepts pretty similar advertisement coincidentally dean pees ravens defensive coordinator worked davie lou holtz one year 1994 notre dame davie defensive coordinator pees secondary coach henry credited davie unm defensive coordinator kevin cosgrove safeties coach charles mcmillian football education helped cope pressure applied ravens defensive staff taught us play defense taught us understand said lot guys ravens camp big schools acc schools big 12 sec schools couldnt pick defense fast theyd relied athletic ability long dont understand football definitely think defensive coaches unm got ready henry transfer iowa western community college started unm free safety past two years finished career 137 tackles second team span 10 pass breakups four fumbles forced two fumbles recovered listed unm 6foot1 195 pounds allmountain west conference honorablemention selection senior martin former lobos cornerback nias martin signed freeagent contract ravens done martin reached journal social media declined comment henry said talked former teammate said absence rookie camp due personal matter really dont know much said march 2016 journal reported unm police investigating accusation rape made martin 19yearold woman february krqetv reported police opted pursue case woman cooperating investigation giants sign edwards former unm cornerback saqwan edwards 201214 signed new york giants successful rookie tryout edwards oakland raiders practice squad 2015 never played nfl game charged rape stemming incident spring 2014 charges later dropped graduates twentysix former current lobo football players awarded undergraduate degrees weekend 26 10 scheduled play fall graduate school pursuing second major spring graduates unm football player position major unm football player position major toye adewon ol criminology darian allen ol psychology daryl chestnut rb liberal arts lee crosby liberal arts maurice daniels lb liberal arts nik davanzo de liberal arts kenya donaldson lb liberal arts tevita fonua ol liberal arts dameon gamblin wr liberal arts jacob girgle communications garrett hughes de liberal arts lamar jordan qb communications nick lehman te finance chris lewis ol liberal arts nias martin cb liberal arts kenneth maxwell liberal arts steven romero deep snapper biologypsychology jake rothschiller liberal arts kyle rothschiller liberal arts ryan santos communications ewing simmons de liberal arts taylor timmons nt liberal arts william udeh nt biology dorsett valdez db criminology donnie white lb liberal arts johnny williams nt liberal arts football eligibility remaining
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<p />
<p>But if you expect Donald Trump to act as a model of fiscal rectitude as president, the bond market has a message for you, and a very Trumpian one at that:</p>
<p>“Wrong!”</p>
<p>Investors have been yanking money out of bonds around the world since Trump’s victory became apparent early Wednesday, sending prices tumbling and wiping out several months of gains. They expect higher debt, higher inflation and higher interest rates — all negatives for bonds.</p>
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<p>Bond investors can get things horribly wrong, and it’s only been a few days. But for a normally calm market, a sort of sleepy cousin of the stock market that has been mostly rising, it’s been a stunning turn of events.</p>
<p>“The bond market is supposed to be a dull, boring, stable place,” said Colin Lundgren, head of U.S. fixed income trading at Columbia Threadneedle Investments. “Instead, it’s been at the center of the storm.”</p>
<p>After years of too little inflation, investors are worried that Trump will inadvertently kick off too much and send the national debt up sharply. If that happens, he could do something long forecast, and much feared: kill off the three-decade-long bond bull market that has lifted prices so high, and pushed borrowing rates so low, many experts think it’s a bubble ready to pop.</p>
<p>At the very least, investors are demanding more interest to lend to the U.S. government now because they fear higher inflation is coming as Trump opens the spending spigots to get the economy to grow faster.</p>
<p>He’s promised to deliver 3.5 percent growth a year. That is much faster than the average 2 percent or so recently, and higher than many economists think possible on a sustained basis.</p>
<p>To get there, Trump says he’ll slash regulations and taxes, and use $1 trillion from public and private sources to fix and expand the nation’s roads, bridges, airports and transit systems. That has helped send stocks higher in anticipation of bigger corporate profits.</p>
<p>But the country will likely need to borrow more under Trump’s plans — a lot more, according to estimates from the non-partisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. It says the combination of higher spending and lower taxes will add $5.3 trillion to the nation’s debt over the next decade. That is on top of the nearly $20 trillion in debt that ballooned under President Barack Obama and his predecessor George W. Bush.</p>
<p>The Trump campaign says his spending won’t be a problem because faster growth will increase tax revenue even at lower rates.</p>
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<p>Michael Lewitt, a bond fund manager who says he voted for Trump, isn’t buying it.</p>
<p>“Cutting taxes and spending more money and not reforming entitlements, that’s going to send debt through the roof,” said Lewitt of the Credit Strategist Group. “The market is saying he is not going to worry about this, and that’s going to be bad for bonds — really bad for bonds.”</p>
<p>Another possible problem for bond holders is Trump’s protectionist leanings.</p>
<p>On the campaign trail, he threatened to slap tariffs on Chinese and Mexican goods and rip up trade pacts. If he follows through, that could stoke inflation by sending prices of imported goods sharply higher.</p>
<p>Bond investors loathe inflation because it erodes the purchasing power of their fixed payments.</p>
<p>A little more inflation might be a good thing, of course. If anything, the world has been suffering from too little of it. Consumer prices have risen 1.5 percent in the past year, about a half point lower than what is considered the ideal level.</p>
<p>Higher inflation is usually a sign of faster economic growth, and it has a way of building on itself. It causes people to spend right away on things out of fear they might have to pay more for them later, and that can stimulate even more growth.</p>
<p>But it’s hard to contain inflation once it starts revving up. A Trump presidency, some investors think, makes it more likely the Federal Reserve will raise short-term borrowing rates next month to keep prices from rising too fast.</p>
<p>What makes this all unnerving is that the bond market is such a fragile place now.</p>
<p>The interest that investors are getting on some government bonds is lower than it has been in hundreds of years. Even a little more inflation could wipe out gains from collecting that interest over the life of their bonds, and so many investors are jittery and have moved fast to dump their holdings.</p>
<p>That is what happened in trading in the U.S. government bonds in recent days. Investors dumped Treasury notes due in 10 years, sending their yields soaring from 1.75 percent to 2.15 percent in just 36 hours. It typically takes many months for yields to move that much.</p>
<p>All this would be bad enough if there wasn’t so much debt at risk now. In the eight years since the peak in borrowing before 2008 financial crisis, governments, households and companies around the globe have taken on another $69 trillion in debt, a jump of 53 percent, according to McKinsey Global Institute.</p>
<p>Given the complicated global web of bond trading, the danger is that a sudden drop in the price of bonds could trigger selling across markets and for many different kinds of assets. In the 2008 financial crisis, a drop in the value of mortgage bonds sent the prices of stocks and other bonds plunging as investors scrambled to raise cash by selling even things they thought were fairly priced.</p>
<p>Of course, bond investors could be getting the Trump presidency all wrong, and quickly start buying bonds they were just selling.</p>
<p>A Republican Congress might reject or at least limit any Trump stimulus that would entail gobs of additional spending and borrowing. And just how much Trump wants to spend is unclear because he was so vague on the campaign trail about his plans, and he has no political record.</p>
<p>James Abate, chief investment officer of Centre Asset Management, says bond investors have plenty of reason to worry, though. It’s not just Trump’s campaign promises. He spent his business career, after all, as a developer putting up buildings, and borrowing a lot to do it.</p>
<p>“Project what he’s done his entire lifetime, and think of that on government level,” said Abate. “He’s going to issue debt, and that is what the bond market is spooked about.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Bernard Condon can be reached at <a href="http://twitter.com/BernardFCondon." type="external">http://twitter.com/BernardFCondon.</a></p>
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expect donald trump act model fiscal rectitude president bond market message trumpian one wrong investors yanking money bonds around world since trumps victory became apparent early wednesday sending prices tumbling wiping several months gains expect higher debt higher inflation higher interest rates negatives bonds advertisement bond investors get things horribly wrong days normally calm market sort sleepy cousin stock market mostly rising stunning turn events bond market supposed dull boring stable place said colin lundgren head us fixed income trading columbia threadneedle investments instead center storm years little inflation investors worried trump inadvertently kick much send national debt sharply happens could something long forecast much feared kill threedecadelong bond bull market lifted prices high pushed borrowing rates low many experts think bubble ready pop least investors demanding interest lend us government fear higher inflation coming trump opens spending spigots get economy grow faster hes promised deliver 35 percent growth year much faster average 2 percent recently higher many economists think possible sustained basis get trump says hell slash regulations taxes use 1 trillion public private sources fix expand nations roads bridges airports transit systems helped send stocks higher anticipation bigger corporate profits country likely need borrow trumps plans lot according estimates nonpartisan committee responsible federal budget says combination higher spending lower taxes add 53 trillion nations debt next decade top nearly 20 trillion debt ballooned president barack obama predecessor george w bush trump campaign says spending wont problem faster growth increase tax revenue even lower rates advertisement michael lewitt bond fund manager says voted trump isnt buying cutting taxes spending money reforming entitlements thats going send debt roof said lewitt credit strategist group market saying going worry thats going bad bonds really bad bonds another possible problem bond holders trumps protectionist leanings campaign trail threatened slap tariffs chinese mexican goods rip trade pacts follows could stoke inflation sending prices imported goods sharply higher bond investors loathe inflation erodes purchasing power fixed payments little inflation might good thing course anything world suffering little consumer prices risen 15 percent past year half point lower considered ideal level higher inflation usually sign faster economic growth way building causes people spend right away things fear might pay later stimulate even growth hard contain inflation starts revving trump presidency investors think makes likely federal reserve raise shortterm borrowing rates next month keep prices rising fast makes unnerving bond market fragile place interest investors getting government bonds lower hundreds years even little inflation could wipe gains collecting interest life bonds many investors jittery moved fast dump holdings happened trading us government bonds recent days investors dumped treasury notes due 10 years sending yields soaring 175 percent 215 percent 36 hours typically takes many months yields move much would bad enough wasnt much debt risk eight years since peak borrowing 2008 financial crisis governments households companies around globe taken another 69 trillion debt jump 53 percent according mckinsey global institute given complicated global web bond trading danger sudden drop price bonds could trigger selling across markets many different kinds assets 2008 financial crisis drop value mortgage bonds sent prices stocks bonds plunging investors scrambled raise cash selling even things thought fairly priced course bond investors could getting trump presidency wrong quickly start buying bonds selling republican congress might reject least limit trump stimulus would entail gobs additional spending borrowing much trump wants spend unclear vague campaign trail plans political record james abate chief investment officer centre asset management says bond investors plenty reason worry though trumps campaign promises spent business career developer putting buildings borrowing lot project hes done entire lifetime think government level said abate hes going issue debt bond market spooked ___ bernard condon reached httptwittercombernardfcondon
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<p>(Illustration by Russ Ball/Albuquerque Journal)</p>
<p>ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — It’s December. Days are short. The darkness, icy ground and piercing cold are making day-to-day life annoying. And to make matters worse, Christmas and New Year’s are about to come along to magnify people’s loneliness even more than the days leading up to them.</p>
<p>But don’t despair – there are many ways to look on the bright side.</p>
<p>There are for-credit classes at the University of New Mexico and Santa Fe Community College on the subject of positive psychology, and a radio broadcast and coaching from a psychologist in Taos who focuses on helping people learn how to flourish.</p>
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<p>And there’s even a brand new national magazine called Live Happy available at places like Whole Foods.</p>
<p>The relatively new field of positive psychology, initially identified as an area of study in the 1990s by Martin Seligman of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, is the science of what makes life worth living; it aims to use science to enable people to function at their best and maximize their happiness and well-being, by giving more attention to their strengths, skills and what’s working in their lives, rather than what makes them feel sad, helpless or unable to move forward.</p>
<p>While not everyone who’s come across the subject of positive psychology favors it, by 2000, 50 books had been published on the topic; in 2013, an additional 1,000 books on happiness were released.</p>
<p>At UNM, tenured associate professor Bruce W. Smith, Ph.D., teaches the popular course “Positive Psychology.” Enrollment numbers for the class were in the 30s in 2005, but have skyrocketed to close to 200 students per course in recent years, he said in a recent interview.</p>
<p>Be happy</p>
<p>To see how happy you are, go to <a href="http://www.authentichappiness.org" type="external">authentichappiness.org</a>, click QUESTIONNAIRES and select from one of the many self-assessments.</p>
<p>To bump up your happiness right now, try these exercises, the first two of which are from Barbara U. Jones, psychologist and self-actualization coach in Taos, the third from Bruce W. Smith, UNM’s positive psychology professor, and the fourth from online CEU course developer and counselor Phoenix Simpson in Cedar Crest:</p>
<p>1) Write a letter to someone who did something you’re grateful for, give it to them in person, and see how much joy you create.</p>
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<p>2) Every night for the next two to six weeks, write down three things that happened during the day that you are grateful for.</p>
<p>3) For one week, do things that bring you pleasure every day, then for the next week, do something that brings someone else pleasure every day. See which week was more rewarding.</p>
<p>4) Write down five things you love to do, then ask yourself how much time have you allowed yourself to do those things.</p>
<p>The three-credit undergraduate course, which examines theory and research on “development of human strengths … that may promote better functioning, including creativity, optimism, wisdom, courage, love and spirituality,” is a hit. It was voted the university’s most popular course – and Smith the most popular professor – in a recent survey done in the school’s newspaper, the Daily Lobo, Smith said.</p>
<p>In addition to supplying students with course readings that include the most recent and authoritative research on the subject, he starts the semester asking students to take self-tests that identify their strengths. Then they spend a month using those strengths to the fullest, and report their results back to the class.</p>
<p>“Another thing I do that students really love is to show movie clips that show (different) strengths,” said Smith.</p>
<p>Clips come from movies like “Invictus,” about recently-deceased former South African president Nelson Mandela’s use of rugby to uplift South Africans; “Amélie,” which features the title character doing experiments about random acts of kindness; and “Happy,” a documentary in which the director traveled the world trying to find out what causes happiness among people from different countries.</p>
<p>An extra credit assignment is to do random acts of kindness.</p>
<p>“There’s been research showing that that’s one of the more effective ways of making people more happy,” he said, adding that one fall, one student wrote positive, encouraging notes on leaves, and then left them around campus for other people to find.</p>
<p>“The cool thing about positive psychology is it’s something everyone can relate to,” he said. “It’s kind of a participatory sport.”</p>
<p>Other experts on the topic would agree with his take.</p>
<p>“In positive psychology, the main idea is we want to help people flourish,” said Barbara U. Jones in a recent interview. She has a doctorate in transpersonal psychology and had worked for 12 years as a traditional psychologist before shifting her practice to “self-actualization coaching,” charging $80 an hour to consult one-on-one, either in person or by phone, with between five and 10 joy-seeking clients each week.</p>
<p>She also appears every other Wednesday morning on veteran journalist Nancy Stapp’s morning radio show, “Breakfast with Nancy” on the Taos radio station KVOT AM 1340 to talk about positive psychology topics.</p>
<p>According to Jones, there are five areas that comprise flourishing: positive relationships, engagement, positive emotions, meaning and accomplishment.</p>
<p>In typical coaching sessions, she might ask clients how they would rate themselves on a scale from 1 to 10 in those areas, she said.</p>
<p>If a client rated him or herself with 6 out of 10 for the amount of positive emotions he or she experiences, for example, Jones would ask what would need to change to get that number up to a 10, and then encourage the person to do those things.</p>
<p>“The idea in positive psychology is that if you’re working consciously towards flourishing, when the hard time comes, you have more resiliency,” she pointed out in one broadcast.</p>
<p>Creativity is another route through which to access your inner happiness, according to Phoenix Simpson, a licensed marriage and family therapist whose Cedar Crest practice focuses on positive psychology.</p>
<p>She also prepares and sells online continuing education classes such as “Opening to Joy: Positive Psychology &amp; Development” for therapists licensed at the master’s level or above, through a company she started in 1993 called Inner Landscape.</p>
<p>Her focus is “helping people access their creative selves in order to affect change,” she said in a recent interview.</p>
<p>“Each time you touch your creative self, you can start to rewrite the story, and have a little more control,” she said, adding that often, she encourages clients to paint, use clay or experiment with collagemaking.</p>
<p>JONES: Coaches clients to work consciously to flourish</p>
<p>SMITH: Positive psychology is “kind of a participatory sport”</p>
<p>“It makes you happy; it makes you remember that time in your life where there was joy … we can get so caught up that we can miss a lot of our lives. The creative process helps bring people back,” she said.</p>
<p>Yet another happiness-booster is the new magazine, Live Happy, which debuted in October and will come out six times a year.</p>
<p>At 84 pages, the premiere issue includes a survey on how readers can make others happy during the holidays, actor/director Ron Howard’s “take on keeping the important parts of life in focus,” and a list of happiness-provoking holiday gifts.</p>
<p>“We’re the top seller at Whole Foods newsstands right now,” said editor-in-chief Karol DeWulf Nickell of the $5.95 publication.</p>
<p>For the first edition, 500,000 copies were printed, and for the second edition, which comes out Dec. 31, 250,000 copies will be printed, she said.</p>
<p>And so far, it’s doing its job of giving people access to positive feelings, she said.</p>
<p>“A lot of people feel that this is a really unique magazine, and we got a lot of positive feedback … people who wrote to us, people who tweeted to us, and people who contacted us by Facebook.”</p>
<p />
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illustration russ ballalbuquerque journal albuquerque nm december days short darkness icy ground piercing cold making daytoday life annoying make matters worse christmas new years come along magnify peoples loneliness even days leading dont despair many ways look bright side forcredit classes university new mexico santa fe community college subject positive psychology radio broadcast coaching psychologist taos focuses helping people learn flourish advertisement theres even brand new national magazine called live happy available places like whole foods relatively new field positive psychology initially identified area study 1990s martin seligman university pennsylvania philadelphia science makes life worth living aims use science enable people function best maximize happiness wellbeing giving attention strengths skills whats working lives rather makes feel sad helpless unable move forward everyone whos come across subject positive psychology favors 2000 50 books published topic 2013 additional 1000 books happiness released unm tenured associate professor bruce w smith phd teaches popular course positive psychology enrollment numbers class 30s 2005 skyrocketed close 200 students per course recent years said recent interview happy see happy go authentichappinessorg click questionnaires select one many selfassessments bump happiness right try exercises first two barbara u jones psychologist selfactualization coach taos third bruce w smith unms positive psychology professor fourth online ceu course developer counselor phoenix simpson cedar crest 1 write letter someone something youre grateful give person see much joy create advertisement 2 every night next two six weeks write three things happened day grateful 3 one week things bring pleasure every day next week something brings someone else pleasure every day see week rewarding 4 write five things love ask much time allowed things threecredit undergraduate course examines theory research development human strengths may promote better functioning including creativity optimism wisdom courage love spirituality hit voted universitys popular course smith popular professor recent survey done schools newspaper daily lobo smith said addition supplying students course readings include recent authoritative research subject starts semester asking students take selftests identify strengths spend month using strengths fullest report results back class another thing students really love show movie clips show different strengths said smith clips come movies like invictus recentlydeceased former south african president nelson mandelas use rugby uplift south africans amélie features title character experiments random acts kindness happy documentary director traveled world trying find causes happiness among people different countries extra credit assignment random acts kindness theres research showing thats one effective ways making people happy said adding one fall one student wrote positive encouraging notes leaves left around campus people find cool thing positive psychology something everyone relate said kind participatory sport experts topic would agree take positive psychology main idea want help people flourish said barbara u jones recent interview doctorate transpersonal psychology worked 12 years traditional psychologist shifting practice selfactualization coaching charging 80 hour consult oneonone either person phone five 10 joyseeking clients week also appears every wednesday morning veteran journalist nancy stapps morning radio show breakfast nancy taos radio station kvot 1340 talk positive psychology topics according jones five areas comprise flourishing positive relationships engagement positive emotions meaning accomplishment typical coaching sessions might ask clients would rate scale 1 10 areas said client rated 6 10 amount positive emotions experiences example jones would ask would need change get number 10 encourage person things idea positive psychology youre working consciously towards flourishing hard time comes resiliency pointed one broadcast creativity another route access inner happiness according phoenix simpson licensed marriage family therapist whose cedar crest practice focuses positive psychology also prepares sells online continuing education classes opening joy positive psychology amp development therapists licensed masters level company started 1993 called inner landscape focus helping people access creative selves order affect change said recent interview time touch creative self start rewrite story little control said adding often encourages clients paint use clay experiment collagemaking jones coaches clients work consciously flourish smith positive psychology kind participatory sport makes happy makes remember time life joy get caught miss lot lives creative process helps bring people back said yet another happinessbooster new magazine live happy debuted october come six times year 84 pages premiere issue includes survey readers make others happy holidays actordirector ron howards take keeping important parts life focus list happinessprovoking holiday gifts top seller whole foods newsstands right said editorinchief karol dewulf nickell 595 publication first edition 500000 copies printed second edition comes dec 31 250000 copies printed said far job giving people access positive feelings said lot people feel really unique magazine got lot positive feedback people wrote us people tweeted us people contacted us facebook
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<p>Is President Obama’s spending an “inferno,” as Mitt Romney claims, or a binge that “never happened” as an analysis touted by the White House concluded? We judge that both of those claims are wrong on the facts.</p>
<p>The truth is that the nearly 18 percent spike in spending in fiscal 2009 — for which the president is sometimes blamed entirely — was mostly due to appropriations and policies that were already in place when Obama took office.</p>
<p>That includes spending for the bank bailout legislation approved by President Bush. Annual increases in amounts actually spent since fiscal 2009 have been relatively modest. In fact, spending for the first seven months of the current fiscal year is running slightly below the same period last year, and below projections.</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal" />Since pictures can convey information more efficiently than words, we’ll sum up the official spending figures in this chart. It also reflects our finding that Obama increased fiscal 2009 spending by at most $203 billion, accounting for well under half the huge increase that year.</p>
<p>So if current spending is an “inferno,” it’s one that Bush (and Congress) is mostly responsible for starting. But it’s also true that Obama has done little to put it out.</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal" />Spending under Obama remains at a level that is quite high by historical standards. Measured as a percentage of the nation’s economic production, it reached the highest level since World War II in fiscal 2009, and has declined only slightly since.</p>
<p>And there’s more spending to come: The health care law Obama signed in 2010 calls for a new wave starting in 2014, to subsidize coverage for millions who wouldn’t otherwise have it. That will be adding an estimated $110 billion to federal outlays in fiscal 2015, and more in later years.</p>
<p>But note also that receipts are running at levels that are well below historical averages. It is the combination of historically high spending and low revenues that is producing the current string of trillion-dollar annual deficits, and piling up debt. Those who blame deficits solely on spending ignore the other side of the ledger.</p>
<p>Mitt Romney claims President Barack Obama’s spending amounts to an <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/05/romney-warns-of-obamas-debt-spending-inferno/" type="external">“inferno.”</a> But who is really responsible for the huge jump that took place in fiscal 2009? Here are some undisputed facts:</p>
<p>How Much Did Obama Add?</p>
<p>But it’s also true that Obama <a href="http://thomas.loc.gov/home/approp/app09.html" type="external">signed a number of appropriations bills</a>, plus other legislation and executive orders, that raised spending for the remainder of fiscal 2009 even above the path set by Bush. By our calculations, Obama can be fairly assigned responsibility for a maximum of $203 billion in additional spending for that year.</p>
<p>It can be argued that the total should be lower. Economist <a href="http://www.cato.org/people/daniel-mitchell" type="external">Daniel J. Mitchell</a> of the libertarian CATO Institute — who once served on the Republican staff of the Senate Finance Committee — has <a href="https://danieljmitchell.wordpress.com/2009/11/27/defending-obama-again/" type="external">put the figure at $140 billion</a>.</p>
<p>Ordinarily, an incoming president has little or no influence over spending that was approved under his predecessor. So in normal circumstances, all spending for fiscal year 2009 would have been rightly tied to Bush, and fiscal 2010 would be the first year for which Obama would have prepared a budget and signed the major spending bills. And for the most part, big spending programs that require no yearly appropriations, including Social Security and Medicare, did indeed continue to operate during fiscal 2009 under the policies in effect under Bush.</p>
<p>But in Obama’s case, he quickly pushed through Congress and signed a large economic stimulus measure containing a combination of tax cuts and new spending in fiscal 2009. And while Bush had signed full-year appropriations for the Pentagon, the Department of Homeland Security and veterans programs, he had left the remainder of government agencies that need annual appropriations funded only through March 2009.</p>
<p>Here’s how we arrived at our $203 billion total: We combed through all the appropriations bills signed by Obama for 2009, plus other legislation that CBO said also resulted in increased spending. We also examined the budget effects of Obama’s decision to bail out General Motors and Chrysler using funds previously appropriated under TARP. And here’s what we found:</p>
<p>Other big domestic programs that don’t require yearly appropriations, including Social Security and Medicare, continued to operate as they had under Bush. One big fiscal 2009 spending increase resulted from an unusually large 5.8 percent cost of living increase that took effect just before Obama took office. That was an anomaly, as we explained in “ <a href="" type="internal">Social Security COLA</a>,” posted Sept. 23, 2009, and there would be no COLA at all for the next two years. The same 5.8 percent COLA also was given in 2009 to millions of <a href="http://www.opm.gov/retire/annuity/cola/2009cola.asp#Current" type="external">federal retirees</a>, <a href="http://www.military.com/military-report/retirees-get-5.8-percent-cola-for-2009" type="external">military retirees and disabled veterans</a> and their survivors.</p>
<p>So by our calculations, Obama can fairly be assigned responsibility for — at most — 5.8 percent of the $3.5 trillion that the federal government actually spent in fiscal 2009, which was 17.9 percent higher than fiscal 2008.</p>
<p>A Binge That ‘Never Happened’?</p>
<p>The White House has promoted <a href="http://articles.marketwatch.com/2012-05-22/commentary/31802270_1_spending-federal-budget-drunken-sailor" type="external">a May 22 column by Rex Nutting</a> of the Wall Street Journal’s MarketWatch website that concluded “federal spending is rising at the slowest pace since Dwight Eisenhower.” Nutting also argued that allegations of a “reckless spending spree” by Obama constitute a “whopper” and “ <a href="http://articles.marketwatch.com/2012-05-22/commentary/31802270_1_spending-federal-budget-drunken-sailor" type="external">never happened</a>.”</p>
<p>That raised howls and rebuttals from conservative stalwarts at the Wall Street Journal’s own <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304840904577422452374106994.html?KEYWORDS=JAMES+TARANTO" type="external">editorial page</a>, at the libertarian <a href="http://reason.com/blog/2012/05/23/the-obama-spending-binge" type="external">Reason magazine</a>, at the <a href="http://blog.heritage.org/2012/05/24/the-truth-about-president-obamas-skyrocketing-spending/" type="external">Heritage Foundation</a> and even from Cato’s economist Mitchell, who called Nutting’s comparisons “nutty” in a piece <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/danielmitchell/2012/05/24/mirror-mirror-on-the-wall-which-president-is-the-biggest-spender-of-all/" type="external">for the Forbes magazine website,</a> even though Nutting based his analysis in part on the same $140 billion figure Mitchell uses for Obama’s fiscal 2009 spending.</p>
<p>Our own analysis leads us to conclude that Obama deserves responsibility for somewhat more fiscal 2009 spending than Nutting or Mitchell assign to him, as we’ve noted. Spending in that year shot up an incredible $535 billion. Nutting and Mitchell hold Obama responsible for only 26 percent of that increase, but we conclude that Obama can fairly be assigned responsibility for as much as 38 percent.</p>
<p>We also disagree with Nutting’s conclusion that Obama’s increases are the lowest since Eisenhower. Not only should Nutting have measured Obama’s increases from a lower base, in our judgment, he also fails to take account of inflation, which has been extraordinarily low during Obama’s term.</p>
<p>Moderate Increases Since 2009</p>
<p>Since fiscal 2009, however, it cannot be denied that spending has increased only modestly. Total federal outlays actually went down 1.7 percent in fiscal 2010, for example, then rose a little more than 4 percent in the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30. Spending was projected by CBO to rise less than 1 percent in fiscal 2012. In fact, CBO reported on May 7 in <a href="http://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/cbofiles/attachments/2012_04_MBR.pdf" type="external">its most recent monthly budget report</a> that spending for the first seven months of the current fiscal year was 3.4 percent below the same period a year ago. That was mostly due to differences in timing of certain payments, but even adjusting for those, CBO figured spending is 0.8 percent lower so far this year.</p>
<p>Update, June 7: A <a href="http://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/cbofiles/attachments/MBR_2012_05.pdf" type="external">new CBO monthly report</a>, issued after this article was posted, showed outlays for the first eight months of the fiscal year running 1.2 percent higher than the same period a year earlier, after adjusting for timing of payments and also after taking account of an unusual adjustment to TARP outlays booked in May 2011. The June 7 CBO report thus shows fiscal 2012 spending to be on track to increase only slightly for the full fiscal year ending Sept. 30.</p>
<p>But CBO also <a href="http://cbo.gov/publication/43288" type="external">projected on June 5</a> that by the end of the year, due to the continued mismatch between outlays and receipts, “the federal debt will reach roughly 70 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), the highest percentage since shortly after World War II.”</p>
<p>All of the yearly changes under Obama are well below the 7 percent average annual increase under Bush prior to fiscal 2009. And in that year — for which we assign most of the increase to Bush — the rise amounted to a staggering 17.9 percent.</p>
<p>Overrated ‘TARP Effect’</p>
<p>Some have claimed that the modest spending increases since fiscal 2009 are illusory, and Obama’s spending has been masked by the way the government accounts for TARP spending. For example, Wall Street Journal columnist <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304840904577422452374106994.html?KEYWORDS=JAMES+TARANTO" type="external">James Taranto wrote</a> that TARP would have caused “a sharp increase in 2009, followed by a sharp decrease in 2010.”</p>
<p>Actually, not so much. A close look shows the TARP effect has been rather modest.</p>
<p>Spending on the TARP program turned out to be much less than the $700 billion originally authorized. Congress later reduced the authorization to <a href="http://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/cbofiles/ftpdocs/119xx/doc11980/11-29-tarp.pdf" type="external">$475 billion</a> in the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act that <a href="http://www.ibj.com/historic-financial-overhaul-signed-into-law-by-obama/PARAMS/article/21236" type="external">Obama signed on July 21, 2010</a>. And not all was spent in 2009.</p>
<p>Actual outlays for TARP in fiscal 2009 <a href="http://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/cbofiles/attachments/2011_Nov_MBR.pdf" type="external">totaled $154 billion</a>, according to the CBO. So the one-time bump in spending amounted to about 4 percent of fiscal 2009 spending.</p>
<p>It’s true that money recovered since then is recorded as negative spending rather than as increased revenues. And that does artificially reduce Obama’s spending figures — but not by much.</p>
<p>TARP decreased federal spending by $108 billion in fiscal 2010 and $39 billion last year, <a href="http://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/cbofiles/attachments/2011_Nov_MBR.pdf" type="external">according to the CBO</a>. Those artificial reductions brought down federal spending by just 3 percent in fiscal 2010, and 1 percent in fiscal 2011. Even without those reductions, Obama’s spending increases wouldn’t come close to equaling the average annual increase under Bush.</p>
<p>Historic Highs</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal" />Nevertheless, the spending Obama inherited was so high that even modest increases keep it at a level that is extraordinarily lofty by historical standards.</p>
<p>Perhaps the most relevant measure of federal spending is how it compares with the nation’s total economic output, as measured by gross domestic product. And spending in fiscal 2009 hit 25.2 percent of GDP — the highest since 1945.</p>
<p>It hasn’t come down much since that postwar record. It was 24.1 percent of GDP in both fiscal 2010 and 2011. Spending for each of the last three fiscal years was higher than any since 1946.</p>
<p>Obama has also committed the government to some big spending in future years. CBO <a href="http://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/cbofiles/attachments/03-13-Coverage%20Estimates.pdf" type="external">estimated in March</a> that the insurance provisions of his health care law will cost $58 billion in fiscal 2014 and reach $110 billion in 2015, rising each year thereafter. Those costs will total nearly $1.3 trillion through the year 2022. (CBO also estimates 30 million to 33 million Americans will gain health insurance coverage as a result.)</p>
<p>Beyond this year, future spending levels are impossible to predict with any accuracy. Congress <a href="http://thomas.loc.gov/home/approp/app13.html" type="external">has yet to pass a single one</a> of the 12 regular appropriations bills for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1, and it <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/boehner-threatens-another-debt-ceiling-fight/2012/05/15/gIQAJuCESU_story.html" type="external">remains to be seen if Congress will undo</a> the harsh, automatic cuts in military and domestic spending enacted in last year’s bargain to increase the debt ceiling. The Supreme Court is also considering whether or not to strike down the health care law.</p>
<p>Furthermore, another spending showdown is looming. The government’s borrowing will soon force Congress to consider raising the legal debt ceiling once again, probably early next year. And <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/wonkbook-of-course-boehner-wants-another-debt-ceiling-showdown/2012/05/16/gIQATp2STU_blog.html" type="external">House Speaker John Boehner has declared</a> that “I will again insist on my simple principle of cuts and reforms greater than the debt limit increase.” So the president and Democrats will soon face another clash with congressional Republicans over spending levels and government revenues.</p>
<p>We won’t presume to predict the outcome of the coming budget Armageddon, likely to take <a href="" type="internal" />place next January or thereabouts. Much will depend on whether Obama or Romney wins the November election, and which party wins control of the House and Senate.</p>
<p>At issue, however, will be both spending and revenues. So we’ll end by reminding readers that while spending as a percentage of GDP is running at the highest level since the 1940s, tax revenues are also low by historical standards. For fiscal 2009 and 2010, <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/budget/fy2013/assets/hist01z2.xls" type="external">receipts were just 15.1 percent of GDP</a>, and last year they inched up to 15.4 percent. They haven’t been that low since 1950. And prior to 2009, the average since the end of World War II was 17.8 percent.</p>
<p>— by Brooks Jackson</p>
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<p>Office of Management and Budget. “ <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/Historicals/" type="external">Historical Tables: Table 3.2—OUTLAYS BY FUNCTION AND SUBFUNCTION: 1962–2017</a>.” 13 Feb 2012.</p>
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<p>Congressional Budget Office. “ <a href="http://www.cbo.gov/publication/21670" type="external">The Budget and Economic Outlook: An Update</a>.” 18 Aug 2010.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CREC-2009-02-25/pdf/CREC-2009-02-25-pt1-PgH2656-2.pdf#page=135" type="external">Congressional Record</a>. 25 Feb 2009; H2790, H2800.</p>
<p>The White House. “ <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Remarks-by-the-President-at-Signing-of-the-Helping-Families-Save-Their-Homes-Act-and-the-Fraud-Enforcement-and-Recovery-Act/" type="external">Remarks by the president at the signing of the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act and the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act</a>.” 20 May 2009.</p>
<p>Congressional Budget Office. “ <a href="http://www.cbo.gov/publication/41215" type="external">The Budget and Economic Outlook: An Update</a>.” 25 Aug 2009.</p>
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<p>The White House. “ <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Statement-from-the-President-upon-signing-HR-2346/" type="external">Statement from the President upon signing HR 2346 on June 24, 2009</a>.” 26 Jun 2009.</p>
<p>Fletcher, Michael A. “ <a href="http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2009/06/26/obama_signs_war_funding_bill.html" type="external">Obama Signs War Funding Bill.</a>” Washington Post. 26 Jun 2009.</p>
<p>Congressional Budget Office. “ <a href="http://www.cbo.gov/publication/17129" type="external">Supplemental Appropriations from 2000 to 2010</a>.” 1 Oct 2010.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CREC-2009-06-18/pdf/CREC-2009-06-18-pt1-PgS6772-2.pdf#page=6" type="external">Congressional Record</a>. 18 Jun 2009; S2776.</p>
<p>New York Times. “ <a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/topics/reference/timestopics/subjects/c/cash_for_clunkers/index.html" type="external">Car Allowance Rebate System (Cash for Clunkers)</a>” 20 Aug 2009.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/browse/collection.action?collectionCode=BUDGET&amp;browsePath=Fiscal+Year+2011&amp;searchPath=Fiscal+Year+2011&amp;leafLevelBrowse=false&amp;isCollapsed=false&amp;isOpen=true&amp;packageid=BUDGET-2011-APP&amp;ycord=589" type="external">Budget of the U. S. Government, Appendix</a>. “Federal Funds: CONSUMER ASSISTANCE TO RECYCLE AND SAVE PROGRAM” 1 Feb 2010; 959.</p>
<p>Congressional Budget Office. “ <a href="http://cbo.gov/sites/default/files/cbofiles/ftpdocs/99xx/doc9961/01-16-tarp.pdf" type="external">The Troubled Asset Relief Program: Report on Transactions Through December 31, 2008</a>.” Jan 2009.</p>
<p>U.S. Treasury Department, Office of Financial Stability. “ <a href="http://www.treasury.gov/initiatives/financial-stability/briefing-room/reports/tarp-transactions/DocumentsTARPTransactions/transaction_report_01222009.pdf" type="external">Troubled Asset Relief Program Transactions Report For Period Ending January 16, 2009</a>” 22 Jan 2009.</p>
<p>U.S. Treasury Department. “ <a href="http://www.treasury.gov/initiatives/financial-stability/briefing-room/reports/105/Documents105/April%20Monthly%20Report%20to%20Congress.pdf" type="external">Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP)Monthly Report to Congress – April 2012</a>” 10 May 2012.</p>
<p>U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Financial Stability “ <a href="http://www.treasury.gov/initiatives/financial-stability/briefing-room/reports/agency_reports/Pages/default.aspx" type="external">Agency Financial Report; Fiscal Year 2009</a>.” 10 Oct 2009.</p>
<p>Congressional Budget Office. “ <a href="http://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/cbofiles/attachments/03-28-2012TARP.pdf" type="external">Report on the Troubled Asset Relief Program – March 2012</a>” 28 Mar 2012.</p>
<p>Jackson, Brooks. “ <a href="" type="internal">Social Security COLA</a>.” FactCheck.org. 23 Sep 2009.</p>
<p>U.S. Office of Personnel Management. “ <a href="http://www.opm.gov/retire/annuity/cola/2009cola.asp#Current" type="external">January 2009 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for Civil Service Annuitants</a>.” Undated Web page. Accessed 4 Jun 2012.</p>
<p>Military.com. “ <a href="http://www.military.com/military-report/retirees-get-5.8-percent-cola-for-2009" type="external">Retirees Get 5.8% COLA for 2009</a>.” 20 Oct 2008.</p>
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<p>Taranto, James. “ <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304840904577422452374106994.html?KEYWORDS=JAMES+TARANTO" type="external">Obama’s Permanent Emergency: How to disguise a spending binge</a>.” 23 May 2012.</p>
<p>Suderman, Peter. “ <a href="http://reason.com/blog/2012/05/23/the-obama-spending-binge" type="external">The Obama Spending Binge</a>.” Reason magazine. 23 May 2012.</p>
<p>Darling, Bryan. “ <a href="http://blog.heritage.org/2012/05/24/the-truth-about-president-obamas-skyrocketing-spending/" type="external">The Truth about President Obama’s Skyrocketing Spending</a>.” Heritage Foundation. 24 May 2012.</p>
<p>Mitchell, Daniel J. “ <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/danielmitchell/2012/05/24/mirror-mirror-on-the-wall-which-president-is-the-biggest-spender-of-all/" type="external">Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall, Which President Is the Biggest Spender of All?</a>” Forbes.com. 24 May 2012.</p>
<p>Jacobson, Lewis. “ <a href="http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/may/23/facebook-posts/viral-facebook-post-says-barack-obama-has-lowest-s/" type="external">Viral Facebook post says Barack Obama has lowest spending record of any recent president</a>.” Politifact.com. 23 May 2012.</p>
<p>Kessler, Glenn. “ <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/fact-checker/post/the-facts-about-the-growth-of-spending-under-obama-part-2/2012/05/30/gJQA3V4d2U_blog.html" type="external">The facts about the growth of spending under Obama, Part 2</a>.” 31 May 2012.</p>
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<p>The Associated Press. “ <a href="http://www.ibj.com/historic-financial-overhaul-signed-into-law-by-obama/PARAMS/article/21236" type="external">Historic financial overhaul signed into law by Obama</a>.” 21 Jul 2010.</p>
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<p>Congressional Budget Office. “ <a href="http://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/cbofiles/attachments/03-13-Coverage%20Estimates.pdf" type="external">Updated Estimates for the Insurance Coverage Provisions of the Affordable Care Act</a>.” 13 Mar 2012.</p>
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<p>Klein, Ezra. “ <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/wonkbook-of-course-boehner-wants-another-debt-ceiling-showdown/2012/05/16/gIQATp2STU_blog.html" type="external">Wonkbook: Of course Boehner wants another debt-ceiling showdown</a>.” Washington Post. 16 May 2012.</p>
<p>Office of Management and Budget. “ <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/Historicals" type="external">Historical Tables: Table 1.2—Summary of Receipts, Outlays, and Surpluses or Deficits (-) as Percentages of GDP: 1930–2017</a>.” 13 Feb 2012.</p>
| false | 2 |
president obamas spending inferno mitt romney claims binge never happened analysis touted white house concluded judge claims wrong facts truth nearly 18 percent spike spending fiscal 2009 president sometimes blamed entirely mostly due appropriations policies already place obama took office includes spending bank bailout legislation approved president bush annual increases amounts actually spent since fiscal 2009 relatively modest fact spending first seven months current fiscal year running slightly period last year projections since pictures convey information efficiently words well sum official spending figures chart also reflects finding obama increased fiscal 2009 spending 203 billion accounting well half huge increase year current spending inferno one bush congress mostly responsible starting also true obama done little put spending obama remains level quite high historical standards measured percentage nations economic production reached highest level since world war ii fiscal 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ordinarily incoming president little influence spending approved predecessor normal circumstances spending fiscal year 2009 would rightly tied bush fiscal 2010 would first year obama would prepared budget signed major spending bills part big spending programs require yearly appropriations including social security medicare indeed continue operate fiscal 2009 policies effect bush obamas case quickly pushed congress signed large economic stimulus measure containing combination tax cuts new spending fiscal 2009 bush signed fullyear appropriations pentagon department homeland security veterans programs left remainder government agencies need annual appropriations funded march 2009 heres arrived 203 billion total combed appropriations bills signed obama 2009 plus legislation cbo said also resulted increased spending also examined budget effects obamas decision bail general motors chrysler using funds previously appropriated tarp heres found big domestic programs dont require yearly appropriations including social security medicare continued operate bush one big fiscal 2009 spending increase resulted unusually large 58 percent cost living increase took effect obama took office anomaly explained social security cola posted sept 23 2009 would cola next two years 58 percent cola also given 2009 millions federal retirees military retirees disabled veterans survivors calculations obama fairly assigned responsibility 58 percent 35 trillion federal government actually spent fiscal 2009 179 percent higher fiscal 2008 binge never happened white house promoted may 22 column rex nutting wall street journals marketwatch website concluded federal spending rising slowest pace since dwight eisenhower nutting also argued allegations reckless spending spree obama constitute whopper never happened raised howls rebuttals conservative stalwarts wall street journals editorial page libertarian reason magazine heritage foundation even catos economist mitchell called nuttings comparisons nutty piece forbes magazine website even though nutting based analysis part 140 billion figure mitchell uses obamas fiscal 2009 spending analysis leads us conclude obama deserves responsibility somewhat fiscal 2009 spending nutting mitchell assign weve noted spending year shot incredible 535 billion nutting mitchell hold obama responsible 26 percent increase conclude obama fairly assigned responsibility much 38 percent also disagree nuttings conclusion obamas increases lowest since eisenhower nutting measured obamas increases lower base judgment also fails take account inflation extraordinarily low obamas term moderate increases since 2009 since fiscal 2009 however denied spending increased modestly total federal outlays actually went 17 percent fiscal 2010 example rose little 4 percent fiscal year ended sept 30 spending projected cbo rise less 1 percent fiscal 2012 fact cbo reported may 7 recent monthly budget report spending first seven months current fiscal year 34 percent period year ago mostly due differences timing certain payments even adjusting cbo figured spending 08 percent lower far year update june 7 new cbo monthly report issued article posted showed outlays first eight months fiscal year running 12 percent higher period year earlier adjusting timing payments also taking account unusual adjustment tarp outlays booked may 2011 june 7 cbo report thus shows fiscal 2012 spending track increase slightly full fiscal year ending sept 30 cbo also projected june 5 end year due continued mismatch outlays receipts federal debt reach roughly 70 percent gross domestic product gdp highest percentage since shortly world war ii yearly changes obama well 7 percent average annual increase bush prior fiscal 2009 year assign increase bush rise amounted staggering 179 percent overrated tarp effect claimed modest spending increases since fiscal 2009 illusory obamas spending masked way government accounts tarp spending example wall street journal columnist james taranto wrote tarp would caused sharp increase 2009 followed sharp decrease 2010 actually much close look shows tarp effect rather modest spending tarp program turned much less 700 billion originally authorized congress later reduced authorization 475 billion doddfrank wall street reform consumer protection act obama signed july 21 2010 spent 2009 actual outlays tarp fiscal 2009 totaled 154 billion according cbo onetime bump spending amounted 4 percent fiscal 2009 spending true money recovered since recorded negative spending rather increased revenues artificially reduce obamas spending figures much tarp decreased federal spending 108 billion fiscal 2010 39 billion last year according cbo artificial reductions brought federal spending 3 percent fiscal 2010 1 percent fiscal 2011 even without reductions obamas spending increases wouldnt come close equaling average annual increase bush historic highs nevertheless spending obama inherited high even modest increases keep level extraordinarily lofty historical standards perhaps relevant measure federal spending compares nations total economic output measured gross domestic product spending fiscal 2009 hit 252 percent gdp highest since 1945 hasnt come much since postwar record 241 percent gdp fiscal 2010 2011 spending last three fiscal years higher since 1946 obama also committed government big spending future years cbo estimated march insurance provisions health care law cost 58 billion fiscal 2014 reach 110 billion 2015 rising year thereafter costs total nearly 13 trillion year 2022 cbo also estimates 30 million 33 million americans gain health insurance coverage result beyond year future spending levels impossible predict accuracy congress yet pass single one 12 regular appropriations bills fiscal year starting oct 1 remains seen congress undo harsh automatic cuts military domestic spending enacted last years bargain increase debt ceiling supreme court also considering whether strike health care law furthermore another spending showdown looming governments borrowing soon force congress consider raising legal debt ceiling probably early next year house speaker john boehner declared insist simple principle cuts reforms greater debt limit increase president democrats soon face another clash congressional republicans spending levels government revenues wont presume predict outcome coming budget armageddon likely take place next january thereabouts much depend whether obama romney wins november election party wins control house senate issue however spending revenues well end reminding readers spending percentage gdp running highest level since 1940s tax revenues also low historical standards fiscal 2009 2010 receipts 151 percent gdp last year inched 154 percent havent low since 1950 prior 2009 average since end world war ii 178 percent brooks jackson friedman emily romney warns obamas debt spending inferno abc news 15 may 2012 associated press bush signs sprawling spending bill usa today 30 sep 2008 sahadi jeanne bailout law president bush signs historic 700 billion plan aimed stemming credit crisis cnnmoneycom 4 oct 2008 congressional budget office budget economic outlook fiscal years 2009 2019 7 jan 2009 us social security administration social security announces 58 percent benefit increase 2009 press release 16 oct 2009 us social security administration history automatic costofliving adjustments web page accessed 4 jun 2012 office management budget historical tables table 32outlays function subfunction 19622017 13 feb 2012 library congress status appropriations legislation fiscal year 2009 thomas website accessed 4 jun 2012 mitchell daniel j defending obamaagain blog post 27 nov 2009 kornblut anne e obama signs schip legislation 4 feb 2009 congressional budget office preliminary analysis presidents budget update cbos budget economic outlook 20 mar 2009 skiba katherine obama signs 787 billion stimulus question work us news amp world report 17 feb 2009 congressional budget office conference agreement hr 1 american recovery reinvestment act 2009 13 feb 2009 congressional budget office budget economic outlook update 18 aug 2010 white house statement president 11 mar 2009 congressional record 25 feb 2009 h2790 h2800 white house remarks president signing helping families save homes act fraud enforcement recovery act 20 may 2009 congressional budget office budget economic outlook update 25 aug 2009 office management budget statement administration policy hr 2346 supplemental appropriations act 2009 13 may 2009 white house statement president upon signing hr 2346 june 24 2009 26 jun 2009 fletcher michael obama signs war funding bill washington post 26 jun 2009 congressional budget office supplemental appropriations 2000 2010 1 oct 2010 congressional record 18 jun 2009 s2776 new york times car allowance rebate system cash clunkers 20 aug 2009 white house statement press secretary 7 aug 2009 budget u government appendix federal funds consumer assistance recycle save program 1 feb 2010 959 congressional budget office troubled asset relief program report transactions december 31 2008 jan 2009 us treasury department office financial stability troubled asset relief program transactions report period ending january 16 2009 22 jan 2009 us treasury department troubled asset relief program tarpmonthly report congress april 2012 10 may 2012 us department treasury office financial stability agency financial report fiscal year 2009 10 oct 2009 congressional budget office report troubled asset relief program march 2012 28 mar 2012 jackson brooks social security cola factcheckorg 23 sep 2009 us office personnel management january 2009 costofliving adjustment cola civil service annuitants undated web page accessed 4 jun 2012 militarycom retirees get 58 cola 2009 20 oct 2008 nutting rex obama spending binge never happened 22 may 2012 taranto james obamas permanent emergency disguise spending binge 23 may 2012 suderman peter obama spending binge reason magazine 23 may 2012 darling bryan truth president obamas skyrocketing spending heritage foundation 24 may 2012 mitchell daniel j mirror mirror wall president biggest spender forbescom 24 may 2012 jacobson lewis viral facebook post says barack obama lowest spending record recent president politifactcom 23 may 2012 kessler glenn facts growth spending obama part 2 31 may 2012 taylor andrew fact check obama thrifty spending claim associated press 26 may 2012 congressional budget office monthly budget review fiscal year 2012 7 may 2012 congressional budget office report troubled asset relief programnovember 2010 29 nov 2010 associated press historic financial overhaul signed law obama 21 jul 2010 congressional budget office monthly budget review fiscal year 2012 7 nov 2011 congressional budget office updated estimates insurance coverage provisions affordable care act 13 mar 2012 library congress status appropriations legislation fiscal year 2013 1 jun 2012 accessed 4 jun 2012 montgomery lori boehner threatens another debtceiling fight washington post 15 may 2012 klein ezra wonkbook course boehner wants another debtceiling showdown washington post 16 may 2012 office management budget historical tables table 12summary receipts outlays surpluses deficits percentages gdp 19302017 13 feb 2012
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<p>BERLIN, Jan 22 (Reuters) - German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel on Monday called his Turkish counterpart to express concerns about an escalation in northwest Syria and possible humanitarian impacts on the local civilian population, the German ministry said.</p>
<p>“Foreign Minister Gabriel just telephoned his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu and made clear his concerns about an escalation of the situation in northern Syria and the possible humanitarian impact on the civilian population,” a ministry official said.</p>
<p>Both officials agreed that the Syrian political process should now be continued in an intensive manner, the official said.</p>
<p>Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Monday said there would be “no stepping back” from a Turkish air and groupd offensive aimed at crushing U.S.-backed Kurdish YPG fighters who control the Afrin region. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Michael Nienaber)</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>YANGON (Reuters) - Prominent human rights lawyer Amal Clooney has joined the legal team representing two Reuters reporters jailed in Myanmar, who are accused of possessing secret government papers, her office said on Thursday.</p>
<p>A court in Yangon has been holding preliminary hearings since January to decide whether Wa Lone, 31, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, will be charged under the colonial-era Officials Secrets Act, which carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison.</p>
<p>The journalists had been working on a Reuters investigation into the killing of 10 Rohingya Muslim men in western Myanmar’s Rakhine state during an army crackdown that began in August, which has sent nearly 700,000 people fleeing to Bangladesh.</p>
<p>Lawyers for the two reporters on Wednesday asked the court to throw out the case, saying there was insufficient evidence to support charges against the pair.</p>
<p>“Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo are being prosecuted simply because they reported the news. I have reviewed the case file and it is clear beyond doubt that the two journalists are innocent and should be released immediately,” Amal Clooney was quoted as saying in a statement released by her office.</p>
<p>“The outcome of this case will tell us a lot about Myanmar’s commitment to the rule of law and freedom of speech,” said Clooney, who is married to actor George Clooney.</p>
<p>Zaw Htay, spokesman for Myanmar’s civilian government, declined to comment.</p> FILE PHOTO: Amal Clooney attends a security council meeting at U.N. headquarters during the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, U.S. September 21, 2017. REUTERS/Stephanie Keith
<p>Government officials have previously denied the arrests represent an attack on press freedom, which rights advocates say is under growing threat in the Southeast Asian country.</p>
<p>Myanmar’s ambassador to the United Nations, Hau Do Suan, said last month that the Reuters journalists were not arrested for reporting a story, but were accused of “illegally possessing confidential government documents”.</p>
<p>Gail Gove, chief counsel of Reuters, said retaining Clooney would strengthen the company’s international legal expertise and broaden efforts to secure the release of the reporters.</p> Slideshow (2 Images)
<p>Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo have been in custody since their arrest on Dec. 12.</p>
<p>The pair have told relatives they were arrested almost immediately after being handed some rolled up papers at a restaurant in northern Yangon by two policemen they had not met before, having been invited to meet the officers for dinner.</p>
<p>The district court in northern Yangon will hear arguments from prosecutors and defense lawyers on the motion to dismiss the case on April 4.</p>
<p>Reporting By Yimou Lee; Additional reporting by Shoon Naing; Editing by Alex Richardson</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>SEOUL (Reuters) - North and South Korea will hold their first summit in more than a decade on April 27, South Korean officials said on Thursday, after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged his commitment to denuclearization as tensions ease between the old foes.</p>
<p>South Korean officials, who announced the date after high-level talks with North Korean counterparts, said the agenda would largely be denuclearization of the Korean peninsula and improving inter-Korean relations.</p>
<p>The two Koreas had agreed to hold the summit at the border truce village of Panmunjom when South Korean President Moon Jae-in sent a delegation to Pyongyang this month to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.</p>
<p>Thursday’s meeting was the first high-level dialogue between the two Koreas since the delegation returned from the North.</p>
<p>The two sides said in a joint statement they would hold a working-level meeting on April 4 to discuss details of the summit, such as staffing support, security and news releases.</p> Related Coverage
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<p>“We still have a fair number of issues to resolve on a working level for preparations over the next month,” said Ri Son Gwon, the chairman of North Korea’s committee for the peaceful reunification of the country in closing remarks to the South Korean delegation.</p>
<p>“But if the two sides deeply understand the historic significance and meaning of this summit and give their all, we will be able to solve all problems swiftly and amicably,” Ri added.</p>
<p>Tension over North Korea’s tests of nuclear weapons and ballistic missile surged last year and raised fears of U.S. military action in response to North Korea’s threat to develop a nuclear weapon capable of hitting the United States.</p>
<p>But tension has eased significantly since North Korea decided to send athletes to the Winter Olympics in South Korea in February. The neighbours are technically still at war after the 1950-53 conflict ended with a ceasefire, not a truce.</p>
<p>China commended both sides for their efforts to improve ties.</p>
<p>“We hope the momentum of dialogue can continue and that the peaceful situation also can last,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a briefing.</p>
<p>United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was encouraged by the recent developments with North Korea.</p>
<p>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;“I believe that in this world where unfortunately so many problems seem not to have a solution, I think there is here an opportunity for a peaceful solution to something that a few months ago was haunting us as the biggest danger we were facing,” Guterres told reporters on Thursday.</p> ‘RESOLVE PROBLEMS’
<p>Kim is scheduled to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in May to discuss denuclearization, although a time and place have not been set.</p>
<p>Kim met Chinese President Xi Jinping in a surprise visit to Beijing this week, his first trip outside the isolated North since he came to power in 2011.</p>
<p>Even more surprising was Kim’s pledge to denuclearize the Korean peninsula. That commitment was reported by Chinese state media, although North Korea’s official media made no mention of it, or Kim’s anticipated meeting with Trump.</p>
<p>A senior Chinese official visiting Seoul on Thursday to brief South Korea on Kim’s visit to Beijing said it should help ease tension and lead to the denuclearization of the peninsula.</p> South Korean delegation led by Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon cross the concrete border as they leave after their meeting at the truce village of Panmunjom, North Korea March 29, 2018. Korea Pool/Yonhap via REUTERS
<p>“We believe his visit will help the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, ensure peace and security of the Korean peninsula and resolve problems regarding the peninsula through political negotiations and discussions,” Yang Jiechi said in opening remarks during a meeting with South Korea’s National Security Office head, Chung Eui-yong.</p>
<p>Yang, a top Chinese diplomat, is scheduled to meet South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Friday.</p>
<p>South Korean Unification Minister Cho Myong-gyon told reporters Kim’s visit to China was not discussed with North Korean officials in their Thursday talks.</p>
<p>Trump and Kim had exchanged insults and veiled threats of war in recent months but the U.S. leader made the surprising announcement this month that he was prepared to meet Kim to discuss the crisis over the North’s development of weapons.</p>
<p>The North Korean leader’s engagement with the international community has sparked speculation that he may try to meet other leaders. Japan’s Asahi newspaper said Japan had sounded out the North Korean government about a summit.</p> Slideshow (4 Images)
<p>Japan’s Foreign Minister Taro Kono left open the possibility that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe might meet Kim at some point. Kono said in an interview with Reuters on Tuesday that Japan was closely watching preparations for the North-South Korean summit and the Trump-Kim meeting.</p>
<p>Xi promised that Beijing would uphold its friendship with North Korea after his meeting with Kim.</p>
<p>Trump wrote on Twitter he had received a message from Xi late on Tuesday that his meeting with Kim “went very well” and that Kim looked forward to meeting the U.S. president.</p>
<p>Reporting by Christine Kim; Additional reporting by Michael Martina in BEIJING and Michelle Nichols at the UNITED NATIONS; Editing by Robert Birsel and James Dalgleish</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>VALENCIA, Venezuela (Reuters) - Rioting and a fire in the cells of a Venezuelan police station in the central city of Valencia killed 68 people on Wednesday, according to the government and witnesses.</p>
<p>Families hoping for news outside the police station were dispersed with tear gas and authorities did not give information until late into the evening.</p>
<p>“The State Prosecutor’s Office guarantees to deepen investigations to immediately clarify what happened in these painful events that have left dozens of Venezuelan families in mourning,” said Chief Prosecutor Tarek William Saab on Twitter.</p>
<p>Venezuelan prisons are notoriously overcrowded and filled with weapons and drugs. Riots leaving dozens dead are not uncommon.</p>
<p>State official Jesus Santander said the state of Carabobo was in mourning after the incident in the city of Valencia.</p>
<p>“Forensic doctors are determining the number of fatalities,” Santander said. A policeman was shot in the leg and was in a stable condition and firefighters had extinguished the flames, he said.</p>
<p>Many Venezuelan prisons are lawless and have been for decades. Prisoners often openly wield machine guns and grenades, use drugs and leave guards powerless.</p> Slideshow (14 Images)
<p>“There are people who are inside those dungeons (...) and the authorities do not know they exist because they do not dare to enter,” said Humberto Prado, a local prisons rights activist.</p>
<p>Aditional reporting by Vivian SequeraWriting by Girish Gupta and Vivian Sequera; Editing by Paul Tait and Michael Perry</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>SHANGHAI/BEIJING (Reuters) - For a regime obsessed with secrecy, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s decision to travel to Beijing on a distinctive green armored train was an all-but-dead giveaway that he was making his first journey abroad since assuming power in 2011.</p> FILE PHOTO: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un waves from a train, as he paid an unofficial visit to China, in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in Pyongyang March 28, 2018. KCNA/via Reuters/File Photo
<p>The historic visit sent officials scrambling to obscure the identity of the 21-car train and its occupants as it meandered across roughly 1,100 km (680 miles) of track through northeast China, causing rare delays along the way and triggering a growing frenzy of speculation as it neared the Chinese capital.</p>
<p>The train arrived at Beijing Station on Monday afternoon and left the following afternoon, with the identity of its occupants only announced on Wednesday morning - after it had crossed back into North Korea at the city of Sinuiju.</p>
<p>Clues that something unusual was afoot emerged in the border city of Dandong, just across the Yalu River from North Korea and linked to the isolated country by the Sino-Korea Friendship Bridge. That bridge bears a single rail track which, it turned out, carried Kim’s train into China late on Sunday.</p>
<p>The Daily NK, a Seoul-based website staffed by North Korean defectors, reported that boards supported by scaffolding had been set up on the platform at Dandong’s train station, blocking what is ordinarily an open view, before two trains passed through the station between 10:20 and 10:40 p.m. on Sunday night.</p>
<p>Yao Jun, who sells car parts in Dandong, said the station was locked down again on Tuesday night, an unusual occurrence. Kim returned to North Korea in the early hours of Wednesday.</p>
<p>“Now we know for next time - if the train station is in lockdown then that means Kim Jong Un has come to China,” Yao told Reuters.</p>
<p>At least one Dandong hotel was told by Chinese authorities not to book rooms facing the bridge, while tours from China into the North were canceled on Sunday, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters. A local resident said that a wedding party along the river on Sunday had been told not to set off firecrackers.</p>
<p>By Monday morning sighting rumors and pictures were making the rounds on Chinese social media, before being blocked or deleted by censors, while railway bureaus began warning travelers to expect delays or cancellations on Monday and Tuesday.</p>
<p>The disruptions were noteworthy in a country with a vast rail network that prides itself on its efficiency, with 98.8 percent of trains departing on time in 2016 and 95.4 percent arriving on schedule, and prompted complaints online.</p>
<p>Zhao Jian, a professor at Beijing Jiaotong University who researches the country’s railway system, said Kim’s train traveled on the regular track network, rather than on the tracks used by the country’s high-speed trains.</p>
<p>“Passenger and freight traffic would have been affected,” he said.</p>
<p>A person answering the official phone line at Dandong station on Thursday stressed that everything had been “normal” this week, and asked, “who told you the station was closed?”</p>
<p>An official in the international cooperation department of the China Railway Corporation declined immediate comment on Kim’s visit.</p> MANCHURIA AND THE GREAT WALL&#160;&#160;&#160;
<p>China has not disclosed the route taken by Kim in the train - green with a yellow stripe resembling one used by his late father, Kim Jong Il, on his last visit to China in 2011.</p> FILE PHOTO: A train believed to be carrying a senior North Korean delegation leaves the Beijing Railway Station in Beijing, China March 27, 2018. REUTERS/Jason Lee/File Photo
<p>Based on photos from the elder Kim’s visit, the only visible difference between the two trains was a license plate. The younger Kim’s license plate showed DF0002; the plate on the train used by his father displayed DF0001.</p>
<p>North Korean state media showed Kim and his entourage, including his wife Ri Sol Ju, seated on stuffed pink sofas inside the train carriage with Song Tao, the head of the Chinese Communist Party’s international affairs department, during their inbound stop in Dandong.</p>
<p>There are at least two likely rail routes between Dandong and Beijing, and an ordinary service takes at least 14 hours, according to Chinese railway timetables. The route is also covered by China’s high-speed trains, which travel on separate tracks, in just over six hours.</p>
<p>But social media posts made by local railway bureaus and ordinary users on social media suggest a surge in delays around the route from Dandong that heads north to Shenyang, in the region previously known as Manchuria. The route then snakes west along the Hebei province coast towards Beijing.</p>
<p>On Monday morning, Weibo users at rail stations in Tangshan and Tianjin began complaining of unexpected cancellations to regular services bound for Beijing, which they said were made without explanation.</p>
<p>In a Weibo post published at 5:14 p.m. on Monday and since deleted, the Beijing Railway Bureau told travelers waiting at stations in Beijing, Tianjin and Shijiazhuang to expect delays of up to two hours for trains from Shenyang and Qinhuangdao.</p> Kim Jong Un secretly met with China's Xi Jinping
<p>On Tuesday evening, a Twitter user with the handle “2018you333” posted a grainy video of a train with a single horizontal stripe hurtling across an empty car underpass, which the user said was taken at the Shanhai Pass area, 300 km east of Beijing and a major pass in the Great Wall of China.</p>
<p>“Let’s guess where this distinguished guest is coming from!”, the post said.</p>
<p>Reuters was unable to verify the authenticity of the video.</p>
<p>Additional reporting by Michael Martina, Philip Wen and the Shanghai and Beijing newsrooms; Editing by Tony Munroe and Alex Richardson</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
| false | 2 |
berlin jan 22 reuters german foreign minister sigmar gabriel monday called turkish counterpart express concerns escalation northwest syria possible humanitarian impacts local civilian population german ministry said foreign minister gabriel telephoned turkish counterpart mevlut cavusoglu made clear concerns escalation situation northern syria possible humanitarian impact civilian population ministry official said officials agreed syrian political process continued intensive manner official said turkish president tayyip erdogan monday said would stepping back turkish air groupd offensive aimed crushing usbacked kurdish ypg fighters control afrin region reporting andrea shalal editing michael nienaber standards thomson reuters trust principles yangon reuters prominent human rights lawyer amal clooney joined legal team representing two reuters reporters jailed myanmar accused possessing secret government papers office said thursday court yangon holding preliminary hearings since january decide whether wa lone 31 kyaw soe oo 28 charged colonialera officials secrets act carries maximum penalty 14 years prison journalists working reuters investigation killing 10 rohingya muslim men western myanmars rakhine state army crackdown began august sent nearly 700000 people fleeing bangladesh lawyers two reporters wednesday asked court throw case saying insufficient evidence support charges pair wa lone kyaw soe oo prosecuted simply reported news reviewed case file clear beyond doubt two journalists innocent released immediately amal clooney quoted saying statement released office outcome case tell us lot myanmars commitment rule law freedom speech said clooney married actor george clooney zaw htay spokesman myanmars civilian government declined comment file photo amal clooney attends security council meeting un headquarters united nations general assembly new york city us september 21 2017 reutersstephanie keith government officials previously denied arrests represent attack press freedom rights advocates say growing threat southeast asian country myanmars ambassador united nations hau suan said last month reuters journalists arrested reporting story accused illegally possessing confidential government documents gail gove chief counsel reuters said retaining clooney would strengthen companys international legal expertise broaden efforts secure release reporters slideshow 2 images wa lone kyaw soe oo custody since arrest dec 12 pair told relatives arrested almost immediately handed rolled papers restaurant northern yangon two policemen met invited meet officers dinner district court northern yangon hear arguments prosecutors defense lawyers motion dismiss case april 4 reporting yimou lee additional reporting shoon naing editing alex richardson standards thomson reuters trust principles seoul reuters north south korea hold first summit decade april 27 south korean officials said thursday north korean leader kim jong un pledged commitment denuclearization tensions ease old foes south korean officials announced date highlevel talks north korean counterparts said agenda would largely denuclearization korean peninsula improving interkorean relations two koreas agreed hold summit border truce village panmunjom south korean president moon jaein sent delegation pyongyang month meet north korean leader kim jong un thursdays meeting first highlevel dialogue two koreas since delegation returned north two sides said joint statement would hold workinglevel meeting april 4 discuss details summit staffing support security news releases related coverage beijing envoy says kim jong uns china visit help toward denuclearization ioc chief bach arrives north korea stay saturday russia foreign ministry working north korea meetings moscow still fair number issues resolve working level preparations next month said ri son gwon chairman north koreas committee peaceful reunification country closing remarks south korean delegation two sides deeply understand historic significance meaning summit give able solve problems swiftly amicably ri added tension north koreas tests nuclear weapons ballistic missile surged last year raised fears us military action response north koreas threat develop nuclear weapon capable hitting united states tension eased significantly since north korea decided send athletes winter olympics south korea february neighbours technically still war 195053 conflict ended ceasefire truce china commended sides efforts improve ties hope momentum dialogue continue peaceful situation also last chinese foreign ministry spokesman lu kang told briefing united nations secretarygeneral antonio guterres said encouraged recent developments north korea 160160160160i believe world unfortunately many problems seem solution think opportunity peaceful solution something months ago haunting us biggest danger facing guterres told reporters thursday resolve problems kim scheduled meet us president donald trump may discuss denuclearization although time place set kim met chinese president xi jinping surprise visit beijing week first trip outside isolated north since came power 2011 even surprising kims pledge denuclearize korean peninsula commitment reported chinese state media although north koreas official media made mention kims anticipated meeting trump senior chinese official visiting seoul thursday brief south korea kims visit beijing said help ease tension lead denuclearization peninsula south korean delegation led unification minister cho myounggyon cross concrete border leave meeting truce village panmunjom north korea march 29 2018 korea poolyonhap via reuters believe visit help denuclearization korean peninsula ensure peace security korean peninsula resolve problems regarding peninsula political negotiations discussions yang jiechi said opening remarks meeting south koreas national security office head chung euiyong yang top chinese diplomat scheduled meet south korean president moon jaein friday south korean unification minister cho myonggyon told reporters kims visit china discussed north korean officials thursday talks trump kim exchanged insults veiled threats war recent months us leader made surprising announcement month prepared meet kim discuss crisis norths development weapons north korean leaders engagement international community sparked speculation may try meet leaders japans asahi newspaper said japan sounded north korean government summit slideshow 4 images japans foreign minister taro kono left open possibility prime minister shinzo abe might meet kim point kono said interview reuters tuesday japan closely watching preparations northsouth korean summit trumpkim meeting xi promised beijing would uphold friendship north korea meeting kim trump wrote twitter received message xi late tuesday meeting kim went well kim looked forward meeting us president reporting christine kim additional reporting michael martina beijing michelle nichols united nations editing robert birsel james dalgleish standards thomson reuters trust principles valencia venezuela reuters rioting fire cells venezuelan police station central city valencia killed 68 people wednesday according government witnesses families hoping news outside police station dispersed tear gas authorities give information late evening state prosecutors office guarantees deepen investigations immediately clarify happened painful events left dozens venezuelan families mourning said chief prosecutor tarek william saab twitter venezuelan prisons notoriously overcrowded filled weapons drugs riots leaving dozens dead uncommon state official jesus santander said state carabobo mourning incident city valencia forensic doctors determining number fatalities santander said policeman shot leg stable condition firefighters extinguished flames said many venezuelan prisons lawless decades prisoners often openly wield machine guns grenades use drugs leave guards powerless slideshow 14 images people inside dungeons authorities know exist dare enter said humberto prado local prisons rights activist aditional reporting vivian sequerawriting girish gupta vivian sequera editing paul tait michael perry standards thomson reuters trust principles shanghaibeijing reuters regime obsessed secrecy north korean leader kim jong uns decision travel beijing distinctive green armored train allbutdead giveaway making first journey abroad since assuming power 2011 file photo north korean leader kim jong un waves train paid unofficial visit china undated photo released north koreas korean central news agency kcna pyongyang march 28 2018 kcnavia reutersfile photo historic visit sent officials scrambling obscure identity 21car train occupants meandered across roughly 1100 km 680 miles track northeast china causing rare delays along way triggering growing frenzy speculation neared chinese capital train arrived beijing station monday afternoon left following afternoon identity occupants announced wednesday morning crossed back north korea city sinuiju clues something unusual afoot emerged border city dandong across yalu river north korea linked isolated country sinokorea friendship bridge bridge bears single rail track turned carried kims train china late sunday daily nk seoulbased website staffed north korean defectors reported boards supported scaffolding set platform dandongs train station blocking ordinarily open view two trains passed station 1020 1040 pm sunday night yao jun sells car parts dandong said station locked tuesday night unusual occurrence kim returned north korea early hours wednesday know next time train station lockdown means kim jong un come china yao told reuters least one dandong hotel told chinese authorities book rooms facing bridge tours china north canceled sunday source familiar matter told reuters local resident said wedding party along river sunday told set firecrackers monday morning sighting rumors pictures making rounds chinese social media blocked deleted censors railway bureaus began warning travelers expect delays cancellations monday tuesday disruptions noteworthy country vast rail network prides efficiency 988 percent trains departing time 2016 954 percent arriving schedule prompted complaints online zhao jian professor beijing jiaotong university researches countrys railway system said kims train traveled regular track network rather tracks used countrys highspeed trains passenger freight traffic would affected said person answering official phone line dandong station thursday stressed everything normal week asked told station closed official international cooperation department china railway corporation declined immediate comment kims visit manchuria great wall160160160 china disclosed route taken kim train green yellow stripe resembling one used late father kim jong il last visit china 2011 file photo train believed carrying senior north korean delegation leaves beijing railway station beijing china march 27 2018 reutersjason leefile photo based photos elder kims visit visible difference two trains license plate younger kims license plate showed df0002 plate train used father displayed df0001 north korean state media showed kim entourage including wife ri sol ju seated stuffed pink sofas inside train carriage song tao head chinese communist partys international affairs department inbound stop dandong least two likely rail routes dandong beijing ordinary service takes least 14 hours according chinese railway timetables route also covered chinas highspeed trains travel separate tracks six hours social media posts made local railway bureaus ordinary users social media suggest surge delays around route dandong heads north shenyang region previously known manchuria route snakes west along hebei province coast towards beijing monday morning weibo users rail stations tangshan tianjin began complaining unexpected cancellations regular services bound beijing said made without explanation weibo post published 514 pm monday since deleted beijing railway bureau told travelers waiting stations beijing tianjin shijiazhuang expect delays two hours trains shenyang qinhuangdao kim jong un secretly met chinas xi jinping tuesday evening twitter user handle 2018you333 posted grainy video train single horizontal stripe hurtling across empty car underpass user said taken shanhai pass area 300 km east beijing major pass great wall china lets guess distinguished guest coming post said reuters unable verify authenticity video additional reporting michael martina philip wen shanghai beijing newsrooms editing tony munroe alex richardson standards thomson reuters trust principles
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<p>Maybe he had long been lost, but no one had known.</p>
<p>Joe had been like that – reclusive, mysterious, slow to share his secrets. He had never been one to communicate what he was up to or going through in his 60 years of life, never one to be as close to his four surviving siblings as they were to each other.</p>
<p>“We always struggled to keep contact with Joe,” said brother Craig Stevenson in a call from Romeo, Mich., where most of the siblings still reside. “He was the kind who didn’t visit. We often found out about things in his life well after they happened.”</p>
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<p>And so it was when they found out about Joe’s death Sept. 8, 2016, in an East Central motel room in a city he had no known ties to or interest in.</p>
<p>Family members recall Joseph Stevenson as highly intelligent and reclusive – so reclusive that none of them knew why he had left his home in San Diego and ended up dead in an Albuquerque motel. (SOURCE: Craig Stevenson)</p>
<p>The news came March 4, six months after Joe’s death, in a letter from the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator, though it’s possible that calls made earlier to the family went unheeded.</p>
<p>“We had no reason to think a call from Albuquerque would be about something like this,” Stevenson said.</p>
<p>According to the OMI report, Joe had checked into the motel Aug. 31 and was expected to check out that day.</p>
<p>Several people saw him around 10 that morning. Two hours later, housekeeping tried to enter his room, but he had bolted and barricaded the door. A mini-fridge and microwave had been shoved against the door and the windows were locked as well, Stevenson said he was told.</p>
<p>“It was an obvious suicide,” he said.</p>
<p>But perhaps that is the only thing obvious in Joe’s sad, strange death.</p>
<p>He had been so smart, his brother said.</p>
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<p>Maybe too smart.</p>
<p>“I’d say he was proud of his intelligence,” Stevenson said. “He’d tell you he was smarter than you. He had no qualms telling you when he thought you were wrong.”</p>
<p>The most recent photo known of Joseph Stevenson, 60, is from his California driver’s license.</p>
<p>Joe graduated with a degree in electrical engineering and spent years doing defense contract work for prestigious companies like Rockwell International, Northrop Grumman and Litton Industries across the country.</p>
<p>A frugal man, his work allowed him to set aside a tidy nest egg and go back to school to become a patent attorney.</p>
<p>In his late 40s, Joe had earned enough money from both careers to retire early and live comfortably. He moved to San Diego to be close to the ocean he loved.</p>
<p>As for his personal life, Stevenson said he is aware that Joe was engaged twice – once in Chicago, once in San Diego – both times to women the family never met. One engagement, he said, soured after the woman failed to let in Joe’s beloved dog during a storm in the 1990s.</p>
<p>The dog never returned. Neither did the woman.</p>
<p>The last known time Joe had come back to Michigan was in 2006 to attend his mother’s funeral.</p>
<p>The last time he was known to be home in San Diego was February 2016.</p>
<p>“And then we don’t know what happened,” Stevenson said.</p>
<p>They had assumed Joe owned the San Diego home, but after his death they learned it had been a rental. All the possessions he had abandoned inside were disposed of, Stevenson said.</p>
<p>Records from the rental company show that Joe had shared the home with a person named Joshua Brady from October 2013 until the place was abandoned in 2016, but the family has no idea who that person is.</p>
<p>In Joe’s last years of life, his dark hair had turned gray and he had grown shockingly thin. The onetime runner had typically weighed between 175 and 180 pounds, but on his California driver’s license issued two years ago and the autopsy report his weight is listed as 145 pounds.</p>
<p>“That makes us wonder whether he had received bad news about his health and decided to just end things,” Stevenson said. “He didn’t utilize doctors much. He used to say he had no use for health insurance because no one was dependent on him.”</p>
<p>Other than a remark about coronary artery calcification, the autopsy noted no other significant natural disease or sign of medical intervention.</p>
<p>He had no history of depression, mental illness or suicide attempts, his brother said.</p>
<p>No suicide note was located in the motel.</p>
<p>Motel 6 officials told Stevenson that Joe had rented rooms a few times in the months before his death. Between May and September, he had worked temporary jobs through Labor Finders, an industrial labor staffing agency, but it is unknown how often he worked or where. A vehicle he once owned had been sold somewhere along the way.</p>
<p>Like the home in San Diego, most of Joe’s possessions in the motel had been discarded. All that remained of Joe was a box of his cremains, the T-shirt and jeans he wore when he died and two photographs – an old one of him with his mother and one of the dog he had lost during the storm in the 1990s. The dog’s collar was also found in the motel room.</p>
<p>“He probably had a bigger emotional tie to that dog than to any of us,” his brother said.</p>
<p>It’s not known whether Albuquerque had been just another stop along the journey Joe had embarked upon when the money and the mind ran out, but it became Joe’s final stop.</p>
<p>The family is hoping somebody out there knows something about how things went so bad and so far. So let’s see what we can find out. Call me.</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 @jolinegkg. Go to <a href="" type="internal">www.abqjournal.com/letters/new</a> to submit a letter to the editor.</p>
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maybe long lost one known joe like reclusive mysterious slow share secrets never one communicate going 60 years life never one close four surviving siblings always struggled keep contact joe said brother craig stevenson call romeo mich siblings still reside kind didnt visit often found things life well happened advertisement found joes death sept 8 2016 east central motel room city known ties interest family members recall joseph stevenson highly intelligent reclusive reclusive none knew left home san diego ended dead albuquerque motel source craig stevenson news came march 4 six months joes death letter new mexico office medical investigator though possible calls made earlier family went unheeded reason think call albuquerque would something like stevenson said according omi report joe checked motel aug 31 expected check day several people saw around 10 morning two hours later housekeeping tried enter room bolted barricaded door minifridge microwave shoved door windows locked well stevenson said told obvious suicide said perhaps thing obvious joes sad strange death smart brother said advertisement maybe smart id say proud intelligence stevenson said hed tell smarter qualms telling thought wrong recent photo known joseph stevenson 60 california drivers license joe graduated degree electrical engineering spent years defense contract work prestigious companies like rockwell international northrop grumman litton industries across country frugal man work allowed set aside tidy nest egg go back school become patent attorney late 40s joe earned enough money careers retire early live comfortably moved san diego close ocean loved personal life stevenson said aware joe engaged twice chicago san diego times women family never met one engagement said soured woman failed let joes beloved dog storm 1990s dog never returned neither woman last known time joe come back michigan 2006 attend mothers funeral last time known home san diego february 2016 dont know happened stevenson said assumed joe owned san diego home death learned rental possessions abandoned inside disposed stevenson said records rental company show joe shared home person named joshua brady october 2013 place abandoned 2016 family idea person joes last years life dark hair turned gray grown shockingly thin onetime runner typically weighed 175 180 pounds california drivers license issued two years ago autopsy report weight listed 145 pounds makes us wonder whether received bad news health decided end things stevenson said didnt utilize doctors much used say use health insurance one dependent remark coronary artery calcification autopsy noted significant natural disease sign medical intervention history depression mental illness suicide attempts brother said suicide note located motel motel 6 officials told stevenson joe rented rooms times months death may september worked temporary jobs labor finders industrial labor staffing agency unknown often worked vehicle owned sold somewhere along way like home san diego joes possessions motel discarded remained joe box cremains tshirt jeans wore died two photographs old one mother one dog lost storm 1990s dogs collar also found motel room probably bigger emotional tie dog us brother said known whether albuquerque another stop along journey joe embarked upon money mind ran became joes final stop family hoping somebody knows something things went bad far lets see find call upfront daily frontpage news opinion column comment directly joline 8233603 jkruegerabqjournalcom follow twitter jolinegkg go wwwabqjournalcomlettersnew submit letter editor 160
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<p>DETROIT (Reuters) - Ford Motor Co ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=F.N" type="external">F.N</a>) is testing prototypes of the redesigned 2020 Focus compact car on U.S. roads 18 months ahead of the car’s production launch in China.</p> The redesigned Ford Focus car for 2020 is shown in Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S. January 21, 2018. REUTERS/Paul Lienert The redesigned Ford Focus car for 2020 is shown in Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S. January 21, 2018. REUTERS/Paul Lienert
<p>The 2020 Focus will be the first Chinese-built Ford to be sold in the United States.</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=F.N" type="external">Ford Motor Co</a> 11.08 F.N New York Stock Exchange +0.22 (+2.03%) F.N
<p>A heavily camouflaged prototype of the vehicle was parked on Sunday at a retail outlet in Ann Arbor, Michigan, about 40 miles (64 km) west of Ford’s Dearborn headquarters and engineering center. Spy photographers have recently captured Focus prototypes undergoing pre-production testing in Europe as well.</p>
<p>In an email, Ford spokesman Michael Levine said the new Focus will go into production in the second half of 2019 and feature “more technology and more space” and “a number of new Focus models.” He said the redesigned Focus will be “globally sourced, primarily from China.”</p>
<p>Ford said last June that the next Focus for the U.S. market will come from China rather than from Mexico, as originally planned. At the time, Ford said the shift to China, the world’s largest market for cars, would save the company $500 million in tooling costs.</p>
<p>By the time the next-generation model arrives next year, the current Focus will be more than eight years old. Last year’s decision to shift U.S.-bound Focus production from Mexico to China signaled a change in strategy by Ford, in response to dwindling U.S. consumer demand for small cars in favor of more expensive and more profitable trucks and sport utility vehicles.</p>
<p>It is also an indication that China could play a much larger role in future vehicle production for North America, perhaps eclipsing Mexico as a low-cost manufacturing source.</p>
<p>Reporting by Paul Lienert in Detroit; Editing by Tom Brown</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>NEW YORK (Reuters) - Wall Street surged on Thursday, bringing an upbeat end to a tumultuous, holiday-shortened week as technology stocks rebounded, but the S&amp;P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average posted their biggest quarterly declines in more than two years.</p>
<p>The year started strong, but early gains evaporated as the markets entered a correction over interest rate jitters, fears of an escalating import tariff dispute between the United States and China, and a selloff in the tech sector.</p>
<p>(GRAPHIC: S&amp;P Quarterly performance during bull market - <a href="https://reut.rs/2pUJYLR" type="external">reut.rs/2pUJYLR</a>)</p>
<a href="https://reut.rs/2pUJYLR" type="external" />
<p>Tech stocks reversed course on Thursday and the S&amp;P 500 information technology index .SPLRCT closed up 2.2 percent after reaching a session high of 3.2 percent, helping push the S&amp;P 500 up 1.4 percent, with the Dow and Nasdaq also rallying.</p>
<p>“All the fears now look overblown. Interest rates, the concern about tariffs, we’re going to get into a trade war,” said Doug Cote, chief market strategist at Voya Investment Management in New York. “But now clearer heads are prevailing. If anything this is a buying opportunity.”</p>
<p>Technology gains were led by Facebook ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=FB.O" type="external">FB.O</a>), Intel ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=INTC.O" type="external">INTC.O</a>), Alphabet ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=GOOGL.O" type="external">GOOGL.O</a>) and Microsoft ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=MSFT.O" type="external">MSFT.O</a>) shares.</p>
<p>“Tech will always lead the charge in a bull market. And we’re in a bull market,” said Cote.</p>
<p>The Dow Jones Industrial Average <a href="/finance/markets/index?symbol=.DJI" type="external">.DJI</a> rose 254.69 points, or 1.07 percent, to close at 24,103.11, the S&amp;P 500 <a href="/finance/markets/index?symbol=.SPX" type="external">.SPX</a> gained 35.87 points, or 1.38 percent, to 2,640.87 and the Nasdaq Composite <a href="/finance/markets/index?symbol=.IXIC" type="external">.IXIC</a> added 114.22 points, or 1.64 percent, to 7,063.45.</p>
<p>Investors were unfazed by economic reports showing a slight increase in consumer spending and initial jobless claims dropping to a more than 45-year low.</p> Slideshow (4 Images)
<p>In other data, core personal consumption expenditures (PCE) rose by 1.6 percent year-on-year. The index, the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation, has been below the U.S. central bank’s 2 percent target since mid-2012.</p>
<p>Amazon.com ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=AMZN.O" type="external">AMZN.O</a>) closed up 1.1 percent, recovering from a 4.6 percent drop after U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the online retailer via Twitter early Thursday, claiming without evidence that the company pays “little to no taxes to state &amp; local governments.”</p>
<p>Stocks shot up earlier in the week as comments from officials in the United States and China suggested the world’s two largest economies would renegotiate tariffs and trade imbalances, averting a trade war.</p>
<p>But worries that retaliatory tariffs would harm the global economy led investors to cut equity exposure to a four-month low in March and reduce holdings of U.S. stocks to the lowest in nearly two years, according to a Reuters poll.</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=FB.O" type="external">Facebook Inc</a> 159.79 FB.O Nasdaq +6.76 (+4.42%) FB.O INTC.O GOOGL.O MSFT.O .DJI
<p>Advancing issues outnumbered declining ones on the NYSE by a 3.66-to-1 ratio; on Nasdaq, a 2.23-to-1 ratio favored advancers.</p>
<p>Volume on U.S. exchanges was 7.49 billion shares, compared to the 7.29 billion average over the last 20 trading days.</p>
<p>Reporting by Stephen Culp in New York; Additional reporting by Charles Mikolajczak; Editing by James Dalgleish</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>(Reuters) - Volkswagen has taken parking lots to a whole new level in the United States and will not be emptying them soon.</p>
<p>Volkswagen AG ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=VOWG_p.DE" type="external">VOWG_p.DE</a>) has paid more than $7.4 billion to buy back about 350,000 U.S. diesel vehicles through mid-February, a recent court filing shows. The German automaker has been storing hundreds of thousands of vehicles around the United States for months.</p>
<p>Volkswagen has 37 secure storage facilities around the United States housing nearly 300,000 vehicles, the filing from the program’s independent administrator said. The lots include a shuttered suburban Detroit football stadium, a former Minnesota paper mill and a sun-bleached desert graveyard near Victorville, California.</p>
<p>VW spokeswoman Jeannine Ginivan said in a statement on Wednesday that the storage facility in Victorville, California, is one of many “to ensure the responsible storage of vehicles that are bought back under the terms of the Volkswagen” diesel settlements.</p>
<p>“These vehicles are being stored on an interim basis and routinely maintained in a manner to ensure their long-term operability and quality, so that they may be returned to commerce or exported once U.S. regulators approve appropriate emissions modifications,” she said.</p>
<p>In total, VW has agreed to spend more than $25 billion in the United States for claims from owners, environmental regulators, states and dealers and offered to buy back about 500,000 polluting U.S. vehicles. The buy backs will continue through the end of 2019.</p>
<p>The court filing said through Dec. 31 Volkswagen had reacquired 335,000 diesel vehicles, resold 13,000 and destroyed about 28,000 vehicles. As of the end of last year, VW was storing 294,000 vehicles around the country.</p> Slideshow (9 Images)
<p>VW must buy back or fix 85 percent of the vehicles involved by June 2019 or face higher payments for emissions.</p>
<p>The company said in February it has repaired or fixed nearly 83 percent of covered vehicles and expects to soon hit the requirement.</p>
<p>Through mid-February VW has issued 437,273 letters offering nearly $8 billion in compensation and buybacks.</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=VOWG_p.DE" type="external">Volkswagen AG</a> 161.38 VOWG_p.DE Xetra +6.38 (+4.12%) VOWG_p.DE
<p>In April 2017 Volkswagen was sentenced to three years probation after pleading guilty to three felony counts and paid $4.3 billion in federal penalties. The automaker in September 2015 admitted to circumventing the emissions control system in U.S. diesel vehicles for vehicles sold since 2009, prompting the resignation of the company’s chief executive.</p>
<p>Reporting by David Shepardson in New York; editing by Jeffrey Benkoe</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>NEW YORK (Reuters) - General Electric Co is poised to shine light into a sizable part of its financial black box, an area that governs how it estimates revenue from long-term contracts.</p> The logo of General Electric Co. is pictured at the Global Operations Center in San Pedro Garza Garcia, neighbouring Monterrey, Mexico, May 12, 2017. REUTERS/Daniel Becerril
<p>The 126-year-old, Boston-based industrial conglomerate is due to publish figures soon that analysts say should help explain why it receives less cash from earnings than the industry average. The company has indicated it may release the figures by the end of this month.</p>
<p>The increased disclosure stems from new accounting standards that require companies to reveal more about how they estimate revenue from such long-term contracts, known as contract assets.</p>
<p>Companies typically use the cost of providing services as a basis for revenue estimates, but the process can lead to over- or under-estimating the value of the contracts, experts say.</p>
<p>GE’s contract asset tally has soared 70 percent to $28.8 billion in 2017, from $16.9 billion in 2014, most of it in its power and aviation units. The majority of the total reflects revenue GE has already booked but for which it has not billed customers, which creates the gap between profit and cash flow, according to GE’s regulatory filings.</p>
<p>GE’s accounting is under scrutiny after earnings swung to a loss last year and GE said its 2018 results would be at the low end of its forecasted range. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission also is looking into GE’s accounting for contract assets, raising investor concern. GE has said it is not overly concerned about the investigation.</p>
<p>GE said in February that it expects to take a $4.2 billion accounting charge as it switches to the new standard. Some analysts think the charge could be higher, since competitors of GE’s power business say the company is signing long-term service contracts at low prices to win equipment sales.</p> The logo of General Electric is seen at its plant in Baden, Switzerland November 15, 2017. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann
<p>“That’s what the competitors have been grousing,” Deane Dray, analyst at RBC Capital Markets, said on Wednesday.</p>
<p>If the charge is close to what GE disclosed, it could bolster GE Chief Executive John Flannery’s credibility, which has been dented by falling profit and a charge for old insurance policies revealed in January.</p>
<p>GE also is restating financial results for 2016 and 2017 so that 2018 results will be comparable. The company’s financial situation has prompted talk that it might raise capital. Its shares rose on Tuesday after reports that billionaire investor Warren Buffett may buy a stake after selling last year.</p>
<p>GE declined to comment on the Buffett reports. It said it chose to restate prior earnings - a more exacting standard under the new rules - because it will allow investors to compare 2018 results with the prior years on the same basis. “We chose that approach because we believe that it is the most helpful to our investors,” GE spokeswoman Jennifer Erickson said.</p>
<p>Reporting by Alwyn Scott; Editing by Matthew Lewis</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Tesla Inc shares rose on Thursday ahead of the expected release next week of the company’s quarterly auto production data, while a senior executive urged workers at the automaker to hit a weekly production target of 2,500 Model 3 sedans by the end of March.</p> A Tesla Model 3 sedan, its first car aimed at the mass market, is displayed during its launch in Hawthorne, California, March 31, 2016. REUTERS/Joe White/File Photo
<p>Quickly ramping up Model 3 production is crucial for the Silicon Valley electric vehicle maker. The company’s profitability depends on delivering the new sedans to customers on a waiting list that Tesla has said now numbers about 500,000 advance reservation holders.</p>
<p>Tesla shares recovered to $266.13, up 3 percent, Thursday after a sell-off prompted by a Moody’s debt downgrade and news that safety regulators are investigating a Model X-involved fatality.</p>
<p>In an email to employees viewed by Reuters, Tesla Senior Vice President of Engineering Doug Fields wrote that production of Tesla vehicles is “well into the 200’s on every single line.”</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-tesla-recall/tesla-voluntarily-recalls-early-model-s-vehicles-over-power-steering-bolts-idUSKBN1H5381" type="external">Tesla voluntarily recalls early Model S vehicles over power steering bolts</a>
<p>Field gave reasons why Tesla needs to get to 2,500 vehicles a week, including: “There are an incredible number of people who ‘short’ Tesla stock, which means they profit when we fail. And lately the story is the same: ‘Tesla can’t do high-volume production’. I find that personally insulting, and you should too. Let’s make them regret ever betting against us.”</p>
<p>Tesla must “quickly break through the 300 cars/day barrier, and keep going,” the email continued.</p>
<p>Tesla did not immediately comment on the email, which was previously reported by Bloomberg News.</p>
<p>Doubts that Tesla could meet its production targets and concerns about cash reserves were behind Moody’s downgrade of Tesla last week. The ratings agency cited the likelihood of a new capital raise, which it estimated at over $2 billion, in part to cover approximately $1.2 billion in convertible bonds coming due by March 2019.</p>
<p>The downgrade, together with a fatality involving a Model X that is currently being investigated by safety regulators, sent shares down 12 percent for the week, even after Thursday’s rebound. That made it Tesla’s worst week in nine months.</p>
<p>Tesla shares are still above the $255.73 level, the price when Tesla last announced a capital raise in March last year to raise $1.15 billion.</p>
<p>Moody’s and other analysts have predicted Tesla will soon have to sell more shares to replenish cash reserves and pay for expansion of Model 3 production and new vehicles such as the Tesla Semi electric commercial truck and a compact sport utility vehicle.</p>
<p>As of Dec. 31, Tesla had $3.4 billion in cash and securities. Moody’s estimated approximately $500 million in cash was needed for normal operations and forecast cash burn this year of about $2 billion.</p>
<p>Beyond the $2 billion that Moody’s predicted Tesla would seek in the near-term, it said the company would likely need to raise additional capital during the second half of 2019.</p>
<p>Chief Executive Elon Musk has promised to build 10,000 Model 3s per week by some point in 2018 after meeting a 5,000-per week target by the end of the second quarter. Tesla built only 2,425 Model 3s in its fourth quarter.</p>
<p>Barclays analyst Brian Johnson warned in a note to investors on Thursday that Tesla could engage in a Model 3 “burst rate” of production that could send shares up, but would not be sustainable.</p>
<p>Writing by Alexandria Sage and Joe White; Edting by Tom Brown</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
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detroit reuters ford motor co fn testing prototypes redesigned 2020 focus compact car us roads 18 months ahead cars production launch china redesigned ford focus car 2020 shown ann arbor michigan us january 21 2018 reuterspaul lienert redesigned ford focus car 2020 shown ann arbor michigan us january 21 2018 reuterspaul lienert 2020 focus first chinesebuilt ford sold united states ford motor co 1108 fn new york stock exchange 022 203 fn heavily camouflaged prototype vehicle parked sunday retail outlet ann arbor michigan 40 miles 64 km west fords dearborn headquarters engineering center spy photographers recently captured focus prototypes undergoing preproduction testing europe well email ford spokesman michael levine said new focus go production second half 2019 feature technology space number new focus models said redesigned focus globally sourced primarily china ford said last june next focus us market come china rather mexico originally planned time ford said shift china worlds largest market cars would save company 500 million tooling costs time nextgeneration model arrives next year current focus eight years old last years decision shift usbound focus production mexico china signaled change strategy ford response dwindling us consumer demand small cars favor expensive profitable trucks sport utility vehicles also indication china could play much larger role future vehicle production north america perhaps eclipsing mexico lowcost manufacturing source reporting paul lienert detroit editing tom brown standards thomson reuters trust principles new york reuters wall street surged thursday bringing upbeat end tumultuous holidayshortened week technology stocks rebounded sampp 500 dow jones industrial average posted biggest quarterly declines two years year started strong early gains evaporated markets entered correction interest rate jitters fears escalating import tariff dispute united states china selloff tech sector graphic sampp quarterly performance bull market reutrs2pujylr tech stocks reversed course thursday sampp 500 information technology index splrct closed 22 percent reaching session high 32 percent helping push sampp 500 14 percent dow nasdaq also rallying fears look overblown interest rates concern tariffs going get trade war said doug cote chief market strategist voya investment management new york clearer heads prevailing anything buying opportunity technology gains led facebook fbo intel intco alphabet googlo microsoft msfto shares tech always lead charge bull market bull market said cote dow jones industrial average dji rose 25469 points 107 percent close 2410311 sampp 500 spx gained 3587 points 138 percent 264087 nasdaq composite ixic added 11422 points 164 percent 706345 investors unfazed economic reports showing slight increase consumer spending initial jobless claims dropping 45year low slideshow 4 images data core personal consumption expenditures pce rose 16 percent yearonyear index federal reserves preferred measure inflation us central banks 2 percent target since mid2012 amazoncom amzno closed 11 percent recovering 46 percent drop us president donald trump criticized online retailer via twitter early thursday claiming without evidence company pays little taxes state amp local governments stocks shot earlier week comments officials united states china suggested worlds two largest economies would renegotiate tariffs trade imbalances averting trade war worries retaliatory tariffs would harm global economy led investors cut equity exposure fourmonth low march reduce holdings us stocks lowest nearly two years according reuters poll facebook inc 15979 fbo nasdaq 676 442 fbo intco googlo msfto dji advancing issues outnumbered declining ones nyse 366to1 ratio nasdaq 223to1 ratio favored advancers volume us exchanges 749 billion shares compared 729 billion average last 20 trading days reporting stephen culp new york additional reporting charles mikolajczak editing james dalgleish standards thomson reuters trust principles reuters volkswagen taken parking lots whole new level united states emptying soon volkswagen ag vowg_pde paid 74 billion buy back 350000 us diesel vehicles midfebruary recent court filing shows german automaker storing hundreds thousands vehicles around united states months volkswagen 37 secure storage facilities around united states housing nearly 300000 vehicles filing programs independent administrator said lots include shuttered suburban detroit football stadium former minnesota paper mill sunbleached desert graveyard near victorville california vw spokeswoman jeannine ginivan said statement wednesday storage facility victorville california one many ensure responsible storage vehicles bought back terms volkswagen diesel settlements vehicles stored interim basis routinely maintained manner ensure longterm operability quality may returned commerce exported us regulators approve appropriate emissions modifications said total vw agreed spend 25 billion united states claims owners environmental regulators states dealers offered buy back 500000 polluting us vehicles buy backs continue end 2019 court filing said dec 31 volkswagen reacquired 335000 diesel vehicles resold 13000 destroyed 28000 vehicles end last year vw storing 294000 vehicles around country slideshow 9 images vw must buy back fix 85 percent vehicles involved june 2019 face higher payments emissions company said february repaired fixed nearly 83 percent covered vehicles expects soon hit requirement midfebruary vw issued 437273 letters offering nearly 8 billion compensation buybacks volkswagen ag 16138 vowg_pde xetra 638 412 vowg_pde april 2017 volkswagen sentenced three years probation pleading guilty three felony counts paid 43 billion federal penalties automaker september 2015 admitted circumventing emissions control system us diesel vehicles vehicles sold since 2009 prompting resignation companys chief executive reporting david shepardson new york editing jeffrey benkoe standards thomson reuters trust principles new york reuters general electric co poised shine light sizable part financial black box area governs estimates revenue longterm contracts logo general electric co pictured global operations center san pedro garza garcia neighbouring monterrey mexico may 12 2017 reutersdaniel becerril 126yearold bostonbased industrial conglomerate due publish figures soon analysts say help explain receives less cash earnings industry average company indicated may release figures end month increased disclosure stems new accounting standards require companies reveal estimate revenue longterm contracts known contract assets companies typically use cost providing services basis revenue estimates process lead underestimating value contracts experts say ges contract asset tally soared 70 percent 288 billion 2017 169 billion 2014 power aviation units majority total reflects revenue ge already booked billed customers creates gap profit cash flow according ges regulatory filings ges accounting scrutiny earnings swung loss last year ge said 2018 results would low end forecasted range us securities exchange commission also looking ges accounting contract assets raising investor concern ge said overly concerned investigation ge said february expects take 42 billion accounting charge switches new standard analysts think charge could higher since competitors ges power business say company signing longterm service contracts low prices win equipment sales logo general electric seen plant baden switzerland november 15 2017 reutersarnd wiegmann thats competitors grousing deane dray analyst rbc capital markets said wednesday charge close ge disclosed could bolster ge chief executive john flannerys credibility dented falling profit charge old insurance policies revealed january ge also restating financial results 2016 2017 2018 results comparable companys financial situation prompted talk might raise capital shares rose tuesday reports billionaire investor warren buffett may buy stake selling last year ge declined comment buffett reports said chose restate prior earnings exacting standard new rules allow investors compare 2018 results prior years basis chose approach believe helpful investors ge spokeswoman jennifer erickson said reporting alwyn scott editing matthew lewis standards thomson reuters trust principles san francisco reuters tesla inc shares rose thursday ahead expected release next week companys quarterly auto production data senior executive urged workers automaker hit weekly production target 2500 model 3 sedans end march tesla model 3 sedan first car aimed mass market displayed launch hawthorne california march 31 2016 reutersjoe whitefile photo quickly ramping model 3 production crucial silicon valley electric vehicle maker companys profitability depends delivering new sedans customers waiting list tesla said numbers 500000 advance reservation holders tesla shares recovered 26613 3 percent thursday selloff prompted moodys debt downgrade news safety regulators investigating model xinvolved fatality email employees viewed reuters tesla senior vice president engineering doug fields wrote production tesla vehicles well 200s every single line related coverage tesla voluntarily recalls early model vehicles power steering bolts field gave reasons tesla needs get 2500 vehicles week including incredible number people short tesla stock means profit fail lately story tesla cant highvolume production find personally insulting lets make regret ever betting us tesla must quickly break 300 carsday barrier keep going email continued tesla immediately comment email previously reported bloomberg news doubts tesla could meet production targets concerns cash reserves behind moodys downgrade tesla last week ratings agency cited likelihood new capital raise estimated 2 billion part cover approximately 12 billion convertible bonds coming due march 2019 downgrade together fatality involving model x currently investigated safety regulators sent shares 12 percent week even thursdays rebound made teslas worst week nine months tesla shares still 25573 level price tesla last announced capital raise march last year raise 115 billion moodys analysts predicted tesla soon sell shares replenish cash reserves pay expansion model 3 production new vehicles tesla semi electric commercial truck compact sport utility vehicle dec 31 tesla 34 billion cash securities moodys estimated approximately 500 million cash needed normal operations forecast cash burn year 2 billion beyond 2 billion moodys predicted tesla would seek nearterm said company would likely need raise additional capital second half 2019 chief executive elon musk promised build 10000 model 3s per week point 2018 meeting 5000per week target end second quarter tesla built 2425 model 3s fourth quarter barclays analyst brian johnson warned note investors thursday tesla could engage model 3 burst rate production could send shares would sustainable writing alexandria sage joe white edting tom brown standards thomson reuters trust principles
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<p>JUBA, South Sudan (AP) — The new leader of UNICEF says the children’s agency is taking a new approach in 2018 by engaging with private companies to help prepare young people for productive lives.</p>
<p>In an interview with The Associated Press, executive director Henrietta Holsman Fore said she plans to draw on her experience in the business and development worlds. The American was the first woman to lead the U.S. Agency for International Development and was CEO of Holsman International, an investment and management firm.</p>
<p>“I would hope that we can cross over and try to take the best from each other and scale it up for the people that we serve, as we serve children and children need everything,” Fore told the AP during a visit to South Sudan this week.</p>
<p>She chose the civil war-torn nation for her first international trip since taking over the U.N. agency at the start of the year because South Sudan is where aid workers face the greatest risk worldwide. At least 28 aid workers were killed in the East African nation last year, according to figures released by the U.N. this week.</p>
<p>Fore urged South Sudan President Salva Kiir to make the country’s people his “first priority” and called the country’s dire situation “a crisis for children.”</p>
<p>South Sudan’s civil war, now in its fifth year, has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions. Children have borne the brunt of the conflict.</p>
<p>“The fighting shows no sign of abating and the humanitarian needs are massive,” Fore said in a statement Friday at the end of her visit. “2.4 million children have been forced to flee their homes. More than a quarter of a million children are severely malnourished and at imminent risk of death. Over 19,000 children have been recruited into the conflict.</p>
<p>“At least one in three schools has been damaged, destroyed, occupied or closed. And we have documented more than 1,200 cases of sexual violence against children. The numbers go on and on.”</p>
<p>Over 70 percent of children are out of school, the highest proportion of children without education in the world, according to the U.N.</p>
<p>The combination of an illiterate generation with one that’s been severely displaced means that “you’ve lost them twice,” Fore said. “You lose them to education and you lose them to life skills. You’re impoverishing a nation.”</p>
<p>Fore said she plans to launch new initiatives to focus on the “second decade of life,” or children between the ages of 10 and 18. Her idea is to use education and work programs including local and multinational companies that can bring children into their work and teach them skills.</p>
<p>UNICEF is the U.N.’s second-largest agency, with a budget of about $5 billion in 2017.</p>
<p>JUBA, South Sudan (AP) — The new leader of UNICEF says the children’s agency is taking a new approach in 2018 by engaging with private companies to help prepare young people for productive lives.</p>
<p>In an interview with The Associated Press, executive director Henrietta Holsman Fore said she plans to draw on her experience in the business and development worlds. The American was the first woman to lead the U.S. Agency for International Development and was CEO of Holsman International, an investment and management firm.</p>
<p>“I would hope that we can cross over and try to take the best from each other and scale it up for the people that we serve, as we serve children and children need everything,” Fore told the AP during a visit to South Sudan this week.</p>
<p>She chose the civil war-torn nation for her first international trip since taking over the U.N. agency at the start of the year because South Sudan is where aid workers face the greatest risk worldwide. At least 28 aid workers were killed in the East African nation last year, according to figures released by the U.N. this week.</p>
<p>Fore urged South Sudan President Salva Kiir to make the country’s people his “first priority” and called the country’s dire situation “a crisis for children.”</p>
<p>South Sudan’s civil war, now in its fifth year, has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions. Children have borne the brunt of the conflict.</p>
<p>“The fighting shows no sign of abating and the humanitarian needs are massive,” Fore said in a statement Friday at the end of her visit. “2.4 million children have been forced to flee their homes. More than a quarter of a million children are severely malnourished and at imminent risk of death. Over 19,000 children have been recruited into the conflict.</p>
<p>“At least one in three schools has been damaged, destroyed, occupied or closed. And we have documented more than 1,200 cases of sexual violence against children. The numbers go on and on.”</p>
<p>Over 70 percent of children are out of school, the highest proportion of children without education in the world, according to the U.N.</p>
<p>The combination of an illiterate generation with one that’s been severely displaced means that “you’ve lost them twice,” Fore said. “You lose them to education and you lose them to life skills. You’re impoverishing a nation.”</p>
<p>Fore said she plans to launch new initiatives to focus on the “second decade of life,” or children between the ages of 10 and 18. Her idea is to use education and work programs including local and multinational companies that can bring children into their work and teach them skills.</p>
<p>UNICEF is the U.N.’s second-largest agency, with a budget of about $5 billion in 2017.</p>
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juba south sudan ap new leader unicef says childrens agency taking new approach 2018 engaging private companies help prepare young people productive lives interview associated press executive director henrietta holsman fore said plans draw experience business development worlds american first woman lead us agency international development ceo holsman international investment management firm would hope cross try take best scale people serve serve children children need everything fore told ap visit south sudan week chose civil wartorn nation first international trip since taking un agency start year south sudan aid workers face greatest risk worldwide least 28 aid workers killed east african nation last year according figures released un week fore urged south sudan president salva kiir make countrys people first priority called countrys dire situation crisis children south sudans civil war fifth year killed tens thousands displaced millions children borne brunt conflict fighting shows sign abating humanitarian needs massive fore said statement friday end visit 24 million children forced flee homes quarter million children severely malnourished imminent risk death 19000 children recruited conflict least one three schools damaged destroyed occupied closed documented 1200 cases sexual violence children numbers go 70 percent children school highest proportion children without education world according un combination illiterate generation one thats severely displaced means youve lost twice fore said lose education lose life skills youre impoverishing nation fore said plans launch new initiatives focus second decade life children ages 10 18 idea use education work programs including local multinational companies bring children work teach skills unicef uns secondlargest agency budget 5 billion 2017 juba south sudan ap new leader unicef says childrens agency taking new approach 2018 engaging private companies help prepare young people productive lives interview associated press executive director henrietta holsman fore said plans draw experience business development worlds american first woman lead us agency international development ceo holsman international investment management firm would hope cross try take best scale people serve serve children children need everything fore told ap visit south sudan week chose civil wartorn nation first international trip since taking un agency start year south sudan aid workers face greatest risk worldwide least 28 aid workers killed east african nation last year according figures released un week fore urged south sudan president salva kiir make countrys people first priority called countrys dire situation crisis children south sudans civil war fifth year killed tens thousands displaced millions children borne brunt conflict fighting shows sign abating humanitarian needs massive fore said statement friday end visit 24 million children forced flee homes quarter million children severely malnourished imminent risk death 19000 children recruited conflict least one three schools damaged destroyed occupied closed documented 1200 cases sexual violence children numbers go 70 percent children school highest proportion children without education world according un combination illiterate generation one thats severely displaced means youve lost twice fore said lose education lose life skills youre impoverishing nation fore said plans launch new initiatives focus second decade life children ages 10 18 idea use education work programs including local multinational companies bring children work teach skills unicef uns secondlargest agency budget 5 billion 2017
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<p>I’ve got a bunch of ideas for getting batches of cookies prepped ahead of time, but first, here’s one of my favorite save-the-season recipes: Do-Almost-Anything Vanilla Cookie Dough. It’s a cookie baker’s secret weapon; it was mine before I went public with it in my new book, “Dorie’s Cookies.”</p>
<p>This delicious dough comes together easily and has a variety of uses, from drop to slice-and-bake to cut-out cookies. It can take some spice or remain purely vanilla. It rolls and bakes flat, so it can be decorated; and it stays just where you put it, so if you decide to make a gothic cathedral complete with flying buttresses, the dough won’t defeat your grand plans.</p>
<p>I’m starting you off with the basic recipe, plus four other recipes you can make with it: Make one batch of dough and divide it to make all four, or make a bushel of one type of cookie from one batch. So many ways to play.</p>
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<p>My four-made-from-one-dough cookies are: White Chocolate and Poppy Seed Cookies (cut-out cookies with an easy white-chocolate glaze); Double Ginger Crumb Cookies (fresh ginger cookies with a ginger crumb topping); Vanilla Polka Dots (drop cookies speckled with crunchy pearl sugar); and Christmas Spice Cookies (spiced cut-out cookies to sprinkle with sparkly sugar or decorate madly).</p>
<p>This dough is so malleable that you can use it make thumbprints, with a thick berry jam; slice-and-bakes, after you roll the dough into logs; pinwheels, with a filling of cranberries and orange (think cranberry sauce); or sandwiches, with cookie spread or Nutella (how great would that be?).</p>
<p>As I said, these four recipes are just a kick-start to get you deep into holiday baking. They’re one way you can grab a little control from the craziness that can be deadline baking.</p>
<p>Takeaway tips</p>
<p>– The dough can be made and frozen for up to 2 months.</p>
<p>– If you’re making cut-out cookies, roll the dough between sheets of parchment or wax paper, stack the sandwiched dough on a baking sheet and, when it’s completely frozen, wrap airtight. No need to defrost the dough before cutting and baking.</p>
<p>– If you’re making drop or scoop cookies, drop/scoop the dough onto a lined baking sheet and freeze, uncovered, until the balls are solid. Put the balls in a bag and seal airtight. When you’re ready to bake, arrange the balls of dough on a lined baking sheet, leave them at room temperature while you preheat the oven, then bake. This works for thumbprint cookies too; just make the “print” before you freeze the dough.</p>
<p>– If you’re making slice-and-bake or pinwheel cookies, wrap the logs of dough airtight and freeze. Let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before slicing and baking.</p>
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<p>– I prefer freezing raw dough and baking cookies when I want them, but that might not be practical if you’ve got dozens of cookies to bake for a swap. Happily, baked cookies freeze well, too. Pack them airtight, and they’ll be good for up to 2 months. Defrost them still wrapped.</p>
<p>– To pack cookies for shipping, the rule is “like with like”: crunchy with crunchy, soft with soft, and spice (or fragrant peanut butter) separate from plain.</p>
<p>– My favorite packing material is popcorn – real popcorn: It’s a great cushion, and both you and the person who opens the box get an extra snack.</p>
<p>Now off you go: Bake! Bake! And bake some more.</p>
<p>– – –</p>
<p>Dorie Greenspan’s Do-Almost-Anything Vanilla Cookie Dough</p>
<p>Makes 80 two-inch cookies</p>
<p>Dorie Greenspan offers four variations you can make with this dough; we like it baked simply, as it is here.</p>
<p>You’ll need a 2-inch cookie cutter.</p>
<p>See the Variations, below, each of which uses one-quarter of this basic dough.</p>
<p>MAKE AHEAD: The basic rolled-out dough needs to be refrigerated for at least 3 hours and up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. Cut and bake directly from the freezer.</p>
<p>Adapted from “Dorie’s Cookies,” by Dorie Greenspan (Rux Martin/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2016).</p>
<p>Ingredients</p>
<p>1 pound (454 grams) unsalted butter, cut into chunks, at room temperature</p>
<p>1 1/3 cups (262 grams) sugar</p>
<p>1 teaspoon fine sea salt</p>
<p>2 large egg whites, at room temperature</p>
<p>1 tablespoon vanilla extract</p>
<p>4 cups (544 grams) flour</p>
<p>Sanding sugar, for sprinkling (optional)</p>
<p>Steps</p>
<p>Combine the butter, sugar and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer or handheld electric mixer; beat on medium speed for about 3 minutes or until creamy. Stop once or twice to scrape down the bowl.</p>
<p>Reduce the speed to low and add the egg whites and then the vanilla extract; the dough may curdle, but it will smooth out once the flour is added.</p>
<p>On low speed, add the flour in 3 or 4 additions, beating only until it is almost incorporated before the next portion goes in. Stop to scrape down the bowl as needed.</p>
<p>At this point, the dough can be divided and flavored (see VARIATIONS, below) and scooped or rolled out. To make plain cookies, divide the dough into quarters and shape each one into a disk. Working with one disk at a time, place it between 2 sheets of parchment paper and roll out to a thickness of 1/4 inch. Stack the disks with their parchment paper on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 3 hours; or you can freeze them for 1 hour.</p>
<p>Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven; preheat to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone liners.</p>
<p>Working with one rolled-out portion of dough at a time, peel away the parchment paper on both sides, then place the dough back on one of those sheets of paper.</p>
<p>Use the cookie cutter to cut out as many cookies as you can, spacing them about 1 1/2 inches apart on the baking sheets and rerolling scraps as needed. Sprinkle with sanding sugar if desired. Bake (upper and lower racks) for 19 to 21 minutes, rotating the sheets from top to bottom and front to back halfway through or as soon as you see the cookies’ edges start to become golden. Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring the cookies to wire racks to cool completely. Repeat with the remaining dough.</p>
<p>Variations</p>
<p>– To make about 24 White Chocolate and Poppy Seed Cookies, stir 1/3 cup (56 grams) chopped white chocolate bar or white chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon black poppy seeds into one-quarter of the basic dough (before you roll it out). Roll to a 1/4-inch-thick disk, chill, cut out, bake and cool as in the recipe above. Melt 1/3 cup white chocolate chips; spread it over the cooled cookies and then sprinkle with more poppy seeds. Let set before serving or storing.</p>
<p>– To make 20 Vanilla Polka Dots, use a small (2 teaspoons) disher to create 20 level portions of dough, using one-quarter of the basic dough before it’s rolled out. Roll each portion into a ball, then dip it into a bowl containing about 1/2 cup (96 grams) pearl or Swedish sugar, and space the balls about 2 inches apart on a baking sheet. Wrap the bottom of a jam jar with plastic wrap; use it to flatten the balls a bit. Bake (middle rack) one sheet at a time for 20 to 22 minutes, rotating the sheet from front to back after 11 minutes. Cool the cookies as directed above.</p>
<p>– To make about 20 Double-Ginger Crumb Cookies, stir together 1 1/4 teaspoons peeled, minced fresh ginger root and 1 teaspoon sugar in a small bowl. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring a few times, until the sugar melts into a syrup. Stir that mixture into one-quarter of the basic dough recipe (before you roll it out). Roll out and chill as directed above. Make the topping: Combine 3/4 cup (102 grams) flour, 1/3 cup (67 grams) sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt and 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, in a bowl, using your fingertips to work the mixture into crumbs that hold together. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. Cut out the cookies as directed above, then sprinkle a generous amount of the crumbly topping on each one. (You will have leftover topping.) Bake (middle rack) one sheet at a time, for 21 to 23 minutes, rotating the sheet from front to back after 12 minutes. Cool as directed above.</p>
<p>– To make about 18 Christmas Spice Cookies, combine 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, a pinch of ground cloves and a pinch of ground allspice in a small bowl, then blend the mixture evenly into one-quarter of the basic dough recipe (before you roll it out). Roll out, chill and cut out as directed above, using a 2-inch snowflake-shaped cutter; sprinkle sanding sugar over each one, if desired, before baking (middle rack) one sheet at a time for 19 to 21 minutes, rotating the sheet from front to back after 10 minutes. Cool as directed above.</p>
<p>Nutrition: Per cookie: 80 calories, 0 g protein, 8 g carbohydrates, 5 g fat, 3 g saturated fat, 10 mg cholesterol, 30 mg sodium, 0 g dietary fiber, 3 g sugar</p>
<p>cookies-dough</p>
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ive got bunch ideas getting batches cookies prepped ahead time first heres one favorite savetheseason recipes doalmostanything vanilla cookie dough cookie bakers secret weapon mine went public new book dories cookies delicious dough comes together easily variety uses drop sliceandbake cutout cookies take spice remain purely vanilla rolls bakes flat decorated stays put decide make gothic cathedral complete flying buttresses dough wont defeat grand plans im starting basic recipe plus four recipes make make one batch dough divide make four make bushel one type cookie one batch many ways play advertisement fourmadefromonedough cookies white chocolate poppy seed cookies cutout cookies easy whitechocolate glaze double ginger crumb cookies fresh ginger cookies ginger crumb topping vanilla polka dots drop cookies speckled crunchy pearl sugar christmas spice cookies spiced cutout cookies sprinkle sparkly sugar decorate madly dough malleable use make thumbprints thick berry jam sliceandbakes roll dough logs pinwheels filling cranberries orange think cranberry sauce sandwiches cookie spread nutella great would said four recipes kickstart get deep holiday baking theyre one way grab little control craziness deadline baking takeaway tips dough made frozen 2 months youre making cutout cookies roll dough sheets parchment wax paper stack sandwiched dough baking sheet completely frozen wrap airtight need defrost dough cutting baking youre making drop scoop cookies dropscoop dough onto lined baking sheet freeze uncovered balls solid put balls bag seal airtight youre ready bake arrange balls dough lined baking sheet leave room temperature preheat oven bake works thumbprint cookies make print freeze dough youre making sliceandbake pinwheel cookies wrap logs dough airtight freeze let dough sit room temperature 10 minutes slicing baking advertisement prefer freezing raw dough baking cookies want might practical youve got dozens cookies bake swap happily baked cookies freeze well pack airtight theyll good 2 months defrost still wrapped pack cookies shipping rule like like crunchy crunchy soft soft spice fragrant peanut butter separate plain favorite packing material popcorn real popcorn great cushion person opens box get extra snack go bake bake bake dorie greenspans doalmostanything vanilla cookie dough makes 80 twoinch cookies dorie greenspan offers four variations make dough like baked simply youll need 2inch cookie cutter see variations uses onequarter basic dough make ahead basic rolledout dough needs refrigerated least 3 hours 3 days frozen 2 months cut bake directly freezer adapted dories cookies dorie greenspan rux martinhoughton mifflin harcourt 2016 ingredients 1 pound 454 grams unsalted butter cut chunks room temperature 1 13 cups 262 grams sugar 1 teaspoon fine sea salt 2 large egg whites room temperature 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 4 cups 544 grams flour sanding sugar sprinkling optional steps combine butter sugar salt bowl stand mixer handheld electric mixer beat medium speed 3 minutes creamy stop twice scrape bowl reduce speed low add egg whites vanilla extract dough may curdle smooth flour added low speed add flour 3 4 additions beating almost incorporated next portion goes stop scrape bowl needed point dough divided flavored see variations scooped rolled make plain cookies divide dough quarters shape one disk working one disk time place 2 sheets parchment paper roll thickness 14 inch stack disks parchment paper baking sheet refrigerate least 3 hours freeze 1 hour position racks upper lower thirds oven preheat 350 degrees line two baking sheets parchment paper silicone liners working one rolledout portion dough time peel away parchment paper sides place dough back one sheets paper use cookie cutter cut many cookies spacing 1 12 inches apart baking sheets rerolling scraps needed sprinkle sanding sugar desired bake upper lower racks 19 21 minutes rotating sheets top bottom front back halfway soon see cookies edges start become golden cool baking sheets 5 minutes transferring cookies wire racks cool completely repeat remaining dough variations make 24 white chocolate poppy seed cookies stir 13 cup 56 grams chopped white chocolate bar white chocolate chips 1 tablespoon black poppy seeds onequarter basic dough roll roll 14inchthick disk chill cut bake cool recipe melt 13 cup white chocolate chips spread cooled cookies sprinkle poppy seeds let set serving storing make 20 vanilla polka dots use small 2 teaspoons disher create 20 level portions dough using onequarter basic dough rolled roll portion ball dip bowl containing 12 cup 96 grams pearl swedish sugar space balls 2 inches apart baking sheet wrap bottom jam jar plastic wrap use flatten balls bit bake middle rack one sheet time 20 22 minutes rotating sheet front back 11 minutes cool cookies directed make 20 doubleginger crumb cookies stir together 1 14 teaspoons peeled minced fresh ginger root 1 teaspoon sugar small bowl let sit 5 10 minutes stirring times sugar melts syrup stir mixture onequarter basic dough recipe roll roll chill directed make topping combine 34 cup 102 grams flour 13 cup 67 grams sugar 12 teaspoon ground ginger 14 teaspoon fine sea salt 6 tablespoons 34 stick cold unsalted butter cut small pieces bowl using fingertips work mixture crumbs hold together cover refrigerate 1 hour cut cookies directed sprinkle generous amount crumbly topping one leftover topping bake middle rack one sheet time 21 23 minutes rotating sheet front back 12 minutes cool directed make 18 christmas spice cookies combine 14 teaspoon ground cinnamon 14 teaspoon ground ginger pinch ground cloves pinch ground allspice small bowl blend mixture evenly onequarter basic dough recipe roll roll chill cut directed using 2inch snowflakeshaped cutter sprinkle sanding sugar one desired baking middle rack one sheet time 19 21 minutes rotating sheet front back 10 minutes cool directed nutrition per cookie 80 calories 0 g protein 8 g carbohydrates 5 g fat 3 g saturated fat 10 mg cholesterol 30 mg sodium 0 g dietary fiber 3 g sugar cookiesdough
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<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — For all his errant swings at the facts, President Donald Trump sometimes gets it just right.</p>
<p>“There’s been no first year like this,” he told a Florida rally last month.</p>
<p>Were truer words ever spoken?</p>
<p>This Department of Corrections has certainly never seen a first year like this. Falsehoods and exaggerations have tumbled relentlessly out of Trump’s Twitter account, speeches and interviews, the vast majority in service of his ego.</p>
<p>Other presidents have skewered the truth — George W. Bush on the pretext for the Iraq war, Barack Obama on the benefits of “Obamacare” — but Trump is of a different order of magnitude.</p>
<p>The president routinely presents his intended actions as achievements (“Obamacare” is dead, money is “pouring” into NATO), and inflates the significance of what he’s done (calling his tax cuts the biggest ever and his accomplishments unrivaled in history — neither true). He exaggerates the problems he inherited (roads and bridges are in “total disrepair and disarray,” the border was “wide open”), lays out fanciful goals (6 percent economic growth), and doesn’t learn from mistakes. Instead he repeats them.</p>
<p>Moreover, Trump often bypasses the vast information-gathering apparatus that reports to him in favor of getting his reality from TV, or just his gut.</p>
<p>For all his errant swings at the facts, President Donald Trump sometimes gets it just right. “There’s been no first year like this,” he told a Florida rally last month. (Jan. 17)</p>
<p>Some trends and highlights in his misstatements since taking office:</p>
<p>THE ART OF THE BIGGEST BESTEST</p>
<p>Trump doesn’t do big tax cuts. He does the biggest ever. He doesn’t win an election. He scores a “landslide.” He doesn’t just make the Veterans Affairs Department run better. He drives out the “sadists.”</p>
<p>In fact:</p>
<p>—The December tax overhaul ranks behind Ronald Reagan’s in the early 1980s, post-World War II tax cuts and at least several more.</p>
<p>—His 2016 win ranks as the 13th closest of the 58 presidential elections in U.S. history, according to a tally by Claremont McKenna College political scientist John Pitney. It was no landslide. His winning percentage in the Electoral College was just under 57 percent, narrower than both of Obama’s wins (61 percent in 2008 and 62 percent in 2012) and all but two of the last 10 presidential elections. Also, he lost the popular vote to Democrat Hillary Clinton.</p>
<p>—Despite his boasts that incompetent VA employees are being swiftly removed — and enactment of a mid-year law that expedites that process — more VA employees were fired in Obama’s last budget year than in Trump’s first.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>MISSIONS UNACCOMPLISHED</p>
<p>Trump sees things the way he wants them to be and presents them as if that’s how they are.</p>
<p>“You know, we have factories pouring back into our country. Did you ever think you would hear that?” ″I urged our NATO allies to do more to strengthen our crucial alliance and set the stage for significant increases in member contributions. Billions and billions of dollars are pouring in because of that initiative.” ″Jobs are pouring back into our country.”</p>
<p>In fact:</p>
<p>—Factories are not pouring “back” into the country, nor are they sprouting up domestically in big numbers. When he made his claim, in December, spending on the construction of factories had dropped 14 percent over the past year, continuing a steady decline since the middle of 2015. As for jobs “pouring back into our country,” Trump hopes his tax overhaul will make that happen, but it hasn’t yet. The economy added about 170,000 new jobs a month during Trump’s first year. That was slightly below the average of 185,000 in 2016.</p>
<p>Manufacturers stepped up hiring, adding 196,000 jobs in 2017, but they added more in 2011 and 2014.</p>
<p>—Money isn’t pouring into the NATO organization and it won’t be. What Trump really means is that he’s pushing NATO members to increase their own military budgets so the U.S. won’t carry such a heavy load. NATO members agreed during Obama’s presidency to increase their military spending in the years ahead. Whether Trump has accelerated that remains to be seen.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>THE APOCALYPSE</p>
<p>Trump makes the state of the union look better under his watch by making the past look as dark as can be. Before him, the U.S. “left our own border wide open. Anybody can come in.” The U.S. armed forces were all but in ruins. The health law he inherited and has tried to dismantle is a disaster that “covers very few people,” and is essentially “dead.” Previous presidents “put American energy under lock and key.”</p>
<p>Actually:</p>
<p>—The U.S. border was far from porous before Trump took office. The number of arrests of illegal border crossers — the best measure of how many people are trying to cross illegally — was at a 40-year low before Trump’s influence on border policy was felt. The government under presidents George W. Bush and Obama roughly doubled the ranks of the Border Patrol in the past decade or so. Obama was derided by pro-immigrant advocates as “deporter in chief” for the hefty numbers of people he sent home before easing deportations of certain groups later in his presidency.</p>
<p>—Obamacare was covering about 20 million people when Trump described the numbers as “very few.” The majority is from the law’s Medicaid expansion. The other driver of coverage, plans sold in the subsidized individual insurance market, drew roughly 9 million signups for 2018 despite a much shorter enrollment season, and cuts in the ad budget and federal payments to insurers. The new tax law ends the Obamacare fine for lacking insurance, starting in 2019. That repeals a major component of Obama’s law, but other critical parts of the law remain in place.</p>
<p>—Energy production was not imprisoned under previous administrations. It was unleashed, particularly during Obama’s presidency, largely because of advances in hydraulic fracturing that made it economical to tap vast reserves of natural gas. Oil production also greatly increased, reducing imports. Before the 2016 presidential election, the U.S. for the first time in decades was getting more energy domestically than it imports. Before Obama, Bush was no adversary of the energy industry.</p>
<p>Despite Trump’s rhetoric about U.S. energy production, one of his most consequential actions as president has been to open the U.S. to another source of foreign oil, with his approval of the Keystone XL pipeline from Canada.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>GOING WITH HIS GUT (AND TV)</p>
<p>Trump forms instant impressions about what he sees on TV or otherwise hears about and shares those views, just as the average person does on social media or over coffee. The difference is that a president stands at a bully pulpit and his visceral reactions can change the world.</p>
<p>—Trump strained relations with Britain by retweeting videos spread by a far-right British fringe group that purported to show Muslim extremism. “Muslim migrant beats up Dutch boy on crutches!” said the introduction to one video, which showed a young man attacking another who was on crutches. The attacker was not a Muslim migrant. He was a Dutch-born citizen who was arrested and sentenced for the crime. “Facts do matter,” the Dutch Embassy in Washington said in a tweet directed at Trump.</p>
<p>—The president puzzled plenty of people in February when he told a rally that immigration is spreading violence and extremism in Sweden, pointing to “what’s happening last night in Sweden.” Nothing extraordinary happened in Sweden the previous night, Feb. 17. It happened to be when Trump saw an analyst talking about the subject on Fox News.</p>
<p>But he soon claimed vindication of his statement anyway, telling Time magazine the next month: “I make the statement, everyone goes crazy. The next day they have a massive riot, and death, and problems.”</p>
<p>That wasn’t right, either. Two days after his rally, a riot broke out in a largely immigrant neighborhood after police arrested a drug crime suspect. Cars were set on fire and shops looted, but no one was killed. Attacks in the country related to extremism remain rare; the biggest surprise for many Swedes was that a police officer found it necessary to fire his gun.</p>
<p>—When an Amtrak train hurtled off the tracks in Washington state in December, killing three people and injuring dozens, Trump’s first impulse was to make a plug for his infrastructure plan. Only after that did he offer thoughts and prayers for the victims and thanks for rescuers. His opening tweet: “The train accident that just occurred in DuPont, WA shows more than ever why our soon to be submitted infrastructure plan must be approved quickly. Seven trillion dollars spent in the Middle East while our roads, bridges, tunnels, railways (and more) crumble! Not for long!”</p>
<p>Although he jumped to his conclusion within a few hours of the crash, it’s taking investigators months to reach a conclusion that is informed by the facts. But this much was obvious right away: The train was making its inaugural run along a fast, new route, not a crumbling line of the type that would be a priority of a national infrastructure plan. And the train was going over twice the speed limit.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>IT’S WHO YOU KNOW, AND DON’T</p>
<p>Trump has claimed to know certain people well, only to circle back to say he hardly knew them all. His familiarity with them has varied according to political circumstance.</p>
<p>So it was when George Papadopoulos, a Trump campaign adviser, pleaded guilty in October to lying about his Russian interactions. “Few people knew the young, low level volunteer,” Trump tweeted in response. After naming Papadopoulos to his campaign’s foreign policy advisory council in March 2016, Trump called him an “excellent guy” and tweeted a photo of his council meeting with Papadopoulos among several advisers.</p>
<p>Steve Bannon got such treatment months before his ouster as White House strategist last year.</p>
<p>Trump said he had known him for “many years” when Bannon became his campaign chief in August 2016. When Bannon’s tenure as White House strategist was getting dicey in April, Trump said “I didn’t know him” when Bannon was named campaign CEO.</p>
<p>Trump and Bannon had known each other for five years when the Republican candidate, a month after accepting the nomination, made him campaign chief.</p>
<p>David Bossie, who was deputy campaign manager, told AP he introduced them in 2011 at Trump Tower and they grew to know each well, as Trump appeared multiple times on Bannon’s Breitbart radio show. Bannon interviewed Trump at least nine times in 2015 and 2016 and members of his family and campaign on many other occasions. “They believe in each other’s agendas, which is why they have grown so close,” Bossie said.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press writers Jim Drinkard, Josh Boak, Christopher Rugaber, Hope Yen, Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, Jill Colvin and Lolita C. Baldor contributed to this report.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Find AP Fact Checks at <a href="http://apne.ws/2kbx8bd" type="external">http://apne.ws/2kbx8bd</a></p>
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — For all his errant swings at the facts, President Donald Trump sometimes gets it just right.</p>
<p>“There’s been no first year like this,” he told a Florida rally last month.</p>
<p>Were truer words ever spoken?</p>
<p>This Department of Corrections has certainly never seen a first year like this. Falsehoods and exaggerations have tumbled relentlessly out of Trump’s Twitter account, speeches and interviews, the vast majority in service of his ego.</p>
<p>Other presidents have skewered the truth — George W. Bush on the pretext for the Iraq war, Barack Obama on the benefits of “Obamacare” — but Trump is of a different order of magnitude.</p>
<p>The president routinely presents his intended actions as achievements (“Obamacare” is dead, money is “pouring” into NATO), and inflates the significance of what he’s done (calling his tax cuts the biggest ever and his accomplishments unrivaled in history — neither true). He exaggerates the problems he inherited (roads and bridges are in “total disrepair and disarray,” the border was “wide open”), lays out fanciful goals (6 percent economic growth), and doesn’t learn from mistakes. Instead he repeats them.</p>
<p>Moreover, Trump often bypasses the vast information-gathering apparatus that reports to him in favor of getting his reality from TV, or just his gut.</p>
<p>For all his errant swings at the facts, President Donald Trump sometimes gets it just right. “There’s been no first year like this,” he told a Florida rally last month. (Jan. 17)</p>
<p>Some trends and highlights in his misstatements since taking office:</p>
<p>THE ART OF THE BIGGEST BESTEST</p>
<p>Trump doesn’t do big tax cuts. He does the biggest ever. He doesn’t win an election. He scores a “landslide.” He doesn’t just make the Veterans Affairs Department run better. He drives out the “sadists.”</p>
<p>In fact:</p>
<p>—The December tax overhaul ranks behind Ronald Reagan’s in the early 1980s, post-World War II tax cuts and at least several more.</p>
<p>—His 2016 win ranks as the 13th closest of the 58 presidential elections in U.S. history, according to a tally by Claremont McKenna College political scientist John Pitney. It was no landslide. His winning percentage in the Electoral College was just under 57 percent, narrower than both of Obama’s wins (61 percent in 2008 and 62 percent in 2012) and all but two of the last 10 presidential elections. Also, he lost the popular vote to Democrat Hillary Clinton.</p>
<p>—Despite his boasts that incompetent VA employees are being swiftly removed — and enactment of a mid-year law that expedites that process — more VA employees were fired in Obama’s last budget year than in Trump’s first.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>MISSIONS UNACCOMPLISHED</p>
<p>Trump sees things the way he wants them to be and presents them as if that’s how they are.</p>
<p>“You know, we have factories pouring back into our country. Did you ever think you would hear that?” ″I urged our NATO allies to do more to strengthen our crucial alliance and set the stage for significant increases in member contributions. Billions and billions of dollars are pouring in because of that initiative.” ″Jobs are pouring back into our country.”</p>
<p>In fact:</p>
<p>—Factories are not pouring “back” into the country, nor are they sprouting up domestically in big numbers. When he made his claim, in December, spending on the construction of factories had dropped 14 percent over the past year, continuing a steady decline since the middle of 2015. As for jobs “pouring back into our country,” Trump hopes his tax overhaul will make that happen, but it hasn’t yet. The economy added about 170,000 new jobs a month during Trump’s first year. That was slightly below the average of 185,000 in 2016.</p>
<p>Manufacturers stepped up hiring, adding 196,000 jobs in 2017, but they added more in 2011 and 2014.</p>
<p>—Money isn’t pouring into the NATO organization and it won’t be. What Trump really means is that he’s pushing NATO members to increase their own military budgets so the U.S. won’t carry such a heavy load. NATO members agreed during Obama’s presidency to increase their military spending in the years ahead. Whether Trump has accelerated that remains to be seen.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>THE APOCALYPSE</p>
<p>Trump makes the state of the union look better under his watch by making the past look as dark as can be. Before him, the U.S. “left our own border wide open. Anybody can come in.” The U.S. armed forces were all but in ruins. The health law he inherited and has tried to dismantle is a disaster that “covers very few people,” and is essentially “dead.” Previous presidents “put American energy under lock and key.”</p>
<p>Actually:</p>
<p>—The U.S. border was far from porous before Trump took office. The number of arrests of illegal border crossers — the best measure of how many people are trying to cross illegally — was at a 40-year low before Trump’s influence on border policy was felt. The government under presidents George W. Bush and Obama roughly doubled the ranks of the Border Patrol in the past decade or so. Obama was derided by pro-immigrant advocates as “deporter in chief” for the hefty numbers of people he sent home before easing deportations of certain groups later in his presidency.</p>
<p>—Obamacare was covering about 20 million people when Trump described the numbers as “very few.” The majority is from the law’s Medicaid expansion. The other driver of coverage, plans sold in the subsidized individual insurance market, drew roughly 9 million signups for 2018 despite a much shorter enrollment season, and cuts in the ad budget and federal payments to insurers. The new tax law ends the Obamacare fine for lacking insurance, starting in 2019. That repeals a major component of Obama’s law, but other critical parts of the law remain in place.</p>
<p>—Energy production was not imprisoned under previous administrations. It was unleashed, particularly during Obama’s presidency, largely because of advances in hydraulic fracturing that made it economical to tap vast reserves of natural gas. Oil production also greatly increased, reducing imports. Before the 2016 presidential election, the U.S. for the first time in decades was getting more energy domestically than it imports. Before Obama, Bush was no adversary of the energy industry.</p>
<p>Despite Trump’s rhetoric about U.S. energy production, one of his most consequential actions as president has been to open the U.S. to another source of foreign oil, with his approval of the Keystone XL pipeline from Canada.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>GOING WITH HIS GUT (AND TV)</p>
<p>Trump forms instant impressions about what he sees on TV or otherwise hears about and shares those views, just as the average person does on social media or over coffee. The difference is that a president stands at a bully pulpit and his visceral reactions can change the world.</p>
<p>—Trump strained relations with Britain by retweeting videos spread by a far-right British fringe group that purported to show Muslim extremism. “Muslim migrant beats up Dutch boy on crutches!” said the introduction to one video, which showed a young man attacking another who was on crutches. The attacker was not a Muslim migrant. He was a Dutch-born citizen who was arrested and sentenced for the crime. “Facts do matter,” the Dutch Embassy in Washington said in a tweet directed at Trump.</p>
<p>—The president puzzled plenty of people in February when he told a rally that immigration is spreading violence and extremism in Sweden, pointing to “what’s happening last night in Sweden.” Nothing extraordinary happened in Sweden the previous night, Feb. 17. It happened to be when Trump saw an analyst talking about the subject on Fox News.</p>
<p>But he soon claimed vindication of his statement anyway, telling Time magazine the next month: “I make the statement, everyone goes crazy. The next day they have a massive riot, and death, and problems.”</p>
<p>That wasn’t right, either. Two days after his rally, a riot broke out in a largely immigrant neighborhood after police arrested a drug crime suspect. Cars were set on fire and shops looted, but no one was killed. Attacks in the country related to extremism remain rare; the biggest surprise for many Swedes was that a police officer found it necessary to fire his gun.</p>
<p>—When an Amtrak train hurtled off the tracks in Washington state in December, killing three people and injuring dozens, Trump’s first impulse was to make a plug for his infrastructure plan. Only after that did he offer thoughts and prayers for the victims and thanks for rescuers. His opening tweet: “The train accident that just occurred in DuPont, WA shows more than ever why our soon to be submitted infrastructure plan must be approved quickly. Seven trillion dollars spent in the Middle East while our roads, bridges, tunnels, railways (and more) crumble! Not for long!”</p>
<p>Although he jumped to his conclusion within a few hours of the crash, it’s taking investigators months to reach a conclusion that is informed by the facts. But this much was obvious right away: The train was making its inaugural run along a fast, new route, not a crumbling line of the type that would be a priority of a national infrastructure plan. And the train was going over twice the speed limit.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>IT’S WHO YOU KNOW, AND DON’T</p>
<p>Trump has claimed to know certain people well, only to circle back to say he hardly knew them all. His familiarity with them has varied according to political circumstance.</p>
<p>So it was when George Papadopoulos, a Trump campaign adviser, pleaded guilty in October to lying about his Russian interactions. “Few people knew the young, low level volunteer,” Trump tweeted in response. After naming Papadopoulos to his campaign’s foreign policy advisory council in March 2016, Trump called him an “excellent guy” and tweeted a photo of his council meeting with Papadopoulos among several advisers.</p>
<p>Steve Bannon got such treatment months before his ouster as White House strategist last year.</p>
<p>Trump said he had known him for “many years” when Bannon became his campaign chief in August 2016. When Bannon’s tenure as White House strategist was getting dicey in April, Trump said “I didn’t know him” when Bannon was named campaign CEO.</p>
<p>Trump and Bannon had known each other for five years when the Republican candidate, a month after accepting the nomination, made him campaign chief.</p>
<p>David Bossie, who was deputy campaign manager, told AP he introduced them in 2011 at Trump Tower and they grew to know each well, as Trump appeared multiple times on Bannon’s Breitbart radio show. Bannon interviewed Trump at least nine times in 2015 and 2016 and members of his family and campaign on many other occasions. “They believe in each other’s agendas, which is why they have grown so close,” Bossie said.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press writers Jim Drinkard, Josh Boak, Christopher Rugaber, Hope Yen, Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, Jill Colvin and Lolita C. Baldor contributed to this report.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Find AP Fact Checks at <a href="http://apne.ws/2kbx8bd" type="external">http://apne.ws/2kbx8bd</a></p>
| false | 2 |
washington ap errant swings facts president donald trump sometimes gets right theres first year like told florida rally last month truer words ever spoken department corrections certainly never seen first year like falsehoods exaggerations tumbled relentlessly trumps twitter account speeches interviews vast majority service ego presidents skewered truth george w bush pretext iraq war barack obama benefits obamacare trump different order magnitude president routinely presents intended actions achievements obamacare dead money pouring nato inflates significance hes done calling tax cuts biggest ever accomplishments unrivaled history neither true exaggerates problems inherited roads bridges total disrepair disarray border wide open lays fanciful goals 6 percent economic growth doesnt learn mistakes instead repeats moreover trump often bypasses vast informationgathering apparatus reports favor getting reality tv gut errant swings facts president donald trump sometimes gets right theres first year like told florida rally last month jan 17 trends highlights misstatements since taking office art biggest bestest trump doesnt big tax cuts biggest ever doesnt win election scores landslide doesnt make veterans affairs department run better drives sadists fact december tax overhaul ranks behind ronald reagans early 1980s postworld war ii tax cuts least several 2016 win ranks 13th closest 58 presidential elections us history according tally claremont mckenna college political scientist john pitney landslide winning percentage electoral college 57 percent narrower obamas wins 61 percent 2008 62 percent 2012 two last 10 presidential elections also lost popular vote democrat hillary clinton despite boasts incompetent va employees swiftly removed enactment midyear law expedites process va employees fired obamas last budget year trumps first ___ missions unaccomplished trump sees things way wants presents thats know factories pouring back country ever think would hear urged nato allies strengthen crucial alliance set stage significant increases member contributions billions billions dollars pouring initiative jobs pouring back country fact factories pouring back country sprouting domestically big numbers made claim december spending construction factories dropped 14 percent past year continuing steady decline since middle 2015 jobs pouring back country trump hopes tax overhaul make happen hasnt yet economy added 170000 new jobs month trumps first year slightly average 185000 2016 manufacturers stepped hiring adding 196000 jobs 2017 added 2011 2014 money isnt pouring nato organization wont trump really means hes pushing nato members increase military budgets us wont carry heavy load nato members agreed obamas presidency increase military spending years ahead whether trump accelerated remains seen ___ apocalypse trump makes state union look better watch making past look dark us left border wide open anybody come us armed forces ruins health law inherited tried dismantle disaster covers people essentially dead previous presidents put american energy lock key actually us border far porous trump took office number arrests illegal border crossers best measure many people trying cross illegally 40year low trumps influence border policy felt government presidents george w bush obama roughly doubled ranks border patrol past decade obama derided proimmigrant advocates deporter chief hefty numbers people sent home easing deportations certain groups later presidency obamacare covering 20 million people trump described numbers majority laws medicaid expansion driver coverage plans sold subsidized individual insurance market drew roughly 9 million signups 2018 despite much shorter enrollment season cuts ad budget federal payments insurers new tax law ends obamacare fine lacking insurance starting 2019 repeals major component obamas law critical parts law remain place energy production imprisoned previous administrations unleashed particularly obamas presidency largely advances hydraulic fracturing made economical tap vast reserves natural gas oil production also greatly increased reducing imports 2016 presidential election us first time decades getting energy domestically imports obama bush adversary energy industry despite trumps rhetoric us energy production one consequential actions president open us another source foreign oil approval keystone xl pipeline canada ___ going gut tv trump forms instant impressions sees tv otherwise hears shares views average person social media coffee difference president stands bully pulpit visceral reactions change world trump strained relations britain retweeting videos spread farright british fringe group purported show muslim extremism muslim migrant beats dutch boy crutches said introduction one video showed young man attacking another crutches attacker muslim migrant dutchborn citizen arrested sentenced crime facts matter dutch embassy washington said tweet directed trump president puzzled plenty people february told rally immigration spreading violence extremism sweden pointing whats happening last night sweden nothing extraordinary happened sweden previous night feb 17 happened trump saw analyst talking subject fox news soon claimed vindication statement anyway telling time magazine next month make statement everyone goes crazy next day massive riot death problems wasnt right either two days rally riot broke largely immigrant neighborhood police arrested drug crime suspect cars set fire shops looted one killed attacks country related extremism remain rare biggest surprise many swedes police officer found necessary fire gun amtrak train hurtled tracks washington state december killing three people injuring dozens trumps first impulse make plug infrastructure plan offer thoughts prayers victims thanks rescuers opening tweet train accident occurred dupont wa shows ever soon submitted infrastructure plan must approved quickly seven trillion dollars spent middle east roads bridges tunnels railways crumble long although jumped conclusion within hours crash taking investigators months reach conclusion informed facts much obvious right away train making inaugural run along fast new route crumbling line type would priority national infrastructure plan train going twice speed limit ___ know dont trump claimed know certain people well circle back say hardly knew familiarity varied according political circumstance george papadopoulos trump campaign adviser pleaded guilty october lying russian interactions people knew young low level volunteer trump tweeted response naming papadopoulos campaigns foreign policy advisory council march 2016 trump called excellent guy tweeted photo council meeting papadopoulos among several advisers steve bannon got treatment months ouster white house strategist last year trump said known many years bannon became campaign chief august 2016 bannons tenure white house strategist getting dicey april trump said didnt know bannon named campaign ceo trump bannon known five years republican candidate month accepting nomination made campaign chief david bossie deputy campaign manager told ap introduced 2011 trump tower grew know well trump appeared multiple times bannons breitbart radio show bannon interviewed trump least nine times 2015 2016 members family campaign many occasions believe others agendas grown close bossie said ___ associated press writers jim drinkard josh boak christopher rugaber hope yen ricardo alonsozaldivar jill colvin lolita c baldor contributed report ___ find ap fact checks httpapnews2kbx8bd washington ap errant swings facts president donald trump sometimes gets right theres first year like told florida rally last month truer words ever spoken department corrections certainly never seen first year like falsehoods exaggerations tumbled relentlessly trumps twitter account speeches interviews vast majority service ego presidents skewered truth george w bush pretext iraq war barack obama benefits obamacare trump different order magnitude president routinely presents intended actions achievements obamacare dead money pouring nato inflates significance hes done calling tax cuts biggest ever accomplishments unrivaled history neither true exaggerates problems inherited roads bridges total disrepair disarray border wide open lays fanciful goals 6 percent economic growth doesnt learn mistakes instead repeats moreover trump often bypasses vast informationgathering apparatus reports favor getting reality tv gut errant swings facts president donald trump sometimes gets right theres first year like told florida rally last month jan 17 trends highlights misstatements since taking office art biggest bestest trump doesnt big tax cuts biggest ever doesnt win election scores landslide doesnt make veterans affairs department run better drives sadists fact december tax overhaul ranks behind ronald reagans early 1980s postworld war ii tax cuts least several 2016 win ranks 13th closest 58 presidential elections us history according tally claremont mckenna college political scientist john pitney landslide winning percentage electoral college 57 percent narrower obamas wins 61 percent 2008 62 percent 2012 two last 10 presidential elections also lost popular vote democrat hillary clinton despite boasts incompetent va employees swiftly removed enactment midyear law expedites process va employees fired obamas last budget year trumps first ___ missions unaccomplished trump sees things way wants presents thats know factories pouring back country ever think would hear urged nato allies strengthen crucial alliance set stage significant increases member contributions billions billions dollars pouring initiative jobs pouring back country fact factories pouring back country sprouting domestically big numbers made claim december spending construction factories dropped 14 percent past year continuing steady decline since middle 2015 jobs pouring back country trump hopes tax overhaul make happen hasnt yet economy added 170000 new jobs month trumps first year slightly average 185000 2016 manufacturers stepped hiring adding 196000 jobs 2017 added 2011 2014 money isnt pouring nato organization wont trump really means hes pushing nato members increase military budgets us wont carry heavy load nato members agreed obamas presidency increase military spending years ahead whether trump accelerated remains seen ___ apocalypse trump makes state union look better watch making past look dark us left border wide open anybody come us armed forces ruins health law inherited tried dismantle disaster covers people essentially dead previous presidents put american energy lock key actually us border far porous trump took office number arrests illegal border crossers best measure many people trying cross illegally 40year low trumps influence border policy felt government presidents george w bush obama roughly doubled ranks border patrol past decade obama derided proimmigrant advocates deporter chief hefty numbers people sent home easing deportations certain groups later presidency obamacare covering 20 million people trump described numbers majority laws medicaid expansion driver coverage plans sold subsidized individual insurance market drew roughly 9 million signups 2018 despite much shorter enrollment season cuts ad budget federal payments insurers new tax law ends obamacare fine lacking insurance starting 2019 repeals major component obamas law critical parts law remain place energy production imprisoned previous administrations unleashed particularly obamas presidency largely advances hydraulic fracturing made economical tap vast reserves natural gas oil production also greatly increased reducing imports 2016 presidential election us first time decades getting energy domestically imports obama bush adversary energy industry despite trumps rhetoric us energy production one consequential actions president open us another source foreign oil approval keystone xl pipeline canada ___ going gut tv trump forms instant impressions sees tv otherwise hears shares views average person social media coffee difference president stands bully pulpit visceral reactions change world trump strained relations britain retweeting videos spread farright british fringe group purported show muslim extremism muslim migrant beats dutch boy crutches said introduction one video showed young man attacking another crutches attacker muslim migrant dutchborn citizen arrested sentenced crime facts matter dutch embassy washington said tweet directed trump president puzzled plenty people february told rally immigration spreading violence extremism sweden pointing whats happening last night sweden nothing extraordinary happened sweden previous night feb 17 happened trump saw analyst talking subject fox news soon claimed vindication statement anyway telling time magazine next month make statement everyone goes crazy next day massive riot death problems wasnt right either two days rally riot broke largely immigrant neighborhood police arrested drug crime suspect cars set fire shops looted one killed attacks country related extremism remain rare biggest surprise many swedes police officer found necessary fire gun amtrak train hurtled tracks washington state december killing three people injuring dozens trumps first impulse make plug infrastructure plan offer thoughts prayers victims thanks rescuers opening tweet train accident occurred dupont wa shows ever soon submitted infrastructure plan must approved quickly seven trillion dollars spent middle east roads bridges tunnels railways crumble long although jumped conclusion within hours crash taking investigators months reach conclusion informed facts much obvious right away train making inaugural run along fast new route crumbling line type would priority national infrastructure plan train going twice speed limit ___ know dont trump claimed know certain people well circle back say hardly knew familiarity varied according political circumstance george papadopoulos trump campaign adviser pleaded guilty october lying russian interactions people knew young low level volunteer trump tweeted response naming papadopoulos campaigns foreign policy advisory council march 2016 trump called excellent guy tweeted photo council meeting papadopoulos among several advisers steve bannon got treatment months ouster white house strategist last year trump said known many years bannon became campaign chief august 2016 bannons tenure white house strategist getting dicey april trump said didnt know bannon named campaign ceo trump bannon known five years republican candidate month accepting nomination made campaign chief david bossie deputy campaign manager told ap introduced 2011 trump tower grew know well trump appeared multiple times bannons breitbart radio show bannon interviewed trump least nine times 2015 2016 members family campaign many occasions believe others agendas grown close bossie said ___ associated press writers jim drinkard josh boak christopher rugaber hope yen ricardo alonsozaldivar jill colvin lolita c baldor contributed report ___ find ap fact checks httpapnews2kbx8bd
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<p>“I came down with this really dry, hacking cough in February,” Cicak said. “I felt like there was something deep in my lungs. It was really irritating, and I could not cough it up.”</p>
<p>Nava Ade resident Dennis Cicak took this photo of a dust storm from the Las Soleras development May 20. Homes can barely be seen through the dirt. (Courtesy Dennis Cicak)</p>
<p>He said he was diagnosed with asthma in November, which he found strange, because no one in his family had ever been diagnosed with the condition. “I’m your chief victim in this whole thing,” Cicak said. “As far as I know, I’m the one that’s complaining the most about health difficulties.”</p>
<p>Cicak is just one of a few Nava Ade residents that have been complaining about massive dust storms arising from the Las Soleras project, which will include a new Presbyterian hospital and about 300 homes in the barren area of town near Interstate 25 and Cerrillos Road. Some homeowners say the dust is causing respiratory issues and sometimes prevents them from going outside. They also say the insides of their homes and cars are constantly covered in dirt.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Cicak said the problem started in October or November, cooled in the winter months and started again in February.</p>
<p>City Land Use Director Lisa Martinez said she has received some complaints from homeowners, but they are “few and far between.” She said her department is working with Jaynes Corporation on a dust mitigation plan and said Presbyterian is using a strong tackifier – a chemical agent that binds dirt together to keep it from blowing – to help keep the dust down as much as possible. She also said citations will be issued to anyone who is not adequately watering down the ground they’re working on.</p>
<p>Martinez told the Journal on Wednesday that there will be a full report at the next Public Safety Committee meeting at City Hall on everything that’s being done about dust control.</p>
<p>Judi Ewert, a Nava Ade resident, says the windows of her car were rolled down 1/8 inch when a dust storm from the Las Soleras development kicked up. Ewert said she is thinking about getting a lawyer if the city doesn\’t do anything about the blowing dirt. (Courtesy Judi Ewert)</p>
<p>Homeowners in Nava Ade, which borders the north end of Las Soleras, recently wrote a letter to Mayor Javier Gonzales and the City Council, asking them to protect residents from “damage and health impacts due to avoidable airborne construction dust.”</p>
<p>Cicak said a doctor recommended that he and his wife install a home air filter after his wife also started experiencing respiratory distress. He said it has helped, but he’s still not happy about not being able to breathe in his own home.</p>
<p>“The idea that we had to go buy an air filter just to breathe the air at home because dirt was seeping in through the windows is wrong to me,” Cicak said. “I think everybody has the right to clean air.”</p>
<p>Judi Ewert, 68, lives right next to where Pulte Homes is developing 302 homes sites and said she has to put towels under her window sills to keep dust from coming in. Even so, dirt still manages to get on every surface in her house and she said she has to have it professionally cleaned now because she is no longer able to clean it on her own.</p>
<p>“When this dust storm hits, I can’t see the house across the street,” she said. “I just can’t keep up with the dust. I’ve got dust everywhere. I’ve got dust on the dining room table, I’ve got dust on the floor. And I’m up coughing every night, too. Everything is covered. It’s just so discouraging. I’ll get the house clean, and two hours later the dust storm hits. It’s just awful.”</p>
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<p>Ewert said conditions have gotten so bad in the neighborhood that some people have started to leave. “We had a neighbor across the street from me who had to move because her daughter was asthmatic, and as soon as it started she had to leave,” she said.</p>
<p>Ewert and Cicak say they have complained to the Nava Ade Homeowners Association – the day-to-day operations of which are handled by HOAMCO – and to Pulte Homes, but she said nothing has been done to address the problem.</p>
<p>“I’ve sent pictures to Pulte, I’ve sent pictures to the association, to HOAMCO,” Ewert said. “There’s nothing from anybody. There’s no support from our association.”</p>
<p>Maggie Ragle, the community manager of HOAMCO, said she has forwarded the complaints to the construction companies and said there’s not much else the association can do. “We don’t know what to do other than address the concerns to the company,” Ragle said. “I sympathize with the homeowners. It’s disappointing that they’ve had to go all the way to City Council. We’ve complained to Pulte just as much as they have.”</p>
<p>Land Use’s Martinez said code enforcement officers are on site every day to make sure water trucks are there and that the ground is being watered. She said in some instances construction was shut down because no water trucks were on site. She said she sent an email to all the construction companies Wednesday saying that citations will be issued from now on.</p>
<p>“Because that’s been done, there aren’t going to be any more verbal warnings; there will be citations,” Martinez said. “We will continue to enforce our ordinance to mitigate neighborhood concerns.”</p>
<p>Jim Siebert, an independent planner who goes to the city for approval for the different companies building on the development, said he has heard the concerns and is doing his best to address them.</p>
<p>“They have to do a better job of controlling the dust,” Siebert said. “Not only is it a nuisance, but it’s also a health hazard, and we have to do something about it.”</p>
<p>Siebert provided a letter he sent to the companies May 5 and wrote that the dust pollution at Las Soleras has gotten to the point that “it may soon become a political issue with local or state government interceding, directing mandatory courses of action.” He said he would like to hear how Presbyterian Healthcare Services, the Pulte Group of New Mexico and Las Soleras management are developing a comprehensive plan for dust management.</p>
<p>“If complaints still continue, then at least there is evidence that a dust control management plan is in place and the group is doing everything possible to actively address the problem,” the letter stated.</p>
<p>Siebert then sent a letter to Land Use neighborhood planner Noah Berke on May 18, saying that the Pulte Group is applying tackifier to exposed parcels under development and that the grading contractor will stop operations when wind speeds get too high.</p>
<p>Although city officials say harsher punishment will come to those who don’t do enough to control the dust, Ewert said she is thinking about getting a lawyer if conditions don’t improve.</p>
<p>“If they’re telling us at the meeting that they’re going to mitigate some of these issues and we don’t see any difference, we’re going to have to do something like that,” she said.</p>
<p />
| false | 2 |
came really dry hacking cough february cicak said felt like something deep lungs really irritating could cough nava ade resident dennis cicak took photo dust storm las soleras development may 20 homes barely seen dirt courtesy dennis cicak said diagnosed asthma november found strange one family ever diagnosed condition im chief victim whole thing cicak said far know im one thats complaining health difficulties cicak one nava ade residents complaining massive dust storms arising las soleras project include new presbyterian hospital 300 homes barren area town near interstate 25 cerrillos road homeowners say dust causing respiratory issues sometimes prevents going outside also say insides homes cars constantly covered dirt advertisement cicak said problem started october november cooled winter months started february city land use director lisa martinez said received complaints homeowners far said department working jaynes corporation dust mitigation plan said presbyterian using strong tackifier chemical agent binds dirt together keep blowing help keep dust much possible also said citations issued anyone adequately watering ground theyre working martinez told journal wednesday full report next public safety committee meeting city hall everything thats done dust control judi ewert nava ade resident says windows car rolled 18 inch dust storm las soleras development kicked ewert said thinking getting lawyer city doesnt anything blowing dirt courtesy judi ewert homeowners nava ade borders north end las soleras recently wrote letter mayor javier gonzales city council asking protect residents damage health impacts due avoidable airborne construction dust cicak said doctor recommended wife install home air filter wife also started experiencing respiratory distress said helped hes still happy able breathe home idea go buy air filter breathe air home dirt seeping windows wrong cicak said think everybody right clean air judi ewert 68 lives right next pulte homes developing 302 homes sites said put towels window sills keep dust coming even dirt still manages get every surface house said professionally cleaned longer able clean dust storm hits cant see house across street said cant keep dust ive got dust everywhere ive got dust dining room table ive got dust floor im coughing every night everything covered discouraging ill get house clean two hours later dust storm hits awful advertisement ewert said conditions gotten bad neighborhood people started leave neighbor across street move daughter asthmatic soon started leave said ewert cicak say complained nava ade homeowners association daytoday operations handled hoamco pulte homes said nothing done address problem ive sent pictures pulte ive sent pictures association hoamco ewert said theres nothing anybody theres support association maggie ragle community manager hoamco said forwarded complaints construction companies said theres much else association dont know address concerns company ragle said sympathize homeowners disappointing theyve go way city council weve complained pulte much land uses martinez said code enforcement officers site every day make sure water trucks ground watered said instances construction shut water trucks site said sent email construction companies wednesday saying citations issued thats done arent going verbal warnings citations martinez said continue enforce ordinance mitigate neighborhood concerns jim siebert independent planner goes city approval different companies building development said heard concerns best address better job controlling dust siebert said nuisance also health hazard something siebert provided letter sent companies may 5 wrote dust pollution las soleras gotten point may soon become political issue local state government interceding directing mandatory courses action said would like hear presbyterian healthcare services pulte group new mexico las soleras management developing comprehensive plan dust management complaints still continue least evidence dust control management plan place group everything possible actively address problem letter stated siebert sent letter land use neighborhood planner noah berke may 18 saying pulte group applying tackifier exposed parcels development grading contractor stop operations wind speeds get high although city officials say harsher punishment come dont enough control dust ewert said thinking getting lawyer conditions dont improve theyre telling us meeting theyre going mitigate issues dont see difference going something like said
| 651 |
<p>Jan 23 (Reuters) - Tesla Inc:</p>
<p>* TESLA ANNOUNCES NEW LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE AWARD FOR ELON MUSK</p>
<p>* ‍ELON WILL RECEIVE NO GUARANTEED COMPENSATION OF ANY KIND - NO SALARY, NO CASH BONUSES, AND NO EQUITY THAT VESTS SIMPLY BY PASSAGE OF TIME​</p>
<p>* NEW 10-YEAR CEO PERFORMANCE AWARD FOR ELON MUSK WITH VESTING ENTIRELY CONTINGENT ON ACHIEVING MARKET CAP AND OPERATIONAL MILESTONES</p>
<p>* SAYS ‍NEW AWARD IS MODELED AFTER ELON’S 2012 PERFORMANCE AWARD​</p>
<p>* SAYS ‍ELON’S ONLY COMPENSATION WILL BE A 100% AT-RISK PERFORMANCE AWARD</p>
<p>* SAYS MUSK’S ‍NEW COMPENSATION ENSURES THAT HE WILL BE COMPENSATED ONLY IF TESLA AND ALL OF ITS SHAREHOLDERS DO EXTRAORDINARILY WELL​</p>
<p>* SAYS ‍PERFORMANCE AWARD CONSISTS OF A 10-YEAR GRANT OF STOCK OPTIONS THAT VESTS IN 12 TRANCHES​</p>
<p>* SAYS ‍EACH OF 12 TRANCHES (IN THE NEW PERFORMANCE AWARD) VESTS ONLY IF A PAIR OF MILESTONES ARE BOTH MET​</p>
<p>* SAYS ‍IF NONE OF 12 TRANCHES OF MUSK’S NEW PERFORMANCE AWARD IS ACHIEVED, HE WILL NOT RECEIVE ANY COMPENSATION​</p>
<p>* SAYS ‍NEW PERFORMANCE AWARD WAS CREATED BY TESLA’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS (WITH ELON AND KIMBAL MUSK HAVING RECUSED THEMSELVES)​</p>
<p>* ‍ALTHOUGH BOARD GRANTED THIS AWARD TO ELON ON JANUARY 21, 2018, ITS EFFECTIVENESS IS SUBJECT TO APPROVAL OF TESLA’S SHAREHOLDERS​</p>
<p>* ‍TESLA’S SHAREHOLDERS WILL BE ASKED TO APPROVE MUSK’S PERFORMANCE AWARD AT SPECIAL SHAREHOLDER MEETING THAT WILL BE HELD IN LATE MARCH​</p>
<p>* SAYS ‍ELON AND KIMBAL MUSK WILL RECUSE THEMSELVES FROM VOTE​ RELATED TO MUSK’S NEW PERFORMANCE AWARD 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) - Events are happening quickly on the Korean peninsula with planned summits between North and South Korea and the United States, a presidential official in Seoul said on Tuesday, amid reports that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is in China.</p> FILE PHOTO: 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/File Photo
<p>Bloomberg, citing three unidentified sources, reported on Monday that Kim was in Beijing in what would be his first known trip outside North Korea since taking power in 2011. The unconfirmed visit also comes ahead of a potential summit with U.S. President Donald Trump.</p>
<p>“The presidential Blue House is watching things in Beijing very closely, while keeping all possibilities open,” said the senior official in Seoul, who spoke on condition of anonymity.</p>
<p>Improving bilateral ties between North Korea and China would be a positive sign before the planned summits, he said.</p>
<p>The details of Kim’s visit, including its purpose and itinerary, were not yet known, Bloomberg reported. Japanese media reported earlier on Monday that a high-ranking Pyongyang official appeared to have arrived by train in Beijing.</p>
<p>The Blue House official said the South Korean government had been aware of “related movements” in North Korea, such as the train, for a few days but he could not confirm whether Kim or another high-ranking North Korean official was visiting China.</p>
<p>Beijing is secretive and isolated North Korea’s main ally, as well as its biggest trading partner.</p>
<p>Kim is due to hold separate summits with South Korea in late April and the United States in May, including a potential meeting with Trump.</p>
<p>“The fact that the summits are being held has been beyond our expectations. Right now, the situation surrounding the Korean peninsula is moving very quickly and it would be inadvisable to think with prejudice,” the Blue House official said.</p>
<p>Kim Jong Un’s father, Kim Jong Il, met then-president Jiang Zemin in China in 2000 before a summit between the two Koreas in June that year.</p>
<p>Kim Jong Il was considered at the time to have made the visit to reaffirm close ties with the North’s biggest ally.</p>
<p>“North Korea likely wants to confirm its relationship with China and believes it has some leverage with which it can ask for things from China,” said Yoo Ho-yeol, Professor of North Korean studies at Korea University in Seoul.</p>
<p>“If North Korea speaks with the United States on its own it might feel it is at a disadvantage but, if it has China as an ally, Pyongyang may think it will be able to protect its interests and profits during the summits,” Yoo said.</p>
<p>Reporting by Christine Kim; Additional reporting by Heekyong Yang; Editing by Paul Tait</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>(Reuters) - A former Michigan State University dean who supervised USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar prior to Nassar’s arrest on charges of sexually abusing female athletes has been taken into custody, the county sheriff said on Monday.</p>
<p>“William Strampel is currently lodged at the Ingham County jail,” Ingham County Sheriff Scott Wriggelsworth told Reuters. He declined to say what charges Strampel faces before the defendant is arraigned on Tuesday.</p>
<p>Reporting by Dan Whitcomb in Los Angeles; Editing by Sandra Maler</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>BEIJING (Reuters) - Premier Li Keqiang said on Monday China and the United States should maintain negotiations and he reiterated pledges to ease access for American businesses, as China scrambles to avert a trade war.</p> FILE PHOTO - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang speaks at the news conference following the closing session of the National People's Congress (NPC), at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China March 20, 2018. REUTERS/Jason Lee
<p>Li told a conference that included global chief executives that China would treat foreign and domestic firms equally, would not force foreign firms to transfer technology and would strengthen intellectual property rights, repeating promises that have failed to placate Washington.</p>
<p>The United States asked China in a letter last week to cut a tariff on U.S. autos, buy more U.S.-made semiconductors and give U.S. firms greater access to the Chinese financial sector, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing unidentified sources.</p>
<p>Alarm over a possible trade war between the world’s two largest economies has chilled financial markets as investors anticipated dire consequences should trade barriers go up due to President Donald Trump’s bid to cut the U.S. deficit with China.</p>
<p>U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer listed steps they want China to take in a letter to Liu He, a newly appointed vice premier who oversees China’s economy, the Journal said, quoting sources with knowledge of the matter.</p>
<p>The newspaper reported that Mnuchin was considering a visit to Beijing to pursue negotiations.</p>
<p>Despite a steady stream of fierce rhetoric from Chinese state media lambasting the United States for being a “bully” and warning of retaliation, Chinese and U.S. officials are busy negotiating behind the scenes.</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-usa-trade-china-navarro/white-houses-navarro-says-u-s-in-talks-with-china-on-trade-idUSKBN1H2247" type="external">White House's Navarro says U.S. in talks with China on trade</a>
<p>“With regard to trade imbalances, China and the United States should adopt a pragmatic and rational attitude, promote balancing through expansion of trade, and stick to negotiations to resolve differences and friction,” Li told the conference in Beijing, state radio reported.</p>
<p>China has offered to buy more U.S. semiconductors by diverting some purchases from South Korea and Taiwan, the Financial Times reported, citing people briefed on the negotiations. China imported $2.6 billion of semiconductors from the United States last year.</p>
<p>Chinese officials are also working to finalise rules by May - instead of the end of June - to allow foreign financial groups to take majority stakes in Chinese securities firms, the Financial Times said.</p>
<p>“I anticipate that for political reason it would be logical for China to respond, because countries do,” Blackstone Group Chief Executive Stephen Schwarzman told Reuters on Monday on the sidelines of the Beijing conference at which Li spoke, the China Development Forum.</p>
<p>“That’s why I view this more as a skirmish, and I think the interests of both countries are served by resolving some of these matters.”</p>
<p>Fears of a trade war mounted this month after Trump imposed tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, and then on Thursday specifically targeted China by announcing plans for tariffs on up to $60 billion of Chinese goods.</p>
<p>On Friday, China responded to the U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminium by declaring plans to levy additional duties on up to $3 billion of U.S. imports. The list of targeted goods contained no mention of soybeans or aircraft, China’s two biggest U.S. import items.</p>
<p>China could also inflict pain on U.S. multinationals that rely on China for a substantial - and growing - portion of their total revenues, said Alex Wolf, senior emerging markets economist at Aberdeen Standard Investments.</p> FILE PHOTO - A man rides a vehicle past containers at a port in Shanghai, China, February 17, 2016. REUTERS/Aly Song/File Photo
<p>“This could put U.S. companies such as Apple, Microsoft, Starbucks, GM, Nike, etc in the firing line,” Wolf said in a note.</p>
<p>China can increase the regulatory burden on U.S companies through new inspections and rules; ban travel; stop providing export licenses of key intermediate goods; raise the tax burden on U.S. multinationals in China; or block U.S. companies from the government procurement market, he said.</p> FLOUTED RULES
<p>Trump unveiled the planned tariffs targeting Chinese goods after a U.S. inquiry found China guilty of intellectual property theft and unfair trade, by forcing U.S. investors to turn over key technologies to Chinese firms.</p>
<p>On Saturday, Liu told Mnuchin in a telephone call the U.S. inquiry violated international trade rules and China would defend its interests, the official Xinhua news agency reported.</p>
<p>A U.S. Treasury spokesman confirmed the call, but declined to comment on the content of any letter or on a possible visit by Mnuchin to Beijing.</p>
<p>“Secretary Mnuchin called Liu He to congratulate him on the official announcement of his new role,” the spokesman told Reuters. “They also discussed the trade deficit between our two countries and committed to continuing the dialogue to find a mutually agreeable way to reduce it.”</p>
<p>The Trump administration has demanded that China immediately cut its $375 billion trade surplus with the United States by $100 billion.</p>
<p>“The U.S. has been wielding sticks worldwide over the past year. Washington needs to be taught a real lesson and such a lesson can only be taught by China, the world’s second-largest economy,” China’s Global Times newspaper said in an editorial.</p>
<p>The widely read tabloid is run by the ruling Communist Party’s official People’s Daily, although its stance does not necessarily mirror government policy.</p>
<p>Privately, Liu and Mnuchin exchanged letters in the past week on further opening China’s financial services sector and cutting Chinese tariffs on imported cars, according to the Financial Times.</p>
<p>China has a 25 percent tariff on U.S. cars and has talked recently of lowering it.</p>
<p>China’s imports of U.S. motor vehicles totalled $10.6 billion in 2017, about 8 percent of the country’s overall U.S. imports by value, according to U.S. government data.</p>
<p>On the reported offer to increase U.S. semiconductor imports, it is unclear how U.S. chips would replace South Korean and Taiwanese chips, since there is minimal overlap between U.S. chips and those of the two Asian producers.</p>
<p>China is heavily dependent on foreign semiconductors, one of its biggest import categories by value. That said, the U.S. accounted for just 1 percent of China’s total semiconductor imports last year by value, according to Reuters calculations based on Chinese customs data.</p>
<p>Reporting by Ryan Woo; Additional reporting by David Lawder in Washington and Matthew Miller, Ben Blanchard, Elias Glenn and Stella Qiu in Beijing; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore and Kim Coghill</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>SYDNEY (Reuters) - Asian share markets rallied on Tuesday as reports of behind-the-scenes talks between the United States and China rekindled hopes a damaging trade war could be averted, in turn sapping the strength of the dollar and yen.</p> FILE PHOTO - A woman walks past an electronic board showing the graphs of the recent movements of Japan's Nikkei average outside a brokerage in Tokyo, Japan, October 23, 2017. REUTERS/Issei Kato
<p>Taking its cue from a surge on Wall Street, Japan's Nikkei <a href="/finance/markets/index?symbol=.N225" type="external">.N225</a> climbed 1.1 percent in early trade.</p>
<p>MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan .MIAPJ0000PUS firmed 0.4 percent. South Korea's KOSPI <a href="/finance/markets/index?symbol=.KS11" type="external">.KS11</a> rose 0.7 percent, adding to gains made after the U.S. exempted the country's steel from import tariffs.</p>
<p>The abrupt mood swing came amid reports Chinese and U.S. officials were busy negotiating to avert an all-out trade war.</p>
<p>White House officials are asking China to cut tariffs on imported cars, allow foreign majority ownership of financial services firms and buy more U.S.-made semiconductors, said a person familiar with the discussions.</p>
<p>Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Monday pledged to maintain trade negotiations and ease access to American businesses.</p>
<p>Even a whiff of a compromise was enough to propel Wall Street to its best day in 2-1/2 years and deliver the Dow its third-biggest point gain ever.</p>
<p>The Dow <a href="/finance/markets/index?symbol=.DJI" type="external">.DJI</a> jumped 2.84 percent, while the S&amp;P 500 <a href="/finance/markets/index?symbol=.SPX" type="external">.SPX</a> climbed 2.72 percent and the Nasdaq <a href="/finance/markets/index?symbol=.IXIC" type="external">.IXIC</a> 3.26 percent. All 11 major sectors of the S&amp;P 500 gained, with technology .SPLRCT up 4.0 percent and finance .SPSY 3.2 percent.</p>
<p>The sudden bout of optimism on trade helped offset news the United States and many of its Allies were expelling more than 100 Russian diplomats in retaliation for a nerve agent attack on a former Russian spy in Britain.</p>
<p>The surge in stocks weighed on the Treasury market, which faces a record $294 billion of new supply this week.</p>
<p>Yields on 10-year Treasury notes US10YT=RR inched up to 2.856 percent, but remained short of last week’s top above 2.90 percent.</p>
<p>In currency markets the reaction was to offload both the yen and the U.S. dollar.</p>
<p>“The yen is being quietly sold as risk hedges are unwound and looks particularly vulnerable on the crosses,” Citi analysts said in a note.</p>
<a href="/finance/markets/index?symbol=.N225" type="external">Nikkei Inc</a> 21136.15 .N225 Nikkei Index +370.05 (+1.78%) .N225 .KS11 .DJI .SPX .IXIC
<p>Short-covering against the euro was especially sharp as the common currency jumped 1.4 percent overnight EURJPY= to stand at 131.32 yen.</p>
<p>That allowed the U.S. dollar to bounce a little to 105.51 yen <a href="/finance/currencies/quote?srcCurr=JPY&amp;destCurr=USD" type="external">JPY=</a>, having been at its lowest since late 2016 at one point. Yet the U.S. currency ran into selling against almost everything else, with notable breaks by the euro and sterling.</p>
<p>The euro was up at $1.2453 <a href="/finance/currencies/quote?srcCurr=EUR&amp;destCurr=USD" type="external">EUR=</a>, after cracking the March top at $1.2446, and bulls were eyeing the peak for the year so far at $1.2556.</p>
<p>The broad-based weakness saw the dollar drop to a five-week trough on a basket of currencies at 88.979 .DXY.</p>
<p>The decline offered some support to commodities priced in the dollar and spot gold XAU= edged up to $1,353.60 an ounce.</p>
<p>In oil markets, U.S. crude futures CLc1 put on 8 cents to $65.63 a barrel, while Brent crude LCOc1 added 6 cents to $70.16 a barrel.</p>
<p>Last week, Brent gained 6.4 percent and WTI rose 5.7 percent for the strongest gains since July.</p>
<p>Reporting by Wayne Cole; Editing by Eric Meijer</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
| false | 2 |
jan 23 reuters tesla inc tesla announces new longterm performance award elon musk elon receive guaranteed compensation kind salary cash bonuses equity vests simply passage time new 10year ceo performance award elon musk vesting entirely contingent achieving market cap operational milestones says new award modeled elons 2012 performance award says elons compensation 100 atrisk performance award says musks new compensation ensures compensated tesla shareholders extraordinarily well says performance award consists 10year grant stock options vests 12 tranches says 12 tranches new performance award vests pair milestones met says none 12 tranches musks new performance award achieved receive compensation says new performance award created teslas board directors elon kimbal musk recused although board granted award elon january 21 2018 effectiveness subject approval teslas shareholders teslas shareholders asked approve musks performance award special shareholder meeting held late march says elon kimbal musk recuse vote related musks new performance award source text eikon company coverage bangalorenewsroomthomsonreuterscom standards thomson reuters trust principles seoul reuters events happening quickly korean peninsula planned summits north south korea united states presidential official seoul said tuesday amid reports north korean leader kim jong un china file photo 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 sagoljfile photo bloomberg citing three unidentified sources reported monday kim beijing would first known trip outside north korea since taking power 2011 unconfirmed visit also comes ahead potential summit us president donald trump presidential blue house watching things beijing closely keeping possibilities open said senior official seoul spoke condition anonymity improving bilateral ties north korea china would positive sign planned summits said details kims visit including purpose itinerary yet known bloomberg reported japanese media reported earlier monday highranking pyongyang official appeared arrived train beijing blue house official said south korean government aware related movements north korea train days could confirm whether kim another highranking north korean official visiting china beijing secretive isolated north koreas main ally well biggest trading partner kim due hold separate summits south korea late april united states may including potential meeting trump fact summits held beyond expectations right situation surrounding korean peninsula moving quickly would inadvisable think prejudice blue house official said kim jong uns father kim jong il met thenpresident jiang zemin china 2000 summit two koreas june year kim jong il considered time made visit reaffirm close ties norths biggest ally north korea likely wants confirm relationship china believes leverage ask things china said yoo hoyeol professor north korean studies korea university seoul north korea speaks united states might feel disadvantage china ally pyongyang may think able protect interests profits summits yoo said reporting christine kim additional reporting heekyong yang editing paul tait standards thomson reuters trust principles reuters former michigan state university dean supervised usa gymnastics doctor larry nassar prior nassars arrest charges sexually abusing female athletes taken custody county sheriff said monday william strampel currently lodged ingham county jail ingham county sheriff scott wriggelsworth told reuters declined say charges strampel faces defendant arraigned tuesday reporting dan whitcomb los angeles editing sandra maler standards thomson reuters trust principles beijing reuters premier li keqiang said monday china united states maintain negotiations reiterated pledges ease access american businesses china scrambles avert trade war file photo chinese premier li keqiang speaks news conference following closing session national peoples congress npc great hall people beijing china march 20 2018 reutersjason lee li told conference included global chief executives china would treat foreign domestic firms equally would force foreign firms transfer technology would strengthen intellectual property rights repeating promises failed placate washington united states asked china letter last week cut tariff us autos buy usmade semiconductors give us firms greater access chinese financial sector wall street journal reported monday citing unidentified sources alarm possible trade war worlds two largest economies chilled financial markets investors anticipated dire consequences trade barriers go due president donald trumps bid cut us deficit china us treasury secretary steven mnuchin trade representative robert lighthizer listed steps want china take letter liu newly appointed vice premier oversees chinas economy journal said quoting sources knowledge matter newspaper reported mnuchin considering visit beijing pursue negotiations despite steady stream fierce rhetoric chinese state media lambasting united states bully warning retaliation chinese us officials busy negotiating behind scenes related coverage white houses navarro says us talks china trade regard trade imbalances china united states adopt pragmatic rational attitude promote balancing expansion trade stick negotiations resolve differences friction li told conference beijing state radio reported china offered buy us semiconductors diverting purchases south korea taiwan financial times reported citing people briefed negotiations china imported 26 billion semiconductors united states last year chinese officials also working finalise rules may instead end june allow foreign financial groups take majority stakes chinese securities firms financial times said anticipate political reason would logical china respond countries blackstone group chief executive stephen schwarzman told reuters monday sidelines beijing conference li spoke china development forum thats view skirmish think interests countries served resolving matters fears trade war mounted month trump imposed tariffs steel aluminium imports thursday specifically targeted china announcing plans tariffs 60 billion chinese goods friday china responded us tariffs steel aluminium declaring plans levy additional duties 3 billion us imports list targeted goods contained mention soybeans aircraft chinas two biggest us import items china could also inflict pain us multinationals rely china substantial growing portion total revenues said alex wolf senior emerging markets economist aberdeen standard investments file photo man rides vehicle past containers port shanghai china february 17 2016 reutersaly songfile photo could put us companies apple microsoft starbucks gm nike etc firing line wolf said note china increase regulatory burden us companies new inspections rules ban travel stop providing export licenses key intermediate goods raise tax burden us multinationals china block us companies government procurement market said flouted rules trump unveiled planned tariffs targeting chinese goods us inquiry found china guilty intellectual property theft unfair trade forcing us investors turn key technologies chinese firms saturday liu told mnuchin telephone call us inquiry violated international trade rules china would defend interests official xinhua news agency reported us treasury spokesman confirmed call declined comment content letter possible visit mnuchin beijing secretary mnuchin called liu congratulate official announcement new role spokesman told reuters also discussed trade deficit two countries committed continuing dialogue find mutually agreeable way reduce trump administration demanded china immediately cut 375 billion trade surplus united states 100 billion us wielding sticks worldwide past year washington needs taught real lesson lesson taught china worlds secondlargest economy chinas global times newspaper said editorial widely read tabloid run ruling communist partys official peoples daily although stance necessarily mirror government policy privately liu mnuchin exchanged letters past week opening chinas financial services sector cutting chinese tariffs imported cars according financial times china 25 percent tariff us cars talked recently lowering chinas imports us motor vehicles totalled 106 billion 2017 8 percent countrys overall us imports value according us government data reported offer increase us semiconductor imports unclear us chips would replace south korean taiwanese chips since minimal overlap us chips two asian producers china heavily dependent foreign semiconductors one biggest import categories value said us accounted 1 percent chinas total semiconductor imports last year value according reuters calculations based chinese customs data reporting ryan woo additional reporting david lawder washington matthew miller ben blanchard elias glenn stella qiu beijing editing simon cameronmoore kim coghill standards thomson reuters trust principles sydney reuters asian share markets rallied tuesday reports behindthescenes talks united states china rekindled hopes damaging trade war could averted turn sapping strength dollar yen file photo woman walks past electronic board showing graphs recent movements japans nikkei average outside brokerage tokyo japan october 23 2017 reutersissei kato taking cue surge wall street japans nikkei n225 climbed 11 percent early trade mscis broadest index asiapacific shares outside japan miapj0000pus firmed 04 percent south koreas kospi ks11 rose 07 percent adding gains made us exempted countrys steel import tariffs abrupt mood swing came amid reports chinese us officials busy negotiating avert allout trade war white house officials asking china cut tariffs imported cars allow foreign majority ownership financial services firms buy usmade semiconductors said person familiar discussions chinese premier li keqiang monday pledged maintain trade negotiations ease access american businesses even whiff compromise enough propel wall street best day 212 years deliver dow thirdbiggest point gain ever dow dji jumped 284 percent sampp 500 spx climbed 272 percent nasdaq ixic 326 percent 11 major sectors sampp 500 gained technology splrct 40 percent finance spsy 32 percent sudden bout optimism trade helped offset news united states many allies expelling 100 russian diplomats retaliation nerve agent attack former russian spy britain surge stocks weighed treasury market faces record 294 billion new supply week yields 10year treasury notes us10ytrr inched 2856 percent remained short last weeks top 290 percent currency markets reaction offload yen us dollar yen quietly sold risk hedges unwound looks particularly vulnerable crosses citi analysts said note nikkei inc 2113615 n225 nikkei index 37005 178 n225 ks11 dji spx ixic shortcovering euro especially sharp common currency jumped 14 percent overnight eurjpy stand 13132 yen allowed us dollar bounce little 10551 yen jpy lowest since late 2016 one point yet us currency ran selling almost everything else notable breaks euro sterling euro 12453 eur cracking march top 12446 bulls eyeing peak year far 12556 broadbased weakness saw dollar drop fiveweek trough basket currencies 88979 dxy decline offered support commodities priced dollar spot gold xau edged 135360 ounce oil markets us crude futures clc1 put 8 cents 6563 barrel brent crude lcoc1 added 6 cents 7016 barrel last week brent gained 64 percent wti rose 57 percent strongest gains since july reporting wayne cole editing eric meijer standards thomson reuters trust principles
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<p>BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — A new set of laws would tax and possibly sanction Hungarian groups assisting illegal migration which receive foreign funding, Hungary's government said Wednesday.</p>
<p>Such groups would have to register with the courts and, if they get more than half of their funds from foreign sources, pay a 25-percent tax on the funds received from abroad, Interior Minister Sandor Pinter said. Groups failing to register, and which authorities consider to be adding illegal migrants, could be fined.</p>
<p>Pinter, without mentioning anyone by name, gave an example of someone providing a smartphone containing maps and other information "showing the way to Europe" to a migrant in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, and part of the "Balkan route" migrants use to try to reach Germany and other destinations in Western Europe.</p>
<p>Also, restraining orders could be issued against Hungarian citizens considered to be "organizing illegal migration," preventing them from going within eight kilometers (five miles) of Hungary's Schengen borders, those with countries outside the European Union, like Serbia and Ukraine. Foreigners found to be aiding illegal migrants could be banned from Hungary, Pinter said.</p>
<p>Government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs said the expectations were that Hungarian non-governmental groups "which deal with illegal migrants or the issue of migration will follow the law and indicate to authorities ... that they are doing this activity."</p>
<p>The new laws would apparently not apply to, for example, religious charity groups or the Red Cross, which distribute food, medicines and other aid to migrants.</p>
<p>"Giving assistance is not the same as actively ... taking part in someone crossing the border illegally," Kovacs said.</p>
<p>Prime Minister Viktor Orban is an opponent of immigration, especially by Muslims, and Hungary built long fences along its southern borders in late 2015 to stop the flow of migrants.</p>
<p>The government has dubbed the bills "Stop Soros" laws, as it blames Hungarian-American billionaire and philanthropist George Soros for Europe's migration challenges, partly because of his funding of groups that advocate for the rights of refugees.</p>
<p>Pinter said, however, that "I don't believe that so far George Soros has told anyone that he takes part in organizing" illegal migration.</p>
<p>Since the government expects groups or people to declare voluntarily if they aid illegal migration, "we are very curious to see" whether Soros will or will not acknowledge doing so, Kovacs added.</p>
<p>The Hungarian Helsinki Committee, a rights group which provides legal aid to asylum-seekers and receives part of its funding from Soros' Open Society Foundations, drew attention to the government's proposed eight-kilometer restraining order and compared it to a 1969 decree by Hungary's then-communist government prohibiting citizens from going nearer than two kilometers (1.2 miles) from the borders.</p>
<p>BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — A new set of laws would tax and possibly sanction Hungarian groups assisting illegal migration which receive foreign funding, Hungary's government said Wednesday.</p>
<p>Such groups would have to register with the courts and, if they get more than half of their funds from foreign sources, pay a 25-percent tax on the funds received from abroad, Interior Minister Sandor Pinter said. Groups failing to register, and which authorities consider to be adding illegal migrants, could be fined.</p>
<p>Pinter, without mentioning anyone by name, gave an example of someone providing a smartphone containing maps and other information "showing the way to Europe" to a migrant in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, and part of the "Balkan route" migrants use to try to reach Germany and other destinations in Western Europe.</p>
<p>Also, restraining orders could be issued against Hungarian citizens considered to be "organizing illegal migration," preventing them from going within eight kilometers (five miles) of Hungary's Schengen borders, those with countries outside the European Union, like Serbia and Ukraine. Foreigners found to be aiding illegal migrants could be banned from Hungary, Pinter said.</p>
<p>Government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs said the expectations were that Hungarian non-governmental groups "which deal with illegal migrants or the issue of migration will follow the law and indicate to authorities ... that they are doing this activity."</p>
<p>The new laws would apparently not apply to, for example, religious charity groups or the Red Cross, which distribute food, medicines and other aid to migrants.</p>
<p>"Giving assistance is not the same as actively ... taking part in someone crossing the border illegally," Kovacs said.</p>
<p>Prime Minister Viktor Orban is an opponent of immigration, especially by Muslims, and Hungary built long fences along its southern borders in late 2015 to stop the flow of migrants.</p>
<p>The government has dubbed the bills "Stop Soros" laws, as it blames Hungarian-American billionaire and philanthropist George Soros for Europe's migration challenges, partly because of his funding of groups that advocate for the rights of refugees.</p>
<p>Pinter said, however, that "I don't believe that so far George Soros has told anyone that he takes part in organizing" illegal migration.</p>
<p>Since the government expects groups or people to declare voluntarily if they aid illegal migration, "we are very curious to see" whether Soros will or will not acknowledge doing so, Kovacs added.</p>
<p>The Hungarian Helsinki Committee, a rights group which provides legal aid to asylum-seekers and receives part of its funding from Soros' Open Society Foundations, drew attention to the government's proposed eight-kilometer restraining order and compared it to a 1969 decree by Hungary's then-communist government prohibiting citizens from going nearer than two kilometers (1.2 miles) from the borders.</p>
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budapest hungary ap new set laws would tax possibly sanction hungarian groups assisting illegal migration receive foreign funding hungarys government said wednesday groups would register courts get half funds foreign sources pay 25percent tax funds received abroad interior minister sandor pinter said groups failing register authorities consider adding illegal migrants could fined pinter without mentioning anyone name gave example someone providing smartphone containing maps information showing way europe migrant belgrade capital serbia part balkan route migrants use try reach germany destinations western europe also restraining orders could issued hungarian citizens considered organizing illegal migration preventing going within eight kilometers five miles hungarys schengen borders countries outside european union like serbia ukraine foreigners found aiding illegal migrants could banned hungary pinter said government spokesman zoltan kovacs said expectations hungarian nongovernmental groups deal illegal migrants issue migration follow law indicate authorities activity new laws would apparently apply example religious charity groups red cross distribute food medicines aid migrants giving assistance actively taking part someone crossing border illegally kovacs said prime minister viktor orban opponent immigration especially muslims hungary built long fences along southern borders late 2015 stop flow migrants government dubbed bills stop soros laws blames hungarianamerican billionaire philanthropist george soros europes migration challenges partly funding groups advocate rights refugees pinter said however dont believe far george soros told anyone takes part organizing illegal migration since government expects groups people declare voluntarily aid illegal migration curious see whether soros acknowledge kovacs added hungarian helsinki committee rights group provides legal aid asylumseekers receives part funding soros open society foundations drew attention governments proposed eightkilometer restraining order compared 1969 decree hungarys thencommunist government prohibiting citizens going nearer two kilometers 12 miles borders budapest hungary ap new set laws would tax possibly sanction hungarian groups assisting illegal migration receive foreign funding hungarys government said wednesday groups would register courts get half funds foreign sources pay 25percent tax funds received abroad interior minister sandor pinter said groups failing register authorities consider adding illegal migrants could fined pinter without mentioning anyone name gave example someone providing smartphone containing maps information showing way europe migrant belgrade capital serbia part balkan route migrants use try reach germany destinations western europe also restraining orders could issued hungarian citizens considered organizing illegal migration preventing going within eight kilometers five miles hungarys schengen borders countries outside european union like serbia ukraine foreigners found aiding illegal migrants could banned hungary pinter said government spokesman zoltan kovacs said expectations hungarian nongovernmental groups deal illegal migrants issue migration follow law indicate authorities activity new laws would apparently apply example religious charity groups red cross distribute food medicines aid migrants giving assistance actively taking part someone crossing border illegally kovacs said prime minister viktor orban opponent immigration especially muslims hungary built long fences along southern borders late 2015 stop flow migrants government dubbed bills stop soros laws blames hungarianamerican billionaire philanthropist george soros europes migration challenges partly funding groups advocate rights refugees pinter said however dont believe far george soros told anyone takes part organizing illegal migration since government expects groups people declare voluntarily aid illegal migration curious see whether soros acknowledge kovacs added hungarian helsinki committee rights group provides legal aid asylumseekers receives part funding soros open society foundations drew attention governments proposed eightkilometer restraining order compared 1969 decree hungarys thencommunist government prohibiting citizens going nearer two kilometers 12 miles borders
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<p>Despite the efforts of advocates, they reported that members of the Senate Conservation Committee passed the bill in less than five minutes. A series of hearings led to modifications of the original bill submitted by State Sen. Pat Woods, a Republican from Quay County, that eliminates the classification of domesticated horse.</p>
<p>While under the amended version horses still would be lumped into the broad definition for livestock that fall under the jurisdiction of the New Mexico Livestock Board, specific exceptions were included for Spanish colonial horses and for a “wild horse” defined as an “unclaimed horse without obvious brands or other evidence of private ownership that is determined by the board to originate from public land or federal land or to be part of or descended from a herd that lives on or originates from public land; but does not include horses that are subject to the jurisdiction of the federal government pursuant to the federal Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act.”</p>
<p>Public land does not include federal land controlled by the Bureau of Land Management, the Forest Service or state trust land.</p>
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<p>Under the amended version, a wild horse captured on private land in New Mexico at the discretion of the livestock board “shall be” humanely captured and relocated to state public land or to a public or private horse preserve; adopted by a qualified person (for an adoption fee); or humanely euthanized provided the option is the last resort when the horse is determined by a licensed veterinarian to be crippled or otherwise unhealthy or cannot be relocated to a public or private wild horse preserve or adopted.</p>
<p>A new section throws in another wrinkle for the future of “wild horses” such as the herds in Alto. That section in the amended bill provides when requested by the board to determine the viability of a specific New Mexico wild horse herd on the range they occupy, the range improvement task force of New Mexico State University will evaluate the range conditions to determine the number of wild horses that the range can support while maintaining its ecological health.</p>
<p>The task force will report the results of the evaluation to the board. “If required, the board may cause control of the New Mexico wild horse herd population through the use of birth control and may cause excess horses to be humanely captured” and relocated, adopted or euthanized.</p>
<p>The task force also would be required to submit an annual report to the legislature on the results of evaluations each year and other appropriate comments on the status of the overall New Mexico range.</p>
<p>A second bill introduced by Woods, SB284, which has not yet been heard in committee, specifically deals with trespassing horses on private land. It gives the livestock board jurisdiction over any horse trespassing on fee simple private land and charges board representatives to attempt to determine ownership and simultaneously to notify animal rescue organizations.</p>
<p>“If no owner can be identified after five days, the horse shall be offered to animas rescue organizations. If no animal rescue organization assumes ownership after two days, the board may auction the horse,” SB284 states.</p>
<p>“These people apparently are hell bent on getting rid of the wild horses,’ one wild herd advocate said.</p>
<p>Noting that the incoming president of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association backed the bill, contending it provided a remedy for a private land owner beleaguered by trespassing unowned horses, a Santa Fe attorney with government background said, “My question is, if a deer or elk eats her trees, does she had a remedy? If a skunk sprays her dog, does she have a remedy? If a coyote eats her cat, does she have a remedy? Is the state required to provide a remedy at taxpayer expense for every intrusion of wildlife onto private property?”</p>
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<p>The attorney also questioned if any data exists showing that overgrazing by wild horses has occurred on private land and how that data compared to grazing by other wild animals.</p>
<p>Local wild herd advocates mobilized in large numbers after the livestock board in August 2016 hauled away a dozen members of a herd in Alto that had been penned by a private land owner. Some neighbors contended the landowner rounded up the horses outside her land and brought them into a fenced area for the board to load. A lawsuit was filed by the Wild Horse Observers Association that resulted in a temporary restraining order against the sale of any of the horses in the herd. Under an agreement approved by the court, the horses were returned to the county to acreage that minimized interaction with humans until the court decides on the status of the herd as wild. That case still is pending in the 12th Judicial District Court.</p>
<p>Some advocates contend the state Game and Fish Department is a more logical agency to handle wild horses as it does large game animals. They also point to the financial benefits from tourists who come to the area to see the herds. The woman who filed the original complaint against the removed herd said her fencing was damaged. She said she feared for her mare who was in season and for her own safety when she encountered the herd out riding.</p>
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<p>©2017 the Ruidoso News (Ruidoso, N.M.)</p>
<p>Visit the Ruidoso News (Ruidoso, N.M.) at <a href="http://www.ruidosonews.com" type="external">www.ruidosonews.com</a></p>
<p>Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.</p>
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despite efforts advocates reported members senate conservation committee passed bill less five minutes series hearings led modifications original bill submitted state sen pat woods republican quay county eliminates classification domesticated horse amended version horses still would lumped broad definition livestock fall jurisdiction new mexico livestock board specific exceptions included spanish colonial horses wild horse defined unclaimed horse without obvious brands evidence private ownership determined board originate public land federal land part descended herd lives originates public land include horses subject jurisdiction federal government pursuant federal wild freeroaming horses burros act public land include federal land controlled bureau land management forest service state trust land advertisement amended version wild horse captured private land new mexico discretion livestock board shall humanely captured relocated state public land public private horse preserve adopted qualified person adoption fee humanely euthanized provided option last resort horse determined licensed veterinarian crippled otherwise unhealthy relocated public private wild horse preserve adopted new section throws another wrinkle future wild horses herds alto section amended bill provides requested board determine viability specific new mexico wild horse herd range occupy range improvement task force new mexico state university evaluate range conditions determine number wild horses range support maintaining ecological health task force report results evaluation board required board may cause control new mexico wild horse herd population use birth control may cause excess horses humanely captured relocated adopted euthanized task force also would required submit annual report legislature results evaluations year appropriate comments status overall new mexico range second bill introduced woods sb284 yet heard committee specifically deals trespassing horses private land gives livestock board jurisdiction horse trespassing fee simple private land charges board representatives attempt determine ownership simultaneously notify animal rescue organizations owner identified five days horse shall offered animas rescue organizations animal rescue organization assumes ownership two days board may auction horse sb284 states people apparently hell bent getting rid wild horses one wild herd advocate said noting incoming president new mexico cattle growers association backed bill contending provided remedy private land owner beleaguered trespassing unowned horses santa fe attorney government background said question deer elk eats trees remedy skunk sprays dog remedy coyote eats cat remedy state required provide remedy taxpayer expense every intrusion wildlife onto private property advertisement attorney also questioned data exists showing overgrazing wild horses occurred private land data compared grazing wild animals local wild herd advocates mobilized large numbers livestock board august 2016 hauled away dozen members herd alto penned private land owner neighbors contended landowner rounded horses outside land brought fenced area board load lawsuit filed wild horse observers association resulted temporary restraining order sale horses herd agreement approved court horses returned county acreage minimized interaction humans court decides status herd wild case still pending 12th judicial district court advocates contend state game fish department logical agency handle wild horses large game animals also point financial benefits tourists come area see herds woman filed original complaint removed herd said fencing damaged said feared mare season safety encountered herd riding 2017 ruidoso news ruidoso nm visit ruidoso news ruidoso nm wwwruidosonewscom distributed tribune content agency llc _____
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<p>Detective Tony Trujillo, left, was on the scene soon after the body of George Ortiz, 75, was discovered at Ortiz’s Luisa Street home in Santa Fe in October 2012. An attorney for accused killer Anthony Blas Yepez, 26, says a variant in Yepez’s genetic make-up is partially responsible for the homicide. (Eddie Moore/Albuquerque Journal)</p>
<p>SANTA FE, N.M. — Did the genetic make-up of Anthony Blas Yepez have anything to do with a 2012 killing in which a 75-year-old Santa Fe man was choked and beaten, doused with cooking oil and set on fire?</p>
<p>What’s become known as the “warrior gene” defense has come to town.</p>
<p>It’s a variant of the nature-versus-nurture argument over why criminals do what they do, which maintains that the real answer is nature AND nurture – with the nature factor found in a genetic variant that can correlate with various kinds of bad behavior.</p>
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<p>Public defender Ian Loyd has had Yepez, 26, tested for it and hopes to introduce that evidence at the murder trial, now scheduled for Feb. 9.</p>
<p>Anthony Blas Yepez, accused of first-degree murder in the killing of a 75-year-old Santa Fe man who was beaten and choked, and then set on fire with cooking oil.</p>
<p>Loyd stressed that he’s not saying “Yepez’s condition makes him prone to violence, but rather that it helps to explain why he acted the way he did in that particular situation – it puts him at greater risk for acting impulsively and lashing out under stressful situations.”</p>
<p>Yepez is accused of beating and choking elderly George Ortiz Oct. 29, 2012 at Ortiz’s home in a senior housing complex on Santa Fe’s Luisa Street and then setting him on fire with cooking oil, with the help of his then-girlfriend. It’s unknown whether Ortiz was still alive when he was burned.</p>
<p>In an agreement with prosecutors, Jeannine Anne Sandoval, 30, Yepez’s co-defendant, pleaded guilty in June to second-degree murder. Ortiz had been married to Sandoval’s late grandmother and helped raise her.</p>
<p>Sandoval received the maximum 9-year prison sentence and has agreed to testify truthfully at Yepez’s trial. She and Yepez were arrested the day after the killing when they were found in Española with Ortiz’s Toyota Camry.</p>
<p>Yepez faces a charge of first-degree murder, meaning the prosecution intends to prove the killing was premeditated.</p>
<p>But the defense team contends an important factor was Yepez’s genetic make-up coupled with an abusive childhood that put him at a higher risk of acting impulsively in certain situations, and they want a jury to consider that. Loyd said Yepez told officers after the killing, “I don’t know how this could have happened and I’ve always been able to control it in the past.”</p>
<p>The genetic defense raises the question of whether a defendant is consciously responsible for his or her actions, not unlike but not as extreme as an insanity defense. With Yepez’s genetic variant, “The ability to check impulsive behavior is significantly diminished,” Loyd said.</p>
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<p>After attending a forensics conference where he heard neurologist William Bernet of Vanderbilt University speak on what’s known as the MAO-A (Monoamine oxidase) gene defense, Loyd asked Bernet and his team to test Yepez.</p>
<p>LOYD: Case hinges on why, not what happened</p>
<p>MAO-A refers to a specific gene in “people’s genetic sequence, sort of the blueprint for who they are,” said Loyd.</p>
<p>It’s the gene that studies have shown regulates impulsive, antisocial or aggressive behavior. If a person’s genetic sequence for MAO-A repeats three times or less, he’s considered a “low copy three” with a “high-risk” version of the gene, which may put them at higher risk of bad behaviors. The gene normally repeats five times.</p>
<p>“He (Yepez) is not a low copy, he’s actually a no copy,” which is a very rare condition, said Loyd. “Evidently, he does not have this gene that regulates these chemicals at all, so he totally lacks the ability to regulate, to have dopamine and serotonin,” body messengers in the regulation of stress and depression.</p>
<p>Loyd intends to have Bernet, a distinguished life fellow at the American Psychiatric Association, as well as professor emeritus at Vanderbilt, testify to his findings in the Yepez case. Bernet has tested 30 criminal defendants, most of them charged with murder.</p>
<p>His Vanderbilt team has found that when someone has the “warrior gene”/abused childhood dynamic,” they react to stressful situations “sort of impulsively and aggressively,” said Loyd.</p>
<p>“Dangerous cocktail”</p>
<p>Bernet was an expert defense witness in a 2009 murder case in Tennessee, arguing for the defense that Bradley Waldroup fatally shot his wife’s friend eight times and then tried to kill his wife with a machete because of the “warrior gene” variant, coupled with Waldroup’s childhood abuse. Waldroup was convicted of the lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter.</p>
<p>Bernet, in a National Public Radio report, cited decade-long studies “that found the combination of the high-risk gene and the child abuse increases one’s chances of being convicted of a violent offense by more than 400 percent,” telling the jury that the combination was a “dangerous cocktail.”</p>
<p>The prosecutor in the Tennessee case called the genetic defense “smoke and mirrors” aimed at confusing the jury.</p>
<p>Ph.D. psychologist Nigel Barber wrote about the case in a 2010 article in Psychology Today, criticizing the warrior gene defense as “junk science.” He acknowledged “a germ of scientific truth” behind the defense, but says the genetic variant “might also be called other things, such as the gambling gene, the depression gene, the irritability gene, or even the live-in-a-trailer gene because its effects are contingent on an abusive childhood.”</p>
<p>“The key scientific problem is that about 34 percent of Europeans have the warrior gene,” Barber wrote. “Yet, homicide is extremely rare at a population level with only about one person in 100 committing a homicide during their lives. If the gene were used to predict homicide, it would be wrong more than 33 times for every one occasion it was right.”</p>
<p>Standard information?</p>
<p>But there is little doubt genetic evidence is getting play in major criminal trials.</p>
<p>In the case of Jared Lee Loughner – convicted of killing several people and wounding others, including former U.S. Rep Gabrielle Giffords, in a 2011 shooting at a Giffords event in Tucson – high-profile defense attorney Judy Clarke subpoenaed the health records of Loughner’s relatives going as far back as 1893. The defense showed that Loughner’s relatives suffered from extreme depression and he avoided the death penalty.</p>
<p>Deborah Denno, a law professor at New York’s Fordham University School of Law, has studied several cases involving uses of the genetic defense. She said that, so far, they are rare.</p>
<p>“The great majority of them are used in death penalty cases … to show people shouldn’t get the death penalty,” she told the Journal in an interview this week.</p>
<p>“Why not introduce scientific evidence?” she asked, although she takes issue with the term “warrior gene.”</p>
<p>“Judges want to know this generally. We are a different society today …. we are primed to know our genetic histories,” said Denno.”This is standard information that should be coming into the courtroom and is coming into the courtroom.”</p>
<p>Why, not what?</p>
<p>Loyd says the Yepez case hinges on why Ortiz was killed, not what happened to him.</p>
<p>“Why did this tragic event unfold the way that it did? … It sort of goes back to the nature-nurture issue. Are we who we are because of our genes or because of our environment?” said Loyd. “… This explanation sort of draws from both. So this defense isn’t purely just because of this gene.”</p>
<p>Assistant District Attorney Susan Stinson has filed a motion seeking to examine all materials from a neurologist and a psychiatrist who examined Yepez, and “all calculations or statistics concerning the warrior gene, along with the scientific bases for these calculations” and the research used for the calculations.</p>
<p>Thursday, Stinson said she could not otherwise comment on the genetic defense effort for Yepez or whether the District Attorney’s Office will oppose the introduction of genetic evidence at trial.</p>
<p>Yepez’s girlfriend Sandoval told police shortly after the George Ortiz homicide there was an argument at Ortiz’s home, Ortiz hit her in the throat and Yepez intervened.</p>
<p>“Our explanation of how it escalated out of control is the combination of his (Yepez’s) inability to control impulsive behavior wedded with his sensitivity to seeing women being struck … ,” Loyd said. “He couldn’t control his impulses.”</p>
<p>Yepez “had a particularly rough childhood,” Loyd said, with “some pretty horrific events early on, and was clearly without question the victim of some pretty awful abuse.”</p>
<p>What would Loyd hope for as the best outcome in the case?</p>
<p>“It’s our hope that the jury would agree with us that this was not premeditated.” That would mean Yepez could be convicted of what’s called a lesser included offense, which, depending on jury instructions, could include second-degree murder or voluntary manslaughter.</p>
<p>In addition to first-degree murder, Yepez is charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, tampering with evidence and unlawful taking of a motor vehicle.</p>
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detective tony trujillo left scene soon body george ortiz 75 discovered ortizs luisa street home santa fe october 2012 attorney accused killer anthony blas yepez 26 says variant yepezs genetic makeup partially responsible homicide eddie moorealbuquerque journal santa fe nm genetic makeup anthony blas yepez anything 2012 killing 75yearold santa fe man choked beaten doused cooking oil set fire whats become known warrior gene defense come town variant natureversusnurture argument criminals maintains real answer nature nurture nature factor found genetic variant correlate various kinds bad behavior advertisement public defender ian loyd yepez 26 tested hopes introduce evidence murder trial scheduled feb 9 anthony blas yepez accused firstdegree murder killing 75yearold santa fe man beaten choked set fire cooking oil loyd stressed hes saying yepezs condition makes prone violence rather helps explain acted way particular situation puts greater risk acting impulsively lashing stressful situations yepez accused beating choking elderly george ortiz oct 29 2012 ortizs home senior housing complex santa fes luisa street setting fire cooking oil help thengirlfriend unknown whether ortiz still alive burned agreement prosecutors jeannine anne sandoval 30 yepezs codefendant pleaded guilty june seconddegree murder ortiz married sandovals late grandmother helped raise sandoval received maximum 9year prison sentence agreed testify truthfully yepezs trial yepez arrested day killing found española ortizs toyota camry yepez faces charge firstdegree murder meaning prosecution intends prove killing premeditated defense team contends important factor yepezs genetic makeup coupled abusive childhood put higher risk acting impulsively certain situations want jury consider loyd said yepez told officers killing dont know could happened ive always able control past genetic defense raises question whether defendant consciously responsible actions unlike extreme insanity defense yepezs genetic variant ability check impulsive behavior significantly diminished loyd said advertisement attending forensics conference heard neurologist william bernet vanderbilt university speak whats known maoa monoamine oxidase gene defense loyd asked bernet team test yepez loyd case hinges happened maoa refers specific gene peoples genetic sequence sort blueprint said loyd gene studies shown regulates impulsive antisocial aggressive behavior persons genetic sequence maoa repeats three times less hes considered low copy three highrisk version gene may put higher risk bad behaviors gene normally repeats five times yepez low copy hes actually copy rare condition said loyd evidently gene regulates chemicals totally lacks ability regulate dopamine serotonin body messengers regulation stress depression loyd intends bernet distinguished life fellow american psychiatric association well professor emeritus vanderbilt testify findings yepez case bernet tested 30 criminal defendants charged murder vanderbilt team found someone warrior geneabused childhood dynamic react stressful situations sort impulsively aggressively said loyd dangerous cocktail bernet expert defense witness 2009 murder case tennessee arguing defense bradley waldroup fatally shot wifes friend eight times tried kill wife machete warrior gene variant coupled waldroups childhood abuse waldroup convicted lesser charge voluntary manslaughter bernet national public radio report cited decadelong studies found combination highrisk gene child abuse increases ones chances convicted violent offense 400 percent telling jury combination dangerous cocktail prosecutor tennessee case called genetic defense smoke mirrors aimed confusing jury phd psychologist nigel barber wrote case 2010 article psychology today criticizing warrior gene defense junk science acknowledged germ scientific truth behind defense says genetic variant might also called things gambling gene depression gene irritability gene even liveinatrailer gene effects contingent abusive childhood key scientific problem 34 percent europeans warrior gene barber wrote yet homicide extremely rare population level one person 100 committing homicide lives gene used predict homicide would wrong 33 times every one occasion right standard information little doubt genetic evidence getting play major criminal trials case jared lee loughner convicted killing several people wounding others including former us rep gabrielle giffords 2011 shooting giffords event tucson highprofile defense attorney judy clarke subpoenaed health records loughners relatives going far back 1893 defense showed loughners relatives suffered extreme depression avoided death penalty deborah denno law professor new yorks fordham university school law studied several cases involving uses genetic defense said far rare great majority used death penalty cases show people shouldnt get death penalty told journal interview week introduce scientific evidence asked although takes issue term warrior gene judges want know generally different society today primed know genetic histories said dennothis standard information coming courtroom coming courtroom loyd says yepez case hinges ortiz killed happened tragic event unfold way sort goes back naturenurture issue genes environment said loyd explanation sort draws defense isnt purely gene assistant district attorney susan stinson filed motion seeking examine materials neurologist psychiatrist examined yepez calculations statistics concerning warrior gene along scientific bases calculations research used calculations thursday stinson said could otherwise comment genetic defense effort yepez whether district attorneys office oppose introduction genetic evidence trial yepezs girlfriend sandoval told police shortly george ortiz homicide argument ortizs home ortiz hit throat yepez intervened explanation escalated control combination yepezs inability control impulsive behavior wedded sensitivity seeing women struck loyd said couldnt control impulses yepez particularly rough childhood loyd said pretty horrific events early clearly without question victim pretty awful abuse would loyd hope best outcome case hope jury would agree us premeditated would mean yepez could convicted whats called lesser included offense depending jury instructions could include seconddegree murder voluntary manslaughter addition firstdegree murder yepez charged conspiracy commit firstdegree murder tampering evidence unlawful taking motor vehicle
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