text
stringlengths 2.57k
160k
| hyperpartisan
bool 2
classes | bias
int64 0
4
| cleaned_text
stringlengths 1.79k
91.8k
| word_count
int64 512
12.5k
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p />
<p>Henrik Tobiesen, a businessman and former United Nations de-mining worker who had lived in South Sudan for 11 years, told The Associated Press he was locked up for 67 days starting Sept. 16 in the National Security Service compound in the capital, Juba. He said he was arrested for losing his passport but was released after pressure from his government. He said NSS officials also accused him of being an American or U.N. spy, but he was never charged.</p>
<p>His account is one of the first to emerge from the compound, known locally as “Blue House” for its blue-tinted windows. Political detainees are held on the top floor, with suspected criminals below.</p>
<p>For the first time, Tobiesen confirmed that a South Sudanese rebel spokesman who vanished in early November after being deported from Kenya, despite having refugee status, is being held at the prison in solitary confinement. He saw James Gatdet walking with guards past his cell door.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>The U.N. refugee agency and human rights groups protested Gatdet’s deportation amid fears he would be tortured by government forces. Tobiesen could not confirm if Gatdet had been tortured, but for the first few nights after Gatdet’s arrival, guards would take him away and return him hours later.</p>
<p>“That’s bad news when people get picked in such a way,” Tobiesen said. “They will come in and just switch off all the lights, just in the middle of the night, and then people just kinda hope it ain’t gonna be you.”</p>
<p>National Security Service media official Ramadan Chadar denied that Gatdet was in their custody. “Someone is lying to you,” he said, and refused to answer further questions.</p>
<p>The detainees, who hail mainly from the southern Equatoria region, have been arrested during a worsening three-year civil war between the government of President Salva Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, and rebels supporting former Vice President Riek Machar, a Nuer who has fled the country.</p>
<p>Tens of thousands have died in the fighting, and U.N. officials have warned of possible genocide.</p>
<p>Information on the prison is hard to come by. South Sudan’s government has blocked the U.N. from accessing it, said Shantal Persaud, spokeswoman for the U.N. mission there. “This has been a constant, ongoing issue,” she said.</p>
<p>The government also has refused access to the International Committee of the Red Cross, said Nyagoah Tut, a South Sudan researcher for Amnesty International. The London-based rights group corroborated much of Tobiesen’s account.</p>
<p>Amnesty International has named 35 political detainees in the prison who have not been charged, some of them jailed for over two years, based on accounts of those released.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Tobiesen confirmed that other high-profile prisoners are there, including U.N. radio journalist George Livio, arrested more than two years ago; Justin Wanis, a politician from the restive Western Equatoria state; and Timothy Nyewe, the former commissioner of Maban County in the northeast. All are accused of having links to Machar’s rebels.</p>
<p>Another prisoner, retired South African army colonel William Endley, who has been an unpaid security consultant for Machar, nearly starved to death before Tobiesen shared extra food brought to the prison by his church, Tobiesen said. Seeing Endley’s condition, he abandoned plans of a hunger strike, realizing guards would not help him if he fell ill.</p>
<p>“They don’t really care,” he said, saying another prisoner died of an untreated illness. Endley’s family corroborated parts of Tobiesen’s account and shared a message from South Sudan’s foreign ministry saying Endley was in NSS custody.</p>
<p>Presidential spokesman Ateny Wek told the AP that reports of political prisoners or illegal detention are “only stories” circulated on social media.</p>
<p>“There’s nobody who is being tortured in South Sudan,” he said.</p>
<p>Tobiesen says prisoners live in constant fear of torture.</p>
<p>Guards regularly pulled prisoners on the first floor out of their cells, lined them up face down and whipped them with a stick wrapped in hard rubber within earshot of the others.</p>
<p>“One guy got 30 lashes for talking to one of those so-called political prisoners, and you start screaming after five, so you can imagine,” said Tobiesen, who was never lashed. He said the longtime political prisoners coached new arrivals on how to avoid such punishment.</p>
<p>Prisoners also have very little food, clean water, space or even sunlight. The 43-year-old Tobiesen said it was enough to “break” any new prisoner within weeks.</p>
<p>The cells become baking hot, up to 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), with only a slit near the ceiling for ventilation, Tobiesen said. Prisoners are allowed out once a week for an hour.</p>
<p>“You reach out from your bed one way, you touch one guy, you reach out the other direction and touch the other guy, and we were in the so-called ‘VIP’ one,” Tobiesen said. The solitary cells of prisoners like Gatdet are less than an arms’ length wide.</p>
<p>Guards provide no mattresses, sheets or mosquito nets, and prisoners sleep on the bare floor or on cardboard boxes if they can’t smuggle in bedding by paying off guards. Tobiesen said he had malaria twice while inside.</p>
<p>Prisoners access clean drinking water just one hour a week, when they are allowed out to fill up plastic bottles that are smuggled in or bought from guards, he said. Those without bottles drink from showers and toilets sourced from a well contaminated with salt. For one 10-day period, the prisoners received no water, forcing everyone to drink the salty water.</p>
<p>Prisoners are fed once a day with a scoop of boiled beans and some maize meal, which Tobiesen said sometimes contains insects and is so foul it is inedible to many prisoners. Under such conditions, some prisoners vomited and urinated blood, and their feet swelled so much they could not walk, he said.</p>
<p>“These conditions amount to torture and other forms of ill treatment,” said Tut, the Amnesty International researcher.</p>
<p>Tut called on South Sudan to release the prisoners or ensure that due process is observed, with prisoners charged, presented to court and given access to lawyers. “What the NSS is doing is a blatant disregard for national law and also human rights law.”</p>
<p>Tobiesen, who has left South Sudan, said he felt an obligation to speak out to help those left behind.</p>
<p>“I feel super bad because I don’t see them getting out any time soon,” he said, “and I don’t believe all of them are going to survive unless something is done.”</p>
| false | 2 |
henrik tobiesen businessman former united nations demining worker lived south sudan 11 years told associated press locked 67 days starting sept 16 national security service compound capital juba said arrested losing passport released pressure government said nss officials also accused american un spy never charged account one first emerge compound known locally blue house bluetinted windows political detainees held top floor suspected criminals first time tobiesen confirmed south sudanese rebel spokesman vanished early november deported kenya despite refugee status held prison solitary confinement saw james gatdet walking guards past cell door advertisement un refugee agency human rights groups protested gatdets deportation amid fears would tortured government forces tobiesen could confirm gatdet tortured first nights gatdets arrival guards would take away return hours later thats bad news people get picked way tobiesen said come switch lights middle night people kinda hope aint gon na national security service media official ramadan chadar denied gatdet custody someone lying said refused answer questions detainees hail mainly southern equatoria region arrested worsening threeyear civil war government president salva kiir ethnic dinka rebels supporting former vice president riek machar nuer fled country tens thousands died fighting un officials warned possible genocide information prison hard come south sudans government blocked un accessing said shantal persaud spokeswoman un mission constant ongoing issue said government also refused access international committee red cross said nyagoah tut south sudan researcher amnesty international londonbased rights group corroborated much tobiesens account amnesty international named 35 political detainees prison charged jailed two years based accounts released advertisement tobiesen confirmed highprofile prisoners including un radio journalist george livio arrested two years ago justin wanis politician restive western equatoria state timothy nyewe former commissioner maban county northeast accused links machars rebels another prisoner retired south african army colonel william endley unpaid security consultant machar nearly starved death tobiesen shared extra food brought prison church tobiesen said seeing endleys condition abandoned plans hunger strike realizing guards would help fell ill dont really care said saying another prisoner died untreated illness endleys family corroborated parts tobiesens account shared message south sudans foreign ministry saying endley nss custody presidential spokesman ateny wek told ap reports political prisoners illegal detention stories circulated social media theres nobody tortured south sudan said tobiesen says prisoners live constant fear torture guards regularly pulled prisoners first floor cells lined face whipped stick wrapped hard rubber within earshot others one guy got 30 lashes talking one socalled political prisoners start screaming five imagine said tobiesen never lashed said longtime political prisoners coached new arrivals avoid punishment prisoners also little food clean water space even sunlight 43yearold tobiesen said enough break new prisoner within weeks cells become baking hot 40 degrees celsius 104 fahrenheit slit near ceiling ventilation tobiesen said prisoners allowed week hour reach bed one way touch one guy reach direction touch guy socalled vip one tobiesen said solitary cells prisoners like gatdet less arms length wide guards provide mattresses sheets mosquito nets prisoners sleep bare floor cardboard boxes cant smuggle bedding paying guards tobiesen said malaria twice inside prisoners access clean drinking water one hour week allowed fill plastic bottles smuggled bought guards said without bottles drink showers toilets sourced well contaminated salt one 10day period prisoners received water forcing everyone drink salty water prisoners fed day scoop boiled beans maize meal tobiesen said sometimes contains insects foul inedible many prisoners conditions prisoners vomited urinated blood feet swelled much could walk said conditions amount torture forms ill treatment said tut amnesty international researcher tut called south sudan release prisoners ensure due process observed prisoners charged presented court given access lawyers nss blatant disregard national law also human rights law tobiesen left south sudan said felt obligation speak help left behind feel super bad dont see getting time soon said dont believe going survive unless something done
| 633 |
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p />
<p>St. Paul’s United Church of Christ is hosting a panel to begin a conversation on gun control on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the church, 2701 The American Road in Rio Rancho.</p>
<p>Confirmed participants include: Aaron Lee, executive director of the New Mexico Gun Owners Association; Charles Bennett, attorney at The Widener Law Firm; and Anita Amstutz, pastor of Mennonite Church of Albuquerque.</p>
<p>The public is invited in this conversation as we search for ways to address gun violence in our own community.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Safely dispose of old medication</p>
<p>Rio Rancho residents can get rid of unwanted medicine to prevent abuse or accidental poisoning in April.</p>
<p>From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, the Rio Rancho Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will take potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs, according to a news release from RRPD. People can bring medications for disposal to the Smith’s Food and Drug at Southern and NM 528 or to the Police Command Post at Cabezon Park during the annual Park ‘n the Park event.</p>
<p>The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.</p>
<p>Iris Society to honor area veterans</p>
<p>The dedication of the Enchanted Vista Iris Society’s commemorative iris planting will be held on Sunday, April 28, at 2 p.m. in Rio Rancho Veterans Monument Park.</p>
<p>There will be guest speakers and the colors presented. The public is welcome.</p>
<p>Candidates sought for advisory school councils</p>
<p>Parents, school staff members and Rio Rancho residents who would like to play an active role in their schools are invited to seek election to one of the school district’s 19 advisory school councils for the 2013-14 school year.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Advisory school councils advise school principals on budgets, curriculum, and rules and policies. School council members are also champions for students in building community support for schools, developing creative ways to involve parents in schools, and where appropriate, helping to connect schools and students to business resources and opportunities. Council members may also be invited to serve on district-level advisory panels as representatives of their school.</p>
<p>Those interested in serving fill out a “declaration of candidacy” form at any Rio Rancho public school or at the district office, 500 Laser Road.</p>
<p>Further information on the process and declaration of candidacy forms may also be downloaded from the school district’s website (rrps.net).</p>
<p>The form must be returned in person no later than Friday, May 31, to the school where the candidate wishes to serve or to the district office. Candidates will be asked to show ID and proof of residency when submitting their declarations of candidacy.</p>
<p>School councils consist of two school staff members, two parents, and two community representatives who must be Rio Rancho residents or have a student enrolled in a Rio Rancho public school. The principal serves as an active member of the council. Business people who are parents or community members are especially encouraged to run for school councils. Parents whose children are “graduating” from elementary or middle school may run at the school their child will attend next year; for example, parents of children who are “moving up” to sixth grade may run at middle schools.</p>
<p>Elections are held at individual schools in late July and early August. If fewer candidates run than there are open positions, those filing declarations of candidacy are elected by acclimation.</p>
<p>Senior center offers class for financial caregiving</p>
<p>Meadowlark Senior Center will host a six-part financial caregiving course for seniors and their family and professional caregivers, on Friday, May 10, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Meadowlark Senior Center, 4330 Meadowlark Lane SE. The course is a collaboration of the New Mexico Project for Financial Literacy, Inc., PeopleWorks-NM and the Senior Citizens Law Office.</p>
<p>Financial caregiving includes topics such as barriers to planning, practical bill-pay and record keeping, avoiding scams and identity theft, and making Social Security and other key financial decisions. A social worker will lead discussion of family strategies, such as engaging a third party and negotiation. An estate attorney will teach elements of estate planning, and class attendees may prepare a financial power of attorney and advance health care directive at no cost.</p>
<p>To register for the program, email [email protected].</p>
<p>CenturyLink offering grant</p>
<p>CenturyLink, Inc. is connecting teachers with technology for the classroom. The CenturyLink Foundation’s Teachers and Technology grant program, administered by Innovate+Educate, is accepting applications from teachers in CenturyLink’s local service areas who want to innovatively implement technology in their classroom to increase student achievement.</p>
<p>Applications must be received by April 30, and are available at innovate-educate.org/centurylinkgrant.</p>
<p>Still standin’ for the wounded</p>
<p>Mark Dolfini, founder of Standing for the Fallen, returns to Rio Rancho for the third year in a row on May 18 to stand at the corner of NM 528 and Southern Boulevard. (in front of Walgreens) from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.</p>
<p>Once again, donations will be collected that will be sent to wounded servicemen and women at Landstuhl Medical Center in Germany.</p>
<p>Last year, more than $5,000 in cash donations (a record) and more than 100 pounds of toiletries and other necessities were collected. Items asked for include new sweat pants and hoodie sweat jackets (gray, black and dark blue), lounge/PJ/sleep pants (any color), white crew-neck undershirts and T-shirts, personal care items (razors, lip balm, travel-size shampoo and travel-size shaving cream) and cash/check (checks may be made payable to Marine Corps League #547).</p>
<p>For more information, call Standing for the Fallen’s New Mexico coordinator, Karrie Bota, at 228-8639.</p>
| false | 2 |
st pauls united church christ hosting panel begin conversation gun control tuesday 630 pm church 2701 american road rio rancho confirmed participants include aaron lee executive director new mexico gun owners association charles bennett attorney widener law firm anita amstutz pastor mennonite church albuquerque public invited conversation search ways address gun violence community advertisement safely dispose old medication rio rancho residents get rid unwanted medicine prevent abuse accidental poisoning april 10 2 pm saturday april 27 rio rancho police department us drug enforcement administration take potentially dangerous expired unused unwanted prescription drugs according news release rrpd people bring medications disposal smiths food drug southern nm 528 police command post cabezon park annual park n park event service free anonymous questions asked iris society honor area veterans dedication enchanted vista iris societys commemorative iris planting held sunday april 28 2 pm rio rancho veterans monument park guest speakers colors presented public welcome candidates sought advisory school councils parents school staff members rio rancho residents would like play active role schools invited seek election one school districts 19 advisory school councils 201314 school year advertisement advisory school councils advise school principals budgets curriculum rules policies school council members also champions students building community support schools developing creative ways involve parents schools appropriate helping connect schools students business resources opportunities council members may also invited serve districtlevel advisory panels representatives school interested serving fill declaration candidacy form rio rancho public school district office 500 laser road information process declaration candidacy forms may also downloaded school districts website rrpsnet form must returned person later friday may 31 school candidate wishes serve district office candidates asked show id proof residency submitting declarations candidacy school councils consist two school staff members two parents two community representatives must rio rancho residents student enrolled rio rancho public school principal serves active member council business people parents community members especially encouraged run school councils parents whose children graduating elementary middle school may run school child attend next year example parents children moving sixth grade may run middle schools elections held individual schools late july early august fewer candidates run open positions filing declarations candidacy elected acclimation senior center offers class financial caregiving meadowlark senior center host sixpart financial caregiving course seniors family professional caregivers friday may 10 830 1130 meadowlark senior center 4330 meadowlark lane se course collaboration new mexico project financial literacy inc peopleworksnm senior citizens law office financial caregiving includes topics barriers planning practical billpay record keeping avoiding scams identity theft making social security key financial decisions social worker lead discussion family strategies engaging third party negotiation estate attorney teach elements estate planning class attendees may prepare financial power attorney advance health care directive cost register program email directornmpflorg centurylink offering grant centurylink inc connecting teachers technology classroom centurylink foundations teachers technology grant program administered innovateeducate accepting applications teachers centurylinks local service areas want innovatively implement technology classroom increase student achievement applications must received april 30 available innovateeducateorgcenturylinkgrant still standin wounded mark dolfini founder standing fallen returns rio rancho third year row may 18 stand corner nm 528 southern boulevard front walgreens 11 5 pm donations collected sent wounded servicemen women landstuhl medical center germany last year 5000 cash donations record 100 pounds toiletries necessities collected items asked include new sweat pants hoodie sweat jackets gray black dark blue loungepjsleep pants color white crewneck undershirts tshirts personal care items razors lip balm travelsize shampoo travelsize shaving cream cashcheck checks may made payable marine corps league 547 information call standing fallens new mexico coordinator karrie bota 2288639
| 589 |
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p />
<p>WASHINGTON – President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks – at least so far – are getting an icy reception from Democrats in New Mexico’s congressional delegation, but the state’s top Republicans say Trump is making solid leadership choices for the nation.</p>
<p>It’s been almost three weeks since the Republican political novice stunned the world by defeating Democratic establishment candidate Hillary Clinton in the Nov. 8 election. Since that time, Trump has begun to flesh out his Cabinet and top White House appointments. Some of his picks, such as former Breitbart News editor Stephen Bannon – accused by some of stoking white nationalist fervor at the conservative website – drew harsh and immediate criticism from Democrats nationally and in New Mexico.</p>
<p>Democrats have also denounced Trump’s appointment of Jeff Sessions to serve as U.S. attorney general. Sessions is a long-serving Republican member of the Senate from Alabama, and a vocal critic of illegal immigration and current administration policies.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Sessions’ critics point to racist remarks he made as a young man that blocked his appointment as a federal judge in the 1980s as reason to question his appointment as the nation’s chief law enforcement officer. But Sessions’ supporters note that, in later years, as a U.S. attorney, he filed cases to desegregate Alabama schools and prosecuted a leader of the Klu Klux Klan on murder charges, winning a conviction that carried the death penalty. Sessions was one of the few Republicans who voted to confirm Obama’s appointment of Eric Holder as attorney general.</p>
<p>Although Sessions’ nomination requires Senate confirmation, the lawmaker needs only 51 votes, because Democrats under Harry Reid’s leadership changed the rules on such nominations so that the 60-vote threshold to end debate and force a vote no longer applies. However, Democrats could still mount a “talking filibuster” that would require 60 votes to defeat. Such filibusters, which have historically required hours or even days of Senate floor time, are exceedingly rare.</p>
<p>Other Cabinet selections, such as Trump’s choice of Rep. Mike Pompeo, R-Kan., to lead the CIA, have drawn more muted reactions from the left and widespread praise on the right. Just last week, President Barack Obama, who campaigned hard for Clinton in the closing days of the presidential campaign, said Trump deserves the benefit of the doubt as he begins to transition into the presidency. Trump’s administration, which will formally take over after his inauguration on Jan. 20, will eventually need to fill about 4,000 political appointments across the government.</p>
<p>Bannon was an assistant to the chief of naval operations and a Goldman Sachs investment banker before launching his own bank and then a career in the media industry. Bannon has denied that he is racist or anti-Semitic.</p>
<p>“I think it will be important for everybody around the world to not make immediate judgments, but give this new president-elect a chance,” Obama said at a town hall-style event in Lima, Peru, on Nov. 19.</p>
<p>Obama’s call for patience didn’t stop members of New Mexico’s congressional delegation from taking a harsh view of the president-elect’s early picks. In comments to the Journal, none of the delegation Democrats criticized any of Trump’s choices for senior White House jobs or his Cabinet by name, but most sounded alarms about them as a whole.</p>
<p>New Mexico Republicans, including Rep. Steve Pearce, Gov. Susana Martinez and the chairwoman of the Republican Party of New Mexico, all offered praise for Trump’s picks.</p>
<p>Sen. Tom Udall, the Democratic dean of New Mexico’s delegation and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, urged Trump to avoid picks that would be controversial.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>“Donald Trump began his acceptance speech calling for unity and healing after a divisive campaign, but instead of choosing advisers and Cabinet members with the skills to refocus and heal the nation, Mr. Trump so far has selected fierce partisans, and people known for their extremist and inflammatory positions on race, religion or national security policy,” Udall said. “America’s economy and national security are on the line as he chooses his Cabinet. He can expect rigorous scrutiny of all his appointees who must be confirmed by the Senate. And I urge Mr. Trump to avoid using his presidency to appeal to people’s deepest anger and fears, as he did in his campaign.”</p>
<p>Udall and Sen. Martin Heinrich have signed on to a letter to Trump from congressional Democrats urging him to uphold his pledge to “drain the swamp” and adopt Obama’s ban on lobbyists working in the industry after they leave the White House, as well as other restrictions on gifts.</p>
<p>“I have a lot of concern about who the new administration will nominate for key positions to lead our country,” Heinrich said. “The Senate must hold all potential cabinet appointments to the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and experience. I will be keeping these principles at the forefront of my mind as I consider all of the president-elect’s nominations.”</p>
<p>Pearce said that contrary to early media reports that described Trump’s transition as in disarray, it is “on track with other modern transitions for vetting and quality of nominees.”</p>
<p>“Assembling an administration requires fitting people, policies and temperaments in a complex puzzle,” Pearce said. “The transition team is showing America its intent to pick the best leaders to support President Trump, even if that means considering individuals who were negatively critical during the campaign. The Trump transition team is obviously weighing many varied and wise options, and I applaud them for their hard work and we should all grant them a little space for the good of our nation.”</p>
<p>Martinez praised Trump’s choice of her fellow governor – South Carolina Republican Nikki Haley – as the U.S. ambassador the United Nations. Martinez, who was irked by Trump’s disparaging remarks about Mexican-Americans during the campaign, refused to endorse his candidacy. But she has extended an olive branch to the president-elect since his victory.</p>
<p>“President-elect Donald Trump could not have picked a better person to represent our country in the United Nations,” Martinez said, adding that she called Haley to congratulate her. “Gov. Haley is an outstanding leader, an accomplished governor and, most of all, a good friend.”</p>
<p>Rep. Ben Ray Luján, a New Mexico Democrat who is chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said the president-elect’s nominations and selections of White House staff are troublesome.</p>
<p>Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, for example, has been criticized by liberals for disparaging remarks about Islam, including calling it a “cancer” and describing it as a “political ideology … that definitely hides behind being a religion.”</p>
<p>“President-elect Donald Trump’s selection of Cabinet members and advisers who have voiced intolerant and narrow-minded views undermines his promise to bring Americans together as he moves from campaigning to governing,” Luján said. “While Mr. Trump has the privilege of appointing and nominating his advisers and Cabinet members, this privilege comes with a responsibility to do what is best for our country. With these troubling selections for key posts, Mr. Trump has taken a step toward normalizing and accepting exceedingly dangerous beliefs about race, religion and national origin.”</p>
<p>Betsy DeVoss, Trump’s pick for education secretary, has been sharply criticized by teacher unions, but her selection reflects Trump’s pledge to disrupt the status quo at failing public schools, particularly in cities.</p>
<p>Debbie Maestas, chairwoman of the Republican Party of New Mexico, said Trump’s selections show that he is working to build a team that the country can rally around.</p>
<p>“He is showing his maturity and leadership in building his team,” Maestas said. “He wants to bridge the divide and encourage Republicans to work together, and his choices reflect that.”</p>
<p>Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, D-N.M., urged Trump to make more moderate choices as he fills out the remaining posts in his Cabinet and makes other political appointments.</p>
<p>“The president-elect asked that the country come together, which is a message we all want to embrace,” Lujan Grisham said. “Yet he is appointing people with extreme views and discriminatory records. Promoting divisiveness may have been a successful campaign strategy, but Mr. Trump will never govern effectively if he relies on extremists to manage his government.”</p>
<p />
<p />
| false | 2 |
washington presidentelect donald trumps cabinet picks least far getting icy reception democrats new mexicos congressional delegation states top republicans say trump making solid leadership choices nation almost three weeks since republican political novice stunned world defeating democratic establishment candidate hillary clinton nov 8 election since time trump begun flesh cabinet top white house appointments picks former breitbart news editor stephen bannon accused stoking white nationalist fervor conservative website drew harsh immediate criticism democrats nationally new mexico democrats also denounced trumps appointment jeff sessions serve us attorney general sessions longserving republican member senate alabama vocal critic illegal immigration current administration policies advertisement sessions critics point racist remarks made young man blocked appointment federal judge 1980s reason question appointment nations chief law enforcement officer sessions supporters note later years us attorney filed cases desegregate alabama schools prosecuted leader klu klux klan murder charges winning conviction carried death penalty sessions one republicans voted confirm obamas appointment eric holder attorney general although sessions nomination requires senate confirmation lawmaker needs 51 votes democrats harry reids leadership changed rules nominations 60vote threshold end debate force vote longer applies however democrats could still mount talking filibuster would require 60 votes defeat filibusters historically required hours even days senate floor time exceedingly rare cabinet selections trumps choice rep mike pompeo rkan lead cia drawn muted reactions left widespread praise right last week president barack obama campaigned hard clinton closing days presidential campaign said trump deserves benefit doubt begins transition presidency trumps administration formally take inauguration jan 20 eventually need fill 4000 political appointments across government bannon assistant chief naval operations goldman sachs investment banker launching bank career media industry bannon denied racist antisemitic think important everybody around world make immediate judgments give new presidentelect chance obama said town hallstyle event lima peru nov 19 obamas call patience didnt stop members new mexicos congressional delegation taking harsh view presidentelects early picks comments journal none delegation democrats criticized trumps choices senior white house jobs cabinet name sounded alarms whole new mexico republicans including rep steve pearce gov susana martinez chairwoman republican party new mexico offered praise trumps picks sen tom udall democratic dean new mexicos delegation member senate foreign relations committee urged trump avoid picks would controversial advertisement donald trump began acceptance speech calling unity healing divisive campaign instead choosing advisers cabinet members skills refocus heal nation mr trump far selected fierce partisans people known extremist inflammatory positions race religion national security policy udall said americas economy national security line chooses cabinet expect rigorous scrutiny appointees must confirmed senate urge mr trump avoid using presidency appeal peoples deepest anger fears campaign udall sen martin heinrich signed letter trump congressional democrats urging uphold pledge drain swamp adopt obamas ban lobbyists working industry leave white house well restrictions gifts lot concern new administration nominate key positions lead country heinrich said senate must hold potential cabinet appointments highest standards integrity professionalism experience keeping principles forefront mind consider presidentelects nominations pearce said contrary early media reports described trumps transition disarray track modern transitions vetting quality nominees assembling administration requires fitting people policies temperaments complex puzzle pearce said transition team showing america intent pick best leaders support president trump even means considering individuals negatively critical campaign trump transition team obviously weighing many varied wise options applaud hard work grant little space good nation martinez praised trumps choice fellow governor south carolina republican nikki haley us ambassador united nations martinez irked trumps disparaging remarks mexicanamericans campaign refused endorse candidacy extended olive branch presidentelect since victory presidentelect donald trump could picked better person represent country united nations martinez said adding called haley congratulate gov haley outstanding leader accomplished governor good friend rep ben ray luján new mexico democrat chairman democratic congressional campaign committee said presidentelects nominations selections white house staff troublesome lt gen michael flynn example criticized liberals disparaging remarks islam including calling cancer describing political ideology definitely hides behind religion presidentelect donald trumps selection cabinet members advisers voiced intolerant narrowminded views undermines promise bring americans together moves campaigning governing luján said mr trump privilege appointing nominating advisers cabinet members privilege comes responsibility best country troubling selections key posts mr trump taken step toward normalizing accepting exceedingly dangerous beliefs race religion national origin betsy devoss trumps pick education secretary sharply criticized teacher unions selection reflects trumps pledge disrupt status quo failing public schools particularly cities debbie maestas chairwoman republican party new mexico said trumps selections show working build team country rally around showing maturity leadership building team maestas said wants bridge divide encourage republicans work together choices reflect rep michelle lujan grisham dnm urged trump make moderate choices fills remaining posts cabinet makes political appointments presidentelect asked country come together message want embrace lujan grisham said yet appointing people extreme views discriminatory records promoting divisiveness may successful campaign strategy mr trump never govern effectively relies extremists manage government
| 801 |
<p>Jan 24 (Reuters) - Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Co Ltd :</p>
<p>* SAYS IT GETS BANKING REGULATOR'S APPROVAL TO INCREASE REGISTERED CAPITAL TO 29.35 BILLION YUAN ($4.59 billion) FROM 19.65 BILLION YUAN Source text in Chinese: <a href="http://bit.ly/2F7ySrJ" type="external">bit.ly/2F7ySrJ</a> Further company coverage: ($1 = 6.3908 Chinese yuan renminbi) (Reporting by Hong Kong newsroom)</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>BEIJING (Reuters) - The launch of China’s yuan-denominated oil futures will mark the culmination of a decade-long push by the Shanghai Futures Exchange (ShFE) aimed at giving the world’s largest energy consumer more power in pricing crude sold to Asia.</p> Oil tanks are seen at an oil warehouse at Yangshan port in Shanghai, China March 14, 2018. REUTERS/Aly Song WHAT ARE THE CONCERNS AMONG FOREIGN INVESTORS?
<p>* Worries include how to freely exchange the yuan because of a Chinese clampdown on capital outflows, while some concerns remain about Beijing’s heavy handed intervention in its commodity markets in recent years, traders and analysts said.</p>
<p>The obligation to trade Shanghai crudes in yuan will also add a currency risk to the market, which some traders are reluctant to take.</p>
<p>* The Shanghai International Energy Exchange (INE), the unit of ShFE running the contract, has strict daily limits on the number of canceled orders allowed per account, aimed at curbing spoofing. This involves placing bids to buy or offers to sell futures contracts with the intent to cancel them before execution. By creating an illusion of demand, spoofers can influence prices to benefit their market positions.</p>
<p>For a larger client placing orders of more than 300 lots, equivalent to 30,000 barrels of oil, the limit is 50 a day. Users with smaller orders are allowed 500 cancellations.</p>
<p>That’s different to international exchanges, like the CME, which uses a ratio based on an investor’s traded volume.</p>
<p>On days when price volatility and volumes are high, overseas investors new to Chinese markets could get penalized if they exceed those restrictions as they try to adjust their positions, traders say.</p>
<p>* Chinese commodity futures investors do not typically trade steadily over the months, but instead pick specific months in which they deal. That could complicate efforts to trade spreads between Brent, WTI and Shanghai.</p>
<p>Take iron ore &lt;0#DCIO:&gt;, one of China’s most-active futures markets: most of the more than 2.3 million lots of open interest are in May and September contracts, with delivery months in between ranging from tens of thousands of lots to in some cases less than 10.</p>
<p>In contrast, liquidity across the first five months of the Brent and WTI contracts &lt;0#LCO:&gt; &lt;0#CL:&gt; are relatively evenly spread out, reflecting their popularity among hedge funds and other financial players, who like to trade month by month.</p>
<p>* There will be a 1.5-hour gap between the settlement and the price settlement by S&amp;P Global Platts, which sets physical prices for the region between 4:00-4:30 p.m.</p> Oil tanks are seen at an oil warehouse at Yangshan port in Shanghai, China March 14, 2018. REUTERS/Aly Song WHAT WILL HAPPEN DURING CHINA’S NATIONAL HOLIDAYS?
<p>Trading will stop for China’s week-long national holidays - Spring Festival and Golden Week - leaving the Shanghai market out of synch with the western exchanges.</p>
<p>Shorter trading hours - with three slots each day - compared with almost 24 hours on western exchanges means the market may sometimes play catch-up with the rest of the world.</p> WHO WILL USE IT IN THE DOMESTIC INDUSTRY?
<p>China has opened more than 6,000 trading accounts, including the country’s oil majors and about 150 brokerages. Ten foreign intermediaries have registered, including JPMorgan, Bands Financial, Straits Financial Services and other Hong Kong based affiliates of domestic brokerages.</p>
<p>It will likely attract mainly ‘mon-and-pop’ speculative investors, who dominate the country’s other often volatile commodity futures markets from dates to iron ore, although transaction fees for crude are relatively high.</p>
<p>China’s independent refineries are more likely to process heavy crude instead of the medium-sour crude traded in futures, a Shandong-based crude trader said.</p>
<p>At least three independent refineries who are looking to use the contract for hedging also said they are unsure about delivery. Under the rules, buyers cannot choose a specific grade that will be delivered or the location of the warehouse for delivery.</p> HOW DO FOREIGN USERS OPEN A TRADING ACCOUNT?
<p>Foreign investors will need to open a non-residential bank account with one of the eight banks that handles margin deposit for yuan crude futures, according to INE.</p>
<p>The banks are Agricultural Bank of China, CITIC Bank, China Construction Bank and Industrial and Commerical Bank of China, Bank of China, Bank of Communications, China Merchant Bank and the Development Bank of Singapore.</p>
<p>Investors will need to transfer money from that bank account to an account opened with either a domestic broker or foreign broker or agencies registered with the INE. The broker will open two accounts with INE: one for margin deposit and one for settlement for foreign currencies.</p>
<p>Reporting by Meng Meng, Josephine Mason and Tom Daly; editing by Richard Pullin</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>BEIJING (Reuters) - China’s crude oil futures, to be launched on Monday, will be a major step in Beijing’s years-long push to win greater sway over oil pricing, but for western traders it will likely bring frustration as well as opportunity.</p> Oil tanks are seen at an oil warehouse at Yangshan port in Shanghai, China March 14, 2018. REUTERS/Aly Song
<p>Shanghai Crude aims to rival the world’s two crude benchmarks, luring overseas traders with the promise of a deep pool of liquidity and the chance for arbitrage between Asian, U.S. and European markets.</p>
<p>However, the contract will also come with quirks that traders used to London’s Brent or U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) may find less appealing, including shorter business hours, unique Chinese trading habits and extended holiday breaks.</p>
<p>Yuan-denominated trading and a blend of new rules and regulatory burdens will also likely hamper initial take-up on the Shanghai International Energy Exchange (INE), executives at a dozen banks and brokers and experts involved in the launch told Reuters.</p>
<p>“The rules around trading methodology will be unfamiliar for western houses,” said John Browning, chief operating officer of Hong Kong-based futures broker Bands Financial Ltd, which is an approved overseas intermediary for the INE.</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-china-oil-futures-explainer/china-aims-to-challenge-brent-wti-oil-with-crude-futures-launch-idUSKBN1GY0S9" type="external">China aims to challenge Brent, WTI oil with crude futures launch</a>
<p>“They’ll have to get to grips with a different set of trading parameters, including initial margin calculation, rolling between months, order cancellations ratios, etc. It’s all very different.”</p>
<p>So far, China has opened more than 6,000 trading accounts, including the country’s oil majors and about 150 brokerages. Ten foreign intermediaries have registered, including J.P.Morgan, Bands Financial, Straits Financial Services and other Hong Kong based affiliates of domestic brokerages.</p>
<p>Last-minute changes are still being made to entice overseas users. On Tuesday, the government said it would waive income taxes for foreign investors for the first three years.</p> CHINESE CHARACTERISTICS
<p>Specific issues for traders include Shanghai’s shorter trading hours, split into three slots, with the afternoon session ending at 3:00 p.m. local time (0700 GMT), just before London ramps up.</p>
<p>Although the exchange will have an overnight trading session to match late European and early U.S. trading, it will close for more than six hours before trade resumes in Beijing.</p> Oil tanks are seen at an oil warehouse at Yangshan port in Shanghai, China March 14, 2018. REUTERS/Aly Song
<p>This could mean the contract risks having to play catch-up each morning to the moods and swings of Europe and America, rather than setting its own price, several senior futures traders said.</p>
<p>Chinese trading habits may also be a shock to foreign users, they said.</p>
<p>Chinese commodity futures investors do not typically trade steadily over the months, but instead pick specific months in which they deal, due to a different cost structure. That could complicate efforts to trade spreads between Brent, WTI and Shanghai.</p> Slideshow (2 Images)
<p>These and other factors mean the contract may have a “hard time” building correlations with Brent and WTI that would make arbitrage possible, said Albert Helmig, chief executive of financial consultancy Grey House and a former vice chairman of NYMEX.</p>
<p>“It’s a China market, with Chinese characteristics,” said Helmig.</p> FUTURE PLANS
<p>Still, China offers the potential for a deep, liquid market, buoyed by an explosion of interest from mom-and-pop investors that has supported its vast commodities derivative markets from apples to iron ore in Shanghai, Zhengzhou and Dalian.</p>
<p>In 2017, the total traded value of ShFE’s steel derivatives contracts was $4.4 trillion from domestic investors. This compares with global turnover of more than $10 trillion in international oil futures, the world’s biggest commodity market.</p>
<p>Previous attempts at an Asia benchmark have foundered. Contracts set up by the Dubai Mercantile Exchange a decade ago have not matched Brent or WTI, traded on the Intercontinental Exchange and the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) owned by CME Group.</p>
<p>China hopes it can do better: with state-controlled oil majors like PetroChina and Sinopec expected to provide liquidity, analysts said the contract has a chance of succeeding even if it faces short-term caution.</p>
<p>“Launching a new exchange is enormously complex, so if the initial uptake for the contract isn’t that strong, it isn’t necessarily a bad thing,” said Bands’ Browning.</p>
<p>Reporting by Josephine Mason, Meng Meng and Tom Daly in BEIJING and Henning Gloystein in SINGAPORE; editing by Richard Pullin</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>TOKYO (Reuters) - The U.S. dollar slipped on Thursday after the Federal Reserve held back from increasing the pace of this year’s rate hikes, while worries over an impending announcement on trade tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump capped Asian shares.</p> U.S. Dollar banknotes are seen in this photo illustration taken February 12, 2018. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez/Illustration
<p>MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan .MIAPJ0000PUS was flat, erasing earlier gains of 0.7 pct. Japan's Nikkei <a href="/finance/markets/index?symbol=.N225" type="external">.N225</a> gained 1.0 percent.</p>
<p>European shares are expected to fall, with spread-betters looking to a lower opening of 0.4 percent in Germany's Dax <a href="/finance/markets/index?symbol=.GDAXI" type="external">.GDAXI</a>, 0.2 percent in Britain's FTSE <a href="/finance/markets/index?symbol=.FTSE" type="external">.FTSE</a> and 0.1 percent in France's Cac <a href="/finance/markets/index?symbol=.FCHI" type="external">.FCHI</a>.</p>
<p>Wall Street stock indexes ended the day lower, with the S&amp;P 500 <a href="/finance/markets/index?symbol=.SPX" type="external">.SPX</a> losing 0.18 percent despite a boost from sharp gains in energy shares .SPNY on rising oil prices.</p>
<p>The Nasdaq <a href="/finance/markets/index?symbol=.IXIC" type="external">.IXIC</a> dropped 0.26 percent with Apple ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=AAPL.O" type="external">AAPL.O</a>) falling below its 100-day average even as Facebook ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=FB.O" type="external">FB.O</a>) bounced back after two days of steep losses amid a controversy over outside exploitation of its users' data.</p>
<p>The U.S. Federal Reserve raised interest rates on Wednesday and forecast two more hikes for 2018, based on board members’ median projection.</p>
<p>Given that some investors had expected it to project three more rate hikes, the guidance was perceived as less hawkish than anticipated, a positive factor for risk assets in general.</p>
<p>But otherwise the Fed was upbeat on the economy, revising up rate projections for 2019 and 2020 and raising the estimated longer-term “neutral” interest rate a touch, suggesting the current tightening cycle could last for longer than previously thought.</p>
<p>“They also forecast three hikes next year and two more in 2020 and clearly revised up the growth forecast as well,” said Norihiro Fujito, senior investment strategist at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities.</p>
<p>“So the picture looks different when you look at longer-term projections. That explains the complicated reaction by markets. The prospects of continued rate hikes may cap shares,” he added.</p>
<p>The yield on two-year U.S. notes slipped back to 2.304 percent US2YT=RR from 9 1/2-year high of 2.366 percent hit on Wednesday while the 10-year yield dipped to 2.874 percent US10YT=RR after an initial spike to 2.936 percent.</p>
<p>That pushed the U.S. dollar lower in the currency market, with the dollar index .DXY =USD testing this month’s low after posting its biggest fall in two months on Wednesday.</p>
<p>The euro <a href="/finance/currencies/quote?srcCurr=EUR&amp;destCurr=USD" type="external">EUR=</a> gained 0.2 percent to $1.2363, extending its recovery from a near three-week low of $1.2240 touched earlier in the week.</p> A man walks past an electronic stock quotation board outside a brokerage in Tokyo, Japan, February 9, 2018. REUTERS/Toru Hanai
<p>The dollar shed up to 0.4 percent to 105.58 yen <a href="/finance/currencies/quote?srcCurr=JPY&amp;destCurr=USD" type="external">JPY=</a>, turning down on the week to edge closer to the 16-month low of 105.24 hit on March 2. It last stood at 105.91 yen.</p>
<p>The British pound <a href="/finance/currencies/quote?srcCurr=GBP&amp;destCurr=USD" type="external">GBP=</a> hit a 1 1/2-month high of $1.4171, building on Wednesday's one-percent gains.</p>
<p>Strong British wage data published on Wednesday cemented expectations that the Bank of England was likely to signal a May rate hike after its monetary policy meeting later in the day.</p>
<p>Following the Fed’s move, the People’s Bank of China gingerly raised the seven-day reverse repo rate, a key short-term interest rate, by 5 basis points, to prevent U.S.-China rate differential from getting too wide.</p>
<p>The move was the PBOC’s first major policy decision under new Governor Yi Gang, who was appointed by parliament on Monday.</p>
<a href="/finance/markets/index?symbol=.N225" type="external">Nikkei Inc</a> 21468.21 .N225 Nikkei Index +87.24 (+0.41%) .N225 .GDAXI .FTSE .FCHI .SPX
<p>With the Fed meeting over, investors are watching Trump, who is due to sign a memo on imposing tariffs on Chinese imports at 1630 GMT on Thursday.</p>
<p>Concerns about a trade war between the world’s two largest economies has put many investors on guard.</p>
<p>U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said on Wednesday the tariffs would target China’s high-technology sector and could also include restrictions on Chinese investment in the United States.</p>
<p>Investors worry such a move could trigger countermeasures by China, possibly causing a vicious cycle of escalating retaliation.</p>
<p>Shares on China's exchanges were lower, the with Shanghai Composite Index <a href="/finance/markets/index?symbol=.SSEC" type="external">.SSEC</a> slipping as much as 1.2 percent to two-week lows.</p>
<p>“China’s equity market is relatively domestic. We estimate that on average more than 80 percent of revenues are generated in China while only a marginal share comes from the U.S. Still, there would be first-order casualties if trade tensions escalated. In the front line would be firms with significant exposure to the U.S., mostly in the tech and consumer sectors,” wrote analysts at Societe Generale.</p>
<p>In the energy market, oil prices held firm, buoyed by a surprise decline in U.S. crude inventories as well as ongoing supply cuts led by OPEC, although a relentless rise in U.S. oil output threatens to undermine efforts to tighten the market.</p>
<p>U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures CLc1 rose to as high as $65.74 per barrel CLc1, not far from its January peak of $66.66, having gained almost five percent so far this week. It last stood almost flat at $65.13.</p>
<p>In contrast, copper fell to three-month low of $6,702 per tonne CMCU3 the previous day before bouncing back to $6,817.</p>
<p>Reporting by Hideyuki Sano; Editing by Eric Meijer and Richard Borsuk</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<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>
| false | 2 |
jan 24 reuters shanghai pudong development bank co ltd says gets banking regulators approval increase registered capital 2935 billion yuan 459 billion 1965 billion yuan source text chinese bitly2f7ysrj company coverage 1 63908 chinese yuan renminbi reporting hong kong newsroom standards thomson reuters trust principles beijing reuters launch chinas yuandenominated oil futures mark culmination decadelong push shanghai futures exchange shfe aimed giving worlds largest energy consumer power pricing crude sold asia oil tanks seen oil warehouse yangshan port shanghai china march 14 2018 reutersaly song concerns among foreign investors worries include freely exchange yuan chinese clampdown capital outflows concerns remain beijings heavy handed intervention commodity markets recent years traders analysts said obligation trade shanghai crudes yuan also add currency risk market traders reluctant take shanghai international energy exchange ine unit shfe running contract strict daily limits number canceled orders allowed per account aimed curbing spoofing involves placing bids buy offers sell futures contracts intent cancel execution creating illusion demand spoofers influence prices benefit market positions larger client placing orders 300 lots equivalent 30000 barrels oil limit 50 day users smaller orders allowed 500 cancellations thats different international exchanges like cme uses ratio based investors traded volume days price volatility volumes high overseas investors new chinese markets could get penalized exceed restrictions try adjust positions traders say chinese commodity futures investors typically trade steadily months instead pick specific months deal could complicate efforts trade spreads brent wti shanghai take iron ore lt0dciogt one chinas mostactive futures markets 23 million lots open interest may september contracts delivery months ranging tens thousands lots cases less 10 contrast liquidity across first five months brent wti contracts lt0lcogt lt0clgt relatively evenly spread reflecting popularity among hedge funds financial players like trade month month 15hour gap settlement price settlement sampp global platts sets physical prices region 400430 pm oil tanks seen oil warehouse yangshan port shanghai china march 14 2018 reutersaly song happen chinas national holidays trading stop chinas weeklong national holidays spring festival golden week leaving shanghai market synch western exchanges shorter trading hours three slots day compared almost 24 hours western exchanges means market may sometimes play catchup rest world use domestic industry china opened 6000 trading accounts including countrys oil majors 150 brokerages ten foreign intermediaries registered including jpmorgan bands financial straits financial services hong kong based affiliates domestic brokerages likely attract mainly monandpop speculative investors dominate countrys often volatile commodity futures markets dates iron ore although transaction fees crude relatively high chinas independent refineries likely process heavy crude instead mediumsour crude traded futures shandongbased crude trader said least three independent refineries looking use contract hedging also said unsure delivery rules buyers choose specific grade delivered location warehouse delivery foreign users open trading account foreign investors need open nonresidential bank account one eight banks handles margin deposit yuan crude futures according ine banks agricultural bank china citic bank china construction bank industrial commerical bank china bank china bank communications china merchant bank development bank singapore investors need transfer money bank account account opened either domestic broker foreign broker agencies registered ine broker open two accounts ine one margin deposit one settlement foreign currencies reporting meng meng josephine mason tom daly editing richard pullin standards thomson reuters trust principles beijing reuters chinas crude oil futures launched monday major step beijings yearslong push win greater sway oil pricing western traders likely bring frustration well opportunity oil tanks seen oil warehouse yangshan port shanghai china march 14 2018 reutersaly song shanghai crude aims rival worlds two crude benchmarks luring overseas traders promise deep pool liquidity chance arbitrage asian us european markets however contract also come quirks traders used londons brent us west texas intermediate wti may find less appealing including shorter business hours unique chinese trading habits extended holiday breaks yuandenominated trading blend new rules regulatory burdens also likely hamper initial takeup shanghai international energy exchange ine executives dozen banks brokers experts involved launch told reuters rules around trading methodology unfamiliar western houses said john browning chief operating officer hong kongbased futures broker bands financial ltd approved overseas intermediary ine related coverage china aims challenge brent wti oil crude futures launch theyll get grips different set trading parameters including initial margin calculation rolling months order cancellations ratios etc different far china opened 6000 trading accounts including countrys oil majors 150 brokerages ten foreign intermediaries registered including jpmorgan bands financial straits financial services hong kong based affiliates domestic brokerages lastminute changes still made entice overseas users tuesday government said would waive income taxes foreign investors first three years chinese characteristics specific issues traders include shanghais shorter trading hours split three slots afternoon session ending 300 pm local time 0700 gmt london ramps although exchange overnight trading session match late european early us trading close six hours trade resumes beijing oil tanks seen oil warehouse yangshan port shanghai china march 14 2018 reutersaly song could mean contract risks play catchup morning moods swings europe america rather setting price several senior futures traders said chinese trading habits may also shock foreign users said chinese commodity futures investors typically trade steadily months instead pick specific months deal due different cost structure could complicate efforts trade spreads brent wti shanghai slideshow 2 images factors mean contract may hard time building correlations brent wti would make arbitrage possible said albert helmig chief executive financial consultancy grey house former vice chairman nymex china market chinese characteristics said helmig future plans still china offers potential deep liquid market buoyed explosion interest momandpop investors supported vast commodities derivative markets apples iron ore shanghai zhengzhou dalian 2017 total traded value shfes steel derivatives contracts 44 trillion domestic investors compares global turnover 10 trillion international oil futures worlds biggest commodity market previous attempts asia benchmark foundered contracts set dubai mercantile exchange decade ago matched brent wti traded intercontinental exchange new york mercantile exchange nymex owned cme group china hopes better statecontrolled oil majors like petrochina sinopec expected provide liquidity analysts said contract chance succeeding even faces shortterm caution launching new exchange enormously complex initial uptake contract isnt strong isnt necessarily bad thing said bands browning reporting josephine mason meng meng tom daly beijing henning gloystein singapore editing richard pullin standards thomson reuters trust principles tokyo reuters us dollar slipped thursday federal reserve held back increasing pace years rate hikes worries impending announcement trade tariffs us president donald trump capped asian shares us dollar banknotes seen photo illustration taken february 12 2018 reutersjose luis gonzalezillustration mscis broadest index asiapacific shares outside japan miapj0000pus flat erasing earlier gains 07 pct japans nikkei n225 gained 10 percent european shares expected fall spreadbetters looking lower opening 04 percent germanys dax gdaxi 02 percent britains ftse ftse 01 percent frances cac fchi wall street stock indexes ended day lower sampp 500 spx losing 018 percent despite boost sharp gains energy shares spny rising oil prices nasdaq ixic dropped 026 percent apple aaplo falling 100day average even facebook fbo bounced back two days steep losses amid controversy outside exploitation users data us federal reserve raised interest rates wednesday forecast two hikes 2018 based board members median projection given investors expected project three rate hikes guidance perceived less hawkish anticipated positive factor risk assets general otherwise fed upbeat economy revising rate projections 2019 2020 raising estimated longerterm neutral interest rate touch suggesting current tightening cycle could last longer previously thought also forecast three hikes next year two 2020 clearly revised growth forecast well said norihiro fujito senior investment strategist mitsubishi ufj morgan stanley securities picture looks different look longerterm projections explains complicated reaction markets prospects continued rate hikes may cap shares added yield twoyear us notes slipped back 2304 percent us2ytrr 9 12year high 2366 percent hit wednesday 10year yield dipped 2874 percent us10ytrr initial spike 2936 percent pushed us dollar lower currency market dollar index dxy usd testing months low posting biggest fall two months wednesday euro eur gained 02 percent 12363 extending recovery near threeweek low 12240 touched earlier week man walks past electronic stock quotation board outside brokerage tokyo japan february 9 2018 reuterstoru hanai dollar shed 04 percent 10558 yen jpy turning week edge closer 16month low 10524 hit march 2 last stood 10591 yen british pound gbp hit 1 12month high 14171 building wednesdays onepercent gains strong british wage data published wednesday cemented expectations bank england likely signal may rate hike monetary policy meeting later day following feds move peoples bank china gingerly raised sevenday reverse repo rate key shortterm interest rate 5 basis points prevent uschina rate differential getting wide move pbocs first major policy decision new governor yi gang appointed parliament monday nikkei inc 2146821 n225 nikkei index 8724 041 n225 gdaxi ftse fchi spx fed meeting investors watching trump due sign memo imposing tariffs chinese imports 1630 gmt thursday concerns trade war worlds two largest economies put many investors guard us trade representative robert lighthizer said wednesday tariffs would target chinas hightechnology sector could also include restrictions chinese investment united states investors worry move could trigger countermeasures china possibly causing vicious cycle escalating retaliation shares chinas exchanges lower shanghai composite index ssec slipping much 12 percent twoweek lows chinas equity market relatively domestic estimate average 80 percent revenues generated china marginal share comes us still would firstorder casualties trade tensions escalated front line would firms significant exposure us mostly tech consumer sectors wrote analysts societe generale energy market oil prices held firm buoyed surprise decline us crude inventories well ongoing supply cuts led opec although relentless rise us oil output threatens undermine efforts tighten market us west texas intermediate wti crude futures clc1 rose high 6574 per barrel clc1 far january peak 6666 gained almost five percent far week last stood almost flat 6513 contrast copper fell threemonth low 6702 per tonne cmcu3 previous day bouncing back 6817 reporting hideyuki sano editing eric meijer richard borsuk 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
| 2,508 |
<p>WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said on Wednesday that an "overwhelming number" of Democratic senators do not support the stopgap government spending bill proposed in the House of Representatives, but stopped short of saying whether Democrats would vote against it.</p> Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) speaks after the Democratic policy luncheon on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., January 9, 2018. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts
<p>"We don't know whether the House will send us this bill, but the revulsion toward that bill was broad and strong," Schumer told reporters.</p>
<p>Reporting by Susan Cornwell; Writing by Makini Brice; Editing by Doina Chiacu</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>(Reuters) - U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke took an unnecessary charter flight in June that cost taxpayers over $12,000, the Interior Department's internal watchdog said on Monday - travel linked to his visit to a professional hockey team in Nevada.</p> FILE PHOTO: U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke testifies in front of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S. March 13, 2018. REUTERS/Eric Thayer
<p>The report from the department's Office of Inspector General came amid mounting pressure on Trump Cabinet officials over their ethics and spending habits while in office.</p>
<p>"We determined that Zinke's use of chartered flights in fiscal year (FY) 2017 generally followed relevant law, policy, rules, and regulations," the report said.</p>
<p>"We found, however, that a $12,375 chartered flight he took in June 2017 after speaking at the developmental camp for the Golden Knights, a professional hockey team based in Las Vegas, Nevada, could have been avoided," it added.</p>
<p>The National Hockey League team is owned by Bill Foley, a donor to Zinke's congressional campaigns. The Interior Department has said Zinke's speech did not violate any laws, rules or regulations.</p>
<p>Zinke has defended his use of noncommercial aircraft as necessary for reaching the remote parts of the country that his department oversees.</p>
<p>He has also taken heat for other spending, including the repair of a door in his office that cost nearly $140,000.</p>
<p>Other Cabinet members have also been scrutinized.</p>
<p>The U.S. Government Accountability office on Monday said the Environmental Protection Agency violated spending laws when it installed a $43,000 soundproof booth for agency Administrator Scott Pruitt.</p>
<p>Writing by Richard Valdmanis; editing by Jonathan Oatis</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Starbucks Corp ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=SBUX.O" type="external">SBUX.O</a>) Chief Executive Kevin Johnson hopes to meet with the two black men arrested at one of its Philadelphia cafes last week to apologize for the incident, which has sparked accusations of racial profiling at the coffee chain.</p>
<p>The men, who had not made a purchase, were handcuffed and arrested for trespassing on Thursday after a store manager called 911 and reported them for refusing to leave. Witnesses said the men were calmly sitting in the cafe and in a widely viewed video, some patrons asked police whether they were targeted because they are black.</p>
<p>Police released the men, who were not charged.</p>
<p>"The circumstances surrounding the incident and the outcome in our store on Thursday were reprehensible ... they were wrong," Johnson told ABC's Good Morning America on Monday, amid protests and calls for a boycott on social media.</p> Slideshow (16 Images)
<p>The female manager who reported the men to police has left the company, a Starbucks representative said.</p>
<p>The incident came at a time when the company is grappling with flat traffic and lackluster sales growth at its more than 14,000 U.S. cafes. It is a high-profile public relations test for Johnson, a former technology executive who took the helm at Starbucks roughly a year ago.</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=SBUX.O" type="external">Starbucks Corp</a> 59.8831 SBUX.O Nasdaq +0.45 (+0.76%) SBUX.O
<p>Johnson, who was interviewed from Philadelphia, said it was "completely inappropriate to engage the police." He added that Starbucks would conduct training to prevent unconscious bias.</p>
<p>Representatives for the two men could not immediately be reached.</p>
<p>Protesters crowded the store that was the scene of the arrest on Monday morning. It was closed at around midday. More protests and a news conference are expected in the afternoon.</p>
<p>The Reverend Mark Tyler, part of an interfaith group organizing a protest on Monday afternoon, said he had not heard reports of similar issues at other area Starbucks. Still, he said, "the idea of black people being unwanted in downtown Philadelphia is not new ... this is the underbelly of gentrification."</p>
<p>Reporting by Lisa Baertlein in Los Angeles; editing by Susan Thomas and Jonathan Oatis</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>(Reuters) - A gang-related dispute sparked an overnight riot in a South Carolina prison that killed seven inmates, the deadliest U.S. prison riot since 1993, state officials and prison safety experts said on Monday.</p>
<p>Another 17 people were wounded in an eight-hour long series of fights that spread through three dorms at the Lee Correctional Institution in Bishopville, South Carolina, said Bryan Stirling, director of the state Department of Corrections.</p>
<p>"This was all about territory. This was about contraband, this was about cellphones," Stirling told a news conference. "These folks are fighting over real money and real territory while they are incarcerated."</p>
<p>It was the deadliest U.S. prison riot since 1993, when nine inmates and one corrections officer died at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility in Lucasville, said Steve Martin, a prisons expert and now the federal monitor for the consent decree involving New York City's Rikers Island jail complex.</p>
<p>All seven deaths were the result of stabbing injuries, said Lee County Coroner Larry Logan.</p>
<p>Forty-four guards were on duty at the 1,583-inmate prison when violence erupted Sunday evening, Stirling said. Prison staff called in reinforcements and did not move into the first unit until four hours after the fighting began, a delay that he said was necessary to ensure the guards' safety.</p>
<p>For months, South Carolina officials have said that prisoners used smuggled cellphones to manage crimes outside the prisons. Governor Henry McMaster on Monday said he would renew his request to federal officials to allow him to block cell signals on prison property.</p> A guard leaves the Lee Correctional Institution in Bishopville, Lee County, South Carolina, U.S., April 16, 2018. REUTERS/Randall Hill
<p>The State newspaper showed video it said was taken by inmates with smuggled phones that depicted trails of blood and dead bodies in the prison. Reuters could not immediately confirm that the video was authentic and Stirling declined to do so.</p>
<p>The state has about 5,000 prison employees in 22 institutions, but "security staff numbers continue to lag behind the authorized strength," the department's fiscal 2017 Accountability Report said, without giving numbers.</p>
<p>Martin said staff shortages could have been a contributing factor in the riot.</p> Slideshow (4 Images)
<p>"When high-security inmates start engaging each other and there aren't enough staff, it's hard to stop it," Martin said in a phone interview.</p>
<p>State officials identified the slain inmates as Raymond Scott, 28, who was serving a 20-year sentence for crimes including assault and battery; Michael Milledge, 44, serving 25 years for drug trafficking; Damonte Rivera, 24, serving life for murder; Eddie Gaskins, 32, serving 10 years for domestic violence; Joshua Jenkins, 33, serving 15 years for manslaughter; Corey Scott, 38, serving 22 years for kidnapping; and Cornelius McClary, 33, serving 25 years for burglary.</p>
<p>Reporting by Ian Simpson in Washington and Rich McKay in Atlanta; Writing by Scott Malone; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Jeffrey Benkoe, Susan Thomas, Jonathan Oatis and Steve Orlofsky</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. government watchdogs rapped two members of President Donald Trump's Cabinet on Monday over their spending last year, adding pressure on an administration already roiled by ethics complaints.</p> FILE PHOTO: Environmental Protection Agency Administrator (EPA) Scott Pruitt testifies before a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., June 27, 2017. REUTERS/Aaron P. Bernstein/Files
<p>The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) said the Environmental Protection Agency violated the law when it approved a $43,000 soundproof phone booth last year for Administrator Scott Pruitt without seeking approval from lawmakers.</p>
<p>And the Department of Interior's Office of Inspector General said Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke took an unnecessary charter flight in June after a speech he made there to a professional hockey team that cost taxpayers more than $12,000.</p>
<p>The new reports come as the White House seeks to shake off persistent criticism by lawmakers of ethical lapses and wasteful spending by Trump's senior officials - something that has helped fuel a high rate of turnover. Health Secretary Tom Price was forced out and replaced last year after reports emerged of lavish spending on flights.</p>
<p>Pruitt and Zinke are viewed as among Trump's most productive Cabinet officials and key to the president's policy of expanding energy production and exports by slashing environmental regulations and opening federal lands to drilling and mining.</p>
<p>Trump has rebuffed recent calls by both Democratic and Republican lawmakers to fire Pruitt, saying he is doing a "fantastic job" and is well-loved in "coal and energy country."</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-usa-epa-pruitt-senate/epa-must-explain-why-pruitts-43000-phone-booth-was-legal-republican-senator-idUSKBN1HN2K1" type="external">EPA must explain why Pruitt's $43,000 phone booth was legal: Republican senator</a> PRIVACY BOOTH
<p>The Government Accountability Office said the EPA violated the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act with Pruitt's privacy booth. The law prohibits an agency from obligating more than $5,000 in federal funds to furnish, redecorate or make improvements in the office of a presidential appointee without first notifying appropriations committees in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.</p>
<p>Liz Bowman, an EPA spokeswoman, said the agency was "addressing GAO's concern, with regard to Congressional notification about this expense, and will be sending Congress the necessary information this week."</p>
<p>The booth, which Pruitt had told lawmakers in a hearing was needed to conduct agency business, was built in a former storage closet in the administrator's office.</p>
<p>The GAO had been asked to investigate the matter by Democratic lawmakers.</p>
<p>Senator John Barrasso, a Republican and the head of the Senate environment committee, said in a statement after the GAO's decision that Pruitt's agency must give a "full public accounting" of the spending.</p>
<p>The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.</p>
<p>Also on Monday, the EPA's Office of Inspector General released documents showing EPA's chief of staff, Ryan Jackson, had signed off on pay raises for three of Pruitt's staff, including a raise of $29,000 to above $114,000 for his scheduling director, Millan Hupp.</p>
<p>Pruitt had originally recommended the raises but was denied by the White House. Jackson approved them using the authority granted under an obscure provision in a clean water law, the documents said.</p>
<p>Pruitt told Fox News this month that he had no knowledge of the raises.</p>
<p>EPA spokesman Jahan Wilcox did not respond to a request for comment.</p> FLIGHT FROM LAS VEGAS
<p>The Interior Department's watchdog said in its report Monday that Secretary Zinke chartered a plane for $12,375 from Las Vegas to Kalispell, Montana, in June that "could have been avoided." The flight was linked to a controversial visit Zinke made to a National Hockey League team owned by a campaign donor.</p>
<p>"We determined that Zinke's use of chartered flights in fiscal year (FY) 2017 generally followed relevant law, policy, rules, and regulations," the report said.</p>
<p>"We found, however, that a $12,375 chartered flight he took in June 2017 after speaking at the developmental camp for the Golden Knights, a professional hockey team based in Las Vegas, Nevada, could have been avoided," it added.</p>
<p>The report said the visit appeared unrelated to Zinke's work as Interior chief, pointing out that a video recording of the speech showed he never mentioned his role at the department and focused mainly on his experience as a Navy SEAL.</p>
<p>The hockey team is owned by Bill Foley, a donor to Zinke's past congressional campaigns.</p>
<p>Heather Swift, an Interior Department spokeswoman, said the report "said exactly what was known all along," that the chartered aircraft followed relevant law and regulations. She did not comment on the watchdog's finding that the Las Vegas flight could have been avoided.</p>
<p>Zinke has also defended his use of noncommercial aircraft as necessary for reaching the remote parts of the country that his department oversees, and said past Interior secretaries have also relied on them.</p>
<p>Zinke has also taken heat for other types of spending, including the repair of doors in his office that cost thousands of dollars.</p>
<p>Reporting by Timothy Gardner; additional reporting by Richard Valdmanis; editing by Jonathan Oatis</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
| false | 2 |
washington reuters us senate democratic leader chuck schumer said wednesday overwhelming number democratic senators support stopgap government spending bill proposed house representatives stopped short saying whether democrats would vote senate minority leader chuck schumer dny speaks democratic policy luncheon capitol hill washington us january 9 2018 reutersjoshua roberts dont know whether house send us bill revulsion toward bill broad strong schumer told reporters reporting susan cornwell writing makini brice editing doina chiacu standards thomson reuters trust principles reuters us interior secretary ryan zinke took unnecessary charter flight june cost taxpayers 12000 interior departments internal watchdog said monday travel linked visit professional hockey team nevada file photo us secretary interior ryan zinke testifies front senate committee energy natural resources capitol hill washington us march 13 2018 reuterseric thayer report departments office inspector general came amid mounting pressure trump cabinet officials ethics spending habits office determined zinkes use chartered flights fiscal year fy 2017 generally followed relevant law policy rules regulations report said found however 12375 chartered flight took june 2017 speaking developmental camp golden knights professional hockey team based las vegas nevada could avoided added national hockey league team owned bill foley donor zinkes congressional campaigns interior department said zinkes speech violate laws rules regulations zinke defended use noncommercial aircraft necessary reaching remote parts country department oversees also taken heat spending including repair door office cost nearly 140000 cabinet members also scrutinized us government accountability office monday said environmental protection agency violated spending laws installed 43000 soundproof booth agency administrator scott pruitt writing richard valdmanis editing jonathan oatis standards thomson reuters trust principles los angeles reuters starbucks corp sbuxo chief executive kevin johnson hopes meet two black men arrested one philadelphia cafes last week apologize incident sparked accusations racial profiling coffee chain men made purchase handcuffed arrested trespassing thursday store manager called 911 reported refusing leave witnesses said men calmly sitting cafe widely viewed video patrons asked police whether targeted black police released men charged circumstances surrounding incident outcome store thursday reprehensible wrong johnson told abcs good morning america monday amid protests calls boycott social media slideshow 16 images female manager reported men police left company starbucks representative said incident came time company grappling flat traffic lackluster sales growth 14000 us cafes highprofile public relations test johnson former technology executive took helm starbucks roughly year ago starbucks corp 598831 sbuxo nasdaq 045 076 sbuxo johnson interviewed philadelphia said completely inappropriate engage police added starbucks would conduct training prevent unconscious bias representatives two men could immediately reached protesters crowded store scene arrest monday morning closed around midday protests news conference expected afternoon reverend mark tyler part interfaith group organizing protest monday afternoon said heard reports similar issues area starbucks still said idea black people unwanted downtown philadelphia new underbelly gentrification reporting lisa baertlein los angeles editing susan thomas jonathan oatis standards thomson reuters trust principles reuters gangrelated dispute sparked overnight riot south carolina prison killed seven inmates deadliest us prison riot since 1993 state officials prison safety experts said monday another 17 people wounded eighthour long series fights spread three dorms lee correctional institution bishopville south carolina said bryan stirling director state department corrections territory contraband cellphones stirling told news conference folks fighting real money real territory incarcerated deadliest us prison riot since 1993 nine inmates one corrections officer died southern ohio correctional facility lucasville said steve martin prisons expert federal monitor consent decree involving new york citys rikers island jail complex seven deaths result stabbing injuries said lee county coroner larry logan fortyfour guards duty 1583inmate prison violence erupted sunday evening stirling said prison staff called reinforcements move first unit four hours fighting began delay said necessary ensure guards safety months south carolina officials said prisoners used smuggled cellphones manage crimes outside prisons governor henry mcmaster monday said would renew request federal officials allow block cell signals prison property guard leaves lee correctional institution bishopville lee county south carolina us april 16 2018 reutersrandall hill state newspaper showed video said taken inmates smuggled phones depicted trails blood dead bodies prison reuters could immediately confirm video authentic stirling declined state 5000 prison employees 22 institutions security staff numbers continue lag behind authorized strength departments fiscal 2017 accountability report said without giving numbers martin said staff shortages could contributing factor riot slideshow 4 images highsecurity inmates start engaging arent enough staff hard stop martin said phone interview state officials identified slain inmates raymond scott 28 serving 20year sentence crimes including assault battery michael milledge 44 serving 25 years drug trafficking damonte rivera 24 serving life murder eddie gaskins 32 serving 10 years domestic violence joshua jenkins 33 serving 15 years manslaughter corey scott 38 serving 22 years kidnapping cornelius mcclary 33 serving 25 years burglary reporting ian simpson washington rich mckay atlanta writing scott malone editing chizu nomiyama jeffrey benkoe susan thomas jonathan oatis steve orlofsky standards thomson reuters trust principles washington reuters us government watchdogs rapped two members president donald trumps cabinet monday spending last year adding pressure administration already roiled ethics complaints file photo environmental protection agency administrator epa scott pruitt testifies senate appropriations subcommittee hearing capitol hill washington us june 27 2017 reutersaaron p bernsteinfiles us government accountability office gao said environmental protection agency violated law approved 43000 soundproof phone booth last year administrator scott pruitt without seeking approval lawmakers department interiors office inspector general said interior secretary ryan zinke took unnecessary charter flight june speech made professional hockey team cost taxpayers 12000 new reports come white house seeks shake persistent criticism lawmakers ethical lapses wasteful spending trumps senior officials something helped fuel high rate turnover health secretary tom price forced replaced last year reports emerged lavish spending flights pruitt zinke viewed among trumps productive cabinet officials key presidents policy expanding energy production exports slashing environmental regulations opening federal lands drilling mining trump rebuffed recent calls democratic republican lawmakers fire pruitt saying fantastic job wellloved coal energy country related coverage epa must explain pruitts 43000 phone booth legal republican senator privacy booth government accountability office said epa violated financial services general government appropriations act pruitts privacy booth law prohibits agency obligating 5000 federal funds furnish redecorate make improvements office presidential appointee without first notifying appropriations committees us senate house representatives liz bowman epa spokeswoman said agency addressing gaos concern regard congressional notification expense sending congress necessary information week booth pruitt told lawmakers hearing needed conduct agency business built former storage closet administrators office gao asked investigate matter democratic lawmakers senator john barrasso republican head senate environment committee said statement gaos decision pruitts agency must give full public accounting spending white house immediately respond request comment also monday epas office inspector general released documents showing epas chief staff ryan jackson signed pay raises three pruitts staff including raise 29000 114000 scheduling director millan hupp pruitt originally recommended raises denied white house jackson approved using authority granted obscure provision clean water law documents said pruitt told fox news month knowledge raises epa spokesman jahan wilcox respond request comment flight las vegas interior departments watchdog said report monday secretary zinke chartered plane 12375 las vegas kalispell montana june could avoided flight linked controversial visit zinke made national hockey league team owned campaign donor determined zinkes use chartered flights fiscal year fy 2017 generally followed relevant law policy rules regulations report said found however 12375 chartered flight took june 2017 speaking developmental camp golden knights professional hockey team based las vegas nevada could avoided added report said visit appeared unrelated zinkes work interior chief pointing video recording speech showed never mentioned role department focused mainly experience navy seal hockey team owned bill foley donor zinkes past congressional campaigns heather swift interior department spokeswoman said report said exactly known along chartered aircraft followed relevant law regulations comment watchdogs finding las vegas flight could avoided zinke also defended use noncommercial aircraft necessary reaching remote parts country department oversees said past interior secretaries also relied zinke also taken heat types spending including repair doors office cost thousands dollars reporting timothy gardner additional reporting richard valdmanis editing jonathan oatis standards thomson reuters trust principles
| 1,336 |
<p>Jan 24 (Reuters) - UUUM Co Ltd</p>
<p>* Says it plans to sign business and capital alliance agreement with a Tokyo-based social video marketing firm in late January</p>
<p>* Through capital alliance, it plans to acquire 66,667 shares (14.6 percent stake) of the Tokyo-based firm for 100 million yen</p>
<p>* Through business alliance, two entities will cooperate on influencer marketing business and development of co’s creator and content in overseas</p>
<p>Source text in Japanese: <a href="https://goo.gl/QxBryX" type="external">goo.gl/QxBryX</a></p>
<p>Further company coverage: (Beijing Headline News)</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>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>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>“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 prospect of a full-blown trade war between the United States and China has sent shivers through economies supplying them, as a fall in demand would be inescapable.</p> FILE PHOTO - A worker checks steel wires at a warehouse in Dalian, Liaoning province, China May 15, 2017. REUTERS/Stringer
<p>Feeling the chill, stock markets fell, but perceived safe havens such as government bonds gained.</p>
<p>Alarm mounted earlier this month after Trump imposed hefty import tariffs on steel and aluminum this month under Section 232 of the 1962 U.S. Trade Expansion Act, which allows safeguards based on “national security”, though that measure had not just targeted Chinese imports.</p>
<p>In a separate statement, the Chinese commerce ministry unveiled plans to levy duties on up to $3 billion of U.S. imports in response to the steel and aluminum tariffs, which will go into effect on Friday.</p>
<p>China was 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> 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>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>“We intend to impose tariffs on certain U.S. imports to balance out the losses caused to Chinese interests by the U.S. tariffs on imported steel and aluminum,” the ministry said.</p>
<p>The ministry added it would take legal action under the framework of the World Trade Organization to maintain the stability of global trading rules. It added, however, it hoped it could resolve issues with the U.S. through dialogue.</p>
<p>Reporting by Ryan Woo and Adam Jourdan; Additional reporting by Wang Jing and Lusha Zhang; Editing By Simon Cameron-Moore</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to replace his national security adviser H.R. McMaster on Thursday was the latest high-level departure from the Trump administration.</p> FILE PHOTO: National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster speaks at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, U.S., March 15, 2018. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo
<p>Here is a partial list of officials who have been fired or quit since Trump took office on Jan. 20, 2017, as well as people nominated by him for a position who did not take the job.</p> 2018
<p>H.R. McMaster - The national security adviser was replaced on March 22 with John Bolton, according to a tweet sent by the president.</p>
<p>Rex Tillerson - The secretary of state was fired by Trump on March 13 after a number of public rifts between the two over North Korea, Russia and Iran.</p>
<p>Gary Cohn - The director of the National Economic Council and former Goldman Sachs Group Inc president said on March 5 he will resign in a few weeks. His decision came after he lost a fight to try to stop Trump from imposing import tariffs on steel and aluminum.</p>
<p>Hope Hicks - The White House communications director, one of Trump’s longest-serving and most trusted aides, resigned on Feb. 28. She was the fourth person to hold the post since Trump became president.</p>
<p>Rob Porter - The White House staff secretary, a senior adviser in charge of much of the documentation that went to Trump for his signature, resigned in early February following accusations of domestic abuse from two former wives.</p> 2017
<p>Richard Cordray - The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s first director resigned in November. Trump designated White House Budget Director Mick Mulvaney as acting director, but Cordray named a deputy director as his replacement, triggering a political and legal battle. Four days later, a federal court ruled in Trump’s favor.</p>
<p>Tom Price - The Health and Human Services secretary resigned under pressure from Trump on Sept. 29 in an uproar over Price’s use of costly private charter planes for government business.</p>
<p>Stephen Bannon - Trump’s chief strategist, who had been a driving force behind the president’s anti-globalization and pro-nationalist agenda that helped propel him to election victory, was fired by Trump in mid-August. He had repeatedly clashed with more moderate factions in the White House.</p>
<p>Reince Priebus - The former chairman of the Republican National Committee was replaced by John Kelly as Trump’s chief of staff in July. Trump lost confidence in Priebus after major legislative items failed to be approved by Congress.</p>
<p>Anthony Scaramucci - The White House communications director was fired by Trump in July after just 10 days on the job, following profanity-laced comments to The New Yorker magazine.</p>
<p>Walter Shaub - The head of the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, who clashed with Trump and his administration, stepped down in July before his five-year term was to end.</p>
<p>Michael Short - Senior White House assistant press secretary, resigned in July.</p>
<p>Sean Spicer - Resigned as White House press secretary in July, ending a turbulent tenure after Trump named Scaramucci as White House communications director.</p>
<p>James Comey - The Federal Bureau of Investigation director, who was leading a probe into possible collusion between the Trump 2016 presidential campaign and Russia to influence the election outcome, was fired by Trump in May.</p>
<p>James Donovan - A Goldman Sachs banker nominated by Trump as deputy Treasury secretary, withdrew his name in May.</p>
<p>Michael Dubke - Resigned as White House communications director in May.</p>
<p>Mark Green - Trump’s nominee for Army secretary withdrew his name from consideration in May.</p>
<p>Todd Ricketts - The co-owner of the Chicago Cubs baseball team and Trump’s choice for deputy secretary of commerce withdrew from consideration in April.</p>
<p>Katie Walsh - The deputy White House chief of staff was transferred to the outside, pro-Trump group America First Policies in March, according to Politico.</p>
<p>Philip Bilden - A private equity executive and former military intelligence officer picked by Trump for secretary of the Navy, Bilden withdrew from consideration in February because of government conflict-of-interest rules.</p>
<p>Michael Flynn - Resigned in February as Trump’s national security adviser after disclosures that he had discussed U.S. sanctions on Russia with the Russian ambassador to the United States before Trump took office and had misled Vice President Mike Pence about the conversations.</p>
<p>Gerrit Lansing - The White House chief digital officer stepped down in February after failing to pass an FBI background check, according to Politico.</p>
<p>Robin Townley - An aide to Flynn, Townley was rejected in February after he was denied security clearance to serve on the U.S. National Security Council, according to Politico.</p>
<p>Vincent Viola - The Army veteran and former chairman of the New York Mercantile Exchange was nominated by Trump to be secretary of the Army, but withdrew his name from consideration in February.</p>
<p>Caroline Wiles - Trump’s director of scheduling, resigned in February after failing a background check.</p>
<p>Sally Yates - Trump fired the acting U.S. attorney general in January after she ordered Justice Department lawyers not to enforce Trump’s immigration ban.</p>
<p>Reporting by Washington Newsroom; Writing by Lindsay Dunsmuir and Jason Lange; Editing by Kevin Drawbaugh, Toni Reinhold</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump shook up his foreign policy team again on Thursday, replacing H.R. McMaster as national security adviser with John Bolton, a hawk who has advocated using military force against North Korea and Iran.</p>
<p>The move, announced in a tweet and a White House statement, came little more than a week after Trump fired Rex Tillerson as secretary of state and nominated Central Intelligence Agency Director Mike Pompeo to replace him.</p>
<p>The shake-up shows Trump, in office for 14 months, surrounding himself with advisers more likely to agree with his views and taking his foreign policy in a more hawkish direction.</p>
<p>What it means for a prospective summit meeting between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is unclear. The meeting is supposed to happen by the end of May, but an exact time and place have yet to be settled on.</p>
<p>Bolton’s appointment could doom the already endangered Iran nuclear deal. It could also lead to friction with Trump on how tough to be on Russia, with the president still holding out hope for improved ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin.</p>
<p>The news of Bolton’s appointment followed a meeting he had with Trump in the Oval Office. Even Bolton was caught by surprise. “I didn’t really expect an announcement this afternoon, but it’s obviously a great honor,” he told Fox News after the announcement. “I’m still getting used to it.”</p>
<p>Bolton, 69, is a Fox News analyst who contemplated a run for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016. He is a familiar figure in Washington, with a walrus-like moustache and hard-charging views on many global challenges.</p>
<p>Some members of Congress immediately questioned his selection for the critical position in the White House.</p>
<p>“This is not a wise choice. Mr. Bolton does not have the temperament or judgment to be an effective national security adviser,” Democratic Senator Jack Reed said in a statement.</p>
<p>Bolton tweeted on Jan. 11 that time was running out on stopping North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. He said: “We’ve got to look at the very unattractive choice of using military force to deny them that capability.”</p>
<p>At a time when Trump has threatened to withdraw the United States from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, unless Europe agrees to change it, Bolton has tweeted that the deal “needs to be abrogated.”</p>
<p>He has also called for “effective countermeasures to the cyber war that Russia is engaging.”</p> ‘STRONG SIGNAL’
<p>Elliott Abrams, a senior foreign policy aide to former Republican President George W. Bush, praised Trump’s choice, saying Bolton “proved when we were both in the Bush administration that he is an excellent and forceful bureaucrat.”</p> FILE PHOTO -- Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton (L) speaks in Oxon Hill, Maryland, U.S. February 24, 2017, and White House National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster joins the daily briefing in Washington, U.S. July 31, 2017, in this combination photograph. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts, Jonathan Ernst/File Photo
<p>Whether Bolton, who was U.S. ambassador to the United Nations for Bush, will be able to swallow his own views has been debated by foreign policy experts since he appeared on Trump’s radar. His hiring does not require U.S. Senate confirmation.</p>
<p>Bolton said in the Fox News interview that his past statements on various issues were behind him and he would be an honest broker ensuring the president sees all the options available to him.</p>
<p>“The important thing is what the president says and the advice I give him,” he said.</p>
<p>Still, analysts said Bolton’s views would be influential.</p>
<p>“Bolton has long been an advocate for pre-emptive military action against North Korea, and his appointment as National Security Adviser is a strong signal that President Trump remains open to these options,” said Abraham Denmark, deputy assistant secretary of defense for East Asia under former President Barack Obama.</p> Slideshow (7 Images)
<p>“We should also expect an even more confrontational approach to China - a trade war may just be the beginning of a broader geopolitical competition,” he said.</p>
<p>Bonnie Glaser, Asia expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank in Washington, said: “Bolton has long supported regime change in North Korea and closer ties with Taiwan. Fasten your seat belts.”</p>
<p>As the State Department’s top arms control official under Bush, Bolton was a leading advocate of the 2003 invasion of Iraq - which was later found to have been based on bogus and exaggerated intelligence about President Saddam Hussein’s weapons of mass destruction and ties to terrorism.</p> ‘MUTUALLY AGREED’
<p>McMaster, hired early in Trump’s presidency to replace scandal-tarred Michael Flynn as national security adviser, had widely been expected to leave soon. Trump found McMaster’s style grating. The two had frequently clashed in meetings and Trump had been looking for a replacement, advisers said.</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-usa-trump-bolton-role/for-super-hawk-bolton-surrender-is-not-an-option-idUSKBN1GZ09C" type="external">For super-hawk Bolton, 'Surrender is Not An Option'</a>
<a href="/article/us-usa-trump-bolton-tweets-factbox/factbox-want-to-know-how-bolton-will-advise-trump-read-his-tweets-idUSKBN1GY3E3" type="external">Factbox: Want to know how Bolton will advise Trump? Read his tweets</a>
<a href="/article/us-usa-trump-staffing-factbox/factbox-mcmaster-is-latest-in-parade-of-white-house-departees-idUSKBN1GY3BW" type="external">Factbox: McMaster is latest in parade of White House departees</a>
<p>The White House said Trump and McMaster had “mutually agreed” that he would leave. “I am very thankful for the service of General H.R. McMaster who has done an outstanding job &amp; will always remain my friend,” Trump’s tweet said.</p>
<p>“The two have been discussing this for some time. The timeline was expedited as they both felt it was important to have the new team in place, instead of constant speculation. This was not related to any one moment or incident, rather it was the result of ongoing conversations between the two,” a senior White House official said.</p>
<p>The announcement came a day after Trump was angered by a leak of information from his presidential briefing papers that said he was advised specifically not to congratulate Putin on his disputed election victory. Trump told reporters he had congratulated Putin.</p>
<p>McMaster, 55, is to stay on until mid-April. He said in a statement he was also requesting retirement from the U.S. Army, in which he holds the rank of three-star general.</p>
<p>White House Chief of Staff John Kelly had been hoping to entice McMaster into another military assignment in order to qualify as a four-star general.</p>
<p>Reporting by Steve Holland; Additional reporting by by Warren Strobel, Yara Bayoumy and David Brunnstrom; Editing by Kevin Drawbaugh and Peter Cooney</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
| false | 2 |
jan 24 reuters uuum co ltd says plans sign business capital alliance agreement tokyobased social video marketing firm late january capital alliance plans acquire 66667 shares 146 percent stake tokyobased firm 100 million yen business alliance two entities cooperate influencer marketing business development cos creator content overseas source text japanese googlqxbryx company coverage beijing headline news 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 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 trump planning impose tariffs administration says misappropriation us intellectual property probe launched last year section 301 1974 us trade act 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 prospect fullblown trade war united states china sent shivers economies supplying fall demand would inescapable file photo worker checks steel wires warehouse dalian liaoning province china may 15 2017 reutersstringer feeling chill stock markets fell perceived safe havens government bonds gained alarm mounted earlier month trump imposed hefty import tariffs steel aluminum month section 232 1962 us trade expansion act allows safeguards based national security though measure targeted chinese imports separate statement chinese commerce ministry unveiled plans levy duties 3 billion us imports response steel aluminum tariffs go effect friday 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 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 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 intend impose tariffs certain us imports balance losses caused chinese interests us tariffs imported steel aluminum ministry said ministry added would take legal action framework world trade organization maintain stability global trading rules added however hoped could resolve issues us dialogue reporting ryan woo adam jourdan additional reporting wang jing lusha zhang editing simon cameronmoore standards thomson reuters trust principles washington reuters us president donald trumps decision replace national security adviser hr mcmaster thursday latest highlevel departure trump administration file photo national security adviser hr mcmaster speaks united states holocaust memorial museum washington us march 15 2018 reutersbrendan mcdermidfile photo partial list officials fired quit since trump took office jan 20 2017 well people nominated position take job 2018 hr mcmaster national security adviser replaced march 22 john bolton according tweet sent president rex tillerson secretary state fired trump march 13 number public rifts two north korea russia iran gary cohn director national economic council former goldman sachs group inc president said march 5 resign weeks decision came lost fight try stop trump imposing import tariffs steel aluminum hope hicks white house communications director one trumps longestserving trusted aides resigned feb 28 fourth person hold post since trump became president rob porter white house staff secretary senior adviser charge much documentation went trump signature resigned early february following accusations domestic abuse two former wives 2017 richard cordray consumer financial protection bureaus first director resigned november trump designated white house budget director mick mulvaney acting director cordray named deputy director replacement triggering political legal battle four days later federal court ruled trumps favor tom price health human services secretary resigned pressure trump sept 29 uproar prices use costly private charter planes government business stephen bannon trumps chief strategist driving force behind presidents antiglobalization pronationalist agenda helped propel election victory fired trump midaugust repeatedly clashed moderate factions white house reince priebus former chairman republican national committee replaced john kelly trumps chief staff july trump lost confidence priebus major legislative items failed approved congress anthony scaramucci white house communications director fired trump july 10 days job following profanitylaced comments new yorker magazine walter shaub head us office government ethics clashed trump administration stepped july fiveyear term end michael short senior white house assistant press secretary resigned july sean spicer resigned white house press secretary july ending turbulent tenure trump named scaramucci white house communications director james comey federal bureau investigation director leading probe possible collusion trump 2016 presidential campaign russia influence election outcome fired trump may james donovan goldman sachs banker nominated trump deputy treasury secretary withdrew name may michael dubke resigned white house communications director may mark green trumps nominee army secretary withdrew name consideration may todd ricketts coowner chicago cubs baseball team trumps choice deputy secretary commerce withdrew consideration april katie walsh deputy white house chief staff transferred outside protrump group america first policies march according politico philip bilden private equity executive former military intelligence officer picked trump secretary navy bilden withdrew consideration february government conflictofinterest rules michael flynn resigned february trumps national security adviser disclosures discussed us sanctions russia russian ambassador united states trump took office misled vice president mike pence conversations gerrit lansing white house chief digital officer stepped february failing pass fbi background check according politico robin townley aide flynn townley rejected february denied security clearance serve us national security council according politico vincent viola army veteran former chairman new york mercantile exchange nominated trump secretary army withdrew name consideration february caroline wiles trumps director scheduling resigned february failing background check sally yates trump fired acting us attorney general january ordered justice department lawyers enforce trumps immigration ban reporting washington newsroom writing lindsay dunsmuir jason lange editing kevin drawbaugh toni reinhold standards thomson reuters trust principles washington reuters us president donald trump shook foreign policy team thursday replacing hr mcmaster national security adviser john bolton hawk advocated using military force north korea iran move announced tweet white house statement came little week trump fired rex tillerson secretary state nominated central intelligence agency director mike pompeo replace shakeup shows trump office 14 months surrounding advisers likely agree views taking foreign policy hawkish direction means prospective summit meeting trump north korean leader kim jong un unclear meeting supposed happen end may exact time place yet settled boltons appointment could doom already endangered iran nuclear deal could also lead friction trump tough russia president still holding hope improved ties russian president vladimir putin news boltons appointment followed meeting trump oval office even bolton caught surprise didnt really expect announcement afternoon obviously great honor told fox news announcement im still getting used bolton 69 fox news analyst contemplated run republican presidential nomination 2016 familiar figure washington walruslike moustache hardcharging views many global challenges members congress immediately questioned selection critical position white house wise choice mr bolton temperament judgment effective national security adviser democratic senator jack reed said statement bolton tweeted jan 11 time running stopping north koreas nuclear weapons program said weve got look unattractive choice using military force deny capability time trump threatened withdraw united states 2015 iran nuclear deal unless europe agrees change bolton tweeted deal needs abrogated also called effective countermeasures cyber war russia engaging strong signal elliott abrams senior foreign policy aide former republican president george w bush praised trumps choice saying bolton proved bush administration excellent forceful bureaucrat file photo former us ambassador united nations john bolton l speaks oxon hill maryland us february 24 2017 white house national security advisor hr mcmaster joins daily briefing washington us july 31 2017 combination photograph reutersjoshua roberts jonathan ernstfile photo whether bolton us ambassador united nations bush able swallow views debated foreign policy experts since appeared trumps radar hiring require us senate confirmation bolton said fox news interview past statements various issues behind would honest broker ensuring president sees options available important thing president says advice give said still analysts said boltons views would influential bolton long advocate preemptive military action north korea appointment national security adviser strong signal president trump remains open options said abraham denmark deputy assistant secretary defense east asia former president barack obama slideshow 7 images also expect even confrontational approach china trade war may beginning broader geopolitical competition said bonnie glaser asia expert center strategic international studies think tank washington said bolton long supported regime change north korea closer ties taiwan fasten seat belts state departments top arms control official bush bolton leading advocate 2003 invasion iraq later found based bogus exaggerated intelligence president saddam husseins weapons mass destruction ties terrorism mutually agreed mcmaster hired early trumps presidency replace scandaltarred michael flynn national security adviser widely expected leave soon trump found mcmasters style grating two frequently clashed meetings trump looking replacement advisers said related coverage superhawk bolton surrender option factbox want know bolton advise trump read tweets factbox mcmaster latest parade white house departees white house said trump mcmaster mutually agreed would leave thankful service general hr mcmaster done outstanding job amp always remain friend trumps tweet said two discussing time timeline expedited felt important new team place instead constant speculation related one moment incident rather result ongoing conversations two senior white house official said announcement came day trump angered leak information presidential briefing papers said advised specifically congratulate putin disputed election victory trump told reporters congratulated putin mcmaster 55 stay midapril said statement also requesting retirement us army holds rank threestar general white house chief staff john kelly hoping entice mcmaster another military assignment order qualify fourstar general reporting steve holland additional reporting warren strobel yara bayoumy david brunnstrom editing kevin drawbaugh peter cooney standards thomson reuters trust principles
| 1,863 |
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p />
<p>SANTA FE, N.M. — Mumford &amp; Sons to play at Taos park on June 6</p>
<p>Mumford &amp; Sons, the British alternative folk rock band that won this year’s Grammy for album of the year, is selling out shows in Paris, Amsterdam and Copenhagen on its current European tour.</p>
<p>And now the band — which is on the latest Rolling Stone magazine cover — is coming to Taos.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>North American tour dates for Mumford &amp; Sons announced on the band’s website show a June 6 stop in Taos at Kit Carson Park.</p>
<p>Taos Solar Music Festival announced on its website that fans can register before Sunday for an “invitation onsale” online. Information abut the ticket sale is available at the band’s website, <a href="http://www.mumfordandsons.com" type="external">www.mumfordandsons.com</a>.</p>
<p />
<p>Kiwanis Club seeks Zozobra poster entries</p>
<p>The Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe is seeking submissions for images that will be used for 2013 Zozobra poster and T-shirts and for the annual Zozobra art and photography event in August.</p>
<p>More information about the art contest, for both children and adults, can be found at <a href="http://www.burnzozobra.com" type="external">www.burnzozobra.com</a>.</p>
<p />
<p>LANL official to oversee West Virginia capitol</p>
<p>CHARLESTON, W.Va. — An official at the Los Alamos National Laboratory will oversee the West Virginia capitol and other state buildings.</p>
<p>Administration Secretary Ross Taylor announced Gregory Melton as the new director of the General Services Division on Monday. Melton starts April 1.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>A West Virginia native, Melton has been a maintenance manager and group leader at Los Alamos.</p>
<p>The New Mexico complex is 36 square miles with more than 1,200 buildings and 8 million square feet of facility space.</p>
<p>General Services oversees the state capitol building and its campus as well as other state government buildings around West Virginia.</p>
<p>Melton is a West Virginia University graduate and a former U.S. Air Force officer.</p>
<p>He succeeds David Oliverio, who helped oversee a major turnaround at General Services before his departure earlier this month.</p>
<p>Transit District adds buses to Española route</p>
<p>The North Central Regional Transit District will add buses along its Española to Chimayó route Friday to accommodate people making the annual pilgrimage to El Santuario de Chimayó.</p>
<p>Two ADA-accessible buses will run on a continuous loop from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., departing from the RTD stop on the north side of the Big Rock Phillips in front of the Santa Claran Hotel. The route then follows N.M. 76 with multiple stops along the way. The route concludes at the Benny Chavez Center at the County Road 98 turnoff, since it will not be able to make its normally scheduled stop in the Santuario parking lot.</p>
<p>Delays will be unavoidable due to the heavy pedestrian traffic along the route, so regular passengers need to be aware that buses will not be at their stops at the posted time.</p>
<p>For route and schedule information, log onto <a href="http://www.ridethebluebus.com" type="external">www.ridethebluebus.com</a> or call toll free 1-866-206-0754.</p>
<p />
<p>Cash prizes at annual Fishing Derby Saturday</p>
<p>The Fishing Lakes at Ohkay Owingeh is holding its annual Fishing Derby on Saturday.</p>
<p>Gates will open at 6:30 a.m. Advance tickets ($30) are available at Ohkay Casino Ticket Office; tickets at the gate are $35 on the day of the event.</p>
<p>Cash prizes will be awarded for the three biggest trout caught during the day: $1,000 for first prize, $500 for second, and $250 for third.</p>
<p />
<p>Traffic light changes begin on Cerrillos Road</p>
<p>Monday marked the first of several traffic light changes planned along Cerrillos Road that will provide a flashing yellow arrow signal for motorists to turn left when there is a gap in oncoming traffic.</p>
<p>The first change was scheduled at the intersection with Camino Carlos Rey, to be followed by those at Lujan Street, Cielo Court and Siler Road.</p>
<p>The city’s Traffic Engineering Division is installing the flashing yellow arrows as part of a new timing plan to improve the flow of traffic.</p>
<p />
<p>Summer camp teaches guitar, string orchestra</p>
<p>Santa Fe Public Schools will hold a Summer Music Camp on weekday mornings from May 28-June 21 at Gonzales Community School. Programs offered include elementary music grades K-6, band grades 5-12, guitar grades 5-12, and string orchestra grades 5-12.</p>
<p>Running 8 a.m.-noon, the camp will feature large ensembles as well as small group settings, music theory, intensive instrumental instruction, master classes, clinics with renowned musicians, and solo performance opportunities. It will culminate in a public concert.</p>
<p>Registration received by May 4 is $200, rising to $220 after then. To register, contact Todd Hansen at 505-310-2411. Further information can be found at <a href="http://www.sfps.inf" type="external">www.sfps.inf</a>o.</p>
<p>If not enough students are registered by May 10, the camp may be cancelled.</p>
<p />
<p>Bureau holds 5 meetings on Pojoaque Basin plan</p>
<p>The Bureau of Reclamation will conduct five public meetings to provide information and seek public input on an environmental impact statement being prepared for the proposed construction of the Pojoaque Basin Regional Water System in Santa Fe County.</p>
<p>The proposed system would serve the pueblos of Nambé, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, and Tesuque, and county residents within the Pojoaque Basin. The water system, authorized under the Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act, would consist of surface water diversion or collection facilities along the Rio Grande at the Pueblo de San Ildefonso and treatment, transmission and distribution facilities.</p>
<p>Meetings, all running 6-8 p.m., are scheduled on:</p>
<p>♦ April 1 at Tesuque Valley Elementary School cafeteria, 1555 Bishop’s Lodge Road, Tesuque.</p>
<p>♦ April 2 at Pojoaque Valley School District campus, West Wing Conference Room, 1574 N.M. 502 West.</p>
<p>♦ April 3 at Santa Fe Community College, Jemez rooms 1 &amp; 2, 6401 Richards Ave., Santa Fe.</p>
<p>♦ April 4 at Northern New Mexico College cafeteria, 921 N. Paseo de Oñate, Española.</p>
<p>♦ April 9 at Taos Convention Center, Rio Grande Hall, Room A, 120 Civic Plaza, Taos.</p>
<p>Each meeting will include a brief presentation and the chance for public comment.</p>
<p>Written comments will be accepted through close of business May 3 and should be submitted to:</p>
<p>Bureau of Reclamation, attn: ALB-842; 555 Broadway NE, Suite 100; Albuquerque., N.M. 87102. You also can fax comments to 505-462-3780, email to <a href="mailto:[email protected]" type="external">[email protected]</a> or submit online at <a href="http://www.pojoaquebasineis.com" type="external">www.pojoaquebasineis.com</a>.</p>
| false | 2 |
santa fe nm mumford amp sons play taos park june 6 mumford amp sons british alternative folk rock band years grammy album year selling shows paris amsterdam copenhagen current european tour band latest rolling stone magazine cover coming taos advertisement north american tour dates mumford amp sons announced bands website show june 6 stop taos kit carson park taos solar music festival announced website fans register sunday invitation onsale online information abut ticket sale available bands website wwwmumfordandsonscom kiwanis club seeks zozobra poster entries kiwanis club santa fe seeking submissions images used 2013 zozobra poster tshirts annual zozobra art photography event august information art contest children adults found wwwburnzozobracom lanl official oversee west virginia capitol charleston wva official los alamos national laboratory oversee west virginia capitol state buildings administration secretary ross taylor announced gregory melton new director general services division monday melton starts april 1 advertisement west virginia native melton maintenance manager group leader los alamos new mexico complex 36 square miles 1200 buildings 8 million square feet facility space general services oversees state capitol building campus well state government buildings around west virginia melton west virginia university graduate former us air force officer succeeds david oliverio helped oversee major turnaround general services departure earlier month transit district adds buses española route north central regional transit district add buses along española chimayó route friday accommodate people making annual pilgrimage el santuario de chimayó two adaaccessible buses run continuous loop 8 530 pm departing rtd stop north side big rock phillips front santa claran hotel route follows nm 76 multiple stops along way route concludes benny chavez center county road 98 turnoff since able make normally scheduled stop santuario parking lot delays unavoidable due heavy pedestrian traffic along route regular passengers need aware buses stops posted time route schedule information log onto wwwridethebluebuscom call toll free 18662060754 cash prizes annual fishing derby saturday fishing lakes ohkay owingeh holding annual fishing derby saturday gates open 630 advance tickets 30 available ohkay casino ticket office tickets gate 35 day event cash prizes awarded three biggest trout caught day 1000 first prize 500 second 250 third traffic light changes begin cerrillos road monday marked first several traffic light changes planned along cerrillos road provide flashing yellow arrow signal motorists turn left gap oncoming traffic first change scheduled intersection camino carlos rey followed lujan street cielo court siler road citys traffic engineering division installing flashing yellow arrows part new timing plan improve flow traffic summer camp teaches guitar string orchestra santa fe public schools hold summer music camp weekday mornings may 28june 21 gonzales community school programs offered include elementary music grades k6 band grades 512 guitar grades 512 string orchestra grades 512 running 8 amnoon camp feature large ensembles well small group settings music theory intensive instrumental instruction master classes clinics renowned musicians solo performance opportunities culminate public concert registration received may 4 200 rising 220 register contact todd hansen 5053102411 information found wwwsfpsinfo enough students registered may 10 camp may cancelled bureau holds 5 meetings pojoaque basin plan bureau reclamation conduct five public meetings provide information seek public input environmental impact statement prepared proposed construction pojoaque basin regional water system santa fe county proposed system would serve pueblos nambé pojoaque san ildefonso tesuque county residents within pojoaque basin water system authorized aamodt litigation settlement act would consist surface water diversion collection facilities along rio grande pueblo de san ildefonso treatment transmission distribution facilities meetings running 68 pm scheduled april 1 tesuque valley elementary school cafeteria 1555 bishops lodge road tesuque april 2 pojoaque valley school district campus west wing conference room 1574 nm 502 west april 3 santa fe community college jemez rooms 1 amp 2 6401 richards ave santa fe april 4 northern new mexico college cafeteria 921 n paseo de oñate española april 9 taos convention center rio grande hall room 120 civic plaza taos meeting include brief presentation chance public comment written comments accepted close business may 3 submitted bureau reclamation attn alb842 555 broadway ne suite 100 albuquerque nm 87102 also fax comments 5054623780 email pojoaquebasineisusbrgov submit online wwwpojoaquebasineiscom
| 680 |
<p>LA QUINTA, Calif. (AP) — Jason Dufner made two great escapes. The first, from Alcatraz, no less.</p>
<p>David Lingmerth got no such reprieve at PGA West’s punishing TPC Stadium Course.</p>
<p>Dufner won the CareerBuilder Challenge with a par on the second hole of a playoff Sunday, taking advantage of Lingmerth’s shot that bounced off the jagged rocks and into the water.</p>
<p>In regulation on the island-green 17th called Alcatraz, Dufner — tied with Lingmerth for the lead — pulled his 8-iron tee shot and thought it bounced into the water. Instead, it settled into a small sandy area between some of the tangled rocks that circle the green.</p>
<p>“I was like, ‘Man, this is a great break I’m going to take advantage of it,’” Dufner said. “‘This is what I need. I need this right now. I need this break to happen. I’m confident with what I can do with this shot and I need to make this happen and get a par.’”</p>
<p>He hooked a chip that struck the flagstick and stopped inches away.</p>
<p>“It’s a shot that I’ve hit some, not in the hazard, but something similar,” Dufner said. “You kind of hit that low little spinning one with some check on it.”</p>
<p>On the first extra hole on the par-4 18th with a rock wall and water running the length of the left side, Dufner hit his 3-wood drive near the front lip in a right-side bunker. He blasted out 100 yards to set up a 110-yard third shot that he hit to 11 feet.</p>
<p>“I wanted to hit 6-iron — about 180 to the front there,” Dufner said. “But it was probably a shot I pull off maybe two out of 10 times or three out of 10 times. The other seven or eight times it probably hits the lip or goes in the water.</p>
<p>“I felt like, ‘My wedges have been good, I’m going to play the percentages. If he makes birdie, then he deserves to win. I’ll try and get it up-and-down and extend it.’”</p>
<p>Lingmerth missed his 23-foot birdie try, giving Dufner a chance to extend the playoff.</p>
<p>He did, sending the two back to the 18th tee.</p>
<p>“I like those situation putts,” Dufner said. “It’s kind of like what we see in the Presidents Cup in match play. Because if I miss it, there’s no next putt, it doesn’t really matter.”</p>
<p>Dufner switched to a driver and followed Lingmerth into a grass bunker on the right side. Lingmerth’s approach from 184 yards crashed into the rocks and shot left into the water.</p>
<p>“The rough is a little heavy in some spots and it grabbed my club a little bit more,” Lingmerth said. “It really wasn’t a bad swing. I should have probably choked up a little bit more on the grip. ... A small mistake that was very costly.”</p>
<p>Dufner hit the front of the green with his second shot and two-putted for par, holing a 5-footer after Lingmerth missed his par try from 22 feet.</p>
<p>Dufner finished with a 2-under 70 to tie Lingmerth at 25-under 263. Lingmerth shot a bogey-free 65, matching the best score of the day on the difficult course that was used in the tournament for the first time since being dropped after its 1987 debut.</p>
<p>The 38-year-old Dufner won for the fourth time on the PGA Tour and first since the 2013 PGA Championship.</p>
<p>“I’m excited for this year,” Dufner said. “I’m excited to accomplish one of my goals this early in the year. I’m excited to keep playing well. I feel like I’m doing some really good stuff.”</p>
<p>Lingmerth had a 62 on Saturday on the Nicklaus Tournament Course to pull within five shots of Dufner.</p>
<p>“I was just trying to focus on keeping my play the way I had been playing and, if Jason, for some reason didn’t keep scoring the way he did, I was hoping to have a chance,” Lingmerth said.</p>
<p>Lingmerth also lost a playoff in the 2013 tournament on PGA West’s Palmer Private Course. That year, the Swede dropped out on first extra hole after hitting into the water and making a bogey. Brian Gay went on to beat Charles Howell III with a birdie on the second hole.</p>
<p>Phil Mickelson shot a 68 to tie for third at 21 under in his first start since the Presidents Cup in October and first since splitting with swing coach Butch Harmon to work with Andrew Getson. Lefty will play the next three events, starting next week at Torrey Pines in his hometown of San Diego.</p>
<p>“I’m excited,” Mickelson said. “This is a really good week for me for validation that I’m on the right track and that it’s continuing to get better as I go along.”</p>
<p>LA QUINTA, Calif. (AP) — Jason Dufner made two great escapes. The first, from Alcatraz, no less.</p>
<p>David Lingmerth got no such reprieve at PGA West’s punishing TPC Stadium Course.</p>
<p>Dufner won the CareerBuilder Challenge with a par on the second hole of a playoff Sunday, taking advantage of Lingmerth’s shot that bounced off the jagged rocks and into the water.</p>
<p>In regulation on the island-green 17th called Alcatraz, Dufner — tied with Lingmerth for the lead — pulled his 8-iron tee shot and thought it bounced into the water. Instead, it settled into a small sandy area between some of the tangled rocks that circle the green.</p>
<p>“I was like, ‘Man, this is a great break I’m going to take advantage of it,’” Dufner said. “‘This is what I need. I need this right now. I need this break to happen. I’m confident with what I can do with this shot and I need to make this happen and get a par.’”</p>
<p>He hooked a chip that struck the flagstick and stopped inches away.</p>
<p>“It’s a shot that I’ve hit some, not in the hazard, but something similar,” Dufner said. “You kind of hit that low little spinning one with some check on it.”</p>
<p>On the first extra hole on the par-4 18th with a rock wall and water running the length of the left side, Dufner hit his 3-wood drive near the front lip in a right-side bunker. He blasted out 100 yards to set up a 110-yard third shot that he hit to 11 feet.</p>
<p>“I wanted to hit 6-iron — about 180 to the front there,” Dufner said. “But it was probably a shot I pull off maybe two out of 10 times or three out of 10 times. The other seven or eight times it probably hits the lip or goes in the water.</p>
<p>“I felt like, ‘My wedges have been good, I’m going to play the percentages. If he makes birdie, then he deserves to win. I’ll try and get it up-and-down and extend it.’”</p>
<p>Lingmerth missed his 23-foot birdie try, giving Dufner a chance to extend the playoff.</p>
<p>He did, sending the two back to the 18th tee.</p>
<p>“I like those situation putts,” Dufner said. “It’s kind of like what we see in the Presidents Cup in match play. Because if I miss it, there’s no next putt, it doesn’t really matter.”</p>
<p>Dufner switched to a driver and followed Lingmerth into a grass bunker on the right side. Lingmerth’s approach from 184 yards crashed into the rocks and shot left into the water.</p>
<p>“The rough is a little heavy in some spots and it grabbed my club a little bit more,” Lingmerth said. “It really wasn’t a bad swing. I should have probably choked up a little bit more on the grip. ... A small mistake that was very costly.”</p>
<p>Dufner hit the front of the green with his second shot and two-putted for par, holing a 5-footer after Lingmerth missed his par try from 22 feet.</p>
<p>Dufner finished with a 2-under 70 to tie Lingmerth at 25-under 263. Lingmerth shot a bogey-free 65, matching the best score of the day on the difficult course that was used in the tournament for the first time since being dropped after its 1987 debut.</p>
<p>The 38-year-old Dufner won for the fourth time on the PGA Tour and first since the 2013 PGA Championship.</p>
<p>“I’m excited for this year,” Dufner said. “I’m excited to accomplish one of my goals this early in the year. I’m excited to keep playing well. I feel like I’m doing some really good stuff.”</p>
<p>Lingmerth had a 62 on Saturday on the Nicklaus Tournament Course to pull within five shots of Dufner.</p>
<p>“I was just trying to focus on keeping my play the way I had been playing and, if Jason, for some reason didn’t keep scoring the way he did, I was hoping to have a chance,” Lingmerth said.</p>
<p>Lingmerth also lost a playoff in the 2013 tournament on PGA West’s Palmer Private Course. That year, the Swede dropped out on first extra hole after hitting into the water and making a bogey. Brian Gay went on to beat Charles Howell III with a birdie on the second hole.</p>
<p>Phil Mickelson shot a 68 to tie for third at 21 under in his first start since the Presidents Cup in October and first since splitting with swing coach Butch Harmon to work with Andrew Getson. Lefty will play the next three events, starting next week at Torrey Pines in his hometown of San Diego.</p>
<p>“I’m excited,” Mickelson said. “This is a really good week for me for validation that I’m on the right track and that it’s continuing to get better as I go along.”</p>
| false | 2 |
la quinta calif ap jason dufner made two great escapes first alcatraz less david lingmerth got reprieve pga wests punishing tpc stadium course dufner careerbuilder challenge par second hole playoff sunday taking advantage lingmerths shot bounced jagged rocks water regulation islandgreen 17th called alcatraz dufner tied lingmerth lead pulled 8iron tee shot thought bounced water instead settled small sandy area tangled rocks circle green like man great break im going take advantage dufner said need need right need break happen im confident shot need make happen get par hooked chip struck flagstick stopped inches away shot ive hit hazard something similar dufner said kind hit low little spinning one check first extra hole par4 18th rock wall water running length left side dufner hit 3wood drive near front lip rightside bunker blasted 100 yards set 110yard third shot hit 11 feet wanted hit 6iron 180 front dufner said probably shot pull maybe two 10 times three 10 times seven eight times probably hits lip goes water felt like wedges good im going play percentages makes birdie deserves win ill try get upanddown extend lingmerth missed 23foot birdie try giving dufner chance extend playoff sending two back 18th tee like situation putts dufner said kind like see presidents cup match play miss theres next putt doesnt really matter dufner switched driver followed lingmerth grass bunker right side lingmerths approach 184 yards crashed rocks shot left water rough little heavy spots grabbed club little bit lingmerth said really wasnt bad swing probably choked little bit grip small mistake costly dufner hit front green second shot twoputted par holing 5footer lingmerth missed par try 22 feet dufner finished 2under 70 tie lingmerth 25under 263 lingmerth shot bogeyfree 65 matching best score day difficult course used tournament first time since dropped 1987 debut 38yearold dufner fourth time pga tour first since 2013 pga championship im excited year dufner said im excited accomplish one goals early year im excited keep playing well feel like im really good stuff lingmerth 62 saturday nicklaus tournament course pull within five shots dufner trying focus keeping play way playing jason reason didnt keep scoring way hoping chance lingmerth said lingmerth also lost playoff 2013 tournament pga wests palmer private course year swede dropped first extra hole hitting water making bogey brian gay went beat charles howell iii birdie second hole phil mickelson shot 68 tie third 21 first start since presidents cup october first since splitting swing coach butch harmon work andrew getson lefty play next three events starting next week torrey pines hometown san diego im excited mickelson said really good week validation im right track continuing get better go along la quinta calif ap jason dufner made two great escapes first alcatraz less david lingmerth got reprieve pga wests punishing tpc stadium course dufner careerbuilder challenge par second hole playoff sunday taking advantage lingmerths shot bounced jagged rocks water regulation islandgreen 17th called alcatraz dufner tied lingmerth lead pulled 8iron tee shot thought bounced water instead settled small sandy area tangled rocks circle green like man great break im going take advantage dufner said need need right need break happen im confident shot need make happen get par hooked chip struck flagstick stopped inches away shot ive hit hazard something similar dufner said kind hit low little spinning one check first extra hole par4 18th rock wall water running length left side dufner hit 3wood drive near front lip rightside bunker blasted 100 yards set 110yard third shot hit 11 feet wanted hit 6iron 180 front dufner said probably shot pull maybe two 10 times three 10 times seven eight times probably hits lip goes water felt like wedges good im going play percentages makes birdie deserves win ill try get upanddown extend lingmerth missed 23foot birdie try giving dufner chance extend playoff sending two back 18th tee like situation putts dufner said kind like see presidents cup match play miss theres next putt doesnt really matter dufner switched driver followed lingmerth grass bunker right side lingmerths approach 184 yards crashed rocks shot left water rough little heavy spots grabbed club little bit lingmerth said really wasnt bad swing probably choked little bit grip small mistake costly dufner hit front green second shot twoputted par holing 5footer lingmerth missed par try 22 feet dufner finished 2under 70 tie lingmerth 25under 263 lingmerth shot bogeyfree 65 matching best score day difficult course used tournament first time since dropped 1987 debut 38yearold dufner fourth time pga tour first since 2013 pga championship im excited year dufner said im excited accomplish one goals early year im excited keep playing well feel like im really good stuff lingmerth 62 saturday nicklaus tournament course pull within five shots dufner trying focus keeping play way playing jason reason didnt keep scoring way hoping chance lingmerth said lingmerth also lost playoff 2013 tournament pga wests palmer private course year swede dropped first extra hole hitting water making bogey brian gay went beat charles howell iii birdie second hole phil mickelson shot 68 tie third 21 first start since presidents cup october first since splitting swing coach butch harmon work andrew getson lefty play next three events starting next week torrey pines hometown san diego im excited mickelson said really good week validation im right track continuing get better go along
| 886 |
<p>CINCINNATI (AP) — Only 2½ miles apart on the map, Xavier and Cincinnati are separated by one spot in The Associated Press' latest Top 10 — quite a coup for a city that values its college basketball almost as much as its unusual recipe for chili.</p>
<p>"It's been that way for a long time," Cincinnati coach Mick Cronin said.</p>
<p>Both teams are accustomed to success, but it's been a long time since they've both been so good at the same time.</p>
<p><a href="https://collegebasketball.ap.org/teams/xavier" type="external">No. 8 Xavier</a> (18-3) and <a href="https://collegebasketball.ap.org/teams/cincinnati" type="external">No. 9 Cincinnati</a> (17-2) haven't been ranked in the Top 10 simultaneously since 1958. Few cities can boast of two schools so good together — teams are usually in different places in up-and-down cycles.</p>
<p>"It's pretty cool," Xavier's Chris Mack said.</p>
<p>In most college basketball hotbeds, schools' fan bases are separated by miles on the map. Not in Cincinnati, where Musketeers and Bearcats fans are intertwined and drive a nonstop hoops conversation, setting the bar high for both schools.</p>
<p>"I think you'd be lying if you said you weren't always sort of looking over to see what your counterpart is doing," Mack said. "You see all the things that are written about you around town, and you want to make sure you do your part and you're not forgotten about."</p>
<p>Cronin and Mack know all about the city's love for basketball. They grew up in town and attended the schools they coach, adding to the local spice.</p>
<p>Lately, Mack's team has been the more successful. The Musketeers have taken eight of the last 11 in their annual rivalry game with Cincinnati, including a <a href="https://collegebasketball.ap.org/article/bragging-rights-no-21-xavier-beats-no-11-cincinnati-89-76" type="external">89-76 win</a> in December. Xavier reached the Elite Eight last season; Cincinnati has failed to make it past the opening weekend of the NCAA Tournament in the last five years.</p>
<p>Cincinnati dominated the city's conversation with its championship teams in the 1960s and again after it moved into a new on-campus arena in 1989 and hired Bob Huggins as coach. That's when Xavier started its push to get back on the basketball map.</p>
<p>After Huggins was pushed out, UC's program fell on hard times and Cronin was brought in to repair the damage. Meanwhile, Xavier grew into a powerhouse after it opened its new arena in 2000. The Musketeers are 241-35 all-time at Cintas Center, including 13-0 this season.</p>
<p>When conferences realigned, the Musketeers joined the <a href="https://collegebasketball.ap.org/conferences/big-east" type="external">Big East</a> , one of the nation's best from top to bottom. The Big East currently ranks third in conference RPI, behind the Big 12 and the ACC and ahead of the SEC. Xavier is No. 3 in RPI, behind Duke and Villanova.</p>
<p>Cincinnati had to settle for the <a href="https://collegebasketball.ap.org/conferences/aac" type="external">American Athletic Conference</a> , which is seventh in RPI behind the Big Ten and ahead of the Missouri Valley. Cincinnati is 24th in RPI with a strength of schedule that ranks 116th nationally.</p>
<p>The Bearcats are playing games this season across the Ohio River at Northern Kentucky University while their on-campus arena is rebuilt. Cincinnati puts the nation's longest active home-court winning streak — 36 games — on the line Wednesday night against Temple.</p>
<p>Oddly, the Bearcats will play only one game in Cincinnati this season — their loss at Xavier in December.</p>
<p>Bearcats fans wonder how much their team can improve while piling up wins against overmatched opponents. Cincinnati has faced only two ranked teams this season and lost to both — Xavier and Florida. The Bearcats might get only two more chances to beat a ranked team — they play No. 16 Wichita State Feb. 18 and March 4.</p>
<p>Xavier has developed into one of the Big East's elite teams, learning how to win in a league where there's no room for an off-night. The Musketeers have been ranked as high as No. 5 this season and they've been in the Top 10 for six weeks. Fans wonder if this is the year they finally get to a Final Four.</p>
<p>There's plenty to drive the talk in chili parlors for weeks to come.</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>CINCINNATI (AP) — Only 2½ miles apart on the map, Xavier and Cincinnati are separated by one spot in The Associated Press' latest Top 10 — quite a coup for a city that values its college basketball almost as much as its unusual recipe for chili.</p>
<p>"It's been that way for a long time," Cincinnati coach Mick Cronin said.</p>
<p>Both teams are accustomed to success, but it's been a long time since they've both been so good at the same time.</p>
<p><a href="https://collegebasketball.ap.org/teams/xavier" type="external">No. 8 Xavier</a> (18-3) and <a href="https://collegebasketball.ap.org/teams/cincinnati" type="external">No. 9 Cincinnati</a> (17-2) haven't been ranked in the Top 10 simultaneously since 1958. Few cities can boast of two schools so good together — teams are usually in different places in up-and-down cycles.</p>
<p>"It's pretty cool," Xavier's Chris Mack said.</p>
<p>In most college basketball hotbeds, schools' fan bases are separated by miles on the map. Not in Cincinnati, where Musketeers and Bearcats fans are intertwined and drive a nonstop hoops conversation, setting the bar high for both schools.</p>
<p>"I think you'd be lying if you said you weren't always sort of looking over to see what your counterpart is doing," Mack said. "You see all the things that are written about you around town, and you want to make sure you do your part and you're not forgotten about."</p>
<p>Cronin and Mack know all about the city's love for basketball. They grew up in town and attended the schools they coach, adding to the local spice.</p>
<p>Lately, Mack's team has been the more successful. The Musketeers have taken eight of the last 11 in their annual rivalry game with Cincinnati, including a <a href="https://collegebasketball.ap.org/article/bragging-rights-no-21-xavier-beats-no-11-cincinnati-89-76" type="external">89-76 win</a> in December. Xavier reached the Elite Eight last season; Cincinnati has failed to make it past the opening weekend of the NCAA Tournament in the last five years.</p>
<p>Cincinnati dominated the city's conversation with its championship teams in the 1960s and again after it moved into a new on-campus arena in 1989 and hired Bob Huggins as coach. That's when Xavier started its push to get back on the basketball map.</p>
<p>After Huggins was pushed out, UC's program fell on hard times and Cronin was brought in to repair the damage. Meanwhile, Xavier grew into a powerhouse after it opened its new arena in 2000. The Musketeers are 241-35 all-time at Cintas Center, including 13-0 this season.</p>
<p>When conferences realigned, the Musketeers joined the <a href="https://collegebasketball.ap.org/conferences/big-east" type="external">Big East</a> , one of the nation's best from top to bottom. The Big East currently ranks third in conference RPI, behind the Big 12 and the ACC and ahead of the SEC. Xavier is No. 3 in RPI, behind Duke and Villanova.</p>
<p>Cincinnati had to settle for the <a href="https://collegebasketball.ap.org/conferences/aac" type="external">American Athletic Conference</a> , which is seventh in RPI behind the Big Ten and ahead of the Missouri Valley. Cincinnati is 24th in RPI with a strength of schedule that ranks 116th nationally.</p>
<p>The Bearcats are playing games this season across the Ohio River at Northern Kentucky University while their on-campus arena is rebuilt. Cincinnati puts the nation's longest active home-court winning streak — 36 games — on the line Wednesday night against Temple.</p>
<p>Oddly, the Bearcats will play only one game in Cincinnati this season — their loss at Xavier in December.</p>
<p>Bearcats fans wonder how much their team can improve while piling up wins against overmatched opponents. Cincinnati has faced only two ranked teams this season and lost to both — Xavier and Florida. The Bearcats might get only two more chances to beat a ranked team — they play No. 16 Wichita State Feb. 18 and March 4.</p>
<p>Xavier has developed into one of the Big East's elite teams, learning how to win in a league where there's no room for an off-night. The Musketeers have been ranked as high as No. 5 this season and they've been in the Top 10 for six weeks. Fans wonder if this is the year they finally get to a Final Four.</p>
<p>There's plenty to drive the talk in chili parlors for weeks to come.</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 |
cincinnati ap 2½ miles apart map xavier cincinnati separated one spot associated press latest top 10 quite coup city values college basketball almost much unusual recipe chili way long time cincinnati coach mick cronin said teams accustomed success long time since theyve good time 8 xavier 183 9 cincinnati 172 havent ranked top 10 simultaneously since 1958 cities boast two schools good together teams usually different places upanddown cycles pretty cool xaviers chris mack said college basketball hotbeds schools fan bases separated miles map cincinnati musketeers bearcats fans intertwined drive nonstop hoops conversation setting bar high schools think youd lying said werent always sort looking see counterpart mack said see things written around town want make sure part youre forgotten cronin mack know citys love basketball grew town attended schools coach adding local spice lately macks team successful musketeers taken eight last 11 annual rivalry game cincinnati including 8976 win december xavier reached elite eight last season cincinnati failed make past opening weekend ncaa tournament last five years cincinnati dominated citys conversation championship teams 1960s moved new oncampus arena 1989 hired bob huggins coach thats xavier started push get back basketball map huggins pushed ucs program fell hard times cronin brought repair damage meanwhile xavier grew powerhouse opened new arena 2000 musketeers 24135 alltime cintas center including 130 season conferences realigned musketeers joined big east one nations best top bottom big east currently ranks third conference rpi behind big 12 acc ahead sec xavier 3 rpi behind duke villanova cincinnati settle american athletic conference seventh rpi behind big ten ahead missouri valley cincinnati 24th rpi strength schedule ranks 116th nationally bearcats playing games season across ohio river northern kentucky university oncampus arena rebuilt cincinnati puts nations longest active homecourt winning streak 36 games line wednesday night temple oddly bearcats play one game cincinnati season loss xavier december bearcats fans wonder much team improve piling wins overmatched opponents cincinnati faced two ranked teams season lost xavier florida bearcats might get two chances beat ranked team play 16 wichita state feb 18 march 4 xavier developed one big easts elite teams learning win league theres room offnight musketeers ranked high 5 season theyve top 10 six weeks fans wonder year finally get final four theres plenty drive talk chili parlors weeks come ___ ap college basketball httpscollegebasketballaporg httpstwittercomap_top25 cincinnati ap 2½ miles apart map xavier cincinnati separated one spot associated press latest top 10 quite coup city values college basketball almost much unusual recipe chili way long time cincinnati coach mick cronin said teams accustomed success long time since theyve good time 8 xavier 183 9 cincinnati 172 havent ranked top 10 simultaneously since 1958 cities boast two schools good together teams usually different places upanddown cycles pretty cool xaviers chris mack said college basketball hotbeds schools fan bases separated miles map cincinnati musketeers bearcats fans intertwined drive nonstop hoops conversation setting bar high schools think youd lying said werent always sort looking see counterpart mack said see things written around town want make sure part youre forgotten cronin mack know citys love basketball grew town attended schools coach adding local spice lately macks team successful musketeers taken eight last 11 annual rivalry game cincinnati including 8976 win december xavier reached elite eight last season cincinnati failed make past opening weekend ncaa tournament last five years cincinnati dominated citys conversation championship teams 1960s moved new oncampus arena 1989 hired bob huggins coach thats xavier started push get back basketball map huggins pushed ucs program fell hard times cronin brought repair damage meanwhile xavier grew powerhouse opened new arena 2000 musketeers 24135 alltime cintas center including 130 season conferences realigned musketeers joined big east one nations best top bottom big east currently ranks third conference rpi behind big 12 acc ahead sec xavier 3 rpi behind duke villanova cincinnati settle american athletic conference seventh rpi behind big ten ahead missouri valley cincinnati 24th rpi strength schedule ranks 116th nationally bearcats playing games season across ohio river northern kentucky university oncampus arena rebuilt cincinnati puts nations longest active homecourt winning streak 36 games line wednesday night temple oddly bearcats play one game cincinnati season loss xavier december bearcats fans wonder much team improve piling wins overmatched opponents cincinnati faced two ranked teams season lost xavier florida bearcats might get two chances beat ranked team play 16 wichita state feb 18 march 4 xavier developed one big easts elite teams learning win league theres room offnight musketeers ranked high 5 season theyve top 10 six weeks fans wonder year finally get final four theres plenty drive talk chili parlors weeks come ___ ap college basketball httpscollegebasketballaporg httpstwittercomap_top25
| 772 |
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p />
<p>East Antarctica is supposed to be different. It is extremely remote and cold. It doesn’t see such warm temperatures in the summer – yet – and so its ice tends to remain more pristine.</p>
<p>“Many people refer to East Antarctica as being too cold for significant melt,” says Jan Lenaerts, a glaciologist with the Utrecht University in the Netherlands. “I mean there’s marginal melt in summer, but there’s not a lot.”</p>
<p>That’s the common wisdom, at least, but it is challenged in a new study in Nature Climate Change, by Lenaerts and his colleagues from universities in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. They do so based on research they conducted atop the very large Roi Baudouin ice shelf in East Antarctica, which floats atop the ocean, and where they found a very Greenland-like situation in early 2016.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>The researchers had traveled to investigate what had been described as a nearly 2-mile-wide “crater” in the shelf, glimpsed by satellite, which some sources believed had been caused by a meteorite. To the contrary, they found that it was a large, 10 foot deep, icy lake bed. In its center, meanwhile, were multiple rivers and three moulins that carried water deep down into the floating ice shelf.</p>
<p>And even this, perhaps, was not the most dramatic finding. The researchers also drilled through the ice and found what they called “englacial” lakes, sandwiched between the surface of the ice shelf and its base, which is in contact with the ocean beneath it. They found 55 lakes in total on or in the ice shelf, and a number of them were in this buried, englacial format.</p>
<p>This meant that the ice shelf is anything but solid – it had many large pockets of weakness throughout its structure, suggesting a greater potential vulnerability to collapse through a process called “hydrofracturing,” especially if lake formation continues or increases. That’s bad news because when ice shelves fall apart, the glacial ice behind them flows more rapidly to the ocean, raising sea levels.</p>
<p>But why was all this happening, and here?</p>
<p>The researchers postulate that a “microclimate” exists on the ice shelf that made it all possible – and that a similar mechanism is operating on other East Antarctic ice shelves.</p>
<p>In East Antarctica, so-called “katabatic” winds blow downhill from higher reaches of the ice sheet toward the sea. These powerful winds scour the surface and lift off all the snow, exposing blue ice beneath. At the same time, they mix with warmer air higher in the atmosphere and pull it downward. (In this part of Antarctica there is a temperature “inversion” with cooler winds near the surface and warmer air aloft.)</p>
<p>This has a double melting effect: The warmth raises temperatures atop the ice, even as the exposure of the blue ice reduces the “albedo,” or reflectivity, of the surface, meaning that more sunlight gets absorbed. The result is a pocket of melt in the form of a lake and in some cases the pouring of water into the ice shelf.</p>
<p>As for the submerged lakes, these appear to form from surface lakes that freeze over on top in winter, but stay liquid beneath, Lenaerts said. Then subsequent layers of snow may bury them, even as the steady flow of the glacier into the ice shelf carries them out further over the ocean.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Indeed, it turns out that the further out over the ocean you go, the deeper the lakes tended to occur, presumably due to this flow and burial process. The lake in the video provided is four meters below the ice surface, but “we have found one 8 meters below the surface even further, and one 15 meters below the surface, even further,” Lenaerts said.</p>
<p>As for the plunging moulins, where that water ends up remains mysterious. But it does not appear to be feeding the buried lakes. “We don’t have the tools, the instrumentation, to detect this right now. This is a really big unknown,” Lenaerts said. The water could even be traveling all the way through the ice shelf and pouring into the ocean.</p>
<p>Importantly, the researchers went to satellite images to show that what’s happening on the Roi Baudouin ice shelf isn’t unique to East Antarctica. Rather, they say, they have seen similar features atop other nearby East Antarctic ice shelves, at least remotely.</p>
<p>“We see similar things going on on neighboring ice shelves, and also for instance on the Amery ice shelf, which is also a notorious, very large ice shelf on East Antarctica,” Lenaerts said. “We see this link between strong winds and blue ice formation, enhanced absorption of solar radiation, and the melt that is enhanced by this process.”</p>
<p>The researchers are not saying, to be sure, that these processes are caused by human-induced climate change – they note in particular that on the Roi Baudouin shelf, it appears that there has been some melting at the surface since the 1980s. However, Lenaerts said it is already clear that there is much more meltwater during warmer summers than in cooler ones. And global warming will gradually produce warmer Antarctic temperatures, which should increase the volume of meltwater atop of these ice shelves, pushing them still further in the Greenland direction.</p>
<p>What this means is that the shelves could be subject to the risk of what researchers call “hydro-fracturing”: when a great deal of meltwater forms atop the shelf and pushes inside of it, eventually leading to a crackup. That’s what’s believed to have happened in the classic case of the shattering of the Larsen B ice shelf in the Antarctic peninsula in 2002. Now the fear is that it could happen in the East Antarctic too, where there is a massive amount of ice to potentially lose.</p>
<p>“If this region can get warmer in the future, the meltwater production will enhance a lot, and we can only expect these features, these processes to be more present than they are now,” said Lenaerts said. “With potential implications for hydrofacturing to happen and for ice shelf stability.”</p>
<p>—</p>
<p>Video: Video footage from inside borehole showing an englacial lake 4m below the surface</p>
<p>URL: <a href="http://wapo.st/2gsxgfo" type="external">http://wapo.st/2gsxgfo</a></p>
<p>Embed code:</p>
<p />
<p />
<p>antarctica</p>
| false | 2 |
east antarctica supposed different extremely remote cold doesnt see warm temperatures summer yet ice tends remain pristine many people refer east antarctica cold significant melt says jan lenaerts glaciologist utrecht university netherlands mean theres marginal melt summer theres lot thats common wisdom least challenged new study nature climate change lenaerts colleagues universities netherlands belgium germany based research conducted atop large roi baudouin ice shelf east antarctica floats atop ocean found greenlandlike situation early 2016 advertisement researchers traveled investigate described nearly 2milewide crater shelf glimpsed satellite sources believed caused meteorite contrary found large 10 foot deep icy lake bed center meanwhile multiple rivers three moulins carried water deep floating ice shelf even perhaps dramatic finding researchers also drilled ice found called englacial lakes sandwiched surface ice shelf base contact ocean beneath found 55 lakes total ice shelf number buried englacial format meant ice shelf anything solid many large pockets weakness throughout structure suggesting greater potential vulnerability collapse process called hydrofracturing especially lake formation continues increases thats bad news ice shelves fall apart glacial ice behind flows rapidly ocean raising sea levels happening researchers postulate microclimate exists ice shelf made possible similar mechanism operating east antarctic ice shelves east antarctica socalled katabatic winds blow downhill higher reaches ice sheet toward sea powerful winds scour surface lift snow exposing blue ice beneath time mix warmer air higher atmosphere pull downward part antarctica temperature inversion cooler winds near surface warmer air aloft double melting effect warmth raises temperatures atop ice even exposure blue ice reduces albedo reflectivity surface meaning sunlight gets absorbed result pocket melt form lake cases pouring water ice shelf submerged lakes appear form surface lakes freeze top winter stay liquid beneath lenaerts said subsequent layers snow may bury even steady flow glacier ice shelf carries ocean advertisement indeed turns ocean go deeper lakes tended occur presumably due flow burial process lake video provided four meters ice surface found one 8 meters surface even one 15 meters surface even lenaerts said plunging moulins water ends remains mysterious appear feeding buried lakes dont tools instrumentation detect right really big unknown lenaerts said water could even traveling way ice shelf pouring ocean importantly researchers went satellite images show whats happening roi baudouin ice shelf isnt unique east antarctica rather say seen similar features atop nearby east antarctic ice shelves least remotely see similar things going neighboring ice shelves also instance amery ice shelf also notorious large ice shelf east antarctica lenaerts said see link strong winds blue ice formation enhanced absorption solar radiation melt enhanced process researchers saying sure processes caused humaninduced climate change note particular roi baudouin shelf appears melting surface since 1980s however lenaerts said already clear much meltwater warmer summers cooler ones global warming gradually produce warmer antarctic temperatures increase volume meltwater atop ice shelves pushing still greenland direction means shelves could subject risk researchers call hydrofracturing great deal meltwater forms atop shelf pushes inside eventually leading crackup thats whats believed happened classic case shattering larsen b ice shelf antarctic peninsula 2002 fear could happen east antarctic massive amount ice potentially lose region get warmer future meltwater production enhance lot expect features processes present said lenaerts said potential implications hydrofacturing happen ice shelf stability video video footage inside borehole showing englacial lake 4m surface url httpwapost2gsxgfo embed code antarctica
| 548 |
<p>SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) — In his first spring start, Bud Norris allowed four runs in one inning to a Boston Red Sox split squad in their 7-6 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday.</p>
<p>Norris, who won a career-high 15 games last season, gave up a one-out triple to Jemile Weeks and a three-run homer to top Boston catching prospect Blake Swihart. He also walked one and threw a wild pitch. Norris threw 30 pitches in his only inning.</p>
<p>"It was good to get back out there. Haven't been out there since October, and some hitters. Probably going a hair too fast, kind of putting the training wheels back on and trying to get yourself comfortable out there," Norris said.</p>
<p>Manager Buck Showalter thinks Norris will improve.</p>
<p>"He'll do better. It's kind of a reminder," Showalter said.</p>
<p>Steven Wright started for Boston and the knuckleball pitcher allowed one unearned run and two hits in two innings.</p>
<p>Wright was followed by Eduardo Rodriguez who threw three perfect innings. Rodriguez was traded to Boston from the Orioles last July for Andrew Miller.</p>
<p>Baltimore rookie outfielder Dariel Alvarez hit a three-run homer in the ninth.</p>
<p>Swihart had three hits.</p>
<p>STARTING TIME</p>
<p>Red Sox: Wright is expected to start the season at Triple-A Pawtucket, but could see time with the Red Sox later in the season.</p>
<p>"Any time you're able to go out there and throw that many strikes, especially against a lineup like Baltimore's, it's definitely something I can build off of," Wright said.</p>
<p>Rodriguez breezed through three innings, striking out three.</p>
<p>Torey Lovullo, the Red Sox's bench coach who was managing this half of the team while John Farrell was back in Fort Myers, said he wasn't sure if the decision to start Rodriguez against his former organization was intentional.</p>
<p>"That might be a little bit over my jurisdiction," Lovullo joked. "I'm sure he wants to show them where he's at right now."</p>
<p>Rodriguez was happy with his performance.</p>
<p>"It was fun to spend some time with guys I spent four years with. I said hello to a lot of them and they said hello to me. I just tried to keep the same routine and do what I was doing. Thankfully it went well," Rodriguez said through a translator.</p>
<p>Orioles: Hunter Harvey, Baltimore's No. 1 draft choice in 2013, pitched a perfect eighth in his first spring appearance.</p>
<p>KNUCKLING UNDER</p>
<p>Wright was the second straight knuckleballer Baltimore faced. They were hitless in two innings against Toronto's R.A. Dickey on Friday.</p>
<p>The Orioles have a knuckleballer, Eddie Gamboa, who is trying to make the team. Showalter is trying to convince him to rely on the knuckler more.</p>
<p>TRAINER'S ROOM</p>
<p>Orioles C Matt Wieters continues to progress well in his rehab from Tommy John surgery and is scheduled to catch in two practice games on March 14 and 15. Showalter says he remains on track to return on March 17 and should be able to catch five to seven innings immediately. There have been no setbacks.</p>
<p>"Every report is a little better than the last one," Showalter said.</p>
<p>Wieters was 0 for 4 as the designated hitter, and is hitless in 10 at-bats this spring.</p>
<p>UP NEXT</p>
<p>Red Sox: RHP Rick Porcello starts for the first time with Boston when the Red Sox visit the New York Mets. The Mets start LHP Jon Niese.</p>
<p>Orioles: RHP Ubaldo Jimenez pitches against RHP Ervin Santana as the Orioles visit Minnesota on Sunday. Jimenez allowed five runs in 1 1-3 innings in his first start.</p>
<p>SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) — In his first spring start, Bud Norris allowed four runs in one inning to a Boston Red Sox split squad in their 7-6 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday.</p>
<p>Norris, who won a career-high 15 games last season, gave up a one-out triple to Jemile Weeks and a three-run homer to top Boston catching prospect Blake Swihart. He also walked one and threw a wild pitch. Norris threw 30 pitches in his only inning.</p>
<p>"It was good to get back out there. Haven't been out there since October, and some hitters. Probably going a hair too fast, kind of putting the training wheels back on and trying to get yourself comfortable out there," Norris said.</p>
<p>Manager Buck Showalter thinks Norris will improve.</p>
<p>"He'll do better. It's kind of a reminder," Showalter said.</p>
<p>Steven Wright started for Boston and the knuckleball pitcher allowed one unearned run and two hits in two innings.</p>
<p>Wright was followed by Eduardo Rodriguez who threw three perfect innings. Rodriguez was traded to Boston from the Orioles last July for Andrew Miller.</p>
<p>Baltimore rookie outfielder Dariel Alvarez hit a three-run homer in the ninth.</p>
<p>Swihart had three hits.</p>
<p>STARTING TIME</p>
<p>Red Sox: Wright is expected to start the season at Triple-A Pawtucket, but could see time with the Red Sox later in the season.</p>
<p>"Any time you're able to go out there and throw that many strikes, especially against a lineup like Baltimore's, it's definitely something I can build off of," Wright said.</p>
<p>Rodriguez breezed through three innings, striking out three.</p>
<p>Torey Lovullo, the Red Sox's bench coach who was managing this half of the team while John Farrell was back in Fort Myers, said he wasn't sure if the decision to start Rodriguez against his former organization was intentional.</p>
<p>"That might be a little bit over my jurisdiction," Lovullo joked. "I'm sure he wants to show them where he's at right now."</p>
<p>Rodriguez was happy with his performance.</p>
<p>"It was fun to spend some time with guys I spent four years with. I said hello to a lot of them and they said hello to me. I just tried to keep the same routine and do what I was doing. Thankfully it went well," Rodriguez said through a translator.</p>
<p>Orioles: Hunter Harvey, Baltimore's No. 1 draft choice in 2013, pitched a perfect eighth in his first spring appearance.</p>
<p>KNUCKLING UNDER</p>
<p>Wright was the second straight knuckleballer Baltimore faced. They were hitless in two innings against Toronto's R.A. Dickey on Friday.</p>
<p>The Orioles have a knuckleballer, Eddie Gamboa, who is trying to make the team. Showalter is trying to convince him to rely on the knuckler more.</p>
<p>TRAINER'S ROOM</p>
<p>Orioles C Matt Wieters continues to progress well in his rehab from Tommy John surgery and is scheduled to catch in two practice games on March 14 and 15. Showalter says he remains on track to return on March 17 and should be able to catch five to seven innings immediately. There have been no setbacks.</p>
<p>"Every report is a little better than the last one," Showalter said.</p>
<p>Wieters was 0 for 4 as the designated hitter, and is hitless in 10 at-bats this spring.</p>
<p>UP NEXT</p>
<p>Red Sox: RHP Rick Porcello starts for the first time with Boston when the Red Sox visit the New York Mets. The Mets start LHP Jon Niese.</p>
<p>Orioles: RHP Ubaldo Jimenez pitches against RHP Ervin Santana as the Orioles visit Minnesota on Sunday. Jimenez allowed five runs in 1 1-3 innings in his first start.</p>
| false | 2 |
sarasota fla ap first spring start bud norris allowed four runs one inning boston red sox split squad 76 win baltimore orioles saturday norris careerhigh 15 games last season gave oneout triple jemile weeks threerun homer top boston catching prospect blake swihart also walked one threw wild pitch norris threw 30 pitches inning good get back havent since october hitters probably going hair fast kind putting training wheels back trying get comfortable norris said manager buck showalter thinks norris improve hell better kind reminder showalter said steven wright started boston knuckleball pitcher allowed one unearned run two hits two innings wright followed eduardo rodriguez threw three perfect innings rodriguez traded boston orioles last july andrew miller baltimore rookie outfielder dariel alvarez hit threerun homer ninth swihart three hits starting time red sox wright expected start season triplea pawtucket could see time red sox later season time youre able go throw many strikes especially lineup like baltimores definitely something build wright said rodriguez breezed three innings striking three torey lovullo red soxs bench coach managing half team john farrell back fort myers said wasnt sure decision start rodriguez former organization intentional might little bit jurisdiction lovullo joked im sure wants show hes right rodriguez happy performance fun spend time guys spent four years said hello lot said hello tried keep routine thankfully went well rodriguez said translator orioles hunter harvey baltimores 1 draft choice 2013 pitched perfect eighth first spring appearance knuckling wright second straight knuckleballer baltimore faced hitless two innings torontos ra dickey friday orioles knuckleballer eddie gamboa trying make team showalter trying convince rely knuckler trainers room orioles c matt wieters continues progress well rehab tommy john surgery scheduled catch two practice games march 14 15 showalter says remains track return march 17 able catch five seven innings immediately setbacks every report little better last one showalter said wieters 0 4 designated hitter hitless 10 atbats spring next red sox rhp rick porcello starts first time boston red sox visit new york mets mets start lhp jon niese orioles rhp ubaldo jimenez pitches rhp ervin santana orioles visit minnesota sunday jimenez allowed five runs 1 13 innings first start sarasota fla ap first spring start bud norris allowed four runs one inning boston red sox split squad 76 win baltimore orioles saturday norris careerhigh 15 games last season gave oneout triple jemile weeks threerun homer top boston catching prospect blake swihart also walked one threw wild pitch norris threw 30 pitches inning good get back havent since october hitters probably going hair fast kind putting training wheels back trying get comfortable norris said manager buck showalter thinks norris improve hell better kind reminder showalter said steven wright started boston knuckleball pitcher allowed one unearned run two hits two innings wright followed eduardo rodriguez threw three perfect innings rodriguez traded boston orioles last july andrew miller baltimore rookie outfielder dariel alvarez hit threerun homer ninth swihart three hits starting time red sox wright expected start season triplea pawtucket could see time red sox later season time youre able go throw many strikes especially lineup like baltimores definitely something build wright said rodriguez breezed three innings striking three torey lovullo red soxs bench coach managing half team john farrell back fort myers said wasnt sure decision start rodriguez former organization intentional might little bit jurisdiction lovullo joked im sure wants show hes right rodriguez happy performance fun spend time guys spent four years said hello lot said hello tried keep routine thankfully went well rodriguez said translator orioles hunter harvey baltimores 1 draft choice 2013 pitched perfect eighth first spring appearance knuckling wright second straight knuckleballer baltimore faced hitless two innings torontos ra dickey friday orioles knuckleballer eddie gamboa trying make team showalter trying convince rely knuckler trainers room orioles c matt wieters continues progress well rehab tommy john surgery scheduled catch two practice games march 14 15 showalter says remains track return march 17 able catch five seven innings immediately setbacks every report little better last one showalter said wieters 0 4 designated hitter hitless 10 atbats spring next red sox rhp rick porcello starts first time boston red sox visit new york mets mets start lhp jon niese orioles rhp ubaldo jimenez pitches rhp ervin santana orioles visit minnesota sunday jimenez allowed five runs 1 13 innings first start
| 720 |
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p />
<p>“There can be no reasoning, no negotiation, with this brand of evil,” Obama told the General Assembly. In a striking shift for a president who has been reluctant to take military action in the past, Obama declared that force is the only language the militants understand. He warned those who have joined their cause to “leave the battlefield while they can.”</p>
<p>The widening war against the Islamic State was just one in a cascade of crises that confronted the presidents, prime ministers and monarchs at the annual meeting of the U.N. General Assembly. Also vying for attention was Russia's continued provocations in Ukraine, a deadly Ebola outbreak in West Africa, and the plight of civilians caught in conflicts around the world.</p>
<p>“Not since the end of the Second World War have there been so many refugees, displaced people and asylum seekers,” U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said as he opened Wednesday's session.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>In a rare move, Obama also chaired a meeting of the U.N. Security Council where members unanimously adopted a resolution requiring all countries to prevent the recruitment and transport of would-be foreign fighters preparing to join terrorist organizations such as the Islamic State group.</p>
<p>The American-led military campaign in the Middle East was at the center of much of the day's discussions. After weeks of airstrikes in Iraq, U.S. planes began hitting targets in Syria this week, joined by an unexpected coalition of five Arab nations: Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.</p>
<p>There were more U.S. and coalition airstrikes Wednesday on both sides of the Syrian-Iraqi border. U.S. and allied planes and drones hit a dozen targets in Syria that included small-scale oil refineries that have been providing millions of dollars to the Islamic State, the U.S. Central Command said. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates took part in addition to U.S. aircraft.</p>
<p>France has also taken part in strikes in Iraq, and British Prime Minister David Cameron's office announced that Parliament was being recalled to London to debate whether to join the campaign, too.</p>
<p>The Islamic State has made lightning gains in Iraq this year and now moves freely across the increasingly blurred border with Syria. The group has claimed responsibility for the beheading of two American journalists and a British aid worker, sparking outrage in the West and contributing to an increase in public support for military action.</p>
<p>Shortly after Obama's remarks, France confirmed that Algerian extremists allied with the Islamic State group had beheaded one of its citizens after the French ignored demands to stop airstrikes in Iraq. French President Francois Hollande, who was in New York for the U.N. meetings, said the killing underscored why “the fight the international community needs to wage versus terrorism knows no borders.”</p>
<p>U.S. officials say they are concerned that foreigners with Western passports could return to their home countries to carry out attacks. And even as Obama welcomed support for the resolution to deter foreign fighters, he said more must be done.</p>
<p>“The words spoken here today must be matched and translated into action,” he said.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>The threat from the Islamic State group has already drawn Obama back into conflicts in the Middle East that he has long sought to avoid, particularly in Syria, which is mired in a bloody three-year civil war. Just months ago, the president appeared to be on track to fulfill his pledge to end the U.S.-led wars he inherited in Iraq and Afghanistan.</p>
<p>Obama sought to distinguish this current military campaign from those lengthy wars, declaring that he has no intention of sending U.S. troops to occupy foreign lands. He also pressed Middle Eastern nations to look beyond military action and take steps to reject the ideology that has spawned groups like the Islamic State and to cut off funding that has allowed that terror group and others to thrive.</p>
<p>“No external power can bring about a transformation of hearts and minds,” Obama said in his nearly 40-minute address.</p>
<p>Apart from the Middle East, the president was particularly blunt in his condemnation of Russia's actions in Ukraine. He accused Moscow of sending arms to pro-Russian separatists, refusing to allow access to the site of a downed civilian airliner and then moving its own troops across the border with Ukraine.</p>
<p>Still, Obama held open the prospect of a resolution to the conflict. While he has previously expressed skepticism about a cease-fire signed this month, he said Wednesday that the agreement “offers an opening” for peace.</p>
<p>If Russia follows through, Obama said, the U.S. will lift economic sanctions that have damaged Russia's economy but so far failed to shift President Vladimir Putin's approach.</p>
<p>The chaotic global landscape Obama described Wednesday stood in contrast to his remarks at the U.N. one year ago, when he touted diplomatic openings on multiple fronts. At the time, the U.S. was embarking on a fresh attempt to forge an elusive peace between Israelis and Palestinians and there were signs of a thaw in the decades-old tensions between the U.S. and Iran.</p>
<p>The Mideast talks have since collapsed, though the president said that “as bleak as the landscape appears, America will never give up the pursuit of peace.” And while the U.S., Iran and world powers are now in the midst of nuclear negotiations, those talks are deadlocked and there is skepticism about whether a deal can be reached by a Nov. 24 deadline.</p>
<p>“My message to Iran's leaders and people is simple: Do not let this opportunity pass,” Obama said.</p>
<p>Even as the president cast the U.S. as the main driver of peace and security around the world, he acknowledged that his country has not always lived up to its own ideals. He singled out the recent clashes between police and protesters in Ferguson, Missouri, that followed the shooting death of a black teenager.</p>
<p>“Yes, we have our own racial and ethnic tensions,” Obama said. “But we welcome the scrutiny of the world. Because what you see in America is a country that has steadily worked to address our problems and make our union more perfect.”</p>
<p>Associated Press writer Josh Lederman contributed to this report.</p>
<p>Follow Julie Pace on Twitter at <a href="http://twitter.com/jpaceDC" type="external">http://twitter.com/jpaceDC</a> and Edith Lederer at <a href="http://twitter.com/EdithLedererAP" type="external">http://twitter.com/EdithLedererAP</a></p>
<p><a href="#3c4544c5-2cea-49fe-b294-1d6e5e078b38" type="external">© 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.</a> Learn more about our <a href="http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/privacy" type="external">Privacy Policy</a> and <a href="http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/terms" type="external">Terms of Use</a>.</p>
| false | 2 |
reasoning negotiation brand evil obama told general assembly striking shift president reluctant take military action past obama declared force language militants understand warned joined cause leave battlefield widening war islamic state one cascade crises confronted presidents prime ministers monarchs annual meeting un general assembly also vying attention russias continued provocations ukraine deadly ebola outbreak west africa plight civilians caught conflicts around world since end second world war many refugees displaced people asylum seekers un secretarygeneral ban kimoon said opened wednesdays session advertisement rare move obama also chaired meeting un security council members unanimously adopted resolution requiring countries prevent recruitment transport wouldbe foreign fighters preparing join terrorist organizations islamic state group americanled military campaign middle east center much days discussions weeks airstrikes iraq us planes began hitting targets syria week joined unexpected coalition five arab nations bahrain saudi arabia jordan qatar united arab emirates us coalition airstrikes wednesday sides syrianiraqi border us allied planes drones hit dozen targets syria included smallscale oil refineries providing millions dollars islamic state us central command said saudi arabia united arab emirates took part addition us aircraft france also taken part strikes iraq british prime minister david camerons office announced parliament recalled london debate whether join campaign islamic state made lightning gains iraq year moves freely across increasingly blurred border syria group claimed responsibility beheading two american journalists british aid worker sparking outrage west contributing increase public support military action shortly obamas remarks france confirmed algerian extremists allied islamic state group beheaded one citizens french ignored demands stop airstrikes iraq french president francois hollande new york un meetings said killing underscored fight international community needs wage versus terrorism knows borders us officials say concerned foreigners western passports could return home countries carry attacks even obama welcomed support resolution deter foreign fighters said must done words spoken today must matched translated action said advertisement threat islamic state group already drawn obama back conflicts middle east long sought avoid particularly syria mired bloody threeyear civil war months ago president appeared track fulfill pledge end usled wars inherited iraq afghanistan obama sought distinguish current military campaign lengthy wars declaring intention sending us troops occupy foreign lands also pressed middle eastern nations look beyond military action take steps reject ideology spawned groups like islamic state cut funding allowed terror group others thrive external power bring transformation hearts minds obama said nearly 40minute address apart middle east president particularly blunt condemnation russias actions ukraine accused moscow sending arms prorussian separatists refusing allow access site downed civilian airliner moving troops across border ukraine still obama held open prospect resolution conflict previously expressed skepticism ceasefire signed month said wednesday agreement offers opening peace russia follows obama said us lift economic sanctions damaged russias economy far failed shift president vladimir putins approach chaotic global landscape obama described wednesday stood contrast remarks un one year ago touted diplomatic openings multiple fronts time us embarking fresh attempt forge elusive peace israelis palestinians signs thaw decadesold tensions us iran mideast talks since collapsed though president said bleak landscape appears america never give pursuit peace us iran world powers midst nuclear negotiations talks deadlocked skepticism whether deal reached nov 24 deadline message irans leaders people simple let opportunity pass obama said even president cast us main driver peace security around world acknowledged country always lived ideals singled recent clashes police protesters ferguson missouri followed shooting death black teenager yes racial ethnic tensions obama said welcome scrutiny world see america country steadily worked address problems make union perfect associated press writer josh lederman contributed report follow julie pace twitter httptwittercomjpacedc edith lederer httptwittercomedithledererap 2014 associated press rights reserved material may published broadcast rewritten redistributed learn privacy policy terms use
| 610 |
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p />
<p>The 2-cent-per-ounce tax that the City Council voted last week to put before voters in a May 2 special election would match the largest such levy imposed so far.</p>
<p>Forty soda tax proposals across the country were defeated before Berkeley, Calif., broke the streak in 2014 when more than three-quarters of voters approved a 1-cent-per-ounce tax on sugary drink.</p>
<p>The trend gained traction last year when five more cities and Cook County, Ill., approved a tax.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>The epicenter was the San Francisco Bay area, where Albany, Oakland and San Francisco joined neighboring Berkeley by also imposing a 1-cent-per-ounce tax via ballot measures approved on Election Day in November.</p>
<p>That same day, 54 percent of voters in Boulder, Colo., approved a 2-cent-per-ounce soda tax.</p>
<p>That’s the highest tax imposed on sugary drinks so far. and the measure being pushed by Santa Fe Mayor Javier Gonzales would match it.</p>
<p>Also in November, the Cook County Commission approved its 1-cent-per-ounce tax for the Chicago area by a 9-8 vote.</p>
<p>Philadelphia’s City Council passed its 1.5-cent-per-ounce tax on sugary drinks last summer. Mayor James Kenney originally proposed a 3-cent-per-ounce tax. That was negotiated down to 1.5 cents and the council approved the measure by a 13-4 vote. Revenues are to go toward expanding pre-K programs, as well as improving parks, recreation centers and libraries.</p>
<p>In other cities, the money goes to programs that promote good nutrition, and combat obesity and diabetes, or to the general fund. In some cases, advisory boards are set up to decide how the funds are distributed.</p>
<p>Revenue for the Santa Fe tax, which supporters expect will raise $7 million a year, would be targeted exclusively for early childhood education programs that the mayor hopes will make pre-K free or affordable for every family in the city.</p>
<p>Opposing reports</p>
<p>In every case where a soda tax has been enacted, the effort to approve the tax was met with stiff opposition by groups supported by the American Beverage Association.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>The ABA reportedly spent more than $10.6 million in an unsuccessful bid to defeat Mayor Kenney’s proposal in Philadelphia.</p>
<p>Coincidently, Santa Fe Mayor Gonzales shared the stage with Kenney during a panel discussion last Saturday in Austin at a South by Southwest symposium on governing. The topic was immigration policy, but Gonzales said he and Kenney talked soda tax behind the scenes.</p>
<p>“We were able to spend some time talking about how things were going there,” Gonzales said. “I asked if they are getting the (tax) revenues they anticipated and his answer was yes, and in many cases they exceeded projections.”</p>
<p>But what about those news reports of the devastating effects the tax was having on businesses, jobs and the economy?</p>
<p>The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Pepsi-Co declared a 43 percent drop in business since the tax was imposed Jan. 1 and, on March 1, the local Pepsi operation announced that up to 100 employees would be laid off at three plants. A Teamsters union official warned that “major layoffs” of grocery store workers were inevitable. An owner of six supermarkets predicted that 300 jobs would be lost.</p>
<p>Gonzales said Mayor Kenney isn’t buying it.</p>
<p>“He was emphatic in his belief that nothing about the tax was having the kind of impact the soda industry was putting out. He didn’t believe at all what they were saying,” he said, adding that Kenney reminded him that Pepsi-Co made a $6 billion profit last year and its CEO makes $25 million a year. “I left feeling good that, despite what we’ve heard about the sky falling in Philadelphia, in fact it’s not.”</p>
<p>The ABA is part of Better Way for Santa Fe and Pre-K, one PAC opposing the Santa Fe tax proposal. The coalition also includes about 130 restaurants, grocery stores and organizations – including the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce and the local Coca-Cola distributor, which employs about 80 people – according to Better Way’s David Huynh</p>
<p>“All you have to do is Google ‘Philadelphia and soda tax,’ and you will see the impact the tax there is having on everyday working families,” said Huynh this week.</p>
<p>When told of the conversation between the Santa Fe and Philadelphia mayors, Huynh responded, “It sounds like Mayor Kenney decided to join Donald Trump in believing that press coverage is fake news … . There is clear evidence that the soda tax is having a negative impact in Philadelphia, whether the mayor (Kenney) wants to admit to it or not. Facts are facts.”</p>
<p>A fight looms</p>
<p>Better Way ran radio ads and sent out mailers to city voters prior to last week’s vote by the council to put the soda tax on the ballot. Having lost that round, the group took out full-page advertisements in the Sunday editions of both the Journal and the Santa Fe New Mexican. It was the start of what figures to be an active, and expensive, spring of electioneering leading up to the May 2 vote.</p>
<p>Tax supporters may also be able to raise a substantial war chest, both from small donors and billionaires who have become engaged in the soda tax effort on a national basis, based on what’s happened in other cities.</p>
<p>In Boulder, about the same size as Santa Fe, more than $2.5 million was spent in the campaign, more than $1 million of that by the ABA. But a pro-tax group raised almost as much, with $200,000 provided by Bloomberg Philanthropies, a charitable group headed by former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg that focuses its efforts on funding arts, projects, environmental causes, public health initiatives, government innovation and education. It has also helped fund pro-soda tax campaigns in other cities.</p>
<p>Bloomberg donated more than $18 million to support the 2016 soda tax propositions in both San Francisco and Oakland. In San Francisco, billionaire John Arnold and his wife Laura Arnold also gave $3.3 million in support of the tax.</p>
<p>According to the Center for Responsible Politics, the ABA spent $690,000 on lobbying efforts in 2008, but that had increased to $8.67 million by the 2010 election cycle. Media reports from the Bay Area say that the soda industry spent $10 million to defeat a referendum on a soda tax in San Francisco in 2014. The soda industry then spent $20 million on its failed attempt to beat the vote there last year.</p>
<p>Mayor Gonzales met with representatives of the Bloomberg group in New York in November. He said it was to find out what lessons they’ve learned through their efforts, but he has not been in contact with them since.</p>
<p>Pre-K for Santa Fe, a political action committee supporting the tax and including some of the same political veterans that helped get Gonzales elected mayor, has been in contact with Bloomberg Philanthropies.</p>
<p>Sandra Wechsler, a spokeswoman for the group, said Pre-K for Santa Fe has solicited advice from Bloomberg Philanthropies about how to approach the Santa Fe campaign. Asked if Pre-K for Santa Fe will get any funding from the group, she said, “We don’t know. We’d certainly been honored to have their support, but at this point we don’t know.”</p>
<p>Bloomberg Philanthropies acknowledged, but did not respond to, phone messages and emails from the Journal this week.</p>
<p>On Wednesday, Pre-K for Santa Fe sent out an email soliciting donations.</p>
<p>“In these next forty-eight days, we’re going to see a lot of misinformation from the Soda Industry. And they’re going to have an endless supply of money to back it up. We’re asking for your help,” it says. “We will need your support, and that of all of your friends and family. This is going to be a fight, unlike anything Santa Fe has seen before.”</p>
<p>Smart Progress New Mexico is another group against the tax. It was formed by a group of small-business owners. Loveless Johnson, a spokesman for Smart Progress New Mexico, calls it a grassroots group. “We’re not associated with Big Soda. We’re just a local group, so the message we’re doing is very localized,” he said.</p>
<p>Santa Feans should know soon how much the soda tax fight is costing. There are three campaign spending reports due to be filed by PACs prior to the election, the first on March 23, and one afterward.</p>
<p />
| false | 2 |
2centperounce tax city council voted last week put voters may 2 special election would match largest levy imposed far forty soda tax proposals across country defeated berkeley calif broke streak 2014 threequarters voters approved 1centperounce tax sugary drink trend gained traction last year five cities cook county ill approved tax advertisement epicenter san francisco bay area albany oakland san francisco joined neighboring berkeley also imposing 1centperounce tax via ballot measures approved election day november day 54 percent voters boulder colo approved 2centperounce soda tax thats highest tax imposed sugary drinks far measure pushed santa fe mayor javier gonzales would match also november cook county commission approved 1centperounce tax chicago area 98 vote philadelphias city council passed 15centperounce tax sugary drinks last summer mayor james kenney originally proposed 3centperounce tax negotiated 15 cents council approved measure 134 vote revenues go toward expanding prek programs well improving parks recreation centers libraries cities money goes programs promote good nutrition combat obesity diabetes general fund cases advisory boards set decide funds distributed revenue santa fe tax supporters expect raise 7 million year would targeted exclusively early childhood education programs mayor hopes make prek free affordable every family city opposing reports every case soda tax enacted effort approve tax met stiff opposition groups supported american beverage association advertisement aba reportedly spent 106 million unsuccessful bid defeat mayor kenneys proposal philadelphia coincidently santa fe mayor gonzales shared stage kenney panel discussion last saturday austin south southwest symposium governing topic immigration policy gonzales said kenney talked soda tax behind scenes able spend time talking things going gonzales said asked getting tax revenues anticipated answer yes many cases exceeded projections news reports devastating effects tax businesses jobs economy philadelphia inquirer reported pepsico declared 43 percent drop business since tax imposed jan 1 march 1 local pepsi operation announced 100 employees would laid three plants teamsters union official warned major layoffs grocery store workers inevitable owner six supermarkets predicted 300 jobs would lost gonzales said mayor kenney isnt buying emphatic belief nothing tax kind impact soda industry putting didnt believe saying said adding kenney reminded pepsico made 6 billion profit last year ceo makes 25 million year left feeling good despite weve heard sky falling philadelphia fact aba part better way santa fe prek one pac opposing santa fe tax proposal coalition also includes 130 restaurants grocery stores organizations including santa fe chamber commerce local cocacola distributor employs 80 people according better ways david huynh google philadelphia soda tax see impact tax everyday working families said huynh week told conversation santa fe philadelphia mayors huynh responded sounds like mayor kenney decided join donald trump believing press coverage fake news clear evidence soda tax negative impact philadelphia whether mayor kenney wants admit facts facts fight looms better way ran radio ads sent mailers city voters prior last weeks vote council put soda tax ballot lost round group took fullpage advertisements sunday editions journal santa fe new mexican start figures active expensive spring electioneering leading may 2 vote tax supporters may also able raise substantial war chest small donors billionaires become engaged soda tax effort national basis based whats happened cities boulder size santa fe 25 million spent campaign 1 million aba protax group raised almost much 200000 provided bloomberg philanthropies charitable group headed former new york city mayor michael bloomberg focuses efforts funding arts projects environmental causes public health initiatives government innovation education also helped fund prosoda tax campaigns cities bloomberg donated 18 million support 2016 soda tax propositions san francisco oakland san francisco billionaire john arnold wife laura arnold also gave 33 million support tax according center responsible politics aba spent 690000 lobbying efforts 2008 increased 867 million 2010 election cycle media reports bay area say soda industry spent 10 million defeat referendum soda tax san francisco 2014 soda industry spent 20 million failed attempt beat vote last year mayor gonzales met representatives bloomberg group new york november said find lessons theyve learned efforts contact since prek santa fe political action committee supporting tax including political veterans helped get gonzales elected mayor contact bloomberg philanthropies sandra wechsler spokeswoman group said prek santa fe solicited advice bloomberg philanthropies approach santa fe campaign asked prek santa fe get funding group said dont know wed certainly honored support point dont know bloomberg philanthropies acknowledged respond phone messages emails journal week wednesday prek santa fe sent email soliciting donations next fortyeight days going see lot misinformation soda industry theyre going endless supply money back asking help says need support friends family going fight unlike anything santa fe seen smart progress new mexico another group tax formed group smallbusiness owners loveless johnson spokesman smart progress new mexico calls grassroots group associated big soda local group message localized said santa feans know soon much soda tax fight costing three campaign spending reports due filed pacs prior election first march 23 one afterward
| 807 |
<p>NORTH BETHESDA, Md. (AP) — Chelsea Manning intends to run for the U.S. Senate in Maryland, returning the transgender former soldier to the spotlight after her conviction for leaking classified documents and her early release from military prison.</p>
<p>Manning, 30, filed her statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission on Thursday, listing an apartment in North Bethesda as her address.</p>
<p>She is running as a Democrat and will likely challenge two-term Sen. Ben Cardin in the primary. The state’s senior senator is an overwhelming favorite to win.</p>
<p>Known as Bradley Manning at the time of her 2010 arrest, the former Army intelligence analyst was convicted of leaking more than 700,000 military and State Department documents to the anti-secrecy website WikiLeaks. She’s been hailed as a traitor as well as a courageous hero.</p>
<p>Manning came out as transgender after being sentenced to 35 years in prison. President Barack Obama granted Manning clemency before leaving office last year.</p>
<p>The conservative media organization Red Maryland first reported Manning’s intention to run. The Associated Press was unsuccessful in reaching Manning for comment.</p>
<p>A spokeswoman for Cardin, Sue Walitsky, did not immediately return a phone call. Nor did Fabion Seaton, a spokesman for the Maryland Democratic Party.</p>
<p>Manning would not be the first transgender candidate to challenge a sitting member of Congress.</p>
<p>Kristin Beck, a retired Navy SEAL who is transgender, failed to unseat U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer in Maryland’s Democratic Primary in 2016. Beck got 12 percent of the vote.</p>
<p>“It was too much for me to run for Congress,” Beck said in a phone interview Saturday. “I should have run for something lower. She might as well be running for president.”</p>
<p>Beck said Manning is pulling a “publicity stunt.”</p>
<p>“I totally, 100 percent disagree with everything she did,” Beck said. “She’s just grabbing headlines. I know what that feels like. I’ve been in the headlines. You get a sense that you’re worthy and doing something that counts. And when you lose that, you try to do something to grab a headline.”</p>
<p>Manning was held at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where she attempted suicide twice, according to her lawyers.</p>
<p>Obama’s decision to commute Manning’s sentence to about seven years drew strong criticism from members of Congress and others, with Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan calling the move “just outrageous.”</p>
<p>When Manning was released in May, she told The AP in an email that she was eager to define her future — but made no mention of politics.</p>
<p>“I’m figuring things out right now — which is exciting, awkward, fun, and all new for me,” Manning wrote.</p>
<p>She added: “I am looking forward to so much! Whatever is ahead of me is far more important than the past.”</p>
<p>The Oklahoma native had planned to move to Maryland, where she has an aunt. She has been registered to vote at the apartment in North Bethesda since mid-August, according to the Maryland Board of Elections.</p>
<p>In September, Manning spoke at the annual conference for The Nantucket Project in Massachusetts, a venture founded to bring together creative thinkers to uncover ideas.</p>
<p>Her appearance came just after Harvard University reversed its decision to name Manning a visiting fellow. CIA Director Mike Pompeo had scrapped a planned appearance over the title for Manning, calling her an “American traitor.”</p>
<p>Manning told the audience in Massachusetts that Harvard’s decision signaled to her that it’s a “police state” and it’s not possible to engage in actual political discourse in academic institutions.</p>
<p>“I’m not ashamed of being disinvited,” she said. “I view that just as much of an honored distinction as the fellowship itself.”</p>
<p>NORTH BETHESDA, Md. (AP) — Chelsea Manning intends to run for the U.S. Senate in Maryland, returning the transgender former soldier to the spotlight after her conviction for leaking classified documents and her early release from military prison.</p>
<p>Manning, 30, filed her statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission on Thursday, listing an apartment in North Bethesda as her address.</p>
<p>She is running as a Democrat and will likely challenge two-term Sen. Ben Cardin in the primary. The state’s senior senator is an overwhelming favorite to win.</p>
<p>Known as Bradley Manning at the time of her 2010 arrest, the former Army intelligence analyst was convicted of leaking more than 700,000 military and State Department documents to the anti-secrecy website WikiLeaks. She’s been hailed as a traitor as well as a courageous hero.</p>
<p>Manning came out as transgender after being sentenced to 35 years in prison. President Barack Obama granted Manning clemency before leaving office last year.</p>
<p>The conservative media organization Red Maryland first reported Manning’s intention to run. The Associated Press was unsuccessful in reaching Manning for comment.</p>
<p>A spokeswoman for Cardin, Sue Walitsky, did not immediately return a phone call. Nor did Fabion Seaton, a spokesman for the Maryland Democratic Party.</p>
<p>Manning would not be the first transgender candidate to challenge a sitting member of Congress.</p>
<p>Kristin Beck, a retired Navy SEAL who is transgender, failed to unseat U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer in Maryland’s Democratic Primary in 2016. Beck got 12 percent of the vote.</p>
<p>“It was too much for me to run for Congress,” Beck said in a phone interview Saturday. “I should have run for something lower. She might as well be running for president.”</p>
<p>Beck said Manning is pulling a “publicity stunt.”</p>
<p>“I totally, 100 percent disagree with everything she did,” Beck said. “She’s just grabbing headlines. I know what that feels like. I’ve been in the headlines. You get a sense that you’re worthy and doing something that counts. And when you lose that, you try to do something to grab a headline.”</p>
<p>Manning was held at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where she attempted suicide twice, according to her lawyers.</p>
<p>Obama’s decision to commute Manning’s sentence to about seven years drew strong criticism from members of Congress and others, with Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan calling the move “just outrageous.”</p>
<p>When Manning was released in May, she told The AP in an email that she was eager to define her future — but made no mention of politics.</p>
<p>“I’m figuring things out right now — which is exciting, awkward, fun, and all new for me,” Manning wrote.</p>
<p>She added: “I am looking forward to so much! Whatever is ahead of me is far more important than the past.”</p>
<p>The Oklahoma native had planned to move to Maryland, where she has an aunt. She has been registered to vote at the apartment in North Bethesda since mid-August, according to the Maryland Board of Elections.</p>
<p>In September, Manning spoke at the annual conference for The Nantucket Project in Massachusetts, a venture founded to bring together creative thinkers to uncover ideas.</p>
<p>Her appearance came just after Harvard University reversed its decision to name Manning a visiting fellow. CIA Director Mike Pompeo had scrapped a planned appearance over the title for Manning, calling her an “American traitor.”</p>
<p>Manning told the audience in Massachusetts that Harvard’s decision signaled to her that it’s a “police state” and it’s not possible to engage in actual political discourse in academic institutions.</p>
<p>“I’m not ashamed of being disinvited,” she said. “I view that just as much of an honored distinction as the fellowship itself.”</p>
| false | 2 |
north bethesda md ap chelsea manning intends run us senate maryland returning transgender former soldier spotlight conviction leaking classified documents early release military prison manning 30 filed statement candidacy federal election commission thursday listing apartment north bethesda address running democrat likely challenge twoterm sen ben cardin primary states senior senator overwhelming favorite win known bradley manning time 2010 arrest former army intelligence analyst convicted leaking 700000 military state department documents antisecrecy website wikileaks shes hailed traitor well courageous hero manning came transgender sentenced 35 years prison president barack obama granted manning clemency leaving office last year conservative media organization red maryland first reported mannings intention run associated press unsuccessful reaching manning comment spokeswoman cardin sue walitsky immediately return phone call fabion seaton spokesman maryland democratic party manning would first transgender candidate challenge sitting member congress kristin beck retired navy seal transgender failed unseat us rep steny hoyer marylands democratic primary 2016 beck got 12 percent vote much run congress beck said phone interview saturday run something lower might well running president beck said manning pulling publicity stunt totally 100 percent disagree everything beck said shes grabbing headlines know feels like ive headlines get sense youre worthy something counts lose try something grab headline manning held fort leavenworth kansas attempted suicide twice according lawyers obamas decision commute mannings sentence seven years drew strong criticism members congress others republican house speaker paul ryan calling move outrageous manning released may told ap email eager define future made mention politics im figuring things right exciting awkward fun new manning wrote added looking forward much whatever ahead far important past oklahoma native planned move maryland aunt registered vote apartment north bethesda since midaugust according maryland board elections september manning spoke annual conference nantucket project massachusetts venture founded bring together creative thinkers uncover ideas appearance came harvard university reversed decision name manning visiting fellow cia director mike pompeo scrapped planned appearance title manning calling american traitor manning told audience massachusetts harvards decision signaled police state possible engage actual political discourse academic institutions im ashamed disinvited said view much honored distinction fellowship north bethesda md ap chelsea manning intends run us senate maryland returning transgender former soldier spotlight conviction leaking classified documents early release military prison manning 30 filed statement candidacy federal election commission thursday listing apartment north bethesda address running democrat likely challenge twoterm sen ben cardin primary states senior senator overwhelming favorite win known bradley manning time 2010 arrest former army intelligence analyst convicted leaking 700000 military state department documents antisecrecy website wikileaks shes hailed traitor well courageous hero manning came transgender sentenced 35 years prison president barack obama granted manning clemency leaving office last year conservative media organization red maryland first reported mannings intention run associated press unsuccessful reaching manning comment spokeswoman cardin sue walitsky immediately return phone call fabion seaton spokesman maryland democratic party manning would first transgender candidate challenge sitting member congress kristin beck retired navy seal transgender failed unseat us rep steny hoyer marylands democratic primary 2016 beck got 12 percent vote much run congress beck said phone interview saturday run something lower might well running president beck said manning pulling publicity stunt totally 100 percent disagree everything beck said shes grabbing headlines know feels like ive headlines get sense youre worthy something counts lose try something grab headline manning held fort leavenworth kansas attempted suicide twice according lawyers obamas decision commute mannings sentence seven years drew strong criticism members congress others republican house speaker paul ryan calling move outrageous manning released may told ap email eager define future made mention politics im figuring things right exciting awkward fun new manning wrote added looking forward much whatever ahead far important past oklahoma native planned move maryland aunt registered vote apartment north bethesda since midaugust according maryland board elections september manning spoke annual conference nantucket project massachusetts venture founded bring together creative thinkers uncover ideas appearance came harvard university reversed decision name manning visiting fellow cia director mike pompeo scrapped planned appearance title manning calling american traitor manning told audience massachusetts harvards decision signaled police state possible engage actual political discourse academic institutions im ashamed disinvited said view much honored distinction fellowship
| 690 |
<p>LONDON (AP) — Sports organizations must work harder than ever in 2016 to clean up their act after a year of corruption and doping scandals that tarnished the Olympic movement, IOC President Thomas Bach said Wednesday in a New Year's message.</p>
<p>Bach said the entire Olympic world must live up to the public's expectations of integrity and heed his call from a year ago to "change or be changed."</p>
<p>"One just needs to look at the events over the last 12 months to realize that this message is even more urgent today to safeguard the credibility of sports organizations and to protect clean athletes," Bach said. "Undoubtedly, recent developments in some sports cast a shadow across the whole world of sport."</p>
<p>While Bach didn't cite any sports by name, he was clearly referring to the corruption scandal that has enveloped soccer governing body FIFA and the allegations of bribery and doping cover-ups involving the IAAF and Russia's track and field program.</p>
<p>Noting the public's growing demand for ethical behavior by athletes and sports bodies, Bach said: "It is our shared responsibility in the Olympic movement to provide new answers to new questions."</p>
<p>FIFA is reeling from a corruption scandal that has led to the arrests of dozens of soccer and marketing officials and eight-year bans for outgoing FIFA President Sepp Blatter and UEFA head Michel Platini. Blatter is a former member of the International Olympic Committee.</p>
<p>Russia's athletics federation was suspended following a damning report by a World Anti-Doping Agency panel that alleged widespread, state-sponsored doping in the country. Russia's track and field athletes could miss next year's Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.</p>
<p>The IAAF's former president, Lamine Diack, was arrested and charged by French authorities with corruption and money-laundering, stemming from allegations that he took money to cover up positive tests in Russia. The IAAF's former anti-doping manager was also arrested.</p>
<p>The IOC went through its own major corruption scandal in the late 1990s, with 10 members ousted for receiving cash and other favors during Salt Lake City's winning bid for the 2002 Winter Games.</p>
<p>Bach said sports federations and national Olympic committees must implement the IOC's "Olympic Agenda 2020" reform program, approved last year, and apply rules of good governance.</p>
<p>"We have called on and we expect all sports organizations to follow our lead," Bach said.</p>
<p>He noted that the IOC has proposed taking drug-testing out of the hands of sports organizations to make the system more independent and credible. The IOC wants an independent anti-doping system in place ahead of the 2018 Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea.</p>
<p>"We are convinced that all these changes are necessary to better protect the clean athletes and enhance the integrity of sport," Bach said.</p>
<p>Looking ahead to the Olympics in Rio, the first in South America, Bach said he expects Brazilians to welcome the world "with their joy of life and their passion for sport."</p>
<p>The buildup to the games is taking place amid Brazil's worst recession in decades, an impeachment process against President Dilma Rousseff and a vast corruption scandal centered on state-owned oil giant Petrobras.</p>
<p>"We know the current economic and political situation in Brazil will make the next months of final preparations more challenging," Bach said.</p>
<p>The Olympics, he said, "will bring the world a message of hope and joy during difficult times."</p>
<p>LONDON (AP) — Sports organizations must work harder than ever in 2016 to clean up their act after a year of corruption and doping scandals that tarnished the Olympic movement, IOC President Thomas Bach said Wednesday in a New Year's message.</p>
<p>Bach said the entire Olympic world must live up to the public's expectations of integrity and heed his call from a year ago to "change or be changed."</p>
<p>"One just needs to look at the events over the last 12 months to realize that this message is even more urgent today to safeguard the credibility of sports organizations and to protect clean athletes," Bach said. "Undoubtedly, recent developments in some sports cast a shadow across the whole world of sport."</p>
<p>While Bach didn't cite any sports by name, he was clearly referring to the corruption scandal that has enveloped soccer governing body FIFA and the allegations of bribery and doping cover-ups involving the IAAF and Russia's track and field program.</p>
<p>Noting the public's growing demand for ethical behavior by athletes and sports bodies, Bach said: "It is our shared responsibility in the Olympic movement to provide new answers to new questions."</p>
<p>FIFA is reeling from a corruption scandal that has led to the arrests of dozens of soccer and marketing officials and eight-year bans for outgoing FIFA President Sepp Blatter and UEFA head Michel Platini. Blatter is a former member of the International Olympic Committee.</p>
<p>Russia's athletics federation was suspended following a damning report by a World Anti-Doping Agency panel that alleged widespread, state-sponsored doping in the country. Russia's track and field athletes could miss next year's Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.</p>
<p>The IAAF's former president, Lamine Diack, was arrested and charged by French authorities with corruption and money-laundering, stemming from allegations that he took money to cover up positive tests in Russia. The IAAF's former anti-doping manager was also arrested.</p>
<p>The IOC went through its own major corruption scandal in the late 1990s, with 10 members ousted for receiving cash and other favors during Salt Lake City's winning bid for the 2002 Winter Games.</p>
<p>Bach said sports federations and national Olympic committees must implement the IOC's "Olympic Agenda 2020" reform program, approved last year, and apply rules of good governance.</p>
<p>"We have called on and we expect all sports organizations to follow our lead," Bach said.</p>
<p>He noted that the IOC has proposed taking drug-testing out of the hands of sports organizations to make the system more independent and credible. The IOC wants an independent anti-doping system in place ahead of the 2018 Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea.</p>
<p>"We are convinced that all these changes are necessary to better protect the clean athletes and enhance the integrity of sport," Bach said.</p>
<p>Looking ahead to the Olympics in Rio, the first in South America, Bach said he expects Brazilians to welcome the world "with their joy of life and their passion for sport."</p>
<p>The buildup to the games is taking place amid Brazil's worst recession in decades, an impeachment process against President Dilma Rousseff and a vast corruption scandal centered on state-owned oil giant Petrobras.</p>
<p>"We know the current economic and political situation in Brazil will make the next months of final preparations more challenging," Bach said.</p>
<p>The Olympics, he said, "will bring the world a message of hope and joy during difficult times."</p>
| false | 2 |
london ap sports organizations must work harder ever 2016 clean act year corruption doping scandals tarnished olympic movement ioc president thomas bach said wednesday new years message bach said entire olympic world must live publics expectations integrity heed call year ago change changed one needs look events last 12 months realize message even urgent today safeguard credibility sports organizations protect clean athletes bach said undoubtedly recent developments sports cast shadow across whole world sport bach didnt cite sports name clearly referring corruption scandal enveloped soccer governing body fifa allegations bribery doping coverups involving iaaf russias track field program noting publics growing demand ethical behavior athletes sports bodies bach said shared responsibility olympic movement provide new answers new questions fifa reeling corruption scandal led arrests dozens soccer marketing officials eightyear bans outgoing fifa president sepp blatter uefa head michel platini blatter former member international olympic committee russias athletics federation suspended following damning report world antidoping agency panel alleged widespread statesponsored doping country russias track field athletes could miss next years olympics rio de janeiro iaafs former president lamine diack arrested charged french authorities corruption moneylaundering stemming allegations took money cover positive tests russia iaafs former antidoping manager also arrested ioc went major corruption scandal late 1990s 10 members ousted receiving cash favors salt lake citys winning bid 2002 winter games bach said sports federations national olympic committees must implement iocs olympic agenda 2020 reform program approved last year apply rules good governance called expect sports organizations follow lead bach said noted ioc proposed taking drugtesting hands sports organizations make system independent credible ioc wants independent antidoping system place ahead 2018 winter games pyeongchang south korea convinced changes necessary better protect clean athletes enhance integrity sport bach said looking ahead olympics rio first south america bach said expects brazilians welcome world joy life passion sport buildup games taking place amid brazils worst recession decades impeachment process president dilma rousseff vast corruption scandal centered stateowned oil giant petrobras know current economic political situation brazil make next months final preparations challenging bach said olympics said bring world message hope joy difficult times london ap sports organizations must work harder ever 2016 clean act year corruption doping scandals tarnished olympic movement ioc president thomas bach said wednesday new years message bach said entire olympic world must live publics expectations integrity heed call year ago change changed one needs look events last 12 months realize message even urgent today safeguard credibility sports organizations protect clean athletes bach said undoubtedly recent developments sports cast shadow across whole world sport bach didnt cite sports name clearly referring corruption scandal enveloped soccer governing body fifa allegations bribery doping coverups involving iaaf russias track field program noting publics growing demand ethical behavior athletes sports bodies bach said shared responsibility olympic movement provide new answers new questions fifa reeling corruption scandal led arrests dozens soccer marketing officials eightyear bans outgoing fifa president sepp blatter uefa head michel platini blatter former member international olympic committee russias athletics federation suspended following damning report world antidoping agency panel alleged widespread statesponsored doping country russias track field athletes could miss next years olympics rio de janeiro iaafs former president lamine diack arrested charged french authorities corruption moneylaundering stemming allegations took money cover positive tests russia iaafs former antidoping manager also arrested ioc went major corruption scandal late 1990s 10 members ousted receiving cash favors salt lake citys winning bid 2002 winter games bach said sports federations national olympic committees must implement iocs olympic agenda 2020 reform program approved last year apply rules good governance called expect sports organizations follow lead bach said noted ioc proposed taking drugtesting hands sports organizations make system independent credible ioc wants independent antidoping system place ahead 2018 winter games pyeongchang south korea convinced changes necessary better protect clean athletes enhance integrity sport bach said looking ahead olympics rio first south america bach said expects brazilians welcome world joy life passion sport buildup games taking place amid brazils worst recession decades impeachment process president dilma rousseff vast corruption scandal centered stateowned oil giant petrobras know current economic political situation brazil make next months final preparations challenging bach said olympics said bring world message hope joy difficult times
| 696 |
<p>PHOENIX (AP) — A serial killing suspect shot and killed nine people, including his own mother, and used a victim’s gun in some of the slayings that unfolded in a three-week span late last year, authorities said Thursday.</p>
<p>Shell casings, DNA, stolen jewelry and a cellphone taken from a victim were among the pieces of evidence that investigators used to tie Cleophus Cooksey Jr., 35, to the killings, according to court documents.</p>
<p>“It should appall every one of us in the room that he managed to kill nine people period, let alone in such a short period of three weeks,” said Sgt. Jonathan Howard, a Phoenix police spokesman.</p>
<p>The seven men and two women were shot between Nov. 27 and Dec. 17 in their homes, suburban apartment complexes, in a parked car or while outside, the documents state.</p>
<p>Cooksey, described by police as an aspiring musician, knew some of the victims but investigators were still trying to determine motives in a few of the attacks, according to police officials in Phoenix, Glendale and Avondale.</p>
<p>“We have witnesses that are identifying relationships between the suspect and his victims but we have yet to discover what kind of started this entire spree,” Howard said.</p>
<p>A number of details were withheld by police who cited the ongoing investigation.</p>
<p>Authorities were not discounting the possibility that Cooksey could be linked to other crimes. Howard encouraged anyone who has information about his relationships or activities to call police.</p>
<p>The victims included Jesus Real, 25, the brother of Cooksey’s ex-girlfriend. Real was asleep in his Avondale home on Dec. 11 when he was shot twice in the face. Avondale police say Real’s sister and Cooksey had broken up the night before.</p>
<p>Another victim, 43-year-old Maria Villanueva, was seen on surveillance video arriving at a Glendale apartment complex on Dec. 15 and then leaving with an unknown man in the driver’s seat.</p>
<p>Her partially nude body was found the next morning in a Phoenix alley and her car was found abandoned at another complex in Glendale.</p>
<p>Investigators found a cellphone and a bloody men’s shirt inside. DNA on the shirt matched Cooksey’s, court documents said. The cellphone was also confirmed to be his.</p>
<p>Cooksey was arrested Dec. 17 for the shooting deaths of his mother and stepfather in their home and has been jailed since then on two counts of first-degree murder and one count of being a felon in possession of a weapon.</p>
<p>Gary Beren, an attorney who represents Cooksey, didn’t immediately return a phone call and email seeking comment.</p>
<p>Cooksey was rebooked into jail Thursday in the seven additional homicide cases, Howard said. He was being held on a $5 million bond, according to a court document.</p>
<p>“I’m just proud as heck that he’s off the street,” said Glendale police Chief Rick St. John.</p>
<p>Cooksey previously served 16 years in prison for manslaughter and armed robbery and had been free for 18 months, authorities said.</p>
<p>It’s the second time in the past few years that Phoenix has dealt with serial killings. Aaron Juan Saucedo has been charged with first-degree murder and other crimes in drive-by shootings in 2015 and 2016 that left nine people dead and two others wounded.</p>
<p>Saucedo has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Prosecutors have said they intend to seek the death penalty.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press writers Paul Davenport and Jacques Billeaud contributed to this story.</p>
<p>PHOENIX (AP) — A serial killing suspect shot and killed nine people, including his own mother, and used a victim’s gun in some of the slayings that unfolded in a three-week span late last year, authorities said Thursday.</p>
<p>Shell casings, DNA, stolen jewelry and a cellphone taken from a victim were among the pieces of evidence that investigators used to tie Cleophus Cooksey Jr., 35, to the killings, according to court documents.</p>
<p>“It should appall every one of us in the room that he managed to kill nine people period, let alone in such a short period of three weeks,” said Sgt. Jonathan Howard, a Phoenix police spokesman.</p>
<p>The seven men and two women were shot between Nov. 27 and Dec. 17 in their homes, suburban apartment complexes, in a parked car or while outside, the documents state.</p>
<p>Cooksey, described by police as an aspiring musician, knew some of the victims but investigators were still trying to determine motives in a few of the attacks, according to police officials in Phoenix, Glendale and Avondale.</p>
<p>“We have witnesses that are identifying relationships between the suspect and his victims but we have yet to discover what kind of started this entire spree,” Howard said.</p>
<p>A number of details were withheld by police who cited the ongoing investigation.</p>
<p>Authorities were not discounting the possibility that Cooksey could be linked to other crimes. Howard encouraged anyone who has information about his relationships or activities to call police.</p>
<p>The victims included Jesus Real, 25, the brother of Cooksey’s ex-girlfriend. Real was asleep in his Avondale home on Dec. 11 when he was shot twice in the face. Avondale police say Real’s sister and Cooksey had broken up the night before.</p>
<p>Another victim, 43-year-old Maria Villanueva, was seen on surveillance video arriving at a Glendale apartment complex on Dec. 15 and then leaving with an unknown man in the driver’s seat.</p>
<p>Her partially nude body was found the next morning in a Phoenix alley and her car was found abandoned at another complex in Glendale.</p>
<p>Investigators found a cellphone and a bloody men’s shirt inside. DNA on the shirt matched Cooksey’s, court documents said. The cellphone was also confirmed to be his.</p>
<p>Cooksey was arrested Dec. 17 for the shooting deaths of his mother and stepfather in their home and has been jailed since then on two counts of first-degree murder and one count of being a felon in possession of a weapon.</p>
<p>Gary Beren, an attorney who represents Cooksey, didn’t immediately return a phone call and email seeking comment.</p>
<p>Cooksey was rebooked into jail Thursday in the seven additional homicide cases, Howard said. He was being held on a $5 million bond, according to a court document.</p>
<p>“I’m just proud as heck that he’s off the street,” said Glendale police Chief Rick St. John.</p>
<p>Cooksey previously served 16 years in prison for manslaughter and armed robbery and had been free for 18 months, authorities said.</p>
<p>It’s the second time in the past few years that Phoenix has dealt with serial killings. Aaron Juan Saucedo has been charged with first-degree murder and other crimes in drive-by shootings in 2015 and 2016 that left nine people dead and two others wounded.</p>
<p>Saucedo has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Prosecutors have said they intend to seek the death penalty.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press writers Paul Davenport and Jacques Billeaud contributed to this story.</p>
| false | 2 |
phoenix ap serial killing suspect shot killed nine people including mother used victims gun slayings unfolded threeweek span late last year authorities said thursday shell casings dna stolen jewelry cellphone taken victim among pieces evidence investigators used tie cleophus cooksey jr 35 killings according court documents appall every one us room managed kill nine people period let alone short period three weeks said sgt jonathan howard phoenix police spokesman seven men two women shot nov 27 dec 17 homes suburban apartment complexes parked car outside documents state cooksey described police aspiring musician knew victims investigators still trying determine motives attacks according police officials phoenix glendale avondale witnesses identifying relationships suspect victims yet discover kind started entire spree howard said number details withheld police cited ongoing investigation authorities discounting possibility cooksey could linked crimes howard encouraged anyone information relationships activities call police victims included jesus real 25 brother cookseys exgirlfriend real asleep avondale home dec 11 shot twice face avondale police say reals sister cooksey broken night another victim 43yearold maria villanueva seen surveillance video arriving glendale apartment complex dec 15 leaving unknown man drivers seat partially nude body found next morning phoenix alley car found abandoned another complex glendale investigators found cellphone bloody mens shirt inside dna shirt matched cookseys court documents said cellphone also confirmed cooksey arrested dec 17 shooting deaths mother stepfather home jailed since two counts firstdegree murder one count felon possession weapon gary beren attorney represents cooksey didnt immediately return phone call email seeking comment cooksey rebooked jail thursday seven additional homicide cases howard said held 5 million bond according court document im proud heck hes street said glendale police chief rick st john cooksey previously served 16 years prison manslaughter armed robbery free 18 months authorities said second time past years phoenix dealt serial killings aaron juan saucedo charged firstdegree murder crimes driveby shootings 2015 2016 left nine people dead two others wounded saucedo pleaded guilty charges prosecutors said intend seek death penalty ___ associated press writers paul davenport jacques billeaud contributed story phoenix ap serial killing suspect shot killed nine people including mother used victims gun slayings unfolded threeweek span late last year authorities said thursday shell casings dna stolen jewelry cellphone taken victim among pieces evidence investigators used tie cleophus cooksey jr 35 killings according court documents appall every one us room managed kill nine people period let alone short period three weeks said sgt jonathan howard phoenix police spokesman seven men two women shot nov 27 dec 17 homes suburban apartment complexes parked car outside documents state cooksey described police aspiring musician knew victims investigators still trying determine motives attacks according police officials phoenix glendale avondale witnesses identifying relationships suspect victims yet discover kind started entire spree howard said number details withheld police cited ongoing investigation authorities discounting possibility cooksey could linked crimes howard encouraged anyone information relationships activities call police victims included jesus real 25 brother cookseys exgirlfriend real asleep avondale home dec 11 shot twice face avondale police say reals sister cooksey broken night another victim 43yearold maria villanueva seen surveillance video arriving glendale apartment complex dec 15 leaving unknown man drivers seat partially nude body found next morning phoenix alley car found abandoned another complex glendale investigators found cellphone bloody mens shirt inside dna shirt matched cookseys court documents said cellphone also confirmed cooksey arrested dec 17 shooting deaths mother stepfather home jailed since two counts firstdegree murder one count felon possession weapon gary beren attorney represents cooksey didnt immediately return phone call email seeking comment cooksey rebooked jail thursday seven additional homicide cases howard said held 5 million bond according court document im proud heck hes street said glendale police chief rick st john cooksey previously served 16 years prison manslaughter armed robbery free 18 months authorities said second time past years phoenix dealt serial killings aaron juan saucedo charged firstdegree murder crimes driveby shootings 2015 2016 left nine people dead two others wounded saucedo pleaded guilty charges prosecutors said intend seek death penalty ___ associated press writers paul davenport jacques billeaud contributed story
| 676 |
<p>MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — A Christmas Day baby, England opener Alastair Cook is used to receiving gifts at this time of year.</p>
<p>Badly out of form, Cook needed a big score in the fourth test against Australia and responded with an unbeaten 244. By his own admission, Cook required some help after just 83 runs from the first three tests. He got it.</p>
<p>Not only did the Melbourne Cricket Ground serve up a flat pitch perfectly made for his patient, straight-batting style, but Cook was also given two lives by Australian skipper Steve Smith.</p>
<p>Normally one of the safest catchers in cricket, Smith dropped Cook on 66 and 153 and the Englishman punished him for his mistakes with a master-class display of batting over 10 1/2 hours.</p>
<p>"I've doubted myself for 12 years and I'll probably continue to doubt myself," Cook said.</p>
<p>"Obviously the longer it goes, the harder it becomes.</p>
<p>"I suppose that's why I've been quite proud ... going to the well again and delivering a performance like that was pleasing. It's just a shame it's 3 1/2, four weeks too late but I'll have to live with that for a long time."</p>
<p>Cook has been setting records ever since he began his international career more than a decade ago but reeled off some big milestones on Thursday.</p>
<p>He became the first Englishman since Wally Hammond to score a double hundred at the MCG (in 1928) and his 244 not out is now the highest score made by any player against Australia in Melbourne, breaking the 208 Viv Richards made for the West Indies in 1984.</p>
<p>Cook also overtook Mahela Jayawardene, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Brian Lara to move into outright sixth place among test cricket's all-time leading scorers, and was almost apologetic about passing them.</p>
<p>"I probably feel a bit sorry for Brian," Cook joked. "(But) it's obviously a special moment."</p>
<p>Cook's unbeaten 244 was his highest score against Australia and among his most significant as he carried his team to 491-9 in its first innings, a lead of 164 over Australia's first-innings 327.</p>
<p>Cook has seen nine batting partners come and go and, if James Anderson is dismissed on Friday and Cook is left stranded, he will become the first Englishman in 20 years to carry his bat in a test innings — and the first from any country to achieve the feat at the MCG, which hosted the inaugural test in 1877.</p>
<p>Cook said he was more interested in winning the game than personal achievements.</p>
<p>"I quite enjoyed listening to the Barmy Army singing their songs in the last session," Cook said.</p>
<p>"It's one of those things you get a few times in your career. You get into that bit of rhythm where time kind of just flies by.</p>
<p>"This tour, batting for half an hour has felt like two hours. But for some reason, whatever reason, the last 10 hours have gone quickly."</p>
<p>MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — A Christmas Day baby, England opener Alastair Cook is used to receiving gifts at this time of year.</p>
<p>Badly out of form, Cook needed a big score in the fourth test against Australia and responded with an unbeaten 244. By his own admission, Cook required some help after just 83 runs from the first three tests. He got it.</p>
<p>Not only did the Melbourne Cricket Ground serve up a flat pitch perfectly made for his patient, straight-batting style, but Cook was also given two lives by Australian skipper Steve Smith.</p>
<p>Normally one of the safest catchers in cricket, Smith dropped Cook on 66 and 153 and the Englishman punished him for his mistakes with a master-class display of batting over 10 1/2 hours.</p>
<p>"I've doubted myself for 12 years and I'll probably continue to doubt myself," Cook said.</p>
<p>"Obviously the longer it goes, the harder it becomes.</p>
<p>"I suppose that's why I've been quite proud ... going to the well again and delivering a performance like that was pleasing. It's just a shame it's 3 1/2, four weeks too late but I'll have to live with that for a long time."</p>
<p>Cook has been setting records ever since he began his international career more than a decade ago but reeled off some big milestones on Thursday.</p>
<p>He became the first Englishman since Wally Hammond to score a double hundred at the MCG (in 1928) and his 244 not out is now the highest score made by any player against Australia in Melbourne, breaking the 208 Viv Richards made for the West Indies in 1984.</p>
<p>Cook also overtook Mahela Jayawardene, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Brian Lara to move into outright sixth place among test cricket's all-time leading scorers, and was almost apologetic about passing them.</p>
<p>"I probably feel a bit sorry for Brian," Cook joked. "(But) it's obviously a special moment."</p>
<p>Cook's unbeaten 244 was his highest score against Australia and among his most significant as he carried his team to 491-9 in its first innings, a lead of 164 over Australia's first-innings 327.</p>
<p>Cook has seen nine batting partners come and go and, if James Anderson is dismissed on Friday and Cook is left stranded, he will become the first Englishman in 20 years to carry his bat in a test innings — and the first from any country to achieve the feat at the MCG, which hosted the inaugural test in 1877.</p>
<p>Cook said he was more interested in winning the game than personal achievements.</p>
<p>"I quite enjoyed listening to the Barmy Army singing their songs in the last session," Cook said.</p>
<p>"It's one of those things you get a few times in your career. You get into that bit of rhythm where time kind of just flies by.</p>
<p>"This tour, batting for half an hour has felt like two hours. But for some reason, whatever reason, the last 10 hours have gone quickly."</p>
| false | 2 |
melbourne australia ap christmas day baby england opener alastair cook used receiving gifts time year badly form cook needed big score fourth test australia responded unbeaten 244 admission cook required help 83 runs first three tests got melbourne cricket ground serve flat pitch perfectly made patient straightbatting style cook also given two lives australian skipper steve smith normally one safest catchers cricket smith dropped cook 66 153 englishman punished mistakes masterclass display batting 10 12 hours ive doubted 12 years ill probably continue doubt cook said obviously longer goes harder becomes suppose thats ive quite proud going well delivering performance like pleasing shame 3 12 four weeks late ill live long time cook setting records ever since began international career decade ago reeled big milestones thursday became first englishman since wally hammond score double hundred mcg 1928 244 highest score made player australia melbourne breaking 208 viv richards made west indies 1984 cook also overtook mahela jayawardene shivnarine chanderpaul brian lara move outright sixth place among test crickets alltime leading scorers almost apologetic passing probably feel bit sorry brian cook joked obviously special moment cooks unbeaten 244 highest score australia among significant carried team 4919 first innings lead 164 australias firstinnings 327 cook seen nine batting partners come go james anderson dismissed friday cook left stranded become first englishman 20 years carry bat test innings first country achieve feat mcg hosted inaugural test 1877 cook said interested winning game personal achievements quite enjoyed listening barmy army singing songs last session cook said one things get times career get bit rhythm time kind flies tour batting half hour felt like two hours reason whatever reason last 10 hours gone quickly melbourne australia ap christmas day baby england opener alastair cook used receiving gifts time year badly form cook needed big score fourth test australia responded unbeaten 244 admission cook required help 83 runs first three tests got melbourne cricket ground serve flat pitch perfectly made patient straightbatting style cook also given two lives australian skipper steve smith normally one safest catchers cricket smith dropped cook 66 153 englishman punished mistakes masterclass display batting 10 12 hours ive doubted 12 years ill probably continue doubt cook said obviously longer goes harder becomes suppose thats ive quite proud going well delivering performance like pleasing shame 3 12 four weeks late ill live long time cook setting records ever since began international career decade ago reeled big milestones thursday became first englishman since wally hammond score double hundred mcg 1928 244 highest score made player australia melbourne breaking 208 viv richards made west indies 1984 cook also overtook mahela jayawardene shivnarine chanderpaul brian lara move outright sixth place among test crickets alltime leading scorers almost apologetic passing probably feel bit sorry brian cook joked obviously special moment cooks unbeaten 244 highest score australia among significant carried team 4919 first innings lead 164 australias firstinnings 327 cook seen nine batting partners come go james anderson dismissed friday cook left stranded become first englishman 20 years carry bat test innings first country achieve feat mcg hosted inaugural test 1877 cook said interested winning game personal achievements quite enjoyed listening barmy army singing songs last session cook said one things get times career get bit rhythm time kind flies tour batting half hour felt like two hours reason whatever reason last 10 hours gone quickly
| 558 |
<p>PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Oregon approved taxes on hospitals, health insurers and managed care companies in an unusual special election Tuesday that asked voters — and not lawmakers — how to pay for Medicaid costs that now include coverage of hundreds of thousands of low-income residents added to the program’s rolls under the Affordable Care Act.</p>
<p>Measure 101 was passing handily in early returns Tuesday night. The single-issue election drew national attention to this progressive state, which aggressively expanded its Medicaid rolls under President Barack Obama’s health care reforms. Oregon now has one of the lowest rates of uninsured residents in the nation at 5 percent. About 1 million Oregonians — 25 percent — now receive health care coverage from Medicaid.</p>
<p>Maine voters recently went to polls to approve the expansion of their Medicaid program, but experts said Oregon was the first state to take the issue of funding that expansion directly to voters.</p>
<p>The taxes are a short-term fix for health care funding that will generate between $210 million and $320 million in revenue over two years.</p>
<p>“Tonight’s vote is an affirmation of our belief that Oregon is better off with a robust Medicaid program for our most vulnerable citizens,” Andy Davidson, president and CEO of the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems, said in a statement. “We are proud to have been a partner in fighting for these patients and their families.”</p>
<p>The measure creates a 0.7 percent tax on some hospitals and a 1.5 percent tax on the gross health insurance premiums and on managed care organizations. The nonpartisan voter pamphlet said if the measure failed, the state might lose an additional $630 million to $960 million in federal Medicaid matching funds that flow to the poorest in the state.</p>
<p>That possibility was enough to galvanize health care providers, doctors and nurses associations and insurers behind Measure 101. Hospitals said the costs of treating uninsured patients in emergency rooms would be more than the taxes imposed.</p>
<p>Proponents also argued that more than 350,000 Oregonians who secured health care coverage under the expansion would lose it if Measure 101 failed.</p>
<p>The ballot measure arose from a grassroots campaign to put parts of a bipartisan legislative funding solution passed last year before voters.</p>
<p>Republican Rep. Julie Parrish and several colleagues were angered by portions of the bill that exempt unions and large, self-insured corporations like Nike from Medicaid taxes but not Oregonians who buy insurance on health care exchanges.</p>
<p>They also believed hospitals and insurers will pass the cost to consumers, despite language that limits premium rate increases to 1.5 percent.</p>
<p>Medicaid is a federal-state collaboration originally meant for poor families and severely disabled people. Over the years, it’s grown to become the largest government health insurance program, now covering 1 in 5 Americans.</p>
<p>In 2014, Oregon was one of 32 states and the District of Columbia to allow people making 138 percent of the federal poverty line to qualify for Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. That’s $34,600 for a family of four. Before, they had to make less to qualify.</p>
<p>The changes brought a slew of new enrollees, not just in Oregon but in all states that allowed an expansion of the program. For the first two years, the federal government covered the full cost for those new enrollees.</p>
<p>In 2017, the match dropped to 95 percent, adding $136 million in costs in Oregon. It will drop to 90 percent in 2020.</p>
<p>At the same time, the federal government asked Oregon to pay more for its other Medicaid recipients because of its strong economy.</p>
<p>State lawmakers also voted to provide Medicaid coverage for children living in the country illegally starting Jan. 1, adding another $27 million in costs.</p>
<p>PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Oregon approved taxes on hospitals, health insurers and managed care companies in an unusual special election Tuesday that asked voters — and not lawmakers — how to pay for Medicaid costs that now include coverage of hundreds of thousands of low-income residents added to the program’s rolls under the Affordable Care Act.</p>
<p>Measure 101 was passing handily in early returns Tuesday night. The single-issue election drew national attention to this progressive state, which aggressively expanded its Medicaid rolls under President Barack Obama’s health care reforms. Oregon now has one of the lowest rates of uninsured residents in the nation at 5 percent. About 1 million Oregonians — 25 percent — now receive health care coverage from Medicaid.</p>
<p>Maine voters recently went to polls to approve the expansion of their Medicaid program, but experts said Oregon was the first state to take the issue of funding that expansion directly to voters.</p>
<p>The taxes are a short-term fix for health care funding that will generate between $210 million and $320 million in revenue over two years.</p>
<p>“Tonight’s vote is an affirmation of our belief that Oregon is better off with a robust Medicaid program for our most vulnerable citizens,” Andy Davidson, president and CEO of the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems, said in a statement. “We are proud to have been a partner in fighting for these patients and their families.”</p>
<p>The measure creates a 0.7 percent tax on some hospitals and a 1.5 percent tax on the gross health insurance premiums and on managed care organizations. The nonpartisan voter pamphlet said if the measure failed, the state might lose an additional $630 million to $960 million in federal Medicaid matching funds that flow to the poorest in the state.</p>
<p>That possibility was enough to galvanize health care providers, doctors and nurses associations and insurers behind Measure 101. Hospitals said the costs of treating uninsured patients in emergency rooms would be more than the taxes imposed.</p>
<p>Proponents also argued that more than 350,000 Oregonians who secured health care coverage under the expansion would lose it if Measure 101 failed.</p>
<p>The ballot measure arose from a grassroots campaign to put parts of a bipartisan legislative funding solution passed last year before voters.</p>
<p>Republican Rep. Julie Parrish and several colleagues were angered by portions of the bill that exempt unions and large, self-insured corporations like Nike from Medicaid taxes but not Oregonians who buy insurance on health care exchanges.</p>
<p>They also believed hospitals and insurers will pass the cost to consumers, despite language that limits premium rate increases to 1.5 percent.</p>
<p>Medicaid is a federal-state collaboration originally meant for poor families and severely disabled people. Over the years, it’s grown to become the largest government health insurance program, now covering 1 in 5 Americans.</p>
<p>In 2014, Oregon was one of 32 states and the District of Columbia to allow people making 138 percent of the federal poverty line to qualify for Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. That’s $34,600 for a family of four. Before, they had to make less to qualify.</p>
<p>The changes brought a slew of new enrollees, not just in Oregon but in all states that allowed an expansion of the program. For the first two years, the federal government covered the full cost for those new enrollees.</p>
<p>In 2017, the match dropped to 95 percent, adding $136 million in costs in Oregon. It will drop to 90 percent in 2020.</p>
<p>At the same time, the federal government asked Oregon to pay more for its other Medicaid recipients because of its strong economy.</p>
<p>State lawmakers also voted to provide Medicaid coverage for children living in the country illegally starting Jan. 1, adding another $27 million in costs.</p>
| false | 2 |
portland ore ap oregon approved taxes hospitals health insurers managed care companies unusual special election tuesday asked voters lawmakers pay medicaid costs include coverage hundreds thousands lowincome residents added programs rolls affordable care act measure 101 passing handily early returns tuesday night singleissue election drew national attention progressive state aggressively expanded medicaid rolls president barack obamas health care reforms oregon one lowest rates uninsured residents nation 5 percent 1 million oregonians 25 percent receive health care coverage medicaid maine voters recently went polls approve expansion medicaid program experts said oregon first state take issue funding expansion directly voters taxes shortterm fix health care funding generate 210 million 320 million revenue two years tonights vote affirmation belief oregon better robust medicaid program vulnerable citizens andy davidson president ceo oregon association hospitals health systems said statement proud partner fighting patients families measure creates 07 percent tax hospitals 15 percent tax gross health insurance premiums managed care organizations nonpartisan voter pamphlet said measure failed state might lose additional 630 million 960 million federal medicaid matching funds flow poorest state possibility enough galvanize health care providers doctors nurses associations insurers behind measure 101 hospitals said costs treating uninsured patients emergency rooms would taxes imposed proponents also argued 350000 oregonians secured health care coverage expansion would lose measure 101 failed ballot measure arose grassroots campaign put parts bipartisan legislative funding solution passed last year voters republican rep julie parrish several colleagues angered portions bill exempt unions large selfinsured corporations like nike medicaid taxes oregonians buy insurance health care exchanges also believed hospitals insurers pass cost consumers despite language limits premium rate increases 15 percent medicaid federalstate collaboration originally meant poor families severely disabled people years grown become largest government health insurance program covering 1 5 americans 2014 oregon one 32 states district columbia allow people making 138 percent federal poverty line qualify medicaid affordable care act thats 34600 family four make less qualify changes brought slew new enrollees oregon states allowed expansion program first two years federal government covered full cost new enrollees 2017 match dropped 95 percent adding 136 million costs oregon drop 90 percent 2020 time federal government asked oregon pay medicaid recipients strong economy state lawmakers also voted provide medicaid coverage children living country illegally starting jan 1 adding another 27 million costs portland ore ap oregon approved taxes hospitals health insurers managed care companies unusual special election tuesday asked voters lawmakers pay medicaid costs include coverage hundreds thousands lowincome residents added programs rolls affordable care act measure 101 passing handily early returns tuesday night singleissue election drew national attention progressive state aggressively expanded medicaid rolls president barack obamas health care reforms oregon one lowest rates uninsured residents nation 5 percent 1 million oregonians 25 percent receive health care coverage medicaid maine voters recently went polls approve expansion medicaid program experts said oregon first state take issue funding expansion directly voters taxes shortterm fix health care funding generate 210 million 320 million revenue two years tonights vote affirmation belief oregon better robust medicaid program vulnerable citizens andy davidson president ceo oregon association hospitals health systems said statement proud partner fighting patients families measure creates 07 percent tax hospitals 15 percent tax gross health insurance premiums managed care organizations nonpartisan voter pamphlet said measure failed state might lose additional 630 million 960 million federal medicaid matching funds flow poorest state possibility enough galvanize health care providers doctors nurses associations insurers behind measure 101 hospitals said costs treating uninsured patients emergency rooms would taxes imposed proponents also argued 350000 oregonians secured health care coverage expansion would lose measure 101 failed ballot measure arose grassroots campaign put parts bipartisan legislative funding solution passed last year voters republican rep julie parrish several colleagues angered portions bill exempt unions large selfinsured corporations like nike medicaid taxes oregonians buy insurance health care exchanges also believed hospitals insurers pass cost consumers despite language limits premium rate increases 15 percent medicaid federalstate collaboration originally meant poor families severely disabled people years grown become largest government health insurance program covering 1 5 americans 2014 oregon one 32 states district columbia allow people making 138 percent federal poverty line qualify medicaid affordable care act thats 34600 family four make less qualify changes brought slew new enrollees oregon states allowed expansion program first two years federal government covered full cost new enrollees 2017 match dropped 95 percent adding 136 million costs oregon drop 90 percent 2020 time federal government asked oregon pay medicaid recipients strong economy state lawmakers also voted provide medicaid coverage children living country illegally starting jan 1 adding another 27 million costs
| 762 |
<p>Jan 17 (Reuters) - Amarin Corporation Plc:</p>
<p>* AMARIN ANNOUNCES COMMENCEMENT OF VASCEPA CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT IN MAINLAND CHINA Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage:</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>BEIJING (Reuters) - China is well prepared to handle any negative effects from its trade dispute with the United States, the commerce ministry said on Thursday, adding that China's tariff hikes on U.S. imports will not have a big impact overall on its domestic industries.</p> Shipping containers are seen at the port in Shanghai, China April 10, 2018. REUTERS/Aly Song
<p>The United States would be making a miscalculation if it is determined to contain China's rise, ministry spokesman Gao Feng said at a regular media briefing in Beijing.</p>
<p>Responding to a question on whether China has underestimated President Donald Trump's resolve to pursue trade measures against China, Gao said Beijing hopes Washington will not underestimate China's resolve to fight back.</p>
<p>Most analysts believe the two sides will eventually reach a compromise and avoid a full-blown trade war. But so far, China and the U.S. have held no formal trade talks, Gao said.</p>
<p>In the latest escalations in the widening trade row, the U.S. said this week it had banned American companies from selling parts to Chinese telecom equipment maker ZTE for seven years, while China on Tuesday announced hefty anti-dumping tariffs on imports of U.S. sorghum and measures on synthetic rubber imports from the U.S., EU and Singapore on Thursday.</p>
<p>China will take any necessary measures at any time in response to the U.S. move against ZTE, Gao said.</p>
<p>On April 2, China slapped additional import taxes on 128 U.S. products including frozen pork and wine, in response to U.S. duties on imports of aluminum and steel.</p>
<p>Two days later, China warned it was considering increasing duties on an additional 106 U.S. imports, hitting back at the U.S.?s plan to levy duties on $50 billion of Chinese goods following a months-long intellectual property probe.</p>
<p>China's move on U.S. sorghum is independent from the current Sino-U.S. trade frictions, Gao said.</p>
<p>The global economy will expand this year at its fastest pace since 2010, but trade protectionism could quickly slow it down, the latest Reuters polls of over 500 economists worldwide suggest.</p>
<p>Reporting by Yawen Chen and Se Young Lee; Writing by Ryan Woo; Editing by Sam Holmes and Kim Coghill</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>SYDNEY (Reuters) - Resource stocks were on a roll in Asia on Thursday as oil prices hit heights not seen since late 2014 and ignited a rally across commodities, though the potential boost to inflation globally also put some pressure on fixed-income assets.</p> FILE PHOTO: Market prices are reflected in a glass window at the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) in Tokyo, Japan, February 6, 2018. REUTERS/Toru Hanai
<p>Brent crude futures climbed another 29 cents to stand at $73.77 a barrel, adding to a 2.7 percent jump overnight. U.S. crude gained 26 cents to $68.73.</p>
<p>The surge came on a Reuters report that OPEC's new price hawk Saudi Arabia would be happy for crude to rise to $80 or even $100, a sign Riyadh will seek no changes to a supply-cutting deal even though the agreement's original target is within sight.</p>
<p>"The Saudis and their colleagues in OPEC need higher oil for their fiscal positions and the Kingdom is on a bold - and costly - reform program," said Greg McKenna, chief market strategist at CFD and FX provider AxiTrader.</p>
<p>"So, they might continue to squeeze the lemon while they have the chance and the hand."</p>
<p>The leap in oil combined with fears that sanctions on Russia could hit supplies of other commodities to light a fire under the entire sector. Aluminum prices reached their highest since 2011, alumina touched an all-time peak and nickel jumped the most in 6-1/2 years.</p>
<p>Such increases, if sustained, could fuel inflationary pressures and investors hedged by selling sovereign bonds.</p>
<p>Yields on U.S. two-year Treasuries stood at levels last visited in 2008 at 2.43 percent.</p> EXTRA ENERGY
<p>Resource stocks were the big winners driving Australia's main index up 0.6 percent. Japan's Nikkei gained 0.6 percent, led by a 2.9 percent rise in basic materials.</p>
<p>MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan added 0.8 percent, with energy up over 2 percent. E-Mini futures for the S&amp;P 500 rose 0.1 percent.</p>
<p>Wall Street had also seen hefty gains in the energy and industrial indexes, though that was offset by softness in sectors such as consumer staples and financials.</p>
<p>IBM's 7.5 percent drop was the biggest drag on the S&amp;P after the technology company's quarterly profit margins missed Wall Street targets.</p>
<p>The Dow ended down 0.16 percent, while the S&amp;P 500 gained 0.08 percent and the Nasdaq 0.19 percent.</p>
<p>In currency markets, the U.S. dollar remained range bound with its index a fraction firmer at 89.647. It gained a touch on the yen to 107.40 yen, but stayed short of recent peaks at 107.78.</p>
<p>The euro hovered at $1.2384, within striking distance of the week's top of $1.2413.</p>
<p>The Australian dollar took a brief knock after jobs data proved unexpectedly soft in March, with employment rising by a meager 4,900.</p>
<p>Sterling nursed its losses at $1.4195 after a surprisingly tame reading on UK inflation led the market to reconsider the likely pace of future rate rises from the Bank of England.</p>
<p>Data out on New Zealand on Thursday showed annual inflation there had slowed to just 1.1 percent in the first quarter, underlining expectations that interest rates would remain at record lows for many more months to come.</p>
<p>Editing by Sam Holmes &amp; Shri Navaratnam</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>(Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said on Wednesday it would order inspection of some 220 jet engines after investigators said a broken fan blade touched off an engine explosion on a Southwest Airlines flight, shattering a window and killing a passenger.</p>
<p>The order, called an air-worthiness directive, would require an ultrasonic inspection within the next six months of the fan blades on all CFM56-7B engines that have accrued a certain number of takeoffs.</p>
<p>The CFM56 engine on Southwest flight 1380 blew apart over Pennsylvania on Tuesday, about 20 minutes after the Dallas-bound flight left New York's LaGuardia Airport with 149 people on board.</p>
<p>The explosion sent shrapnel ripping into the fuselage of the Boeing 737-700 plane and shattered a window.</p>
<p>Bank executive Jennifer Riordan, 43, was killed when she was partially pulled through a gaping hole next to her seat in row 14 as the cabin suffered rapid decompression. Fellow passengers were able to pull her back inside but she died of her injuries later on Tuesday.</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-pennsylvania-airplane-socialmedia/southwest-passenger-trolled-for-livestreaming-stricken-flight-idUSKBN1HQ02M" type="external">Southwest passenger trolled for livestreaming stricken flight</a>
<p>Philadelphia's medical examiner ruled that the cause of death was blunt trauma to the head, neck and torso, and ruled the death an accident, spokesman Jim Garrow said.</p>
<p>"As captain and first officer of the crew of five who worked to serve our customers aboard Flight 1380 yesterday, we all feel we were simply doing our jobs. Our hearts are heavy," Captain Tammie Jo Shults and First Officer Darren Ellisor said in a written statement released by the airline.</p>
<p>Shults and Ellisor said they were focused on working with investigators and would not be speaking to the media.</p>
<p>Earlier on Wednesday National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Robert Sumwalt told a news conference that the incident began when one of the engine's 24 fan blades snapped off from its hub. Sumwalt said investigators found that the blade had suffered metal fatigue at the site of the break.</p>
<p>Sumwalt said he could not yet say if the incident, the first deadly airline accident in the United States since 2009, pointed to a fleet-wide issue in the Boeing 737-700.</p>
<p>"We want to very carefully understand what was the result of this problem, and as I mentioned a few minutes ago, I'm very concerned about this particular event," Sumwalt said at the news conference at the Philadelphia airport. "To be able to extrapolate that to the entire fleet, I'm not willing to do that right now."</p>
<p>Southwest crews were inspecting similar engines the airline had in service, focusing on the 400 to 600 oldest of the CFM56 engines, made by a partnership of France's Safran and General Electric, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. It was the second time that style of engine had failed on a Southwest jet in the past two years, prompting airlines around the world to step up inspections.</p>
<p>A National Transportation Safety Board inspection crew was also combing over the Boeing 737-700 for signs of what caused the engine to explode.</p>
<p>Sumwalt said the fan blade, after suffering metal fatigue where it attached to the engine hub, suffered a second fracture about halfway along its length. Pieces of the plane were found in rural Pennsylvania by investigators who tracked them on radar. The metal fatigue would not have been observable by looking at the engine from the outside, Sumwalt said.</p>
<p>Although the FAA said the directive would apply to about 220 engines, airlines said that because fan blades may have been repaired and relocated, it would affect a far greater number.</p>
<p>The jet was traveling at 190 miles per hour when it made an emergency landing at Philadelphia International Airport, according to Sumwalt, much faster than the typical 155-mile-per-hour touchdown.</p>
<p>Passengers described scenes of panic as a piece of shrapnel from the engine shattered a plane window, almost sucking Riordan out.</p>
<p>"The window had broken and the negative pressure had pulled her outside the plane partially," Peggy Phillips, a registered nurse who was on the plane, told WFAA-TV in Dallas. "Two wonderful men ... they managed to get her back inside the plane, and we laid her down and we started CPR."</p> Emergency personnel monitor the damaged engine of Southwest Airlines Flight 1380, which diverted to the Philadelphia International Airport this morning after the airline crew reported damage to one of the aircraft's engines, on a runway in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania U.S. April 17, 2018. REUTERS/Mark Makela
<p>Riordan was a Wells Fargo banking executive and well-known community volunteer from Albuquerque, New Mexico, the company said.</p> ?MY LAST FEW MOMENTS?
<p>Videos posted on social media showed passengers grabbing for oxygen masks and screaming as the plane, piloted by Shults, a former U.S. Navy fighter pilot, prepared for the descent into Philadelphia.</p>
<p>"All I could think of in that moment was, I need to communicate with my loved ones," passenger Marty Martinez told ABC's "Good Morning America" on Wednesday. During the incident, he logged on to the in-flight Wi-Fi to send messages to his family.</p>
<p>"I thought, these are my last few moments on Earth and I want people to know what happened," said Martinez, who live-streamed on Facebook images of passengers in oxygen masks as the plane made a bumpy descent into Philadelphia.</p> Slideshow (10 Images)
<p>Southwest Airlines experienced an unrelated safety incident early on Wednesday when a Phoenix-bound flight was forced to land at the Nashville airport shortly after takeoff because of bird strike.</p>
<p>The airline expected to wrap up its inspection of the engines it was targeting in about 30 days.</p>
<p>The GE-Safran partnership that built the engine said it was sending about 40 technicians to help with Southwest's inspections.</p>
<p>Pieces of the engine including its cowling - the smooth metal exterior that covers its inner workings - were found about 60 miles (97 km) from Philadelphia airport, Sumwalt said. The investigation could take 12 to 15 months to complete.</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 hole above the left wing. That incident prompted the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration to propose last year that similar fan blades undergo ultrasonic inspections and be replaced if they failed.</p>
<p>Reporting by Alwyn Scott, Jonathan Allen and Alana Wise in New York, David Shepardson in Washington, Scott Malone in Boston, Arunima Banerjee in Bengaluru and Dan Whitcomb in Los Angeles; Writing by Dan Whitcomb; Editing by Susan Thomas and Leslie Adler</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - If a new European law restricting what companies can do with people's online data went into effect tomorrow, almost 1.9 billion Facebook Inc users around the world would be protected by it. The online social network is making changes that ensure the number will be much smaller.</p>
<p>Facebook members outside the United States and Canada, whether they know it or not, are currently governed by terms of service agreed with the company's international headquarters in Ireland.</p>
<p>Next month, Facebook is planning to make that the case for only European users, meaning 1.5 billion members in Africa, Asia, Australia and Latin America will not fall under the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which takes effect on May 25.</p>
<p>The previously unreported move, which Facebook confirmed to Reuters on Tuesday, shows the world's largest online social network is keen to reduce its exposure to GDPR, which allows European regulators to fine companies for collecting or using personal data without users' consent.</p>
<p>That removes a huge potential liability for Facebook, as the new EU law allows for fines of up to 4 percent of global annual revenue for infractions, which in Facebook's case could mean billions of dollars.</p>
<p>The change comes as Facebook is under scrutiny from regulators and lawmakers around the world since disclosing last month that the personal information of millions of users wrongly ended up in the hands of political consultancy Cambridge Analytica, setting off wider concerns about how it handles user data.</p>
<p>The change affects more than 70 percent of Facebook's 2 billion-plus members. As of December, Facebook had 239 million users in the United States and Canada, 370 million in Europe and 1.52 billion users elsewhere.</p>
<p>Facebook, like many other U.S. technology companies, established an Irish subsidiary in 2008 and took advantage of the country's low corporate tax rates, routing through it revenue from some advertisers outside North America. The unit is subject to regulations applied by the 28-nation European Union.</p>
<p>Facebook said the latest change does not have tax implications.</p> ?IN SPIRIT?
<p>In a statement given to Reuters, Facebook played down the importance of the terms of service change, saying it plans to make the privacy controls and settings that Europe will get under GDPR available to the rest of the world.</p>
<p>"We apply the same privacy protections everywhere, regardless of whether your agreement is with Facebook Inc or Facebook Ireland," the company said.</p>
<p>Earlier this month, Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg told Reuters in an interview that his company would apply the EU law globally "in spirit," but stopped short of committing to it as the standard for the social network across the world.</p>
<p>In practice, the change means the 1.5 billion affected users will not be able to file complaints with Ireland's Data Protection Commissioner or in Irish courts. Instead they will be governed by more lenient U.S. privacy laws, said Michael Veale, a technology policy researcher at University College London.</p>
<p>Facebook will have more leeway in how it handles data about those users, Veale said. Certain types of data such as browsing history, for instance, are considered personal data under EU law but are not as protected in the United States, he said.</p>
<p>The company said its rationale for the change was related to the European Union's mandated privacy notices, "because EU law requires specific language." For example, the company said, the new EU law requires specific legal terminology about the legal basis for processing data which does not exist in U.S. law.</p> NO WARNING
<p>Ireland was unaware of the change. One Irish official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said he did not know of any plans by Facebook to transfer responsibilities wholesale to the United States or to decrease Facebook's presence in Ireland, where the social network is seeking to recruit more than 100 new staff.</p>
<p>Facebook released a revised terms of service in draft form two weeks ago, and they are scheduled to take effect next month.</p> FILE PHOTO: Silhouettes of mobile users are seen next to a screen projection of Facebook logo in this picture illustration taken March 28, 2018. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File photo
<p>Other multinational companies are also planning changes. LinkedIn, a unit of Microsoft Corp, tells users in its existing terms of service that if they are outside the United States, they have a contract with LinkedIn Ireland. New terms that take effect May 8 move non-Europeans to contracts with U.S.-based LinkedIn Corp.</p>
<p>LinkedIn said in a statement on Wednesday that all users are entitled to the same privacy protections. "We've simply streamlined the contract location to ensure all members understand the LinkedIn entity responsible for their personal data," the company said.</p>
<p>Reporting by David Ingram in San Francisco; Additional reporting by Joseph Menn in San Francisco, Padraic Halpin and Conor Humphries in Dublin and Douglas Busvine in Frankfurt; Editing by Greg Mitchell and Bill Rigby</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
| false | 2 |
jan 17 reuters amarin corporation plc amarin announces commencement vascepa clinical development mainland china source text eikon company coverage standards thomson reuters trust principles beijing reuters china well prepared handle negative effects trade dispute united states commerce ministry said thursday adding chinas tariff hikes us imports big impact overall domestic industries shipping containers seen port shanghai china april 10 2018 reutersaly song united states would making miscalculation determined contain chinas rise ministry spokesman gao feng said regular media briefing beijing responding question whether china underestimated president donald trumps resolve pursue trade measures china gao said beijing hopes washington underestimate chinas resolve fight back analysts believe two sides eventually reach compromise avoid fullblown trade war far china us held formal trade talks gao said latest escalations widening trade row us said week banned american companies selling parts chinese telecom equipment maker zte seven years china tuesday announced hefty antidumping tariffs imports us sorghum measures synthetic rubber imports us eu singapore thursday china take necessary measures time response us move zte gao said april 2 china slapped additional import taxes 128 us products including frozen pork wine response us duties imports aluminum steel two days later china warned considering increasing duties additional 106 us imports hitting back uss plan levy duties 50 billion chinese goods following monthslong intellectual property probe chinas move us sorghum independent current sinous trade frictions gao said global economy expand year fastest pace since 2010 trade protectionism could quickly slow latest reuters polls 500 economists worldwide suggest reporting yawen chen se young lee writing ryan woo editing sam holmes kim coghill standards thomson reuters trust principles sydney reuters resource stocks roll asia thursday oil prices hit heights seen since late 2014 ignited rally across commodities though potential boost inflation globally also put pressure fixedincome assets file photo market prices reflected glass window tokyo stock exchange tse tokyo japan february 6 2018 reuterstoru hanai brent crude futures climbed another 29 cents stand 7377 barrel adding 27 percent jump overnight us crude gained 26 cents 6873 surge came reuters report opecs new price hawk saudi arabia would happy crude rise 80 even 100 sign riyadh seek changes supplycutting deal even though agreements original target within sight saudis colleagues opec need higher oil fiscal positions kingdom bold costly reform program said greg mckenna chief market strategist cfd fx provider axitrader might continue squeeze lemon chance hand leap oil combined fears sanctions russia could hit supplies commodities light fire entire sector aluminum prices reached highest since 2011 alumina touched alltime peak nickel jumped 612 years increases sustained could fuel inflationary pressures investors hedged selling sovereign bonds yields us twoyear treasuries stood levels last visited 2008 243 percent extra energy resource stocks big winners driving australias main index 06 percent japans nikkei gained 06 percent led 29 percent rise basic materials mscis broadest index asiapacific shares outside japan added 08 percent energy 2 percent emini futures sampp 500 rose 01 percent wall street also seen hefty gains energy industrial indexes though offset softness sectors consumer staples financials ibms 75 percent drop biggest drag sampp technology companys quarterly profit margins missed wall street targets dow ended 016 percent sampp 500 gained 008 percent nasdaq 019 percent currency markets us dollar remained range bound index fraction firmer 89647 gained touch yen 10740 yen stayed short recent peaks 10778 euro hovered 12384 within striking distance weeks top 12413 australian dollar took brief knock jobs data proved unexpectedly soft march employment rising meager 4900 sterling nursed losses 14195 surprisingly tame reading uk inflation led market reconsider likely pace future rate rises bank england data new zealand thursday showed annual inflation slowed 11 percent first quarter underlining expectations interest rates would remain record lows many months come editing sam holmes amp shri navaratnam standards thomson reuters trust principles reuters us federal aviation administration said wednesday would order inspection 220 jet engines investigators said broken fan blade touched engine explosion southwest airlines flight shattering window killing passenger order called airworthiness directive would require ultrasonic inspection within next six months fan blades cfm567b engines accrued certain number takeoffs cfm56 engine southwest flight 1380 blew apart pennsylvania tuesday 20 minutes dallasbound flight left new yorks laguardia airport 149 people board explosion sent shrapnel ripping fuselage boeing 737700 plane shattered window bank executive jennifer riordan 43 killed partially pulled gaping hole next seat row 14 cabin suffered rapid decompression fellow passengers able pull back inside died injuries later tuesday related coverage southwest passenger trolled livestreaming stricken flight philadelphias medical examiner ruled cause death blunt trauma head neck torso ruled death accident spokesman jim garrow said captain first officer crew five worked serve customers aboard flight 1380 yesterday feel simply jobs hearts heavy captain tammie jo shults first officer darren ellisor said written statement released airline shults ellisor said focused working investigators would speaking media earlier wednesday national transportation safety board chairman robert sumwalt told news conference incident began one engines 24 fan blades snapped hub sumwalt said investigators found blade suffered metal fatigue site break sumwalt said could yet say incident first deadly airline accident united states since 2009 pointed fleetwide issue boeing 737700 want carefully understand result problem mentioned minutes ago im concerned particular event sumwalt said news conference philadelphia airport able extrapolate entire fleet im willing right southwest crews inspecting similar engines airline service focusing 400 600 oldest cfm56 engines made partnership frances safran general electric according person knowledge situation second time style engine failed southwest jet past two years prompting airlines around world step inspections national transportation safety board inspection crew also combing boeing 737700 signs caused engine explode sumwalt said fan blade suffering metal fatigue attached engine hub suffered second fracture halfway along length pieces plane found rural pennsylvania investigators tracked radar metal fatigue would observable looking engine outside sumwalt said although faa said directive would apply 220 engines airlines said fan blades may repaired relocated would affect far greater number jet traveling 190 miles per hour made emergency landing philadelphia international airport according sumwalt much faster typical 155mileperhour touchdown passengers described scenes panic piece shrapnel engine shattered plane window almost sucking riordan window broken negative pressure pulled outside plane partially peggy phillips registered nurse plane told wfaatv dallas two wonderful men managed get back inside plane laid started cpr emergency personnel monitor damaged engine southwest airlines flight 1380 diverted philadelphia international airport morning airline crew reported damage one aircrafts engines runway philadelphia pennsylvania us april 17 2018 reutersmark makela riordan wells fargo banking executive wellknown community volunteer albuquerque new mexico company said last moments videos posted social media showed passengers grabbing oxygen masks screaming plane piloted shults former us navy fighter pilot prepared descent philadelphia could think moment need communicate loved ones passenger marty martinez told abcs good morning america wednesday incident logged inflight wifi send messages family thought last moments earth want people know happened said martinez livestreamed facebook images passengers oxygen masks plane made bumpy descent philadelphia slideshow 10 images southwest airlines experienced unrelated safety incident early wednesday phoenixbound flight forced land nashville airport shortly takeoff bird strike airline expected wrap inspection engines targeting 30 days gesafran partnership built engine said sending 40 technicians help southwests inspections pieces engine including cowling smooth metal exterior covers inner workings found 60 miles 97 km philadelphia airport sumwalt said investigation could take 12 15 months complete august 2016 southwest flight made safe emergency landing pensacola florida fan blade separated type engine debris ripped hole left wing incident prompted us federal aviation administration propose last year similar fan blades undergo ultrasonic inspections replaced failed reporting alwyn scott jonathan allen alana wise new york david shepardson washington scott malone boston arunima banerjee bengaluru dan whitcomb los angeles writing dan whitcomb editing susan thomas leslie adler standards thomson reuters trust principles san francisco reuters new european law restricting companies peoples online data went effect tomorrow almost 19 billion facebook inc users around world would protected online social network making changes ensure number much smaller facebook members outside united states canada whether know currently governed terms service agreed companys international headquarters ireland next month facebook planning make case european users meaning 15 billion members africa asia australia latin america fall european unions general data protection regulation gdpr takes effect may 25 previously unreported move facebook confirmed reuters tuesday shows worlds largest online social network keen reduce exposure gdpr allows european regulators fine companies collecting using personal data without users consent removes huge potential liability facebook new eu law allows fines 4 percent global annual revenue infractions facebooks case could mean billions dollars change comes facebook scrutiny regulators lawmakers around world since disclosing last month personal information millions users wrongly ended hands political consultancy cambridge analytica setting wider concerns handles user data change affects 70 percent facebooks 2 billionplus members december facebook 239 million users united states canada 370 million europe 152 billion users elsewhere facebook like many us technology companies established irish subsidiary 2008 took advantage countrys low corporate tax rates routing revenue advertisers outside north america unit subject regulations applied 28nation european union facebook said latest change tax implications spirit statement given reuters facebook played importance terms service change saying plans make privacy controls settings europe get gdpr available rest world apply privacy protections everywhere regardless whether agreement facebook inc facebook ireland company said earlier month facebook chief executive mark zuckerberg told reuters interview company would apply eu law globally spirit stopped short committing standard social network across world practice change means 15 billion affected users able file complaints irelands data protection commissioner irish courts instead governed lenient us privacy laws said michael veale technology policy researcher university college london facebook leeway handles data users veale said certain types data browsing history instance considered personal data eu law protected united states said company said rationale change related european unions mandated privacy notices eu law requires specific language example company said new eu law requires specific legal terminology legal basis processing data exist us law warning ireland unaware change one irish official speaking condition anonymity said know plans facebook transfer responsibilities wholesale united states decrease facebooks presence ireland social network seeking recruit 100 new staff facebook released revised terms service draft form two weeks ago scheduled take effect next month file photo silhouettes mobile users seen next screen projection facebook logo picture illustration taken march 28 2018 reutersdado ruvicillustrationfile photo multinational companies also planning changes linkedin unit microsoft corp tells users existing terms service outside united states contract linkedin ireland new terms take effect may 8 move noneuropeans contracts usbased linkedin corp linkedin said statement wednesday users entitled privacy protections weve simply streamlined contract location ensure members understand linkedin entity responsible personal data company said reporting david ingram san francisco additional reporting joseph menn san francisco padraic halpin conor humphries dublin douglas busvine frankfurt editing greg mitchell bill rigby standards thomson reuters trust principles
| 1,802 |
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p />
<p>2:50 p.m.</p>
<p>Chicago officials say the crowd estimate for the Chicago Cubs championship celebration is about 5 million people.</p>
<p>The number comes Friday afternoon from Melissa Stratton, the spokeswoman for the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications. It includes everyone who lined the parade route and the crowd who attended a rally at Grant Park.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Among those in the crowd at Grant Park were four generations of Laura Lewis’ family, including her 70-year-old grandma, her mother and her son. All three women told stories of going to games as young girls and continuing the tradition with their families.</p>
<p>The family gathered pieces of the red and blue parade confetti to send to Lewis’ sister in Japan. Grandma Mary Blevins called the experience “priceless.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>2:15 p.m.</p>
<p>Second baseman Ben Zobrist greeted fans at the Chicago Cubs’ championship rally with his World Series MVP trophy.</p>
<p>Zobrist told fans that it was “definitely a team award.” He said that the Cubs are “a team full of MVPs” and Chicago is “a city of MVPs.” Zobrist said the players were confident until the Cubs fell back three games to one in the World Series to Cleveland. He says, “It was silent in that clubhouse.”</p>
<p>But Zobrist says that’s when catcher David Ross said, ‘Don’t hang your heads. We’re going to do it.” Zobrist said first baseman Anthony Rizzo started playing “Rocky” movies in the clubhouse. He told fans “this ball club pulled through for all of you.”</p>
<p>Friday’s rally ended with a rendition of “Go Cubs Go” and more blue and red confetti.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>1:50 p.m.</p>
<p>Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo got teary-eyed while speaking at the team’s World Series championship rally.</p>
<p>Rizzo singled out retiring Cubs catcher David Ross, saying Ross taught him a lot in life both on and off the field. Rizzo said he’s “forever grateful to him.” The younger Cubs players affectionately call the 39-year-old Ross “Grandpa.” Rizzo says Ross is “going out a champion forever.”</p>
<p>Ross spoke after Rizzo, coming to the microphone at the Grant Park rally and yelling “Chicago!” loudly. He then picked up the championship trophy and shouted, “Look what the boys got me!”</p>
<p>Rizzo finished his speech by giving Cubs owner Tom Ricketts the ball from the last out of Game 7 that gave the Cubs the win over the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>1:20 p.m.</p>
<p>Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon carried the World Series championship trophy onto the stage at a rally honoring the team in Grant Park.</p>
<p>Maddon started by talking to the fans, saying “You guys are the best. Congratulations!”</p>
<p>Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein also spoke, telling fans that they “are really what carried our guys through October.” He said the players “felt how badly” the Chicago Cubs fans wanted a World Series win.</p>
<p>Cubs owner Tom Ricketts told the crowd that the players on the World Series team are “going to be Chicago baseball legends.”</p>
<p>Ricketts said he was used to fans coming up to him, asking when the Cubs were going to win a World Series. He said, “For the thousands of people who have said that to me, ‘There you go.'”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>12:40 p.m.</p>
<p>The Chicago Cubs are being welcomed by thousands of fans and red and blue confetti at Grant Park for the team’s World Series championship rally.</p>
<p>Players, coaches, their families and team executives arrived in a motorcade of open-roof buses just after noon on Friday, following a parade from Wrigley Field through city streets packed with cheering fans.</p>
<p>While they waited to take the stage for a victory rally, Cubs manager Joe Maddon talked with former Cubs player and Baseball Hall of Famer Billy Williams.</p>
<p>During the parade, third baseman Kris Bryant wore a wrestling-style championship belt with a Cubs logo.</p>
<p>Tens of thousands of fans waited at Grant Park for the rally. Many waved white and blue “W” for win Cubs flags and held signs saying “World Champs.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>11:55 a.m.</p>
<p>Chicago Cubs players are waving at fans and shooting them victory gestures as their open-roof buses move down Chicago’s famed Michigan Avenue, which was shut down for the team’s World Series championship parade.</p>
<p>Tens of thousands of fans lined city streets Friday, waving Cubs “W” victory flags and shouting, “Let’s go Cubs,” as the buses went past.</p>
<p>Players hoisted the Commissioner’s Trophy as a large replica of the trophy went past on the back of a pickup truck. And as Cubs President Theo Epstein’s bus drove by, fans yelled “Theo, Theo, Theo.”</p>
<p>Nearby, construction workers watched the parade and cheered from the top of a crane.</p>
<p>The parade will end a few miles south at Grant Park along Lake Michigan, where thousands more fans are waiting for a championship rally.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>10:50 a.m.</p>
<p>The Chicago Cubs championship parade is underway.</p>
<p>Players boarded open-roof buses outside Wrigley Field and began moving just before 11 a.m. with a police escort. Players, each wearing their Cubs jerseys, waved at fans from atop the buses</p>
<p>The motorcade will drive down the city’s famed Michigan Avenue before making its way to a rally scheduled at noon in Grant Park. The sprawling park is already packed with tens of thousands of fans standing shoulder-to-shoulder.</p>
<p>Some players posed for photos together before the buses departed. Others held their infant children and sat with their families.</p>
<p>The Cubs mascot, “Clark,” cheered at the beginning of the parade from the back of a pickup truck. Center fielder Dexter Fowler had a cigar.</p>
<p>The Cubs haven’t won a championship since 1908, and some were calling Friday’s rally and parade the “celebration of a century.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>10:10 a.m.</p>
<p>They’re not old enough to appreciate decades of disappointment, but lots of children and teenagers are among the Cubs fans gathering in Chicago for the team’s first World Series celebration since 1908.</p>
<p>Nine-year-old Juliza Hernandez of Chicago was wearing a Cubs jersey outside Wrigley Field on Friday morning. She made a sign with her father and 6-year-old sister Emily that said, “Winners” and “Go Cubs Go!”</p>
<p>Ten-year-old Chase Anderson of Chicago was also outside the ballpark. He says his favorite Cub is pitcher Jake Arrietta. His dad, 51-year-old private equity investor Dean Anderson, says the new generation of Cubs fans will be expecting more Cubs championships.</p>
<p>Steve Angelo of Chicago was carrying his 4-year-old son Nicholas on his shoulders. The pair wore matching jerseys for first baseman Anthony Rizzo.</p>
<p>Friday was already a scheduled day off for Chicago Public Schools.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>9:55 a.m.</p>
<p>Before the hours-long parade even steps off, tens of thousands of people are making their way into the site of the celebration-capping rally to honor the World Series champion Chicago Cubs.</p>
<p>Aerial video from Chicago television stations shows large crowds of people waiting to get into Grant Park along Lake Michigan and inside barricades set up for the noon Friday rally. Other fans lined the parade route, in places many people deep.</p>
<p>The city has set up security screenings at two entrances to the park and is restricting beverages to closed water bottles, saying alcohol won’t be tolerated.</p>
<p>The parade scheduled to start at about 10 a.m. at Wrigley Field will make its way downtown before ending up in Grant Park.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>9:10 a.m.</p>
<p>Chicago Cubs fans have packed the streets outside Wrigley Field hours before the start of the parade to honor the World Series champions.</p>
<p>Laurie Winter, of South Elgin, woke up at 4 a.m. Friday to bring her 2-year-old son Cooper to the stadium to see the players. The 34-year-old says she spotted a man carrying a sign that said “Tickets wanted for World Series 2017” and that everyone is excited about the team’s future.</p>
<p>The parade is scheduled to start at about 10 a.m. from Wrigley Field, where it will head a few blocks east toward Lake Michigan and then south toward downtown for a rally at Grant Park.</p>
<p>Earlier Friday, motor boats moved up and down the Chicago River, dying it a shade of bright blue to match the team’s color.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>8 a.m.</p>
<p>Cubs fans are packing downtown Chicago to celebrate the team’s first World Series title in 108 years, but one infamous fan won’t be among them.</p>
<p>Steve Bartman has confirmed through a spokesman that he won’t be at the victory parade or rally.</p>
<p>Frank Murtha tells USA Today ( <a href="http://usat.ly/2f8eNW9" type="external">http://usat.ly/2f8eNW9</a> ) that Bartman “was overjoyed that the Cubs won” on Wednesday night to clinch the Series, but that he doesn’t “want to be a distraction” to the team’s accomplishments.</p>
<p>Bartman vanished from public view after interfering with a foul ball during the National League Championship Series in 2003.</p>
<p>The Cubs were five outs away from reaching the World Series at the time. Bartman became a pariah in Chicago after the Cubs went on to lose the game and the series to the Marlins.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>8:30 a.m.</p>
<p>Commuter trains running into downtown Chicago are already packed, hours ahead of the victory parade for the World Series champion Chicago Cubs.</p>
<p>The Chicago Transit Authority had announced Thursday it was adding extra service and capacity to accommodate people attending a noon rally in the city.</p>
<p>But trains were already skipping stops Thursday morning because they were packed with fans, some draped with the team’s blue and white “W” flags before 7 a.m.</p>
<p>Metra trains, which travel farther to the suburbs, was sending out alerts just after 6 a.m. Friday saying some of its trains also were running express because of passenger capacity.</p>
<p>Metra spokesman Michael Gillis said the rail line is “using every piece of equipment” available to accommodate the “huge demand.”</p>
<p>The Cubs parade is scheduled to start about 10 a.m. at Wrigley Field before winding south into downtown along the famed Michigan Avenue to Grant Park for a rally.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>6:40 a.m.</p>
<p>The celebration hasn’t stopped in Chicago, where throngs of Chicago Cubs fans are expected at a parade honoring the World Series champions.</p>
<p>Events get underway Friday morning at Wrigley Field. The parade will leave the historic ballpark at 10 a.m. The parade downtown starts an hour later and ends in Grant Park for a noon rally.</p>
<p>The city also plans to dye the Chicago River blue to honor the team, similar to how the river goes green annually for St. Patrick’s Day.</p>
<p>Chicago estimated that 2 million people attended a parade and rally in 2015 after the Blackhawks won their third Stanley Cup in six years.</p>
<p>But the Cubs’ Game 7 victory in Cleveland on Wednesday broke a 108-year drought, so fans have a lot of pent-up celebrating to do.</p>
| false | 2 |
250 pm chicago officials say crowd estimate chicago cubs championship celebration 5 million people number comes friday afternoon melissa stratton spokeswoman chicago office emergency management communications includes everyone lined parade route crowd attended rally grant park advertisement among crowd grant park four generations laura lewis family including 70yearold grandma mother son three women told stories going games young girls continuing tradition families family gathered pieces red blue parade confetti send lewis sister japan grandma mary blevins called experience priceless ___ 215 pm second baseman ben zobrist greeted fans chicago cubs championship rally world series mvp trophy zobrist told fans definitely team award said cubs team full mvps chicago city mvps zobrist said players confident cubs fell back three games one world series cleveland says silent clubhouse zobrist says thats catcher david ross said dont hang heads going zobrist said first baseman anthony rizzo started playing rocky movies clubhouse told fans ball club pulled fridays rally ended rendition go cubs go blue red confetti advertisement ___ 150 pm chicago cubs first baseman anthony rizzo got tearyeyed speaking teams world series championship rally rizzo singled retiring cubs catcher david ross saying ross taught lot life field rizzo said hes forever grateful younger cubs players affectionately call 39yearold ross grandpa rizzo says ross going champion forever ross spoke rizzo coming microphone grant park rally yelling chicago loudly picked championship trophy shouted look boys got rizzo finished speech giving cubs owner tom ricketts ball last game 7 gave cubs win cleveland indians wednesday ___ 120 pm chicago cubs manager joe maddon carried world series championship trophy onto stage rally honoring team grant park maddon started talking fans saying guys best congratulations cubs president baseball operations theo epstein also spoke telling fans really carried guys october said players felt badly chicago cubs fans wanted world series win cubs owner tom ricketts told crowd players world series team going chicago baseball legends ricketts said used fans coming asking cubs going win world series said thousands people said go ___ 1240 pm chicago cubs welcomed thousands fans red blue confetti grant park teams world series championship rally players coaches families team executives arrived motorcade openroof buses noon friday following parade wrigley field city streets packed cheering fans waited take stage victory rally cubs manager joe maddon talked former cubs player baseball hall famer billy williams parade third baseman kris bryant wore wrestlingstyle championship belt cubs logo tens thousands fans waited grant park rally many waved white blue w win cubs flags held signs saying world champs ___ 1155 chicago cubs players waving fans shooting victory gestures openroof buses move chicagos famed michigan avenue shut teams world series championship parade tens thousands fans lined city streets friday waving cubs w victory flags shouting lets go cubs buses went past players hoisted commissioners trophy large replica trophy went past back pickup truck cubs president theo epsteins bus drove fans yelled theo theo theo nearby construction workers watched parade cheered top crane parade end miles south grant park along lake michigan thousands fans waiting championship rally ___ 1050 chicago cubs championship parade underway players boarded openroof buses outside wrigley field began moving 11 police escort players wearing cubs jerseys waved fans atop buses motorcade drive citys famed michigan avenue making way rally scheduled noon grant park sprawling park already packed tens thousands fans standing shouldertoshoulder players posed photos together buses departed others held infant children sat families cubs mascot clark cheered beginning parade back pickup truck center fielder dexter fowler cigar cubs havent championship since 1908 calling fridays rally parade celebration century ___ 1010 theyre old enough appreciate decades disappointment lots children teenagers among cubs fans gathering chicago teams first world series celebration since 1908 nineyearold juliza hernandez chicago wearing cubs jersey outside wrigley field friday morning made sign father 6yearold sister emily said winners go cubs go tenyearold chase anderson chicago also outside ballpark says favorite cub pitcher jake arrietta dad 51yearold private equity investor dean anderson says new generation cubs fans expecting cubs championships steve angelo chicago carrying 4yearold son nicholas shoulders pair wore matching jerseys first baseman anthony rizzo friday already scheduled day chicago public schools ___ 955 hourslong parade even steps tens thousands people making way site celebrationcapping rally honor world series champion chicago cubs aerial video chicago television stations shows large crowds people waiting get grant park along lake michigan inside barricades set noon friday rally fans lined parade route places many people deep city set security screenings two entrances park restricting beverages closed water bottles saying alcohol wont tolerated parade scheduled start 10 wrigley field make way downtown ending grant park ___ 910 chicago cubs fans packed streets outside wrigley field hours start parade honor world series champions laurie winter south elgin woke 4 friday bring 2yearold son cooper stadium see players 34yearold says spotted man carrying sign said tickets wanted world series 2017 everyone excited teams future parade scheduled start 10 wrigley field head blocks east toward lake michigan south toward downtown rally grant park earlier friday motor boats moved chicago river dying shade bright blue match teams color ___ 8 cubs fans packing downtown chicago celebrate teams first world series title 108 years one infamous fan wont among steve bartman confirmed spokesman wont victory parade rally frank murtha tells usa today httpusatly2f8enw9 bartman overjoyed cubs wednesday night clinch series doesnt want distraction teams accomplishments bartman vanished public view interfering foul ball national league championship series 2003 cubs five outs away reaching world series time bartman became pariah chicago cubs went lose game series marlins ___ 830 commuter trains running downtown chicago already packed hours ahead victory parade world series champion chicago cubs chicago transit authority announced thursday adding extra service capacity accommodate people attending noon rally city trains already skipping stops thursday morning packed fans draped teams blue white w flags 7 metra trains travel farther suburbs sending alerts 6 friday saying trains also running express passenger capacity metra spokesman michael gillis said rail line using every piece equipment available accommodate huge demand cubs parade scheduled start 10 wrigley field winding south downtown along famed michigan avenue grant park rally ___ 640 celebration hasnt stopped chicago throngs chicago cubs fans expected parade honoring world series champions events get underway friday morning wrigley field parade leave historic ballpark 10 parade downtown starts hour later ends grant park noon rally city also plans dye chicago river blue honor team similar river goes green annually st patricks day chicago estimated 2 million people attended parade rally 2015 blackhawks third stanley cup six years cubs game 7 victory cleveland wednesday broke 108year drought fans lot pentup celebrating
| 1,101 |
<p>PITTSBURGH (AP) — Their lone off day of the week nearing an end, Darrius Heyward-Bey and Antonio Brown were plotting how to wrap up Tuesday night when Brown mentioned something about hitting the gym.</p>
<p>Heyward-Bey checked the time and shook his head.</p>
<p>“It was almost 10 o’clock,” Heyward-Bey said with a laugh. “I said, ‘You go ahead. I’m going to go home and sleep.’”</p>
<p>So away Brown disappeared for another solitary workout. Nearly five months into another season packed with GIF-generating touchdown celebrations and looks-like-a-typo numbers, the Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver is still pushing, driven by a relentlessness that is nearing mythical status inside his own locker room.</p>
<p>“He’s the hardest-working dude in football,” Heyward-Bey said.</p>
<p>It sounds like a cliche, particularly in a league filled with overachievers. Yet the Steelers insist it’s true. How else to explain how a sixth-round draft pick — one who at 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds hardly fits the prototypical mold of a gamebreaker in a league where bigger is almost nearly always better — becomes arguably league’s most fluid player? Heading into Sunday’s game at Baltimore, Brown is first in the NFL in yards receiving (1,586), second in receptions (116) and perhaps unmatched in sheer tenacity.</p>
<p>“(He) was kind of bound and determined to not just be the small guy who wasn’t your typical wide receiver,” quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said. “I think that always pushed him, small school, multiple colleges, maybe people not always believing in him, just fueled his fire.”</p>
<p>One that is singeing opponents at a historic rate. Brown and Wes Welker are the only players with three consecutive seasons of 110 or more receptions. When Brown lit up Denver’s No Fly Zone for 16 catches last week, he became the first receiver to put up two games of at least 15 grabs in the same year. His 4,783 yards (and counting) since the start of 2013 is the third-most productive three-year stretch ever, trailing only Jerry Rice and Calvin Johnson.</p>
<p>While it’s easy to get caught up in Brown’s showmanship — do a quick search for “Antonio Brown celebration” for a refresher on everything from the front flip into the end zone against Oakland in November to the goalpost splat against Indianapolis three weeks ago — it obscures the larger point: all that glitz comes with a heavy dash of grit.</p>
<p>Not that Brown wants to talk about it. If anything, he’s become more selective with his words as his star has risen. He began his career sharing a corner of the locker room with fellow receivers Mike Wallace and Emmanuel Sanders (the self-described “Young Money Family) only to migrate to one adjoining the equipment room, better for a quick escape on the days he doesn’t feel like chatting. When pressed on the details of his training regimen, Brown offers only vague generalities.</p>
<p>He prefers not to talk about his rise from draft afterthought to perennial Pro Bowler, repeatedly stressing he is “singularly focused” on beating whatever team the Steelers happen to face that week and flashing a smile that indicates prying any further is pointless. It’s as if he’s protecting some sort of secret formula, even from the guys he lines up alongside.</p>
<p>“He’s all about his business,” Heyward-Bey said. “It’s like he turns on a switch. It’s time to play ball.”</p>
<p>An ethos that isn’t relegated to Sundays. Brown long ago started wearing his game pants during organized team activities. During training camp, he started running additional sprints with the defense even after the offense’s five-minutes of oxygen-sapping dashes were done. Soon, running back Le’Veon Bell and the rest of the skill players were joining in. Brown treats every snap of every practice like it’s overtime in the Super Bowl whether the ball is coming to him or not, an example that has trickled down through a group that includes Heyward-Bey, rising star Martavis Bryant and protege Markus Wheaton.</p>
<p>Brown’s urgency combined with the ingenuity of offensive coordinator Todd Haley and the open-mindedness of head coach Mike Tomlin have created a system that has made Brown nearly unguardable. The Broncos came to Heinz Field last week with the NFL’s best pass defense and Brown finished with 189 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner between two defenders late in the fourth quarter. Most of the production came after Haley started experimenting and lining Brown up in unfamiliar places to give the Broncos a different look.</p>
<p>“It was like an unscripted training camp scrimmage, if you will, in that second half, all of it in order to get him in some (favorable) spot,” Haley said.</p>
<p>In other systems with other franchises, that might have never happened.</p>
<p>He fits the physical profile of a slot receiver, but matches it with the football IQ of a quarterback and a chip on his shoulder roughly the size of the Lombardi Trophy. Haley can’t even remember if he gave Brown much consideration when Brown came out of Central Michigan in 2010 and Haley was coaching in Kansas City. When Haley arrived in Pittsburgh in early 2012 to take over as offensive coordinator, he wasn’t exactly sure what he had on his hands.</p>
<p>“I’m looking at this 5-10 guy. Yeah, he’s fast, (but) he didn’t fit that prototypical big-dog receiver,” Haley said. “I learned pretty quickly not to place a ceiling on AB because he’s going to shatter it.”</p>
<p>NOTES: S Mike Mitchell (shoulder) returned to practice after sitting out Wednesday. ... TE Matt Spaeth (knee) did not practice.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/</p>
<p>PITTSBURGH (AP) — Their lone off day of the week nearing an end, Darrius Heyward-Bey and Antonio Brown were plotting how to wrap up Tuesday night when Brown mentioned something about hitting the gym.</p>
<p>Heyward-Bey checked the time and shook his head.</p>
<p>“It was almost 10 o’clock,” Heyward-Bey said with a laugh. “I said, ‘You go ahead. I’m going to go home and sleep.’”</p>
<p>So away Brown disappeared for another solitary workout. Nearly five months into another season packed with GIF-generating touchdown celebrations and looks-like-a-typo numbers, the Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver is still pushing, driven by a relentlessness that is nearing mythical status inside his own locker room.</p>
<p>“He’s the hardest-working dude in football,” Heyward-Bey said.</p>
<p>It sounds like a cliche, particularly in a league filled with overachievers. Yet the Steelers insist it’s true. How else to explain how a sixth-round draft pick — one who at 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds hardly fits the prototypical mold of a gamebreaker in a league where bigger is almost nearly always better — becomes arguably league’s most fluid player? Heading into Sunday’s game at Baltimore, Brown is first in the NFL in yards receiving (1,586), second in receptions (116) and perhaps unmatched in sheer tenacity.</p>
<p>“(He) was kind of bound and determined to not just be the small guy who wasn’t your typical wide receiver,” quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said. “I think that always pushed him, small school, multiple colleges, maybe people not always believing in him, just fueled his fire.”</p>
<p>One that is singeing opponents at a historic rate. Brown and Wes Welker are the only players with three consecutive seasons of 110 or more receptions. When Brown lit up Denver’s No Fly Zone for 16 catches last week, he became the first receiver to put up two games of at least 15 grabs in the same year. His 4,783 yards (and counting) since the start of 2013 is the third-most productive three-year stretch ever, trailing only Jerry Rice and Calvin Johnson.</p>
<p>While it’s easy to get caught up in Brown’s showmanship — do a quick search for “Antonio Brown celebration” for a refresher on everything from the front flip into the end zone against Oakland in November to the goalpost splat against Indianapolis three weeks ago — it obscures the larger point: all that glitz comes with a heavy dash of grit.</p>
<p>Not that Brown wants to talk about it. If anything, he’s become more selective with his words as his star has risen. He began his career sharing a corner of the locker room with fellow receivers Mike Wallace and Emmanuel Sanders (the self-described “Young Money Family) only to migrate to one adjoining the equipment room, better for a quick escape on the days he doesn’t feel like chatting. When pressed on the details of his training regimen, Brown offers only vague generalities.</p>
<p>He prefers not to talk about his rise from draft afterthought to perennial Pro Bowler, repeatedly stressing he is “singularly focused” on beating whatever team the Steelers happen to face that week and flashing a smile that indicates prying any further is pointless. It’s as if he’s protecting some sort of secret formula, even from the guys he lines up alongside.</p>
<p>“He’s all about his business,” Heyward-Bey said. “It’s like he turns on a switch. It’s time to play ball.”</p>
<p>An ethos that isn’t relegated to Sundays. Brown long ago started wearing his game pants during organized team activities. During training camp, he started running additional sprints with the defense even after the offense’s five-minutes of oxygen-sapping dashes were done. Soon, running back Le’Veon Bell and the rest of the skill players were joining in. Brown treats every snap of every practice like it’s overtime in the Super Bowl whether the ball is coming to him or not, an example that has trickled down through a group that includes Heyward-Bey, rising star Martavis Bryant and protege Markus Wheaton.</p>
<p>Brown’s urgency combined with the ingenuity of offensive coordinator Todd Haley and the open-mindedness of head coach Mike Tomlin have created a system that has made Brown nearly unguardable. The Broncos came to Heinz Field last week with the NFL’s best pass defense and Brown finished with 189 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner between two defenders late in the fourth quarter. Most of the production came after Haley started experimenting and lining Brown up in unfamiliar places to give the Broncos a different look.</p>
<p>“It was like an unscripted training camp scrimmage, if you will, in that second half, all of it in order to get him in some (favorable) spot,” Haley said.</p>
<p>In other systems with other franchises, that might have never happened.</p>
<p>He fits the physical profile of a slot receiver, but matches it with the football IQ of a quarterback and a chip on his shoulder roughly the size of the Lombardi Trophy. Haley can’t even remember if he gave Brown much consideration when Brown came out of Central Michigan in 2010 and Haley was coaching in Kansas City. When Haley arrived in Pittsburgh in early 2012 to take over as offensive coordinator, he wasn’t exactly sure what he had on his hands.</p>
<p>“I’m looking at this 5-10 guy. Yeah, he’s fast, (but) he didn’t fit that prototypical big-dog receiver,” Haley said. “I learned pretty quickly not to place a ceiling on AB because he’s going to shatter it.”</p>
<p>NOTES: S Mike Mitchell (shoulder) returned to practice after sitting out Wednesday. ... TE Matt Spaeth (knee) did not practice.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/</p>
| false | 2 |
pittsburgh ap lone day week nearing end darrius heywardbey antonio brown plotting wrap tuesday night brown mentioned something hitting gym heywardbey checked time shook head almost 10 oclock heywardbey said laugh said go ahead im going go home sleep away brown disappeared another solitary workout nearly five months another season packed gifgenerating touchdown celebrations lookslikeatypo numbers pittsburgh steelers wide receiver still pushing driven relentlessness nearing mythical status inside locker room hes hardestworking dude football heywardbey said sounds like cliche particularly league filled overachievers yet steelers insist true else explain sixthround draft pick one 5foot10 180 pounds hardly fits prototypical mold gamebreaker league bigger almost nearly always better becomes arguably leagues fluid player heading sundays game baltimore brown first nfl yards receiving 1586 second receptions 116 perhaps unmatched sheer tenacity kind bound determined small guy wasnt typical wide receiver quarterback ben roethlisberger said think always pushed small school multiple colleges maybe people always believing fueled fire one singeing opponents historic rate brown wes welker players three consecutive seasons 110 receptions brown lit denvers fly zone 16 catches last week became first receiver put two games least 15 grabs year 4783 yards counting since start 2013 thirdmost productive threeyear stretch ever trailing jerry rice calvin johnson easy get caught browns showmanship quick search antonio brown celebration refresher everything front flip end zone oakland november goalpost splat indianapolis three weeks ago obscures larger point glitz comes heavy dash grit brown wants talk anything hes become selective words star risen began career sharing corner locker room fellow receivers mike wallace emmanuel sanders selfdescribed young money family migrate one adjoining equipment room better quick escape days doesnt feel like chatting pressed details training regimen brown offers vague generalities prefers talk rise draft afterthought perennial pro bowler repeatedly stressing singularly focused beating whatever team steelers happen face week flashing smile indicates prying pointless hes protecting sort secret formula even guys lines alongside hes business heywardbey said like turns switch time play ball ethos isnt relegated sundays brown long ago started wearing game pants organized team activities training camp started running additional sprints defense even offenses fiveminutes oxygensapping dashes done soon running back leveon bell rest skill players joining brown treats every snap every practice like overtime super bowl whether ball coming example trickled group includes heywardbey rising star martavis bryant protege markus wheaton browns urgency combined ingenuity offensive coordinator todd haley openmindedness head coach mike tomlin created system made brown nearly unguardable broncos came heinz field last week nfls best pass defense brown finished 189 yards two touchdowns including gamewinner two defenders late fourth quarter production came haley started experimenting lining brown unfamiliar places give broncos different look like unscripted training camp scrimmage second half order get favorable spot haley said systems franchises might never happened fits physical profile slot receiver matches football iq quarterback chip shoulder roughly size lombardi trophy haley cant even remember gave brown much consideration brown came central michigan 2010 haley coaching kansas city haley arrived pittsburgh early 2012 take offensive coordinator wasnt exactly sure hands im looking 510 guy yeah hes fast didnt fit prototypical bigdog receiver haley said learned pretty quickly place ceiling ab hes going shatter notes mike mitchell shoulder returned practice sitting wednesday te matt spaeth knee practice ___ ap nfl website wwwpro32aporg wwwtwittercom pittsburgh ap lone day week nearing end darrius heywardbey antonio brown plotting wrap tuesday night brown mentioned something hitting gym heywardbey checked time shook head almost 10 oclock heywardbey said laugh said go ahead im going go home sleep away brown disappeared another solitary workout nearly five months another season packed gifgenerating touchdown celebrations lookslikeatypo numbers pittsburgh steelers wide receiver still pushing driven relentlessness nearing mythical status inside locker room hes hardestworking dude football heywardbey said sounds like cliche particularly league filled overachievers yet steelers insist true else explain sixthround draft pick one 5foot10 180 pounds hardly fits prototypical mold gamebreaker league bigger almost nearly always better becomes arguably leagues fluid player heading sundays game baltimore brown first nfl yards receiving 1586 second receptions 116 perhaps unmatched sheer tenacity kind bound determined small guy wasnt typical wide receiver quarterback ben roethlisberger said think always pushed small school multiple colleges maybe people always believing fueled fire one singeing opponents historic rate brown wes welker players three consecutive seasons 110 receptions brown lit denvers fly zone 16 catches last week became first receiver put two games least 15 grabs year 4783 yards counting since start 2013 thirdmost productive threeyear stretch ever trailing jerry rice calvin johnson easy get caught browns showmanship quick search antonio brown celebration refresher everything front flip end zone oakland november goalpost splat indianapolis three weeks ago obscures larger point glitz comes heavy dash grit brown wants talk anything hes become selective words star risen began career sharing corner locker room fellow receivers mike wallace emmanuel sanders selfdescribed young money family migrate one adjoining equipment room better quick escape days doesnt feel like chatting pressed details training regimen brown offers vague generalities prefers talk rise draft afterthought perennial pro bowler repeatedly stressing singularly focused beating whatever team steelers happen face week flashing smile indicates prying pointless hes protecting sort secret formula even guys lines alongside hes business heywardbey said like turns switch time play ball ethos isnt relegated sundays brown long ago started wearing game pants organized team activities training camp started running additional sprints defense even offenses fiveminutes oxygensapping dashes done soon running back leveon bell rest skill players joining brown treats every snap every practice like overtime super bowl whether ball coming example trickled group includes heywardbey rising star martavis bryant protege markus wheaton browns urgency combined ingenuity offensive coordinator todd haley openmindedness head coach mike tomlin created system made brown nearly unguardable broncos came heinz field last week nfls best pass defense brown finished 189 yards two touchdowns including gamewinner two defenders late fourth quarter production came haley started experimenting lining brown unfamiliar places give broncos different look like unscripted training camp scrimmage second half order get favorable spot haley said systems franchises might never happened fits physical profile slot receiver matches football iq quarterback chip shoulder roughly size lombardi trophy haley cant even remember gave brown much consideration brown came central michigan 2010 haley coaching kansas city haley arrived pittsburgh early 2012 take offensive coordinator wasnt exactly sure hands im looking 510 guy yeah hes fast didnt fit prototypical bigdog receiver haley said learned pretty quickly place ceiling ab hes going shatter notes mike mitchell shoulder returned practice sitting wednesday te matt spaeth knee practice ___ ap nfl website wwwpro32aporg wwwtwittercom
| 1,092 |
<p>Jan 19(Reuters) - Chong Hong Construction Co Ltd :</p>
<p>* Says it buys land and building in New Taipei City worth T$606.7 million</p>
<p>Source text in Chinese: <a href="https://goo.gl/rRN3H5" type="external">goo.gl/rRN3H5</a></p>
<p>Further company coverage: (Beijing Headline News)</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>BUDAPEST, Hungary (Reuters) - Most polling stations closed and the vote count began in Hungary’s election on Sunday, after a very high turnout that could threaten Viktor Orban’s parliamentary majority.</p> Hungarian women, wearing traditional costumes, fill their ballot papers at a polling station during Hungarian parliamentary elections in Veresegyhaz, Hungary April 8, 2018. REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo
<p>Following an acrimonious campaign in which the rightwing nationalist prime minister projected himself as a savior of Hungary’s Christian culture against Muslim migration into Europe, all opinion polls had put his Fidesz party well ahead.</p>
<p>A strong victory could embolden him to put more muscle into a Central European alliance against the European Union’s migration policies. Orban, Hungary’s longest-serving post-communist premier, opposes deeper integration of the bloc.</p>
<p>Interim data at 1630 GMT showed voter turnout at 68.13 percent, exceeding final turnout in the past three elections.</p>
<p>A high turnout in a 2002 vote consigned Orban to eight years of opposition. In contrast, the turnout was only 61.7 percent in the last election, in 2014, which gave him a massive victory.</p>
<p>Orban’s opponents were cheered by the enthusiasm of Hungarians to vote.</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-hungary-election-majority/hungarys-fidesz-unlikely-to-win-two-thirds-majority-lawmaker-idUSKBN1HF0UZ" type="external">Hungary's Fidesz unlikely to win two-thirds majority: lawmaker</a>
<a href="/article/us-hungary-election-turnout/interim-turnout-in-hungarys-election-hits-68-13-percent-idUSKBN1HF0FA" type="external">Interim turnout in Hungary's election hits 68.13 percent</a>
<p>“We are convinced that high turnout definitely reflects ... that people want a change in government,” Socialist spokeswoman Bernadett Budai was quoted as saying by national news agency MTI.</p>
<p>Fidesz lawmaker Gergely Gulyas told private broadcaster ATV his party was unlikely to retain its two-thirds parliamentary majority.</p>
<p>“A two-thirds victory is possible if neither side loses more than 10 districts and there is a difference of at least 20 percent between the winner and the runner-up,” Gulyas said.</p>
<p>“I consider this unlikely. I think this is outside the category of reality.”</p>
<p>Voters were no longer allowed to join queues at polling stations from 1700 GMT, but those already in line were being allowed to cast their ballots, meaning voting could continue for hours more at the busiest stations.</p>
<p>In central London, emigre Hungarians queued for hundreds of meters in the rain to vote, some waiting for more than two hours.</p>
<p>Some pollsters said voter turnout above 70 percent could signal that the opposition was mobilizing supporters efficiently, and might even deprive Fidesz of its parliamentary majority.</p>
<p>“High turnout means, most probably, less mandates for Fidesz than in the previous term,” said Peter Kreko, director of think tank Political Capital.</p>
<p>But he added that since all parties, including Fidesz, had mobilized intensively, it did not necessarily mean Orban was threatened with defeat.</p>
<p>Orban has far-right admirers across Europe who like his tough line on migrants and a landslide win would show that his single-issue campaign, arguing that migration poses a security threat, had paid off.</p> A woman casts her ballot during Hungarian parliamentary election in Gyongyos, Hungary, April 8, 2018. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger MIGRATION “LIKE RUST”
<p>Critics say Orban has put Hungary on an increasingly authoritarian path and his stance on immigration has fueled xenophobia.</p>
<p>After casting his vote in a wealthy district of Budapest, he said: “From here I will go and take part in mobilizing voters ... I am asking everyone to take part in the election.”</p>
<p>Asked by journalists if he was fighting the European Union, Orban said: “The EU is not in Brussels. The EU is in Berlin, in Budapest, in Prague and in Bucharest.”</p>
<p>He reiterated he would stand up for Hungary’s interests and said Hungary was a loyal member of international organizations.</p>
<p>“We love our country and we are fighting for our country,” he said.</p>
<p>A strong win for Orban would boost other right-wing nationalists in Central Europe, in Poland and in neighboring Austria, and expose cracks in the 28-nation EU.</p>
<p>While Fidesz led all opinion polls before the vote, there is a small chance that the fragmented opposition could strip Fidesz of its parliamentary majority if voters frustrated with Orban’s policies choose tactical voting in the 106 constituencies.</p>
<p>The strongest opposition party is the formerly far-right Jobbik, which has recast its image as a more moderate nationalist force. It has been campaigning on an anti-corruption agenda and urged higher wages to lure back hundreds of thousands of Hungarians who have left Hungary for western Europe.</p>
<p>Clad in a green jacket and white shirt, Jobbik leader Gabor Vona, 39, arrived to vote in the eastern city of Gyongyos, his home town and the district where he is likely to win a seat.</p>
<p>“Everyone should go to vote because this election determines Hungary’s course not for four years but for two generations at least,” he told reporters. “Emigration may or may not define Hungary, and I would prefer that it does not.”</p>
<p>The EU has struggled to respond as Orban’s government has, in the view of its critics, used its two landslide victories in 2010 and 2014 to erode democratic checks and balances. It has curbed the powers of the constitutional court, increased control of the media and appointed loyalists to key positions.</p> Slideshow (11 Images)
<p>Orban is credited with keeping the budget deficit under control, reducing unemployment and some of Hungary’s debt, and putting its economy on a growth track.</p>
<p>On Friday, at his closing campaign rally, he vowed to protect his nation from Muslim migrants, saying: “Migration is like rust that slowly but surely would consume Hungary.”</p> OUTSIDE CHANCE OF SURPRISE
<p>The anti-immigrant campaign has gone down well with many of the roughly two million core voters of Fidesz.</p>
<p>“My little daughter must be my primary concern, to make her future safe. Safety is first,” said Julia Scharle, 27, holding her child outside the polling station where Orban cast his vote. She would not reveal her voting preference.</p>
<p>In March the government gave pre-election handouts to millions of families and pensioners.</p>
<p>A poll by Zavecz research institute published on Friday showed Fidesz had 46 percent support among decided voters, while Jobbik had 19 percent. The Socialists came in third with 14 percent. Voter turnout was estimated between 64 and 68 percent.</p>
<p>However, one-third of voters were undecided.</p>
<p>In 2014, Fidesz won a two-thirds majority in the 199-seat parliament with 133 seats.</p>
<p>If Orban wins again, he is expected to continue his economic policies, with income tax cuts and incentives to boost growth.</p>
<p>His business allies are expected to expand their economic domains. Businessmen close to Fidesz have acquired stakes in major industries like banking, energy, construction and tourism, profiting from EU funds.</p>
<p>“Only a dramatic outcome of the election would force a significant shift in the direction of policymaking,” Barclays said in a note.</p>
<p>Writing by Krisztina Than; additional reporting by Simon Dawson; editing by Janet Lawrence and Andrew Roche</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Hungary’s National Election Office expects to start publishing preliminary results of Sunday’s parliamentary election at around 1930 GMT, said its head, Ilona Palffy.</p>
<p>Interim data at 1630 GMT showed voter turnout at 68.13 percent, exceeding final turnout in the past three elections.</p>
<p>Voters were no longer allowed to join queues at polling stations from 1700 GMT, but some polling stations stayed open to allow those already in line to cast their ballots.</p>
<p>Reporting by Gergely Szakacs; editing by Andrew Roche</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Hungary ruling Fidesz party is unlikely to win a two-thirds parliamentary majority, Fidesz’s parliamentary group leader Gergely Gulyas told private broadcaster ATV after Sunday’s election produced a higher-than-expected turnout.</p> Votes are counted in Hungarian parliamentary election, at the polling station in Budapest, Hungary, April 8, 2018. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger
<p>“Theoretically everything is still possible as we don’t know the data yet ... but in Hungary a two-thirds victory is possible if neither side loses more than 10 districts and there is a difference of at least 20 percent between the winner and the runner-up,” Gulyas said.</p>
<p>“I consider this unlikely. I think this is outside the category of reality.”</p>
<p>Reporting by Gergely Szakacs and Krisztina Than. Editing by Jane Merriman</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran’s Foreign Ministry said on Sunday reports of a gas attack in Syria were not based on facts and were an “an excuse” by the United States and Western countries to take military action against Damascus, the official Iranian news agency IRNA reported.</p>
<p>“Such claims and allegations by the Americans and some Western countries point to a new plot against the Syrian government and people, and are an excuse to take military action against them,” IRNA reported foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi as saying.</p>
<p>The news agency also quoted Qasemi as saying that the reports of the gas attack “do not match facts.”</p>
<p>Iran has been Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s most supportive ally against insurgents throughout the conflict. Iran-backed militias first helped his army stem rebel advances and, following Russia’s entry into the war in 2015, turn the tide decisively in Assad’s favor.</p> The mysterious Russian airlift helping Syria's Assad
<p>In a meeting with military commanders on Sunday, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed confidence that enemies would fail in any confrontation with Iran.</p>
<p>“Despite all the conspiracies ... of the enemies, the power of the Islamic system will increase day by day,” IRNA quoted Khamenei as saying.</p>
<p>Reporting by Dubai newsroom. Editing by Jane Merriman</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
| false | 2 |
jan 19reuters chong hong construction co ltd says buys land building new taipei city worth t6067 million source text chinese googlrrn3h5 company coverage beijing headline news standards thomson reuters trust principles budapest hungary reuters polling stations closed vote count began hungarys election sunday high turnout could threaten viktor orbans parliamentary majority hungarian women wearing traditional costumes fill ballot papers polling station hungarian parliamentary elections veresegyhaz hungary april 8 2018 reutersbernadett szabo following acrimonious campaign rightwing nationalist prime minister projected savior hungarys christian culture muslim migration europe opinion polls put fidesz party well ahead strong victory could embolden put muscle central european alliance european unions migration policies orban hungarys longestserving postcommunist premier opposes deeper integration bloc interim data 1630 gmt showed voter turnout 6813 percent exceeding final turnout past three elections high turnout 2002 vote consigned orban eight years opposition contrast turnout 617 percent last election 2014 gave massive victory orbans opponents cheered enthusiasm hungarians vote related coverage hungarys fidesz unlikely win twothirds majority lawmaker interim turnout hungarys election hits 6813 percent convinced high turnout definitely reflects people want change government socialist spokeswoman bernadett budai quoted saying national news agency mti fidesz lawmaker gergely gulyas told private broadcaster atv party unlikely retain twothirds parliamentary majority twothirds victory possible neither side loses 10 districts difference least 20 percent winner runnerup gulyas said consider unlikely think outside category reality voters longer allowed join queues polling stations 1700 gmt already line allowed cast ballots meaning voting could continue hours busiest stations central london emigre hungarians queued hundreds meters rain vote waiting two hours pollsters said voter turnout 70 percent could signal opposition mobilizing supporters efficiently might even deprive fidesz parliamentary majority high turnout means probably less mandates fidesz previous term said peter kreko director think tank political capital added since parties including fidesz mobilized intensively necessarily mean orban threatened defeat orban farright admirers across europe like tough line migrants landslide win would show singleissue campaign arguing migration poses security threat paid woman casts ballot hungarian parliamentary election gyongyos hungary april 8 2018 reutersleonhard foeger migration like rust critics say orban put hungary increasingly authoritarian path stance immigration fueled xenophobia casting vote wealthy district budapest said go take part mobilizing voters asking everyone take part election asked journalists fighting european union orban said eu brussels eu berlin budapest prague bucharest reiterated would stand hungarys interests said hungary loyal member international organizations love country fighting country said strong win orban would boost rightwing nationalists central europe poland neighboring austria expose cracks 28nation eu fidesz led opinion polls vote small chance fragmented opposition could strip fidesz parliamentary majority voters frustrated orbans policies choose tactical voting 106 constituencies strongest opposition party formerly farright jobbik recast image moderate nationalist force campaigning anticorruption agenda urged higher wages lure back hundreds thousands hungarians left hungary western europe clad green jacket white shirt jobbik leader gabor vona 39 arrived vote eastern city gyongyos home town district likely win seat everyone go vote election determines hungarys course four years two generations least told reporters emigration may may define hungary would prefer eu struggled respond orbans government view critics used two landslide victories 2010 2014 erode democratic checks balances curbed powers constitutional court increased control media appointed loyalists key positions slideshow 11 images orban credited keeping budget deficit control reducing unemployment hungarys debt putting economy growth track friday closing campaign rally vowed protect nation muslim migrants saying migration like rust slowly surely would consume hungary outside chance surprise antiimmigrant campaign gone well many roughly two million core voters fidesz little daughter must primary concern make future safe safety first said julia scharle 27 holding child outside polling station orban cast vote would reveal voting preference march government gave preelection handouts millions families pensioners poll zavecz research institute published friday showed fidesz 46 percent support among decided voters jobbik 19 percent socialists came third 14 percent voter turnout estimated 64 68 percent however onethird voters undecided 2014 fidesz twothirds majority 199seat parliament 133 seats orban wins expected continue economic policies income tax cuts incentives boost growth business allies expected expand economic domains businessmen close fidesz acquired stakes major industries like banking energy construction tourism profiting eu funds dramatic outcome election would force significant shift direction policymaking barclays said note writing krisztina additional reporting simon dawson editing janet lawrence andrew roche standards thomson reuters trust principles budapest reuters hungarys national election office expects start publishing preliminary results sundays parliamentary election around 1930 gmt said head ilona palffy interim data 1630 gmt showed voter turnout 6813 percent exceeding final turnout past three elections voters longer allowed join queues polling stations 1700 gmt polling stations stayed open allow already line cast ballots reporting gergely szakacs editing andrew roche standards thomson reuters trust principles budapest reuters hungary ruling fidesz party unlikely win twothirds parliamentary majority fideszs parliamentary group leader gergely gulyas told private broadcaster atv sundays election produced higherthanexpected turnout votes counted hungarian parliamentary election polling station budapest hungary april 8 2018 reutersleonhard foeger theoretically everything still possible dont know data yet hungary twothirds victory possible neither side loses 10 districts difference least 20 percent winner runnerup gulyas said consider unlikely think outside category reality reporting gergely szakacs krisztina editing jane merriman standards thomson reuters trust principles dubai reuters irans foreign ministry said sunday reports gas attack syria based facts excuse united states western countries take military action damascus official iranian news agency irna reported claims allegations americans western countries point new plot syrian government people excuse take military action irna reported foreign ministry spokesman bahram qasemi saying news agency also quoted qasemi saying reports gas attack match facts iran syrian president bashar alassads supportive ally insurgents throughout conflict iranbacked militias first helped army stem rebel advances following russias entry war 2015 turn tide decisively assads favor mysterious russian airlift helping syrias assad meeting military commanders sunday iranian supreme leader ayatollah ali khamenei expressed confidence enemies would fail confrontation iran despite conspiracies enemies power islamic system increase day day irna quoted khamenei saying reporting dubai newsroom editing jane merriman standards thomson reuters trust principles
| 1,005 |
<p>(Reuters) - Double world silver medallist Christian Coleman was keen to keep his name in the spotlight after a breakthrough campaign and the American sprinter ensured that was the case with an astonishing dash on Friday.</p> Athletics - Team USATF Press Conference - London, Britain - August 3, 2017 USA's Christian Coleman during the press conference REUTERS/John Sibley
<p>The 21-year-old continued his meteoric rise to the upper echelons of global sprinting when he shattered a two-decade old 60 metres world record with a blazing time of 6.37 seconds at Clemson, South Carolina.</p>
<p>“Great start to my career,” tweeted Coleman, in his first full year as a professional athlete.</p>
<p>The time, if ratified by global governing body IAAF, shaves 0.02 seconds off the mark countryman Maurice Greene initially established in 1998 and then matched in 2001.</p>
<p>“I’m in disbelief,” Coleman’s coach Tim Hall told Reuters. “This was his season opener. It was totally unexpected.”</p>
<p>The two had chosen the small meeting at Clemson University to see where the talented sprinter stood in terms of upcoming competitions, including next month’s Boston Indoor Grand Prix and March’s world indoor championships in Birmingham, England.</p>
<p>“So we got through the prelims and felt pretty good since he backed off a little before the finish and still ran 6.47,” Hall said.</p>
<p>The time was the fastest in the world this year and 0.02 seconds slower than Coleman’s personal best.</p>
<p>“So we talked a little bit more before the final,” Hall said. “And like I always tell him, I said: ‘Relax, no pressing and allow the run to happen.’</p>
<p>“That was the result.”</p>
<p>Coleman’s tag as America’s next sprint hope was established last year when he clocked a world-best 9.82 seconds in the 100m at the U.S. collegiate championships before he edged the legendary Usain Bolt for silver at the world championships.</p>
<p>He went on to claim a second silver medal in London as the American quartet were edged out by hosts Great Britain in the 4x100m relay.</p>
<p>“We have been having some great practice sessions,” Hall said. “And he has been improving his strength development, so I guess it is all coming together.”</p>
<p>Ironically, after the race, Hall said Coleman told him the start had not felt right, which pleased the coach.</p>
<p>“Anytime I hear that from an athlete that means they are getting close to doing what we are trying to get accomplished,” Hall said.</p>
<p>“It might not have felt right to him, but it couldn’t have been wrong if he ran that fast.”</p>
<p>So how fast can the former Tennessee sprinter run?</p>
<p>“We will get back to Knoxville and look at the tape and see the technical things we can improve on to get even faster,” Hall added.</p>
<p>“Today was a pretty good starting point.”</p>
<p>Reporting by Gene Cherry in Salvo, North Carolina; Editing by John O'Brien</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>AUGUSTA, Georgia (Reuters) - Tiger Woods has not competed at the U.S. Masters since 2015 but that did not stop the four-times champion from sending a warning shot to his rivals on Tuesday that echoed through the tall pines that line Augusta National.</p>
<p>Woods, who has missed three of the previous four Masters due to back problems, called himself a “walking miracle” and said he is feeling the best he has in “seven, eight years” heading into Thursday’s opening round.</p>
<p>“I feel great. I feel like I’ve really put a lot of pieces together,” Woods, who won the most recent of his 14 major titles in 2008, said during his pre-Masters news conference.</p>
<p>“We have worked on what body parts to get stronger, what body parts need to be more limber, and I feel fantastic. It’s just a matter of now going out there and competing and playing and posting numbers.”</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-golf-masters-pairings/woods-poised-to-hog-spotlight-in-masters-opening-round-idUSKCN1HA2RD" type="external">Woods poised to hog spotlight in Masters opening round</a>
<a href="/article/us-golf-masters-johnson/johnson-plans-to-play-it-safe-on-eve-of-masters-idUSKCN1HA2SP" type="external">Johnson plans to play it safe on eve of Masters</a>
<a href="/article/us-golf-masters-spieth/spieth-no-longer-in-panic-over-putting-as-masters-beckons-idUSKCN1HA2T1" type="external">Spieth no longer in 'panic' over putting as Masters beckons</a>
<p>The 42-year-old former world number one has enjoyed an on-course renaissance this year that few expected given the spinal fusion procedure he had last April that left him sidelined for the better part of a year.</p>
<p>Woods, who said it was only after playing an exhibition last December that he felt he would be able to compete in the year’s first major, has since shown flashes of the form that helped him earn a staggering 79 PGA Tour wins.</p>
<p>“It’s been a tough road. I’ve described a little bit of it, the pain of just sitting there and the amount of times that I’ve fallen because my leg didn’t work or I just had to lay on the ground for extended periods of time. Those are some really dark, dark times,” said Woods.</p>
<p>“The reason why I say I’m a walking miracle is that I don’t know if&#160;— I don’t know if anyone who has had a lower back fusion that can swing the club as fast as I can swing it. That’s incredible.”</p>
<p>Stamping his authority as a four-times Masters winner, Woods said that while he hopes to play his best golf this week he felt he could slip into a Green Jacket on Sunday evening even if he is not firing on all cylinders.</p>
<p>“This is a tournament I think that where experience does help a lot. I mean, I have played here and I’ve won here not playing my absolute best, but there’s got to be a certain part of my game that’s on,” said Woods.</p>
<p>“I think that this tournament really helps with having the experience and really understanding how to play this particular golf course.”</p>
<p>Woods is one of the favorites to triumph this week in a wide-open field and the debate about where a possible victory for him would rank in the annals of sporting comebacks has already begun.</p>
<p>For his part, Woods said he has plenty of work still to do before entertaining that discussion but did tip his hat to golfing great Ben Hogan, who came back from a head-on collision with a bus in 1949 to win the U.S. Open the following year.</p>
<p>“I think that one of the greatest comebacks in all of sport is the gentleman who won here, Mr. Hogan,” said Woods, who plays the first two rounds alongside Australian Marc Leishman and Englishman Tommy Fleetwood.</p> Tiger Woods of the U.S. stands near his golf bag during the second day of practice for the 2018 Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, U.S. April 3, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
<p>“I mean, he got hit by a bus and came back and won major championships.”</p>
<p>Editing by Toby Davis</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>MOSCOW (Reuters) - Grain exporters in southern Russia are seeking government assurances that shipments will not be disrupted during the World Cup soccer finals because of tight security on roads and at ports, industry sources said.</p> FILE PHOTO: An employee sweeps up grains in a warehouse in the the village of Konstantinovo in Stavropol Region, Russia June 7, 2011. REUTERS/Eduard Korniyenko/File Photo
<p>Local industry players have raised their concerns at talks with regional officials in the city of Rostov-on-Don, which has important grain terminals and will host matches during the tournament starting in June, the sources said.</p>
<p>They fear restrictions on access to ports and roads could oblige them to decline contracts that would involve grain exports from Rostov-on-Don during the World Cup, they said.</p>
<p>“A significant part of the (grain) sector is concerned,” a source in the agriculture industry told Reuters. “But there have so far been no instructions from officials on the issue.”</p>
<p>The next talks are expected early this month, another industry source said.</p>
<p>It is too early to estimate how significant the disruption might be during the month-long tournament, the sources said.</p> FILE PHOTO: An employee works at an elevator, transporting grain from a lower storage to the upper stage of a warehouse, in the town of Blagodarny in Stavropol Region, Russia July 5, 2013. REUTERS/Eduard Korniyenko/File Photo
<p>Ports on the nearby Azov Sea and the Don River, which runs through Rostov-on-Don, account for about 20 percent of Russia’s grain exports per season, officials say. Global commodities merchants Cargill [CARG.UL], Bunge and Louis Dreyfus [AKIRAU.UL] operate terminals in the Rostov area.</p>
<p>In the current 2017/18 marketing season ending on June 1, Russia, one of the world’s top grain exporters, is expected to supply more than 50 million tonnes abroad.</p>
<p>Islamic State-linked groups have called for attacks on Russia in retaliation for Moscow’s involvement in the military campaign against the militant group in Syria. Security services have already started tightening access to passes for ports near Rostov-on-Don, a city of more than 1 million people.</p>
<p>But regional officials are still awaiting details of the full security operation planned by the Federal Security Service (FSB), a successor to the KGB Soviet security police, and this is hindering progress at the talks, one of the sources said.</p>
<p>“There is a risk that exporters will have to sit at the stadium watching football instead of trading grain,” said Andrey Sizov, managing director of the SovEcon agriculture consultancy in Moscow, who is not involved in the talks.</p> TRANSPORT RESTRICTIONS
<p>The FSB did not reply to a request for comment. The World Cup local organizing committee declined to comment, referring all questions to the regional authorities.</p>
<p>Asked what was being done to address grain producers’ concerns, the Rostov region’s authorities said the matter was still being worked on.</p> Slideshow (2 Images)
<p>The Agriculture Ministry said there would be no difficulties. Russian Railways, the state railway operator, said the transportation of soccer fans between World Cup host cities would not interfere with the movement of cargo.</p>
<p>Grain harvesting in the Rostov region usually starts in the second half of June. Even if the harvest were delayed until after the World Cup, Russia has a huge carry-over stock of grain ready for export after a record crop last year.</p>
<p>Security measures for the World Cup were outlined in a decree signed by President Vladimir Putin, including banning some buses from host cities and limiting the use of airspace and waterways over a 62-day period. They come into force on May 25.</p>
<p>Security was heavy during the last major sporting event hosted by Russia, the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, and the Games passed off without major security incidents.</p>
<p>But arranging World Cup security is a much bigger operation as matches will be played in 11 cities and there is uncertainty over how the measures will be implemented in each host city.</p>
<p>Rostov-on-Don will host four group matches and one round-of-16 match between June 17 and July 2. Obtaining access to the city’s port areas has already become more complicated, a source in a regional grain transportation firm said.</p>
<p>“If previously you could get a pass to the port from border guards, now you need to ask for it from the FSB’s office,” he said.</p>
<p>Reporting by Polina Devitt, Gabrielle Tétrault-Farber, Gleb Stolyarov, Denis Pinchuk, Vladimir Soldatkin and Natalia Chumakova, Editing by Timothy Heritage</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>Tobias Harris had 31 points and nine rebounds, and Lou Williams scored 15 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter as the Los Angeles Clippers erased a 19-point deficit to beat the visiting San Antonio Spurs 113-110 Tuesday night.</p>
<p>Austin Rivers added 18 points, Montrezl Harris 16 and DeAndre Jordan totaled 10 points and 17 rebounds for the Clippers, who snapped a two-game losing streak and won for the fourth time in six games to keep their playoff push alive.</p>
<p>“We’ve been a resilient group,” Williams told TNT after the game. “We know our backs (are) against the wall, we know we’ve got to win out to give ourselves an opportunity.”</p>
<p>Los Angeles moved within 1 1/2 games of the New Orleans Pelicans for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. San Antonio dropped into a tie for fourth with Utah after the loss, though the Jazz hold the tiebreaker. Both the Spurs and the Jazz have four games remaining.</p>
<p>LaMarcus Aldridge had a game-high 35 points and nine rebounds, and Patty Mills put up 17 points for the Spurs. San Antonio had won two straight, including a victory over Western Conference-leading Houston on Sunday.</p>
<p>Kawhi Leonard missed his 34th straight game for San Antonio due to a nagging quad injury. Danilo Gallinari, who sat 18 games from Feb. 23 to March 28 with a right hand fracture, was sidelined for Los Angeles because of hand soreness.</p>
<p>Williams’ pull-up jumper with 50 seconds remaining to go gave the Clippers their first lead at 106-105. The advantage was short-lived as Mills knocked down a 3-pointer with 37.8 left to restore the Spurs’ lead.</p>
<p>Rivers’ trey with 29 seconds remaining put Los Angeles back up by one. Mills missed a potential go-ahead jumper with nine seconds left, and a video review confirmed the ball went out of bounds off of Aldridge.</p>
<p>Williams was fouled with 4.6 ticks left and sank both free throws to make it 111-108. After a San Antonio timeout, Mills was fouled after catching the inbound pass with 3.9 seconds on the clock, and he hit both foul shots.</p>
<p>Harris was fouled one second later and sank both free throws. The Spurs got the ball in to Manu Ginobili for a corner 3-point attempt, but he stepped out of bounds.</p>
<p>San Antonio caps its two-game L.A. swing against the Lakers on Wednesday night. The Clippers visit Utah on Thursday.</p>
<p>—Field Level Media</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>AUGUSTA, Georgia (Reuters) - Augusta National, home to the U.S. Masters, may be one of the most exclusive and powerful golf clubs in the world but even its mighty coffers do not hold enough money to convince two neighbouring homeowners to relocate.</p> A family home near Augusta National Golf Club is seen in Augusta, Georgia, U.S. Augusta National, home to the U.S. Masters, April 3, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
<p>A residential community once bordering Augusta National is now a free parking lot after the club, in a bid to accommodate patrons for the one week each year that it hosts the Masters, enticed homeowners with prices that were too good to turn down.</p>
<p>The two remaining homes in the area are modest, red-brick bungalows that sit in the shadow of Augusta National’s towering pine trees and the owners of each house have no desire to appease the interests of Augusta National.</p>
<p>“We will just continue to be right here and Augusta National can put no kind of money in front of us that would change our minds,” Herman Thacker, who together with his wife Elizabeth has lived in their home since 1959, told Reuters during an interview at his house this week.</p>
<p>“We raised our family here, and we can go out and buy a new house but we can’t buy a home. This is home to us.”</p> A family home near Augusta National Golf Club is seen in Augusta, Georgia, U.S. Augusta National, home to the U.S. Masters, April 3, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst REVERED TOURNAMENT
<p>Augusta National, which declined to comment, reportedly spent more than $40 million to expand its borders and ultimately swallow up what was once a quaint community.</p>
<p>As a result, the Thacker home, which is modest in size and surrounded by pine trees, holly bushes and flowering dogwoods, sits across from a sprawling, empty green field for all but one week of the year.</p>
<p>But this week, with the world’s best golfers in town for one of the most revered tournaments on the PGA Tour, which starts on Thursday, the house sticks out like a sore thumb outside Gate 6-A amid a sea of vehicles glistening under the Georgia sun.</p>
<p>The Thacker’s house is so close to the Masters action that roars from patrons are easily heard from the property, and they also get a heads up on severe weather thanks to the horn that sounds at Augusta National in such an instance.</p>
<p>A few years ago the Thackers sold their other property in the area to Augusta National for an undisclosed sum but only after the club improved an original offer that the octogenarian couple would only describe as “ridiculously low.”</p>
<p>For the Thackers, their home is where they watched their two children grow and where they helped raise their grandchildren, including Scott Brown, a 34-year-old professional golfer who is ranked 150th in the world and yet to compete in the Masters.</p>
<p>“We just don’t want to go,” Elizabeth Thacker said as she watered the grass in front of her lawn with curlers in her hair. “My kids, when they were little they loved going to the tournament and talking to golfers. Ben Crenshaw was very nice.”</p>
<p>The Thackers said that while the club is well aware of their position not to sell, an official from Augusta National stops by every so often to remind them of its interest.</p> Slideshow (3 Images) GATHERING PLACE
<p>Across the street from the Thackers is the only other home whose owners have stood firm in their decision to stop Augusta National demolishing a house that has been in their family for generations.</p>
<p>Jimmy Richards, whose late parents purchased their house in the 1950s, said his sister now lives there and it has become a gathering place for family during holidays and sporting events.</p>
<p>“We’re not looking to sell. We enjoy this place, we really do,” said Richards. “Everybody’s grown up here, (my parents’) grandkids grew up here. It would be tough to part with it.”</p>
<p>Richards called Augusta National “good neighbours” but said there was no figure his mother would have ever accepted from the club and that he and his nine siblings all feel the same.</p>
<p>During a Masters practice day this week, the Richards clan gathered on the back deck of the house with music playing, beer on ice, while collecting $50 from patrons looking to park on their property.</p>
<p>The Richards say the traffic outside the front door of the family home on Berckmans Road during Masters week is not a big concern and would not cause them to change their mind about selling up.</p>
<p>Just like the Thackers, Richards said nobody can put a price on their memories, not even the mighty Augusta National Golf Club.</p>
<p>“We all have kids,” Richards said of himself and his siblings. “If we were to part with this property they would be highly devastated because they’ve got a lot of memories here too.”</p>
<p>Editing by Ken Ferris</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
| false | 2 |
reuters double world silver medallist christian coleman keen keep name spotlight breakthrough campaign american sprinter ensured case astonishing dash friday athletics team usatf press conference london britain august 3 2017 usas christian coleman press conference reutersjohn sibley 21yearold continued meteoric rise upper echelons global sprinting shattered twodecade old 60 metres world record blazing time 637 seconds clemson south carolina great start career tweeted coleman first full year professional athlete time ratified global governing body iaaf shaves 002 seconds mark countryman maurice greene initially established 1998 matched 2001 im disbelief colemans coach tim hall told reuters season opener totally unexpected two chosen small meeting clemson university see talented sprinter stood terms upcoming competitions including next months boston indoor grand prix marchs world indoor championships birmingham england got prelims felt pretty good since backed little finish still ran 647 hall said time fastest world year 002 seconds slower colemans personal best talked little bit final hall said like always tell said relax pressing allow run happen result colemans tag americas next sprint hope established last year clocked worldbest 982 seconds 100m us collegiate championships edged legendary usain bolt silver world championships went claim second silver medal london american quartet edged hosts great britain 4x100m relay great practice sessions hall said improving strength development guess coming together ironically race hall said coleman told start felt right pleased coach anytime hear athlete means getting close trying get accomplished hall said might felt right couldnt wrong ran fast fast former tennessee sprinter run get back knoxville look tape see technical things improve get even faster hall added today pretty good starting point reporting gene cherry salvo north carolina editing john obrien standards thomson reuters trust principles augusta georgia reuters tiger woods competed us masters since 2015 stop fourtimes champion sending warning shot rivals tuesday echoed tall pines line augusta national woods missed three previous four masters due back problems called walking miracle said feeling best seven eight years heading thursdays opening round feel great feel like ive really put lot pieces together woods recent 14 major titles 2008 said premasters news conference worked body parts get stronger body parts need limber feel fantastic matter going competing playing posting numbers related coverage woods poised hog spotlight masters opening round johnson plans play safe eve masters spieth longer panic putting masters beckons 42yearold former world number one enjoyed oncourse renaissance year expected given spinal fusion procedure last april left sidelined better part year woods said playing exhibition last december felt would able compete years first major since shown flashes form helped earn staggering 79 pga tour wins tough road ive described little bit pain sitting amount times ive fallen leg didnt work lay ground extended periods time really dark dark times said woods reason say im walking miracle dont know if160 dont know anyone lower back fusion swing club fast swing thats incredible stamping authority fourtimes masters winner woods said hopes play best golf week felt could slip green jacket sunday evening even firing cylinders tournament think experience help lot mean played ive playing absolute best theres got certain part game thats said woods think tournament really helps experience really understanding play particular golf course woods one favorites triumph week wideopen field debate possible victory would rank annals sporting comebacks already begun part woods said plenty work still entertaining discussion tip hat golfing great ben hogan came back headon collision bus 1949 win us open following year think one greatest comebacks sport gentleman mr hogan said woods plays first two rounds alongside australian marc leishman englishman tommy fleetwood tiger woods us stands near golf bag second day practice 2018 masters golf tournament augusta national golf club augusta georgia us april 3 2018 reutersjonathan ernst mean got hit bus came back major championships editing toby davis standards thomson reuters trust principles moscow reuters grain exporters southern russia seeking government assurances shipments disrupted world cup soccer finals tight security roads ports industry sources said file photo employee sweeps grains warehouse village konstantinovo stavropol region russia june 7 2011 reuterseduard korniyenkofile photo local industry players raised concerns talks regional officials city rostovondon important grain terminals host matches tournament starting june sources said fear restrictions access ports roads could oblige decline contracts would involve grain exports rostovondon world cup said significant part grain sector concerned source agriculture industry told reuters far instructions officials issue next talks expected early month another industry source said early estimate significant disruption might monthlong tournament sources said file photo employee works elevator transporting grain lower storage upper stage warehouse town blagodarny stavropol region russia july 5 2013 reuterseduard korniyenkofile photo ports nearby azov sea river runs rostovondon account 20 percent russias grain exports per season officials say global commodities merchants cargill cargul bunge louis dreyfus akirauul operate terminals rostov area current 201718 marketing season ending june 1 russia one worlds top grain exporters expected supply 50 million tonnes abroad islamic statelinked groups called attacks russia retaliation moscows involvement military campaign militant group syria security services already started tightening access passes ports near rostovondon city 1 million people regional officials still awaiting details full security operation planned federal security service fsb successor kgb soviet security police hindering progress talks one sources said risk exporters sit stadium watching football instead trading grain said andrey sizov managing director sovecon agriculture consultancy moscow involved talks transport restrictions fsb reply request comment world cup local organizing committee declined comment referring questions regional authorities asked done address grain producers concerns rostov regions authorities said matter still worked slideshow 2 images agriculture ministry said would difficulties russian railways state railway operator said transportation soccer fans world cup host cities would interfere movement cargo grain harvesting rostov region usually starts second half june even harvest delayed world cup russia huge carryover stock grain ready export record crop last year security measures world cup outlined decree signed president vladimir putin including banning buses host cities limiting use airspace waterways 62day period come force may 25 security heavy last major sporting event hosted russia 2014 winter olympics sochi games passed without major security incidents arranging world cup security much bigger operation matches played 11 cities uncertainty measures implemented host city rostovondon host four group matches one roundof16 match june 17 july 2 obtaining access citys port areas already become complicated source regional grain transportation firm said previously could get pass port border guards need ask fsbs office said reporting polina devitt gabrielle tétraultfarber gleb stolyarov denis pinchuk vladimir soldatkin natalia chumakova editing timothy heritage standards thomson reuters trust principles tobias harris 31 points nine rebounds lou williams scored 15 22 points fourth quarter los angeles clippers erased 19point deficit beat visiting san antonio spurs 113110 tuesday night austin rivers added 18 points montrezl harris 16 deandre jordan totaled 10 points 17 rebounds clippers snapped twogame losing streak fourth time six games keep playoff push alive weve resilient group williams told tnt game know backs wall know weve got win give opportunity los angeles moved within 1 12 games new orleans pelicans eighth final playoff spot western conference san antonio dropped tie fourth utah loss though jazz hold tiebreaker spurs jazz four games remaining lamarcus aldridge gamehigh 35 points nine rebounds patty mills put 17 points spurs san antonio two straight including victory western conferenceleading houston sunday kawhi leonard missed 34th straight game san antonio due nagging quad injury danilo gallinari sat 18 games feb 23 march 28 right hand fracture sidelined los angeles hand soreness williams pullup jumper 50 seconds remaining go gave clippers first lead 106105 advantage shortlived mills knocked 3pointer 378 left restore spurs lead rivers trey 29 seconds remaining put los angeles back one mills missed potential goahead jumper nine seconds left video review confirmed ball went bounds aldridge williams fouled 46 ticks left sank free throws make 111108 san antonio timeout mills fouled catching inbound pass 39 seconds clock hit foul shots harris fouled one second later sank free throws spurs got ball manu ginobili corner 3point attempt stepped bounds san antonio caps twogame la swing lakers wednesday night clippers visit utah thursday field level media standards thomson reuters trust principles augusta georgia reuters augusta national home us masters may one exclusive powerful golf clubs world even mighty coffers hold enough money convince two neighbouring homeowners relocate family home near augusta national golf club seen augusta georgia us augusta national home us masters april 3 2018 reutersjonathan ernst residential community bordering augusta national free parking lot club bid accommodate patrons one week year hosts masters enticed homeowners prices good turn two remaining homes area modest redbrick bungalows sit shadow augusta nationals towering pine trees owners house desire appease interests augusta national continue right augusta national put kind money front us would change minds herman thacker together wife elizabeth lived home since 1959 told reuters interview house week raised family go buy new house cant buy home home us family home near augusta national golf club seen augusta georgia us augusta national home us masters april 3 2018 reutersjonathan ernst revered tournament augusta national declined comment reportedly spent 40 million expand borders ultimately swallow quaint community result thacker home modest size surrounded pine trees holly bushes flowering dogwoods sits across sprawling empty green field one week year week worlds best golfers town one revered tournaments pga tour starts thursday house sticks like sore thumb outside gate 6a amid sea vehicles glistening georgia sun thackers house close masters action roars patrons easily heard property also get heads severe weather thanks horn sounds augusta national instance years ago thackers sold property area augusta national undisclosed sum club improved original offer octogenarian couple would describe ridiculously low thackers home watched two children grow helped raise grandchildren including scott brown 34yearold professional golfer ranked 150th world yet compete masters dont want go elizabeth thacker said watered grass front lawn curlers hair kids little loved going tournament talking golfers ben crenshaw nice thackers said club well aware position sell official augusta national stops every often remind interest slideshow 3 images gathering place across street thackers home whose owners stood firm decision stop augusta national demolishing house family generations jimmy richards whose late parents purchased house 1950s said sister lives become gathering place family holidays sporting events looking sell enjoy place really said richards everybodys grown parents grandkids grew would tough part richards called augusta national good neighbours said figure mother would ever accepted club nine siblings feel masters practice day week richards clan gathered back deck house music playing beer ice collecting 50 patrons looking park property richards say traffic outside front door family home berckmans road masters week big concern would cause change mind selling like thackers richards said nobody put price memories even mighty augusta national golf club kids richards said siblings part property would highly devastated theyve got lot memories editing ken ferris standards thomson reuters trust principles
| 1,803 |
<p>NEWCASTLE, England (AP) — Manchester City moved 15 points clear at the top of the English Premier League as it extended its winning run to 18 games at Newcastle on Wednesday.</p>
<p>Raheem Sterling's 31st-minute strike was all the leaders had to show for a dominant display in front of a crowd of 52,311 at St James' Park. The Magpies' ultra-conservative approach frustrated them despite their wealth of possession.</p>
<p>But ultimately the 1-0 win was enough on a night when Rafael Benitez's men slipped to a fifth consecutive home defeat for the first time since 1953.</p>
<p>"I'm happy with a lot of clean sheets," City manager Pep Guardiola said. "Today we have started the second round (half of the season) - 18 games left. We're going to see how many we need to be champion."</p>
<p>It might have been worse for Newcastle had referee Andre Marriner taken a dimmer view of Jacob Murphy's first-half challenge on Ilkay Gundogan. Of the incident, Guardiola said: "Everybody is focusing on diving but the referees have to follow the rules and try to take care of the players, so they feel safe."</p>
<p>Newcastle's game-plan was predictably cautious as all 11 men not only got behind the ball, but within 35 yards of their own goal for much of the first half. They challenged City to break them down, which they almost did when Sergio Aguero stabbed Fernandinho's seventh-minute cross against the post.</p>
<p>An early injury to City skipper Vincent Kompany simply prompted Pep Guardiola to replace his central defender with striker Gabriel Jesus.</p>
<p>For all of City's utter domination of possession, it was hardly able to stretch the hosts decisively, although goalkeeper Rob Elliot had to claw away Aguero's 17th-minute header and then come off his line to block Jesus' effort at point-blank range.</p>
<p>The deadlock was broken when Sterling ran on to Kevin de Bruyne's return pass and scuffed the ball past the keeper with the studs of his left boot.</p>
<p>Newcastle might have been back in it had defender Nicolas Otamendi not cleared Rolando Aaron's chipped effort off the line 10 minutes before the break.</p>
<p>There was no change in the pattern of the game after halftime. City came close but the massed ranks of black and white continued to scrap.</p>
<p>De Bruyne struck a post and defender Jamaal Lascelles headed just wide of his own goal with Elliot stranded as City went for the kill.</p>
<p>"It was a question of staying in the game until the end," Benitez said, "and I was really pleased with the team in terms of organization and workrate but disappointed because we could have been better on the ball in the first half. I was pleased with our reaction in the second half."</p>
<p>NEWCASTLE, England (AP) — Manchester City moved 15 points clear at the top of the English Premier League as it extended its winning run to 18 games at Newcastle on Wednesday.</p>
<p>Raheem Sterling's 31st-minute strike was all the leaders had to show for a dominant display in front of a crowd of 52,311 at St James' Park. The Magpies' ultra-conservative approach frustrated them despite their wealth of possession.</p>
<p>But ultimately the 1-0 win was enough on a night when Rafael Benitez's men slipped to a fifth consecutive home defeat for the first time since 1953.</p>
<p>"I'm happy with a lot of clean sheets," City manager Pep Guardiola said. "Today we have started the second round (half of the season) - 18 games left. We're going to see how many we need to be champion."</p>
<p>It might have been worse for Newcastle had referee Andre Marriner taken a dimmer view of Jacob Murphy's first-half challenge on Ilkay Gundogan. Of the incident, Guardiola said: "Everybody is focusing on diving but the referees have to follow the rules and try to take care of the players, so they feel safe."</p>
<p>Newcastle's game-plan was predictably cautious as all 11 men not only got behind the ball, but within 35 yards of their own goal for much of the first half. They challenged City to break them down, which they almost did when Sergio Aguero stabbed Fernandinho's seventh-minute cross against the post.</p>
<p>An early injury to City skipper Vincent Kompany simply prompted Pep Guardiola to replace his central defender with striker Gabriel Jesus.</p>
<p>For all of City's utter domination of possession, it was hardly able to stretch the hosts decisively, although goalkeeper Rob Elliot had to claw away Aguero's 17th-minute header and then come off his line to block Jesus' effort at point-blank range.</p>
<p>The deadlock was broken when Sterling ran on to Kevin de Bruyne's return pass and scuffed the ball past the keeper with the studs of his left boot.</p>
<p>Newcastle might have been back in it had defender Nicolas Otamendi not cleared Rolando Aaron's chipped effort off the line 10 minutes before the break.</p>
<p>There was no change in the pattern of the game after halftime. City came close but the massed ranks of black and white continued to scrap.</p>
<p>De Bruyne struck a post and defender Jamaal Lascelles headed just wide of his own goal with Elliot stranded as City went for the kill.</p>
<p>"It was a question of staying in the game until the end," Benitez said, "and I was really pleased with the team in terms of organization and workrate but disappointed because we could have been better on the ball in the first half. I was pleased with our reaction in the second half."</p>
| false | 2 |
newcastle england ap manchester city moved 15 points clear top english premier league extended winning run 18 games newcastle wednesday raheem sterlings 31stminute strike leaders show dominant display front crowd 52311 st james park magpies ultraconservative approach frustrated despite wealth possession ultimately 10 win enough night rafael benitezs men slipped fifth consecutive home defeat first time since 1953 im happy lot clean sheets city manager pep guardiola said today started second round half season 18 games left going see many need champion might worse newcastle referee andre marriner taken dimmer view jacob murphys firsthalf challenge ilkay gundogan incident guardiola said everybody focusing diving referees follow rules try take care players feel safe newcastles gameplan predictably cautious 11 men got behind ball within 35 yards goal much first half challenged city break almost sergio aguero stabbed fernandinhos seventhminute cross post early injury city skipper vincent kompany simply prompted pep guardiola replace central defender striker gabriel jesus citys utter domination possession hardly able stretch hosts decisively although goalkeeper rob elliot claw away agueros 17thminute header come line block jesus effort pointblank range deadlock broken sterling ran kevin de bruynes return pass scuffed ball past keeper studs left boot newcastle might back defender nicolas otamendi cleared rolando aarons chipped effort line 10 minutes break change pattern game halftime city came close massed ranks black white continued scrap de bruyne struck post defender jamaal lascelles headed wide goal elliot stranded city went kill question staying game end benitez said really pleased team terms organization workrate disappointed could better ball first half pleased reaction second half newcastle england ap manchester city moved 15 points clear top english premier league extended winning run 18 games newcastle wednesday raheem sterlings 31stminute strike leaders show dominant display front crowd 52311 st james park magpies ultraconservative approach frustrated despite wealth possession ultimately 10 win enough night rafael benitezs men slipped fifth consecutive home defeat first time since 1953 im happy lot clean sheets city manager pep guardiola said today started second round half season 18 games left going see many need champion might worse newcastle referee andre marriner taken dimmer view jacob murphys firsthalf challenge ilkay gundogan incident guardiola said everybody focusing diving referees follow rules try take care players feel safe newcastles gameplan predictably cautious 11 men got behind ball within 35 yards goal much first half challenged city break almost sergio aguero stabbed fernandinhos seventhminute cross post early injury city skipper vincent kompany simply prompted pep guardiola replace central defender striker gabriel jesus citys utter domination possession hardly able stretch hosts decisively although goalkeeper rob elliot claw away agueros 17thminute header come line block jesus effort pointblank range deadlock broken sterling ran kevin de bruynes return pass scuffed ball past keeper studs left boot newcastle might back defender nicolas otamendi cleared rolando aarons chipped effort line 10 minutes break change pattern game halftime city came close massed ranks black white continued scrap de bruyne struck post defender jamaal lascelles headed wide goal elliot stranded city went kill question staying game end benitez said really pleased team terms organization workrate disappointed could better ball first half pleased reaction second half
| 522 |
<p>Scoring a season-high four goals in the second period Wednesday night, the Anaheim Ducks dumped the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-3 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.</p>
<p>Rickard Rakell, Adam Henrique, Chris Wagner and Ondrej Kase potted the game-deciding markers for Anaheim, which moved within two points of a Western Conference wild-card playoff spot. John Gibson earned the win in net with 30 saves.</p>
<p>Ducks defenseman Hampus Lindholm sealed the verdict with his seventh goal, an empty-netter with one second to play.</p>
<p>Evgeni Malkin, Phil Kessel and Jake Guentzel scored goals for Pittsburgh, which started its three-game California road trip with a thud after winning its previous four games. Goalie Tristan Jarry took the loss, stopping 28 of 32 shots.</p>
<p>The Ducks owned a territorial edge in the first period, although the Penguins broke the scoring seal at 18:26 after forcing a turnover in the right corner. Patric Hornqvist fed Malkin in the right circle, and the center zipped a wrister by Gibson for his 20th goal.</p>
<p>That lead didn’t last long. Rakell equalized at 4:17 of the second period with his 16th goal. Defenseman Francois Beauchemin fired a point blast that Rakell tipped past Jarry to start the Ducks’ explosion.</p>
<p>Henrique gave Anaheim the lead for good at just 1:25 later. Jarry saved the first shot and then stuffed a backhand try by Kase, but Henrique picked up the next rebound, skated around the net and scored his 10th marker on a wraparound.</p>
<p>Wagner’s short-handed tally made it 3-1 at 9:24 of the middle period. Off a Pittsburgh turnover in the neutral zone, Wagner got a breakaway and slipped the puck between Jarry’s pads for his sixth goal of the season.</p>
<p>Kase finished off the big period with his 12th goal at 18:28. After blocking a point shot, Kase collected the loose puck for a breakaway, finishing with a backhander over Jarry.</p>
<p>The Penguins used the man advantage to get back into contention in the third period. Kessel wired a wrister from the right circle at 8:35 for his 21st goal, and Guentzel bagged his 14th marker at 14:06 with a short-side wrister from the left circle.</p>
<p>Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby and Anaheim’s Cam Fowler each notched two assists.</p>
<p>—Field Level Media</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>SCHROBENHAUSEN, Germany (Reuters) - Bauer, a big producer of construction equipment, is better placed than many German companies that invested heavily in China over the past few decades.</p>
<p>The Bavaria-based firm, which traces its roots back to 1790, does not have to worry about keeping a Chinese joint venture partner happy because it is the sole owner of its two plants in Shanghai and Tianjin.</p>
<p>And the specialist engineering machines Bauer produces there are sold in countries across Asia, shielding the group from swings in the volatile Chinese building market.</p>
<p>Even so, CEO Thomas Bauer, the seventh generation in his family to run the firm, is worried about his company’s place in China and a broader economic relationship that until recently was seen by German corporations and politicians as a lucrative one-way bet.</p>
<p>“Germany has put too many eggs into one basket, and that basket is China,” Bauer, a jovial 62-year-old with a thick Bavarian accent, told Reuters at the company’s headquarters in Schrobenhausen, an hour’s drive north of Munich.</p>
<p>Bauer’s BSAG.DE concern points to a growing fear in Germany. For more than a decade, the country has been the growth locomotive of Europe, its economy weathering global financial turmoil, the euro zone debt crisis and a record influx of refugees.</p>
<p>That resilience was based on two key drivers: Germany had innovative firms that produced high-end manufactured goods that fast-growing economies needed; and the country was better than others at profiting from an open, rules-based global trading system that rewarded competitiveness.</p>
<p>China has been crucial on both fronts. Over the past decade it bought up German cars and machinery at an astonishing pace, as it gradually opened up to foreign firms. Last year alone, German manufacturers sold nearly 5 million cars in China, more than three times as many as in the United States.</p>
<p>But even as the good times roll on, a radical shift is taking place in how Deutschland AG views the vast Chinese market.</p>
<p>Not only has the opening of China shifted into reverse under President Xi Jinping, but Chinese firms have moved up the value chain far faster than many in Germany expected.</p>
<p>Germany’s China conundrum is part of a broader challenge facing Europe: Years of inward-focused crisis fighting have left the bloc politically divided and ill-prepared to respond to looming geopolitical and economic challenges. Now the continent risks being squeezed between a more assertive Beijing and the “America First” policies of Donald Trump.</p>
<p>In private, some executives liken the situation of German industry in China to the proverbial frog in a pot of slowly heating water which ends up boiling to death because it won’t or can’t jump out.</p>
<p>Germany’s ambassador to China, Michael Clauss, warned at a meeting with industry chiefs in Berlin last month of “tectonic changes” in the relationship, according to participants.</p>
<p>“We need to prepare people here for a new era in our partnership with China,” an official at Germany’s powerful BDI industry federation said. “These are still golden times. But there is a huge amount of concern about what lies ahead.”</p>
<p>(GRAPHIC: Germany's China problem - <a href="https://tmsnrt.rs/2GUN6BK" type="external">tmsnrt.rs/2GUN6BK</a>)</p> ROLE OF THE STATE
<p>German companies were among the first in the West to set up shop in China, giving Germany an advantage as the Chinese economy took off.</p>
<p>Bilateral trade between the two countries hit a record 187 billion euros last year, dwarfing China’s trade with France and the UK, both around 70 billion. In 2017, Germany ran a trade deficit with China of 14 billion euros, tiny compared to the U.S. deficit of $375 billion, or about 346 billion euros.</p>
<p>Bauer AG, which employs 11,000 workers in 70 countries, built its first production facilities in China in the mid-1990s. At the time, not a single Chinese firm could make the sophisticated drilling machines it produces – towering yellow structures used to build the foundations for skyscrapers, power stations and airports.</p>
<p>By 2013 Bauer counted 36 Chinese competitors able to make such machines, a shift the CEO says was accelerated by European suppliers selling co-designed parts to the Chinese.</p>
<p>A decade ago, the company’s Chinese plants generated revenues of 109 million euros. Sales slumped to less than half that amount in five of the nine years that followed.</p>
<p>Today, what Bauer and other German firms say they are most worried about is the role of the Chinese state in the economy.</p>
<p>Last year, China introduced a cyber security law which tightened state control over internet services, including secure VPN connections that are used by foreign firms to communicate confidentially with headquarters. More recently, some German companies have complained of pressure to accept Communist party officials on the boards of their joint ventures.</p>
<p>The Bauer boss fears that Xi’s “Made in China 2025” strategy, which identifies 10 key sectors – including robotics, aerospace and clean-energy cars – where China wants to be a leader, represents a direct challenge to German manufacturing dominance.</p>
<p>To keep its edge Bauer says his firm is focusing intensively on digitalization.</p>
<p>“It will not be a contest against copiers. It will be one against innovative engineers who are intent on overtaking us,” he said. “If we don’t start finding answers soon, this can end very badly.”</p> TRUMP TARIFFS
<p>The German angst over China mirrors that which has prompted Trump to threaten Beijing with tens of billions of dollars in trade tariffs.</p>
<p>But because Germany’s top firms have become so dependent on the Chinese market, the government in Berlin has avoided confronting China head-on.</p>
<p>Back in February, carmaker Daimler ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=DAIGn.DE" type="external">DAIGn.DE</a>) showed just how skittish some companies are about upsetting Beijing.</p>
<p>After a backlash in China over a Mercedez-Benz ad on Instagram that quoted the Dalai Lama – the Tibetan spiritual leader seen by Beijing as a separatist – Daimler deleted the post and its CEO Dieter Zetsche wrote a letter expressing deep regret for the “hurt and grief” his company’s “negligent and insensitive mistake” had caused the Chinese people.</p> Slideshow (8 Images)
<p>“There is a huge gap between what people in Germany are saying about China and what they are really thinking,” said Bernhard Bartsch of the Bertelsmann Foundation, a German research group.</p>
<p>Later this month, Bertelsmann and Berlin-based China think tank MERICS will host an Oxford Union-style debate on the motion: “In ten years’ time, China will have substantially undermined Europe’s political and economic system”</p>
<p>The mood among German firms operating in China is also souring.</p>
<p>A survey late last year from the German Chamber of Commerce in China showed that for the first time in many years, more than half of its members were not planning investments in new locations in China. Nearly 13 percent of German firms operating in China said they could leave within the next two years.</p>
<p>For decades, Germany’s approach to China could be summed up with the motto “Wandel durch Handel” (change through trade).</p>
<p>Now that strategy is in tatters and government officials joke darkly that the “win-win” relationship has a new meaning: China wins twice.</p>
<p>“The hope was that closer economic ties would lead to an opening. Today it is clear this was a false hope,” said a German government official. “They tell us what we want to hear and then do the opposite.”</p>
<p>Berlin is starting to push back. Last year, after Chinese firm Midea’s ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=000333.SZ" type="external">000333.SZ</a>) takeover of robotics maker Kuka ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=KU2G.DE" type="external">KU2G.DE</a>) sparked an uproar, it tightened restrictions on foreign investments and launched a push for new Europe-wide rules for screening takeovers.</p>
<p>In December, Germany’s domestic intelligence agency infuriated Beijing when it accused Chinese counterparts of using fake social media accounts to gather information on German politicians - a rare public rebuke that Berlin says was intended to send the Chinese a message.</p>
<p>A summit between the German and Chinese governments later this year is likely to reveal a tougher line from Berlin, officials say.</p>
<p>But they also concede that divisions within the EU and a wide gap between Europe and the go-it-alone Trump administration will make it more difficult to force change in Beijing.</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=DAIGn.DE" type="external">Daimler AG</a> 65.65 DAIGn.DE Xetra +0.18 (+0.27%) DAIGn.DE 000333.SZ KU2G.DE
<p>“What the Chinese are really worried about is Europe and the United States working together against them,” said the German official. “In that sense, Trump really is a gift to China.”</p>
<p>Reporting by Noah Barkin; Editing by Simon Robinson</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>NEW YORK (Reuters) - A $117 million verdict against Johnson &amp; Johnson ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=JNJ.N" type="external">JNJ.N</a>) and a supplier in favor of a man who said his asbestos-related cancer was caused by long-term use of J&amp;J’s Baby Powder could open a new front for thousands of cases claiming the widely-used product caused cancer, legal experts and plaintiffs lawyers said.</p> FILE PHOTO: Bottles of Johnson &amp; Johnson baby powder line a drugstore shelf in New York October 15, 2015. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson/File Photo
<p>J&amp;J has been battling some 6,000 cases claiming its baby powder and Shower to Shower products cause ovarian cancer. The $117 million verdict by a New Jersey jury last week, however, involved a different form of cancer that is clearly linked to asbestos.</p>
<p>Plaintiffs lawyers claim that internal J&amp;J documents seen in that trial show that baby powder had been contaminated with asbestos. They now plan to use the documents in upcoming ovarian cancer trials to allege that the asbestos contamination also caused that form of cancer.</p>
<p>J&amp;J and Imerys Talc America, a unit of Imerys SA ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=IMTP.PA" type="external">IMTP.PA</a>), have vowed to appeal the New Jersey verdict and deny asbestos has ever been present in their products or that their talc can cause any form of cancer.</p>
<p>The case of Stephen Lanzo, a New Jersey resident who claimed he developed mesothelioma after using baby powder since his birth in 1972, was the first time a jury saw the internal J&amp;J documents which plaintiffs claim show that J&amp;J knew since the 1970s that the talc in its baby powder was contaminated by asbestos during the mining process.</p>
<p>J&amp;J says the documents present no such evidence, but merely show the company’s caution.</p>
<p>Peter Bicks, a lawyer leading J&amp;J’s talc asbestos defense, said that in the early 1970s, the company was looking at how it could potentially remove asbestos from talc if the two became intermingled in the mining process. He says no contamination was ever found, citing decades of testing by independent laboratories and scientists.</p>
<p>Bicks called the claims of a link between talc and asbestos “junk science.”</p>
<p>Mesothelioma, a rare and deadly form of cancer closely associated with exposure to asbestos, affects the delicate tissue that lines body cavities.</p>
<p>While the link between asbestos and mesothelioma is sufficiently established, scientists are divided on whether asbestos exposure can cause ovarian cancer. Some studies have shown an association between the two, while other studies have found no such link.</p>
<p>Elizabeth Burch, holder of the Charles H. Kirbo Chair of Law at the University of Georgia, said it remained an open question whether talc contained asbestos and that each case would turn on the facts.</p>
<p>But J&amp;J, which had $76.5 billion in sales in 2017, gives the plaintiffs’ bar an enticing new target, said Nathan Schachtman, a lecturer at Columbia University who used to defend asbestos cases.</p>
<p>Some 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year, according to the American Cancer Society, a number that Howard Erichson, a law professor at Fordham University who specializes in mass tort litigation, called significant from a legal standpoint.</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=JNJ.N" type="external">Johnson &amp; Johnson</a> 130.62 JNJ.N New York Stock Exchange +0.19 (+0.15%) JNJ.N IMTP.PA
<p>But the roughly 22,000 women who were diagnosed with ovarian cancer last year, according to the National Cancer Institute, provide lawyers with a potentially much larger pool of plaintiffs to tap.</p>
<p>“This is just the tip of the iceberg,” said Mark Lanier, one of the lawyers representing consumers, who said plaintiffs would file thousands of additional mesothelioma and ovarian cancer cases.</p>
<p>New Jersey-based J&amp;J in a statement after the Lanzo verdict said plaintiffs’ attorneys had shifted their strategy to focus on asbestos after a series of losses at trial and in court rulings over previous allegations that the talc itself causes cancer.</p>
<p>Of the six ovarian cancer trials to date, juries found J&amp;J liable five times, but a Missouri appellate court threw out the first verdict and a California judge tossed another. Appeals of the other cases are pending.</p>
<p>J&amp;J in November also won the first trial over allegations that its talc contained asbestos and caused a woman’s mesothelioma. Plaintiffs lawyers say the jury in that case did not see the documents presented during the Lanzo trial.</p>
<p>But Erichson said the widespread use of J&amp;J’s consumer products generally make the company an attractive litigation target.</p>
<p>“Baby powder is as ubiquitous a product you can think of and there are lots of people who can testify they’ve been exposed to it,” he said.</p>
<p>Reporting by Tina Bellon; editing by Noeleen Walder and Leslie Adler</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>ATLANTA (Reuters) - Deadly slow-moving storms generated record or near-record snowfall and low temperatures in the U.S. Midwest and tornadoes further east on Sunday, leaving airline travelers stranded and thousands without power.</p>
<p>In Michigan, where snowfall was expected to reach 18 inches in some areas, about 310,000 homes and businesses were without power because of an ice storm, most of them in the southeast of the state.</p>
<p>Large areas of Detroit were without power and customers were not expected to have it back on Sunday night, utility DTE Energy ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=DTE.N" type="external">DTE.N</a>) said. It was working to have 90 percent of outages restored by Tuesday, DTE spokeswoman Carly Getz said in a statement.</p>
<p>The weight of ice on power lines, coupled with high winds, caused more than 1,000 power lines to fall in Detroit and Wayne County, DTE said.</p>
<p>The worst of the snow was focused on the upper Great Lakes, with Green Bay, Wisconsin, seeing its second largest snowstorm ever after 23.2 inches fell as of Sunday afternoon, the National Weather Service said.</p>
<p>For the twin cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, the April monthly record for snowfall of 21.8 inches (55 cm) was surpassed on Saturday, the National Weather Service said.</p>
<p>Two tornadoes tore up trees and ripped apart homes in Greensboro and Reidsville, North Carolina, killing a motorist who was hit by a tree, according to Greensboro’s city manager, local media reported.</p> Slideshow (2 Images)
<p>The storms stretched from the Gulf Coast to the Midwest and were moving into the Northeast and New England.</p>
<p>Record low temperatures for the date were expected in Oklahoma City on Monday at 30 degrees F (-1 C), and in Kansas City, Missouri, at 25 F (-4 C), Hurley said.</p>
<p>On Friday, the weather system produced 17 reports of tornadoes in Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri and Texas, with four people injured and 160 buildings damaged in a possible tornado in northwest Arkansas, local media reported.</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=DTE.N" type="external">DTE Energy Co</a> 102.44 DTE.N New York Stock Exchange +0.34 (+0.33%) DTE.N
<p>The weather was blamed for two traffic deaths in western Nebraska and Wisconsin, according to National Public Radio.</p>
<p>The storms also killed a one-year-old girl when a tree fell on a recreational vehicle where she was sleeping, the sheriff’s office in Bossier Parish, Louisiana, said.</p>
<p>By Sunday night, 1,804 flights had been canceled into or out of U.S. airports, the website flightaware.com reported, including 148 flights in or out of the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport.</p>
<p>Reporting by Rich McKay in Atlanta; Additional reporting by Bernie Woodall in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and Andrew Hay in Taos, N.M.; Editing by Adrian Croft and Peter Cooney</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Former FBI director James Comey said in an ABC News interview on Sunday that U.S. President Donald Trump is a dangerous, “morally unfit” leader doing “tremendous damage” to institutional and cultural norms.</p>
<p>Comey, fired by Trump in May last year, was worried the president may be open to blackmail by Russia given claims he was present when prostitutes urinated on each other during a 2013 Moscow visit.</p>
<p>Comey’s firing came as the Federal Bureau of Investigation was probing possible connections between Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign and Russia’s meddling in the U.S. election.</p>
<p>Russia has denied interfering in the election and Trump has denied any collusion or improper activity.</p>
<p>Comey said in the exclusive interview with ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos, which aired at 10 p.m. on Sunday, that it is “possible, but I don’t know” whether Russia has evidence to back up the allegations about Trump’s Moscow trip.</p>
<p>Trump told Comey that he had not stayed overnight in the Moscow hotel and that the claims related to the prostitutes were not true, Comey said.</p>
<p>“A person ... who talks about and treats women like they’re pieces of meat, who lies constantly about matters big and small and insists the American people believe it, that person’s not fit to be president of the United States, on moral grounds. And that’s not a policy statement,” Comey said.</p>
<p>“He is morally unfit to be president,” he added.</p>
<p>Comey has a tell-all book, “A Higher Loyalty,” due out on Tuesday.</p>
<p>The book’s imminent release - and the slated ABC News interview - prompted Trump to hurl a new set of insults at Comey earlier on Sunday, challenging accusations made in the book, and insisting that he never pressed Comey to be loyal to him.</p>
<p>“Slippery James Comey, a man who always ends up badly and out of whack (he is not smart!), will go down as the WORST FBI Director in history, by far!” Trump wrote early on Sunday in one of five Twitter posts aimed directly at Comey.</p>
<p>Reuters and other news outlets have obtained copies of Comey’s book before its formal release. In it, Comey wrote that Trump, in a private meeting, pressed the then-FBI director for his loyalty.</p>
<p>Comey told ABC News that the title of the book came from that “bizarre conversation” he had with Trump at the White House in January 2017, shortly after his inauguration.</p>
<p>“He asked for my loyalty personally as the F.B.I. director. My loyalty’s supposed to be to the American people and to the institution,” Comey said in the interview.</p>
<p>The FBI has long tried to operate as an independent law enforcement agency.</p>
<p>“I never asked Comey for Personal Loyalty. I hardly even knew this guy. Just another of his many lies,” Trump said on Twitter.</p>
<p>Comey is now a crucial witness for Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into whether Trump has tried to obstruct the Russia probe.</p>
<p>Comey told ABC News that he believes there is “certainly some evidence of obstruction of justice.”</p>
<p>Comey also defended his decision to publicly disclose the FBI’s re-opening of its investigation into Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s handling of email when she was secretary of state.</p> A copy of former FBI director James Comey's book "A Higher Loyalty" is seen in New York City, New York, U.S. April 13, 2018. REUTERS/Soren Larson
<p>The Clinton probe was already public, Comey said, whereas the FBI’s examination of possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia was in its early stages. It did not become publicly known until after the 2016 presidential election.</p>
<p>Despite his myriad of reservations about Trump, Comey told ABC News that he did not believe the U.S. Congress should impeach him, as it would let the American people “off the hook” for something “they’re duty bound to do directly.”</p>
<p>“People in this country need to stand up and go to the voting booth and vote their values,” he said.</p>
<p>U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan, interviewed on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday morning, expressed qualified support for Comey. Asked whether Comey was a man of integrity, the Republican speaker said: “As far as I know,” but added that he did not know him well.</p>
<p>Asked about Trump’s use last week of the words “slime ball” to describe Comey, Ryan said: “I don’t use words like that.”</p>
<p>Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said the ABC interview reaffirms that Comey’s “higher loyalty is to himself.”</p>
<p>“He has no credibility and President Trump was right to follow through on the bipartisan calls for him to be fired,” McDaniel said in a statement.</p> Slideshow (2 Images)
<p>(Refiles to add dropped article “A” from book title, paragraph 9.)</p>
<p>Reporting by Amanda Becker and Sarah Lynch; Additional reporting by Richard Cowan; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and Peter Cooney</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
| false | 2 |
scoring seasonhigh four goals second period wednesday night anaheim ducks dumped pittsburgh penguins 53 honda center anaheim calif rickard rakell adam henrique chris wagner ondrej kase potted gamedeciding markers anaheim moved within two points western conference wildcard playoff spot john gibson earned win net 30 saves ducks defenseman hampus lindholm sealed verdict seventh goal emptynetter one second play evgeni malkin phil kessel jake guentzel scored goals pittsburgh started threegame california road trip thud winning previous four games goalie tristan jarry took loss stopping 28 32 shots ducks owned territorial edge first period although penguins broke scoring seal 1826 forcing turnover right corner patric hornqvist fed malkin right circle center zipped wrister gibson 20th goal lead didnt last long rakell equalized 417 second period 16th goal defenseman francois beauchemin fired point blast rakell tipped past jarry start ducks explosion henrique gave anaheim lead good 125 later jarry saved first shot stuffed backhand try kase henrique picked next rebound skated around net scored 10th marker wraparound wagners shorthanded tally made 31 924 middle period pittsburgh turnover neutral zone wagner got breakaway slipped puck jarrys pads sixth goal season kase finished big period 12th goal 1828 blocking point shot kase collected loose puck breakaway finishing backhander jarry penguins used man advantage get back contention third period kessel wired wrister right circle 835 21st goal guentzel bagged 14th marker 1406 shortside wrister left circle pittsburghs sidney crosby anaheims cam fowler notched two assists field level media standards thomson reuters trust principles schrobenhausen germany reuters bauer big producer construction equipment better placed many german companies invested heavily china past decades bavariabased firm traces roots back 1790 worry keeping chinese joint venture partner happy sole owner two plants shanghai tianjin specialist engineering machines bauer produces sold countries across asia shielding group swings volatile chinese building market even ceo thomas bauer seventh generation family run firm worried companys place china broader economic relationship recently seen german corporations politicians lucrative oneway bet germany put many eggs one basket basket china bauer jovial 62yearold thick bavarian accent told reuters companys headquarters schrobenhausen hours drive north munich bauers bsagde concern points growing fear germany decade country growth locomotive europe economy weathering global financial turmoil euro zone debt crisis record influx refugees resilience based two key drivers germany innovative firms produced highend manufactured goods fastgrowing economies needed country better others profiting open rulesbased global trading system rewarded competitiveness china crucial fronts past decade bought german cars machinery astonishing pace gradually opened foreign firms last year alone german manufacturers sold nearly 5 million cars china three times many united states even good times roll radical shift taking place deutschland ag views vast chinese market opening china shifted reverse president xi jinping chinese firms moved value chain far faster many germany expected germanys china conundrum part broader challenge facing europe years inwardfocused crisis fighting left bloc politically divided illprepared respond looming geopolitical economic challenges continent risks squeezed assertive beijing america first policies donald trump private executives liken situation german industry china proverbial frog pot slowly heating water ends boiling death wont cant jump germanys ambassador china michael clauss warned meeting industry chiefs berlin last month tectonic changes relationship according participants need prepare people new era partnership china official germanys powerful bdi industry federation said still golden times huge amount concern lies ahead graphic germanys china problem tmsnrtrs2gun6bk role state german companies among first west set shop china giving germany advantage chinese economy took bilateral trade two countries hit record 187 billion euros last year dwarfing chinas trade france uk around 70 billion 2017 germany ran trade deficit china 14 billion euros tiny compared us deficit 375 billion 346 billion euros bauer ag employs 11000 workers 70 countries built first production facilities china mid1990s time single chinese firm could make sophisticated drilling machines produces towering yellow structures used build foundations skyscrapers power stations airports 2013 bauer counted 36 chinese competitors able make machines shift ceo says accelerated european suppliers selling codesigned parts chinese decade ago companys chinese plants generated revenues 109 million euros sales slumped less half amount five nine years followed today bauer german firms say worried role chinese state economy last year china introduced cyber security law tightened state control internet services including secure vpn connections used foreign firms communicate confidentially headquarters recently german companies complained pressure accept communist party officials boards joint ventures bauer boss fears xis made china 2025 strategy identifies 10 key sectors including robotics aerospace cleanenergy cars china wants leader represents direct challenge german manufacturing dominance keep edge bauer says firm focusing intensively digitalization contest copiers one innovative engineers intent overtaking us said dont start finding answers soon end badly trump tariffs german angst china mirrors prompted trump threaten beijing tens billions dollars trade tariffs germanys top firms become dependent chinese market government berlin avoided confronting china headon back february carmaker daimler daignde showed skittish companies upsetting beijing backlash china mercedezbenz ad instagram quoted dalai lama tibetan spiritual leader seen beijing separatist daimler deleted post ceo dieter zetsche wrote letter expressing deep regret hurt grief companys negligent insensitive mistake caused chinese people slideshow 8 images huge gap people germany saying china really thinking said bernhard bartsch bertelsmann foundation german research group later month bertelsmann berlinbased china think tank merics host oxford unionstyle debate motion ten years time china substantially undermined europes political economic system mood among german firms operating china also souring survey late last year german chamber commerce china showed first time many years half members planning investments new locations china nearly 13 percent german firms operating china said could leave within next two years decades germanys approach china could summed motto wandel durch handel change trade strategy tatters government officials joke darkly winwin relationship new meaning china wins twice hope closer economic ties would lead opening today clear false hope said german government official tell us want hear opposite berlin starting push back last year chinese firm mideas 000333sz takeover robotics maker kuka ku2gde sparked uproar tightened restrictions foreign investments launched push new europewide rules screening takeovers december germanys domestic intelligence agency infuriated beijing accused chinese counterparts using fake social media accounts gather information german politicians rare public rebuke berlin says intended send chinese message summit german chinese governments later year likely reveal tougher line berlin officials say also concede divisions within eu wide gap europe goitalone trump administration make difficult force change beijing daimler ag 6565 daignde xetra 018 027 daignde 000333sz ku2gde chinese really worried europe united states working together said german official sense trump really gift china reporting noah barkin editing simon robinson standards thomson reuters trust principles new york reuters 117 million verdict johnson amp johnson jnjn supplier favor man said asbestosrelated cancer caused longterm use jampjs baby powder could open new front thousands cases claiming widelyused product caused cancer legal experts plaintiffs lawyers said file photo bottles johnson amp johnson baby powder line drugstore shelf new york october 15 2015 reuterslucas jacksonfile photo jampj battling 6000 cases claiming baby powder shower shower products cause ovarian cancer 117 million verdict new jersey jury last week however involved different form cancer clearly linked asbestos plaintiffs lawyers claim internal jampj documents seen trial show baby powder contaminated asbestos plan use documents upcoming ovarian cancer trials allege asbestos contamination also caused form cancer jampj imerys talc america unit imerys sa imtppa vowed appeal new jersey verdict deny asbestos ever present products talc cause form cancer case stephen lanzo new jersey resident claimed developed mesothelioma using baby powder since birth 1972 first time jury saw internal jampj documents plaintiffs claim show jampj knew since 1970s talc baby powder contaminated asbestos mining process jampj says documents present evidence merely show companys caution peter bicks lawyer leading jampjs talc asbestos defense said early 1970s company looking could potentially remove asbestos talc two became intermingled mining process says contamination ever found citing decades testing independent laboratories scientists bicks called claims link talc asbestos junk science mesothelioma rare deadly form cancer closely associated exposure asbestos affects delicate tissue lines body cavities link asbestos mesothelioma sufficiently established scientists divided whether asbestos exposure cause ovarian cancer studies shown association two studies found link elizabeth burch holder charles h kirbo chair law university georgia said remained open question whether talc contained asbestos case would turn facts jampj 765 billion sales 2017 gives plaintiffs bar enticing new target said nathan schachtman lecturer columbia university used defend asbestos cases 3000 people diagnosed mesothelioma year according american cancer society number howard erichson law professor fordham university specializes mass tort litigation called significant legal standpoint johnson amp johnson 13062 jnjn new york stock exchange 019 015 jnjn imtppa roughly 22000 women diagnosed ovarian cancer last year according national cancer institute provide lawyers potentially much larger pool plaintiffs tap tip iceberg said mark lanier one lawyers representing consumers said plaintiffs would file thousands additional mesothelioma ovarian cancer cases new jerseybased jampj statement lanzo verdict said plaintiffs attorneys shifted strategy focus asbestos series losses trial court rulings previous allegations talc causes cancer six ovarian cancer trials date juries found jampj liable five times missouri appellate court threw first verdict california judge tossed another appeals cases pending jampj november also first trial allegations talc contained asbestos caused womans mesothelioma plaintiffs lawyers say jury case see documents presented lanzo trial erichson said widespread use jampjs consumer products generally make company attractive litigation target baby powder ubiquitous product think lots people testify theyve exposed said reporting tina bellon editing noeleen walder leslie adler standards thomson reuters trust principles atlanta reuters deadly slowmoving storms generated record nearrecord snowfall low temperatures us midwest tornadoes east sunday leaving airline travelers stranded thousands without power michigan snowfall expected reach 18 inches areas 310000 homes businesses without power ice storm southeast state large areas detroit without power customers expected back sunday night utility dte energy dten said working 90 percent outages restored tuesday dte spokeswoman carly getz said statement weight ice power lines coupled high winds caused 1000 power lines fall detroit wayne county dte said worst snow focused upper great lakes green bay wisconsin seeing second largest snowstorm ever 232 inches fell sunday afternoon national weather service said twin cities minneapolisst paul minnesota april monthly record snowfall 218 inches 55 cm surpassed saturday national weather service said two tornadoes tore trees ripped apart homes greensboro reidsville north carolina killing motorist hit tree according greensboros city manager local media reported slideshow 2 images storms stretched gulf coast midwest moving northeast new england record low temperatures date expected oklahoma city monday 30 degrees f 1 c kansas city missouri 25 f 4 c hurley said friday weather system produced 17 reports tornadoes arkansas louisiana missouri texas four people injured 160 buildings damaged possible tornado northwest arkansas local media reported dte energy co 10244 dten new york stock exchange 034 033 dten weather blamed two traffic deaths western nebraska wisconsin according national public radio storms also killed oneyearold girl tree fell recreational vehicle sleeping sheriffs office bossier parish louisiana said sunday night 1804 flights canceled us airports website flightawarecom reported including 148 flights minneapolisst paul airport reporting rich mckay atlanta additional reporting bernie woodall fort lauderdale fla andrew hay taos nm editing adrian croft peter cooney standards thomson reuters trust principles washington reuters former fbi director james comey said abc news interview sunday us president donald trump dangerous morally unfit leader tremendous damage institutional cultural norms comey fired trump may last year worried president may open blackmail russia given claims present prostitutes urinated 2013 moscow visit comeys firing came federal bureau investigation probing possible connections trumps 2016 presidential campaign russias meddling us election russia denied interfering election trump denied collusion improper activity comey said exclusive interview abc news george stephanopoulos aired 10 pm sunday possible dont know whether russia evidence back allegations trumps moscow trip trump told comey stayed overnight moscow hotel claims related prostitutes true comey said person talks treats women like theyre pieces meat lies constantly matters big small insists american people believe persons fit president united states moral grounds thats policy statement comey said morally unfit president added comey tellall book higher loyalty due tuesday books imminent release slated abc news interview prompted trump hurl new set insults comey earlier sunday challenging accusations made book insisting never pressed comey loyal slippery james comey man always ends badly whack smart go worst fbi director history far trump wrote early sunday one five twitter posts aimed directly comey reuters news outlets obtained copies comeys book formal release comey wrote trump private meeting pressed thenfbi director loyalty comey told abc news title book came bizarre conversation trump white house january 2017 shortly inauguration asked loyalty personally fbi director loyaltys supposed american people institution comey said interview fbi long tried operate independent law enforcement agency never asked comey personal loyalty hardly even knew guy another many lies trump said twitter comey crucial witness special counsel robert muellers investigation whether trump tried obstruct russia probe comey told abc news believes certainly evidence obstruction justice comey also defended decision publicly disclose fbis reopening investigation democratic presidential candidate hillary clintons handling email secretary state copy former fbi director james comeys book higher loyalty seen new york city new york us april 13 2018 reuterssoren larson clinton probe already public comey said whereas fbis examination possible collusion trump campaign russia early stages become publicly known 2016 presidential election despite myriad reservations trump comey told abc news believe us congress impeach would let american people hook something theyre duty bound directly people country need stand go voting booth vote values said us house representatives speaker paul ryan interviewed nbcs meet press sunday morning expressed qualified support comey asked whether comey man integrity republican speaker said far know added know well asked trumps use last week words slime ball describe comey ryan said dont use words like republican national committee chairwoman ronna mcdaniel said abc interview reaffirms comeys higher loyalty credibility president trump right follow bipartisan calls fired mcdaniel said statement slideshow 2 images refiles add dropped article book title paragraph 9 reporting amanda becker sarah lynch additional reporting richard cowan editing lisa shumaker peter cooney standards thomson reuters trust principles
| 2,345 |
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p />
<p>At the same time, public support for the perennially controversial law has inched up to around its highest point in a half-dozen years. Nearly 9 million people so far have signed up for ACA health plans for 2018 during a foreshortened enrollment season, far surpassing expectations.</p>
<p>This dual reality puts the sprawling ACA – prized domestic legacy of the Obama era, whipping post of the Trump administration – at a new precipice, with its long-term fate hinging on the November midterm elections certain to consume Washington once the New Year begins. If Democrats win a majority in either chamber of Congress, the law would be protected; a GOP sweep could further embolden repeal attempts.</p>
<p>“It’s right on the balance there,” said Robert Blendon, a Harvard professor of health policy and political analysis. “The viability of the program is heavily dependent on the outcome of the election, not the changes in between.”</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>With recent polls showing health care remains a top concern among voters, both major political parties have an incentive to wield it as an election issue. Democrats are likely to argue that the GOP wants to take coverage away from millions of Americans, with Republicans focusing on escalating insurance prices.</p>
<p>What happens in the interim, health policy analysts say, depends on how events play out in three arenas – Capitol Hill, the White House and the insurance industry.</p>
<p>After a year of full GOP control, congressional Republicans and the White House have damaged the ACA but fallen short of their vehement goal of dismantling broad swaths of it. More ambiguous is whether their end-of-year victory – removing tax penalties starting in 2019 for people who violate the insurance mandate – will whet the GOP’s appetite for taking apart more of the law.</p>
<p>“To those who believe – including Senate Republican leadership – that in 2018 there will not be another effort to repeal and replace Obamacare – well you are sadly mistaken,” Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., tweeted last week.</p>
<p>Graham’s vow was a rejoinder to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who suggested in an NPR interview that “we’ll probably move on to other issues.” He also noted that the chamber’s slender GOP majority will shrink to one senator once the Democratic winner of a special election in Alabama is sworn in next month.</p>
<p>McConnell reiterated his intention to try to coax the Senate early in the year to adopt two measures, promised to a crucial Senate Republican moderate in exchange for her support of the massive tax overhaul enacted last week, that would help cushion ACA insurance marketplaces.</p>
<p>One bill would restore for two years the payments that the law guarantees insurers – estimated at $8 billion in 2018 – to reimburse them for discounts that ACA health plans must give lower-income customers for deductibles and other out-of-pocket expenses. President Donald Trump cut off the payments in October.</p>
<p>The other bill would provide about $10 billion over two years to help states create high-risk pools or otherwise help insurers cope with customers with especially high medical costs. House conservatives fiercely opposed both measures.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the administration is pressing forward with at least one more jab at the ACA marketplaces. As directed by an executive order that President Trump signed this fall, officials are finishing a draft rule to make it easier for insurers to sell meager but inexpensive health plans that skirt the law’s coverage requirements.</p>
<p>The ground-level effect of such changes for consumers rests in large part on how the insurance industry responds. Without the measure to help stabilize the law’s marketplaces and with greater availability of skimpy health plans, “we risk the individual market on the exchanges becoming a de facto high-risk pool,” said one industry official not authorized to speak on the record. That means premiums would soar, causing those exchanges to shrink and become the province of sick, expensive customers.</p>
<p>On the other hand, said Joseph Antos, a health-care scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, more expensive premiums could “move in the opposite direction of knocking down the ACA” because the law’s premium subsidies would rise to keep pace. For the more than 80 percent of ACA customers who qualify for those subsidies, he said, more generous subsidies could make it easier to afford higher tiers of coverage, motivating more people to sign up.</p>
<p>Such hard-to-predict boomerang effects could be true of the insurance mandate as well. The requirement has always been the least popular part of the law. So at a time when the most recent polls show that slightly more than half the public regards the ACA favorably, removing the most objectionable feature “could even be a blessing in disguise” for supporters, said Larry Levitt, senior vice president of the Kaiser Family Foundation.</p>
<p>Trump sought last week to equate the part of the tax legislation that undermines the individual mandate with repeal of the entire law. His assertion at a Cabinet meeting was a pronounced overstatement. Other central features of the ACA remain intact – including its insurance marketplaces, intended for Americans who do not have access to affordable health benefits through a job; the expansion of Medicaid in more than 30 states plus the District of Columbia; and the premium subsidies.</p>
<p>In fact, health-policy analysts say ending the penalties for violating the mandate will be a real-world test of a debate that has simmered for years: whether a legal requirement to be insured motivates people to get coverage, or whether the ACA’s subsidies are a stronger incentive.</p>
<p>According to the most recent federal figures, 6.7 million Americans who flouted the requirement paid a total of about $3 billion in tax penalties in 2015. Ending the penalties will cause an additional 4 million people to be uninsured in 2019 and 13 million within a decade, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. Insurance premiums in the ACA marketplaces will rise an extra 10 percent in most of those years, the CBO estimates.</p>
<p>If this happens, it will feed the talking points of both political parties, Blendon, the Harvard professor, predicts. “The big-picture issues will be premiums increasing and dropping coverage,” he said.</p>
<p>But for now, Antos says, the unexpectedly high number of people enrolling in ACA plans, in a year when insurance choices shrank, premium costs rose and the White House became a megaphone for criticism of the law, suggests that the law remains “durable.”</p>
<p>“I don’t see big lurches in either direction for both political and practical reasons,” he added. “It’s hard to move the ship once it’s moving.”</p>
| false | 2 |
time public support perennially controversial law inched around highest point halfdozen years nearly 9 million people far signed aca health plans 2018 foreshortened enrollment season far surpassing expectations dual reality puts sprawling aca prized domestic legacy obama era whipping post trump administration new precipice longterm fate hinging november midterm elections certain consume washington new year begins democrats win majority either chamber congress law would protected gop sweep could embolden repeal attempts right balance said robert blendon harvard professor health policy political analysis viability program heavily dependent outcome election changes advertisement recent polls showing health care remains top concern among voters major political parties incentive wield election issue democrats likely argue gop wants take coverage away millions americans republicans focusing escalating insurance prices happens interim health policy analysts say depends events play three arenas capitol hill white house insurance industry year full gop control congressional republicans white house damaged aca fallen short vehement goal dismantling broad swaths ambiguous whether endofyear victory removing tax penalties starting 2019 people violate insurance mandate whet gops appetite taking apart law believe including senate republican leadership 2018 another effort repeal replace obamacare well sadly mistaken sen lindsey graham rsc tweeted last week grahams vow rejoinder senate majority leader mitch mcconnell rky suggested npr interview well probably move issues also noted chambers slender gop majority shrink one senator democratic winner special election alabama sworn next month mcconnell reiterated intention try coax senate early year adopt two measures promised crucial senate republican moderate exchange support massive tax overhaul enacted last week would help cushion aca insurance marketplaces one bill would restore two years payments law guarantees insurers estimated 8 billion 2018 reimburse discounts aca health plans must give lowerincome customers deductibles outofpocket expenses president donald trump cut payments october bill would provide 10 billion two years help states create highrisk pools otherwise help insurers cope customers especially high medical costs house conservatives fiercely opposed measures advertisement meanwhile administration pressing forward least one jab aca marketplaces directed executive order president trump signed fall officials finishing draft rule make easier insurers sell meager inexpensive health plans skirt laws coverage requirements groundlevel effect changes consumers rests large part insurance industry responds without measure help stabilize laws marketplaces greater availability skimpy health plans risk individual market exchanges becoming de facto highrisk pool said one industry official authorized speak record means premiums would soar causing exchanges shrink become province sick expensive customers hand said joseph antos healthcare scholar american enterprise institute expensive premiums could move opposite direction knocking aca laws premium subsidies would rise keep pace 80 percent aca customers qualify subsidies said generous subsidies could make easier afford higher tiers coverage motivating people sign hardtopredict boomerang effects could true insurance mandate well requirement always least popular part law time recent polls show slightly half public regards aca favorably removing objectionable feature could even blessing disguise supporters said larry levitt senior vice president kaiser family foundation trump sought last week equate part tax legislation undermines individual mandate repeal entire law assertion cabinet meeting pronounced overstatement central features aca remain intact including insurance marketplaces intended americans access affordable health benefits job expansion medicaid 30 states plus district columbia premium subsidies fact healthpolicy analysts say ending penalties violating mandate realworld test debate simmered years whether legal requirement insured motivates people get coverage whether acas subsidies stronger incentive according recent federal figures 67 million americans flouted requirement paid total 3 billion tax penalties 2015 ending penalties cause additional 4 million people uninsured 2019 13 million within decade according nonpartisan congressional budget office insurance premiums aca marketplaces rise extra 10 percent years cbo estimates happens feed talking points political parties blendon harvard professor predicts bigpicture issues premiums increasing dropping coverage said antos says unexpectedly high number people enrolling aca plans year insurance choices shrank premium costs rose white house became megaphone criticism law suggests law remains durable dont see big lurches either direction political practical reasons added hard move ship moving
| 654 |
<p>LAS VEGAS (AP) — Twenty-six palm-sized portraits of Nevada’s U.S. senators hang on a wall here. The most recent portrait is not another man in a no-nonsense tie, but a pearl-wearing Latina whose election in 2016 made state history.</p>
<p>As the state’s first female senator and the chamber’s first Hispanic woman, Catherine Cortez Masto replaced former Sen. Harry Reid, a Democrat who in more than 30 years in office became one of the most powerful politicians in state history. He led the Senate majority and endorsed Cortez Masto immediately after she announced her candidacy.</p>
<p>Whether she could fill Reid’s shoes, she says, is a question she has had to answer often.</p>
<p>“When I was on the campaign trail, people would ask me that all the time, and I would say, ‘yeah, not only am I going to fill those shoes, I’m going to do it in heels,’ ” Cortez Masto said in mid-December, sitting in her second-floor office in the nation’s capital, near the Senate rules committee.</p>
<p>Cortez Masto was still moving into the space when she reflected on her first year as a senator. At the time, Congress was finalizing a massive tax reform bill that has since been signed into law by President Donald Trump.</p>
<p>“I joke, the biggest challenge I had when I initially got here was learning my way around because it is a maze,” she said. “It’s like anything. You’re going to learn. I’m a new senator, so you’re learning the rules.”</p>
<p>Michael Green, an associate history professor at UNLV, said Cortez Masto seemed to be adopting Reid’s style of getting her committee work done and focusing on constituents rather than seeking attention.</p>
<p>“It’s safe to say there has never been a more powerful Nevadan in Washington, D.C., than Harry Reid,” Green said. “Senate majority leader for eight years, in the leadership as long as he was, the longest-serving member of Congress from Nevada altogether — he’s a tough act to follow.”</p>
<p>Her first year was spent in a basement office with other new senators, learning the ropes and hunting down chocolate late at night for a sugar boost. Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., remembers those late nights.</p>
<p>“The election of 2016 was highly charged. The consequences were history-making in many ways in terms of the impact on a lot of people,” Harris said. “She and I basically came into the Senate with a lot of common priorities, including what we needed to do for Dreamers and our DACA kids.”</p>
<p>Cortez Masto, one of four minority women in the Senate, has hosted a series of diversity roundtables with women in her first year in office.</p>
<p>“Catherine assumed a role of leadership, making sure that people who work in the Senate have that kind of support,” Harris said.</p>
<p>ROOTS BEYOND NEVADA</p>
<p>Nevada’s junior senator says her family’s background, with relatives from Mexico and Italy, influences her policies. Her paternal grandfather came to the U.S. from Mexico. “Through the Rio Grande, as my grandmother tells the story,” Cortez Masto says.</p>
<p>On her mother’s side, Cortez Masto has a great-grandfather from Italy who arrived at Ellis Island. Both of her parents came to Las Vegas as children with their families, later graduating from Las Vegas High School. The couple met after Cortez Masto’s father returned from South Korea, where he served in the Army.</p>
<p>She says her father, Manny Cortez, grew up in a trailer in North Las Vegas and parked cars at the Dunes when he was young. Her mother, Joanna, was a bookkeeper and community volunteer, working with service groups like Beta Sigma Phi.</p>
<p>Manny, who died in 2006, led the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority for 13 years and spent 15 years as a Clark County commissioner. He had a hand in launching the famous “What happens here, stays here” advertising campaign that helped revitalize Las Vegas.</p>
<p>“That appreciation for giving back in the community came from my parents and grandparents, because they were hard workers but they never forgot where they came from,” Cortez Masto said. “You don’t forget that when you succeed, others helped you get there, and so you help others as well.”</p>
<p>DECIDING TO RUN FOR OFFICE</p>
<p>After graduating with a finance degree from UNR and a law degree from Gonzaga, Cortez Masto was chief of staff for Democratic Gov. Bob Miller and eventually became an assistant U.S. attorney in D.C. She returned to Nevada to serve as an assistant Clark County manager, working on issues ranging from domestic violence prevention to drug trafficking.</p>
<p>“I spent a career solving problems in communities,” she said.</p>
<p>Then she decided to run for Nevada attorney general.</p>
<p>“I felt our state was dealing with a number of these issues, and that would give me the platform to solve those problems,” she said.</p>
<p>Cortez Masto served as attorney general from 2007 to 2015. She says this was an interesting time, when her priorities collided with the Great Recession and her focus was pushed in a new direction.</p>
<p>“Identity theft, the methamphetamine problems, senior protection issues, domestic violence. . When I went into 2007, that was my focus, and then the crisis hit and shifted everything,” she said of the economic downturn.</p>
<p>In 2015, Cortez Masto announced she would run to fill Reid’s vacant seat.</p>
<p>“We met when she came to Washington a few years back,” said Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. “So when she decided she was going to get in the Senate race, I was one of her earliest and strongest supporters.”</p>
<p>In November 2016, she was elected in a heavily Hispanic state with 47 percent of the vote compared with Heck’s 44.7 percent.</p>
<p>LESSONS FROM CONGRESS</p>
<p>Cortez Masto took office Jan. 3, 2017, the day before Republicans started an unsuccessful campaign to repeal the Affordable Care Act.</p>
<p>“I got to cast a vote to fight against it,” she said. “To me, that’s what it’s about. You don’t forget that.”</p>
<p>She has sponsored four bills and co-sponsored dozens more, but few have moved past committee in the Republican-controlled Congress.</p>
<p>Cortez Masto also has been advocating for a vote on the DREAM Act, legislation that would provide relief for some young immigrants who will lose deportation protection when the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program ends, and voted against a short-term spending plan that kept the government open through December, citing a lack of a solution for DACA recipients.</p>
<p>“I’m disappointed in the process from the very beginning, whether it’s health care or tax reform,” she said. “There has been a concerted effort by the majority to not only exclude the minority in this discussion, but to fast-track it and exclude the public in this process.”</p>
<p>Cortez Masto said she was fortunate to serve on the six committees she wanted, including the banking committee, where Warren also is a member.</p>
<p>Warren, elected in 2012, said that while she misses Reid and his ability as majority leader to be at the center of negotiations, Cortez Masto is tough and well-prepared.</p>
<p>“I get to watch her in action almost every week,” Warren said. “She worked hard for Nevada homeowners during the financial crisis, and now she brings that same determination to Congress.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Information from: Las Vegas Sun, <a href="http://www.lasvegassun.com" type="external" /> <a href="http://www.lasvegassun.com" type="external">http://www.lasvegassun.com</a></p>
<p>LAS VEGAS (AP) — Twenty-six palm-sized portraits of Nevada’s U.S. senators hang on a wall here. The most recent portrait is not another man in a no-nonsense tie, but a pearl-wearing Latina whose election in 2016 made state history.</p>
<p>As the state’s first female senator and the chamber’s first Hispanic woman, Catherine Cortez Masto replaced former Sen. Harry Reid, a Democrat who in more than 30 years in office became one of the most powerful politicians in state history. He led the Senate majority and endorsed Cortez Masto immediately after she announced her candidacy.</p>
<p>Whether she could fill Reid’s shoes, she says, is a question she has had to answer often.</p>
<p>“When I was on the campaign trail, people would ask me that all the time, and I would say, ‘yeah, not only am I going to fill those shoes, I’m going to do it in heels,’ ” Cortez Masto said in mid-December, sitting in her second-floor office in the nation’s capital, near the Senate rules committee.</p>
<p>Cortez Masto was still moving into the space when she reflected on her first year as a senator. At the time, Congress was finalizing a massive tax reform bill that has since been signed into law by President Donald Trump.</p>
<p>“I joke, the biggest challenge I had when I initially got here was learning my way around because it is a maze,” she said. “It’s like anything. You’re going to learn. I’m a new senator, so you’re learning the rules.”</p>
<p>Michael Green, an associate history professor at UNLV, said Cortez Masto seemed to be adopting Reid’s style of getting her committee work done and focusing on constituents rather than seeking attention.</p>
<p>“It’s safe to say there has never been a more powerful Nevadan in Washington, D.C., than Harry Reid,” Green said. “Senate majority leader for eight years, in the leadership as long as he was, the longest-serving member of Congress from Nevada altogether — he’s a tough act to follow.”</p>
<p>Her first year was spent in a basement office with other new senators, learning the ropes and hunting down chocolate late at night for a sugar boost. Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., remembers those late nights.</p>
<p>“The election of 2016 was highly charged. The consequences were history-making in many ways in terms of the impact on a lot of people,” Harris said. “She and I basically came into the Senate with a lot of common priorities, including what we needed to do for Dreamers and our DACA kids.”</p>
<p>Cortez Masto, one of four minority women in the Senate, has hosted a series of diversity roundtables with women in her first year in office.</p>
<p>“Catherine assumed a role of leadership, making sure that people who work in the Senate have that kind of support,” Harris said.</p>
<p>ROOTS BEYOND NEVADA</p>
<p>Nevada’s junior senator says her family’s background, with relatives from Mexico and Italy, influences her policies. Her paternal grandfather came to the U.S. from Mexico. “Through the Rio Grande, as my grandmother tells the story,” Cortez Masto says.</p>
<p>On her mother’s side, Cortez Masto has a great-grandfather from Italy who arrived at Ellis Island. Both of her parents came to Las Vegas as children with their families, later graduating from Las Vegas High School. The couple met after Cortez Masto’s father returned from South Korea, where he served in the Army.</p>
<p>She says her father, Manny Cortez, grew up in a trailer in North Las Vegas and parked cars at the Dunes when he was young. Her mother, Joanna, was a bookkeeper and community volunteer, working with service groups like Beta Sigma Phi.</p>
<p>Manny, who died in 2006, led the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority for 13 years and spent 15 years as a Clark County commissioner. He had a hand in launching the famous “What happens here, stays here” advertising campaign that helped revitalize Las Vegas.</p>
<p>“That appreciation for giving back in the community came from my parents and grandparents, because they were hard workers but they never forgot where they came from,” Cortez Masto said. “You don’t forget that when you succeed, others helped you get there, and so you help others as well.”</p>
<p>DECIDING TO RUN FOR OFFICE</p>
<p>After graduating with a finance degree from UNR and a law degree from Gonzaga, Cortez Masto was chief of staff for Democratic Gov. Bob Miller and eventually became an assistant U.S. attorney in D.C. She returned to Nevada to serve as an assistant Clark County manager, working on issues ranging from domestic violence prevention to drug trafficking.</p>
<p>“I spent a career solving problems in communities,” she said.</p>
<p>Then she decided to run for Nevada attorney general.</p>
<p>“I felt our state was dealing with a number of these issues, and that would give me the platform to solve those problems,” she said.</p>
<p>Cortez Masto served as attorney general from 2007 to 2015. She says this was an interesting time, when her priorities collided with the Great Recession and her focus was pushed in a new direction.</p>
<p>“Identity theft, the methamphetamine problems, senior protection issues, domestic violence. . When I went into 2007, that was my focus, and then the crisis hit and shifted everything,” she said of the economic downturn.</p>
<p>In 2015, Cortez Masto announced she would run to fill Reid’s vacant seat.</p>
<p>“We met when she came to Washington a few years back,” said Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. “So when she decided she was going to get in the Senate race, I was one of her earliest and strongest supporters.”</p>
<p>In November 2016, she was elected in a heavily Hispanic state with 47 percent of the vote compared with Heck’s 44.7 percent.</p>
<p>LESSONS FROM CONGRESS</p>
<p>Cortez Masto took office Jan. 3, 2017, the day before Republicans started an unsuccessful campaign to repeal the Affordable Care Act.</p>
<p>“I got to cast a vote to fight against it,” she said. “To me, that’s what it’s about. You don’t forget that.”</p>
<p>She has sponsored four bills and co-sponsored dozens more, but few have moved past committee in the Republican-controlled Congress.</p>
<p>Cortez Masto also has been advocating for a vote on the DREAM Act, legislation that would provide relief for some young immigrants who will lose deportation protection when the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program ends, and voted against a short-term spending plan that kept the government open through December, citing a lack of a solution for DACA recipients.</p>
<p>“I’m disappointed in the process from the very beginning, whether it’s health care or tax reform,” she said. “There has been a concerted effort by the majority to not only exclude the minority in this discussion, but to fast-track it and exclude the public in this process.”</p>
<p>Cortez Masto said she was fortunate to serve on the six committees she wanted, including the banking committee, where Warren also is a member.</p>
<p>Warren, elected in 2012, said that while she misses Reid and his ability as majority leader to be at the center of negotiations, Cortez Masto is tough and well-prepared.</p>
<p>“I get to watch her in action almost every week,” Warren said. “She worked hard for Nevada homeowners during the financial crisis, and now she brings that same determination to Congress.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Information from: Las Vegas Sun, <a href="http://www.lasvegassun.com" type="external" /> <a href="http://www.lasvegassun.com" type="external">http://www.lasvegassun.com</a></p>
| false | 2 |
las vegas ap twentysix palmsized portraits nevadas us senators hang wall recent portrait another man nononsense tie pearlwearing latina whose election 2016 made state history states first female senator chambers first hispanic woman catherine cortez masto replaced former sen harry reid democrat 30 years office became one powerful politicians state history led senate majority endorsed cortez masto immediately announced candidacy whether could fill reids shoes says question answer often campaign trail people would ask time would say yeah going fill shoes im going heels cortez masto said middecember sitting secondfloor office nations capital near senate rules committee cortez masto still moving space reflected first year senator time congress finalizing massive tax reform bill since signed law president donald trump joke biggest challenge initially got learning way around maze said like anything youre going learn im new senator youre learning rules michael green associate history professor unlv said cortez masto seemed adopting reids style getting committee work done focusing constituents rather seeking attention safe say never powerful nevadan washington dc harry reid green said senate majority leader eight years leadership long longestserving member congress nevada altogether hes tough act follow first year spent basement office new senators learning ropes hunting chocolate late night sugar boost sen kamala harris dcalif remembers late nights election 2016 highly charged consequences historymaking many ways terms impact lot people harris said basically came senate lot common priorities including needed dreamers daca kids cortez masto one four minority women senate hosted series diversity roundtables women first year office catherine assumed role leadership making sure people work senate kind support harris said roots beyond nevada nevadas junior senator says familys background relatives mexico italy influences policies paternal grandfather came us mexico rio grande grandmother tells story cortez masto says mothers side cortez masto greatgrandfather italy arrived ellis island parents came las vegas children families later graduating las vegas high school couple met cortez mastos father returned south korea served army says father manny cortez grew trailer north las vegas parked cars dunes young mother joanna bookkeeper community volunteer working service groups like beta sigma phi manny died 2006 led las vegas convention visitors authority 13 years spent 15 years clark county commissioner hand launching famous happens stays advertising campaign helped revitalize las vegas appreciation giving back community came parents grandparents hard workers never forgot came cortez masto said dont forget succeed others helped get help others well deciding run office graduating finance degree unr law degree gonzaga cortez masto chief staff democratic gov bob miller eventually became assistant us attorney dc returned nevada serve assistant clark county manager working issues ranging domestic violence prevention drug trafficking spent career solving problems communities said decided run nevada attorney general felt state dealing number issues would give platform solve problems said cortez masto served attorney general 2007 2015 says interesting time priorities collided great recession focus pushed new direction identity theft methamphetamine problems senior protection issues domestic violence went 2007 focus crisis hit shifted everything said economic downturn 2015 cortez masto announced would run fill reids vacant seat met came washington years back said sen elizabeth warren dmass decided going get senate race one earliest strongest supporters november 2016 elected heavily hispanic state 47 percent vote compared hecks 447 percent lessons congress cortez masto took office jan 3 2017 day republicans started unsuccessful campaign repeal affordable care act got cast vote fight said thats dont forget sponsored four bills cosponsored dozens moved past committee republicancontrolled congress cortez masto also advocating vote dream act legislation would provide relief young immigrants lose deportation protection deferred action childhood arrivals program ends voted shortterm spending plan kept government open december citing lack solution daca recipients im disappointed process beginning whether health care tax reform said concerted effort majority exclude minority discussion fasttrack exclude public process cortez masto said fortunate serve six committees wanted including banking committee warren also member warren elected 2012 said misses reid ability majority leader center negotiations cortez masto tough wellprepared get watch action almost every week warren said worked hard nevada homeowners financial crisis brings determination congress ___ information las vegas sun httpwwwlasvegassuncom las vegas ap twentysix palmsized portraits nevadas us senators hang wall recent portrait another man nononsense tie pearlwearing latina whose election 2016 made state history states first female senator chambers first hispanic woman catherine cortez masto replaced former sen harry reid democrat 30 years office became one powerful politicians state history led senate majority endorsed cortez masto immediately announced candidacy whether could fill reids shoes says question answer often campaign trail people would ask time would say yeah going fill shoes im going heels cortez masto said middecember sitting secondfloor office nations capital near senate rules committee cortez masto still moving space reflected first year senator time congress finalizing massive tax reform bill since signed law president donald trump joke biggest challenge initially got learning way around maze said like anything youre going learn im new senator youre learning rules michael green associate history professor unlv said cortez masto seemed adopting reids style getting committee work done focusing constituents rather seeking attention safe say never powerful nevadan washington dc harry reid green said senate majority leader eight years leadership long longestserving member congress nevada altogether hes tough act follow first year spent basement office new senators learning ropes hunting chocolate late night sugar boost sen kamala harris dcalif remembers late nights election 2016 highly charged consequences historymaking many ways terms impact lot people harris said basically came senate lot common priorities including needed dreamers daca kids cortez masto one four minority women senate hosted series diversity roundtables women first year office catherine assumed role leadership making sure people work senate kind support harris said roots beyond nevada nevadas junior senator says familys background relatives mexico italy influences policies paternal grandfather came us mexico rio grande grandmother tells story cortez masto says mothers side cortez masto greatgrandfather italy arrived ellis island parents came las vegas children families later graduating las vegas high school couple met cortez mastos father returned south korea served army says father manny cortez grew trailer north las vegas parked cars dunes young mother joanna bookkeeper community volunteer working service groups like beta sigma phi manny died 2006 led las vegas convention visitors authority 13 years spent 15 years clark county commissioner hand launching famous happens stays advertising campaign helped revitalize las vegas appreciation giving back community came parents grandparents hard workers never forgot came cortez masto said dont forget succeed others helped get help others well deciding run office graduating finance degree unr law degree gonzaga cortez masto chief staff democratic gov bob miller eventually became assistant us attorney dc returned nevada serve assistant clark county manager working issues ranging domestic violence prevention drug trafficking spent career solving problems communities said decided run nevada attorney general felt state dealing number issues would give platform solve problems said cortez masto served attorney general 2007 2015 says interesting time priorities collided great recession focus pushed new direction identity theft methamphetamine problems senior protection issues domestic violence went 2007 focus crisis hit shifted everything said economic downturn 2015 cortez masto announced would run fill reids vacant seat met came washington years back said sen elizabeth warren dmass decided going get senate race one earliest strongest supporters november 2016 elected heavily hispanic state 47 percent vote compared hecks 447 percent lessons congress cortez masto took office jan 3 2017 day republicans started unsuccessful campaign repeal affordable care act got cast vote fight said thats dont forget sponsored four bills cosponsored dozens moved past committee republicancontrolled congress cortez masto also advocating vote dream act legislation would provide relief young immigrants lose deportation protection deferred action childhood arrivals program ends voted shortterm spending plan kept government open december citing lack solution daca recipients im disappointed process beginning whether health care tax reform said concerted effort majority exclude minority discussion fasttrack exclude public process cortez masto said fortunate serve six committees wanted including banking committee warren also member warren elected 2012 said misses reid ability majority leader center negotiations cortez masto tough wellprepared get watch action almost every week warren said worked hard nevada homeowners financial crisis brings determination congress ___ information las vegas sun httpwwwlasvegassuncom
| 1,364 |
<p>BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Republican House leaders negotiating with Gov. John Bel Edwards on a fix to Louisiana’s $1 billion budget gap are hitching tax votes to the governor’s support for legislation aimed at curbing state spending.</p>
<p>House Speaker Taylor Barras said he’s floated four “budget reform” ideas to the Democratic governor that GOP lawmakers want in any Edwards agenda for a possible February special session on taxes.</p>
<p>Included in the proposals are tighter limits on annual state spending growth and creation of a more transparent system for viewing agency spending. In the Medicaid program, Barras said lawmakers want to charge some patients a copay for health services and prescription drugs and to enact work requirements on certain enrollees in the program.</p>
<p>The items were a focal point in the latest meeting between Edwards and Barras on Friday. While the ideas wouldn’t necessarily chip away at the size of next year’s budget gap, Barras said they could lower the state’s costs long-term.</p>
<p>“Without the reform ideas being part of the agenda, it’s going to be difficult to get any significant revenue measures passed,” Barras said after the meeting.</p>
<p>Edwards said the House speaker “did make his point that they would expect some movement on what they’re calling budgetary reforms in exchange for replacing revenue.” The governor said he’s open to the ideas, but needs more details on the legislation House Republicans are proposing — and what taxes they would support in exchange.</p>
<p>The conversations are part of ongoing negotiations about how to respond to the loss of about $1 billion in temporary sales taxes enacted by lawmakers that are set to expire July 1 when the new budget year begins.</p>
<p>Edwards wants a tax package passed in a February special session to replace the expiring revenue, but he’s been unable to strike a deal with House Republican leaders so far. Edwards said he won’t call the session without an “agreement in principle.”</p>
<p>If lawmakers want to replace the lost revenue with taxes, that requires a special session, either before the regular session starts March 12 or after it ends June 4. Otherwise, they’ll have to slash spending. No one’s offered a plan for removing $1 billion from the budget. Edwards will offer a version of what those cuts could look like Monday.</p>
<p>After Friday’s meeting, the governor declared himself “not totally without hope” that a deal could be struck. But he added: “We still have a long way to go.”</p>
<p>Both Edwards and Barras said they believe it would be more responsible to debate taxes in February, so lawmakers know how much money they will have in the 2018-19 budget they’ll craft in the regular legislative session.</p>
<p>But tax votes have been difficult to get from Republicans in the House, and some of those who are willing to consider taxes to replace the expiring revenue want commitments they’ll get Edwards’ backing for their cost-control ideas.</p>
<p>“If he’s not willing to consider reform, I won’t even consider revenue,” said Rep. Jack McFarland, a Winnfield Republican.</p>
<p>The Medicaid ideas seem to be obvious areas where they could find common ground.</p>
<p>The governor backed a Medicaid patient copay bill in 2016. But it fizzled. Critics said it would discourage poor patients to seek needed health services, and health providers opposed copays as the equivalent of cuts to their Medicaid payments because copays are unenforceable.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Edwards already said earlier this month that he was “actively working” on a proposal to enact some work and educational requirements for certain able-bodied Medicaid recipients. House Republicans want the components of any Edwards request to the federal government for work requirements to be spelled out in legislation.</p>
<p>Critics of work requirements say the restrictions penalize poor people who may be unable to find employment and drive up health costs elsewhere.</p>
<p>Barras said he intends to get a “rough sketch synopsis” of the spending control proposals to the governor within the next several days so the Edwards administration can review them. Another meeting between Edwards and Barras is expected the week of Jan. 29.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow Melinda Deslatte on Twitter at <a href="http://twitter.com/melindadeslatte" type="external">http://twitter.com/melindadeslatte</a></p>
<p>BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Republican House leaders negotiating with Gov. John Bel Edwards on a fix to Louisiana’s $1 billion budget gap are hitching tax votes to the governor’s support for legislation aimed at curbing state spending.</p>
<p>House Speaker Taylor Barras said he’s floated four “budget reform” ideas to the Democratic governor that GOP lawmakers want in any Edwards agenda for a possible February special session on taxes.</p>
<p>Included in the proposals are tighter limits on annual state spending growth and creation of a more transparent system for viewing agency spending. In the Medicaid program, Barras said lawmakers want to charge some patients a copay for health services and prescription drugs and to enact work requirements on certain enrollees in the program.</p>
<p>The items were a focal point in the latest meeting between Edwards and Barras on Friday. While the ideas wouldn’t necessarily chip away at the size of next year’s budget gap, Barras said they could lower the state’s costs long-term.</p>
<p>“Without the reform ideas being part of the agenda, it’s going to be difficult to get any significant revenue measures passed,” Barras said after the meeting.</p>
<p>Edwards said the House speaker “did make his point that they would expect some movement on what they’re calling budgetary reforms in exchange for replacing revenue.” The governor said he’s open to the ideas, but needs more details on the legislation House Republicans are proposing — and what taxes they would support in exchange.</p>
<p>The conversations are part of ongoing negotiations about how to respond to the loss of about $1 billion in temporary sales taxes enacted by lawmakers that are set to expire July 1 when the new budget year begins.</p>
<p>Edwards wants a tax package passed in a February special session to replace the expiring revenue, but he’s been unable to strike a deal with House Republican leaders so far. Edwards said he won’t call the session without an “agreement in principle.”</p>
<p>If lawmakers want to replace the lost revenue with taxes, that requires a special session, either before the regular session starts March 12 or after it ends June 4. Otherwise, they’ll have to slash spending. No one’s offered a plan for removing $1 billion from the budget. Edwards will offer a version of what those cuts could look like Monday.</p>
<p>After Friday’s meeting, the governor declared himself “not totally without hope” that a deal could be struck. But he added: “We still have a long way to go.”</p>
<p>Both Edwards and Barras said they believe it would be more responsible to debate taxes in February, so lawmakers know how much money they will have in the 2018-19 budget they’ll craft in the regular legislative session.</p>
<p>But tax votes have been difficult to get from Republicans in the House, and some of those who are willing to consider taxes to replace the expiring revenue want commitments they’ll get Edwards’ backing for their cost-control ideas.</p>
<p>“If he’s not willing to consider reform, I won’t even consider revenue,” said Rep. Jack McFarland, a Winnfield Republican.</p>
<p>The Medicaid ideas seem to be obvious areas where they could find common ground.</p>
<p>The governor backed a Medicaid patient copay bill in 2016. But it fizzled. Critics said it would discourage poor patients to seek needed health services, and health providers opposed copays as the equivalent of cuts to their Medicaid payments because copays are unenforceable.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Edwards already said earlier this month that he was “actively working” on a proposal to enact some work and educational requirements for certain able-bodied Medicaid recipients. House Republicans want the components of any Edwards request to the federal government for work requirements to be spelled out in legislation.</p>
<p>Critics of work requirements say the restrictions penalize poor people who may be unable to find employment and drive up health costs elsewhere.</p>
<p>Barras said he intends to get a “rough sketch synopsis” of the spending control proposals to the governor within the next several days so the Edwards administration can review them. Another meeting between Edwards and Barras is expected the week of Jan. 29.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow Melinda Deslatte on Twitter at <a href="http://twitter.com/melindadeslatte" type="external">http://twitter.com/melindadeslatte</a></p>
| false | 2 |
baton rouge la ap republican house leaders negotiating gov john bel edwards fix louisianas 1 billion budget gap hitching tax votes governors support legislation aimed curbing state spending house speaker taylor barras said hes floated four budget reform ideas democratic governor gop lawmakers want edwards agenda possible february special session taxes included proposals tighter limits annual state spending growth creation transparent system viewing agency spending medicaid program barras said lawmakers want charge patients copay health services prescription drugs enact work requirements certain enrollees program items focal point latest meeting edwards barras friday ideas wouldnt necessarily chip away size next years budget gap barras said could lower states costs longterm without reform ideas part agenda going difficult get significant revenue measures passed barras said meeting edwards said house speaker make point would expect movement theyre calling budgetary reforms exchange replacing revenue governor said hes open ideas needs details legislation house republicans proposing taxes would support exchange conversations part ongoing negotiations respond loss 1 billion temporary sales taxes enacted lawmakers set expire july 1 new budget year begins edwards wants tax package passed february special session replace expiring revenue hes unable strike deal house republican leaders far edwards said wont call session without agreement principle lawmakers want replace lost revenue taxes requires special session either regular session starts march 12 ends june 4 otherwise theyll slash spending ones offered plan removing 1 billion budget edwards offer version cuts could look like monday fridays meeting governor declared totally without hope deal could struck added still long way go edwards barras said believe would responsible debate taxes february lawmakers know much money 201819 budget theyll craft regular legislative session tax votes difficult get republicans house willing consider taxes replace expiring revenue want commitments theyll get edwards backing costcontrol ideas hes willing consider reform wont even consider revenue said rep jack mcfarland winnfield republican medicaid ideas seem obvious areas could find common ground governor backed medicaid patient copay bill 2016 fizzled critics said would discourage poor patients seek needed health services health providers opposed copays equivalent cuts medicaid payments copays unenforceable meanwhile edwards already said earlier month actively working proposal enact work educational requirements certain ablebodied medicaid recipients house republicans want components edwards request federal government work requirements spelled legislation critics work requirements say restrictions penalize poor people may unable find employment drive health costs elsewhere barras said intends get rough sketch synopsis spending control proposals governor within next several days edwards administration review another meeting edwards barras expected week jan 29 ___ follow melinda deslatte twitter httptwittercommelindadeslatte baton rouge la ap republican house leaders negotiating gov john bel edwards fix louisianas 1 billion budget gap hitching tax votes governors support legislation aimed curbing state spending house speaker taylor barras said hes floated four budget reform ideas democratic governor gop lawmakers want edwards agenda possible february special session taxes included proposals tighter limits annual state spending growth creation transparent system viewing agency spending medicaid program barras said lawmakers want charge patients copay health services prescription drugs enact work requirements certain enrollees program items focal point latest meeting edwards barras friday ideas wouldnt necessarily chip away size next years budget gap barras said could lower states costs longterm without reform ideas part agenda going difficult get significant revenue measures passed barras said meeting edwards said house speaker make point would expect movement theyre calling budgetary reforms exchange replacing revenue governor said hes open ideas needs details legislation house republicans proposing taxes would support exchange conversations part ongoing negotiations respond loss 1 billion temporary sales taxes enacted lawmakers set expire july 1 new budget year begins edwards wants tax package passed february special session replace expiring revenue hes unable strike deal house republican leaders far edwards said wont call session without agreement principle lawmakers want replace lost revenue taxes requires special session either regular session starts march 12 ends june 4 otherwise theyll slash spending ones offered plan removing 1 billion budget edwards offer version cuts could look like monday fridays meeting governor declared totally without hope deal could struck added still long way go edwards barras said believe would responsible debate taxes february lawmakers know much money 201819 budget theyll craft regular legislative session tax votes difficult get republicans house willing consider taxes replace expiring revenue want commitments theyll get edwards backing costcontrol ideas hes willing consider reform wont even consider revenue said rep jack mcfarland winnfield republican medicaid ideas seem obvious areas could find common ground governor backed medicaid patient copay bill 2016 fizzled critics said would discourage poor patients seek needed health services health providers opposed copays equivalent cuts medicaid payments copays unenforceable meanwhile edwards already said earlier month actively working proposal enact work educational requirements certain ablebodied medicaid recipients house republicans want components edwards request federal government work requirements spelled legislation critics work requirements say restrictions penalize poor people may unable find employment drive health costs elsewhere barras said intends get rough sketch synopsis spending control proposals governor within next several days edwards administration review another meeting edwards barras expected week jan 29 ___ follow melinda deslatte twitter httptwittercommelindadeslatte
| 846 |
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Akzo Nobel will sell its chemicals business in a 10.1 billion euro ($12.6 billion) deal to buyers led by Carlyle Group, the maker of Dulux paints said on Tuesday, making good on a promise made as it fought off a takeover last year.</p>
<p>The sale of the Specialty Chemicals operation to Carlyle and Singapore’s GIC sovereign wealth fund for a slightly better than expected price will allow Akzo to focus on its main paints and coatings business.</p>
<p>It delivers one of the biggest commitments made by Akzo Nobel in its defense against a 26 billion euro ($32 billion) takeover offer from U.S. rival PPG Industries last year.</p>
<p>It may also help to repair strained relationships with shareholders unhappy with the rejection of the bid.</p>
<p>Akzo Nobel CEO Thierry Vanlancker, who took charge last July after the bid battle, expects 7.5 billion euros in net proceeds from the sale. The 10.1 billion euro valuation includes debt.</p>
<p>The division being sold produces an array of chemicals used in plastic packaging, tissue paper, cleaning materials, pharmaceuticals, food products, salts and adhesives.</p>
<p>The 7.5 billion euro total will be returned to shareholders, Vanlancker told Reuters, with the company deciding on the distribution through dividends or share buybacks in the coming months.</p>
<p>The deal leaves Akzo as “one of the top 3 largest paints and coatings companies in the world,” Vanlancker said.</p>
<p>He said Akzo must now deliver on a goal to achieve a 15 percent margin on sales by 2020, after that measure fell to 9.4 percent last year.</p>
<p>That goal will mainly be delivered through cost savings and efficiency measures, Vanlancker said, as overall sales growth in the paints and coatings market is expected to remain modest.</p>
<p>“We will be looking at size (acquisition) opportunities as they come along”, Vanlancker said. “But size is really not top of mind, it’s performance of the business.”</p>
<p>The remaining Akzo business will have 35,700 employees, while Speciality Chemicals employs around 10,000.</p> DEFENSE PLAN
<p>Akzo will try to strengthen its position in promising markets such as powder coatings, which showed 10 percent global growth last year, the CEO said. Akzo also expects its sales of decorative paints in China and Europe to increase.</p>
<p>Shares rose 2.7 percent to 77.70 euros. That is well short of the figure of around 95 euros in the cash and share offer from PPG last year.</p>
<p>Analyst Wim Hoste of KBC said the sale price for Specialty Chemicals represented a multiple of 9.8 times core earnings, “which is a bit higher ... than we were banking on.”</p>
<p>Bankers advising potential buyers had said they expected the business to fetch an enterprise value of 8-9 times the unit’s expected earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA).</p>
<p>Carlyle had been vying for the asset with U.S. private equity firm Apollo and its consortium partner, Dutch fund PGGM, as well as Dutch investor Hal Investments, and Advent International partnered with Bain Capital Private Equity, people familiar with the matter had told Reuters.</p>
<p>Akzo first announced plans to sell the business last April, when PPG was in full pursuit. Many shareholders were dismayed as Akzo’s boards appeared uninterested in talks with PPG and when they ultimately rejected the U.S. company’s best offer.</p>
<p>With support from Dutch politicians, Akzo argued a takeover was not in the interest of other stakeholders, including employees.</p>
<p>Shareholders sued unsuccessfully to have chairman Antony Burgmans removed. Akzo’s CEO and chief financial officer both resigned last year on health grounds. Burgmans is due to retire after next month’s annual meeting, with former Maersk CEO Nils Andersen nominated to take his place.</p>
<p>Vanlancker said Akzo had extracted promises from Carlyle to keep the chemicals company’s head offices in the Netherlands, though it made no commitment to retain all of the business’s 2,500 employees in the Netherlands.</p> FILE PHOTO - AkzoNobel's logo is seen in Amsterdam, Netherlands, February 16, 2012. REUTERS/Robin van Lonkhuijsen/United Photos/File Photo
<p>The deal is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to be concluded before the end of the year, Akzo said.</p>
<p>Lazard, JPMorgan Chase and HSBC advised Akzo Nobel on the sale.</p>
<p>($1 = 0.8023 euros)</p>
<p>Reporting by Toby Sterling and Bart Meijer; Editing by Jason Neely and Keith Weir</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>(Reuters) - Wall Street closed sharply lower Tuesday, with each of the major U.S. indexes suffering their fourth decline in five sessions, fueled by a selloff in the tech sector.</p>
<p>Tech stocks, among the best performing sectors of the bull market, have been under pressure recently as concerns about government regulation stemming from their strong growth and privacy questions surrounding Facebook ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=FB.O" type="external">FB.O</a>).</p>
<p>“What it really amounts to is a complete lack of knowing what to expect,” said Peter Kenny, senior market strategist at Global Markets Advisory Group, in New York.</p>
<p>“It seems so open-ended, there is a lot of risk here and investors don’t like uncertainty and this is the definition of uncertainty.”</p>
<p>Facebook shares dropped 4.9 percent at $152.22 and is down nearly 15 percent for the month. The Nasdaq Internet index .QNET saw its worst daily percentage drop since June 2016.</p>
<p>Of the 11 major sectors of the S&amp;P 500 only defensive plays such as consumer staples, telecom, real estate and utilities ended the session in positive territory.</p>
<p>The Dow Jones Industrial Average <a href="/finance/markets/index?symbol=.DJI" type="external">.DJI</a> fell 344.89 points, or 1.43 percent, to 23,857.71, the S&amp;P 500 <a href="/finance/markets/index?symbol=.SPX" type="external">.SPX</a> lost 45.93 points, or 1.73 percent, to 2,612.62 and the Nasdaq Composite <a href="/finance/markets/index?symbol=.IXIC" type="external">.IXIC</a> dropped 211.74 points, or 2.93 percent, to 7,008.81.</p>
<p>Since hitting a record on Jan. 26, equities have been battered by worries about rising inflation, the pace of interest rate hikes by the U.S. Federal Reserve and the possibility of a global trade war. The S&amp;P 500 is down 9.1 percent from its high.</p>
<p>White House trade adviser Peter Navarro confirmed on Monday top Trump administration officials have asked China to cut tariffs on imported cars, allow foreign majority ownership of financial services firms and buy more U.S.-made semiconductors in negotiations to avoid imposing tariffs on a host of Chinese goods.</p>
<p>A person familiar with the discussions said these were among the asks from Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer as they pursue talks with Beijing.</p>
<p>Markets roared back on Monday with their best day since August 2015 on hopes that the world’s two largest economies were willing to renegotiate tariffs and trade imbalances.</p>
<p>But those gains proved temporary as early advances were overcome by the tech sector weakness.</p>
<p>The drop in Facebook continues to put pressure on the tech sector .SPLRCT, which is down 5.2 percent for March and on track for its worst month since April 2016.</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>Privacy concerns for the social media giant were highlighted further on Tuesday when a whistleblower said Canadian company AggregateIQ had developed software to target Republican voters in the 2016 U.S. election.</p>
<p>Alphabet ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=GOOGL.O" type="external">GOOGL.O</a>) shares fell 4.5 percent after an appeals courts resurrected a multibillion dollar copyright case brought by Oracle Corp ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=ORCL.N" type="external">ORCL.N</a>) against the company.</p>
<p>Nvidia ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=NVDA.O" type="external">NVDA.O</a>) was another weak spot, falling 7.8 percent after the chipmaker temporarily suspended self-driving tests across the globe.</p>
<p>Tesla ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=TSLA.O" type="external">TSLA.O</a>) shares were off 8.2 percent after the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board opened a field investigation of last week’s fatal Tesla crash and vehicle fire.</p>
<p>Twitter ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=TWTR.N" type="external">TWTR.N</a>) fell 12 percent after short-seller Citron Research called the stock “most vulnerable” to privacy regulations.</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=FB.O" type="external">Facebook Inc</a> 152.22 FB.O Nasdaq -7.84 (-4.90%) FB.O .DJI .SPX .IXIC GOOGL.O
<p>Declining issues outnumbered advancing ones on the NYSE by a 2.12-to-1 ratio; on Nasdaq, a 3.36-to-1 ratio favored decliners.</p>
<p>Volume on U.S. exchanges was 7.57 billion shares, compared to the 7.37 billion average for the full session over the last 20 trading days.</p>
<p>Additional reporting by Chuck Mikolajczak; Editing by Susan Thomas</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>TOKYO (Reuters) - Asian shares fell on Wednesday after Wall Street was knocked hard by concerns about tighter controls on the tech industry, denting a brief global equities recovery driven by hopes that the risk of a U.S.-China trade war was easing.</p> FILE PHOTO: A man walks past an electronic stock quotation board outside a brokerage in Tokyo, Japan, February 9, 2018. REUTERS/Toru Hanai
<p>They extended losses further after China’s state-run Global Times reported China will soon announce a list of retaliatory tariffs on United States exports to China.</p>
<p>MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan .MIAPJ0000PUS fell 1.5 percent, turning red for the week, led by information technology shares .MIAPJIT00PUS, such as Tencent ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=0700.HK" type="external">0700.HK</a>). Japan's Nikkei <a href="/finance/markets/index?symbol=.N225" type="external">.N225</a> fell 1.3 percent.</p>
<p>U.S S&amp;P500 mini futures ESc1 fell 0.4 percent in Asia, a day after the S&amp;P 500 <a href="/finance/markets/index?symbol=.SPX" type="external">.SPX</a> lost 1.73 percent and the Nasdaq Composite <a href="/finance/markets/index?symbol=.IXIC" type="external">.IXIC</a> dropped 2.93 percent, making the benchmark indexes' fourth decline in five sessions.[.N]</p>
<p>The info tech sector .SPLRCT was the worst hit with a fall of 3.5 percent, as investors expect tighter control on the industry following a furor over use of Facebook ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=FB.O" type="external">FB.O</a>) data by political consultants.</p>
<p>Facebook fell 4.9 percent on Tuesday, taking its losses to almost 18 percent since March 16, when the firm first acknowledged the problem. Twitter ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=TWTR.N" type="external">TWTR.N</a>) fell 12 percent while Google parent Alphabet ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=GOOGL.O" type="external">GOOGL.O</a>) fell 4.5 percent.</p>
<p>Another weak spot was Nvidia ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=NVDA.O" type="external">NVDA.O</a>), which fell 7.8 percent after the chipmaker temporarily suspended self-driving tests across the globe after an Uber Technologies Inc UBER.UL autonomous vehicle killed a woman.</p>
<p>Investors rotated out of the tech sector, which had long outperformed the market on hopes of new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and internet of things (IoT).</p>
<p>“There is a sense that there will be more regulations on Facebook or FANG and that the cost of compliance will increase,” said Nobuhiko Kuramochi, chief strategist at Mizuho Securities.</p>
<p>The so-called FANG quartet of tech stocks, which includes Facebook, Amazon.com ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=AMZN.O" type="external">AMZN.O</a>), Netflix ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=NFLX.O" type="external">NFLX.O</a>) and Alphabet, has been a darling of many investors.</p>
<p>European stock futures point to lower openings for European stocks, with futures for Germany's Dax FDXc1 <a href="/finance/markets/index?symbol=.GDAXI" type="external">.GDAXI</a> and France's Cac FCEc1 <a href="/finance/markets/index?symbol=.FCHI" type="external">.FCHI</a> down 0.9 percent and those for Britain's FTSE FFIc1 <a href="/finance/markets/index?symbol=.FTSE" type="external">.FTSE</a> falling 0.7 percent.</p>
<p>The report that Beijing plans to announce retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. President Donald Trump’s plans for tariffs on up to $60 billion of Chinese goods rekindled worries about a Sino-U.S. trade war.</p>
<p>While the market remains highly vulnerable to news headline like this, recent reports of behind-the-scenes talks between Washington and Beijing spurred some optimism.</p>
<p>“It would be in China’s interest to pursue trade rather than taking retaliatory actions. So eventually, they are likely to avert a trade war and strike a deal that will please (U.S. President Donald) Trump and increase trade,” said Hiroshi Watanabe, economist at Sony Financial Holdings.</p>
<p>“The market is still nervous, and there’s a feeling you never know what Trump will do. But excessive wariness is likely to gradually wane,” he added.</p>
<p>In the currency market, the dollar changed hands at 105.51 yen <a href="/finance/currencies/quote?srcCurr=JPY&amp;destCurr=USD" type="external">JPY=</a>, not far from Monday's 16-1/2-month low of 104.56, as the Japanese currency was supported by the risk-averse mood.</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=0700.HK" type="external">Tencent Holdings Ltd</a> 416.4 0700.HK Hong Kong Stock -15.80 (-3.66%) 0700.HK .SPX .IXIC FB.O TWTR.N
<p>The euro lost steam after soft euro zone economic data and comments from European Central Bank policymakers flagging low underlying inflation.</p>
<p>Economic sentiment in the 19-countries sharing the euro slipped for the third month in a row in March while bank lending slowed.</p>
<p>Erkki Liikanen, an ECB Governing Council member, said that underlying inflation in the euro zone may remain lower than expected even if growth is robust, so the central bank needs to remain patient in removing stimulus.</p>
<p>Another member, Jozef Makuch from Slovakia, also struck a similarly cautious tone.</p>
<p>The euro <a href="/finance/currencies/quote?srcCurr=EUR&amp;destCurr=USD" type="external">EUR=</a> traded at $1.2415, having lost steam after it rose to $1.24765 the previous day.</p>
<p>Germany’s 10-year Bund yield DE10YT=TWEB also hit a two-month low below 0.500 percent, having taken a downward shift since hitting a 1-1/2-year high of 0.795 percent in Feb. 15.</p>
<p>The 10-year U.S. Treasuries yield US10YT=RR dropped to 2.770 percent, its lowest level in seven weeks. The two-year yield US2YT=RR stood at 2.270 percent.</p>
<p>“In short, markets had priced in policy normalization by the world’s central banks too much,” said Tohru Yamamoto, chief fixed income strategist at Daiwa Securities.</p>
<p>Oil prices stepped back as a report of increasing U.S. crude inventories from industry group American Petroleum Institute (API) surprised many traders.</p>
<p>U.S. WTI crude futures CLc1 dropped 0.8 percent to $64.72 while Brent crude futures LCOc1 traded 0.7 percent lower at $69.62 per barrel, off Monday’s high of $71.05, which was its highest since late January.</p>
<p>Editing by Kim Coghill and Sam Holmes</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. consumer confidence fell from more than a 17-year high in March amid stock market volatility, but households remained upbeat about labor market conditions, which could help to support consumer spending.</p> FILE PHOTO - Holiday shoppers look at store windows at Henri Bendel store on 5th Avenue in New York November 23, 2012. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo
<p>The Conference Board said on Tuesday its consumer confidence index dropped 2.3 points to a reading of 127.7 this month from a slightly downwardly revised 130.0 in February, which was the highest level since November 2000. The index was previously reported at 130.8 in February.</p>
<p>“The stock market has been volatile and consumers don’t like market volatility. The pullback in confidence is not a concern for the economic outlook this year,” said Chris Rupkey, chief economist at MUFG in New York. “Still, we wonder if the decline in confidence means that the economy may have seen its best days already for this cycle.”</p>
<p>U.S. stocks have been under pressure over the past two months as worries about inflation led some investors to speculate that the Federal Reserve could raise interest rates more aggressively than currently anticipated.</p>
<p>Wall Street has also been roiled by the threat of a global trade war after the Trump administration imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. President Donald Trump last week signed a memorandum targeting up to $60 billion in Chinese goods with tariffs over what his administration says is misappropriation of U.S. intellectual property.</p>
<p>The S&amp;P 500 index has dropped about 2 percent so far in March, coming on the heels of a decline of nearly 4 percent in February and putting stocks on pace for their worst two-month performance since the December 2015-January 2016 period.</p>
<p>Stocks were trading higher on Tuesday as fears of a trade war between the United States and China eased.</p>
<p>The dollar rose against a basket of currencies. Prices of U.S. Treasuries climbed as fund managers bought bonds to rebalance their portfolios for the end of the quarter in advance of more government debt supply.</p> LABOR MARKET STRENGTH
<p>The Conference Board survey’s so-called labor market differential, derived from data on respondents’ views on whether jobs are plentiful or hard to get, increased to 25.0 in March, the strongest reading since May 2001, from 24.0 in February.</p> FILE PHOTO: Clusters of newly built multi-unit town homes and apartments are shown in San Marcos, California January 19, 2016. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo
<p>That measure, which closely correlates to the unemployment rate in the Labor Department’s employment report, suggests that labor market slack continues to shrink.</p>
<p>“This report combined with the March jobless claims data points to another 200,000-plus reading on payrolls in March, which we judge would push the unemployment rate down to 4.0 percent from 4.1 percent,” said John Ryding, chief economist at RDQ Economics in New York.</p>
<p>The economy added 313,000 jobs in February. Labor market tightness has left economists optimistic that wage growth will soon pick up. That, together with lower income taxes, are expected to spur consumer spending in the coming quarters.</p>
<p>Retail sales have declined for three straight months, leading economists to expect a slowdown in consumer spending in the first quarter. Consumer spending, which accounts for more than two-thirds of U.S. economic activity, grew at a robust 3.8 percent annualized rate in the fourth quarter.</p>
<p>Rising house prices could also boost consumer spending. A separate report on Tuesday showed the S&amp;P CoreLogic Case-Shiller composite index of home prices in 20 metropolitan areas increased 6.4 percent in the 12 months to January after rising 6.3 percent in December.</p>
<p>Higher house prices are bolstering household wealth. But the house price inflation is being driven by an acute shortage of homes available for sale, which is hurting the housing market.</p>
<p>“If we continue to see a steady stream of buyers and owners remain largely uninterested in selling, we can expect prices to continue to rise,” said Danielle Hale, chief economist at realtor.com.</p>
<p>Reporting by Lucia Mutikani; Additional reporting by Chuck Mikolajczak in New York; Editing by Paul Simao</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
| false | 2 |
thomson reuters trust principles amsterdam reuters akzo nobel sell chemicals business 101 billion euro 126 billion deal buyers led carlyle group maker dulux paints said tuesday making good promise made fought takeover last year sale specialty chemicals operation carlyle singapores gic sovereign wealth fund slightly better expected price allow akzo focus main paints coatings business delivers one biggest commitments made akzo nobel defense 26 billion euro 32 billion takeover offer us rival ppg industries last year may also help repair strained relationships shareholders unhappy rejection bid akzo nobel ceo thierry vanlancker took charge last july bid battle expects 75 billion euros net proceeds sale 101 billion euro valuation includes debt division sold produces array chemicals used plastic packaging tissue paper cleaning materials pharmaceuticals food products salts adhesives 75 billion euro total returned shareholders vanlancker told reuters company deciding distribution dividends share buybacks coming months deal leaves akzo one top 3 largest paints coatings companies world vanlancker said said akzo must deliver goal achieve 15 percent margin sales 2020 measure fell 94 percent last year goal mainly delivered cost savings efficiency measures vanlancker said overall sales growth paints coatings market expected remain modest looking size acquisition opportunities come along vanlancker said size really top mind performance business remaining akzo business 35700 employees speciality chemicals employs around 10000 defense plan akzo try strengthen position promising markets powder coatings showed 10 percent global growth last year ceo said akzo also expects sales decorative paints china europe increase shares rose 27 percent 7770 euros well short figure around 95 euros cash share offer ppg last year analyst wim hoste kbc said sale price specialty chemicals represented multiple 98 times core earnings bit higher banking bankers advising potential buyers said expected business fetch enterprise value 89 times units expected earnings interest tax depreciation amortization ebitda carlyle vying asset us private equity firm apollo consortium partner dutch fund pggm well dutch investor hal investments advent international partnered bain capital private equity people familiar matter told reuters akzo first announced plans sell business last april ppg full pursuit many shareholders dismayed akzos boards appeared uninterested talks ppg ultimately rejected us companys best offer support dutch politicians akzo argued takeover interest stakeholders including employees shareholders sued unsuccessfully chairman antony burgmans removed akzos ceo chief financial officer resigned last year health grounds burgmans due retire next months annual meeting former maersk ceo nils andersen nominated take place vanlancker said akzo extracted promises carlyle keep chemicals companys head offices netherlands though made commitment retain businesss 2500 employees netherlands file photo akzonobels logo seen amsterdam netherlands february 16 2012 reutersrobin van lonkhuijsenunited photosfile photo deal subject regulatory approvals expected concluded end year akzo said lazard jpmorgan chase hsbc advised akzo nobel sale 1 08023 euros reporting toby sterling bart meijer editing jason neely keith weir standards thomson reuters trust principles reuters wall street closed sharply lower tuesday major us indexes suffering fourth decline five sessions fueled selloff tech sector tech stocks among best performing sectors bull market pressure recently concerns government regulation stemming strong growth privacy questions surrounding facebook fbo really amounts complete lack knowing expect said peter kenny senior market strategist global markets advisory group new york seems openended lot risk investors dont like uncertainty definition uncertainty facebook shares dropped 49 percent 15222 nearly 15 percent month nasdaq internet index qnet saw worst daily percentage drop since june 2016 11 major sectors sampp 500 defensive plays consumer staples telecom real estate utilities ended session positive territory dow jones industrial average dji fell 34489 points 143 percent 2385771 sampp 500 spx lost 4593 points 173 percent 261262 nasdaq composite ixic dropped 21174 points 293 percent 700881 since hitting record jan 26 equities battered worries rising inflation pace interest rate hikes us federal reserve possibility global trade war sampp 500 91 percent high white house trade adviser peter navarro confirmed monday top trump administration officials asked china cut tariffs imported cars allow foreign majority ownership financial services firms buy usmade semiconductors negotiations avoid imposing tariffs host chinese goods person familiar discussions said among asks treasury secretary steven mnuchin us trade representative robert lighthizer pursue talks beijing markets roared back monday best day since august 2015 hopes worlds two largest economies willing renegotiate tariffs trade imbalances gains proved temporary early advances overcome tech sector weakness drop facebook continues put pressure tech sector splrct 52 percent march track worst month since april 2016 traders work floor new york stock exchange nyse new york us march 26 2018 reutersbrendan mcdermid privacy concerns social media giant highlighted tuesday whistleblower said canadian company aggregateiq developed software target republican voters 2016 us election alphabet googlo shares fell 45 percent appeals courts resurrected multibillion dollar copyright case brought oracle corp orcln company nvidia nvdao another weak spot falling 78 percent chipmaker temporarily suspended selfdriving tests across globe tesla tslao shares 82 percent us national transportation safety board opened field investigation last weeks fatal tesla crash vehicle fire twitter twtrn fell 12 percent shortseller citron research called stock vulnerable privacy regulations facebook inc 15222 fbo nasdaq 784 490 fbo dji spx ixic googlo declining issues outnumbered advancing ones nyse 212to1 ratio nasdaq 336to1 ratio favored decliners volume us exchanges 757 billion shares compared 737 billion average full session last 20 trading days additional reporting chuck mikolajczak editing susan thomas standards thomson reuters trust principles tokyo reuters asian shares fell wednesday wall street knocked hard concerns tighter controls tech industry denting brief global equities recovery driven hopes risk uschina trade war easing file photo man walks past electronic stock quotation board outside brokerage tokyo japan february 9 2018 reuterstoru hanai extended losses chinas staterun global times reported china soon announce list retaliatory tariffs united states exports china mscis broadest index asiapacific shares outside japan miapj0000pus fell 15 percent turning red week led information technology shares miapjit00pus tencent 0700hk japans nikkei n225 fell 13 percent us sampp500 mini futures esc1 fell 04 percent asia day sampp 500 spx lost 173 percent nasdaq composite ixic dropped 293 percent making benchmark indexes fourth decline five sessionsn info tech sector splrct worst hit fall 35 percent investors expect tighter control industry following furor use facebook fbo data political consultants facebook fell 49 percent tuesday taking losses almost 18 percent since march 16 firm first acknowledged problem twitter twtrn fell 12 percent google parent alphabet googlo fell 45 percent another weak spot nvidia nvdao fell 78 percent chipmaker temporarily suspended selfdriving tests across globe uber technologies inc uberul autonomous vehicle killed woman investors rotated tech sector long outperformed market hopes new technologies artificial intelligence ai internet things iot sense regulations facebook fang cost compliance increase said nobuhiko kuramochi chief strategist mizuho securities socalled fang quartet tech stocks includes facebook amazoncom amzno netflix nflxo alphabet darling many investors european stock futures point lower openings european stocks futures germanys dax fdxc1 gdaxi frances cac fcec1 fchi 09 percent britains ftse ffic1 ftse falling 07 percent report beijing plans announce retaliatory tariffs us president donald trumps plans tariffs 60 billion chinese goods rekindled worries sinous trade war market remains highly vulnerable news headline like recent reports behindthescenes talks washington beijing spurred optimism would chinas interest pursue trade rather taking retaliatory actions eventually likely avert trade war strike deal please us president donald trump increase trade said hiroshi watanabe economist sony financial holdings market still nervous theres feeling never know trump excessive wariness likely gradually wane added currency market dollar changed hands 10551 yen jpy far mondays 1612month low 10456 japanese currency supported riskaverse mood tencent holdings ltd 4164 0700hk hong kong stock 1580 366 0700hk spx ixic fbo twtrn euro lost steam soft euro zone economic data comments european central bank policymakers flagging low underlying inflation economic sentiment 19countries sharing euro slipped third month row march bank lending slowed erkki liikanen ecb governing council member said underlying inflation euro zone may remain lower expected even growth robust central bank needs remain patient removing stimulus another member jozef makuch slovakia also struck similarly cautious tone euro eur traded 12415 lost steam rose 124765 previous day germanys 10year bund yield de10yttweb also hit twomonth low 0500 percent taken downward shift since hitting 112year high 0795 percent feb 15 10year us treasuries yield us10ytrr dropped 2770 percent lowest level seven weeks twoyear yield us2ytrr stood 2270 percent short markets priced policy normalization worlds central banks much said tohru yamamoto chief fixed income strategist daiwa securities oil prices stepped back report increasing us crude inventories industry group american petroleum institute api surprised many traders us wti crude futures clc1 dropped 08 percent 6472 brent crude futures lcoc1 traded 07 percent lower 6962 per barrel mondays high 7105 highest since late january editing kim coghill sam holmes standards thomson reuters trust principles washington reuters us consumer confidence fell 17year high march amid stock market volatility households remained upbeat labor market conditions could help support consumer spending file photo holiday shoppers look store windows henri bendel store 5th avenue new york november 23 2012 reutersbrendan mcdermidfile photo conference board said tuesday consumer confidence index dropped 23 points reading 1277 month slightly downwardly revised 1300 february highest level since november 2000 index previously reported 1308 february stock market volatile consumers dont like market volatility pullback confidence concern economic outlook year said chris rupkey chief economist mufg new york still wonder decline confidence means economy may seen best days already cycle us stocks pressure past two months worries inflation led investors speculate federal reserve could raise interest rates aggressively currently anticipated wall street also roiled threat global trade war trump administration imposed tariffs steel aluminum imports president donald trump last week signed memorandum targeting 60 billion chinese goods tariffs administration says misappropriation us intellectual property sampp 500 index dropped 2 percent far march coming heels decline nearly 4 percent february putting stocks pace worst twomonth performance since december 2015january 2016 period stocks trading higher tuesday fears trade war united states china eased dollar rose basket currencies prices us treasuries climbed fund managers bought bonds rebalance portfolios end quarter advance government debt supply labor market strength conference board surveys socalled labor market differential derived data respondents views whether jobs plentiful hard get increased 250 march strongest reading since may 2001 240 february file photo clusters newly built multiunit town homes apartments shown san marcos california january 19 2016 reutersmike blakefile photo measure closely correlates unemployment rate labor departments employment report suggests labor market slack continues shrink report combined march jobless claims data points another 200000plus reading payrolls march judge would push unemployment rate 40 percent 41 percent said john ryding chief economist rdq economics new york economy added 313000 jobs february labor market tightness left economists optimistic wage growth soon pick together lower income taxes expected spur consumer spending coming quarters retail sales declined three straight months leading economists expect slowdown consumer spending first quarter consumer spending accounts twothirds us economic activity grew robust 38 percent annualized rate fourth quarter rising house prices could also boost consumer spending separate report tuesday showed sampp corelogic caseshiller composite index home prices 20 metropolitan areas increased 64 percent 12 months january rising 63 percent december higher house prices bolstering household wealth house price inflation driven acute shortage homes available sale hurting housing market continue see steady stream buyers owners remain largely uninterested selling expect prices continue rise said danielle hale chief economist realtorcom reporting lucia mutikani additional reporting chuck mikolajczak new york editing paul simao standards thomson reuters trust principles
| 1,899 |
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p />
<p>His Rocka Taco shop in the University of New Mexico area is all about, well, tacos.</p>
<p>“I like the model of In-N-Out Burger: do a few things, and do them really well,” Nichols said recently from a stool inside the tiny Bricklight District eatery.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Nichols — who owns Gold Street Caffé — took over management of what was formerly Retro Tacos, opening with the Rocka Taco concept in mid-October. (His 5-year-old daughter came up with the name.)</p>
<p>At Rocka Taco, customers have just a few options. Those include a one-, two or three-taco plate. The plates come with Spanish rice and pinto beans, and the price range is $6.95-$10.95.</p>
<p>Rocka Taco is the brainchild of Matt Nichols, who owns Gold Street Caffé in Downtown Albuquerque.</p>
<p>But the limited menu is actually rife with possibilities. Diners design their own tacos by picking the fillings. Shredded beef, pork carnitas, shredded chicken or grilled vegetables provide the substance, while a selection of fresh salsas add the extra flavor.</p>
<p>Most of the salsas harken back to one of Nichols’ earlier endeavors, the now-closed Fajitaville. Fans of that former Albuquerque establishment may recognize the charred tomato chipotle or the pineapple salsa that now sauce the food at Rocka Tacos.</p>
<p>“The salsas are pretty much exactly the same. That’s kind of one of the things we were known for,” Nichols said.</p>
<p>The salsas are prepared fresh daily and staff slow roasts the meat overnight. When customers order, the meat and salsa of their choosing is stuffed inside a 6-inch, cheese-crusted corn tortilla.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>There are a few beers on tap and customers can also get an order of “Chips and Tres Salsas” for $3.95.</p>
<p>But to maintain the quality of the food, Nichols said he has no plans to stray from the taco-centric theme.</p>
<p>“We’re not trying to be so many things to so many people,” he said. “It’s really hard to do a lot of things well, especially when you make everything from scratch.”</p>
<p>Rocka Taco is located at 115 Harvard SE, Suite 3. There are only a few tables and stools inside the sherbert-orange-painted shop, but many more seats are available on the heated patio that wraps the building’s northeast corner.</p>
<p>Rocka Taco is open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>The phone number is 433-5051.</p>
<p>… There is probably beer, and that’s especially true at JC’s New York Pizza Department in Downtown Albuquerque.</p>
<p>There are 28 beers on tap at the new Back Alley Draft House, which recently opened in the space behind JC’s New York Pizza Department in Downtown Albuquerque. The lineup also will feature some beers brewed in-house by Addison Poth, seen here. (richard pipes/journal)</p>
<p>Owners have transformed the ample space behind the 10-year-old pizza joint into a separate place they’re calling Back Alley Draft House.</p>
<p>What owner Joaquin Garofalo formerly used as a party room for private events is now a pub with 28 different beers on tap. The selection highlights New Mexico-produced brews from the likes of La Cumbre, Marble, Chama River and Santa Fe Brewing Co. The rotating lineup will also include a few crafted in-house by Back Alley managing partner Addison Poth as well as some national brands.</p>
<p>Back Alley customers will also get to try some harder-to-find beers. Garofalo said he has better access to product as the holder of both a restaurant and a brewing licence. He cited the New Belgium Peach Porch as one of those brews currently available at Back Alley.</p>
<p>“Everyone recognizes the breweries, but they probably never had those beers before,” he said.</p>
<p>Back Alley has its own east-facing entrance a few steps below street level near the intersection of Central Avenue and 2nd Street, but customers can also move interiorly between JC’s NYPD and the draft house.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Pub goers can order anything off the JC’s NYPD menu, whether they’re craving the meatball-themed Queens pizza or an eggplant parmigiana hero.</p>
<p>When including the patio as well as the interior table, bar and booth seating, Back Alley can accommodate about 100 people.</p>
<p>Patrons can watch sports on the large TVs that dot the red-painted walls or engage in games of their own at the dart board and foosball table.</p>
<p>Garofalo is hoping that Back Alley will keep his business humming well into the night. JC’s NYPD — which underwent a significant expansion about five years ago — is already a popular spot with the Downtown lunch crowd, but Garofalo said it takes extra effort to keep the crowds coming after dark.</p>
<p>“If you’re not growing, you’re getting stale and dying,” said Garofalo, who is also plotting new restaurants in smaller markets around New Mexico to join his Albuquerque and Las Vegas, N.M., locations.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>JC’s NYPD and the Back Alley Draft House are located at 215 Central NW.</p>
<p>The owners of JC’s New York Pizza Department have transformed the space behind the restaurant into a brewpub they’re calling Back Alley Draft House. (richard pipes/journal)</p>
<p>Back Alley Draft House opens at 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and at noon on Sunday.</p>
<p>What was formerly known as La Dolce Vita bakery has relocated and changed its name to Sergio’s Bakery.</p>
<p>Siblings Sergio and Annabel DeBari have taken over ownership from their parents Frank and Maria and moved the bakery from Lomas Boulevard to a shopping-center space at 2740 Wyoming NE.</p>
<p>The move to more spacious environs has given them a chance to expand their menu. In addition to their lineup of fresh breads, doughnuts, sweet rolls and cookies, they’re also scooping gelato, offering cheesecake and tiramisu by the slice and putting a greater emphasis on the custom cakes decorated with painterly detail by Annabel and her husband.</p>
<p>Sergio DeBari said he also plans to add hot and cold sandwiches soon, including a Chicago beef option.</p>
<p>“At the new place, we want to kind of do our own thing,” he said.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>But fear not: the changes haven’t affected the cannoli. The bakery’s signature treat is still made from the same family recipe, and mom Maria is still hand-crafting the shells. In fact, Sergio said, she doesn’t allow anyone else in the bakery to make them.</p>
<p>“We get people from New York saying they’re better than (New York cannoli),” Sergio said.</p>
<p>Michelle DeBari and brother Sergio DeBari display their baked goods at the bakery’s new location at 2740 Wyoming NE. The former La Dolce Vita is now known as Sergio’s Bakery. (jessica dyer/journal)</p>
<p>Ownership may have shifted to their children, but Frank and Maria remain involved. Although Sergio grew up in the family business — “I was baking since I was 7, 8 years old; I was already running the ovens” — he said still relies on his dad’s expertise.</p>
<p>“Whenever I need a recipe tweaked, he’s the one who comes up with it perfectly,” he said.</p>
<p>Sergio’s father and grandfather — also named Sergio — bought what was formerly known as the Kitchen Fresh Bakery in Santa Fe in 1980. The family moved it to Albuquerque in 2000.</p>
<p>Joshua B. Sharp of Roger Cox &amp; Associates represented the family for the latest move into a 4,800-square-foot Heights site, a space formerly used for Juan’s Broken Taco and part of the nearby Bibles Plus store.</p>
<p>“It’s a pretty big change, but we’re trying not to lose what the bakery was — ‘kitchen fresh,'” Sergio said. “We still have a lot of the older line, we’re just adding a lot more to it.”</p>
<p>Sergio’s Bakery is open 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The phone number is 554-2602.</p>
<p>If you have any retail news to report, contact me at <a href="" type="internal">[email protected]</a>, 823-3864 or through my “Retail Roundup” blog at abqjournal.com</p>
| false | 2 |
rocka taco shop university new mexico area well tacos like model innout burger things really well nichols said recently stool inside tiny bricklight district eatery advertisement nichols owns gold street caffé took management formerly retro tacos opening rocka taco concept midoctober 5yearold daughter came name rocka taco customers options include one two threetaco plate plates come spanish rice pinto beans price range 6951095 rocka taco brainchild matt nichols owns gold street caffé downtown albuquerque limited menu actually rife possibilities diners design tacos picking fillings shredded beef pork carnitas shredded chicken grilled vegetables provide substance selection fresh salsas add extra flavor salsas harken back one nichols earlier endeavors nowclosed fajitaville fans former albuquerque establishment may recognize charred tomato chipotle pineapple salsa sauce food rocka tacos salsas pretty much exactly thats kind one things known nichols said salsas prepared fresh daily staff slow roasts meat overnight customers order meat salsa choosing stuffed inside 6inch cheesecrusted corn tortilla advertisement beers tap customers also get order chips tres salsas 395 maintain quality food nichols said plans stray tacocentric theme trying many things many people said really hard lot things well especially make everything scratch rocka taco located 115 harvard se suite 3 tables stools inside sherbertorangepainted shop many seats available heated patio wraps buildings northeast corner rocka taco open 11 am9 pm monday saturday advertisement phone number 4335051 probably beer thats especially true jcs new york pizza department downtown albuquerque 28 beers tap new back alley draft house recently opened space behind jcs new york pizza department downtown albuquerque lineup also feature beers brewed inhouse addison poth seen richard pipesjournal owners transformed ample space behind 10yearold pizza joint separate place theyre calling back alley draft house owner joaquin garofalo formerly used party room private events pub 28 different beers tap selection highlights new mexicoproduced brews likes la cumbre marble chama river santa fe brewing co rotating lineup also include crafted inhouse back alley managing partner addison poth well national brands back alley customers also get try hardertofind beers garofalo said better access product holder restaurant brewing licence cited new belgium peach porch one brews currently available back alley everyone recognizes breweries probably never beers said back alley eastfacing entrance steps street level near intersection central avenue 2nd street customers also move interiorly jcs nypd draft house advertisement pub goers order anything jcs nypd menu whether theyre craving meatballthemed queens pizza eggplant parmigiana hero including patio well interior table bar booth seating back alley accommodate 100 people patrons watch sports large tvs dot redpainted walls engage games dart board foosball table garofalo hoping back alley keep business humming well night jcs nypd underwent significant expansion five years ago already popular spot downtown lunch crowd garofalo said takes extra effort keep crowds coming dark youre growing youre getting stale dying said garofalo also plotting new restaurants smaller markets around new mexico join albuquerque las vegas nm locations advertisement jcs nypd back alley draft house located 215 central nw owners jcs new york pizza department transformed space behind restaurant brewpub theyre calling back alley draft house richard pipesjournal back alley draft house opens 5 pm monday saturday noon sunday formerly known la dolce vita bakery relocated changed name sergios bakery siblings sergio annabel debari taken ownership parents frank maria moved bakery lomas boulevard shoppingcenter space 2740 wyoming ne move spacious environs given chance expand menu addition lineup fresh breads doughnuts sweet rolls cookies theyre also scooping gelato offering cheesecake tiramisu slice putting greater emphasis custom cakes decorated painterly detail annabel husband sergio debari said also plans add hot cold sandwiches soon including chicago beef option new place want kind thing said advertisement fear changes havent affected cannoli bakerys signature treat still made family recipe mom maria still handcrafting shells fact sergio said doesnt allow anyone else bakery make get people new york saying theyre better new york cannoli sergio said michelle debari brother sergio debari display baked goods bakerys new location 2740 wyoming ne former la dolce vita known sergios bakery jessica dyerjournal ownership may shifted children frank maria remain involved although sergio grew family business baking since 7 8 years old already running ovens said still relies dads expertise whenever need recipe tweaked hes one comes perfectly said sergios father grandfather also named sergio bought formerly known kitchen fresh bakery santa fe 1980 family moved albuquerque 2000 joshua b sharp roger cox amp associates represented family latest move 4800squarefoot heights site space formerly used juans broken taco part nearby bibles plus store pretty big change trying lose bakery kitchen fresh sergio said still lot older line adding lot sergios bakery open 7 am6 pm tuesday saturday phone number 5542602 retail news report contact jdyerabqjournalcom 8233864 retail roundup blog abqjournalcom
| 783 |
<p>(Adds details throughout on sectors and stocks; updates prices)</p>
<p>* TSX falls 8.9 points, or 0.05 percent, to 16,348.65</p>
<p>* Six of the index’s 10 main groups fall</p>
<p>* Valeant declines 7.7 percent</p>
<p>* The materials group adds 1.6 percent</p>
<p>TORONTO, Jan 24 (Reuters) - Canada’s main stock index edged lower on Wednesday, weighed by declines for Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc and Canadian National Railway Co, while gold mining stocks were boosted by higher gold prices.</p>
<p>* The largest decliner on the index was Valeant, down 7.7 percent, after Goldman Sachs gave the shares a “sell” rating.</p>
<p>* CN Rail fell 1.0 percent to C$99.09 after reporting a lower-than-expected adjusted profit for the fourth quarter, hurt by the heavy expenses its has incurred to grow its business.</p>
<p>* At 10:47 a.m. EST (1547 GMT), the Toronto Stock Exchange’s S&amp;P/TSX composite index fell 8.9 points, or 0.05 percent, to 16,348.65.</p>
<p>* The financial services sector, which accounts for more than one-third of the index’s weight, fell 0.3 percent.</p>
<p>* Six of the index’s 10 main groups lost ground.</p>
<p>* The materials group, which includes precious and base metals miners and fertilizer companies, added 1.6 percent.</p>
<p>* Gold prices reached their highest level in more than four months after a U.S. official welcomed a weaker dollar and investors sought insurance against uncertainty.</p>
<p>* Spot gold rose 0.9 percent to 1,353.52 an ounce, while Yamana Gold Inc climbed 3.6 percent to C$4.59 and Barrick Gold Corp was up 2.4 percent at C$18.89.</p>
<p>* Marijuana producer CanniMed Therapeutics Inc jumped 16.9 percent to C$43.85 after Aurora Cannabis Inc , Canada’s second-biggest producer, agreed to buy the company for C$1.1 billion.</p>
<p>* The energy group rose 0.1 percent, helped by higher oil prices. U.S. crude futures rose 1.1 percent to $65.15 a barrel. (Reporting by Fergal Smith; Editing by Susan Thomas)</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>(Reuters) - Salesforce.com Inc ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=CRM.N" type="external">CRM.N</a>) said on Tuesday it would buy U.S. software maker MuleSoft Inc ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=MULE.N" type="external">MULE.N</a>) for about $5.90 billion in a cash-and-stock deal, illustrating CEO Marc Benioff’s push to bolster the company’s cloud-based portfolio with new technology.</p> FILE PHOTO - The Salesforce logo is pictured on a building in San Francisco, California, U.S. October 12, 2016. REUTERS/Lily Jamali
<p>MuleSoft shareholders would get $36 in cash and 0.0711 of a Salesforce share, or $44.89 per share, representing a premium of 36 percent to Mulesoft’s Monday close.</p>
<p>MuleSoft shares were up 5 percent in extended trading after rising 27 percent during the day. Salesforce shares were down more than 2 percent after the bell.</p>
<p>Including debt, the deal was valued at $6.5 billion, the companies said in a joint statement.</p>
<p>“It is really a natural fit for Salesforce to own Mule,” Steve Koenig, analyst at Wedbush Securities said.</p>
<p>“Salesforce usually helps customers move to the cloud and digitally transform their business that often starts with CRM, so having Mule helps eliminate friction as customers transform their business and to provide a more complete solution,” he said.</p>
<p>MuleSoft listed on the New York Stock Exchange on March 17 last year at $17 apiece. It closed up 40 percent on the first day of trading, giving it a market value of nearly $3 billion.</p>
<p>Salesforce Ventures, the company’s venture capital arm, led a $128 million funding round in MuleSoft in 2015.</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=CRM.N" type="external">Salesforce.com Inc</a> 125.12 CRM.N New York Stock Exchange +0.14 (+0.11%) CRM.N MULE.N ORCL.N KO.N MCD.N
<p>Salesforce holds more than 18 percent of the global customer relationship management software market, followed by Oracle Corp ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=ORCL.N" type="external">ORCL.N</a>) with 9.4 percent, according to 2016 figures provided by research firm IDC.</p>
<p>MuleSoft makes software that provides enterprises with tools to automatically integrate various applications, devices and disparate data to help businesses networks run faster. It counts Coca-Cola Co ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=KO.N" type="external">KO.N</a>), McDonald’s Corp ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=MCD.N" type="external">MCD.N</a>), Salesforce and Spotify ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=SPOT.N" type="external">SPOT.N</a>) among its customers.</p>
<p>Reuters had reported about the deal earlier on Tuesday.</p>
<p>BofA Merrill Lynch is Salesforce’s financial adviser and Goldman Sachs advised MuleSoft.</p>
<p>Reporting by Supantha Mukherjee in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>(Reuters) - U.S. stocks advanced modestly on Tuesday as higher oil prices lifted the energy sector, but another slump in Facebook Inc ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=FB.O" type="external">FB.O</a>) shares curbed gains.</p>
<p>Oil prices rose more than 2 percent to touch a three-week high, driven by tensions in the Middle East and the possibility of further declines in Venezuelan crude output.</p>
<p>Those gains helped the S&amp;P energy index .SPNY rise 0.84 percent, making it easily the best performing of the 11 major S&amp;P 500 sectors.</p>
<p>Facebook Inc ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=FB.O" type="external">FB.O</a>) shares ended down 2.6 percent, well above earlier lows. The social media company said on Tuesday it faced questions from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission about how its users’ personal data was mined by a political consultancy hired by President Donald Trump’s campaign.</p>
<p>The stock has fallen about 9 percent over the past two sessions, its biggest two-day decline since February 2016, a drop that has weighed heavily on equities.</p>
<p>U.S. and European lawmakers have demanded an explanation of how the consultancy, Cambridge Analytica, gained access to the data and why Facebook failed to inform its users, raising broader industry questions about consumer privacy and whether tougher regulation is on the horizon.</p>
<p>“The negative part would be they are going to haul them in front of Congress now and we’ll see do they create new laws, are there new regulations that could stunt the growth of the company? That is really what the fear is,” said Joe Saluzzi, co-manager of trading at Themis Trading in Chatham, New Jersey.</p> Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange shortly after the opening bell in New York, U.S., March 19, 2018. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson
<p>Facebook was not the only social media stock or fund taking a hit on Tuesday. Shares of Snap Inc ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=SNAP.N" type="external">SNAP.N</a>) fell 2.56 percent, while Twitter Inc ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=TWTR.N" type="external">TWTR.N</a>) shares tumbled 10.38 percent. The Global X Social Media ETF ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=SOCL.O" type="external">SOCL.O</a>) lost 0.9 percent.</p>
<p>The Dow Jones Industrial Average <a href="/finance/markets/index?symbol=.DJI" type="external">.DJI</a> rose 116.36 points, or 0.47 percent, to 24,727.27, the S&amp;P 500 <a href="/finance/markets/index?symbol=.SPX" type="external">.SPX</a> gained 4.02 points, or 0.15 percent, to 2,716.94 and the Nasdaq Composite <a href="/finance/markets/index?symbol=.IXIC" type="external">.IXIC</a> added 20.06 points, or 0.27 percent, to 7,364.30.</p>
<p>Oracle ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=ORCL.N" type="external">ORCL.N</a>) dropped 9.4 percent after the business software maker reported lower-than-expected quarterly revenue.</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=FB.O" type="external">Facebook Inc</a> 168.15 FB.O Nasdaq -4.41 (-2.56%) FB.O SNAP.N TWTR.N SOCL.O .DJI
<p>Financial stocks .SPSY edged up 0.21 percent as investors awaited a near-certain interest rate hike at the end of the Federal Reserve’s two-day meeting on Wednesday.</p>
<p>Market participants largely expect a total of three rate hikes this year, although some have not ruled out the possibility the U.S. central bank will hike four times.</p>
<p>“We are finally normalizing, after years we talked about the Fed holding it down and the market only going up because of the Fed. Now let’s see what the market can do – can it stand on its own two legs?” said Saluzzi, referring to the low interest rate environment the Fed put into effect after the financial crisis.</p>
<p>Volume on U.S. exchanges was 6.26 billion shares, compared with the 7.17 billion average for the full session over the last 20 trading days.</p>
<p>Declining issues outnumbered advancing ones on the NYSE by a 1.28-to-1 ratio; on Nasdaq, a 1.26-to-1 ratio favored decliners.</p>
<p>Reporting by Chuck Mikolajczak; Editing by Jonathan Oatis</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>SYDNEY (Reuters) - A hush settled over financial markets on Wednesday as investors counted down to a likely hike in U.S. interest rates and guidance on how many more to expect this year, while trade war fears kept export nations’ currencies on edge.</p> FILE PHOTO: A man looks at an electronic stock quotation board outside a brokerage in Tokyo, Japan February 9, 2018. REUTERS/Toru Hanai
<p>MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan .MIAPJ0000PUS edged up 0.5 percent after a run of losses, tracking overnight gains on Wall Street.</p>
<p>Chinese shares were a bit more buoyant with Hong Kong's Hang Seng index <a href="/finance/markets/index?symbol=.HSI" type="external">.HSI</a> gaining 1.2 percent as real estate firms posted stellar profits.</p>
<p>E-Mini futures for the S&amp;P 500 ESc1 inched up 0.1 percent, while FTSE futures FFIc1 were off a fraction.</p>
<p>Markets are convinced the Federal Reserve will announce a quarter point hike at 1800 GMT, but are less sure if it will signal three or four for the year as a whole.</p>
<p>“A significant weighting toward four hikes this year may well cause both equity and bond markets to sell off,” Jonathan Sheridan, analyst at FIIG Securities in Sydney, said.</p>
<p>“The concerns here are that the Fed overshoots with raising rates into a faltering economy,” Sheridan added.</p>
<p>“If this opinion takes hold then we may well see falling longer term rates and a flatter yield curve, and it would also be negative for equities as it increases the chances of a recession.”</p>
<p>The Fed has raised rates five times since it began tightening policy in late 2015. Yet the dollar has not really responded, ending 2017 down about 10 percent against a basket of currencies. .DXY</p>
<p>“We remind readers that every single FOMC rate hike this cycle has been a ‘dovish hike’ and the USD has declined on the day(s) post the rise,” Richard Grace, chief currency strategist at Commonwealth Bank of Australia wrote in a note to clients.</p>
<p>On Wednesday, the dollar index held near three-week highs around at 90.267 .DXY. Against the Japanese yen <a href="/finance/currencies/quote?srcCurr=JPY&amp;destCurr=USD" type="external">JPY=</a>, the greenback hovered near a one-week top at 106.46.</p>
<p>(GRAPHIC: Developed market currencies against the Dollar - <a href="http://reut.rs/2FYAg0X" type="external">reut.rs/2FYAg0X</a>)</p> TRADE WAR FEARS
<p>Another major overhang for financial markets is the specter of a global trade war.</p>
<p>U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to unveil up to $60 billion in import duties on Chinese goods by Friday. The move comes after Trump imposed tariffs on imported steel and aluminum earlier this month.</p>
<p>Investors are worried Trump’s actions could escalate into a full-blown trade war if China and other countries retaliate with similar or harsher measures, threatening global growth.</p>
<p>To add to these concerns, a meeting of finance ministers and central banks of the world’s 20 biggest economies this week failed to diffuse the threat.</p>
<a href="/finance/markets/index?symbol=.HSI" type="external">Hang Seng Indexes Co Ltd</a> 31867.77 .HSI Hong Kong Stock +317.84 (+1.01%) .HSI
<p>The so-called G20 agreed only to stand by an ambiguous declaration on trade from 2017 and “recognized” the need for more “dialogue and actions”.</p>
<p>The currencies of export-heavy nations such as the Australian, New Zealand and Canadian dollars were on the defensive after being knocked down to multi-month lows.</p>
<p>The Aussie <a href="/finance/currencies/quote?srcCurr=AUD&amp;destCurr=USD" type="external">AUD=D4</a> fell to a three-month trough of $0.7679 overnight while the kiwi dollar <a href="/finance/currencies/quote?srcCurr=NZD&amp;destCurr=USD" type="external">NZD=D4</a> hit the lowest since early January. The Canadian dollar <a href="/finance/currencies/quote?srcCurr=CAD&amp;destCurr=USD" type="external">CAD=D4</a> held at $1.3029 from Monday's low of $1.3124, a level not seen since mid-2017.</p>
<p>Equity analysts have also turned increasingly downbeat.</p>
<p>“Cracks in the bull case are starting to emerge,” said Michael Hartnett, chief investment strategist at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, citing the bank’s March fund manager survey.</p>
<p>“The threat of a trade war returns to the top of the list of tail risks most commonly cited by investors, followed by inflation and a slowdown in global growth,” he added.</p>
<p>“Investors have yet to act on these fears, however, as rates and earnings are keeping the bulls bullish.”</p>
<p>Among major commodities, oil prices were lifted by tensions in the Middle East and healthy demand. [O/R]</p>
<p>U.S. crude CLc1 rose 15 cents to $63.69 per barrel. Brent LCOc1 gained 16 cents to $67.58.</p>
<p>Spot gold added 0.2 percent to $1,313.31 an ounce XAU=.</p>
<p>Reporting by Swati Pandey, Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore and Himani Sarkar</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>(Reuters) - Toys ‘R’ Us said at a bankruptcy court hearing on Tuesday that it was working hard to maximize payments to suppliers and lenders, as it starts to shutter 735 big-box toy stores across the United States.</p> FILE PHOTO - People pass by Toys R Us store at Times Square in New York, U.S., March 9, 2018. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz/File Photo
<p>More than 50 suppliers, including Barbie maker Mattel ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=MAT.O" type="external">MAT.O</a>) and Lego, have objected in some form to the proceedings by the storied toy retailer to liquidate its U.S. business, putting 30,000 jobs at risk.</p>
<p>Toys ‘R’ Us had been trying to reorganize under U.S. Chapter 11 but last week said those efforts had failed and it was quickly running out of cash. It is also winding down its U.K business, but is looking for a buyer for operations in Canada, Europe and Asia.</p>
<p>Some trade vendors are demanding the company return any unpaid inventory rather than selling it and using going out of business sales to pay secured lenders and bankruptcy lawyers, at their cost, court papers showed.</p>
<p>“We’re making every effort to make sure (trade vendors) will be paid in full,” Lazard’s David Kurtz, who is advising Toys ‘R’ Us, testified at a hearing at U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Richmond, Virginia.</p>
<p>The company is seeking approval for a March 26 deadline for bids for each of its foreign businesses, minus U.K., followed by an auction on March 29.</p>
<p>It is also seeking approval for a series of U.S. liquidation procedures including a halt to more than $450 million in supplier payments as part of a plan that experts told Reuters could cause many small toy makers to disappear.</p>
<p>Toys ‘R’ Us was the last remaining specialty toy retailer in the United States. Hundreds of companies relied on its big-box stores as a showcase for both innovative toys as well as classics.</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=MAT.O" type="external">Mattel Inc</a> 12.97 MAT.O Nasdaq -0.25 (-1.89%) MAT.O
<p>Under trade agreements, vendors were required to ship goods to Toys ‘R’ Us on unsecured trade credit.</p>
<p>In a court filing, Lego said any “wind-down must be implemented in a manner that is fair and equitable to all” of the company’s creditors.</p>
<p>The U.S. Trustee, a bankruptcy watchdog, has also objected, saying that while it is “resigned” to the company’s future, it is concerned about certain of the procedures and relief proposed as part of the liquidation.</p>
<p>Toys ‘R’ Us financial advisor Bill Kosturos of Alvarez &amp; Marsal was also testifying at the hearing before U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Keith Phillips, which could run into Wednesday.</p>
<p>Reporting by Tracy Rucinski; Editing by David Gregorio</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
| false | 2 |
adds details throughout sectors stocks updates prices tsx falls 89 points 005 percent 1634865 six indexs 10 main groups fall valeant declines 77 percent materials group adds 16 percent toronto jan 24 reuters canadas main stock index edged lower wednesday weighed declines valeant pharmaceuticals international inc canadian national railway co gold mining stocks boosted higher gold prices largest decliner index valeant 77 percent goldman sachs gave shares sell rating cn rail fell 10 percent c9909 reporting lowerthanexpected adjusted profit fourth quarter hurt heavy expenses incurred grow business 1047 est 1547 gmt toronto stock exchanges sampptsx composite index fell 89 points 005 percent 1634865 financial services sector accounts onethird indexs weight fell 03 percent six indexs 10 main groups lost ground materials group includes precious base metals miners fertilizer companies added 16 percent gold prices reached highest level four months us official welcomed weaker dollar investors sought insurance uncertainty spot gold rose 09 percent 135352 ounce yamana gold inc climbed 36 percent c459 barrick gold corp 24 percent c1889 marijuana producer cannimed therapeutics inc jumped 169 percent c4385 aurora cannabis inc canadas secondbiggest producer agreed buy company c11 billion energy group rose 01 percent helped higher oil prices us crude futures rose 11 percent 6515 barrel reporting fergal smith editing susan thomas standards thomson reuters trust principles reuters salesforcecom inc crmn said tuesday would buy us software maker mulesoft inc mulen 590 billion cashandstock deal illustrating ceo marc benioffs push bolster companys cloudbased portfolio new technology file photo salesforce logo pictured building san francisco california us october 12 2016 reuterslily jamali mulesoft shareholders would get 36 cash 00711 salesforce share 4489 per share representing premium 36 percent mulesofts monday close mulesoft shares 5 percent extended trading rising 27 percent day salesforce shares 2 percent bell including debt deal valued 65 billion companies said joint statement really natural fit salesforce mule steve koenig analyst wedbush securities said salesforce usually helps customers move cloud digitally transform business often starts crm mule helps eliminate friction customers transform business provide complete solution said mulesoft listed new york stock exchange march 17 last year 17 apiece closed 40 percent first day trading giving market value nearly 3 billion salesforce ventures companys venture capital arm led 128 million funding round mulesoft 2015 salesforcecom inc 12512 crmn new york stock exchange 014 011 crmn mulen orcln kon mcdn salesforce holds 18 percent global customer relationship management software market followed oracle corp orcln 94 percent according 2016 figures provided research firm idc mulesoft makes software provides enterprises tools automatically integrate various applications devices disparate data help businesses networks run faster counts cocacola co kon mcdonalds corp mcdn salesforce spotify spotn among customers reuters reported deal earlier tuesday bofa merrill lynch salesforces financial adviser goldman sachs advised mulesoft reporting supantha mukherjee bengaluru editing shounak dasgupta standards thomson reuters trust principles reuters us stocks advanced modestly tuesday higher oil prices lifted energy sector another slump facebook inc fbo shares curbed gains oil prices rose 2 percent touch threeweek high driven tensions middle east possibility declines venezuelan crude output gains helped sampp energy index spny rise 084 percent making easily best performing 11 major sampp 500 sectors facebook inc fbo shares ended 26 percent well earlier lows social media company said tuesday faced questions us federal trade commission users personal data mined political consultancy hired president donald trumps campaign stock fallen 9 percent past two sessions biggest twoday decline since february 2016 drop weighed heavily equities us european lawmakers demanded explanation consultancy cambridge analytica gained access data facebook failed inform users raising broader industry questions consumer privacy whether tougher regulation horizon negative part would going haul front congress well see create new laws new regulations could stunt growth company really fear said joe saluzzi comanager trading themis trading chatham new jersey traders work floor new york stock exchange shortly opening bell new york us march 19 2018 reuterslucas jackson facebook social media stock fund taking hit tuesday shares snap inc snapn fell 256 percent twitter inc twtrn shares tumbled 1038 percent global x social media etf soclo lost 09 percent dow jones industrial average dji rose 11636 points 047 percent 2472727 sampp 500 spx gained 402 points 015 percent 271694 nasdaq composite ixic added 2006 points 027 percent 736430 oracle orcln dropped 94 percent business software maker reported lowerthanexpected quarterly revenue facebook inc 16815 fbo nasdaq 441 256 fbo snapn twtrn soclo dji financial stocks spsy edged 021 percent investors awaited nearcertain interest rate hike end federal reserves twoday meeting wednesday market participants largely expect total three rate hikes year although ruled possibility us central bank hike four times finally normalizing years talked fed holding market going fed lets see market stand two legs said saluzzi referring low interest rate environment fed put effect financial crisis volume us exchanges 626 billion shares compared 717 billion average full session last 20 trading days declining issues outnumbered advancing ones nyse 128to1 ratio nasdaq 126to1 ratio favored decliners reporting chuck mikolajczak editing jonathan oatis standards thomson reuters trust principles sydney reuters hush settled financial markets wednesday investors counted likely hike us interest rates guidance many expect year trade war fears kept export nations currencies edge file photo man looks electronic stock quotation board outside brokerage tokyo japan february 9 2018 reuterstoru hanai mscis broadest index asiapacific shares outside japan miapj0000pus edged 05 percent run losses tracking overnight gains wall street chinese shares bit buoyant hong kongs hang seng index hsi gaining 12 percent real estate firms posted stellar profits emini futures sampp 500 esc1 inched 01 percent ftse futures ffic1 fraction markets convinced federal reserve announce quarter point hike 1800 gmt less sure signal three four year whole significant weighting toward four hikes year may well cause equity bond markets sell jonathan sheridan analyst fiig securities sydney said concerns fed overshoots raising rates faltering economy sheridan added opinion takes hold may well see falling longer term rates flatter yield curve would also negative equities increases chances recession fed raised rates five times since began tightening policy late 2015 yet dollar really responded ending 2017 10 percent basket currencies dxy remind readers every single fomc rate hike cycle dovish hike usd declined days post rise richard grace chief currency strategist commonwealth bank australia wrote note clients wednesday dollar index held near threeweek highs around 90267 dxy japanese yen jpy greenback hovered near oneweek top 10646 graphic developed market currencies dollar reutrs2fyag0x trade war fears another major overhang financial markets specter global trade war us president donald trump expected unveil 60 billion import duties chinese goods friday move comes trump imposed tariffs imported steel aluminum earlier month investors worried trumps actions could escalate fullblown trade war china countries retaliate similar harsher measures threatening global growth add concerns meeting finance ministers central banks worlds 20 biggest economies week failed diffuse threat hang seng indexes co ltd 3186777 hsi hong kong stock 31784 101 hsi socalled g20 agreed stand ambiguous declaration trade 2017 recognized need dialogue actions currencies exportheavy nations australian new zealand canadian dollars defensive knocked multimonth lows aussie audd4 fell threemonth trough 07679 overnight kiwi dollar nzdd4 hit lowest since early january canadian dollar cadd4 held 13029 mondays low 13124 level seen since mid2017 equity analysts also turned increasingly downbeat cracks bull case starting emerge said michael hartnett chief investment strategist bank america merrill lynch citing banks march fund manager survey threat trade war returns top list tail risks commonly cited investors followed inflation slowdown global growth added investors yet act fears however rates earnings keeping bulls bullish among major commodities oil prices lifted tensions middle east healthy demand us crude clc1 rose 15 cents 6369 per barrel brent lcoc1 gained 16 cents 6758 spot gold added 02 percent 131331 ounce xau reporting swati pandey editing simon cameronmoore himani sarkar standards thomson reuters trust principles reuters toys r us said bankruptcy court hearing tuesday working hard maximize payments suppliers lenders starts shutter 735 bigbox toy stores across united states file photo people pass toys r us store times square new york us march 9 2018 reuterseduardo munozfile photo 50 suppliers including barbie maker mattel mato lego objected form proceedings storied toy retailer liquidate us business putting 30000 jobs risk toys r us trying reorganize us chapter 11 last week said efforts failed quickly running cash also winding uk business looking buyer operations canada europe asia trade vendors demanding company return unpaid inventory rather selling using going business sales pay secured lenders bankruptcy lawyers cost court papers showed making every effort make sure trade vendors paid full lazards david kurtz advising toys r us testified hearing us bankruptcy court richmond virginia company seeking approval march 26 deadline bids foreign businesses minus uk followed auction march 29 also seeking approval series us liquidation procedures including halt 450 million supplier payments part plan experts told reuters could cause many small toy makers disappear toys r us last remaining specialty toy retailer united states hundreds companies relied bigbox stores showcase innovative toys well classics mattel inc 1297 mato nasdaq 025 189 mato trade agreements vendors required ship goods toys r us unsecured trade credit court filing lego said winddown must implemented manner fair equitable companys creditors us trustee bankruptcy watchdog also objected saying resigned companys future concerned certain procedures relief proposed part liquidation toys r us financial advisor bill kosturos alvarez amp marsal also testifying hearing us bankruptcy judge keith phillips could run wednesday reporting tracy rucinski editing david gregorio standards thomson reuters trust principles
| 1,574 |
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p>Former Iowa State University employee Dennis Smith was paid $650,000 last year by Iowa State to settle his lawsuit alleging that he was retaliated against by superiors, including subjection to a lengthy threat assessment investigation. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)</p>
<p>IOWA CITY, Iowa - As the fall semester began, communications professor and campus jester Kembrew McLeod organized a parody news conference to poke fun at the University of Iowa's governing board, expecting that annoyed administrators might show up.</p>
<p>Instead, a detective with the campus threat assessment team was there waiting for him.</p>
<p>McLeod said that the sending of a detective was at once intimidating and absurd, while public safety director David Visin said it was appropriate, noting administrators had received a phony email inviting them to the news conference from someone posing as a university consultant.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Either way, this much is clear: Eight years after the Virginia Tech massacre led many colleges to form threat assessment teams to identify troubled people and step in before they turn violent, these panels are a work in progress, and their effectiveness and fairness are a matter of debate.</p>
<p>In some cases, critics say, the teams have been used to harass students and professors who posed no threat of violence or to retaliate against critics of the college administration. Lawsuits and embarrassing public relations incidents have resulted. Critics say the teams can have a chilling effect on free speech on campuses.</p>
<p>Supporters of threat assessment teams say they make campuses safer in an age of mass shootings. They say these teams do the vast majority of their work in good faith and are duty-bound to check things out when they raise alarms - which is what happened with McLeod's satirical, off-campus news conference, according to Iowa officials.</p>
<p>At the news conference, a group of performance artists called The Yes Men pretended to be university cost-cutting consultants. McLeod said the detective asked what they were up to and directed him to call the university president's office to explain that the event at a public library was "just art."</p>
<p>"I'm not a lone gunman or a terrorist. I'm just a goofy professor with a satirical idea," said McLeod, who is known for dressing as a robot to ask national politicians questions.</p>
<p>At the University of Wisconsin-Stout, the campus police chief in 2011 declared that a poster promoting the science-fiction TV series "Firefly" on professor Jim Miller's office door was threatening and removed it. The poster featured a well-known quote from one of its characters, "If I ever kill you, you'll be awake. You'll be facing me. And you'll be armed."</p>
<p>Miller protested the removal and put up a satirical poster that read, "Fascism can cause blunt trauma and/or violent death. Keep fascism away from children and pets."</p>
<p>A threat assessment team declared that, too, was a threat and took it down. Facing a backlash, the school relented and acknowledged that its actions undercut its commitment to free speech.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Miller said his treatment revealed "something ugly and nasty running around with these threat assessment teams."</p>
<p>Walter, the campus police chief, called the case a painful learning experience. The school has taken the rare step of forming a free speech committee that will review similar cases in the future.</p>
<p>Retired Virginia Tech threat assessment team leader Gene Deisinger, a pioneer in the field who founded one of the first teams at Iowa State University in 1994, was involved in a case a few years ago that illustrated the challenges.</p>
<p>Deisinger was at Iowa State when he looked into repeated claims by college official Pamela Reinig that a subordinate, Dennis Smith, might go on a shooting rampage.</p>
<p>The Iowa Supreme Court ruled last year that Reinig unfairly tried to have Smith - a whistleblower with a clean record - "treated as a scary and mentally unstable outcast" to divert attention from her own mismanagement. The school paid Smith $650,000 last year to settle his lawsuit.</p>
<p>Smith faulted Deisinger for failing to corroborate information brought to him and for not contacting him early in the investigation.</p>
<p>"If he had done either of these things, none of this - the damage to my reputation, the loss of my livelihood, the lawsuit and all of the ensuing fallout - would have happened," Smith said.</p>
<p>Deisinger said the threat assessment team acted appropriately in investigating and eventually concluding that Smith wasn't a threat.</p>
<p>Threat assessment teams consist of administrators from several departments who meet regularly to discuss individuals of concern and decide how to respond. They look at a wide variety of cases, such as troubling social media comments and students who seem to be in crisis. A team's response can include encouraging someone to get mental health treatment or calling in the police to investigate.</p>
<p>Supporters say they believe the teams have thwarted violence on college campuses, but they acknowledge they can't necessarily prove it - in part, because privacy laws require that most of their activities remain secret, but also because it is difficult to establish why something didn't happen.</p>
<p>"Prevention is invisible," said University of Wisconsin-Stout police Chief Lisa Walter.</p>
<p>Many teams were set up after it was learned that Virginia Tech administrators had many warning signs about student Seung-Hui Cho but failed to connect the dots and intervene before he killed 32 people in 2007.</p>
<p />
<p />
| false | 2 |
former iowa state university employee dennis smith paid 650000 last year iowa state settle lawsuit alleging retaliated superiors including subjection lengthy threat assessment investigation ap photocharlie neibergall iowa city iowa fall semester began communications professor campus jester kembrew mcleod organized parody news conference poke fun university iowas governing board expecting annoyed administrators might show instead detective campus threat assessment team waiting mcleod said sending detective intimidating absurd public safety director david visin said appropriate noting administrators received phony email inviting news conference someone posing university consultant advertisement either way much clear eight years virginia tech massacre led many colleges form threat assessment teams identify troubled people step turn violent panels work progress effectiveness fairness matter debate cases critics say teams used harass students professors posed threat violence retaliate critics college administration lawsuits embarrassing public relations incidents resulted critics say teams chilling effect free speech campuses supporters threat assessment teams say make campuses safer age mass shootings say teams vast majority work good faith dutybound check things raise alarms happened mcleods satirical offcampus news conference according iowa officials news conference group performance artists called yes men pretended university costcutting consultants mcleod said detective asked directed call university presidents office explain event public library art im lone gunman terrorist im goofy professor satirical idea said mcleod known dressing robot ask national politicians questions university wisconsinstout campus police chief 2011 declared poster promoting sciencefiction tv series firefly professor jim millers office door threatening removed poster featured wellknown quote one characters ever kill youll awake youll facing youll armed miller protested removal put satirical poster read fascism cause blunt trauma andor violent death keep fascism away children pets threat assessment team declared threat took facing backlash school relented acknowledged actions undercut commitment free speech advertisement miller said treatment revealed something ugly nasty running around threat assessment teams walter campus police chief called case painful learning experience school taken rare step forming free speech committee review similar cases future retired virginia tech threat assessment team leader gene deisinger pioneer field founded one first teams iowa state university 1994 involved case years ago illustrated challenges deisinger iowa state looked repeated claims college official pamela reinig subordinate dennis smith might go shooting rampage iowa supreme court ruled last year reinig unfairly tried smith whistleblower clean record treated scary mentally unstable outcast divert attention mismanagement school paid smith 650000 last year settle lawsuit smith faulted deisinger failing corroborate information brought contacting early investigation done either things none damage reputation loss livelihood lawsuit ensuing fallout would happened smith said deisinger said threat assessment team acted appropriately investigating eventually concluding smith wasnt threat threat assessment teams consist administrators several departments meet regularly discuss individuals concern decide respond look wide variety cases troubling social media comments students seem crisis teams response include encouraging someone get mental health treatment calling police investigate supporters say believe teams thwarted violence college campuses acknowledge cant necessarily prove part privacy laws require activities remain secret also difficult establish something didnt happen prevention invisible said university wisconsinstout police chief lisa walter many teams set learned virginia tech administrators many warning signs student seunghui cho failed connect dots intervene killed 32 people 2007
| 525 |
<p>SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean prosecutors on Wednesday demanded a 12-year prison term for Samsung’s jailed billionaire heir, Lee Jae-yong, who maintained his innocence during an appeal of his conviction on bribery and other charges.</p>
<p>In August, a lower court sentenced Lee to five years in prison for offering bribes to former South Korean President Park Geun-hye and her confidante while Park was in office. Both Lee and prosecutors, who earlier had requested a 12-year prison term, appealed that ruling.</p>
<p>Prosecutors said Wednesday during Lee’s appeal hearing that they still want Lee to receive 12 years in prison, according to the Seoul High Court. South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency cited the court as saying it will issue a ruling on Lee on Feb. 5, but calls to the court went unanswered.</p>
<p>If the court’s ruling is appealed again either by Lee or prosecutors, his case will be handed over to the Supreme Court, which will make a final ruling on him.</p>
<p>Lee’s bribery case is part of a huge political scandal that led to the ouster of Park in late March after millions of South Koreans took to streets for anti-government rallies for months. Park and her friend, Choi Soon-sil, were arrested and charged with taking bribes from Samsung in return for helping Lee cement his control of the company for a smooth transfer of power.</p>
<p>Prosecutors have also charged both Park and Choi with pressuring Samsung and other big businesses to donate a total of 77.4 billion won ($68 million) for the launch of two nonprofit foundations controlled by Choi.</p>
<p>Samsung, founded by Lee’s grandfather, is one of the key family-run South Korean conglomerates that have dominated the country’s economy. Some credit them with leading South Korea’s export-driven economy and rebuilding its economy from the ashes of the 1950-53 Korean War, but others say their successes were only possible because of corrupt, collusive ties with government officials.</p>
<p>“It was a typical case showing cozy, collusive ties between government and businesses,” special prosecutor Park Young-soo said during Wednesday’s court session, according to South Korean media.</p>
<p>Lee, who was convicted of embezzlement, hiding assets overseas and perjury, repeated a denial of the charges, according to Lee’s lawyers.</p>
<p>Lee, whose official title is vice chairman of Samsung Electronics, took a higher-profile role after his father and Samsung chair Lee Kun-hee suffered a heart attack in 2014.</p>
<p>Samsung is the world’s largest maker of smartphones, television sets and microchips.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press writer Kim Tong-hyung contributed to this report.</p>
<p>SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean prosecutors on Wednesday demanded a 12-year prison term for Samsung’s jailed billionaire heir, Lee Jae-yong, who maintained his innocence during an appeal of his conviction on bribery and other charges.</p>
<p>In August, a lower court sentenced Lee to five years in prison for offering bribes to former South Korean President Park Geun-hye and her confidante while Park was in office. Both Lee and prosecutors, who earlier had requested a 12-year prison term, appealed that ruling.</p>
<p>Prosecutors said Wednesday during Lee’s appeal hearing that they still want Lee to receive 12 years in prison, according to the Seoul High Court. South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency cited the court as saying it will issue a ruling on Lee on Feb. 5, but calls to the court went unanswered.</p>
<p>If the court’s ruling is appealed again either by Lee or prosecutors, his case will be handed over to the Supreme Court, which will make a final ruling on him.</p>
<p>Lee’s bribery case is part of a huge political scandal that led to the ouster of Park in late March after millions of South Koreans took to streets for anti-government rallies for months. Park and her friend, Choi Soon-sil, were arrested and charged with taking bribes from Samsung in return for helping Lee cement his control of the company for a smooth transfer of power.</p>
<p>Prosecutors have also charged both Park and Choi with pressuring Samsung and other big businesses to donate a total of 77.4 billion won ($68 million) for the launch of two nonprofit foundations controlled by Choi.</p>
<p>Samsung, founded by Lee’s grandfather, is one of the key family-run South Korean conglomerates that have dominated the country’s economy. Some credit them with leading South Korea’s export-driven economy and rebuilding its economy from the ashes of the 1950-53 Korean War, but others say their successes were only possible because of corrupt, collusive ties with government officials.</p>
<p>“It was a typical case showing cozy, collusive ties between government and businesses,” special prosecutor Park Young-soo said during Wednesday’s court session, according to South Korean media.</p>
<p>Lee, who was convicted of embezzlement, hiding assets overseas and perjury, repeated a denial of the charges, according to Lee’s lawyers.</p>
<p>Lee, whose official title is vice chairman of Samsung Electronics, took a higher-profile role after his father and Samsung chair Lee Kun-hee suffered a heart attack in 2014.</p>
<p>Samsung is the world’s largest maker of smartphones, television sets and microchips.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press writer Kim Tong-hyung contributed to this report.</p>
| false | 2 |
seoul south korea ap south korean prosecutors wednesday demanded 12year prison term samsungs jailed billionaire heir lee jaeyong maintained innocence appeal conviction bribery charges august lower court sentenced lee five years prison offering bribes former south korean president park geunhye confidante park office lee prosecutors earlier requested 12year prison term appealed ruling prosecutors said wednesday lees appeal hearing still want lee receive 12 years prison according seoul high court south koreas yonhap news agency cited court saying issue ruling lee feb 5 calls court went unanswered courts ruling appealed either lee prosecutors case handed supreme court make final ruling lees bribery case part huge political scandal led ouster park late march millions south koreans took streets antigovernment rallies months park friend choi soonsil arrested charged taking bribes samsung return helping lee cement control company smooth transfer power prosecutors also charged park choi pressuring samsung big businesses donate total 774 billion 68 million launch two nonprofit foundations controlled choi samsung founded lees grandfather one key familyrun south korean conglomerates dominated countrys economy credit leading south koreas exportdriven economy rebuilding economy ashes 195053 korean war others say successes possible corrupt collusive ties government officials typical case showing cozy collusive ties government businesses special prosecutor park youngsoo said wednesdays court session according south korean media lee convicted embezzlement hiding assets overseas perjury repeated denial charges according lees lawyers lee whose official title vice chairman samsung electronics took higherprofile role father samsung chair lee kunhee suffered heart attack 2014 samsung worlds largest maker smartphones television sets microchips ___ associated press writer kim tonghyung contributed report seoul south korea ap south korean prosecutors wednesday demanded 12year prison term samsungs jailed billionaire heir lee jaeyong maintained innocence appeal conviction bribery charges august lower court sentenced lee five years prison offering bribes former south korean president park geunhye confidante park office lee prosecutors earlier requested 12year prison term appealed ruling prosecutors said wednesday lees appeal hearing still want lee receive 12 years prison according seoul high court south koreas yonhap news agency cited court saying issue ruling lee feb 5 calls court went unanswered courts ruling appealed either lee prosecutors case handed supreme court make final ruling lees bribery case part huge political scandal led ouster park late march millions south koreans took streets antigovernment rallies months park friend choi soonsil arrested charged taking bribes samsung return helping lee cement control company smooth transfer power prosecutors also charged park choi pressuring samsung big businesses donate total 774 billion 68 million launch two nonprofit foundations controlled choi samsung founded lees grandfather one key familyrun south korean conglomerates dominated countrys economy credit leading south koreas exportdriven economy rebuilding economy ashes 195053 korean war others say successes possible corrupt collusive ties government officials typical case showing cozy collusive ties government businesses special prosecutor park youngsoo said wednesdays court session according south korean media lee convicted embezzlement hiding assets overseas perjury repeated denial charges according lees lawyers lee whose official title vice chairman samsung electronics took higherprofile role father samsung chair lee kunhee suffered heart attack 2014 samsung worlds largest maker smartphones television sets microchips ___ associated press writer kim tonghyung contributed report
| 522 |
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p />
<p>The belief that people with medical problems should be able to get health insurance is no longer challenged. The issue seems to be how to guarantee that. The idea that government should help those who can’t afford their premiums has gained acceptance. The question is how much, and for what kind of coverage.</p>
<p>“The American people have now set new standards for access to health care based on the Affordable Care Act,” former Surgeon General David Satcher says. “I don’t believe it will ever be acceptable again to have 50 million people without access to health care.”</p>
<p>Obama’s influence will continue in other ways, less visible and hardly divisive:</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>–Medicare is shifting to paying for value, not just volume.</p>
<p>–The importance of prevention and front-line primary care is more widely recognized.</p>
<p>–Doctors and hospitals have computerized their records systems, even if connectivity remains elusive.</p>
<p>–The government has opened up massive files of health care billing data, enabling independent analysts to look for patterns of questionable spending.</p>
<p>But conflict is part of Obama’s legacy, too. He leaves the country deeply divided about the government’s role in health care.</p>
<p>Passed with no Republican votes, the 2010 health care law broke the pattern of major safety net programs like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, which had bipartisan backing. Social Security has stood for more than 80 years; Medicare and Medicaid for more than 50.</p>
<p>“If Medicare had been repealed, stories about Lyndon Johnson would have been different,” said Robert Blendon, professor of health policy at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “A legacy is whether you did something that was sustained.” Johnson was the Democratic president who won approval of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965.</p>
<p>Already, the Republican-led Congress, taking its lead from President-elect Donald Trump, has started the process of repealing and replacing the health law.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>“Approaches that partisan are difficult to sustain as lasting, permanent features of the health care system,” said Mark McClellan, Medicare administrator under Republican President George W. Bush.</p>
<p>Obama also failed to deliver on early promises to cut premiums. From 2009-2016, the amount employees pay in premiums for workplace coverage rose by hundreds of dollars, according to the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation. And the average deductible — the annual amount patients pay before insurance kicks in — went from $533 to $1,221, an increase of nearly 130 percent.</p>
<p>The achievements and difficulties of the Obama years are reflected in people such as Karen Rezny.</p>
<p>“I really do credit Obamacare with saving my life,” said Rezny, a massage therapist from Austin, Texas.</p>
<p>The health care law, or ACA, enabled her to get better treatment for advanced breast cancer. She was uninsured when diagnosed. Before the law, insurers would have rejected her because of her medical condition. Even with a subsidized premium, Rezny said she still struggles with cost.</p>
<p>“What I would hope is that we would look back and say (Obama) got the ball rolling, and then we continue,” said Rezny. “He took health care off the House and Senate floor — out of theoretical talk by people who are guaranteed lifetime health care — and actually allowed the people to experience it and have it.”</p>
<p>When the law passed, 48.6 million people were uninsured, according to the government. Through the first six months of last year, that dropped to 28.4 million. While employer coverage also grew as the economy strengthened, experts credit the ACA for most of the progress. The law provides subsidized private insurance along with a Medicaid expansion for low-income people.</p>
<p>“It would have never been done without the focus and insistence of this president that we go big,” said Kathleen Sebelius, Obama’s first secretary of Health and Human Services.</p>
<p>Obama set his sights high, but execution was a problem. When HealthCare.gov went live in 2013, the computer system quickly froze. It took a high-tech rescue effort to get things working for consumers.</p>
<p>The law’s complexity also tripped people up. It uses the income tax system to subsidize premiums. Some HealthCare.gov customers saw their tax refunds reduced because they underestimated their incomes when applying for subsidies. Fines on those who remained uninsured hit people in their 30s trying to get traction in life. Officials in many states were alarmed by rising Medicaid spending.</p>
<p>When Republicans won control of the House in 2010, Obama was effectively blocked from legislating fixes. The administration used regulations to try smooth out the law’s rough edges, while successfully fighting off two Supreme Court cases that would have gutted it.</p>
<p>In the face of problems, the White House ceaselessly talked up the benefits of the law. Among the controversial claims was that the law deserved much credit for a historic slowdown in national health care spending from 2009-2013.</p>
<p>“Just nonsense,” said Rick Foster, formerly Medicare’s chief actuary, in charge of long-range estimates. “Far and away the biggest cause of the slowdown was the Great Recession. That is not to say that the Affordable Care Act didn’t have some impact, but I think that was small compared to the effect of the recession and the weak recovery.”</p>
<p>History shows that America’s social programs got built in stages. Automatic cost-of-living increases weren’t part of Social Security originally. Medicare didn’t get a prescription benefit for nearly 40 years.</p>
<p>Kris Case of Denver hopes that somehow, something like that can happen with Obama’s overhaul. She works in customer relations for a technology company and buys coverage through the Colorado insurance marketplace.</p>
<p>“Think of all the work that has gone into this imperfect thing,” said Case, “and to just tear it down to make a point, rather than say it’s flawed but we can fix it.</p>
<p>“Just because you need to do the top floor doesn’t mean you level the entire complex.”</p>
| false | 2 |
belief people medical problems able get health insurance longer challenged issue seems guarantee idea government help cant afford premiums gained acceptance question much kind coverage american people set new standards access health care based affordable care act former surgeon general david satcher says dont believe ever acceptable 50 million people without access health care obamas influence continue ways less visible hardly divisive advertisement medicare shifting paying value volume importance prevention frontline primary care widely recognized doctors hospitals computerized records systems even connectivity remains elusive government opened massive files health care billing data enabling independent analysts look patterns questionable spending conflict part obamas legacy leaves country deeply divided governments role health care passed republican votes 2010 health care law broke pattern major safety net programs like social security medicare medicaid bipartisan backing social security stood 80 years medicare medicaid 50 medicare repealed stories lyndon johnson would different said robert blendon professor health policy harvard th chan school public health legacy whether something sustained johnson democratic president approval medicare medicaid 1965 already republicanled congress taking lead presidentelect donald trump started process repealing replacing health law advertisement approaches partisan difficult sustain lasting permanent features health care system said mark mcclellan medicare administrator republican president george w bush obama also failed deliver early promises cut premiums 20092016 amount employees pay premiums workplace coverage rose hundreds dollars according nonpartisan kaiser family foundation average deductible annual amount patients pay insurance kicks went 533 1221 increase nearly 130 percent achievements difficulties obama years reflected people karen rezny really credit obamacare saving life said rezny massage therapist austin texas health care law aca enabled get better treatment advanced breast cancer uninsured diagnosed law insurers would rejected medical condition even subsidized premium rezny said still struggles cost would hope would look back say obama got ball rolling continue said rezny took health care house senate floor theoretical talk people guaranteed lifetime health care actually allowed people experience law passed 486 million people uninsured according government first six months last year dropped 284 million employer coverage also grew economy strengthened experts credit aca progress law provides subsidized private insurance along medicaid expansion lowincome people would never done without focus insistence president go big said kathleen sebelius obamas first secretary health human services obama set sights high execution problem healthcaregov went live 2013 computer system quickly froze took hightech rescue effort get things working consumers laws complexity also tripped people uses income tax system subsidize premiums healthcaregov customers saw tax refunds reduced underestimated incomes applying subsidies fines remained uninsured hit people 30s trying get traction life officials many states alarmed rising medicaid spending republicans control house 2010 obama effectively blocked legislating fixes administration used regulations try smooth laws rough edges successfully fighting two supreme court cases would gutted face problems white house ceaselessly talked benefits law among controversial claims law deserved much credit historic slowdown national health care spending 20092013 nonsense said rick foster formerly medicares chief actuary charge longrange estimates far away biggest cause slowdown great recession say affordable care act didnt impact think small compared effect recession weak recovery history shows americas social programs got built stages automatic costofliving increases werent part social security originally medicare didnt get prescription benefit nearly 40 years kris case denver hopes somehow something like happen obamas overhaul works customer relations technology company buys coverage colorado insurance marketplace think work gone imperfect thing said case tear make point rather say flawed fix need top floor doesnt mean level entire complex
| 576 |
<p>When Brian Gionta last played in the Olympics in 2006, his final NHL game before the break allowed him just three days to fly to Italy and get acclimated before suiting up for Team USA.</p>
<p>This time around, the semi-retired U.S. captain and his Olympic teammates will get four whole practice days before opening the tournament against Slovenia on Feb. 14.</p>
<p>"With the NHL setup, you fly over there, you have a small window to practice in and then you're right into the games," Gionta said. "We've had the added benefit of being able to go over to the Deutschland Cup and be together for that week. A lot of the guys that were there are on the team and have a good understanding of each other. But I think that's a nice change, I guess, from previous Olympics."</p>
<p>Still, the U.S. lost all three games at that tournament in November and didn't score more than two goals in any of them. Preparation under a new coach, learning the nuances and habits of new teammates are certainly key, but every men's hockey team going to South Korea is in a much different situation from any previous Olympics.</p>
<p>Before NHL players began participating in 1998, national teams were centralized and spent months together — much like women's teams do now. In contrast, the past five Olympics featured quick turnarounds when it came to training because so many players were also in the NHL, which decided this time around not to pause its 82-game regular season.</p>
<p>However, no NHL didn't automatically translate into more practice time as the teams were put together.</p>
<p>Almost everyone on an Olympic roster is playing professionally or in college, so there isn't much of an opportunity for training camps — though Canada, Russia and other countries are making the most of any time they have to get together. Russia's Kontinental Hockey League has its final games before the Olympic break Jan. 28, and other European leagues will release players shortly after that so they can prepare.</p>
<p>Chock full of stars from the KHL, including former NHL players Ilya Kovalchuk and Pavel Datsyuk, Russia should be the first to have its full team together and will play exhibition games in Moscow on Jan. 30 and Feb. 4. Canada is gathering as many players as possible in Latvia on Jan. 28 and will play two exhibition games there and one more in South Korea before the Olympics begin as it tries to win a third consecutive gold medal.</p>
<p>"We have access to our players very early, and we're going to take advantage of that," said Scott Salmond, Hockey Canada's vice president of hockey operations and national teams. "We're actually going to simulate the first two games of the Olympics with the ice times and the game times and try to get used to that kind of quick turnaround from a 9 p.m. game and a day off and a noon game."</p>
<p>Sweden, which has a handful of former NHL players and projected 2018 No. 1 draft pick <a href="https://wintergames.ap.org/article/top-2018-draft-prospect-dahlin-makes-sweden-olympic-roster" type="external">Rasmus Dahlin</a> , will gather in Seoul for four days of practice before facing Canada on Feb. 12. The Czech Republic will hold training camp in Prague from Jan. 29-Feb. 6 before practicing in Seoul and playing an exhibition game against Finland on Feb. 11, while the Swiss are scheduled to play Germany in Kloten, Switzerland, on Feb. 6 and Norway in Goyang, South Korea, five days later.</p>
<p>USA Hockey general manager Jim Johannson said his team won't play any exhibition games with most U.S. players arriving in South Korea on Feb. 8. Johannson said the U.S. will practice Feb. 10-13 and get in a game-day skate Feb. 14, which coach Tony Granato feels will be enough preparation.</p>
<p>"We've all been parts of multiple tournaments like this, so we're not unfamiliar with them," said Granato, who played 49 games with the U.S. national team prior to the 1988 Olympics and currently coaches at the University of Wisconsin. "A lot of the excitement and build-up leading up to it makes it that much better — you're going to get there, we're going to jump on the ice, we're going to practice and then a few days later we'll be center stage and ready to play."</p>
<p>Seventeen of the 25 U.S. players were at the Deutschland Cup in November and won't be back on the ice together until nearly three months later. The U.S. women's team? They gathered in Florida in September, played a series of games against top Olympic rival Canada and have been together since.</p>
<p>"It's a huge bonus and a huge advantage to be together all year," forward Meghan Duggan said. "(It's ) a difference from a world championship year, a non-Olympic year where we play with our pro teams and our club teams or college teams and get together for certain periods of time whether it be for world championships or Four Nations Cup or training camp."</p>
<p>Canada's men's team took part in several Olympic tune-up tournaments for evaluation purposes. GM Sean Burke, who played in goal for Canada in the 1988 and 1992 Olympics, is trying to make the most of this hybrid schedule to put coach Willie Desjardins and his <a href="https://wintergames.ap.org/article/canada-takes-different-approach-us-mens-hockey-team" type="external">team</a> in the best position to succeed.</p>
<p>"We've had a lot of time to not only evaluate our players but have them together to do some team-building and we're going to get a good two-week training camp. I like the process," Burke said. "Our coaching staff can really get down to working on our systems and having everything in place that they're comfortable with. That's a real nice luxury to have."</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>AP Sports Reporters Teresa M. Walker and James Ellingworth contributed.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/SWhyno" type="external">https://twitter.com/SWhyno</a></p>
<p>___</p>
<p>More AP Olympic coverage: <a href="https://wintergames.ap.org" type="external">https://wintergames.ap.org</a></p>
<p>When Brian Gionta last played in the Olympics in 2006, his final NHL game before the break allowed him just three days to fly to Italy and get acclimated before suiting up for Team USA.</p>
<p>This time around, the semi-retired U.S. captain and his Olympic teammates will get four whole practice days before opening the tournament against Slovenia on Feb. 14.</p>
<p>"With the NHL setup, you fly over there, you have a small window to practice in and then you're right into the games," Gionta said. "We've had the added benefit of being able to go over to the Deutschland Cup and be together for that week. A lot of the guys that were there are on the team and have a good understanding of each other. But I think that's a nice change, I guess, from previous Olympics."</p>
<p>Still, the U.S. lost all three games at that tournament in November and didn't score more than two goals in any of them. Preparation under a new coach, learning the nuances and habits of new teammates are certainly key, but every men's hockey team going to South Korea is in a much different situation from any previous Olympics.</p>
<p>Before NHL players began participating in 1998, national teams were centralized and spent months together — much like women's teams do now. In contrast, the past five Olympics featured quick turnarounds when it came to training because so many players were also in the NHL, which decided this time around not to pause its 82-game regular season.</p>
<p>However, no NHL didn't automatically translate into more practice time as the teams were put together.</p>
<p>Almost everyone on an Olympic roster is playing professionally or in college, so there isn't much of an opportunity for training camps — though Canada, Russia and other countries are making the most of any time they have to get together. Russia's Kontinental Hockey League has its final games before the Olympic break Jan. 28, and other European leagues will release players shortly after that so they can prepare.</p>
<p>Chock full of stars from the KHL, including former NHL players Ilya Kovalchuk and Pavel Datsyuk, Russia should be the first to have its full team together and will play exhibition games in Moscow on Jan. 30 and Feb. 4. Canada is gathering as many players as possible in Latvia on Jan. 28 and will play two exhibition games there and one more in South Korea before the Olympics begin as it tries to win a third consecutive gold medal.</p>
<p>"We have access to our players very early, and we're going to take advantage of that," said Scott Salmond, Hockey Canada's vice president of hockey operations and national teams. "We're actually going to simulate the first two games of the Olympics with the ice times and the game times and try to get used to that kind of quick turnaround from a 9 p.m. game and a day off and a noon game."</p>
<p>Sweden, which has a handful of former NHL players and projected 2018 No. 1 draft pick <a href="https://wintergames.ap.org/article/top-2018-draft-prospect-dahlin-makes-sweden-olympic-roster" type="external">Rasmus Dahlin</a> , will gather in Seoul for four days of practice before facing Canada on Feb. 12. The Czech Republic will hold training camp in Prague from Jan. 29-Feb. 6 before practicing in Seoul and playing an exhibition game against Finland on Feb. 11, while the Swiss are scheduled to play Germany in Kloten, Switzerland, on Feb. 6 and Norway in Goyang, South Korea, five days later.</p>
<p>USA Hockey general manager Jim Johannson said his team won't play any exhibition games with most U.S. players arriving in South Korea on Feb. 8. Johannson said the U.S. will practice Feb. 10-13 and get in a game-day skate Feb. 14, which coach Tony Granato feels will be enough preparation.</p>
<p>"We've all been parts of multiple tournaments like this, so we're not unfamiliar with them," said Granato, who played 49 games with the U.S. national team prior to the 1988 Olympics and currently coaches at the University of Wisconsin. "A lot of the excitement and build-up leading up to it makes it that much better — you're going to get there, we're going to jump on the ice, we're going to practice and then a few days later we'll be center stage and ready to play."</p>
<p>Seventeen of the 25 U.S. players were at the Deutschland Cup in November and won't be back on the ice together until nearly three months later. The U.S. women's team? They gathered in Florida in September, played a series of games against top Olympic rival Canada and have been together since.</p>
<p>"It's a huge bonus and a huge advantage to be together all year," forward Meghan Duggan said. "(It's ) a difference from a world championship year, a non-Olympic year where we play with our pro teams and our club teams or college teams and get together for certain periods of time whether it be for world championships or Four Nations Cup or training camp."</p>
<p>Canada's men's team took part in several Olympic tune-up tournaments for evaluation purposes. GM Sean Burke, who played in goal for Canada in the 1988 and 1992 Olympics, is trying to make the most of this hybrid schedule to put coach Willie Desjardins and his <a href="https://wintergames.ap.org/article/canada-takes-different-approach-us-mens-hockey-team" type="external">team</a> in the best position to succeed.</p>
<p>"We've had a lot of time to not only evaluate our players but have them together to do some team-building and we're going to get a good two-week training camp. I like the process," Burke said. "Our coaching staff can really get down to working on our systems and having everything in place that they're comfortable with. That's a real nice luxury to have."</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>AP Sports Reporters Teresa M. Walker and James Ellingworth contributed.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/SWhyno" type="external">https://twitter.com/SWhyno</a></p>
<p>___</p>
<p>More AP Olympic coverage: <a href="https://wintergames.ap.org" type="external">https://wintergames.ap.org</a></p>
| false | 2 |
brian gionta last played olympics 2006 final nhl game break allowed three days fly italy get acclimated suiting team usa time around semiretired us captain olympic teammates get four whole practice days opening tournament slovenia feb 14 nhl setup fly small window practice youre right games gionta said weve added benefit able go deutschland cup together week lot guys team good understanding think thats nice change guess previous olympics still us lost three games tournament november didnt score two goals preparation new coach learning nuances habits new teammates certainly key every mens hockey team going south korea much different situation previous olympics nhl players began participating 1998 national teams centralized spent months together much like womens teams contrast past five olympics featured quick turnarounds came training many players also nhl decided time around pause 82game regular season however nhl didnt automatically translate practice time teams put together almost everyone olympic roster playing professionally college isnt much opportunity training camps though canada russia countries making time get together russias kontinental hockey league final games olympic break jan 28 european leagues release players shortly prepare chock full stars khl including former nhl players ilya kovalchuk pavel datsyuk russia first full team together play exhibition games moscow jan 30 feb 4 canada gathering many players possible latvia jan 28 play two exhibition games one south korea olympics begin tries win third consecutive gold medal access players early going take advantage said scott salmond hockey canadas vice president hockey operations national teams actually going simulate first two games olympics ice times game times try get used kind quick turnaround 9 pm game day noon game sweden handful former nhl players projected 2018 1 draft pick rasmus dahlin gather seoul four days practice facing canada feb 12 czech republic hold training camp prague jan 29feb 6 practicing seoul playing exhibition game finland feb 11 swiss scheduled play germany kloten switzerland feb 6 norway goyang south korea five days later usa hockey general manager jim johannson said team wont play exhibition games us players arriving south korea feb 8 johannson said us practice feb 1013 get gameday skate feb 14 coach tony granato feels enough preparation weve parts multiple tournaments like unfamiliar said granato played 49 games us national team prior 1988 olympics currently coaches university wisconsin lot excitement buildup leading makes much better youre going get going jump ice going practice days later well center stage ready play seventeen 25 us players deutschland cup november wont back ice together nearly three months later us womens team gathered florida september played series games top olympic rival canada together since huge bonus huge advantage together year forward meghan duggan said difference world championship year nonolympic year play pro teams club teams college teams get together certain periods time whether world championships four nations cup training camp canadas mens team took part several olympic tuneup tournaments evaluation purposes gm sean burke played goal canada 1988 1992 olympics trying make hybrid schedule put coach willie desjardins team best position succeed weve lot time evaluate players together teambuilding going get good twoweek training camp like process burke said coaching staff really get working systems everything place theyre comfortable thats real nice luxury ___ ap sports reporters teresa walker james ellingworth contributed ___ follow hockey writer stephen whyno twitter httpstwittercomswhyno ___ ap olympic coverage httpswintergamesaporg brian gionta last played olympics 2006 final nhl game break allowed three days fly italy get acclimated suiting team usa time around semiretired us captain olympic teammates get four whole practice days opening tournament slovenia feb 14 nhl setup fly small window practice youre right games gionta said weve added benefit able go deutschland cup together week lot guys team good understanding think thats nice change guess previous olympics still us lost three games tournament november didnt score two goals preparation new coach learning nuances habits new teammates certainly key every mens hockey team going south korea much different situation previous olympics nhl players began participating 1998 national teams centralized spent months together much like womens teams contrast past five olympics featured quick turnarounds came training many players also nhl decided time around pause 82game regular season however nhl didnt automatically translate practice time teams put together almost everyone olympic roster playing professionally college isnt much opportunity training camps though canada russia countries making time get together russias kontinental hockey league final games olympic break jan 28 european leagues release players shortly prepare chock full stars khl including former nhl players ilya kovalchuk pavel datsyuk russia first full team together play exhibition games moscow jan 30 feb 4 canada gathering many players possible latvia jan 28 play two exhibition games one south korea olympics begin tries win third consecutive gold medal access players early going take advantage said scott salmond hockey canadas vice president hockey operations national teams actually going simulate first two games olympics ice times game times try get used kind quick turnaround 9 pm game day noon game sweden handful former nhl players projected 2018 1 draft pick rasmus dahlin gather seoul four days practice facing canada feb 12 czech republic hold training camp prague jan 29feb 6 practicing seoul playing exhibition game finland feb 11 swiss scheduled play germany kloten switzerland feb 6 norway goyang south korea five days later usa hockey general manager jim johannson said team wont play exhibition games us players arriving south korea feb 8 johannson said us practice feb 1013 get gameday skate feb 14 coach tony granato feels enough preparation weve parts multiple tournaments like unfamiliar said granato played 49 games us national team prior 1988 olympics currently coaches university wisconsin lot excitement buildup leading makes much better youre going get going jump ice going practice days later well center stage ready play seventeen 25 us players deutschland cup november wont back ice together nearly three months later us womens team gathered florida september played series games top olympic rival canada together since huge bonus huge advantage together year forward meghan duggan said difference world championship year nonolympic year play pro teams club teams college teams get together certain periods time whether world championships four nations cup training camp canadas mens team took part several olympic tuneup tournaments evaluation purposes gm sean burke played goal canada 1988 1992 olympics trying make hybrid schedule put coach willie desjardins team best position succeed weve lot time evaluate players together teambuilding going get good twoweek training camp like process burke said coaching staff really get working systems everything place theyre comfortable thats real nice luxury ___ ap sports reporters teresa walker james ellingworth contributed ___ follow hockey writer stephen whyno twitter httpstwittercomswhyno ___ ap olympic coverage httpswintergamesaporg
| 1,108 |
<p>DENVER (AP) — The Atlanta Hawks were savoring a rare win during a tough season. The Denver Nuggets were lamenting a missed opportunity to improve their postseason hopes.</p>
<p>Dennis Schroder had 19 points and 10 assists, Taurean Prince scored 16 and the Hawks beat Denver 110-97 on Wednesday night, ending a 10-game road losing streak.</p>
<p>Atlanta wrapped up a five-game trip with its first road win since Dec. 2 at Brooklyn.</p>
<p>“It feels good to win a game — period,” guard Malcolm Delaney said. “We’ve been battling. It’s been tough for us, losing a lot of close games. Just to pull one out and finish how we did feels pretty good.”</p>
<p>Kent Bazemore scored 14 points and Ersan Ilyasova had 10 points and nine rebounds for the Hawks, who never trailed after the first quarter.</p>
<p>Atlanta (11-30) has the worst record in the NBA and entered the night tied for the fewest road wins. The Hawks posted their fourth road victory this season.</p>
<p>Denver had won 11 of 13 home games since early November and now has its first three-game losing streak of the season.</p>
<p>“I’m not going to use the word embarrassing because that would be disrespectful to Atlanta. You’ve got to give them credit,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said. “They came in here and beat us. But for us to come out with the lack of energy, lack of a sense of urgency, was really disappointing. At the end of the day I put this loss on me.”</p>
<p>The Hawks had twice lost by one point during their Western Conference swing. They closed out this win by outscoring Denver 28-19 in the fourth quarter, forcing five turnovers in the period.</p>
<p>Gary Harris had 25 points but was the only Denver player to shoot well from the field. Nikola Jokic had nine points, 12 rebounds and seven assists but was 4-of-21 shooting and missed all eight of his 3-pointers.</p>
<p>“It was probably just a little bit of one of those nights for him,” Atlanta coach Mike Budenholzer said. “He’s normally going to make a few more of those shots, so he had a little bit of an off night.”</p>
<p>Denver trailed by 10 in the third and got within two late in the period but missed its first six shots of the fourth. The Hawks extended the lead to 93-81 on a layup and jumper by Delaney. He also assisted on Ilyasova’s 3-ponter that sparked an 11-3 run to start the fourth.</p>
<p>The Nuggets made a small run to get within eight but Atlanta responded with a 9-2 surge to lead 102-87 with 3:29 left. Denver never got closer than nine the rest of the way.</p>
<p>The loss dropped the Nuggets to 21-20.</p>
<p>“It’s not about them, it’s about us,” Harris said. “We know what we’ve got to do. If we come out there and play hard, that doesn’t happen.”</p>
<p>Denver shot just 6 of 24 on 3-pointers in the first half and 37.3 percent from the field overall. Atlanta took advantage and led by as many as 10 and 54-46 at halftime.</p>
<p>TIP-INS</p>
<p>Hawks: Schroder has 3,994 career points. ... Prince, who came in second on the team in scoring at 13 points per game, has not scored 20 in consecutive games. ... Atlanta had six players score in double figures and two more finish with nine points.</p>
<p>Nuggets: Denver finished 9 of 37 from 3-point range. ... F Paul Millsap had the cast removed from his left wrist. Millsap had surgery in November to repair ligament damage in the joint, and Malone said the target date for his return is “right around the All-Star break. It could be a while after that. Who knows?” ... Denver Broncos LB and Super Bowl MVP Von Miller sat near center court.</p>
<p>200 AND COUNTING</p>
<p>The win was Budenholzer’s 200th as a head coach — all with Atlanta. He led the Hawks to the postseason in each of his first four seasons but they appear headed to the lottery this year.</p>
<p>That hasn’t diminished his enjoyment.</p>
<p>“I feel very fortunate to have had a lot of great players, including this group,” he said. “I love coaching them, and very fortunate to be where I am. Hopefully there’s a lot more to come.”</p>
<p>UP NEXT</p>
<p>Hawks: Host the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night.</p>
<p>Nuggets: Host the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>For more NBA coverage: <a href="" type="internal" /> <a href="" type="internal">https://apnews.com/tag/NBAbasketball</a></p>
<p>DENVER (AP) — The Atlanta Hawks were savoring a rare win during a tough season. The Denver Nuggets were lamenting a missed opportunity to improve their postseason hopes.</p>
<p>Dennis Schroder had 19 points and 10 assists, Taurean Prince scored 16 and the Hawks beat Denver 110-97 on Wednesday night, ending a 10-game road losing streak.</p>
<p>Atlanta wrapped up a five-game trip with its first road win since Dec. 2 at Brooklyn.</p>
<p>“It feels good to win a game — period,” guard Malcolm Delaney said. “We’ve been battling. It’s been tough for us, losing a lot of close games. Just to pull one out and finish how we did feels pretty good.”</p>
<p>Kent Bazemore scored 14 points and Ersan Ilyasova had 10 points and nine rebounds for the Hawks, who never trailed after the first quarter.</p>
<p>Atlanta (11-30) has the worst record in the NBA and entered the night tied for the fewest road wins. The Hawks posted their fourth road victory this season.</p>
<p>Denver had won 11 of 13 home games since early November and now has its first three-game losing streak of the season.</p>
<p>“I’m not going to use the word embarrassing because that would be disrespectful to Atlanta. You’ve got to give them credit,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said. “They came in here and beat us. But for us to come out with the lack of energy, lack of a sense of urgency, was really disappointing. At the end of the day I put this loss on me.”</p>
<p>The Hawks had twice lost by one point during their Western Conference swing. They closed out this win by outscoring Denver 28-19 in the fourth quarter, forcing five turnovers in the period.</p>
<p>Gary Harris had 25 points but was the only Denver player to shoot well from the field. Nikola Jokic had nine points, 12 rebounds and seven assists but was 4-of-21 shooting and missed all eight of his 3-pointers.</p>
<p>“It was probably just a little bit of one of those nights for him,” Atlanta coach Mike Budenholzer said. “He’s normally going to make a few more of those shots, so he had a little bit of an off night.”</p>
<p>Denver trailed by 10 in the third and got within two late in the period but missed its first six shots of the fourth. The Hawks extended the lead to 93-81 on a layup and jumper by Delaney. He also assisted on Ilyasova’s 3-ponter that sparked an 11-3 run to start the fourth.</p>
<p>The Nuggets made a small run to get within eight but Atlanta responded with a 9-2 surge to lead 102-87 with 3:29 left. Denver never got closer than nine the rest of the way.</p>
<p>The loss dropped the Nuggets to 21-20.</p>
<p>“It’s not about them, it’s about us,” Harris said. “We know what we’ve got to do. If we come out there and play hard, that doesn’t happen.”</p>
<p>Denver shot just 6 of 24 on 3-pointers in the first half and 37.3 percent from the field overall. Atlanta took advantage and led by as many as 10 and 54-46 at halftime.</p>
<p>TIP-INS</p>
<p>Hawks: Schroder has 3,994 career points. ... Prince, who came in second on the team in scoring at 13 points per game, has not scored 20 in consecutive games. ... Atlanta had six players score in double figures and two more finish with nine points.</p>
<p>Nuggets: Denver finished 9 of 37 from 3-point range. ... F Paul Millsap had the cast removed from his left wrist. Millsap had surgery in November to repair ligament damage in the joint, and Malone said the target date for his return is “right around the All-Star break. It could be a while after that. Who knows?” ... Denver Broncos LB and Super Bowl MVP Von Miller sat near center court.</p>
<p>200 AND COUNTING</p>
<p>The win was Budenholzer’s 200th as a head coach — all with Atlanta. He led the Hawks to the postseason in each of his first four seasons but they appear headed to the lottery this year.</p>
<p>That hasn’t diminished his enjoyment.</p>
<p>“I feel very fortunate to have had a lot of great players, including this group,” he said. “I love coaching them, and very fortunate to be where I am. Hopefully there’s a lot more to come.”</p>
<p>UP NEXT</p>
<p>Hawks: Host the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night.</p>
<p>Nuggets: Host the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>For more NBA coverage: <a href="" type="internal" /> <a href="" type="internal">https://apnews.com/tag/NBAbasketball</a></p>
| false | 2 |
denver ap atlanta hawks savoring rare win tough season denver nuggets lamenting missed opportunity improve postseason hopes dennis schroder 19 points 10 assists taurean prince scored 16 hawks beat denver 11097 wednesday night ending 10game road losing streak atlanta wrapped fivegame trip first road win since dec 2 brooklyn feels good win game period guard malcolm delaney said weve battling tough us losing lot close games pull one finish feels pretty good kent bazemore scored 14 points ersan ilyasova 10 points nine rebounds hawks never trailed first quarter atlanta 1130 worst record nba entered night tied fewest road wins hawks posted fourth road victory season denver 11 13 home games since early november first threegame losing streak season im going use word embarrassing would disrespectful atlanta youve got give credit nuggets coach michael malone said came beat us us come lack energy lack sense urgency really disappointing end day put loss hawks twice lost one point western conference swing closed win outscoring denver 2819 fourth quarter forcing five turnovers period gary harris 25 points denver player shoot well field nikola jokic nine points 12 rebounds seven assists 4of21 shooting missed eight 3pointers probably little bit one nights atlanta coach mike budenholzer said hes normally going make shots little bit night denver trailed 10 third got within two late period missed first six shots fourth hawks extended lead 9381 layup jumper delaney also assisted ilyasovas 3ponter sparked 113 run start fourth nuggets made small run get within eight atlanta responded 92 surge lead 10287 329 left denver never got closer nine rest way loss dropped nuggets 2120 us harris said know weve got come play hard doesnt happen denver shot 6 24 3pointers first half 373 percent field overall atlanta took advantage led many 10 5446 halftime tipins hawks schroder 3994 career points prince came second team scoring 13 points per game scored 20 consecutive games atlanta six players score double figures two finish nine points nuggets denver finished 9 37 3point range f paul millsap cast removed left wrist millsap surgery november repair ligament damage joint malone said target date return right around allstar break could knows denver broncos lb super bowl mvp von miller sat near center court 200 counting win budenholzers 200th head coach atlanta led hawks postseason first four seasons appear headed lottery year hasnt diminished enjoyment feel fortunate lot great players including group said love coaching fortunate hopefully theres lot come next hawks host brooklyn nets friday night nuggets host memphis grizzlies friday night ___ nba coverage httpsapnewscomtagnbabasketball denver ap atlanta hawks savoring rare win tough season denver nuggets lamenting missed opportunity improve postseason hopes dennis schroder 19 points 10 assists taurean prince scored 16 hawks beat denver 11097 wednesday night ending 10game road losing streak atlanta wrapped fivegame trip first road win since dec 2 brooklyn feels good win game period guard malcolm delaney said weve battling tough us losing lot close games pull one finish feels pretty good kent bazemore scored 14 points ersan ilyasova 10 points nine rebounds hawks never trailed first quarter atlanta 1130 worst record nba entered night tied fewest road wins hawks posted fourth road victory season denver 11 13 home games since early november first threegame losing streak season im going use word embarrassing would disrespectful atlanta youve got give credit nuggets coach michael malone said came beat us us come lack energy lack sense urgency really disappointing end day put loss hawks twice lost one point western conference swing closed win outscoring denver 2819 fourth quarter forcing five turnovers period gary harris 25 points denver player shoot well field nikola jokic nine points 12 rebounds seven assists 4of21 shooting missed eight 3pointers probably little bit one nights atlanta coach mike budenholzer said hes normally going make shots little bit night denver trailed 10 third got within two late period missed first six shots fourth hawks extended lead 9381 layup jumper delaney also assisted ilyasovas 3ponter sparked 113 run start fourth nuggets made small run get within eight atlanta responded 92 surge lead 10287 329 left denver never got closer nine rest way loss dropped nuggets 2120 us harris said know weve got come play hard doesnt happen denver shot 6 24 3pointers first half 373 percent field overall atlanta took advantage led many 10 5446 halftime tipins hawks schroder 3994 career points prince came second team scoring 13 points per game scored 20 consecutive games atlanta six players score double figures two finish nine points nuggets denver finished 9 37 3point range f paul millsap cast removed left wrist millsap surgery november repair ligament damage joint malone said target date return right around allstar break could knows denver broncos lb super bowl mvp von miller sat near center court 200 counting win budenholzers 200th head coach atlanta led hawks postseason first four seasons appear headed lottery year hasnt diminished enjoyment feel fortunate lot great players including group said love coaching fortunate hopefully theres lot come next hawks host brooklyn nets friday night nuggets host memphis grizzlies friday night ___ nba coverage httpsapnewscomtagnbabasketball
| 844 |
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Former European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso denied on Thursday he had lobbied ex-colleagues for his new employer Goldman Sachs, hitting back at what he has called a personal “political attack” by the EU’s ethics watchdog.</p> FILE PHOTO: Outgoing European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso attends the review of the Barroso II Commission at the EU Parliament in Strasbourg, October 21, 2014. REUTERS/Christian Hartmann/File Photo
<p>“I have not and will not lobby EU officials,” he tweeted after a European Ombudsman’s report said his successor at the Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, had failed to properly scrutinize whether Barroso’s new job undermined fragile public trust in the European Union.</p>
<p>Barroso, a former Portuguese prime minister, ran into furious criticism, including from Juncker, when he joined the U.S. bank in July 2016, less than two years after leaving an EU executive that eurosceptics branded out of touch with voters.</p>
<p>Brussels was reeling at that time from Britons’ vote to quit the bloc just two weeks earlier.</p>
<p>The controversy has resurfaced as Juncker faces his own troubles. The European Parliament and the Ombudsman are reviewing complaints after last month’s surprise promotion of his chief-of-staff to run the Commission’s civil service.</p>
<p>Barroso said Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly made no “legal assessment” of his duties for the bank but said he did not oppose her call for a new review by the Commission’s ethics committee which in 2016 found no reason to object to his job.</p>
<p>In an exchange of letters with O’Reilly, published by the Ombudsman on Thursday, Barroso accused her of mounting a “thinly veiled ad personam political attack”.</p>
<p>O’Reilly in turn dismissed Barroso’s account that his meeting in October with former Commission colleague Jyrki Katainen was a private matter. She said Katainen, now a vice president under Juncker, had registered it in the EU public lobbying record as a meeting with “Goldman Sachs”.</p> PENSION RIGHTS
<p>In light of that meeting, O’Reilly recommended the Commission’s watchdog determine whether his new employment met the obligation for former commissioners to act with integrity and not damage the EU’s image. The panel can cut pension rights for any breach, but has never done so.</p>
<p>“Much of the recent negative sentiment around this issue could have been avoided if the Commission had at the time taken a formal decision on Mr Barroso’s employment with Goldman Sachs,” O’Reilly said in a statement. It could have obliged him not to engage in any lobbying at the Commission, she added.</p>
<p>Despite vocal criticism, others have defended the right of top officials to find new work and have said attacking banks, and Goldman Sachs in particular, showed political prejudice.</p>
<p>Goldman Sachs said in a statement that Barroso, who left his position as president of the Commission in late 2014, had “from the beginning of his time with us recused himself from representing the firm in any interactions with EU officials”.</p>
<p>Juncker had criticized Barroso for taking a job with a bank accused by some of contributing to Europe’s economic crisis but said he could not obstruct the move as an 18-month “cooling off” period to avert conflicts of interest had lapsed.</p>
<p>Juncker later doubled the cooling off period for himself and successors and asked the ethics committee to look at Barroso’s move. The watchdog found no ground to object in late 2016 but the Ombudsman launched her own inquiry last year.</p>
<p>A Commission spokesman said it would consider her report and reply within her three-month deadline. Noting Juncker’s changes to the code of conduct, he said. “We have very strict and very comprehensive requirements.”</p>
<p>Additional reporting by Sinead Cruise in London; Editing by Edmund Blair</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>MOSCOW/LONDON (Reuters) - Russia said on Thursday it would retaliate very soon for Britain’s expulsion of 23 diplomats as Moscow and London traded public insults about a nerve toxin attack on a former Russian double agent in England.</p>
<p>After the first known use of a military-grade nerve toxin on British soil since World War Two, the United States, France, NATO and the European Union gave verbal support to May, though it remained unclear what action the West would take.</p>
<p>London says the Russian state is responsible for trying to kill Sergei Skripal - a former Russian intelligence officer who betrayed dozens of agents to Britain’s MI6 - with Novichok, a lethal nerve agent developed by the Soviet military.</p>
<p>Russia denied any involvement and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused London of behaving in a “boorish” way, adding that this was partly due to the problems Britain faces over its planned exit from the European Union next year.</p>
<p>Lavrov said Russia’s response would come “very soon” but be conveyed to British officials first, an apparent contradiction of an earlier report by state news agency RIA that said Lavrov had promised to expel British diplomats.</p>
<p>In the biggest expulsion of Russian diplomats from London since the Cold War, Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday gave 23 Russians who she said were spies working under diplomatic cover a week to leave London.</p>
<p>“The temperature of Russian-British relations drops to minus 23 but we are not afraid of the cold weather,” Russia’s embassy in London said beside the picture of a thermometer surrounded by ice and reading minus 23 degrees Celsius.</p>
<p>Skripal and his daughter Yulia have been critically ill since they were found unconscious on a bench in the southern English city of Salisbury on March 4. A British policeman who was also poisoned is in a serious but stable condition.</p>
<p>May on Thursday visited the normally genteel city where police investigators in chemical protection suits and the army have been removing evidence of the poisoning.</p>
<p>Britain also said it would invest 48 million pounds ($67 million) in a new chemical warfare defense center at its Porton Down military research laboratory, where scientists identified the nerve agent used against Skripal.</p> Security cameras are seen, and a flag flies outside the consular section of Russia's embassy in London, Britain, March 15, 2018. REUTERS/Hannah McKay WESTERN RESPONSE?
<p>Britain’s allies expressed solidarity over the attack.</p>
<p>The White House said it shared Britain’s assessment that Russia was responsible and supported the decision to expel Russian diplomats.</p>
<p>France, which on Wednesday had said it wanted proof of Russian involvement before deciding whether to take action against Moscow, swung behind Britain on Thursday.</p>
<p>“France agrees with the United Kingdom that there is no other plausible explanation and reiterates its solidarity with its ally,” President Emmanuel Macron’s office said in a statement.</p> Slideshow (10 Images)
<p>Macron later told reporters he would decide in the coming days what measures France would take against Russia over the attack.</p>
<p>NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the attack in Britain was part of a pattern of reckless behavior from Russia over many years. He said Britain could count on NATO’s solidarity, but said there had been no request by London to activate the alliance’s mutual defense clause.</p>
<p>In London, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson ratcheted up the rhetoric against Russia, accusing it of glorying in the attack on Skripal, which he described as a way of scaring anyone who stood up to President Vladimir Putin.</p>
<p>“There is something in the kind of smug, sarcastic response that we’ve heard from the Russians that to me betokens their fundamental guilt,” he told the BBC. “They want to simultaneously deny it and yet at the same time to glory in it.”</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-britain-russia-may-salisbury/uk-pm-may-visits-city-where-russian-double-agent-was-poisoned-idUSKCN1GR1TH" type="external">UK PM May visits city where Russian double agent was poisoned</a>
<a href="/article/us-britain-russia-allies/uk-u-s-france-germany-jointly-condemn-chemical-attack-on-ex-spy-idUSKCN1GR1VU" type="external">UK, U.S., France, Germany jointly condemn chemical attack on ex-spy</a>
<a href="/article/us-britain-russia-lavrov/russia-hopes-ex-spy-will-recover-reveal-truth-about-poison-attack-idUSKCN1GR1KO" type="external">Russia hopes ex-spy will recover, reveal truth about poison attack</a>
<p>Johnson defended the government’s response to the attack against critics who said it did not go far enough. He suggested the authorities might also go after assets held in Britain by Russians close to Putin, though he gave no specific details.</p>
<p>His opposite number in Moscow, Lavrov, suggested that one possible motive for the poisoning was to complicate Russia’s hosting of this summer’s soccer World Cup.</p>
<p>Lavrov also said he hoped Skripal recovered from the attack so that he could shed light on what happened.</p>
<p>The diplomatic rift comes on the eve of a Russian presidential election on Sunday that is expected to extend Putin’s rule by a further six years. Putin, in power since 2000, casts himself as a strong leader who stands up to Russia’s enemies in the West.</p>
<p>Additional reporting by Elizabeth Piper, Estelle Shirbon, Elisabeth O'Leary and Costas Pitas in London and Edinburgh, William James in Salisbury, England, and Denis Pinchuk and Andrew Osborn in Moscow; Writing by Guy Faulconbridge; editing by Gareth Jones</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>SALISBURY, England (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday visited Salisbury, the elegant English cathedral city which became the unlikely backdrop to a chemical attack against a Russian former double agent this month.</p> Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May visits the city where former Russian intelligence officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were poisoned with a nerve agent, in Salisbury, Britain March 15, 2018. REUTERS/Toby Melville/Pool
<p>Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia, 33, were found unconscious on a bench outside a shopping centre on March 4 after being exposed to what the British authorities have identified as a military-grade, Soviet era Novichok nerve agent. They remain critically ill in hospital.</p>
<p>May, who blames Russia for the attack and on Wednesday announced the expulsion of 23 Russian diplomats, visited various locations in Salisbury including the area close to the bench where the Skripals were found.</p>
<p>“We do hold Russia culpable for this brazen and despicable act that’s taken place on the streets of what is such a remarkable city where people come and visit and enjoy,” she told reporters during her visit.</p>
<p>Moscow denies any involvement and has said May’s accusations are “insane”. The Russian government is expected to retaliate against the expulsion of the diplomats imminently.</p>
<p>May said her visit was to thank emergency and health services and reassure the public about their safety.</p>
<p>“It’s been great to meet some tourists here in Salisbury, people coming to Salisbury, still enjoying this great city,” she said.</p>
<p>Salisbury, dominated by its 13th Century cathedral with England’s highest spire, has witnessed dramatic scenes since the Skripals were found. Police and soldiers in chemical suits and gas masks have been conducting forensic searches and removing vehicles from places visited by the pair.</p>
<p>Sergei Skripal, a former colonel in Russia’s GRU military intelligence service, betrayed dozens of Russian spies to British intelligence before he was arrested in Moscow in 2004.</p>
<p>He was given a lengthy jail term in 2006 but was released four years later as part of a swap for 10 Russian spies caught in the United States.</p>
<p>Since arriving in Britain, he had lived modestly in Salisbury, keeping out of the spotlight until he was found unconscious, triggering a major diplomatic crisis between London and Moscow.</p>
<p>Additional reporting by Elizabeth Piper in London; writing by Estelle Shirbon; editing by Stephen Addison</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday he hoped that former double agent Sergei Skripal recovers from a nerve agent attack in Britain so that he can shed light on what happened, Russian state news agency TASS reported.</p> FILE PHOTO: Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov speaks during a press conference with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu in Moscow, Russia, March 14, 2018. REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin
<p>Britain says Russia is responsible for using the Novichok nerve agent against Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the English city of Salisbury. They have been critically ill in hospital since they were found on March 4.</p>
<p>Russia denies any involvement in the attack.</p>
<p>Reporting by Polina Ivanova; Writing by Andrey Ostroukh; Editing by Jon Boyle</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
| false | 2 |
thomson reuters trust principles brussels reuters former european commission president jose manuel barroso denied thursday lobbied excolleagues new employer goldman sachs hitting back called personal political attack eus ethics watchdog file photo outgoing european commission president jose manuel barroso attends review barroso ii commission eu parliament strasbourg october 21 2014 reuterschristian hartmannfile photo lobby eu officials tweeted european ombudsmans report said successor commission jeanclaude juncker failed properly scrutinize whether barrosos new job undermined fragile public trust european union barroso former portuguese prime minister ran furious criticism including juncker joined us bank july 2016 less two years leaving eu executive eurosceptics branded touch voters brussels reeling time britons vote quit bloc two weeks earlier controversy resurfaced juncker faces troubles european parliament ombudsman reviewing complaints last months surprise promotion chiefofstaff run commissions civil service barroso said ombudsman emily oreilly made legal assessment duties bank said oppose call new review commissions ethics committee 2016 found reason object job exchange letters oreilly published ombudsman thursday barroso accused mounting thinly veiled ad personam political attack oreilly turn dismissed barrosos account meeting october former commission colleague jyrki katainen private matter said katainen vice president juncker registered eu public lobbying record meeting goldman sachs pension rights light meeting oreilly recommended commissions watchdog determine whether new employment met obligation former commissioners act integrity damage eus image panel cut pension rights breach never done much recent negative sentiment around issue could avoided commission time taken formal decision mr barrosos employment goldman sachs oreilly said statement could obliged engage lobbying commission added despite vocal criticism others defended right top officials find new work said attacking banks goldman sachs particular showed political prejudice goldman sachs said statement barroso left position president commission late 2014 beginning time us recused representing firm interactions eu officials juncker criticized barroso taking job bank accused contributing europes economic crisis said could obstruct move 18month cooling period avert conflicts interest lapsed juncker later doubled cooling period successors asked ethics committee look barrosos move watchdog found ground object late 2016 ombudsman launched inquiry last year commission spokesman said would consider report reply within threemonth deadline noting junckers changes code conduct said strict comprehensive requirements additional reporting sinead cruise london editing edmund blair standards thomson reuters trust principles moscowlondon reuters russia said thursday would retaliate soon britains expulsion 23 diplomats moscow london traded public insults nerve toxin attack former russian double agent england first known use militarygrade nerve toxin british soil since world war two united states france nato european union gave verbal support may though remained unclear action west would take london says russian state responsible trying kill sergei skripal former russian intelligence officer betrayed dozens agents britains mi6 novichok lethal nerve agent developed soviet military russia denied involvement foreign minister sergei lavrov accused london behaving boorish way adding partly due problems britain faces planned exit european union next year lavrov said russias response would come soon conveyed british officials first apparent contradiction earlier report state news agency ria said lavrov promised expel british diplomats biggest expulsion russian diplomats london since cold war prime minister theresa may wednesday gave 23 russians said spies working diplomatic cover week leave london temperature russianbritish relations drops minus 23 afraid cold weather russias embassy london said beside picture thermometer surrounded ice reading minus 23 degrees celsius skripal daughter yulia critically ill since found unconscious bench southern english city salisbury march 4 british policeman also poisoned serious stable condition may thursday visited normally genteel city police investigators chemical protection suits army removing evidence poisoning britain also said would invest 48 million pounds 67 million new chemical warfare defense center porton military research laboratory scientists identified nerve agent used skripal security cameras seen flag flies outside consular section russias embassy london britain march 15 2018 reutershannah mckay western response britains allies expressed solidarity attack white house said shared britains assessment russia responsible supported decision expel russian diplomats france wednesday said wanted proof russian involvement deciding whether take action moscow swung behind britain thursday france agrees united kingdom plausible explanation reiterates solidarity ally president emmanuel macrons office said statement slideshow 10 images macron later told reporters would decide coming days measures france would take russia attack nato secretarygeneral jens stoltenberg said attack britain part pattern reckless behavior russia many years said britain could count natos solidarity said request london activate alliances mutual defense clause london foreign secretary boris johnson ratcheted rhetoric russia accusing glorying attack skripal described way scaring anyone stood president vladimir putin something kind smug sarcastic response weve heard russians betokens fundamental guilt told bbc want simultaneously deny yet time glory related coverage uk pm may visits city russian double agent poisoned uk us france germany jointly condemn chemical attack exspy russia hopes exspy recover reveal truth poison attack johnson defended governments response attack critics said go far enough suggested authorities might also go assets held britain russians close putin though gave specific details opposite number moscow lavrov suggested one possible motive poisoning complicate russias hosting summers soccer world cup lavrov also said hoped skripal recovered attack could shed light happened diplomatic rift comes eve russian presidential election sunday expected extend putins rule six years putin power since 2000 casts strong leader stands russias enemies west additional reporting elizabeth piper estelle shirbon elisabeth oleary costas pitas london edinburgh william james salisbury england denis pinchuk andrew osborn moscow writing guy faulconbridge editing gareth jones standards thomson reuters trust principles salisbury england reuters british prime minister theresa may thursday visited salisbury elegant english cathedral city became unlikely backdrop chemical attack russian former double agent month britains prime minister theresa may visits city former russian intelligence officer sergei skripal daughter yulia poisoned nerve agent salisbury britain march 15 2018 reuterstoby melvillepool sergei skripal 66 daughter yulia 33 found unconscious bench outside shopping centre march 4 exposed british authorities identified militarygrade soviet era novichok nerve agent remain critically ill hospital may blames russia attack wednesday announced expulsion 23 russian diplomats visited various locations salisbury including area close bench skripals found hold russia culpable brazen despicable act thats taken place streets remarkable city people come visit enjoy told reporters visit moscow denies involvement said mays accusations insane russian government expected retaliate expulsion diplomats imminently may said visit thank emergency health services reassure public safety great meet tourists salisbury people coming salisbury still enjoying great city said salisbury dominated 13th century cathedral englands highest spire witnessed dramatic scenes since skripals found police soldiers chemical suits gas masks conducting forensic searches removing vehicles places visited pair sergei skripal former colonel russias gru military intelligence service betrayed dozens russian spies british intelligence arrested moscow 2004 given lengthy jail term 2006 released four years later part swap 10 russian spies caught united states since arriving britain lived modestly salisbury keeping spotlight found unconscious triggering major diplomatic crisis london moscow additional reporting elizabeth piper london writing estelle shirbon editing stephen addison standards thomson reuters trust principles moscow reuters russian foreign minister sergei lavrov said thursday hoped former double agent sergei skripal recovers nerve agent attack britain shed light happened russian state news agency tass reported file photo russias foreign minister sergei lavrov speaks press conference turkish counterpart mevlut cavusoglu moscow russia march 14 2018 reuterssergei karpukhin britain says russia responsible using novichok nerve agent sergei skripal daughter yulia english city salisbury critically ill hospital since found march 4 russia denies involvement attack reporting polina ivanova writing andrey ostroukh editing jon boyle standards thomson reuters trust principles
| 1,233 |
<p>The Arkansas Senate race continues to be fertile ground for fact-checkers. Sen. Mark Pryor tries to make political hay out of agricultural dust by distorting the facts in a new TV ad, while Republicans manufacture a bogus jobs claim against the Democratic senator.</p>
<p>Taking a page out of the Republican “small government” playbook, Pryor takes credit for halting an Environmental Protection Agency attempt to regulate farm dust. But in Pryor’s example of federal over-regulation, the EPA is a straw man; it was merely conducting a routine mandatory review and never seriously considered regulations of farm dust.</p>
<p>While Pryor’s ad casts the Arkansas senator as a champion of deregulation, an ad from the National Republican Senatorial Committee claims Pryor is responsible for “new regulations that cripple job creators, killing Arkansas jobs.” The ad cites as evidence the 55,000 manufacturing jobs lost in Arkansas since Pryor entered the Senate. The ad does not mention, however, that manufacturing jobs were in steady decline for several years before Pryor took office, or that most of those job losses occurred during the presidency of Republican George W. Bush.</p>
<p>Farm Dust</p>
<p>Dire warnings about EPA regulation of farm dust are like political weeds that keep cropping up. But Pryor’s ad is the first we’ve seen it this political season.</p>
<p>&lt;iframe style="width: 500px; height:300px;" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen src="https://video.factcheck.org/play/4ca1798b69f"&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;</p>
<p>The ad begins with Pryor kneeling in a farm field, handling soil, as he says, “The EPA wanted to write a federal regulation limiting agricultural dust. Obviously, Washington knows nothing about farming. Working with Republicans and Democrats, we stopped it.”</p>
<p>But it turns out there wasn’t actually anything to stop. It’s true that in 2011, the EPA reviewed its standards on particulate matter, as required by law. And that raised concern among some legislators that it would lead to regulation of farm dust. Pryor was among a bipartisan group of 32 senators <a href="http://www.pryor.senate.gov/sites/default/files/Dust%20Letter.pdf" type="external">who wrote</a> to the EPA to urge the agency not to issue such regulations (though he <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/112th-congress/senate-bill/1528/cosponsors?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22Farm+Dust+Regulation+Prevention+Act%22%5D%7D" type="external">did not co-sponsor</a> the Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act of 2011).</p>
<p>Letter to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, Feb. 15, 2011: While we strongly support efforts to safeguard the wellbeing of Americans, most Americans would agree that common sense dictates that the federal government should not regulate dust creation in farm fields and on rural roads. … Given the ubiquitous nature of dust in agricultural settings and many rural environments, and the near impossible task of mitigating dust in most settings, we are hopeful that the EPA will give special consideration to the realities of farm and rural environments, including retaining the current standard.</p>
<p>The EPA never did enact any dust regulations. But was that due to the intervention of Pryor and other legislators? Not really. The EPA administrator said the agency never had any intention to regulate farmers’ dust.</p>
<p>As <a href="" type="internal">we wrote</a> when the issue was raised by Newt Gingrich during a Republican presidential primary debate in 2012, the EPA is <a href="http://www.epa.gov/ttn/naaqs/review.html" type="external">required by the Clean Air Act</a> to periodically review the standards for particulate matter to make sure that they are in line with current science. In April 2011, the EPA’s Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards <a href="http://www.epa.gov/ttn/naaqs/standards/pm/data/20110419pmpafinal.pdf" type="external">recommended that</a> the agency consider “either retaining or revising the current standard” downward for coarse particles, which the agency considers a risk to public health. <a href="http://www.epa.gov/pm/" type="external">Inhalable coarse particles</a> — including those found in dusty industries such as farming — would have been subject to the stricter limits.</p>
<p>But during <a href="http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/0/EBC9CF14B126FB318525784F006AF60B" type="external">congressional testimony</a> in March 2011, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said the EPA had no intention of changing the standards currently in place. That was still the agency’s position six months later when an EPA spokeswoman <a href="" type="internal">told FactCheck.org</a> that the review was still ongoing, but that there were “no plans to put stricter standards in place.” And in October 2011, Jackson <a href="http://www.epa.gov/pm/pdfs/20111014Stabenow.pdf" type="external">formally announced</a> her final decision, saying she would propose no change to current EPA regulations.</p>
<p>In other words, the policy was reviewed, but the EPA never said it “wanted to write a federal regulation limiting agricultural dust,” as Pryor’s ad claims.</p>
<p>Regulator or Deregulator?</p>
<p>The narrator of the Pryor ad claims the Arkansas senator “has led a bipartisan effort to cut government regulations.” And at the end of the ad, Pryor says he is “working to make Washington smarter and smaller.”</p>
<p>The message stands in stark contrast to one from an NRSC ad that hit the airwaves the same day, claiming Pryor is responsible for “new regulations that cripple job creators, killing Arkansas jobs.” On screen, it reads, “Mark Pryor, 55,000 manufacturing jobs lost.”</p>
<p>&lt;iframe style="width: 500px; height:300px;" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen src="https://video.factcheck.org/play/74c2111ca22"&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;</p>
<p>It’s true, according to data from the <a href="http://data.bls.gov/timeseries/SMS05000003000000001" type="external">Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>, that Arkansas has lost 54,700 manufacturing jobs between January 2003, when Pryor took office, and August 2014, the latest data available. However, manufacturing jobs were in a steady skid long before Pryor joined the Senate. In the two-and-a-half years before Pryor took office, Arkansas lost 30,700 manufacturing jobs. And most of the manufacturing jobs lost while Pryor has been in office — more than 36,000 of the 54,700 — came during Bush’s presidency. Presidential administrations write the federal regulations, though legislators often pass laws that require them.</p>
<p>Whether Pryor is a net regulator or deregulator is a matter of debate.</p>
<p>Pryor’s ad correctly notes that in 2011, Pryor was co-sponsor of the Senate version of the bipartisan <a href="http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d112:SN01606:" type="external">Regulatory Accountability Act</a>, which would have required federal agencies to assess potential costs and benefits of proposed regulations, as well as alternatives. It also would have expanded judicial oversight of agency rule-making. The House version passed, but the Senate bill was never considered.</p>
<p>The Pryor campaign also points to Pryor’s <a href="http://www.stuttgartdailyleader.com/article/20140520/NEWS/140529957" type="external">work</a> to ease regulations related to oil spills on farms and <a href="http://newsok.com/arkansas-senator-expresses-concern-over-oklahoma-poultry-litter-trial/article/3207474" type="external">to exclude</a> farm runoff from some anti-pollution provisions, as well as his vote to <a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/299899-senate-votes-83-14-for-water-bill" type="external">protect farmers</a> from Clean Water Act regulations.</p>
<p>The NRSC, meanwhile, cites a number of votes Pryor cast against relaxing various regulations. For example, in June 2012, Pryor <a href="http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=112&amp;session=2&amp;vote=00139" type="external">voted against</a> a motion to consider a <a href="http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c112:S.J.RES.37:" type="external">joint resolution</a> to nullify an EPA rule relating to mercury and air toxic standards for utilities. And in November 2011, Pryor <a href="http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=112&amp;session=1&amp;vote=00201" type="external">voted against</a> a <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/112th-congress/senate-joint-resolution/27" type="external">resolution</a> to nullify an EPA rule regarding cross-state air pollution.</p>
<p>The NRSC also points to Pryor’s vote for the Affordable Care Act, which it claims will hurt job growth (a claim <a href="" type="internal">we looked at</a> in-depth and found independent, nonpartisan experts projected “minimal” impact on jobs); and his 2008 <a href="http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=110&amp;session=2&amp;vote=00145" type="external">vote</a> to consider a plan to cap greenhouse gas emissions and set up a trading system for companies to buy and sell emissions allowances (though the bill never passed, and therefore could not have affected job losses).</p>
<p>Ultimately, whether one is a net regulator or deregulator is difficult to assess. Both sides can point to examples of laws Pryor has supported that would have resulted in an increase or decrease in federal regulations. However, the ad’s suggestion that Pryor’s record on regulation is responsible for the loss of 55,000 manufacturing jobs ignores the decline of such jobs in the years before Pryor took office and the fact that most of the 55,000 jobs were lost during the Bush presidency.</p>
<p>— Robert Farley</p>
| false | 2 |
arkansas senate race continues fertile ground factcheckers sen mark pryor tries make political hay agricultural dust distorting facts new tv ad republicans manufacture bogus jobs claim democratic senator taking page republican small government playbook pryor takes credit halting environmental protection agency attempt regulate farm dust pryors example federal overregulation epa straw man merely conducting routine mandatory review never seriously considered regulations farm dust pryors ad casts arkansas senator champion deregulation ad national republican senatorial committee claims pryor responsible new regulations cripple job creators killing arkansas jobs ad cites evidence 55000 manufacturing jobs lost arkansas since pryor entered senate ad mention however manufacturing jobs steady decline several years pryor took office job losses occurred presidency republican george w bush farm dust dire warnings epa regulation farm dust like political weeds keep cropping pryors ad first weve seen political season ltiframe stylewidth 500px height300px frameborder0 allowfullscreen srchttpsvideofactcheckorgplay4ca1798b69fgtltiframegt ad begins pryor kneeling farm field handling soil says epa wanted write federal regulation limiting agricultural dust obviously washington knows nothing farming working republicans democrats stopped turns wasnt actually anything stop true 2011 epa reviewed standards particulate matter required law raised concern among legislators would lead regulation farm dust pryor among bipartisan group 32 senators wrote epa urge agency issue regulations though cosponsor farm dust regulation prevention act 2011 letter epa administrator lisa jackson feb 15 2011 strongly support efforts safeguard wellbeing americans americans would agree common sense dictates federal government regulate dust creation farm fields rural roads given ubiquitous nature dust agricultural settings many rural environments near impossible task mitigating dust settings hopeful epa give special consideration realities farm rural environments including retaining current standard epa never enact dust regulations due intervention pryor legislators really epa administrator said agency never intention regulate farmers dust wrote issue raised newt gingrich republican presidential primary debate 2012 epa required clean air act periodically review standards particulate matter make sure line current science april 2011 epas office air quality planning standards recommended agency consider either retaining revising current standard downward coarse particles agency considers risk public health inhalable coarse particles including found dusty industries farming would subject stricter limits congressional testimony march 2011 epa administrator lisa jackson said epa intention changing standards currently place still agencys position six months later epa spokeswoman told factcheckorg review still ongoing plans put stricter standards place october 2011 jackson formally announced final decision saying would propose change current epa regulations words policy reviewed epa never said wanted write federal regulation limiting agricultural dust pryors ad claims regulator deregulator narrator pryor ad claims arkansas senator led bipartisan effort cut government regulations end ad pryor says working make washington smarter smaller message stands stark contrast one nrsc ad hit airwaves day claiming pryor responsible new regulations cripple job creators killing arkansas jobs screen reads mark pryor 55000 manufacturing jobs lost ltiframe stylewidth 500px height300px frameborder0 allowfullscreen srchttpsvideofactcheckorgplay74c2111ca22gtltiframegt true according data bureau labor statistics arkansas lost 54700 manufacturing jobs january 2003 pryor took office august 2014 latest data available however manufacturing jobs steady skid long pryor joined senate twoandahalf years pryor took office arkansas lost 30700 manufacturing jobs manufacturing jobs lost pryor office 36000 54700 came bushs presidency presidential administrations write federal regulations though legislators often pass laws require whether pryor net regulator deregulator matter debate pryors ad correctly notes 2011 pryor cosponsor senate version bipartisan regulatory accountability act would required federal agencies assess potential costs benefits proposed regulations well alternatives also would expanded judicial oversight agency rulemaking house version passed senate bill never considered pryor campaign also points pryors work ease regulations related oil spills farms exclude farm runoff antipollution provisions well vote protect farmers clean water act regulations nrsc meanwhile cites number votes pryor cast relaxing various regulations example june 2012 pryor voted motion consider joint resolution nullify epa rule relating mercury air toxic standards utilities november 2011 pryor voted resolution nullify epa rule regarding crossstate air pollution nrsc also points pryors vote affordable care act claims hurt job growth claim looked indepth found independent nonpartisan experts projected minimal impact jobs 2008 vote consider plan cap greenhouse gas emissions set trading system companies buy sell emissions allowances though bill never passed therefore could affected job losses ultimately whether one net regulator deregulator difficult assess sides point examples laws pryor supported would resulted increase decrease federal regulations however ads suggestion pryors record regulation responsible loss 55000 manufacturing jobs ignores decline jobs years pryor took office fact 55000 jobs lost bush presidency robert farley
| 739 |
<p>STOCKHOLM, Jan 19 (Reuters) - Deliveries of the six biggest categories of white goods (AHAM 6) in the United States rose 2.0 percent year-on-year in December, data from industry body Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) showed late on Thursday.</p>
<p>Shipments in the country, a major market for companies such as Whirlpool and Swedish home appliances maker Electrolux, rose 2.9 percent in 2017. (Reporting by Johannes Hellstrom, editing by Anna Ringstrom)</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>AUGUSTA, Ga. (Reuters) - Unusually cool weather greeted spectators as they filed into Augusta National for what many expect will be a heated battle between Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed for the U.S. Masters Green Jacket on Sunday.</p> Tiger Woods of the U.S. hits off the second tee during final round play of the 2018 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, U.S. April 8, 2018. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-golf-masters-highlights/u-s-masters-day-four-idUSKBN1HF0N4" type="external">U.S. Masters Day Four</a>
<p>A total of 53 golfers will tee off in the final round of the year’s first major but all eyes will eventually be on the final pair of Reed and McIlroy who have turned the chase for the Masters title into a two horse race.</p> Slideshow (6 Images)
<p>Reed, seeking his first major win, will start the day with a three shot cushion at the top of the leaderboard. He will be chased by McIlroy, who needs a Masters victory to complete a career grand slam.</p>
<p>McIlroy, who threw away a four-shot lead in the final round at Augusta in 2011 when he was still chasing a maiden major, has since captured wins at each of golf’s three other blue riband events and is closer than ever to completing his collection.</p>
<p>Both men have gone to great pains to not make Sunday’s final round into a match play contest but with the next closest challenger, Rickie Fowler, five off the pace, the Northern Irishman and American are sure to hold the spotlight.</p>
<p>Four-times champion Tiger Woods, whose Augusta National homecoming was not as spectacular or entertaining as expected, was among the first to tee off as he was sitting a whopping 18 shots behind the leader.</p>
<p>Playing his first Masters since 2015 after battling back issues, hopes were high that the former-world number one would be in contention for a fifth Green Jacket after a promising run up to the Masters that included a tie for second at the Valspar Championship and a tie for fifth at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.</p>
<p>Still fighting his way back to top form after undergoing spinal fusion surgery last April, Woods offered glimpses of the skill and talent that lifted him to 14 major titles but was never in serious contention.</p>
<p>Editing by Pritha Sarkar</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>AUGUSTA, Ga. (Reuters) - Highlights from the final round of the 82nd U.S. Masters on Sunday:</p> Tiger Woods of the U.S hits off the first fairway during final round play of the 2018 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, U.S. April 8, 2018. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson Slideshow (2 Images) COOL WEATHER GREETS EARLY STARTERS
<p>The final round of the year’s first major got underway with the early starters taking to the course under cloudy skies and unusually cool conditions at Augusta National where the mid-morning temperature was 63 Fahrenheit (17 Celsius).</p> REED, MCILROY GET READY FOR SHOWDOWN
<p>Patrick Reed will take a three-shot lead into the final round when he sets off with Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy in the day’s final pairing at 2:40 p.m. ET (1849 GMT).</p>
<p>Reporting by Frank Pingue; Editing by Toby Davis</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>AUGUSTA, Ga. (Reuters) - Paul Casey threatened the Augusta National course record on his way to a seven-under-par 65 in the final round at the U.S. Masters on Sunday.</p> Paul Casey of England looks over is putt on the 18th green during final round play of the 2018 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, U.S. April 8, 2018. REUTERS/Mike Segar Paul Casey of England walks up the 18th fairway during final round play of the 2018 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, U.S. April 8, 2018. REUTERS/Mike Segar
<p>Bogeys at the final two holes cost Casey a share of the record 63 held by Nick Price (third round, 1986) and Greg Norman (first round, 1996).</p>
<p>The Englishman accrued an eagle and seven birdies before his two dropped shots left a sour taste.</p>
<p>It was still his best score in 42 rounds at Augusta as he finished at five-under 283.</p>
<p>Casey’s round was highlighted by a brilliant run as he picked up six strokes in five holes from the 11th.</p>
<p>The former world number three came into the Masters in sizzling form after his one-stroke win over Patrick Reed and Tiger Woods at the Valspar Championship in March.</p>
<p>Reporting by Andrew Both; Editing by Ian Chadband</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>BUDAPEST, Hungary (Reuters) - Most polling stations closed and the vote count began in Hungary’s election on Sunday, after a very high turnout that could threaten Viktor Orban’s parliamentary majority.</p> Hungarian women, wearing traditional costumes, fill their ballot papers at a polling station during Hungarian parliamentary elections in Veresegyhaz, Hungary April 8, 2018. REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo
<p>Following an acrimonious campaign in which the rightwing nationalist prime minister projected himself as a savior of Hungary’s Christian culture against Muslim migration into Europe, all opinion polls had put his Fidesz party well ahead.</p>
<p>A strong victory could embolden him to put more muscle into a Central European alliance against the European Union’s migration policies. Orban, Hungary’s longest-serving post-communist premier, opposes deeper integration of the bloc.</p>
<p>Interim data at 1630 GMT showed voter turnout at 68.13 percent, exceeding final turnout in the past three elections.</p>
<p>A high turnout in a 2002 vote consigned Orban to eight years of opposition. In contrast, the turnout was only 61.7 percent in the last election, in 2014, which gave him a massive victory.</p>
<p>Orban’s opponents were cheered by the enthusiasm of Hungarians to vote.</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-hungary-election-majority/hungarys-fidesz-unlikely-to-win-two-thirds-majority-lawmaker-idUSKBN1HF0UZ" type="external">Hungary's Fidesz unlikely to win two-thirds majority: lawmaker</a>
<a href="/article/us-hungary-election-office/hungarys-preliminary-election-results-delayed-until-about-2100-gmt-idUSKBN1HF0XC" type="external">Hungary's preliminary election results delayed until about 2100 GMT</a>
<p>“We are convinced that high turnout definitely reflects ... that people want a change in government,” Socialist spokeswoman Bernadett Budai was quoted as saying by national news agency MTI.</p>
<p>Fidesz lawmaker Gergely Gulyas told private broadcaster ATV his party was unlikely to retain its two-thirds parliamentary majority.</p>
<p>“A two-thirds victory is possible if neither side loses more than 10 districts and there is a difference of at least 20 percent between the winner and the runner-up,” Gulyas said.</p>
<p>“I consider this unlikely. I think this is outside the category of reality.”</p>
<p>Voters were no longer allowed to join queues at polling stations from 1700 GMT, but those already in line were being allowed to cast their ballots, meaning voting could continue for hours more at the busiest stations.</p>
<p>In central London, emigre Hungarians queued for hundreds of meters in the rain to vote, some waiting for more than two hours.</p>
<p>Some pollsters said voter turnout above 70 percent could signal that the opposition was mobilizing supporters efficiently, and might even deprive Fidesz of its parliamentary majority.</p>
<p>“High turnout means, most probably, less mandates for Fidesz than in the previous term,” said Peter Kreko, director of think tank Political Capital.</p>
<p>But he added that since all parties, including Fidesz, had mobilized intensively, it did not necessarily mean Orban was threatened with defeat.</p>
<p>Orban has far-right admirers across Europe who like his tough line on migrants and a landslide win would show that his single-issue campaign, arguing that migration poses a security threat, had paid off.</p> A woman casts her ballot during Hungarian parliamentary election in Gyongyos, Hungary, April 8, 2018. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger MIGRATION “LIKE RUST”
<p>Critics say Orban has put Hungary on an increasingly authoritarian path and his stance on immigration has fueled xenophobia.</p>
<p>After casting his vote in a wealthy district of Budapest, he said: “From here I will go and take part in mobilizing voters ... I am asking everyone to take part in the election.”</p>
<p>Asked by journalists if he was fighting the European Union, Orban said: “The EU is not in Brussels. The EU is in Berlin, in Budapest, in Prague and in Bucharest.”</p>
<p>He reiterated he would stand up for Hungary’s interests and said Hungary was a loyal member of international organizations.</p>
<p>“We love our country and we are fighting for our country,” he said.</p>
<p>A strong win for Orban would boost other right-wing nationalists in Central Europe, in Poland and in neighboring Austria, and expose cracks in the 28-nation EU.</p>
<p>While Fidesz led all opinion polls before the vote, there is a small chance that the fragmented opposition could strip Fidesz of its parliamentary majority if voters frustrated with Orban’s policies choose tactical voting in the 106 constituencies.</p>
<p>The strongest opposition party is the formerly far-right Jobbik, which has recast its image as a more moderate nationalist force. It has been campaigning on an anti-corruption agenda and urged higher wages to lure back hundreds of thousands of Hungarians who have left Hungary for western Europe.</p>
<p>Clad in a green jacket and white shirt, Jobbik leader Gabor Vona, 39, arrived to vote in the eastern city of Gyongyos, his home town and the district where he is likely to win a seat.</p>
<p>“Everyone should go to vote because this election determines Hungary’s course not for four years but for two generations at least,” he told reporters. “Emigration may or may not define Hungary, and I would prefer that it does not.”</p>
<p>The EU has struggled to respond as Orban’s government has, in the view of its critics, used its two landslide victories in 2010 and 2014 to erode democratic checks and balances. It has curbed the powers of the constitutional court, increased control of the media and appointed loyalists to key positions.</p> Slideshow (11 Images)
<p>Orban is credited with keeping the budget deficit under control, reducing unemployment and some of Hungary’s debt, and putting its economy on a growth track.</p>
<p>On Friday, at his closing campaign rally, he vowed to protect his nation from Muslim migrants, saying: “Migration is like rust that slowly but surely would consume Hungary.”</p> OUTSIDE CHANCE OF SURPRISE
<p>The anti-immigrant campaign has gone down well with many of the roughly two million core voters of Fidesz.</p>
<p>“My little daughter must be my primary concern, to make her future safe. Safety is first,” said Julia Scharle, 27, holding her child outside the polling station where Orban cast his vote. She would not reveal her voting preference.</p>
<p>In March the government gave pre-election handouts to millions of families and pensioners.</p>
<p>A poll by Zavecz research institute published on Friday showed Fidesz had 46 percent support among decided voters, while Jobbik had 19 percent. The Socialists came in third with 14 percent. Voter turnout was estimated between 64 and 68 percent.</p>
<p>However, one-third of voters were undecided.</p>
<p>In 2014, Fidesz won a two-thirds majority in the 199-seat parliament with 133 seats.</p>
<p>If Orban wins again, he is expected to continue his economic policies, with income tax cuts and incentives to boost growth.</p>
<p>His business allies are expected to expand their economic domains. Businessmen close to Fidesz have acquired stakes in major industries like banking, energy, construction and tourism, profiting from EU funds.</p>
<p>“Only a dramatic outcome of the election would force a significant shift in the direction of policymaking,” Barclays said in a note.</p>
<p>Writing by Krisztina Than; additional reporting by Simon Dawson; editing by Janet Lawrence and Andrew Roche</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
| false | 2 |
stockholm jan 19 reuters deliveries six biggest categories white goods aham 6 united states rose 20 percent yearonyear december data industry body association home appliance manufacturers aham showed late thursday shipments country major market companies whirlpool swedish home appliances maker electrolux rose 29 percent 2017 reporting johannes hellstrom editing anna ringstrom standards thomson reuters trust principles augusta ga reuters unusually cool weather greeted spectators filed augusta national many expect heated battle rory mcilroy patrick reed us masters green jacket sunday tiger woods us hits second tee final round play 2018 masters golf tournament augusta national golf club augusta georgia us april 8 2018 reuterslucy nicholson related coverage us masters day four total 53 golfers tee final round years first major eyes eventually final pair reed mcilroy turned chase masters title two horse race slideshow 6 images reed seeking first major win start day three shot cushion top leaderboard chased mcilroy needs masters victory complete career grand slam mcilroy threw away fourshot lead final round augusta 2011 still chasing maiden major since captured wins golfs three blue riband events closer ever completing collection men gone great pains make sundays final round match play contest next closest challenger rickie fowler five pace northern irishman american sure hold spotlight fourtimes champion tiger woods whose augusta national homecoming spectacular entertaining expected among first tee sitting whopping 18 shots behind leader playing first masters since 2015 battling back issues hopes high formerworld number one would contention fifth green jacket promising run masters included tie second valspar championship tie fifth arnold palmer invitational still fighting way back top form undergoing spinal fusion surgery last april woods offered glimpses skill talent lifted 14 major titles never serious contention editing pritha sarkar standards thomson reuters trust principles augusta ga reuters highlights final round 82nd us masters sunday tiger woods us hits first fairway final round play 2018 masters golf tournament augusta national golf club augusta georgia us april 8 2018 reuterslucy nicholson slideshow 2 images cool weather greets early starters final round years first major got underway early starters taking course cloudy skies unusually cool conditions augusta national midmorning temperature 63 fahrenheit 17 celsius reed mcilroy get ready showdown patrick reed take threeshot lead final round sets northern irishman rory mcilroy days final pairing 240 pm et 1849 gmt reporting frank pingue editing toby davis standards thomson reuters trust principles augusta ga reuters paul casey threatened augusta national course record way sevenunderpar 65 final round us masters sunday paul casey england looks putt 18th green final round play 2018 masters golf tournament augusta national golf club augusta georgia us april 8 2018 reutersmike segar paul casey england walks 18th fairway final round play 2018 masters golf tournament augusta national golf club augusta georgia us april 8 2018 reutersmike segar bogeys final two holes cost casey share record 63 held nick price third round 1986 greg norman first round 1996 englishman accrued eagle seven birdies two dropped shots left sour taste still best score 42 rounds augusta finished fiveunder 283 caseys round highlighted brilliant run picked six strokes five holes 11th former world number three came masters sizzling form onestroke win patrick reed tiger woods valspar championship march reporting andrew editing ian chadband standards thomson reuters trust principles budapest hungary reuters polling stations closed vote count began hungarys election sunday high turnout could threaten viktor orbans parliamentary majority hungarian women wearing traditional costumes fill ballot papers polling station hungarian parliamentary elections veresegyhaz hungary april 8 2018 reutersbernadett szabo following acrimonious campaign rightwing nationalist prime minister projected savior hungarys christian culture muslim migration europe opinion polls put fidesz party well ahead strong victory could embolden put muscle central european alliance european unions migration policies orban hungarys longestserving postcommunist premier opposes deeper integration bloc interim data 1630 gmt showed voter turnout 6813 percent exceeding final turnout past three elections high turnout 2002 vote consigned orban eight years opposition contrast turnout 617 percent last election 2014 gave massive victory orbans opponents cheered enthusiasm hungarians vote related coverage hungarys fidesz unlikely win twothirds majority lawmaker hungarys preliminary election results delayed 2100 gmt convinced high turnout definitely reflects people want change government socialist spokeswoman bernadett budai quoted saying national news agency mti fidesz lawmaker gergely gulyas told private broadcaster atv party unlikely retain twothirds parliamentary majority twothirds victory possible neither side loses 10 districts difference least 20 percent winner runnerup gulyas said consider unlikely think outside category reality voters longer allowed join queues polling stations 1700 gmt already line allowed cast ballots meaning voting could continue hours busiest stations central london emigre hungarians queued hundreds meters rain vote waiting two hours pollsters said voter turnout 70 percent could signal opposition mobilizing supporters efficiently might even deprive fidesz parliamentary majority high turnout means probably less mandates fidesz previous term said peter kreko director think tank political capital added since parties including fidesz mobilized intensively necessarily mean orban threatened defeat orban farright admirers across europe like tough line migrants landslide win would show singleissue campaign arguing migration poses security threat paid woman casts ballot hungarian parliamentary election gyongyos hungary april 8 2018 reutersleonhard foeger migration like rust critics say orban put hungary increasingly authoritarian path stance immigration fueled xenophobia casting vote wealthy district budapest said go take part mobilizing voters asking everyone take part election asked journalists fighting european union orban said eu brussels eu berlin budapest prague bucharest reiterated would stand hungarys interests said hungary loyal member international organizations love country fighting country said strong win orban would boost rightwing nationalists central europe poland neighboring austria expose cracks 28nation eu fidesz led opinion polls vote small chance fragmented opposition could strip fidesz parliamentary majority voters frustrated orbans policies choose tactical voting 106 constituencies strongest opposition party formerly farright jobbik recast image moderate nationalist force campaigning anticorruption agenda urged higher wages lure back hundreds thousands hungarians left hungary western europe clad green jacket white shirt jobbik leader gabor vona 39 arrived vote eastern city gyongyos home town district likely win seat everyone go vote election determines hungarys course four years two generations least told reporters emigration may may define hungary would prefer eu struggled respond orbans government view critics used two landslide victories 2010 2014 erode democratic checks balances curbed powers constitutional court increased control media appointed loyalists key positions slideshow 11 images orban credited keeping budget deficit control reducing unemployment hungarys debt putting economy growth track friday closing campaign rally vowed protect nation muslim migrants saying migration like rust slowly surely would consume hungary outside chance surprise antiimmigrant campaign gone well many roughly two million core voters fidesz little daughter must primary concern make future safe safety first said julia scharle 27 holding child outside polling station orban cast vote would reveal voting preference march government gave preelection handouts millions families pensioners poll zavecz research institute published friday showed fidesz 46 percent support among decided voters jobbik 19 percent socialists came third 14 percent voter turnout estimated 64 68 percent however onethird voters undecided 2014 fidesz twothirds majority 199seat parliament 133 seats orban wins expected continue economic policies income tax cuts incentives boost growth business allies expected expand economic domains businessmen close fidesz acquired stakes major industries like banking energy construction tourism profiting eu funds dramatic outcome election would force significant shift direction policymaking barclays said note writing krisztina additional reporting simon dawson editing janet lawrence andrew roche standards thomson reuters trust principles
| 1,228 |
<p>Jan 25 (Reuters) - Nath Bio-Genes (I) Ltd:</p>
<p>* SETS ISSUE PRICE OF 455 RUPEES PER SHARE Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage:</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>
<p>WASHINGTON/OSLO (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump has bashed international efforts to combat climate change and questioned the scientific consensus that global warming is dangerous and driven by human consumption of fossil fuels.</p>
<p>But there is a disconnect between what Trump says at home and what his government does abroad. While attention has been focused on Trump’s rhetoric, State Department envoys, federal agencies, and government scientists remain active participants in international efforts to both research and fight climate change, according to U.S. and foreign representatives involved in those efforts.</p>
<p>“We really don’t detect any change with the Americans,” said one of the officials, Aleksi Härkönen of Finland, who chairs the eight-nation Arctic Council’s key group of senior officials, who are charged with protecting a region warming faster than any other on Earth.</p>
<p>Over the past year, the United States has helped draft the rulebook for implementing the Paris climate accord, signed international memoranda calling for global action to fight climate change, boosted funding for overseas clean energy projects, and contributed to global research on the dangers and causes of the Earth’s warming.</p>
<p>While the United States’ participation in international forums – including the Paris accord and the Arctic Council - has been reported, its continued, broad and constructive support for climate change efforts in these gatherings has not.</p>
<p>This business-as-usual approach has surprised some of America’s foreign partners, along with some of Trump’s allies, who had expected the new administration to match its rhetoric with an obstructionist approach to combating climate change.</p>
<p>“I am concerned that much of our climate policy remains on autopilot,” complained Trump’s former energy adviser Myron Ebell, now a research director at the right-leaning Competitive Enterprise Institute, who said it reflects a failure by the administration to fill key positions and replace staffers who oppose the president’s agenda.</p>
<p>The U.S. efforts abroad to tackle climate change have been counter-balanced by Trump’s aggressive push at home to increase production of the fossil fuels scientists blame for global warming. He has also ordered a wide-ranging rollback of Obama-era climate regulations and appointed a self-described climate skeptic, Scott Pruitt, as the nation’s chief environmental regulator.</p>
<p>And to be sure, none of the U.S. dealings in international climate efforts since last year have committed the United States to any emissions cuts that would undermine Trump’s domestic energy agenda.</p>
<p>The State Department – which handles the bulk of U.S. climate policy abroad - told Reuters it was still developing its global warming policy under Trump.</p>
<p>“In the meantime, we will continue to participate ... to ensure a level playing field that benefits and protects U.S. interests, and to keep all options open for the President,” State Department spokesman Ambrose Sayles said in a statement before Trump sacked Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Tuesday.</p>
<p>Tillerson’s departure leaves a question mark over the future of U.S. climate policy abroad. Tillerson was in favor of the Paris accord, while his successor, Mike Pompeo, has expressed doubts about the science of climate change. Climate advocates say they hope Pompeo will be too distracted by tensions with Iran and North Korea to change the State Department’s approach to climate change.</p>
<p>White House spokesman Raj Shah did not respond to specific questions about how the U.S. was conducting its climate policy overseas, but said the administration sought to balance economic and environmental concerns.</p>
<p>“The climate has changed and is always changing,” Shah said. “To address climate change as well as other risks, the United States will continue to promote access to the affordable and reliable energy needed to grow economically, and to support technology, innovation and the development of modern and efficient infrastructure that will reduce emissions and enable us to address future risks.”</p> ROLLBACK AT HOME, RULEBOOK ABROAD
<p>Trump announced last year that he was withdrawing the United States from the Paris Agreement&#160;to fight global warming, raising concerns among other parties to the deal that Washington might attempt to torpedo the accord or disengage from it completely.</p>
<p>That hasn’t happened. Washington sent a 40-strong delegation to talks in Bonn in November to help draft rules of the road for the 200 participating nations. It was a smaller delegation than Washington had sent to past meetings, but it still won praise from fellow delegates for its work.</p>
<p>For example, Andrew Rakestraw – a climate negotiator for the State Department since 2013 - co-chaired discussions on how to ensure that the pledges by signatories are comparable and use the same accounting standards - a point seen as critical to the success of the accord.</p>
<p>Nazhat Shameem Khan, chief negotiator for Fiji, which presided over the talks, said the United States delegation was “constructive and helpful.”&#160; The U.N.’s climate chief, Patricia Espinosa, also called the U.S. role constructive.&#160;</p> Mountains stick up through a massive ice sheet covering Greenland near the eastern coast of the country, March 13, 2018. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson
<p>Thomas Shannon, the State Department’s chief climate negotiator in Bonn, did not respond to requests for comment. Rakestraw also did not respond to calls and emails requesting comment.</p>
<p>A U.S. source familiar with the U.S. position at the talks, who asked not to be named, said that U.S. delegates in Bonn were pushing an agenda that resembled those of past administrations – stressing that emerging economies like China follow the same rules as developed nations and meet international standards for monitoring and reporting emissions.</p>
<p>There was one jarring note: Washington sponsored a side event to promote “clean coal.” Some other delegates said they were unhappy with this, as they wanted the talks to focus on renewable energies.</p>
<p>Under the details of the accord, the United States cannot formally withdraw until 2020.</p> ARCTIC MELTING AND SOLAR POWER
<p>The State Department’s delegations to the Arctic Council are continuing their work in much the same way they did under President Barack Obama - acknowledging that warming is real and should be countered in planning everything from new shipping routes to the protection of indigenous peoples.</p> Slideshow (7 Images)
<p>Some U.S. agencies are also still bolstering international efforts to fight climate change.</p>
<p>The Overseas Private Investment Corporation, which seeks to advance U.S. policy by financing foreign business ventures, doubled its support for solar projects in 2017 under a climate-friendly policy last updated by the Obama administration.</p>
<p>And NASA, the U.S. space agency, continues to research climate change, publish climate change data, and contribute to international reports, spokesman Stephen Cole said.</p>
<p>&#160;&#160;&#160; Both OPIC and NASA are independent of the State Department, so would not be under Pompeo’s sway.</p> ‘NO CHALLENGE’
<p>&#160;&#160;&#160; Scientists representing the United States in international research say they have also been unfettered by the Trump administration, despite concerns early in the Trump presidency that the White House would seek to silence them or restrict their work.</p>
<p>“There has been no pressure on U.S. authors,” said one U.S. scientist, who is now helping to write a United Nations report that will call for coal to be “phased out rapidly” to limit global warming -&#160; a direct clash with Trump’s pro-coal agenda.</p>
<p>The scientist asked not to be named because the draft report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), due to be released in October, is confidential.</p>
<p>“Our U.S. colleagues know that climate change is not a hoax,” said one of the non-U.S. authors of the same report, who also spoke on condition of anonymity.</p>
<p>Christopher Field, a professor of environmental studies at Stanford University who co-chaired a 2014 IPCC report on the impacts of climate change,&#160;agreed:&#160;“I’ve not seen any indication that the climate denialism from Trump and other members of the administration has had any influence ... on the alignment of the U.S. scientific community with the scientific consensus around the world.”</p>
<p>Still, scientists worry that while the Trump administration is not interfering with their research it is ignoring it.</p>
<p>The Trump administration made no move to block an assessment by 300 experts last year that outlined the threats and causes of warming in&#160;the United States and concluded there is “no convincing alternative explanation” for climate change than human activity.</p>
<p>“But then they haven’t acknowledged the findings, nor changed their climate science denying stance,” said the U.S. scientist involved in drafting the U.N. coal report.</p>
<p>Additional reporting by Valerie Volcovici in Washington and Nichola Groom in Los Angeles; Editing by Richard Valdmanis and Ross Colvin</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 New York Times reported, but it was the first known time Mueller demanded materials directly related to U.S. President Donald Trump’s businesses.</p>
<p>U.S. stock prices fell on the report, with the S&amp;P 500 reaching session lows, while the dollar slipped against the euro and yen and yields on U.S. government debt moved lower.</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 during a briefing on Thursday.</p>
<p>A Trump Organization spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.</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.</p>
<p>Witnesses interviewed by Mueller have been asked about a possible real estate deal in Moscow, although the Trump Organization has denied having any real estate holdings in Russia, the Times reported.</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>
| false | 2 |
jan 25 reuters nath biogenes ltd sets issue price 455 rupees per share source text eikon company coverage 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 washingtonoslo reuters us president donald trump bashed international efforts combat climate change questioned scientific consensus global warming dangerous driven human consumption fossil fuels disconnect trump says home government abroad attention focused trumps rhetoric state department envoys federal agencies government scientists remain active participants international efforts research fight climate change according us foreign representatives involved efforts really dont detect change americans said one officials aleksi härkönen finland chairs eightnation arctic councils key group senior officials charged protecting region warming faster earth past year united states helped draft rulebook implementing paris climate accord signed international memoranda calling global action fight climate change boosted funding overseas clean energy projects contributed global research dangers causes earths warming united states participation international forums including paris accord arctic council reported continued broad constructive support climate change efforts gatherings businessasusual approach surprised americas foreign partners along trumps allies expected new administration match rhetoric obstructionist approach combating climate change concerned much climate policy remains autopilot complained trumps former energy adviser myron ebell research director rightleaning competitive enterprise institute said reflects failure administration fill key positions replace staffers oppose presidents agenda us efforts abroad tackle climate change counterbalanced trumps aggressive push home increase production fossil fuels scientists blame global warming also ordered wideranging rollback obamaera climate regulations appointed selfdescribed climate skeptic scott pruitt nations chief environmental regulator sure none us dealings international climate efforts since last year committed united states emissions cuts would undermine trumps domestic energy agenda state department handles bulk us climate policy abroad told reuters still developing global warming policy trump meantime continue participate ensure level playing field benefits protects us interests keep options open president state department spokesman ambrose sayles said statement trump sacked secretary state rex tillerson tuesday tillersons departure leaves question mark future us climate policy abroad tillerson favor paris accord successor mike pompeo expressed doubts science climate change climate advocates say hope pompeo distracted tensions iran north korea change state departments approach climate change white house spokesman raj shah respond specific questions us conducting climate policy overseas said administration sought balance economic environmental concerns climate changed always changing shah said address climate change well risks united states continue promote access affordable reliable energy needed grow economically support technology innovation development modern efficient infrastructure reduce emissions enable us address future risks rollback home rulebook abroad trump announced last year withdrawing united states paris agreement160to fight global warming raising concerns among parties deal washington might attempt torpedo accord disengage completely hasnt happened washington sent 40strong delegation talks bonn november help draft rules road 200 participating nations smaller delegation washington sent past meetings still praise fellow delegates work example andrew rakestraw climate negotiator state department since 2013 cochaired discussions ensure pledges signatories comparable use accounting standards point seen critical success accord nazhat shameem khan chief negotiator fiji presided talks said united states delegation constructive helpful160 uns climate chief patricia espinosa also called us role constructive160 mountains stick massive ice sheet covering greenland near eastern coast country march 13 2018 reuterslucas jackson thomas shannon state departments chief climate negotiator bonn respond requests comment rakestraw also respond calls emails requesting comment us source familiar us position talks asked named said us delegates bonn pushing agenda resembled past administrations stressing emerging economies like china follow rules developed nations meet international standards monitoring reporting emissions one jarring note washington sponsored side event promote clean coal delegates said unhappy wanted talks focus renewable energies details accord united states formally withdraw 2020 arctic melting solar power state departments delegations arctic council continuing work much way president barack obama acknowledging warming real countered planning everything new shipping routes protection indigenous peoples slideshow 7 images us agencies also still bolstering international efforts fight climate change overseas private investment corporation seeks advance us policy financing foreign business ventures doubled support solar projects 2017 climatefriendly policy last updated obama administration nasa us space agency continues research climate change publish climate change data contribute international reports spokesman stephen cole said 160160160 opic nasa independent state department would pompeos sway challenge 160160160 scientists representing united states international research say also unfettered trump administration despite concerns early trump presidency white house would seek silence restrict work pressure us authors said one us scientist helping write united nations report call coal phased rapidly limit global warming 160 direct clash trumps procoal agenda scientist asked named draft report intergovernmental panel climate change ipcc due released october confidential us colleagues know climate change hoax said one nonus authors report also spoke condition anonymity christopher field professor environmental studies stanford university cochaired 2014 ipcc report impacts climate change160agreed160ive seen indication climate denialism trump members administration influence alignment us scientific community scientific consensus around world still scientists worry trump administration interfering research ignoring trump administration made move block assessment 300 experts last year outlined threats causes warming in160the united states concluded convincing alternative explanation climate change human activity havent acknowledged findings changed climate science denying stance said us scientist involved drafting un coal report additional reporting valerie volcovici washington nichola groom los angeles editing richard valdmanis ross colvin 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 new york times reported first known time mueller demanded materials directly related us president donald trumps businesses us stock prices fell report sampp 500 reaching session lows dollar slipped euro yen yields us government debt moved lower 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 briefing thursday trump organization spokeswoman immediately respond request comment 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 witnesses interviewed mueller asked possible real estate deal moscow although trump organization denied real estate holdings russia times reported reporting karen freifeld doina chiacu james oliphant editing grant mccool standards thomson reuters trust principles
| 1,881 |
<p><a href="/profile/profile.asp?user=244233" type="external">By Butch Ward</a></p>
<p>More than anything, I wanted to be like Lou Linley.</p>
<p>Lou was my first City Editor, a man who balanced the 275 pounds below his neck with an unkempt walrus mustache that sprawled from one rosy cheek to the other. His voice was naturally deep, and deepened still more by the years of too little sleep and too much pipe tobacco and mediocre bourbon. When he bellowed across the city room, you would have sworn the News American had invested in a P.A. system. But it was just Lou, doing what all great City Editors do -- claiming the newsroom's center stage.</p>
<p />
<p />
<p />
<p />
<p>And I, the new kid on the rewrite desk, was in awe.</p>
<p>I tell you the story of Lou Linley for two reasons: first, because nearly 30 years later, the values I learned from this mentor of mine continue to enrich me and feed my passion for journalism. I suspect there is someone in your life who has done -- or is doing -- the same for you. Maybe today will provide a few seconds to stop the train, sit quietly and bring those values to mind.</p>
<p>And second, remembering Lou reminds me of the awesome potential that all of us -- no matter what our role -- have to influence each other. Understanding that potential is critical for those of us who aspire to management roles, but the opportunity is equally powerful for any member of the newsroom staff. Great photographers, great reporters, great copy editors all inspire us with the quality of their work and by helping us understand the way they achieve it.</p>
<p>Who are your inspirations? What have you learned from them?</p>
<p>Perhaps Lou taught me so much because he had so much to teach. Born in Coffeyville, Kan., his life was a collage of professions and experiences. As a boy he worked in a chicken-processing plant (and as a result, never ate chicken or turkey again). During World War II, he was a merchant marine. Afterward, he stayed on the West Coast and fought forest fires from helicopters, sold Stetson hats and, at some point, became a reporter. He met his wife, a wonderful illustrator, at the University of Washington, and together they moved east to Montana where eventually he joined the staff of the Daily Missoulian. From there, the family of five set off for Washington, D.C., where Lou was convinced he could find work. Unfortunately, they only got as far as Harpers Ferry, W. Va., before the money ran out. So Lou told the family to wait with Aunt Corrine in Boonsboro, Md., while he went to Baltimore. There he got work on the News American and never left. It was my great fortune that Lou Linley never made it to Washington.</p>
<p>It was also my good fortune that, along the way, Lou came to be convinced that everyone had a story to tell -- and that our job was to go out every day and listen to them. And so, at Lou's direction, we listened.</p>
<p>Most of all, though, Lou loved hard news -- especially deadline news. News like the armed robbery and police chase that broke at 3:30 in the afternoon and gave us one hour to make the Late Stocks street edition. Working the phones and the two-way radios with his police reporters and rewrite desk, Lou became Igor Stravinsky in overdrive (although at the News American, the orchestra usually lacked several key instruments.) Once the story made the paper, Lou smiled, placed both hands against his desk, pushed himself up from his chair and led a thirsty procession to Burke's Café.</p>
<p>(Truth is, on another day when the computer system crashed and the story didn't make the paper, Lou threw a phone across the room and then led the procession to Burke's.)</p>
<p>Sometimes news coverage was a lot more complicated than police chases, and I watched Lou struggle with tough decisions. Ten days after a 10-year-old paperboy from Towson disappeared, one of our reporters obtained a photograph of the lead suspect. Police were not happy, and told Lou that if he ran the photo, the child's blood would be on the paper's hands. Lou spent the afternoon in agonized conversations with the paper's top editors; in the end, they agreed with him that there was just as good a chance that running the picture could save the boy's life. We ran the photo.</p>
<p>That evening, police released the photo to the rest of the media, and television newscasts ran it. A woman in northern Virginia recognized the suspect and the boy — they had done some yard work for her that day, and were scheduled to return to finish the next morning. When they arrived, police were waiting. The boy was rescued.</p>
<p>Sitting in the woman's den, crying hysterically, the child told investigators that only the day before, his abductor had kidnapped another youngster and killed him. One of my colleagues at the News American, recalling the incident recently, said there was no doubt in his mind that Lou's decision to run the photo saved the child's life.</p>
<p>Yes, Lou taught me to love stories, but he cared just as much about the group of people in his charge. He had that wonderful ability to make each of us feel that we were absolutely essential to the success of the desk. He collaborated with us, offered us ideas and listened to ours; he challenged us, demanded our best, and celebrated with us when the work was done well. Never did he take our stories hostage and rewrite them as he would write them; This was a man who loved the written word and wanted us to share that affection. He talked with us about language, the power of words, cadence and sentence structure. Once, after I had told him about a biography I had just read, he told me to stop wasting my time and immerse myself in great fiction -- from which he said Society's greatest ideas had come. In fact, he said, he was going to make me a list of 100 great books that I needed to read. Obviously, I had pushed a hot button.</p>
<p>After a few years, Lou encouraged me to begin editing; I went on to take a number of jobs at the News American before leaving for Philadelphia in 1982. Through it all, Lou stayed on the City Desk, until one November morning in 1985 when the years of too little sleep and too much tobacco and bourbon delivered their tab. He died at his desk. He was 59.</p>
<p>Later, his son told me that among Lou's papers, the family had found the list of great works of fiction -- Lou had only made it to 65 titles or so. I guess it would have been nice to have the list, but Lou had already given me more than any work of fiction could offer.</p>
<p>He taught me to love stories -- and to serve the people who gather them.</p>
<p><a href="/article_feedback/article_feedback_add.asp?id=77387" type="external">So, who inspires you? And what have you learned from them?</a></p>
| false | 2 |
butch ward anything wanted like lou linley lou first city editor man balanced 275 pounds neck unkempt walrus mustache sprawled one rosy cheek voice naturally deep deepened still years little sleep much pipe tobacco mediocre bourbon bellowed across city room would sworn news american invested pa system lou great city editors claiming newsrooms center stage new kid rewrite desk awe tell story lou linley two reasons first nearly 30 years later values learned mentor mine continue enrich feed passion journalism suspect someone life done maybe today provide seconds stop train sit quietly bring values mind second remembering lou reminds awesome potential us matter role influence understanding potential critical us aspire management roles opportunity equally powerful member newsroom staff great photographers great reporters great copy editors inspire us quality work helping us understand way achieve inspirations learned perhaps lou taught much much teach born coffeyville kan life collage professions experiences boy worked chickenprocessing plant result never ate chicken turkey world war ii merchant marine afterward stayed west coast fought forest fires helicopters sold stetson hats point became reporter met wife wonderful illustrator university washington together moved east montana eventually joined staff daily missoulian family five set washington dc lou convinced could find work unfortunately got far harpers ferry w va money ran lou told family wait aunt corrine boonsboro md went baltimore got work news american never left great fortune lou linley never made washington also good fortune along way lou came convinced everyone story tell job go every day listen lous direction listened though lou loved hard news especially deadline news news like armed robbery police chase broke 330 afternoon gave us one hour make late stocks street edition working phones twoway radios police reporters rewrite desk lou became igor stravinsky overdrive although news american orchestra usually lacked several key instruments story made paper lou smiled placed hands desk pushed chair led thirsty procession burkes café truth another day computer system crashed story didnt make paper lou threw phone across room led procession burkes sometimes news coverage lot complicated police chases watched lou struggle tough decisions ten days 10yearold paperboy towson disappeared one reporters obtained photograph lead suspect police happy told lou ran photo childs blood would papers hands lou spent afternoon agonized conversations papers top editors end agreed good chance running picture could save boys life ran photo evening police released photo rest media television newscasts ran woman northern virginia recognized suspect boy done yard work day scheduled return finish next morning arrived police waiting boy rescued sitting womans den crying hysterically child told investigators day abductor kidnapped another youngster killed one colleagues news american recalling incident recently said doubt mind lous decision run photo saved childs life yes lou taught love stories cared much group people charge wonderful ability make us feel absolutely essential success desk collaborated us offered us ideas listened challenged us demanded best celebrated us work done well never take stories hostage rewrite would write man loved written word wanted us share affection talked us language power words cadence sentence structure told biography read told stop wasting time immerse great fiction said societys greatest ideas come fact said going make list 100 great books needed read obviously pushed hot button years lou encouraged begin editing went take number jobs news american leaving philadelphia 1982 lou stayed city desk one november morning 1985 years little sleep much tobacco bourbon delivered tab died desk 59 later son told among lous papers family found list great works fiction lou made 65 titles guess would nice list lou already given work fiction could offer taught love stories serve people gather inspires learned
| 603 |
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe, who was fired by the Trump administration but has said he was terminated because he is a crucial witness in the Russia investigation, has raised more than $292,000 in seven hours to help cover costs defending against other ongoing government probes, the funding website showed.</p> FILE PHOTO: FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe (C) arrives to testify behind closed doors before the House Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., December 21, 2017. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas
<p>A statement on the GoFundMe internet page unveiled earlier on Thursday said the goal was to raise $150,000 from the public but it was raised to $250,000 because of a response that “has been remarkable and beyond our expectations.”</p>
<p>The action represents an escalation of the battle between McCabe and the administration over his firing amid heavy criticism by President Donald Trump. It also raises the prospect that McCabe could legally challenge his termination in the future.</p>
<p>“Andrew McCabe’s FBI career was long, distinguished, and unblemished,” the statement said. “His reward for that has been a termination that was completely unjustified, amidst repeated ad hominem attacks by the President of the United States.”</p>
<p>The page features a photo of McCabe with his wife, two children and the family dog, Jeremiah.</p>
<p>On March 16, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that he was terminating McCabe after the Justice Department’s inspector general concluded that the Federal Bureau of Investigation veteran had leaked information to the press and misled investigators about his actions.</p>
<p>The report used as the basis for the firing has still not been made public. Following McCabe’s termination, Trump took to Twitter, where he declared it was a “great day for Democracy.”</p>
<p>McCabe’s dismissal came less than two days before his 50th birthday, when he would have been eligible to retire from the Federal Bureau of Investigation with his full pension.</p>
<p>McCabe has disputed the findings by the inspector general’s office. He said he believes he is facing administration retaliation because he is a crucial witness into whether Trump may have tried to obstruct a criminal probe now being led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 election.</p>
<p>While he was the FBI’s No. 2 official, McCabe was deeply involved in overseeing investigations related to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server, and whether Russia colluded with Trump’s campaign. Trump has denied that any collusion occurred and Russia has denied meddling.</p>
<p>Reuters has reported that McCabe kept contemporaneous notes following his conversations with Trump, as well as notes related to former FBI Director James Comey’s conversations with Trump.</p>
<p>Trump fired Comey in 2017, prompting Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to appoint Mueller as special counsel. Trump later acknowledged in a televised interview that he fired Comey over “this Russia thing.”</p>
<p>Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch; Additional reporting by Eric Walsh; Editing by Toni Reinhold</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) - The U.S. State Department granted a visa to a man in Iran hoping to donate bone marrow to his U.S. citizen brother with blood cancer, obtaining a rare waiver to President Donald Trump’s travel ban, the family’s lawyer said on Thursday.</p> Patient Maziar Hashemi (L), who has the cancer Myelodysplastic syndrome, and his wife Fereshteh talk after meeting with his transplant doctor at a hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., March 26, 2018. REUTERS/Brian Snyder
<p>Mahsa Khanbabai, a lawyer based in Massachusetts, said she received a call on Thursday from the consulate in Yerevan, Armenia where Kamiar Hashemi had applied for a visa in February after he learned he was a rare 100 percent match for a transplant that could potentially save his brother’s life.</p>
<p>The status of the visa application was “refused” on the Department’s website but Khanbabai said she was told on the call that a waiver had been granted, two days after Reuters first reported on the case, and that Hashemi should make arrangements to travel to Armenia to pick it up.</p>
<p>The State Department through a spokeswoman said it was unable to comment on a specific visa case.</p>
<p>Trump’s travel ban, which the U.S. Supreme Court allowed to go into effect on Dec. 8 after months of legal wrangling, puts permanent bars on most travelers to the United States from Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Chad and North Korea, as well as certain government officials from Venezuela. Although the ban allows for case-by-case waivers to be granted, attorneys and applicants say the process is opaque with few clear guidelines on how to apply and why waivers are, or are not, granted.</p>
<p>Since the ban took effect, the State Department told Reuters more than 375 waivers have been approved, but declined to say for which countries and out of how many applications.</p>
<p>“It’s unfortunate that so much effort had to go into getting just one, clearly urgent, visa approved,” said Khanbabai. “There are thousands of people are stuck, also with urgent cases, with no idea what is happening.”</p>
<p>Reporting by Mica Rosenberg in New York; Editing by James Dalgleish</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
| false | 2 |
thomson reuters trust principles washington reuters former fbi deputy director andrew mccabe fired trump administration said terminated crucial witness russia investigation raised 292000 seven hours help cover costs defending ongoing government probes funding website showed file photo fbi deputy director andrew mccabe c arrives testify behind closed doors house judiciary committee capitol hill washington us december 21 2017 reutersyuri gripas statement gofundme internet page unveiled earlier thursday said goal raise 150000 public raised 250000 response remarkable beyond expectations action represents escalation battle mccabe administration firing amid heavy criticism president donald trump also raises prospect mccabe could legally challenge termination future andrew mccabes fbi career long distinguished unblemished statement said reward termination completely unjustified amidst repeated ad hominem attacks president united states page features photo mccabe wife two children family dog jeremiah march 16 us attorney general jeff sessions announced terminating mccabe justice departments inspector general concluded federal bureau investigation veteran leaked information press misled investigators actions report used basis firing still made public following mccabes termination trump took twitter declared great day democracy mccabes dismissal came less two days 50th birthday would eligible retire federal bureau investigation full pension mccabe disputed findings inspector generals office said believes facing administration retaliation crucial witness whether trump may tried obstruct criminal probe led special counsel robert mueller alleged russian meddling 2016 election fbis 2 official mccabe deeply involved overseeing investigations related former secretary state hillary clintons use private email server whether russia colluded trumps campaign trump denied collusion occurred russia denied meddling reuters reported mccabe kept contemporaneous notes following conversations trump well notes related former fbi director james comeys conversations trump trump fired comey 2017 prompting deputy attorney general rod rosenstein appoint mueller special counsel trump later acknowledged televised interview fired comey russia thing reporting sarah n lynch additional reporting eric walsh editing toni reinhold 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 us state department granted visa man iran hoping donate bone marrow us citizen brother blood cancer obtaining rare waiver president donald trumps travel ban familys lawyer said thursday patient maziar hashemi l cancer myelodysplastic syndrome wife fereshteh talk meeting transplant doctor hospital boston massachusetts us march 26 2018 reutersbrian snyder mahsa khanbabai lawyer based massachusetts said received call thursday consulate yerevan armenia kamiar hashemi applied visa february learned rare 100 percent match transplant could potentially save brothers life status visa application refused departments website khanbabai said told call waiver granted two days reuters first reported case hashemi make arrangements travel armenia pick state department spokeswoman said unable comment specific visa case trumps travel ban us supreme court allowed go effect dec 8 months legal wrangling puts permanent bars travelers united states iran libya syria yemen somalia chad north korea well certain government officials venezuela although ban allows casebycase waivers granted attorneys applicants say process opaque clear guidelines apply waivers granted since ban took effect state department told reuters 375 waivers approved declined say countries many applications unfortunate much effort go getting one clearly urgent visa approved said khanbabai thousands people stuck also urgent cases idea happening reporting mica rosenberg new york editing james dalgleish standards thomson reuters trust principles
| 879 |
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p />
<p>“Quintana manana,” Maddon said in Spanish while sitting in the Cubs dugout before Saturday’s game against the Orioles at Camden Yards.</p>
<p>That, of course, translates to “Quintana tomorrow,” meaning Sunday is the day of Jose Quintana’s highly anticipated Cubs debut.</p>
<p>Quintana may not be the kind of pitcher who instantly creates a ballpark buzz, as closer Aroldis Chapman did last summer when he arrived at Wrigley Field. But the former White Sox left-hander could be the piece that helps turn around a puzzling Cubs’ rotation that hasn’t fulfilled expectations after taking the club to a World Series title.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>As the jolt from the Cubs-Sox deal wears off, it’s time to see if Quintana can be a game-changer in the National League Central race.</p>
<p>“It’s probably a win-win for everybody,” Jon Lester said of the deal. “You don’t see trades where you don’t have to move houses or do anything.</p>
<p>“He’s pretty well set and established, knows his way around the city. Now he just has to drive north instead of south, just kind of get acclimated to his surroundings around here and get to know us a little bit.”</p>
<p>Quintana has been in a whirlwind the last few days after becoming part of a crosstown trade that surprised everyone but a couple of anonymous Reddit commenters who blabbed about it online Wednesday night before the deal became official Thursday.</p>
<p>Quintana laughed when he heard former Sox teammates Derek Holland and Carlos Rodon Instagrammed a video in which they go through his Sox locker. Holland thanks Quintana in the video for “leaving us everything,” adding “yard sale!”</p>
<p>One of the most popular players in the Sox clubhouse, his mere presence will be missed as much as his pitching.</p>
<p>“I called Melky (Cabrera) and said ‘Hey, I miss you guys,’ ” Quintana said. “He said ‘I miss you, too.’ But it’s part of the game, and I’m happy to be here, and all of my focus now is on the Cubs.”</p>
<p>In Lester, Quintana, Jake Arrieta and John Lackey, the Cubs now have four starters who have been considered their team’s ace at some point. Quintana struggled when he inherited that role this spring from the departed Chris Sale, but rediscovered his groove over the last six weeks, pitching the way everyone expected.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Now he’s in a different atmosphere, with added pressure to perform.</p>
<p>“Things are way different here,” he said. “The Cubs are in good position to make the playoffs. I’m excited to be here with a contender. That’s what I wanted, and now I want to do the best I can do. I want to be here a long time.”</p>
<p>Was Quintana tired of answering questions about the possibility of being traded, which began in January at SoxFest and continued for the next six months?</p>
<p>“Yeah, but I understand why you guys did it,” he said. “That’s part of the game, and I enjoyed talking (to the media). But when the season started I didn’t want to talk too much about that. But for me, now it’s over, and I’m happy it’s over.”</p>
<p>Quintana was one of the most consistent starters in the American League from 2013 until the start of this season, when he hit that road bump. But even with that slow start, he still has the second most quality starts (95) among AL pitchers since 2013.</p>
<p>But, as Sox fans know all too well, he also had the second-lowest run support average among qualifying AL starters since ’13, leaving him with only 44 victories in 147 starts in that span.</p>
<p>That glaring lack of offensive support, combined with some awful late-inning relief, led to a recurring theme on the South Side in which Quintana would cruise through six or seven innings only to get stuck with a no-decision.</p>
<p>Some early runs Sunday in Baltimore would be appreciated.</p>
<p>“I would think that our guys are going to be excited to play behind him for the first time,” Maddon said. “That happens to some guys. Most of the time it happens in patches or stretches, then it goes away. That brings out the best in you.”</p>
<p>Quintana has had to overcome adversity most of his career. The 28-year-old Colombian was released as a minor leaguer by his first team, the Mets, and the Yankees organization granted him free agency twice before the Sox signed him on Nov. 9, 2011.</p>
<p>Then he met pitching coach Don Cooper, who Quintana credits for his evolution from a 2011 suspect to 2016 All-Star.</p>
<p>“I learned a lot from ‘Coop,’ my first pitching coach,” he said. “We have a really good relationship and I learned he’s special for pitchers. He gave me the gifts on how to be a better pitcher every day.</p>
<p>“I’m so proud of that and want to just say thank you to him. I appreciated the opportunity he gave me, teaching me how to be better.”</p>
<p>Quintana is looking forward to his Wrigley debut in a Cubs’ uniform sometime next weekend against the Cardinals. He has made two starts at Wrigley, including a duel with Arrieta on July 12, 2015 when the Sox managed only two hits in a 3-1 loss.</p>
<p>“I enjoyed pitching there, and it’s an honor for me to pitch there now with a lot of fans at every game,” he said. “That’s cool. I can’t wait.”</p>
<p>Because the rotation for the Cardinals series isn’t set, Quintana doesn’t know whether he will face the Sox during the back-to-back two-game series July 24-27. If he starts Friday or Saturday against the Cardinals, Quintana should be on target to start against the Sox on the South Side on either July 26 or 27.</p>
<p>That’s a matchup Quintana is dearly hoping comes to fruition.</p>
<p>“Sure, why not?” he said. “Facing my old teammates? It’s going to happen one day.”</p>
<p>Rest assured the day before it happens, Maddon again be will ready to declare “Quintana manana.”</p>
<p>——</p>
<p>©2017 Chicago Tribune</p>
<p>Visit the Chicago Tribune at <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com" type="external">www.chicagotribune.com</a></p>
<p>Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.</p>
<p>———-</p>
<p>PHOTO (for help with images, contact 312-222-4194):</p>
<p>GRAPHIC (for help with images, contact 312-222-4194):</p>
<p>_____</p>
| false | 2 |
quintana manana maddon said spanish sitting cubs dugout saturdays game orioles camden yards course translates quintana tomorrow meaning sunday day jose quintanas highly anticipated cubs debut quintana may kind pitcher instantly creates ballpark buzz closer aroldis chapman last summer arrived wrigley field former white sox lefthander could piece helps turn around puzzling cubs rotation hasnt fulfilled expectations taking club world series title advertisement jolt cubssox deal wears time see quintana gamechanger national league central race probably winwin everybody jon lester said deal dont see trades dont move houses anything hes pretty well set established knows way around city drive north instead south kind get acclimated surroundings around get know us little bit quintana whirlwind last days becoming part crosstown trade surprised everyone couple anonymous reddit commenters blabbed online wednesday night deal became official thursday quintana laughed heard former sox teammates derek holland carlos rodon instagrammed video go sox locker holland thanks quintana video leaving us everything adding yard sale one popular players sox clubhouse mere presence missed much pitching called melky cabrera said hey miss guys quintana said said miss part game im happy focus cubs lester quintana jake arrieta john lackey cubs four starters considered teams ace point quintana struggled inherited role spring departed chris sale rediscovered groove last six weeks pitching way everyone expected advertisement hes different atmosphere added pressure perform things way different said cubs good position make playoffs im excited contender thats wanted want best want long time quintana tired answering questions possibility traded began january soxfest continued next six months yeah understand guys said thats part game enjoyed talking media season started didnt want talk much im happy quintana one consistent starters american league 2013 start season hit road bump even slow start still second quality starts 95 among al pitchers since 2013 sox fans know well also secondlowest run support average among qualifying al starters since 13 leaving 44 victories 147 starts span glaring lack offensive support combined awful lateinning relief led recurring theme south side quintana would cruise six seven innings get stuck nodecision early runs sunday baltimore would appreciated would think guys going excited play behind first time maddon said happens guys time happens patches stretches goes away brings best quintana overcome adversity career 28yearold colombian released minor leaguer first team mets yankees organization granted free agency twice sox signed nov 9 2011 met pitching coach cooper quintana credits evolution 2011 suspect 2016 allstar learned lot coop first pitching coach said really good relationship learned hes special pitchers gave gifts better pitcher every day im proud want say thank appreciated opportunity gave teaching better quintana looking forward wrigley debut cubs uniform sometime next weekend cardinals made two starts wrigley including duel arrieta july 12 2015 sox managed two hits 31 loss enjoyed pitching honor pitch lot fans every game said thats cool cant wait rotation cardinals series isnt set quintana doesnt know whether face sox backtoback twogame series july 2427 starts friday saturday cardinals quintana target start sox south side either july 26 27 thats matchup quintana dearly hoping comes fruition sure said facing old teammates going happen one day rest assured day happens maddon ready declare quintana manana 2017 chicago tribune visit chicago tribune wwwchicagotribunecom distributed tribune content agency llc photo help images contact 3122224194 graphic help images contact 3122224194 _____
| 550 |
<p>ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The new chairwoman of Minnesota's Republican Party is seeking a 10 percent commission from large donations to the party, according to a memo obtained by The Associated Press.</p>
<p>Campaign finance experts said they've never heard of such an arrangement. And it risks upsetting major GOP donors and activists by diverting critical resources from a party that has struggled with debt for much of the last decade — even as it prepares for two U.S. Senate elections, a wide-open race for governor and four or more competitive congressional elections.</p>
<p>In the Dec. 14 memo, Jennifer Carnahan seeks party approval to take the commission on large contributions from October 2017 through at least April. The memo doesn't define "large," but an accompanying chart said it would result in an immediate payout of $24,500 in addition to her current base salary of $67,000 annually.</p>
<p>The commission structure would need to be approved by the party's 14-member executive committee, which is scheduled to meet Thursday.</p>
<p>Carnahan did not respond to a request for comment. Party executive director Matt Pagano defended the proposal in a statement as in line with previous chairs' requests for salary increases in Minnesota and nationwide.</p>
<p>In the memo, Carnahan said the additional money was necessary to supplement a salary she called well below "market value" while working 100-plus hours each week and raising more than $1 million for the party.</p>
<p>Since the memo doesn't define what qualifies as a major donation, it's unclear how much Carnahan could gain from the change — the memo does not reference a cap to those payouts. It makes clear she will propose overhauling her entire compensation structure in April.</p>
<p>"Unlike other state parties, Minnesota is different. Neither our Chairman or our National Committeeman and National Committeewoman are from the donor class," she writes. "To make-up for what I lack in personal wealth, I've chosen to dedicate my time to ensuring the party is set-up for short and long-term success."</p>
<p>Carnahan is a newcomer to the job. She was elected in April to take over the party for a two-year term after a career working for large corporations and starting her own business, a women's clothing boutique, in 2014.</p>
<p>Though commissions are standard in the world of business and sales as a form of performance-based compensation — including some professional fundraising organizations — it's not the case in party politics.</p>
<p>"We're not aware of any other party chairs with this sort of payout situation," said Catie Kelley, director of policy and state programs for the Campaign Legal Center, a sentiment echoed by an official at the National Institute on Money in State Politics.</p>
<p>"It raises questions of whether the party chair is going to be directing the party in ways that favors those large donors" for a personal benefit, Kelley added.</p>
<p>In making the case for the commission structure, Carnahan calls fundraising "the most important part of politics." She wrote that she had doubled average annual gifts from existing donors, resurrected lapsed donors and brought in new ones.</p>
<p>That money is particularly critical for the GOP, which has spent the last seven years struggling to eliminate $2.2 million in debt accumulated largely from a costly recount in the 2010 gubernatorial election. In December, Carnahan said she had helped raise $1.1 million since starting the job in May paid down the party's outstanding debt to below $800,000.</p>
<p>"The party's financial condition is the brightest it's been in over six-years," she wrote in the memo.</p>
<p>But her plan generated blowback from Democrats and fellow Republicans alike. Ted Lovdahl, who chairs the party's 8th Congressional District, said it could "turn off a lot of big donors, and maybe even the small ones."</p>
<p>"I have a sickly feeling that they're going to put it through," he said of the committee that would vote on her plan. "If they pass that, it's going to come back to haunt them."</p>
<p>Carnahan's predecessor, Keith Downey, sought and was approved for a more than $30,000 raise from his previous roughly $50,000 annual salary in 2015. But that raise came as he started his second term as chair.</p>
<p>Carnahan said she had been working at least 80 hours weekly, and sometimes more than 100 hours per week. The memo is dated Dec. 14 and addressed to several party officials, including party treasurer Bron Scherer.</p>
<p>Her memo concludes by saying that she will propose an entirely new compensation package when the party's current budgeting cycle ends in April.</p>
<p>ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The new chairwoman of Minnesota's Republican Party is seeking a 10 percent commission from large donations to the party, according to a memo obtained by The Associated Press.</p>
<p>Campaign finance experts said they've never heard of such an arrangement. And it risks upsetting major GOP donors and activists by diverting critical resources from a party that has struggled with debt for much of the last decade — even as it prepares for two U.S. Senate elections, a wide-open race for governor and four or more competitive congressional elections.</p>
<p>In the Dec. 14 memo, Jennifer Carnahan seeks party approval to take the commission on large contributions from October 2017 through at least April. The memo doesn't define "large," but an accompanying chart said it would result in an immediate payout of $24,500 in addition to her current base salary of $67,000 annually.</p>
<p>The commission structure would need to be approved by the party's 14-member executive committee, which is scheduled to meet Thursday.</p>
<p>Carnahan did not respond to a request for comment. Party executive director Matt Pagano defended the proposal in a statement as in line with previous chairs' requests for salary increases in Minnesota and nationwide.</p>
<p>In the memo, Carnahan said the additional money was necessary to supplement a salary she called well below "market value" while working 100-plus hours each week and raising more than $1 million for the party.</p>
<p>Since the memo doesn't define what qualifies as a major donation, it's unclear how much Carnahan could gain from the change — the memo does not reference a cap to those payouts. It makes clear she will propose overhauling her entire compensation structure in April.</p>
<p>"Unlike other state parties, Minnesota is different. Neither our Chairman or our National Committeeman and National Committeewoman are from the donor class," she writes. "To make-up for what I lack in personal wealth, I've chosen to dedicate my time to ensuring the party is set-up for short and long-term success."</p>
<p>Carnahan is a newcomer to the job. She was elected in April to take over the party for a two-year term after a career working for large corporations and starting her own business, a women's clothing boutique, in 2014.</p>
<p>Though commissions are standard in the world of business and sales as a form of performance-based compensation — including some professional fundraising organizations — it's not the case in party politics.</p>
<p>"We're not aware of any other party chairs with this sort of payout situation," said Catie Kelley, director of policy and state programs for the Campaign Legal Center, a sentiment echoed by an official at the National Institute on Money in State Politics.</p>
<p>"It raises questions of whether the party chair is going to be directing the party in ways that favors those large donors" for a personal benefit, Kelley added.</p>
<p>In making the case for the commission structure, Carnahan calls fundraising "the most important part of politics." She wrote that she had doubled average annual gifts from existing donors, resurrected lapsed donors and brought in new ones.</p>
<p>That money is particularly critical for the GOP, which has spent the last seven years struggling to eliminate $2.2 million in debt accumulated largely from a costly recount in the 2010 gubernatorial election. In December, Carnahan said she had helped raise $1.1 million since starting the job in May paid down the party's outstanding debt to below $800,000.</p>
<p>"The party's financial condition is the brightest it's been in over six-years," she wrote in the memo.</p>
<p>But her plan generated blowback from Democrats and fellow Republicans alike. Ted Lovdahl, who chairs the party's 8th Congressional District, said it could "turn off a lot of big donors, and maybe even the small ones."</p>
<p>"I have a sickly feeling that they're going to put it through," he said of the committee that would vote on her plan. "If they pass that, it's going to come back to haunt them."</p>
<p>Carnahan's predecessor, Keith Downey, sought and was approved for a more than $30,000 raise from his previous roughly $50,000 annual salary in 2015. But that raise came as he started his second term as chair.</p>
<p>Carnahan said she had been working at least 80 hours weekly, and sometimes more than 100 hours per week. The memo is dated Dec. 14 and addressed to several party officials, including party treasurer Bron Scherer.</p>
<p>Her memo concludes by saying that she will propose an entirely new compensation package when the party's current budgeting cycle ends in April.</p>
| false | 2 |
st paul minn ap new chairwoman minnesotas republican party seeking 10 percent commission large donations party according memo obtained associated press campaign finance experts said theyve never heard arrangement risks upsetting major gop donors activists diverting critical resources party struggled debt much last decade even prepares two us senate elections wideopen race governor four competitive congressional elections dec 14 memo jennifer carnahan seeks party approval take commission large contributions october 2017 least april memo doesnt define large accompanying chart said would result immediate payout 24500 addition current base salary 67000 annually commission structure would need approved partys 14member executive committee scheduled meet thursday carnahan respond request comment party executive director matt pagano defended proposal statement line previous chairs requests salary increases minnesota nationwide memo carnahan said additional money necessary supplement salary called well market value working 100plus hours week raising 1 million party since memo doesnt define qualifies major donation unclear much carnahan could gain change memo reference cap payouts makes clear propose overhauling entire compensation structure april unlike state parties minnesota different neither chairman national committeeman national committeewoman donor class writes makeup lack personal wealth ive chosen dedicate time ensuring party setup short longterm success carnahan newcomer job elected april take party twoyear term career working large corporations starting business womens clothing boutique 2014 though commissions standard world business sales form performancebased compensation including professional fundraising organizations case party politics aware party chairs sort payout situation said catie kelley director policy state programs campaign legal center sentiment echoed official national institute money state politics raises questions whether party chair going directing party ways favors large donors personal benefit kelley added making case commission structure carnahan calls fundraising important part politics wrote doubled average annual gifts existing donors resurrected lapsed donors brought new ones money particularly critical gop spent last seven years struggling eliminate 22 million debt accumulated largely costly recount 2010 gubernatorial election december carnahan said helped raise 11 million since starting job may paid partys outstanding debt 800000 partys financial condition brightest sixyears wrote memo plan generated blowback democrats fellow republicans alike ted lovdahl chairs partys 8th congressional district said could turn lot big donors maybe even small ones sickly feeling theyre going put said committee would vote plan pass going come back haunt carnahans predecessor keith downey sought approved 30000 raise previous roughly 50000 annual salary 2015 raise came started second term chair carnahan said working least 80 hours weekly sometimes 100 hours per week memo dated dec 14 addressed several party officials including party treasurer bron scherer memo concludes saying propose entirely new compensation package partys current budgeting cycle ends april st paul minn ap new chairwoman minnesotas republican party seeking 10 percent commission large donations party according memo obtained associated press campaign finance experts said theyve never heard arrangement risks upsetting major gop donors activists diverting critical resources party struggled debt much last decade even prepares two us senate elections wideopen race governor four competitive congressional elections dec 14 memo jennifer carnahan seeks party approval take commission large contributions october 2017 least april memo doesnt define large accompanying chart said would result immediate payout 24500 addition current base salary 67000 annually commission structure would need approved partys 14member executive committee scheduled meet thursday carnahan respond request comment party executive director matt pagano defended proposal statement line previous chairs requests salary increases minnesota nationwide memo carnahan said additional money necessary supplement salary called well market value working 100plus hours week raising 1 million party since memo doesnt define qualifies major donation unclear much carnahan could gain change memo reference cap payouts makes clear propose overhauling entire compensation structure april unlike state parties minnesota different neither chairman national committeeman national committeewoman donor class writes makeup lack personal wealth ive chosen dedicate time ensuring party setup short longterm success carnahan newcomer job elected april take party twoyear term career working large corporations starting business womens clothing boutique 2014 though commissions standard world business sales form performancebased compensation including professional fundraising organizations case party politics aware party chairs sort payout situation said catie kelley director policy state programs campaign legal center sentiment echoed official national institute money state politics raises questions whether party chair going directing party ways favors large donors personal benefit kelley added making case commission structure carnahan calls fundraising important part politics wrote doubled average annual gifts existing donors resurrected lapsed donors brought new ones money particularly critical gop spent last seven years struggling eliminate 22 million debt accumulated largely costly recount 2010 gubernatorial election december carnahan said helped raise 11 million since starting job may paid partys outstanding debt 800000 partys financial condition brightest sixyears wrote memo plan generated blowback democrats fellow republicans alike ted lovdahl chairs partys 8th congressional district said could turn lot big donors maybe even small ones sickly feeling theyre going put said committee would vote plan pass going come back haunt carnahans predecessor keith downey sought approved 30000 raise previous roughly 50000 annual salary 2015 raise came started second term chair carnahan said working least 80 hours weekly sometimes 100 hours per week memo dated dec 14 addressed several party officials including party treasurer bron scherer memo concludes saying propose entirely new compensation package partys current budgeting cycle ends april
| 870 |
<p>SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Offense trumped defense on a night when one of the NBA’s most efficient offensive teams met one of the top defensive units.</p>
<p>Victor Oladipo scored 28 points and the Indiana Pacers shot 54 percent from 3-point range in a 109-94 win over the Utah Jazz on Monday.</p>
<p>“Execution,” Pacers coach Nate McMillan said. “We talked about establishing our pace, but controlling the tempo. We didn’t want to get in an up-and-down game and allow the crowd to get into the game. Our guys did a nice job of taking opportunities early when we had them. And if we didn’t, we made them defend and were able to execute and score.</p>
<p>“Guys have confidence. When we get good ball movement and we’re sharing the ball, we shoot the ball a lot better.”</p>
<p>Oladipo got going late in the second quarter during a 15-2 run that gave Indiana a 14-point lead. Then his back-to-back buckets early in the third capped a 9-0 surge to push the advantage to 67-47. He also had six rebounds and six assists.</p>
<p>“Guys were getting wide-open shots,” Oladipo said. “Guys shooting the ball with confidence.</p>
<p>“Just ball movement, getting the right shot, making the right play. Most of all, defensively, making it tough on them.”</p>
<p>Domantas Sabonis finished with 15 points and eight rebounds for the Pacers, and Thaddeus Young scored 17.</p>
<p>Donovan Mitchell scored 23 for the struggling Jazz, while Derrick Favors added 16 points and seven rebounds. Utah has lost 15 of 19.</p>
<p>“We’re not playing with a lot of confidence on offense right now, both individually and collectively,” coach Quin Snyder said. “If that’s the case, you can’t force that. You just got to connect even more and, in some respects, it puts more pressure on your offense.</p>
<p>“But that pressure can’t be felt by any one guy. It’s got to be collective. When you turn the ball over, that’s not confidence. That’s just, we have to be more mentally tough.”</p>
<p>The Jazz put themselves in a hole with seven first-quarter turnovers, but rallied with a 14-0 spurt in the second to cut the deficit to 38-37. They never got that close again.</p>
<p>The Pacers were efficient on offense all night, shooting 53 percent from the field and 14 of 26 from 3-point territory. Indiana is 15-0 when shooting better than 50 percent.</p>
<p>“There were times we just didn’t talk to each other and I think that’s the biggest thing,” Mitchell said about Utah’s defense. “We’ve got to be able to talk and communicate and understand.”</p>
<p>TIP-INS</p>
<p>Pacers: Indiana began the night ranked second in the NBA in 3-point shooting at 38.3 percent.</p>
<p>Jazz: Raul Neto returned from a 15-game absence due to a concussion and bruised left knee. ... Rudy Gobert went through an extensive workout with braces on both knees before the game. He’s thought to be close to returning from a left PCL sprain and bone bruise.</p>
<p>TURNER OUT</p>
<p>Pacers center Myles Turner did not play due to a ligament sprain and muscle strain in his right elbow. He will not play the remaining three games of the road trip. The team lists him as week-to-week depending on how quickly Turner heals, but said he will not need surgery.</p>
<p>SEFOLOSHA’S STATUS</p>
<p>Jazz forward Thabo Sefolosha has been diagnosed with a serious right knee sprain and wore a bulky brace before the game. The team has not announced a timeline for his return, but there are fears it could be a long-term injury.</p>
<p>QUOTABLE</p>
<p>“He’s a very confident kid with a lot of talent,” McMillan said of Oladipo. “We knew that he had potential in making the move to trade him for Paul (George). He’s showing pretty much what I think the league expected him to become. He’s come out very aggressive this season. I think he feels he has something to prove to not only himself, but to the league.”</p>
<p>UP NEXT</p>
<p>Pacers: Travel to face Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday.</p>
<p>Jazz: Travel to play Zach Randolph and the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>More AP basketball: <a href="" type="internal" /> <a href="" type="internal">https://apnews.com/tag/NBAbasketball</a></p>
<p>SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Offense trumped defense on a night when one of the NBA’s most efficient offensive teams met one of the top defensive units.</p>
<p>Victor Oladipo scored 28 points and the Indiana Pacers shot 54 percent from 3-point range in a 109-94 win over the Utah Jazz on Monday.</p>
<p>“Execution,” Pacers coach Nate McMillan said. “We talked about establishing our pace, but controlling the tempo. We didn’t want to get in an up-and-down game and allow the crowd to get into the game. Our guys did a nice job of taking opportunities early when we had them. And if we didn’t, we made them defend and were able to execute and score.</p>
<p>“Guys have confidence. When we get good ball movement and we’re sharing the ball, we shoot the ball a lot better.”</p>
<p>Oladipo got going late in the second quarter during a 15-2 run that gave Indiana a 14-point lead. Then his back-to-back buckets early in the third capped a 9-0 surge to push the advantage to 67-47. He also had six rebounds and six assists.</p>
<p>“Guys were getting wide-open shots,” Oladipo said. “Guys shooting the ball with confidence.</p>
<p>“Just ball movement, getting the right shot, making the right play. Most of all, defensively, making it tough on them.”</p>
<p>Domantas Sabonis finished with 15 points and eight rebounds for the Pacers, and Thaddeus Young scored 17.</p>
<p>Donovan Mitchell scored 23 for the struggling Jazz, while Derrick Favors added 16 points and seven rebounds. Utah has lost 15 of 19.</p>
<p>“We’re not playing with a lot of confidence on offense right now, both individually and collectively,” coach Quin Snyder said. “If that’s the case, you can’t force that. You just got to connect even more and, in some respects, it puts more pressure on your offense.</p>
<p>“But that pressure can’t be felt by any one guy. It’s got to be collective. When you turn the ball over, that’s not confidence. That’s just, we have to be more mentally tough.”</p>
<p>The Jazz put themselves in a hole with seven first-quarter turnovers, but rallied with a 14-0 spurt in the second to cut the deficit to 38-37. They never got that close again.</p>
<p>The Pacers were efficient on offense all night, shooting 53 percent from the field and 14 of 26 from 3-point territory. Indiana is 15-0 when shooting better than 50 percent.</p>
<p>“There were times we just didn’t talk to each other and I think that’s the biggest thing,” Mitchell said about Utah’s defense. “We’ve got to be able to talk and communicate and understand.”</p>
<p>TIP-INS</p>
<p>Pacers: Indiana began the night ranked second in the NBA in 3-point shooting at 38.3 percent.</p>
<p>Jazz: Raul Neto returned from a 15-game absence due to a concussion and bruised left knee. ... Rudy Gobert went through an extensive workout with braces on both knees before the game. He’s thought to be close to returning from a left PCL sprain and bone bruise.</p>
<p>TURNER OUT</p>
<p>Pacers center Myles Turner did not play due to a ligament sprain and muscle strain in his right elbow. He will not play the remaining three games of the road trip. The team lists him as week-to-week depending on how quickly Turner heals, but said he will not need surgery.</p>
<p>SEFOLOSHA’S STATUS</p>
<p>Jazz forward Thabo Sefolosha has been diagnosed with a serious right knee sprain and wore a bulky brace before the game. The team has not announced a timeline for his return, but there are fears it could be a long-term injury.</p>
<p>QUOTABLE</p>
<p>“He’s a very confident kid with a lot of talent,” McMillan said of Oladipo. “We knew that he had potential in making the move to trade him for Paul (George). He’s showing pretty much what I think the league expected him to become. He’s come out very aggressive this season. I think he feels he has something to prove to not only himself, but to the league.”</p>
<p>UP NEXT</p>
<p>Pacers: Travel to face Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday.</p>
<p>Jazz: Travel to play Zach Randolph and the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>More AP basketball: <a href="" type="internal" /> <a href="" type="internal">https://apnews.com/tag/NBAbasketball</a></p>
| false | 2 |
salt lake city ap offense trumped defense night one nbas efficient offensive teams met one top defensive units victor oladipo scored 28 points indiana pacers shot 54 percent 3point range 10994 win utah jazz monday execution pacers coach nate mcmillan said talked establishing pace controlling tempo didnt want get upanddown game allow crowd get game guys nice job taking opportunities early didnt made defend able execute score guys confidence get good ball movement sharing ball shoot ball lot better oladipo got going late second quarter 152 run gave indiana 14point lead backtoback buckets early third capped 90 surge push advantage 6747 also six rebounds six assists guys getting wideopen shots oladipo said guys shooting ball confidence ball movement getting right shot making right play defensively making tough domantas sabonis finished 15 points eight rebounds pacers thaddeus young scored 17 donovan mitchell scored 23 struggling jazz derrick favors added 16 points seven rebounds utah lost 15 19 playing lot confidence offense right individually collectively coach quin snyder said thats case cant force got connect even respects puts pressure offense pressure cant felt one guy got collective turn ball thats confidence thats mentally tough jazz put hole seven firstquarter turnovers rallied 140 spurt second cut deficit 3837 never got close pacers efficient offense night shooting 53 percent field 14 26 3point territory indiana 150 shooting better 50 percent times didnt talk think thats biggest thing mitchell said utahs defense weve got able talk communicate understand tipins pacers indiana began night ranked second nba 3point shooting 383 percent jazz raul neto returned 15game absence due concussion bruised left knee rudy gobert went extensive workout braces knees game hes thought close returning left pcl sprain bone bruise turner pacers center myles turner play due ligament sprain muscle strain right elbow play remaining three games road trip team lists weektoweek depending quickly turner heals said need surgery sefoloshas status jazz forward thabo sefolosha diagnosed serious right knee sprain wore bulky brace game team announced timeline return fears could longterm injury quotable hes confident kid lot talent mcmillan said oladipo knew potential making move trade paul george hes showing pretty much think league expected become hes come aggressive season think feels something prove league next pacers travel face damian lillard portland trail blazers thursday jazz travel play zach randolph sacramento kings wednesday ___ ap basketball httpsapnewscomtagnbabasketball salt lake city ap offense trumped defense night one nbas efficient offensive teams met one top defensive units victor oladipo scored 28 points indiana pacers shot 54 percent 3point range 10994 win utah jazz monday execution pacers coach nate mcmillan said talked establishing pace controlling tempo didnt want get upanddown game allow crowd get game guys nice job taking opportunities early didnt made defend able execute score guys confidence get good ball movement sharing ball shoot ball lot better oladipo got going late second quarter 152 run gave indiana 14point lead backtoback buckets early third capped 90 surge push advantage 6747 also six rebounds six assists guys getting wideopen shots oladipo said guys shooting ball confidence ball movement getting right shot making right play defensively making tough domantas sabonis finished 15 points eight rebounds pacers thaddeus young scored 17 donovan mitchell scored 23 struggling jazz derrick favors added 16 points seven rebounds utah lost 15 19 playing lot confidence offense right individually collectively coach quin snyder said thats case cant force got connect even respects puts pressure offense pressure cant felt one guy got collective turn ball thats confidence thats mentally tough jazz put hole seven firstquarter turnovers rallied 140 spurt second cut deficit 3837 never got close pacers efficient offense night shooting 53 percent field 14 26 3point territory indiana 150 shooting better 50 percent times didnt talk think thats biggest thing mitchell said utahs defense weve got able talk communicate understand tipins pacers indiana began night ranked second nba 3point shooting 383 percent jazz raul neto returned 15game absence due concussion bruised left knee rudy gobert went extensive workout braces knees game hes thought close returning left pcl sprain bone bruise turner pacers center myles turner play due ligament sprain muscle strain right elbow play remaining three games road trip team lists weektoweek depending quickly turner heals said need surgery sefoloshas status jazz forward thabo sefolosha diagnosed serious right knee sprain wore bulky brace game team announced timeline return fears could longterm injury quotable hes confident kid lot talent mcmillan said oladipo knew potential making move trade paul george hes showing pretty much think league expected become hes come aggressive season think feels something prove league next pacers travel face damian lillard portland trail blazers thursday jazz travel play zach randolph sacramento kings wednesday ___ ap basketball httpsapnewscomtagnbabasketball
| 780 |
<p>SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico may take part in a fledgling effort to regulate and possibly limit the role of money in politics through an amendment to the U.S. Constitution, as legislators in a handful of states consider a pledge to help Congress with ratification.</p>
<p>New Mexico lawmakers are considering a non-binding resolution called a “memorial” to urge Congress to restore greater federal and local regulation of political spending that influences elections and governance. The memorial also would pledge support for a constitutional amendment to end partisan gerrymandering. Public debate has yet to take place.</p>
<p>The effort seeks to reverse Supreme Court actions including the 2010 Citizens United decision that cleared the way for unlimited independent elections spending.</p>
<p>“This is a simple way to say to Congress, ‘Pass this and come back to the state to ratify,’” said Democratic Rep. Linda Trujillo of Santa Fe, who is sponsoring the measure along with Republican Rep. Jim Smith and Democratic Sen. Gerald Ortiz y Pino, both of Albuquerque.</p>
<p>Memorials do not require the governor’s signature. Republican New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez last year vetoed state campaign finance disclosure rules that came under criticism as an infringement on free speech from several conservative-backed groups.</p>
<p>The newly proposed memorial includes brief instructions for separating political spending from free speech guarantees, and reclaiming federal and state authority to “regulate the role of money in elections and governance to ensure transparency, prevent corruption, and protect against the buying of access to or influence over representatives.”</p>
<p>Heather Ferguson, legislative director of the New Mexico chapter of the watchdog group Common Cause, noted that New Mexico and at least 19 other states already have asked Congress to overturn the Citizens United decision. The new initiative aims to start from scratch with specific, uniform instructions, she said.</p>
<p>“This takes it that one step further,” Ferguson said. “Here is not only a request but also a directive on how to do it.”</p>
<p>The effort is backed by Common Cause, a national group that concentrates on government accountability issues, and Take Back Our Republic, a group focused on campaign finance reform with offices in Alabama, Texas and Virginia.</p>
<p>Similar legislative measures are slated for introduction in a handful of states that include Alabama and New Hampshire.</p>
<p>John Pudner, executive director of Take Back Our Republic, said the goal is to gain a foothold in a geographically diverse selection of states with a range of partisan allegiances.</p>
<p>Constitutional amendments can be approved by a two-thirds majority vote of Congress, followed by affirmation by three-fourths of states, or through a constitutional convention authorized by two-thirds of state legislatures.</p>
<p>Common Cause and allied proponents of campaign finance reform say a constitutional convention would be prone to influence by political spending.</p>
<p>SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico may take part in a fledgling effort to regulate and possibly limit the role of money in politics through an amendment to the U.S. Constitution, as legislators in a handful of states consider a pledge to help Congress with ratification.</p>
<p>New Mexico lawmakers are considering a non-binding resolution called a “memorial” to urge Congress to restore greater federal and local regulation of political spending that influences elections and governance. The memorial also would pledge support for a constitutional amendment to end partisan gerrymandering. Public debate has yet to take place.</p>
<p>The effort seeks to reverse Supreme Court actions including the 2010 Citizens United decision that cleared the way for unlimited independent elections spending.</p>
<p>“This is a simple way to say to Congress, ‘Pass this and come back to the state to ratify,’” said Democratic Rep. Linda Trujillo of Santa Fe, who is sponsoring the measure along with Republican Rep. Jim Smith and Democratic Sen. Gerald Ortiz y Pino, both of Albuquerque.</p>
<p>Memorials do not require the governor’s signature. Republican New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez last year vetoed state campaign finance disclosure rules that came under criticism as an infringement on free speech from several conservative-backed groups.</p>
<p>The newly proposed memorial includes brief instructions for separating political spending from free speech guarantees, and reclaiming federal and state authority to “regulate the role of money in elections and governance to ensure transparency, prevent corruption, and protect against the buying of access to or influence over representatives.”</p>
<p>Heather Ferguson, legislative director of the New Mexico chapter of the watchdog group Common Cause, noted that New Mexico and at least 19 other states already have asked Congress to overturn the Citizens United decision. The new initiative aims to start from scratch with specific, uniform instructions, she said.</p>
<p>“This takes it that one step further,” Ferguson said. “Here is not only a request but also a directive on how to do it.”</p>
<p>The effort is backed by Common Cause, a national group that concentrates on government accountability issues, and Take Back Our Republic, a group focused on campaign finance reform with offices in Alabama, Texas and Virginia.</p>
<p>Similar legislative measures are slated for introduction in a handful of states that include Alabama and New Hampshire.</p>
<p>John Pudner, executive director of Take Back Our Republic, said the goal is to gain a foothold in a geographically diverse selection of states with a range of partisan allegiances.</p>
<p>Constitutional amendments can be approved by a two-thirds majority vote of Congress, followed by affirmation by three-fourths of states, or through a constitutional convention authorized by two-thirds of state legislatures.</p>
<p>Common Cause and allied proponents of campaign finance reform say a constitutional convention would be prone to influence by political spending.</p>
| false | 2 |
santa fe nm ap new mexico may take part fledgling effort regulate possibly limit role money politics amendment us constitution legislators handful states consider pledge help congress ratification new mexico lawmakers considering nonbinding resolution called memorial urge congress restore greater federal local regulation political spending influences elections governance memorial also would pledge support constitutional amendment end partisan gerrymandering public debate yet take place effort seeks reverse supreme court actions including 2010 citizens united decision cleared way unlimited independent elections spending simple way say congress pass come back state ratify said democratic rep linda trujillo santa fe sponsoring measure along republican rep jim smith democratic sen gerald ortiz pino albuquerque memorials require governors signature republican new mexico gov susana martinez last year vetoed state campaign finance disclosure rules came criticism infringement free speech several conservativebacked groups newly proposed memorial includes brief instructions separating political spending free speech guarantees reclaiming federal state authority regulate role money elections governance ensure transparency prevent corruption protect buying access influence representatives heather ferguson legislative director new mexico chapter watchdog group common cause noted new mexico least 19 states already asked congress overturn citizens united decision new initiative aims start scratch specific uniform instructions said takes one step ferguson said request also directive effort backed common cause national group concentrates government accountability issues take back republic group focused campaign finance reform offices alabama texas virginia similar legislative measures slated introduction handful states include alabama new hampshire john pudner executive director take back republic said goal gain foothold geographically diverse selection states range partisan allegiances constitutional amendments approved twothirds majority vote congress followed affirmation threefourths states constitutional convention authorized twothirds state legislatures common cause allied proponents campaign finance reform say constitutional convention would prone influence political spending santa fe nm ap new mexico may take part fledgling effort regulate possibly limit role money politics amendment us constitution legislators handful states consider pledge help congress ratification new mexico lawmakers considering nonbinding resolution called memorial urge congress restore greater federal local regulation political spending influences elections governance memorial also would pledge support constitutional amendment end partisan gerrymandering public debate yet take place effort seeks reverse supreme court actions including 2010 citizens united decision cleared way unlimited independent elections spending simple way say congress pass come back state ratify said democratic rep linda trujillo santa fe sponsoring measure along republican rep jim smith democratic sen gerald ortiz pino albuquerque memorials require governors signature republican new mexico gov susana martinez last year vetoed state campaign finance disclosure rules came criticism infringement free speech several conservativebacked groups newly proposed memorial includes brief instructions separating political spending free speech guarantees reclaiming federal state authority regulate role money elections governance ensure transparency prevent corruption protect buying access influence representatives heather ferguson legislative director new mexico chapter watchdog group common cause noted new mexico least 19 states already asked congress overturn citizens united decision new initiative aims start scratch specific uniform instructions said takes one step ferguson said request also directive effort backed common cause national group concentrates government accountability issues take back republic group focused campaign finance reform offices alabama texas virginia similar legislative measures slated introduction handful states include alabama new hampshire john pudner executive director take back republic said goal gain foothold geographically diverse selection states range partisan allegiances constitutional amendments approved twothirds majority vote congress followed affirmation threefourths states constitutional convention authorized twothirds state legislatures common cause allied proponents campaign finance reform say constitutional convention would prone influence political spending
| 578 |
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p />
<p>It’s easy to understand why many people will view this as an act of God.</p>
<p>The total solar eclipse that will cross America this summer – an event that last happened 99 years ago – will be an important moment for scientific observers and a massive nationwide spectator event. It will also, for many people of faith, be evidence of God’s majesty – and even, to a few, a harbinger of the coming end of the world.</p>
<p>“I don’t think it’s an accident that God put us human beings here on Earth where we can actually see total solar eclipses. I think God wants us to make these discoveries,” said Hugh Ross, who is both an astronomer and a minister. “I would argue that God on purpose made the universe beautiful, and one of the beauties is a solar eclipse.”</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Ross will be leading a trip to watch the eclipse for about 80 people interested in finding spirituality in science. They’ll travel down a dirt road into a field in Eastern Oregon, where they will wait for the sun to be blotted out. Across the country, other church groups will do the same.</p>
<p>A solar eclipse isn’t all that rare. The moon is always rotating around the Earth, while the Earth rotates around the sun. Usually the moon appears slightly higher or lower than the sunlight hits the Earth. But twice a year, it’s right smack in front of it, and the moon blocks out the sun during the daytime, and that’s at least a partial solar eclipse.</p>
<p>When a total eclipse occurs, the shadow falls on just a tiny part of the Earth, about 60 to 100 miles wide, and then moves about a thousand miles over the course of a few hours. Because so much of the Earth is water, this almost always happens over an ocean.</p>
<p>The last total solar eclipse visible from the continental United States was in 1979, and it was only over a corner of the Pacific Northwest.</p>
<p>Something like this summer’s event, where so many people on land can see a total solar eclipse, is exceptionally rare – although the United States actually will experience another one, crossing an opposite diagonal swath of the country, in 2024.</p>
<p>This August, the “path of totality” cuts across the entire country, and every single spot in the continental United States will see an eclipse up to 60 percent.</p>
<p>That means that anyone in the country can step outside and see some darkness on that Monday in August. But eclipse-watchers – including Jay M. Pasachoff, a Williams College astronomer who has traveled around the world to witness an astonishing 65 eclipses – say that one truly has to see totality to really grasp the awe-inspiring nature of an eclipse. Even 99 percent, Pasachoff said, is nowhere near as dramatic as the moment it totally goes dark, which will last for up to two minutes and 40 seconds.</p>
<p>“You have to be in totality to do it. Basically the universe gets a million times darker,” Pasachoff said. “It is absolutely necessary to be in the path of totality. It’s a poor second to be off to the side.”</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>For Ross and other clergy planning to showcase the eclipse as both a scientific and a religious event, that stunning experience of seeing totality is an opportunity for discussing God’s handiwork. When Ross was a researcher at the California Institute of Technology, he would take his fellow scientists on hiking trips in the Sierra Nevada, he said.</p>
<p>“When they would say, ‘Yeah, it’s gorgeous,’ I would say, ‘Why is it so beautiful?’ It would always lead to a discussion about the Christian faith,” he said. For that reason – the opportunity to use natural beauty as a tool for evangelism – he thinks this eclipse will be a popular Christian event. “A lot of leaders of churches are going to be encouraging people,” he said, to go see the eclipse in August.</p>
<p>It’s certainly not just church leaders who have that idea. Visitors from as far as Europe and Asia started booking hotel rooms months ago in sleepy little corners of Wyoming and Idaho where they will be able to see the eclipse.</p>
<p>The population living in that long path of totality, from Oregon to the Carolinas, is about 12 million people, by the count of Angela Speck, co-chair of the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s task force on the 2017 eclipse. Speck says another 12 million or many more could easily visit for the eclipse date. Nearly everyone in the continental United States lives within one day’s drive of the eclipse path – so if 4 percent of the country decided they wanted to drive to the right spot that day and see the sun go dark, 12 million would turn to 24 million overnight.</p>
<p>There’s precedent: In 1991, Speck said, so many people tried to enter Mexico to see a total eclipse that the country closed parts of its borders.</p>
<p>Speck and others involved in this year’s eclipse preparation are concerned that rural communities on the eclipse path won’t be prepared for the massive traffic jams, the food and water needs of the hordes of visitors, or the safety glasses that every eclipse-watcher should have. (They cost about a dollar, but supplying one to every American who may look up at the total or partial eclipse is a staggering task.)</p>
<p>In certain religious communities, the talk surrounding the eclipse has to do with a different sort of preparation. Gary Ray isn’t worried about just travel plans and adequate eye protection. He’s focused on the Rapture.</p>
<p>Ray, a writer for the evangelical Christian publication Unsealed, views this eclipse as one of several astronomical signs that the day when Christians will be whisked away from the Earth is fast approaching.</p>
<p>“The Bible says a number of times that there’s going to be signs in the heavens before Jesus Christ returns to Earth. We see this as possibly one of those,” Ray said about the eclipse.</p>
<p>He is even more interested in another astronomical event that will occur 33 days after the eclipse, on Sept. 23, 2017.</p>
<p>The Book of Revelation, which is full of extraordinary imagery, describes a woman “clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head” who gives birth to a boy who will “rule all the nations with an iron scepter” while she is threatened by a red, seven-headed dragon. The woman then grows the wings of an eagle and is swallowed up by the earth.</p>
<p>Ray says that image will be created in the sky on Sept. 23. The constellation Virgo – representing the woman – will be clothed in sunlight, in a position that is over the moon and under nine stars and three planets. The planet Jupiter, which will have been inside Virgo – in her womb, in Ray’s interpretation – will move out of Virgo, as if she is giving birth.</p>
<p>Astronomers don’t see this as a particularly unusual event. But to Ray and others, it could be the sign that the Rapture is ready to happen: “We think it’s God signaling to us that he’s about to make His next move.”</p>
<p>And Ray thinks the two eclipses that are slated to travel across the United States in 2017 and 2024, together marking an X across the nation, could be the starting and ending signs bookmarking a seven-year period of awful tribulations that Revelations says waits in store for nonbelievers who are left behind on Earth when the Rapture occurs.</p>
<p>“That time frame is speculative, 2017 to 2024. But it makes a lot of sense. There are a lot of things that really point us to that,” he said.</p>
<p>Therefore, the eclipse preparation that Ray recommends is a bit different from the scientists’ association’s advice.</p>
<p>“My number one encouragement to people would be to just trust God. More importantly, to trust the right God,” he said, warning that those who do not believe when the day of the Rapture comes will be left behind to face the tribulations. “If people want to be ready, the one thing you can do is accept what He has offered, which is the gift of grace and forgiveness. That’s all we have to do to be ready.”</p>
<p>University of Redlands astronomer Tyler Nordgren, who is advising the National Park Service on handling this eclipse, looked at prior events. Just a partial eclipse, not a total one, set visitor records in 2012 when it crossed through National Park Service sites in the Southwest. For this summer, he told the Park Service, “Imagine the biggest event you’ve ever had, and double it.”</p>
<p>So come August, even nonbelievers looking out at the crowds on the eclipse path may find themselves comparing it to an apocalyptic event. For one Eastern Oregon park, Nordgren predicts 25,000 to 50,000 sky-watchers. The park has one toilet.</p>
| false | 2 |
easy understand many people view act god total solar eclipse cross america summer event last happened 99 years ago important moment scientific observers massive nationwide spectator event also many people faith evidence gods majesty even harbinger coming end world dont think accident god put us human beings earth actually see total solar eclipses think god wants us make discoveries said hugh ross astronomer minister would argue god purpose made universe beautiful one beauties solar eclipse advertisement ross leading trip watch eclipse 80 people interested finding spirituality science theyll travel dirt road field eastern oregon wait sun blotted across country church groups solar eclipse isnt rare moon always rotating around earth earth rotates around sun usually moon appears slightly higher lower sunlight hits earth twice year right smack front moon blocks sun daytime thats least partial solar eclipse total eclipse occurs shadow falls tiny part earth 60 100 miles wide moves thousand miles course hours much earth water almost always happens ocean last total solar eclipse visible continental united states 1979 corner pacific northwest something like summers event many people land see total solar eclipse exceptionally rare although united states actually experience another one crossing opposite diagonal swath country 2024 august path totality cuts across entire country every single spot continental united states see eclipse 60 percent means anyone country step outside see darkness monday august eclipsewatchers including jay pasachoff williams college astronomer traveled around world witness astonishing 65 eclipses say one truly see totality really grasp aweinspiring nature eclipse even 99 percent pasachoff said nowhere near dramatic moment totally goes dark last two minutes 40 seconds totality basically universe gets million times darker pasachoff said absolutely necessary path totality poor second side advertisement ross clergy planning showcase eclipse scientific religious event stunning experience seeing totality opportunity discussing gods handiwork ross researcher california institute technology would take fellow scientists hiking trips sierra nevada said would say yeah gorgeous would say beautiful would always lead discussion christian faith said reason opportunity use natural beauty tool evangelism thinks eclipse popular christian event lot leaders churches going encouraging people said go see eclipse august certainly church leaders idea visitors far europe asia started booking hotel rooms months ago sleepy little corners wyoming idaho able see eclipse population living long path totality oregon carolinas 12 million people count angela speck cochair american association advancement sciences task force 2017 eclipse speck says another 12 million many could easily visit eclipse date nearly everyone continental united states lives within one days drive eclipse path 4 percent country decided wanted drive right spot day see sun go dark 12 million would turn 24 million overnight theres precedent 1991 speck said many people tried enter mexico see total eclipse country closed parts borders speck others involved years eclipse preparation concerned rural communities eclipse path wont prepared massive traffic jams food water needs hordes visitors safety glasses every eclipsewatcher cost dollar supplying one every american may look total partial eclipse staggering task certain religious communities talk surrounding eclipse different sort preparation gary ray isnt worried travel plans adequate eye protection hes focused rapture ray writer evangelical christian publication unsealed views eclipse one several astronomical signs day christians whisked away earth fast approaching bible says number times theres going signs heavens jesus christ returns earth see possibly one ray said eclipse even interested another astronomical event occur 33 days eclipse sept 23 2017 book revelation full extraordinary imagery describes woman clothed sun moon feet crown twelve stars head gives birth boy rule nations iron scepter threatened red sevenheaded dragon woman grows wings eagle swallowed earth ray says image created sky sept 23 constellation virgo representing woman clothed sunlight position moon nine stars three planets planet jupiter inside virgo womb rays interpretation move virgo giving birth astronomers dont see particularly unusual event ray others could sign rapture ready happen think god signaling us hes make next move ray thinks two eclipses slated travel across united states 2017 2024 together marking x across nation could starting ending signs bookmarking sevenyear period awful tribulations revelations says waits store nonbelievers left behind earth rapture occurs time frame speculative 2017 2024 makes lot sense lot things really point us said therefore eclipse preparation ray recommends bit different scientists associations advice number one encouragement people would trust god importantly trust right god said warning believe day rapture comes left behind face tribulations people want ready one thing accept offered gift grace forgiveness thats ready university redlands astronomer tyler nordgren advising national park service handling eclipse looked prior events partial eclipse total one set visitor records 2012 crossed national park service sites southwest summer told park service imagine biggest event youve ever double come august even nonbelievers looking crowds eclipse path may find comparing apocalyptic event one eastern oregon park nordgren predicts 25000 50000 skywatchers park one toilet
| 800 |
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p>DALLAS (AP) — Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson flashed a few smiles when his bid to save the city’s NBA franchise finally succeeded. Just not too many.</p>
<p>The former All-Star guard didn’t want to celebrate at the expense of Seattle after league owners voted Wednesday to reject, once and for all, an aggressive bid to move the Sacramento Kings.</p>
<p>“I went to Seattle,” said Johnson, who spent all but the first 52 games of his 12-year career with the Phoenix Suns. “I played against those fans in that community. It’s a great sports town, it’s a great basketball community. And for them to come up a little short, especially with what happened in 2008 to have lost their team, that’s devastating. That’s why we fought so hard.”</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>NBA owners decided to follow the recommendation of their relocation committee, and Commissioner David Stern promptly announced that he hoped to have a deal in place in 48 hours with a group that wants to buy the team from the Maloof brothers.</p>
<p>“And now we think that because the Maloofs have overall been very good for Sacramento and the Kings and the NBA, that they will be motivated to do something fast so that the franchise can get cracking,” Stern said.</p>
<p>The 22-8 vote by the Board of Governors rejected a deal that would have sold a 65 percent controlling interest at a total franchise valuation of $625 million to a Seattle group led by investor Chris Hansen, who boosted the offer twice after the NBA showed an unwillingness to relocate.</p>
<p>Now the Maloofs will try to complete a deal at Hansen’s original price of $525 million — still topping the NBA record of $450 million — with a group put together by Johnson and fronted by TIBCO software chairman Vivek Ranadive. The plan includes a new downtown arena.</p>
<p>“I think that once Sacramento got engaged in doing this and being able to deliver on the promise, which didn’t really exist when the original deal was made in Seattle, that the principal advantage to the incumbent was going to prevail,” Stern said. “Nobody had any doubt that the same or similar thing could happen in Seattle. It was just, do you give the edge to a city that has a 28-year history of support?”</p>
<p>The vote ended an emotional saga that has dragged on for nearly three years. Hansen wanted to move the franchise and rename it the SuperSonics, who left Seattle for Oklahoma City in 2008 and were renamed the Thunder.</p>
<p>Hansen said in a statement posted on his website that he hoped to pursue a minority ownership role with the Maloofs, but Ranadive said his partners “haven’t really considered” the Maloofs maintaining a stake in the franchise.</p>
<p>Stern praised Hansen’s proposal and said the NBA might consider expansion once a new TV deal is in place, but said “we don’t have anything concrete.”</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>“Our day will come, and when it does, it will just be that much sweeter for the struggle,” Hansen said.</p>
<p>It’s the second time since 2011 that the Maloof brothers have made plans that would have ended in relocation for the Kings. The first target was Anaheim, Calif., but Johnson convinced the NBA to give the city another chance to finance a new arena.</p>
<p>Johnson delivered on a promise for a plan for a new downtown arena with help from Stern, but the Maloofs backed out, saying it didn’t make financial sense.</p>
<p>The Maloofs had another surprise when they announced a deal in January with Hansen’s group, which includes Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and members of the Nordstrom department store family.</p>
<p>Johnson fought back again, this time lining up an ownership group led by Ranadive and getting the Sacramento City Council to approve a non-binding financing plan for a $447 million arena with a $258 million public subsidy.</p>
<p>“This is an ownership group that’s played to win and kept us in the game, and put us in a situation where ultimately over the next couple days, if things go right, we can close this out and move to a new chapter in Sacramento,” Johnson said.</p>
<p>In a letter sent to the relocation and finance committees during its April 17 meeting, the Maloofs said they preferred to sell to the Seattle group and expressed discontent with Sacramento’s bid, saying it fell “significantly short.”</p>
<p>After Wednesday’s vote, however, George Maloof denied that his family wasn’t willing to sell to the Ranadive group and that the league was pressuring them to do so.</p>
<p>“It’s been a fair process, a very fair process,” Maloof said.</p>
<p>Hansen spent nearly two years working to get an arena plan approved by the city and county governments and spent more than $65 million buying land in Seattle’s SoDo neighborhood where the arena would be built. Hansen has a five-year memorandum of understanding with the city and county on the arena plan.</p>
<p>A small crowd at a Seattle restaurant was subdued as word spread that the franchise wasn’t coming, while horns blared and cheers erupted from bars in Sacramento.</p>
<p>“In Kevin Johnson we trust,” said season-ticket holder Jim Amen, who wore the jersey of No. 16 Peja Stojakovic, the Kings’ first-round draft pick in 1996. “This meant a lot to our city. It’s not just about basketball, but about revitalizing our downtown.”</p>
<p>About a dozen Sacramento supporters wearing Kings jerseys and “Small Market Big Heart” T-shirts waited most of the day in the Dallas hotel to hear what turned out to be good news. Not so for a handful of fans in green and gold hoping for the return of the Sonics.</p>
<p>“It’s been a roller coaster for both cities, but we’ve never looked at this as a competition between Seattle and Sacramento,” Johnson said. “We thought this was about what we needed to do to keep our team in Sacramento. We’d take a back seat to no city when it comes to the way we support our team.”</p>
<p>Now they have the backing of NBA owners.</p>
| false | 2 |
dallas ap sacramento mayor kevin johnson flashed smiles bid save citys nba franchise finally succeeded many former allstar guard didnt want celebrate expense seattle league owners voted wednesday reject aggressive bid move sacramento kings went seattle said johnson spent first 52 games 12year career phoenix suns played fans community great sports town great basketball community come little short especially happened 2008 lost team thats devastating thats fought hard advertisement nba owners decided follow recommendation relocation committee commissioner david stern promptly announced hoped deal place 48 hours group wants buy team maloof brothers think maloofs overall good sacramento kings nba motivated something fast franchise get cracking stern said 228 vote board governors rejected deal would sold 65 percent controlling interest total franchise valuation 625 million seattle group led investor chris hansen boosted offer twice nba showed unwillingness relocate maloofs try complete deal hansens original price 525 million still topping nba record 450 million group put together johnson fronted tibco software chairman vivek ranadive plan includes new downtown arena think sacramento got engaged able deliver promise didnt really exist original deal made seattle principal advantage incumbent going prevail stern said nobody doubt similar thing could happen seattle give edge city 28year history support vote ended emotional saga dragged nearly three years hansen wanted move franchise rename supersonics left seattle oklahoma city 2008 renamed thunder hansen said statement posted website hoped pursue minority ownership role maloofs ranadive said partners havent really considered maloofs maintaining stake franchise stern praised hansens proposal said nba might consider expansion new tv deal place said dont anything concrete advertisement day come much sweeter struggle hansen said second time since 2011 maloof brothers made plans would ended relocation kings first target anaheim calif johnson convinced nba give city another chance finance new arena johnson delivered promise plan new downtown arena help stern maloofs backed saying didnt make financial sense maloofs another surprise announced deal january hansens group includes microsoft ceo steve ballmer members nordstrom department store family johnson fought back time lining ownership group led ranadive getting sacramento city council approve nonbinding financing plan 447 million arena 258 million public subsidy ownership group thats played win kept us game put us situation ultimately next couple days things go right close move new chapter sacramento johnson said letter sent relocation finance committees april 17 meeting maloofs said preferred sell seattle group expressed discontent sacramentos bid saying fell significantly short wednesdays vote however george maloof denied family wasnt willing sell ranadive group league pressuring fair process fair process maloof said hansen spent nearly two years working get arena plan approved city county governments spent 65 million buying land seattles sodo neighborhood arena would built hansen fiveyear memorandum understanding city county arena plan small crowd seattle restaurant subdued word spread franchise wasnt coming horns blared cheers erupted bars sacramento kevin johnson trust said seasonticket holder jim amen wore jersey 16 peja stojakovic kings firstround draft pick 1996 meant lot city basketball revitalizing downtown dozen sacramento supporters wearing kings jerseys small market big heart tshirts waited day dallas hotel hear turned good news handful fans green gold hoping return sonics roller coaster cities weve never looked competition seattle sacramento johnson said thought needed keep team sacramento wed take back seat city comes way support team backing nba owners
| 545 |
<p>Jan 23 (Reuters) - Teekay Corp:</p>
<p>* TEEKAY CORPORATION ANNOUNCES PROPOSED CONVERTIBLE SENIOR NOTES OFFERING</p>
<p>* TEEKAY CORP - COMMENCED OFFERING TO SELL $100 MILLION AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF CONVERTIBLE SENIOR NOTES DUE 2023</p>
<p>* TEEKAY CORP - EXPECTS TO USE NET PROCEEDS FROM OFFERINGS FOR REPAYING A PORTION OF ITS OUTSTANDING INDEBTEDNESS Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage:</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States on Friday charged nine Iranians and an Iranian company with attempting to hack into hundreds of U.S. and international universities, dozens of companies and parts of the U.S. government on behalf of the Tehran government.</p> U.S. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein speaks at a news conference with other law enforcement officials at the Justice Department to announce nine Iranians charged with conducting massive cyber theft campaign, in Washington, U.S., March 23, 2018. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas
<p>The cyber attack pilfered more than 31 terabytes of academic data and intellectual property from 144 U.S. universities and 176 universities in 21 foreign countries, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a statement.</p>
<p>The U.S. Treasury Department said on its website that it was placing sanctions on those accused and the Mabna Institute, a company described by U.S. prosecutors as designed to help Iranian research organizations steal information.</p>
<p>“These defendants are now fugitives of justice,” U.S. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein said at a press conference, warning that they may face extradition in more than 100 countries if they travel outside of Iran.</p>
<p>The action is the fourth time in the past few months that the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has blamed a foreign government for major cyber attacks, a practice that was relatively rare under the Obama administration.</p> U.S. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein speaks at a news conference with other law enforcement officials at the Justice Department to announce nine Iranians charged with conducting massive cyber theft campaign, in Washington, U.S., March 23, 2018. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas
<p>The campaign targeted the email accounts of more than 100,000 professors worldwide and compromised about 8,000 of them, the Justice Department said, describing the conspiracy as one of the largest state-sponsored hacking sprees prosecuted.</p>
<p>Hackers also targeted the U.S. Labor Department, the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the United Nations, prosecutors said.</p> Slideshow (4 Images)
<p>Last week, the administration accused the Russian government of cyber attacks stretching back at least two years that targeted the U.S. power grid. Washington imposed new sanctions on 19 Russians and five groups, including Moscow’s intelligence services, for meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and other cyber attacks.</p>
<p>The Obama administration in 2016 indicted seven Iranians for distributed-denial-of-service attacks on dozens of U.S. banks and for trying to shut down a New York dam. Those hackers were also accused of working on behalf of Iran’s government.</p>
<p>On Friday, the Treasury department named the Iran-based Mabna Institute and Behzad Mesri, also known as “Skote Vahshat,” who was charged in 2017 with hacking cable TV network HBO.</p>
<p>Reporting by Dustin Volz and Lisa Lambert; editing by Susan Heavey and Grant McCool</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>TREBES, France (Reuters) - Three people were killed in southwestern France on Friday when a gunman held up a car, opened fire on police and then took hostages in a supermarket, screaming “Allahu Akbar”.</p>
<p>Police later stormed the supermarket in the small town of Trebes and Interior Minister Gerard Collomb said on Twitter that the attacker had been killed.</p>
<p>(Graphic: France hostages - <a href="http://tmsnrt.rs/2pCMp4m" type="external">tmsnrt.rs/2pCMp4m</a>)</p>
<p>A source at the Interior Ministry said two had died at the hostage-taking in Trebes. “It is a provisional assessment as it could unfortunately get worse. Three people are wounded, including one of them seriously,” the source said.</p>
<p>Later, a police union official said the attacker had also killed one person with a bullet in the head in the nearby historic town of Carcassonne before the hostage-taking.</p>
<p>French President Emmanuel Macron said the incident appeared to be a terrorist attack and security forces were securing the area.</p>
<p>Eric Menassi, the mayor of Trebes, told BFM TV that the hostage-taker was now alone with one police officer in the supermarket and all other hostages were free.</p>
<p>The station reported that the hostage-taker has claimed allegiance to Islamic State and that he has demanded the release of Salah Abdeslam - the prime surviving suspect in the Islamic State attacks that killed 130 people in Paris in 2015.</p>
<p>A 45-year-old lieutenant-colonel swapped himself in exchange for one of the hostages, a source close to the investigation said later, confirming information first published by Le Figaro newspaper.</p>
<p>More than 240 people have been killed in France in attacks since 2015 by assailants who pledged allegiance to, or were inspired by, Islamic State.</p> French police officers secure the area during a security operation in Carcassonne, near the supermarket of Trebes, France, March 23, 2018. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau COLD ROOM
<p>First the gunman held up a car, killing one person and wounding another. Then he fired one police officers in Carcassone, wounding an officer in the shoulder before heading to Trebes about 8 km (5 miles) to the east, where two more died in the Super-U supermarket.</p>
<p>Menassi also told LCI TV that the man had entered the shop in Trebes screaming “Allahu Akbar, (God is greatest) I’ll kill you all”.</p> Slideshow (3 Images)
<p>Carole, who was shopping at the supermarket, described how people had taken refuge in a cold room.</p>
<p>“A man shouted and fired several times. I saw a cold room door, I asked people to come and take shelter,” she told Franceinfo radio. “We were ten, and we stayed an hour. There were more gunshots and we went out the back door.”</p>
<p>French investigators believe they have identified the hostage-taker. The man is known to the intelligence services and flagged in a database of radicalized Islamist militants, Franceinfo reported.</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-france-security-attacker/france-attacker-known-for-petty-crimes-not-considered-islamist-threat-minister-idUSKBN1GZ26T" type="external">France attacker known for petty crimes, not considered Islamist threat: minister</a>
<p>Police in helmets and body armor took up positions around the Super-U supermarket.</p>
<p>The Paris prosecutor’s office said counter-terrorism prosecutors were investigating the incident but did not comment on the possible Islamic State allegiance.</p>
<p>Earlier, the Interior Ministry had said security forces were carrying out an operation at a supermarket in southern France. Interior Minister Gerard Collomb was on his way.</p>
<p>The UNSA police union also said on Twitter a police operation was underway after an individual had earlier shot at four officers in the Carcassone region, wounding one of them.</p>
<p>Reporting by Johanna Decorse in Toulouse, John Irish, Leigh Thomas, Emmanuel Jarry and Bate Felix in Paris; Writing by Ingrid Melander and David Stamp; Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>TREBES, France (Reuters) - The man who killed at least three people in attacks in southern France was a 26-year old known for petty crimes and possession of drugs, Interior Minister Gerard Collomb told reporters, adding that he acted alone.</p>
<p>Collomb named the attacker as Redouane Lakdim and said he was from nearby Carcassonne, where the attacks started.</p>
<p>“He was known for petty crimes. We had monitored him and thought there was no radicalization,” Collomb said.</p>
<p>Reporting by Johanna Decorse in Trebes and Michel Rose and John Irish in Paris; Writing by Ingrid Melander; editing by John Irish</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union member states agreed at a summit in Brussels to take further punitive steps against Russia in the coming days for the nerve agent attack in Salisbury, as Moscow accused the bloc of joining a London-driven hate campaign against it.</p>
<p>Late on Thursday, in a boost for British Prime Minister Theresa May, the 28-member EU collectively condemned the attack on a former Russian spy and said it was “highly likely” Moscow was responsible. They also recalled the EU ambassador to Russia.</p>
<p>“Additional steps are expected as early as Monday at the national level,” summit chair Donald Tusk told reporters.</p>
<p>French President Emmanuel Macron said Paris and Berlin would be among countries taking further rapid and coordinated measures which other leaders said would include the expulsion of Russian officials and possible other retaliatory actions.</p>
<p>“We consider this attack a serious challenge to our security and European sovereignty so it calls for a coordinated and determined response from the European Union and its member states,” Macron told a news conference.</p>
<p>Standing beside him, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said EU countries would debate what measures to take “and then act”.</p>
<p>One senior official familiar with discussions said the extent of measures in the coming weeks could be “surprising” and not confined to expulsions. There is no talk of more economic sanctions, whose enforcement has divided the EU in the past.</p>
<p>Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis said he was likely to announce the expulsion of several people on Monday, after returning to Prague and consulting with his foreign minister.</p>
<p>Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite said she was ready to expel Russian spies, whose activities she said were deeply harmful: “It is certain that a coordinated action will be taken next week, maybe at the start of it,” she said. “It’s absolutely obvious that the network exists and that it acts aggressively.”</p>
<p>Romanian President Klaus Iohannis stressed that national governments wanted to retain control of the details in an area where they guard their sovereignty from Brussels. But most of those present would go home and prepare suitable steps.</p>
<p>Russia has denied responsibility for the March 4 attack on former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter, the first known offensive use of a nerve toxin in Europe since World War Two. A British judge said on Thursday that both victims may have suffered brain damage from the attack.</p> Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May is flanked by French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel before their trilateral meeting at the European Union leaders summit in Brussels, Belgium. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir BRITISH EXPELLED
<p>Moscow retaliated against May’s move to expel 23 Russians by announcing the expulsion of the same number of Britons.</p>
<p>On Friday, the Russian foreign ministry described the EU accusation as “baseless” and accused the bloc of spurning cooperation with Moscow and joining “another anti-Russian campaign deployed by London and its allies overseas with an obvious goal: to put another obstacle on the path to the normalization of the situation on the European continent”.</p>
<p>In Moscow, the expulsion of British diplomats went ahead, a convoy of minibuses speeding out of the embassy compound to applause after British embassy staff said their goodbyes in the courtyard under a light snowfall.</p> Slideshow (9 Images)
<p>A special charter flight is expected to fly the diplomats back to Britain later on Friday.&#160;&#160;&#160;</p>
<p>France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, on a visit to Kiev, signaled that Paris was considering expelling Russian diplomats in solidarity with Britain. “You will see,” he said.</p>
<p>The summit statement hardened previous EU language on Russia’s alleged role as French President Emmanuel Macron and others helped May overcome hesitation on the part of some of Moscow’s friendlier states, some of whom questioned how definitive Britain’s evidence is.</p>
<p>“What we will now consider in the coming days is whether we want to take individual action relating to Russian diplomats in Ireland,” Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar told reporters.</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-britain-russia-eu-babis/czech-pm-babis-says-will-probably-expel-russian-spies-idUSKBN1GZ1OC" type="external">Czech PM Babis says will 'probably' expel Russian spies</a>
<a href="/article/us-britain-russia-eu-skripal/russia-says-europe-being-drawn-into-anglo-american-anti-russia-campaign-idUSKBN1GZ1BW" type="external">Russia says Europe being drawn into Anglo-American anti-Russia campaign</a>
<p>“We’re not going to expel people randomly.”</p>
<p>Welcoming the solidarity she secured from the summit, May told reporters on leaving: “The threat from Russia is one that respects no borders and I think it is clear that Russia is challenging the values we share as Europeans and it is right that we stand together in defense of those values.”</p>
<p>Still, some said they could ill afford Russian retaliation against their own Moscow embassies, some of which employ barely a handful of accredited diplomats.</p>
<p>Austria said it did not plan to expel Russians.</p>
<p>Additional reporting by Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber and Dmitry Madorsky in Moscow and Richard Lough, Gabriela Baczynska, Robin Emmott and Elizabeth Piper in Brussels; Editing by Richard Balmforth and Alastair Macdonald</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
| false | 2 |
jan 23 reuters teekay corp teekay corporation announces proposed convertible senior notes offering teekay corp commenced offering sell 100 million aggregate principal amount convertible senior notes due 2023 teekay corp expects use net proceeds offerings repaying portion outstanding indebtedness source text eikon company coverage standards thomson reuters trust principles washington reuters united states friday charged nine iranians iranian company attempting hack hundreds us international universities dozens companies parts us government behalf tehran government us deputy attorney general rod rosenstein speaks news conference law enforcement officials justice department announce nine iranians charged conducting massive cyber theft campaign washington us march 23 2018 reutersyuri gripas cyber attack pilfered 31 terabytes academic data intellectual property 144 us universities 176 universities 21 foreign countries us department justice said statement us treasury department said website placing sanctions accused mabna institute company described us prosecutors designed help iranian research organizations steal information defendants fugitives justice us deputy attorney general rod rosenstein said press conference warning may face extradition 100 countries travel outside iran action fourth time past months administration us president donald trump blamed foreign government major cyber attacks practice relatively rare obama administration us deputy attorney general rod rosenstein speaks news conference law enforcement officials justice department announce nine iranians charged conducting massive cyber theft campaign washington us march 23 2018 reutersyuri gripas campaign targeted email accounts 100000 professors worldwide compromised 8000 justice department said describing conspiracy one largest statesponsored hacking sprees prosecuted hackers also targeted us labor department us federal energy regulatory commission united nations prosecutors said slideshow 4 images last week administration accused russian government cyber attacks stretching back least two years targeted us power grid washington imposed new sanctions 19 russians five groups including moscows intelligence services meddling 2016 us presidential election cyber attacks obama administration 2016 indicted seven iranians distributeddenialofservice attacks dozens us banks trying shut new york dam hackers also accused working behalf irans government friday treasury department named iranbased mabna institute behzad mesri also known skote vahshat charged 2017 hacking cable tv network hbo reporting dustin volz lisa lambert editing susan heavey grant mccool standards thomson reuters trust principles trebes france reuters three people killed southwestern france friday gunman held car opened fire police took hostages supermarket screaming allahu akbar police later stormed supermarket small town trebes interior minister gerard collomb said twitter attacker killed graphic france hostages tmsnrtrs2pcmp4m source interior ministry said two died hostagetaking trebes provisional assessment could unfortunately get worse three people wounded including one seriously source said later police union official said attacker also killed one person bullet head nearby historic town carcassonne hostagetaking french president emmanuel macron said incident appeared terrorist attack security forces securing area eric menassi mayor trebes told bfm tv hostagetaker alone one police officer supermarket hostages free station reported hostagetaker claimed allegiance islamic state demanded release salah abdeslam prime surviving suspect islamic state attacks killed 130 people paris 2015 45yearold lieutenantcolonel swapped exchange one hostages source close investigation said later confirming information first published le figaro newspaper 240 people killed france attacks since 2015 assailants pledged allegiance inspired islamic state french police officers secure area security operation carcassonne near supermarket trebes france march 23 2018 reutersregis duvignau cold room first gunman held car killing one person wounding another fired one police officers carcassone wounding officer shoulder heading trebes 8 km 5 miles east two died superu supermarket menassi also told lci tv man entered shop trebes screaming allahu akbar god greatest ill kill slideshow 3 images carole shopping supermarket described people taken refuge cold room man shouted fired several times saw cold room door asked people come take shelter told franceinfo radio ten stayed hour gunshots went back door french investigators believe identified hostagetaker man known intelligence services flagged database radicalized islamist militants franceinfo reported related coverage france attacker known petty crimes considered islamist threat minister police helmets body armor took positions around superu supermarket paris prosecutors office said counterterrorism prosecutors investigating incident comment possible islamic state allegiance earlier interior ministry said security forces carrying operation supermarket southern france interior minister gerard collomb way unsa police union also said twitter police operation underway individual earlier shot four officers carcassone region wounding one reporting johanna decorse toulouse john irish leigh thomas emmanuel jarry bate felix paris writing ingrid melander david stamp editing matthew mpoke bigg standards thomson reuters trust principles trebes france reuters man killed least three people attacks southern france 26year old known petty crimes possession drugs interior minister gerard collomb told reporters adding acted alone collomb named attacker redouane lakdim said nearby carcassonne attacks started known petty crimes monitored thought radicalization collomb said reporting johanna decorse trebes michel rose john irish paris writing ingrid melander editing john irish standards thomson reuters trust principles brussels reuters european union member states agreed summit brussels take punitive steps russia coming days nerve agent attack salisbury moscow accused bloc joining londondriven hate campaign late thursday boost british prime minister theresa may 28member eu collectively condemned attack former russian spy said highly likely moscow responsible also recalled eu ambassador russia additional steps expected early monday national level summit chair donald tusk told reporters french president emmanuel macron said paris berlin would among countries taking rapid coordinated measures leaders said would include expulsion russian officials possible retaliatory actions consider attack serious challenge security european sovereignty calls coordinated determined response european union member states macron told news conference standing beside german chancellor angela merkel said eu countries would debate measures take act one senior official familiar discussions said extent measures coming weeks could surprising confined expulsions talk economic sanctions whose enforcement divided eu past czech prime minister andrej babis said likely announce expulsion several people monday returning prague consulting foreign minister lithuanian president dalia grybauskaite said ready expel russian spies whose activities said deeply harmful certain coordinated action taken next week maybe start said absolutely obvious network exists acts aggressively romanian president klaus iohannis stressed national governments wanted retain control details area guard sovereignty brussels present would go home prepare suitable steps russia denied responsibility march 4 attack former russian spy sergei skripal daughter first known offensive use nerve toxin europe since world war two british judge said thursday victims may suffered brain damage attack britains prime minister theresa may flanked french president emmanuel macron german chancellor angela merkel trilateral meeting european union leaders summit brussels belgium reutersfrancois lenoir british expelled moscow retaliated mays move expel 23 russians announcing expulsion number britons friday russian foreign ministry described eu accusation baseless accused bloc spurning cooperation moscow joining another antirussian campaign deployed london allies overseas obvious goal put another obstacle path normalization situation european continent moscow expulsion british diplomats went ahead convoy minibuses speeding embassy compound applause british embassy staff said goodbyes courtyard light snowfall slideshow 9 images special charter flight expected fly diplomats back britain later friday160160160 frances foreign minister jeanyves le drian visit kiev signaled paris considering expelling russian diplomats solidarity britain see said summit statement hardened previous eu language russias alleged role french president emmanuel macron others helped may overcome hesitation part moscows friendlier states questioned definitive britains evidence consider coming days whether want take individual action relating russian diplomats ireland irish prime minister leo varadkar told reporters related coverage czech pm babis says probably expel russian spies russia says europe drawn angloamerican antirussia campaign going expel people randomly welcoming solidarity secured summit may told reporters leaving threat russia one respects borders think clear russia challenging values share europeans right stand together defense values still said could ill afford russian retaliation moscow embassies employ barely handful accredited diplomats austria said plan expel russians additional reporting gabrielle tetraultfarber dmitry madorsky moscow richard lough gabriela baczynska robin emmott elizabeth piper brussels editing richard balmforth alastair macdonald standards thomson reuters trust principles
| 1,284 |
<p>LOS ANGELES (AP) — The powerful earthquake that struck beneath the Gulf of Alaska early Tuesday generated a tsunami, but before gauges could show that it was very small, warnings went out to a vast swath of the state and British Columbia, while a lower-level alert targeted the rest of the West Coast.</p>
<p>The magnitude-7.9 earthquake set in motion complex analysis that eventually downgraded and called off all alerts in less than four hours, but the protocol for the initial warnings only considered magnitude and location, said David Hale, a lead decision maker at the National Tsunami Warning Center in Palmer, Alaska.</p>
<p>“We don’t have the luxury of time to be able to gather the data necessary to determine whether there is or is not a wave,” Hale said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press.</p>
<p>In deep water, a tsunami can travel at speeds in excess of 500 mph (805 kph), meaning residents of nearby coasts need to move immediately toward high ground or tall buildings.</p>
<p>The quake struck at 12:32 a.m. and was centered about 175 miles (280 kilometers) southeast of the city of Kodiak. It was given a preliminary magnitude of 8.0, upgraded briefly to 8.2 and then lowered to 7.9.</p>
<p>A 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck off Alaska’s Kodiak Island early Tuesday, prompting a tsunami warning for a large swath of the state’s coast and leading officials to urge residents to seek higher ground. (Jan. 23)</p>
<p>In the meantime, protocol tied to the initial magnitude and its location relatively near the coast required a “local” tsunami warning, encompassing the vast span from Attu Island in the westernmost Aleutian Islands to the border between British Columbia and Washington state.</p>
<p>The rest of the U.S. West Coast south to the California-Mexico border was put on a watch, indicating “something has occurred in the area that could have impacts at some point” and the need to pay attention to announcements, Hale said.</p>
<p>An earthquake generates a tsunami by forcing ocean water upward as one side of a fault rupture goes up and the other side goes down. But how the quake happens makes a difference. An undersea quake on a so-called thrust fault lifts a great deal of land and therefore more water. Another kind of fault, called a strike-slip, moves horizontally to the sea floor and pushes up less water.</p>
<p>After the initial alerts went out, the National Tsunami Warning Center turned to using models and looking at tide gauges in the area, Hale said.</p>
<p>Within 20 or 30 minutes, it was almost certain the quake occurred on a strike-slip fault that moves less water. After about 40 minutes, gauges showed that a tsunami had been generated, and officials compared data about the extent of the wave with the models.</p>
<p>Three tsunami-detection buoys in the area also detected the wave and showed it was small.</p>
<p>“At that point, we began whittling down the areas that are actually placed in alerts,” Hale said.</p>
<p>At 3:12 a.m., the center issued its fifth message, confirming a tsunami, canceling warnings and watches but leaving south Alaska and the Alaska peninsula under a low-level advisory to expect some effects.</p>
<p>The center canceled that advisory an hour later and reported the maximum tsunami height was 0.7 of a foot (0.21 of a meter) at Old Harbor, Alaska.</p>
<p>LOS ANGELES (AP) — The powerful earthquake that struck beneath the Gulf of Alaska early Tuesday generated a tsunami, but before gauges could show that it was very small, warnings went out to a vast swath of the state and British Columbia, while a lower-level alert targeted the rest of the West Coast.</p>
<p>The magnitude-7.9 earthquake set in motion complex analysis that eventually downgraded and called off all alerts in less than four hours, but the protocol for the initial warnings only considered magnitude and location, said David Hale, a lead decision maker at the National Tsunami Warning Center in Palmer, Alaska.</p>
<p>“We don’t have the luxury of time to be able to gather the data necessary to determine whether there is or is not a wave,” Hale said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press.</p>
<p>In deep water, a tsunami can travel at speeds in excess of 500 mph (805 kph), meaning residents of nearby coasts need to move immediately toward high ground or tall buildings.</p>
<p>The quake struck at 12:32 a.m. and was centered about 175 miles (280 kilometers) southeast of the city of Kodiak. It was given a preliminary magnitude of 8.0, upgraded briefly to 8.2 and then lowered to 7.9.</p>
<p>A 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck off Alaska’s Kodiak Island early Tuesday, prompting a tsunami warning for a large swath of the state’s coast and leading officials to urge residents to seek higher ground. (Jan. 23)</p>
<p>In the meantime, protocol tied to the initial magnitude and its location relatively near the coast required a “local” tsunami warning, encompassing the vast span from Attu Island in the westernmost Aleutian Islands to the border between British Columbia and Washington state.</p>
<p>The rest of the U.S. West Coast south to the California-Mexico border was put on a watch, indicating “something has occurred in the area that could have impacts at some point” and the need to pay attention to announcements, Hale said.</p>
<p>An earthquake generates a tsunami by forcing ocean water upward as one side of a fault rupture goes up and the other side goes down. But how the quake happens makes a difference. An undersea quake on a so-called thrust fault lifts a great deal of land and therefore more water. Another kind of fault, called a strike-slip, moves horizontally to the sea floor and pushes up less water.</p>
<p>After the initial alerts went out, the National Tsunami Warning Center turned to using models and looking at tide gauges in the area, Hale said.</p>
<p>Within 20 or 30 minutes, it was almost certain the quake occurred on a strike-slip fault that moves less water. After about 40 minutes, gauges showed that a tsunami had been generated, and officials compared data about the extent of the wave with the models.</p>
<p>Three tsunami-detection buoys in the area also detected the wave and showed it was small.</p>
<p>“At that point, we began whittling down the areas that are actually placed in alerts,” Hale said.</p>
<p>At 3:12 a.m., the center issued its fifth message, confirming a tsunami, canceling warnings and watches but leaving south Alaska and the Alaska peninsula under a low-level advisory to expect some effects.</p>
<p>The center canceled that advisory an hour later and reported the maximum tsunami height was 0.7 of a foot (0.21 of a meter) at Old Harbor, Alaska.</p>
| false | 2 |
los angeles ap powerful earthquake struck beneath gulf alaska early tuesday generated tsunami gauges could show small warnings went vast swath state british columbia lowerlevel alert targeted rest west coast magnitude79 earthquake set motion complex analysis eventually downgraded called alerts less four hours protocol initial warnings considered magnitude location said david hale lead decision maker national tsunami warning center palmer alaska dont luxury time able gather data necessary determine whether wave hale said telephone interview associated press deep water tsunami travel speeds excess 500 mph 805 kph meaning residents nearby coasts need move immediately toward high ground tall buildings quake struck 1232 centered 175 miles 280 kilometers southeast city kodiak given preliminary magnitude 80 upgraded briefly 82 lowered 79 79 magnitude earthquake struck alaskas kodiak island early tuesday prompting tsunami warning large swath states coast leading officials urge residents seek higher ground jan 23 meantime protocol tied initial magnitude location relatively near coast required local tsunami warning encompassing vast span attu island westernmost aleutian islands border british columbia washington state rest us west coast south californiamexico border put watch indicating something occurred area could impacts point need pay attention announcements hale said earthquake generates tsunami forcing ocean water upward one side fault rupture goes side goes quake happens makes difference undersea quake socalled thrust fault lifts great deal land therefore water another kind fault called strikeslip moves horizontally sea floor pushes less water initial alerts went national tsunami warning center turned using models looking tide gauges area hale said within 20 30 minutes almost certain quake occurred strikeslip fault moves less water 40 minutes gauges showed tsunami generated officials compared data extent wave models three tsunamidetection buoys area also detected wave showed small point began whittling areas actually placed alerts hale said 312 center issued fifth message confirming tsunami canceling warnings watches leaving south alaska alaska peninsula lowlevel advisory expect effects center canceled advisory hour later reported maximum tsunami height 07 foot 021 meter old harbor alaska los angeles ap powerful earthquake struck beneath gulf alaska early tuesday generated tsunami gauges could show small warnings went vast swath state british columbia lowerlevel alert targeted rest west coast magnitude79 earthquake set motion complex analysis eventually downgraded called alerts less four hours protocol initial warnings considered magnitude location said david hale lead decision maker national tsunami warning center palmer alaska dont luxury time able gather data necessary determine whether wave hale said telephone interview associated press deep water tsunami travel speeds excess 500 mph 805 kph meaning residents nearby coasts need move immediately toward high ground tall buildings quake struck 1232 centered 175 miles 280 kilometers southeast city kodiak given preliminary magnitude 80 upgraded briefly 82 lowered 79 79 magnitude earthquake struck alaskas kodiak island early tuesday prompting tsunami warning large swath states coast leading officials urge residents seek higher ground jan 23 meantime protocol tied initial magnitude location relatively near coast required local tsunami warning encompassing vast span attu island westernmost aleutian islands border british columbia washington state rest us west coast south californiamexico border put watch indicating something occurred area could impacts point need pay attention announcements hale said earthquake generates tsunami forcing ocean water upward one side fault rupture goes side goes quake happens makes difference undersea quake socalled thrust fault lifts great deal land therefore water another kind fault called strikeslip moves horizontally sea floor pushes less water initial alerts went national tsunami warning center turned using models looking tide gauges area hale said within 20 30 minutes almost certain quake occurred strikeslip fault moves less water 40 minutes gauges showed tsunami generated officials compared data extent wave models three tsunamidetection buoys area also detected wave showed small point began whittling areas actually placed alerts hale said 312 center issued fifth message confirming tsunami canceling warnings watches leaving south alaska alaska peninsula lowlevel advisory expect effects center canceled advisory hour later reported maximum tsunami height 07 foot 021 meter old harbor alaska
| 654 |
<p>My grandmother used to make jam every year out of the summer bounty of berries. It was a multi-day project involving scorching-hot vats of berries, thickened by pectin and pounds of white sugar, which she balanced with the tang of lemon or lime juice. A simple slab of toasted country bread slathered with her homemade jam and some salted butter was my favorite way to start the day.</p>
<p>Now, in a world that favors high-protein egg whites for breakfast, or if there is a piece of toast to be had, it’s covered in smashed avocado and tomato slices instead of rich red jam, I wondered if it was even worth the hassle to create a healthier version of my Grandma’s recipe. Turns out, it was.</p>
<p>The resulting recipe is so easy, a hefty jar of jam can be whipped up in minutes, keeping my fridge stocked for weeks. As a mom of four daughters, I jump on any opportunity to remove processed sugar from our treats, and this jam stayed delectably sweet and comforting in the process.</p>
<p>We use this jam to top toast like Grandma did, but we also use it instead of syrup on almond flour waffles, or to sweeten plain Greek yogurt for snacks, breakfast or dessert.</p>
<p>The challenge in removing the traditional white sugar is achieving the gel-like texture that makes jam, well, jammy. The secret is in using blueberries and apples, which both contain natural pectin, and boiling at very high heat, stirring constantly for the few minutes it takes to get the jam to thicken.</p>
<p>To mimic some of the sweetness of sugar, I add a few finely chopped dates, but you could actually skip them if you don’t mind a little less sweetness. With the sugar and canning process gone, the jam must be eaten within a few weeks and kept in the fridge, but given how tasty the jam is and how easy it is to make a new batch — I even use readily-available frozen mixed berries! — this doesn’t seem to be a problem.</p>
<p>NO-FUSS NO-SUGAR-ADDED BERRY JAM</p>
<p>Servings: 32 (About 2 1/2 cups of jam)</p>
<p>Start to finish: 20 minutes</p>
<p>3 dates, finely chopped</p>
<p>1/2 cup water</p>
<p>1 small tart cooking apple, like granny smith, peeled and finely chopped (1/4-inch cube)</p>
<p>3 cups frozen mixed berries (no need to thaw)</p>
<p>2 teaspoons lime zest</p>
<p>1 tablespoon lime juice</p>
<p>1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)</p>
<p>Place the chopped dates and water into a medium sauce pan and simmer for a minute or two to soften the dates. Add the chopped apple and frozen berries, and increase heat to medium high, and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.</p>
<p>Once the mixture is boiling, turn up the heat to high, and let boil vigorously, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and turns jammy, about 3-4 minutes. (Carefully add a tablespoon of water if mixture starts to get dry.) Once the jam feels like it’s thickening, turn off the heat and stir in lime zest, lime juice and vanilla extract if using. Cool before serving.</p>
<p>Will keep fresh for 2-3 weeks in a tightly-covered jar in the refrigerator.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Nutrition information per serving: 8 calories; 0 calories from fat; 0 g fat (0 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 0 mg cholesterol; 0 mg sodium; 2 g carbohydrate; 1 g fiber; 1 g sugar; 0 g protein.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Food Network star Melissa d’Arabian is an expert on healthy eating on a budget. She is the author of the cookbook, “Supermarket Healthy.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Online: <a href="http://www.melissadarabian.net" type="external" /> <a href="http://www.melissadarabian.net" type="external">http://www.melissadarabian.net</a></p>
<p>My grandmother used to make jam every year out of the summer bounty of berries. It was a multi-day project involving scorching-hot vats of berries, thickened by pectin and pounds of white sugar, which she balanced with the tang of lemon or lime juice. A simple slab of toasted country bread slathered with her homemade jam and some salted butter was my favorite way to start the day.</p>
<p>Now, in a world that favors high-protein egg whites for breakfast, or if there is a piece of toast to be had, it’s covered in smashed avocado and tomato slices instead of rich red jam, I wondered if it was even worth the hassle to create a healthier version of my Grandma’s recipe. Turns out, it was.</p>
<p>The resulting recipe is so easy, a hefty jar of jam can be whipped up in minutes, keeping my fridge stocked for weeks. As a mom of four daughters, I jump on any opportunity to remove processed sugar from our treats, and this jam stayed delectably sweet and comforting in the process.</p>
<p>We use this jam to top toast like Grandma did, but we also use it instead of syrup on almond flour waffles, or to sweeten plain Greek yogurt for snacks, breakfast or dessert.</p>
<p>The challenge in removing the traditional white sugar is achieving the gel-like texture that makes jam, well, jammy. The secret is in using blueberries and apples, which both contain natural pectin, and boiling at very high heat, stirring constantly for the few minutes it takes to get the jam to thicken.</p>
<p>To mimic some of the sweetness of sugar, I add a few finely chopped dates, but you could actually skip them if you don’t mind a little less sweetness. With the sugar and canning process gone, the jam must be eaten within a few weeks and kept in the fridge, but given how tasty the jam is and how easy it is to make a new batch — I even use readily-available frozen mixed berries! — this doesn’t seem to be a problem.</p>
<p>NO-FUSS NO-SUGAR-ADDED BERRY JAM</p>
<p>Servings: 32 (About 2 1/2 cups of jam)</p>
<p>Start to finish: 20 minutes</p>
<p>3 dates, finely chopped</p>
<p>1/2 cup water</p>
<p>1 small tart cooking apple, like granny smith, peeled and finely chopped (1/4-inch cube)</p>
<p>3 cups frozen mixed berries (no need to thaw)</p>
<p>2 teaspoons lime zest</p>
<p>1 tablespoon lime juice</p>
<p>1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)</p>
<p>Place the chopped dates and water into a medium sauce pan and simmer for a minute or two to soften the dates. Add the chopped apple and frozen berries, and increase heat to medium high, and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.</p>
<p>Once the mixture is boiling, turn up the heat to high, and let boil vigorously, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and turns jammy, about 3-4 minutes. (Carefully add a tablespoon of water if mixture starts to get dry.) Once the jam feels like it’s thickening, turn off the heat and stir in lime zest, lime juice and vanilla extract if using. Cool before serving.</p>
<p>Will keep fresh for 2-3 weeks in a tightly-covered jar in the refrigerator.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Nutrition information per serving: 8 calories; 0 calories from fat; 0 g fat (0 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 0 mg cholesterol; 0 mg sodium; 2 g carbohydrate; 1 g fiber; 1 g sugar; 0 g protein.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Food Network star Melissa d’Arabian is an expert on healthy eating on a budget. She is the author of the cookbook, “Supermarket Healthy.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Online: <a href="http://www.melissadarabian.net" type="external" /> <a href="http://www.melissadarabian.net" type="external">http://www.melissadarabian.net</a></p>
| false | 2 |
grandmother used make jam every year summer bounty berries multiday project involving scorchinghot vats berries thickened pectin pounds white sugar balanced tang lemon lime juice simple slab toasted country bread slathered homemade jam salted butter favorite way start day world favors highprotein egg whites breakfast piece toast covered smashed avocado tomato slices instead rich red jam wondered even worth hassle create healthier version grandmas recipe turns resulting recipe easy hefty jar jam whipped minutes keeping fridge stocked weeks mom four daughters jump opportunity remove processed sugar treats jam stayed delectably sweet comforting process use jam top toast like grandma also use instead syrup almond flour waffles sweeten plain greek yogurt snacks breakfast dessert challenge removing traditional white sugar achieving gellike texture makes jam well jammy secret using blueberries apples contain natural pectin boiling high heat stirring constantly minutes takes get jam thicken mimic sweetness sugar add finely chopped dates could actually skip dont mind little less sweetness sugar canning process gone jam must eaten within weeks kept fridge given tasty jam easy make new batch even use readilyavailable frozen mixed berries doesnt seem problem nofuss nosugaradded berry jam servings 32 2 12 cups jam start finish 20 minutes 3 dates finely chopped 12 cup water 1 small tart cooking apple like granny smith peeled finely chopped 14inch cube 3 cups frozen mixed berries need thaw 2 teaspoons lime zest 1 tablespoon lime juice 18 teaspoon vanilla extract optional place chopped dates water medium sauce pan simmer minute two soften dates add chopped apple frozen berries increase heat medium high bring boil stirring occasionally mixture boiling turn heat high let boil vigorously stirring constantly mixture thickens turns jammy 34 minutes carefully add tablespoon water mixture starts get dry jam feels like thickening turn heat stir lime zest lime juice vanilla extract using cool serving keep fresh 23 weeks tightlycovered jar refrigerator ___ nutrition information per serving 8 calories 0 calories fat 0 g fat 0 g saturated 0 g trans fats 0 mg cholesterol 0 mg sodium 2 g carbohydrate 1 g fiber 1 g sugar 0 g protein ___ food network star melissa darabian expert healthy eating budget author cookbook supermarket healthy ___ online httpwwwmelissadarabiannet grandmother used make jam every year summer bounty berries multiday project involving scorchinghot vats berries thickened pectin pounds white sugar balanced tang lemon lime juice simple slab toasted country bread slathered homemade jam salted butter favorite way start day world favors highprotein egg whites breakfast piece toast covered smashed avocado tomato slices instead rich red jam wondered even worth hassle create healthier version grandmas recipe turns resulting recipe easy hefty jar jam whipped minutes keeping fridge stocked weeks mom four daughters jump opportunity remove processed sugar treats jam stayed delectably sweet comforting process use jam top toast like grandma also use instead syrup almond flour waffles sweeten plain greek yogurt snacks breakfast dessert challenge removing traditional white sugar achieving gellike texture makes jam well jammy secret using blueberries apples contain natural pectin boiling high heat stirring constantly minutes takes get jam thicken mimic sweetness sugar add finely chopped dates could actually skip dont mind little less sweetness sugar canning process gone jam must eaten within weeks kept fridge given tasty jam easy make new batch even use readilyavailable frozen mixed berries doesnt seem problem nofuss nosugaradded berry jam servings 32 2 12 cups jam start finish 20 minutes 3 dates finely chopped 12 cup water 1 small tart cooking apple like granny smith peeled finely chopped 14inch cube 3 cups frozen mixed berries need thaw 2 teaspoons lime zest 1 tablespoon lime juice 18 teaspoon vanilla extract optional place chopped dates water medium sauce pan simmer minute two soften dates add chopped apple frozen berries increase heat medium high bring boil stirring occasionally mixture boiling turn heat high let boil vigorously stirring constantly mixture thickens turns jammy 34 minutes carefully add tablespoon water mixture starts get dry jam feels like thickening turn heat stir lime zest lime juice vanilla extract using cool serving keep fresh 23 weeks tightlycovered jar refrigerator ___ nutrition information per serving 8 calories 0 calories fat 0 g fat 0 g saturated 0 g trans fats 0 mg cholesterol 0 mg sodium 2 g carbohydrate 1 g fiber 1 g sugar 0 g protein ___ food network star melissa darabian expert healthy eating budget author cookbook supermarket healthy ___ online httpwwwmelissadarabiannet
| 730 |
<p>Jan 23 (Reuters) - AMCIL Ltd:</p> * ‍HY PROFIT $2.57 MILLION , UP 9.1%​
<p>* ‍HY REVENUE FROM INVESTMENTS WAS $4.12 MILLION, UP 24.6%​ Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage:</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>(Reuters) - The Nasdaq Composite index fell on Wednesday, dragged down by losses in Amazon and Apple, while gains in healthcare stocks propped up the Dow and the S&amp;P 500.</p> A woman passes by the Nasdaq Market Site in Times Square in New York City, U.S., February 7, 2018. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid
<p>Amazon fell more than 5 percent after reports that President Donald Trump is looking to target the company by changing its tax treatment.</p>
<p>Apple dropped 1.6 percent after Goldman Sachs analyst cut sales estimate for iPhone for March and June quarters, citing weak demand.</p>
<p>However, Facebook’s shares rose more than 2 percent after the company said it was giving users more control over their privacy by making data management easier and redesigning the settings menu.</p>
<p>The social network has lost more than $100 billion in market value since March 16, when it first acknowledged that user data had been improperly harvested by a consultancy firm.</p>
<p>“We had Facebook making some announcements. That’s obviously taking some pressure off the stock at the moment,” said Andre Bakhos, managing director of New Vines Capital LLC in Bernardsville, New Jersey.</p>
<p>“It’s enough to get some short covering, but as far as pouring in, most investors will wait until the dust settles.”</p>
<p>Broader markets have suffered this month on a back-and-forth between the United States and China on tariffs and fears of rising interest rates. The main indexes are on track for their worst month since January 2016.</p>
<p>Comments from top officials in the United States and China had given a sense that both the countries would negotiate over President Donald Trump’s move to impose tariffs on Chinese goods.</p>
<p>China is expected to soon announce a list of retaliatory tariffs on US exports, its state-run Global Times reported on Wednesday.</p>
<p>At 9:55 a.m. ET, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 90.99 points, or 0.38 percent, at 23,948.7 and the S&amp;P 500 was up 5.87 points, or 0.22 percent, at 2,618.49.</p>
<p>The Nasdaq Composite was down 18.60 points, or 0.27 percent, at 6,990.21.</p>
<p>The S&amp;P healthcare index was up nearly 1 percent on gains in Allergan, Celgene and Incyte.</p>
<p>Tesla dropped about 4.4 percent after the U.S. government said it would investigate a fatal crash and vehicle fire of a Model X in California.</p>
<p>Lululemon Athletica surged 8.8 percent after the Canadian athletic apparel maker posted a surprisingly strong fourth-quarter profit and forecast further growth in the first quarter.</p>
<p>Advancing issues outnumbered decliners on the NYSE for a 1.41-to-1 ratio and for a 1.06-to-1 ratio on the Nasdaq.</p>
<p>Reporting by Sruthi Shankar in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'Silva</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un looked forward to meeting with him, indicating the planned landmark talks between the isolated Asian leader and Republican president will go forward.</p> FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump gives thumbs-up as he returns from Palm Beach, Florida, at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, U.S., March 25, 2018. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts
<p>“Received message last night from XI JINPING of China that his meeting with KIM JONG UN went very well and that KIM looks forward to his meeting with me,” Trump said on Twitter. “In the meantime, and unfortunately, maximum sanctions and pressure must be maintained at all cost!”</p>
<p>Trump also tweeted: “Look forward to our meeting!”</p>
<p>After two days of speculation, China announced on Wednesday that Kim had visited Beijing and met Xi, who elicited a pledge from Kim to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula.</p>
<p>The trip was Kim’s first known journey abroad since he assumed power in 2011 and is believed by analysts to serve as preparation for upcoming summits with South Korea and the United States.</p>
<p>The White House said on Tuesday that China briefed Trump on the meetings and that the denuclearization pledge was “further evidence that our campaign of maximum pressure is creating the appropriate atmosphere for dialogue with North Korea.”</p>
<p>“For years and through many administrations, everyone said that peace and the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula was not even a small possibility,” Trump tweeted on Wednesday. “Now there is a good chance that Kim Jong Un will do what is right for his people and for humanity.”</p>
<p>Earlier this month, Trump surprised the world by agreeing to meet Kim at a place and time to be determined. South Korea’s national security chief said the first-ever meeting between U.S. and North Korean presidents would take place in May but details of potential talks have not been made public and the White House has said they will only happen if North Korea keeps “several promises.”</p>
<p>Reporting by Lisa Lambert; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe and Bill Trott</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>BEIJING/SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged his commitment to denuclearization and to meet U.S. officials, China said on Wednesday after his meeting with President Xi Jinping, who promised China would uphold friendship with its isolated neighbor.</p>
<p>After two days of speculation, China and North Korea both confirmed that Kim had traveled to Beijing and met Xi during what China called an unofficial visit from Sunday to Wednesday.</p>
<p>The visit was Kim’s first known trip outside North Korea since he assumed power in 2011 and is believed by analysts to serve as preparation for upcoming summits with South Korea and the United States.</p>
<p>North Korea’s KCNA news agency made no mention of Kim’s pledge to denuclearize, or his anticipated meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump that is planned for some time in May.</p>
<p>China has traditionally been secretive North Korea’s closest ally but ties have been frayed by its pursuit of nuclear weapons and China’s backing of tough U.N. sanctions in response.</p>
<p>China’s Foreign Ministry cited Kim in a lengthy statement as telling Xi the situation on the Korean peninsula was starting to improve because North Korea had taken the initiative to ease tension and put forward proposals for talks.</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-northkorea-missiles-denuclearisation/differing-views-of-denuclearization-complicate-north-korea-talks-idUSKBN1H40YI" type="external">Differing views of 'denuclearization' complicate North Korea talks</a>
<a href="/article/us-northkorea-missiles-russia/russia-sees-xi-kim-meeting-as-important-step-to-resolve-korean-crisis-idUSKBN1H413R" type="external">Russia sees Xi-Kim meeting as important step to resolve Korean crisis</a>
<a href="/article/us-northkorea-missiles-russia/kremlin-no-immediate-plans-for-russia-north-korea-summit-idUSKBN1H4189" type="external">Kremlin: no immediate plans for Russia-North Korea summit</a>
<p>“It is our consistent stand to be committed to denuclearization on the peninsula, in accordance with the will of late President Kim Il Sung and late General Secretary Kim Jong Il,” Kim Jong Un said, according to the ministry.</p>
<p>North Korea was willing to talk with the United States and hold a summit between the two countries, he said.</p>
<p>“The issue of denuclearization of the Korean peninsula can be resolved, if South Korea and the United States respond to our efforts with goodwill, create an atmosphere of peace and stability while taking progressive and synchronous measures for the realization of peace,” Kim said.</p> ‘NUCLEAR UMBRELLA’
<p>Kim Jong Un’s predecessors, grandfather Kim Il Sung and father Kim Jong Il, both promised not to pursue nuclear weapons but secretly maintained programs to develop them, culminating in the North’s first nuclear test in 2006 under Kim Jong Il.</p>
<p>The North had said in previous, failed talks aimed at dismantling its nuclear program it could consider giving up its arsenal if the United States removed its troops from South Korea and withdrew its so-called nuclear umbrella of deterrence from South Korea and Japan.</p>
<p>Many analysts and former negotiators believe this still constitutes North Korea’s stance and remain deeply skeptical Kim is willing to give up the weapons his family has been developing for decades.</p>
<p>At first wrapped in secrecy, the announcement of Kim Jong Un’s visit soon became the third-most discussed topic on China’s Weibo microblogging site, although many state media outlets blocked their comments sections.</p>
<p>Widely read Chinese state-run newspaper the Global Times praised the meeting as proving naysayers wrong about Beijing-Pyongyang relations.</p>
<p>“China and North Korea maintaining their friendly relations provides a positive force for the whole region and promotes strategic stability in northeast Asia,” it said in an editorial.</p>
<p>Kim’s appearance in Beijing involved almost all the trappings of a state visit, complete with an honor guard and banquet at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People.</p>
<p>Kim and Xi also met at the Diaoyutai State Guest House, where Kim Il Sung planted a tree in 1959 that still stands.</p>
<p>State television showed pictures of the two men chatting and Kim’s wife, Ri Sol Ju, getting a warm welcome from Xi’s wife, Peng Liyuan.</p> TRUMP BRIEFED
<p>China briefed Trump on Kim’s visit and the communication included a personal message from Xi to Trump, the White House said in a statement.</p>
<p>“The United States remains in close contact with our allies South Korea and Japan. We see this development as further evidence that our campaign of maximum pressure is creating the appropriate atmosphere for dialogue with North Korea,” it said.</p> North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Chinese President Xi Jinping shake hands at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, in this picture released to Reuters on March 28, 2018. Ju Peng/Xinhua via REUTERS
<p>Analysts said the meeting strengthened North Korea’s position ahead of any meeting with Trump by aligning Beijing and Pyongyang while reassuring China it was not being sidelined in any negotiations.</p>
<p>“It seems that North Korea is not ready to deal with the United States without support and help from its longtime ally China,” said Han Suk-hee, professor of Chinese Studies at South Korea’s Yonsei University.</p>
<p>A top Chinese diplomat, Politburo member Yang Jiechi, will brief officials, including President Moon Jae-in, in Seoul on Thursday about the Beijing talks, the presidential office in Seoul said.</p>
<p>Kim told a banquet hosted by Xi the visit was intended to “maintain our great friendship and continue and develop our bilateral ties at a time of rapid developments on the Korean peninsula”, according to KCNA.</p>
<p>Xi had accepted an invitation “with pleasure” from him to visit North Korea, KCNA said.</p>
<p>China made no mention of Xi accepting an invitation, but Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang pointed to a line in their statement citing Xi as saying he is willing to maintain regular communications with North Korea via visits and exchanges of envoys and messages.</p> Slideshow (18 Images)
<p>“I have to say that China and North Korea have a tradition of high-level mutual visits,” Lu told a daily news briefing.</p>
<p>China had largely sat on the sidelines as North Korea improved relations with South Korea recently, raising worry in Beijing that it was no longer a central player in the North Korean issue, reinforced by Trump’s subsequent announcement of his proposed meeting with Kim Jong Un in May.</p>
<p>“China is North Korea’s lifeline, so the notion, from a Chinese perspective, that Kim Jong Un could have had these other two meetings before meeting with Xi Jinping, I think the Chinese just thought that is not going to happen,” said Paul Haenle, director of the Carnegie–Tsinghua Center in Beijing and the former White House representative to North Korea denuclearization talks from 2007-2009.</p>
<p>Additional reporting by Christine Kim and Soyoung Kim in SEOUL, David Stanway and John Ruwitch in SHANGHAI and Ayesha Rascoe in WASHINGTON; Writing by Lincoln Feast; Editing by Paul Tait, Robert Birsel</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>LONDON (Reuters) - Stocks stumbled again on Wednesday, as jitters about a U.S.-China trade war and regulatory crackdown on tech firms such as Facebook ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=FB.O" type="external">FB.O</a>) left investors facing their first quarterly fall in equity markets in two years.</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>Europe’s main bourses &lt;0#.INDEXE&gt; fell as much as 1 percent in their fifth sell-off in six and the tech-heavy Nasdaq .NDX opened in the red in the United States again, all of which was enough to send traders piling back into the safety of bonds.</p>
<p>German Bunds, seen as Europe’s most secure asset due to Berlin’s triple-A-rated finances, rallied hard to send 10-year yields back under 0.5 percent for the first time since early January as U.S. Treasuries nudged towards 2.75 percent.</p>
<p>The rout in stocks came after the tech woes had given the Nasdaq its worst day since June 2016 [.N] on Tuesday. Losses were extended after China’s state-run Global Times reported that Beijing would soon announce a list of retaliatory tariffs on United States imports.</p>
<p>Since hitting a record on Jan. 26, world stocks have been battered by worries about rising inflation, the pace of U.S. interest rate hikes and the possibility of a global trade war. The 47-country MSCI global index .MIWD00000PUS is down 9 percent from its high.</p>
<p>“We are rotating from the old regime of low interest rates and growth stocks like the FAANGs (Facebook, Amazon, Apple Netflix and Google) into a new world where that paradigm is rocked and that creates volatility,” said SEB Investment Management’s global head of asset allocation Hans Peterson.</p>
<p>The pan-European STOXX 600 index was last down 0.4 percent having been as far as 1.1 percent in the red early on when the region’s tech sector .SX8P went down 2.6 percent.</p>
<p>Nasdaq and S&amp;P 500 went south again too in early deals to add to what has already been a $400 billion wipe out for the FAANGs alone since mid-March.</p>
<p>Tuesday's battering saw the Nasdaq slump almost 3 percent <a href="/finance/markets/index?symbol=.IXIC" type="external">.IXIC</a> and the broader S&amp;P <a href="/finance/markets/index?symbol=.SPX" type="external">.SPX</a> drop 1.7 percent. As well as the Facebook nosedive, Twitter ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=TWTR.N" type="external">TWTR.N</a>) fell 12 percent while Google parent Alphabet ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=GOOGL.O" type="external">GOOGL.O</a>) slid 4.5 percent.</p>
<p>Asia .MIAPJ0000PUS tumbled 1.5 percent overnight, with Japan's Nikkei <a href="/finance/markets/index?symbol=.N225" type="external">.N225</a> ending down 1.3 percent and top Chinese internet stock Tencent ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=0700.HK" type="external">0700.HK</a>) down 4.6 percent.</p>
<p>Another weak U.S. spot had been Nvidia ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=NVDA.O" type="external">NVDA.O</a>), which fell 7.8 percent after the chipmaker temporarily suspended self-driving tests across the globe after an Uber UBER.UL autonomous vehicle killed a woman.</p>
<p>“There is a sense that there will be more regulations on Facebook or FANG and that the cost of compliance will increase,” said Nobuhiko Kuramochi, chief strategist at Mizuho Securities.</p> U.S. Dollar banknotes are seen in this photo illustration taken February 12, 2018. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez/Illustration TRADING BLOWS
<p>The report that Beijing plans to announce retaliatory tariffs against U.S. President Donald Trump’s plans for tariffs on up to $60 billion of Chinese goods was also rekindling worries about a Sino-U.S. trade war.</p>
<p>While the market remains highly vulnerable to news headlines like this, reports of behind-the-scenes talks between Washington and Beijing spurred some optimism.</p>
<p>“It would be in China’s interest to pursue trade rather than taking retaliatory actions. So eventually, they are likely to avert a trade war and strike a deal that will please (U.S. President Donald) Trump and increase trade,” said Hiroshi Watanabe, economist at Sony Financial Holdings.</p>
<p>“The market is still nervous, and there’s a feeling you never know what Trump will do. But excessive wariness is likely to gradually wane,” he added.</p>
<p>In the currency market, the dollar get some respite from its recent selloff as revised fourth-quarter U.S. economic growth data slowed less than previously estimated and revealed the biggest gain in consumer spending in three years.</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=FB.O" type="external">Facebook Inc</a> 152.22 FB.O Nasdaq -7.84 (-4.90%) FB.O TWTR.N GOOGL.O 0700.HK NVDA.O
<p>The greenback bounced 106.13 yen having earlier been changing hands at 105.51 yen <a href="/finance/currencies/quote?srcCurr=JPY&amp;destCurr=USD" type="external">JPY=</a> which was not far from Monday's 16-1/2-month low of 104.56.</p>
<p>It knocked the euro off a near a six-week high too. The shared currency was back below $1.24 but still on track to post its fifth consecutive quarter of gains. It is up more than 3 percent since the start of January.</p>
<p>Comments on Tuesday by ECB policymaker Ewald Nowotny, who said the central bank will probably decide this summer to cull its bond purchases and warned that the ECB must not fall “behind the curve”, had helped underpin the euro.</p>
<p>Germany’s 10-year Bund yield DE10YT=TWEB hit a two-month low below 0.500 percent though, having taken a downward shift since hitting a 1-1/2-year high of 0.795 percent in Feb. 15.</p>
<p>The 10-year U.S. Treasuries yield US10YT=RR dropped to 2.76 percent, its lowest level in seven weeks. The two-year yield US2YT=RR stood at 2.26 percent.</p>
<p>“There’s a general rotation from risky assets towards safe haven assets ... with weakened equities and trade war tensions in the general backdrop,” said ING rates strategist Benjamin Schroeder.</p>
<p>In commodity markets meanwhile, oil prices slipped as a report of increasing U.S. crude inventories from industry group American Petroleum Institute (API) surprised many traders.</p>
<p>U.S. WTI crude futures CLc1 dropped 0.8 percent to $64.85 while Brent crude futures LCOc1 traded 0.7 percent lower at $69.95 per barrel, off Monday’s high of $71.05, which was its highest since late January.</p>
<p>Gold eased down from a five-week high to just under $1,340 per ounce.</p>
<p>Additional reporting by Hideyuki Sano in Tokyo; Editing by Alison Williams</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
| false | 2 |
jan 23 reuters amcil ltd hy profit 257 million 91 hy revenue investments 412 million 246 source text eikon company coverage standards thomson reuters trust principles reuters nasdaq composite index fell wednesday dragged losses amazon apple gains healthcare stocks propped dow sampp 500 woman passes nasdaq market site times square new york city us february 7 2018 reutersbrendan mcdermid amazon fell 5 percent reports president donald trump looking target company changing tax treatment apple dropped 16 percent goldman sachs analyst cut sales estimate iphone march june quarters citing weak demand however facebooks shares rose 2 percent company said giving users control privacy making data management easier redesigning settings menu social network lost 100 billion market value since march 16 first acknowledged user data improperly harvested consultancy firm facebook making announcements thats obviously taking pressure stock moment said andre bakhos managing director new vines capital llc bernardsville new jersey enough get short covering far pouring investors wait dust settles broader markets suffered month backandforth united states china tariffs fears rising interest rates main indexes track worst month since january 2016 comments top officials united states china given sense countries would negotiate president donald trumps move impose tariffs chinese goods china expected soon announce list retaliatory tariffs us exports staterun global times reported wednesday 955 et dow jones industrial average 9099 points 038 percent 239487 sampp 500 587 points 022 percent 261849 nasdaq composite 1860 points 027 percent 699021 sampp healthcare index nearly 1 percent gains allergan celgene incyte tesla dropped 44 percent us government said would investigate fatal crash vehicle fire model x california lululemon athletica surged 88 percent canadian athletic apparel maker posted surprisingly strong fourthquarter profit forecast growth first quarter advancing issues outnumbered decliners nyse 141to1 ratio 106to1 ratio nasdaq reporting sruthi shankar bengaluru editing anil dsilva standards thomson reuters trust principles washington reuters us president donald trump said wednesday north korean leader kim jong un looked forward meeting indicating planned landmark talks isolated asian leader republican president go forward file photo us president donald trump gives thumbsup returns palm beach florida joint base andrews maryland us march 25 2018 reutersjoshua roberts received message last night xi jinping china meeting kim jong un went well kim looks forward meeting trump said twitter meantime unfortunately maximum sanctions pressure must maintained cost trump also tweeted look forward meeting two days speculation china announced wednesday kim visited beijing met xi elicited pledge kim denuclearize korean peninsula trip kims first known journey abroad since assumed power 2011 believed analysts serve preparation upcoming summits south korea united states white house said tuesday china briefed trump meetings denuclearization pledge evidence campaign maximum pressure creating appropriate atmosphere dialogue north korea years many administrations everyone said peace denuclearization korean peninsula even small possibility trump tweeted wednesday good chance kim jong un right people humanity earlier month trump surprised world agreeing meet kim place time determined south koreas national security chief said firstever meeting us north korean presidents would take place may details potential talks made public white house said happen north korea keeps several promises reporting lisa lambert editing jeffrey benkoe bill trott standards thomson reuters trust principles beijingseoul reuters north korean leader kim jong un pledged commitment denuclearization meet us officials china said wednesday meeting president xi jinping promised china would uphold friendship isolated neighbor two days speculation china north korea confirmed kim traveled beijing met xi china called unofficial visit sunday wednesday visit kims first known trip outside north korea since assumed power 2011 believed analysts serve preparation upcoming summits south korea united states north koreas kcna news agency made mention kims pledge denuclearize anticipated meeting us president donald trump planned time may china traditionally secretive north koreas closest ally ties frayed pursuit nuclear weapons chinas backing tough un sanctions response chinas foreign ministry cited kim lengthy statement telling xi situation korean peninsula starting improve north korea taken initiative ease tension put forward proposals talks related coverage differing views denuclearization complicate north korea talks russia sees xikim meeting important step resolve korean crisis kremlin immediate plans russianorth korea summit consistent stand committed denuclearization peninsula accordance late president kim il sung late general secretary kim jong il kim jong un said according ministry north korea willing talk united states hold summit two countries said issue denuclearization korean peninsula resolved south korea united states respond efforts goodwill create atmosphere peace stability taking progressive synchronous measures realization peace kim said nuclear umbrella kim jong uns predecessors grandfather kim il sung father kim jong il promised pursue nuclear weapons secretly maintained programs develop culminating norths first nuclear test 2006 kim jong il north said previous failed talks aimed dismantling nuclear program could consider giving arsenal united states removed troops south korea withdrew socalled nuclear umbrella deterrence south korea japan many analysts former negotiators believe still constitutes north koreas stance remain deeply skeptical kim willing give weapons family developing decades first wrapped secrecy announcement kim jong uns visit soon became thirdmost discussed topic chinas weibo microblogging site although many state media outlets blocked comments sections widely read chinese staterun newspaper global times praised meeting proving naysayers wrong beijingpyongyang relations china north korea maintaining friendly relations provides positive force whole region promotes strategic stability northeast asia said editorial kims appearance beijing involved almost trappings state visit complete honor guard banquet beijings great hall people kim xi also met diaoyutai state guest house kim il sung planted tree 1959 still stands state television showed pictures two men chatting kims wife ri sol ju getting warm welcome xis wife peng liyuan trump briefed china briefed trump kims visit communication included personal message xi trump white house said statement united states remains close contact allies south korea japan see development evidence campaign maximum pressure creating appropriate atmosphere dialogue north korea said north korean leader kim jong un chinese president xi jinping shake hands great hall people beijing china picture released reuters march 28 2018 ju pengxinhua via reuters analysts said meeting strengthened north koreas position ahead meeting trump aligning beijing pyongyang reassuring china sidelined negotiations seems north korea ready deal united states without support help longtime ally china said han sukhee professor chinese studies south koreas yonsei university top chinese diplomat politburo member yang jiechi brief officials including president moon jaein seoul thursday beijing talks presidential office seoul said kim told banquet hosted xi visit intended maintain great friendship continue develop bilateral ties time rapid developments korean peninsula according kcna xi accepted invitation pleasure visit north korea kcna said china made mention xi accepting invitation foreign ministry spokesman lu kang pointed line statement citing xi saying willing maintain regular communications north korea via visits exchanges envoys messages slideshow 18 images say china north korea tradition highlevel mutual visits lu told daily news briefing china largely sat sidelines north korea improved relations south korea recently raising worry beijing longer central player north korean issue reinforced trumps subsequent announcement proposed meeting kim jong un may china north koreas lifeline notion chinese perspective kim jong un could two meetings meeting xi jinping think chinese thought going happen said paul haenle director carnegietsinghua center beijing former white house representative north korea denuclearization talks 20072009 additional reporting christine kim soyoung kim seoul david stanway john ruwitch shanghai ayesha rascoe washington writing lincoln feast editing paul tait robert birsel standards thomson reuters trust principles london reuters stocks stumbled wednesday jitters uschina trade war regulatory crackdown tech firms facebook fbo left investors facing first quarterly fall equity markets two years traders work floor new york stock exchange nyse new york us march 26 2018 reutersbrendan mcdermid europes main bourses lt0indexegt fell much 1 percent fifth selloff six techheavy nasdaq ndx opened red united states enough send traders piling back safety bonds german bunds seen europes secure asset due berlins triplearated finances rallied hard send 10year yields back 05 percent first time since early january us treasuries nudged towards 275 percent rout stocks came tech woes given nasdaq worst day since june 2016 n tuesday losses extended chinas staterun global times reported beijing would soon announce list retaliatory tariffs united states imports since hitting record jan 26 world stocks battered worries rising inflation pace us interest rate hikes possibility global trade war 47country msci global index miwd00000pus 9 percent high rotating old regime low interest rates growth stocks like faangs facebook amazon apple netflix google new world paradigm rocked creates volatility said seb investment managements global head asset allocation hans peterson paneuropean stoxx 600 index last 04 percent far 11 percent red early regions tech sector sx8p went 26 percent nasdaq sampp 500 went south early deals add already 400 billion wipe faangs alone since midmarch tuesdays battering saw nasdaq slump almost 3 percent ixic broader sampp spx drop 17 percent well facebook nosedive twitter twtrn fell 12 percent google parent alphabet googlo slid 45 percent asia miapj0000pus tumbled 15 percent overnight japans nikkei n225 ending 13 percent top chinese internet stock tencent 0700hk 46 percent another weak us spot nvidia nvdao fell 78 percent chipmaker temporarily suspended selfdriving tests across globe uber uberul autonomous vehicle killed woman sense regulations facebook fang cost compliance increase said nobuhiko kuramochi chief strategist mizuho securities us dollar banknotes seen photo illustration taken february 12 2018 reutersjose luis gonzalezillustration trading blows report beijing plans announce retaliatory tariffs us president donald trumps plans tariffs 60 billion chinese goods also rekindling worries sinous trade war market remains highly vulnerable news headlines like reports behindthescenes talks washington beijing spurred optimism would chinas interest pursue trade rather taking retaliatory actions eventually likely avert trade war strike deal please us president donald trump increase trade said hiroshi watanabe economist sony financial holdings market still nervous theres feeling never know trump excessive wariness likely gradually wane added currency market dollar get respite recent selloff revised fourthquarter us economic growth data slowed less previously estimated revealed biggest gain consumer spending three years facebook inc 15222 fbo nasdaq 784 490 fbo twtrn googlo 0700hk nvdao greenback bounced 10613 yen earlier changing hands 10551 yen jpy far mondays 1612month low 10456 knocked euro near sixweek high shared currency back 124 still track post fifth consecutive quarter gains 3 percent since start january comments tuesday ecb policymaker ewald nowotny said central bank probably decide summer cull bond purchases warned ecb must fall behind curve helped underpin euro germanys 10year bund yield de10yttweb hit twomonth low 0500 percent though taken downward shift since hitting 112year high 0795 percent feb 15 10year us treasuries yield us10ytrr dropped 276 percent lowest level seven weeks twoyear yield us2ytrr stood 226 percent theres general rotation risky assets towards safe assets weakened equities trade war tensions general backdrop said ing rates strategist benjamin schroeder commodity markets meanwhile oil prices slipped report increasing us crude inventories industry group american petroleum institute api surprised many traders us wti crude futures clc1 dropped 08 percent 6485 brent crude futures lcoc1 traded 07 percent lower 6995 per barrel mondays high 7105 highest since late january gold eased fiveweek high 1340 per ounce additional reporting hideyuki sano tokyo editing alison williams standards thomson reuters trust principles
| 1,839 |
<p>MILAN (AP) - In one of the tightest Serie A title races of recent seasons, there is one noticeable absentee.</p>
<p>AC Milan was expected to be back at the top after spending more than 200 million euros (nearly $250 million) on new players in the offseason.</p>
<p>However, it approaches the halfway stage a lowly 11th in the standings, and there have been claims over the financial stability of the Chinese-led consortium that purchased the club from Silvio Berlusconi for $800 million in April.</p>
<p>Milan fired coach Vincenzo Montella in November and replaced him with former player Gennaro Gattuso but there has been little change in fortunes.</p>
<p />
<p>Gattuso's first match in charge was a draw against Benevento, which had not picked up a single point until that moment, and he has lost two of his three league matches since then.</p>
<p>To make matters worse for the Rossoneri, they have been forced to watch as bitter neighbor Inter Milan has proved itself a surprise contender for the Serie A title.</p>
<p>Champions League qualification was seen as the minimum requirement for Milan this season, especially with Italy sending four teams to Europe's premier club competition next year, but it is 14 points off the final berth.</p>
<p>Indeed, Milan is closer to the relegation zone than the top four as only nine points separates it from the bottom three of Crotone, Hellas Verona and Benevento - which still has just that point it earned against the Rossoneri.</p>
<p>After 18 of 38 rounds, a closer look at the first half of the season:</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>TITLE RACE</p>
<p>This could be the season that Juve's stranglehold on the Serie A title is ended.</p>
<p>Juventus has won the Italian league in each of the last six seasons but there are several challengers to its crown this year, and just nine points between the top five sides.</p>
<p>Napoli leads the pack, with 45 points, one ahead of Juventus and five above Inter. Roma has 38 points, two more than Lazio, but both the capital sides have played a match less than the top three.</p>
<p>However, while Juventus undoubtedly has the experience and capability of withstanding a tough title battle, there are question marks over its rivals.</p>
<p>Napoli, whose only league defeat was against Juventus, does not have much strength in depth and has already had several players ruled out with long-term injuries.</p>
<p>Inter's problem is its staying power: it led the league two years ago but collapsed and eventually finished fourth, well off the pace. There are signs a repeat could be on the cards as Inter, which was the last unbeaten team in the league, has lost its past two matches.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>PICK OF THE PLAYERS</p>
<p>Lorenzo Insigne wasn't even born when Napoli last won the Serie A title. He could now fire his hometown club to its next league trophy.</p>
<p>Insigne has been at the heart of most of Napoli's goals this season and coach Maurizio Sarri believes the 26-year-old is as important to the team as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar are for Barcelona, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, respectively.</p>
<p>Insigne made 60 consecutive starts for Napoli in all competitions before his injury against Juventus and it was no coincidence the team struggled to create goals while he was on the sidelines.</p>
<p>The Italy forward has scored two goals in three matches since his return and Sarri will be hoping he stays injury-free if Napoli is going to win its first Serie A title since Diego Maradona led the club to its only two championships in 1987 and 1990.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>EMERGING TALENT</p>
<p>Lucas Torreira, a 21-year-old defensive midfielder for Sampdoria, leads the league in balls won and is also the most fouled player in Serie A - not to mention he scored the second goal in a 3-2 win over Juventus in November.</p>
<p>Winger Federico Chiesa and striker Giovanni Simeone have shown second-generation talent for Fiorentina. Chiesa's father, Enrico, was a prolific scorer, while Simeone's dad, Diego, was a standout Serie A player and is the current coach of Atletico Madrid.</p>
<p>Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, Torino's 20-year-old goalkeeper, came forward and showed potential attacking skills by smashing a 30-yard (meter) free kick off the crossbar in the Italian Cup last month, then saved a penalty from Edin Dzeko in a 2-1 win over Roma to reach the quarterfinals.</p>
<p>Also, Lazio midfielder Luis Alberto has shown himself to be a capable assist man, and Udinese midfielder Antonin Barak has scored four goals in his last three matches.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>SURPRISE TEAM</p>
<p>Lazio would not have been on many people's lists for title contenders.</p>
<p>However, an impressive start to the season has left it in fifth place. Indeed, if it wins its match in hand, Lazio could move to within a point of third-place Inter and six below leader Napoli.</p>
<p>Lazio has already beaten Juventus twice this season, in the Italian Super Cup in August and in the league in October.</p>
<p>Leading goalscorer Ciro Immobile netted four goals in those two matches. The Italy forward has scored 16 in as many league matches so far this season.</p>
<p>Young coach Simone Inzaghi has the team playing attractive football and the capital side is challenging on three fronts this season. It is also in the semifinals of the Italian Cup and in the knockout stages of the Europa League.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>POINT TO PROVE</p>
<p>There was much fanfare when Leonardo Bonucci joined Milan in July and he was immediately handed the Rossoneri captaincy.</p>
<p>The fee for Bonucci's surprise move from Juventus topped 40 million euros (nearly $50 million), and he signed a five-year contract worth up to 10 million euros (nearly $12 million) per season - making the 30-year-old the highest-paid player in Italy.</p>
<p>Bonucci started poorly and it was figured he just needed some time to adapt to his new surroundings at Milan after seven seasons at Juventus, most of which was spent alongside Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini for club and country.</p>
<p>However, there has been little improvement and Bonucci was even sent off in a 0-0 draw against Genoa for elbowing a defender in the head, causing him to miss two matches.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>More AP Serie A coverage: <a href="" type="internal" /> <a href="" type="internal">https://apnews.com/tag/SerieA</a></p>
<p>___</p>
<p>AP Sports Writer Andrew Dampf in Rome contributed.</p>
<p>MILAN (AP) - In one of the tightest Serie A title races of recent seasons, there is one noticeable absentee.</p>
<p>AC Milan was expected to be back at the top after spending more than 200 million euros (nearly $250 million) on new players in the offseason.</p>
<p>However, it approaches the halfway stage a lowly 11th in the standings, and there have been claims over the financial stability of the Chinese-led consortium that purchased the club from Silvio Berlusconi for $800 million in April.</p>
<p>Milan fired coach Vincenzo Montella in November and replaced him with former player Gennaro Gattuso but there has been little change in fortunes.</p>
<p />
<p>Gattuso's first match in charge was a draw against Benevento, which had not picked up a single point until that moment, and he has lost two of his three league matches since then.</p>
<p>To make matters worse for the Rossoneri, they have been forced to watch as bitter neighbor Inter Milan has proved itself a surprise contender for the Serie A title.</p>
<p>Champions League qualification was seen as the minimum requirement for Milan this season, especially with Italy sending four teams to Europe's premier club competition next year, but it is 14 points off the final berth.</p>
<p>Indeed, Milan is closer to the relegation zone than the top four as only nine points separates it from the bottom three of Crotone, Hellas Verona and Benevento - which still has just that point it earned against the Rossoneri.</p>
<p>After 18 of 38 rounds, a closer look at the first half of the season:</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>TITLE RACE</p>
<p>This could be the season that Juve's stranglehold on the Serie A title is ended.</p>
<p>Juventus has won the Italian league in each of the last six seasons but there are several challengers to its crown this year, and just nine points between the top five sides.</p>
<p>Napoli leads the pack, with 45 points, one ahead of Juventus and five above Inter. Roma has 38 points, two more than Lazio, but both the capital sides have played a match less than the top three.</p>
<p>However, while Juventus undoubtedly has the experience and capability of withstanding a tough title battle, there are question marks over its rivals.</p>
<p>Napoli, whose only league defeat was against Juventus, does not have much strength in depth and has already had several players ruled out with long-term injuries.</p>
<p>Inter's problem is its staying power: it led the league two years ago but collapsed and eventually finished fourth, well off the pace. There are signs a repeat could be on the cards as Inter, which was the last unbeaten team in the league, has lost its past two matches.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>PICK OF THE PLAYERS</p>
<p>Lorenzo Insigne wasn't even born when Napoli last won the Serie A title. He could now fire his hometown club to its next league trophy.</p>
<p>Insigne has been at the heart of most of Napoli's goals this season and coach Maurizio Sarri believes the 26-year-old is as important to the team as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar are for Barcelona, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, respectively.</p>
<p>Insigne made 60 consecutive starts for Napoli in all competitions before his injury against Juventus and it was no coincidence the team struggled to create goals while he was on the sidelines.</p>
<p>The Italy forward has scored two goals in three matches since his return and Sarri will be hoping he stays injury-free if Napoli is going to win its first Serie A title since Diego Maradona led the club to its only two championships in 1987 and 1990.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>EMERGING TALENT</p>
<p>Lucas Torreira, a 21-year-old defensive midfielder for Sampdoria, leads the league in balls won and is also the most fouled player in Serie A - not to mention he scored the second goal in a 3-2 win over Juventus in November.</p>
<p>Winger Federico Chiesa and striker Giovanni Simeone have shown second-generation talent for Fiorentina. Chiesa's father, Enrico, was a prolific scorer, while Simeone's dad, Diego, was a standout Serie A player and is the current coach of Atletico Madrid.</p>
<p>Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, Torino's 20-year-old goalkeeper, came forward and showed potential attacking skills by smashing a 30-yard (meter) free kick off the crossbar in the Italian Cup last month, then saved a penalty from Edin Dzeko in a 2-1 win over Roma to reach the quarterfinals.</p>
<p>Also, Lazio midfielder Luis Alberto has shown himself to be a capable assist man, and Udinese midfielder Antonin Barak has scored four goals in his last three matches.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>SURPRISE TEAM</p>
<p>Lazio would not have been on many people's lists for title contenders.</p>
<p>However, an impressive start to the season has left it in fifth place. Indeed, if it wins its match in hand, Lazio could move to within a point of third-place Inter and six below leader Napoli.</p>
<p>Lazio has already beaten Juventus twice this season, in the Italian Super Cup in August and in the league in October.</p>
<p>Leading goalscorer Ciro Immobile netted four goals in those two matches. The Italy forward has scored 16 in as many league matches so far this season.</p>
<p>Young coach Simone Inzaghi has the team playing attractive football and the capital side is challenging on three fronts this season. It is also in the semifinals of the Italian Cup and in the knockout stages of the Europa League.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>POINT TO PROVE</p>
<p>There was much fanfare when Leonardo Bonucci joined Milan in July and he was immediately handed the Rossoneri captaincy.</p>
<p>The fee for Bonucci's surprise move from Juventus topped 40 million euros (nearly $50 million), and he signed a five-year contract worth up to 10 million euros (nearly $12 million) per season - making the 30-year-old the highest-paid player in Italy.</p>
<p>Bonucci started poorly and it was figured he just needed some time to adapt to his new surroundings at Milan after seven seasons at Juventus, most of which was spent alongside Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini for club and country.</p>
<p>However, there has been little improvement and Bonucci was even sent off in a 0-0 draw against Genoa for elbowing a defender in the head, causing him to miss two matches.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>More AP Serie A coverage: <a href="" type="internal" /> <a href="" type="internal">https://apnews.com/tag/SerieA</a></p>
<p>___</p>
<p>AP Sports Writer Andrew Dampf in Rome contributed.</p>
| false | 2 |
milan ap one tightest serie title races recent seasons one noticeable absentee ac milan expected back top spending 200 million euros nearly 250 million new players offseason however approaches halfway stage lowly 11th standings claims financial stability chineseled consortium purchased club silvio berlusconi 800 million april milan fired coach vincenzo montella november replaced former player gennaro gattuso little change fortunes gattusos first match charge draw benevento picked single point moment lost two three league matches since make matters worse rossoneri forced watch bitter neighbor inter milan proved surprise contender serie title champions league qualification seen minimum requirement milan season especially italy sending four teams europes premier club competition next year 14 points final berth indeed milan closer relegation zone top four nine points separates bottom three crotone hellas verona benevento still point earned rossoneri 18 38 rounds closer look first half season ___ title race could season juves stranglehold serie title ended juventus italian league last six seasons several challengers crown year nine points top five sides napoli leads pack 45 points one ahead juventus five inter roma 38 points two lazio capital sides played match less top three however juventus undoubtedly experience capability withstanding tough title battle question marks rivals napoli whose league defeat juventus much strength depth already several players ruled longterm injuries inters problem staying power led league two years ago collapsed eventually finished fourth well pace signs repeat could cards inter last unbeaten team league lost past two matches ___ pick players lorenzo insigne wasnt even born napoli last serie title could fire hometown club next league trophy insigne heart napolis goals season coach maurizio sarri believes 26yearold important team lionel messi cristiano ronaldo neymar barcelona real madrid paris saintgermain respectively insigne made 60 consecutive starts napoli competitions injury juventus coincidence team struggled create goals sidelines italy forward scored two goals three matches since return sarri hoping stays injuryfree napoli going win first serie title since diego maradona led club two championships 1987 1990 ___ emerging talent lucas torreira 21yearold defensive midfielder sampdoria leads league balls also fouled player serie mention scored second goal 32 win juventus november winger federico chiesa striker giovanni simeone shown secondgeneration talent fiorentina chiesas father enrico prolific scorer simeones dad diego standout serie player current coach atletico madrid vanja milinkovicsavic torinos 20yearold goalkeeper came forward showed potential attacking skills smashing 30yard meter free kick crossbar italian cup last month saved penalty edin dzeko 21 win roma reach quarterfinals also lazio midfielder luis alberto shown capable assist man udinese midfielder antonin barak scored four goals last three matches ___ surprise team lazio would many peoples lists title contenders however impressive start season left fifth place indeed wins match hand lazio could move within point thirdplace inter six leader napoli lazio already beaten juventus twice season italian super cup august league october leading goalscorer ciro immobile netted four goals two matches italy forward scored 16 many league matches far season young coach simone inzaghi team playing attractive football capital side challenging three fronts season also semifinals italian cup knockout stages europa league ___ point prove much fanfare leonardo bonucci joined milan july immediately handed rossoneri captaincy fee bonuccis surprise move juventus topped 40 million euros nearly 50 million signed fiveyear contract worth 10 million euros nearly 12 million per season making 30yearold highestpaid player italy bonucci started poorly figured needed time adapt new surroundings milan seven seasons juventus spent alongside andrea barzagli giorgio chiellini club country however little improvement bonucci even sent 00 draw genoa elbowing defender head causing miss two matches ___ ap serie coverage httpsapnewscomtagseriea ___ ap sports writer andrew dampf rome contributed milan ap one tightest serie title races recent seasons one noticeable absentee ac milan expected back top spending 200 million euros nearly 250 million new players offseason however approaches halfway stage lowly 11th standings claims financial stability chineseled consortium purchased club silvio berlusconi 800 million april milan fired coach vincenzo montella november replaced former player gennaro gattuso little change fortunes gattusos first match charge draw benevento picked single point moment lost two three league matches since make matters worse rossoneri forced watch bitter neighbor inter milan proved surprise contender serie title champions league qualification seen minimum requirement milan season especially italy sending four teams europes premier club competition next year 14 points final berth indeed milan closer relegation zone top four nine points separates bottom three crotone hellas verona benevento still point earned rossoneri 18 38 rounds closer look first half season ___ title race could season juves stranglehold serie title ended juventus italian league last six seasons several challengers crown year nine points top five sides napoli leads pack 45 points one ahead juventus five inter roma 38 points two lazio capital sides played match less top three however juventus undoubtedly experience capability withstanding tough title battle question marks rivals napoli whose league defeat juventus much strength depth already several players ruled longterm injuries inters problem staying power led league two years ago collapsed eventually finished fourth well pace signs repeat could cards inter last unbeaten team league lost past two matches ___ pick players lorenzo insigne wasnt even born napoli last serie title could fire hometown club next league trophy insigne heart napolis goals season coach maurizio sarri believes 26yearold important team lionel messi cristiano ronaldo neymar barcelona real madrid paris saintgermain respectively insigne made 60 consecutive starts napoli competitions injury juventus coincidence team struggled create goals sidelines italy forward scored two goals three matches since return sarri hoping stays injuryfree napoli going win first serie title since diego maradona led club two championships 1987 1990 ___ emerging talent lucas torreira 21yearold defensive midfielder sampdoria leads league balls also fouled player serie mention scored second goal 32 win juventus november winger federico chiesa striker giovanni simeone shown secondgeneration talent fiorentina chiesas father enrico prolific scorer simeones dad diego standout serie player current coach atletico madrid vanja milinkovicsavic torinos 20yearold goalkeeper came forward showed potential attacking skills smashing 30yard meter free kick crossbar italian cup last month saved penalty edin dzeko 21 win roma reach quarterfinals also lazio midfielder luis alberto shown capable assist man udinese midfielder antonin barak scored four goals last three matches ___ surprise team lazio would many peoples lists title contenders however impressive start season left fifth place indeed wins match hand lazio could move within point thirdplace inter six leader napoli lazio already beaten juventus twice season italian super cup august league october leading goalscorer ciro immobile netted four goals two matches italy forward scored 16 many league matches far season young coach simone inzaghi team playing attractive football capital side challenging three fronts season also semifinals italian cup knockout stages europa league ___ point prove much fanfare leonardo bonucci joined milan july immediately handed rossoneri captaincy fee bonuccis surprise move juventus topped 40 million euros nearly 50 million signed fiveyear contract worth 10 million euros nearly 12 million per season making 30yearold highestpaid player italy bonucci started poorly figured needed time adapt new surroundings milan seven seasons juventus spent alongside andrea barzagli giorgio chiellini club country however little improvement bonucci even sent 00 draw genoa elbowing defender head causing miss two matches ___ ap serie coverage httpsapnewscomtagseriea ___ ap sports writer andrew dampf rome contributed
| 1,204 |
<p>In making&#160;the case for his electability in the general election, Donald Trump said that when it comes to primary voter turnout so far “the Democrats are down 35 percent, whereas the Republicans are up over 70 percent.”</p>
<p>Actually, both Republicans and Democrats are seeing higher primary voter turnouts compared with&#160;2012.</p>
<p>But in fairness to Trump, a comparison with&#160;2008 makes more sense, given it was the last time both parties had contested primaries at this stage. And by that measure, Trump is nearly accurate, according to an analysis by the Pew Research Center&#160;of primary voter turnout for each party going back to 1980.</p>
<p>But 2008 was an outlier for Democrats, far outpacing primary voter turnout over the last several decades. With the exception of 2008, Democratic turnout this year is higher than any year since 1992. Meanwhile, Republican primary turnout is the highest it has been going back to at least 1980, when Pew began tracking primary voter turnout.</p>
<p>As for Trump’s larger point, experts warn there is no evidence that high primary turnout leads to general election success.</p>
<p>Trump made his claim about primary voter turnout on <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/week-transcript-donald-trump-reince-priebus-denis-mcdonough/story?id=37775643" type="external">ABC’s “This Week,”</a> in response to a question about the possibility of a brokered convention and whether the Republican Party&#160;ought to give Trump the nod even if he falls short of the 1,237&#160;delegates needed to secure the nomination on a first ballot.</p>
<p>Trump, March 20: The biggest story in all of politics are the millions of people that are coming out to vote for me, in all fairness, for the Republican Party. They’re up 75 percent, 72 percent, 102 percent, different states in the primaries. And it’s the single biggest story worldwide in politics, is what’s happening, the millions and millions of people that are going out to vote for me.</p>
<p>Now I will say this, the Democrats are down 35 percent, whereas the Republicans are up over 70 percent. And in some cases, much more than that.</p>
<p>We reached out to the Trump campaign asking where he got those figures,&#160;but we did not hear back. The best available data we could find on 2016 primary voter turnout comes&#160;from the Pew Research Center, which <a href="http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/03/08/so-far-turnout-in-this-years-primaries-rivals-2008-record/" type="external">analyzed</a> primary voter turnout as a share of eligible voters in primary states for presidential elections going back to 1980.</p>
<p />
<p>As the graphic at right from the Pew Research Center shows, turnout is up for both Republicans and Democrats since the last election in 2012 — by 7.5 percentage points for Republicans and by 5.4 percentage points for Democrats.</p>
<p>But Barack Obama was an incumbent running unopposed in 2012, so Democratic primary turnout was understandably low (the lowest in the 10 election cycles studied).</p>
<p>The author of the Pew report, Drew DeSilver, told us the more valid comparison would be with&#160;2008, when both parties had contested primaries. By that measure, Trump’s claim is generally accurate, he said.</p>
<p>Turnout totals vary widely from state to state, but take Ohio <a href="http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/state.php?year=2008&amp;fips=39&amp;f=0&amp;off=0&amp;elect=1" type="external">as an example</a>. This year, about 1.2 million people voted in the Democratic primary. That’s about half as many as voted in the 2008 Democratic primary. Republicans, meanwhile, saw turnout rise from nearly 1.1 million people in 2008 to nearly 2 million this year.</p>
<p>Republican turnout is, so far, the highest of any year since at least 1980. (That could change if Trump or Sen. Ted Cruz were to obtain enough delegates to secure the nomination — as primary voting typically drops off significantly after that.)</p>
<p>As for Democratic turnout, it is not nearly as high as 2008, when Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama squared off in a tight race for the Democratic nomination. But other than 2008, it is higher than any year since 1992. In other words, Democratic primary turnout this year is doing a bit better than was typical in the three elections before the 2008 aberration.</p>
<p>So what to make of the Republican surge in primary voting? Not much, says <a href="https://www.polisci.wisc.edu/people/person.aspx?id=1041" type="external">Barry Burden</a>, a political science professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and director of the Elections Research Center. Burden penned a piece explaining that for the Washington Post “Monkey Cage” blog under the headline, “ <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2016/03/15/will-record-republican-turnout-in-the-primaries-translate-into-a-trump-win-in-november-probably-not-heres-why/" type="external">Will record Republican turnout in the primaries translate into a Trump win in November? Probably not. Here’s why</a>.”</p>
<p>“There is no relationship we can discern between turnout for the primary and caucuses and how one does in the general election,” Burden told us in a phone interview.</p>
<p>Burden’s conclusion was echoed in an analysis of primary voter turnout by FiveThirtyEight, posted under the self-explanatory headline, “ <a href="http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/primary-turnout-means-nothing-for-the-general-election/" type="external">Primary Turnout Means Nothing For The General Election</a>.” FiveThirtyEight noted that in the six elections in which both parties had competitive primaries, going back to 1976, the party that had the highest primary turnout won the popular vote in the general election three times and lost three times. The analysis also found that in four of five elections, the party with the larger raw increase in primary voter turnout from the previous election lost the popular vote in the general election. And in terms of percentage change, the party whose primary turnout improved the most won the popular vote in the general election only two out of five times.</p>
<p>There are examples that back up Trump’s point, such as in 2008, when very high Democratic turnout preceded a Democratic victory in the November general election. But there are as many instances when the reverse happened. In 1988, for example, Democrats had a much higher primary turnout than Republicans, but the Republican, George H.W. Bush handily defeated the Democratic nominee, Michael Dukakis, in the general election.</p>
<p>In other words, Burden said, “There’s no relationship at all.”</p>
<p>Sometimes, high primary turnout is driven by enthusiasm for opposing candidates in a tight race. That was the case in 2008 when voters were choosing between the potential for the first woman president or the first African American, Burden said. Other times, though, it can be a sign of party turmoil, which can spell trouble in a general election, he said.</p>
<p>Republicans are setting records now for primary turnout, Burden said, and some of that is enthusiasm for the candidates. But some of it, he said, is being driven by a desire among some to stop Trump from getting the nomination.</p>
<p>Burden further cautioned that comparing primary turnout across elections is difficult because turnout&#160;depends largely on factors such as when a candidate gets enough delegates to secure a&#160;party’s nomination. If a candidate secures early, primary voting drops off significantly, and can therefore affect the complete primary voting totals. Should the Republican or Democratic races remain undecided or tighten, Burden said,&#160;voter turnout in the primary should be very high until the end.</p>
| false | 2 |
making160the case electability general election donald trump said comes primary voter turnout far democrats 35 percent whereas republicans 70 percent actually republicans democrats seeing higher primary voter turnouts compared with1602012 fairness trump comparison with1602008 makes sense given last time parties contested primaries stage measure trump nearly accurate according analysis pew research center160of primary voter turnout party going back 1980 2008 outlier democrats far outpacing primary voter turnout last several decades exception 2008 democratic turnout year higher year since 1992 meanwhile republican primary turnout highest going back least 1980 pew began tracking primary voter turnout trumps larger point experts warn evidence high primary turnout leads general election success trump made claim primary voter turnout abcs week response question possibility brokered convention whether republican party160ought give trump nod even falls short 1237160delegates needed secure nomination first ballot trump march 20 biggest story politics millions people coming vote fairness republican party theyre 75 percent 72 percent 102 percent different states primaries single biggest story worldwide politics whats happening millions millions people going vote say democrats 35 percent whereas republicans 70 percent cases much reached trump campaign asking got figures160but hear back best available data could find 2016 primary voter turnout comes160from pew research center analyzed primary voter turnout share eligible voters primary states presidential elections going back 1980 graphic right pew research center shows turnout republicans democrats since last election 2012 75 percentage points republicans 54 percentage points democrats barack obama incumbent running unopposed 2012 democratic primary turnout understandably low lowest 10 election cycles studied author pew report drew desilver told us valid comparison would with1602008 parties contested primaries measure trumps claim generally accurate said turnout totals vary widely state state take ohio example year 12 million people voted democratic primary thats half many voted 2008 democratic primary republicans meanwhile saw turnout rise nearly 11 million people 2008 nearly 2 million year republican turnout far highest year since least 1980 could change trump sen ted cruz obtain enough delegates secure nomination primary voting typically drops significantly democratic turnout nearly high 2008 hillary clinton barack obama squared tight race democratic nomination 2008 higher year since 1992 words democratic primary turnout year bit better typical three elections 2008 aberration make republican surge primary voting much says barry burden political science professor university wisconsinmadison director elections research center burden penned piece explaining washington post monkey cage blog headline record republican turnout primaries translate trump win november probably heres relationship discern turnout primary caucuses one general election burden told us phone interview burdens conclusion echoed analysis primary voter turnout fivethirtyeight posted selfexplanatory headline primary turnout means nothing general election fivethirtyeight noted six elections parties competitive primaries going back 1976 party highest primary turnout popular vote general election three times lost three times analysis also found four five elections party larger raw increase primary voter turnout previous election lost popular vote general election terms percentage change party whose primary turnout improved popular vote general election two five times examples back trumps point 2008 high democratic turnout preceded democratic victory november general election many instances reverse happened 1988 example democrats much higher primary turnout republicans republican george hw bush handily defeated democratic nominee michael dukakis general election words burden said theres relationship sometimes high primary turnout driven enthusiasm opposing candidates tight race case 2008 voters choosing potential first woman president first african american burden said times though sign party turmoil spell trouble general election said republicans setting records primary turnout burden said enthusiasm candidates said driven desire among stop trump getting nomination burden cautioned comparing primary turnout across elections difficult turnout160depends largely factors candidate gets enough delegates secure a160partys nomination candidate secures early primary voting drops significantly therefore affect complete primary voting totals republican democratic races remain undecided tighten burden said160voter turnout primary high end
| 626 |
<p>LAKE PLACID, N.Y. (AP) — The record books and the result sheets and the photos from the medal podium all make it very clear. Officially, U.S. bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor won a silver medal at the Sochi Olympics.</p>
<p>She has a different perspective.</p>
<p>“I lost gold,” she said. “For sure.”</p>
<p>That has been part of the burden that Meyers Taylor has carried around for the last four years, a quadrennial that has proven far more difficult than she would have wanted. She struggled with a concussion and confidence problems, and was personally devastated like so many other U.S. sliders were last year by the death of Steven Holcomb — her close friend and a mentor in many respects.</p>
<p>Yet here she is, back for another Olympics, still very much a contender to win the biggest race in her sport. A bronze medalist as a brakeman in 2010, a silver medalist in her Olympic driving debut in 2014, the 33-year-old Meyers Taylor is heading to the Pyeongchang Games with the simple goal of winning the elusive gold medal she needs for the complete set.</p>
<p>“I know I’m a better driver now than I was four years ago,” Meyers Taylor said. “For me, it’s always been about continually challenging myself and continually figuring out how to go down the hill faster. I’ve gotten to the point where it’s not as much about gold-silver-bronze — although I want that gold medal more than anything I’ve ever wanted — but I want to put together four runs that I can walk away and be proud of.”</p>
<p>Therein lies the story from Sochi.</p>
<p>There are four runs in an Olympic bobsled race, and Meyers Taylor was the leader after the first, second and third heats at the Sochi Games. Gold looked certain to be hers, as long as she made it down the track clean in the final heat.</p>
<p>And that didn’t happen.</p>
<p>She smacked the right wall very hard around the midpoint of the final run, costing her tons of speed. Meyers Taylor and brakeman Lauryn Williams wound up finishing one-tenth of a second behind Canada’s Kaillie Humphries, who won gold for the second straight Olympics.</p>
<p>“Made a mistake,” Meyers Taylor said. “Made a couple mistakes that cost us.”</p>
<p>She’s recovered nicely. Sliding sports like bobsled rarely find themselves in the spotlight, but Meyers Taylor has become a bit of a celebrity endorser in the past year. She struck deals with Bridgestone, Comcast, Coca-Cola, 24 Hour Fitness and others going into these Olympics, which is fairly remarkable since sliders often toil in anonymity.</p>
<p>It gets even more impressive when considering that her Pyeongchang quest seemed in serious trouble after it took her nearly a full year to recover from a January 2015 concussion. That’s no longer a concern.</p>
<p>“We all know what Elana is capable of doing,” USA Bobsled and Skeleton CEO Darrin Steele said.</p>
<p>Another massive jolt that left her feeling seriously shaken came last spring, when Holcomb was found dead in his room at the Olympic Training Center where so many U.S. bobsledders live and train.</p>
<p>They were very close friends. He was the longtime leader of the team and a gold-medal-winning driver. She is the most accomplished women’s pilot on the squad. Holcomb looked at Meyers Taylor as a peer, offered his advice at times, sought her advice other times.</p>
<p>He will be very much in mind when she gets to Korea.</p>
<p>“I know he’s helped prepare me for this,” Meyers Taylor said.</p>
<p>Meyers Taylor finished second in the World Cup standings this season, behind only Humphries. She contended almost every weekend, medaling seven times in the eight races, but had just one win — a dropoff after prevailing 12 times in 20 starts over the previous three years.</p>
<p>That victory this season came in a race where she was pushed by Lolo Jones, who wasn’t picked for the Olympic team even though she and Meyers Taylor had won medals in their last seven World Cup starts together. Meyers Taylor is going to Pyeongchang with Olympic rookie Lauren Gibbs as her brakeman, and they showed their potential with a start record this past weekend in the World Cup season finale at Koenigssee, Germany.</p>
<p>“It showed what we are capable of, and I think that we have even more in the tank,” Meyers Taylor said. “Lauren did a great job and I’m really excited about our potential at the start. We don’t have that many pushes together, so I think it’s definitely a good sign. I’m excited to see what we can do at the games.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>More AP Winter Olympics: <a href="https://wintergames.ap.org" type="external" /> <a href="https://wintergames.ap.org" type="external">https://wintergames.ap.org</a></p>
<p>LAKE PLACID, N.Y. (AP) — The record books and the result sheets and the photos from the medal podium all make it very clear. Officially, U.S. bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor won a silver medal at the Sochi Olympics.</p>
<p>She has a different perspective.</p>
<p>“I lost gold,” she said. “For sure.”</p>
<p>That has been part of the burden that Meyers Taylor has carried around for the last four years, a quadrennial that has proven far more difficult than she would have wanted. She struggled with a concussion and confidence problems, and was personally devastated like so many other U.S. sliders were last year by the death of Steven Holcomb — her close friend and a mentor in many respects.</p>
<p>Yet here she is, back for another Olympics, still very much a contender to win the biggest race in her sport. A bronze medalist as a brakeman in 2010, a silver medalist in her Olympic driving debut in 2014, the 33-year-old Meyers Taylor is heading to the Pyeongchang Games with the simple goal of winning the elusive gold medal she needs for the complete set.</p>
<p>“I know I’m a better driver now than I was four years ago,” Meyers Taylor said. “For me, it’s always been about continually challenging myself and continually figuring out how to go down the hill faster. I’ve gotten to the point where it’s not as much about gold-silver-bronze — although I want that gold medal more than anything I’ve ever wanted — but I want to put together four runs that I can walk away and be proud of.”</p>
<p>Therein lies the story from Sochi.</p>
<p>There are four runs in an Olympic bobsled race, and Meyers Taylor was the leader after the first, second and third heats at the Sochi Games. Gold looked certain to be hers, as long as she made it down the track clean in the final heat.</p>
<p>And that didn’t happen.</p>
<p>She smacked the right wall very hard around the midpoint of the final run, costing her tons of speed. Meyers Taylor and brakeman Lauryn Williams wound up finishing one-tenth of a second behind Canada’s Kaillie Humphries, who won gold for the second straight Olympics.</p>
<p>“Made a mistake,” Meyers Taylor said. “Made a couple mistakes that cost us.”</p>
<p>She’s recovered nicely. Sliding sports like bobsled rarely find themselves in the spotlight, but Meyers Taylor has become a bit of a celebrity endorser in the past year. She struck deals with Bridgestone, Comcast, Coca-Cola, 24 Hour Fitness and others going into these Olympics, which is fairly remarkable since sliders often toil in anonymity.</p>
<p>It gets even more impressive when considering that her Pyeongchang quest seemed in serious trouble after it took her nearly a full year to recover from a January 2015 concussion. That’s no longer a concern.</p>
<p>“We all know what Elana is capable of doing,” USA Bobsled and Skeleton CEO Darrin Steele said.</p>
<p>Another massive jolt that left her feeling seriously shaken came last spring, when Holcomb was found dead in his room at the Olympic Training Center where so many U.S. bobsledders live and train.</p>
<p>They were very close friends. He was the longtime leader of the team and a gold-medal-winning driver. She is the most accomplished women’s pilot on the squad. Holcomb looked at Meyers Taylor as a peer, offered his advice at times, sought her advice other times.</p>
<p>He will be very much in mind when she gets to Korea.</p>
<p>“I know he’s helped prepare me for this,” Meyers Taylor said.</p>
<p>Meyers Taylor finished second in the World Cup standings this season, behind only Humphries. She contended almost every weekend, medaling seven times in the eight races, but had just one win — a dropoff after prevailing 12 times in 20 starts over the previous three years.</p>
<p>That victory this season came in a race where she was pushed by Lolo Jones, who wasn’t picked for the Olympic team even though she and Meyers Taylor had won medals in their last seven World Cup starts together. Meyers Taylor is going to Pyeongchang with Olympic rookie Lauren Gibbs as her brakeman, and they showed their potential with a start record this past weekend in the World Cup season finale at Koenigssee, Germany.</p>
<p>“It showed what we are capable of, and I think that we have even more in the tank,” Meyers Taylor said. “Lauren did a great job and I’m really excited about our potential at the start. We don’t have that many pushes together, so I think it’s definitely a good sign. I’m excited to see what we can do at the games.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>More AP Winter Olympics: <a href="https://wintergames.ap.org" type="external" /> <a href="https://wintergames.ap.org" type="external">https://wintergames.ap.org</a></p>
| false | 2 |
lake placid ny ap record books result sheets photos medal podium make clear officially us bobsledder elana meyers taylor silver medal sochi olympics different perspective lost gold said sure part burden meyers taylor carried around last four years quadrennial proven far difficult would wanted struggled concussion confidence problems personally devastated like many us sliders last year death steven holcomb close friend mentor many respects yet back another olympics still much contender win biggest race sport bronze medalist brakeman 2010 silver medalist olympic driving debut 2014 33yearold meyers taylor heading pyeongchang games simple goal winning elusive gold medal needs complete set know im better driver four years ago meyers taylor said always continually challenging continually figuring go hill faster ive gotten point much goldsilverbronze although want gold medal anything ive ever wanted want put together four runs walk away proud therein lies story sochi four runs olympic bobsled race meyers taylor leader first second third heats sochi games gold looked certain long made track clean final heat didnt happen smacked right wall hard around midpoint final run costing tons speed meyers taylor brakeman lauryn williams wound finishing onetenth second behind canadas kaillie humphries gold second straight olympics made mistake meyers taylor said made couple mistakes cost us shes recovered nicely sliding sports like bobsled rarely find spotlight meyers taylor become bit celebrity endorser past year struck deals bridgestone comcast cocacola 24 hour fitness others going olympics fairly remarkable since sliders often toil anonymity gets even impressive considering pyeongchang quest seemed serious trouble took nearly full year recover january 2015 concussion thats longer concern know elana capable usa bobsled skeleton ceo darrin steele said another massive jolt left feeling seriously shaken came last spring holcomb found dead room olympic training center many us bobsledders live train close friends longtime leader team goldmedalwinning driver accomplished womens pilot squad holcomb looked meyers taylor peer offered advice times sought advice times much mind gets korea know hes helped prepare meyers taylor said meyers taylor finished second world cup standings season behind humphries contended almost every weekend medaling seven times eight races one win dropoff prevailing 12 times 20 starts previous three years victory season came race pushed lolo jones wasnt picked olympic team even though meyers taylor medals last seven world cup starts together meyers taylor going pyeongchang olympic rookie lauren gibbs brakeman showed potential start record past weekend world cup season finale koenigssee germany showed capable think even tank meyers taylor said lauren great job im really excited potential start dont many pushes together think definitely good sign im excited see games ___ ap winter olympics httpswintergamesaporg lake placid ny ap record books result sheets photos medal podium make clear officially us bobsledder elana meyers taylor silver medal sochi olympics different perspective lost gold said sure part burden meyers taylor carried around last four years quadrennial proven far difficult would wanted struggled concussion confidence problems personally devastated like many us sliders last year death steven holcomb close friend mentor many respects yet back another olympics still much contender win biggest race sport bronze medalist brakeman 2010 silver medalist olympic driving debut 2014 33yearold meyers taylor heading pyeongchang games simple goal winning elusive gold medal needs complete set know im better driver four years ago meyers taylor said always continually challenging continually figuring go hill faster ive gotten point much goldsilverbronze although want gold medal anything ive ever wanted want put together four runs walk away proud therein lies story sochi four runs olympic bobsled race meyers taylor leader first second third heats sochi games gold looked certain long made track clean final heat didnt happen smacked right wall hard around midpoint final run costing tons speed meyers taylor brakeman lauryn williams wound finishing onetenth second behind canadas kaillie humphries gold second straight olympics made mistake meyers taylor said made couple mistakes cost us shes recovered nicely sliding sports like bobsled rarely find spotlight meyers taylor become bit celebrity endorser past year struck deals bridgestone comcast cocacola 24 hour fitness others going olympics fairly remarkable since sliders often toil anonymity gets even impressive considering pyeongchang quest seemed serious trouble took nearly full year recover january 2015 concussion thats longer concern know elana capable usa bobsled skeleton ceo darrin steele said another massive jolt left feeling seriously shaken came last spring holcomb found dead room olympic training center many us bobsledders live train close friends longtime leader team goldmedalwinning driver accomplished womens pilot squad holcomb looked meyers taylor peer offered advice times sought advice times much mind gets korea know hes helped prepare meyers taylor said meyers taylor finished second world cup standings season behind humphries contended almost every weekend medaling seven times eight races one win dropoff prevailing 12 times 20 starts previous three years victory season came race pushed lolo jones wasnt picked olympic team even though meyers taylor medals last seven world cup starts together meyers taylor going pyeongchang olympic rookie lauren gibbs brakeman showed potential start record past weekend world cup season finale koenigssee germany showed capable think even tank meyers taylor said lauren great job im really excited potential start dont many pushes together think definitely good sign im excited see games ___ ap winter olympics httpswintergamesaporg
| 866 |
<p>MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The WTA has signed a long-term deal to move its season-ending WTA Finals to Shenzhen, China, in 2019 and will increase total prize money to $14 million, double the previous purse.</p>
<p>The move represents a significant investment in the China market at a time when the sport is aggressively expanding its reach in the country, with the addition of a number of new tournaments in recent years. The WTA signed a 10-year deal to stage the finals in Shenzhen — double the length of the current commitment in Singapore, the host since 2014.</p>
<p>The prize money for the top eight singles players and top eight doubles teams is also a major upgrade from the current purse of $7 million and is nearly double the $8 million in total prize money on offer at the ATP Finals in London.</p>
<p>The WTA said the Chinese real estate developer Gemdale Corporation submitted the winning bid and will build a 12,000-seat stadium in downtown Shenzhen.</p>
<p>“We are very excited about the opportunity I think that Shenzhen brings,” Steve Simon, the CEO of the WTA Tour, said at the Australian Open on Thursday. “With the new arena that’s being built, it will be built in the downtown district, which hasn’t been done. Most of the time it’s on the outskirts, and now it’s there.”</p>
<p>Attendance has been a concern at ATP and WTA events in China in recent years, particularly at new tournaments in cities such as Wuhan and Tianjin, but Simon believes the WTA Finals will attract a sizable audience in a major metropolitan region like the Pearl River Delta.</p>
<p>“When you have 20 million people in that downtown district, plus 68 million in the entire delta region,” he said, “we feel confident we’re going to be able to fill (the arena).”</p>
<p>The 10-year commitment is also far longer than the WTA has signed in previous host cities, another potential issue if attendance figures don’t reach initial expectations.</p>
<p>Simon said, however, that time is needed to build a successful event in a new market. He spoke in 2016 of finding a more permanent home for the finals, saying at the time that Singapore was a city “we’d be very proud to call home.”</p>
<p>Jean Ng, sports director for the Singapore Tourism Board, said in an email to The Associated Press that the STB and the national agency Sport Singapore had engaged in discussions with the WTA about keeping the tournament in Singapore, but “as we were unable to reach an agreement on certain commercial issues, we decided not to pursue the extension.”</p>
<p>The Singapore event hasn’t had the WTA’s marquee player, Serena Williams, since 2014, the last year she played in the finals. Williams shut down her seasons early in 2015 and 2016 and gave birth to her daughter in 2017.</p>
<p>Still, Ng said the event attracted 133,000 spectators last year when Caroline Wozniacki defeated Venus Williams for the title, the highest attendance over the past four years in Singapore.</p>
<p>“We take a holistic view of the performance of all events,” she said. “The WTA Finals has enjoyed a successful run in Singapore thus far.”</p>
<p>Simon said the WTA would evaluate whether it could bring another tournament to Singapore in the future.</p>
<p>“We have created a good market down there, and I would hate to see it get vacated,” he said. “I don’t have one to put there today, but it’s something we will certainly look at.”</p>
<p>Shenzhen already hosts a WTA tournament in early January, one of the tune-up tournaments for the Australian Open.</p>
<p>Maria Sharapova, who played in the Shenzhen Open at the start of this season, said the WTA was making a good strategic move to partner with “a place that’s willing to invest in women’s tennis.”</p>
<p>“They were the ones that put the money on the line,” Sharapova said. “They are willing to grow our sport. They’re willing to build a stadium, willing to accept the game and its level and the players.”</p>
<p>MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The WTA has signed a long-term deal to move its season-ending WTA Finals to Shenzhen, China, in 2019 and will increase total prize money to $14 million, double the previous purse.</p>
<p>The move represents a significant investment in the China market at a time when the sport is aggressively expanding its reach in the country, with the addition of a number of new tournaments in recent years. The WTA signed a 10-year deal to stage the finals in Shenzhen — double the length of the current commitment in Singapore, the host since 2014.</p>
<p>The prize money for the top eight singles players and top eight doubles teams is also a major upgrade from the current purse of $7 million and is nearly double the $8 million in total prize money on offer at the ATP Finals in London.</p>
<p>The WTA said the Chinese real estate developer Gemdale Corporation submitted the winning bid and will build a 12,000-seat stadium in downtown Shenzhen.</p>
<p>“We are very excited about the opportunity I think that Shenzhen brings,” Steve Simon, the CEO of the WTA Tour, said at the Australian Open on Thursday. “With the new arena that’s being built, it will be built in the downtown district, which hasn’t been done. Most of the time it’s on the outskirts, and now it’s there.”</p>
<p>Attendance has been a concern at ATP and WTA events in China in recent years, particularly at new tournaments in cities such as Wuhan and Tianjin, but Simon believes the WTA Finals will attract a sizable audience in a major metropolitan region like the Pearl River Delta.</p>
<p>“When you have 20 million people in that downtown district, plus 68 million in the entire delta region,” he said, “we feel confident we’re going to be able to fill (the arena).”</p>
<p>The 10-year commitment is also far longer than the WTA has signed in previous host cities, another potential issue if attendance figures don’t reach initial expectations.</p>
<p>Simon said, however, that time is needed to build a successful event in a new market. He spoke in 2016 of finding a more permanent home for the finals, saying at the time that Singapore was a city “we’d be very proud to call home.”</p>
<p>Jean Ng, sports director for the Singapore Tourism Board, said in an email to The Associated Press that the STB and the national agency Sport Singapore had engaged in discussions with the WTA about keeping the tournament in Singapore, but “as we were unable to reach an agreement on certain commercial issues, we decided not to pursue the extension.”</p>
<p>The Singapore event hasn’t had the WTA’s marquee player, Serena Williams, since 2014, the last year she played in the finals. Williams shut down her seasons early in 2015 and 2016 and gave birth to her daughter in 2017.</p>
<p>Still, Ng said the event attracted 133,000 spectators last year when Caroline Wozniacki defeated Venus Williams for the title, the highest attendance over the past four years in Singapore.</p>
<p>“We take a holistic view of the performance of all events,” she said. “The WTA Finals has enjoyed a successful run in Singapore thus far.”</p>
<p>Simon said the WTA would evaluate whether it could bring another tournament to Singapore in the future.</p>
<p>“We have created a good market down there, and I would hate to see it get vacated,” he said. “I don’t have one to put there today, but it’s something we will certainly look at.”</p>
<p>Shenzhen already hosts a WTA tournament in early January, one of the tune-up tournaments for the Australian Open.</p>
<p>Maria Sharapova, who played in the Shenzhen Open at the start of this season, said the WTA was making a good strategic move to partner with “a place that’s willing to invest in women’s tennis.”</p>
<p>“They were the ones that put the money on the line,” Sharapova said. “They are willing to grow our sport. They’re willing to build a stadium, willing to accept the game and its level and the players.”</p>
| false | 2 |
melbourne australia ap wta signed longterm deal move seasonending wta finals shenzhen china 2019 increase total prize money 14 million double previous purse move represents significant investment china market time sport aggressively expanding reach country addition number new tournaments recent years wta signed 10year deal stage finals shenzhen double length current commitment singapore host since 2014 prize money top eight singles players top eight doubles teams also major upgrade current purse 7 million nearly double 8 million total prize money offer atp finals london wta said chinese real estate developer gemdale corporation submitted winning bid build 12000seat stadium downtown shenzhen excited opportunity think shenzhen brings steve simon ceo wta tour said australian open thursday new arena thats built built downtown district hasnt done time outskirts attendance concern atp wta events china recent years particularly new tournaments cities wuhan tianjin simon believes wta finals attract sizable audience major metropolitan region like pearl river delta 20 million people downtown district plus 68 million entire delta region said feel confident going able fill arena 10year commitment also far longer wta signed previous host cities another potential issue attendance figures dont reach initial expectations simon said however time needed build successful event new market spoke 2016 finding permanent home finals saying time singapore city wed proud call home jean ng sports director singapore tourism board said email associated press stb national agency sport singapore engaged discussions wta keeping tournament singapore unable reach agreement certain commercial issues decided pursue extension singapore event hasnt wtas marquee player serena williams since 2014 last year played finals williams shut seasons early 2015 2016 gave birth daughter 2017 still ng said event attracted 133000 spectators last year caroline wozniacki defeated venus williams title highest attendance past four years singapore take holistic view performance events said wta finals enjoyed successful run singapore thus far simon said wta would evaluate whether could bring another tournament singapore future created good market would hate see get vacated said dont one put today something certainly look shenzhen already hosts wta tournament early january one tuneup tournaments australian open maria sharapova played shenzhen open start season said wta making good strategic move partner place thats willing invest womens tennis ones put money line sharapova said willing grow sport theyre willing build stadium willing accept game level players melbourne australia ap wta signed longterm deal move seasonending wta finals shenzhen china 2019 increase total prize money 14 million double previous purse move represents significant investment china market time sport aggressively expanding reach country addition number new tournaments recent years wta signed 10year deal stage finals shenzhen double length current commitment singapore host since 2014 prize money top eight singles players top eight doubles teams also major upgrade current purse 7 million nearly double 8 million total prize money offer atp finals london wta said chinese real estate developer gemdale corporation submitted winning bid build 12000seat stadium downtown shenzhen excited opportunity think shenzhen brings steve simon ceo wta tour said australian open thursday new arena thats built built downtown district hasnt done time outskirts attendance concern atp wta events china recent years particularly new tournaments cities wuhan tianjin simon believes wta finals attract sizable audience major metropolitan region like pearl river delta 20 million people downtown district plus 68 million entire delta region said feel confident going able fill arena 10year commitment also far longer wta signed previous host cities another potential issue attendance figures dont reach initial expectations simon said however time needed build successful event new market spoke 2016 finding permanent home finals saying time singapore city wed proud call home jean ng sports director singapore tourism board said email associated press stb national agency sport singapore engaged discussions wta keeping tournament singapore unable reach agreement certain commercial issues decided pursue extension singapore event hasnt wtas marquee player serena williams since 2014 last year played finals williams shut seasons early 2015 2016 gave birth daughter 2017 still ng said event attracted 133000 spectators last year caroline wozniacki defeated venus williams title highest attendance past four years singapore take holistic view performance events said wta finals enjoyed successful run singapore thus far simon said wta would evaluate whether could bring another tournament singapore future created good market would hate see get vacated said dont one put today something certainly look shenzhen already hosts wta tournament early january one tuneup tournaments australian open maria sharapova played shenzhen open start season said wta making good strategic move partner place thats willing invest womens tennis ones put money line sharapova said willing grow sport theyre willing build stadium willing accept game level players
| 764 |
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p />
<p>The Summit of the Americas will be the scene of the presidents’ first face-to-face meeting since they announced Dec. 17 that they will re-establish diplomatic relations after a half-century of hostility. The Obama administration wanted the embassies reopened before the summit starts in Panama on Friday, boosting a new American policy motivated partly by a sense that isolating Cuba was causing friction with other countries in the region.</p>
<p>Arriving at the summit with a deal to reopen embassies in Washington and Havana would create goodwill for the U.S., particularly after it issued new sanctions on selected Venezuelan officials last month that prompted protests from left-leaning countries around the hemisphere.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Negotiators on both sides said they are confident they will be able to strike a deal to reopen embassies in the coming weeks but not necessarily before the summit.</p>
<p>“It’s not a lot of time, let’s put it that way,” U.S. State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf told a briefing on Friday when asked whether an agreement on embassies was likely before the gathering in Panama City.</p>
<p>Asked Monday about the latest on the embassies, White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters that “when you have a country that has essentially been ostracized by the United States for five decades … it’s going to take a little bit of time to re-establish some trust.”</p>
<p>“When you consider the 50-year history between our two countries, three months doesn’t seem very long,” Earnest said, referring to the December announcement.</p>
<p>The U.S. and Cuba have held three rounds of talks about restoring diplomatic relations. Cuba’s main demand is to be removed from the terror list, a Cold War-era designation that isolates it from much of the world financial system because banks fear repercussions from doing business with designated countries. Even Cuba’s Interests Section in Washington has lost its bank in the U.S., forcing it to deal in cash.</p>
<p>Washington has long since stopped accusing Havana of supporting terrorism and Obama made clear in December that he intends to remove Cuba from the list. But U.S. officials said the president must first send Congress a report that says Cuba has not provided any support for international terrorism during the previous six months and has assured the United States that it will not support terrorism in the future.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>The terror list is a particularly charged issue for Cuba because of the U.S. history of supporting exile groups responsible for attacks on the island, including the 1976 bombing of a Cuban passenger flight from Barbados that killed 73 people aboard. The attack was linked to Cuban exiles with ties to U.S.-backed anti-Castro groups and both men accused of masterminding the crime took shelter in Florida, where one, Luis Posada Carriles, lives to this day.</p>
<p>Officials familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press that the demand for assurances there will be no future terror support has led Cuba to reiterate its own past allegations about U.S. involvement in terrorism against the island, and issue a reciprocal demand that the United States pledge to not support such attacks in the future.</p>
<p>The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the negotiations.</p>
<p>Despite the delay in reopening the embassies, both sides appear optimistic they can reach agreement on the terror issue in the near future. The United States and Cuba still have to resolve a demand by Washington that its diplomats be allowed to operate like those from any other country once the U.S. Interests Section in Havana becomes a full embassy. American diplomats currently must obtain permission from the Cuban government to travel outside Havana and Cubans must register with Cuban guards before entering the building, a measure the United States says is aimed at dissuading dissidents from contacts with U.S. officials.</p>
<p>The officials said it appeared unlikely that Washington would strike Cuba from the terror list without assurances from Castro’s government that it will allow the future U.S. embassy to operate with fewer restrictions, a sensitive issue for Cuba because it would allow more American contact with dissidents whom the communist government sees as U.S.-backed mercenaries. Other issues include caps on the number of diplomats at the embassy and restrictions on U.S. imports of products ranging from office supplies to household goods.</p>
<p>Cuban insistence on the continued restrictions on freedom of movement by U.S. diplomats could force the Obama administration into tough decisions about what limits it is willing to accept in order to have an embassy in Cuba.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Domestic politics are also fueling U.S. caution in the talks. While Congress cannot permanently block Cuba’s removal from the list, the Obama administration will have to defend its decision in public hearings heading into a presidential campaign season. Republican candidate Ted Cruz and likely candidate Marco Rubio have family ties to Cuba and object to normalization with the Castro government.</p>
<p>Assistant Secretary of State Roberta Jacobson, Obama’s head of Western Hemisphere affairs, has said Obama and Castro will have some personal interaction during their stay in Panama, although no formal bilateral meetings had been announced as of Monday. Jacobson also told a forum last week on U.S. business opportunities in Cuba that the terror review “is in very advanced stages and we will try to get that done as quickly as possible.”</p>
<p>“One of the reasons that things are taking a while is that we need certain things to run an embassy,” she added. “That is one of the most important things in our conversations.”</p>
<p>Asked about the status of the negotiations, the U.S. State Department said Friday that the review of Cuba’s inclusion on the State Sponsor of Terrorism list was still underway. A Cuban government spokesman speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to be quoted by name said that the country had not been asked to make any public declaration about future support for terrorism. He declined to comment further on the discussions.</p>
<p>U.S.-Cuba experts hope progress comes quickly.</p>
<p>“I think it would be smart on both sides to show continued momentum, to demonstrate that the instructions given by the president on Dec. 17 will be faithfully and promptly carried out by their negotiators,” said Richard Feinberg, a senior director of the National Security Council’s Office of Inter-American Affairs under President Bill Clinton.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press writer Michael Weissenstein reported this story in Havana and Bradley Klapper reported from Washington.</p>
| false | 2 |
summit americas scene presidents first facetoface meeting since announced dec 17 reestablish diplomatic relations halfcentury hostility obama administration wanted embassies reopened summit starts panama friday boosting new american policy motivated partly sense isolating cuba causing friction countries region arriving summit deal reopen embassies washington havana would create goodwill us particularly issued new sanctions selected venezuelan officials last month prompted protests leftleaning countries around hemisphere advertisement negotiators sides said confident able strike deal reopen embassies coming weeks necessarily summit lot time lets put way us state department spokeswoman marie harf told briefing friday asked whether agreement embassies likely gathering panama city asked monday latest embassies white house spokesman josh earnest told reporters country essentially ostracized united states five decades going take little bit time reestablish trust consider 50year history two countries three months doesnt seem long earnest said referring december announcement us cuba held three rounds talks restoring diplomatic relations cubas main demand removed terror list cold warera designation isolates much world financial system banks fear repercussions business designated countries even cubas interests section washington lost bank us forcing deal cash washington long since stopped accusing havana supporting terrorism obama made clear december intends remove cuba list us officials said president must first send congress report says cuba provided support international terrorism previous six months assured united states support terrorism future advertisement terror list particularly charged issue cuba us history supporting exile groups responsible attacks island including 1976 bombing cuban passenger flight barbados killed 73 people aboard attack linked cuban exiles ties usbacked anticastro groups men accused masterminding crime took shelter florida one luis posada carriles lives day officials familiar negotiations told associated press demand assurances future terror support led cuba reiterate past allegations us involvement terrorism island issue reciprocal demand united states pledge support attacks future officials spoke condition anonymity authorized publicly discuss negotiations despite delay reopening embassies sides appear optimistic reach agreement terror issue near future united states cuba still resolve demand washington diplomats allowed operate like country us interests section havana becomes full embassy american diplomats currently must obtain permission cuban government travel outside havana cubans must register cuban guards entering building measure united states says aimed dissuading dissidents contacts us officials officials said appeared unlikely washington would strike cuba terror list without assurances castros government allow future us embassy operate fewer restrictions sensitive issue cuba would allow american contact dissidents communist government sees usbacked mercenaries issues include caps number diplomats embassy restrictions us imports products ranging office supplies household goods cuban insistence continued restrictions freedom movement us diplomats could force obama administration tough decisions limits willing accept order embassy cuba advertisement domestic politics also fueling us caution talks congress permanently block cubas removal list obama administration defend decision public hearings heading presidential campaign season republican candidate ted cruz likely candidate marco rubio family ties cuba object normalization castro government assistant secretary state roberta jacobson obamas head western hemisphere affairs said obama castro personal interaction stay panama although formal bilateral meetings announced monday jacobson also told forum last week us business opportunities cuba terror review advanced stages try get done quickly possible one reasons things taking need certain things run embassy added one important things conversations asked status negotiations us state department said friday review cubas inclusion state sponsor terrorism list still underway cuban government spokesman speaking condition anonymity authorized quoted name said country asked make public declaration future support terrorism declined comment discussions uscuba experts hope progress comes quickly think would smart sides show continued momentum demonstrate instructions given president dec 17 faithfully promptly carried negotiators said richard feinberg senior director national security councils office interamerican affairs president bill clinton ___ associated press writer michael weissenstein reported story havana bradley klapper reported washington
| 616 |
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p>His entrance through the doors of Lobo men’s basketball shocked nearly everyone.</p>
<p>His exit surprised virtually no one.</p>
<p>In the five years between, Ritchie McKay lived a lifetime of emotions.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>From 2002 to 2007, McKay’s Lobos ran college basketball’s gamut.</p>
<p>There were extremely high notes, and notes so low that they fell off the scale.</p>
<p>And there were situations very few coaches ever faced.</p>
<p>“When I first got the job, it was such a sprint to try and build a program that my dad had loved so much,” McKay says, referring to his late father, Joe McKay – who played for the Lobos from 1961-63. “I had the privilege of working with some great players. Some great people.</p>
<p>“I still think of the NCAA Tournament run, and what a great group of players we had. … It was a great place to coach.</p>
<p>“I wouldn’t trade it. Though my time ended, probably not the way I would have liked,” he continues with a chuckle, “I don’t have any regrets.”</p>
<p>McKay, these days the associate head coach at Virginia, took over a UNM program in disarray in 2002. He led it to the NCAA Tournament in his third year, coached one of the school’s greatest-ever players and had teams comprised of stand-up, high-character kids for three years.</p>
<p>But that one great season – 2004-05 – was his only one with a winning league record. The fanatic Lobo fan base never quite seemed to embrace the Indianapolis native. He took chances on some risky character players his last two years, and his final season was one of the most turbulent in school history.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Off the court, McKay had to deal with the suicide of one player and the attempted suicide of another.</p>
<p>But McKay held his head high throughout, never wavering from his Christian beliefs and the way he wanted to run a program.</p>
<p>“He was always under control,” says UNM regent president Jack Fortner, then the regent’s vice president. “He was a hard worker, had a great staff and had to start all over after (ex-Lobo coach Fran) Fraschilla. Fraschilla was unable to manage people, and we needed someone to bring some stability to the program, and Ritchie did that.</p>
<p>“I was saddened to see him go. You had to admire the way he led his personal life. Unfortunately in this arena, big-time college sports, you’ve still got to win. And he couldn’t get the wins on the road.”</p>
<p>Starting over</p>
<p>McKay jumps in front of his players for a celebratory postgame photo after UNM defeated Utah in the 2005 Mountain West Conference tournament championship game. (Associated Press File)</p>
<p>Fraschilla got the boot after a 96-62 loss to Minnesota in the 2002 NIT, ending his combustible three-year stint.</p>
<p>UNM athletic director Rudy Davalos acknowledged he would interview McKay, who had just finished his second year at Oregon State, while the two were in Atlanta for the Final Four. Meanwhile, a number of other names surfaced, including former NBA coach Tim Floyd, Creighton’s Dana Altman, Southern Cal’s Henry Bibby and Southern Illinois’ Bruce Weber. Earlier, UC Santa Barbara’s Bob Williams pulled his name out of the hat.</p>
<p>But all those names were brushed out of the public eye when national news broke that Arizona’s State’s Rob Evans was offered the job. Evans, a Hobbs native and New Mexico State graduate, was national coach of the year at Mississippi in 1997.</p>
<p>New Mexico was buzzing, and Lobo fans went to bed late on the night of March 28 thinking they would have their new coach by morning.</p>
<p>They did.</p>
<p>At 11:30 p.m. on March 28 – 1:30 a.m. in Atlanta – Davalos held a teleconference to announce he hired McKay.</p>
<p>“I think Rob would have done a good job,” Davalos recently said. “A Phoenix paper called me and said we offered him $800,000, and that’s not true. We didn’t have that kind of money.</p>
<p>“What happened with Fran is we had really bad player unrest. Players felt they weren’t treated properly. We wanted a coach to come in and soothe the wounds of the players.”</p>
<p>The job was one McKay coveted. He said he grew up a Lobo fan because his father played for UNM. He had his dad’s Lobo letterman’s jacket in a glass case in his new office.</p>
<p>McKay, then 37, had been a head coach for six seasons, two each at Portland State, Colorado State and Oregon State. He had a career record of 83-89.</p>
<p>He knew he had to rebuild, and talked about getting it done with character players and discipline.</p>
<p>It was more than talk. Standout post Patrick Dennehy walked off the floor during McKay’s first practice that spring, and the coach dismissed him for good.</p>
<p>Just two months earlier, Fraschilla failed to discipline Dennehy for arguing with teammates, then walking off the floor and into the locker room with three minutes left in a game.</p>
<p>In 2002, Dennehy transferred to Baylor under former Lobo coach Dave Bliss. A year later he was shot dead by a teammate, which ignited a scandal that ran Bliss out of coaching.</p>
<p>Dennehy would have been one of the few experienced players on McKay’s first Lobo team, which soon became the Ruben Douglas Show. The senior guard led the nation in scoring (28.0 points per game), but UNM struggled to a 10-18 record and 4-10 in the Mountain West Conference.</p>
<p>“Ritchie came in with a different mentality and we had a lot of team camaraderie that year,” Douglas said. “He made us be a family, which is good, but on the other hand, we just didn’t have enough talent. If Ritchie would have come with some of the players we had before, or maybe brought in some other guys who were going to do things the correct way, we probably would have had a lot of success.”</p>
<p>The Lobos’ 18 losses, however, were nothing compared to the loss they were about to suffer.</p>
<p>Tragic season</p>
<p>McKay, left, and trainer David Smith accompany Danny Granger as he leaves the court with an injury in 2005. Granger missed three games, all Lobo losses. (Associated Press File)</p>
<p>UNM was picked to finish seventh out of eight teams in the MWC in 2003-04. But those around the program knew that come December, transfers Danny Granger and Troy DeVries would be eligible and likely make New Mexico a contender.</p>
<p>The Lobos also had another transfer, 6-foot-10 sharp-shooter Billy Feeney, who sat out the previous season as a redshirt. He would have been eligible from the get-go that year, and the gregarious sophomore was penciled in as a starter.</p>
<p>On Aug. 27, 2003, Feeney hanged himself on a light post in downtown Albuquerque.</p>
<p>“Personally, that – behind the loss of my own father – was the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through,” McKay says. “I loved Billy. Anytime you lose someone as a family member, it’s difficult. Only those who experienced it can sympathize with the pain of that loss.”</p>
<p>Feeney was buried in his native Boulder, Colo., the following week, and his Lobo teammates served as pallbearers.</p>
<p>Granger, who wept openly on the casket that day, talked about Feeney when he became a first-round NBA Draft pick in 2005.</p>
<p>“I was thinking about Billy,” he told the Journal , his eyes swelling with tears, after hearing his name called by the Indiana Pacers as the 17th overall pick that June. “I thought about him all night, how much I wish he could have been here.”</p>
<p>Feeney’s memory motivated the Lobos that 2003-04 season. But it probably triggered other issues as well.</p>
<p>In December of 2003, starting sophomore guard Mark Walters was hospitalized after overdosing on medications. Two years later, Walters admitted he, too, tried to commit suicide.</p>
<p>“(Billy’s loss) really hit the whole team hard that season,” McKay says. “Danny was wearing Billy’s clothes. Mark Walters and Billy, they were boys. But I thought the administration did a great job of providing support and counseling. In some ways, it knitted the group closer together. It redirects your purpose of making peoples’ lives better.”</p>
<p>On the court, the Lobos were 3-3 in late December and lost two at home.</p>
<p>But Granger and DeVries became eligible, and New Mexico won six of seven, with the only loss at sixth-ranked Wake Forest, led by future NBA superstar Chris Paul.</p>
<p>The Lobos finished 14-14 and 5-9 in the MWC, but Granger led the league in scoring, DeVries shot 44.6 percent from 3-point range and five of the team’s top six players were returning.</p>
<p>The groundwork had been laid for something special.</p>
<p>Talent prevails</p>
<p>Granger, DeVries and high-flying wing Alfred Neale were senior returning starters in 2004-05. David Chiotti, who had become one of the league’s top big men, and Walters were starting juniors. The freshman class included future Lobo standouts Tony Danridge, Darren Prentice and Chad Toppert as well as Bambale Osby, who later transferred and became a starting post at Maryland.</p>
<p>The Lobos rolled to a 10-1 start with the only loss coming at home to Paul and fifth-ranked Wake Forest.</p>
<p>New Mexico won its next four, including its league opener against Wyoming to go 14-2. But during the victory, Granger, a future NBA All-Star, suffered a torn lateral meniscus and played just 12 minutes. He missed the next three games at Air Force, Utah and BYU, and the Lobos lost all three.</p>
<p>“I really thought that was one of the best teams that’s ever played here,” Davalos said. “Had Granger not gotten injured, I don’t think they would have lost any of those three games.”</p>
<p>After Granger’s return, the Lobos lost just once in their next 13 games. The 6-foot-8 native of Metairie, La., dominated the league and led victories over nationally ranked Utah and future NBA No. 1 pick Andrew Bogut. The second of those two meetings was in the MWC title game, which sent the Lobos to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1999.</p>
<p>“I’d put that starting five up against anybody in Lobo history,” says Scott Didrickson, an assistant coach that year and a current UNM radio analyst.</p>
<p>“We were probably a Danny Granger knee injury away from being a 30-win team and a 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament. I’m biased, I get that. But it was a special team and they were great guys. Every coach dreams of having a team like that.”</p>
<p>The Lobos, however, weren’t a No. 3 seed. Despite their 26-6 record and MWC tournament title, they were only a 12 seed.</p>
<p>UNM faced a Villanova team that was better than its No. 5 seed and the Wildcats raced to a 34-11 halftime lead. The Lobos roared back to within 52-47 in the final minute of the game, but missed two straight shots and Villanova went on to win 55-47.</p>
<p>How soon they forget</p>
<p>McKay holds his head during a 2006 loss at New Mexico State. His UNM teams consistently struggled outside the Pit. (Associated Press File)</p>
<p>Without Granger, DeVries and Neale, 2005-06 was a struggle.</p>
<p>On the court and in the stands.</p>
<p>The Lobos were 17-13 overall, 8-8 in the MWC and attendance dropped. UNM was in the top 10 in national attendance for 35 of 36 seasons (11th in 1991-92) prior to McKay’s arrival, but had not been in it since. The 2005-06 official average attendance was 13,387 – still impressive for most programs – but the lowest at UNM since 1971-72, before the Pit’s expansion.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, UNM was 2-11 outside the Pit.</p>
<p>Just one year removed from the NCAA Tournament, there was enormous grumbling from fans heading into 2006-07.</p>
<p>Talent-wise, however, it looked like the Lobos could make a title run. Kansas’ J.R. Giddens – a future NBA first-round pick – and Aaron Johnson – who led the Big Ten in rebounding while at Penn State – became eligible at UNM after sitting out a year as transfers.</p>
<p>Junior guards Danridge and Prentice and sophomore post Daniel Faris were all hitting their strides, junior-college transfer Jamaal Smith took over as point guard, 3-point bombing Toppert was a sophomore, and future Lobo star Roman Martinez entered the program as a freshman.</p>
<p>But athletic director Paul Krebs also entered the picture, replacing the retired Davalos. He kept a close eye on results and crowds.</p>
<p>The Lobos won eight of their first 10, but all eight were in the Pit and attendance was in free fall.</p>
<p>On Dec. 19, UNM beat Charleston Southern in front of an announced 10,502 during a snowstorm.</p>
<p>“(I’m) happy about the 10,502 who showed up,” McKay said in jest.</p>
<p>McKay was jokingly asked if he flunked math.</p>
<p>“I went to Seattle Pacific,” he said with a grin.</p>
<p>Five members of the media did a head count of the fans in the stands. The total – 1,485.</p>
<p>A week later, UNM finally won a game outside the Pit, shocking then eighth-ranked Wichita State in a tournament in Las Vegas, Nev. The recent criticism had raised the team’s collective dander.</p>
<p>“We had to prove stuff to people, show you guys that we’re not a joke,” Giddens said. “You’ve got your own town kicking you and people ain’t showing up for the games, that hurts.”</p>
<p>But the Lobos were hammered the next night by Kansas State in the title game of the four-team event.</p>
<p>“We had some great talent on that team,” Didrickson says. “But we went from having so many good kids that we loved coaching to, well, we started to take some fliers on some kids. Character-wise and chemistry-wise, it went the wrong way.”</p>
<p>Final straws</p>
<p>Empty seats became a major issue for Lobo men’s basketball during the 2006-07 season. The low point was a December home game against Charleston Southern played during a snowstorm. Media members counted fewer than 1,500 fans in the Pit stands. (Journal File)</p>
<p>Giddens and Johnson – who dubbed themselves Superman and Batman – came to UNM with baggage. Giddens had been stabbed after allegedly starting a fight outside a bar in Lawrence, Kan.</p>
<p>Johnson had been in a brawl with Penn State teammates at his on-campus apartment. Police were called to the scene, but no arrests were made.</p>
<p>However, Johnson was arrested during his redshirt season at UNM in September of 2005 and charged with four felony counts of battery on an Albuquerque police officer.</p>
<p>McKay dismissed him from the team – but only during his redshirt season. Johnson was back for 2006-07.</p>
<p>Johnson had more than his share of spats with teammates and never lived up to his hype. Giddens lit up the nets, but also verbally lit up his teammates and the coaching staff.</p>
<p>“That year was not only bad because of the losing, but we had let (KOB-TV) follow us (behind the scenes) and that magnified all the problems,” Faris said. “I’m not blaming it on them at all, but that particular team wasn’t mature enough to handle it and all the problems. You can tell by the record we finished with.”</p>
<p>On Jan. 1, the Lobos lost a 70-68 heartbreaker at Texas Tech in a game that made Bobby Knight the winningest coach in NCAA men’s basketball history. UNM soon went into a nose dive, losing eight of nine, including a 70-49 embarrassment at home to BYU. Privately word was that McKay was out.</p>
<p>The Lobos won three of their next four, but then came the final blow.</p>
<p>New Mexico had San Diego State dead to rights in the Pit when Johnson took an inbounds pass under the Lobos’ basket in a tie game just before the final horn. But Johnson blew the wide-open layup, New Mexico lost in overtime, and Krebs and McKay jointly announced the coach’s firing two days later.</p>
<p>McKay was allowed to finish the season, but the Lobos finished with four more losses – the last in the MWC conference tournament play-in game to TCU in Las Vegas. They were 15-17 overall and 4-12 in the league.</p>
<p>After the final game, Johnson’s father – Howard Johnson – came into the locker room, which was open to the media but not the public, and got into a verbal confrontation with assistant coach Brad Soucie. Strength coach Aaron Day had to restrain the angered father. Day and Soucie said Howard Johnson was yelling and cursing at the coaching staff and security was called.</p>
<p>“That incident pretty much summed up that whole season,” says Faris, who now plays professional basketball in Lebanon. “(Howard Johnson) storms into the locker room, and I’m thinking, ‘Wow, I haven’t seen this before.’ It was crazy.</p>
<p>“But that year helped me as far as moving forward and learning some things. It was a tough year.”</p>
<p>Give him Liberty</p>
<p>McKay, left, consoling then-Lobo Danny Granger, and his team had to overcome the suicide of transfer player Billy Feeney before the 2003-04 season. (Journal File)</p>
<p>McKay left the Lobos with some solid talent – like Giddens, Danridge, Prentice, Faris, Martinez, Toppert and Smith, and coach Steve Alford led them to a 24-9 record in 2007-08.</p>
<p>“A lot of the games we won had a lot had to do with coach Alford,” Faris says. “But we were almost all coach McKay’s players. Coach McKay had a really good foundation for the future. He left a lot in the cupboard.”</p>
<p>McKay finished at UNM with eight road wins in five seasons, but was confident he would get another head coaching gig. He was hired at Liberty, a private Christian school in Lynchburg, Va., that year.</p>
<p>He led the Flames to the Big South semifinals in back-to-back years, and to 23 wins and the quarterfinals of the CollegeInsider.com postseason tournament in 2008-09. The program had just one winning record in 11 seasons prior to that.</p>
<p>In the spring of 2009, McKay’s longtime friend Tony Bennett was hired as head coach at Virginia, and Bennett hired McKay as associate head coach.</p>
<p>“It’s been a blessing for me,” McKay says. “The most unique thing is I’m getting a master’s degree in defense working with coach Bennett. It will have me better prepared me for another head coaching stop, if indeed that happens.”</p>
<p>McKay says he is enjoying life. He reads a lot more, has taken up tennis and spends much more time with his family – wife of 23 years Julie, daughter Ellie (19), sons Luke (15) and Gabriel (13) and his dog – a Goldendoodle named Granger.</p>
<p>Bennett, a former NBA player and the son of former college coach, says McKay has been a “home run” for his program. He says he’d like McKay to stay as long as possible, but believes McKay will be a head coach again.</p>
<p>“Someone would be crazy not to hire him,” Bennett said. “You cannot put a substitute on experience. It’s just matter of time, and if he wants to do that.”</p>
<p>McKay says he’s does, and maybe sooner rather than later.</p>
<p>“I think I’m ready to do it again,” McKay says, “but at the same time, I really like our team. It would really take the right situation to leave.”</p>
<p>As far as the way he left New Mexico, McKay says he doesn’t have any hard feelings.</p>
<p>“My memory of my experience there is very positive,” he says. “The bottom line is, I was privileged to have the reins and I gave my best effort trying to build it up. I do think we had the program in a healthy place.</p>
<p>“I don’t harbor any bitterness. Paul Krebs hired a great coach in Steve Alford, and I was excited for that program’s advance because of my dad’s affiliation.</p>
<p>“I will always root for UNM.”</p>
<p />
| false | 2 |
entrance doors lobo mens basketball shocked nearly everyone exit surprised virtually one five years ritchie mckay lived lifetime emotions advertisement 2002 2007 mckays lobos ran college basketballs gamut extremely high notes notes low fell scale situations coaches ever faced first got job sprint try build program dad loved much mckay says referring late father joe mckay played lobos 196163 privilege working great players great people still think ncaa tournament run great group players great place coach wouldnt trade though time ended probably way would liked continues chuckle dont regrets mckay days associate head coach virginia took unm program disarray 2002 led ncaa tournament third year coached one schools greatestever players teams comprised standup highcharacter kids three years one great season 200405 one winning league record fanatic lobo fan base never quite seemed embrace indianapolis native took chances risky character players last two years final season one turbulent school history advertisement court mckay deal suicide one player attempted suicide another mckay held head high throughout never wavering christian beliefs way wanted run program always control says unm regent president jack fortner regents vice president hard worker great staff start exlobo coach fran fraschilla fraschilla unable manage people needed someone bring stability program ritchie saddened see go admire way led personal life unfortunately arena bigtime college sports youve still got win couldnt get wins road starting mckay jumps front players celebratory postgame photo unm defeated utah 2005 mountain west conference tournament championship game associated press file fraschilla got boot 9662 loss minnesota 2002 nit ending combustible threeyear stint unm athletic director rudy davalos acknowledged would interview mckay finished second year oregon state two atlanta final four meanwhile number names surfaced including former nba coach tim floyd creightons dana altman southern cals henry bibby southern illinois bruce weber earlier uc santa barbaras bob williams pulled name hat names brushed public eye national news broke arizonas states rob evans offered job evans hobbs native new mexico state graduate national coach year mississippi 1997 new mexico buzzing lobo fans went bed late night march 28 thinking would new coach morning 1130 pm march 28 130 atlanta davalos held teleconference announce hired mckay think rob would done good job davalos recently said phoenix paper called said offered 800000 thats true didnt kind money happened fran really bad player unrest players felt werent treated properly wanted coach come soothe wounds players job one mckay coveted said grew lobo fan father played unm dads lobo lettermans jacket glass case new office mckay 37 head coach six seasons two portland state colorado state oregon state career record 8389 knew rebuild talked getting done character players discipline talk standout post patrick dennehy walked floor mckays first practice spring coach dismissed good two months earlier fraschilla failed discipline dennehy arguing teammates walking floor locker room three minutes left game 2002 dennehy transferred baylor former lobo coach dave bliss year later shot dead teammate ignited scandal ran bliss coaching dennehy would one experienced players mckays first lobo team soon became ruben douglas show senior guard led nation scoring 280 points per game unm struggled 1018 record 410 mountain west conference ritchie came different mentality lot team camaraderie year douglas said made us family good hand didnt enough talent ritchie would come players maybe brought guys going things correct way probably would lot success lobos 18 losses however nothing compared loss suffer tragic season mckay left trainer david smith accompany danny granger leaves court injury 2005 granger missed three games lobo losses associated press file unm picked finish seventh eight teams mwc 200304 around program knew come december transfers danny granger troy devries would eligible likely make new mexico contender lobos also another transfer 6foot10 sharpshooter billy feeney sat previous season redshirt would eligible getgo year gregarious sophomore penciled starter aug 27 2003 feeney hanged light post downtown albuquerque personally behind loss father hardest thing ive ever gone mckay says loved billy anytime lose someone family member difficult experienced sympathize pain loss feeney buried native boulder colo following week lobo teammates served pallbearers granger wept openly casket day talked feeney became firstround nba draft pick 2005 thinking billy told journal eyes swelling tears hearing name called indiana pacers 17th overall pick june thought night much wish could feeneys memory motivated lobos 200304 season probably triggered issues well december 2003 starting sophomore guard mark walters hospitalized overdosing medications two years later walters admitted tried commit suicide billys loss really hit whole team hard season mckay says danny wearing billys clothes mark walters billy boys thought administration great job providing support counseling ways knitted group closer together redirects purpose making peoples lives better court lobos 33 late december lost two home granger devries became eligible new mexico six seven loss sixthranked wake forest led future nba superstar chris paul lobos finished 1414 59 mwc granger led league scoring devries shot 446 percent 3point range five teams top six players returning groundwork laid something special talent prevails granger devries highflying wing alfred neale senior returning starters 200405 david chiotti become one leagues top big men walters starting juniors freshman class included future lobo standouts tony danridge darren prentice chad toppert well bambale osby later transferred became starting post maryland lobos rolled 101 start loss coming home paul fifthranked wake forest new mexico next four including league opener wyoming go 142 victory granger future nba allstar suffered torn lateral meniscus played 12 minutes missed next three games air force utah byu lobos lost three really thought one best teams thats ever played davalos said granger gotten injured dont think would lost three games grangers return lobos lost next 13 games 6foot8 native metairie la dominated league led victories nationally ranked utah future nba 1 pick andrew bogut second two meetings mwc title game sent lobos ncaa tournament first time since 1999 id put starting five anybody lobo history says scott didrickson assistant coach year current unm radio analyst probably danny granger knee injury away 30win team 3 seed ncaa tournament im biased get special team great guys every coach dreams team like lobos however werent 3 seed despite 266 record mwc tournament title 12 seed unm faced villanova team better 5 seed wildcats raced 3411 halftime lead lobos roared back within 5247 final minute game missed two straight shots villanova went win 5547 soon forget mckay holds head 2006 loss new mexico state unm teams consistently struggled outside pit associated press file without granger devries neale 200506 struggle court stands lobos 1713 overall 88 mwc attendance dropped unm top 10 national attendance 35 36 seasons 11th 199192 prior mckays arrival since 200506 official average attendance 13387 still impressive programs lowest unm since 197172 pits expansion meanwhile unm 211 outside pit one year removed ncaa tournament enormous grumbling fans heading 200607 talentwise however looked like lobos could make title run kansas jr giddens future nba firstround pick aaron johnson led big ten rebounding penn state became eligible unm sitting year transfers junior guards danridge prentice sophomore post daniel faris hitting strides juniorcollege transfer jamaal smith took point guard 3point bombing toppert sophomore future lobo star roman martinez entered program freshman athletic director paul krebs also entered picture replacing retired davalos kept close eye results crowds lobos eight first 10 eight pit attendance free fall dec 19 unm beat charleston southern front announced 10502 snowstorm im happy 10502 showed mckay said jest mckay jokingly asked flunked math went seattle pacific said grin five members media head count fans stands total 1485 week later unm finally game outside pit shocking eighthranked wichita state tournament las vegas nev recent criticism raised teams collective dander prove stuff people show guys joke giddens said youve got town kicking people aint showing games hurts lobos hammered next night kansas state title game fourteam event great talent team didrickson says went many good kids loved coaching well started take fliers kids characterwise chemistrywise went wrong way final straws empty seats became major issue lobo mens basketball 200607 season low point december home game charleston southern played snowstorm media members counted fewer 1500 fans pit stands journal file giddens johnson dubbed superman batman came unm baggage giddens stabbed allegedly starting fight outside bar lawrence kan johnson brawl penn state teammates oncampus apartment police called scene arrests made however johnson arrested redshirt season unm september 2005 charged four felony counts battery albuquerque police officer mckay dismissed team redshirt season johnson back 200607 johnson share spats teammates never lived hype giddens lit nets also verbally lit teammates coaching staff year bad losing let kobtv follow us behind scenes magnified problems faris said im blaming particular team wasnt mature enough handle problems tell record finished jan 1 lobos lost 7068 heartbreaker texas tech game made bobby knight winningest coach ncaa mens basketball history unm soon went nose dive losing eight nine including 7049 embarrassment home byu privately word mckay lobos three next four came final blow new mexico san diego state dead rights pit johnson took inbounds pass lobos basket tie game final horn johnson blew wideopen layup new mexico lost overtime krebs mckay jointly announced coachs firing two days later mckay allowed finish season lobos finished four losses last mwc conference tournament playin game tcu las vegas 1517 overall 412 league final game johnsons father howard johnson came locker room open media public got verbal confrontation assistant coach brad soucie strength coach aaron day restrain angered father day soucie said howard johnson yelling cursing coaching staff security called incident pretty much summed whole season says faris plays professional basketball lebanon howard johnson storms locker room im thinking wow havent seen crazy year helped far moving forward learning things tough year give liberty mckay left consoling thenlobo danny granger team overcome suicide transfer player billy feeney 200304 season journal file mckay left lobos solid talent like giddens danridge prentice faris martinez toppert smith coach steve alford led 249 record 200708 lot games lot coach alford faris says almost coach mckays players coach mckay really good foundation future left lot cupboard mckay finished unm eight road wins five seasons confident would get another head coaching gig hired liberty private christian school lynchburg va year led flames big south semifinals backtoback years 23 wins quarterfinals collegeinsidercom postseason tournament 200809 program one winning record 11 seasons prior spring 2009 mckays longtime friend tony bennett hired head coach virginia bennett hired mckay associate head coach blessing mckay says unique thing im getting masters degree defense working coach bennett better prepared another head coaching stop indeed happens mckay says enjoying life reads lot taken tennis spends much time family wife 23 years julie daughter ellie 19 sons luke 15 gabriel 13 dog goldendoodle named granger bennett former nba player son former college coach says mckay home run program says hed like mckay stay long possible believes mckay head coach someone would crazy hire bennett said put substitute experience matter time wants mckay says hes maybe sooner rather later think im ready mckay says time really like team would really take right situation leave far way left new mexico mckay says doesnt hard feelings memory experience positive says bottom line privileged reins gave best effort trying build think program healthy place dont harbor bitterness paul krebs hired great coach steve alford excited programs advance dads affiliation always root unm
| 1,874 |
<p>JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (10-5) at TENNESSEE (8-7)</p>
<p>Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS</p>
<p>OPENING LINE — Titans by 3</p>
<p>RECORD VS. SPREAD — Jacksonville 9-6, Tennessee 7-7-1</p>
<p>SERIES RECORD — Titans lead 26-20</p>
<p>LAST MEETING — Titans beat Jaguars 37-16, Sept. 17</p>
<p>LAST WEEK — Jaguars lost to 49ers 44-33; Titans lost to Rams 27-23</p>
<p>AP PRO32 RANKING — Jaguars No. 8, Titans No. 15</p>
<p>JAGUARS OFFENSE — OVERALL (6), RUSH (1), PASS (16)</p>
<p>JAGUARS DEFENSE — OVERALL (3), RUSH (21), PASS (1)</p>
<p>TITANS OFFENSE — OVERALL (21), RUSH (16), PASS (22)</p>
<p>TITANS DEFENSE — OVERALL (17), RUSH (5), PASS (25)</p>
<p>STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES — Jaguars won first division title since 1999 and locked in as AFC's No. 3 seed for playoffs. ... Titans go into final game chasing playoff berth for first time since 2011, trying to reach postseason for first time since 2008. Titans alive for either fifth or sixth seed. Titans can clinch with win or losses by both Bills and Chargers. ... Ravens' loss plus Titans win would give Tennessee No. 5 seed. ... Titans have won three of last four in series. ... Jaguars lead NFL with 52 sacks. .. Jaguars QB Blake Bortles passed for career-high 382 yards last week. Bortles has 995 yards passing, nine TDs and one interception in past three games in Tennessee. ... Jaguars RB Leonard Fournette has 971 yards rushing this season and can become second rookie in franchise history with 1,000 yards rushing or more. ... Jaguars rookie WR Keelan Cole had 108 yards receiving last week. ... Jaguars DE Yannick Ngakoue leads NFL with six forced fumbles. He has 12 sacks and six forced fumbles in past eight road games. ... Jaguars DE Calais Campbell tied for second in NFL with 14 ½ sacks and has three sacks in past four games. ... Titans have won nine of last 11 home games. ... Titans QB Marcus Mariota has thrown for 538 yards with five TDs and one interception with 123 yards rushing in past two home games vs. Jaguars. ... Tennessee RB DeMarco Murray averaging 89.1 scrimmage yards in past 15 home games with 14 TDs. Murray has injured right knee. ... Titans RB Derrick Henry has 319 yards rushing in past three games vs. division opponents and two TDs. ... Titans rookie WR Corey Davis had career-high 91 yards receiving last week. ... S Kevin Byard tied for second in NFL with six interceptions. ... Fantasy Tip: Davis hurt hamstring in Week 2 against Jacksonville and missed next five games. Coming off his best game, he can get payback against Jaguars and help Titans end playoff drought.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP_NFL</p>
<p>JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (10-5) at TENNESSEE (8-7)</p>
<p>Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS</p>
<p>OPENING LINE — Titans by 3</p>
<p>RECORD VS. SPREAD — Jacksonville 9-6, Tennessee 7-7-1</p>
<p>SERIES RECORD — Titans lead 26-20</p>
<p>LAST MEETING — Titans beat Jaguars 37-16, Sept. 17</p>
<p>LAST WEEK — Jaguars lost to 49ers 44-33; Titans lost to Rams 27-23</p>
<p>AP PRO32 RANKING — Jaguars No. 8, Titans No. 15</p>
<p>JAGUARS OFFENSE — OVERALL (6), RUSH (1), PASS (16)</p>
<p>JAGUARS DEFENSE — OVERALL (3), RUSH (21), PASS (1)</p>
<p>TITANS OFFENSE — OVERALL (21), RUSH (16), PASS (22)</p>
<p>TITANS DEFENSE — OVERALL (17), RUSH (5), PASS (25)</p>
<p>STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES — Jaguars won first division title since 1999 and locked in as AFC's No. 3 seed for playoffs. ... Titans go into final game chasing playoff berth for first time since 2011, trying to reach postseason for first time since 2008. Titans alive for either fifth or sixth seed. Titans can clinch with win or losses by both Bills and Chargers. ... Ravens' loss plus Titans win would give Tennessee No. 5 seed. ... Titans have won three of last four in series. ... Jaguars lead NFL with 52 sacks. .. Jaguars QB Blake Bortles passed for career-high 382 yards last week. Bortles has 995 yards passing, nine TDs and one interception in past three games in Tennessee. ... Jaguars RB Leonard Fournette has 971 yards rushing this season and can become second rookie in franchise history with 1,000 yards rushing or more. ... Jaguars rookie WR Keelan Cole had 108 yards receiving last week. ... Jaguars DE Yannick Ngakoue leads NFL with six forced fumbles. He has 12 sacks and six forced fumbles in past eight road games. ... Jaguars DE Calais Campbell tied for second in NFL with 14 ½ sacks and has three sacks in past four games. ... Titans have won nine of last 11 home games. ... Titans QB Marcus Mariota has thrown for 538 yards with five TDs and one interception with 123 yards rushing in past two home games vs. Jaguars. ... Tennessee RB DeMarco Murray averaging 89.1 scrimmage yards in past 15 home games with 14 TDs. Murray has injured right knee. ... Titans RB Derrick Henry has 319 yards rushing in past three games vs. division opponents and two TDs. ... Titans rookie WR Corey Davis had career-high 91 yards receiving last week. ... S Kevin Byard tied for second in NFL with six interceptions. ... Fantasy Tip: Davis hurt hamstring in Week 2 against Jacksonville and missed next five games. Coming off his best game, he can get payback against Jaguars and help Titans end playoff drought.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP_NFL</p>
| false | 2 |
jacksonville jaguars 105 tennessee 87 sunday 1 pm et cbs opening line titans 3 record vs spread jacksonville 96 tennessee 771 series record titans lead 2620 last meeting titans beat jaguars 3716 sept 17 last week jaguars lost 49ers 4433 titans lost rams 2723 ap pro32 ranking jaguars 8 titans 15 jaguars offense overall 6 rush 1 pass 16 jaguars defense overall 3 rush 21 pass 1 titans offense overall 21 rush 16 pass 22 titans defense overall 17 rush 5 pass 25 streaks stats notes jaguars first division title since 1999 locked afcs 3 seed playoffs titans go final game chasing playoff berth first time since 2011 trying reach postseason first time since 2008 titans alive either fifth sixth seed titans clinch win losses bills chargers ravens loss plus titans win would give tennessee 5 seed titans three last four series jaguars lead nfl 52 sacks jaguars qb blake bortles passed careerhigh 382 yards last week bortles 995 yards passing nine tds one interception past three games tennessee jaguars rb leonard fournette 971 yards rushing season become second rookie franchise history 1000 yards rushing jaguars rookie wr keelan cole 108 yards receiving last week jaguars de yannick ngakoue leads nfl six forced fumbles 12 sacks six forced fumbles past eight road games jaguars de calais campbell tied second nfl 14 ½ sacks three sacks past four games titans nine last 11 home games titans qb marcus mariota thrown 538 yards five tds one interception 123 yards rushing past two home games vs jaguars tennessee rb demarco murray averaging 891 scrimmage yards past 15 home games 14 tds murray injured right knee titans rb derrick henry 319 yards rushing past three games vs division opponents two tds titans rookie wr corey davis careerhigh 91 yards receiving last week kevin byard tied second nfl six interceptions fantasy tip davis hurt hamstring week 2 jacksonville missed next five games coming best game get payback jaguars help titans end playoff drought ___ nfl coverage httpwwwpro32aporg httpwwwtwittercomap_nfl jacksonville jaguars 105 tennessee 87 sunday 1 pm et cbs opening line titans 3 record vs spread jacksonville 96 tennessee 771 series record titans lead 2620 last meeting titans beat jaguars 3716 sept 17 last week jaguars lost 49ers 4433 titans lost rams 2723 ap pro32 ranking jaguars 8 titans 15 jaguars offense overall 6 rush 1 pass 16 jaguars defense overall 3 rush 21 pass 1 titans offense overall 21 rush 16 pass 22 titans defense overall 17 rush 5 pass 25 streaks stats notes jaguars first division title since 1999 locked afcs 3 seed playoffs titans go final game chasing playoff berth first time since 2011 trying reach postseason first time since 2008 titans alive either fifth sixth seed titans clinch win losses bills chargers ravens loss plus titans win would give tennessee 5 seed titans three last four series jaguars lead nfl 52 sacks jaguars qb blake bortles passed careerhigh 382 yards last week bortles 995 yards passing nine tds one interception past three games tennessee jaguars rb leonard fournette 971 yards rushing season become second rookie franchise history 1000 yards rushing jaguars rookie wr keelan cole 108 yards receiving last week jaguars de yannick ngakoue leads nfl six forced fumbles 12 sacks six forced fumbles past eight road games jaguars de calais campbell tied second nfl 14 ½ sacks three sacks past four games titans nine last 11 home games titans qb marcus mariota thrown 538 yards five tds one interception 123 yards rushing past two home games vs jaguars tennessee rb demarco murray averaging 891 scrimmage yards past 15 home games 14 tds murray injured right knee titans rb derrick henry 319 yards rushing past three games vs division opponents two tds titans rookie wr corey davis careerhigh 91 yards receiving last week kevin byard tied second nfl six interceptions fantasy tip davis hurt hamstring week 2 jacksonville missed next five games coming best game get payback jaguars help titans end playoff drought ___ nfl coverage httpwwwpro32aporg httpwwwtwittercomap_nfl
| 666 |
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p />
<p>The second attack, which killed two security contractors, showed clear military training, retired Gen. Carter Ham told Congress in closed-door testimony released late Wednesday. The assault probably was the work of a new team of militants, seizing on reports of violence at the diplomatic mission the night before and hitting the Americans while they were most vulnerable.</p>
<p>The testimony, which The Associated Press was able to read ahead of its release, could clarify for the first time the events of Sept. 11, 2012, that have stirred bitter recriminations in the U.S., including Republican-led congressional investigations and campaign-season denunciations of the Obama administration, which made inaccurate statements about the Libyan attacks. The testimony underscores a key detail that sometimes has been lost in the debate: that the attacks were two distinct events over two days on two different buildings, perhaps by unrelated groups.</p>
<p>The U.S. government still has not fully characterized the first attack in which, according to Ham and eight other military officers, men who seemed familiar with the lightly protected diplomatic compound breached it and set it on fire, killing U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens and communications specialist Sean Smith. A disorganized mob of looters then overran the facility.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>In testimony to two House panels earlier this year, the officers said that commanders didn’t have the information they needed to understand the nature of the attack, that they were unaware of the extent of the U.S. presence in Benghazi at the time and they were convinced erroneously for a time that they were facing a hostage crisis without the ability to move military assets into place that would be of any use.</p>
<p>The testimony reveals how little information the military had on which to base an urgent response.</p>
<p>Two House panels – Armed Services and Oversight and Government Reform – conducted interviews with the nine officers on separate days from January to April.</p>
<p>Four Americans died in Benghazi, including Stevens. To this day, despite the investigations, it’s not clear if the violence resulted from a well-planned, multiphase military-type assault or from a loosely connected, escalating chain of events.</p>
<p>In their testimony, military officials expressed some uncertainty about the first attack, describing protests and looting in an assault that lasted about 45 minutes.</p>
<p>The military attache to the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli told Congress the first attack showed some advance planning. The Libyan police officer guarding the diplomatic compound fled as it began.</p>
<p>The defense attache, whose name wasn’t released, suggested the attackers “had something on the shelf” – an outline of a plan based on previously obtained information about the compound and its security measures, so they were ready to strike when the opportunity arose.</p>
<p>“They came in, and they had a sense of purpose, and I think it sometimes gets confused because you had looters and everyone else coming in,” he said. “It was less than kind of full, thought-out, methodical.”</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Ham testified that the second attack, which killed security officers Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty at the annex a mile from the diplomatic compound where the assault began the night before, showed clear military training. It was probably the work of a new team of militants, taking advantage after reports of violence at the first site and American vulnerability.</p>
<p>“Given the precision of the attack, it was a well-trained mortar crew, and in my estimation they probably had a well-trained observer,” said Ham, who headed the U.S. command in Africa. The second attack showed “a degree of sophistication and military training that is relatively unusual and certainly, I think, indicates that this was not a pickup team. This was not a couple of guys who just found a mortar someplace.”</p>
<p>Ham said the nearly eight-hour time lapse between the two attacks also seemed significant. “If the team (that launched the second attack) was already there, then why didn’t they shoot sooner?” he asked.</p>
<p>“I think it’s reasonable that a team came from outside of Benghazi,” he said of the second attack in testimony on April 9. Violent extremists saw an opportunity “and said, ‘Let’s get somebody there.'” He also acknowledged that the absence of American security personnel on the ground soon enough after the first attack “allowed sufficient time for the second attack to be organized and conducted,” he said.</p>
<p>Stevens had gone to Benghazi from the embassy in Tripoli to open a cultural center, State Department officials said.</p>
<p>The attacks came as President Barack Obama was in a close re-election battle, campaigning in part on the contention that al-Qaida no longer posed a significant threat to the United States and that, blending the economy and the fight against terrorism, General Motors was alive but “Osama bin Laden is dead.” A terror attack on American assets could have damaged that argument.</p>
<p>Five days after the attack, after feverish email exchanges about her “talking points” among national security staff members and their spokesmen, U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice linked the Benghazi attacks to protests in Tunisia and Cairo over an anti-Islam video. Weeks later, U.S. officials retracted that account but never fully articulated a new one.</p>
<p>Republicans seized on the inaccuracies, contending that the Obama administration was covering up a terror attack for political gain.</p>
<p>Several congressional and independent investigations have faulted the State Department for inadequate security, but they have not provided a full reading of who was involved in the violence, what the motives were and how they could pull off such a seemingly complicated, multipronged assault.</p>
<p>People on both sides of the debate tend to link the two incidents as one attack.</p>
<p>The congressional testimony that distinguishes the attacks came from military officials in Tripoli or, like Ham, coordinating the response in Washington. Most have never given a public account.</p>
<p />
<p />
| false | 2 |
second attack killed two security contractors showed clear military training retired gen carter ham told congress closeddoor testimony released late wednesday assault probably work new team militants seizing reports violence diplomatic mission night hitting americans vulnerable testimony associated press able read ahead release could clarify first time events sept 11 2012 stirred bitter recriminations us including republicanled congressional investigations campaignseason denunciations obama administration made inaccurate statements libyan attacks testimony underscores key detail sometimes lost debate attacks two distinct events two days two different buildings perhaps unrelated groups us government still fully characterized first attack according ham eight military officers men seemed familiar lightly protected diplomatic compound breached set fire killing us ambassador chris stevens communications specialist sean smith disorganized mob looters overran facility advertisement testimony two house panels earlier year officers said commanders didnt information needed understand nature attack unaware extent us presence benghazi time convinced erroneously time facing hostage crisis without ability move military assets place would use testimony reveals little information military base urgent response two house panels armed services oversight government reform conducted interviews nine officers separate days january april four americans died benghazi including stevens day despite investigations clear violence resulted wellplanned multiphase militarytype assault loosely connected escalating chain events testimony military officials expressed uncertainty first attack describing protests looting assault lasted 45 minutes military attache us embassy tripoli told congress first attack showed advance planning libyan police officer guarding diplomatic compound fled began defense attache whose name wasnt released suggested attackers something shelf outline plan based previously obtained information compound security measures ready strike opportunity arose came sense purpose think sometimes gets confused looters everyone else coming said less kind full thoughtout methodical advertisement ham testified second attack killed security officers tyrone woods glen doherty annex mile diplomatic compound assault began night showed clear military training probably work new team militants taking advantage reports violence first site american vulnerability given precision attack welltrained mortar crew estimation probably welltrained observer said ham headed us command africa second attack showed degree sophistication military training relatively unusual certainly think indicates pickup team couple guys found mortar someplace ham said nearly eighthour time lapse two attacks also seemed significant team launched second attack already didnt shoot sooner asked think reasonable team came outside benghazi said second attack testimony april 9 violent extremists saw opportunity said lets get somebody also acknowledged absence american security personnel ground soon enough first attack allowed sufficient time second attack organized conducted said stevens gone benghazi embassy tripoli open cultural center state department officials said attacks came president barack obama close reelection battle campaigning part contention alqaida longer posed significant threat united states blending economy fight terrorism general motors alive osama bin laden dead terror attack american assets could damaged argument five days attack feverish email exchanges talking points among national security staff members spokesmen un ambassador susan rice linked benghazi attacks protests tunisia cairo antiislam video weeks later us officials retracted account never fully articulated new one republicans seized inaccuracies contending obama administration covering terror attack political gain several congressional independent investigations faulted state department inadequate security provided full reading involved violence motives could pull seemingly complicated multipronged assault people sides debate tend link two incidents one attack congressional testimony distinguishes attacks came military officials tripoli like ham coordinating response washington never given public account
| 551 |
<p>RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - New regulations governing how North Carolina's abortion clinics operate are being quietly implemented more than two years after abortion-rights groups protested loudly against lawmakers and Gov. Pat McCrory for passing legislation directing rules be updated.</p>
<p>The final rules took effect Oct. 1, two weeks after a panel that examines regulations created by state agencies signed off on the changes. Some clinic rules had not been altered since the mid-1990s.</p>
<p>There were no formal objections filed after the Rules Review Commission approved the rules developed by the Division of Health Service Regulation. At least 10 of them would have required the rules to clear another hurdle at the General Assembly next spring. The lack of objections reflects how neither abortion-rights advocates nor anti-abortion groups were too displeased with the final regulations.</p>
<p>Drexdal Pratt, the division chief, said his agency has heard no significant complaints.</p>
<p>"We haven't quite honestly had any pushback," Pratt said in a recent interview, adding "it was a long process and we were pleased with the outcome."</p>
<p>Each clinic now must have a more structured nursing staff and a quality assurance program. Clinics must give patients a phone number that will be answered by a person 24 hours a day should questions or complications arise. And clinics must have a plan in place on how they'll transfer patients to a nearby hospital.</p>
<p>Hundreds of women rallied at the Legislative Building in July 2013 against abortion legislation that Senate Republicans inserted into an unrelated measure directing that clinic regulations had to meet the same standards as those governing ambulatory surgery centers.</p>
<p>The final bill that McCrory signed into law told the Department of Health and Human Services it was optional for the new clinic rules to meet those of the same-day surgery centers. Still, abortion-rights advocates feared the rules would become cost prohibitive to comply with, forcing clinics to shut down, as had happened in other states, like Texas.</p>
<p>Clinics and physicians and other health professionals provided input before the division issued draft rules in December 2014. Representatives of both sides of the abortion debate spoke out at a public hearing on the draft rules, and many others wrote in before a Jan. 31 deadline. The final version made largely technical changes, Pratt said.</p>
<p>While some abortion-rights groups and allies said changes were unnecessary, they were generally satisfied that the updates were based on science, not politics.</p>
<p>Former DHHS Secretary Dr. Aldona Wos "was fair and reasonable in her approach," said Paige Johnson, a vice president for Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, which operates five licensed clinics in North Carolina. Without speaking for other clinic operators, Johnson said she didn't believe the regulations were burdensome to the point that clinics couldn't operate.</p>
<p>"We are not going to shut our doors," she said.</p>
<p>Tami Fitzgerald of the conservative North Carolina Values Coalition said while the rules should have been tougher, they are putting more scrutiny upon the state's 16 clinics and will better protect the health and safety of women.</p>
<p>"I think the rules made a good start," Fitzgerald said.</p>
<p>Fitzgerald said she's unhappy with an exception to the rule requiring a clinic to have a written agreement with a hospital to facilitate the transfer of clinic patients in an emergency. A clinic still meets this requirement if an agreement isn't reached as long as the clinic has documents showing it tried.</p>
<p>"That's essentially a non-rule," Fitzgerald said.</p>
<p>Abortion opponents also are pleased a law passed last summer that ensured certain clinic requirements would be in place regardless of the final rules. The law made clear clinics would be inspected annually and results posted online. Previously, state inspections were being completed every three to five years. The law also said no one under 18 could work at a clinic.</p>
<p>The rewrite of clinic rules is among several abortion-related laws approved by the GOP-led General Assembly since 2011. A woman generally now must wait 72 hours before getting an abortion. Starting next month, abortion providers must provide ultrasound images and other data from women who have had an abortion after 16 weeks of pregnancy.</p>
<p>RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - New regulations governing how North Carolina's abortion clinics operate are being quietly implemented more than two years after abortion-rights groups protested loudly against lawmakers and Gov. Pat McCrory for passing legislation directing rules be updated.</p>
<p>The final rules took effect Oct. 1, two weeks after a panel that examines regulations created by state agencies signed off on the changes. Some clinic rules had not been altered since the mid-1990s.</p>
<p>There were no formal objections filed after the Rules Review Commission approved the rules developed by the Division of Health Service Regulation. At least 10 of them would have required the rules to clear another hurdle at the General Assembly next spring. The lack of objections reflects how neither abortion-rights advocates nor anti-abortion groups were too displeased with the final regulations.</p>
<p>Drexdal Pratt, the division chief, said his agency has heard no significant complaints.</p>
<p>"We haven't quite honestly had any pushback," Pratt said in a recent interview, adding "it was a long process and we were pleased with the outcome."</p>
<p>Each clinic now must have a more structured nursing staff and a quality assurance program. Clinics must give patients a phone number that will be answered by a person 24 hours a day should questions or complications arise. And clinics must have a plan in place on how they'll transfer patients to a nearby hospital.</p>
<p>Hundreds of women rallied at the Legislative Building in July 2013 against abortion legislation that Senate Republicans inserted into an unrelated measure directing that clinic regulations had to meet the same standards as those governing ambulatory surgery centers.</p>
<p>The final bill that McCrory signed into law told the Department of Health and Human Services it was optional for the new clinic rules to meet those of the same-day surgery centers. Still, abortion-rights advocates feared the rules would become cost prohibitive to comply with, forcing clinics to shut down, as had happened in other states, like Texas.</p>
<p>Clinics and physicians and other health professionals provided input before the division issued draft rules in December 2014. Representatives of both sides of the abortion debate spoke out at a public hearing on the draft rules, and many others wrote in before a Jan. 31 deadline. The final version made largely technical changes, Pratt said.</p>
<p>While some abortion-rights groups and allies said changes were unnecessary, they were generally satisfied that the updates were based on science, not politics.</p>
<p>Former DHHS Secretary Dr. Aldona Wos "was fair and reasonable in her approach," said Paige Johnson, a vice president for Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, which operates five licensed clinics in North Carolina. Without speaking for other clinic operators, Johnson said she didn't believe the regulations were burdensome to the point that clinics couldn't operate.</p>
<p>"We are not going to shut our doors," she said.</p>
<p>Tami Fitzgerald of the conservative North Carolina Values Coalition said while the rules should have been tougher, they are putting more scrutiny upon the state's 16 clinics and will better protect the health and safety of women.</p>
<p>"I think the rules made a good start," Fitzgerald said.</p>
<p>Fitzgerald said she's unhappy with an exception to the rule requiring a clinic to have a written agreement with a hospital to facilitate the transfer of clinic patients in an emergency. A clinic still meets this requirement if an agreement isn't reached as long as the clinic has documents showing it tried.</p>
<p>"That's essentially a non-rule," Fitzgerald said.</p>
<p>Abortion opponents also are pleased a law passed last summer that ensured certain clinic requirements would be in place regardless of the final rules. The law made clear clinics would be inspected annually and results posted online. Previously, state inspections were being completed every three to five years. The law also said no one under 18 could work at a clinic.</p>
<p>The rewrite of clinic rules is among several abortion-related laws approved by the GOP-led General Assembly since 2011. A woman generally now must wait 72 hours before getting an abortion. Starting next month, abortion providers must provide ultrasound images and other data from women who have had an abortion after 16 weeks of pregnancy.</p>
| false | 2 |
raleigh nc ap new regulations governing north carolinas abortion clinics operate quietly implemented two years abortionrights groups protested loudly lawmakers gov pat mccrory passing legislation directing rules updated final rules took effect oct 1 two weeks panel examines regulations created state agencies signed changes clinic rules altered since mid1990s formal objections filed rules review commission approved rules developed division health service regulation least 10 would required rules clear another hurdle general assembly next spring lack objections reflects neither abortionrights advocates antiabortion groups displeased final regulations drexdal pratt division chief said agency heard significant complaints havent quite honestly pushback pratt said recent interview adding long process pleased outcome clinic must structured nursing staff quality assurance program clinics must give patients phone number answered person 24 hours day questions complications arise clinics must plan place theyll transfer patients nearby hospital hundreds women rallied legislative building july 2013 abortion legislation senate republicans inserted unrelated measure directing clinic regulations meet standards governing ambulatory surgery centers final bill mccrory signed law told department health human services optional new clinic rules meet sameday surgery centers still abortionrights advocates feared rules would become cost prohibitive comply forcing clinics shut happened states like texas clinics physicians health professionals provided input division issued draft rules december 2014 representatives sides abortion debate spoke public hearing draft rules many others wrote jan 31 deadline final version made largely technical changes pratt said abortionrights groups allies said changes unnecessary generally satisfied updates based science politics former dhhs secretary dr aldona wos fair reasonable approach said paige johnson vice president planned parenthood south atlantic operates five licensed clinics north carolina without speaking clinic operators johnson said didnt believe regulations burdensome point clinics couldnt operate going shut doors said tami fitzgerald conservative north carolina values coalition said rules tougher putting scrutiny upon states 16 clinics better protect health safety women think rules made good start fitzgerald said fitzgerald said shes unhappy exception rule requiring clinic written agreement hospital facilitate transfer clinic patients emergency clinic still meets requirement agreement isnt reached long clinic documents showing tried thats essentially nonrule fitzgerald said abortion opponents also pleased law passed last summer ensured certain clinic requirements would place regardless final rules law made clear clinics would inspected annually results posted online previously state inspections completed every three five years law also said one 18 could work clinic rewrite clinic rules among several abortionrelated laws approved gopled general assembly since 2011 woman generally must wait 72 hours getting abortion starting next month abortion providers must provide ultrasound images data women abortion 16 weeks pregnancy raleigh nc ap new regulations governing north carolinas abortion clinics operate quietly implemented two years abortionrights groups protested loudly lawmakers gov pat mccrory passing legislation directing rules updated final rules took effect oct 1 two weeks panel examines regulations created state agencies signed changes clinic rules altered since mid1990s formal objections filed rules review commission approved rules developed division health service regulation least 10 would required rules clear another hurdle general assembly next spring lack objections reflects neither abortionrights advocates antiabortion groups displeased final regulations drexdal pratt division chief said agency heard significant complaints havent quite honestly pushback pratt said recent interview adding long process pleased outcome clinic must structured nursing staff quality assurance program clinics must give patients phone number answered person 24 hours day questions complications arise clinics must plan place theyll transfer patients nearby hospital hundreds women rallied legislative building july 2013 abortion legislation senate republicans inserted unrelated measure directing clinic regulations meet standards governing ambulatory surgery centers final bill mccrory signed law told department health human services optional new clinic rules meet sameday surgery centers still abortionrights advocates feared rules would become cost prohibitive comply forcing clinics shut happened states like texas clinics physicians health professionals provided input division issued draft rules december 2014 representatives sides abortion debate spoke public hearing draft rules many others wrote jan 31 deadline final version made largely technical changes pratt said abortionrights groups allies said changes unnecessary generally satisfied updates based science politics former dhhs secretary dr aldona wos fair reasonable approach said paige johnson vice president planned parenthood south atlantic operates five licensed clinics north carolina without speaking clinic operators johnson said didnt believe regulations burdensome point clinics couldnt operate going shut doors said tami fitzgerald conservative north carolina values coalition said rules tougher putting scrutiny upon states 16 clinics better protect health safety women think rules made good start fitzgerald said fitzgerald said shes unhappy exception rule requiring clinic written agreement hospital facilitate transfer clinic patients emergency clinic still meets requirement agreement isnt reached long clinic documents showing tried thats essentially nonrule fitzgerald said abortion opponents also pleased law passed last summer ensured certain clinic requirements would place regardless final rules law made clear clinics would inspected annually results posted online previously state inspections completed every three five years law also said one 18 could work clinic rewrite clinic rules among several abortionrelated laws approved gopled general assembly since 2011 woman generally must wait 72 hours getting abortion starting next month abortion providers must provide ultrasound images data women abortion 16 weeks pregnancy
| 850 |
<p>Jan 23 (Reuters) - Universal Display Corp:</p>
<p>* UNIVERSAL DISPLAY CORP - SHARP CORPORATION AND CO ANNOUNCE AN EXTENDED OLED EVALUATION AGREEMENT</p>
<p>* UNIVERSAL DISPLAY CORP - DETAILS AND FINANCIAL TERMS OF AGREEMENT HAVE NOT BEEN DISCLOSED Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage:</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>(Reuters) - Music streaming service Spotify Technology SA [SPOT.N] said on Friday about 2 million of its non-paying users were suppressing advertisements, highlighting a potential revenue risk for the soon-to-be public company.</p> FILE PHOTO: Headphones are seen in front of a logo of online music streaming service Spotify, February 18, 2014 REUTERS/Christian Hartmann/File Photo
<p>Spotify had 157 million active users as of Dec. 31, of which about 71 million were paid subscribers who access ad-free versions of the service.</p>
<p>In a regulatory filing, Spotify said <a href="" type="internal">here</a> it previously included the 2 million users in calculations for some of its key performance indicators, including MAUs, ad-supported users, content hours, and content hours per MAU.</p>
<p>The streaming music leader had filed this week for a direct listing of its shares, instead of a traditional IPO.</p>
<p>The direct listing will let investors and employees sell shares without the company raising new capital or hiring a Wall Street bank or broker to underwrite the offering.</p>
<p>(This version of the story corrects to remove reference to maximum value of direct listing. The value given in Spotify’s filing was only for the purposes of calculating registration fees and there is no proposed maximum value of the offering)</p>
<p>Reporting by Arjun Panchadar in Bengaluru; Editing by Saumyadeb Chakrabarty</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The leaders of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee on Friday wrote Facebook Inc ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=FB.O" type="external">FB.O</a>) chief executive Mark Zuckerberg detailing new concerns about the social media company’s use of data and formally requesting that he testify at a future hearing.</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
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=FB.O" type="external">Facebook Inc</a> 164.6 FB.O Nasdaq -0.29 (-0.18%) FB.O
<p>“The hearing will examine the harvesting and sale of personal information from more than 50 million Facebook users, potentially without their notice or consent and in violation of Facebook policy,” wrote chairman Representative Greg Walden, a Republican who chairs the panel, and Frank Pallone, the top Democrat, and other committee leaders.</p>
<p>Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>NEW YORK (Reuters) - JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=JPM.N" type="external">JPM.N</a>) is considering a spin-off of its marquee blockchain project Quorum believing independence from the bank could increase the platform’s appeal, sources familiar with the matter said on Thursday.</p> FILE PHOTO - A view of the exterior of the JP Morgan Chase &amp; Co. corporate headquarters in New York City May 20, 2015. REUTERS/Mike Segar/Files
<p>Blockchain first emerged as the software underpinning cryptocurrencies but is being adapted to build a variety of business applications. Quorum is already open source, meaning its code is free and may be modified and redistributed.</p>
<p>Discussions were still in the early days, one of the sources said.</p>
<p>The plans were first reported by the Financial Times.</p>
<p>“We continue to believe distributed ledger technology will play a transformative role in business which is why we are actively building multiple blockchain solutions,” the bank said in a statement.</p>
<p>“We’re not going to comment on speculation, but Quorum has become an extremely successful enterprise platform even beyond financial services and we’re excited about its potential.”</p>
<p>Quorum is among a swathe of initiatives by large banks on blockchain.</p>
<p>Banks have been spending millions of dollars on the technology in the hopes that it can help them slash costs and simplify some of their processes, ranging from international payments to the settlement of securities trades.</p>
<p>Yet the technology is still in its early days and projects have faced some growing pains.</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=JPM.N" type="external">JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co</a> 109.06 JPM.N New York Stock Exchange -0.89 (-0.81%) JPM.N ANZ.AX RY.TO
<p>JPMorgan was among the banks that left blockchain consortium R3 last year, while a partnership between Belgium-based settlement provider Euroclear and U.S. startup Paxos to develop a blockchain-based service for the London gold market was dissolved in July.</p>
<p>It remains unclear what the spin-off plans would mean for the JPMorgan employees that have been working on Quorum and whether they would join the new entity, one of the sources said.</p>
<p>Product development for Quorum has been led by Amber Baldet, an executive director of the bank’s Blockchain Center of Excellence. Baldet could decide leave the firm and start a new venture, join the spun-off entity or stay at the bank, the source said. Baldet did not immediately respond to a request for comment.</p>
<p>The bank had built Quorum internally using the Ethereum network, one of the most popular public blockchains. The initiative was seen as a noteworthy endorsement to Ethereum, the blockchain behind cryptocurrency ether.</p>
<p>JPMorgan announced in October that it would be using Quorum to build an interbank payments platform alongside Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=ANZ.AX" type="external">ANZ.AX</a>) and the Royal Bank of Canada ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=RY.TO" type="external">RY.TO</a>).</p>
<p>Reporting by Anna Irrera; Editing by Lisa Shumaker</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>OSLO (Reuters) - Norway said on Thursday it wants to buy electric passenger planes in the coming years to help slow climate change, building on its success with big tax breaks that have made it the world leader in electric car sales.</p> FILE PHOTO: An Airbus E-Fan.1, an electrical aircraft, participates in a flying display at the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget airport, June 16, 2015. REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol/File Photo
<p>State firm Avinor, which runs 45 airports in Norway, said the commitment to battery-powered aircraft could encourage development of electric and hybrid technologies by companies such as Airbus or Boeing.</p>
<p>“In my mind, there’s no doubt that by 2040 Norway will be operating totally electric” on short-haul flights, Dag Falk-Pedersen, head of Avinor, told reporters at an aviation conference in Oslo.</p>
<p>Among airlines, “Airbus told us they need a customer and they need a market - and we can offer them both,” he said. “Of course they need a bigger market and more customers. But someone has to start.”</p>
<p>Norway, a mountainous country of 5 million people with towns beside remote fjords, would be ideal for electric planes which can accelerate faster than conventional planes and so need shorter runways, he said.</p>
<p>But electric planes so far have big problems of weight, with bulky batteries, and limited ranges. The first electric planes flew across the English Channel in July 2015, including an Airbus E-Fan.</p> FILE PHOTO: A row of wooden houses are reflected in the still waters of a fjord in western Norway, Oct. 6, 2007. REUTERS/Bob Strong/File Photo
<p>“It could be that we are presenting a tender within a year or two to the market to commercialize electric aircraft,” Falk-Pedersen said, adding that such a tender might be for 5 to 15 planes of between 12 and 50 seats.</p>
<p>Norway’s Transport Minister Ketil Solvik-Olsen said Oslo would try to repeat its success in promoting electric cars, backed by tax breaks and other perks such as free parking and recharging points.</p> FILE PHOTO: An E-Fan aircraft is seen on the tarmac for its first public flight during e-Aircraft Day at Bordeaux Merignac airport, southwestern France, April 25, 2014. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau/File Photo
<p>Last year, more than half of new cars sold in Norway were electric or hybrid, the highest rate in the world. But he admitted “when we talk about battery driven planes there’s no doubt that most people are a bit skeptical”.</p>
<p>Norway’s centre-right government, in a political platform worked out in January, told Avinor to work to shift to electric planes in commercial transport and promote use of biofuels.</p>
<p>Norway, western Europe’s biggest oil and gas producer, has struggled to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions which were three percent above 1990 levels in 2016.</p>
<p>In November, Airbus, Rolls-Royce, and Siemens teamed up to develop a hybrid electric engine.</p>
<p>And in October, a Seattle-area start-up, backed by the venture capital arms of Boeing and JetBlue Airways Corp also announced plans to bring a hybrid-electric aircraft, with up to 12 passengers, to market by 2022.</p>
<p>Reporting by Alister Doyle; Editing by Alison Williams</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
| false | 2 |
jan 23 reuters universal display corp universal display corp sharp corporation co announce extended oled evaluation agreement universal display corp details financial terms agreement disclosed source text eikon company coverage standards thomson reuters trust principles reuters music streaming service spotify technology sa spotn said friday 2 million nonpaying users suppressing advertisements highlighting potential revenue risk soontobe public company file photo headphones seen front logo online music streaming service spotify february 18 2014 reuterschristian hartmannfile photo spotify 157 million active users dec 31 71 million paid subscribers access adfree versions service regulatory filing spotify said previously included 2 million users calculations key performance indicators including maus adsupported users content hours content hours per mau streaming music leader filed week direct listing shares instead traditional ipo direct listing let investors employees sell shares without company raising new capital hiring wall street bank broker underwrite offering version story corrects remove reference maximum value direct listing value given spotifys filing purposes calculating registration fees proposed maximum value offering reporting arjun panchadar bengaluru editing saumyadeb chakrabarty standards thomson reuters trust principles washington reuters leaders us house energy commerce committee friday wrote facebook inc fbo chief executive mark zuckerberg detailing new concerns social media companys use data formally requesting testify future hearing file photo facebook founder ceo mark zuckerberg speaks stage annual facebook f8 developers conference san jose california us april 18 2017 reutersstephen lamfile photo facebook inc 1646 fbo nasdaq 029 018 fbo hearing examine harvesting sale personal information 50 million facebook users potentially without notice consent violation facebook policy wrote chairman representative greg walden republican chairs panel frank pallone top democrat committee leaders reporting david shepardson editing chizu nomiyama standards thomson reuters trust principles new york reuters jpmorgan chase amp co jpmn considering spinoff marquee blockchain project quorum believing independence bank could increase platforms appeal sources familiar matter said thursday file photo view exterior jp morgan chase amp co corporate headquarters new york city may 20 2015 reutersmike segarfiles blockchain first emerged software underpinning cryptocurrencies adapted build variety business applications quorum already open source meaning code free may modified redistributed discussions still early days one sources said plans first reported financial times continue believe distributed ledger technology play transformative role business actively building multiple blockchain solutions bank said statement going comment speculation quorum become extremely successful enterprise platform even beyond financial services excited potential quorum among swathe initiatives large banks blockchain banks spending millions dollars technology hopes help slash costs simplify processes ranging international payments settlement securities trades yet technology still early days projects faced growing pains jpmorgan chase amp co 10906 jpmn new york stock exchange 089 081 jpmn anzax ryto jpmorgan among banks left blockchain consortium r3 last year partnership belgiumbased settlement provider euroclear us startup paxos develop blockchainbased service london gold market dissolved july remains unclear spinoff plans would mean jpmorgan employees working quorum whether would join new entity one sources said product development quorum led amber baldet executive director banks blockchain center excellence baldet could decide leave firm start new venture join spunoff entity stay bank source said baldet immediately respond request comment bank built quorum internally using ethereum network one popular public blockchains initiative seen noteworthy endorsement ethereum blockchain behind cryptocurrency ether jpmorgan announced october would using quorum build interbank payments platform alongside australia new zealand banking group ltd anzax royal bank canada ryto reporting anna irrera editing lisa shumaker standards thomson reuters trust principles oslo reuters norway said thursday wants buy electric passenger planes coming years help slow climate change building success big tax breaks made world leader electric car sales file photo airbus efan1 electrical aircraft participates flying display paris air show le bourget airport june 16 2015 reuterspascal rossignolfile photo state firm avinor runs 45 airports norway said commitment batterypowered aircraft could encourage development electric hybrid technologies companies airbus boeing mind theres doubt 2040 norway operating totally electric shorthaul flights dag falkpedersen head avinor told reporters aviation conference oslo among airlines airbus told us need customer need market offer said course need bigger market customers someone start norway mountainous country 5 million people towns beside remote fjords would ideal electric planes accelerate faster conventional planes need shorter runways said electric planes far big problems weight bulky batteries limited ranges first electric planes flew across english channel july 2015 including airbus efan file photo row wooden houses reflected still waters fjord western norway oct 6 2007 reutersbob strongfile photo could presenting tender within year two market commercialize electric aircraft falkpedersen said adding tender might 5 15 planes 12 50 seats norways transport minister ketil solvikolsen said oslo would try repeat success promoting electric cars backed tax breaks perks free parking recharging points file photo efan aircraft seen tarmac first public flight eaircraft day bordeaux merignac airport southwestern france april 25 2014 reutersregis duvignaufile photo last year half new cars sold norway electric hybrid highest rate world admitted talk battery driven planes theres doubt people bit skeptical norways centreright government political platform worked january told avinor work shift electric planes commercial transport promote use biofuels norway western europes biggest oil gas producer struggled reduce greenhouse gas emissions three percent 1990 levels 2016 november airbus rollsroyce siemens teamed develop hybrid electric engine october seattlearea startup backed venture capital arms boeing jetblue airways corp also announced plans bring hybridelectric aircraft 12 passengers market 2022 reporting alister doyle editing alison williams standards thomson reuters trust principles
| 895 |
<p>LOS ANGELES (AP) — With Todd Gurley, Jared Goff and other stars with the NFC West champion Los Angeles Rams sitting out to rest up for the playoffs, Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers could turn into the Jimmy Garoppolo Show.</p>
<p>The Rams (11-4) have clinched the division title and a home playoff game in their remarkable turnaround season, and aren't overly concerned whether they're the third or fourth seed.</p>
<p>So Gurley — making a strong case for NFL MVP — Goff, left tackle Andrew Whitworth, center John Sullivan and defensive tackle Aaron Donald are among the stars who will sit.</p>
<p>That's OK with Garoppolo, who has led the 49ers (5-10) to four straight victories, providing a rare sense of excitement for a team locked in last place.</p>
<p>"You try to every week say that you're facing a faceless opponent," said Garoppolo, who had been Tom Brady's backup with the Patriots until being traded to the 49ers on Oct. 31.</p>
<p>"No matter who it is you want to have the same mindset. No matter what type of game it is, first game of the season, last game of the season. I think we've done that pretty well the last couple of weeks; just coming in, preparing every day, practicing hard, going through the little critiques of certain plays and I think if we keep doing that we'll be good on Sunday."</p>
<p>The 49ers' play behind Garoppolo — including a 44-33 victory against playoff-bound Jacksonville last Sunday — has given the 49ers such hope that running back Carlos Hyde thinks they'll win the Super Bowl next year.</p>
<p>"That's Carlos' opinion," said Garoppolo, keeping his focus on Sunday.</p>
<p>Here are some things to look for when the 49ers play the Rams at the LA Memorial Coliseum:</p>
<p>HISTORIC TURNAROUND: No team has ever started a season as poorly as the 49ers and finished it so well. Of the 18 teams before this season that started a 16-game season with nine straight losses as San Francisco did, none of the others won more than three games that season. The Niners can double that total with a win in the finale, which would also make them the second team in the past 23 years to miss the playoffs despite ending the season on a five-game winning streak.</p>
<p>"We think we're playing better. But, by no means have we arrived," first-year coach Kyle Shanahan said. "We've got a long way to go. We better keep getting better."</p>
<p>JIMMY G: The reasons for the turnaround fall squarely on Garoppolo's arrival. After getting spotty play the first 11 games from Brian Hoyer and rookie C.J. Beathard, the 49ers have gotten top-flight performances from Garoppolo. He has won his first four starts and his 1,250 yards passing are the most by any player in his first four starts for a franchise. Since taking over, Garoppolo ranks fourth in yards passing per game (312.5) and third in yards per attempt (8.7).</p>
<p>ROOKIES SHINE: San Francisco got strong contributions from its rookie class in last week's win over Jacksonville. Trent Taylor and George Kittle each caught touchdown passes and Matt Breida sealed the win with a 30-yard TD run. Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon also intercepted a pass, while Solomon Thomas had a sack and Reuben Foster made five tackles.</p>
<p>"We put a lot of pressure on those guys early in the year, playing them sometimes a little bit more than they were totally ready for," Shanahan said. "We had to be patient with them in that aspect. But those guys haven't wavered."</p>
<p>REST: The Rams have gone from 4-12 to division champions in one season under first-year coach Sean McVay, and would like to keep it rolling in the playoffs. Thus the decision to rest the stars on Sunday.</p>
<p>"Everything that we do is intentional and designed to try to be best for our team and for our players," McVay said. "I think they understand that. I know sometimes people might not always agree, but when situations like this come up, we talk about it's a nice luxury to be able to have. But you want to make sure that you handle it the right way for our team. It might not be for every team, but we feel like that's the best approach for us."</p>
<p>Sean Mannion will make his first career start at quarterback, appearing in just his seventh game in three seasons as a backup with the Rams. Goff is expected to be active as Mannion's backup, since third-stringer Brandon Allen is on injured reserve.</p>
<p>INCENTIVES: McVay said the team will take care of players who might miss out on contract incentives by sitting out. "Certainly you want to make good on those things where you don't want them to not reach their incentives because of a coach's decision to hold you and get you healthy for the playoffs. We definitely are mindful and aware of those guys that were affected and want to make sure that we take care of that and handle that in a first-class way."</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>AP Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow contributed.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow Bernie Wilson on Twitter at http://twitter.com/berniewilson</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>For more NFL coverage: <a href="http://www.pro32.ap.org" type="external">http://www.pro32.ap.org</a> and <a href="http://www.twitter.com/AP_NFL" type="external">http://www.twitter.com/AP_NFL</a></p>
<p>LOS ANGELES (AP) — With Todd Gurley, Jared Goff and other stars with the NFC West champion Los Angeles Rams sitting out to rest up for the playoffs, Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers could turn into the Jimmy Garoppolo Show.</p>
<p>The Rams (11-4) have clinched the division title and a home playoff game in their remarkable turnaround season, and aren't overly concerned whether they're the third or fourth seed.</p>
<p>So Gurley — making a strong case for NFL MVP — Goff, left tackle Andrew Whitworth, center John Sullivan and defensive tackle Aaron Donald are among the stars who will sit.</p>
<p>That's OK with Garoppolo, who has led the 49ers (5-10) to four straight victories, providing a rare sense of excitement for a team locked in last place.</p>
<p>"You try to every week say that you're facing a faceless opponent," said Garoppolo, who had been Tom Brady's backup with the Patriots until being traded to the 49ers on Oct. 31.</p>
<p>"No matter who it is you want to have the same mindset. No matter what type of game it is, first game of the season, last game of the season. I think we've done that pretty well the last couple of weeks; just coming in, preparing every day, practicing hard, going through the little critiques of certain plays and I think if we keep doing that we'll be good on Sunday."</p>
<p>The 49ers' play behind Garoppolo — including a 44-33 victory against playoff-bound Jacksonville last Sunday — has given the 49ers such hope that running back Carlos Hyde thinks they'll win the Super Bowl next year.</p>
<p>"That's Carlos' opinion," said Garoppolo, keeping his focus on Sunday.</p>
<p>Here are some things to look for when the 49ers play the Rams at the LA Memorial Coliseum:</p>
<p>HISTORIC TURNAROUND: No team has ever started a season as poorly as the 49ers and finished it so well. Of the 18 teams before this season that started a 16-game season with nine straight losses as San Francisco did, none of the others won more than three games that season. The Niners can double that total with a win in the finale, which would also make them the second team in the past 23 years to miss the playoffs despite ending the season on a five-game winning streak.</p>
<p>"We think we're playing better. But, by no means have we arrived," first-year coach Kyle Shanahan said. "We've got a long way to go. We better keep getting better."</p>
<p>JIMMY G: The reasons for the turnaround fall squarely on Garoppolo's arrival. After getting spotty play the first 11 games from Brian Hoyer and rookie C.J. Beathard, the 49ers have gotten top-flight performances from Garoppolo. He has won his first four starts and his 1,250 yards passing are the most by any player in his first four starts for a franchise. Since taking over, Garoppolo ranks fourth in yards passing per game (312.5) and third in yards per attempt (8.7).</p>
<p>ROOKIES SHINE: San Francisco got strong contributions from its rookie class in last week's win over Jacksonville. Trent Taylor and George Kittle each caught touchdown passes and Matt Breida sealed the win with a 30-yard TD run. Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon also intercepted a pass, while Solomon Thomas had a sack and Reuben Foster made five tackles.</p>
<p>"We put a lot of pressure on those guys early in the year, playing them sometimes a little bit more than they were totally ready for," Shanahan said. "We had to be patient with them in that aspect. But those guys haven't wavered."</p>
<p>REST: The Rams have gone from 4-12 to division champions in one season under first-year coach Sean McVay, and would like to keep it rolling in the playoffs. Thus the decision to rest the stars on Sunday.</p>
<p>"Everything that we do is intentional and designed to try to be best for our team and for our players," McVay said. "I think they understand that. I know sometimes people might not always agree, but when situations like this come up, we talk about it's a nice luxury to be able to have. But you want to make sure that you handle it the right way for our team. It might not be for every team, but we feel like that's the best approach for us."</p>
<p>Sean Mannion will make his first career start at quarterback, appearing in just his seventh game in three seasons as a backup with the Rams. Goff is expected to be active as Mannion's backup, since third-stringer Brandon Allen is on injured reserve.</p>
<p>INCENTIVES: McVay said the team will take care of players who might miss out on contract incentives by sitting out. "Certainly you want to make good on those things where you don't want them to not reach their incentives because of a coach's decision to hold you and get you healthy for the playoffs. We definitely are mindful and aware of those guys that were affected and want to make sure that we take care of that and handle that in a first-class way."</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>AP Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow contributed.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow Bernie Wilson on Twitter at http://twitter.com/berniewilson</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>For more NFL coverage: <a href="http://www.pro32.ap.org" type="external">http://www.pro32.ap.org</a> and <a href="http://www.twitter.com/AP_NFL" type="external">http://www.twitter.com/AP_NFL</a></p>
| false | 2 |
los angeles ap todd gurley jared goff stars nfc west champion los angeles rams sitting rest playoffs sundays game san francisco 49ers could turn jimmy garoppolo show rams 114 clinched division title home playoff game remarkable turnaround season arent overly concerned whether theyre third fourth seed gurley making strong case nfl mvp goff left tackle andrew whitworth center john sullivan defensive tackle aaron donald among stars sit thats ok garoppolo led 49ers 510 four straight victories providing rare sense excitement team locked last place try every week say youre facing faceless opponent said garoppolo tom bradys backup patriots traded 49ers oct 31 matter want mindset matter type game first game season last game season think weve done pretty well last couple weeks coming preparing every day practicing hard going little critiques certain plays think keep well good sunday 49ers play behind garoppolo including 4433 victory playoffbound jacksonville last sunday given 49ers hope running back carlos hyde thinks theyll win super bowl next year thats carlos opinion said garoppolo keeping focus sunday things look 49ers play rams la memorial coliseum historic turnaround team ever started season poorly 49ers finished well 18 teams season started 16game season nine straight losses san francisco none others three games season niners double total win finale would also make second team past 23 years miss playoffs despite ending season fivegame winning streak think playing better means arrived firstyear coach kyle shanahan said weve got long way go better keep getting better jimmy g reasons turnaround fall squarely garoppolos arrival getting spotty play first 11 games brian hoyer rookie cj beathard 49ers gotten topflight performances garoppolo first four starts 1250 yards passing player first four starts franchise since taking garoppolo ranks fourth yards passing per game 3125 third yards per attempt 87 rookies shine san francisco got strong contributions rookie class last weeks win jacksonville trent taylor george kittle caught touchdown passes matt breida sealed win 30yard td run cornerback ahkello witherspoon also intercepted pass solomon thomas sack reuben foster made five tackles put lot pressure guys early year playing sometimes little bit totally ready shanahan said patient aspect guys havent wavered rest rams gone 412 division champions one season firstyear coach sean mcvay would like keep rolling playoffs thus decision rest stars sunday everything intentional designed try best team players mcvay said think understand know sometimes people might always agree situations like come talk nice luxury able want make sure handle right way team might every team feel like thats best approach us sean mannion make first career start quarterback appearing seventh game three seasons backup rams goff expected active mannions backup since thirdstringer brandon allen injured reserve incentives mcvay said team take care players might miss contract incentives sitting certainly want make good things dont want reach incentives coachs decision hold get healthy playoffs definitely mindful aware guys affected want make sure take care handle firstclass way ___ ap pro football writer josh dubow contributed ___ follow bernie wilson twitter httptwittercomberniewilson ___ nfl coverage httpwwwpro32aporg httpwwwtwittercomap_nfl los angeles ap todd gurley jared goff stars nfc west champion los angeles rams sitting rest playoffs sundays game san francisco 49ers could turn jimmy garoppolo show rams 114 clinched division title home playoff game remarkable turnaround season arent overly concerned whether theyre third fourth seed gurley making strong case nfl mvp goff left tackle andrew whitworth center john sullivan defensive tackle aaron donald among stars sit thats ok garoppolo led 49ers 510 four straight victories providing rare sense excitement team locked last place try every week say youre facing faceless opponent said garoppolo tom bradys backup patriots traded 49ers oct 31 matter want mindset matter type game first game season last game season think weve done pretty well last couple weeks coming preparing every day practicing hard going little critiques certain plays think keep well good sunday 49ers play behind garoppolo including 4433 victory playoffbound jacksonville last sunday given 49ers hope running back carlos hyde thinks theyll win super bowl next year thats carlos opinion said garoppolo keeping focus sunday things look 49ers play rams la memorial coliseum historic turnaround team ever started season poorly 49ers finished well 18 teams season started 16game season nine straight losses san francisco none others three games season niners double total win finale would also make second team past 23 years miss playoffs despite ending season fivegame winning streak think playing better means arrived firstyear coach kyle shanahan said weve got long way go better keep getting better jimmy g reasons turnaround fall squarely garoppolos arrival getting spotty play first 11 games brian hoyer rookie cj beathard 49ers gotten topflight performances garoppolo first four starts 1250 yards passing player first four starts franchise since taking garoppolo ranks fourth yards passing per game 3125 third yards per attempt 87 rookies shine san francisco got strong contributions rookie class last weeks win jacksonville trent taylor george kittle caught touchdown passes matt breida sealed win 30yard td run cornerback ahkello witherspoon also intercepted pass solomon thomas sack reuben foster made five tackles put lot pressure guys early year playing sometimes little bit totally ready shanahan said patient aspect guys havent wavered rest rams gone 412 division champions one season firstyear coach sean mcvay would like keep rolling playoffs thus decision rest stars sunday everything intentional designed try best team players mcvay said think understand know sometimes people might always agree situations like come talk nice luxury able want make sure handle right way team might every team feel like thats best approach us sean mannion make first career start quarterback appearing seventh game three seasons backup rams goff expected active mannions backup since thirdstringer brandon allen injured reserve incentives mcvay said team take care players might miss contract incentives sitting certainly want make good things dont want reach incentives coachs decision hold get healthy playoffs definitely mindful aware guys affected want make sure take care handle firstclass way ___ ap pro football writer josh dubow contributed ___ follow bernie wilson twitter httptwittercomberniewilson ___ nfl coverage httpwwwpro32aporg httpwwwtwittercomap_nfl
| 1,002 |
<p>STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - The rivalry between Sweden and Finland in men’s ice hockey burns with an incredible intensity, and the Nordic neighbors are set to ignite their feud once again in the group stage at the Pyeongchang Olympics.</p> FILE PHOTO: Nicklas Lidstrom (5) of Sweden falls on top of Jere Lehtinen of Finland during their men's hockey game at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics February 21, 2010. REUTERS/Todd Korol/File Photo
<p>The Swedes have twice won the Olympic gold medal, first in 1994 and famously beating their bitter rivals 3-2 in the 2006 final in Turin.</p>
<p>No Finnish hockey fan needs reminding that their team has never won the Olympic tournament.</p>
<p>“For us Swedes, we just cannot lose to Finland - that would never work,” Sweden’s two-time Olympic champion Peter Forsberg told Reuters.</p>
<p>“It’s powerful,” explains Hakan Loob, who was a team mate of Forsberg’s when Sweden won gold at Lillehammer in 1994, and the two are set to pair up again as experts for Eurosport’s hockey broadcasts in Sweden during the Games.</p>
<p>“A long time ago, the Finns saw us as the big brother and felt sorry for themselves, but recently they have become very good, so now it’s a more even rivalry,” Loob said.</p>
<p>For the Finns, it is no different.</p>
<p>“Of course you want to win all games, but there’s a special atmosphere every time you play Sweden,” current Finland general manager and former player Jere Lehtinen said.</p>
<p>“When I played those games it was always a little more physical on the ice, to show you wanted to win. Those were special games.”</p>
<p>SEMI-FINAL DEFEAT</p>
<p>The two sides meet in the final qualifying game in group C on February 18, with the Finns determined to avenge their semi-final defeat in Sochi four years ago when they ended up with the bronze medal and the Swedes went one better by winning silver.</p>
<p>The historical roots of the Swedish-Finnish rivalry are long and deep, with Finland part of Sweden for almost 700 years until it became an autonomous part of Russia for more than a century, eventually declaring independence in 1917.</p>
<p>The two countries share a border and Swedish is still one of Finland’s official languages, but the relationship is not without its problems, and never is this more apparent than when the two sides clash on the ice.</p>
<p>The players Reuters spoke to all recall the rivalry beginning for them while they were still in the junior ranks, continuing through their international careers and even onto the rinks of North America, where most of them plied their trade.</p>
<p>“There were good rivalries in the NHL against players like Forsberg and (Nicklas) Lidstrom - good, honest battles,” remembers Lehtinen, who spent 14 seasons with the Dallas Stars.</p>
<p>“Forsberg was tough and he came hard at you, but in the same way he was honest, and you could go hard at him too. It was a tough rivalry.”</p>
<p>The creative force at the heart of the Swedish team, Forsberg was often given a hard time by the Finns, not least when the two countries clashed.</p>
<p>“I always had to play against Saku Koivu, Teemu Selanne, Jere Lehtinen and a few other big players. Every single tournament you knew you’d have to play against them, and you knew it was going to be tough,” Forsberg said.</p>
<p>“But there was something, we just had to win.”</p> SHOCK VICTORY
<p>With Forsberg in the team the Swedes secured their fair share of victories but as time went on Finland improved, even pulling off a shock victory against the then-Olympic champions in the World Championship final in Stockholm in 1995.</p>
<p>For Lehtinen, who played in that winning side, the victory was a watershed in the rivalry.</p>
<p>“It changed things, because Sweden had been beating us most of the time, so that was a big moment for us. There was a lot of Finnish fans there too, so it was very loud when we took the lead,” the 44-year-old said.</p>
<p>The scenes of joy were not limited to Finnish players and fans in Stockholm’s Globen arena.</p>
<p>“I was a young boy back then, and it was a huge thing at that time, it was an unbelievable victory for the whole nation,” defenseman Sami Lepisto, who will be a key part of Finland’s team in Pyeongchang, told Reuters.</p>
<p>Lepisto went on to be in the Finnish squad that hammered the Swedes 6-1 in the 2011 World Championship final, and he now hopes they can improve their Olympic record against the Swedes and finally make it to the top step of the podium.</p>
<p>“Of course, we have those two World Championship finals that we won, but at the Olympics it’s been mainly Sweden that has been winning those battles,” he said, adding that he will be keeping an eye on the Swedes when the knockout stages begin.</p>
<p>“We feel like we have a good team and a good chance to win, and I think we have a strong chance - just like Sweden.”</p>
<p>Reporting by Philip O'Connor, editing by Ed Osmond</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>MANAMA (Reuters) - Formula One’s commercial rights holders have laid out plans for an overhaul of the sport from 2021 with cheaper and simpler power units, the implementation of a cost cap and a more balanced distribution of revenues.</p> Formula One F1 - Australian Grand Prix - Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit, Melbourne, Australia - March 25, 2018 The start of the race REUTERS/Brandon Malone/File Photo
<p>Liberty Media, who took over in January last year, met team bosses and the governing FIA at the Sakhir circuit ahead of Friday’s opening practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix.</p>
<p>There was no immediate response from reigning champions Mercedes and Ferrari, the biggest and wealthiest teams who have expressed concern in recent months about where the sport is heading.</p>
<p>Ferrari, who enjoy special financial privileges and a veto on rules, have warned repeatedly that they could walk away if they did not like what was on offer.</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-motor-f1-bahrain-future-astonmartin/aston-martin-boss-welcomes-f1-future-proposals-idUSKCN1HD2F0" type="external">Aston Martin boss welcomes F1 future proposals</a>
<p>“The teams have to digest the proposals that we’ve made,” Formula One’s managing director of motorsport Ross Brawn, a former Ferrari technical director and ex-Mercedes team principal, told Reuters.</p>
<p>“I think they were all accepted in good spirit,” he said.</p>
<p>“There’s no doubt there will be different opinions. I think everyone, all the teams, is pleased to see the landscape laid out completely on some key elements.”</p>
<p>Formula One said future engines needed to be “cheaper, simpler, louder, have more power and reduce the necessity of grid penalties.”</p>
<p>They must also remain road relevant for manufacturers, and hybrid, with the rules making it attractive for any new entrants.</p>
<p>On the thorny subject of costs, Formula One said that “how you spend the money must be more decisive and important than how much money you spend.”</p>
<p>It gave no details about any cap, however, with media reports talking of a $150 million annual figure which would be above what many teams spend but well below that of the biggest manufacturer budgets.</p>
<p>Formula One said future revenue distribution must be “more balanced, based on meritocracy of the current performance and reward success for the teams and the commercial rights holder.”</p>
<p>Force India’s chief operating officer Otmar Szafnauer said his team were pleased with Liberty’s proposals.</p>
<p>“It was a presentation and we all listened and there wasn’t much interaction,” he said. “My opinion is it’s going in the right direction.”</p>
<p>The five-point plan, published as broad outlines, said there needed to be more overtaking and driver skill should be the “predominant factor” in the car’s performance.</p>
<p>While cars must remain different from each other, areas not relevant to fans needed to be standardized. Governance of the sport also needed to be simple and streamlined.</p>
<p>“We are driven by one desire: to create the world’s leading sporting brand,” said Formula One chairman Chase Carey.</p>
<p>“Fan-centered, commercially successful, profitable for our teams, and with technological innovation at its heart.”</p>
<p>Editing by Alan Baldwin and Christian Radnedge</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>(Reuters) - After a series of plot twists befitting a Broadway production, the UFC had hoped to bring clarity to its disorderly lightweight division with Saturday’s UFC 223 fight card in Brooklyn, but it will be overshadowed by one man not on it — Conor McGregor.</p> Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter Conor McGregor exits after appearing in a Brooklyn court on charges of assault stemming from a melee, in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, U.S., April 6, 2018. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid
<p>The Irish fighter gate-crashed a media day on Thursday and caused chaos with his entourage when he attacked a bus ferrying fighters in the venue’s loading bay, an assault that led to injuries to some of those aboard the vehicle.</p>
<p>McGregor appeared in court in New York on Friday charged with assault and criminal mischief.</p>
<p>Fighters Michael Chiesa and Ray Borg were pulled from the card by the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) after sustaining injuries, and McGregor’s stable mate Artem Lobov was kicked off the bill for his part in the chaos.</p>
<p>In another twist, lightweight challenger Max Holloway was declared “medically unfit” to fight Khabib Nurmagomedov by NYSAC as he struggled to shed weight and make the 155-pound limit. He has been replaced by American Al Iaquinta in the title match.</p>
<p>Ever since the 29-year-old McGregor became the first UFC fighter to hold two belts simultaneously, the promotion has struggled to ensure its hugely popular ‘bad boy’ followed by the rules.</p>
<p>By the time Russia’s Nurmagomedov and Iaquinta face off across the Octagon in Brooklyn, 511 days will have passed since McGregor won the title from Eddie Alvarez at the Madison Square Garden in Manhattan in November 2016.</p>
<p>However, the Irishman was first stripped of the featherweight title he claimed in 2015 and he has never managed to defended either crown after winning them.</p>
<p>Instead, he took up boxing and enticed retired great Floyd Mayweather back into the ring for a huge payday, in a bout he lost, with American Tony Ferguson stepping in and winning the interim UFC lightweight belt by overcoming Kevin Lee.</p>
<p>Asked at a news conference on Friday whether he could foresee McGregor ever fighting in the UFC again, the organization’s president Dana White said he was not sure.</p>
<p>“This thing is so crazy. He is being arraigned right now and dealing with what he has to deal with. We’re dealing with this fight,” White said.</p>
<p>“Next week I’m going to go home and figure out how this whole thing plays out,” he added.</p>
<p>“It’s a very unique situation that we’re in. It’s never happened in nearly 20 years of doing this so we’ll see.”</p> FILE PHOTO: Dec 9, 2016; Toronto, ON, Canada; Max Holloway during weigh ins for UFC 206 at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
<p>FIGHTER MERRY-GO-ROUND</p>
<p>Ferguson was originally scheduled to face Nurmagomedov in a highly anticipated showdown but the contest had to be canceled for a fourth time when the American suffered a freak knee injury last week.</p>
<p>Holloway stepped up at very short notice but could not shed the weight, opening the door for the 30-year-old Iaquinta to save the main event.</p>
<p>With his ability to smother opponents using his powerful wrestling skills, the undefeated Nurmagomedov is the promotion’s rising star but Iaquinta is an excellent grappler and will provide a tough test.</p>
<p>As Iaquinta came in slightly over the weight, only Nurmagomedov can win the belt.</p> McGregor appears in court on assault charges
<p>The other highlight on Saturday’s card is a women’s straw-weight title rematch between champion Rose Namajunas and Poland’s Joanna Jedrzejczyk, whom the American knocked out in stunning fashion in the first round to win the belt in November.</p>
<p>However, anyone expecting to grab any of the limelight from McGregor is mistaken.</p>
<p>Emboldened by his money from the Mayweather fight, he has become a law unto himself, but his latest misstep has seriously tested the patience of White, who has excused plenty of bad behavior in the past.</p>
<p>However, with the promotion quickly tiring of his antics, the Irishman may find that while he might well be able to win back a belt in the future, winning back fans may prove a lot more difficult.</p>
<p>Reporting by Philip O'Connor; Additional reporting by Rory Carroll; Editing by John O'Brien</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>AUGUSTA, Ga. (Reuters) - A red-hot Patrick Reed stormed into a two-shot lead after the second round of the U.S. Masters on Friday, while a struggling Tiger Woods barely kept alive his hopes of a fairytale comeback from injury.</p> Patrick Reed of the U.S. hits on the 14th fairway during second round play of the 2018 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, U.S., April 6, 2018. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson
<p>Former world number one Woods was considered one of the favourites in his bid to collect a fifth Green Jacket after showing impressive form in his return to competition this year, but was unable to make any noise for a second consecutive day.</p>
<p>The 14-times major champion struggled in the tough scoring conditions at a windy Augusta National, mixing three bogeys with a double-bogey and two birdies for a three-over-par 75 that put him on four-over par for the week.</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-golf-masters-woods/woods-happy-with-progress-despite-falling-off-the-pace-idUSKCN1HE022" type="external">Woods happy with progress despite falling off the pace</a>
<a href="/article/us-golf-masters-leishman/happy-hooker-leishman-conjures-up-masterpiece-to-stay-in-hunt-idUSKCN1HE03I" type="external">Happy hooker Leishman conjures up masterpiece to stay in hunt</a>
<a href="/article/us-golf-masters-reed/ryder-cup-warrior-reed-ready-to-fly-solo-for-augusta-glory-idUSKCN1HE039" type="external">Ryder Cup warrior Reed ready to fly solo for Augusta glory</a>
<p>“I felt like I hit it off well off the tee. I hit my irons awful today. I didn’t control my distance, my shape, spins. I left myself in bad spots,” Woods told reporters. “That kind of summed up the whole day.”</p>
<p>The poor round left Woods, competing in his first major since 2015, just one shot above the cut-line but a distant 13 shots back of world number 24 Reed, who is hoping to pen a comeback of his own after missing the cut last year.</p>
<p>Following a bogey at the first, Woods added a double-bogey at the par-four fifth, where he took a penalty drop from an unplayable lie after sending his second shot into the bushes to the left of the green.</p>
<p>He bogeyed the par-three 12th after sending his tee shot into Rae’s Creek and while he did well to card a pair of birdies over the next three holes, he dropped another shot at the par-three 16th.</p> Patrick Reed of the U.S. finishes the day on the 18th green during second round play of the 2018 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, U.S., April 6, 2018. REUTERS/Mike Segar
<p>Reed, a five-times winner on the PGA Tour still seeking his breakthrough in a major, fired the day’s lowest round, a six-under 66 that included nine birdies, to reach nine under on the week, two clear of Australian Marc Leishman (67).</p>
<p>“I feel like I know where I need to leave the golf ball, and most of the pins out here, and it’s now just going out here and executing the game plan and staying disciplined,” said Reed, who went to college at nearby Augusta State.</p>
<p>“I’ve been doing that the first two days, and it’s allowing me to kind of attack this golf course and not make a lot of mistakes.”</p> ‘WORTH THE RISK’
<p>Leishman delivered the shot of the day when his approach at the par-five 15th stopped six feet from the hole, setting up an easy eagle.</p>
<p>The Australian, who made a double-bogey on the same hole in the first round, weighed other options before finally opting for the risky play of hooking it around a tree and over the water.</p> Slideshow (12 Images)
<p>“To win this tournament, you’re going to have to take a chance at some point, and I felt like that was one where the reward was worth the risk,” Leishman said.</p>
<p>Swede Henrik Stenson (70) sits alone in third place at five under, while Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy (71) and former champion Jordan Spieth (74) are a further shot adrift.</p>
<p>McIlroy, who with a victory this week would become only the sixth player to win each of golf’s four majors, credited his new-found ability to remain patient for his recent form.</p>
<p>“I don’t have to go out there and make a birdie on every hole, especially not on this golf course, and in these conditions, pars are okay,” McIlroy said.</p>
<p>“Sometimes pars might be a little bit boring and you might feel as if you want to get a little bit more out of your round, but as you look up the leaderboard and you’re still there around the lead, that’s taken awhile for me to adjust to.”</p>
<p>Sergio Garcia, whose 81 on Thursday was the worst opening-round score by a defending champion, followed that up with a six-over-par 78 to become the 10th reigning Green Jacket owner to miss the cut.</p>
<p>Reporting by Frank Pingue; Editing by John O'Brien</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>NEW YORK (Reuters) - Mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor was freed by a New York judge on $50,000 bail on Friday after being charged with assault for his part in a melee at a media event to publicize a series of UFC fights at a Brooklyn arena.</p>
<p>The sport’s best-known athlete and an international star, McGregor, 29, appeared before a judge at the Kings County Criminal Court, dressed in a blue, long-sleeved shirt that hid his trademark tattoos. He is charged with three counts of assault and one count of criminal mischief.</p>
<p>“He’s the most visible face on the planet; he has no criminal history and the bail package is completely appropriate in the $50,000 amount,” his lawyer Jim Walden told the judge.</p>
<p>McGregor, sporting a beard and a somber expression, stood through the hearing with hands shackled behind his back, saying only a few inaudible words to the lawyer.</p>
<p>The judge also granted a request to allow to the Irish-born McGregor to travel outside the United States before his next court appearance on June 14.</p>
<p>The MMA star had surrendered to police on Thursday evening, soon after a video of the fracas at Brooklyn’s Barclay Center went viral. It appears to show McGregor and his entourage using a metal barricade and other objects to smash windows on a bus filled with fighters departing from the media event.</p>
<p>The fracas appeared to be related to the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s decision to strip McGregor of his title. He last fought in a UFC bout in November 2016, when he defeated Eddie Alvarez to win the lightweight belt.</p> Mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor (L), stands with his lawyer Jim Walden during his appearance in a New York City courtroom on charges of assault in New York, NY, U.S., April 6, 2018. Mary Altaffer/Pool via REUTERS
<p>But he never defended the title, though he took on boxer Floyd Mayweather in August 2017. His technical knockout loss to Mayweather was the second biggest pay-per-view fight in history.</p>
<p>In January, the UFC announced that Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson would fight for the undisputed lightweight title at Saturday’s MMA event, known as UFC 223.</p>
<p>UFC President Dana White told ESPN on Friday that a UFC fighter on the bus was hit and cut by a dolly thrown through the window, and that another fighter had the cornea of his eyes cut as the glass broke into dust-like material.</p> Slideshow (9 Images)
<p>UFC was founded in 1993 and popularized cage fighting. It holds dozens of fights around the world every year that have surpassed pro wresting and boxing in popularity, and are broadcast in more than 156 nations, reaching 1.1 billion households.</p>
<p>In July 2016, the UFC said it had agreed to be bought by talent agency WME-IMG in a transaction a source valued at $4 billion, one of the largest price tags for a sports brand.</p>
<p>Reporting by Gina Cherelus, Jonathan Allen and Philip O'Connor; editing by Frank McGurty, Bernadette Baum and Richard Chang</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
| false | 2 |
stockholm reuters rivalry sweden finland mens ice hockey burns incredible intensity nordic neighbors set ignite feud group stage pyeongchang olympics file photo nicklas lidstrom 5 sweden falls top jere lehtinen finland mens hockey game vancouver 2010 winter olympics february 21 2010 reuterstodd korolfile photo swedes twice olympic gold medal first 1994 famously beating bitter rivals 32 2006 final turin finnish hockey fan needs reminding team never olympic tournament us swedes lose finland would never work swedens twotime olympic champion peter forsberg told reuters powerful explains hakan loob team mate forsbergs sweden gold lillehammer 1994 two set pair experts eurosports hockey broadcasts sweden games long time ago finns saw us big brother felt sorry recently become good even rivalry loob said finns different course want win games theres special atmosphere every time play sweden current finland general manager former player jere lehtinen said played games always little physical ice show wanted win special games semifinal defeat two sides meet final qualifying game group c february 18 finns determined avenge semifinal defeat sochi four years ago ended bronze medal swedes went one better winning silver historical roots swedishfinnish rivalry long deep finland part sweden almost 700 years became autonomous part russia century eventually declaring independence 1917 two countries share border swedish still one finlands official languages relationship without problems never apparent two sides clash ice players reuters spoke recall rivalry beginning still junior ranks continuing international careers even onto rinks north america plied trade good rivalries nhl players like forsberg nicklas lidstrom good honest battles remembers lehtinen spent 14 seasons dallas stars forsberg tough came hard way honest could go hard tough rivalry creative force heart swedish team forsberg often given hard time finns least two countries clashed always play saku koivu teemu selanne jere lehtinen big players every single tournament knew youd play knew going tough forsberg said something win shock victory forsberg team swedes secured fair share victories time went finland improved even pulling shock victory thenolympic champions world championship final stockholm 1995 lehtinen played winning side victory watershed rivalry changed things sweden beating us time big moment us lot finnish fans loud took lead 44yearold said scenes joy limited finnish players fans stockholms globen arena young boy back huge thing time unbelievable victory whole nation defenseman sami lepisto key part finlands team pyeongchang told reuters lepisto went finnish squad hammered swedes 61 2011 world championship final hopes improve olympic record swedes finally make top step podium course two world championship finals olympics mainly sweden winning battles said adding keeping eye swedes knockout stages begin feel like good team good chance win think strong chance like sweden reporting philip oconnor editing ed osmond standards thomson reuters trust principles manama reuters formula ones commercial rights holders laid plans overhaul sport 2021 cheaper simpler power units implementation cost cap balanced distribution revenues formula one f1 australian grand prix melbourne grand prix circuit melbourne australia march 25 2018 start race reutersbrandon malonefile photo liberty media took january last year met team bosses governing fia sakhir circuit ahead fridays opening practice bahrain grand prix immediate response reigning champions mercedes ferrari biggest wealthiest teams expressed concern recent months sport heading ferrari enjoy special financial privileges veto rules warned repeatedly could walk away like offer related coverage aston martin boss welcomes f1 future proposals teams digest proposals weve made formula ones managing director motorsport ross brawn former ferrari technical director exmercedes team principal told reuters think accepted good spirit said theres doubt different opinions think everyone teams pleased see landscape laid completely key elements formula one said future engines needed cheaper simpler louder power reduce necessity grid penalties must also remain road relevant manufacturers hybrid rules making attractive new entrants thorny subject costs formula one said spend money must decisive important much money spend gave details cap however media reports talking 150 million annual figure would many teams spend well biggest manufacturer budgets formula one said future revenue distribution must balanced based meritocracy current performance reward success teams commercial rights holder force indias chief operating officer otmar szafnauer said team pleased libertys proposals presentation listened wasnt much interaction said opinion going right direction fivepoint plan published broad outlines said needed overtaking driver skill predominant factor cars performance cars must remain different areas relevant fans needed standardized governance sport also needed simple streamlined driven one desire create worlds leading sporting brand said formula one chairman chase carey fancentered commercially successful profitable teams technological innovation heart editing alan baldwin christian radnedge standards thomson reuters trust principles reuters series plot twists befitting broadway production ufc hoped bring clarity disorderly lightweight division saturdays ufc 223 fight card brooklyn overshadowed one man conor mcgregor mixed martial arts mma fighter conor mcgregor exits appearing brooklyn court charges assault stemming melee brooklyn borough new york city us april 6 2018 reutersbrendan mcdermid irish fighter gatecrashed media day thursday caused chaos entourage attacked bus ferrying fighters venues loading bay assault led injuries aboard vehicle mcgregor appeared court new york friday charged assault criminal mischief fighters michael chiesa ray borg pulled card new york state athletic commission nysac sustaining injuries mcgregors stable mate artem lobov kicked bill part chaos another twist lightweight challenger max holloway declared medically unfit fight khabib nurmagomedov nysac struggled shed weight make 155pound limit replaced american al iaquinta title match ever since 29yearold mcgregor became first ufc fighter hold two belts simultaneously promotion struggled ensure hugely popular bad boy followed rules time russias nurmagomedov iaquinta face across octagon brooklyn 511 days passed since mcgregor title eddie alvarez madison square garden manhattan november 2016 however irishman first stripped featherweight title claimed 2015 never managed defended either crown winning instead took boxing enticed retired great floyd mayweather back ring huge payday bout lost american tony ferguson stepping winning interim ufc lightweight belt overcoming kevin lee asked news conference friday whether could foresee mcgregor ever fighting ufc organizations president dana white said sure thing crazy arraigned right dealing deal dealing fight white said next week im going go home figure whole thing plays added unique situation never happened nearly 20 years well see file photo dec 9 2016 toronto canada max holloway weigh ins ufc 206 air canada centre mandatory credit tom szczerbowskiusa today sports fighter merrygoround ferguson originally scheduled face nurmagomedov highly anticipated showdown contest canceled fourth time american suffered freak knee injury last week holloway stepped short notice could shed weight opening door 30yearold iaquinta save main event ability smother opponents using powerful wrestling skills undefeated nurmagomedov promotions rising star iaquinta excellent grappler provide tough test iaquinta came slightly weight nurmagomedov win belt mcgregor appears court assault charges highlight saturdays card womens strawweight title rematch champion rose namajunas polands joanna jedrzejczyk american knocked stunning fashion first round win belt november however anyone expecting grab limelight mcgregor mistaken emboldened money mayweather fight become law unto latest misstep seriously tested patience white excused plenty bad behavior past however promotion quickly tiring antics irishman may find might well able win back belt future winning back fans may prove lot difficult reporting philip oconnor additional reporting rory carroll editing john obrien standards thomson reuters trust principles augusta ga reuters redhot patrick reed stormed twoshot lead second round us masters friday struggling tiger woods barely kept alive hopes fairytale comeback injury patrick reed us hits 14th fairway second round play 2018 masters golf tournament augusta national golf club augusta georgia us april 6 2018 reuterslucy nicholson former world number one woods considered one favourites bid collect fifth green jacket showing impressive form return competition year unable make noise second consecutive day 14times major champion struggled tough scoring conditions windy augusta national mixing three bogeys doublebogey two birdies threeoverpar 75 put fourover par week related coverage woods happy progress despite falling pace happy hooker leishman conjures masterpiece stay hunt ryder cup warrior reed ready fly solo augusta glory felt like hit well tee hit irons awful today didnt control distance shape spins left bad spots woods told reporters kind summed whole day poor round left woods competing first major since 2015 one shot cutline distant 13 shots back world number 24 reed hoping pen comeback missing cut last year following bogey first woods added doublebogey parfour fifth took penalty drop unplayable lie sending second shot bushes left green bogeyed parthree 12th sending tee shot raes creek well card pair birdies next three holes dropped another shot parthree 16th patrick reed us finishes day 18th green second round play 2018 masters golf tournament augusta national golf club augusta georgia us april 6 2018 reutersmike segar reed fivetimes winner pga tour still seeking breakthrough major fired days lowest round sixunder 66 included nine birdies reach nine week two clear australian marc leishman 67 feel like know need leave golf ball pins going executing game plan staying disciplined said reed went college nearby augusta state ive first two days allowing kind attack golf course make lot mistakes worth risk leishman delivered shot day approach parfive 15th stopped six feet hole setting easy eagle australian made doublebogey hole first round weighed options finally opting risky play hooking around tree water slideshow 12 images win tournament youre going take chance point felt like one reward worth risk leishman said swede henrik stenson 70 sits alone third place five northern irishman rory mcilroy 71 former champion jordan spieth 74 shot adrift mcilroy victory week would become sixth player win golfs four majors credited newfound ability remain patient recent form dont go make birdie every hole especially golf course conditions pars okay mcilroy said sometimes pars might little bit boring might feel want get little bit round look leaderboard youre still around lead thats taken awhile adjust sergio garcia whose 81 thursday worst openinground score defending champion followed sixoverpar 78 become 10th reigning green jacket owner miss cut reporting frank pingue editing john obrien standards thomson reuters trust principles new york reuters mixed martial arts fighter conor mcgregor freed new york judge 50000 bail friday charged assault part melee media event publicize series ufc fights brooklyn arena sports bestknown athlete international star mcgregor 29 appeared judge kings county criminal court dressed blue longsleeved shirt hid trademark tattoos charged three counts assault one count criminal mischief hes visible face planet criminal history bail package completely appropriate 50000 amount lawyer jim walden told judge mcgregor sporting beard somber expression stood hearing hands shackled behind back saying inaudible words lawyer judge also granted request allow irishborn mcgregor travel outside united states next court appearance june 14 mma star surrendered police thursday evening soon video fracas brooklyns barclay center went viral appears show mcgregor entourage using metal barricade objects smash windows bus filled fighters departing media event fracas appeared related ultimate fighting championships decision strip mcgregor title last fought ufc bout november 2016 defeated eddie alvarez win lightweight belt mixed martial arts fighter conor mcgregor l stands lawyer jim walden appearance new york city courtroom charges assault new york ny us april 6 2018 mary altafferpool via reuters never defended title though took boxer floyd mayweather august 2017 technical knockout loss mayweather second biggest payperview fight history january ufc announced khabib nurmagomedov tony ferguson would fight undisputed lightweight title saturdays mma event known ufc 223 ufc president dana white told espn friday ufc fighter bus hit cut dolly thrown window another fighter cornea eyes cut glass broke dustlike material slideshow 9 images ufc founded 1993 popularized cage fighting holds dozens fights around world every year surpassed pro wresting boxing popularity broadcast 156 nations reaching 11 billion households july 2016 ufc said agreed bought talent agency wmeimg transaction source valued 4 billion one largest price tags sports brand reporting gina cherelus jonathan allen philip oconnor editing frank mcgurty bernadette baum richard chang standards thomson reuters trust principles
| 1,947 |
<p>NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — A big change is looming on the horizon near Jamestown Island, site of Britain’s first permanent settlement in North America: 17 transmission towers — four nearly as tall as the Statue of Liberty — are set to rise to help meet Virginia’s growing energy appetite.</p>
<p>But not everyone is electrified by the prospect, never mind the $90 million the utility is spreading around to blunt the impact on this tourist region steeped in early American history.</p>
<p>The project calls for stringing power lines across the muddy James River, an undertaking the utility says is vital to maintaining the region’s power supply as aging coal-fired plants are mothballed. Richmond-based Dominion Energy already has begun the federally required payouts. And the so-called mitigation funding is providing rare windfalls to local groups in an era of dwindling public dollars for preservation efforts.</p>
<p>Groups receiving the money have expressed gratitude, though some remain opposed to the towers.</p>
<p>“It was not our intent to benefit. We would rather not have the project,” said Robert Gray, chief of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, which received $4.5 million in payments. “Once those towers go up, the cultural landscape is ruined.”</p>
<p>The project could take nearly two years to complete. Work has already begun on foundations for the towers.</p>
<p>Eventually, the power lines are to cross a 4-mile (6.4 kilometers) stretch of the broad James River within view of the eastern tip of Jamestown Island, although not its historic fort. To accommodate river barge traffic, four of the towers are to rise as high as 295 feet (90 meters) — just shy of lady Liberty’s 305-foot (93 meter) height from the pedestal’s ground level to the torch.</p>
<p>More than 400 years ago, Britain established Jamestown, aided by Capt. John Smith, a colorful adventurer and explorer who is part of the tourist draw here.</p>
<p>Because power lines would cut through areas with historical significance, the federal government required the mitigation funding by Dominion, which is flowing through an array of state agencies and nonprofit foundations.</p>
<p>The Pamunkey Tribe, for instance, will use its money to expand its fish hatchery and other projects. Another tribe, the Chickahominy, will acquire 105 acres (42 hectares) along the river. Money will also bolster shorelines, improve water quality and help to preserve five battlefield sites associated with the American Revolution and the Civil War.</p>
<p>Dominion says the towers are crucial to providing reliable service to 600,000 people living between the York and James rivers, including the city of Newport News, as well as a Busch Gardens theme park and Joint Base Langley-Eustis — a combined U.S. Air Force and Army installation. The lines will carry electricity from a nuclear power station across the river and other sources, compensating for the coal-powered plants shutting down because of new clean-air regulations.</p>
<p>Dominion spokeswoman Bonita Billingsley Harris said the project’s location poses the least impact of the options considered.</p>
<p>Critics, meanwhile, are still calling for Dominion to run the transmission lines underwater or elsewhere. But Dominion said the underwater proposal would balloon costs from $180 million to at least $500 million, with ratepayers absorbing the expense. Harris also said underground lines would be inadequate for meeting future power needs.</p>
<p>Conservationists are fighting the project in court, saying it should be redesigned or relocated.</p>
<p>“You can’t solve the problem with money,” said Sharee Williamson, an attorney for one opponent, the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “This is one of the most significant historical resources in the United States. It tells the story of some of the earliest beginnings of our nation.”</p>
<p>Williamson said the power lines will extend across the water on a portion of the river that has lacked crossings of any kind for miles, a rare phenomenon on the East Coast. But Dominion contends the James already flows through a well-developed region and has steady maritime traffic.</p>
<p>In October, a federal judge rejected a request by conservation groups to immediately halt construction. But the judge said the merits of the case will be considered as it moves forward.</p>
<p>Besides Jamestown, founded in 1607, the area includes the Carter’s Grove plantation, a National Historic Landmark built beside the James River in the 1750s. There’s also the Colonial Parkway, a scenic route linking Yorktown, Williamsburg and Jamestown.</p>
<p>The power lines would be visible from Carter’s Grove, some lookouts along the parkway and the eastern tip of Jamestown Island.</p>
<p>Among groups benefiting from Dominion’s payout is Belmead on the James Inc., which hopes to preserve more than 2,000 acres further upriver. The group is getting $750,000.</p>
<p>Belmead, a former plantation site, also housed schools for black and native American students between 1895 and 1972.</p>
<p>“I think irony is a good way to frame it,” Belmead vice president Joe Elton said of benefiting from the power lines. “But it’s the way of the world. If there’s an opportunity for us to do something good for conservation out of the funding that’s available, we’re certainly going to take advantage of it.”</p>
<p>NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — A big change is looming on the horizon near Jamestown Island, site of Britain’s first permanent settlement in North America: 17 transmission towers — four nearly as tall as the Statue of Liberty — are set to rise to help meet Virginia’s growing energy appetite.</p>
<p>But not everyone is electrified by the prospect, never mind the $90 million the utility is spreading around to blunt the impact on this tourist region steeped in early American history.</p>
<p>The project calls for stringing power lines across the muddy James River, an undertaking the utility says is vital to maintaining the region’s power supply as aging coal-fired plants are mothballed. Richmond-based Dominion Energy already has begun the federally required payouts. And the so-called mitigation funding is providing rare windfalls to local groups in an era of dwindling public dollars for preservation efforts.</p>
<p>Groups receiving the money have expressed gratitude, though some remain opposed to the towers.</p>
<p>“It was not our intent to benefit. We would rather not have the project,” said Robert Gray, chief of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, which received $4.5 million in payments. “Once those towers go up, the cultural landscape is ruined.”</p>
<p>The project could take nearly two years to complete. Work has already begun on foundations for the towers.</p>
<p>Eventually, the power lines are to cross a 4-mile (6.4 kilometers) stretch of the broad James River within view of the eastern tip of Jamestown Island, although not its historic fort. To accommodate river barge traffic, four of the towers are to rise as high as 295 feet (90 meters) — just shy of lady Liberty’s 305-foot (93 meter) height from the pedestal’s ground level to the torch.</p>
<p>More than 400 years ago, Britain established Jamestown, aided by Capt. John Smith, a colorful adventurer and explorer who is part of the tourist draw here.</p>
<p>Because power lines would cut through areas with historical significance, the federal government required the mitigation funding by Dominion, which is flowing through an array of state agencies and nonprofit foundations.</p>
<p>The Pamunkey Tribe, for instance, will use its money to expand its fish hatchery and other projects. Another tribe, the Chickahominy, will acquire 105 acres (42 hectares) along the river. Money will also bolster shorelines, improve water quality and help to preserve five battlefield sites associated with the American Revolution and the Civil War.</p>
<p>Dominion says the towers are crucial to providing reliable service to 600,000 people living between the York and James rivers, including the city of Newport News, as well as a Busch Gardens theme park and Joint Base Langley-Eustis — a combined U.S. Air Force and Army installation. The lines will carry electricity from a nuclear power station across the river and other sources, compensating for the coal-powered plants shutting down because of new clean-air regulations.</p>
<p>Dominion spokeswoman Bonita Billingsley Harris said the project’s location poses the least impact of the options considered.</p>
<p>Critics, meanwhile, are still calling for Dominion to run the transmission lines underwater or elsewhere. But Dominion said the underwater proposal would balloon costs from $180 million to at least $500 million, with ratepayers absorbing the expense. Harris also said underground lines would be inadequate for meeting future power needs.</p>
<p>Conservationists are fighting the project in court, saying it should be redesigned or relocated.</p>
<p>“You can’t solve the problem with money,” said Sharee Williamson, an attorney for one opponent, the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “This is one of the most significant historical resources in the United States. It tells the story of some of the earliest beginnings of our nation.”</p>
<p>Williamson said the power lines will extend across the water on a portion of the river that has lacked crossings of any kind for miles, a rare phenomenon on the East Coast. But Dominion contends the James already flows through a well-developed region and has steady maritime traffic.</p>
<p>In October, a federal judge rejected a request by conservation groups to immediately halt construction. But the judge said the merits of the case will be considered as it moves forward.</p>
<p>Besides Jamestown, founded in 1607, the area includes the Carter’s Grove plantation, a National Historic Landmark built beside the James River in the 1750s. There’s also the Colonial Parkway, a scenic route linking Yorktown, Williamsburg and Jamestown.</p>
<p>The power lines would be visible from Carter’s Grove, some lookouts along the parkway and the eastern tip of Jamestown Island.</p>
<p>Among groups benefiting from Dominion’s payout is Belmead on the James Inc., which hopes to preserve more than 2,000 acres further upriver. The group is getting $750,000.</p>
<p>Belmead, a former plantation site, also housed schools for black and native American students between 1895 and 1972.</p>
<p>“I think irony is a good way to frame it,” Belmead vice president Joe Elton said of benefiting from the power lines. “But it’s the way of the world. If there’s an opportunity for us to do something good for conservation out of the funding that’s available, we’re certainly going to take advantage of it.”</p>
| false | 2 |
norfolk va ap big change looming horizon near jamestown island site britains first permanent settlement north america 17 transmission towers four nearly tall statue liberty set rise help meet virginias growing energy appetite everyone electrified prospect never mind 90 million utility spreading around blunt impact tourist region steeped early american history project calls stringing power lines across muddy james river undertaking utility says vital maintaining regions power supply aging coalfired plants mothballed richmondbased dominion energy already begun federally required payouts socalled mitigation funding providing rare windfalls local groups era dwindling public dollars preservation efforts groups receiving money expressed gratitude though remain opposed towers intent benefit would rather project said robert gray chief pamunkey indian tribe received 45 million payments towers go cultural landscape ruined project could take nearly two years complete work already begun foundations towers eventually power lines cross 4mile 64 kilometers stretch broad james river within view eastern tip jamestown island although historic fort accommodate river barge traffic four towers rise high 295 feet 90 meters shy lady libertys 305foot 93 meter height pedestals ground level torch 400 years ago britain established jamestown aided capt john smith colorful adventurer explorer part tourist draw power lines would cut areas historical significance federal government required mitigation funding dominion flowing array state agencies nonprofit foundations pamunkey tribe instance use money expand fish hatchery projects another tribe chickahominy acquire 105 acres 42 hectares along river money also bolster shorelines improve water quality help preserve five battlefield sites associated american revolution civil war dominion says towers crucial providing reliable service 600000 people living york james rivers including city newport news well busch gardens theme park joint base langleyeustis combined us air force army installation lines carry electricity nuclear power station across river sources compensating coalpowered plants shutting new cleanair regulations dominion spokeswoman bonita billingsley harris said projects location poses least impact options considered critics meanwhile still calling dominion run transmission lines underwater elsewhere dominion said underwater proposal would balloon costs 180 million least 500 million ratepayers absorbing expense harris also said underground lines would inadequate meeting future power needs conservationists fighting project court saying redesigned relocated cant solve problem money said sharee williamson attorney one opponent national trust historic preservation one significant historical resources united states tells story earliest beginnings nation williamson said power lines extend across water portion river lacked crossings kind miles rare phenomenon east coast dominion contends james already flows welldeveloped region steady maritime traffic october federal judge rejected request conservation groups immediately halt construction judge said merits case considered moves forward besides jamestown founded 1607 area includes carters grove plantation national historic landmark built beside james river 1750s theres also colonial parkway scenic route linking yorktown williamsburg jamestown power lines would visible carters grove lookouts along parkway eastern tip jamestown island among groups benefiting dominions payout belmead james inc hopes preserve 2000 acres upriver group getting 750000 belmead former plantation site also housed schools black native american students 1895 1972 think irony good way frame belmead vice president joe elton said benefiting power lines way world theres opportunity us something good conservation funding thats available certainly going take advantage norfolk va ap big change looming horizon near jamestown island site britains first permanent settlement north america 17 transmission towers four nearly tall statue liberty set rise help meet virginias growing energy appetite everyone electrified prospect never mind 90 million utility spreading around blunt impact tourist region steeped early american history project calls stringing power lines across muddy james river undertaking utility says vital maintaining regions power supply aging coalfired plants mothballed richmondbased dominion energy already begun federally required payouts socalled mitigation funding providing rare windfalls local groups era dwindling public dollars preservation efforts groups receiving money expressed gratitude though remain opposed towers intent benefit would rather project said robert gray chief pamunkey indian tribe received 45 million payments towers go cultural landscape ruined project could take nearly two years complete work already begun foundations towers eventually power lines cross 4mile 64 kilometers stretch broad james river within view eastern tip jamestown island although historic fort accommodate river barge traffic four towers rise high 295 feet 90 meters shy lady libertys 305foot 93 meter height pedestals ground level torch 400 years ago britain established jamestown aided capt john smith colorful adventurer explorer part tourist draw power lines would cut areas historical significance federal government required mitigation funding dominion flowing array state agencies nonprofit foundations pamunkey tribe instance use money expand fish hatchery projects another tribe chickahominy acquire 105 acres 42 hectares along river money also bolster shorelines improve water quality help preserve five battlefield sites associated american revolution civil war dominion says towers crucial providing reliable service 600000 people living york james rivers including city newport news well busch gardens theme park joint base langleyeustis combined us air force army installation lines carry electricity nuclear power station across river sources compensating coalpowered plants shutting new cleanair regulations dominion spokeswoman bonita billingsley harris said projects location poses least impact options considered critics meanwhile still calling dominion run transmission lines underwater elsewhere dominion said underwater proposal would balloon costs 180 million least 500 million ratepayers absorbing expense harris also said underground lines would inadequate meeting future power needs conservationists fighting project court saying redesigned relocated cant solve problem money said sharee williamson attorney one opponent national trust historic preservation one significant historical resources united states tells story earliest beginnings nation williamson said power lines extend across water portion river lacked crossings kind miles rare phenomenon east coast dominion contends james already flows welldeveloped region steady maritime traffic october federal judge rejected request conservation groups immediately halt construction judge said merits case considered moves forward besides jamestown founded 1607 area includes carters grove plantation national historic landmark built beside james river 1750s theres also colonial parkway scenic route linking yorktown williamsburg jamestown power lines would visible carters grove lookouts along parkway eastern tip jamestown island among groups benefiting dominions payout belmead james inc hopes preserve 2000 acres upriver group getting 750000 belmead former plantation site also housed schools black native american students 1895 1972 think irony good way frame belmead vice president joe elton said benefiting power lines way world theres opportunity us something good conservation funding thats available certainly going take advantage
| 1,040 |
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p />
<p>Since then, her family, her friends and her community have waited and wondered about what really happened. Is she dead? Is she still alive? Has she been held captive for all these years?</p>
<p>“I miss her,” said John Doel, Tara’s stepfather. “One of these days, hopefully, we’ll find out what happened. Whether or not someone is held accountable for it, I just want to know what happened. We’ve been looking for some kind of closure for a long time.”</p>
<p>It was about 9 or 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 20, 1988, when Tara, 19 at the time, started out on her bike ride south on N.M. 47 from Rio Communities. She took her mother’s shocking pink Huffy bike because hers had a flat.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Before leaving home, Tara had laid out her tennis attire for an early afternoon match. She had also organized the books she needed for her afternoon classes at the University of New Mexico-Valencia Campus, where she was a sophomore.</p>
<p>But as the hours passed, her mother, Patty, became worried when Tara didn’t return home. Concerned she may have become stranded on the side of the highway, Patty headed out just after noon, thinking she would find Tara walking home.</p>
<p>She didn’t. No one did. She was gone, as if she had vanished into thin air.</p>
<p>Now, her family and friends continue to wait and wonder, praying for a miracle.</p>
<p>“I’m still hopeful, even today, even though it’s not probable,” her stepfather said. “Over the years, I’ve accepted the alternative. But it’s still possible (she’s alive), and for that reason, I can’t let it go.”</p>
<p>Tara’s stepsister, Michele Doel, said on that first day, she was sure Tara would be found.</p>
<p>“How could she not?” Michele wondered. “It seemed as though every person in our county was out there, hand in hand, searching everywhere.”</p>
<p>As the minutes turned into hours, hours into days, days into years, Michele said it still hurts.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Patty Doel never gave up hope, even until the day she died in May 2006. Patty succumbed to complications from a series of strokes in Port Charlotte, Fla., where she and John moved in 2003. The two always dreamed of the day they would be reunited with her daughter.</p>
<p>“Tara and her mother were especially close,” John said. “I’m just sorry something wasn’t resolved, one way or another, before she passed. It took quite a bit out of her.”</p>
<p>In the days, weeks, months and years after Tara’s disappearance, Patty worked tirelessly searching for her missing daughter.</p>
<p>She wasn’t alone. John, who had helped raise Tara since she was about 6 years old, when he married Patty, was by her side, doing anything he could to find that “feisty kid” he grew to love and think of as his own.</p>
<p>“I was on fire, initially,” John said about the days and months after Tara’s disappearance. “In fact, I think I made a lot of people pretty nervous, including law enforcement, which wasn’t my intent, but I was determined.”</p>
<p>Family friends Shorty and Billie Payne of Belen have also never given up hope.</p>
<p>“They’re still finding girls 10 years later who have been kidnapped,” Billie said. “Patty always used to say, ‘If the body is my daughter, then I’ll accept she’s gone.’ But until then, she believed Tara was still alive.”</p>
<p>Shorty said he still believes Tara was abducted “and who knows what happened after that.”</p>
<p>“We hope to this day that she’s still alive and doing well, but if that’s not the case, that’s something we’ll have to face sooner or later,” he said. “The not knowing is the worst part.”</p>
<p>While the community stood behind the family, Shorty and Billie were the ones who helped the Doels on a daily basis.</p>
<p>Billie first met Tara when the teenager was in high school, remembering her as a “super cool girl,” outgoing and friendly.</p>
<p>On the day of the disappearance, Billie was shocked when Patty called and told her that Tara hadn’t returned from her bike ride.</p>
<p>That first day, both Shorty and Billie did what they could to help find Tara. They went out to the desolate area where they thought she had been riding, looking for anything that would lead them to her.</p>
<p>Billie would also be by Patty’s side every time law enforcement sent her a picture of a dead girl, wondering if it was Tara. It never was.</p>
<p>“I practically lived over there for at least two years,” Billie said. “After two years, things started to slow down, and I couldn’t help as much.”</p>
<p>Extensive search</p>
<p>Tara Calico, who has been missing for 25 years, is pictured here about one year before her disappearance on a vacation with her mother, Patty, in the mountains of Mexico. (Courtesy of Michele Dole)</p>
<p>After driving the bike route twice that day looking for Tara, Patty called the local hospital, the rescue unit, then the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office to report Tara’s disappearance.</p>
<p>Within five hours, Tara’s name was entered into NCIC, or the National Crime Information Center, as a missing person with a notification that foul play was feared. An extensive search lasted two weeks, involving local and State Police, various military units and hundreds of volunteer searchers on foot, on horseback, on four-wheelers, as well as in airplanes and helicopters.</p>
<p>Bad weather complicated the search. Neither Tara nor the bike were found.</p>
<p>The only discoveries were bike tracks, which indicated she had gone off the road onto a soft shoulder, a “Boston” cassette tape, which belonged to Tara and was found by Patty, and the viewing window from her Sony Walkman radio and cassette player.</p>
<p>Detectives with the sheriff’s department interviewed seven witnesses who reported seeing Tara riding her bike north toward home that day. Five of those witnesses saw an old, light-colored – probably Ford – pickup truck with a camper following Tara at various points along N.M. 47.</p>
<p>All of the witnesses told police they saw her wearing earphones and appeared unaware of anyone behind her.</p>
<p>The bike tracks going off the pavement, Tara’s cassette and the window to her cassette player were all discovered one to three miles south of where Tara was last seen riding north toward her home.</p>
<p>In June 1989, investigators followed up on a tip that eventually went nowhere – a Polaroid photo of an unidentified female discovered in a Port St. Joe, Fla., convenience store parking lot. A white Toyota van was parked where the photo was found.</p>
<p>The picture depicts a long-legged young woman, who looks like Tara, and a smaller boy lying on some sheets and a blue-striped pillow. Their mouths were covered with duct tape, their hands tied behind their backs. The FBI examined the photo and couldn’t determine whether the girl was Tara; Scotland Yard photo analysts concluded it was. Experts at the Los Alamos National Laboratory doubted it was her.</p>
<p>Patty believed it was her daughter pictured in back of the van. She just never could prove it.</p>
<p>“For one thing, (Tara) was in a bad car accident,” Patty said a few years before her death. “In the photo, there is a scar on the woman’s leg that is identical to the scar she received in the car accident.”</p>
<p>Five years ago, Rene Rivera, then-sheriff of Valencia County, said he knew what happened to Tara and who was responsible.</p>
<p>Without naming the suspects, Rivera said he had received information through the years that two men, who were teenagers at the time, found Tara riding her bike on N.M. 47 south of Rio Communities.</p>
<p>He said the teens, driving an older-model Ford pickup truck, followed Tara, grabbing at her while trying to talk to her. Rivera said the truck accidently hit Tara’s bike, and the men got scared after Tara threatened to call law enforcement. He says the two panicked, took her and killed her.</p>
<p>Current Sheriff Louis Burkhard said his detectives have worked with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Cold Case unit, but didn’t think there was enough evidence to reopen the investigation.</p>
<p>“Since taking office, we’ve only received one tip that detectives followed up with, but nothing came of that,” Burkhard said.</p>
<p>A possible lead?</p>
<p>He said he will follow up on the newest possible lead, this one by way of a retired deputy in Dade County, Ga.</p>
<p>The News-Bulletin received an email Monday morning from Lee Blake, who worked for the Dade County Sheriff’s Department for 15 years. Blake said he had come across a website Sunday evening about missing persons that featured Tara Calico.</p>
<p>His search, he says, was in regard to a case that has haunted him for the past 25 years. Blake said he was the first deputy on the scene where a young woman’s body was found Dec. 16, 1988, on the side of Interstate 59.</p>
<p>While researching Tara’s case, he realized the description of the dead woman he had found a quarter century ago matched that of Tara: Age: Between 20-25 (Tara was 19 years old when she went missing); Weight: 125 pounds (Tara was 120 pounds when she went missing); 5-feet 7-inches tall (the same as Tara); Hair color: Dyed brownish-red hair with frosted ends (Tara had light brown hair).</p>
<p>Even though the dead woman’s clothes and jewelry weren’t the same that Tara wore the day she went missing, Blake still wonders.</p>
<p>“If I had heard about Tara’s case, I would have made contact back then,” Blake said in a telephone interview.</p>
<p>Blake said they never identified the woman he found. He said no one claimed the woman’s body and she was buried in an unmarked grave in Dade County a few years later. DNA evidence and the woman’s personal effects are being kept in a crime lab in Atlanta, Ga., he said.</p>
<p>Several years ago, Bernalillo County Sheriff Dan Houston met Michele Doel while she was jogging in Downtown Albuquerque, and she told him about her sister’s case.</p>
<p>Houston, who was a captain in the department at the time of the disappearance, remembered the case when it happened 25 years ago.</p>
<p>“I just have great respect for Michele, and I have sympathy for her family,” Houston said. “I spoke with Sheriff Burkhard, and while we didn’t actually open up an actual case, we were able to profile her case on our cold-case website.”</p>
<p>Houston also said the department created and distributed a deck of playing cards to inmates in the county jail with pictures and information illustrating different unsolved homicides, including one of Tara.</p>
<p>“A lot of time, our best information sources are other criminals,” Houston said.</p>
<p>As the search for Tara went cold, John Doel said it became frustrating that no one could tie anything together.</p>
<p>Once in a while, he said, they would get phone calls from law enforcement, including the FBI, whose agents had extracted DNA from Patty before she died, just in case. He said he hasn’t heard from anyone in law enforcement for two to three years.</p>
<p>“It’s been 25 years of day after day, and again, we’ve been kind of let down,” John said about the information the sheriff’s department has in the case and its inability to make an arrest. “I’m not really looking to nail anybody. I just want to know what happened.”</p>
<p>Michele said after Patty died, she believed that the investigation into Tara’s disappearance was over. But to her, it will never be over.</p>
<p>“Tara was a good person and she was taken from her family and friends and lost out on her entire life,” Michele said. “There needs to be justice.”</p>
<p />
<p />
| false | 2 |
since family friends community waited wondered really happened dead still alive held captive years miss said john doel taras stepfather one days hopefully well find happened whether someone held accountable want know happened weve looking kind closure long time 9 930 sept 20 1988 tara 19 time started bike ride south nm 47 rio communities took mothers shocking pink huffy bike flat advertisement leaving home tara laid tennis attire early afternoon match also organized books needed afternoon classes university new mexicovalencia campus sophomore hours passed mother patty became worried tara didnt return home concerned may become stranded side highway patty headed noon thinking would find tara walking home didnt one gone vanished thin air family friends continue wait wonder praying miracle im still hopeful even today even though probable stepfather said years ive accepted alternative still possible shes alive reason cant let go taras stepsister michele doel said first day sure tara would found could michele wondered seemed though every person county hand hand searching everywhere minutes turned hours hours days days years michele said still hurts advertisement patty doel never gave hope even day died may 2006 patty succumbed complications series strokes port charlotte fla john moved 2003 two always dreamed day would reunited daughter tara mother especially close john said im sorry something wasnt resolved one way another passed took quite bit days weeks months years taras disappearance patty worked tirelessly searching missing daughter wasnt alone john helped raise tara since 6 years old married patty side anything could find feisty kid grew love think fire initially john said days months taras disappearance fact think made lot people pretty nervous including law enforcement wasnt intent determined family friends shorty billie payne belen also never given hope theyre still finding girls 10 years later kidnapped billie said patty always used say body daughter ill accept shes gone believed tara still alive shorty said still believes tara abducted knows happened hope day shes still alive well thats case thats something well face sooner later said knowing worst part community stood behind family shorty billie ones helped doels daily basis billie first met tara teenager high school remembering super cool girl outgoing friendly day disappearance billie shocked patty called told tara hadnt returned bike ride first day shorty billie could help find tara went desolate area thought riding looking anything would lead billie would also pattys side every time law enforcement sent picture dead girl wondering tara never practically lived least two years billie said two years things started slow couldnt help much extensive search tara calico missing 25 years pictured one year disappearance vacation mother patty mountains mexico courtesy michele dole driving bike route twice day looking tara patty called local hospital rescue unit valencia county sheriffs office report taras disappearance within five hours taras name entered ncic national crime information center missing person notification foul play feared extensive search lasted two weeks involving local state police various military units hundreds volunteer searchers foot horseback fourwheelers well airplanes helicopters bad weather complicated search neither tara bike found discoveries bike tracks indicated gone road onto soft shoulder boston cassette tape belonged tara found patty viewing window sony walkman radio cassette player detectives sheriffs department interviewed seven witnesses reported seeing tara riding bike north toward home day five witnesses saw old lightcolored probably ford pickup truck camper following tara various points along nm 47 witnesses told police saw wearing earphones appeared unaware anyone behind bike tracks going pavement taras cassette window cassette player discovered one three miles south tara last seen riding north toward home june 1989 investigators followed tip eventually went nowhere polaroid photo unidentified female discovered port st joe fla convenience store parking lot white toyota van parked photo found picture depicts longlegged young woman looks like tara smaller boy lying sheets bluestriped pillow mouths covered duct tape hands tied behind backs fbi examined photo couldnt determine whether girl tara scotland yard photo analysts concluded experts los alamos national laboratory doubted patty believed daughter pictured back van never could prove one thing tara bad car accident patty said years death photo scar womans leg identical scar received car accident five years ago rene rivera thensheriff valencia county said knew happened tara responsible without naming suspects rivera said received information years two men teenagers time found tara riding bike nm 47 south rio communities said teens driving oldermodel ford pickup truck followed tara grabbing trying talk rivera said truck accidently hit taras bike men got scared tara threatened call law enforcement says two panicked took killed current sheriff louis burkhard said detectives worked bernalillo county sheriffs cold case unit didnt think enough evidence reopen investigation since taking office weve received one tip detectives followed nothing came burkhard said possible lead said follow newest possible lead one way retired deputy dade county ga newsbulletin received email monday morning lee blake worked dade county sheriffs department 15 years blake said come across website sunday evening missing persons featured tara calico search says regard case haunted past 25 years blake said first deputy scene young womans body found dec 16 1988 side interstate 59 researching taras case realized description dead woman found quarter century ago matched tara age 2025 tara 19 years old went missing weight 125 pounds tara 120 pounds went missing 5feet 7inches tall tara hair color dyed brownishred hair frosted ends tara light brown hair even though dead womans clothes jewelry werent tara wore day went missing blake still wonders heard taras case would made contact back blake said telephone interview blake said never identified woman found said one claimed womans body buried unmarked grave dade county years later dna evidence womans personal effects kept crime lab atlanta ga said several years ago bernalillo county sheriff dan houston met michele doel jogging downtown albuquerque told sisters case houston captain department time disappearance remembered case happened 25 years ago great respect michele sympathy family houston said spoke sheriff burkhard didnt actually open actual case able profile case coldcase website houston also said department created distributed deck playing cards inmates county jail pictures information illustrating different unsolved homicides including one tara lot time best information sources criminals houston said search tara went cold john doel said became frustrating one could tie anything together said would get phone calls law enforcement including fbi whose agents extracted dna patty died case said hasnt heard anyone law enforcement two three years 25 years day day weve kind let john said information sheriffs department case inability make arrest im really looking nail anybody want know happened michele said patty died believed investigation taras disappearance never tara good person taken family friends lost entire life michele said needs justice
| 1,111 |
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p />
<p>BOSQUECITO - Bouncing along the dirt road into the Rhodes property in Socorro County, just east of San Antonio, is like driving back into a time when rivers were unfettered, running wild and flooding freely. And that's just the point.</p>
<p>RHODES: Father bought the land in 1980</p>
<p>"This property has flooded four times during the last 10 years," said Doris Rhodes, whose late father, state Sen. Virgil Rhodes, bought the land in 1980. "This road was under 2 feet of water a few years ago."</p>
<p>She said that like it's a good thing, because she believes it is. Rhodes, along with the government and private partners she enlisted in her cause, has been working for 10 years to restore the property to the flood plain nature intended it to be.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Phase I of the project is about done. Now Rhodes is marshaling forces and resources to start Phase II.</p>
<p>An epiphany of geese</p>
<p>On a day earlier this month, when the weather could not seem to decide if it wanted to shine, shower or just blow, Rhodes, her sister, Carol Jameson, and ecologist Gina Dello Russo led a small convoy of state and federal agency officials onto the Rhodes property, which runs along the east bank of the Rio Grande.</p>
<p>"Dad called this the ranch, because he grazed cattle on it," Rhodes said as the vehicle she was in crossed a cattle guard. "He was not really an environmentalist, but he had a vision of what this property should look like. He used a backhoe to clear some salt cedar. He recognized that salt cedar was depleting the water."</p>
<p>When her father died in 2005, Rhodes was prepared to sell the property. But driving over it one day, she saw geese crowding a lake created by river water that had backed over the banks and spread over a field.</p>
<p>"It was an epiphany," she said. "It came on me that this was conservation land. It has an important part in the ecology of the middle Rio Grande."</p>
<p>The property consists of 629 acres of deeded land, 200 acres of land leased from the state and 4,400 acres of land leased from the Bureau of Land Management.</p>
<p>Restoration efforts have been centered on 516 acres of the deeded land, which for the past few years have been protected from development and livestock grazing by a conservation easement from the Natural Resources Conservation Service.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>It floods here because there are no levees along this east-side stretch of the river. In the 1950s, when levees were being built on the river, nothing on this side of the river was considered worth saving from floodwaters.</p>
<p>When the river runs high out of Cochiti Dam in the spring, or, as was the case a few years ago, ice clogs the river, water backs onto the property, creating a marshy wetland of cattails that is splendid habitat for birds and other wildlife, and is a flashback to the way most of the river behaved before it was subdued by dams and corralled by levees.</p>
<p>Down along the river here, there's a thick forest of mature cottonwoods, more youthful stands of coyote and black willow, wet marsh grasses and, despite persistent efforts to remove it, salt cedar that has battled its way back to flaunt its resilience in shades of yellow and orange.</p>
<p>It has been nearly eight years since cattle have been on this land. But Rio Grande turkey live here. So do grassland birds, deer, mountain lion and bear. Water birds winter here and neotropical song birds pass through during their migrations. On this blustery day, however, the only wildlife apparent were a couple of roadrunners sprinting in the distance.</p>
<p>The convoy was made up of representatives of the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and Audubon New Mexico. Rhodes and Dello Russo showed the visitors what has been accomplished during Phase I and explained what is planned for Phase II.</p>
<p>A blooming success</p>
<p>Phase I work included the planting of cottonwood, coyote willow and black willow; the creation of swales, land depressions designed to get newly planted trees closer to groundwater and to increase rainwater infiltration; the establishment of salt grass to combat weeds; and the planting of 65 acres of the endangered Pecos sunflower. The latter bloom brilliantly yellow in late summer and early fall but were just bare, brown stalks on this raw day.</p>
<p>DELLO RUSSO: Pecos sunflower a "success"</p>
<p>"The Pecos sunflower is certainly a success for us," Dello Russo said. "Everyone that has seen them is impressed that we started with a sack of seeds that was smaller than a lunch bag."</p>
<p>Phase I efforts have been aided significantly by the Save Our Bosque Task Force, and funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ($433,000), state of New Mexico capital outlay funds ($150,000), the U.S. Department of Agriculture ($469,000), and a Partners for Fish and Wildlife Grant ($76,000).</p>
<p>Now, Rhodes is seeking partners and funding for Phase II.</p>
<p>Dello Russo said Phase II goals are two-fold. The first is to provide habitat for water birds, shore birds, the Southwestern willow flycatcher, the yellow-billed cuckoo and the Rio Grande silvery minnow. The second is to make better use of the water that floods the property.</p>
<p>"We can provide additional, low-velocity water, backwater connected to the river, for the silvery minnow," Dello Russo said. "This is still, open water that provides food and habitat for the minnow."</p>
<p>Secondly, Dello Russo said channels need to be created to get floodwater back to the river in a timely fashion.</p>
<p>"Roads and berms artificially dam the property so that, when it floods, it stays flooded," she said.</p>
<p>When that happens, Dello Russo said, weeds and salt cedar flourish, and water that could be better used otherwise evaporates.</p>
<p>"Channels would give the water a way to flow back into the river," she said. "That's a better use of the water for the habitat, and it gets water downstream to Texas."</p>
<p>Jennifer Faler, manager of the Albuquerque area office of the Bureau of Reclamation, was among those touring the Rhodes property. She said the bureau is enthusiastic about the Rhodes property restoration effort and the opportunity it presents to offset impacts on the environment, as required by federal law, caused by other bureau projects.</p>
<p>TUGGLE: A champion of the restoration</p>
<p>"We are looking for flycatcher (habitat) opportunities and wetland opportunities," Faler said. "Reclamation's role would be to construct the (Rhodes) project. That's right down our alley."</p>
<p>Benjamin Tuggle, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service director for New Mexico, Arizona, Texas and Arizona, was not part of the tour this month, but he knows the Rhodes property well and has championed the restoration from the start.</p>
<p>"This is a wonderful way for us to re-establish a natural flood plain without spending millions of dollars," he said. "This is an opportunity we might not see again on this river."</p>
<p />
<p />
| false | 2 |
bosquecito bouncing along dirt road rhodes property socorro county east san antonio like driving back time rivers unfettered running wild flooding freely thats point rhodes father bought land 1980 property flooded four times last 10 years said doris rhodes whose late father state sen virgil rhodes bought land 1980 road 2 feet water years ago said like good thing believes rhodes along government private partners enlisted cause working 10 years restore property flood plain nature intended advertisement phase project done rhodes marshaling forces resources start phase ii epiphany geese day earlier month weather could seem decide wanted shine shower blow rhodes sister carol jameson ecologist gina dello russo led small convoy state federal agency officials onto rhodes property runs along east bank rio grande dad called ranch grazed cattle rhodes said vehicle crossed cattle guard really environmentalist vision property look like used backhoe clear salt cedar recognized salt cedar depleting water father died 2005 rhodes prepared sell property driving one day saw geese crowding lake created river water backed banks spread field epiphany said came conservation land important part ecology middle rio grande property consists 629 acres deeded land 200 acres land leased state 4400 acres land leased bureau land management restoration efforts centered 516 acres deeded land past years protected development livestock grazing conservation easement natural resources conservation service advertisement floods levees along eastside stretch river 1950s levees built river nothing side river considered worth saving floodwaters river runs high cochiti dam spring case years ago ice clogs river water backs onto property creating marshy wetland cattails splendid habitat birds wildlife flashback way river behaved subdued dams corralled levees along river theres thick forest mature cottonwoods youthful stands coyote black willow wet marsh grasses despite persistent efforts remove salt cedar battled way back flaunt resilience shades yellow orange nearly eight years since cattle land rio grande turkey live grassland birds deer mountain lion bear water birds winter neotropical song birds pass migrations blustery day however wildlife apparent couple roadrunners sprinting distance convoy made representatives new mexico interstate stream commission us bureau land management us bureau reclamation audubon new mexico rhodes dello russo showed visitors accomplished phase explained planned phase ii blooming success phase work included planting cottonwood coyote willow black willow creation swales land depressions designed get newly planted trees closer groundwater increase rainwater infiltration establishment salt grass combat weeds planting 65 acres endangered pecos sunflower latter bloom brilliantly yellow late summer early fall bare brown stalks raw day dello russo pecos sunflower success pecos sunflower certainly success us dello russo said everyone seen impressed started sack seeds smaller lunch bag phase efforts aided significantly save bosque task force funding us fish wildlife service 433000 state new mexico capital outlay funds 150000 us department agriculture 469000 partners fish wildlife grant 76000 rhodes seeking partners funding phase ii dello russo said phase ii goals twofold first provide habitat water birds shore birds southwestern willow flycatcher yellowbilled cuckoo rio grande silvery minnow second make better use water floods property provide additional lowvelocity water backwater connected river silvery minnow dello russo said still open water provides food habitat minnow secondly dello russo said channels need created get floodwater back river timely fashion roads berms artificially dam property floods stays flooded said happens dello russo said weeds salt cedar flourish water could better used otherwise evaporates channels would give water way flow back river said thats better use water habitat gets water downstream texas jennifer faler manager albuquerque area office bureau reclamation among touring rhodes property said bureau enthusiastic rhodes property restoration effort opportunity presents offset impacts environment required federal law caused bureau projects tuggle champion restoration looking flycatcher habitat opportunities wetland opportunities faler said reclamations role would construct rhodes project thats right alley benjamin tuggle us fish wildlife service director new mexico arizona texas arizona part tour month knows rhodes property well championed restoration start wonderful way us reestablish natural flood plain without spending millions dollars said opportunity might see river
| 659 |
<p>CIUDAD GUAYANA, Venezuela (AP) - Juan Carlos Goite has to be creative, finding spare parts stripped from one broken-down locomotive to repair another in a desperate attempt to keep a once-thriving iron ore mining company running.</p>
<p>Dressed in a hard hat and oil-stained work clothes, the mechanic paces a dimly lit workshop strewn with salvaged train parts like motors, metal plates and hoses looking for the right piece.</p>
<p>In cash-strapped Venezuela, there's no money to buy spare parts. Years of neglect and corrupt management have left in decay Ciudad Guayana, a would-be Pittsburgh carved from the jungles at the edge of the Amazon.</p>
<p>"The machinery that we have, it's worn out," said Juan Arias, Venezuela's minister of industry who was sent by the socialist government in Caracas to fix the once-thriving factory town.</p>
<p>Production this year at state-run Sidor, Venezuela's largest steelmaker, is expected to reach barely 20 percent of its peak production, set a decade ago, he said. At its height in 2007, under private ownership, the factory put out more than 4 million tons.</p>
<p>Still, it is eking out more than the year before, raising Arias' hopes of a shifting trend, despite Venezuela's lack of hard currency and U.S. sanctions that officials say are starving factories of the resources they need.</p>
<p>Venezuela sits atop the world's largest oil reserves, but low crude prices and a plunge in production have left it in an economic free fall.</p>
<p>Ciudad Guyana was long seen as the future of Venezuela. U.S. companies in the 1950s zeroed in on Venezuela's vast resources, pouring money into factories for turning iron ore to steel and bauxite for aluminum as well as rails and river ports for shipping it to market. Dams on the Caroni River provided abundant hydropower, while workers from all over the country poured into the new city dreamed up by planners from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.</p>
<p>Nearly two decades ago, President Hugo Chavez came to power and launched his socialist revolution. In 2008 he began putting the factories, then owned by conglomerates from Japan and Argentina, under the state's control. Output steadily eroded even before the oil price crash.</p>
<p>Today, a massive dump truck that loads ore onto trains to be sent to the foundries - a lynchpin in the cycle - runs on a tire so badly worn that strips of rubber tread are missing.</p>
<p>Twisted piles of train cars that used to transport raw iron ore litter a hillside. They derailed when an engineer was travelling too fast on rails left unmaintained.</p>
<p>At Sidor, only two of the four smelting ovens that make steel bars are functioning, and workers who used to operate around the clock put in just one shift a day now, officials said.</p>
<p>"Chavismo ran all of these companies into the ground," said Ricardo Hausmann, a Harvard University economist and former Venezuelan planning minister. "This whole thing has been imploding catastrophically."</p>
<p>Hausmann said that reviving Venezuela's industrial base will require abandoning the socialist model and replacing it with a market economy, motivated by supply and demand.</p>
<p>In 2016, Chavez's successor as president, Nicolas Maduro, launched the nearby Arco Minero project, setting aside a wild swath of surrounding Bolivar state for mining gold, diamonds and other precious metals. It was an idea Chavez had proposed years earlier.</p>
<p>Leaders called upon dozens of foreign and domestic companies to invest in the project, which was designed to fill Venezuela's coffers and break its dependency on oil. So far it has gained little momentum.</p>
<p>Isaias Suarez Chourio, who worked his way up the ranks to be named president of another major plant in Ciudad Guayana, Ferrominero Orinoco, blames a long line of mediocre, deficient or corrupt managers who looted the factories' profits for personal gain, while mistreating workers.</p>
<p>Confident a turnaround has begun, Suarez Chourio says a key to increased production is inspiring the respect of workers - from providing them with dignified locker rooms to honoring contracts to pay them. It also requires leading by example, he said.</p>
<p>"Workers aren't stupid," said Suarez Chourio, whose brother heads Venezuela's army. "It's all about what the management, the president, does and what he says."</p>
<p>Workers at the state-run factories quietly complain that they once proudly filled the ranks of Venezuela's middle class, taking their families out to eat and going on vacations. Now, all their money goes to buying food.</p>
<p>Tony Franco, 50, put on his work shirt after a Sunday lunch with his family and got ready for his night shift at Ferrominero, where he has spent 28 years in electrical maintenance.</p>
<p>Franco had to sell his car and now walks several blocks to catch a bus to make it on time for his night shift. Ferrominero is part of his self-identity, and he said he is ready to fight for a better life, not quite yet giving up on the government's turnaround campaign.</p>
<p>"Paddle very hard, because if you keep paddling, the boat won't sink in the middle of the sea," he said. "If you don't save yourself, nobody else is going to save you."</p>
<p>CIUDAD GUAYANA, Venezuela (AP) - Juan Carlos Goite has to be creative, finding spare parts stripped from one broken-down locomotive to repair another in a desperate attempt to keep a once-thriving iron ore mining company running.</p>
<p>Dressed in a hard hat and oil-stained work clothes, the mechanic paces a dimly lit workshop strewn with salvaged train parts like motors, metal plates and hoses looking for the right piece.</p>
<p>In cash-strapped Venezuela, there's no money to buy spare parts. Years of neglect and corrupt management have left in decay Ciudad Guayana, a would-be Pittsburgh carved from the jungles at the edge of the Amazon.</p>
<p>"The machinery that we have, it's worn out," said Juan Arias, Venezuela's minister of industry who was sent by the socialist government in Caracas to fix the once-thriving factory town.</p>
<p>Production this year at state-run Sidor, Venezuela's largest steelmaker, is expected to reach barely 20 percent of its peak production, set a decade ago, he said. At its height in 2007, under private ownership, the factory put out more than 4 million tons.</p>
<p>Still, it is eking out more than the year before, raising Arias' hopes of a shifting trend, despite Venezuela's lack of hard currency and U.S. sanctions that officials say are starving factories of the resources they need.</p>
<p>Venezuela sits atop the world's largest oil reserves, but low crude prices and a plunge in production have left it in an economic free fall.</p>
<p>Ciudad Guyana was long seen as the future of Venezuela. U.S. companies in the 1950s zeroed in on Venezuela's vast resources, pouring money into factories for turning iron ore to steel and bauxite for aluminum as well as rails and river ports for shipping it to market. Dams on the Caroni River provided abundant hydropower, while workers from all over the country poured into the new city dreamed up by planners from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.</p>
<p>Nearly two decades ago, President Hugo Chavez came to power and launched his socialist revolution. In 2008 he began putting the factories, then owned by conglomerates from Japan and Argentina, under the state's control. Output steadily eroded even before the oil price crash.</p>
<p>Today, a massive dump truck that loads ore onto trains to be sent to the foundries - a lynchpin in the cycle - runs on a tire so badly worn that strips of rubber tread are missing.</p>
<p>Twisted piles of train cars that used to transport raw iron ore litter a hillside. They derailed when an engineer was travelling too fast on rails left unmaintained.</p>
<p>At Sidor, only two of the four smelting ovens that make steel bars are functioning, and workers who used to operate around the clock put in just one shift a day now, officials said.</p>
<p>"Chavismo ran all of these companies into the ground," said Ricardo Hausmann, a Harvard University economist and former Venezuelan planning minister. "This whole thing has been imploding catastrophically."</p>
<p>Hausmann said that reviving Venezuela's industrial base will require abandoning the socialist model and replacing it with a market economy, motivated by supply and demand.</p>
<p>In 2016, Chavez's successor as president, Nicolas Maduro, launched the nearby Arco Minero project, setting aside a wild swath of surrounding Bolivar state for mining gold, diamonds and other precious metals. It was an idea Chavez had proposed years earlier.</p>
<p>Leaders called upon dozens of foreign and domestic companies to invest in the project, which was designed to fill Venezuela's coffers and break its dependency on oil. So far it has gained little momentum.</p>
<p>Isaias Suarez Chourio, who worked his way up the ranks to be named president of another major plant in Ciudad Guayana, Ferrominero Orinoco, blames a long line of mediocre, deficient or corrupt managers who looted the factories' profits for personal gain, while mistreating workers.</p>
<p>Confident a turnaround has begun, Suarez Chourio says a key to increased production is inspiring the respect of workers - from providing them with dignified locker rooms to honoring contracts to pay them. It also requires leading by example, he said.</p>
<p>"Workers aren't stupid," said Suarez Chourio, whose brother heads Venezuela's army. "It's all about what the management, the president, does and what he says."</p>
<p>Workers at the state-run factories quietly complain that they once proudly filled the ranks of Venezuela's middle class, taking their families out to eat and going on vacations. Now, all their money goes to buying food.</p>
<p>Tony Franco, 50, put on his work shirt after a Sunday lunch with his family and got ready for his night shift at Ferrominero, where he has spent 28 years in electrical maintenance.</p>
<p>Franco had to sell his car and now walks several blocks to catch a bus to make it on time for his night shift. Ferrominero is part of his self-identity, and he said he is ready to fight for a better life, not quite yet giving up on the government's turnaround campaign.</p>
<p>"Paddle very hard, because if you keep paddling, the boat won't sink in the middle of the sea," he said. "If you don't save yourself, nobody else is going to save you."</p>
| false | 2 |
ciudad guayana venezuela ap juan carlos goite creative finding spare parts stripped one brokendown locomotive repair another desperate attempt keep oncethriving iron ore mining company running dressed hard hat oilstained work clothes mechanic paces dimly lit workshop strewn salvaged train parts like motors metal plates hoses looking right piece cashstrapped venezuela theres money buy spare parts years neglect corrupt management left decay ciudad guayana wouldbe pittsburgh carved jungles edge amazon machinery worn said juan arias venezuelas minister industry sent socialist government caracas fix oncethriving factory town production year staterun sidor venezuelas largest steelmaker expected reach barely 20 percent peak production set decade ago said height 2007 private ownership factory put 4 million tons still eking year raising arias hopes shifting trend despite venezuelas lack hard currency us sanctions officials say starving factories resources need venezuela sits atop worlds largest oil reserves low crude prices plunge production left economic free fall ciudad guyana long seen future venezuela us companies 1950s zeroed venezuelas vast resources pouring money factories turning iron ore steel bauxite aluminum well rails river ports shipping market dams caroni river provided abundant hydropower workers country poured new city dreamed planners massachusetts institute technology nearly two decades ago president hugo chavez came power launched socialist revolution 2008 began putting factories owned conglomerates japan argentina states control output steadily eroded even oil price crash today massive dump truck loads ore onto trains sent foundries lynchpin cycle runs tire badly worn strips rubber tread missing twisted piles train cars used transport raw iron ore litter hillside derailed engineer travelling fast rails left unmaintained sidor two four smelting ovens make steel bars functioning workers used operate around clock put one shift day officials said chavismo ran companies ground said ricardo hausmann harvard university economist former venezuelan planning minister whole thing imploding catastrophically hausmann said reviving venezuelas industrial base require abandoning socialist model replacing market economy motivated supply demand 2016 chavezs successor president nicolas maduro launched nearby arco minero project setting aside wild swath surrounding bolivar state mining gold diamonds precious metals idea chavez proposed years earlier leaders called upon dozens foreign domestic companies invest project designed fill venezuelas coffers break dependency oil far gained little momentum isaias suarez chourio worked way ranks named president another major plant ciudad guayana ferrominero orinoco blames long line mediocre deficient corrupt managers looted factories profits personal gain mistreating workers confident turnaround begun suarez chourio says key increased production inspiring respect workers providing dignified locker rooms honoring contracts pay also requires leading example said workers arent stupid said suarez chourio whose brother heads venezuelas army management president says workers staterun factories quietly complain proudly filled ranks venezuelas middle class taking families eat going vacations money goes buying food tony franco 50 put work shirt sunday lunch family got ready night shift ferrominero spent 28 years electrical maintenance franco sell car walks several blocks catch bus make time night shift ferrominero part selfidentity said ready fight better life quite yet giving governments turnaround campaign paddle hard keep paddling boat wont sink middle sea said dont save nobody else going save ciudad guayana venezuela ap juan carlos goite creative finding spare parts stripped one brokendown locomotive repair another desperate attempt keep oncethriving iron ore mining company running dressed hard hat oilstained work clothes mechanic paces dimly lit workshop strewn salvaged train parts like motors metal plates hoses looking right piece cashstrapped venezuela theres money buy spare parts years neglect corrupt management left decay ciudad guayana wouldbe pittsburgh carved jungles edge amazon machinery worn said juan arias venezuelas minister industry sent socialist government caracas fix oncethriving factory town production year staterun sidor venezuelas largest steelmaker expected reach barely 20 percent peak production set decade ago said height 2007 private ownership factory put 4 million tons still eking year raising arias hopes shifting trend despite venezuelas lack hard currency us sanctions officials say starving factories resources need venezuela sits atop worlds largest oil reserves low crude prices plunge production left economic free fall ciudad guyana long seen future venezuela us companies 1950s zeroed venezuelas vast resources pouring money factories turning iron ore steel bauxite aluminum well rails river ports shipping market dams caroni river provided abundant hydropower workers country poured new city dreamed planners massachusetts institute technology nearly two decades ago president hugo chavez came power launched socialist revolution 2008 began putting factories owned conglomerates japan argentina states control output steadily eroded even oil price crash today massive dump truck loads ore onto trains sent foundries lynchpin cycle runs tire badly worn strips rubber tread missing twisted piles train cars used transport raw iron ore litter hillside derailed engineer travelling fast rails left unmaintained sidor two four smelting ovens make steel bars functioning workers used operate around clock put one shift day officials said chavismo ran companies ground said ricardo hausmann harvard university economist former venezuelan planning minister whole thing imploding catastrophically hausmann said reviving venezuelas industrial base require abandoning socialist model replacing market economy motivated supply demand 2016 chavezs successor president nicolas maduro launched nearby arco minero project setting aside wild swath surrounding bolivar state mining gold diamonds precious metals idea chavez proposed years earlier leaders called upon dozens foreign domestic companies invest project designed fill venezuelas coffers break dependency oil far gained little momentum isaias suarez chourio worked way ranks named president another major plant ciudad guayana ferrominero orinoco blames long line mediocre deficient corrupt managers looted factories profits personal gain mistreating workers confident turnaround begun suarez chourio says key increased production inspiring respect workers providing dignified locker rooms honoring contracts pay also requires leading example said workers arent stupid said suarez chourio whose brother heads venezuelas army management president says workers staterun factories quietly complain proudly filled ranks venezuelas middle class taking families eat going vacations money goes buying food tony franco 50 put work shirt sunday lunch family got ready night shift ferrominero spent 28 years electrical maintenance franco sell car walks several blocks catch bus make time night shift ferrominero part selfidentity said ready fight better life quite yet giving governments turnaround campaign paddle hard keep paddling boat wont sink middle sea said dont save nobody else going save
| 1,022 |
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — Most of the states that first endorsed the Common Core academic standards are still using them in some form, despite continued debate over whether they are improving student performance in reading and math.</p>
<p>Of the states that opted in after the standards were introduced in 2010 — 45 plus the District of Columbia — only eight have moved to repeal the standards, largely due to political pressure from those who saw Common Core as infringing on local control, according to Abt Associates, a research and consulting firm. In Oklahoma, Gov. Mary Fallin signed a bill to repeal the standards in 2014 less than six months after defending them in a speech. She said Common Core had become too divisive.</p>
<p>Twenty-one other states have made or are making revisions — mostly minor ones — to the guidelines. Illinois kept the wording while changing the name. In April, North Dakota approved new guidelines “written by North Dakotans, for North Dakotans,” but some educators said they were quite similar to Common Core. Earlier this month, New York moved to revise the standards after parents protested new tests aligned to Common Core, but much of the structure has been kept.</p>
<p>“The core of the Common Core remains in almost every state that adopted them,” said Mike Petrilli, president of the conservative Thomas B. Fordham Institute.</p>
<p>Launched in 2010 by a bipartisan group of governors and state education chiefs, Common Core sought to bring scholastic standards to the same high level nationwide. The standards quickly became controversial when the Obama administration offered states federal dollars to nudge them to adopt it. States’ rights activists cried foul, saying the effort undermined local control. Meanwhile, some teachers criticized the standards as confusing and out of synch with students’ needs, while others feared that non-fiction would crowd out the works of Shakespeare.</p>
<p>President Donald Trump and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos spoke out against the standards, but the issue has been largely out of their hands. A 2015 law prohibits the federal government from promoting any set of standards, including Common Core.</p>
<p>A national survey by Education Next, a journal published by Harvard’s Kennedy School and Stanford University, found that support for nationwide academic standards rose over the past two years, as long as the name Common Core was not used.</p>
<p>Measuring the direct impact of Common Core is difficult. A study last year by the Brown Center on Education Policy with the Brookings Institution showed that adopters of Common Core initially outperformed their peers, but those effects faded. It’s also unclear if the gains were caused specifically by Common Core.</p>
<p>“I think it was much ado about nothing,” said Tom Loveless, the author of the report. “It has some good elements, some bad elements. Common Core nets out to be a non-event in terms of raising student achievement.”</p>
<p>Petrilli, who advocated for Common Core, is convinced the standards resulted in more rigor and better tests.</p>
<p>“We are now following a much better recipe for student achievement, but the cake is still being baked, so we don’t yet know if it’s going to taste as good as we hope,” Petrilli said.</p>
<p>In the District of Columbia, traditional public schools saw a 7 percent gain in the number of students proficient in English and 6.5 percent gain in math since 2015, when the Common Core standards were fully implemented.</p>
<p>Eric Bethel, principal at Turner Elementary School, says the new guidelines push students to learn “not only the how, but also the why behind the mathematics.”</p>
<p>“Students are learning more and what’s expected of them is much more rigorous than before,” Bethel told AP. As he walked around the school, a walkie-talkie in hand, wide-eyed kindergarteners strolled slowly down a hallway in a neat line, while older students ran around laughing.</p>
<p>Under Common Core, first-grade teacher Amancia Hanna reads her students more non-fiction books than fairy tales and says they find it easier to relate to real-life characters and enjoy reading more.</p>
<p>“That helps them persevere and they see a real person doing it,” said Hanna. “Whereas in Cinderella, there is magic, there is fairy tale, you are waiting for somebody to come along and fix this problem for you.”</p>
<p>One of Hanna’s students, Zakai Winchester, 6, reflected on a lesson he learned from reading. “You should be kind to others and be nice to your friends — you have to listen to each other,” he said.</p>
<p>Hanna says Common Core provides instructors with the necessary structure and guidance, which is especially important for new teachers. She said it also seeks to give all students an equal shot.</p>
<p>“I don’t care if you are in Minneapolis, I don’t care if you are in New York, Florida, wherever you may be — every child deserves that same, equal excellent education and opportunity and I think that the Common Core provides that for all students across the board,” Hanna said.</p>
<p>Others disagree. Kristen Brodie, an elementary school teacher in Houston, says the new standards are too rigorous and require analytical skills that young children may not be ready for. She also believes that non-fiction should be introduced in later grades.</p>
<p>“When you’ve got brand new readers, fiction tends to be the better tool,” Brodie said.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press reporter Dave Kolpack contributed to this story form Fargo, North Dakota.</p>
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — Most of the states that first endorsed the Common Core academic standards are still using them in some form, despite continued debate over whether they are improving student performance in reading and math.</p>
<p>Of the states that opted in after the standards were introduced in 2010 — 45 plus the District of Columbia — only eight have moved to repeal the standards, largely due to political pressure from those who saw Common Core as infringing on local control, according to Abt Associates, a research and consulting firm. In Oklahoma, Gov. Mary Fallin signed a bill to repeal the standards in 2014 less than six months after defending them in a speech. She said Common Core had become too divisive.</p>
<p>Twenty-one other states have made or are making revisions — mostly minor ones — to the guidelines. Illinois kept the wording while changing the name. In April, North Dakota approved new guidelines “written by North Dakotans, for North Dakotans,” but some educators said they were quite similar to Common Core. Earlier this month, New York moved to revise the standards after parents protested new tests aligned to Common Core, but much of the structure has been kept.</p>
<p>“The core of the Common Core remains in almost every state that adopted them,” said Mike Petrilli, president of the conservative Thomas B. Fordham Institute.</p>
<p>Launched in 2010 by a bipartisan group of governors and state education chiefs, Common Core sought to bring scholastic standards to the same high level nationwide. The standards quickly became controversial when the Obama administration offered states federal dollars to nudge them to adopt it. States’ rights activists cried foul, saying the effort undermined local control. Meanwhile, some teachers criticized the standards as confusing and out of synch with students’ needs, while others feared that non-fiction would crowd out the works of Shakespeare.</p>
<p>President Donald Trump and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos spoke out against the standards, but the issue has been largely out of their hands. A 2015 law prohibits the federal government from promoting any set of standards, including Common Core.</p>
<p>A national survey by Education Next, a journal published by Harvard’s Kennedy School and Stanford University, found that support for nationwide academic standards rose over the past two years, as long as the name Common Core was not used.</p>
<p>Measuring the direct impact of Common Core is difficult. A study last year by the Brown Center on Education Policy with the Brookings Institution showed that adopters of Common Core initially outperformed their peers, but those effects faded. It’s also unclear if the gains were caused specifically by Common Core.</p>
<p>“I think it was much ado about nothing,” said Tom Loveless, the author of the report. “It has some good elements, some bad elements. Common Core nets out to be a non-event in terms of raising student achievement.”</p>
<p>Petrilli, who advocated for Common Core, is convinced the standards resulted in more rigor and better tests.</p>
<p>“We are now following a much better recipe for student achievement, but the cake is still being baked, so we don’t yet know if it’s going to taste as good as we hope,” Petrilli said.</p>
<p>In the District of Columbia, traditional public schools saw a 7 percent gain in the number of students proficient in English and 6.5 percent gain in math since 2015, when the Common Core standards were fully implemented.</p>
<p>Eric Bethel, principal at Turner Elementary School, says the new guidelines push students to learn “not only the how, but also the why behind the mathematics.”</p>
<p>“Students are learning more and what’s expected of them is much more rigorous than before,” Bethel told AP. As he walked around the school, a walkie-talkie in hand, wide-eyed kindergarteners strolled slowly down a hallway in a neat line, while older students ran around laughing.</p>
<p>Under Common Core, first-grade teacher Amancia Hanna reads her students more non-fiction books than fairy tales and says they find it easier to relate to real-life characters and enjoy reading more.</p>
<p>“That helps them persevere and they see a real person doing it,” said Hanna. “Whereas in Cinderella, there is magic, there is fairy tale, you are waiting for somebody to come along and fix this problem for you.”</p>
<p>One of Hanna’s students, Zakai Winchester, 6, reflected on a lesson he learned from reading. “You should be kind to others and be nice to your friends — you have to listen to each other,” he said.</p>
<p>Hanna says Common Core provides instructors with the necessary structure and guidance, which is especially important for new teachers. She said it also seeks to give all students an equal shot.</p>
<p>“I don’t care if you are in Minneapolis, I don’t care if you are in New York, Florida, wherever you may be — every child deserves that same, equal excellent education and opportunity and I think that the Common Core provides that for all students across the board,” Hanna said.</p>
<p>Others disagree. Kristen Brodie, an elementary school teacher in Houston, says the new standards are too rigorous and require analytical skills that young children may not be ready for. She also believes that non-fiction should be introduced in later grades.</p>
<p>“When you’ve got brand new readers, fiction tends to be the better tool,” Brodie said.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press reporter Dave Kolpack contributed to this story form Fargo, North Dakota.</p>
| false | 2 |
washington ap states first endorsed common core academic standards still using form despite continued debate whether improving student performance reading math states opted standards introduced 2010 45 plus district columbia eight moved repeal standards largely due political pressure saw common core infringing local control according abt associates research consulting firm oklahoma gov mary fallin signed bill repeal standards 2014 less six months defending speech said common core become divisive twentyone states made making revisions mostly minor ones guidelines illinois kept wording changing name april north dakota approved new guidelines written north dakotans north dakotans educators said quite similar common core earlier month new york moved revise standards parents protested new tests aligned common core much structure kept core common core remains almost every state adopted said mike petrilli president conservative thomas b fordham institute launched 2010 bipartisan group governors state education chiefs common core sought bring scholastic standards high level nationwide standards quickly became controversial obama administration offered states federal dollars nudge adopt states rights activists cried foul saying effort undermined local control meanwhile teachers criticized standards confusing synch students needs others feared nonfiction would crowd works shakespeare president donald trump education secretary betsy devos spoke standards issue largely hands 2015 law prohibits federal government promoting set standards including common core national survey education next journal published harvards kennedy school stanford university found support nationwide academic standards rose past two years long name common core used measuring direct impact common core difficult study last year brown center education policy brookings institution showed adopters common core initially outperformed peers effects faded also unclear gains caused specifically common core think much ado nothing said tom loveless author report good elements bad elements common core nets nonevent terms raising student achievement petrilli advocated common core convinced standards resulted rigor better tests following much better recipe student achievement cake still baked dont yet know going taste good hope petrilli said district columbia traditional public schools saw 7 percent gain number students proficient english 65 percent gain math since 2015 common core standards fully implemented eric bethel principal turner elementary school says new guidelines push students learn also behind mathematics students learning whats expected much rigorous bethel told ap walked around school walkietalkie hand wideeyed kindergarteners strolled slowly hallway neat line older students ran around laughing common core firstgrade teacher amancia hanna reads students nonfiction books fairy tales says find easier relate reallife characters enjoy reading helps persevere see real person said hanna whereas cinderella magic fairy tale waiting somebody come along fix problem one hannas students zakai winchester 6 reflected lesson learned reading kind others nice friends listen said hanna says common core provides instructors necessary structure guidance especially important new teachers said also seeks give students equal shot dont care minneapolis dont care new york florida wherever may every child deserves equal excellent education opportunity think common core provides students across board hanna said others disagree kristen brodie elementary school teacher houston says new standards rigorous require analytical skills young children may ready also believes nonfiction introduced later grades youve got brand new readers fiction tends better tool brodie said ___ associated press reporter dave kolpack contributed story form fargo north dakota washington ap states first endorsed common core academic standards still using form despite continued debate whether improving student performance reading math states opted standards introduced 2010 45 plus district columbia eight moved repeal standards largely due political pressure saw common core infringing local control according abt associates research consulting firm oklahoma gov mary fallin signed bill repeal standards 2014 less six months defending speech said common core become divisive twentyone states made making revisions mostly minor ones guidelines illinois kept wording changing name april north dakota approved new guidelines written north dakotans north dakotans educators said quite similar common core earlier month new york moved revise standards parents protested new tests aligned common core much structure kept core common core remains almost every state adopted said mike petrilli president conservative thomas b fordham institute launched 2010 bipartisan group governors state education chiefs common core sought bring scholastic standards high level nationwide standards quickly became controversial obama administration offered states federal dollars nudge adopt states rights activists cried foul saying effort undermined local control meanwhile teachers criticized standards confusing synch students needs others feared nonfiction would crowd works shakespeare president donald trump education secretary betsy devos spoke standards issue largely hands 2015 law prohibits federal government promoting set standards including common core national survey education next journal published harvards kennedy school stanford university found support nationwide academic standards rose past two years long name common core used measuring direct impact common core difficult study last year brown center education policy brookings institution showed adopters common core initially outperformed peers effects faded also unclear gains caused specifically common core think much ado nothing said tom loveless author report good elements bad elements common core nets nonevent terms raising student achievement petrilli advocated common core convinced standards resulted rigor better tests following much better recipe student achievement cake still baked dont yet know going taste good hope petrilli said district columbia traditional public schools saw 7 percent gain number students proficient english 65 percent gain math since 2015 common core standards fully implemented eric bethel principal turner elementary school says new guidelines push students learn also behind mathematics students learning whats expected much rigorous bethel told ap walked around school walkietalkie hand wideeyed kindergarteners strolled slowly hallway neat line older students ran around laughing common core firstgrade teacher amancia hanna reads students nonfiction books fairy tales says find easier relate reallife characters enjoy reading helps persevere see real person said hanna whereas cinderella magic fairy tale waiting somebody come along fix problem one hannas students zakai winchester 6 reflected lesson learned reading kind others nice friends listen said hanna says common core provides instructors necessary structure guidance especially important new teachers said also seeks give students equal shot dont care minneapolis dont care new york florida wherever may every child deserves equal excellent education opportunity think common core provides students across board hanna said others disagree kristen brodie elementary school teacher houston says new standards rigorous require analytical skills young children may ready also believes nonfiction introduced later grades youve got brand new readers fiction tends better tool brodie said ___ associated press reporter dave kolpack contributed story form fargo north dakota
| 1,058 |
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p>In this Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015 photo provided on Monday, Oct. 12, 2015, Russian President Vladimir Putin give an interview focused on Russia's action in Syria, to Russian TV Rossya-1 channel in Sochi, Russia. (Alexei Nikolsky/RIA-Novosti, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)</p>
<p>BEIRUT - Amid the ornate walls of Damascus' famed Omayyad Mosque, preacher Maamoun Rahmeh stood before worshippers last week, declaring Russian President Vladimir Putin a "giant and beloved leader" who has "destroyed the myth of the self-aggrandizing America."</p>
<p>Posters of Putin are popping up on cars and billboards elsewhere in parts of Syria and Iraq, praising the Russian military intervention in Syria as one that will redress the balance of power in the region.</p>
<p>The Russian leader is winning accolades from many in Iraq and Syria, who see Russian airstrikes in Syria as a turning point after more than a year of largely ineffectual efforts by the U.S.-led coalition to dislodge the Islamic State militants who have occupied significant parts of the two countries.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>The reactions underscore that while the West may criticize Putin for supporting Syrian President Bashar Assad, there is some relief in the region at the emergence of a player with a coherent - if controversial - strategy.</p>
<p>"Putin does more than just speak," said Sohban Elewi of Damascus, summing up the views of Syrians on opposing camps who regard U.S. policy in Syria and Iraq as fumbled and confused.</p>
<p>Russia began its air campaign in Syria on Sept. 30, joining the fray of those bombing Syria at a critical time for Assad and his embattled troops. The Syrian army's loss of the northern province of Idlib opened the way for rebels to come dangerously close to the coastal Alawite heartland, leaving his soldiers there vulnerable and dejected.</p>
<p>Russia insists it is targeting the Islamic State group and other "terrorists." But Syrian rebels and opposition activists say Moscow's warplanes in recent days have focused on Idlib and the central province of Hama, hitting U.S.-backed rebels in areas with no IS militants.</p>
<p>The planes also have provided air cover for Syrian ground troops who launched an offensive in central Syria, reinforcing the belief that Russia's main aim is to shore up Assad's forces.</p>
<p>In addition to the warplanes taking off from a base in Latakia, Russian ships in the Caspian Sea have fired cruise missiles that fly nearly 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) over Iran and Iraq to strike Raqqa and Aleppo provinces, in what many see as a show of force meant to portray muscle more than serve a specific military goal.</p>
<p>Among Assad's war-weary and frustrated supporters, such elaborate displays of support provide a much-needed psychological boost, and have injected new hope that their flailing battle against rebel factions and the Islamic State group can still be won.</p>
<p>"The (Russian) intervention has raised the morale of the Syrian army and the Syrian people alike," said Dr. Samir Haddad from the central city of Homs.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>"President Putin has a distinguished personality and charisma, and it has become clear that world leaders have gradually started approving, openly or secretly, of this intervention," he said.</p>
<p>In Iraq, where the U.S.-led war against IS has stalled, many say they want Russian airstrikes against IS to extend to their country.</p>
<p>Buried between paintings of Baghdad architecture, mosques and landscapes, some art shops in Baghdad have begun selling portraits of Putin, a tribute to his intervention in what Iraqis see as the new military front against IS.</p>
<p>"Russia does not play games. They are problem solvers, and they do it quietly and efficiently, not like the Americans who prefer to do everything in front of the cameras," said Hussein Karim, a 21-year-old medical student from Baghdad.</p>
<p>In one cartoon widely distributed among Iraqis on Facebook and Twitter, U.S. President Barack Obama is dressed as a Sunni sheikh, while Putin as a Shiite imam, suggesting the two are taking sides.</p>
<p>Another cartoon shows a bare-chested Putin holding IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi by the collar of his jalabaya, looking very intimidating. He says to al-Baghdadi: "Where do you think you're going? I'll flatten you like flour," a popular Iraqi expression.</p>
<p>Al-Baghdadi, holding a cellphone, shouts: "Obama, save me!"</p>
<p>Most of the cartoons portray Putin as muscular - a perception that echoes the one at home in Russia, where he has cultivated an image as a man of action.</p>
<p>In addition to conducting his official duties, he often is shown on Russian TV doing such activities as playing ice hockey - as he did last week on his 63rd birthday - or climbing into a submersible to explore the sea.</p>
<p>T-shirts with his image are sold at shopping malls, souvenir stores and even from vending machines in Moscow airports. Some depict him looking tough in dark sunglasses, while others show him riding a horse to the words from a pop song: "They are not going to get us."</p>
<p>The military intervention in Syria is viewed by many as a sign of shifting alliances in the region as Russia takes a greater role in the fight against IS.</p>
<p>Russia has had strong ties with the Mideast for years. The fascination with Putin is driven largely by a longstanding suspicion of the West and anger about decades of U.S. intervention in the region that many say has led to more wars and sectarianism. Many hope a stronger Russia would lead to a more balanced approach.</p>
<p>Iraq's prime minister said last month that his government also entered a joint intelligence sharing agreement with Russia, Iran and Syria, opening an operations center in the heart of Baghdad.</p>
<p>In Egypt, Russian flags and posters of Putin's face hung across Cairo during his visit in February. At the time, the state-run Al Ahram newspaper profiled him, with photos showing Putin shirtless and holding various weapons, headlined, "A hero of our times."</p>
<p>His appeal has extended to Lebanon, where some demonstrators - Christian allies of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group - wore T-shirts bearing Putin's face at a protest Sunday calling for Lebanese presidential elections.</p>
<p>"Putin considers the Syrian crisis an excellent opportunity to erode America's standing in the region," said Ghassan Charbel, editor of the London-based Arabic daily newspaper Al Hayat.</p>
<p>In a front-page editorial Monday, he warned that while Syria presents Moscow with an opportunity to exact revenge from the West, it may transform quickly into an Afghanistan-like quagmire that threatens to erode Putin's image as a "czar."</p>
<p>But the Russian airstrikes also have drawn the ire of rebels in Syria who have formed a joint operations room to fight the new foe.</p>
<p>At a recent demonstration in the northern city of Idlib, armed rebels set fire to a Russian flag. "We will trample on your heads," read one banner, addressing the Russians.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Salama reported from Baghdad. Associated Press writer Albert Aji in Damascus and Lynn Berry in Moscow contributed reporting.</p>
| false | 2 |
saturday oct 10 2015 photo provided monday oct 12 2015 russian president vladimir putin give interview focused russias action syria russian tv rossya1 channel sochi russia alexei nikolskyrianovosti kremlin pool photo via ap beirut amid ornate walls damascus famed omayyad mosque preacher maamoun rahmeh stood worshippers last week declaring russian president vladimir putin giant beloved leader destroyed myth selfaggrandizing america posters putin popping cars billboards elsewhere parts syria iraq praising russian military intervention syria one redress balance power region russian leader winning accolades many iraq syria see russian airstrikes syria turning point year largely ineffectual efforts usled coalition dislodge islamic state militants occupied significant parts two countries advertisement reactions underscore west may criticize putin supporting syrian president bashar assad relief region emergence player coherent controversial strategy putin speak said sohban elewi damascus summing views syrians opposing camps regard us policy syria iraq fumbled confused russia began air campaign syria sept 30 joining fray bombing syria critical time assad embattled troops syrian armys loss northern province idlib opened way rebels come dangerously close coastal alawite heartland leaving soldiers vulnerable dejected russia insists targeting islamic state group terrorists syrian rebels opposition activists say moscows warplanes recent days focused idlib central province hama hitting usbacked rebels areas militants planes also provided air cover syrian ground troops launched offensive central syria reinforcing belief russias main aim shore assads forces addition warplanes taking base latakia russian ships caspian sea fired cruise missiles fly nearly 1500 kilometers 930 miles iran iraq strike raqqa aleppo provinces many see show force meant portray muscle serve specific military goal among assads warweary frustrated supporters elaborate displays support provide muchneeded psychological boost injected new hope flailing battle rebel factions islamic state group still russian intervention raised morale syrian army syrian people alike said dr samir haddad central city homs advertisement president putin distinguished personality charisma become clear world leaders gradually started approving openly secretly intervention said iraq usled war stalled many say want russian airstrikes extend country buried paintings baghdad architecture mosques landscapes art shops baghdad begun selling portraits putin tribute intervention iraqis see new military front russia play games problem solvers quietly efficiently like americans prefer everything front cameras said hussein karim 21yearold medical student baghdad one cartoon widely distributed among iraqis facebook twitter us president barack obama dressed sunni sheikh putin shiite imam suggesting two taking sides another cartoon shows barechested putin holding leader abu bakr albaghdadi collar jalabaya looking intimidating says albaghdadi think youre going ill flatten like flour popular iraqi expression albaghdadi holding cellphone shouts obama save cartoons portray putin muscular perception echoes one home russia cultivated image man action addition conducting official duties often shown russian tv activities playing ice hockey last week 63rd birthday climbing submersible explore sea tshirts image sold shopping malls souvenir stores even vending machines moscow airports depict looking tough dark sunglasses others show riding horse words pop song going get us military intervention syria viewed many sign shifting alliances region russia takes greater role fight russia strong ties mideast years fascination putin driven largely longstanding suspicion west anger decades us intervention region many say led wars sectarianism many hope stronger russia would lead balanced approach iraqs prime minister said last month government also entered joint intelligence sharing agreement russia iran syria opening operations center heart baghdad egypt russian flags posters putins face hung across cairo visit february time staterun al ahram newspaper profiled photos showing putin shirtless holding various weapons headlined hero times appeal extended lebanon demonstrators christian allies iranianbacked hezbollah group wore tshirts bearing putins face protest sunday calling lebanese presidential elections putin considers syrian crisis excellent opportunity erode americas standing region said ghassan charbel editor londonbased arabic daily newspaper al hayat frontpage editorial monday warned syria presents moscow opportunity exact revenge west may transform quickly afghanistanlike quagmire threatens erode putins image czar russian airstrikes also drawn ire rebels syria formed joint operations room fight new foe recent demonstration northern city idlib armed rebels set fire russian flag trample heads read one banner addressing russians ___ salama reported baghdad associated press writer albert aji damascus lynn berry moscow contributed reporting
| 681 |
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p />
<p>To date, combined donations to the Red Cross for hurricanes Harvey and Irma have topped $300 million. Former President Barack Obama tweeted a link to a Red Cross fundraising site. Many pro sports teams, celebrities and major corporations have announced large donations.</p>
<p>Yet even in the early stages of the response to Harvey in Texas, a NoRedCross hashtag circulated widely on Twitter. Some prominent journalists wrote articles suggesting that people should not donate to the organization. The New York Times, in an editorial, urged prospective donors to be skeptical.</p>
<p>“Its record on large-scale operations is spotty,” said the editorial, asserting that “there has been less accountability than Americans might expect emanating from its grand marble headquarters in Washington.”</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>The criticism has been stinging to Red Cross volunteers, many of whom have taken to social media to rebut the negative commentary.</p>
<p>“I worry that our volunteers need to feel appreciated,” Red Cross President Gail McGovern said in a telephone interview. “After 12-hour shifts, they come back to their hotel really exhausted. They don’t want to read this stuff.”</p>
<p>Some local officials in Texas and Florida have complained about glitches in the Red Cross response to Harvey and Irma, while others have expressed thanks. But much of the current mistrust of the Red Cross arises from the aftermath of other major disasters over the past 16 years.</p>
<p>After the 2001 terror attacks, the Red Cross irked many donors by earmarking some 9/11 gifts for unrelated purposes, including future needs. It was widely criticized for its response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and afterward acknowledged problems that included overwhelmed volunteers, inadequate anti-fraud measures and too few strong partnerships with local charities and civic groups.</p>
<p>More recently, investigative reporting by Pro Publica and National Public Radio made the case that the Red Cross responses to the Haiti earthquake in 2010 and Superstorm Sandy in 2012 were flawed in multiple ways. One key allegation was that the Red Cross failed to adequately document how it was spending the $488 million it raised for its work in Haiti.</p>
<p>Last year, the Red Cross posted a detailed breakdown of its spending in Haiti. But that did not deter some critics from using social media as the new hurricanes arrived to post Haiti-related headlines like this: “How Red Cross Raised Half a Billion Dollars and Built Only Six Homes.”</p>
<p>“People are repeating and retweeting this stuff instead of taking time to research,” said McGovern, a former professor of marketing at Harvard who took over as Red Cross president in 2008 after years of rapid leadership turnover.</p>
<p>McGovern said she took solace in evidence of continued public support — the strong flow of donations and the signing up of about 40,000 new volunteers during the hurricanes. The organization ran scores of emergency shelters in Texas and the Southeast and says it already has provided more than $45 million in financial assistance to more than 100,000 hurricane-stricken households in Texas.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>For both Harvey and Irma, the Red Cross is among the hurricane-response groups recommended by Charity Navigator, a watchdog group that rates charities on their finances and transparency. On the Charity Navigator website, several hundred comments about the Red Cross were posted, including visceral exchanges between supporters and critics.</p>
<p>Charity Navigator’s president, Michael Thatcher, says the Red Cross “is under pretty intense scrutiny” and he hopes the result is improved accountability.</p>
<p>“It’s a hard job to be able to ramp up quickly and deploy volunteer resources and expert resources at the drop of a hat,” he said. “Are they perfect? No. I would love to see them do better, but I definitely want them to hang around.”</p>
<p>Bob Ottenhoff, president and CEO of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, urged the Red Cross to be as specific as possible in explaining how emergency donations will be spent, both short-term and long-term.</p>
<p>“Part of why the Red Cross got in difficulty is they’re raising money in such large quantities they can’t use it all for the reasons people gave it,” he said.</p>
<p>Another source of concern to some critics is McGovern’s salary of just over $500,000. The Red Cross defends it as being in the normal range for leaders of major national nonprofits.</p>
<p>In the wake of various past controversies, the Government Accountability Office issued a detailed report about the Red Cross in 2015, recommending that Congress establish some sort of federally overseen process for regular, independent evaluations of Red Cross disaster services. The Red Cross contended that existing evaluation mechanisms were adequate, and the GAO’s proposal has not been implemented.</p>
<p>Congress chartered the Red Cross in 1900 to play a central role in responding to domestic and international disasters, though it does not receive federal funding for this purpose on a regular basis.</p>
<p>McGovern says the Red Cross wants to be as transparent as possible about its handling of donations. It’s too early now to outline long-term plans for the Harvey and Irma donations, but that issue will be broached in a one-month-later report, she said.</p>
<p>In Houston, more than 50 groups, local and national, are raising money for recovery from Harvey. The distrust of established organizations like the Red Cross has driven many donors to new initiatives. Notably, Houston Texans star J.J. Watt has raised more than $30 million for his foundation, largely through appeals on his social media accounts.</p>
<p>The Red Cross remains dominant, raising more than $200 million on its own for Harvey relief. About $40 million has gone to a local fund set up by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Harris County’s top official, Judge Ed Emmett. They openly urge donors to forego contributions to the Red Cross.</p>
<p>Emmett blames the Red Cross for problems that arose with setting up and running the emergency shelters used by tens of thousands of people flooded out of their homes.</p>
<p>The major shelter for several days was the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston. Originally setting a capacity of 5,000 people, the Red Cross ended up with double that number in three days. It ran out of cots. Some people slept on strips of cardboard or the floor until more cots arrived. Others said they were not getting enough food.</p>
<p>David Brady, CEO of the Red Cross for the Texas Gulf Coast region, said the group’s volunteers and staff were doing the best they could during a chaotic and unprecedented storm. Many Red Cross volunteers slept on cots at the shelter themselves.</p>
<p>“There are challenges that we and everyone else faced during the storm,” Brady said. “We always look at how we can serve better.”</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press Writer Nomaan Merchant in Houston contributed to this report.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow David Crary on Twitter at <a href="http://twitter.com/CraryAP" type="external">http://twitter.com/CraryAP</a> .</p>
| false | 2 |
date combined donations red cross hurricanes harvey irma topped 300 million former president barack obama tweeted link red cross fundraising site many pro sports teams celebrities major corporations announced large donations yet even early stages response harvey texas noredcross hashtag circulated widely twitter prominent journalists wrote articles suggesting people donate organization new york times editorial urged prospective donors skeptical record largescale operations spotty said editorial asserting less accountability americans might expect emanating grand marble headquarters washington advertisement criticism stinging red cross volunteers many taken social media rebut negative commentary worry volunteers need feel appreciated red cross president gail mcgovern said telephone interview 12hour shifts come back hotel really exhausted dont want read stuff local officials texas florida complained glitches red cross response harvey irma others expressed thanks much current mistrust red cross arises aftermath major disasters past 16 years 2001 terror attacks red cross irked many donors earmarking 911 gifts unrelated purposes including future needs widely criticized response hurricane katrina 2005 afterward acknowledged problems included overwhelmed volunteers inadequate antifraud measures strong partnerships local charities civic groups recently investigative reporting pro publica national public radio made case red cross responses haiti earthquake 2010 superstorm sandy 2012 flawed multiple ways one key allegation red cross failed adequately document spending 488 million raised work haiti last year red cross posted detailed breakdown spending haiti deter critics using social media new hurricanes arrived post haitirelated headlines like red cross raised half billion dollars built six homes people repeating retweeting stuff instead taking time research said mcgovern former professor marketing harvard took red cross president 2008 years rapid leadership turnover mcgovern said took solace evidence continued public support strong flow donations signing 40000 new volunteers hurricanes organization ran scores emergency shelters texas southeast says already provided 45 million financial assistance 100000 hurricanestricken households texas advertisement harvey irma red cross among hurricaneresponse groups recommended charity navigator watchdog group rates charities finances transparency charity navigator website several hundred comments red cross posted including visceral exchanges supporters critics charity navigators president michael thatcher says red cross pretty intense scrutiny hopes result improved accountability hard job able ramp quickly deploy volunteer resources expert resources drop hat said perfect would love see better definitely want hang around bob ottenhoff president ceo center disaster philanthropy urged red cross specific possible explaining emergency donations spent shortterm longterm part red cross got difficulty theyre raising money large quantities cant use reasons people gave said another source concern critics mcgoverns salary 500000 red cross defends normal range leaders major national nonprofits wake various past controversies government accountability office issued detailed report red cross 2015 recommending congress establish sort federally overseen process regular independent evaluations red cross disaster services red cross contended existing evaluation mechanisms adequate gaos proposal implemented congress chartered red cross 1900 play central role responding domestic international disasters though receive federal funding purpose regular basis mcgovern says red cross wants transparent possible handling donations early outline longterm plans harvey irma donations issue broached onemonthlater report said houston 50 groups local national raising money recovery harvey distrust established organizations like red cross driven many donors new initiatives notably houston texans star jj watt raised 30 million foundation largely appeals social media accounts red cross remains dominant raising 200 million harvey relief 40 million gone local fund set houston mayor sylvester turner harris countys top official judge ed emmett openly urge donors forego contributions red cross emmett blames red cross problems arose setting running emergency shelters used tens thousands people flooded homes major shelter several days george r brown convention center downtown houston originally setting capacity 5000 people red cross ended double number three days ran cots people slept strips cardboard floor cots arrived others said getting enough food david brady ceo red cross texas gulf coast region said groups volunteers staff best could chaotic unprecedented storm many red cross volunteers slept cots shelter challenges everyone else faced storm brady said always look serve better ___ associated press writer nomaan merchant houston contributed report ___ follow david crary twitter httptwittercomcraryap
| 666 |
<p>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens appeared to remain in the good graces of some Republicans Friday as he sought forgiveness and a political path forward following his admission of an extramarital affair.</p>
<p>Though expressing disappointment about the affair and concern about some of the more lurid allegations that Greitens has denied, some Republican voters and party officials said their support for Greitens had not been shaken.</p>
<p>Vince Harris, from the small town of Trenton, northeast of Kansas City, took to Greitens' Facebook page to defend him against commenters who labeled the governor a hypocrite for campaigning on family values in 2016 though he had cheated on his wife in 2015.</p>
<p>To say public officials should be held to a higher standard is "a little bit silly," Harris told The Associated Press.</p>
<p>"Regardless of the office that's being held, the person holding it is still a human being who has the same faults and vulnerabilities that we do. They're going to make the same mistakes. They're going to make some of the same goofs," Harris added. "And I think to say that that impairs their ability to lead or to do their job, I think is just incorrect."</p>
<p>Lawmakers at the Missouri Capitol are wrestling with the same question of whether Greitens can effectively carry out his agenda. Just hours before St. Louis television station KMOV broke news of the affair Wednesday night, Greitens had announced in his State of the State address that he would be unveiling the "boldest state tax reform in America" next week.</p>
<p>On Friday, his office declined to comment on whether that still would occur.</p>
<p>Some Democratic lawmakers have called for Greitens to resign. Other Republicans and Democrats have said they want an investigation, which the St. Louis circuit attorney has launched. But still other Republicans appear ready to forgive.</p>
<p>State Sen. Ed Emery said Greitens called him Friday to apologize for the affair and ask for forgiveness. Emery said he was "amazed at the character" of both Greitens and his wife, Sheena, for working through the difficult situation.</p>
<p>"I made sure the governor knew that I understood the kind of pressure that men were under .... that I've prayed for him and will continue to pray for him," Emery said.</p>
<p>Greitens has acknowledged being "unfaithful" in his marriage, but his attorney has denied allegations contained in a recorded conversation between the woman and her ex-husband that Grietens coerced the women to remain silent by taking a photo of her with her pants down.</p>
<p>The AP and other media have not released the identity of either the woman or her ex-husband.</p>
<p>A law firm representing the woman released a statement Friday saying her ex-husband had "betrayed her confidence" by secretly recording their conversation. The statement, which did not name the woman, asked the media to respect her privacy. It neither confirmed nor denied her comments on the recording.</p>
<p>"She is saddened that during this time of national introspection on the treatment of women in society, allegations about her private life have been published without her permission," said the statement by the Knight &amp; Simpson law firm in St. Charles.</p>
<p>Attorney Albert Watkins, who represents the ex-husband, subsequently released a statement noting that spouses, children and friends are also victims.</p>
<p>"Our client has no interest in Governor Greitens, his political aspirations, or his future. Our client seeks nothing more than the exposure of the truth" so that "all who have been used and victimized" can "commence the healing process," Watkins said.</p>
<p>Henry Dienst, the Clark County Republican chairman, said he would continue to support Greitens even if he attempted to blackmail the woman with a photo because Greitens has helped Missouri's economy.</p>
<p>Holly Lintner, of Jackson, south of St. Louis, said she also is sticking with Greitens.</p>
<p>"At this point, I still choose to believe what the governor's telling us," said Lintner, a former Republican chairwoman in Cape Girardeau County. "Affairs are never good, but people are imperfect and they make mistakes."</p>
<p>Republican political consultant James Harris said it's important for Greitens to tell his supporters both what's true about his affair and what's not.</p>
<p>"I think most people want to forgive," James Harris said. But he added, "It's more challenging when you are a public official to go through that process."</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press Writer Jim Salter in St. Louis 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>___</p>
<p>Sign up for the <a href="https://twitter.com/APCentralRegion" type="external">@APCentralRegion</a> 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>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens appeared to remain in the good graces of some Republicans Friday as he sought forgiveness and a political path forward following his admission of an extramarital affair.</p>
<p>Though expressing disappointment about the affair and concern about some of the more lurid allegations that Greitens has denied, some Republican voters and party officials said their support for Greitens had not been shaken.</p>
<p>Vince Harris, from the small town of Trenton, northeast of Kansas City, took to Greitens' Facebook page to defend him against commenters who labeled the governor a hypocrite for campaigning on family values in 2016 though he had cheated on his wife in 2015.</p>
<p>To say public officials should be held to a higher standard is "a little bit silly," Harris told The Associated Press.</p>
<p>"Regardless of the office that's being held, the person holding it is still a human being who has the same faults and vulnerabilities that we do. They're going to make the same mistakes. They're going to make some of the same goofs," Harris added. "And I think to say that that impairs their ability to lead or to do their job, I think is just incorrect."</p>
<p>Lawmakers at the Missouri Capitol are wrestling with the same question of whether Greitens can effectively carry out his agenda. Just hours before St. Louis television station KMOV broke news of the affair Wednesday night, Greitens had announced in his State of the State address that he would be unveiling the "boldest state tax reform in America" next week.</p>
<p>On Friday, his office declined to comment on whether that still would occur.</p>
<p>Some Democratic lawmakers have called for Greitens to resign. Other Republicans and Democrats have said they want an investigation, which the St. Louis circuit attorney has launched. But still other Republicans appear ready to forgive.</p>
<p>State Sen. Ed Emery said Greitens called him Friday to apologize for the affair and ask for forgiveness. Emery said he was "amazed at the character" of both Greitens and his wife, Sheena, for working through the difficult situation.</p>
<p>"I made sure the governor knew that I understood the kind of pressure that men were under .... that I've prayed for him and will continue to pray for him," Emery said.</p>
<p>Greitens has acknowledged being "unfaithful" in his marriage, but his attorney has denied allegations contained in a recorded conversation between the woman and her ex-husband that Grietens coerced the women to remain silent by taking a photo of her with her pants down.</p>
<p>The AP and other media have not released the identity of either the woman or her ex-husband.</p>
<p>A law firm representing the woman released a statement Friday saying her ex-husband had "betrayed her confidence" by secretly recording their conversation. The statement, which did not name the woman, asked the media to respect her privacy. It neither confirmed nor denied her comments on the recording.</p>
<p>"She is saddened that during this time of national introspection on the treatment of women in society, allegations about her private life have been published without her permission," said the statement by the Knight &amp; Simpson law firm in St. Charles.</p>
<p>Attorney Albert Watkins, who represents the ex-husband, subsequently released a statement noting that spouses, children and friends are also victims.</p>
<p>"Our client has no interest in Governor Greitens, his political aspirations, or his future. Our client seeks nothing more than the exposure of the truth" so that "all who have been used and victimized" can "commence the healing process," Watkins said.</p>
<p>Henry Dienst, the Clark County Republican chairman, said he would continue to support Greitens even if he attempted to blackmail the woman with a photo because Greitens has helped Missouri's economy.</p>
<p>Holly Lintner, of Jackson, south of St. Louis, said she also is sticking with Greitens.</p>
<p>"At this point, I still choose to believe what the governor's telling us," said Lintner, a former Republican chairwoman in Cape Girardeau County. "Affairs are never good, but people are imperfect and they make mistakes."</p>
<p>Republican political consultant James Harris said it's important for Greitens to tell his supporters both what's true about his affair and what's not.</p>
<p>"I think most people want to forgive," James Harris said. But he added, "It's more challenging when you are a public official to go through that process."</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press Writer Jim Salter in St. Louis 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>___</p>
<p>Sign up for the <a href="https://twitter.com/APCentralRegion" type="external">@APCentralRegion</a> 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>
| false | 2 |
jefferson city mo ap missouri gov eric greitens appeared remain good graces republicans friday sought forgiveness political path forward following admission extramarital affair though expressing disappointment affair concern lurid allegations greitens denied republican voters party officials said support greitens shaken vince harris small town trenton northeast kansas city took greitens facebook page defend commenters labeled governor hypocrite campaigning family values 2016 though cheated wife 2015 say public officials held higher standard little bit silly harris told associated press regardless office thats held person holding still human faults vulnerabilities theyre going make mistakes theyre going make goofs harris added think say impairs ability lead job think incorrect lawmakers missouri capitol wrestling question whether greitens effectively carry agenda hours st louis television station kmov broke news affair wednesday night greitens announced state state address would unveiling boldest state tax reform america next week friday office declined comment whether still would occur democratic lawmakers called greitens resign republicans democrats said want investigation st louis circuit attorney launched still republicans appear ready forgive state sen ed emery said greitens called friday apologize affair ask forgiveness emery said amazed character greitens wife sheena working difficult situation made sure governor knew understood kind pressure men ive prayed continue pray emery said greitens acknowledged unfaithful marriage attorney denied allegations contained recorded conversation woman exhusband grietens coerced women remain silent taking photo pants ap media released identity either woman exhusband law firm representing woman released statement friday saying exhusband betrayed confidence secretly recording conversation statement name woman asked media respect privacy neither confirmed denied comments recording saddened time national introspection treatment women society allegations private life published without permission said statement knight amp simpson law firm st charles attorney albert watkins represents exhusband subsequently released statement noting spouses children friends also victims client interest governor greitens political aspirations future client seeks nothing exposure truth used victimized commence healing process watkins said henry dienst clark county republican chairman said would continue support greitens even attempted blackmail woman photo greitens helped missouris economy holly lintner jackson south st louis said also sticking greitens point still choose believe governors telling us said lintner former republican chairwoman cape girardeau county affairs never good people imperfect make mistakes republican political consultant james harris said important greitens tell supporters whats true affair whats think people want forgive james harris said added challenging public official go process ___ associated press writer jim salter st louis contributed report ___ follow david lieb httptwittercomdavidalieb ___ sign apcentralregion weekly newsletter showcasing best reporting texas midwest httpapnews2u1rmfv jefferson city mo ap missouri gov eric greitens appeared remain good graces republicans friday sought forgiveness political path forward following admission extramarital affair though expressing disappointment affair concern lurid allegations greitens denied republican voters party officials said support greitens shaken vince harris small town trenton northeast kansas city took greitens facebook page defend commenters labeled governor hypocrite campaigning family values 2016 though cheated wife 2015 say public officials held higher standard little bit silly harris told associated press regardless office thats held person holding still human faults vulnerabilities theyre going make mistakes theyre going make goofs harris added think say impairs ability lead job think incorrect lawmakers missouri capitol wrestling question whether greitens effectively carry agenda hours st louis television station kmov broke news affair wednesday night greitens announced state state address would unveiling boldest state tax reform america next week friday office declined comment whether still would occur democratic lawmakers called greitens resign republicans democrats said want investigation st louis circuit attorney launched still republicans appear ready forgive state sen ed emery said greitens called friday apologize affair ask forgiveness emery said amazed character greitens wife sheena working difficult situation made sure governor knew understood kind pressure men ive prayed continue pray emery said greitens acknowledged unfaithful marriage attorney denied allegations contained recorded conversation woman exhusband grietens coerced women remain silent taking photo pants ap media released identity either woman exhusband law firm representing woman released statement friday saying exhusband betrayed confidence secretly recording conversation statement name woman asked media respect privacy neither confirmed denied comments recording saddened time national introspection treatment women society allegations private life published without permission said statement knight amp simpson law firm st charles attorney albert watkins represents exhusband subsequently released statement noting spouses children friends also victims client interest governor greitens political aspirations future client seeks nothing exposure truth used victimized commence healing process watkins said henry dienst clark county republican chairman said would continue support greitens even attempted blackmail woman photo greitens helped missouris economy holly lintner jackson south st louis said also sticking greitens point still choose believe governors telling us said lintner former republican chairwoman cape girardeau county affairs never good people imperfect make mistakes republican political consultant james harris said important greitens tell supporters whats true affair whats think people want forgive james harris said added challenging public official go process ___ associated press writer jim salter st louis contributed report ___ follow david lieb httptwittercomdavidalieb ___ sign apcentralregion weekly newsletter showcasing best reporting texas midwest httpapnews2u1rmfv
| 836 |
<p>Jan 19 (Reuters) - Ptfc Redevelopment Corp:</p>
<p>* BAESA REDEVELOPMENT TO SUBSCRIBE TO 49000 SHARES IN KOMBI LAND FOR 60 MILLION PESOS Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage:</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>BORACAY, Philippines (Reuters) - Along the shores of Philippines’ top holiday island, Boracay, businesses like massage parlors, souvenir stalls, tattoo shops and boat rentals are still thriving while tourists bask in the sun on the powdery white sand, but not for long.</p> Tourists walk near a sand sculpture along the beach of Boracay in Philippines, April 8, 2018. REUTERS/Erik De Castro
<p>Workers in Boracay, the Philippines’ most popular tourist spot, appealed for aid on Sunday before the holiday island’s impending closure.</p> Children frolic along the beach of Boracay in Philippines, April 8, 2018. REUTERS/Erik De Castro
<p>Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, who described Boracay as a “cesspool,” ordered the island closed for six months starting April 26. It reflects the growing pressures on beach resorts across Southeast Asia as infrastructure buckles under record visitor numbers.</p>
<p>Nearly 200 Boracay businesses were found to be discharging untreated waste water into the sea, resulting in increased concentration of human faeces along the beaches and posing health risks to swimmers.</p>
<p>The central Philippines island’s informal workers - masseuses, tattoo artists, sand sculptors and boat rental owners - said they will lose their primary source of living and sought support from the government.</p>
<p>“I hope there is at least some help to keep us fed daily because we have nowhere to go,” Joralyn delos Reyes, a hair stylist, said while braiding a tourist’s hair. “We can no longer farm or fish because of the hotels and foreigners living in our land.”</p> Slideshow (5 Images)
<p>The government has prepared 2 billion pesos ($38.4 million) for a “calamity fund” to workers in Boracay.</p>
<p>“Even if they give us money, can they give us jobs when Boracay closes? That’s our biggest problem,” said Yolanda Casidsid, a masseuse for 20 years.</p>
<p>But for Neo Colubio, a boat rental manager, closing Boracay will help preserve the tourist spot, allowing locals to profit in the long term.</p>
<p>The holiday island, which generated over $1 billion last year from a record two million tourists, employs around 30,000 workers.</p>
<p>To view a graphic on Boracay island shutting down, click: <a href="https://tmsnrt.rs/2uThVRw" type="external">tmsnrt.rs/2uThVRw</a></p>
<p>Reporting by Peter Blaza; writing by Neil Jerome Morales; editing by Larry King</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>BEIRUT (Reuters) - A chemical attack on a rebel-held town in eastern Ghouta has killed dozens of people, medical services reported, and Washington said the reports - if confirmed - would demand an immediate international response.</p>
<p>A joint statement by the medical relief organization Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) and the civil defense service, which operates in rebel-held areas, said 49 people had died in the attack late on Saturday. Others put the toll at 150 or more.</p>
<p>The Russian-backed Syrian state denied government forces had launched any chemical attack as the reports began circulating and said the rebels were collapsing and fabricating news.</p>
<p>Reuters could not independently verify the reports.</p>
<p>The lifeless bodies of around a dozen children, women and men, some of them with foam at the mouth, were shown in one video circulated by activists. “Douma city, April 7 ... there is a strong smell here,” a voice can be heard saying.</p>
<p>The U.S. State Department said reports of mass casualties from the attack were “horrifying” and would, if confirmed, “demand an immediate response by the international community”.</p>
<p>Britain’s Foreign Office also called the reports, if confirmed, “very concerning” and said “an urgent investigation is needed and the international community must respond. We call on the Assad regime and its backers, Russia and Iran, to stop the violence against innocent civilians.”</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta/syria-says-ready-to-start-rebel-talks-after-alleged-gas-attack-idUSKBN1HF074" type="external">Syria says ready to start rebel talks after alleged gas attack</a>
<a href="/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta-russia/russia-says-syria-gas-attack-reports-fabricated-idUSKBN1HF0AL" type="external">Russia says Syria gas attack reports 'fabricated'</a>
<a href="/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta-negotiati/russia-says-syrian-rebels-to-be-brought-out-of-douma-interfax-idUSKBN1HF09Z" type="external">Russia says Syrian rebels to be brought out of Douma - Interfax</a>
<p>Russia, however, dismissed the reports. “We decidedly refute this information,” Major-General Yuri Yevtushenko, head of the Russian peace and reconciliation center in Syria, was cited as saying by Interfax news service.</p>
<p>Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has won back control of nearly all of eastern Ghouta in a Russian-backed military campaign that began in February, leaving just Douma in rebel hands.</p>
<p>The Ghouta offensive has been one of the deadliest in Syria’s seven-year-long war, killing more than 1,600 civilians, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.</p>
<p>Facing military defeat, rebel groups in other parts of eastern Ghouta have taken safe passage to other opposition-held areas at the Turkish border. Until now, Jaish al-Islam has rejected that option, demanding it be allowed to stay in Douma.</p>
<p>However, Syrian state television said on Sunday Jaish al-Islam had asked for negotiations with the government. A pro-Syrian opposition TV station, Orient, said talks were underway between Jaish al-Islam and Russia to reach a final settlement for Douma.</p>
<p>Jaish al-Islam could not be reached for comment.</p> SHELTERING IN BASEMENTS
<p>The Syrian Observatory said it could not confirm whether chemical weapons had been used in the attack on Saturday. Observatory Director Rami Abdulrahman said 11 people had died in Douma as a result of suffocation caused by heavy bombardment.</p>
<p>Medical relief organization SAMS said a chlorine bomb hit Douma hospital, killing six people, and a second attack with “mixed agents”, including nerve agents, had hit a nearby building.</p>
<p>Basel Termanini, the U.S.-based vice president of SAMS, which operates medical facilities and supports medics in Syria, told Reuters another 35 people had been killed at a nearby apartment building, most of them women and children.</p>
<p>The joint statement from SAMS and the civil defense said medical centers had taken in more than 500 people suffering breathing difficulties, frothing from the mouth and smelling of chlorine.</p>
<p>One of the victims was dead on arrival and six died later, it said. Civil defense volunteers reported more than 42 cases of people dead at their homes showing the same symptoms, it said.</p>
<p>Tawfik Chamaa, a Geneva-based Syrian doctor with the Syria-focused Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations (UOSSM), a network of Syrian doctors, said 150 people were confirmed dead and the number was growing. “The majority were civilians, women and children trapped in underground shelters,” he told Reuters.</p>
<p>Syrian state news agency SANA said Jaish al-Islam was making “chemical attack fabrications in an exposed and failed attempt to obstruct advances by the Syrian Arab army,” citing an official source.</p>
<p>U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauret recalled a 2017 sarin gas attack in northwestern Syria that the West and the United Nations blamed on Assad’s government.</p>
<p>“The Assad regime and its backers must be held accountable and any further attacks prevented immediately,” she said.</p>
<p>“The United States calls on Russia to end this unmitigated support immediately and work with the international community to prevent further, barbaric chemical weapons attacks,” Nauert said in a statement.</p>
<p>The Syrian government has repeatedly denied using chemical weapons during the conflict.</p>
<p>“We have received report of many people killed and injured in Duma in the past 24 hours. We continue be extremely concerned for people who remain in Duma who are being subjected to escalating hostilities,” UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs spokeswoman Linda Tom said.</p>
<p>Jan Egeland, the U.N. humanitarian adviser for Syria, called on Wednesday for access to Douma, where he said some 80,000 to 150,000 civilians were “on their knees” after years of siege and fighting.</p>
<p>Reporting by Dahlia Nehme and Mustafa Hashem; additional reporting by Patrick Rucker and Tim Ahmann in Washington, Suleiman al-Khalidi in Amman and Tom Perry in Beirut, Stephanie Nebehay in Geneva; Writing by Tom Perry; Editing by Larry King</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday said Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will have a “big price to pay” for launching a deadly chemical weapons attack on civilians, and blamed Iran and Russian President Vladimir Putin for backing “animal Assad.”</p> FILE PHOTO - U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a visit to White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, U.S., April 5, 2018. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
<p>“Many dead, including women and children, in mindless CHEMICAL attack in Syria. Area of atrocity is in lockdown and encircled by Syrian Army, making it completely inaccessible to outside world,” Trump wrote on Twitter.</p>
<p>“President Putin, Russia and Iran are responsible for backing Animal Assad. Big price to pay,” he wrote.</p>
<p>Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch; Editing by James Dalgleish</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said in a Tweet on Sunday that China would take down its trade barriers and that the two countries would reach a deal on intellectual property.</p> FILE PHOTO - U.S. President Donald Trump speaks about tax reform during a visit to White Sulphur Springs, in West Virginia, U.S., April 5, 2018. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
<p>On Thursday, Trump directed U.S. trade officials to identify tariffs on $100 billion more Chinese imports, stoking fears of an all-out trade war between the world’s two largest economies.</p>
<p>In his Tweet on Sunday, Trump said he and Chinese President Xi Jinping would always be friends despite the dispute, adding: “China will take down its trade barriers because it is the right thing to do. Taxes will become reciprocal and a deal will be made on intellectual property. Great future for both countries!”</p> Texas sends 250 National Guard troops to Mexico border
<p>Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch and Michelle Price; Editing by Susan Fenton</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
| false | 2 |
jan 19 reuters ptfc redevelopment corp baesa redevelopment subscribe 49000 shares kombi land 60 million pesos source text eikon company coverage standards thomson reuters trust principles boracay philippines reuters along shores philippines top holiday island boracay businesses like massage parlors souvenir stalls tattoo shops boat rentals still thriving tourists bask sun powdery white sand long tourists walk near sand sculpture along beach boracay philippines april 8 2018 reuterserik de castro workers boracay philippines popular tourist spot appealed aid sunday holiday islands impending closure children frolic along beach boracay philippines april 8 2018 reuterserik de castro philippines president rodrigo duterte described boracay cesspool ordered island closed six months starting april 26 reflects growing pressures beach resorts across southeast asia infrastructure buckles record visitor numbers nearly 200 boracay businesses found discharging untreated waste water sea resulting increased concentration human faeces along beaches posing health risks swimmers central philippines islands informal workers masseuses tattoo artists sand sculptors boat rental owners said lose primary source living sought support government hope least help keep us fed daily nowhere go joralyn delos reyes hair stylist said braiding tourists hair longer farm fish hotels foreigners living land slideshow 5 images government prepared 2 billion pesos 384 million calamity fund workers boracay even give us money give us jobs boracay closes thats biggest problem said yolanda casidsid masseuse 20 years neo colubio boat rental manager closing boracay help preserve tourist spot allowing locals profit long term holiday island generated 1 billion last year record two million tourists employs around 30000 workers view graphic boracay island shutting click tmsnrtrs2uthvrw reporting peter blaza writing neil jerome morales editing larry king standards thomson reuters trust principles beirut reuters chemical attack rebelheld town eastern ghouta killed dozens people medical services reported washington said reports confirmed would demand immediate international response joint statement medical relief organization syrian american medical society sams civil defense service operates rebelheld areas said 49 people died attack late saturday others put toll 150 russianbacked syrian state denied government forces launched chemical attack reports began circulating said rebels collapsing fabricating news reuters could independently verify reports lifeless bodies around dozen children women men foam mouth shown one video circulated activists douma city april 7 strong smell voice heard saying us state department said reports mass casualties attack horrifying would confirmed demand immediate response international community britains foreign office also called reports confirmed concerning said urgent investigation needed international community must respond call assad regime backers russia iran stop violence innocent civilians related coverage syria says ready start rebel talks alleged gas attack russia says syria gas attack reports fabricated russia says syrian rebels brought douma interfax russia however dismissed reports decidedly refute information majorgeneral yuri yevtushenko head russian peace reconciliation center syria cited saying interfax news service syrian president bashar alassad back control nearly eastern ghouta russianbacked military campaign began february leaving douma rebel hands ghouta offensive one deadliest syrias sevenyearlong war killing 1600 civilians according syrian observatory human rights facing military defeat rebel groups parts eastern ghouta taken safe passage oppositionheld areas turkish border jaish alislam rejected option demanding allowed stay douma however syrian state television said sunday jaish alislam asked negotiations government prosyrian opposition tv station orient said talks underway jaish alislam russia reach final settlement douma jaish alislam could reached comment sheltering basements syrian observatory said could confirm whether chemical weapons used attack saturday observatory director rami abdulrahman said 11 people died douma result suffocation caused heavy bombardment medical relief organization sams said chlorine bomb hit douma hospital killing six people second attack mixed agents including nerve agents hit nearby building basel termanini usbased vice president sams operates medical facilities supports medics syria told reuters another 35 people killed nearby apartment building women children joint statement sams civil defense said medical centers taken 500 people suffering breathing difficulties frothing mouth smelling chlorine one victims dead arrival six died later said civil defense volunteers reported 42 cases people dead homes showing symptoms said tawfik chamaa genevabased syrian doctor syriafocused union medical care relief organizations uossm network syrian doctors said 150 people confirmed dead number growing majority civilians women children trapped underground shelters told reuters syrian state news agency sana said jaish alislam making chemical attack fabrications exposed failed attempt obstruct advances syrian arab army citing official source us state department spokeswoman heather nauret recalled 2017 sarin gas attack northwestern syria west united nations blamed assads government assad regime backers must held accountable attacks prevented immediately said united states calls russia end unmitigated support immediately work international community prevent barbaric chemical weapons attacks nauert said statement syrian government repeatedly denied using chemical weapons conflict received report many people killed injured duma past 24 hours continue extremely concerned people remain duma subjected escalating hostilities un office coordination humanitarian affairs spokeswoman linda tom said jan egeland un humanitarian adviser syria called wednesday access douma said 80000 150000 civilians knees years siege fighting reporting dahlia nehme mustafa hashem additional reporting patrick rucker tim ahmann washington suleiman alkhalidi amman tom perry beirut stephanie nebehay geneva writing tom perry editing larry king standards thomson reuters trust principles washington reuters us president donald trump sunday said syrian president bashar alassad big price pay launching deadly chemical weapons attack civilians blamed iran russian president vladimir putin backing animal assad file photo us president donald trump speaks visit white sulphur springs west virginia us april 5 2018 reuterskevin lamarque many dead including women children mindless chemical attack syria area atrocity lockdown encircled syrian army making completely inaccessible outside world trump wrote twitter president putin russia iran responsible backing animal assad big price pay wrote reporting sarah n lynch editing james dalgleish standards thomson reuters trust principles washington reuters us president donald trump said tweet sunday china would take trade barriers two countries would reach deal intellectual property file photo us president donald trump speaks tax reform visit white sulphur springs west virginia us april 5 2018 reuterskevin lamarque thursday trump directed us trade officials identify tariffs 100 billion chinese imports stoking fears allout trade war worlds two largest economies tweet sunday trump said chinese president xi jinping would always friends despite dispute adding china take trade barriers right thing taxes become reciprocal deal made intellectual property great future countries texas sends 250 national guard troops mexico border reporting sarah n lynch michelle price editing susan fenton standards thomson reuters trust principles
| 1,055 |
<p>(Reuters) - American International Group Inc ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=AIG.N" type="external">AIG.N</a>) on Monday said it would buy reinsurer Validus Holdings Ltd ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=VR.N" type="external">VR.N</a>) for $5.56 billion in cash, ending a long period of retrenchment for AIG as new Chief Executive Brian Duperreault plots an expansionist path.</p> FILE PHOTO: A banner for American International Group Inc (AIG) hangs on the facade of the New York Stock Exchange, in New York, U.S., on October 16, 2012. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo
<p>Duperreault initiated the deal to buy Bermuda-based Validus, which comes four months after U.S. regulators said AIG was no longer “too big to fail,” a designation that carries more stringent government oversight and capital requirements. AIG has dramatically shrunk since the New York-based insurer’s near-death experience during the 2008 financial crisis.</p>
<p>Bermuda’s insurance industry is familiar turf for Duperreault, who was born there and founded and ran the Bermuda-based Hamilton Insurance Group Ltd before heading to AIG.</p>
<p>Validus has four parts, spanning reinsurance, U.S. specialty lines, asset management and a Lloyd’s of London underwriter.</p>
<p>AIG said the deal would boost AIG’s earnings per share and return on equity but did not provide details on cost cuts or projected returns.</p>
<p>“The deal is not predicated on cost cuts or synergies. In fact, it’s the opposite,” Duperreault said in an interview. “The deal hinges around that it puts us in businesses that we are not in now.”</p>
<p>AIG’s $68 per share offer represents a 45.5 percent premium to Validus’ Friday close.</p>
<p>“It’s well worth the price and we’ll get our money’s worth out of it,” Duperreault said. “I’ve thought this through.”</p>
<p>Shares of Validus were trading at $67.32, close to the offer price, in afternoon trade. AIG shares were down nearly 1 percent.</p>
<p>The acquisition is AIG’s largest since the financial crisis, when the insurer received a $182 billion bailout, based on the U.S. government’s belief that an AIG failure would cause more damage to the economy than using public money to keep it afloat, a concept known as “too big to fail.” AIG paid off its last debt to the U.S. government at the end of 2012.</p>
<p>The deal marks AIG’s reentry into the Lloyd’s insurance market, where underwriters get access to a wide variety of international insurance and reinsurance business, often in complex or hard-to-cover areas, which can be risky but also offers more profit potential.</p>
<p>“I was really thrilled to see the news,” Lloyd’s of London Chief Executive Officer Inga Beale said in an interview. “We are delighted to have any of these big reputable players as part of Lloyd’s.”</p>
<p>AIG’s deal will also expand its reach in other areas such as the reinsurance market at a time when the insurer, like its rivals, is facing stiff pricing pressure. Validus Re, a major Validus business, sells property-casualty reinsurance for disasters such as hurricanes.</p> FILE PHOTO: American International Group Inc. (AIG) Chief Executive Officer Brian Duperreault seen at AIG headquarters on the day of the companyÕs 2017 annual shareholder meeting in New York, U.S., June 28, 2017. REUTERS/Suzanne Barlyn/File Photo
<p>Other Validus businesses include AlphaCat, which manages $3.2 billion on behalf of clients who invest in insurance-linked securities products, a repackaging of insurance risk as debt that is often linked to natural catastrophes.</p>
<p>The deal will also add crop insurance to AIG’s product lineup.</p> ‘LIKE A GLOVE’
<p>“I particularly like the reinsurance business as additive to what we do. There are a lot pieces to this company that fit us like a glove,” Duperreault said on a conference call with analysts.</p>
<p>Reinsurers play an important role in the financial industry by assuming risks that are either too large or too unpredictable for their insurance clients to take on their own.</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=AIG.N" type="external">American International Group Inc</a> 54.52 AIG.N New York Stock Exchange -- (--%) AIG.N VR.N
<p>“We would be buyers (of AIG) as we focus on the accretion from this transaction, the strong underlying margins VR brings and the fact that AIG will still have excess capital after this deal is done,” Wells Fargo Securities analyst Elyse Greenspan said in a note.</p>
<p>AIG revenue fell in three of the past four quarters and the company has been plagued by losses related to prior-year accident claims.</p>
<p>Duperreault, who replaced Peter Hancock last year, is seen as a turnaround expert and has promised to streamline AIG’s operations and boost profitability.</p>
<p>As his first major restructuring action since taking over, Duperreault reorganized AIG into three new units. The new structure is expected to reflect in the company’s fourth-quarter results on Feb. 8.</p>
<p>The Validus deal is expected to close in mid-2018.</p>
<p>Citigroup Global Markets Inc, Perella Weinberg Partners LP and Debevoise &amp; Plimpton LLP advised AIG. Willkie Farr &amp; Gallagher LLP represented Perella as financial advisor to AIG in this transaction. Validus was advised by J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher &amp; Flom LLP.</p>
<p>Reporting by Nikhil Subba and Sweta Singh in Bengaluru; Additional reporting by Suzanne Barlyn in New York; Editing by Sayantani Ghosh, Frances Kerry and Will Dunham</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>NEW YORK (Reuters) - Fund managers have begun to ditch so-called FANG stocks that powered the U.S. stock market to record highs in January and are slowly rotating into commodity-related shares and other value stocks which typically outperform in late-cycle recoveries.</p>
<p>Portfolio managers holding shares of Facebook Inc ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=FB.O" type="external">FB.O</a>), Amazon.com Inc ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=AMZN.O" type="external">AMZN.O</a>), Netflix Inc ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=NFLX.O" type="external">NFLX.O</a>), and Google-parent Alphabet Inc ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=GOOGL.O" type="external">GOOGL.O</a>) say they are increasingly concerned that the data scandal that has sent shares of Facebook down nearly 15 percent year-to-date will spill over into all of the FANG stocks, imperiling the broad market’s momentum at a time when there are no clear companies or sectors to take their place.</p>
<p>On Tuesday, an index which tracks the FANG stocks along with six other mega-cap technology stocks tumbled 6.3 percent, the biggest decline since September 2014.</p>
<p>Facebook rose as much as 1.5 percent in early trading Wednesday before falling into the red, one day after sources told Reuters that chief executive Mark Zuckerberg plans to testify before Congress. Amazon.com dropped 4 percent, while Netflix fell 5 percent. Google-parent Alphabet was slightly positive.</p>
<p>“There are legitimate concerns over the business models of these companies, and I expect that they will be ironed out in legislation” that will likely eat into their profit margins, said Michael Cuggino, a portfolio manager of the $17-billion Permanent Portfolio funds.</p>
<p>Cuggino, who would not say whether he was selling any of his shares in Facebook, said that commodity and industrial stocks look more attractive now given rising inflation and continued global economic growth.</p>
<p>Each FANG company rose more than 33 percent last year, helping power the S&amp;P 500 <a href="/finance/markets/index?symbol=.SPX" type="external">.SPX</a> to a nearly 20-percent gain. Yet those gains have left the broad S&amp;P 500 trading at a high trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 21.7, leaving it overpriced despite a boost to margins from the Republican-led corporate tax cut at the end of 2017.</p>
<p>“Rising volatility and changing market leadership are now pointing towards the possible conclusion that the stock market peaked in late January 2018,” said Douglas Kass, president of Seabreeze Capital Management.</p>
<p>The S&amp;P 500 is now down 2.2 percent for the year, and down nearly 10 percent below the high of 2872.87 it reached on Jan. 26.</p> Slideshow (2 Images) UNFRIENDED
<p>Fund managers say that the high valuation of FANG stocks and the likelihood of regulation are pushing them into traditional value stocks like energy and defense companies.</p>
<p>Connor Browne, a portfolio manager at Thornburg Investment Management, said that he sold his shares of Netflix and Amazon.com last year after both companies blew through his price targets. He used those gains instead to increase positions in energy stocks such as pipeline operator Enterprise Products Partners LP ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=EPD.N" type="external">EPD.N</a>) and crude oil shipping company Overseas Shipholding Group Inc ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=OSG.N" type="external">OSG.N</a>) that stand to benefit from the recovery in the price of oil.</p>
<p>“We noticed that in all of this excitement over the FANGs taking over the world, there are parts of the economy that seem really out of favor and offer more compelling opportunities,” he said.</p>
<p>Even after the selloff, FANG stocks continue to trade at higher valuations than the broad market. Netflix trades at a P/E of 210 and Amazon.com trades at a P/E of 327. Facebook and Google-parent Alphabet, both of which have been directly linked with privacy concerns, now trade at valuations near 52-week lows.</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=FB.O" type="external">Facebook Inc</a> 153.03 FB.O Nasdaq +0.00 (+0.00%) FB.O AMZN.O NFLX.O GOOGL.O .SPX
<p>The overhang of increased government oversight has sunk the fortunes of large technology companies in the past. Microsoft Corp ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=MSFT.O" type="external">MSFT.O</a>) reached a settlement in an antitrust case with the Department of Justice in 2002 that lasted until 2011, contributing to a long period of underperformance that kept the stock below the high it reached in 1999 until 2016. Since then, the stock is up nearly 60 percent on the strength of its cloud-based services.</p>
<p>Margaret Patel, a senior portfolio manager at Wells Fargo Funds, said that she has been adding to defense stocks like Raytheon Co ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=RTN.N" type="external">RTN.N</a>) that should benefit from increasing military spending in both the U.S. and overseas. At the same time, she is increasing her exposure of non-FANG technology stocks like Adobe Systems Inc ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=ADBE.O" type="external">ADBE.O</a>) and Microsoft that have been hurt by the recent sell-off in the sector.</p>
<p>“It’s very hard to see another sector that still has all the fundamental drivers for growing much faster than any other sector,” she said.</p>
<p>Reporting by David Randall; Editing by Jennifer Ablan and Nick Zieminski</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Amazon.com Inc ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=AMZN.O" type="external">AMZN.O</a>) shares fell almost 5 percent on Wednesday, wiping more than $30 billion off its market value, after news website Axios reported that U.S. President Donald Trump is obsessed with the world’s largest online retailer and wants to rein in its growing power.</p> The logo of Amazon is seen at the company logistics center in Lauwin-Planque, northern France, February 20, 2017. REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol
<p>Trump has talked about using antitrust law to “go after” the company because he is worried about mom-and-pop retailers being put out of business by Amazon, Axios reported, citing five sources it said had discussed the issue with him.</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-amazon-com-trump/no-u-s-policy-changes-on-amazon-at-the-moment-white-house-official-idUSKBN1H42IY" type="external">No U.S. policy changes on Amazon at the moment: White House official</a>
<p>Trump also wants to change Amazon’s tax treatment, the Axios report said, an issue the president raised publicly last year when he called for an internet tax for online retailers, even though Amazon already collects sales tax on items it sells direct to customers.</p>
<p>“The president has said many times before he’s always looking to create a level playing field for all businesses and this is no different,” said White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders, when asked about the Axios report. “He’s always going to look at different ways, but there aren’t any specific policies on the table at this time.”</p>
<p>Trump has been complaining about Amazon in private, believing the company has become too powerful, another administration official confirmed to Reuters.</p>
<p>The official said Trump links this to Amazon Chief Executive Jeff Bezos’ private ownership of the Washington Post, which he has called “fake news” for its critical coverage of his administration. Trump regards the newspaper as a mouthpiece for Bezos’ business interests, calling it #AmazonWashingtonPost on Twitter.</p> The logo of the web service Amazon is pictured in this June 8, 2017 illustration photo. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso/Illustration
<p>Amazon did not reply to a request for comment on the Axios report.</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=AMZN.O" type="external">Amazon.com Inc</a> 1431.42 AMZN.O Nasdaq +0.00 (+0.00%) AMZN.O FB.O FAVORITE TARGET
<p>Trump has criticized Amazon over taxes and jobs in the past, without offering evidence. The president urging the use of antitrust law to selectively thwart a company would be unprecedented, according to Jeffrey Jacobovitz of the law firm Arnall Golden Gregory LLP.</p>
<p>Amazon’s stock, which fell as low as $1,386.17 on Wednesday, was last down 4.6 percent at $1,427.83. The shares have nearly quadrupled over the last three years.</p>
<p>Tech stocks have been under pressure after Facebook Inc ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=FB.O" type="external">FB.O</a>) acknowledged this month that user data had been improperly harvested by a consultancy.</p>
<p>“With Facebook and regulatory worries, the last thing nervous tech investors wanted to see was news that Trump is targeting Bezos and Amazon over the coming months as this remains a lingering cloud over the stock and heightens the risk profile in the eyes of the Street,” GBH Insights analyst Daniel Ives said.</p>
<p>Additional reporting by Sonam Rai in Bengaluru; Diane Bartz and Amanda Becker in Washington; Sinead Carew in New York; writing by Chris Sanders; editing by Jeffrey Benkoe and James Dalgleish</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>NEW YORK (Reuters) - Tesla Inc shares fell sharply again on Wednesday, reeling from a credit downgrade of the electric car maker by Moody’s Investors Service, federal probes of a fatal crash and concerns about Model 3 production.</p>
<p>Shares tumbled 9 percent before ending down 7.7 percent at $257.78. On Tuesday, Tesla tumbled 8.2 percent to its lowest close in almost a year after the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) opened a field investigation into a fatal crash and vehicle fire in California on March 23.</p>
<p>On Wednesday, a second federal regulator, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), said it was sending a team to California to investigate the crash.</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-tesla-stock-options/extreme-bearish-options-on-tesla-making-money-as-stock-dives-idUSKBN1H434B" type="external">Extreme bearish options on Tesla making money as stock dives</a>
<a href="/article/us-tesla-crash/u-s-auto-safety-agency-to-probe-fatal-tesla-california-crash-idUSKBN1H42X1" type="external">U.S. auto safety agency to probe fatal Tesla California crash</a>
<p>Late on Tuesday, Moody’s Investors Service downgraded Tesla’s credit rating to B3 from B2, citing “the significant shortfall in the production rate of the company’s Model 3 electric vehicle.” It also noted “liquidity pressures due to its large negative free cash flow and the pending maturities of convertible bonds.”</p>
<p>Tesla has $230 million in convertible bonds maturing in November 2018 and $920 million in March 2019.</p>
<p>Moody’s said its negative outlook “reflects the likelihood that Tesla will have to undertake a large, near-term capital raise in order to refund maturing obligations and avoid a liquidity shortfall.”</p>
<p>It said Tesla’s weekly production target is now 2,500 Model 3 vehicles by the end of March, down sharply from its year-earlier target of 5,000 per week by the end of 2017. Tesla’s weekly target for the end of June is 5,000.</p>
<p>Tesla declined to comment on the downgrade. The company plans to provide an update on Model 3 production next week.</p>
<p>Tesla shares have experienced big swings in the past, as worries about losses have vied with enthusiasm for Chief Executive Elon Musk’s ambitious plans.</p>
<p>The sell-off has left Tesla’s stock market value at $44 billion, below General Motors Co’s $49 billion. Palo Alto, California-based Tesla has at times had a larger market value than GM, the largest U.S. automaker by vehicle sales.</p> A Tesla dealership is seen in West Drayton, just outside London, Britain, February 7, 2018. REUTERS/Hannah McKay
<p>Since the end of February, the median analyst price target for Tesla has dipped by $10 to $356, about 37 percent higher than Wednesday’s price, according to Thomson Reuters data. Nomura Securities analyst Romit Shah has the highest Tesla price target, $500, or nearly double the current price. All the targets were set before the March 23 crash.</p>
<p>In last week’s accident in which the Tesla struck a highway median, it was unclear if the vehicle’s automated control system called Autopilot was driving, the NTSB and police said.</p>
<p>The 38-year-old driver of the Tesla died at a nearby hospital shortly after the crash.</p>
<p>Late Tuesday, Tesla said in a blog post it does “not yet know what happened in the moments leading up to the crash,” but added that data shows Tesla owners have driven the same stretch of highway with Autopilot engaged “roughly 85,000 times ... and there has never been an accident that we know of.” The statement did not say if the crashed vehicle was in Autopilot mode.</p>
<p>Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington and Alexandria Sage and Noel Randewich in San Francisco; Editing by Dan Grebler and David Gregorio</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
| false | 2 |
reuters american international group inc aign monday said would buy reinsurer validus holdings ltd vrn 556 billion cash ending long period retrenchment aig new chief executive brian duperreault plots expansionist path file photo banner american international group inc aig hangs facade new york stock exchange new york us october 16 2012 reutersbrendan mcdermidfile photo duperreault initiated deal buy bermudabased validus comes four months us regulators said aig longer big fail designation carries stringent government oversight capital requirements aig dramatically shrunk since new yorkbased insurers neardeath experience 2008 financial crisis bermudas insurance industry familiar turf duperreault born founded ran bermudabased hamilton insurance group ltd heading aig validus four parts spanning reinsurance us specialty lines asset management lloyds london underwriter aig said deal would boost aigs earnings per share return equity provide details cost cuts projected returns deal predicated cost cuts synergies fact opposite duperreault said interview deal hinges around puts us businesses aigs 68 per share offer represents 455 percent premium validus friday close well worth price well get moneys worth duperreault said ive thought shares validus trading 6732 close offer price afternoon trade aig shares nearly 1 percent acquisition aigs largest since financial crisis insurer received 182 billion bailout based us governments belief aig failure would cause damage economy using public money keep afloat concept known big fail aig paid last debt us government end 2012 deal marks aigs reentry lloyds insurance market underwriters get access wide variety international insurance reinsurance business often complex hardtocover areas risky also offers profit potential really thrilled see news lloyds london chief executive officer inga beale said interview delighted big reputable players part lloyds aigs deal also expand reach areas reinsurance market time insurer like rivals facing stiff pricing pressure validus major validus business sells propertycasualty reinsurance disasters hurricanes file photo american international group inc aig chief executive officer brian duperreault seen aig headquarters day companyÕs 2017 annual shareholder meeting new york us june 28 2017 reuterssuzanne barlynfile photo validus businesses include alphacat manages 32 billion behalf clients invest insurancelinked securities products repackaging insurance risk debt often linked natural catastrophes deal also add crop insurance aigs product lineup like glove particularly like reinsurance business additive lot pieces company fit us like glove duperreault said conference call analysts reinsurers play important role financial industry assuming risks either large unpredictable insurance clients take american international group inc 5452 aign new york stock exchange aign vrn would buyers aig focus accretion transaction strong underlying margins vr brings fact aig still excess capital deal done wells fargo securities analyst elyse greenspan said note aig revenue fell three past four quarters company plagued losses related prioryear accident claims duperreault replaced peter hancock last year seen turnaround expert promised streamline aigs operations boost profitability first major restructuring action since taking duperreault reorganized aig three new units new structure expected reflect companys fourthquarter results feb 8 validus deal expected close mid2018 citigroup global markets inc perella weinberg partners lp debevoise amp plimpton llp advised aig willkie farr amp gallagher llp represented perella financial advisor aig transaction validus advised jp morgan securities llc skadden arps slate meagher amp flom llp reporting nikhil subba sweta singh bengaluru additional reporting suzanne barlyn new york editing sayantani ghosh frances kerry dunham standards thomson reuters trust principles new york reuters fund managers begun ditch socalled fang stocks powered us stock market record highs january slowly rotating commodityrelated shares value stocks typically outperform latecycle recoveries portfolio managers holding shares facebook inc fbo amazoncom inc amzno netflix inc nflxo googleparent alphabet inc googlo say increasingly concerned data scandal sent shares facebook nearly 15 percent yeartodate spill fang stocks imperiling broad markets momentum time clear companies sectors take place tuesday index tracks fang stocks along six megacap technology stocks tumbled 63 percent biggest decline since september 2014 facebook rose much 15 percent early trading wednesday falling red one day sources told reuters chief executive mark zuckerberg plans testify congress amazoncom dropped 4 percent netflix fell 5 percent googleparent alphabet slightly positive legitimate concerns business models companies expect ironed legislation likely eat profit margins said michael cuggino portfolio manager 17billion permanent portfolio funds cuggino would say whether selling shares facebook said commodity industrial stocks look attractive given rising inflation continued global economic growth fang company rose 33 percent last year helping power sampp 500 spx nearly 20percent gain yet gains left broad sampp 500 trading high trailing pricetoearnings ratio 217 leaving overpriced despite boost margins republicanled corporate tax cut end 2017 rising volatility changing market leadership pointing towards possible conclusion stock market peaked late january 2018 said douglas kass president seabreeze capital management sampp 500 22 percent year nearly 10 percent high 287287 reached jan 26 slideshow 2 images unfriended fund managers say high valuation fang stocks likelihood regulation pushing traditional value stocks like energy defense companies connor browne portfolio manager thornburg investment management said sold shares netflix amazoncom last year companies blew price targets used gains instead increase positions energy stocks pipeline operator enterprise products partners lp epdn crude oil shipping company overseas shipholding group inc osgn stand benefit recovery price oil noticed excitement fangs taking world parts economy seem really favor offer compelling opportunities said even selloff fang stocks continue trade higher valuations broad market netflix trades pe 210 amazoncom trades pe 327 facebook googleparent alphabet directly linked privacy concerns trade valuations near 52week lows facebook inc 15303 fbo nasdaq 000 000 fbo amzno nflxo googlo spx overhang increased government oversight sunk fortunes large technology companies past microsoft corp msfto reached settlement antitrust case department justice 2002 lasted 2011 contributing long period underperformance kept stock high reached 1999 2016 since stock nearly 60 percent strength cloudbased services margaret patel senior portfolio manager wells fargo funds said adding defense stocks like raytheon co rtnn benefit increasing military spending us overseas time increasing exposure nonfang technology stocks like adobe systems inc adbeo microsoft hurt recent selloff sector hard see another sector still fundamental drivers growing much faster sector said reporting david randall editing jennifer ablan nick zieminski standards thomson reuters trust principles washington reuters amazoncom inc amzno shares fell almost 5 percent wednesday wiping 30 billion market value news website axios reported us president donald trump obsessed worlds largest online retailer wants rein growing power logo amazon seen company logistics center lauwinplanque northern france february 20 2017 reuterspascal rossignol trump talked using antitrust law go company worried momandpop retailers put business amazon axios reported citing five sources said discussed issue related coverage us policy changes amazon moment white house official trump also wants change amazons tax treatment axios report said issue president raised publicly last year called internet tax online retailers even though amazon already collects sales tax items sells direct customers president said many times hes always looking create level playing field businesses different said white house spokeswoman sarah sanders asked axios report hes always going look different ways arent specific policies table time trump complaining amazon private believing company become powerful another administration official confirmed reuters official said trump links amazon chief executive jeff bezos private ownership washington post called fake news critical coverage administration trump regards newspaper mouthpiece bezos business interests calling amazonwashingtonpost twitter logo web service amazon pictured june 8 2017 illustration photo reuterscarlos jassoillustration amazon reply request comment axios report amazoncom inc 143142 amzno nasdaq 000 000 amzno fbo favorite target trump criticized amazon taxes jobs past without offering evidence president urging use antitrust law selectively thwart company would unprecedented according jeffrey jacobovitz law firm arnall golden gregory llp amazons stock fell low 138617 wednesday last 46 percent 142783 shares nearly quadrupled last three years tech stocks pressure facebook inc fbo acknowledged month user data improperly harvested consultancy facebook regulatory worries last thing nervous tech investors wanted see news trump targeting bezos amazon coming months remains lingering cloud stock heightens risk profile eyes street gbh insights analyst daniel ives said additional reporting sonam rai bengaluru diane bartz amanda becker washington sinead carew new york writing chris sanders editing jeffrey benkoe james dalgleish standards thomson reuters trust principles new york reuters tesla inc shares fell sharply wednesday reeling credit downgrade electric car maker moodys investors service federal probes fatal crash concerns model 3 production shares tumbled 9 percent ending 77 percent 25778 tuesday tesla tumbled 82 percent lowest close almost year us national transportation safety board ntsb opened field investigation fatal crash vehicle fire california march 23 wednesday second federal regulator national highway transportation safety administration nhtsa said sending team california investigate crash related coverage extreme bearish options tesla making money stock dives us auto safety agency probe fatal tesla california crash late tuesday moodys investors service downgraded teslas credit rating b3 b2 citing significant shortfall production rate companys model 3 electric vehicle also noted liquidity pressures due large negative free cash flow pending maturities convertible bonds tesla 230 million convertible bonds maturing november 2018 920 million march 2019 moodys said negative outlook reflects likelihood tesla undertake large nearterm capital raise order refund maturing obligations avoid liquidity shortfall said teslas weekly production target 2500 model 3 vehicles end march sharply yearearlier target 5000 per week end 2017 teslas weekly target end june 5000 tesla declined comment downgrade company plans provide update model 3 production next week tesla shares experienced big swings past worries losses vied enthusiasm chief executive elon musks ambitious plans selloff left teslas stock market value 44 billion general motors cos 49 billion palo alto californiabased tesla times larger market value gm largest us automaker vehicle sales tesla dealership seen west drayton outside london britain february 7 2018 reutershannah mckay since end february median analyst price target tesla dipped 10 356 37 percent higher wednesdays price according thomson reuters data nomura securities analyst romit shah highest tesla price target 500 nearly double current price targets set march 23 crash last weeks accident tesla struck highway median unclear vehicles automated control system called autopilot driving ntsb police said 38yearold driver tesla died nearby hospital shortly crash late tuesday tesla said blog post yet know happened moments leading crash added data shows tesla owners driven stretch highway autopilot engaged roughly 85000 times never accident know statement say crashed vehicle autopilot mode reporting david shepardson washington alexandria sage noel randewich san francisco editing dan grebler david gregorio standards thomson reuters trust principles
| 1,705 |
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p>In this Monday, July 29, 2013 photo, the Terrafugia "roadable plane" folds up its wings after flying at the Experimental Aircraft Association's AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis. Terrafugia, a privately backed startup in Woburn, Mass., admits on its website that flying cars have become a pop-culture symbol for dreams that don't come true. CEO Carl Dietrich wants to change that. (Joe Sienkiewicz/The Oshkosh Northwestern via AP)</p>
<p>SAN FRANCISCO - A veteran computer scientist hates sitting in his car at stop lights, so he creates software that makes the experience less annoying. A former engineering professor wants to double the range of today's electric vehicles. And an aeronautics expert believes flying cars shouldn't be science fiction.</p>
<p>It's no secret that technology is changing the car industry. The major automakers, as well as tech giants such as Google and possibly Apple, are laying the groundwork for the first driverless cars.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, a number of engineers and entrepreneurs have started their own companies to tackle other automotive challenges. Here are six startups that want to change the way you drive:</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>CONNECTED SIGNALS:</p>
<p>Traffic lights bring order to intersections, but have their inconveniences: They turn red when you're in a hurry; they take forever to change green. And then your mind wanders while you wait - until the guy behind you starts leaning on his horn.</p>
<p>Entrepreneur and computer scientist Matt Ginsberg hates red lights. So he started Connected Signals, based in Eugene, Oregon, to collect real-time data from cities that synchronize their traffic signals. The company's smartphone app tells motorists if an upcoming signal is about to change color. It shows drivers how long they'll have to wait if a light is red - and chimes a warning just before it turns green.</p>
<p>The app helps prevent distraction, unnecessary acceleration and delays, Ginsberg says. BMW has added it to its driver display. Ginsberg also sees an opportunity in selling data for automotive systems that shut off a car's engine to save gas during longer red lights. One hurdle is getting the raw data from individual cities: Ginsberg has agreements with about 100 towns and hopes to cover half the United States by 2017.</p>
<p>PARKME:</p>
<p>Sam Friedman and Alex Israel missed the start of a movie because they couldn't find a place to park. That's when the two young men, friends since kindergarten, decided to launch a company.</p>
<p>Los Angeles-based ParkMe is one of several startups with smartphone apps that help drivers find, reserve and pay online for parking spots. But it's gone further than most in solving the data hurdle: ParkMe boasts parking information from 1,800 cities around the world, much of it collected via live feeds from ticket dispensers at commercial and municipal lots.</p>
<p>ParkMe also gets street parking data from meters that accept credit cards and from cities that use pavement sensors for parking enforcement. While it uses the data in its apps for drivers, ParkMe also sells it to planning agencies and car companies, including Audi, for their navigation systems.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>METROMILE:</p>
<p>That little diagnostic port under your car's dashboard isn't just for mechanics. It can provide useful information for drivers and insurance companies, too.</p>
<p>Several startups use matchbox-sized devices that plug into the port and send information on a car's performance to the driver's smartphone. San Francisco startup MetroMile goes further. It sells car insurance on a pay-per-mile basis, using a similar device to verify the miles driven.</p>
<p>Other insurance companies are trying similar devices to track drivers' behavior, but MetroMile says it won't penalize a customer for speeding or slamming the brakes. The company promises significant savings for people who don't drive much. That may limit the potential market, although CEO Dan Preston says drivers also get useful information from MetroMile's app.</p>
<p>CRUISE:</p>
<p>You don't need to wait years to enjoy autonomous driving. At least that's the premise behind Cruise Automation's "highway autopilot" kit.</p>
<p>Cruise engineers have retro-fitted some recent Audi models with prototype kits consisting of rooftop sensors, a computer in the trunk and controls that fit behind the steering wheel. Founder Kyle Vogt says the system will keep a car within its freeway lane, while steering around curves and maintaining safe distance from other vehicles.</p>
<p>Vogt, a software engineer who helped launch streaming video service Twitch.tv, told The Associated Press in December that he hoped to deliver the first Cruise kits to customers this year. But he stressed the importance of testing before releasing the product, to ensure it is safe. While Cruise received a permit in June to conduct tests on California highways, a spokesman recently declined comment on its timetable.</p>
<p>SAKTI3:</p>
<p>Most electric vehicles on the market only go 100 miles on a charge. A better battery is the industry's "Holy Grail," says investor Quin Garcia of Auto Tech Ventures, which funds automotive startups.</p>
<p>Sakti3, based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is among several startups trying new approaches to lithium-ion batteries. Founder Ann Marie Sastry, a former engineering professor at the University of Michigan, was invited to a White House event this month to explain her ideas for making powerful batteries more cheaply.</p>
<p>It's not enough to come up with an idea for a new battery, Sastry said. "If you can't make it cost-effectively, you can't have an impact." She's using computer simulations to design processes for making solid-state batteries that are lighter and hold twice the energy, providing more range. Appliance-maker Dyson Inc. has invested in Sakti3 and wants to use its technology. General Motors is also an investor.</p>
<p>TERRAFUGIA:</p>
<p>Terrafugia, a privately backed startup in Woburn, Massachusetts, admits on its website that flying cars have become a pop-culture symbol for dreams that don't come true. CEO Carl Dietrich wants to change that.</p>
<p>Two years ago, Dietrich and his co-founders - all MIT graduates - wowed observers at a Wisconsin air show by flying a gasoline-powered light plane the size of an SUV, which can fold its wings and meet legal requirements for highway driving. The company hopes to deliver a version to customers in 2017, at an anticipated price of $279,000.</p>
<p>Terrafugia is also working on a concept for a sleeker, electric-powered vehicle with rotors for vertical takeoff. But Dietrich acknowledged it will take years to achieve his goal of using software and automation to build a car that doesn't require a pilot's license to fly.</p>
<p>"Our first product is very much an airplane that can be driven," Dietrich says, "but it's putting our company in position to make a car that can fly."</p>
| false | 2 |
monday july 29 2013 photo terrafugia roadable plane folds wings flying experimental aircraft associations airventure oshkosh wis terrafugia privately backed startup woburn mass admits website flying cars become popculture symbol dreams dont come true ceo carl dietrich wants change joe sienkiewiczthe oshkosh northwestern via ap san francisco veteran computer scientist hates sitting car stop lights creates software makes experience less annoying former engineering professor wants double range todays electric vehicles aeronautics expert believes flying cars shouldnt science fiction secret technology changing car industry major automakers well tech giants google possibly apple laying groundwork first driverless cars meanwhile number engineers entrepreneurs started companies tackle automotive challenges six startups want change way drive advertisement connected signals traffic lights bring order intersections inconveniences turn red youre hurry take forever change green mind wanders wait guy behind starts leaning horn entrepreneur computer scientist matt ginsberg hates red lights started connected signals based eugene oregon collect realtime data cities synchronize traffic signals companys smartphone app tells motorists upcoming signal change color shows drivers long theyll wait light red chimes warning turns green app helps prevent distraction unnecessary acceleration delays ginsberg says bmw added driver display ginsberg also sees opportunity selling data automotive systems shut cars engine save gas longer red lights one hurdle getting raw data individual cities ginsberg agreements 100 towns hopes cover half united states 2017 parkme sam friedman alex israel missed start movie couldnt find place park thats two young men friends since kindergarten decided launch company los angelesbased parkme one several startups smartphone apps help drivers find reserve pay online parking spots gone solving data hurdle parkme boasts parking information 1800 cities around world much collected via live feeds ticket dispensers commercial municipal lots parkme also gets street parking data meters accept credit cards cities use pavement sensors parking enforcement uses data apps drivers parkme also sells planning agencies car companies including audi navigation systems advertisement metromile little diagnostic port cars dashboard isnt mechanics provide useful information drivers insurance companies several startups use matchboxsized devices plug port send information cars performance drivers smartphone san francisco startup metromile goes sells car insurance paypermile basis using similar device verify miles driven insurance companies trying similar devices track drivers behavior metromile says wont penalize customer speeding slamming brakes company promises significant savings people dont drive much may limit potential market although ceo dan preston says drivers also get useful information metromiles app cruise dont need wait years enjoy autonomous driving least thats premise behind cruise automations highway autopilot kit cruise engineers retrofitted recent audi models prototype kits consisting rooftop sensors computer trunk controls fit behind steering wheel founder kyle vogt says system keep car within freeway lane steering around curves maintaining safe distance vehicles vogt software engineer helped launch streaming video service twitchtv told associated press december hoped deliver first cruise kits customers year stressed importance testing releasing product ensure safe cruise received permit june conduct tests california highways spokesman recently declined comment timetable sakti3 electric vehicles market go 100 miles charge better battery industrys holy grail says investor quin garcia auto tech ventures funds automotive startups sakti3 based ann arbor michigan among several startups trying new approaches lithiumion batteries founder ann marie sastry former engineering professor university michigan invited white house event month explain ideas making powerful batteries cheaply enough come idea new battery sastry said cant make costeffectively cant impact shes using computer simulations design processes making solidstate batteries lighter hold twice energy providing range appliancemaker dyson inc invested sakti3 wants use technology general motors also investor terrafugia terrafugia privately backed startup woburn massachusetts admits website flying cars become popculture symbol dreams dont come true ceo carl dietrich wants change two years ago dietrich cofounders mit graduates wowed observers wisconsin air show flying gasolinepowered light plane size suv fold wings meet legal requirements highway driving company hopes deliver version customers 2017 anticipated price 279000 terrafugia also working concept sleeker electricpowered vehicle rotors vertical takeoff dietrich acknowledged take years achieve goal using software automation build car doesnt require pilots license fly first product much airplane driven dietrich says putting company position make car fly
| 681 |
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p>PARIS — Early voting began overseas Saturday in France’s most nail-biting election in generations, and the 11 candidates seeking to become the country’s next president silenced their campaigns as required to give voters a period of reflection.</p>
<p>Opinion polls pointed to a tight race among the four top contenders vying to get into the May 7 presidential runoff that will decide who becomes France’s next head of state. But the polls also said that decision was largely in the hands of the one-in-three French voters who were still undecided.</p>
<p>Polls opened in France’s far-flung overseas territories but voting wouldn’t start until Sunday on the French mainland. France’s 10 percent unemployment, its lackluster economy and security issues topped voters’ concerns.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Political campaigning was banned from midnight Friday until the polls close at 8 p.m. Sunday.</p>
<p>Polls suggested that far-right nationalist Marine Le Pen and Emmanuel Macron, an independent centrist and former economy minister, were in the lead.</p>
<p>However, conservative Francois Fillon, a former prime minister whose campaign was initially derailed by corruption allegations that his wife was paid for no-show work as his aide, appeared to be closing the gap, as was far-leftist candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon.</p>
<p>Security was tight — the government mobilized more than 50,000 police and gendarmes to protect 70,000 polling stations, with an additional 7,000 soldiers on patrol.</p>
<p>Security was a prominent issue after a wave of extremist attacks on French soil, including a gunman who killed a Paris police officer Thursday night before being shot dead by security forces. The gunman carried a note praising the Islamic State group.</p>
<p>Voters made their choices in the Atlantic Ocean territories of Saint Pierre and Miquelon as well as in French Guiana in South America, the Caribbean’s Guadeloupe and elsewhere. Voters abroad could also cast ballots in French embassies Saturday.</p>
<p>The mad-dash campaigning of the last few weeks came to an abrupt halt after the Champs-Elysees gun attack by 39-year-old Karim Cheurfi. Three suspects close to the attacker remain in custody, Agnes Thibault-Lecuivre of the Paris prosecutor’s office said Saturday.</p>
<p>Le Pen and Fillon canceled their last campaign events Friday over security concerns. Macron did too, but also accused his rivals of trying to capitalize on the attack with their anti-immigration, tough-on-security messages.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>In a sign of how tense the country is, a man holding a knife caused widespread panic Saturday at Paris’ Gare du Nord train station. He was arrested and no one was hurt.</p>
<p>Well-wishers paid their respects Saturday at the site of the shooting, which was adorned with flowers, candles and messages of solidarity for the slain police officer, Xavier Jugele. Across from the Eiffel Tower, women from the group Angry Wives of Law Enforcement demonstrated against violence aimed at police.</p>
<p>Some believed French stoicism would prevent a lurch to the right in the presidential vote, even though the attack dominated French headlines.</p>
<p>“These 48 hours are not going to change everything … terrorism is now an everyday occurrence. It’s permanent, 24 hours a day. So we’re not afraid. If we’re believers in freedom, we must live with it,” said Marise Moron, a retired doctor.</p>
<p>“I’m not going to let myself be influenced by people who are trying to frighten us,” Paris resident Anne-Marie Redouin said near the heavily-guarded Eiffel Tower.</p>
<p>Others, fearful that Le Pen has been strengthened by the instability, said they would shift their votes from fringe candidates to make sure to keep the far-right out of power.</p>
<p>“With an attack such as this one, I think the National Front will get a good result. Therefore I’ll change my intention and cast a useful vote — either Melenchon or Macron,” said physics teacher Omar Ilys, 44.</p>
<p>The French presidential choice will resonate far beyond France’s borders, from Syrian battlefields to Hong Kong trading floors and the halls of the U.N. Security Council.</p>
<p>The election is also widely being viewed as a ballot on the future of the 28-nation European Union. The far-right Le Pen and the far-left Melenchon could pull France out of the bloc and its shared euro currency — a so-called “Frexit.”</p>
<p>A French exit could ignite a death spiral for the EU, the euro and the whole idea of European unity that was borne out of the bloodshed of World War II. France is a founding member of the EU and its main driver, along with former rival Germany.</p>
<p>Financial markets are already jittery over a possible Frexit, fearing capital flight, defaults or lawsuits on bonds and contracts. Le Pen’s team is downplaying possible apocalyptic scenarios and arguing that the euro — which is now used by 19 nations — is headed for a breakup eventually anyway.</p>
<p>If Le Pen or Melenchon win a spot in the runoff, it will be seen as a victory for the populist wave reflected by the votes for Donald Trump and Brexit — the British departure from the EU. Many French workers who have lost out by globalization are similarly fed up with establishment parties and attracted by promises of ditching the status quo.</p>
<p>Alternatively, if neither candidate makes it past Sunday’s first round into the runoff, that’s a clear message that populist nationalism is receding.</p>
<p>Macron and Fillon are committed to European unity and would reform labor rules. Macron has framed himself as a bulwark against Trump’s protectionism.</p>
<p>Le Pen and Melenchon blame free trade pacts for killing French jobs and want to renegotiate them.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press writers David Keyton, Nadine Achoui-Lesage, Raphael Satter and Angela Charlton contributed to this report.</p>
| false | 2 |
paris early voting began overseas saturday frances nailbiting election generations 11 candidates seeking become countrys next president silenced campaigns required give voters period reflection opinion polls pointed tight race among four top contenders vying get may 7 presidential runoff decide becomes frances next head state polls also said decision largely hands oneinthree french voters still undecided polls opened frances farflung overseas territories voting wouldnt start sunday french mainland frances 10 percent unemployment lackluster economy security issues topped voters concerns advertisement political campaigning banned midnight friday polls close 8 pm sunday polls suggested farright nationalist marine le pen emmanuel macron independent centrist former economy minister lead however conservative francois fillon former prime minister whose campaign initially derailed corruption allegations wife paid noshow work aide appeared closing gap farleftist candidate jeanluc melenchon security tight government mobilized 50000 police gendarmes protect 70000 polling stations additional 7000 soldiers patrol security prominent issue wave extremist attacks french soil including gunman killed paris police officer thursday night shot dead security forces gunman carried note praising islamic state group voters made choices atlantic ocean territories saint pierre miquelon well french guiana south america caribbeans guadeloupe elsewhere voters abroad could also cast ballots french embassies saturday maddash campaigning last weeks came abrupt halt champselysees gun attack 39yearold karim cheurfi three suspects close attacker remain custody agnes thibaultlecuivre paris prosecutors office said saturday le pen fillon canceled last campaign events friday security concerns macron also accused rivals trying capitalize attack antiimmigration toughonsecurity messages advertisement sign tense country man holding knife caused widespread panic saturday paris gare du nord train station arrested one hurt wellwishers paid respects saturday site shooting adorned flowers candles messages solidarity slain police officer xavier jugele across eiffel tower women group angry wives law enforcement demonstrated violence aimed police believed french stoicism would prevent lurch right presidential vote even though attack dominated french headlines 48 hours going change everything terrorism everyday occurrence permanent 24 hours day afraid believers freedom must live said marise moron retired doctor im going let influenced people trying frighten us paris resident annemarie redouin said near heavilyguarded eiffel tower others fearful le pen strengthened instability said would shift votes fringe candidates make sure keep farright power attack one think national front get good result therefore ill change intention cast useful vote either melenchon macron said physics teacher omar ilys 44 french presidential choice resonate far beyond frances borders syrian battlefields hong kong trading floors halls un security council election also widely viewed ballot future 28nation european union farright le pen farleft melenchon could pull france bloc shared euro currency socalled frexit french exit could ignite death spiral eu euro whole idea european unity borne bloodshed world war ii france founding member eu main driver along former rival germany financial markets already jittery possible frexit fearing capital flight defaults lawsuits bonds contracts le pens team downplaying possible apocalyptic scenarios arguing euro used 19 nations headed breakup eventually anyway le pen melenchon win spot runoff seen victory populist wave reflected votes donald trump brexit british departure eu many french workers lost globalization similarly fed establishment parties attracted promises ditching status quo alternatively neither candidate makes past sundays first round runoff thats clear message populist nationalism receding macron fillon committed european unity would reform labor rules macron framed bulwark trumps protectionism le pen melenchon blame free trade pacts killing french jobs want renegotiate ___ associated press writers david keyton nadine achouilesage raphael satter angela charlton contributed report
| 572 |
<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>
| false | 2 |
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>NEW YORK (Reuters) - A former software engineer for IBM in China was sentenced to five years in prison after he pleaded guilty to stealing proprietary source code from the company, prosecutors announced on Friday.</p>
<p>Jiaqiang Xu, 32, was sentenced on Thursday by U.S. District Judge Kenneth Karas in White Plains, New York, according to a statement from the office of U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman. Xu pleaded guilty in May 2017 to economic espionage and theft of a trade secret.</p>
<p>Leanne Marek, Xu’s attorney, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.</p>
<p>Xu worked as a systems software developer for International Business Machines Corp from 2010 to 2014, according to a public LinkedIn profile. The company was not identified by name in court documents, and did not immediately respond to a request for comment.</p>
<p>Xu was arrested in December 2015 after meeting with an undercover officer at a White Plains hotel, where authorities said he was recorded saying he used proprietary IBM code to make software to sell to customers, according to prosecutors.</p>
<p>He was originally charged with theft of a trade secret. The economic espionage charges were added in a superseding indictment filed last June.</p>
<p>Prosecutors said the proprietary computer code Xu stole was related to a so-called clustered file system, which facilitates faster computer performance.</p>
<p>Xu, who began working at IBM in China in 2010, had full access to the source code before voluntarily resigning in May 2014, prosecutors said.</p>
<p>According to the criminal complaint filed in 2015, the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 2014 received a report that someone in China was claiming to have access to the code and using it for business ventures, prompting the investigation that led to the arrest.</p>
<p>Reporting by Brendan Pierson in New York; Editing by Matthew Lewis</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Facebook Inc Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg will testify next week before congressional committees over a political consulting firm’s misuse of customer data to interfere in the U.S. presidential election, U.S. lawmakers said on Wednesday. Zuckerberg will appear before a joint hearing of the U.S. Senate Judiciary and Commerce committees on April 10 and the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee on April 11, the panels said on Wednesday.</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>“This hearing will be an important opportunity to shed light on critical consumer data privacy issues and help all Americans better understand what happens to their personal information online,” the House panel’s Republican chairman, Greg Walden, and top Democrat, Frank Pallone, said in a statement.</p>
<p>Facebook has come under fire in recent weeks after it was disclosed that political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica, which worked for Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, gained access to the personal data of 50 million Facebook users.</p>
<p>Facebook said in March it had suspended the accounts of Cambridge Analytica and its parent company and hired forensic auditors to probe whether Cambridge Analytica still had the data.</p>
<p>The technology company also said at the time it would investigate all applications that had gotten access to large amounts of data before the firm changed its platform in 2014, would further restrict developers’ data access and roll out a tool to let users more easily revoke access by applications to their data.</p>
<p>Zuckerberg said in March he would testify before Congress, but turned down an invitation by British lawmakers to explain to a parliamentary committee what had happened.</p>
<p>The company has faced pressure to do more, both in terms of protecting user privacy and stopping “information warfare” on its platform.</p>
<p>In February, 13 Russian nationals were indicted for using Facebook and other social media sites to interfere in the U.S. presidential election.</p>
<p>On Tuesday, Facebook said it had removed hundreds of accounts and pages associated with the Russia-based Internet Research Agency that included fake activist and political posts in the 2016 U.S. election campaign.</p>
<p>American spy agencies have warned that Russia would try to interfere in the 2018 congressional elections by using social media to spread propaganda.</p>
<p>Shares in Facebook closed down 0.6 percent on Wednesday to $155.10. They have tumbled more than 16 percent since the Cambridge Analytica scandal broke.</p>
<p>Reporting by Makini Brice; Additional reporting by Eric Beech; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe and Peter Cooney</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp on Tuesday backed the Justice Department’s request that the U.S. Supreme Court dismiss a case pitting the two against each other over whether prosecutors can force technology companies to hand over data stored overseas after Congress passed a law that resolved the dispute.</p> FILE PHOTO: An advertisement is played on a set of large screens at the Microsoft office in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., on January 25, 2017. REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo
<p>The justices heard arguments in the high-profile case on Feb. 27, but President Donald Trump on March 22 signed legislation that makes clear that U.S. judges can issue warrants for such data while giving companies a way to object if the request conflicts with foreign law. [nL2N1QH0PU]</p>
<p>In a filing with the Supreme Court, Microsoft said it would not oppose the Justice Department’s bid to dismiss the case, filed last Friday, because the matter was now moot. [nL1N1RE011]</p>
<p>“Microsoft agrees with the government that there is no longer a live case or controversy between the parties with respect to the question presented,” the company’s lawyers said in the filing.</p>
<p>Microsoft and the Justice Department had been locked in a dispute over how U.S. prosecutors seek access to data held on overseas computer servers owned by U.S. companies. The case involved Microsoft’s challenge to a domestic warrant issued by a U.S. judge for emails stored on a Microsoft server in Dublin relating to a drug-trafficking investigation.</p>
<p>In its court filing, the Justice Department said it has obtained a new warrant that would be governed by the new law.</p>
<p>Reporting by Lawrence Hurley; Editing by Will Dunham</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>(Walmart corrects online platform where its products can be bought, to JD Daojia, not JD.com, in this April 2nd story)</p> Customers are seen at Walmart Inc.'s first supermarket in China where smartphones can be used to pay for items that are mostly available in its store on the JD.com online platform, in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, China April 4, 2018. REUTERS/Stringer
<p>BEIJING/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Walmart Inc has opened its first small high-tech supermarket in China, where smartphones can be used to pay for items that are mostly available on the U.S. retailer’s store on online platform JD Daojia, an affiliate of JD.com, it said on Monday.</p>
<p>The world’s largest retailer, known for its hypermarkets, is expanding in China as shopping with mobile devices gains popularity in the country, and as retailers and technology companies such as Alibaba Group Holding Ltd and Tencent Holdings Ltd cut deals to integrate online and offline shopping.</p>
<p>Walmart is also targeting more online shoppers, who spend twice as much in the United States when buying on its website.</p> A sign of Walmart Inc. is seen at its first supermarket in China where smartphones can be used to pay for items that are mostly available in its store on the JD.com online platform, in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, China April 4, 2018. REUTERS/Stringer
<p>Walmart had run smaller Walmart Express stores in the United States, with 12,000 to 15,000 square feet, compared with about 105,000 square feet for its typical supermarket. But the concept did not take off and the retailer was forced to shut them down in 2016.</p>
<p>Walmart did not specify the size of the China store, in the southern city of Shenzhen. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.</p>
<p>The outlet will stock more than 8,000 items ranging from stir-fried clams to fresh fruit, 90 percent of which will be available online, it said in a statement. Items can be delivered within a 2 kilometer (1.2 mile) radius as quickly as 29 minutes, said Walmart, which owns a stake in JD.com.</p>
<p>Customers can opt to pay with their smartphone using a program on Tencent Holding Ltd’s WeChat messaging.</p>
<p>In March, Walmart said it would expand its grocery home deliveries in key markets to reach more than 40 percent of U.S. households, or 100 metro areas from six currently.</p>
<p>Reporting by Pei Li and Brenda Goh in Beijing and Nandita Bose in New York; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman and Richard Chang</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>) said on Wednesday that the personal information of up to 87 million users, mostly in the United States, may have been improperly shared with political consultancy Cambridge Analytica, up from a previous news media estimate of more than 50 million.</p>
<p>Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg said in a conference call with reporters that Facebook had not seen “any meaningful impact” on usage or ad sales since the scandal, although he added, “it’s not good” if people are unhappy with the company.</p>
<p>Shares rose more than 3 percent after the bell.</p>
<p>Zuckerberg told reporters that he accepted blame for the data leak, which has angered users, advertisers and lawmakers, while also saying he was still the right person to head the company he founded.</p>
<p>“When you’re building something like Facebook that is unprecedented in the world, there are going to be things that you mess up,” Zuckerberg said, adding that the important thing was to learn from mistakes.</p>
<p>He said he was not aware of any discussions on the Facebook board about him stepping down, although directors would face a challenge if they wanted to oust him because Zuckerberg is the controlling shareholder.</p>
<p>He said he had not fired anyone over the scandal and did not plan to. “I’m not looking to throw anyone else under the bus for mistakes that we made here,” he said.</p>
<p>Facebook first acknowledged last month that personal information about millions of users wrongly ended up in the hands of Cambridge Analytica.</p>
<p>Zuckerberg will testify about the matter next Tuesday and Wednesday during two U.S. congressional hearings.</p>
<p>London-based Cambridge Analytica, which has counted U.S. President Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign among its clients, disputed Facebook’s estimate of affected users. It said in a tweet on Wednesday that it received no more than 30 million records from a researcher it hired to collect data about people on Facebook.</p>
<p>Zuckerberg, on the call with reporters, said Facebook should have done more to audit and oversee third-party app developers like the one that Cambridge Analytica hired in 2014.</p>
<p>“Knowing what I know today, clearly we should have done more,” he said.</p>
<p>Going forward, he said, Facebook was taking steps to restrict which personal data is available to third-party app developers, and he said it might take two more years to fix Facebook's problems. ( <a href="https://bit.ly/2Ejpktb" type="external">bit.ly/2Ejpktb</a>)</p> FILE PHOTO: Silhouettes of mobile users are seen next to a screen projection of Facebook logo in this picture illustration taken March 28, 2018. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File photo
<p>“We’re broadening our view of our responsibility,” Zuckerberg said.</p>
<p>Most of the up to 87 million people whose data was shared with Cambridge Analytica were in the United States, Facebook Chief Technology Officer Mike Schroepfer wrote in a blog post. (Graphic: <a href="https://bit.ly/2q5r5pl" type="external">bit.ly/2q5r5pl</a>)</p>
<p>Shares in Facebook closed down 0.6 percent on Wednesday to $155.10. They have tumbled more than 16 percent since the Cambridge Analytica scandal broke.</p>
<p>The previous estimate of more than 50 million Facebook users affected by the data leak came from two newspapers, the New York Times and London’s Observer, based on their investigations of Cambridge Analytica.</p>
<p>Zuckerberg said Facebook came to the higher estimate by looking at the number of people who had downloaded a personality quiz app created by Cambridge University academic Aleksandr Kogan, or about 270,000 people, and then adding in the number of friends they had.</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=FB.O" type="external">Facebook Inc</a> 155.1 FB.O Nasdaq -1.01 (-0.65%) FB.O
<p>Cambridge Analytica has said that it engaged Kogan “in good faith” to collect Facebook data in a manner similar to how other third-party app developers have harvested personal information.</p>
<p>The scandal has kicked off investigations by Britain’s Information Commissioner’s Office, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and by some 37 U.S. state attorneys general.</p>
<p>Nigeria’s government will investigate allegations of improper involvement by Cambridge Analytica in that country’s 2007 and 2015 elections, a presidency spokesman said on Monday.</p>
<p>Reporting by David Ingram in San Francisco; Additional reporting by Arjun Panchadar in Bengaluru and Eric Auchard in London; Editing by Lisa Shumaker</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
| false | 2 |
new york reuters former software engineer ibm china sentenced five years prison pleaded guilty stealing proprietary source code company prosecutors announced friday jiaqiang xu 32 sentenced thursday us district judge kenneth karas white plains new york according statement office us attorney geoffrey berman xu pleaded guilty may 2017 economic espionage theft trade secret leanne marek xus attorney immediately respond request comment xu worked systems software developer international business machines corp 2010 2014 according public linkedin profile company identified name court documents immediately respond request comment xu arrested december 2015 meeting undercover officer white plains hotel authorities said recorded saying used proprietary ibm code make software sell customers according prosecutors originally charged theft trade secret economic espionage charges added superseding indictment filed last june prosecutors said proprietary computer code xu stole related socalled clustered file system facilitates faster computer performance xu began working ibm china 2010 full access source code voluntarily resigning may 2014 prosecutors said according criminal complaint filed 2015 federal bureau investigation 2014 received report someone china claiming access code using business ventures prompting investigation led arrest reporting brendan pierson new york editing matthew lewis standards thomson reuters trust principles washington reuters facebook inc chief executive officer mark zuckerberg testify next week congressional committees political consulting firms misuse customer data interfere us presidential election us lawmakers said wednesday zuckerberg appear joint hearing us senate judiciary commerce committees april 10 us house energy commerce committee april 11 panels said wednesday file photo facebook founder ceo mark zuckerberg speaks stage annual facebook f8 developers conference san jose california us april 18 2017 reutersstephen lamfile photo hearing important opportunity shed light critical consumer data privacy issues help americans better understand happens personal information online house panels republican chairman greg walden top democrat frank pallone said statement facebook come fire recent weeks disclosed political consulting firm cambridge analytica worked donald trumps presidential campaign gained access personal data 50 million facebook users facebook said march suspended accounts cambridge analytica parent company hired forensic auditors probe whether cambridge analytica still data technology company also said time would investigate applications gotten access large amounts data firm changed platform 2014 would restrict developers data access roll tool let users easily revoke access applications data zuckerberg said march would testify congress turned invitation british lawmakers explain parliamentary committee happened company faced pressure terms protecting user privacy stopping information warfare platform february 13 russian nationals indicted using facebook social media sites interfere us presidential election tuesday facebook said removed hundreds accounts pages associated russiabased internet research agency included fake activist political posts 2016 us election campaign american spy agencies warned russia would try interfere 2018 congressional elections using social media spread propaganda shares facebook closed 06 percent wednesday 15510 tumbled 16 percent since cambridge analytica scandal broke reporting makini brice additional reporting eric beech editing jeffrey benkoe peter cooney standards thomson reuters trust principles washington reuters microsoft corp tuesday backed justice departments request us supreme court dismiss case pitting two whether prosecutors force technology companies hand data stored overseas congress passed law resolved dispute file photo advertisement played set large screens microsoft office cambridge massachusetts us january 25 2017 reutersbrian snyderfile photo justices heard arguments highprofile case feb 27 president donald trump march 22 signed legislation makes clear us judges issue warrants data giving companies way object request conflicts foreign law nl2n1qh0pu filing supreme court microsoft said would oppose justice departments bid dismiss case filed last friday matter moot nl1n1re011 microsoft agrees government longer live case controversy parties respect question presented companys lawyers said filing microsoft justice department locked dispute us prosecutors seek access data held overseas computer servers owned us companies case involved microsofts challenge domestic warrant issued us judge emails stored microsoft server dublin relating drugtrafficking investigation court filing justice department said obtained new warrant would governed new law reporting lawrence hurley editing dunham standards thomson reuters trust principles walmart corrects online platform products bought jd daojia jdcom april 2nd story customers seen walmart incs first supermarket china smartphones used pay items mostly available store jdcom online platform shenzhen guangdong province china april 4 2018 reutersstringer beijingnew york reuters walmart inc opened first small hightech supermarket china smartphones used pay items mostly available us retailers store online platform jd daojia affiliate jdcom said monday worlds largest retailer known hypermarkets expanding china shopping mobile devices gains popularity country retailers technology companies alibaba group holding ltd tencent holdings ltd cut deals integrate online offline shopping walmart also targeting online shoppers spend twice much united states buying website sign walmart inc seen first supermarket china smartphones used pay items mostly available store jdcom online platform shenzhen guangdong province china april 4 2018 reutersstringer walmart run smaller walmart express stores united states 12000 15000 square feet compared 105000 square feet typical supermarket concept take retailer forced shut 2016 walmart specify size china store southern city shenzhen company immediately respond request comment outlet stock 8000 items ranging stirfried clams fresh fruit 90 percent available online said statement items delivered within 2 kilometer 12 mile radius quickly 29 minutes said walmart owns stake jdcom customers opt pay smartphone using program tencent holding ltds wechat messaging march walmart said would expand grocery home deliveries key markets reach 40 percent us households 100 metro areas six currently reporting pei li brenda goh beijing nandita bose new york editing muralikumar anantharaman richard chang standards thomson reuters trust principles san francisco reuters facebook inc fbo said wednesday personal information 87 million users mostly united states may improperly shared political consultancy cambridge analytica previous news media estimate 50 million chief executive mark zuckerberg said conference call reporters facebook seen meaningful impact usage ad sales since scandal although added good people unhappy company shares rose 3 percent bell zuckerberg told reporters accepted blame data leak angered users advertisers lawmakers also saying still right person head company founded youre building something like facebook unprecedented world going things mess zuckerberg said adding important thing learn mistakes said aware discussions facebook board stepping although directors would face challenge wanted oust zuckerberg controlling shareholder said fired anyone scandal plan im looking throw anyone else bus mistakes made said facebook first acknowledged last month personal information millions users wrongly ended hands cambridge analytica zuckerberg testify matter next tuesday wednesday two us congressional hearings londonbased cambridge analytica counted us president donald trumps 2016 campaign among clients disputed facebooks estimate affected users said tweet wednesday received 30 million records researcher hired collect data people facebook zuckerberg call reporters said facebook done audit oversee thirdparty app developers like one cambridge analytica hired 2014 knowing know today clearly done said going forward said facebook taking steps restrict personal data available thirdparty app developers said might take two years fix facebooks problems bitly2ejpktb file photo silhouettes mobile users seen next screen projection facebook logo picture illustration taken march 28 2018 reutersdado ruvicillustrationfile photo broadening view responsibility zuckerberg said 87 million people whose data shared cambridge analytica united states facebook chief technology officer mike schroepfer wrote blog post graphic bitly2q5r5pl shares facebook closed 06 percent wednesday 15510 tumbled 16 percent since cambridge analytica scandal broke previous estimate 50 million facebook users affected data leak came two newspapers new york times londons observer based investigations cambridge analytica zuckerberg said facebook came higher estimate looking number people downloaded personality quiz app created cambridge university academic aleksandr kogan 270000 people adding number friends facebook inc 1551 fbo nasdaq 101 065 fbo cambridge analytica said engaged kogan good faith collect facebook data manner similar thirdparty app developers harvested personal information scandal kicked investigations britains information commissioners office us federal trade commission 37 us state attorneys general nigerias government investigate allegations improper involvement cambridge analytica countrys 2007 2015 elections presidency spokesman said monday reporting david ingram san francisco additional reporting arjun panchadar bengaluru eric auchard london editing lisa shumaker standards thomson reuters trust principles
| 1,299 |
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p />
<p>A former youth minister at a Los Alamos church has pleaded guilty in a federal child pornography case and could face up to 40 years in prison.</p>
<p>The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Albuquerque said in a news release that Matthew Nichols, 58, of Los Alamos appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge W. Daniel Schneider on Friday and pleaded guilty under a plea agreement to distribution and attempted distribution of child pornography.</p>
<p>The news release said that Nichols specifically admitted to distributing and attempting to distribute a video depicting a minor male engaged in sexually explicit conduct with an adult male as charged in Count 2 of an indictment returned against him in June.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Nichols, who was fired in August by Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Los Alamos, has been in custody since his arrest on June 23.</p>
<p>Nichols, who previously had been convicted of corruption of minors and criminal solicitation (to commit involuntary deviant sexual intercourse) in Pennsylvania, will face at sentencing a term of not less than 15 years and not more than 40 years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000 and a lifetime term of supervised release, the news release said. He also will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.</p>
<p>An investigation into Nichols began in September 2009 after the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about a computer IP address being used to distribute child pornography, according to the news release.</p>
<p>The news release said investigation revealed the IP address was subscribed to the Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Los Alamos, and further investigation revealed that an IP address subscribed to Nichols at his residence also was being used to distribute child pornography.</p>
<p>Authorities executed search warrants on Dec. 29, 2009, at the church and at Nichols’ residence and recovered computers and computer-related media containing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, the news release said. According to the plea agreement, forensic examinations of the computers and computer-related media uncovered 1,465 images and 186 videos of child pornography.</p>
<p>Nichols was indicted on federal distribution, receipt and possession of child pornography charges, the news release said.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>Tuesday, 10 August 2010 09:40</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Los Alamos has fired youth pastor Matthew Nichols after learning that the seven-year employee had prior convictions in Pennsylvania in 1980 for corrupting minors and for criminal solicitation, the Los Alamos Monitor reported.</p>
<p>Nichols worked at the church for seven years before being placed on administrative leave following a criminal investigation in January, the Monitor said.</p>
<p>He was arrested June 23, a day after a federal grand jury indicted him on child pornography charges, including distributing and attempting to distribute, receiving and possessing child pornography, the paper reported.</p>
<p>“The (church) council took action at a special meeting in late June or early July based on what we learned in the indictment,” church board president Jerry Ethridge told the Monitor. “We didn’t fire him because of the arrest in June but because the indictment revealed his 1980 prior convictions, and none of that came up in any of the interviews with him … he didn’t say anything about it … we felt our congregation’s confidence in him was probably irreparable based on that.”</p>
<p>Nichols, 58, was denied bond in June and remains in jail in Albuquerque, the Monitor said.</p>
<p>The investigation into Nichols stemmed from a tip received in October 2009 from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about an e-mail address that had been used to transmit child pornography, and the address allegedly was traced to Nichols’ home in White Rock and the Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church, the paper reported.</p>
<p>If convicted, Nichols could receive up to 40 years in prison, a lifetime of supervised release and a $250,000 fine for distributing and possessing child pornography, and he could face another maximum 20-year sentence for each of three counts of possessing a visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicity conduct, according to the Monitor.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>12:05pm 6/28/10 — Magistrate Has Denied Bond for Los Alamos Youth Minister: Man is facing child pornography charges.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>A federal magistrate has denied bond for a Los Alamos youth minister charged in a child pornography case.</p>
<p>Assistant U.S. Attorney Charlyn Rees said the judge found during Friday’s hearing that 58-year-old Matthew Nichols is a danger to the community and should not be released.</p>
<p>Federal agents arrested Nichols on Wednesday on an indictment charging him with possessing, receiving, distributing and attempting to distribute child pornography.</p>
<p>Nichols has been on paid leave from the Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church since January. His lawyer didn’t return calls after the hearing, and a woman who answered a telephone listed for Nichols declined to comment.</p>
<p>Agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement searched the pastor’s home and the church Dec. 29, confiscating four computers, hard drives and CDs believed to contain child pornography.</p>
<p>The indictment said Nichols was convicted of corruption of minors and criminal solicitation to commit involuntary deviate sexual intercourse in Dauphin County, Pa., in 1980. ICE said in a news release that Nichols previously was employed as a science teacher and coach at a middle school in Espanola and as a teacher at a high school in Munhall, Pa., near Pittsburgh.</p>
<p>Nichols has been youth and family director at the Los Alamos church since 2003. No one responded to messages left at the church, but Jerry Ethridge, president of its board of directors, said in a videotaped interview posted on the Los Alamos Monitor website that Nichols will remain on paid leave until the matter is resolved.</p>
<p>“Matt is a very well-performing employee of the congregation,” he said. “All indications from both parents and all the children (are) that during that period of time, there’s been no … inappropriate action by Matt.”</p>
<p>ICE said it began investigating Nichols in October 2009 after receiving information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Officials said the tip originated with America Online and that an e-mail address used to transmit child pornography was traced to the Los Alamos church and Nichols’ home.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>Friday, 25 June 2010 15:27</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>A youth minister in Los Alamos has been indicted by a federal grand jury on child pornography charges, including distributing and attempting to distribute, receiving, and possessing child pornography, the Los Alamos Monitor reported.</p>
<p>Matthew Nichols, 58, was arraigned on the charges on Thursday, according to the newspaper. He had been indicted on Tuesday and then arrested at his White Rock residence on Wednesday by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) special agents.</p>
<p>The Monitor said that according to officials at the Bethlehem Evangelical Church in Los Alamos, Nichols has been on paid administrative leave since January from the church where he has worked since 2003. The newspaper said ICE agents confiscated computers at the church on Dec. 29 and told church leaders that the youth minister was the subject of an investigation.</p>
<p>The investigation was prompted by a tip received last October from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about an e-mail address that had been used to transmit child pornography that was traced to Nichols’ home and the church, according to the Monitor.</p>
<p>The newspaper said that, if convicted, Nichols faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, a lifetime of supervised release and a $250,000 fine for distributing and possessing child pornography. He also faces, if convicted, a maximum of sentence of 20 years in prison, a lifetime of supervised release and a $250,000 fine for each of three counts of possessing a visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, according to the Monitor.</p>
<p>Nichols, prior to going to work for the Los Alamos church, had been a science teacher and coach at McCurdy Middle School in Espanola and a teacher at Steele Valley High School in Munhall, Pa., the newspaper reported.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
| false | 2 |
former youth minister los alamos church pleaded guilty federal child pornography case could face 40 years prison us attorneys office albuquerque said news release matthew nichols 58 los alamos appeared us magistrate judge w daniel schneider friday pleaded guilty plea agreement distribution attempted distribution child pornography news release said nichols specifically admitted distributing attempting distribute video depicting minor male engaged sexually explicit conduct adult male charged count 2 indictment returned june advertisement nichols fired august bethlehem evangelical lutheran church los alamos custody since arrest june 23 nichols previously convicted corruption minors criminal solicitation commit involuntary deviant sexual intercourse pennsylvania face sentencing term less 15 years 40 years imprisonment maximum fine 250000 lifetime term supervised release news release said also required register sex offender upon release prison investigation nichols began september 2009 new mexico attorney generals office received tip national center missing exploited children computer ip address used distribute child pornography according news release news release said investigation revealed ip address subscribed bethlehem evangelical lutheran church los alamos investigation revealed ip address subscribed nichols residence also used distribute child pornography authorities executed search warrants dec 29 2009 church nichols residence recovered computers computerrelated media containing visual depictions minors engaged sexually explicit conduct news release said according plea agreement forensic examinations computers computerrelated media uncovered 1465 images 186 videos child pornography nichols indicted federal distribution receipt possession child pornography charges news release said 160 tuesday 10 august 2010 0940 advertisement 160 bethlehem evangelical lutheran church los alamos fired youth pastor matthew nichols learning sevenyear employee prior convictions pennsylvania 1980 corrupting minors criminal solicitation los alamos monitor reported nichols worked church seven years placed administrative leave following criminal investigation january monitor said arrested june 23 day federal grand jury indicted child pornography charges including distributing attempting distribute receiving possessing child pornography paper reported church council took action special meeting late june early july based learned indictment church board president jerry ethridge told monitor didnt fire arrest june indictment revealed 1980 prior convictions none came interviews didnt say anything felt congregations confidence probably irreparable based nichols 58 denied bond june remains jail albuquerque monitor said investigation nichols stemmed tip received october 2009 national center missing exploited children email address used transmit child pornography address allegedly traced nichols home white rock bethlehem evangelical lutheran church paper reported convicted nichols could receive 40 years prison lifetime supervised release 250000 fine distributing possessing child pornography could face another maximum 20year sentence three counts possessing visual depiction minor engaged sexually explicity conduct according monitor 160 160 1205pm 62810 magistrate denied bond los alamos youth minister man facing child pornography charges 160 federal magistrate denied bond los alamos youth minister charged child pornography case assistant us attorney charlyn rees said judge found fridays hearing 58yearold matthew nichols danger community released federal agents arrested nichols wednesday indictment charging possessing receiving distributing attempting distribute child pornography nichols paid leave bethlehem evangelical lutheran church since january lawyer didnt return calls hearing woman answered telephone listed nichols declined comment agents us immigration customs enforcement searched pastors home church dec 29 confiscating four computers hard drives cds believed contain child pornography indictment said nichols convicted corruption minors criminal solicitation commit involuntary deviate sexual intercourse dauphin county pa 1980 ice said news release nichols previously employed science teacher coach middle school espanola teacher high school munhall pa near pittsburgh nichols youth family director los alamos church since 2003 one responded messages left church jerry ethridge president board directors said videotaped interview posted los alamos monitor website nichols remain paid leave matter resolved matt wellperforming employee congregation said indications parents children period time theres inappropriate action matt ice said began investigating nichols october 2009 receiving information national center missing exploited children officials said tip originated america online email address used transmit child pornography traced los alamos church nichols home 160 160 friday 25 june 2010 1527 160 youth minister los alamos indicted federal grand jury child pornography charges including distributing attempting distribute receiving possessing child pornography los alamos monitor reported matthew nichols 58 arraigned charges thursday according newspaper indicted tuesday arrested white rock residence wednesday us immigration customs enforcement ice special agents monitor said according officials bethlehem evangelical church los alamos nichols paid administrative leave since january church worked since 2003 newspaper said ice agents confiscated computers church dec 29 told church leaders youth minister subject investigation investigation prompted tip received last october national center missing exploited children email address used transmit child pornography traced nichols home church according monitor newspaper said convicted nichols faces maximum sentence 40 years prison lifetime supervised release 250000 fine distributing possessing child pornography also faces convicted maximum sentence 20 years prison lifetime supervised release 250000 fine three counts possessing visual depiction minor engaged sexually explicit conduct according monitor nichols prior going work los alamos church science teacher coach mccurdy middle school espanola teacher steele valley high school munhall pa newspaper reported 160 160
| 813 |
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p />
<p>Sales are growing again. Yoplait, one of General Mills Inc.’s core U.S. businesses, is making strides in Greek yogurt. And Yoplait’s “original” yogurt line has blossomed with a new marketing campaign.</p>
<p>Now, General Mills is betting that a big ingredient change — a 25 percent-plus sugar reduction in Yoplait Original — will further boost the brand’s momentum.</p>
<p>“The business has turned, ” said David Clark, president of Yoplait’s U.S. operation. “This is the first time we have seen (growth) metrics in three years.”</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>General Mills posted a 1 percent sales gain for Yoplait in each of its first two quarters of fiscal 2015. Third quarter results are due out Wednesday, and some recent trends have been positive.</p>
<p>Nielsen data provided by General Mills shows that Yoplait Original sales for the year ended Feb. 21 were up 12.4 percent over the previous year, while Yoplait Greek recorded a 39 percent gain. Those results were tempered by the continuing erosion of Yoplait Light, which had a 12.1 percent drop.</p>
<p>Compare recent numbers to the preceding bloodbath: In General Mills’ fiscal year that ended in May 2014, Yoplait’s sales fell 3 percent to $1.31 billion, and plummeted 5 percent in the two fiscal years before that.</p>
<p>Overall, the U.S. yogurt business — powered by Greek yogurt — has been growing at a nice clip for several years. As a result, yogurt has become a sweet spot for packaged food companies, playing to key industry trends of convenience and well-being.</p>
<p>“In general, consumers are focused on convenient offerings that they perceive to be healthy,” said Erin Lash, a packaged food analyst at Morningstar Inc.</p>
<p>A health focus has been part of General Mills’ efforts to recharge its Yoplait Original business.</p>
<p>The company removed high-fructose corn syrup in 2012 from Yoplait Original — seen by some as unhealthy. Now comes the sugar slash.</p>
<p>“We have been working on this for three years,” said Clark, a veteran General Mills executive who took the reins of Yoplait’s U.S. business last April. “It’s really challenging to do.”</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>General Mills must cut sugar without sacrificing taste, the bottom line in the food industry.</p>
<p>The company wouldn’t divulge details of the reformulation. Milk levels were boosted, which also had the positive effect of raising protein from 5 to 6 grams per serving, though fat per serving will go from 1.5 grams to 2. With sugar falling from 26 grams per serving to 18, calories will decline from 170 to 150.</p>
<p>General Mills acknowledges the reformulated product has a taste and mouthfeel that’s different from the former version. It’s a bit thicker, with more of a dairy flavor.</p>
<p>New packaging for Yoplait Original will proclaim the sugar reduction, which goes against industry convention. Stealth sugar and salt cuts are much more common.</p>
<p>Under pressure from health advocates and consumers, packaged food companies have been cutting sugar and salt across their portfolios in recent years. But they often don’t trumpet the changes because they are afraid that consumers — despite their health worries — will view such cuts as damaging to flavor.</p>
<p>“Consumers could see a product being touted as having less sugar as having a less desirable taste,” Lash said. But General Mills is betting that consumers’ values about sugar are significantly changing, she said, outweighing their fears of taste changes.</p>
<p>General Mills also has overhauled its marketing approach to Yoplait Original, including increasing its ad spending on the product by double digit percentages since June 2014.</p>
<p>Yoplait Original ads have been focusing more on yogurt as a family snack, which is often the way yogurt is consumed.</p>
<p>And the snack business is a highlight in a food industry that’s otherwise been in a torpor. “We have really changed our messaging,” Clark said. “It’s a lot more about snacking.”</p>
<p>General Mills started manufacturing the reformulated Yoplait Original last week, and it will roll out in stores nationally between the end of March and June.</p>
<p>The attempt to reinvigorate Yoplait Original comes at a good time. The Greek yogurt market — while still the industry’s hot spot — is starting to mature. Overall U.S. yogurt sales, led by Greek, grew 3.4 percent in 2014, down from 7.8 percent a year earlier, according to a report from market researcher Packaged Facts.</p>
<p>Yoplait’s business has been shaped over the past four years — mostly for the worse — by the dramatic rise of Greek, a tangier, more protein-rich style of yogurt.</p>
<p>Chobani, the upstart New York state company that drove the Greek market, was unheard of a decade ago. Now, it has a 29 percent share of the overall U.S. yogurt market, according to a report by market researcher IBISWorld. Traditional yogurt heavyweights Yoplait and Dannon respectively posted shares of 29 percent and 28 percent.</p>
<p>Greek yogurt ate into the market for traditional and light yogurts, Yoplait’s mainstay. And then there’s Yoplait’s much-chronicled late and flawed entry into Greek.</p>
<p>Yoplait is still a distant third in Greek yogurt behind Chobani and Dannon. But it’s making progress. During General Mills’ most recent quarter, Yoplait’s share of the Greek market rose from 10 to 12 percent, its high-water mark.</p>
<p>“We’ve had a real focus on Greek,” Clark said. “Obviously, we’ve had a lot of ground to make up.”</p>
<p>Sales have been driven by Yoplait Greek 100, the first low-calorie Greek yogurt from a major food manufacturer. Greek 100 accounts for two-thirds of Yoplait’s Greek sales.</p>
<p>Recently, Yoplait launched a mousse version of Greek 100 under its “Whips” banner. Yoplait Original and Yoplait Light both come in Whips versions, and Whips make up about 15 percent of Yoplait’s U.S. sales.</p>
<p>In July, Yoplait plans to debut a new Greek yogurt called “Plenti,” which features oatmeal, flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds. While it looks to be the first mass-market Greek version with multiple grains or seeds, Chobani premiered an oatmeal yogurt last year.</p>
<p>The good news does not extend to Yoplait’s low-calorie conventional yogurt.</p>
<p>The continued drop in Yoplait Light — surpassed in sales by Yoplait Original in 2013 — is part of an industrywide slump in many products with weight loss connotations. It’s not that consumers don’t want to lose weight, they just don’t want to be reminded of it.</p>
<p>“A number of products labeled ‘light’ or ‘low fat’ or ‘low calories’ have been challenged from a growth perspective as consumers don’t want to feel they are on a diet, but instead want to be feel like they are eating healthier overall, ” said Morningstar’s Lash.</p>
<p>In other words, General Mills still has a lot of work ahead to revive its Yoplait franchise.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
| false | 2 |
sales growing yoplait one general mills incs core us businesses making strides greek yogurt yoplaits original yogurt line blossomed new marketing campaign general mills betting big ingredient change 25 percentplus sugar reduction yoplait original boost brands momentum business turned said david clark president yoplaits us operation first time seen growth metrics three years advertisement general mills posted 1 percent sales gain yoplait first two quarters fiscal 2015 third quarter results due wednesday recent trends positive nielsen data provided general mills shows yoplait original sales year ended feb 21 124 percent previous year yoplait greek recorded 39 percent gain results tempered continuing erosion yoplait light 121 percent drop compare recent numbers preceding bloodbath general mills fiscal year ended may 2014 yoplaits sales fell 3 percent 131 billion plummeted 5 percent two fiscal years overall us yogurt business powered greek yogurt growing nice clip several years result yogurt become sweet spot packaged food companies playing key industry trends convenience wellbeing general consumers focused convenient offerings perceive healthy said erin lash packaged food analyst morningstar inc health focus part general mills efforts recharge yoplait original business company removed highfructose corn syrup 2012 yoplait original seen unhealthy comes sugar slash working three years said clark veteran general mills executive took reins yoplaits us business last april really challenging advertisement general mills must cut sugar without sacrificing taste bottom line food industry company wouldnt divulge details reformulation milk levels boosted also positive effect raising protein 5 6 grams per serving though fat per serving go 15 grams 2 sugar falling 26 grams per serving 18 calories decline 170 150 general mills acknowledges reformulated product taste mouthfeel thats different former version bit thicker dairy flavor new packaging yoplait original proclaim sugar reduction goes industry convention stealth sugar salt cuts much common pressure health advocates consumers packaged food companies cutting sugar salt across portfolios recent years often dont trumpet changes afraid consumers despite health worries view cuts damaging flavor consumers could see product touted less sugar less desirable taste lash said general mills betting consumers values sugar significantly changing said outweighing fears taste changes general mills also overhauled marketing approach yoplait original including increasing ad spending product double digit percentages since june 2014 yoplait original ads focusing yogurt family snack often way yogurt consumed snack business highlight food industry thats otherwise torpor really changed messaging clark said lot snacking general mills started manufacturing reformulated yoplait original last week roll stores nationally end march june attempt reinvigorate yoplait original comes good time greek yogurt market still industrys hot spot starting mature overall us yogurt sales led greek grew 34 percent 2014 78 percent year earlier according report market researcher packaged facts yoplaits business shaped past four years mostly worse dramatic rise greek tangier proteinrich style yogurt chobani upstart new york state company drove greek market unheard decade ago 29 percent share overall us yogurt market according report market researcher ibisworld traditional yogurt heavyweights yoplait dannon respectively posted shares 29 percent 28 percent greek yogurt ate market traditional light yogurts yoplaits mainstay theres yoplaits muchchronicled late flawed entry greek yoplait still distant third greek yogurt behind chobani dannon making progress general mills recent quarter yoplaits share greek market rose 10 12 percent highwater mark weve real focus greek clark said obviously weve lot ground make sales driven yoplait greek 100 first lowcalorie greek yogurt major food manufacturer greek 100 accounts twothirds yoplaits greek sales recently yoplait launched mousse version greek 100 whips banner yoplait original yoplait light come whips versions whips make 15 percent yoplaits us sales july yoplait plans debut new greek yogurt called plenti features oatmeal flaxseeds pumpkin seeds looks first massmarket greek version multiple grains seeds chobani premiered oatmeal yogurt last year good news extend yoplaits lowcalorie conventional yogurt continued drop yoplait light surpassed sales yoplait original 2013 part industrywide slump many products weight loss connotations consumers dont want lose weight dont want reminded number products labeled light low fat low calories challenged growth perspective consumers dont want feel diet instead want feel like eating healthier overall said morningstars lash words general mills still lot work ahead revive yoplait franchise 160
| 685 |
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p />
<p>The man is Gary King, former six-term member of the state House of Representatives, current two-term state attorney general and candidate in the June primary election for the Democratic nomination for governor, a job his father was elected to three times.</p>
<p>In March, King finished last among five gubernatorial candidates in delegate voting at the Democratic Party's pre-primary convention. He dismissed the outcome as a vote of party bosses, and a later poll of the party's rank and file by a Democratic-leaning organization found King comfortably ahead of his rivals for the gubernatorial nomination.</p>
<p>Last week, we learned that King's chief public corruption lawyer alleged King had wrongfully asked him last August for personal information so he could be solicited for money for King's campaign.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>King fired the lawyer, Chris Lackmann, effective today, but said his dismissal had nothing to do with Lackmann's complaint to a state district attorney about the request for personal information.</p>
<p>King said he had done nothing wrong because Lackmann had expressed interest in supporting his campaign, and he noted that DA Kari Brandenburg in Albuquerque declined to pursue the matter.</p>
<p>The latest blow to King came this week with the Attorney General's Office throwing in the towel in one of the biggest public corruption cases brought during King's tenure as AG.</p>
<p>The AG's Office on Monday dismissed charges against the remaining three defendants in the Region III Housing Authority case. Former Democratic state Rep. Vincent "Smiley" Gallegos, who headed the authority, previously had pleaded no contest to four misdemeanors in a deal with the AG's Office.</p>
<p>The Albuquerque-based government housing agency collapsed in 2006 after defaulting on repayment of $5 million in bonds it sold to the State Investment Council to purchase and renovate homes for low-income buyers.</p>
<p>An audit later found the authority had misspent money on retirement benefits, salaries, a $300,000 loan to Gallegos, liquor and travel. The agency also had sold homes to authority insiders and let a state judge and a top aide to a powerful state legislator live rent-free in Region III houses.</p>
<p>Gallegos, two former authority lawyers and a former authority accountant were indicted in 2009. Gallegos entered his no contest pleas in December and received one year of probation. The others denied guilt. One was represented by Sam Bregman, the state Democratic Party chairman.</p>
<p>In explaining the dismissal of charges against the remaining defendants, David Pederson, the AG's general counsel, said the cases had grown "stale."</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Two witnesses had died, and others had grown uncertain of their recollections of events, Pederson said.</p>
<p>So, why couldn't the AG's Office get the cases to trial before they grew stale?</p>
<p>Pederson said there were delays caused by health issues with one defendant, battles with the defense over evidence production, limitations of judges' schedules and complications caused by having multiple defendants.</p>
<p>"It was a tough case to orchestrate," Pederson said.</p>
<p>The AG's Office made repeated requests for trial dates to be set, but Pederson said there has been no attempt to analyze the cases to determine whether the government - the AG's Office and the courts - or the defense was responsible for most of the delays.</p>
<p>Lackmann, the lawyer fired by King, was the chief prosecutor in the Region III cases, but Pederson said his dismissal had nothing to with the decision to close the cases.</p>
<p>In a telephone interview Thursday, King repeated what Pederson had said previously: The AG's Office had an ethical obligation to dismiss the charges because it no longer believed it could win convictions at trial.</p>
<p>For King, it was the second major corruption case brought by his office to end without making it to trial.</p>
<p>Last November, a judge dismissed charges against former Secretary of State Rebecca Vigil-Giron (now Rebecca D. Vigil), who was indicted along with three others in 2009 on charges related to the alleged embezzlement of federal money meant for voter education.</p>
<p>District Judge Reed Sheppard in Albuquerque, in dismissing the charges, found Vigil-Giron's speedy-trial rights were violated. She had pleaded not guilty.</p>
<p>Sheppard noted that it took a previous judge in the case 18 months to hold a hearing on a defense motion, and that it took the AG's Office four months to get a special prosecutor in place after the office was disqualified from proceeding further as prosecutor.</p>
<p>The AG's Office had provided legal advice to Vigil-Giron while she was in office on the use of some federal voter education funds, and the AG's Office was removed as prosecutor by a state district judge because of a perceived conflict of interest.</p>
<p>Charges against Vigil-Giron's co-defendants also were dismissed, but special prosecutor Joseph E. CampBell is seeking reinstatement against all defendants in an appeal to the state Court of Appeals.</p>
<p>In the interview Thursday, King acknowledged what he called a challenging month.</p>
<p>On the upside, the attorney general said, he is appealing a new rule on copper mines and groundwater pollution, defending his regulation requiring motor vehicle dealers to inspect vehicles and disclose damage prior to sales, investigating police shootings in Albuquerque and working with Mexico to combat criminal organizations.</p>
<p>As for his gubernatorial campaign, he pointed to a poll released in March showing he leads the primary race by nearly 20 points and is within striking distance of Republican Gov. Susana Martinez, who is seeking a second term.</p>
<p>King said the job of his campaign is to present a complete picture of what he has done as attorney general.</p>
<p>"There are always ups and downs with being someone like the attorney general," he said. "Every day, everybody in my agency does a good job. - The results come as they do."</p>
<p>UpFront is a daily front-page news and opinion column. Comment directly to Thom Cole at <a href="" type="internal">[email protected]</a> or 505-992-6280 in Santa Fe. Go to <a href="" type="internal">abqjournal.com/letters/new</a> to submit a letter to the editor.</p>
<p />
<p />
| false | 2 |
man gary king former sixterm member state house representatives current twoterm state attorney general candidate june primary election democratic nomination governor job father elected three times march king finished last among five gubernatorial candidates delegate voting democratic partys preprimary convention dismissed outcome vote party bosses later poll partys rank file democraticleaning organization found king comfortably ahead rivals gubernatorial nomination last week learned kings chief public corruption lawyer alleged king wrongfully asked last august personal information could solicited money kings campaign advertisement king fired lawyer chris lackmann effective today said dismissal nothing lackmanns complaint state district attorney request personal information king said done nothing wrong lackmann expressed interest supporting campaign noted da kari brandenburg albuquerque declined pursue matter latest blow king came week attorney generals office throwing towel one biggest public corruption cases brought kings tenure ag ags office monday dismissed charges remaining three defendants region iii housing authority case former democratic state rep vincent smiley gallegos headed authority previously pleaded contest four misdemeanors deal ags office albuquerquebased government housing agency collapsed 2006 defaulting repayment 5 million bonds sold state investment council purchase renovate homes lowincome buyers audit later found authority misspent money retirement benefits salaries 300000 loan gallegos liquor travel agency also sold homes authority insiders let state judge top aide powerful state legislator live rentfree region iii houses gallegos two former authority lawyers former authority accountant indicted 2009 gallegos entered contest pleas december received one year probation others denied guilt one represented sam bregman state democratic party chairman explaining dismissal charges remaining defendants david pederson ags general counsel said cases grown stale advertisement two witnesses died others grown uncertain recollections events pederson said couldnt ags office get cases trial grew stale pederson said delays caused health issues one defendant battles defense evidence production limitations judges schedules complications caused multiple defendants tough case orchestrate pederson said ags office made repeated requests trial dates set pederson said attempt analyze cases determine whether government ags office courts defense responsible delays lackmann lawyer fired king chief prosecutor region iii cases pederson said dismissal nothing decision close cases telephone interview thursday king repeated pederson said previously ags office ethical obligation dismiss charges longer believed could win convictions trial king second major corruption case brought office end without making trial last november judge dismissed charges former secretary state rebecca vigilgiron rebecca vigil indicted along three others 2009 charges related alleged embezzlement federal money meant voter education district judge reed sheppard albuquerque dismissing charges found vigilgirons speedytrial rights violated pleaded guilty sheppard noted took previous judge case 18 months hold hearing defense motion took ags office four months get special prosecutor place office disqualified proceeding prosecutor ags office provided legal advice vigilgiron office use federal voter education funds ags office removed prosecutor state district judge perceived conflict interest charges vigilgirons codefendants also dismissed special prosecutor joseph e campbell seeking reinstatement defendants appeal state court appeals interview thursday king acknowledged called challenging month upside attorney general said appealing new rule copper mines groundwater pollution defending regulation requiring motor vehicle dealers inspect vehicles disclose damage prior sales investigating police shootings albuquerque working mexico combat criminal organizations gubernatorial campaign pointed poll released march showing leads primary race nearly 20 points within striking distance republican gov susana martinez seeking second term king said job campaign present complete picture done attorney general always ups downs someone like attorney general said every day everybody agency good job results come upfront daily frontpage news opinion column comment directly thom cole tcoleabqjournalcom 5059926280 santa fe go abqjournalcomlettersnew submit letter editor
| 586 |
<p>Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez is attacking his Republican challenger, state Sen. Tom Kean Jr. for circumventing New Jersey election law by accepting campaign contributions from casinos and “funneling” the money to his Senate campaign. Menendez inaccurately implies that this action is devious, saying&#160;Kean found “a way around the law.”</p>
<p>In reality, no “funneling” was necessary as Kean’s actions do not violate any law. New Jersey&#160;campaign finance&#160;laws do not apply to candidates seeking federal office, and other New Jersey politicians running for federal office are doing the same thing.</p>
<p>On June 22 the Bob Menendez for Senate campaign released the 60-second radio ad “Outrageous” in both the Philadelphia and New York media markets.</p>
<p>Menendez for Senate Ad: “Outrageous”</p>
<p>Announcer:&#160;Casinos are one of the most highly regulated industries in New Jersey. So, to limit their influence over lawmakers, it’s illegal for state legislators to take money from casinos.</p>
<p>But there’s always someone who will try and find a way around the law. Like Tom Kean Jr.</p>
<p>Did the law prohibiting state legislators from taking casino money stop Tom Kean Jr.? No.</p>
<p>Tom Kean Jr. took thousands from gaming interests and funneled the money into his U.S. Senate campaign.</p>
<p>And Tom Kean Jr. still votes on laws affecting casinos, even though he took thousands from them.</p>
<p>No wonder the Trenton Times called Kean Jr.’s scheme “outrageous.”</p>
<p>Tom Kean Jr.: Just another Trenton politician taking care of himself instead of standing up for us.</p>
<p>Bob Menendez:&#160;I’m Sen. Bob Menendez, and I approved this message because we need a senator who will stand up for New Jersey. No matter what.</p>
<p>Announcer: &#160;Paid for by Menendez for Senate.</p>
<p>The ad says that Tom Kean, a current state senator and Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, found&#160;a “way around the law . . . prohibiting state legislators from taking casino money.” The ad also says that Kean took thousands of dollars from casinos and “funneled” the money into his Senate campaign.&#160; Actually,&#160;what New Jersey law prohibits is accepting casino money&#160;when running for state office. Kean’s&#160;actions as a federal candidate&#160;are perfectly legal and have been used by New Jersey Democrats as well.</p>
<p>It is true that Kean’s campaign has accepted&#160;contributions from gaming interests&#160;–&#160;though not directly from any corporation, which would be prohibited by federal law. He took them&#160;from&#160;political action committees (PAC) connected to gaming interests. According to Federal Election Commission (FEC)&#160;public disclosure&#160; <a href="http://query.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/can_give/2005_S6NJ00271" type="external">forms</a>, the&#160;PACs of International Game Technology, a supplier of gaming machines&#160;based in Reno, Nevada, and Harrah’s Entertainment Inc., the Las Vegas-based gaming giant that has casinos there and in Atlantic City, among other places, each&#160;donated $5,000 to Kean.&#160; Accepting this donation for his federally regulated Senate campaign is completely legal.</p>
<p>Casino donations to state candidates are illegal under New Jersey law. The New Jersey Casino Control Commission, which&#160;regulates New Jersey casinos, consists of five members who are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the State&#160;Senate. It is this relationship between the Commission and State Senate that led the state legislature to pass the Casino Control Act in 1977, which states:</p>
<p>5:12-138 Prohibited political contributions: No applicant for or holder of a casino license, nor any holding, intermediary or subsidiary company thereof, nor any officer, director, casino key employee or principal employee of an applicant for or holder of a casino license or of any holding, intermediary or subsidiary company thereof nor any person or agent on behalf of any such applicant, holder, company or person, shall directly or indirectly, pay or contribute any money or thing of value to any candidate for nomination or election to any public office in this State, or to any committee of any political party in this State, or to any group, committee or association organized in support of any such candidate or political party. L.1977, c. 110, § 138, eff. June 2, 1977.</p>
<p>Yet this state law does not apply to candidates seeking federal office. According to&#160;Section 453 of the FEC’s Federal Election Campaign Laws:</p>
<p>§ 453. State laws affected: (a) In general. Subject to subsection (b), the provisions of this Act, and of rules prescribed under this Act, supersede and preempt any provision of State law with respect to election to Federal office.</p>
<p>Because Kean is now campaigning for federal and not state office, his US Senate campaign isn’t bound by New Jersey’s campaign finance laws and must only conform to federal law, which allows registered PACs to contribute to federal campaigns (up to $5,000 per candidate per election).</p>
<p>The Menendez ad misleads by using&#160;such words as&#160;“funneling” and “found a way around.” He might have avoided this by saying something like, “Kean’s casino donations would have been illegal if he was running for state office.” He would even be entitled to state an opinion that&#160;“This casino&#160;money violates the spirit of New Jersey law,” and&#160;leave it to viewers to decide whether they agree or disagree.&#160;Indeed, a&#160; newspaper editorial Menendez refers to in his ad says state legislators (not just Kean, as Menendez implies) who accept casino-connected money “are flouting the spirit of state law, and it’s outrageous.” But as it stands the ad&#160;says that Kean is “getting around” a law that in fact doesn’t apply to him at all.</p>
<p>Though Menendez attempts to characterize Kean as another “Trenton politician taking care of himself,” there appear to be plenty of politicians from his side of the aisle following Kean’s lead. The Bergen County Record&#160;reports that no less than three Democratic state officials have accepted donations from gaming interests for their current or future federal campaigns.</p>
<p>– by James Ficaro</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">Listen to Menendez for Senate Ad: “Outrageous”</a></p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">View Casino Control Act 5:12-138</a> <a href="" type="internal">FEC: Federal Election Campaign Laws</a></p>
<p>Josh Gohlke, “Menendez Ad Hits Kean on Casino Contributions,” Bergen County Record, 23 June 2006.</p>
<p>“ <a href="http://www.state.nj.us/casinos/actreg/act/" type="external">New Jersey Casino Control Act</a>,” New Jersey Casino Control Commission.</p>
<p>Federal Election Commission, “ <a href="http://www.fec.gov/law/feca/feca.pdf" type="external">Federal Election Campaign Laws</a>: Compiled by the Federal Election Commission October 2005.”</p>
| false | 2 |
democratic sen bob menendez attacking republican challenger state sen tom kean jr circumventing new jersey election law accepting campaign contributions casinos funneling money senate campaign menendez inaccurately implies action devious saying160kean found way around law reality funneling necessary keans actions violate law new jersey160campaign finance160laws apply candidates seeking federal office new jersey politicians running federal office thing june 22 bob menendez senate campaign released 60second radio ad outrageous philadelphia new york media markets menendez senate ad outrageous announcer160casinos one highly regulated industries new jersey limit influence lawmakers illegal state legislators take money casinos theres always someone try find way around law like tom kean jr law prohibiting state legislators taking casino money stop tom kean jr tom kean jr took thousands gaming interests funneled money us senate campaign tom kean jr still votes laws affecting casinos even though took thousands wonder trenton times called kean jrs scheme outrageous tom kean jr another trenton politician taking care instead standing us bob menendez160im sen bob menendez approved message need senator stand new jersey matter announcer 160paid menendez senate ad says tom kean current state senator republican candidate us senate found160a way around law prohibiting state legislators taking casino money ad also says kean took thousands dollars casinos funneled money senate campaign160 actually160what new jersey law prohibits accepting casino money160when running state office keans160actions federal candidate160are perfectly legal used new jersey democrats well true keans campaign accepted160contributions gaming interests160160though directly corporation would prohibited federal law took them160from160political action committees pac connected gaming interests according federal election commission fec160public disclosure160 forms the160pacs international game technology supplier gaming machines160based reno nevada harrahs entertainment inc las vegasbased gaming giant casinos atlantic city among places each160donated 5000 kean160 accepting donation federally regulated senate campaign completely legal casino donations state candidates illegal new jersey law new jersey casino control commission which160regulates new jersey casinos consists five members appointed governor confirmed state160senate relationship commission state senate led state legislature pass casino control act 1977 states 512138 prohibited political contributions applicant holder casino license holding intermediary subsidiary company thereof officer director casino key employee principal employee applicant holder casino license holding intermediary subsidiary company thereof person agent behalf applicant holder company person shall directly indirectly pay contribute money thing value candidate nomination election public office state committee political party state group committee association organized support candidate political party l1977 c 110 138 eff june 2 1977 yet state law apply candidates seeking federal office according to160section 453 fecs federal election campaign laws 453 state laws affected general subject subsection b provisions act rules prescribed act supersede preempt provision state law respect election federal office kean campaigning federal state office us senate campaign isnt bound new jerseys campaign finance laws must conform federal law allows registered pacs contribute federal campaigns 5000 per candidate per election menendez ad misleads using160such words as160funneling found way around might avoided saying something like keans casino donations would illegal running state office would even entitled state opinion that160this casino160money violates spirit new jersey law and160leave viewers decide whether agree disagree160indeed a160 newspaper editorial menendez refers ad says state legislators kean menendez implies accept casinoconnected money flouting spirit state law outrageous stands ad160says kean getting around law fact doesnt apply though menendez attempts characterize kean another trenton politician taking care appear plenty politicians side aisle following keans lead bergen county record160reports less three democratic state officials accepted donations gaming interests current future federal campaigns james ficaro 160 listen menendez senate ad outrageous view casino control act 512138 fec federal election campaign laws josh gohlke menendez ad hits kean casino contributions bergen county record 23 june 2006 new jersey casino control act new jersey casino control commission federal election commission federal election campaign laws compiled federal election commission october 2005
| 622 |
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p />
<p>At least that was her first official employment.</p>
<p>By the time Janecka took that summer gig, she already was something of a seasoned pro, having been shadowing her mother for years. Her mom – who worked for a large shopping center development company and later ran her own mall consulting business – was known to tote along her young daughter.</p>
<p>Janecka, who grew up in Austin, still remembers taking off to Houston for a middle-of-the-night job setting up mall kiosks. She was in the fifth grade.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>“I was the only one (small) enough to hang the light fixtures inside the carts,” she remembers.</p>
<p>By high school, Janecka was travelling extensively with her mom to coordinate mall grand openings across the country. She’d sometimes miss months of school and have her homework sent via fax, fitting in assignments while also making sure malls looked their best at their launch.</p>
<p>“I was passing my classes. It was OK,” she says with a laugh. “I think the experience I that got there was more than I could’ve gotten in any school any way.”</p>
<p>Janecka says it was some of the most fun she’d ever had and that she knew early she would follow her mother into the industry. She continued working with her mom both during and after her art studies at the University of Texas, experience that helped pave the way for her current job as general manager at ABQ Uptown.</p>
<p>Malls, she says, have come to feel “like home.”</p>
<p>Q: So from the time you were in elementary school, you’ve been deeply involved in the mall scene?</p>
<p>A: Yep. I’ve seen it from all sides. I’ve seen it from the side of being a retailer, from being a designer, from the architect side, from the ground up and then now running it on a day-to-day basis. Plus I did marketing at Coronado (before working at ABQ Uptown).</p>
<p>Q: You knew you’d work with your mom out of college, so you studied art in college just because you loved it?</p>
<p>A: Just because I loved it, yeah. I was actually in the business school and I just hit a wall. It was just really boring to me and I kept looking over at the art students and I just thought, “That’s really fascinating.” I really feel like my experience in art has helped me in my position. I took an independent study class my last year in college and I compared painting a really beautiful painting (to retail). There are a series of design elements that have to be in a painting to make it good, whether you prefer it or not, and (those) same design elements are implemented into what makes a store good and what makes people buy, and the same thing in a mall. There are certain design elements, visuals, that can keep people coming back to the mall, basically. I find that really invaluable, my art study, though I’m sure most people probably are like, “What, you got an art degree?”</p>
<p>Q: Does your mom still work in the industry?</p>
<p>A: She retired and went to make natural skin care and mineral makeup.</p>
<p>Q: Are you still really close with your mom?</p>
<p>A: Yes, we are like best friends forever.</p>
<p>Q: That’s an interesting dynamic – to travel with (your mom) and be a professional with her at such a young age.</p>
<p>A: That’s what she wanted. She really wanted to have a close relationship with us. She was such a great teacher. I always liked watching her teach how to do things. … I really idolized her.</p>
<p>Q: Was this your ultimate ambition, to run a mall?</p>
<p>A: Not really. (laughs) I don’t know. I don’t know what my ultimate ambition is yet. I don’t know what I want to do when I grow up, but it was a good opportunity that came up and I felt like if I didn’t go for it, then I’d never know.</p>
<p>Q: As someone who’d been around malls for 20 years, were there any surprises that came with this job?</p>
<p>A: I have to deal more with the operational side now. If something breaks, if something leaks, if something makes a funny noise, we have to figure out how to fix it – and quickly. I hadn’t been exposed to that part.</p>
<p>Q: What’s the best part about your job?</p>
<p>A: I just love being at a mall, are you kidding me? I (can) walk by a shop and be like, “I’m going to go get that later.” Because any other job you go to the mall as a treat. I get treated every day. (laughs)</p>
<p>Q: How many malls do you think you’ve been to?</p>
<p>A: I tried to do this one time, actually, tried to add it up. I’ve been to a mall in almost all 50 states, even Hawaii and Alaska, but I don’t know what my favorite its. I’d say ABQ Uptown.</p>
<p>Q: What stores do you think are missing from Albuquerque’s shopping landscape?</p>
<p>A: The Cheesecake Factory. We need a Kate Spade and a Tory Burch.</p>
<p>Q: What do you make for the family’s store in Jemez Springs (called Janecka Collection)?</p>
<p>A: My brother will build wood tables and I’ll do tile mosaic on the inside. I hand make the tiles that go in there. I do some of the silver jewelry and the pottery and there’s some photography left in there.</p>
<p>Q: What is the best compliment you’ve ever received?</p>
<p>A: That I was smart. Someone called me a prodigy once and I was, like, wow. That was nice.</p>
<p>Q: What is something most people don’t know about you?</p>
<p>A: I’m a CrossFit junkie.</p>
<p>Q: How did you get into that?</p>
<p>A: My husband. He kept coming home telling me how he almost threw up working out and just begged me to go work out with him. I was like “That just doesn’t sound appealing.” I went one time and was so sore afterward for like a week. I didn’t think I wanted to do it, but it just seemed cool so I decided to start doing it. Now I can do pull-ups which, I don’t know why, but that makes me so happy.</p>
<p>Q: What is your perfect way to spend a day off?</p>
<p>A: Relaxing in my awesome backyard.</p>
<p>Q: What is one food you can’t live without?</p>
<p>A: Eggs. I have eggs for breakfast every morning and, with my awesome backyard, we have them outside.</p>
<p>Q: How do you eat them?</p>
<p>A: My husband cooks them and he won’t tell me how he makes them because then he said I won’t need him anymore.</p>
<p>Q: Do you collect anything?</p>
<p>A: I’m an excellent collector of clothing and shoes.</p>
<p>Q: How would you describe yourself in three words?</p>
<p>A: Self-motivated, creative and impatient.</p>
<p />
| false | 2 |
least first official employment time janecka took summer gig already something seasoned pro shadowing mother years mom worked large shopping center development company later ran mall consulting business known tote along young daughter janecka grew austin still remembers taking houston middleofthenight job setting mall kiosks fifth grade advertisement one small enough hang light fixtures inside carts remembers high school janecka travelling extensively mom coordinate mall grand openings across country shed sometimes miss months school homework sent via fax fitting assignments also making sure malls looked best launch passing classes ok says laugh think experience got couldve gotten school way janecka says fun shed ever knew early would follow mother industry continued working mom art studies university texas experience helped pave way current job general manager abq uptown malls says come feel like home q time elementary school youve deeply involved mall scene yep ive seen sides ive seen side retailer designer architect side ground running daytoday basis plus marketing coronado working abq uptown q knew youd work mom college studied art college loved loved yeah actually business school hit wall really boring kept looking art students thought thats really fascinating really feel like experience art helped position took independent study class last year college compared painting really beautiful painting retail series design elements painting make good whether prefer design elements implemented makes store good makes people buy thing mall certain design elements visuals keep people coming back mall basically find really invaluable art study though im sure people probably like got art degree q mom still work industry retired went make natural skin care mineral makeup q still really close mom yes like best friends forever q thats interesting dynamic travel mom professional young age thats wanted really wanted close relationship us great teacher always liked watching teach things really idolized q ultimate ambition run mall really laughs dont know dont know ultimate ambition yet dont know want grow good opportunity came felt like didnt go id never know q someone whod around malls 20 years surprises came job deal operational side something breaks something leaks something makes funny noise figure fix quickly hadnt exposed part q whats best part job love mall kidding walk shop like im going go get later job go mall treat get treated every day laughs q many malls think youve tried one time actually tried add ive mall almost 50 states even hawaii alaska dont know favorite id say abq uptown q stores think missing albuquerques shopping landscape cheesecake factory need kate spade tory burch q make familys store jemez springs called janecka collection brother build wood tables ill tile mosaic inside hand make tiles go silver jewelry pottery theres photography left q best compliment youve ever received smart someone called prodigy like wow nice q something people dont know im crossfit junkie q get husband kept coming home telling almost threw working begged go work like doesnt sound appealing went one time sore afterward like week didnt think wanted seemed cool decided start pullups dont know makes happy q perfect way spend day relaxing awesome backyard q one food cant live without eggs eggs breakfast every morning awesome backyard outside q eat husband cooks wont tell makes said wont need anymore q collect anything im excellent collector clothing shoes q would describe three words selfmotivated creative impatient
| 554 |
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p>ORLANDO, Fla. — Tilikum the orca has died after more than two decades at SeaWorld Orlando, where he gained notoriety for killing a trainer in 2010 and was later profiled in a documentary that helped sway popular opinion against keeping killer whales in captivity.</p>
<p>He will not be replaced. He was the first of SeaWorld’s orcas to die since the company announced the end of its orca breeding program in March 2016.</p>
<p>In a statement announcing Tilikum’s death early Friday, SeaWorld officials said he had serious health issues including a persistent and complicated bacterial lung infection. Tilikum was estimated to be 36 years old. A necropsy will determine the cause of death.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>The 2010 death of SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau during a performance with Tilikum after a “Dine with Shamu” show shocked the public and changed the future of orcas at SeaWorld parks.</p>
<p>Brancheau was interacting with Tilikum before a live audience at SeaWorld Orlando when he pulled her from a platform by her arm and held her underwater. An autopsy report said Brancheau drowned but also suffered severe trauma, including multiple fractures.</p>
<p>Former SeaWorld orca trainer John Hargrove said Tilikum’s death offered some closure in the violent death of his friend and colleague. But he said Tilikum also finally found relief.</p>
<p>“Tilikum has been sick, very sick, for so long, and after everything he’s had to endure, this is to me like he’s free,” said Hargrove, who left SeaWorld in 2012 and was featured in the documentary “Blackfish.”</p>
<p>“He lived a tortured existence in captivity. I think all the whales do, but if you had to pinpoint one of them, hands down I would say Tilikum.”</p>
<p>Animal rights advocates who want orcas and other marine mammals at SeaWorld parks released into sea pens or coastal sanctuaries said Tilikum was snared in a business model that led only to tragedy. Lisa Lange, senior vice president for the group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, urged SeaWorld to release its remaining orcas and marine mammals to “spend the rest of their lives in as natural a setting as possible.”</p>
<p>SeaWorld supporters found something worthwhile in Tilikum’s time at the park.</p>
<p>“His story is a complicated one, but I also think he represented his species well,” said Grey Stafford, president of the International Marine Trainers’ Association. He’s also a former SeaWorld employee, though he never worked with Tilikum. “In retrospect, there are a lot positives to say.”</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>SeaWorld President and CEO Joel Manby said, “Tilikum had, and will continue to have, a special place in the hearts of the SeaWorld family, as well as the millions of people all over the world that he inspired.”</p>
<p>According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration figures , male killer whales in the wild typically live about 30 years and females typically live about 50 years. Institutions displaying marine mammals and their critics disagree over whether orcas’ life expectancy in captivity differs from their life span in the wild.</p>
<p>Tilikum had been SeaWorld’s most prolific male orca, siring 14 calves since his arrival at the park about 25 years ago. He was noticeable for his size at more than 22 feet and 11,800 pounds.</p>
<p>He was born off the waters of Iceland and brought to Sealand of the Pacific in Canada after being captured. While at Sealand in 1991, Tilikum and two female orcas were responsible for the death of a part-time trainer who fell into their pool and was submerged by them.</p>
<p>Tilikum was moved to SeaWorld Orlando in 1992, and Sealand later closed.</p>
<p>SeaWorld’s decision to end the breeding program and phase out the theme parks’ traditional orca performances came three years after the release of the documentary, “Blackfish,” which chronicled Tilikum’s life and Brancheau’s death.</p>
<p>Her death was not the only one linked to Tilikum at SeaWorld. In 1999, a naked man who had eluded security and sneaked into SeaWorld at night was found dead the next morning draped over Tilikum in a breeding tank in the back of Shamu Stadium.</p>
<p>“Blackfish” argued that killer whales in captivity become more aggressive toward humans and each other. Because of it, several entertainers pulled out of planned performances at SeaWorld parks and animal rights activists increased their demonstrations outside the parks.</p>
<p>SeaWorld attendance dipped, company profits fell and Southwest Airlines ended its 25-year relationship with the theme park company.</p>
<p>Gabriela Cowperthaite, who directed “Blackfish,” said in an email that it’s time to focus on other whales in captivity. “He lived a horrible life, he caused unspeakable pain, so at least his chapter is over,” she said.</p>
<p>In March, SeaWorld’s CEO acknowledged that the public’s attitude had changed about keeping killer whales captive.</p>
<p>“We needed to move where society was moving,” Manby said.</p>
<p>Tilikum’s death was another blow for SeaWorld employees already reeling from job cuts announced last month across SeaWorld Entertainment Inc.’s 12-park system, Stafford said. He worried the loss of employees trained to care for marine mammals may inadvertently weaken other conservation efforts, such as a captive breeding program proposed for endangered porpoises called vaquitas in the waters off Mexico.</p>
<p>“That human experience isn’t likely to be replaced,” Stafford said.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Kay contributed to this report from Miami Beach, Florida.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>This story has been corrected to show the year of the trainer’s death at Sealand was 1991, instead of 1992.</p>
| false | 2 |
orlando fla tilikum orca died two decades seaworld orlando gained notoriety killing trainer 2010 later profiled documentary helped sway popular opinion keeping killer whales captivity replaced first seaworlds orcas die since company announced end orca breeding program march 2016 statement announcing tilikums death early friday seaworld officials said serious health issues including persistent complicated bacterial lung infection tilikum estimated 36 years old necropsy determine cause death advertisement 2010 death seaworld trainer dawn brancheau performance tilikum dine shamu show shocked public changed future orcas seaworld parks brancheau interacting tilikum live audience seaworld orlando pulled platform arm held underwater autopsy report said brancheau drowned also suffered severe trauma including multiple fractures former seaworld orca trainer john hargrove said tilikums death offered closure violent death friend colleague said tilikum also finally found relief tilikum sick sick long everything hes endure like hes free said hargrove left seaworld 2012 featured documentary blackfish lived tortured existence captivity think whales pinpoint one hands would say tilikum animal rights advocates want orcas marine mammals seaworld parks released sea pens coastal sanctuaries said tilikum snared business model led tragedy lisa lange senior vice president group people ethical treatment animals urged seaworld release remaining orcas marine mammals spend rest lives natural setting possible seaworld supporters found something worthwhile tilikums time park story complicated one also think represented species well said grey stafford president international marine trainers association hes also former seaworld employee though never worked tilikum retrospect lot positives say advertisement seaworld president ceo joel manby said tilikum continue special place hearts seaworld family well millions people world inspired according national oceanic atmospheric administration figures male killer whales wild typically live 30 years females typically live 50 years institutions displaying marine mammals critics disagree whether orcas life expectancy captivity differs life span wild tilikum seaworlds prolific male orca siring 14 calves since arrival park 25 years ago noticeable size 22 feet 11800 pounds born waters iceland brought sealand pacific canada captured sealand 1991 tilikum two female orcas responsible death parttime trainer fell pool submerged tilikum moved seaworld orlando 1992 sealand later closed seaworlds decision end breeding program phase theme parks traditional orca performances came three years release documentary blackfish chronicled tilikums life brancheaus death death one linked tilikum seaworld 1999 naked man eluded security sneaked seaworld night found dead next morning draped tilikum breeding tank back shamu stadium blackfish argued killer whales captivity become aggressive toward humans several entertainers pulled planned performances seaworld parks animal rights activists increased demonstrations outside parks seaworld attendance dipped company profits fell southwest airlines ended 25year relationship theme park company gabriela cowperthaite directed blackfish said email time focus whales captivity lived horrible life caused unspeakable pain least chapter said march seaworlds ceo acknowledged publics attitude changed keeping killer whales captive needed move society moving manby said tilikums death another blow seaworld employees already reeling job cuts announced last month across seaworld entertainment incs 12park system stafford said worried loss employees trained care marine mammals may inadvertently weaken conservation efforts captive breeding program proposed endangered porpoises called vaquitas waters mexico human experience isnt likely replaced stafford said ___ kay contributed report miami beach florida ___ story corrected show year trainers death sealand 1991 instead 1992
| 530 |
<p>ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey’s economy will not be affected by the operation in Syria’s Afrin, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim told reporters on Sunday, adding that the economy would continue to grow strongly.</p>
<p>Turkish ground forces pushed into northern Syria’s Afrin province on Sunday, Ankara said after launching artillery and air strikes on a U.S.-backed Kurdish militia it aims to sweep from its border. [nL8N1PG07M]</p>
<p>Reporting by Ece Toksabay and Tuvan Gumrukcu</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday he was suspending a new agreement with the U.N. refugee agency to relocate thousands of African migrants, as right-wing pressure mounted on him to scrap the deal.</p> Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a news conference at the Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem April 2, 2018. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun
<p>Hours after announcing the new arrangement, which would also give thousands of other migrants the right to stay in Israel, Netanyahu posted a message on his Facebook page saying he was putting its implementation on hold until further review.</p>
<p>The fate of some 37,000 Africans in Israel has posed a moral dilemma for a state founded as a haven for Jews from persecution and a national home. The right-wing government has been under pressure from its nationalist voter base to expel the migrants.</p>
<p>According to the agreement, about 16,250 of about 37,000 African migrants, most of them from Eritrea and Sudan, would be relocated to Western nations while others would be allowed to stay in Israel.</p>
<p>At a news conference in Jerusalem, Netanyahu praised the new agreement reached with the U.N. Refugee Agency (UNHCR). But in the hours that followed the announcement he faced growing calls on social and mainstream media to abolish the deal.</p>
<p>Some Israelis accused him of caving to left-wing pressure and betraying the residents of south Tel Aviv, a poor part of the city which has attracted the largest migrant community, changing its ethnic makeup and enraging some of its inhabitants who want the migrants out.</p>
<p>“I am attentive to you, especially to the residents of south Tel Aviv,” Netanyahu said on Facebook, adding that he planned to meet with local representatives on Tuesday.</p>
<p>“In the meantime I am suspending the agreement’s implementation and after I meet with the representatives I will bring it forward for further review,” Netanyahu said.</p> FILE PHOTO: Pepole take part in a protest against the Israeli government's plan to deport African migrants, in Tel Aviv, Israel March 24, 2018. REUTERS/Corinna Kern/File Photo
<p>Implementing the signed agreement was expected to take five years and Netanyahu’s backtrack was largely seen in Israel as an attempt to appease his voter base and keep its support at a time of political uncertainty.</p>
<p>The four-term prime minister faces one of the greatest challenges to his career yet - he is under police investigation in three different corruption cases. Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing.</p>
<p>Naftali Bennett, leader of the Israeli far-right party Jewish Home, a key member of Netanyahu’s coalition government and a competitor for Israel’s right-wing votes, said on Twitter the agreement would encourage more people to enter the country illegally and called on Netanyahu to overturn it.</p>
<p>His calls were soon echoed by members of Netanyahu’s own Likud party.</p> PRESSURE
<p>The UNHCR in a statement confirmed an agreement was signed with Israel but did not name the countries that would accept the migrants.</p>
<p>It said it would “facilitate the departure to third countries to be determined of some 16,000 Eritreans and Sudanese under various programs, including sponsorship, resettlement, family reunion and labor migration schemes, while others will be receiving a suitable legal status in Israel.”</p>
<p>Netanyahu named Germany, Italy and Canada as examples of countries that would accept the migrants, though German and Italian officials said they had no knowledge of any such agreement.</p>
<p>Canada has an arrangement with Israeli authorities to suspend the deportation of individuals who have private sponsorship applications with Canada until they are processed, said Hursh Jaswal, spokesman for Canada’s immigration minister.</p>
<p>There were 1,845 applications being processed at the end of last year, Jaswal said.</p> FILE PHOTO: African migrants wait in line for the opening of the Population and Immigration Authority office in Bnei Brak, Israel February 4, 2018. Picture taken February 4, 2018. REUTERS/Nir Elias/File Photo
<p>A previous plan already underway for a mass deportation of some 20,000 migrants to Rwanda had led to legal challenges in Israel, drew criticism abroad and triggered an emotional public debate among Israelis.</p>
<p>In February, Israeli authorities started handing out notices to male African migrants giving them two months to leave for a third country in Africa or risk being put in jail indefinitely.</p>
<p>At immigration hearings, migrants were told they could choose to go to Rwanda or Uganda. Both countries have denied having any deal in place with Israel.</p>
<p>The U.N.’s refugee agency had urged Israel to reconsider its deportation plan, saying migrants who have relocated to sub-Saharan Africa in the past few years were unsafe and ended up on the perilous migrant trail to Europe, some suffering abuse, torture and even dying on the way.</p>
<p>Rights groups had challenged the deportation in Israel’s High Court, which on March 15 issued a temporary order that froze its implementation.</p>
<p>Netanyahu said on Facebook that Rwanda had in the past few weeks folded to immense pressure and backed out of the deal it had made with Israel to accept expelled migrants, prompting him to seek the new arrangement with the UNHCR.</p>
<p>Since 2005 a total of 64,000 Africans had entered Israel illegally over its border with Egypt, although thousands have since left. A fence Israel has built over the past few years along the frontier has largely stemmed the flow.</p>
<p>Additional reporting by Jeffrey Heller in Jerusalem, Philip Pullella in Rome and Joseph Nasr in Berlin; Editing by Hugh Lawson and James Dalgleish</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>RIYADH (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia’s crown prince said Israelis are entitled to live peacefully on their own land in an interview published on Monday in U.S. magazine The Atlantic, another public sign of ties between the two countries appearing to grow closer.</p> FILE PHOTO: Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud is seen during a meeting with U.N Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the United Nations headquarters in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, U.S. March 27, 2018. REUTERS/Amir Levy/File Photo
<p>Asked if he believes the Jewish people have a right to a nation-state in at least part of their ancestral homeland, Mohammed bin Salman was quoted as saying:</p>
<p>“I believe the Palestinians and the Israelis have the right to have their own land. But we have to have a peace agreement to assure the stability for everyone and to have normal relations.”</p>
<p>Saudi Arabia - birthplace of Islam and home to its holiest shrines - does not recognise Israel. It has maintained for years that normalizing relations hinges on Israeli withdrawal from Arab lands captured in the 1967 Middle East war, territory Palestinians seek for a future state.</p>
<p>“We have religious concerns about the fate of the holy mosque in Jerusalem and about the rights of the Palestinian people. This is what we have. We don’t have any objection against any other people,” said Prince Mohammed who is touring the United States to drum up investments and support for his efforts to contain Iranian influence.</p>
<p>Increased tension between Tehran and Riyadh has fuelled speculation that shared interests may push Saudi Arabia and Israel to work together against what they see as a common Iranian threat.</p>
<p>“There are a lot of interests we share with Israel and if there is peace, there would be a lot of interest between Israel and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries”, Prince Mohammed added.</p>
<p>Saudi Arabia opened its airspace for the first time to a commercial flight to Israel last month, which an Israeli official hailed as historic following two years of efforts.</p>
<p>In November, an Israeli cabinet member disclosed covert contacts with Saudi Arabia, a rare acknowledgment of long-rumoured secret dealings which Riyadh still denies.</p>
<p>Saudi Arabia condemned U.S. President Donald Trump’s move to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel last year, but Arab officials told Reuters at the time that Riyadh appears to be on board with a broader U.S. strategy for an Israeli-Palestinian peace plan still in its early phases of development.</p> No Gaza inquiry, Israeli defense minister says
<p>(This version of the story removes reference to Tel Aviv in first paragraph)</p>
<p>Reporting by Stephen Kalin; Editing by Robin Pomeroy</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysia on Monday approved a law against “fake news” that would allow for prison of up to six years for offenders, shrugging off critics who say it was aimed at curbing dissent and free speech ahead of a general election.</p>
<p>Prime Minister Najib Razak’s government secured a simple majority in parliament to pass the Anti-Fake News 2018 bill, which sets out fines of up to 500,000 ringgit ($123,000) and a maximum six years in jail. The first draft of the bill had proposed jail of up to 10 years.</p>
<p>The government said the law would not impinge on freedom of speech and cases under it would be handled through an independent court process.</p>
<p>“This law aims to protect the public from the spread of fake news, while allowing freedom of speech as provided for under the constitution,” Law Minister Azalina Othman Said told parliament.</p>
<p>The law defines fake news as “news, information, data and reports which is or are wholly or partly false” and includes features, visuals and audio recordings.</p>
<p>It covers digital publications and social media and will apply to offenders who maliciously spread “fake news” inside and outside Malaysia, including foreigners, if Malaysia or a Malaysian citizen were affected.</p>
<p>Co-opted by U.S. President Donald Trump, the term “fake news” has quickly become part of the standard repertoire of leaders in authoritarian countries to describe media reports and organizations critical of them.</p>
<p>The U.N. Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, David Kaye, had earlier on Monday urged the government not to rush the legislation through parliament.</p>
<p>“I urge the government to reconsider the bill and open it up to regular and genuine public scrutiny before taking any further steps,” David Kaye said in a Twitter post.</p> Commuters walk past an advertisement discouraging the dissemination of fake news at a train station in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia March 28, 2018. Picture taken March 28, 2018. REUTERS/Stringer OTHERS CONSIDER LAWS
<p>Other countries in Southeast Asia, including Singapore and the Philippines, are considering how to tackle “fake news” but human rights activists fear that laws against it could be used to stifle free speech.</p>
<p>Malaysia is among the first few countries to introduce a law against it. Germany approved a plan last year to fine social media networks if they fail to remove hateful postings.</p>
<p>Malaysia already has an arsenal of laws, including a colonial-era Sedition Act, that have been used to clamp down on unfavorable news and social media posts.</p>
<p>News reports and social media posts on a multi-billion dollar scandal at state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) have hounded Prime Minister Najib, who faces arguably his toughest contest in a general election this year that could be called in days.</p> Commuters walk past an advertisement discouraging the dissemination of fake news at a train station in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia March 28, 2018. Picture taken March 28, 2018. REUTERS/Stringer
<p>Najib has denied any wrongdoing in connection with losses at the fund.</p>
<p>A deputy minister was quoted in media last month as saying any news on 1MDB not verified by the government was “fake”.</p>
<p>Lim Kit Siang, a senior opposition lawmaker with the Democratic Action Party, described the bill as a “Save Najib from 1MDB Scandal Bill” which would criminalize news on the affair.</p>
<p>Reporting by Joseph Sipalan; Writing by Praveen Menon; Editing by Robert Birsel</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>RIYADH (Reuters) - King Salman reiterated Saudi Arabia’s support for a Palestinian state after his son and heir apparent said Israelis were entitled to live peacefully on their own land - a rare statement by an Arab leader.</p> Saudi Arabia's King Salman attends a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin (not in the picture) in the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia October 5, 2017. REUTERS/Yuri Kadobnov/Pool
<p>The king also emphasized the need to advance the peace process in a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday night, made after Israeli security forces killed 16 Palestinians last week during a demonstration along the Israel-Gaza border</p>
<p>King Salman reaffirmed “the kingdom’s steadfast position toward the Palestinian issue and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital”, state news agency SPA said on Tuesday.</p>
<p>The report did not refer to the comments by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in an interview published on Monday by U.S. magazine The Atlantic, which are the latest public sign that ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel may be growing closer.</p>
<p>Asked if he believes the Jewish people have a right to a nation-state in at least part of their ancestral homeland, Prince Mohammed was quoted as saying:</p>
<p>“I believe the Palestinians and the Israelis have the right to have their own land. But we have to have a peace agreement to assure the stability for everyone and to have normal relations.”</p>
<p>Saudi Arabia, birthplace of Islam and home to its holiest shrines, does not recognize Israel. It has maintained for years that normalizing relations hinges on Israeli withdrawal from Arab lands captured in the 1967 Middle East war, territory Palestinians seek for a future state.</p>
<p>Increased tension between Riyadh and Tehran has fueled speculation that shared interests may push Saudi Arabia and Israel to work together against what they see as a common Iranian threat.</p>
<p>Reporting By Stephen Kalin; editing by David Stamp</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
| false | 2 |
ankara reuters turkeys economy affected operation syrias afrin prime minister binali yildirim told reporters sunday adding economy would continue grow strongly turkish ground forces pushed northern syrias afrin province sunday ankara said launching artillery air strikes usbacked kurdish militia aims sweep border nl8n1pg07m reporting ece toksabay tuvan gumrukcu standards thomson reuters trust principles jerusalem reuters israeli prime minister benjamin netanyahu said monday suspending new agreement un refugee agency relocate thousands african migrants rightwing pressure mounted scrap deal israeli prime minister benjamin netanyahu speaks news conference prime ministers office jerusalem april 2 2018 reutersronen zvulun hours announcing new arrangement would also give thousands migrants right stay israel netanyahu posted message facebook page saying putting implementation hold review fate 37000 africans israel posed moral dilemma state founded jews persecution national home rightwing government pressure nationalist voter base expel migrants according agreement 16250 37000 african migrants eritrea sudan would relocated western nations others would allowed stay israel news conference jerusalem netanyahu praised new agreement reached un refugee agency unhcr hours followed announcement faced growing calls social mainstream media abolish deal israelis accused caving leftwing pressure betraying residents south tel aviv poor part city attracted largest migrant community changing ethnic makeup enraging inhabitants want migrants attentive especially residents south tel aviv netanyahu said facebook adding planned meet local representatives tuesday meantime suspending agreements implementation meet representatives bring forward review netanyahu said file photo pepole take part protest israeli governments plan deport african migrants tel aviv israel march 24 2018 reuterscorinna kernfile photo implementing signed agreement expected take five years netanyahus backtrack largely seen israel attempt appease voter base keep support time political uncertainty fourterm prime minister faces one greatest challenges career yet police investigation three different corruption cases netanyahu denies wrongdoing naftali bennett leader israeli farright party jewish home key member netanyahus coalition government competitor israels rightwing votes said twitter agreement would encourage people enter country illegally called netanyahu overturn calls soon echoed members netanyahus likud party pressure unhcr statement confirmed agreement signed israel name countries would accept migrants said would facilitate departure third countries determined 16000 eritreans sudanese various programs including sponsorship resettlement family reunion labor migration schemes others receiving suitable legal status israel netanyahu named germany italy canada examples countries would accept migrants though german italian officials said knowledge agreement canada arrangement israeli authorities suspend deportation individuals private sponsorship applications canada processed said hursh jaswal spokesman canadas immigration minister 1845 applications processed end last year jaswal said file photo african migrants wait line opening population immigration authority office bnei brak israel february 4 2018 picture taken february 4 2018 reutersnir eliasfile photo previous plan already underway mass deportation 20000 migrants rwanda led legal challenges israel drew criticism abroad triggered emotional public debate among israelis february israeli authorities started handing notices male african migrants giving two months leave third country africa risk put jail indefinitely immigration hearings migrants told could choose go rwanda uganda countries denied deal place israel uns refugee agency urged israel reconsider deportation plan saying migrants relocated subsaharan africa past years unsafe ended perilous migrant trail europe suffering abuse torture even dying way rights groups challenged deportation israels high court march 15 issued temporary order froze implementation netanyahu said facebook rwanda past weeks folded immense pressure backed deal made israel accept expelled migrants prompting seek new arrangement unhcr since 2005 total 64000 africans entered israel illegally border egypt although thousands since left fence israel built past years along frontier largely stemmed flow additional reporting jeffrey heller jerusalem philip pullella rome joseph nasr berlin editing hugh lawson james dalgleish standards thomson reuters trust principles riyadh reuters saudi arabias crown prince said israelis entitled live peacefully land interview published monday us magazine atlantic another public sign ties two countries appearing grow closer file photo saudi arabias crown prince mohammed bin salman al saud seen meeting un secretarygeneral antonio guterres united nations headquarters manhattan borough new york city new york us march 27 2018 reutersamir levyfile photo asked believes jewish people right nationstate least part ancestral homeland mohammed bin salman quoted saying believe palestinians israelis right land peace agreement assure stability everyone normal relations saudi arabia birthplace islam home holiest shrines recognise israel maintained years normalizing relations hinges israeli withdrawal arab lands captured 1967 middle east war territory palestinians seek future state religious concerns fate holy mosque jerusalem rights palestinian people dont objection people said prince mohammed touring united states drum investments support efforts contain iranian influence increased tension tehran riyadh fuelled speculation shared interests may push saudi arabia israel work together see common iranian threat lot interests share israel peace would lot interest israel gulf cooperation council countries prince mohammed added saudi arabia opened airspace first time commercial flight israel last month israeli official hailed historic following two years efforts november israeli cabinet member disclosed covert contacts saudi arabia rare acknowledgment longrumoured secret dealings riyadh still denies saudi arabia condemned us president donald trumps move recognise jerusalem capital israel last year arab officials told reuters time riyadh appears board broader us strategy israelipalestinian peace plan still early phases development gaza inquiry israeli defense minister says version story removes reference tel aviv first paragraph reporting stephen kalin editing robin pomeroy standards thomson reuters trust principles kuala lumpur reuters malaysia monday approved law fake news would allow prison six years offenders shrugging critics say aimed curbing dissent free speech ahead general election prime minister najib razaks government secured simple majority parliament pass antifake news 2018 bill sets fines 500000 ringgit 123000 maximum six years jail first draft bill proposed jail 10 years government said law would impinge freedom speech cases would handled independent court process law aims protect public spread fake news allowing freedom speech provided constitution law minister azalina othman said told parliament law defines fake news news information data reports wholly partly false includes features visuals audio recordings covers digital publications social media apply offenders maliciously spread fake news inside outside malaysia including foreigners malaysia malaysian citizen affected coopted us president donald trump term fake news quickly become part standard repertoire leaders authoritarian countries describe media reports organizations critical un special rapporteur freedom opinion expression david kaye earlier monday urged government rush legislation parliament urge government reconsider bill open regular genuine public scrutiny taking steps david kaye said twitter post commuters walk past advertisement discouraging dissemination fake news train station kuala lumpur malaysia march 28 2018 picture taken march 28 2018 reutersstringer others consider laws countries southeast asia including singapore philippines considering tackle fake news human rights activists fear laws could used stifle free speech malaysia among first countries introduce law germany approved plan last year fine social media networks fail remove hateful postings malaysia already arsenal laws including colonialera sedition act used clamp unfavorable news social media posts news reports social media posts multibillion dollar scandal state fund 1malaysia development berhad 1mdb hounded prime minister najib faces arguably toughest contest general election year could called days commuters walk past advertisement discouraging dissemination fake news train station kuala lumpur malaysia march 28 2018 picture taken march 28 2018 reutersstringer najib denied wrongdoing connection losses fund deputy minister quoted media last month saying news 1mdb verified government fake lim kit siang senior opposition lawmaker democratic action party described bill save najib 1mdb scandal bill would criminalize news affair reporting joseph sipalan writing praveen menon editing robert birsel standards thomson reuters trust principles riyadh reuters king salman reiterated saudi arabias support palestinian state son heir apparent said israelis entitled live peacefully land rare statement arab leader saudi arabias king salman attends meeting russian president vladimir putin picture kremlin moscow russia october 5 2017 reutersyuri kadobnovpool king also emphasized need advance peace process phone call us president donald trump monday night made israeli security forces killed 16 palestinians last week demonstration along israelgaza border king salman reaffirmed kingdoms steadfast position toward palestinian issue legitimate rights palestinian people independent state jerusalem capital state news agency spa said tuesday report refer comments crown prince mohammed bin salman interview published monday us magazine atlantic latest public sign ties saudi arabia israel may growing closer asked believes jewish people right nationstate least part ancestral homeland prince mohammed quoted saying believe palestinians israelis right land peace agreement assure stability everyone normal relations saudi arabia birthplace islam home holiest shrines recognize israel maintained years normalizing relations hinges israeli withdrawal arab lands captured 1967 middle east war territory palestinians seek future state increased tension riyadh tehran fueled speculation shared interests may push saudi arabia israel work together see common iranian threat reporting stephen kalin editing david stamp standards thomson reuters trust principles
| 1,420 |
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p />
<p>A rule-making process on the issue that began in November 2011 will likely culminate at a PRC hearing in January. The outcome could determine how fast new projects come online in New Mexico, and whether higher-cost solar or geothermal power takes a back seat to lower-cost wind generation as utilities strive to meet the state’s renewable portfolio standard.</p>
<p>Hanging in the balance is how much ratepayers will be asked to pay for alternative energy.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>“It’s a very important rule making, because it establishes the annual budget for renewable energy procurements utilities make to comply with the renewable portfolio standard,” said Gerard Ortiz, Public Service Company of New Mexico’s vice president for regulatory affairs. “Up to now, we haven’t had an approved methodology to calculate it, and we’ve spent a lot of time arguing about what a ‘reasonable cost threshold’ should be when presenting renewable procurement plans.”</p>
<p>State regulators and PNM are wrestling with how to charge and how much to charge customers for renewable energy projects. This is the PNM solar plant at the Reeves natural gas-fired generating station in far north Albuquerque. (journal file)</p>
<p>Under the state’s portfolio standard, public utilities must derive at least 10 percent of their electricity from renewable sources this year, 15 percent by 2015 and 20 percent by 2020. But to ease the burden on ratepayers, the PRC has maintained a cost cap, or reasonable cost threshold, that limits annual revenue recovery by utilities for clean energy procurements to 2.25 percent now, and 3 percent after 2015.</p>
<p>The commission, however, never set a standard method for utilities to calculate procurement costs, leading to heated disputes at the PRC over alternative energy plans in recent years. Last year, for example, PNM clashed with renewable advocates when it said it couldn’t meet 2012 portfolio requirements without violating the reasonable cost threshold.</p>
<p>PNM introduced a new plan this year to regain compliance. But solar and environmental organizations say the problem arose because PNM overestimated costs. They say PNM did not include future savings from so-called clean energy in its calculations, such as avoided construction of more natural gas plants.</p>
<p>In contrast, PNM and other utilities say such future benefits are speculative, and their inclusion distorts the immediate impact of renewable investments on electric rates. The commission has held two hearings on the issue, the latest on Oct. 24, and intervenors have filed hundreds of pages of testimony.</p>
<p>Wind turbines at the New Mexico Wind Energy Center near House, N.M., generate electricity for PNM customers.</p>
<p>As the process winds down, two camps have emerged.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>PNM and other utilities support a PRC staff proposal to ignore future savings when tabulating renewable procurements and only count offsets from lower fossil-fuel purchases in any given year. New Mexico Industrial Energy Consumers and the state Attorney General’s Office, which represents consumers, also support that.</p>
<p>But renewable advocates want projected savings from avoided plant construction, and from avoided environmental regulation costs, included in calculations, because it gives more spending headway for renewable development.</p>
<p>One outgoing commissioner shares that position.</p>
<p>“When we figure net cost, should we consider if the utility didn’t have to add 10 megawatts from a new (fossil fuel) plant? I think the answer is obvious, but others don’t,” said Commissioner Jason Marks, who leaves the PRC in the new year.</p>
<p>The conflict is less about cost and more about how much alternative energy utilities must add, Marks said. “I’m concerned that folks who want to completely rule out all (avoided) capacity as part of savings are trying to put their thumb on the scales.”</p>
<p>To make up for discarding future savings, PRC staff proposes to raise the renewable cost threshold to 4 percent in 2015 and 5 percent in 2020. That would allow utilities to recover enough revenue to meet the renewable portfolio standard in those years.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Most parties oppose that, however, although for different reasons.</p>
<p>Utilities say they want to limit the impact on customers’ bills, while renewable advocates say a cost-cap increase would make ratepayers think they’re paying more for alternative energy when they may actually be paying less than the cap allows if all savings were included in the net price.</p>
<p>“It would leave customers with the impression that renewable development is costing 5 percent more than traditional resources, and that’s just not the case,” said Steve Michel, chief counsel for Western Resource Advocates.</p>
<p>Further complicating the issue are PRC “diversity requirements,” which compel utilities to derive at least 20 percent of renewable energy from solar sources, including customer-owned systems subsidized by utilities.</p>
<p>Industrial Energy Consumers and the AG’s Office want to eliminate the quotas entirely, because they force utilities to add higher-cost energy to their systems, rather than buying less expensive power, such as wind. But diversity advocates say eliminating the quotas would stunt development of solar and other resources while undermining the market for companies that install customer-owned systems.</p>
<p>A PRC ruling could come in mid-January, 30 days after the Dec. 10 deadline for final briefs to be filed in the case, PRC Chairman Pat Lyons said.</p>
<p>That would exclude the two commissioners most active in the case, Marks and Doug Howe, from voting on the issues, because they will be replaced on Jan. 1 by newly elected commissioners Karen Montoya and Valerie Espinoza.</p>
<p>Howe said that may reflect deliberate jockeying by the AG and Industrial Energy Consumers, who requested a filing extension beyond a Nov. 16 deadline set by Marks at the PRC’s Oct. 24 hearing.</p>
<p>“Six or seven deadline extensions have already been granted,” Howe said. “It’s very hard for me to not interpret the new extension request as a way to make sure that the two most active commissioners on the issue don’t vote on it.”</p>
<p>Lyons, however, said involving Montoya and Espinoza in the case is positive. “It’s better to have them there, because they’ll be on the commission for the next four years.”</p>
| false | 2 |
rulemaking process issue began november 2011 likely culminate prc hearing january outcome could determine fast new projects come online new mexico whether highercost solar geothermal power takes back seat lowercost wind generation utilities strive meet states renewable portfolio standard hanging balance much ratepayers asked pay alternative energy advertisement important rule making establishes annual budget renewable energy procurements utilities make comply renewable portfolio standard said gerard ortiz public service company new mexicos vice president regulatory affairs havent approved methodology calculate weve spent lot time arguing reasonable cost threshold presenting renewable procurement plans state regulators pnm wrestling charge much charge customers renewable energy projects pnm solar plant reeves natural gasfired generating station far north albuquerque journal file states portfolio standard public utilities must derive least 10 percent electricity renewable sources year 15 percent 2015 20 percent 2020 ease burden ratepayers prc maintained cost cap reasonable cost threshold limits annual revenue recovery utilities clean energy procurements 225 percent 3 percent 2015 commission however never set standard method utilities calculate procurement costs leading heated disputes prc alternative energy plans recent years last year example pnm clashed renewable advocates said couldnt meet 2012 portfolio requirements without violating reasonable cost threshold pnm introduced new plan year regain compliance solar environmental organizations say problem arose pnm overestimated costs say pnm include future savings socalled clean energy calculations avoided construction natural gas plants contrast pnm utilities say future benefits speculative inclusion distorts immediate impact renewable investments electric rates commission held two hearings issue latest oct 24 intervenors filed hundreds pages testimony wind turbines new mexico wind energy center near house nm generate electricity pnm customers process winds two camps emerged advertisement pnm utilities support prc staff proposal ignore future savings tabulating renewable procurements count offsets lower fossilfuel purchases given year new mexico industrial energy consumers state attorney generals office represents consumers also support renewable advocates want projected savings avoided plant construction avoided environmental regulation costs included calculations gives spending headway renewable development one outgoing commissioner shares position figure net cost consider utility didnt add 10 megawatts new fossil fuel plant think answer obvious others dont said commissioner jason marks leaves prc new year conflict less cost much alternative energy utilities must add marks said im concerned folks want completely rule avoided capacity part savings trying put thumb scales make discarding future savings prc staff proposes raise renewable cost threshold 4 percent 2015 5 percent 2020 would allow utilities recover enough revenue meet renewable portfolio standard years advertisement parties oppose however although different reasons utilities say want limit impact customers bills renewable advocates say costcap increase would make ratepayers think theyre paying alternative energy may actually paying less cap allows savings included net price would leave customers impression renewable development costing 5 percent traditional resources thats case said steve michel chief counsel western resource advocates complicating issue prc diversity requirements compel utilities derive least 20 percent renewable energy solar sources including customerowned systems subsidized utilities industrial energy consumers ags office want eliminate quotas entirely force utilities add highercost energy systems rather buying less expensive power wind diversity advocates say eliminating quotas would stunt development solar resources undermining market companies install customerowned systems prc ruling could come midjanuary 30 days dec 10 deadline final briefs filed case prc chairman pat lyons said would exclude two commissioners active case marks doug howe voting issues replaced jan 1 newly elected commissioners karen montoya valerie espinoza howe said may reflect deliberate jockeying ag industrial energy consumers requested filing extension beyond nov 16 deadline set marks prcs oct 24 hearing six seven deadline extensions already granted howe said hard interpret new extension request way make sure two active commissioners issue dont vote lyons however said involving montoya espinoza case positive better theyll commission next four years
| 622 |
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — In the early days of the Trump administration, the head of one of America’s largest coal companies sent a four-page “action plan” to the White House calling for rollbacks of Obama-era environmental and mine safety regulations.</p>
<p>“We have listed our suggested actions in order of priority,” Robert “Bob” Murray, the chairman and CEO of Ohio-based Murray Energy, wrote in his March 1 letter addressed to Vice President Mike Pence. “We are available to assist you and your administration in any way that you request.”</p>
<p>A review of the memo by The Associated Press shows Murray, an early campaign supporter of President Donald Trump and major GOP political donor, has gotten about half the items on his wish list. They include pulling the United States out of the Paris climate accords and revoking the Clean Power Plan, former President Obama’s signature effort to limit planet-warming emissions from coal-fired power plants.</p>
<p>Murray has spoken widely about his policy priorities in the intervening months, but a copy of his four-page plan became public this week after it was obtained by Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island and first reported by The New York Times.</p>
<p>Under Trump, the Mine Safety and Health Administration has also moved to reconsider rules meant to protect miners from breathing coal and rock dust — the primary cause of black lung — and diesel exhaust, which can cause cancer.</p>
<p>Other Murray priorities, such as eliminating federal tax credits for wind turbines and solar panels, have floundered, however. The renewable energy tax breaks were largely retained in the final Republican-drafted tax plan signed by Trump last month.</p>
<p>And despite Trump’s campaign pledges to put scores of coal back to work by ending what he and Murray have derided as Obama’s “War on Coal,” the administration’s regulatory rollback has thus far had modest economic benefits.</p>
<p>Only about 500 coal mining jobs were added in Trump’s first year, bringing the total to about 50,900 nationally, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. The nation’s utilities have also continued to shutter coal-fired plants in favor of those burning natural gas made cheaper and more abundant by new drilling technologies.</p>
<p>In an interview with AP on Wednesday, Murray said Trump and his appointees have overall done a great job helping his industry, rating them “nearly a 10” in the first year. He specifically credited Environmental Protection Administrator Scott Pruitt and Energy Secretary Rick Perry with being “stars.”</p>
<p>Murray said he had private meetings with both Pruitt and Perry last year to discuss his policy goals.</p>
<p>“President Trump has done a wonderful job in addressing what is needed to improve the cost of electricity in America and to improve the reliability, security and resilience of the electric power grid,” Murray said. “I give him very high marks.”</p>
<p>Spokespeople for Pruitt and Perry did not immediately respond to questions Wednesday about Murray’s action plan.</p>
<p>Murray said he is still hopeful that Pruitt will follow through on the second-highest priority item on his 2017 action plan, revoking EPA’s 2009 finding that emitting greenhouse gases in the atmosphere threatens public health and welfare. The finding provided the legal underpinnings for Obama’s efforts to regulate carbon emissions as pollutants under the Clean Air Act.</p>
<p>Murray also expressed disappointment that Trump appointees on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission voted Monday to reject a proposal by Perry to make coal and nuclear power plants eligible for billions of dollars in government subsidies.</p>
<p>AP reported last year that Murray had asked the Trump administration to issue an emergency order protecting coal-fired power plants from closing. Murray warned that failure to act could cause thousands of coal miners to be laid off and force his largest customer, Ohio-based FirstEnergy Solutions, into bankruptcy.</p>
<p>Perry ultimately rejected Murray’s request, but later asked FERC to boost coal and nuclear plants by subsidizing their continued operation.</p>
<p>The Republican-controlled commission voted unanimously to reject Perry’s claim that further retirements of coal-fired power plants pose a threat to reliability of the nation’s electric grid.</p>
<p>“There’s no question about it, there are folks in the administration that have their own agenda, rather than President Trump’s,” Murray said. “There are some staffers who have gone contrary to the wishes of our president.”</p>
<p>__</p>
<p>Follow Associated Press environmental writer Michael Biesecker at <a href="http://twitter.com/mbieseck" type="external">http://twitter.com/mbieseck</a></p>
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — In the early days of the Trump administration, the head of one of America’s largest coal companies sent a four-page “action plan” to the White House calling for rollbacks of Obama-era environmental and mine safety regulations.</p>
<p>“We have listed our suggested actions in order of priority,” Robert “Bob” Murray, the chairman and CEO of Ohio-based Murray Energy, wrote in his March 1 letter addressed to Vice President Mike Pence. “We are available to assist you and your administration in any way that you request.”</p>
<p>A review of the memo by The Associated Press shows Murray, an early campaign supporter of President Donald Trump and major GOP political donor, has gotten about half the items on his wish list. They include pulling the United States out of the Paris climate accords and revoking the Clean Power Plan, former President Obama’s signature effort to limit planet-warming emissions from coal-fired power plants.</p>
<p>Murray has spoken widely about his policy priorities in the intervening months, but a copy of his four-page plan became public this week after it was obtained by Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island and first reported by The New York Times.</p>
<p>Under Trump, the Mine Safety and Health Administration has also moved to reconsider rules meant to protect miners from breathing coal and rock dust — the primary cause of black lung — and diesel exhaust, which can cause cancer.</p>
<p>Other Murray priorities, such as eliminating federal tax credits for wind turbines and solar panels, have floundered, however. The renewable energy tax breaks were largely retained in the final Republican-drafted tax plan signed by Trump last month.</p>
<p>And despite Trump’s campaign pledges to put scores of coal back to work by ending what he and Murray have derided as Obama’s “War on Coal,” the administration’s regulatory rollback has thus far had modest economic benefits.</p>
<p>Only about 500 coal mining jobs were added in Trump’s first year, bringing the total to about 50,900 nationally, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. The nation’s utilities have also continued to shutter coal-fired plants in favor of those burning natural gas made cheaper and more abundant by new drilling technologies.</p>
<p>In an interview with AP on Wednesday, Murray said Trump and his appointees have overall done a great job helping his industry, rating them “nearly a 10” in the first year. He specifically credited Environmental Protection Administrator Scott Pruitt and Energy Secretary Rick Perry with being “stars.”</p>
<p>Murray said he had private meetings with both Pruitt and Perry last year to discuss his policy goals.</p>
<p>“President Trump has done a wonderful job in addressing what is needed to improve the cost of electricity in America and to improve the reliability, security and resilience of the electric power grid,” Murray said. “I give him very high marks.”</p>
<p>Spokespeople for Pruitt and Perry did not immediately respond to questions Wednesday about Murray’s action plan.</p>
<p>Murray said he is still hopeful that Pruitt will follow through on the second-highest priority item on his 2017 action plan, revoking EPA’s 2009 finding that emitting greenhouse gases in the atmosphere threatens public health and welfare. The finding provided the legal underpinnings for Obama’s efforts to regulate carbon emissions as pollutants under the Clean Air Act.</p>
<p>Murray also expressed disappointment that Trump appointees on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission voted Monday to reject a proposal by Perry to make coal and nuclear power plants eligible for billions of dollars in government subsidies.</p>
<p>AP reported last year that Murray had asked the Trump administration to issue an emergency order protecting coal-fired power plants from closing. Murray warned that failure to act could cause thousands of coal miners to be laid off and force his largest customer, Ohio-based FirstEnergy Solutions, into bankruptcy.</p>
<p>Perry ultimately rejected Murray’s request, but later asked FERC to boost coal and nuclear plants by subsidizing their continued operation.</p>
<p>The Republican-controlled commission voted unanimously to reject Perry’s claim that further retirements of coal-fired power plants pose a threat to reliability of the nation’s electric grid.</p>
<p>“There’s no question about it, there are folks in the administration that have their own agenda, rather than President Trump’s,” Murray said. “There are some staffers who have gone contrary to the wishes of our president.”</p>
<p>__</p>
<p>Follow Associated Press environmental writer Michael Biesecker at <a href="http://twitter.com/mbieseck" type="external">http://twitter.com/mbieseck</a></p>
| false | 2 |
washington ap early days trump administration head one americas largest coal companies sent fourpage action plan white house calling rollbacks obamaera environmental mine safety regulations listed suggested actions order priority robert bob murray chairman ceo ohiobased murray energy wrote march 1 letter addressed vice president mike pence available assist administration way request review memo associated press shows murray early campaign supporter president donald trump major gop political donor gotten half items wish list include pulling united states paris climate accords revoking clean power plan former president obamas signature effort limit planetwarming emissions coalfired power plants murray spoken widely policy priorities intervening months copy fourpage plan became public week obtained democratic sen sheldon whitehouse rhode island first reported new york times trump mine safety health administration also moved reconsider rules meant protect miners breathing coal rock dust primary cause black lung diesel exhaust cause cancer murray priorities eliminating federal tax credits wind turbines solar panels floundered however renewable energy tax breaks largely retained final republicandrafted tax plan signed trump last month despite trumps campaign pledges put scores coal back work ending murray derided obamas war coal administrations regulatory rollback thus far modest economic benefits 500 coal mining jobs added trumps first year bringing total 50900 nationally according federal bureau labor statistics nations utilities also continued shutter coalfired plants favor burning natural gas made cheaper abundant new drilling technologies interview ap wednesday murray said trump appointees overall done great job helping industry rating nearly 10 first year specifically credited environmental protection administrator scott pruitt energy secretary rick perry stars murray said private meetings pruitt perry last year discuss policy goals president trump done wonderful job addressing needed improve cost electricity america improve reliability security resilience electric power grid murray said give high marks spokespeople pruitt perry immediately respond questions wednesday murrays action plan murray said still hopeful pruitt follow secondhighest priority item 2017 action plan revoking epas 2009 finding emitting greenhouse gases atmosphere threatens public health welfare finding provided legal underpinnings obamas efforts regulate carbon emissions pollutants clean air act murray also expressed disappointment trump appointees federal energy regulatory commission voted monday reject proposal perry make coal nuclear power plants eligible billions dollars government subsidies ap reported last year murray asked trump administration issue emergency order protecting coalfired power plants closing murray warned failure act could cause thousands coal miners laid force largest customer ohiobased firstenergy solutions bankruptcy perry ultimately rejected murrays request later asked ferc boost coal nuclear plants subsidizing continued operation republicancontrolled commission voted unanimously reject perrys claim retirements coalfired power plants pose threat reliability nations electric grid theres question folks administration agenda rather president trumps murray said staffers gone contrary wishes president __ follow associated press environmental writer michael biesecker httptwittercommbieseck washington ap early days trump administration head one americas largest coal companies sent fourpage action plan white house calling rollbacks obamaera environmental mine safety regulations listed suggested actions order priority robert bob murray chairman ceo ohiobased murray energy wrote march 1 letter addressed vice president mike pence available assist administration way request review memo associated press shows murray early campaign supporter president donald trump major gop political donor gotten half items wish list include pulling united states paris climate accords revoking clean power plan former president obamas signature effort limit planetwarming emissions coalfired power plants murray spoken widely policy priorities intervening months copy fourpage plan became public week obtained democratic sen sheldon whitehouse rhode island first reported new york times trump mine safety health administration also moved reconsider rules meant protect miners breathing coal rock dust primary cause black lung diesel exhaust cause cancer murray priorities eliminating federal tax credits wind turbines solar panels floundered however renewable energy tax breaks largely retained final republicandrafted tax plan signed trump last month despite trumps campaign pledges put scores coal back work ending murray derided obamas war coal administrations regulatory rollback thus far modest economic benefits 500 coal mining jobs added trumps first year bringing total 50900 nationally according federal bureau labor statistics nations utilities also continued shutter coalfired plants favor burning natural gas made cheaper abundant new drilling technologies interview ap wednesday murray said trump appointees overall done great job helping industry rating nearly 10 first year specifically credited environmental protection administrator scott pruitt energy secretary rick perry stars murray said private meetings pruitt perry last year discuss policy goals president trump done wonderful job addressing needed improve cost electricity america improve reliability security resilience electric power grid murray said give high marks spokespeople pruitt perry immediately respond questions wednesday murrays action plan murray said still hopeful pruitt follow secondhighest priority item 2017 action plan revoking epas 2009 finding emitting greenhouse gases atmosphere threatens public health welfare finding provided legal underpinnings obamas efforts regulate carbon emissions pollutants clean air act murray also expressed disappointment trump appointees federal energy regulatory commission voted monday reject proposal perry make coal nuclear power plants eligible billions dollars government subsidies ap reported last year murray asked trump administration issue emergency order protecting coalfired power plants closing murray warned failure act could cause thousands coal miners laid force largest customer ohiobased firstenergy solutions bankruptcy perry ultimately rejected murrays request later asked ferc boost coal nuclear plants subsidizing continued operation republicancontrolled commission voted unanimously reject perrys claim retirements coalfired power plants pose threat reliability nations electric grid theres question folks administration agenda rather president trumps murray said staffers gone contrary wishes president __ follow associated press environmental writer michael biesecker httptwittercommbieseck
| 904 |
<p>WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — Purdue’s focus now is on defending its Big Ten championship after the 14th-ranked Boilermakers beat Lipscomb 98-66 on Saturday night to close out nonconference play.</p>
<p>“We’ve already kind of started Big Ten play so it’s a little bit different,” Purdue coach Matt Painter said. “We’ve put ourself in a good position, and our next game’s a home game.”</p>
<p>The Boilermakers already have wins over Maryland and Northwestern from conference games in early December after a scheduling change to help end the Big Ten’s regular season in late February for an early start to the conference tournament.</p>
<p>But Lipscomb didn’t make the end of the nonconference season easy for Purdue.</p>
<p>Vincent Edwards had 23 points and 15 rebounds, andIsaac Haas added 19 points and seven rebounds, and Carsen Edwards scored 18 points for the Boilermakers (13-2). They haven’t lost a game played in December in the last two years.</p>
<p>Purdue had a 12-2 run early in the second half to finally begin to pull away, and Dakota Mathias, who finished with 15 points, scored to give the Boilermakers a 59-43 lead with 16:04 remaining. Purdue later used a 13-0 run to put it away.</p>
<p>“(Lipscomb) got in a little bit of a hurry in the second half and we were able to disrupt them,” Painter said. “We started the second half by getting Isaac involved, and going to him. And Vince Edwards really opened some things up. After you get a little bit of a lead, they’re not quite as patient and it just kind of snowballed from there.”</p>
<p>Vincent Edwards scored back-to-back 3-pointers and then made three free throws to put the Boilermakers ahead 75-52 with 9:33 left to play. Before that, the Bison (9-5) wouldn’t let Purdue go on a run big enough to build a big lead.</p>
<p>Garrison Mathews had 25 points and five rebounds, and Matt Rose had 13 points and five rebounds for the Bison. They lost for the second time in seven games.</p>
<p>The Boilermakers never trailed and led by as much as eight in the first half, but the Bison found a way to tie it five times. And despite a drought of nearly five minutes without a field goal late in the first period, Purdue still had a 43-38 halftime lead.</p>
<p>“We’ve found ways to win (this season), even when it wasn’t the prettiest,” Vincent Edwards said. “I think that’s important.</p>
<p>KEY FROM 3</p>
<p>The Bison made 10 3-pointers, and it shouldn’t have come as a surprise considering Lipscomb ended the 2016-17 season ranked sixth in the nation in 3-point field goals made. The Bison started the game making 6-of-6, and didn’t miss for the first time until the 7:09 mark in the first half when Rose missed a 3 with the game tied at 32 and a chance to take the lead. Purdue also found a groove from 3-pointe range, finishing with 12.</p>
<p>TURNOVER INTANGIBLES</p>
<p>Lipscomb entered the game 19th in the nation forcing 17.3 turnovers a game. Both teams committed 11 turnovers each, but Purdue had five in the first half and the Bison only had one. They opened the second half with three in the first three minutes as the Boilermakers started to pull away.</p>
<p>BIG PICTURE:</p>
<p>Lipscomb: The Bison began the season with the best start in the school’s NCAA history, and best since 1999-00 when they opened the 16-0 as part of the NAIA.</p>
<p>Purdue: Not only have the Boilermakers put together a long winning streak in the month of December, but they’ve won nine straight overall and 16 in a row at home.</p>
<p>UP NEXT</p>
<p>Lipscomb: Will host Fisk University on Wednesday before the start of Atlantic Sun Conference play at Kennesaw State on Saturday.</p>
<p>Purdue: Returns to Big Ten play for the rest of the regular season, starting with a home game against Rutgers on Wednesday.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>More AP college basketball: www.collegebasketball.ap.org andwww.twitter.com/AP_Top25</p>
<p>WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — Purdue’s focus now is on defending its Big Ten championship after the 14th-ranked Boilermakers beat Lipscomb 98-66 on Saturday night to close out nonconference play.</p>
<p>“We’ve already kind of started Big Ten play so it’s a little bit different,” Purdue coach Matt Painter said. “We’ve put ourself in a good position, and our next game’s a home game.”</p>
<p>The Boilermakers already have wins over Maryland and Northwestern from conference games in early December after a scheduling change to help end the Big Ten’s regular season in late February for an early start to the conference tournament.</p>
<p>But Lipscomb didn’t make the end of the nonconference season easy for Purdue.</p>
<p>Vincent Edwards had 23 points and 15 rebounds, andIsaac Haas added 19 points and seven rebounds, and Carsen Edwards scored 18 points for the Boilermakers (13-2). They haven’t lost a game played in December in the last two years.</p>
<p>Purdue had a 12-2 run early in the second half to finally begin to pull away, and Dakota Mathias, who finished with 15 points, scored to give the Boilermakers a 59-43 lead with 16:04 remaining. Purdue later used a 13-0 run to put it away.</p>
<p>“(Lipscomb) got in a little bit of a hurry in the second half and we were able to disrupt them,” Painter said. “We started the second half by getting Isaac involved, and going to him. And Vince Edwards really opened some things up. After you get a little bit of a lead, they’re not quite as patient and it just kind of snowballed from there.”</p>
<p>Vincent Edwards scored back-to-back 3-pointers and then made three free throws to put the Boilermakers ahead 75-52 with 9:33 left to play. Before that, the Bison (9-5) wouldn’t let Purdue go on a run big enough to build a big lead.</p>
<p>Garrison Mathews had 25 points and five rebounds, and Matt Rose had 13 points and five rebounds for the Bison. They lost for the second time in seven games.</p>
<p>The Boilermakers never trailed and led by as much as eight in the first half, but the Bison found a way to tie it five times. And despite a drought of nearly five minutes without a field goal late in the first period, Purdue still had a 43-38 halftime lead.</p>
<p>“We’ve found ways to win (this season), even when it wasn’t the prettiest,” Vincent Edwards said. “I think that’s important.</p>
<p>KEY FROM 3</p>
<p>The Bison made 10 3-pointers, and it shouldn’t have come as a surprise considering Lipscomb ended the 2016-17 season ranked sixth in the nation in 3-point field goals made. The Bison started the game making 6-of-6, and didn’t miss for the first time until the 7:09 mark in the first half when Rose missed a 3 with the game tied at 32 and a chance to take the lead. Purdue also found a groove from 3-pointe range, finishing with 12.</p>
<p>TURNOVER INTANGIBLES</p>
<p>Lipscomb entered the game 19th in the nation forcing 17.3 turnovers a game. Both teams committed 11 turnovers each, but Purdue had five in the first half and the Bison only had one. They opened the second half with three in the first three minutes as the Boilermakers started to pull away.</p>
<p>BIG PICTURE:</p>
<p>Lipscomb: The Bison began the season with the best start in the school’s NCAA history, and best since 1999-00 when they opened the 16-0 as part of the NAIA.</p>
<p>Purdue: Not only have the Boilermakers put together a long winning streak in the month of December, but they’ve won nine straight overall and 16 in a row at home.</p>
<p>UP NEXT</p>
<p>Lipscomb: Will host Fisk University on Wednesday before the start of Atlantic Sun Conference play at Kennesaw State on Saturday.</p>
<p>Purdue: Returns to Big Ten play for the rest of the regular season, starting with a home game against Rutgers on Wednesday.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>More AP college basketball: www.collegebasketball.ap.org andwww.twitter.com/AP_Top25</p>
| false | 2 |
west lafayette ind ap purdues focus defending big ten championship 14thranked boilermakers beat lipscomb 9866 saturday night close nonconference play weve already kind started big ten play little bit different purdue coach matt painter said weve put ourself good position next games home game boilermakers already wins maryland northwestern conference games early december scheduling change help end big tens regular season late february early start conference tournament lipscomb didnt make end nonconference season easy purdue vincent edwards 23 points 15 rebounds andisaac haas added 19 points seven rebounds carsen edwards scored 18 points boilermakers 132 havent lost game played december last two years purdue 122 run early second half finally begin pull away dakota mathias finished 15 points scored give boilermakers 5943 lead 1604 remaining purdue later used 130 run put away lipscomb got little bit hurry second half able disrupt painter said started second half getting isaac involved going vince edwards really opened things get little bit lead theyre quite patient kind snowballed vincent edwards scored backtoback 3pointers made three free throws put boilermakers ahead 7552 933 left play bison 95 wouldnt let purdue go run big enough build big lead garrison mathews 25 points five rebounds matt rose 13 points five rebounds bison lost second time seven games boilermakers never trailed led much eight first half bison found way tie five times despite drought nearly five minutes without field goal late first period purdue still 4338 halftime lead weve found ways win season even wasnt prettiest vincent edwards said think thats important key 3 bison made 10 3pointers shouldnt come surprise considering lipscomb ended 201617 season ranked sixth nation 3point field goals made bison started game making 6of6 didnt miss first time 709 mark first half rose missed 3 game tied 32 chance take lead purdue also found groove 3pointe range finishing 12 turnover intangibles lipscomb entered game 19th nation forcing 173 turnovers game teams committed 11 turnovers purdue five first half bison one opened second half three first three minutes boilermakers started pull away big picture lipscomb bison began season best start schools ncaa history best since 199900 opened 160 part naia purdue boilermakers put together long winning streak month december theyve nine straight overall 16 row home next lipscomb host fisk university wednesday start atlantic sun conference play kennesaw state saturday purdue returns big ten play rest regular season starting home game rutgers wednesday ___ ap college basketball wwwcollegebasketballaporg andwwwtwittercomap_top25 west lafayette ind ap purdues focus defending big ten championship 14thranked boilermakers beat lipscomb 9866 saturday night close nonconference play weve already kind started big ten play little bit different purdue coach matt painter said weve put ourself good position next games home game boilermakers already wins maryland northwestern conference games early december scheduling change help end big tens regular season late february early start conference tournament lipscomb didnt make end nonconference season easy purdue vincent edwards 23 points 15 rebounds andisaac haas added 19 points seven rebounds carsen edwards scored 18 points boilermakers 132 havent lost game played december last two years purdue 122 run early second half finally begin pull away dakota mathias finished 15 points scored give boilermakers 5943 lead 1604 remaining purdue later used 130 run put away lipscomb got little bit hurry second half able disrupt painter said started second half getting isaac involved going vince edwards really opened things get little bit lead theyre quite patient kind snowballed vincent edwards scored backtoback 3pointers made three free throws put boilermakers ahead 7552 933 left play bison 95 wouldnt let purdue go run big enough build big lead garrison mathews 25 points five rebounds matt rose 13 points five rebounds bison lost second time seven games boilermakers never trailed led much eight first half bison found way tie five times despite drought nearly five minutes without field goal late first period purdue still 4338 halftime lead weve found ways win season even wasnt prettiest vincent edwards said think thats important key 3 bison made 10 3pointers shouldnt come surprise considering lipscomb ended 201617 season ranked sixth nation 3point field goals made bison started game making 6of6 didnt miss first time 709 mark first half rose missed 3 game tied 32 chance take lead purdue also found groove 3pointe range finishing 12 turnover intangibles lipscomb entered game 19th nation forcing 173 turnovers game teams committed 11 turnovers purdue five first half bison one opened second half three first three minutes boilermakers started pull away big picture lipscomb bison began season best start schools ncaa history best since 199900 opened 160 part naia purdue boilermakers put together long winning streak month december theyve nine straight overall 16 row home next lipscomb host fisk university wednesday start atlantic sun conference play kennesaw state saturday purdue returns big ten play rest regular season starting home game rutgers wednesday ___ ap college basketball wwwcollegebasketballaporg andwwwtwittercomap_top25
| 808 |
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p>A listless day on Wall Street finished with U.S. stocks eking out small gains Friday, as strength in energy, phone and industrial companies offset losses elsewhere.</p>
<p>Some health insurers bounced back after Sen. John McCain said he wouldn’t support the latest Republican effort to roll back the Affordable Care Act.</p>
<p>Real estate and utilities companies were among the biggest decliners. A new round of tensions between the U.S. and North Korea helped send bond yields lower, which weighed on banks and other financial stocks. The sector notched daily gains earlier in the week.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>“Geopolitical tensions coming out of North Korea caused a flight to quality, which kind of put the brakes on the momentum in financials,” said David Schiegoleit, managing director of investments at U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management. “Today equity markets are simply moving sideways and probably digesting that.”</p>
<p>The Standard &amp; Poor’s 500 index rose 1.62 points, or 0.06 percent, to 2,502.22. The Dow Jones industrial average shed 9.64 points, or 0.04 percent, to 22,349.59. The average was held back by a loss in Apple, which slid $1.50, or 1 percent, to $151.89.</p>
<p>The Nasdaq composite added 4.23 points, or 0.07 percent, to 6,426.92.</p>
<p>Small-company stocks did better than the rest of the market. The Russell 2000 gained 6.60 points, or 0.5 percent, to 1,450.78, a fraction of a point above its previous record high.</p>
<p>The Russell 2000 also notched the biggest weekly gain, 1.3 percent. The S&amp;P 500 and Dow posted small gains, while the Nasdaq closed out the week with a modest loss.</p>
<p>The stock indexes spent much of the day drifting between small gains and losses as investors weighed the latest developments in the political brinkmanship between the U.S. and North Korea.</p>
<p>Tensions between the two nations ratcheted up after President Donald Trump authorized stiffer sanctions in response to North Korea’s nuclear weapons advances, drawing a furious response from Pyongyang. Trump expanded the Treasury Department’s ability to target anyone conducting significant trade in goods, services or technology with North Korea, and to ban them from interacting with the U.S. financial system. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un retaliated by calling Trump “deranged” and saying he’ll “pay dearly” for his threats.</p>
<p>The heightened tensions drove up bond prices, which sent yields lower. The yield on the 10-year Treasury slipped to 2.25 percent from 2.28 percent late Thursday.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>That weighed on bank shares, including Fifth Third Bancorp, which declined 23 cents, or 0.8 percent, to $27.31. Lower bond yields mean banks have to charge lower interest rates on long-term loans like mortgages.</p>
<p>Several health care companies recovered some of the ground they lost earlier as McCain said he wouldn’t support the latest Republican health care bill, dealing what could be a fatal blow to the last-gasp GOP measure in a Senate showdown expected next week.</p>
<p>Centene, which administers Medicaid programs and sells health plans to ACA exchanges, rose $1.48, or 1.6 percent, to $92.22. Molina Healthcare gained $2.81, or 4.5 percent, to $65.32.</p>
<p>Energy stocks rose as crude oil prices finished higher. Hess added 87 cents, or 2 percent, to $44.50.</p>
<p>Benchmark U.S. crude rose 11 cents, or 0.2 percent, to settle at $50.66 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude, used to price international oils, rose 43 cents, or 0.8 percent, to close at $56.86 a barrel in London.</p>
<p>Real estate investment trusts and utilities were among the biggest decliners. Ventas fell $1.48, or 2.2 percent, to $66.04. Duke Energy slid 91 cents, or 1.1 percent, to $84.25.</p>
<p>Industrial stocks, including several airlines, were among the gainers. Alaska Air Group added $1.84, or 2.5 percent, to $74.75. American Airlines Group gained 77 cents, or 1.7 percent, to $47.06.</p>
<p>Traders welcomed news of a possible combination between two major wireless carriers.</p>
<p>Sprint climbed 6.1 percent after Reuters reported the company is close to signing a deal with rival T-Mobile. Shares in Sprint added 49 cents to $8.52. T-Mobile gained 67 cents, or 1.1 percent, to $64.06. Verizon also got a boost, rising 96 cents, or 2 percent, to $49.90.</p>
<p>Among the big movers Friday was Compass Minerals, which slumped 13.5 percent after the mining company cut its annual profit forecast after a partial ceiling cave-in at a rock salt mine in Ontario that will slow operations for six weeks. The stock lost $9.40 to $60.10.</p>
<p>CarMax jumped 7.8 percent after the used car retailer’s latest quarterly results beat analysts’ forecasts. The stock gained $5.35 to $74.19.</p>
<p>In other energy futures trading, heating oil was little changed at $1.82 a gallon. Wholesale gasoline gained 3 cents to $1.67 a gallon. Natural gas rose 1 cent to $2.96 per 1,000 cubic feet.</p>
<p>Gold rose $2.70 to $1,297.50 an ounce. Silver lost 3 cents to $16.98 an ounce. Copper added 1 cent to $2.95 a pound.</p>
<p>The dollar weakened to 112.05 yen from 112.38 yen on Thursday. The euro climbed to $1.1941 from $1.1885.</p>
<p>Markets overseas were mixed Friday.</p>
<p>Germany’s DAX fell 0.1 percent, while France’s CAC 40 gained 0.3 percent. Britain’s FTSE 100 rose 0.6 percent. In Asia, markets finished unevenly after S&amp;P downgraded the credit rating for China and Hong Kong. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 slipped 0.3 percent, while South Korea’s Kospi lost 0.7 percent. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng shed 0.8 percent.</p>
| false | 2 |
listless day wall street finished us stocks eking small gains friday strength energy phone industrial companies offset losses elsewhere health insurers bounced back sen john mccain said wouldnt support latest republican effort roll back affordable care act real estate utilities companies among biggest decliners new round tensions us north korea helped send bond yields lower weighed banks financial stocks sector notched daily gains earlier week advertisement geopolitical tensions coming north korea caused flight quality kind put brakes momentum financials said david schiegoleit managing director investments us bank private wealth management today equity markets simply moving sideways probably digesting standard amp poors 500 index rose 162 points 006 percent 250222 dow jones industrial average shed 964 points 004 percent 2234959 average held back loss apple slid 150 1 percent 15189 nasdaq composite added 423 points 007 percent 642692 smallcompany stocks better rest market russell 2000 gained 660 points 05 percent 145078 fraction point previous record high russell 2000 also notched biggest weekly gain 13 percent sampp 500 dow posted small gains nasdaq closed week modest loss stock indexes spent much day drifting small gains losses investors weighed latest developments political brinkmanship us north korea tensions two nations ratcheted president donald trump authorized stiffer sanctions response north koreas nuclear weapons advances drawing furious response pyongyang trump expanded treasury departments ability target anyone conducting significant trade goods services technology north korea ban interacting us financial system north korean leader kim jong un retaliated calling trump deranged saying hell pay dearly threats heightened tensions drove bond prices sent yields lower yield 10year treasury slipped 225 percent 228 percent late thursday advertisement weighed bank shares including fifth third bancorp declined 23 cents 08 percent 2731 lower bond yields mean banks charge lower interest rates longterm loans like mortgages several health care companies recovered ground lost earlier mccain said wouldnt support latest republican health care bill dealing could fatal blow lastgasp gop measure senate showdown expected next week centene administers medicaid programs sells health plans aca exchanges rose 148 16 percent 9222 molina healthcare gained 281 45 percent 6532 energy stocks rose crude oil prices finished higher hess added 87 cents 2 percent 4450 benchmark us crude rose 11 cents 02 percent settle 5066 barrel new york mercantile exchange brent crude used price international oils rose 43 cents 08 percent close 5686 barrel london real estate investment trusts utilities among biggest decliners ventas fell 148 22 percent 6604 duke energy slid 91 cents 11 percent 8425 industrial stocks including several airlines among gainers alaska air group added 184 25 percent 7475 american airlines group gained 77 cents 17 percent 4706 traders welcomed news possible combination two major wireless carriers sprint climbed 61 percent reuters reported company close signing deal rival tmobile shares sprint added 49 cents 852 tmobile gained 67 cents 11 percent 6406 verizon also got boost rising 96 cents 2 percent 4990 among big movers friday compass minerals slumped 135 percent mining company cut annual profit forecast partial ceiling cavein rock salt mine ontario slow operations six weeks stock lost 940 6010 carmax jumped 78 percent used car retailers latest quarterly results beat analysts forecasts stock gained 535 7419 energy futures trading heating oil little changed 182 gallon wholesale gasoline gained 3 cents 167 gallon natural gas rose 1 cent 296 per 1000 cubic feet gold rose 270 129750 ounce silver lost 3 cents 1698 ounce copper added 1 cent 295 pound dollar weakened 11205 yen 11238 yen thursday euro climbed 11941 11885 markets overseas mixed friday germanys dax fell 01 percent frances cac 40 gained 03 percent britains ftse 100 rose 06 percent asia markets finished unevenly sampp downgraded credit rating china hong kong japans benchmark nikkei 225 slipped 03 percent south koreas kospi lost 07 percent hong kongs hang seng shed 08 percent
| 631 |
<p>Phil Neville apologized Wednesday for misogynistic and sexist comments he made on Twitter that have overshadowed his appointment as coach of England's women's national soccer team and led to calls for him to be charged by the Football Association.</p>
<p>"I would like to clarify that they were not and are not a true and genuine reflection of either my character or beliefs," the former Manchester United defender said of the tweets he posted in 2011 and '12.</p>
<p>Neville deleted his Twitter account — followed by 1.6 million people — soon after being announced Tuesday as the most high-profile England Women coach in the team's 45-year history. His tweets were already out in the public domain by then.</p>
<p>In one post on his Twitter account, Neville wrote in 2011: "Relax, I'm back chilled- just battered the wife!!! Feel better now!"</p>
<p>In another in 2012, Neville — asked why women would not be watching cricket on television — responded by saying he thought they would be "busy preparing breakfast/getting kids ready/making beds."</p>
<p>Later that year, he tweeted that women "always wanted equality until it comes to paying the bills (hashtag)hypocrites."</p>
<p>Anti-discrimination group Kick It Out said Neville's appointment "raises more questions than answers" and questioned whether he should be charged by the FA for posting discriminatory comments on social media.</p>
<p>In reply, FA chief executive Martin Glenn said Neville's comments "would not meet the threshold for issuing a charge against any participants" and that the coach would be educated on all aspects of the FA's regulations.</p>
<p>In June 2017, David Moyes was fined 30,000 pounds ($38,000) for telling a reporter "you still might get a slap even though you're a woman," when he was manager of Sunderland. The FA said those remarks were "improper and/or threatening and/or brought the game into disrepute."</p>
<p>In 2016, Watford striker Andre Gray, who played for Burnley at the time, was banned for four matches by the FA for anti-gay and racist comments he made on Twitter four years earlier.</p>
<p>The Women's Sport Trust charity was also critical of Neville and the FA, saying: "In the age of MeToo and TimesUp, all individuals and organizations must be more aware of past sexist behavior and respond to it appropriately."</p>
<p>British sports minister Tracey Crouch said it was "right that Phil Neville has apologized for his ill-advised, historical remarks."</p>
<p>"Sexism of any kind must not be tolerated," she added.</p>
<p>The Football Association was already coming under fire for recruiting the 41-year-old Neville despite his limited experience as a coach.</p>
<p>Since retiring as a player in 2013, Neville has had brief spells as an assistant coach with the England under-21 men's team, United and Valencia. He has also managed one game at Salford City — the semi-professional team he co-owns with other former United players.</p>
<p>"Kick It Out have serious concerns over a recruitment process that has resulted in the appointment of someone with no record of management or experience in women's football," said Roisin Wood, its chief executive, "and are making representations to the FA to ensure the governing body is transparent and accountable for their decision."</p>
<p>Glenn said the FA turned to Neville after four candidates on the final shortlist — two of them female — withdrew from the selection process. Two of the four pulled out when told they would be undergoing background checks.</p>
<p>"I have personally been impressed by Phil's determination, his integrity and values that came through strongly in his background checks and references," Glenn said. "It has, I believe, been rigorous and fair."</p>
<p>Glenn said not all of Neville's controversial historic comments on social media came to light during background vetting, and that the FA only became aware of them through the media.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Steve Douglas is at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/sdouglas80" type="external">www.twitter.com/sdouglas80</a></p>
<p>Phil Neville apologized Wednesday for misogynistic and sexist comments he made on Twitter that have overshadowed his appointment as coach of England's women's national soccer team and led to calls for him to be charged by the Football Association.</p>
<p>"I would like to clarify that they were not and are not a true and genuine reflection of either my character or beliefs," the former Manchester United defender said of the tweets he posted in 2011 and '12.</p>
<p>Neville deleted his Twitter account — followed by 1.6 million people — soon after being announced Tuesday as the most high-profile England Women coach in the team's 45-year history. His tweets were already out in the public domain by then.</p>
<p>In one post on his Twitter account, Neville wrote in 2011: "Relax, I'm back chilled- just battered the wife!!! Feel better now!"</p>
<p>In another in 2012, Neville — asked why women would not be watching cricket on television — responded by saying he thought they would be "busy preparing breakfast/getting kids ready/making beds."</p>
<p>Later that year, he tweeted that women "always wanted equality until it comes to paying the bills (hashtag)hypocrites."</p>
<p>Anti-discrimination group Kick It Out said Neville's appointment "raises more questions than answers" and questioned whether he should be charged by the FA for posting discriminatory comments on social media.</p>
<p>In reply, FA chief executive Martin Glenn said Neville's comments "would not meet the threshold for issuing a charge against any participants" and that the coach would be educated on all aspects of the FA's regulations.</p>
<p>In June 2017, David Moyes was fined 30,000 pounds ($38,000) for telling a reporter "you still might get a slap even though you're a woman," when he was manager of Sunderland. The FA said those remarks were "improper and/or threatening and/or brought the game into disrepute."</p>
<p>In 2016, Watford striker Andre Gray, who played for Burnley at the time, was banned for four matches by the FA for anti-gay and racist comments he made on Twitter four years earlier.</p>
<p>The Women's Sport Trust charity was also critical of Neville and the FA, saying: "In the age of MeToo and TimesUp, all individuals and organizations must be more aware of past sexist behavior and respond to it appropriately."</p>
<p>British sports minister Tracey Crouch said it was "right that Phil Neville has apologized for his ill-advised, historical remarks."</p>
<p>"Sexism of any kind must not be tolerated," she added.</p>
<p>The Football Association was already coming under fire for recruiting the 41-year-old Neville despite his limited experience as a coach.</p>
<p>Since retiring as a player in 2013, Neville has had brief spells as an assistant coach with the England under-21 men's team, United and Valencia. He has also managed one game at Salford City — the semi-professional team he co-owns with other former United players.</p>
<p>"Kick It Out have serious concerns over a recruitment process that has resulted in the appointment of someone with no record of management or experience in women's football," said Roisin Wood, its chief executive, "and are making representations to the FA to ensure the governing body is transparent and accountable for their decision."</p>
<p>Glenn said the FA turned to Neville after four candidates on the final shortlist — two of them female — withdrew from the selection process. Two of the four pulled out when told they would be undergoing background checks.</p>
<p>"I have personally been impressed by Phil's determination, his integrity and values that came through strongly in his background checks and references," Glenn said. "It has, I believe, been rigorous and fair."</p>
<p>Glenn said not all of Neville's controversial historic comments on social media came to light during background vetting, and that the FA only became aware of them through the media.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Steve Douglas is at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/sdouglas80" type="external">www.twitter.com/sdouglas80</a></p>
| false | 2 |
phil neville apologized wednesday misogynistic sexist comments made twitter overshadowed appointment coach englands womens national soccer team led calls charged football association would like clarify true genuine reflection either character beliefs former manchester united defender said tweets posted 2011 12 neville deleted twitter account followed 16 million people soon announced tuesday highprofile england women coach teams 45year history tweets already public domain one post twitter account neville wrote 2011 relax im back chilled battered wife feel better another 2012 neville asked women would watching cricket television responded saying thought would busy preparing breakfastgetting kids readymaking beds later year tweeted women always wanted equality comes paying bills hashtaghypocrites antidiscrimination group kick said nevilles appointment raises questions answers questioned whether charged fa posting discriminatory comments social media reply fa chief executive martin glenn said nevilles comments would meet threshold issuing charge participants coach would educated aspects fas regulations june 2017 david moyes fined 30000 pounds 38000 telling reporter still might get slap even though youre woman manager sunderland fa said remarks improper andor threatening andor brought game disrepute 2016 watford striker andre gray played burnley time banned four matches fa antigay racist comments made twitter four years earlier womens sport trust charity also critical neville fa saying age metoo timesup individuals organizations must aware past sexist behavior respond appropriately british sports minister tracey crouch said right phil neville apologized illadvised historical remarks sexism kind must tolerated added football association already coming fire recruiting 41yearold neville despite limited experience coach since retiring player 2013 neville brief spells assistant coach england under21 mens team united valencia also managed one game salford city semiprofessional team coowns former united players kick serious concerns recruitment process resulted appointment someone record management experience womens football said roisin wood chief executive making representations fa ensure governing body transparent accountable decision glenn said fa turned neville four candidates final shortlist two female withdrew selection process two four pulled told would undergoing background checks personally impressed phils determination integrity values came strongly background checks references glenn said believe rigorous fair glenn said nevilles controversial historic comments social media came light background vetting fa became aware media ___ steve douglas wwwtwittercomsdouglas80 phil neville apologized wednesday misogynistic sexist comments made twitter overshadowed appointment coach englands womens national soccer team led calls charged football association would like clarify true genuine reflection either character beliefs former manchester united defender said tweets posted 2011 12 neville deleted twitter account followed 16 million people soon announced tuesday highprofile england women coach teams 45year history tweets already public domain one post twitter account neville wrote 2011 relax im back chilled battered wife feel better another 2012 neville asked women would watching cricket television responded saying thought would busy preparing breakfastgetting kids readymaking beds later year tweeted women always wanted equality comes paying bills hashtaghypocrites antidiscrimination group kick said nevilles appointment raises questions answers questioned whether charged fa posting discriminatory comments social media reply fa chief executive martin glenn said nevilles comments would meet threshold issuing charge participants coach would educated aspects fas regulations june 2017 david moyes fined 30000 pounds 38000 telling reporter still might get slap even though youre woman manager sunderland fa said remarks improper andor threatening andor brought game disrepute 2016 watford striker andre gray played burnley time banned four matches fa antigay racist comments made twitter four years earlier womens sport trust charity also critical neville fa saying age metoo timesup individuals organizations must aware past sexist behavior respond appropriately british sports minister tracey crouch said right phil neville apologized illadvised historical remarks sexism kind must tolerated added football association already coming fire recruiting 41yearold neville despite limited experience coach since retiring player 2013 neville brief spells assistant coach england under21 mens team united valencia also managed one game salford city semiprofessional team coowns former united players kick serious concerns recruitment process resulted appointment someone record management experience womens football said roisin wood chief executive making representations fa ensure governing body transparent accountable decision glenn said fa turned neville four candidates final shortlist two female withdrew selection process two four pulled told would undergoing background checks personally impressed phils determination integrity values came strongly background checks references glenn said believe rigorous fair glenn said nevilles controversial historic comments social media came light background vetting fa became aware media ___ steve douglas wwwtwittercomsdouglas80
| 718 |
<p>MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia coach Bob Huggins is confident his team will bounce back from a couple of blowouts.</p>
<p>Turnovers, poor shooting and lack of rebounding have cost the 21st-ranked Mountaineers, who fell to fourth place in the Big 12 Conference after a solid start.</p>
<p>Despite losses to No. 17 Oklahoma and No. 16 Baylor, West Virginia (18-5, 6-4) is still having a surprisingly good season and trying to put together a few more wins to return to the NCAA tournament after a two-year absence.</p>
<p>There's no letup in the schedule over the second half of the season. Six of West Virginia's eight remaining regular-season games are against ranked opponents.</p>
<p>Huggins is concerned about Wednesday night's home matchup with Kansas State (12-12, 5-6). A team Mountaineers beat 65-59 on the road on Jan. 27.</p>
<p>"I don't look very far ahead," Huggins said. "It's kind of scary if you do. I don't think it's that hard to bounce back after a loss. I think it's a little harder to bounce back when you win a few in a row.</p>
<p>"I think we'll be fine. We've got good guys. They have for the most part, tried to do the right things."</p>
<p>Not much went right in a 19-point defeat at Oklahoma on Feb. 3 and Saturday's 18-point setback to Baylor at home. They were the worst back-to-back losses for Huggins in his eight seasons at West Virginia and sent the Mountaineers tumbling six spots in The Associated Press poll.</p>
<p>The Sooners sliced through West Virginia's relentless defensive pressure and shot 61 percent from the field. Baylor had a 20-point lead before the game was 10 minutes old, held a decisive rebounding advantage and shot 55 percent.</p>
<p>Huggins will continue to lean on a deep bench and a full-court press that has exhausted some opponents and prompted Kansas State coach Bruce Weber to coin it "40 minutes of chaos."</p>
<p>The Mountaineers have forced 500 turnovers this season, 51 more than any other Division I team.</p>
<p>Kansas State committed 25 turnovers in the teams' earlier meeting. Weber said there's little that can be done in practice to mimic West Virginia's defensive intensity.</p>
<p>"They just never let you get a rhythm," Weber said. "It's going to be difficult."</p>
<p>Like most of its opponents, West Virginia has gotten sloppy, too. The Mountaineers averaged 15.5 turnovers in the two losses and failed to reach its Division I-leading average of 12 steals.</p>
<p>Among the players the Mountaineers will lean on over the final month are Big 12 preseason player of the year Juwan Staten, who was limited to six points against Baylor and is fifth in the league with an average of 14.4 points, and sophomore Devin Williams, the team's second-leading scorer who had 20 points and 15 rebounds against the Bears.</p>
<p>"The best teams go through struggles like this," Williams said. "But to be one of the best teams, you've got to know how to handle this adversity that we're going through in the last two weeks. Two games in a row is tough, but it happens, especially in the best conference in the country."</p>
<p>Huggins likes to compare and contrast his lineup that includes three freshmen and five sophomores with his teams that reached the Final Four in 2010 and the NCAA regional semifinals in 2008.</p>
<p>"They didn't turn the ball over. They rebounded," Huggins said. "We started out doing those things and now we got away from them. I think the opposition has stepped up, but that doesn't mean you stop doing what you're doing."</p>
<p>MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia coach Bob Huggins is confident his team will bounce back from a couple of blowouts.</p>
<p>Turnovers, poor shooting and lack of rebounding have cost the 21st-ranked Mountaineers, who fell to fourth place in the Big 12 Conference after a solid start.</p>
<p>Despite losses to No. 17 Oklahoma and No. 16 Baylor, West Virginia (18-5, 6-4) is still having a surprisingly good season and trying to put together a few more wins to return to the NCAA tournament after a two-year absence.</p>
<p>There's no letup in the schedule over the second half of the season. Six of West Virginia's eight remaining regular-season games are against ranked opponents.</p>
<p>Huggins is concerned about Wednesday night's home matchup with Kansas State (12-12, 5-6). A team Mountaineers beat 65-59 on the road on Jan. 27.</p>
<p>"I don't look very far ahead," Huggins said. "It's kind of scary if you do. I don't think it's that hard to bounce back after a loss. I think it's a little harder to bounce back when you win a few in a row.</p>
<p>"I think we'll be fine. We've got good guys. They have for the most part, tried to do the right things."</p>
<p>Not much went right in a 19-point defeat at Oklahoma on Feb. 3 and Saturday's 18-point setback to Baylor at home. They were the worst back-to-back losses for Huggins in his eight seasons at West Virginia and sent the Mountaineers tumbling six spots in The Associated Press poll.</p>
<p>The Sooners sliced through West Virginia's relentless defensive pressure and shot 61 percent from the field. Baylor had a 20-point lead before the game was 10 minutes old, held a decisive rebounding advantage and shot 55 percent.</p>
<p>Huggins will continue to lean on a deep bench and a full-court press that has exhausted some opponents and prompted Kansas State coach Bruce Weber to coin it "40 minutes of chaos."</p>
<p>The Mountaineers have forced 500 turnovers this season, 51 more than any other Division I team.</p>
<p>Kansas State committed 25 turnovers in the teams' earlier meeting. Weber said there's little that can be done in practice to mimic West Virginia's defensive intensity.</p>
<p>"They just never let you get a rhythm," Weber said. "It's going to be difficult."</p>
<p>Like most of its opponents, West Virginia has gotten sloppy, too. The Mountaineers averaged 15.5 turnovers in the two losses and failed to reach its Division I-leading average of 12 steals.</p>
<p>Among the players the Mountaineers will lean on over the final month are Big 12 preseason player of the year Juwan Staten, who was limited to six points against Baylor and is fifth in the league with an average of 14.4 points, and sophomore Devin Williams, the team's second-leading scorer who had 20 points and 15 rebounds against the Bears.</p>
<p>"The best teams go through struggles like this," Williams said. "But to be one of the best teams, you've got to know how to handle this adversity that we're going through in the last two weeks. Two games in a row is tough, but it happens, especially in the best conference in the country."</p>
<p>Huggins likes to compare and contrast his lineup that includes three freshmen and five sophomores with his teams that reached the Final Four in 2010 and the NCAA regional semifinals in 2008.</p>
<p>"They didn't turn the ball over. They rebounded," Huggins said. "We started out doing those things and now we got away from them. I think the opposition has stepped up, but that doesn't mean you stop doing what you're doing."</p>
| false | 2 |
morgantown wva ap west virginia coach bob huggins confident team bounce back couple blowouts turnovers poor shooting lack rebounding cost 21stranked mountaineers fell fourth place big 12 conference solid start despite losses 17 oklahoma 16 baylor west virginia 185 64 still surprisingly good season trying put together wins return ncaa tournament twoyear absence theres letup schedule second half season six west virginias eight remaining regularseason games ranked opponents huggins concerned wednesday nights home matchup kansas state 1212 56 team mountaineers beat 6559 road jan 27 dont look far ahead huggins said kind scary dont think hard bounce back loss think little harder bounce back win row think well fine weve got good guys part tried right things much went right 19point defeat oklahoma feb 3 saturdays 18point setback baylor home worst backtoback losses huggins eight seasons west virginia sent mountaineers tumbling six spots associated press poll sooners sliced west virginias relentless defensive pressure shot 61 percent field baylor 20point lead game 10 minutes old held decisive rebounding advantage shot 55 percent huggins continue lean deep bench fullcourt press exhausted opponents prompted kansas state coach bruce weber coin 40 minutes chaos mountaineers forced 500 turnovers season 51 division team kansas state committed 25 turnovers teams earlier meeting weber said theres little done practice mimic west virginias defensive intensity never let get rhythm weber said going difficult like opponents west virginia gotten sloppy mountaineers averaged 155 turnovers two losses failed reach division ileading average 12 steals among players mountaineers lean final month big 12 preseason player year juwan staten limited six points baylor fifth league average 144 points sophomore devin williams teams secondleading scorer 20 points 15 rebounds bears best teams go struggles like williams said one best teams youve got know handle adversity going last two weeks two games row tough happens especially best conference country huggins likes compare contrast lineup includes three freshmen five sophomores teams reached final four 2010 ncaa regional semifinals 2008 didnt turn ball rebounded huggins said started things got away think opposition stepped doesnt mean stop youre morgantown wva ap west virginia coach bob huggins confident team bounce back couple blowouts turnovers poor shooting lack rebounding cost 21stranked mountaineers fell fourth place big 12 conference solid start despite losses 17 oklahoma 16 baylor west virginia 185 64 still surprisingly good season trying put together wins return ncaa tournament twoyear absence theres letup schedule second half season six west virginias eight remaining regularseason games ranked opponents huggins concerned wednesday nights home matchup kansas state 1212 56 team mountaineers beat 6559 road jan 27 dont look far ahead huggins said kind scary dont think hard bounce back loss think little harder bounce back win row think well fine weve got good guys part tried right things much went right 19point defeat oklahoma feb 3 saturdays 18point setback baylor home worst backtoback losses huggins eight seasons west virginia sent mountaineers tumbling six spots associated press poll sooners sliced west virginias relentless defensive pressure shot 61 percent field baylor 20point lead game 10 minutes old held decisive rebounding advantage shot 55 percent huggins continue lean deep bench fullcourt press exhausted opponents prompted kansas state coach bruce weber coin 40 minutes chaos mountaineers forced 500 turnovers season 51 division team kansas state committed 25 turnovers teams earlier meeting weber said theres little done practice mimic west virginias defensive intensity never let get rhythm weber said going difficult like opponents west virginia gotten sloppy mountaineers averaged 155 turnovers two losses failed reach division ileading average 12 steals among players mountaineers lean final month big 12 preseason player year juwan staten limited six points baylor fifth league average 144 points sophomore devin williams teams secondleading scorer 20 points 15 rebounds bears best teams go struggles like williams said one best teams youve got know handle adversity going last two weeks two games row tough happens especially best conference country huggins likes compare contrast lineup includes three freshmen five sophomores teams reached final four 2010 ncaa regional semifinals 2008 didnt turn ball rebounded huggins said started things got away think opposition stepped doesnt mean stop youre
| 682 |
<p />
<p><a href="http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm" type="external">The Americans with Disabilities Act</a> turned 15 years old this week. The implications of this legislation are hailed by some and cursed by others. Wheelchair ramps, accessible sidewalks, elevators in new multi-story buildings, automatic doors, kneeling public transit buses, <a href="http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/votingck.htm" type="external">accessible polling places</a> and handicap parking are now common. Only 15 years ago, they were revolutionary.</p>
<p />
<p />
<p />
<p />
<p>" <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8717122/" type="external">NBC Nightly News" recently aired a story</a> that included some businesses&#160;which said they could not afford to become ADA compliant and folded.</p>
<p />
<p>The federal government has, at times, forced local governments to do a lot more to comply with the ADA.</p>
<p>Here are some of the cases involving cities and counties around the country. It is worth a look to see how the federal investigations have changed those communities:&#160;</p>
<p />
<p />
<p />
<p>The Justice Department has a lot of ADA resources, including these:</p>
<p />
<p />
<p />
<p />
<p />
<p />
<p>Women and other minorities&#160;are increasing their ownership of businesses in America at a rate higher than the national average, according to <a href="http://www.census.gov/csd/sbo/" type="external">a new study from the Census Bureau</a>. The report says:</p>
<p>--&#160; A fourth of the businesses in Washington, D.C., were black-owned. Black-owned businesses accounted for between 12 and 15 percent of firms in Maryland, Georgia, Mississippi and Louisiana.</p>
<p>--&#160; About 40 percent of Hispanic-owned firms were in administrative and support and waste management; health care; and other service industries. Another 13 percent were in construction.</p>
<p>--&#160; Hispanic-owned firms claimed between 15 and 22 percent of businesses in New Mexico, Texas, Florida and California.</p>
<p>--&#160; Asian-owned firms accounted for 45 percent of businesses in Hawaii, 13 percent of firms in California and 9 percent in New York.</p>
<p>American Indian- and Alaska Native-Owned Businesses</p>
<p>--&#160; There were 206,125 American Indian- and Alaska native-owned businesses in 2002, with receipts of $26.4 billion.</p>
<p>--&#160; American Indian- and Alaska native-owned firms were prevalent in many industries, with the largest concentrations in construction; retail trade; professional services; health care; and other services. Receipts were highest in retail trade and construction.</p>
<p>--&#160; American Indian- and Alaska native-owned businesses accounted for 8 percent of firms in Alaska and about 5 percent of firms in both Oklahoma and New Mexico.</p>
<p />
<p />
<p />
<p>Here is a story from the "nothing is simple" files.</p>
<p>The people who write computer calendar programs say adding four more weeks to America's Daylight Saving Time schedule that has been in place for nearly two decades will be a headache.</p>
<p>The&#160; <a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nationworld/bal-te.energy21jul21,1,7156377.story?coll=bal-nationworld-headlines" type="external">Los Angeles Times</a> reported:</p>
<p>School groups say it would force more children to wait for morning buses or walk to school in the dark.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ou.org/public/actionalerts/2005/n3.htm" type="external">An Orthodox Jewish group</a> complains that the idea presents "serious consequences" for Jewish religious practice.</p>
<p>The group "Orthodox Union" said on its <a href="http://www.ou.org/public/actionalerts/2005/n3.htm" type="external">Web site</a>:</p>
<p>Pushing sunrise back to 8&#160;a.m. or later would make it impossible for those in certain parts of the United States to pray Shacharis (morning prayers) before work.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.boston.com/news/globe/living/articles/2005/07/26/dim_witted_proposal_for_daylight_time/" type="external">The Boston Globe</a> says there are other concerns:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.calconnect.org/" type="external">The Calendaring and Scheduling Consortium</a>, whose members include software giants Oracle and Yahoo!, as well as universities like MIT, Stanford and Berkeley, wants to delay implementation of DST, the Long Version, until it can figure out whether or not the broadened time change will wreak havoc with the calendars embedded in the nation's computers.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.eei.org/" type="external">The Edison Electric Institute</a>, which represents 200 private utilities, is lobbying against the bill because it might throw electric metering systems out of whack.</p>
<p>In a public letter last week, James May, the president of the Air Transport Association, said U.S. airlines stood to lose $147 million annually because of disruption to the schedules caused by DST-Extended Play.</p>
<p>It gets worse; there is plenty of opposition in Canada, the tail wagged by the big U.S. economic dog. Prime Minister Paul Martin's spokesman opined last week: ''While most people -- excepting vampires -- favor more daylight, there are serious issues of concern to the aviation and other industries."</p>
<p>The Calendaring and Scheduling Consortium has developed an advisory document for Congress on the potential impact of this change. It&#160;is available at <a href="http://www.calconnect.org/dstcongress.pdf" type="external">DST Congress Advisory</a>. A&#160;more complete discussion of the issues is at <a href="http://www.calconnect.org/dstadvisorynotice.html" type="external">DST Advisory Notice</a>.</p>
<p>As the L.A. Times pointed out:</p>
<p>Even some farmers have complained.</p>
<p>"Cows don't pay attention to clocks," as Rep. Joe Barton, a Texas Republican, chairman of the House energy committee, put it.</p>
<p>"I didn't realize what a controversial topic daylight savings is until I started researching how many people it impacts," said Amy Sechler, director of legislative affairs for the National Association of Independent Schools. Her group is among those expressing concern about the change.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.itworld.com/Tech/2987/050726daylight/" type="external">IT World</a> says:</p>
<p>The IT industry will have plenty of time to prepare for the change: The extension would take effect one year after enactment of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which likely means a 2007 start date for the new DST schedule. The energy bill won approval Tuesday in a joint U.S. Senate and House of Representatives conference committee, and is expected to soon pass the full Congress and move on to the White House.</p>
<p>The change would shift DST's start from April back to March and move its end from October to November. Those extra few weeks of DST will save 100,000 barrels of oil a day, according to legislators backing the change.</p>
<p>It will also confuse programs set to automatically handle DST hours.</p>
<p>The piece says:</p>
<p>Microsoft Corp. will play a critical role in keeping the world's computers running on time if DST hours change. The company says it's not worried. "We're aware of the upcoming change, and will make sure that Windows handles the transition smoothly," said Peter Houston, Microsoft's senior director of servicing strategy, in a written statement.</p>
<p>The IT News story points out:</p>
<p />
<p>For savvy developers, the looming DST change could even present a business opportunity. A discussion on <a href="http://it.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=05/07/20/1957200&amp;tid=103&amp;tid=185&amp;tid=218" type="external">tech-news site Slashdot about DST effects drew hundreds of comments,</a> including one from a consultant who, having missed the Y2K gravy boat, was determined to snag a piece of the DST market. "You might say there is nothing to really worry about here, but all the more reason to sell yourself to clients," the poster wrote. "If there is no real threat, there is no danger you will fail."</p>
<p />
<p>More Heat Story Angles</p>
<p>Al's Morning Meeting reader Ian Kramar at KM3-TV in Omaha sent some summer heatwave story ideas:</p>
<p />
<p />
<p>100 Degrees, 100 Stories</p>
<p>Here is a creative way to go after the hot weather story. The Charlotte Observer's Scott Dodd tells Al's Morning Meeting:</p>
<p />
<p>We tried a combination of on-the-ground reporting and citizen journalism to tell the story of Charlotte's hottest day in six years. The gimmick: 100 degrees. 100 stories. 100 words each. But it turned into much more than that.</p>
<p>We asked readers in Tuesday's paper and online to contribute stories and photos, and they responded in droves. We wound up with 34 stories in the paper and 66 more online. About two-thirds were staff-written (with contributions from reporters, photographers, copy editors, etc.) and the rest were submitted by readers. We put a staff story and a reader story on the front page.</p>
<p>VideoJournalists</p>
<p>We used to call them "one-man bands." Now they have a new name. The notion is easy, instead of TV stations sending two people into the field to cover a story, one person shoots, interviews and edits the whole story. It is a bean-counter's dream and there are a few who say it could help newsrooms gather more news.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ojr.org/ojr/wiki/video_journalists/" type="external">You can read a really useful conversation unfolding about this movement here, on the Online Journalism Review Web site</a>.</p>
<p />
<p />
<p />
<p />
<p />
<p />
<p />
<p />
<p />
<p>We are always looking for your great ideas.</p>
<p />
<p />
<p />
| false | 2 |
americans disabilities act turned 15 years old week implications legislation hailed cursed others wheelchair ramps accessible sidewalks elevators new multistory buildings automatic doors kneeling public transit buses accessible polling places handicap parking common 15 years ago revolutionary nbc nightly news recently aired story included businesses160which said could afford become ada compliant folded federal government times forced local governments lot comply ada cases involving cities counties around country worth look see federal investigations changed communities160 justice department lot ada resources including women minorities160are increasing ownership businesses america rate higher national average according new study census bureau report says 160 fourth businesses washington dc blackowned blackowned businesses accounted 12 15 percent firms maryland georgia mississippi louisiana 160 40 percent hispanicowned firms administrative support waste management health care service industries another 13 percent construction 160 hispanicowned firms claimed 15 22 percent businesses new mexico texas florida california 160 asianowned firms accounted 45 percent businesses hawaii 13 percent firms california 9 percent new york american indian alaska nativeowned businesses 160 206125 american indian alaska nativeowned businesses 2002 receipts 264 billion 160 american indian alaska nativeowned firms prevalent many industries largest concentrations construction retail trade professional services health care services receipts highest retail trade construction 160 american indian alaska nativeowned businesses accounted 8 percent firms alaska 5 percent firms oklahoma new mexico story nothing simple files people write computer calendar programs say adding four weeks americas daylight saving time schedule place nearly two decades headache the160 los angeles times reported school groups say would force children wait morning buses walk school dark orthodox jewish group complains idea presents serious consequences jewish religious practice group orthodox union said web site pushing sunrise back 8160am later would make impossible certain parts united states pray shacharis morning prayers work boston globe says concerns calendaring scheduling consortium whose members include software giants oracle yahoo well universities like mit stanford berkeley wants delay implementation dst long version figure whether broadened time change wreak havoc calendars embedded nations computers edison electric institute represents 200 private utilities lobbying bill might throw electric metering systems whack public letter last week james may president air transport association said us airlines stood lose 147 million annually disruption schedules caused dstextended play gets worse plenty opposition canada tail wagged big us economic dog prime minister paul martins spokesman opined last week people excepting vampires favor daylight serious issues concern aviation industries calendaring scheduling consortium developed advisory document congress potential impact change it160is available dst congress advisory a160more complete discussion issues dst advisory notice la times pointed even farmers complained cows dont pay attention clocks rep joe barton texas republican chairman house energy committee put didnt realize controversial topic daylight savings started researching many people impacts said amy sechler director legislative affairs national association independent schools group among expressing concern change world says industry plenty time prepare change extension would take effect one year enactment energy policy act 2005 likely means 2007 start date new dst schedule energy bill approval tuesday joint us senate house representatives conference committee expected soon pass full congress move white house change would shift dsts start april back march move end october november extra weeks dst save 100000 barrels oil day according legislators backing change also confuse programs set automatically handle dst hours piece says microsoft corp play critical role keeping worlds computers running time dst hours change company says worried aware upcoming change make sure windows handles transition smoothly said peter houston microsofts senior director servicing strategy written statement news story points savvy developers looming dst change could even present business opportunity discussion technews site slashdot dst effects drew hundreds comments including one consultant missed y2k gravy boat determined snag piece dst market might say nothing really worry reason sell clients poster wrote real threat danger fail heat story angles als morning meeting reader ian kramar km3tv omaha sent summer heatwave story ideas 100 degrees 100 stories creative way go hot weather story charlotte observers scott dodd tells als morning meeting tried combination ontheground reporting citizen journalism tell story charlottes hottest day six years gimmick 100 degrees 100 stories 100 words turned much asked readers tuesdays paper online contribute stories photos responded droves wound 34 stories paper 66 online twothirds staffwritten contributions reporters photographers copy editors etc rest submitted readers put staff story reader story front page videojournalists used call oneman bands new name notion easy instead tv stations sending two people field cover story one person shoots interviews edits whole story beancounters dream say could help newsrooms gather news read really useful conversation unfolding movement online journalism review web site always looking great ideas
| 764 |
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p />
<p>Walking down the driveway one morning to pick up my Albuquerque Journal, I discovered my 1999 Ford Explorer sitting on a jack, its left rear wheel removed, and five lug nuts on the ground.</p>
<p>Normally, all four wheels would be gone and the car would be sitting on cinder blocks, so I’m guessing the thief was scared off by someone passing by.</p>
<p>The cool thing about being a statistic is that I can be input to the Albuquerque Police Department’s computers at its Real Time Crime Center. There is a chance that the center’s data analysts will be able to tell field officers where wheel thieves are likely to strike next and, possibly, who the thieves are likely to be.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>The Real Time Crime Center is in APD’s Downtown headquarters building at the heart of a confusing maze of corridors and stairs. Some of its staffers, led by T.J. Wilham, watch video from traffic cameras around the city, pass intelligence along to officers and track news broadcasts in a room stuffed with consoles, computers and monitors.</p>
<p>In far less glamorous cubes of the type found in any office, statistically adept analysts sift crime data. Once a week, Wilham and the analysts describe a city few of us would recognize to police officers responsible for investigations and field operations. I sat in on the weekly briefing last month.</p>
<p>Reporter Win Quigley’s Ford lost a wheel to thieves one morning last week. That crime and all other property crimes committed in the city are captured and analyzed by the Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center. (Winthrop Quigley/Albuquerque Journal)</p>
<p>Wilham displayed maps of regions of the city with dots showing where property crimes had occurred in the past week. Certain parts of town, such as the area near Central and Unser, were marked with a large red blob, meaning there was a high concentration of crime there.</p>
<p>An analysis of crime near the Sawmill Area found that an officer responsible for a specific beat needed to be especially alert to residential burglaries between noon and 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.</p>
<p>A neighbor observed a car leaving a burglary site east of the river and north of Interstate 40. Analysts searched their databases to learn the same car had been ticketed for speeding three months earlier and that it was being driven by someone who in previous and subsequent months had pawned many pieces of jewelry.</p>
<p>Some stolen property was pawned within an hour and a half of a burglary by a woman who analysts discovered had pawned, since January 2013, everything from bicycles to power tools at seven shops. She sold scrap metal to four recycling companies. Officers were given the woman’s name, three addresses where she might be living and the make, color and license plate for her car.</p>
<p>A sudden spike in residential burglaries near the Rio Grande led analysts to suspect thieves from out of the neighborhood were using pedestrian walkways on I-40 to reach homes. Burglars in one neighborhood seemed to favor homes in cul-de-sacs. In another neighborhood, they were hitting homes in the middle of the block. A big reduction in crime in another neighborhood was credited to a special police effort, known as a tactical plan, to prevent crime.</p>
<p>Crime Analysis Supervisor Sarah Masek said analysts pull data from the department’s records management system every day. They focus on four major property crimes that have occurred in the previous three weeks. “It’s all about finding patterns, trends, series of data,” she said.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>They try to identify vehicles and people who keep showing up in the daily reports. They look for patterns that suggest a specific tactic that is used to commit a crime. Analysts were noticing late last month, for example, that some burglars were using dog doors to gain access to homes.</p>
<p>The idea is to put police officers where they are most needed, help them anticipate what they might be up against, and to make the city safer, Wilham said.</p>
<p>Wilham said the center can anticipate certain crimes in certain neighborhoods that occur in certain ways just by keeping track of who has been released from jail.</p>
<p>The center tracks more than crime. A neighborhood where a lot of trash is accumulating, where empty lots are full of weeds and debris, where buildings and street signs and benches are covered with graffiti is likely a place where crime will spike, Masek said. The analysts keep track of citizens’ calls complaining about trash, weeds and litter. Instead of waiting for crime, the center asks city crews to get out their weed eaters and garbage trucks, Wilham said.</p>
<p>The center hasn’t tried using its statistical tools for violent crimes yet but hopes to. Violent crimes are often spontaneous and, from a statistical perspective, tend to be more random, making the use of data analysis less helpful.</p>
<p>RTCC hasn’t found my wheel yet, but I have an offer. I’m prepared to return the thief’s jack if he’ll just let me know where I can locate him.</p>
<p>UpFront is a daily front-page news and opinion column. Comment directly to Winthrop Quigley at 823-3896 or <a href="" type="internal">[email protected]</a>. Go to <a href="" type="internal">ABQjournal.com/letters/new</a> to submit a letter to the editor.</p>
<p />
<p />
| false | 2 |
walking driveway one morning pick albuquerque journal discovered 1999 ford explorer sitting jack left rear wheel removed five lug nuts ground normally four wheels would gone car would sitting cinder blocks im guessing thief scared someone passing cool thing statistic input albuquerque police departments computers real time crime center chance centers data analysts able tell field officers wheel thieves likely strike next possibly thieves likely advertisement real time crime center apds downtown headquarters building heart confusing maze corridors stairs staffers led tj wilham watch video traffic cameras around city pass intelligence along officers track news broadcasts room stuffed consoles computers monitors far less glamorous cubes type found office statistically adept analysts sift crime data week wilham analysts describe city us would recognize police officers responsible investigations field operations sat weekly briefing last month reporter win quigleys ford lost wheel thieves one morning last week crime property crimes committed city captured analyzed police departments real time crime center winthrop quigleyalbuquerque journal wilham displayed maps regions city dots showing property crimes occurred past week certain parts town area near central unser marked large red blob meaning high concentration crime analysis crime near sawmill area found officer responsible specific beat needed especially alert residential burglaries noon 3 pm tuesdays thursdays neighbor observed car leaving burglary site east river north interstate 40 analysts searched databases learn car ticketed speeding three months earlier driven someone previous subsequent months pawned many pieces jewelry stolen property pawned within hour half burglary woman analysts discovered pawned since january 2013 everything bicycles power tools seven shops sold scrap metal four recycling companies officers given womans name three addresses might living make color license plate car sudden spike residential burglaries near rio grande led analysts suspect thieves neighborhood using pedestrian walkways i40 reach homes burglars one neighborhood seemed favor homes culdesacs another neighborhood hitting homes middle block big reduction crime another neighborhood credited special police effort known tactical plan prevent crime crime analysis supervisor sarah masek said analysts pull data departments records management system every day focus four major property crimes occurred previous three weeks finding patterns trends series data said advertisement try identify vehicles people keep showing daily reports look patterns suggest specific tactic used commit crime analysts noticing late last month example burglars using dog doors gain access homes idea put police officers needed help anticipate might make city safer wilham said wilham said center anticipate certain crimes certain neighborhoods occur certain ways keeping track released jail center tracks crime neighborhood lot trash accumulating empty lots full weeds debris buildings street signs benches covered graffiti likely place crime spike masek said analysts keep track citizens calls complaining trash weeds litter instead waiting crime center asks city crews get weed eaters garbage trucks wilham said center hasnt tried using statistical tools violent crimes yet hopes violent crimes often spontaneous statistical perspective tend random making use data analysis less helpful rtcc hasnt found wheel yet offer im prepared return thiefs jack hell let know locate upfront daily frontpage news opinion column comment directly winthrop quigley 8233896 wquigleyabqjournalcom go abqjournalcomlettersnew submit letter editor
| 512 |
<p>SAO PAULO (AP) — World Cup and 2005 Ballon D'Or winner Ronaldinho confirmed on Wednesday his retirement from football. The 37-year-old's last professional football match was in 2015 for Brazil's Fluminense.</p>
<p>The Brazilian's brother and agent announced the player's decision on Tuesday. Ronaldinho confirmed the decision one day later in an Instagram post.</p>
<p>"After almost three decades dedicated to football, I say goodbye to my biggest dream. A fulfilled dream," the playmaker said. "I did what I love the most as a professional for 20 years and another 10 years in the academy. I lived this child's dream intensely."</p>
<p>Ronaldinho, who had his best club moments at Barcelona, thanked teammates, coaches and fans for his career. He also praised the football with a reference to Real Madrid's legendary player Alfredo di Stefano (1926-2014).</p>
<p>"Thanks, old woman, for being my biggest source of inspiration for so long," Ronaldinho said.</p>
<p>"You know me and you know that I am shy, I am not used to speaking much. But thank you all from the bottom of my heart."</p>
<p>Ronaldinho said he will announce details of the farewell in March.</p>
<p>On Tuesday his agent Roberto Assis told the Associated Press that Ronaldinho's plans include being a football ambassador for Barcelona, doing charity and working with music.</p>
<p>Ronaldinho's decorated career also includes one Champions League victory with Barcelona in 2006 and two FIFA player of the year Awards in 2004 and 2005.</p>
<p>He played 101 matches and scored 35 goals for Brazil from 1997 to 2013. At the Camp Nou, Ronaldinho was an integral member of a squad that took Barca back to the limelight. The Brazilian played 207 games for the Catalans and gave 94 goals and 61 assists to the team.</p>
<p>Ronaldinho's club career also includes Gremio, Flamengo and Atletico Mineiro in Brazil, Paris Saint-Germain in France, AC Milan in Italy and Queretaro in Mexico.</p>
<p>Several clubs and players around the world are still praising Ronaldinho for his football legacy, including his former teammate and protegee Lionel Messi.</p>
<p>"I learned a lot by your side. I'll forever be grateful to you for making everything so easy when I joined the first team," Messi said in his social media channels.</p>
<p>"I was lucky enough to share many things with you and I'm really happy about that because, as well as being a star out on the pitch, you're an excellent person and that's the most important thing. Although you've decided to retire, football will never forget your smile," the Argentine said.</p>
<p>Three-time World Cup winner Pele also gave praise to the retiree.</p>
<p>"You brought a smile to everyone's face, Ronaldinho. I hope you glide through life, like you glided through tackles," Pele said.</p>
<p>SAO PAULO (AP) — World Cup and 2005 Ballon D'Or winner Ronaldinho confirmed on Wednesday his retirement from football. The 37-year-old's last professional football match was in 2015 for Brazil's Fluminense.</p>
<p>The Brazilian's brother and agent announced the player's decision on Tuesday. Ronaldinho confirmed the decision one day later in an Instagram post.</p>
<p>"After almost three decades dedicated to football, I say goodbye to my biggest dream. A fulfilled dream," the playmaker said. "I did what I love the most as a professional for 20 years and another 10 years in the academy. I lived this child's dream intensely."</p>
<p>Ronaldinho, who had his best club moments at Barcelona, thanked teammates, coaches and fans for his career. He also praised the football with a reference to Real Madrid's legendary player Alfredo di Stefano (1926-2014).</p>
<p>"Thanks, old woman, for being my biggest source of inspiration for so long," Ronaldinho said.</p>
<p>"You know me and you know that I am shy, I am not used to speaking much. But thank you all from the bottom of my heart."</p>
<p>Ronaldinho said he will announce details of the farewell in March.</p>
<p>On Tuesday his agent Roberto Assis told the Associated Press that Ronaldinho's plans include being a football ambassador for Barcelona, doing charity and working with music.</p>
<p>Ronaldinho's decorated career also includes one Champions League victory with Barcelona in 2006 and two FIFA player of the year Awards in 2004 and 2005.</p>
<p>He played 101 matches and scored 35 goals for Brazil from 1997 to 2013. At the Camp Nou, Ronaldinho was an integral member of a squad that took Barca back to the limelight. The Brazilian played 207 games for the Catalans and gave 94 goals and 61 assists to the team.</p>
<p>Ronaldinho's club career also includes Gremio, Flamengo and Atletico Mineiro in Brazil, Paris Saint-Germain in France, AC Milan in Italy and Queretaro in Mexico.</p>
<p>Several clubs and players around the world are still praising Ronaldinho for his football legacy, including his former teammate and protegee Lionel Messi.</p>
<p>"I learned a lot by your side. I'll forever be grateful to you for making everything so easy when I joined the first team," Messi said in his social media channels.</p>
<p>"I was lucky enough to share many things with you and I'm really happy about that because, as well as being a star out on the pitch, you're an excellent person and that's the most important thing. Although you've decided to retire, football will never forget your smile," the Argentine said.</p>
<p>Three-time World Cup winner Pele also gave praise to the retiree.</p>
<p>"You brought a smile to everyone's face, Ronaldinho. I hope you glide through life, like you glided through tackles," Pele said.</p>
| false | 2 |
sao paulo ap world cup 2005 ballon dor winner ronaldinho confirmed wednesday retirement football 37yearolds last professional football match 2015 brazils fluminense brazilians brother agent announced players decision tuesday ronaldinho confirmed decision one day later instagram post almost three decades dedicated football say goodbye biggest dream fulfilled dream playmaker said love professional 20 years another 10 years academy lived childs dream intensely ronaldinho best club moments barcelona thanked teammates coaches fans career also praised football reference real madrids legendary player alfredo di stefano 19262014 thanks old woman biggest source inspiration long ronaldinho said know know shy used speaking much thank bottom heart ronaldinho said announce details farewell march tuesday agent roberto assis told associated press ronaldinhos plans include football ambassador barcelona charity working music ronaldinhos decorated career also includes one champions league victory barcelona 2006 two fifa player year awards 2004 2005 played 101 matches scored 35 goals brazil 1997 2013 camp nou ronaldinho integral member squad took barca back limelight brazilian played 207 games catalans gave 94 goals 61 assists team ronaldinhos club career also includes gremio flamengo atletico mineiro brazil paris saintgermain france ac milan italy queretaro mexico several clubs players around world still praising ronaldinho football legacy including former teammate protegee lionel messi learned lot side ill forever grateful making everything easy joined first team messi said social media channels lucky enough share many things im really happy well star pitch youre excellent person thats important thing although youve decided retire football never forget smile argentine said threetime world cup winner pele also gave praise retiree brought smile everyones face ronaldinho hope glide life like glided tackles pele said sao paulo ap world cup 2005 ballon dor winner ronaldinho confirmed wednesday retirement football 37yearolds last professional football match 2015 brazils fluminense brazilians brother agent announced players decision tuesday ronaldinho confirmed decision one day later instagram post almost three decades dedicated football say goodbye biggest dream fulfilled dream playmaker said love professional 20 years another 10 years academy lived childs dream intensely ronaldinho best club moments barcelona thanked teammates coaches fans career also praised football reference real madrids legendary player alfredo di stefano 19262014 thanks old woman biggest source inspiration long ronaldinho said know know shy used speaking much thank bottom heart ronaldinho said announce details farewell march tuesday agent roberto assis told associated press ronaldinhos plans include football ambassador barcelona charity working music ronaldinhos decorated career also includes one champions league victory barcelona 2006 two fifa player year awards 2004 2005 played 101 matches scored 35 goals brazil 1997 2013 camp nou ronaldinho integral member squad took barca back limelight brazilian played 207 games catalans gave 94 goals 61 assists team ronaldinhos club career also includes gremio flamengo atletico mineiro brazil paris saintgermain france ac milan italy queretaro mexico several clubs players around world still praising ronaldinho football legacy including former teammate protegee lionel messi learned lot side ill forever grateful making everything easy joined first team messi said social media channels lucky enough share many things im really happy well star pitch youre excellent person thats important thing although youve decided retire football never forget smile argentine said threetime world cup winner pele also gave praise retiree brought smile everyones face ronaldinho hope glide life like glided tackles pele said
| 544 |
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p />
<p>“I will be your greatest champion,” Trump said during an campaign rally here. “I will never ever take the African-American community for granted. Never, ever.”</p>
<p>In a scripted speech heavy on policy specifics, the Republican presidential nominee laid out a plan that he said is built on setting up better schools, lowering crime in inner cities and creating more high-paying jobs.</p>
<p>He told the largely white audience that “massive numbers” of black Americans have been ignored and left behind, and he blamed Democrats and Clinton for the “crippling crime and total violence” in the nation’s inner cities.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Trump was speaking in a city that was rocked by protests last month after police killed an unarmed black man. In his speech, he accused Clinton of waging a “war on police” that he said puts black lives at risk, and he called for police and residents to work together.</p>
<p>The GOP nominee pledged to remove gang members from inner cities and continued to falsely assert that the national murder rate is the highest it has been in 45 years.</p>
<p>“Some of our inner cities are more dangerous than the war zones we’re reading about and seeing about every night,” Trump said.</p>
<p>The real estate mogul said he wants to allow cities and states to declare disaster areas in blighted communities and give microloans to black entrepreneurs to help spur jobs. He championed school choice, which he called the “great civil rights issue of our time,” and increased funding for historically black colleges and universities.</p>
<p>He proposed tax holidays for inner-city investment and incentives for foreign companies to invest in “blighted American neighborhoods,” though Trump did not say what they were.</p>
<p>He also said that black communities have had their civil rights violated by illegal immigration.</p>
<p>“No group has been more hurt by decades of illegal immigration than African Americans,” he said.</p>
<p>Trump’s candidacy is barely registering with African-American voters. Trump had 3 percent support among African-American voters in an ABC News tracking poll released Sunday, compared with Clinton’s 82 percent. Clinton has not matched President Barack Obama’s levels of support, but Trump still runs behind Romney’s 6 percent support among African-Americans in 2012.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Earlier in the day, Trump made a detour to Washington to officially christen a downtown hotel bearing his name, even as his campaign sets its sights on Florida as its make-or-break battleground state less than two weeks before Election Day.</p>
<p>Aides insisted it was a non-campaign event, but when Trump took the stage, he railed against bloated military hospital construction projects, blasted Obamacare price spikes and congratulated former House speaker Newt Gingrich for sparring Tuesday night with Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly in a contentious prime-time interview.</p>
<p>“That was an amazing interview,” Trump said as he pointed at Gingrich. “We don’t play games, Newt, right? We don’t play games.”</p>
<p>Gingrich and Kelly had tussled over whether news coverage of sexual assault allegations against Trump compares fairly with stories about the ongoing release of hacked emails from top aides to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.</p>
<p>Clinton marked her 69th birthday by making campaign stops in Florida. Her campaign also released two new television commercials it described as “closing arguments” to viewers in several battleground states. One of the messages is voiced by actor Morgan Freeman.</p>
<p>Trump stood on a ballroom stage alongside three of his children who oversee his hotel projects at what was billed as the official grand opening of Trump International Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue, just blocks from the White House. Trump’s co-mingling of his business interests and presidential aspirations were on clear display in and around the glitzy ballroom where he spoke.</p>
<p>Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Alabama, a top Trump surrogate, was on hand at the Washington event and spoke to reporters about the campaign. Gingrich sat in the front of the room.</p>
<p>Speaking after daughter Ivanka, who has overseen the redevelopment of the Old Post Office building, Trump said the project “shows how to work with our government and to get things done. My theme today is five words: under budget and ahead of schedule. So important. We don’t hear those words too often in government – but you will.”</p>
<p>It was one of many instances in which he has simultaneously promoted his business and political interests. The last time Trump held a major public event at his hotel in the District was last month, when he acknowledged for the first time that President Obama was born in the United States.</p>
<p>He has also met privately there with hotel employees and used it for interviews and meetings with his foreign policy team. NBC News reported Wednesday that Trump has made at least 32 visits to the site since its transformation began nearly two years ago.</p>
<p>On Tuesday, Trump staged a photo-op with employees of his Trump National Doral golf resort near Miami and sought to speak about both campaign themes and his company. He raised money at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach on Monday.</p>
<p>Over the summer, after he effectively clinched the GOP nomination, Trump flew to Scotland to promote his golf courses there. He announced his campaign last year in the lobby of Trump Tower in New York. He even put Trump-branded products on display at an event in March.</p>
<p>But Trump’s holdings have suffered several setbacks. Two restaurant tenants backed out of the Washington project, and room rates listed there in recent weeks are deeply discounted from the original planned prices. The Trump empire recently announced the launch of a new brand, Scion, that will replace the family name on some company properties going forward amid published reports that several properties have seen a drop in business since Trump launched his campaign.</p>
<p>Trump’s reference to Gingrich’s Fox interview came after one of his top campaign aides made an apparent threat against Kelly via Twitter on Tuesday night.</p>
<p>Dan Scavino tweeted that Kelly “made a total fool out of herself tonight- attacking @realDonaldTrump. Watch what happens to her after this election is over.”</p>
<p>When Gingrich raised objections in the interview to the level of coverage of the hacking of Clinton’s emails, Kelly shot back: “That is worth covering. And we did.”</p>
<p>Gingrich persisted: “I mean, you want to go back through the tapes of your show recently. You are fascinated with sex, and you don’t care about public policy.”</p>
<p>Gingrich dismissed the allegations against Trump during the interview but repeatedly referred to former president Bill Clinton as a “sexual predator” – citing allegations by several women against the 42nd president dating to the 1970s. Gingrich led Republican congressional investigations of Bill Clinton in the 1990s that resulted in his impeachment. But the Clinton inquests also brought subsequent GOP congressional losses that forced Gingrich to step down as speaker.</p>
<p>Trump said again on Wednesday that he will put $100 million of his own money in the campaign, adding that he is willing “to spend much more than that.”</p>
<p>“I’ll have over $100 million in the campaign,” he told CNN. “Hillary Clinton has nothing in the campaign. She’s all special interests and donors, and they give her the money and then she will do whatever they tell her to do. But I will have over $100 million in the campaign, and I am prepared to go much more than that.”</p>
<p>However, the real estate mogul has put only $56 million in so far, according to Federal Election Commission filings. On Tuesday, his national finance chairman declined to comment on when Trump planned to give the remainder of the money.</p>
<p>Top Republican Party officials said the party’s ground operation – now staffed by 3,100 paid organizers – is having a discernible impact on early voting in states such as North Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Nevada, Wisconsin and Iowa.</p>
<p>Reince Priebus, chairman of the Republican National Committee, called the difference between where the party’s ground game is now compared with 2012 “pretty remarkable,” adding that it “will pay dividends for our party on all levels.”</p>
<p>“Because of the ground game, now we are seeing Democrats being taken down a notch in early voting,” he told reporters on a conference call.</p>
<p>Already, RNC organizers have knocked on more than 12 million doors – surpassing the 11.5 million the party’s field staffers contacted in the entire 2012 race, officials said.</p>
<p>Party officials said the operation to get out the vote for the entire GOP ticket would be “fully funded,” despite the Trump campaign’s decision to largely wind down high-dollar fundraisers in the final weeks of the campaign. The bulk of the proceeds from those events went to the RNC for its national voter mobilization effort. But RNC leaders, including Priebus, continue to fundraise for the party, officials said.</p>
<p>Campaigning in Lake Worth, Florida, Clinton acknowledged the opening of Trump’s new hotel by noting that she was traveling Wednesday with José Andrés, the Washington-based celebrity chef who backed out of plans to build a restaurant at the site.</p>
<p>“While the hotel may be new, it’s the same old story,” Clinton told supporters. “He relied on undocumented workers to make his project cheaper. Most of the products in the rooms were made overseas, and he even sued to get his taxes lowered. We know he’s used undocumented workers. And that’s one of the things he’s run his campaign on, about deporting undocumented workers.”</p>
<p>Interviews conducted by The Washington Post with construction workers at the Trump hotel found that the firm may have been relying on some undocumented workers. Several workers, who hail mostly from Central America, earned U.S. citizenship or legal status, while others acknowledged that they remained in the country illegally.</p>
<p>On “The Breakfast Club” radio show on Wednesday, Clinton was asked why she thinks the historic nature of her candidacy isn’t resonating more.</p>
<p>“I have tried to emphasize to people that, hey, just like President Obama was a really good president – and the fact that he was black, I think, was historic and unprecedented – but he also claimed and owned his excellence, and that’s why I’m saying, ‘OK – I think it’s really exciting and historic that I would be the first woman president, but I have a lot of work I want to do.’ And I hope that people will say, ‘Hey, she’s getting it done.’ That’s how I think about it.”</p>
<p>—</p>
<p>Abby Phillip in Lake Worth and Scott Clement, Matea Gold, Jonathan O’Connell and Elise Viebeck in Washington contributed to this report.</p>
<p>—</p>
<p>Video: Newt Gingrich engaged in a vicious showdown with Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly this week over the sexual assault allegations against Trump. “You are fascinated with sex, and you don’t care about public policy,” Gingrich said on-air after weeks of lukewarm defenses of Trump. (Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)</p>
<p>URL:</p>
<p><a href="http://wapo.st/2f6ngxj" type="external">http://wapo.st/2f6ngxj</a></p>
<p>Embed code:</p>
<p />
<p />
<p>campaign-3rdld-writethru</p>
| false | 2 |
greatest champion trump said campaign rally never ever take africanamerican community granted never ever scripted speech heavy policy specifics republican presidential nominee laid plan said built setting better schools lowering crime inner cities creating highpaying jobs told largely white audience massive numbers black americans ignored left behind blamed democrats clinton crippling crime total violence nations inner cities advertisement trump speaking city rocked protests last month police killed unarmed black man speech accused clinton waging war police said puts black lives risk called police residents work together gop nominee pledged remove gang members inner cities continued falsely assert national murder rate highest 45 years inner cities dangerous war zones reading seeing every night trump said real estate mogul said wants allow cities states declare disaster areas blighted communities give microloans black entrepreneurs help spur jobs championed school choice called great civil rights issue time increased funding historically black colleges universities proposed tax holidays innercity investment incentives foreign companies invest blighted american neighborhoods though trump say also said black communities civil rights violated illegal immigration group hurt decades illegal immigration african americans said trumps candidacy barely registering africanamerican voters trump 3 percent support among africanamerican voters abc news tracking poll released sunday compared clintons 82 percent clinton matched president barack obamas levels support trump still runs behind romneys 6 percent support among africanamericans 2012 advertisement earlier day trump made detour washington officially christen downtown hotel bearing name even campaign sets sights florida makeorbreak battleground state less two weeks election day aides insisted noncampaign event trump took stage railed bloated military hospital construction projects blasted obamacare price spikes congratulated former house speaker newt gingrich sparring tuesday night fox news anchor megyn kelly contentious primetime interview amazing interview trump said pointed gingrich dont play games newt right dont play games gingrich kelly tussled whether news coverage sexual assault allegations trump compares fairly stories ongoing release hacked emails top aides democratic presidential candidate hillary clinton clinton marked 69th birthday making campaign stops florida campaign also released two new television commercials described closing arguments viewers several battleground states one messages voiced actor morgan freeman trump stood ballroom stage alongside three children oversee hotel projects billed official grand opening trump international hotel pennsylvania avenue blocks white house trumps comingling business interests presidential aspirations clear display around glitzy ballroom spoke sen jeff sessions ralabama top trump surrogate hand washington event spoke reporters campaign gingrich sat front room speaking daughter ivanka overseen redevelopment old post office building trump said project shows work government get things done theme today five words budget ahead schedule important dont hear words often government one many instances simultaneously promoted business political interests last time trump held major public event hotel district last month acknowledged first time president obama born united states also met privately hotel employees used interviews meetings foreign policy team nbc news reported wednesday trump made least 32 visits site since transformation began nearly two years ago tuesday trump staged photoop employees trump national doral golf resort near miami sought speak campaign themes company raised money maralago resort palm beach monday summer effectively clinched gop nomination trump flew scotland promote golf courses announced campaign last year lobby trump tower new york even put trumpbranded products display event march trumps holdings suffered several setbacks two restaurant tenants backed washington project room rates listed recent weeks deeply discounted original planned prices trump empire recently announced launch new brand scion replace family name company properties going forward amid published reports several properties seen drop business since trump launched campaign trumps reference gingrichs fox interview came one top campaign aides made apparent threat kelly via twitter tuesday night dan scavino tweeted kelly made total fool tonight attacking realdonaldtrump watch happens election gingrich raised objections interview level coverage hacking clintons emails kelly shot back worth covering gingrich persisted mean want go back tapes show recently fascinated sex dont care public policy gingrich dismissed allegations trump interview repeatedly referred former president bill clinton sexual predator citing allegations several women 42nd president dating 1970s gingrich led republican congressional investigations bill clinton 1990s resulted impeachment clinton inquests also brought subsequent gop congressional losses forced gingrich step speaker trump said wednesday put 100 million money campaign adding willing spend much ill 100 million campaign told cnn hillary clinton nothing campaign shes special interests donors give money whatever tell 100 million campaign prepared go much however real estate mogul put 56 million far according federal election commission filings tuesday national finance chairman declined comment trump planned give remainder money top republican party officials said partys ground operation staffed 3100 paid organizers discernible impact early voting states north carolina florida ohio nevada wisconsin iowa reince priebus chairman republican national committee called difference partys ground game compared 2012 pretty remarkable adding pay dividends party levels ground game seeing democrats taken notch early voting told reporters conference call already rnc organizers knocked 12 million doors surpassing 115 million partys field staffers contacted entire 2012 race officials said party officials said operation get vote entire gop ticket would fully funded despite trump campaigns decision largely wind highdollar fundraisers final weeks campaign bulk proceeds events went rnc national voter mobilization effort rnc leaders including priebus continue fundraise party officials said campaigning lake worth florida clinton acknowledged opening trumps new hotel noting traveling wednesday josé andrés washingtonbased celebrity chef backed plans build restaurant site hotel may new old story clinton told supporters relied undocumented workers make project cheaper products rooms made overseas even sued get taxes lowered know hes used undocumented workers thats one things hes run campaign deporting undocumented workers interviews conducted washington post construction workers trump hotel found firm may relying undocumented workers several workers hail mostly central america earned us citizenship legal status others acknowledged remained country illegally breakfast club radio show wednesday clinton asked thinks historic nature candidacy isnt resonating tried emphasize people hey like president obama really good president fact black think historic unprecedented also claimed owned excellence thats im saying ok think really exciting historic would first woman president lot work want hope people say hey shes getting done thats think abby phillip lake worth scott clement matea gold jonathan oconnell elise viebeck washington contributed report video newt gingrich engaged vicious showdown fox news anchor megyn kelly week sexual assault allegations trump fascinated sex dont care public policy gingrich said onair weeks lukewarm defenses trump jenny starrsthe washington post url httpwapost2f6ngxj embed code campaign3rdldwritethru
| 1,062 |
<p>Jan 24(Reuters) - Jiangsu Nhwa Pharmaceutical Co Ltd</p>
<p>* Says an individual, Chen Guanwei plans to inject capital of 11.5 million yuan into co’s Jiangsu-based medical technology unit</p>
<p>* Says an individual, Sun Jiaquan plans to sell all stake in co’s unit</p>
<p>* Says co will hold 41.5 percent in the unit, down from 51 percent</p>
<p>Source text in Chinese: <a href="https://goo.gl/nrmZCM" type="external">goo.gl/nrmZCM</a></p>
<p>Further company coverage: (Beijing Headline News)</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazilian prosecutors on Wednesday said they had opened an investigation into whether London-based political consultancy Cambridge Analytica acted illegally in Brazil, as controversy over the firm’s data harvesting practices spreads across the globe.</p> The nameplate of political consultancy, Cambridge Analytica, is seen in central London, Britain March 21, 2018. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls
<p>Prosecutors for Brazil’s Federal District, which includes Brasilia, the capital, said in a written statement that they will look into whether the firm, through its partnership with Sao Paulo-based consulting group A Ponte Estratégia Planejamento e Pesquisa LTDA, illegally used the data of millions of Brazilians to create psychographic profiles.</p>
<p>Calls to CA Ponte, as the partnership is called, were not answered.</p>
<p>Prosecutors from a specialized data unit will look into whether there were security breaches that allowed the firm to illegally access personal data.</p>
<p>Regulators and lawmakers in the United States and Europe have demanded an explanation of how the consulting firm, which worked on U.S. President Donald Trump’s election campaign, gained access to data on 50 million Facebook Inc ( <a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=FB.O" type="external">FB.O</a>) users in order to build voter profiles.</p>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=FB.O" type="external">Facebook Inc</a> 169.39 FB.O Nasdaq +1.24 (+0.74%) FB.O
<p>Reports on Monday said that the firm may have improperly gained access to the data, and Cambridge Analytica has since suspended its chief executive Alexander Nix, while Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has said his company made mistakes in its handling of user data.</p>
<p>By many measures, Brazil is Facebook’s third largest market.</p>
<p>Reporting by Ricardo Brito; Writing by Gram Slattery; Editing by Leslie Adler and James Dalgleish</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 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.”</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>He did not explicitly apologize for the improper use of data, and his plans did not represent a big reduction of advertisers’ ability to use Facebook data, which is the company’s lifeblood.</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> ‘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 (6 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>
<a href="/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=FB.O" type="external">Facebook Inc</a> 169.39 FB.O Nasdaq +1.24 (+0.74%) FB.O
<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>
<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.</p>
<p>DZ Bank was the third Wall Street brokerage this week to make a rare cut in price targets for Facebook on Wednesday.</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> 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-brazil-cambridge-analytica/brazil-prosecutors-open-investigation-into-cambridge-analytica-idUSKBN1GX35A" type="external">Brazil prosecutors open investigation into Cambridge Analytica</a>
<a href="/article/us-facebook-cambridge-analytica-kogan/academic-in-facebook-storm-worked-on-russian-dark-personality-project-idUSKBN1GX2F6" type="external">Academic in Facebook storm worked on Russian 'dark' personality project</a>
<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 Dustin Volz in Washington and Kate Holton in London; Writing by Susan Thomas; Editing by Bill Rigby</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Reserve raised interest rates on Wednesday and forecast at least two more hikes for 2018, highlighting its growing confidence that tax cuts and government spending will boost the economy and inflation and spur more aggressive future tightening.</p> Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks at a news conference following the Federal Open Market Committee meetings in Washington, U.S., March 21, 2018. REUTERS/Aaron P. Bernstein
<p>In its first policy meeting under new Fed chief Jerome Powell, the U.S. central bank indicated that inflation should finally move higher after years below its 2 percent target and that the economy had recently gained momentum.</p>
<p>The Fed also raised the estimated longer-term “neutral” rate, the level at which monetary policy neither boosts nor slows the economy, a touch, in a sign the current gradual rate hike cycle could go on longer than previously thought.</p>
<p>“The economic outlook has strengthened in recent months,” the Fed said in a statement at the end of a two-day meeting in which it lifted its benchmark overnight lending rate by a quarter of a percentage point to a range of 1.50 percent to 1.75 percent.</p>
<p>Powell, who took over from former Fed chief Janet Yellen in early February, said the central bank was staying on a path of gradual rate increases but needed to be on guard against inflation.</p> Related Coverage
<a href="/article/us-usa-fed-powell/powell-sets-record-for-shortest-quarterly-news-conference-by-fed-chair-idUSKBN1GX38N" type="external">Powell sets record for shortest quarterly news conference by Fed chair</a>
<a href="/article/us-usa-fed-taxation/as-trump-stimulus-fades-fed-sees-tight-monetary-policy-on-the-horizon-idUSKBN1GX36H" type="external">As Trump stimulus fades, Fed sees tight monetary policy on the horizon</a>
<a href="/article/us-usa-fed-fomc-text/fomc-statement-from-march-20-21-meeting-idUSKBN1GX2OJ" type="external">FOMC statement from March 20-21 meeting</a>
<p>“We are trying to take the middle ground here,” Powell said in a press conference after the end of the policy meeting, adding that there were no signs the economy was on the cusp of accelerating inflation.</p>
<p>The rate hike was widely expected. All 104 economists polled by Reuters from March 5-13 said the Fed would increase borrowing costs this week.</p>
<p>U.S. stocks rose after the policy statement before paring gains to close lower. U.S. Treasury yields fell and then recovered. The dollar .DXY recorded its steepest one-day loss in nearly two months against a basket of currencies.</p>
<p>“The guidance in terms of the future rate hikes is a touch more hawkish than originally expected. 2019 looks like we’re going to get a faster pace of rate hikes,” said Matt Miskin, market strategist at John Hancock Investments.</p>
<p>“This a new Fed chairman starting with a bit of a hawkish tone as he takes leadership.”</p> Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks at a news conference following the Federal Open Market Committee meetings in Washington, U.S., March 21, 2018. REUTERS/Aaron P. Bernstein CONFIDENCE IN THE ECONOMY
<p>The rate hike was the latest step away from years of stimulating the world’s largest economy in the wake of the 2007-2009 financial crisis and recession. The Fed tightened policy three times last year.</p>
<p>The combination of $1.8 trillion in expected fiscal stimulus from the Trump administration and recent hints of price and wage pressures had prompted some Fed officials to speculate more Americans could be drawn into an already tight labor market.</p>
<p>Some even worried inflation could rise well above the Fed’s target if the economy got too hot.</p> Slideshow (5 Images)
<p>Policymakers were largely split on Wednesday as to whether a total of three or four rate hikes would be needed this year. They predicted rates would rise three times next year and two times in 2020, a further indication of their view that the economy is on solid footing.</p>
<p>“The Fed seems to be gaining confidence,” said Brian Coulton, an economist at Fitch Rating in London.</p>
<p>Fed policymakers projected U.S. economic growth of 2.7 percent in 2018, an increase from the 2.5 percent forecast in December, and also marked up growth for next year. The Fed’s preferred measure of inflation was expected to end 2018 at 1.9 percent, unchanged from the previous forecast, but it is seen rising a bit above the target next year.</p>
<p>The U.S. unemployment rate by the end of 2018 is expected to edge down to 3.8 percent, indicating the Fed sees more room for the labor market to run. Fed officials predicted the longer-run rate would settle at 4.5 percent, slightly lower than the forecast from December.</p> Related Video
<p>U.S. joblessness stood at 4.1 percent last month.</p>
<p>While recent home sales and retail spending data have been on the weak side, the overall economic picture has brightened after growth accelerated to 2.3 percent last year.</p>
<p>Before the meeting, analysts were split over whether the Fed, which is wary of an early misstep under its new leadership, would raise policy tightening expectations until more price pressures are clearly evident. There are also looming outside risks to the economy such as a possible global trade war.</p>
<p>“This is a new risk (that) had been probably a low-profile risk, but which has become ... a more prominent risk to the outlook,” Powell said, adding, however, that the trade tensions had not affected the Fed’s expectations for the economy.</p>
<p>Reporting by Jonathan Spicer and Jason Lange in Washington; Additional reporting by Daniel Bases in New York and Ann Saphir in San Francisco; Editing by Paul Simao</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>WASHINGTON/SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell set a record on Wednesday, after the U.S. central bank delivered a widely-expected interest rate hike, by holding the briefest quarterly news conference since the Fed began giving them in April 2011.</p> Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks at a news conference following the Federal Open Market Committee meetings in Washington, U.S., March 21, 2018. REUTERS/Aaron P. Bernstein
<p>Powell, who took the helm at the U.S. central bank in February, gave the Fed’s views and took reporters’ questions for 43 minutes, according to a video posted on the YouTube page of the Fed’s Board of Governors.</p>
<p>His predecessor Janet Yellen, Fed chair from 2014 until January, made appearances lasting about 58 minutes on average during her 16 new conferences, Reuters found in a review of the videos on the Fed’s YouTube page.</p>
<p>Powell showed a business-like approach that contrasted with the more academic style favored by Yellen, said Nathan Sheets, a former Fed economist now at PGIM Fixed Income in Newark, New Jersey.</p>
<p>“When she took these questions, she answered them in extremely exhaustive ways,” said Sheets. “Powell’s approach was much more giving what he saw as the most pertinent information.”</p>
<p>Former Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke began the practice of holding regular news conferences in April 2011, when the U.S. economy was still struggling to gather momentum after the 2007-2009 financial crisis.</p>
<p>The news conferences have been seen as a tool for the Fed to more effectively communicate its expectations on the economic outlook. If investors have a better sense of what developments might change the outlook for monetary policy, that could help give the Fed better control over interest rates.</p>
<p>Bernanke’s 11 news conferences lasted about 57 minutes on average, according to information posted on the Fed Board’s YouTube page.</p>
<p>Bernanke, who like Yellen was a PhD economist with a background in academia, held the second-briefest quarterly news conference so far at 45 minutes.</p>
<p>Powell’s career before the Fed included roles in investment banking and on corporate boards. He was a managing partner at the Carlyle Group, a private equity firm. Powell was also a senior official at the Treasury Department during former President George H.W. Bush’s administration.</p>
<p>Powell said he would be “carefully considering” doing more press conferences, adding that while he and his colleagues want to communicate as clearly as possible, he wanted to “make sure that no one would take more frequent press conferences as a signal of the path of policy.”</p>
<p>Some analysts said that is exactly how markets would take it, given that since the Fed began raising rates in 2015, it has only done so at meetings when the Fed’s leader was scheduled to speak. The Fed meets eight times a year.</p>
<p>Reporting by Jason Lange in Washington and Ann Saphir in San Francisco; Additional reporting by Lindsay Dunsmuir in Washington and Megan Davies in New York; Editing by Tom Brown</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
| false | 2 |
jan 24reuters jiangsu nhwa pharmaceutical co ltd says individual chen guanwei plans inject capital 115 million yuan cos jiangsubased medical technology unit says individual sun jiaquan plans sell stake cos unit says co hold 415 percent unit 51 percent source text chinese googlnrmzcm company coverage beijing headline news standards thomson reuters trust principles brasilia reuters brazilian prosecutors wednesday said opened investigation whether londonbased political consultancy cambridge analytica acted illegally brazil controversy firms data harvesting practices spreads across globe nameplate political consultancy cambridge analytica seen central london britain march 21 2018 reutershenry nicholls prosecutors brazils federal district includes brasilia capital said written statement look whether firm partnership sao paulobased consulting group ponte estratégia planejamento e pesquisa ltda illegally used data millions brazilians create psychographic profiles calls ca ponte partnership called answered prosecutors specialized data unit look whether security breaches allowed firm illegally access personal data regulators lawmakers united states europe demanded explanation consulting firm worked us president donald trumps election campaign gained access data 50 million facebook inc fbo users order build voter profiles facebook inc 16939 fbo nasdaq 124 074 fbo reports monday said firm may improperly gained access data cambridge analytica since suspended chief executive alexander nix facebook ceo mark zuckerberg said company made mistakes handling user data many measures brazil facebooks third largest market reporting ricardo brito writing gram slattery editing leslie adler james dalgleish standards thomson reuters trust principles san francisco reuters facebook inc fbo 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 elaborate mistakes said social network plans conduct investigation apps platform restrict developer access data give members tool lets easily disable access facebook data explicitly apologize improper use data plans represent big reduction advertisers ability use facebook data companys lifeblood 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 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 6 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 inc 16939 fbo nasdaq 124 074 fbo 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 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 dz bank third wall street brokerage week make rare cut price targets facebook wednesday investors consider whether company conclude grown manner proven untenable whether needs significantly improve managed said pivotal research group analyst brian wieser related coverage links cambridge analytica brexit campaign group brazil prosecutors open investigation cambridge analytica academic facebook storm worked russian dark personality project facebook shares 8 percent since friday company risen 550 percent value past five years reporting dustin volz washington kate holton london writing susan thomas editing bill rigby standards thomson reuters trust principles washington reuters us federal reserve raised interest rates wednesday forecast least two hikes 2018 highlighting growing confidence tax cuts government spending boost economy inflation spur aggressive future tightening federal reserve chairman jerome powell speaks news conference following federal open market committee meetings washington us march 21 2018 reutersaaron p bernstein first policy meeting new fed chief jerome powell us central bank indicated inflation finally move higher years 2 percent target economy recently gained momentum fed also raised estimated longerterm neutral rate level monetary policy neither boosts slows economy touch sign current gradual rate hike cycle could go longer previously thought economic outlook strengthened recent months fed said statement end twoday meeting lifted benchmark overnight lending rate quarter percentage point range 150 percent 175 percent powell took former fed chief janet yellen early february said central bank staying path gradual rate increases needed guard inflation related coverage powell sets record shortest quarterly news conference fed chair trump stimulus fades fed sees tight monetary policy horizon fomc statement march 2021 meeting trying take middle ground powell said press conference end policy meeting adding signs economy cusp accelerating inflation rate hike widely expected 104 economists polled reuters march 513 said fed would increase borrowing costs week us stocks rose policy statement paring gains close lower us treasury yields fell recovered dollar dxy recorded steepest oneday loss nearly two months basket currencies guidance terms future rate hikes touch hawkish originally expected 2019 looks like going get faster pace rate hikes said matt miskin market strategist john hancock investments new fed chairman starting bit hawkish tone takes leadership federal reserve chairman jerome powell speaks news conference following federal open market committee meetings washington us march 21 2018 reutersaaron p bernstein confidence economy rate hike latest step away years stimulating worlds largest economy wake 20072009 financial crisis recession fed tightened policy three times last year combination 18 trillion expected fiscal stimulus trump administration recent hints price wage pressures prompted fed officials speculate americans could drawn already tight labor market even worried inflation could rise well feds target economy got hot slideshow 5 images policymakers largely split wednesday whether total three four rate hikes would needed year predicted rates would rise three times next year two times 2020 indication view economy solid footing fed seems gaining confidence said brian coulton economist fitch rating london fed policymakers projected us economic growth 27 percent 2018 increase 25 percent forecast december also marked growth next year feds preferred measure inflation expected end 2018 19 percent unchanged previous forecast seen rising bit target next year us unemployment rate end 2018 expected edge 38 percent indicating fed sees room labor market run fed officials predicted longerrun rate would settle 45 percent slightly lower forecast december related video us joblessness stood 41 percent last month recent home sales retail spending data weak side overall economic picture brightened growth accelerated 23 percent last year meeting analysts split whether fed wary early misstep new leadership would raise policy tightening expectations price pressures clearly evident also looming outside risks economy possible global trade war new risk probably lowprofile risk become prominent risk outlook powell said adding however trade tensions affected feds expectations economy reporting jonathan spicer jason lange washington additional reporting daniel bases new york ann saphir san francisco editing paul simao standards thomson reuters trust principles washingtonsan francisco reuters federal reserve chairman jerome powell set record wednesday us central bank delivered widelyexpected interest rate hike holding briefest quarterly news conference since fed began giving april 2011 federal reserve chairman jerome powell speaks news conference following federal open market committee meetings washington us march 21 2018 reutersaaron p bernstein powell took helm us central bank february gave feds views took reporters questions 43 minutes according video posted youtube page feds board governors predecessor janet yellen fed chair 2014 january made appearances lasting 58 minutes average 16 new conferences reuters found review videos feds youtube page powell showed businesslike approach contrasted academic style favored yellen said nathan sheets former fed economist pgim fixed income newark new jersey took questions answered extremely exhaustive ways said sheets powells approach much giving saw pertinent information former fed chairman ben bernanke began practice holding regular news conferences april 2011 us economy still struggling gather momentum 20072009 financial crisis news conferences seen tool fed effectively communicate expectations economic outlook investors better sense developments might change outlook monetary policy could help give fed better control interest rates bernankes 11 news conferences lasted 57 minutes average according information posted fed boards youtube page bernanke like yellen phd economist background academia held secondbriefest quarterly news conference far 45 minutes powells career fed included roles investment banking corporate boards managing partner carlyle group private equity firm powell also senior official treasury department former president george hw bushs administration powell said would carefully considering press conferences adding colleagues want communicate clearly possible wanted make sure one would take frequent press conferences signal path policy analysts said exactly markets would take given since fed began raising rates 2015 done meetings feds leader scheduled speak fed meets eight times year reporting jason lange washington ann saphir san francisco additional reporting lindsay dunsmuir washington megan davies new york editing tom brown standards thomson reuters trust principles
| 1,511 |
<p>PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jim Schwartz inherited one of the NFL's worst defenses and turned them into one of the best in less than two years.</p>
<p>When coach Doug Pederson hired Schwartz to be the defensive coordinator in 2016, the Philadelphia Eagles were coming off three straight seasons ranked in the bottom four in yards allowed.</p>
<p>Schwartz changed the scheme back to a 4-3 base and rebuilt the defense using many of the same players left from the old regime. He also brought a swagger that's reflected in his players.</p>
<p>Three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, two-time Pro Bowl safety Malcolm Jenkins, defensive linemen Brandon Graham and Beau Allen, and linebacker Mychal Kendricks were part of the unit that struggled under former coach Chip Kelly and former defensive coordinator Billy Davis.</p>
<p>But they've thrived under Schwartz because his system fits their skills.</p>
<p>"He always puts us in great position to make plays," Jenkins said.</p>
<p>Schwartz made an immediate impact last season, helping the defense go from 30th in yards allowed and 28th in points to 13th and 12th, respectively.</p>
<p>This season, they ranked fourth in both categories and had the league's No. 1 run defense.</p>
<p>While Minnesota's top-ranked defense got most of the attention, Philadelphia's unit has been <a href="https://www.pro32.ap.org/article/defense-rose-challenge-eagles" type="external">excellent</a> in the playoffs.</p>
<p>The Eagles have allowed only 17 points in two games — one touchdown drive was 18 yards following a fumbled punt. They dominated the Vikings in a 38-7 win in the <a href="https://www.pro32.ap.org/article/foles-eagles-fly-super-bowl-rout-vikings-38-7" type="external">NFC championship game</a> last Sunday.</p>
<p>Now, Schwartz has to devise a plan to stop Tom Brady and the Patriots in the Super Bowl.</p>
<p>"No player stands on his own," Schwartz said. "The NFL in general, but particularly the Patriots, you can't scheme for one player. If you do, then they have plenty of other players that can make plays. You have to do a good job against their entire offense, and you can't really make it about one person."</p>
<p>Schwartz began his NFL coaching career in Cleveland as a research assistant for Bill Belichick in 1993. After three seasons with the Browns, he spent three years as outside linebackers coach in Baltimore and then went to Tennessee. Schwartz served 10 seasons with the Titans, the last eight as defensive coordinator.</p>
<p>He coached the Detroit Lions for five seasons, leading them to the playoffs in 2011. Schwartz was Doug Marrone's defensive coordinator in Buffalo in 2014, worked as a consultant for the NFL's officiating department in 2015 and came to Philadelphia after Pederson was hired to replace Kelly.</p>
<p>"I owe a lot to Bill Belichick. He got my career started," Schwartz said. "That's the last thing that we'll be thinking about in preparation. You think any of our players care that in 1993 I got hired as an unpaid intern? They are just going out and playing.</p>
<p>"We need to come up with a good plan. We need to execute. We need to keep in mind what we're good at, keep in mind our matchups and all those different things. And if we do a good enough job at that, we'll be able to come out with a victory."</p>
<p>Schwartz holds players accountable in meetings, singling guys out if they make mistakes. But he does it in a way where he doesn't alienate them.</p>
<p>"He cares about winning. That's what he's all about, not himself," defensive end Chris Long said.</p>
<p>Despite Schwartz's success in Philadelphia, he won't be leaving for another head coaching job just yet. The New York Giants and Arizona Cardinals were interested, but Schwartz wouldn't confirm whether he interviewed with either team.</p>
<p>"I think it's not fair to our players or anything else to talk about anything else," Schwartz said.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>AP NFL website: <a href="http://www.pro32.ap.org" type="external">www.pro32.ap.org</a> and <a href="http://www.twitter.com/AP_NFL" type="external">www.twitter.com/AP_NFL</a></p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow Rob Maaddi on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AP_RobMaaddi</p>
<p>PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jim Schwartz inherited one of the NFL's worst defenses and turned them into one of the best in less than two years.</p>
<p>When coach Doug Pederson hired Schwartz to be the defensive coordinator in 2016, the Philadelphia Eagles were coming off three straight seasons ranked in the bottom four in yards allowed.</p>
<p>Schwartz changed the scheme back to a 4-3 base and rebuilt the defense using many of the same players left from the old regime. He also brought a swagger that's reflected in his players.</p>
<p>Three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, two-time Pro Bowl safety Malcolm Jenkins, defensive linemen Brandon Graham and Beau Allen, and linebacker Mychal Kendricks were part of the unit that struggled under former coach Chip Kelly and former defensive coordinator Billy Davis.</p>
<p>But they've thrived under Schwartz because his system fits their skills.</p>
<p>"He always puts us in great position to make plays," Jenkins said.</p>
<p>Schwartz made an immediate impact last season, helping the defense go from 30th in yards allowed and 28th in points to 13th and 12th, respectively.</p>
<p>This season, they ranked fourth in both categories and had the league's No. 1 run defense.</p>
<p>While Minnesota's top-ranked defense got most of the attention, Philadelphia's unit has been <a href="https://www.pro32.ap.org/article/defense-rose-challenge-eagles" type="external">excellent</a> in the playoffs.</p>
<p>The Eagles have allowed only 17 points in two games — one touchdown drive was 18 yards following a fumbled punt. They dominated the Vikings in a 38-7 win in the <a href="https://www.pro32.ap.org/article/foles-eagles-fly-super-bowl-rout-vikings-38-7" type="external">NFC championship game</a> last Sunday.</p>
<p>Now, Schwartz has to devise a plan to stop Tom Brady and the Patriots in the Super Bowl.</p>
<p>"No player stands on his own," Schwartz said. "The NFL in general, but particularly the Patriots, you can't scheme for one player. If you do, then they have plenty of other players that can make plays. You have to do a good job against their entire offense, and you can't really make it about one person."</p>
<p>Schwartz began his NFL coaching career in Cleveland as a research assistant for Bill Belichick in 1993. After three seasons with the Browns, he spent three years as outside linebackers coach in Baltimore and then went to Tennessee. Schwartz served 10 seasons with the Titans, the last eight as defensive coordinator.</p>
<p>He coached the Detroit Lions for five seasons, leading them to the playoffs in 2011. Schwartz was Doug Marrone's defensive coordinator in Buffalo in 2014, worked as a consultant for the NFL's officiating department in 2015 and came to Philadelphia after Pederson was hired to replace Kelly.</p>
<p>"I owe a lot to Bill Belichick. He got my career started," Schwartz said. "That's the last thing that we'll be thinking about in preparation. You think any of our players care that in 1993 I got hired as an unpaid intern? They are just going out and playing.</p>
<p>"We need to come up with a good plan. We need to execute. We need to keep in mind what we're good at, keep in mind our matchups and all those different things. And if we do a good enough job at that, we'll be able to come out with a victory."</p>
<p>Schwartz holds players accountable in meetings, singling guys out if they make mistakes. But he does it in a way where he doesn't alienate them.</p>
<p>"He cares about winning. That's what he's all about, not himself," defensive end Chris Long said.</p>
<p>Despite Schwartz's success in Philadelphia, he won't be leaving for another head coaching job just yet. The New York Giants and Arizona Cardinals were interested, but Schwartz wouldn't confirm whether he interviewed with either team.</p>
<p>"I think it's not fair to our players or anything else to talk about anything else," Schwartz said.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>AP NFL website: <a href="http://www.pro32.ap.org" type="external">www.pro32.ap.org</a> and <a href="http://www.twitter.com/AP_NFL" type="external">www.twitter.com/AP_NFL</a></p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow Rob Maaddi on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AP_RobMaaddi</p>
| false | 2 |
philadelphia ap jim schwartz inherited one nfls worst defenses turned one best less two years coach doug pederson hired schwartz defensive coordinator 2016 philadelphia eagles coming three straight seasons ranked bottom four yards allowed schwartz changed scheme back 43 base rebuilt defense using many players left old regime also brought swagger thats reflected players threetime pro bowl defensive tackle fletcher cox twotime pro bowl safety malcolm jenkins defensive linemen brandon graham beau allen linebacker mychal kendricks part unit struggled former coach chip kelly former defensive coordinator billy davis theyve thrived schwartz system fits skills always puts us great position make plays jenkins said schwartz made immediate impact last season helping defense go 30th yards allowed 28th points 13th 12th respectively season ranked fourth categories leagues 1 run defense minnesotas topranked defense got attention philadelphias unit excellent playoffs eagles allowed 17 points two games one touchdown drive 18 yards following fumbled punt dominated vikings 387 win nfc championship game last sunday schwartz devise plan stop tom brady patriots super bowl player stands schwartz said nfl general particularly patriots cant scheme one player plenty players make plays good job entire offense cant really make one person schwartz began nfl coaching career cleveland research assistant bill belichick 1993 three seasons browns spent three years outside linebackers coach baltimore went tennessee schwartz served 10 seasons titans last eight defensive coordinator coached detroit lions five seasons leading playoffs 2011 schwartz doug marrones defensive coordinator buffalo 2014 worked consultant nfls officiating department 2015 came philadelphia pederson hired replace kelly owe lot bill belichick got career started schwartz said thats last thing well thinking preparation think players care 1993 got hired unpaid intern going playing need come good plan need execute need keep mind good keep mind matchups different things good enough job well able come victory schwartz holds players accountable meetings singling guys make mistakes way doesnt alienate cares winning thats hes defensive end chris long said despite schwartzs success philadelphia wont leaving another head coaching job yet new york giants arizona cardinals interested schwartz wouldnt confirm whether interviewed either team think fair players anything else talk anything else schwartz said ___ ap nfl website wwwpro32aporg wwwtwittercomap_nfl ___ follow rob maaddi twitter httpstwittercomap_robmaaddi philadelphia ap jim schwartz inherited one nfls worst defenses turned one best less two years coach doug pederson hired schwartz defensive coordinator 2016 philadelphia eagles coming three straight seasons ranked bottom four yards allowed schwartz changed scheme back 43 base rebuilt defense using many players left old regime also brought swagger thats reflected players threetime pro bowl defensive tackle fletcher cox twotime pro bowl safety malcolm jenkins defensive linemen brandon graham beau allen linebacker mychal kendricks part unit struggled former coach chip kelly former defensive coordinator billy davis theyve thrived schwartz system fits skills always puts us great position make plays jenkins said schwartz made immediate impact last season helping defense go 30th yards allowed 28th points 13th 12th respectively season ranked fourth categories leagues 1 run defense minnesotas topranked defense got attention philadelphias unit excellent playoffs eagles allowed 17 points two games one touchdown drive 18 yards following fumbled punt dominated vikings 387 win nfc championship game last sunday schwartz devise plan stop tom brady patriots super bowl player stands schwartz said nfl general particularly patriots cant scheme one player plenty players make plays good job entire offense cant really make one person schwartz began nfl coaching career cleveland research assistant bill belichick 1993 three seasons browns spent three years outside linebackers coach baltimore went tennessee schwartz served 10 seasons titans last eight defensive coordinator coached detroit lions five seasons leading playoffs 2011 schwartz doug marrones defensive coordinator buffalo 2014 worked consultant nfls officiating department 2015 came philadelphia pederson hired replace kelly owe lot bill belichick got career started schwartz said thats last thing well thinking preparation think players care 1993 got hired unpaid intern going playing need come good plan need execute need keep mind good keep mind matchups different things good enough job well able come victory schwartz holds players accountable meetings singling guys make mistakes way doesnt alienate cares winning thats hes defensive end chris long said despite schwartzs success philadelphia wont leaving another head coaching job yet new york giants arizona cardinals interested schwartz wouldnt confirm whether interviewed either team think fair players anything else talk anything else schwartz said ___ ap nfl website wwwpro32aporg wwwtwittercomap_nfl ___ follow rob maaddi twitter httpstwittercomap_robmaaddi
| 734 |
<p>ATLANTA (AP) — Alabama and Georgia should know a lot about each other when they meet in the College Football Playoff national championship game Monday night, even though the teams have not played in a few years.</p>
<p>With Nick Saban on one side and his former defensive coordinator, Kirby Smart, leading the Bulldogs, the teams competing in the national championship game have a lot in common, especially the way they play defense, using a 3-4 scheme that often looks like a 4-3 with outside linebackers providing pass rush like defensive ends. Tight coverage on outside receivers and a mix of well-disguised blitzes can be hard to decipher for a quarterback.</p>
<p>Some of the matchups that could decide the national title.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Alabama QB Jalen Hurts vs. Georgia LB Roquan Smith</p>
<p>A case can be made that Smith has been the best defensive player in the country this season. He is an instinctive linebacker and Georgia will move him around in the tackle box to free him to run to the ball. Even in a wild Rose Bowl with more than 1,000 yards of offense, the All-American Smith was a force against Oklahoma, making several pivotal third-down stops.</p>
<p>“He doesn’t miss many tackles,” said Appalachian State coach Scott Satterfield, whose team lost to the Bulldogs to open the 20017 season.</p>
<p>Satterfield said Georgia’s length on the edges with outside linebackers Davin Bellamy (6-foot-5) and Lorenzo Carter (6-6) makes it difficult to attack the edges against the Bulldogs.</p>
<p>Hurts gives Alabama a dual-threat and especially powerful runner. He was second on the team with 945 yards rushing and eight rushing touchdowns. If Georgia needs someone to spy Hurts, it could be Smith.</p>
<p>“Don’t be in a hurry to get a sack, more than making sure you’re maintaining rush lanes and force him to be a pocket guy with the pocket collapsing around him,” Florida coach Dan Mullen said.</p>
<p>Mullen coached Mississippi State last season before joining the Gators and his Bulldogs were one of three to face both Alabama and Georgia this season. Mississippi State lost to both teams.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Georgia QB Jake Fromm vs. Alabama S Minkah Fitzpatrick</p>
<p>This is a different kind of matchup than Hurts-Smith, because Fromm is not a running threat. The challenge for the freshman quarterback will be identifying where Fitzpatrick is lined up from play to play because Alabama uses the All-American everywhere: safety, cornerback and linebacker. He is even used as an edge rusher. Defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt does not call a lot of blitzes, but when he does Fitzpatrick is often the guy Alabama brings. Or he can show blitz with Fitzpatrick and have him back out and seamlessly drop into coverage.</p>
<p>Fromm has shown the poise of a veteran all season, but Saban’s defenses have been known to fluster even experienced quarterbacks and Fitzpatrick is an extension of Saban on the field.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Georgia C Lamont Gaillard vs. Alabama NG Da’Ron Payne</p>
<p>When Payne is not catching touchdown passes he is one of the best interior linemen in college football. At 308-pounds, he is hard to move and can overpower blockers. He is a big part of the No. 1 run defense in the country. Alabama allows only 2.7 yards per carry. Georgia averages 5.99 yards per rush, sixth best in the country, behind tailbacks Nick Chubb and Sony Michel.</p>
<p>“That’s their offense. It is stopping those guys and then you just got to be sound,” Mullen said. “If you make mistakes and let other people score on you, let other people make big plays against you, that’s where it gets really hard to beat them.”</p>
<p>Gaillard is a 301-pound fourth-year junior who gives Georgia a chance to move Payne one-on-one, but he will probably need some help from guards Kendall Baker and Ben Cleveland. Auburn and Mississippi State had some success running against the Tide, but that was with the threat of a running quarterback and offenses that use motions and run-pass option plays to get linebackers and safeties out of position. Georgia uses lots of formations and some motion, but with no quarterback running threat, the Bulldogs are going to need to move big bodies like Payne and Raekwon Davis (307 7pounds) out of the way to get Chubb and Michel going.</p>
<p>“If Georgia can be able to stick with the run, get patient with the 2- and 3-yard gains and find a way to convert on third down, Michel and Chubb will hit some big ones,” Mullen said.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Alabama receiver Calvin Ridley vs. Georgia CB Deandre Baker</p>
<p>Alabama leans heavily on Ridley in the passing game. The junior has 59 catches for 935 yards to lead the Tide. No other receiver has more than 16 receptions of 244 yards. There is talent elsewhere in the Crimson Tide passing game. The second- and third-leading receivers by yardage are freshmen Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III. Robert Foster is a senior whose career has been stunted by injuries. But Ridley is the man.</p>
<p>“We rolled the coverage to Ridley a couple of times and he was still able to win,” Mullen said.</p>
<p>Baker is Georgia’s best coverage player.</p>
<p>“If they do have a weakness, relatively, it’s in the secondary,” Appalachian State’s Satterfield said of Georgia’s defense.</p>
<p>Expect Baker to spend a lot of time shadowing Ridley and for safeties Dominick Sanders and J.R. Reed to provide support.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow Ralph D. Russo at <a href="http://www.Twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP" type="external">www.Twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP</a></p>
<p>___</p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/AP_Top25" type="external" /> <a href="https://twitter.com/AP_Top25" type="external">https://twitter.com/AP_Top25</a>More AP college football: <a href="https://collegefootball.ap.org" type="external">https://collegefootball.ap.org</a> and</p>
<p>ATLANTA (AP) — Alabama and Georgia should know a lot about each other when they meet in the College Football Playoff national championship game Monday night, even though the teams have not played in a few years.</p>
<p>With Nick Saban on one side and his former defensive coordinator, Kirby Smart, leading the Bulldogs, the teams competing in the national championship game have a lot in common, especially the way they play defense, using a 3-4 scheme that often looks like a 4-3 with outside linebackers providing pass rush like defensive ends. Tight coverage on outside receivers and a mix of well-disguised blitzes can be hard to decipher for a quarterback.</p>
<p>Some of the matchups that could decide the national title.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Alabama QB Jalen Hurts vs. Georgia LB Roquan Smith</p>
<p>A case can be made that Smith has been the best defensive player in the country this season. He is an instinctive linebacker and Georgia will move him around in the tackle box to free him to run to the ball. Even in a wild Rose Bowl with more than 1,000 yards of offense, the All-American Smith was a force against Oklahoma, making several pivotal third-down stops.</p>
<p>“He doesn’t miss many tackles,” said Appalachian State coach Scott Satterfield, whose team lost to the Bulldogs to open the 20017 season.</p>
<p>Satterfield said Georgia’s length on the edges with outside linebackers Davin Bellamy (6-foot-5) and Lorenzo Carter (6-6) makes it difficult to attack the edges against the Bulldogs.</p>
<p>Hurts gives Alabama a dual-threat and especially powerful runner. He was second on the team with 945 yards rushing and eight rushing touchdowns. If Georgia needs someone to spy Hurts, it could be Smith.</p>
<p>“Don’t be in a hurry to get a sack, more than making sure you’re maintaining rush lanes and force him to be a pocket guy with the pocket collapsing around him,” Florida coach Dan Mullen said.</p>
<p>Mullen coached Mississippi State last season before joining the Gators and his Bulldogs were one of three to face both Alabama and Georgia this season. Mississippi State lost to both teams.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Georgia QB Jake Fromm vs. Alabama S Minkah Fitzpatrick</p>
<p>This is a different kind of matchup than Hurts-Smith, because Fromm is not a running threat. The challenge for the freshman quarterback will be identifying where Fitzpatrick is lined up from play to play because Alabama uses the All-American everywhere: safety, cornerback and linebacker. He is even used as an edge rusher. Defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt does not call a lot of blitzes, but when he does Fitzpatrick is often the guy Alabama brings. Or he can show blitz with Fitzpatrick and have him back out and seamlessly drop into coverage.</p>
<p>Fromm has shown the poise of a veteran all season, but Saban’s defenses have been known to fluster even experienced quarterbacks and Fitzpatrick is an extension of Saban on the field.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Georgia C Lamont Gaillard vs. Alabama NG Da’Ron Payne</p>
<p>When Payne is not catching touchdown passes he is one of the best interior linemen in college football. At 308-pounds, he is hard to move and can overpower blockers. He is a big part of the No. 1 run defense in the country. Alabama allows only 2.7 yards per carry. Georgia averages 5.99 yards per rush, sixth best in the country, behind tailbacks Nick Chubb and Sony Michel.</p>
<p>“That’s their offense. It is stopping those guys and then you just got to be sound,” Mullen said. “If you make mistakes and let other people score on you, let other people make big plays against you, that’s where it gets really hard to beat them.”</p>
<p>Gaillard is a 301-pound fourth-year junior who gives Georgia a chance to move Payne one-on-one, but he will probably need some help from guards Kendall Baker and Ben Cleveland. Auburn and Mississippi State had some success running against the Tide, but that was with the threat of a running quarterback and offenses that use motions and run-pass option plays to get linebackers and safeties out of position. Georgia uses lots of formations and some motion, but with no quarterback running threat, the Bulldogs are going to need to move big bodies like Payne and Raekwon Davis (307 7pounds) out of the way to get Chubb and Michel going.</p>
<p>“If Georgia can be able to stick with the run, get patient with the 2- and 3-yard gains and find a way to convert on third down, Michel and Chubb will hit some big ones,” Mullen said.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Alabama receiver Calvin Ridley vs. Georgia CB Deandre Baker</p>
<p>Alabama leans heavily on Ridley in the passing game. The junior has 59 catches for 935 yards to lead the Tide. No other receiver has more than 16 receptions of 244 yards. There is talent elsewhere in the Crimson Tide passing game. The second- and third-leading receivers by yardage are freshmen Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III. Robert Foster is a senior whose career has been stunted by injuries. But Ridley is the man.</p>
<p>“We rolled the coverage to Ridley a couple of times and he was still able to win,” Mullen said.</p>
<p>Baker is Georgia’s best coverage player.</p>
<p>“If they do have a weakness, relatively, it’s in the secondary,” Appalachian State’s Satterfield said of Georgia’s defense.</p>
<p>Expect Baker to spend a lot of time shadowing Ridley and for safeties Dominick Sanders and J.R. Reed to provide support.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow Ralph D. Russo at <a href="http://www.Twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP" type="external">www.Twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP</a></p>
<p>___</p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/AP_Top25" type="external" /> <a href="https://twitter.com/AP_Top25" type="external">https://twitter.com/AP_Top25</a>More AP college football: <a href="https://collegefootball.ap.org" type="external">https://collegefootball.ap.org</a> and</p>
| false | 2 |
atlanta ap alabama georgia know lot meet college football playoff national championship game monday night even though teams played years nick saban one side former defensive coordinator kirby smart leading bulldogs teams competing national championship game lot common especially way play defense using 34 scheme often looks like 43 outside linebackers providing pass rush like defensive ends tight coverage outside receivers mix welldisguised blitzes hard decipher quarterback matchups could decide national title ___ alabama qb jalen hurts vs georgia lb roquan smith case made smith best defensive player country season instinctive linebacker georgia move around tackle box free run ball even wild rose bowl 1000 yards offense allamerican smith force oklahoma making several pivotal thirddown stops doesnt miss many tackles said appalachian state coach scott satterfield whose team lost bulldogs open 20017 season satterfield said georgias length edges outside linebackers davin bellamy 6foot5 lorenzo carter 66 makes difficult attack edges bulldogs hurts gives alabama dualthreat especially powerful runner second team 945 yards rushing eight rushing touchdowns georgia needs someone spy hurts could smith dont hurry get sack making sure youre maintaining rush lanes force pocket guy pocket collapsing around florida coach dan mullen said mullen coached mississippi state last season joining gators bulldogs one three face alabama georgia season mississippi state lost teams ___ georgia qb jake fromm vs alabama minkah fitzpatrick different kind matchup hurtssmith fromm running threat challenge freshman quarterback identifying fitzpatrick lined play play alabama uses allamerican everywhere safety cornerback linebacker even used edge rusher defensive coordinator jeremy pruitt call lot blitzes fitzpatrick often guy alabama brings show blitz fitzpatrick back seamlessly drop coverage fromm shown poise veteran season sabans defenses known fluster even experienced quarterbacks fitzpatrick extension saban field ___ georgia c lamont gaillard vs alabama ng daron payne payne catching touchdown passes one best interior linemen college football 308pounds hard move overpower blockers big part 1 run defense country alabama allows 27 yards per carry georgia averages 599 yards per rush sixth best country behind tailbacks nick chubb sony michel thats offense stopping guys got sound mullen said make mistakes let people score let people make big plays thats gets really hard beat gaillard 301pound fourthyear junior gives georgia chance move payne oneonone probably need help guards kendall baker ben cleveland auburn mississippi state success running tide threat running quarterback offenses use motions runpass option plays get linebackers safeties position georgia uses lots formations motion quarterback running threat bulldogs going need move big bodies like payne raekwon davis 307 7pounds way get chubb michel going georgia able stick run get patient 2 3yard gains find way convert third michel chubb hit big ones mullen said ___ alabama receiver calvin ridley vs georgia cb deandre baker alabama leans heavily ridley passing game junior 59 catches 935 yards lead tide receiver 16 receptions 244 yards talent elsewhere crimson tide passing game second thirdleading receivers yardage freshmen jerry jeudy henry ruggs iii robert foster senior whose career stunted injuries ridley man rolled coverage ridley couple times still able win mullen said baker georgias best coverage player weakness relatively secondary appalachian states satterfield said georgias defense expect baker spend lot time shadowing ridley safeties dominick sanders jr reed provide support ___ follow ralph russo wwwtwittercomralphdrussoap ___ httpstwittercomap_top25more ap college football httpscollegefootballaporg atlanta ap alabama georgia know lot meet college football playoff national championship game monday night even though teams played years nick saban one side former defensive coordinator kirby smart leading bulldogs teams competing national championship game lot common especially way play defense using 34 scheme often looks like 43 outside linebackers providing pass rush like defensive ends tight coverage outside receivers mix welldisguised blitzes hard decipher quarterback matchups could decide national title ___ alabama qb jalen hurts vs georgia lb roquan smith case made smith best defensive player country season instinctive linebacker georgia move around tackle box free run ball even wild rose bowl 1000 yards offense allamerican smith force oklahoma making several pivotal thirddown stops doesnt miss many tackles said appalachian state coach scott satterfield whose team lost bulldogs open 20017 season satterfield said georgias length edges outside linebackers davin bellamy 6foot5 lorenzo carter 66 makes difficult attack edges bulldogs hurts gives alabama dualthreat especially powerful runner second team 945 yards rushing eight rushing touchdowns georgia needs someone spy hurts could smith dont hurry get sack making sure youre maintaining rush lanes force pocket guy pocket collapsing around florida coach dan mullen said mullen coached mississippi state last season joining gators bulldogs one three face alabama georgia season mississippi state lost teams ___ georgia qb jake fromm vs alabama minkah fitzpatrick different kind matchup hurtssmith fromm running threat challenge freshman quarterback identifying fitzpatrick lined play play alabama uses allamerican everywhere safety cornerback linebacker even used edge rusher defensive coordinator jeremy pruitt call lot blitzes fitzpatrick often guy alabama brings show blitz fitzpatrick back seamlessly drop coverage fromm shown poise veteran season sabans defenses known fluster even experienced quarterbacks fitzpatrick extension saban field ___ georgia c lamont gaillard vs alabama ng daron payne payne catching touchdown passes one best interior linemen college football 308pounds hard move overpower blockers big part 1 run defense country alabama allows 27 yards per carry georgia averages 599 yards per rush sixth best country behind tailbacks nick chubb sony michel thats offense stopping guys got sound mullen said make mistakes let people score let people make big plays thats gets really hard beat gaillard 301pound fourthyear junior gives georgia chance move payne oneonone probably need help guards kendall baker ben cleveland auburn mississippi state success running tide threat running quarterback offenses use motions runpass option plays get linebackers safeties position georgia uses lots formations motion quarterback running threat bulldogs going need move big bodies like payne raekwon davis 307 7pounds way get chubb michel going georgia able stick run get patient 2 3yard gains find way convert third michel chubb hit big ones mullen said ___ alabama receiver calvin ridley vs georgia cb deandre baker alabama leans heavily ridley passing game junior 59 catches 935 yards lead tide receiver 16 receptions 244 yards talent elsewhere crimson tide passing game second thirdleading receivers yardage freshmen jerry jeudy henry ruggs iii robert foster senior whose career stunted injuries ridley man rolled coverage ridley couple times still able win mullen said baker georgias best coverage player weakness relatively secondary appalachian states satterfield said georgias defense expect baker spend lot time shadowing ridley safeties dominick sanders jr reed provide support ___ follow ralph russo wwwtwittercomralphdrussoap ___ httpstwittercomap_top25more ap college football httpscollegefootballaporg
| 1,084 |
<p>Hillary Clinton claimed in the Dec. 19 debate that private insurance premiums have “gone up so much” in some states that didn’t expand Medicaid because hospitals&#160;shifted their costs for providing emergency care for the uninsured. But we have found no data to support that claim, and the idea that such cost shifting occurs is debated among experts.</p>
<p>Clinton made her claim about cost shifting in the Democratic debate when she was asked about the increase in private insurance premiums that has occurred since 2010, when the Affordable Care Act was passed. Moderator Martha Raddatz of ABC News asked: “But for Americans who already had health insurance the cost has gone up 27 percent in the last five years while deductibles are up 67 percent, health care costs are rising faster than many Americans can manage.&#160;What’s broken in Obamacare that needs to be fixed right now?”</p>
<p>(Employer-sponsored insurance premiums for family plans have gone up 27 percent from 2010 to 2015, according to <a href="http://kff.org/report-section/ehbs-2015-summary-of-findings/" type="external">the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research &amp; Education Trust’s annual survey</a>. That’s the same percentage increase as 2005 to 2010, but much lower than the hike from 2000 to 2005. The figure on deductibles also comes from the survey.)</p>
<p>Clinton put part of the blame for rising private insurance premiums on states that hadn’t expanded&#160;Medicaid, nearly all of which are run by Republican governors.</p>
<p>Clinton, Dec. 19:&#160;And one of the reasons in some states why the percentage cost has gone up so much is because governors there would not extend Medicaid.</p>
<p>And so people are still going to get health care, thankfully, in emergency rooms, in hospitals. Those costs are then added to the overall cost, which does increase the insurance premiums for people in the private system.</p>
<p>Clinton was explaining a concept called cost shifting, a controversial and debatable idea that hospitals charge higher rates to those with private insurance to cover uncompensated costs for caring for the uninsured. The federal government does provide some payments to hospitals that treat low-income patients. But those payments, called Disproportionate Share Hospital Allotments, or DSH, through the Medicaid program, aren’t enough to cover all of the uncompensated care costs.</p>
<p>Some researchers say this cost shifting occurs, and others say it doesn’t — or doesn’t occur on a large enough scale to make a significant difference in private insurance premiums. But we could find no research that shows cost shifting has led to increased private premiums in states that didn’t expand Medicaid, compared with states that did. (Thirty-one states, including Washington, D.C., <a href="http://kff.org/health-reform/state-indicator/state-activity-around-expanding-medicaid-under-the-affordable-care-act/" type="external">have adopted the expansion of Medicaid</a> called for by the Affordable Care Act, while 16 states have not. The expansion, which covers most adults up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level, is under discussion in four others.)</p>
<p>We asked two organizations that have published a lot of research and analysis of the impact of the Affordable Care Act: the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Urban Institute, and&#160;neither knew of any research that would address Clinton’s claim. A spokesman for the&#160;Kaiser Family Foundation told us KFF’s experts haven’t attempted to study whether private insurance is going up more in nonexpansion states because of any cost shifting, nor were they aware of any such studies.</p>
<p>We looked at <a href="http://kff.org/health-reform/fact-sheet/analysis-of-2016-premium-changes-in-the-affordable-care-acts-health-insurance-marketplaces/" type="external">KFF data on changes in ACA marketplace premiums from 2015 and 2016</a> in major cities in each state, and there’s no clear pattern for expansion versus nonexpansion states. Instead, there’s a wide range of increasing and decreasing premiums for each state. And statewide changes also vary: The New York Times <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/27/us/politics/revamped-healthcaregov-opens-with-new-tools-for-gauging-true-cost-of-insurance.html" type="external">reported in October</a> that “premiums for the benchmark plan will decline by 13 percent in Indiana, 8 percent in Mississippi and 1 percent in Ohio and Maine.” Two of the four — Mississippi and Maine — are states that didn’t expand Medicaid.</p>
<p>It would take a lot more analysis, of course, to determine whether there are connections between uncompensated care and premium changes.</p>
<p>It is the case, however, that uncompensated care costs are higher in nonexpansion states than they could have been if those states had expanded Medicaid, a move that would have covered more of the uninsured. In an April report, the Kaiser Family Foundation <a href="http://kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/medicaid-expansion-health-coverage-and-spending-an-update-for-the-21-states-that-have-not-expanded-eligibility/" type="external">estimated</a> that states that didn’t expand Medicaid would face an additional $81 billion in uncompensated care costs for the uninsured from 2015 through 2024, compared with the uncompensated care costs they would have incurred if they had expanded Medicaid.</p>
<p>The question, then, is whether Clinton is right to say that those uncompensated care costs are passed on to private insurers and result in higher private insurance premiums. Experts disagree on whether, and to what extent, that happens.</p>
<p>Stephen Zuckerman, senior fellow at the Urban Institute and co-director of the institute’s&#160;Health Policy Center, told us that nonexpansion states “are no worse off than they were before,” in terms of the number of uninsured right now. Some of the uninsured in those states have gained coverage through the marketplaces or through Medicaid programs that already existed before the ACA. Zuckerman questioned the idea, therefore, that the burden of the uninsured on hospitals has grown. It “doesn’t seem logical to think it’s gotten worse … and is driving premiums up.”</p>
<p>It’s not clear how uncompensated care is changing, Zuckerman said. “It’s not even clear that hospitals’&#160;financial needs are greater now to seek those higher payments,” he said.</p>
<p><a href="http://sph.emory.edu/faculty/profile/#!KTHORPE" type="external">Kenneth Thorpe</a>, chair of the Department of Health Policy &amp; Management in the Rollins School of Public Health of Emory University, has conducted research in the past for <a href="http://familiesusa.org/about" type="external">Families USA</a>, a nonprofit that works to expand health coverage and&#160; <a href="http://familiesusa.org/sites/default/files/product_documents/hidden-health-tax.pdf" type="external">calls the cost of uncompensated care a “hidden tax”</a> on Americans with private insurance. Thorpe, who analyzed President Bill Clinton’s health overhaul proposals while working at the Department of Health and Human Services at the time, told us that higher uncompensated care costs in nonexpansion states would put “pressure on private insurance premiums.”</p>
<p>A <a href="http://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2015/6/24/not-expanding-medicaid-can-cost-local-taxpayers" type="external">June 24 Stateline article</a> said that taxpayers could pay more in some states that didn’t expand Medicaid in the future, once the federal government begins reducing payments to help cover uncompensated care in 2018, as part of the Affordable Care Act. In many states, like Texas, local taxes are used to help hospitals that treat the uninsured.</p>
<p>Stateline reported that Texas hospitals spent $5.5 billion on uncompensated care in 2014 — that’s according to the state hospital association — while the federal government reimbursed $1 billion. That federal reimbursement could&#160;be&#160;reduced by about 20 percent in fiscal 2017, according to an estimate published in the <a href="http://content.healthaffairs.org/content/33/11/2025.full" type="external">November 2014 issue of the journal Health Affairs</a>. The Texas Hospital Association told Stateline that cost shifting would&#160;make up the shortfall.</p>
<p>Stateline, June 24: Lance Lunsford, a vice president with the Texas Hospital Association, said without that federal money, residents would have to foot the bill in the form of higher insurance premiums and, in jurisdictions with public hospitals like Dallas County, higher taxes. “Hospitals have no choice but to limit their exposure,” he said. “That means cost-shifting to consumers and taxpayers.”</p>
<p>But that’s a prediction of what will happen in the future, once federal uncompensated care&#160;payments are reduced, not what’s happening now. And, if that does happen, it remains to be seen how much of that cost would shift to taxpayers and how much would result in higher premiums.</p>
<p>It’s not clear to what extent cost shifting occurs in general. In 2014, the Kaiser Family Foundation <a href="http://kff.org/report-section/uncompensated-care-for-the-uninsured-in-2013-a-detailed-examination-cost-shifting-and-remaining-uncompensated-care-costs-8596/" type="external">published an analysis of the issue</a>,&#160;by Urban Institute researchers, that called cost shifting of uncompensated care “a long-standing, complicated and controversial issue.”</p>
<p>The report cited data that suggested private insurance payments to hospitals were 30 percent above costs, while Medicare and Medicaid payments were under hospital costs. And some care for the uninsured isn’t paid for at all. “However, there is limited evidence to indicate that rising numbers of uninsured people (and thus increases in uncompensated care) have caused hospitals to increase their charges to the privately insured,” said the analysis.</p>
<p>The Urban Institute researchers found&#160;that if there was cost shifting to private insurance, it would be&#160;“relatively small” in scope. They estimated there was $21.1 billion in 2013 of uncompensated care nationwide that wasn’t reimbursed by government sources or covered by office physicians doing charity work. That represented 2.3&#160;percent of total private health insurance&#160;spending for the year.</p>
<p>If hospitals don’t pass on costs, what do they do about uncompensated care costs?&#160;Craig Garthwaite, an assistant professor of strategy at Northwestern University’s&#160;Kellogg School of Management, found hospitals largely absorbed the costs.</p>
<p>Garthwaite researched years of uncompensated care records at hospitals and the relationship to hospital profits, finding no evidence that the vast majority of hospitals passed uncompensated care costs onto privately insured customers. “We find hospitals absorb nearly all of the increase in uncompensated care through reduced profits,” he told us in a phone interview, estimating that 60 percent to 100 percent of such costs are absorbed by the hospitals.</p>
<p>Garthwaite explained his findings in <a href="http://insight.kellogg.northwestern.edu/article/who-bears-the-cost-of-the-uninsured-nonprofit-hospitals" type="external">a June 2015 article on the Kellogg website</a>. If cost shifting were happening, he said, “we wouldn’t see profits fall — but we see profits fall meaningfully following an increase in the share of the population that is uninsured.”</p>
<p>Garthwaite and Zuckerman both questioned whether hospitals could actually raise prices to cover uncompensated care costs. If higher prices increase profits, Garthwaite told us, “they should’ve been charging these higher prices beforehand.” The only way hospitals could shift costs would be if they weren’t charging a profit-maximizing price before, he said.</p>
<p>He said he knew of “no credible research” that would show a change in the insurance premiums in nonexpansion states was linked to uncompensated care costs, a causal relationship he says would be “very hard to tease that out” if it were true. “At best this is a sloppy claim and at worst it’s deliberately misleading,” he told us of Clinton’s comment.</p>
<p>Researchers with&#160; <a href="http://medpac.gov/" type="external">MedPAC</a>, an independent agency that advises Congress on Medicare, <a href="http://content.healthaffairs.org/content/early/2010/03/18/hlthaff.2009.0599.full" type="external">published a paper in Health Affairs in 2010</a> that questioned the “common assumption” that hospitals charge higher rates to private health insurance when Medicare payment rates are below hospitals’ costs (the same type of cost shifting that Clinton says is occurring for caring for the uninsured). “We present evidence that contradicts that common assumption,” the report said, explaining that some hospitals had stronger cost controls than others.</p>
<p>“Hospitals with strong market power and higher private-payer and other revenues appear to have less pressure to constrain their costs,” the researchers wrote. “Thus, these hospitals have higher costs per unit of service, which can lead to losses on Medicare patients. Hospitals under more financial pressure — with less market share and less ability to charge higher private rates — often constrain costs and can generate profits on Medicare patients.”</p>
<p>The left-leaning Families USA, however, believes cost shifting does occur, and the group <a href="http://familiesusa.org/sites/default/files/product_documents/hidden-health-tax.pdf" type="external">put a price on it</a>: $1,017 for the year for private family health coverage in 2008. That figure, however, comes from taking the national cost of uncompensated care for the uninsured and dividing it among the privately insured population.</p>
<p>Obama cited this figure back in 2009, and we <a href="" type="internal">said</a> at the time that it was disputed. In a <a href="http://kff.org/uninsured/upload/7809.pdf" type="external">2008 report</a>, Urban Institute and KFF researchers took issue with&#160;an earlier Families USA estimate, saying:&#160;“[W]e are highly skeptical that the high and growing cost of private insurance is strongly related, if at all, to the amount of uncompensated care delivered by private providers or to the growing number of uninsured people.”</p>
<p>The actuarial firm Milliman Inc. conducted the recent analysis for Families USA, and it&#160;notes in the technical “limitations” section that this was based on the assumption that uncompensated care is passed on to private insurers. “It is possible that uncompensated cost is absorbed by providers in the form of lower profits or margins, or that uncompensated cost should be considered a marginal cost of doing business,” Milliman says.</p>
<p>Economist Austin Frakt, then with Boston’s Veterans Affairs health care system and Boston University, conducted a review of the available literature in 2010 and <a href="http://www.hcfe.research.va.gov/docs/wp_2011_01.pdf" type="external">concluded</a> that “[p]olicymakers should take hospital and insurance industry claims of inevitable, large scale cost shifting with a grain of salt. Though a modest degree of cost shifting may result from changes in public payment policy, it is just one of many possible effects.”</p>
<p>Frakt wrote that the “[m]ore careful theoretical and empirical examinations” he reviewed “suggest that cost shifting can and has occurred, but usually at a relatively low rate.” He pointed to changes in hospital market power as having “a significant impact on private prices.”</p>
<p>There are differing opinions on whether or not cost shifting occurs and to what extent — and Clinton is entitled to her opinion on that. But there’s little in the way of hard evidence showing that it’s common practice, and again, no analysis that we could find showing that it has put more upward pressure on private insurance premiums in states that haven’t expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.</p>
<p>When we asked the Clinton campaign for support for this claim on cost shifting,&#160;it first&#160;pointed to a separate issue: The idea that the ACA marketplaces in nonexpansion states would include a higher percentage of unhealthy individuals and that would lead to higher marketplace premiums. In expansion states, such low-income individuals would be on Medicaid and therefore not affecting the risk pool for the individual market insurance plans.</p>
<p>Thorpe, at Emory University, also referred us to one such analysis, a <a href="https://www.actuary.org/files/Medicaid_Considerations_09_05_2012.pdf" type="external">September&#160;2012 issue brief by the American Academy of Actuaries</a> that said states’ decisions on the Medicaid expansion would impact private insurance premiums.</p>
<p>Here’s the reasoning: The Medicaid expansion covered low-income adults earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level. Subsidies for the state and federal marketplaces begin&#160;at 100 percent of the poverty level. So, in states that didn’t expand Medicaid, those earning between 100 percent and 138 percent could get subsidized coverage on the marketplaces, while in expansion states they’d be on Medicaid. This population of low-income individuals is likely to have more health issues than higher-income individuals, causing risk pools to contain more high-cost enrollees, and therefore leading to higher premiums in the individual market.</p>
<p>That issue brief cited a <a href="http://cbo.gov/sites/default/files/cbofiles/attachments/43472-07-24-2012-CoverageEstimates.pdf" type="external">July 2012 Congressional Budget Office report</a>, which said that lower-income individuals “generally have somewhat&#160;poorer health. As a result, CBO and [the Joint Committee on Taxation]&#160;now estimate that the premiums&#160;for health insurance offered through the exchanges, along with premiums&#160;in the individual market, will be 2 percent higher than those estimated in&#160;March 2012.”</p>
<p><a href="http://www.scholarsstrategynetwork.org/sites/default/files/ssn_key_findings_clemens_on_the_role_of_medicaid_expansions_1.pdf" type="external">Other researchers</a> have written about this impact of having a greater population of high-health-cost individuals in marketplace risk pools than would be the case if all states expanded Medicaid. The Clinton campaign cited <a href="http://econweb.ucsd.edu/~mknepper/pdfs/JMP.pdf" type="external">a November 2014 study</a> by researchers with the University of California, San Diego and UC Berkeley that found evidence that not expanding Medicaid led to increases in private plan deductibles, of 10.5 percent on average, but did not coincide with changes in premiums.</p>
<p>The ACA marketplace coverage began in 2014, so it’s still early in terms of having a body of research that documents the impact on premiums, and the impact of the Medicaid expansion. But so far, Clinton’s cost-shifting explanation is debatable and not backed up by the available data.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
| false | 2 |
hillary clinton claimed dec 19 debate private insurance premiums gone much states didnt expand medicaid hospitals160shifted costs providing emergency care uninsured found data support claim idea cost shifting occurs debated among experts clinton made claim cost shifting democratic debate asked increase private insurance premiums occurred since 2010 affordable care act passed moderator martha raddatz abc news asked americans already health insurance cost gone 27 percent last five years deductibles 67 percent health care costs rising faster many americans manage160whats broken obamacare needs fixed right employersponsored insurance premiums family plans gone 27 percent 2010 2015 according kaiser family foundation health research amp education trusts annual survey thats percentage increase 2005 2010 much lower hike 2000 2005 figure deductibles also comes survey clinton put part blame rising private insurance premiums states hadnt expanded160medicaid nearly run republican governors clinton dec 19160and one reasons states percentage cost gone much governors would extend medicaid people still going get health care thankfully emergency rooms hospitals costs added overall cost increase insurance premiums people private system clinton explaining concept called cost shifting controversial debatable idea hospitals charge higher rates private insurance cover uncompensated costs caring uninsured federal government provide payments hospitals treat lowincome patients payments called disproportionate share hospital allotments dsh medicaid program arent enough cover uncompensated care costs researchers say cost shifting occurs others say doesnt doesnt occur large enough scale make significant difference private insurance premiums could find research shows cost shifting led increased private premiums states didnt expand medicaid compared states thirtyone states including washington dc adopted expansion medicaid called affordable care act 16 states expansion covers adults 138 percent federal poverty level discussion four others asked two organizations published lot research analysis impact affordable care act kaiser family foundation urban institute and160neither knew research would address clintons claim spokesman the160kaiser family foundation told us kffs experts havent attempted study whether private insurance going nonexpansion states cost shifting aware studies looked kff data changes aca marketplace premiums 2015 2016 major cities state theres clear pattern expansion versus nonexpansion states instead theres wide range increasing decreasing premiums state statewide changes also vary new york times reported october premiums benchmark plan decline 13 percent indiana 8 percent mississippi 1 percent ohio maine two four mississippi maine states didnt expand medicaid would take lot analysis course determine whether connections uncompensated care premium changes case however uncompensated care costs higher nonexpansion states could states expanded medicaid move would covered uninsured april report kaiser family foundation estimated states didnt expand medicaid would face additional 81 billion uncompensated care costs uninsured 2015 2024 compared uncompensated care costs would incurred expanded medicaid question whether clinton right say uncompensated care costs passed private insurers result higher private insurance premiums experts disagree whether extent happens stephen zuckerman senior fellow urban institute codirector institutes160health policy center told us nonexpansion states worse terms number uninsured right uninsured states gained coverage marketplaces medicaid programs already existed aca zuckerman questioned idea therefore burden uninsured hospitals grown doesnt seem logical think gotten worse driving premiums clear uncompensated care changing zuckerman said even clear hospitals160financial needs greater seek higher payments said kenneth thorpe chair department health policy amp management rollins school public health emory university conducted research past families usa nonprofit works expand health coverage and160 calls cost uncompensated care hidden tax americans private insurance thorpe analyzed president bill clintons health overhaul proposals working department health human services time told us higher uncompensated care costs nonexpansion states would put pressure private insurance premiums june 24 stateline article said taxpayers could pay states didnt expand medicaid future federal government begins reducing payments help cover uncompensated care 2018 part affordable care act many states like texas local taxes used help hospitals treat uninsured stateline reported texas hospitals spent 55 billion uncompensated care 2014 thats according state hospital association federal government reimbursed 1 billion federal reimbursement could160be160reduced 20 percent fiscal 2017 according estimate published november 2014 issue journal health affairs texas hospital association told stateline cost shifting would160make shortfall stateline june 24 lance lunsford vice president texas hospital association said without federal money residents would foot bill form higher insurance premiums jurisdictions public hospitals like dallas county higher taxes hospitals choice limit exposure said means costshifting consumers taxpayers thats prediction happen future federal uncompensated care160payments reduced whats happening happen remains seen much cost would shift taxpayers much would result higher premiums clear extent cost shifting occurs general 2014 kaiser family foundation published analysis issue160by urban institute researchers called cost shifting uncompensated care longstanding complicated controversial issue report cited data suggested private insurance payments hospitals 30 percent costs medicare medicaid payments hospital costs care uninsured isnt paid however limited evidence indicate rising numbers uninsured people thus increases uncompensated care caused hospitals increase charges privately insured said analysis urban institute researchers found160that cost shifting private insurance would be160relatively small scope estimated 211 billion 2013 uncompensated care nationwide wasnt reimbursed government sources covered office physicians charity work represented 23160percent total private health insurance160spending year hospitals dont pass costs uncompensated care costs160craig garthwaite assistant professor strategy northwestern universitys160kellogg school management found hospitals largely absorbed costs garthwaite researched years uncompensated care records hospitals relationship hospital profits finding evidence vast majority hospitals passed uncompensated care costs onto privately insured customers find hospitals absorb nearly increase uncompensated care reduced profits told us phone interview estimating 60 percent 100 percent costs absorbed hospitals garthwaite explained findings june 2015 article kellogg website cost shifting happening said wouldnt see profits fall see profits fall meaningfully following increase share population uninsured garthwaite zuckerman questioned whether hospitals could actually raise prices cover uncompensated care costs higher prices increase profits garthwaite told us shouldve charging higher prices beforehand way hospitals could shift costs would werent charging profitmaximizing price said said knew credible research would show change insurance premiums nonexpansion states linked uncompensated care costs causal relationship says would hard tease true best sloppy claim worst deliberately misleading told us clintons comment researchers with160 medpac independent agency advises congress medicare published paper health affairs 2010 questioned common assumption hospitals charge higher rates private health insurance medicare payment rates hospitals costs type cost shifting clinton says occurring caring uninsured present evidence contradicts common assumption report said explaining hospitals stronger cost controls others hospitals strong market power higher privatepayer revenues appear less pressure constrain costs researchers wrote thus hospitals higher costs per unit service lead losses medicare patients hospitals financial pressure less market share less ability charge higher private rates often constrain costs generate profits medicare patients leftleaning families usa however believes cost shifting occur group put price 1017 year private family health coverage 2008 figure however comes taking national cost uncompensated care uninsured dividing among privately insured population obama cited figure back 2009 said time disputed 2008 report urban institute kff researchers took issue with160an earlier families usa estimate saying160we highly skeptical high growing cost private insurance strongly related amount uncompensated care delivered private providers growing number uninsured people actuarial firm milliman inc conducted recent analysis families usa it160notes technical limitations section based assumption uncompensated care passed private insurers possible uncompensated cost absorbed providers form lower profits margins uncompensated cost considered marginal cost business milliman says economist austin frakt bostons veterans affairs health care system boston university conducted review available literature 2010 concluded policymakers take hospital insurance industry claims inevitable large scale cost shifting grain salt though modest degree cost shifting may result changes public payment policy one many possible effects frakt wrote careful theoretical empirical examinations reviewed suggest cost shifting occurred usually relatively low rate pointed changes hospital market power significant impact private prices differing opinions whether cost shifting occurs extent clinton entitled opinion theres little way hard evidence showing common practice analysis could find showing put upward pressure private insurance premiums states havent expanded medicaid affordable care act asked clinton campaign support claim cost shifting160it first160pointed separate issue idea aca marketplaces nonexpansion states would include higher percentage unhealthy individuals would lead higher marketplace premiums expansion states lowincome individuals would medicaid therefore affecting risk pool individual market insurance plans thorpe emory university also referred us one analysis september1602012 issue brief american academy actuaries said states decisions medicaid expansion would impact private insurance premiums heres reasoning medicaid expansion covered lowincome adults earning 138 percent federal poverty level subsidies state federal marketplaces begin160at 100 percent poverty level states didnt expand medicaid earning 100 percent 138 percent could get subsidized coverage marketplaces expansion states theyd medicaid population lowincome individuals likely health issues higherincome individuals causing risk pools contain highcost enrollees therefore leading higher premiums individual market issue brief cited july 2012 congressional budget office report said lowerincome individuals generally somewhat160poorer health result cbo joint committee taxation160now estimate premiums160for health insurance offered exchanges along premiums160in individual market 2 percent higher estimated in160march 2012 researchers written impact greater population highhealthcost individuals marketplace risk pools would case states expanded medicaid clinton campaign cited november 2014 study researchers university california san diego uc berkeley found evidence expanding medicaid led increases private plan deductibles 105 percent average coincide changes premiums aca marketplace coverage began 2014 still early terms body research documents impact premiums impact medicaid expansion far clintons costshifting explanation debatable backed available data 160
| 1,511 |
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p />
<p>But no single streaming service offers everything. And you still need to pay for your Internet connection, typically at a higher price when unbundled from your TV service. Depending on how and what you watch, cutting the cord won’t necessarily save you money.</p>
<p>Here are things to consider:</p>
<p>——</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>WHAT CHANNELS DO YOU WATCH?</p>
<p>Sony’s new PlayStation Vue service, launched Wednesday in New York, Chicago and Philadelphia, offers more than 50 broadcast and cable channels starting at $50 a month. Additional sports channels are available for a $10 or $20 more. HBO and ESPN aren’t included.</p>
<p>PlayStation Vue comes on the heels of Dish’s $20-a-month Sling TV service. Sling TV has fewer channels and no over-the-air networks, but it has ESPN and ESPN2. Other ESPN channels are available for $5 more.</p>
<p>The Wall Street Journal, meanwhile, reports that Apple is developing its own package of about 25 channels, including ABC, CBS and Fox, set to be available in the fall and potentially priced at $30 to $40 a month. (Apple won’t comment.)</p>
<p>In a few weeks, HBO will debut a stand-alone service, HBO Now, on Apple TVs, iPhones and iPads for $15 a month. Cablevision also will offer HBO Now to its Internet-only customers, including those with Android, Windows and Mac devices, for an undisclosed price.</p>
<p>——</p>
<p>SPORTS</p>
<p>Until recently, it’s been difficult to get live sports without a TV subscription. Major League Baseball’s Internet service blocks hometown teams and requires a pay-TV password for national games such as the World Series, for example.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Now, both Sling TV and PlayStation Vue offer basketball games through TBS and TNT. PlayStation also offers Golf Channel, CBS, Fox and NBC, as well as regional sports networks, including Comcast SportsNet for Chicago and Philadelphia teams and Yes for New York Yankees and Brooklyn Nets games (sorry, Mets and Knicks fans). You need Sling TV for ESPN.</p>
<p>For both services, you’ll pay a combined $95 a month for the higher sports tiers.</p>
<p>——</p>
<p>LIVE OR BINGE-WATCH?</p>
<p>If you like to watch network shows right away, you generally need an antenna to get over-the-air networks. CBS’s $6-a-month All-Access service offers live TV only in 14 markets. ABC, NBC and Fox offer free live streaming in some markets, but only linked to a pay-TV password. Although Hulu offers many shows the next day, Fox and ABC shows are delayed a week online without a pay-TV password (or, for ABC only, an $8-a-month Plus subscription). Hulu gets some cable shows the next day, but you’ll more likely need iTunes or Amazon at $2 or $3 an episode.</p>
<p>But now you can watch many shows live on PlayStation Vue or Sling TV and pick up HBO separately. HBO’s app offers new episodes as they are available on TV. Showtime also is expected to offer a stand-alone service this year.</p>
<p>If you like to binge-watch entire seasons over a few weekends, online streaming is ideal. Netflix and Amazon have extensive catalogues. Unless you’re drawn to their own original shows, you likely need just one — Netflix for $9 a month or Amazon Prime for $99 a year ($8.25 a month).</p>
<p>——</p>
<p>EQUIPMENT</p>
<p>An Internet speed of at least 5 megabits per second is recommended, but you’ll need a faster connection for better video quality or for multiple streams in a household.</p>
<p>You’ll need a smart TV with the right apps included or a streaming device such as Roku, Apple TV, Xbox or PlayStation. Many services are offered on traditional computers, phones and tablets, too. The most restrictive is the new Sony service; you’ll need a PlayStation 3 or 4, even after Sony releases an iPad app.</p>
<p>——</p>
<p>WHAT’S MISSING?</p>
<p>You’ll need to pick and choose multiple services if you want to replicate your cable or satellite package. Even then there will be gaps. Most major cable channels are available through either PlayStation Vue or Sling TV, but you won’t get obscure ones — such as foreign channels.</p>
<p>Another shortcoming: Only PlayStation offers recording capabilities. Storage is unlimited, but shows can be kept for no more than 28 days. That said, all services offer many of the shows on-demand automatically, without any need to set up recording. Which shows are available and for how long will vary.</p>
<p>——</p>
<p>ARE YOU READY?</p>
<p>Sony’s PlayStation comes closest to replicating the pay-TV bundle, but it’s also the most expensive. If you stay current on your TV shows and watch many channels, especially sports, going the online route won’t save you money. In fact, it might be more expensive because your cable provider will likely increase the price of Internet access when unbundled from TV.</p>
<p>Prices vary greatly. Time Warner Cable, for instance, charges $58 for Internet once promotions end. Add $95 for all your sports channels online and $15 for HBO, and you’ll probably pay more than you already do. Add the cost of Netflix or Amazon to your calculations, too — but only if you don’t already subscribe.</p>
<p>If you really only watch a few channels, or you don’t care about watching shows late, cord cutting could be just right for you.</p>
| false | 2 |
single streaming service offers everything still need pay internet connection typically higher price unbundled tv service depending watch cutting cord wont necessarily save money things consider advertisement channels watch sonys new playstation vue service launched wednesday new york chicago philadelphia offers 50 broadcast cable channels starting 50 month additional sports channels available 10 20 hbo espn arent included playstation vue comes heels dishs 20amonth sling tv service sling tv fewer channels overtheair networks espn espn2 espn channels available 5 wall street journal meanwhile reports apple developing package 25 channels including abc cbs fox set available fall potentially priced 30 40 month apple wont comment weeks hbo debut standalone service hbo apple tvs iphones ipads 15 month cablevision also offer hbo internetonly customers including android windows mac devices undisclosed price sports recently difficult get live sports without tv subscription major league baseballs internet service blocks hometown teams requires paytv password national games world series example advertisement sling tv playstation vue offer basketball games tbs tnt playstation also offers golf channel cbs fox nbc well regional sports networks including comcast sportsnet chicago philadelphia teams yes new york yankees brooklyn nets games sorry mets knicks fans need sling tv espn services youll pay combined 95 month higher sports tiers live bingewatch like watch network shows right away generally need antenna get overtheair networks cbss 6amonth allaccess service offers live tv 14 markets abc nbc fox offer free live streaming markets linked paytv password although hulu offers many shows next day fox abc shows delayed week online without paytv password abc 8amonth plus subscription hulu gets cable shows next day youll likely need itunes amazon 2 3 episode watch many shows live playstation vue sling tv pick hbo separately hbos app offers new episodes available tv showtime also expected offer standalone service year like bingewatch entire seasons weekends online streaming ideal netflix amazon extensive catalogues unless youre drawn original shows likely need one netflix 9 month amazon prime 99 year 825 month equipment internet speed least 5 megabits per second recommended youll need faster connection better video quality multiple streams household youll need smart tv right apps included streaming device roku apple tv xbox playstation many services offered traditional computers phones tablets restrictive new sony service youll need playstation 3 4 even sony releases ipad app whats missing youll need pick choose multiple services want replicate cable satellite package even gaps major cable channels available either playstation vue sling tv wont get obscure ones foreign channels another shortcoming playstation offers recording capabilities storage unlimited shows kept 28 days said services offer many shows ondemand automatically without need set recording shows available long vary ready sonys playstation comes closest replicating paytv bundle also expensive stay current tv shows watch many channels especially sports going online route wont save money fact might expensive cable provider likely increase price internet access unbundled tv prices vary greatly time warner cable instance charges 58 internet promotions end add 95 sports channels online 15 hbo youll probably pay already add cost netflix amazon calculations dont already subscribe really watch channels dont care watching shows late cord cutting could right
| 519 |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.