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[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-26T18:51:08 | null | 2016-08-26T17:52:31 | Diagnostic-testing company Alere Inc (ALR.N) said on Friday it sued Abbott Laboratories (ABT.N) in an attempt to force the company to move ahead with its $5.8 billion takeover of Alere. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-alere-m-a-abbott-idUSKCN1111VD.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources_v2/images/rcom-default.png | en | null | Alere sues Abbott over $5.8 billion takeover | null | null | www.reuters.com | Diagnostic-testing company Alere Inc (ALR.N) said on Friday it sued Abbott Laboratories (ABT.N) in an attempt to force the company to move ahead with its $5.8 billion takeover of Alere.
Alere said the lawsuit seeks to compel Abbott to obtain all the antitrust approvals it needs to complete the deal. It said the complaint was filed Thursday in Delaware Chancery Court yesterday and should be made publicly available next week.
Abbott has been reluctant to complete the deal, which was struck in February, and tried to call it off in April. Abbott has suggested that Alere misrepresented itself when it negotiated the merger agreement.
Alere has received two U.S. Department of Justice subpoenas this year as part of two separate government investigations into its sales practices, and patient-billing records related to Medicare, Medicaid and Tricare.
Alere's lawsuit was "without merit," an Abbott spokeswoman said.
"Abbott is compliant with its obligations under the merger agreement and continues to work toward regulatory approvals, despite Alere's nearly six-month delay in filing its 2015 10-K (annual report)."
Abbott is also in the process of buying medical device company St Jude Medical Inc (STJ.N) for around $24 billion as it looks to expand its heart device business.
But St Jude has had its own set of problems. Short-selling firm Muddy Waters said on Thursday it had placed a bet that the shares would fall, claiming its implanted heart devices were vulnerable to cyber attacks.
St Jude said the allegations were false.
Alere shares were down 3 percent at $39.48. The stock had fallen about 25 percent since the Abbott deal was announced through Thursday's close. Abbott's shares were up 4 cents $42.88.
(Reporting by Michael Erman and Carl O'Donnell in New York, Ankur Banerjee, Richa Naidu and Subrat Patnaik in Bengaluru; editing by Shounak Dasgupta, Bernard) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-alere-m-a-abbott-idUSKCN1111VD | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/355c82f8e757f34d4d2f307bd2464d7696ae7eb3228e4c6beeeea69327e3235c.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-27T17:02:32 | null | 2016-08-27T16:03:58 | A U.N. report on the use of chemical weapons in Syria is a chance to push Russia to accept a resolution condemning the Syrian regime and resume political negotiations, French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-france-syria-russia-idUSKCN1120LE%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DtopNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FtopNews%2B%2528News%2B%252F%2BUS%2B%252F%2BTop%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160827&t=2&i=1151284252&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7Q0FT | en | null | France's Ayrault urges Russia to back U.N. resolution on Syria | null | null | www.reuters.com | Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) shakes hands with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, in this October 20, 2015 file photo. REUTERS/Alexei Druzhinin/RIA Novosti/Kremlin/ Files
Syria's President Bashar al-Assad speaks during an interview with a Cuban news agency in this handout picture provided by SANA on July 21, 2016. SANA/Handout via REUTERS
A Civil Defence member carries a damaged canister in Ibleen village from what activists said was a chlorine gas attack, on Kansafra, Ibleen and Josef villages, Idlib countryside May 3, 2015. REUTERS/Abed Kontar
A man inspects a site targeted by what activists said was a poison gas attack in the village of Sarmin in Idlib province March 17, 2015. REUTERS/Mohamad Bayoush
French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault arrives to attend a defence council at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, a day after a priest was killed with a knife and another hostage seriously wounded in an attack on a church in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray carried out by assailants linked to Islamic State, July 27, 2016. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
PARIS A U.N. report on the use of chemical weapons in Syria is a chance to push Russia to accept a resolution condemning the Syrian regime and resume political negotiations, French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said.
A joint investigation by the United Nations and the global chemical weapons watchdog OPCW found that Syrian government troops were responsible for two toxic gas attacks and Islamic State militants used sulfur mustard gas.
"We are working with our partners in the U.N. Security Council, notably the United States and Britain, on a resolution condemning the attacks under Chapter 7," Ayrault told France's Le Monde newspaper in a interview published on Saturday.
"This means sanctions against the perpetrators of these crimes and those responsible for these abominations," he said.
The Security Council is due to discuss the report next week.
The inquiry found there was sufficient information to conclude that Syrian Arab Air Force helicopters dropped devices that then released toxic substances in Talmenes on April 21, 2014 and Sarmin on March 16, 2015, both in Idlib province. Both cases involved the use of chlorine.
It has set the stage for a Security Council showdown between the five veto-wielding powers, likely pitting Russia and China against the United States, Britain and France over whether sanctions should be imposed in the wake of the inquiry.
Ayrault said France's goal was to obtain a condemnation by the Security Council and create the conditions for resuming political dialogue.
"We must use this opportunity to tell Russia: You now have a opportunity to head back to the political track and get out of the military quagmire you walked into," Ayrault said.
Russia said on Thursday it was prepared to work with the United States on a response to the U.N. report.
Le Monde quoted Ayrault as saying: "Russia says it wants a political solution and resuming talks in Geneva? I tell them then: condemn the Syrian regime and stop the bombings."
(Reporting by Bate Felix and John Irish; Editing by Ruth Pitchford) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-france-syria-russia-idUSKCN1120LE?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FtopNews+%28News+%2F+US+%2F+Top+News%29 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/455c855f066aa2f091dc81e0aeaec90605d93f96afbe4a1ccd253e757ce0e501.json |
[
"Alister Doyle"
] | 2016-08-26T13:21:29 | null | 2016-08-26T12:38:54 | The Philippines government and Maoist-led rebels agreed indefinite ceasefires on Friday as part of an accord to accelerate efforts to end a conflict that has lasted almost five decades and killed at least 40,000 people. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-philippines-rebels-norway-idUSKCN1110LL%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DworldNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2BReuters%252FworldNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BWorld%2BNews%2529.json | http://s3.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160826&t=2&i=1151160770&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7P0PJ | en | null | Philippine government, communist rebels sign ceasefire deal | null | null | www.reuters.com | Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte makes a 'fist bump', his May presidential elections campaign gesture, with soldiers during a visit at Capinpin military camp in Tanay, Rizal in the Philippines August 24, 2016. REUTERS/Erik De Castro
Representative of the Philippine government Jesus Dureza, Norwegian Foreign Minister Boerge Brende (C) and representative of National Democratic Front (NDF) Luis Jalandoni (2nd R) after signing an indefinite ceasefire agreement, in Oslo, Norway August 26, 2016. NTB Scanpix/Berit Roald/via REUTERS
Philippines government negotiators Jesus Dureza (L to R), Silvestre Bello, Norwegian peace talks facilitator Elisabeth Slattum, Norwegian Foreign Minister Boerge Brende, communist leaders Luis Jalandoni and Jose Maria Sison sign an indefinite ceasefire agreement at a meeting in Oslo, Norway, August 26, 2016. REUTERS/Alister Doyle
Philippine government negotiators Jesus Dureza (L) and Silvestre Bello sign an indefinite ceasefire agreement with communist rebels at a meeting in Oslo, Norway, August 26, 2016. REUTERS/Alister Doyle
Philippines communist rebel negotiator Luis Jalandoni (2nd R) signs an indefinite ceasefire agreement with the government at a meeting in Oslo, Norway, August 26, 2016. REUTERS/Alister Doyle
OSLO The Philippines government and Maoist-led rebels agreed indefinite ceasefires on Friday as part of an accord to accelerate efforts to end a conflict that has lasted almost five decades and killed at least 40,000 people.
The government expressed hopes that a peace agreement could be reached within a year after the Oslo talks, the first formal meeting for five years. The guerrillas, who reiterated demands for "revolutionary change", stopped short of setting a deadline.
Both sides, at a signing ceremony in a hotel on the outskirts of Oslo, hailed the ceasefire deal and measures to step up negotiations as a breakthrough after 30 years of fitful peace talks.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Boerge Brende, hosting the ceremony, urged both sides to mirror an agreement between Colombia's government and Marxist FARC rebels to end Latin America's longest conflict, dating back more than 50 years.
"I hope this has been an inspiration," he said after the five-day meeting in Oslo. Norway has been a long-standing facilitator for peace deals in Colombia and the Philippines.
Under the Philippines accord, the rebels indefinitely extended a week-long ceasefire that had been due to expire after the Oslo talks. The government reaffirmed an open-ended ceasefire since Aug. 21 that could have been called off if the guerrillas failed to match it.
"There is a clear plan to accelerate the peace negotiations," Jose Maria Sison, the exiled founder of the Communist Party who lives in the Netherlands, told Reuters.
He called the Philippines "semi-colonial" and "semi-feudal". The rebels want sweeping reforms to redistribute land to poor farmers and to nationalize industries.
The government and the National Democratic Front (NDF), the political wing of the Communist Party, agreed to meet again in Oslo from Oct. 8.
"There is still a lot of work to be done ahead. Let us all stay the course together, no matter what," said Jesus Dureza, Philippines presidential peace adviser.
Both sides urged President Rodrigo Duterte, who helped unblock the negotiations by releasing 16 detainees before the talks, to proclaim an amnesty for all insurgents.
Rebels said that such an amnesty, which would also need approval by Congress, could cover about 530 jailed guerrillas.
Duterte says he wants to end guerrilla wars with both communist and Muslim militants that have been hampering economic development. The 3,000-strong New People's Army, the armed wing of the communist party, operates mainly in the east and south of the Philippines.
(Editing by Louise Ireland) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-philippines-rebels-norway-idUSKCN1110LL?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Reuters%2FworldNews+%28Reuters+World+News%29 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/5f9af25767332feb45c08b204c1ea0f75293309377b8773ebcb7507086d98681.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-30T02:52:10 | null | 2016-08-30T02:14:28 | Japan's Nikkei share averagetreaded water on Tuesday, with momentum from the previous day'srally stalling as the yen's extensive retreat halted for thetime being. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fjapan-stocks-midday-idUSL3N1BB03T%3Ftype%3DcompanyNews%26feedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DcompanyNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FcompanyNews%2B%2528News%2B%252F%2BUS%2B%252F%2BCompany%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources_v2/images/rcom-default.png | en | null | Nikkei wavers as yen's retreat halts, focus on US jobs report | null | null | www.reuters.com | TOKYO Aug 30 Japan's Nikkei share average treaded water on Tuesday, with momentum from the previous day's rally stalling as the yen's extensive retreat halted for the time being.
The Nikkei was effectively unchanged at 16,740.42 points after dipping to 16,677.85 earlier.
It has surged 2.3 percent on Monday as the yen plunged against the dollar following hawkish-sounding comments from Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen over the weekend which has revived expectations of an interest rate hike this year.
The markets' focus has now shifted to Friday's U.S. non-farm payrolls report and its impact on Fed policy, currencies and Wall Street shares.
"A strong jobs report would take the yen down further and bode well for the equity market. The key is how U.S. shares react to a strong report. If they come out relatively unscathed, the Nikkei could test fresh highs," said Masahiro Ichikawa, a senior strategist at Sumitomo Mitsui Asset Management.
Tokyo's banking and securities subindexes eked out gains following a rise by their Wall Street peers overnight, while retailers and information and communication fell to profit taking after rallying on Monday.
Seafood processor Maruha Nichiro Corp was down 1 percent as international talks began that could potentially result in tighter tuna fishing regulations.
The broader fishing and forestry subindex was down 0.5 percent.
Euglena Co Ltd, a biotech venture that manufactures food, cosmetic products and biofuel from the euglena microalgae, rose as much as 4.3 percent after the Nikkei business daily reported that its pre-tax profit for the year through September 2017 is likely to hit a record high for the third straight year.
Gunma Bank gained as much as 5.4 percent after it said it will buy back 5 million of its own shares, or 1.11 percent of its outstanding stock.
The broader Topix inched up 0.1 percent to 1,314.35 and the JPX-Nikkei Index 400 rose 0.1 percent to 11,8325.20. (Editing by Kim Coghill) | http://www.reuters.com/article/japan-stocks-midday-idUSL3N1BB03T?type=companyNews&feedType=RSS&feedName=companyNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FcompanyNews+%28News+%2F+US+%2F+Company+News%29 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/05b6ab48d848c701ff8c891a32d273bc9c642cb06d97f260aed377da9ed3871b.json |
[
"Atul Prakash"
] | 2016-08-26T13:18:03 | null | 2016-08-26T11:08:13 | Global shares slipped to a two-week low and the dollar edged down on Friday as investors turned cautious before a keynote speech by Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen that could map out a clearer path for U.S. interest rates. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-global-markets-idUSKCN11101N%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DbusinessNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FbusinessNews%2B%2528Business%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160826&t=2&i=1151157908&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7P0O8 | en | null | Global equities set 2-week low before Yellen speech, dollar dips | null | null | www.reuters.com | A man looks at an electronic board showing the Japanese yen's exchange rate against Euro outside a brokerage in Tokyo, Japan, July 6, 2016. REUTERS/Issei Kato
Traders work at their desks in front of the German share price index, DAX board, at the stock exchange in Frankfurt, Germany, August 24, 2016. REUTERS/Staff/Remote
LONDON Global shares slipped to a two-week low and the dollar edged down on Friday as investors turned cautious before a keynote speech by Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen that could map out a clearer path for U.S. interest rates.
The MSCI All-Country World index .MIWD00000PUS was down 0.1 percent by 1041 GMT, after slipping to its lowest level since Aug. 9 earlier in the session. The pan-European STOXX 600 index also fell 0.1 percent.
Investors were wary of Yellen hinting at a near-term interest rate hike, which could divert some of the liquidity that has underpinned riskier assets worldwide, though others predicted she would strike a more equivocal note.
The dollar index .DXY, which tracks the currency against six major peers, slipped 0.11 percent to 94.675, while euro zone government bond yields crept up.
Recent hawkish comments from other Fed officials have raised expectations of a U.S. rate hike this year, though markets are not fully pricing one in till 2017.
"Markets are a bit worried about the upcoming comments from Yellen, which is understandable given how much of the market strength is due to central bank action," said Philippe Gijsels, head of research at BNP Paribas Fortis in Brussels.
"The fact that some of her disciples have indicated that it may be time to raise rates again has not done much in terms of calming sentiment. She will probably try to strike a balance between an improving U.S. economy and risks abroad."
Chris Scicluna, head of economic research at Daiwa Capital Markets, took a similar line, saying: "Yellen won't be able to ignore the current debate but she can't make a commitment either because there's a range of views on the FOMC."
On Thursday San Francisco Fed President John Williams and Kansas City Fed President Esther George defended the need to raise rates, albeit gradually, to keep the U.S. economy from overheating.
Emerging equities were set for their first weekly loss in seven. The benchmark emerging market stocks index .MSCIEF edged up 0.1 percent in wafer-thin trading, but was on course to end the week down 1.2 percent and in the red for the first time since the start of July.
Earlier in Asia, Japan's Nikkei index .N225 fell 1.2 percent after U.S. stocks closed modestly lower on Thursday. However, MSCI's broadest index of Asia Pacific shares outside Japan .MIAPJ0000PUS were flat.
On the commodities front, oil prices fell and was set for its largest weekly decline in a month after the Saudi energy minister tempered expectations of strong market intervention by producers during talks next month, and as analysts pointed to a supply overhang. [O/R]
Zinc prices CMZN3 touched their highest level in 15 months as fresh shutdowns in China's steel sector added to mine supply concerns. As China steel mills shutter, steel prices lift, meaning the remaining mills can pay more for ingredients such as zinc. [MET/L]
Wariness ahead of Yellen's speech also gave spot gold XAU= a leg-up. It rose 0.3 percent, narrowing this week's losses.
For Reuters new Live Markets blog on European and UK stock markets see reuters://realtime/verb=Open/url=http://emea1.apps.cp.extranet.thomsonreuters.biz/cms/?pageId=livemarkets
(Additional reporting by Nichola Saminather in Singapore, Shinichi Saoshiro in Tokyo and Dhara Ranasinghe in London; editing by Ralph Boulton) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-global-markets-idUSKCN11101N?feedType=RSS&feedName=businessNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FbusinessNews+%28Business+News%29 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/391bea6655087c87f749df23191115da76981d7f714e1ac101e5cc54bb568c39.json |
[
"Melissa Fares"
] | 2016-08-26T13:16:27 | null | 2016-08-23T15:06:57 | Singer and actress Demi Lovato has been accused by American indie rock band Sleigh Bells over copyright infringement. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-people-demilovato-idUSKCN10Y1NT%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DpeopleNews.json | http://s3.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160823&t=2&i=1150746262&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7M0YP | en | null | Demi Lovato sued for copyright infringement | null | null | www.reuters.com | Singer Demi Lovato performs at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. July 25, 2016. REUTERS/Mike Segar/File Photo
Singer and actress Demi Lovato has been accused by American indie rock band Sleigh Bells over copyright infringement.
Alexis Krauss and Derek Miller of the Brooklyn-based band said in a lawsuit filed on Monday in California federal court that "Stars," a bonus track on Lovato's 2015 hit album "Confident," contains significant material taken from their 2010 song "Infinity Guitars."
In documents filed in the U.S. District Court Central District of California, Sleigh Bells says the similarities between the two songs "transcend the realm of coincidence or shared generic material, and inform the very essence of the works."
In a tweet dating back to November 2015, Sleigh Bells (@sleighbells) publicly addressed the former Disney Channel star, now 24, about the issue.
".@ddlovato Demi Lovato flattered you guys sampled Infinity Guitars & Riot Rhythm for "Stars: but we were not contacted," wrote the American musical duo. "Gotta clear those."
At that time, the "Stars" producers Carl Falk and Rami Yacoub said in a statement that was not the case and that Lovato was not involved with the production of the song.
The band is seeking an injunction against further use of Lovato's track and an unspecified amount of damages.
Lovato's representatives did not return requests for comment.
(Reporting by Melissa Fares in New York; Editing by Dan Grebler) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-people-demilovato-idUSKCN10Y1NT?feedType=RSS&feedName=peopleNews | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/6f8a9212146fcdaf65bfa71a4a5f5c402cce364cd3cc8e1f8b926499f2709e22.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-30T18:52:20 | null | 2016-08-30T17:56:53 | * U.S. consumer confidence beats expectations in August* Dollar hits nearly 3-week high vs basket of major rivals* Pan-European Stoxx 600 hit | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fglobal-markets-idUSL1N1BB16H%3Ftype%3DcompanyNews%26feedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DcompanyNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FcompanyNews%2B%2528News%2B%252F%2BUS%2B%252F%2BCompany%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources_v2/images/rcom-default.png | en | null | GLOBAL MARKETS-U.S. shares slip on Fed rate hike worries; dollar climbs | null | null | www.reuters.com | * U.S. consumer confidence beats expectations in August
* Dollar hits nearly 3-week high vs basket of major rivals
* Pan-European Stoxx 600 hits 2-wk high, boosted by financials
* Dollar's gains hurts oil, gold prices (Updates to close of European markets)
By Sam Forgione
NEW YORK, Aug 30 U.S. stocks slipped on Tuesday after stronger-than-expected U.S. consumer confidence data stoked concerns about a potential Federal Reserve interest rate hike this year and technology stocks dragged, while European shares and the dollar hit multi-week highs.
The Conference Board said its consumer confidence index rose to 101.1 this month, an 11-month high. The data, which beat economists' expectations for a dip to 97.0 according to a Reuters poll, stoked expectations that the Fed could raise rates this year after top Fed officials have said recently that such a move was possible.
Fed Vice Chairman Stanley Fischer, in an interview with Bloomberg TV on Tuesday, said the U.S. job market is close to full strength and the pace of interest rate hikes will depend on how well the economy is doing.
Mounting expectations for a Fed hike this year boosted European financial stocks and helped the pan-European STOXX 600 hit its highest level since mid-August. Banks benefit from higher interest rates, which can boost margins.
Apple dragged down U.S. technology stocks after EU antitrust regulators ordered the iPhone maker to pay about $14.5 billion in back taxes to the Irish government. Apple shares were last down just under 1 percent.
The dollar index, which measures the greenback against a basket of six major rivals, strengthened to a nearly three-week high of 96.064 as investors looked ahead to Friday's jobs data. The index was last up 0.49 percent at 96.048.
"Any signs of strength make investors worry that the Fed will accelerate their plans to raise interest rates," said Alan Gayle, head of asset allocation at Atlanta-based RidgeWorth Investments.
MSCI's all-country world equity index was last down 0.57 points, or 0.14 percent, at 417.47.
The Dow Jones industrial average was last down 65.3 points, or 0.35 percent, at 18,437.69. The S&P 500 was down 6.12 points, or 0.28 percent, at 2,174.26. The Nasdaq Composite was down 16.63 points, or 0.32 percent, at 5,215.69.
Europe's broad FTSEurofirst 300 index closed up 0.50 percent, at 1,357.17.
Oil prices fell for a second straight day in response to the dollar's strength and worries about crude oversupply. A strong greenback makes fuel purchases more expensive for countries using other currencies domestically.
Brent crude was last down 89 cents, or 1.81 percent, at $48.37 a barrel. U.S. crude was last down 60 cents, or 1.28 percent, at $46.38 per barrel.
U.S. Treasury yields were little changed as traders awaited the U.S. jobs data. Benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yields were last at 1.573 percent, from a yield of 1.566 percent late Monday.
"If higher numbers come out (on the jobs report) and we get another strong reading, that could automatically boost odds of a September rate hike," said Ninh Chung, head of portfolio management at SVB Asset Management in San Francisco.
The stronger dollar weighed on safe-haven gold prices. Spot gold prices were last down $10.3, or 0.78 percent, at $1,312.71 an ounce. (Additional reporting by Marc Jones and Kit Rees in London and Dion Rabouin and Karen Brettell in New York; Editing by Nick Zieminski) | http://www.reuters.com/article/global-markets-idUSL1N1BB16H?type=companyNews&feedType=RSS&feedName=companyNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FcompanyNews+%28News+%2F+US+%2F+Company+News%29 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/df0c3d9ed6637b2bc3cd576d7c685d7e8adccf0df6e72d448bf21cf083f80010.json |
[
"Steve Keating"
] | 2016-08-30T05:00:04 | null | 2016-08-30T03:56:03 | Novak Djokovic opened defense of his U.S. Open title with a labored 6-3 5-7 6-2 6-1 win over Poland's Jerzy Janowicz on Monday that brought new concerns about the world number one's fitness. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-tennis-open-idUSKCN11508F%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DsportsNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FsportsNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BSports%2BNews%2529.json | http://s2.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160830&t=2&i=1151524981&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7T03F | en | null | Djokovic into second round but new concerns over fitness | null | null | www.reuters.com | Aug 29, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Novak Djokovic of Serbia serves to Jerzy Janowicz of Poland on day one of the 2016 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
NEW YORK Novak Djokovic opened defense of his U.S. Open title with a labored 6-3 5-7 6-2 6-1 win over Poland's Jerzy Janowicz on Monday that brought new concerns about the world number one's fitness.
After a sizzling start to the season that included grand slam wins number 11 and 12 at the Australian and French Opens, Djokovic has seen a shocking drop in form with a third-round loss at Wimbledon followed by a first-round exit at the Rio Olympics.
The Serb might have made another early departure if he was not facing a player ranked 246 places below him who had only advanced out of the first round once in four previous visits to the U.S. Open.
Arriving at Flushing Meadows, Djokovic had struggled with a left wrist injury and undisclosed "private matters" and on Monday added a new worry as trainers were called out early in the opening set to work on his right forearm.
Several times during the two hour, 37 minute match, Djokovic could be seen grimacing hitting his powerful forehand while his serve hovered around an unthreatening 100 mph.
Djokovic next faces Czech Jiri Vesely, a five-set winner over Indian qualifier Saketh Myneni.
(Editing by Larry Fine) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-tennis-open-idUSKCN11508F?feedType=RSS&feedName=sportsNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FsportsNews+%28Reuters+Sports+News%29 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/a87f5c096b41ecbecf41515f99ca59894e8bc7eb5ee17e98b075947dc5d99a92.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-30T16:52:13 | null | 2016-08-30T16:20:57 | Aug 30 (Reuters) -* Moody's changes outlook on Merck KGAA's ratings to stablefrom negative; affirms ratings* Moody's on Merck KGAA -Outlook | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2FidUSFWN1BB0JP%3Ftype%3DcompanyNews%26feedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DcompanyNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FcompanyNews%2B%2528News%2B%252F%2BUS%2B%252F%2BCompany%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources_v2/images/rcom-default.png | en | null | BRIEF-Moody's changes outlook on Merck KGAA's ratings to stable from negative; affirms ratings | null | null | www.reuters.com | Aug 30 (Reuters) -
* Moody's changes outlook on Merck KGAA's ratings to stable from negative; affirms ratings
* Moody's on Merck KGAA -Outlook change prompted by solid operating performance since assigning negative outlook in Dec 2014 due to Sigma-Aldrich deal
* Moody's on Merck KGAA -Pace of deleveraging has been slightly behind expectations largely owing to delayed closing of the Sigma-Aldrich acquisition Source -bit.ly/2bXHwy2 | http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSFWN1BB0JP?type=companyNews&feedType=RSS&feedName=companyNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FcompanyNews+%28News+%2F+US+%2F+Company+News%29 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/89b054cd6ec1aa8074049f83a0b587497b1342a1dc293389f00cf10fe880a43d.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-31T08:51:26 | null | 2016-08-31T07:17:52 | Chicago Federal Reserve Bank President Charles Evans on Wednesday said he is increasingly convinced that U.S. economic growth has slowed permanently, a situation that will keep U.S. interest rates low for a long time ahead. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-usa-fed-evans-idUSKCN1160NH%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DbusinessNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FbusinessNews%2B%2528Business%2BNews%2529.json | http://s3.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160831&t=2&i=1151685439&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7U0BL | en | null | Fed's Evans, citing slow growth, says low U.S. rates are here to stay | null | null | www.reuters.com | BEIJING Chicago Federal Reserve Bank President Charles Evans on Wednesday said he is increasingly convinced that U.S. economic growth has slowed permanently, a situation that will keep U.S. interest rates low for a long time ahead.
Embracing Harvard Professor Larry Summers' so-called secular stagnation theory, Evans argued that an aging U.S. population and slowing productivity growth mean there is little reason for interest rates to rise either fast or far.
Expectations of low growth have become so embedded in corporate and investing behavior, he said, that even if inflation rises unexpectedly and the Fed has to raise rates faster than it now anticipates, a detrimental spike in long-term interest rates is unlikely.
"Long-run expectations for policy rates provide an anchor to long-run interest rates," Evans said, according to a detailed outline provided ahead of his remarks to the Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance in Beijing. "So lower policy rate expectations act as a restraint on how much long-term rates could rise following a surprise over the near-term policy path."
Fed Chair Janet Yellen said last week that with the U.S. economy near full employment and inflation showing signs of rising toward the Fed's 2 percent goal, the case for a U.S. interest-rate hike has strengthened in recent months. Traders responded to those and other somewhat hawkish comments from Yellen's colleagues by adding slightly to their bets that the Fed will raise rates before the end of the year.
Evans, who does not have a vote on Fed policy this year, is known as one of the U.S. central bank's most outspoken doves, generally in favor of delaying rate rises as long as possible so as to encourage hiring and investment.
Although he did not express any view in his prepared remarks on when the Fed should next raise rates, his argument suggests support for patience.
If inflation rose unexpectedly, he said on Wednesday, the Fed could probably tamp it down with something far short of a spike in rates.
"If necessary, we could normalize policy much faster than currently envisioned and still keep the pace gradual enough to avoid a disorderly change in financial conditions," Evans said.
(Reporting by Ann Saphir; Editing by Leslie Adler) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-fed-evans-idUSKCN1160NH?feedType=RSS&feedName=businessNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FbusinessNews+%28Business+News%29 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/6d50f73ccdae181a1344e2f1df5087b47a29149b49b4c2c9fdd0bcfadb18d0ea.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-29T18:59:41 | null | 2016-08-29T17:35:04 | The Republican National Committee asked the charity of Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton's family on Monday to produce all correspondence its staff had with the U.S. State Department while Clinton served as America's most senior diplomat. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-usa-election-foundation-idUSKCN1141XU%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DpoliticsNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2BReuters%252FPoliticsNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BPolitics%2BNews%2529.json | http://s3.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160829&t=2&i=1151471938&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7S136 | en | null | Republicans ask Clinton Foundation to produce correspondence | null | null | www.reuters.com | U.S. Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton stands with her husband, former President Bill Clinton, after accepting the nomination on the final night of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. July 28, 2016. REUTERS/Mike Segar/File Photo
NEW YORK The Republican National Committee asked the charity of Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton's family on Monday to produce all correspondence its staff had with the U.S. State Department while Clinton served as America's most senior diplomat.
Clinton's campaign to win the Nov. 8 presidential election has been dogged by criticism that donors to the Clinton Foundation may have expected special favors from the U.S. government in return. She says donors to the global charity receive no preferential treatment.
"The Clinton Foundation can play a vital role in filling important gaps in the public record by demonstrating its commitment to transparency and making public all correspondence its officials had with the State Department during Secretary Clinton's tenure," Reince Priebus, the RNC chairman, said in a letter to the foundation's president, Donna Shalala.
The RNC provided a copy of the letter to reporters.
Spokesmen for Clinton and the foundation, which is known for its work to widen access to HIV medicines in developing countries, did not respond to a request for comment.
Some emails have already emerged that show Clinton Foundation officials seeking meetings with Clinton and other diplomats on behalf of supporters who have made large donations to the foundation.
Foundation officials also sought other favors, including help with visa issues or urging the government to hire certain people, emails show. Spokesmen for Clinton have noted that in several cases the requests from foundation officials were unsuccessful.
Thousands more emails from Clinton's tenure are still in the process of being released as public records. Their release was delayed in part because of Clinton's decision to use an unauthorized private email server for her work without informing record-keeping officials.
In his letter, Priebus said the foundation's own records have "the unique ability" to establish whether donors received special treatment.
Clinton promised President Barack Obama that her family's charities would annually disclose all their donors and seek prior approval from the State Department for any additional money given by foreign governments when Obama made her his most senior diplomat in 2009. The charities said last year they failed to comply with the promises, blaming oversights.
The foundation has said it will no longer accept foreign or corporate funding for at least some of its work if Clinton is elected. Her daughter, Chelsea Clinton, will remain on the board.
(Editing by Alistair Bell) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-foundation-idUSKCN1141XU?feedType=RSS&feedName=politicsNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Reuters%2FPoliticsNews+%28Reuters+Politics+News%29 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/41f297b21d83e4c0fef70b08ba0b490a456e384d33aeccac849664bf14f62be5.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-29T23:02:00 | null | 2016-08-29T22:25:11 | The man who shot and killed John Lennon in New York City nearly 36 years ago has again failed to persuade a state parole board to release him from prison on parole, officials said on Monday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-new-york-lennon-parole-idUSKCN1142EM%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DdomesticNews.json | http://s3.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160829&t=2&i=1151501577&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7S1CO | en | null | John Lennon's killer denied parole for ninth time | null | null | www.reuters.com | A mug-shot of Mark David Chapman, who shot and killed John Lennon, is displayed on the 25th anniversary of Lennon's death at the NYPD in New York December 8, 2005.
NEW YORK The man who shot and killed John Lennon in New York City nearly 36 years ago has again failed to persuade a state parole board to release him from prison on parole, officials said on Monday.
Mark David Chapman, 61, will remain behind bars at a maximum-security prison in Erie County near Buffalo, New York, after his request for parole was rejected for the ninth time since 2000.
Chapman, an obsessed fan of the musician and his former group the Beatles, was convicted of shooting Lennon as he arrived with his wife, Yoko Ono, at his apartment building on Manhattan's Upper West Side on Dec. 8, 1980.
Chapman received a sentence of 20 years to life after pleading guilty to a second-degree murder charge. His petition for parole has come up every two years since 2000.
"In spite of many favorable factors, we find all to be outweighed by the premeditated and celebrity seeking nature of the crime," the New York Board of Parole said in a statement on Monday rejecting Chapman's request.
"From our interview and review of your records, we find that your release would be incompatible with the welfare of society and would so deprecate that seriousness of the crime as to undermine respect for the law."
Chapman will next appear for a parole hearing in August 2018, according to online state records.
(Reporting by Chris Prentice; Editing by Jonathan Oatis) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-new-york-lennon-parole-idUSKCN1142EM?feedType=RSS&feedName=domesticNews | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/a5268d93c0494dfd45559ddd54db742813e25db63de2996c3dcdbc5fcabdb31e.json |
[
"Jon Herskovitz"
] | 2016-08-26T13:19:56 | null | 2016-08-24T21:07:37 | To protest a new state law that makes the carrying of concealed handguns legal in college classrooms, students at the University of Texas on Wednesday openly displayed sex toys, an act considered illegal under local indecency laws. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-texas-guns-idUSKCN10Z2MW%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DoddlyEnoughNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FoddlyEnoughNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BOddly%2BEnough%2529.json | http://s1.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160824&t=2&i=1150928883&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7N1L2 | en | null | Texas students use sex toys to protest new gun laws on campus | null | null | www.reuters.com | People walk at the University of Texas campus in Austin, Texas, U.S. on June 23, 2016. REUTERS/Jon Herskovitz/File Photo
University of Texas student Rosie Zander holds a sex toy at a protest against a state law that allows for guns in classrooms at college campuses, in Austin, Texas, U.S. August 24, 2016. REUTERS/Jon Herskovitz
A University of Texas student attends a protest against a state law that allows for guns in classrooms at college campuses, in Austin, Texas, U.S. August 24, 2016. REUTERS/Jon Herskovitz
Members of the University of Texas of the Guns Free UT group that includes faculty and staff protest against a state law that allows for guns in classrooms at college campuses, in Austin, Texas, U.S. August 24, 2016. REUTERS/Jon Herskovitz
A University of Texas students attend a protest against a state law that allows for guns in classrooms at college campuses, in Austin, Texas, U.S. August 24, 2016. REUTERS/Jon Herskovitz
Jessica Jin, leader of the protests called “Cocks not Glocks”, is seen at a protest against a state law that allows for guns in classrooms at college campuses, in Austin, Texas, U.S. August 24, 2016. , in Austin, Texas, U.S. August 24, 2016. REUTERS/Jon Herskovitz
AUSTIN, Texas To protest a new state law that makes the carrying of concealed handguns legal in college classrooms, students at the University of Texas on Wednesday openly displayed sex toys, an act considered illegal under local indecency laws.
"We are fighting absurdity with absurdity," said Jessica Jin, leader of the protest called "Cocks Not Glocks: Campus (Dildo) Carry," where hundreds of sex toys were given away at the rally on Wednesday that coincided with a return to classes at university's flagship campus.
"Texas has decided it is not all obnoxious or illegal to allow deadly concealed weapons on campus. But walking around with a dildo could land you in trouble," Jin said.
On Aug. 1, a so-called "campus carry" law backed by the state's Republican political leaders went into effect that allows concealed handgun license holders aged 21 and older to bring handguns into classrooms and other university facilities.
The lawmakers said campus carry protects the rights of gun owners and could prevent a mass shooting on campus.
Hundreds of university faculty and staff lobbied unsuccessfully to block campus carry, arguing the combination of youth, academic stress, alcohol and firearms could make for a deadly combination.
A U.S. district judge on Monday denied a motion from three University of Texas professors who wanted to ban guns in their classroom after the state gave some students that right under the law that went into effect this month.
On Wednesday, protests organizers shouting slogans like: "If you are packing heat, we are packing meat," handed out hundreds of sex toys, many donated by area stores. They also handed out plastic zip ties so that protesters could strap the sex toys on to their backpacks in a sign of defiance against campus carry.
"It's scary to think that at any moment you could be next to a person carrying a gun. And if they go off their rocker, like a lot of people do in college, it is game over for anyone nearby," said Bianca Montgomery, a second year student.
Third year student Forrest Sullivan, who backs the campus carry law, said the rally was high on drama, emotion and humor, but short on persuasive arguments.
"Their rhetorical strategy is going to alienate of people who are on the fence about this," he said, adding he feels safer under the law.
The university said the protest appeared to be protected political speech and did not halt the rush for dildos when organizers gave them out for free.
"This is a very funny campaign," said protester Rebecca Galor, 20, who picked up two sex toys.
(Reporting by Jon Herskovitz) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-texas-guns-idUSKCN10Z2MW?feedType=RSS&feedName=oddlyEnoughNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FoddlyEnoughNews+%28Reuters+Oddly+Enough%29 | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/6b627aceb478c76b407fa76ae1cddfd15c96ef675c5477138b7831103a3af592.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-29T12:52:08 | null | 2016-08-29T12:27:39 | Exalenz Bioscience Ltd | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2FidUSFWN1BA09N%3Ftype%3DcompanyNews%26feedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DcompanyNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FcompanyNews%2B%2528News%2B%252F%2BUS%2B%252F%2BCompany%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources_v2/images/rcom-default.png | en | null | BRIEF-Exalenz Bioscience Announces Collaboration with Conatus Pharmaceuticals to Use BreathID to Monitor Patients with Cirrhosis Associated with NASH | null | null | www.reuters.com | Aug 29 Exalenz Bioscience Ltd
* Exalenz Bioscience announces collaboration with Conatus Pharmaceuticals to use BreathID to monitor patients with cirrhosis associated with NASH
* Says encore-ph multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, expected to begin in 2016 Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage: | http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSFWN1BA09N?type=companyNews&feedType=RSS&feedName=companyNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FcompanyNews+%28News+%2F+US+%2F+Company+News%29 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/cc19f6016ad06a6f2c4a919ff5060434736c8ab1b9742603a9e401574a1ecdcc.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-29T16:52:09 | null | 2016-08-29T16:27:32 | Canada Carbon Inc | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2FidUSASC094OX%3Ftype%3DcompanyNews%26feedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DcompanyNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FcompanyNews%2B%2528News%2B%252F%2BUS%2B%252F%2BCompany%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources_v2/images/rcom-default.png | en | null | BRIEF-Canada Carbon provides update on Miller Project Lands | null | null | www.reuters.com | UPDATE 1-Colorado's anti-fracking measures fail to qualify for ballot
HOUSTON, Aug 29 Environmental groups have failed to gather enough signatures to put two measures on Colorado's ballot in November that aimed to curb fracking and oil and gas work, the state said on Monday. | http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSASC094OX?type=companyNews&feedType=RSS&feedName=companyNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FcompanyNews+%28News+%2F+US+%2F+Company+News%29 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/2480e276173ed806d417816b979cc1c7b68c530305c0c0b3fac6415247d1f52e.json |
[
"Nick Tattersall",
"Humeyra Pamuk"
] | 2016-08-26T13:21:28 | null | 2016-08-26T12:54:48 | Turkish forces will remain in Syria for as long as it takes to cleanse the border of Islamic State and other militants, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said on Friday, after a truck bombing by Kurdish insurgents killed at least 11 police officers. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-idUSKCN1111F1%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DworldNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2BReuters%252FworldNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BWorld%2BNews%2529.json | http://s2.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160826&t=2&i=1151167398&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7P0T4 | en | null | Turkey signals no quick end to Syria incursion as truck bomb kills 11 | null | null | www.reuters.com | Turkish armoured personnel carriers escort military vehicles on a main road in Karkamis on the Turkish-Syrian border in the southeastern Gaziantep province, Turkey, August 26, 2016. REUTERS/Umit Bektas
Smoke rises from the besieged Damascus suburb of Daraya, before rebels and residents start being evacuated under an agreement reached on Thursday between rebels and Syria's army, August 26, 2016. REUTERS/Omar Sanadiki
A Turkish armoured personnel carrier escorts a military vehicle on a main road in Karkamis on the Turkish-Syrian border in the southeastern Gaziantep province, Turkey, August 26, 2016. REUTERS/Umit Bektas
ISTANBUL/KARKAMIS, Turkey Turkish forces will remain in Syria for as long as it takes to cleanse the border of Islamic State and other militants, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said on Friday, after a truck bombing by Kurdish insurgents killed at least 11 police officers.
The suicide bombing at a police headquarters in a province bordering Syria and Iraq came two days after Turkey launched its first major military incursion into Syria, an operation meant to drive Islamic State out of the border area and stop Kurdish militias from seizing ground in their wake.
Turkey, a NATO member and part of the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State, has seen a series of deadly bombings this year blamed on the radical Islamists. But it also fears Kurdish militias in Syria will seize a swathe of border territory and embolden Kurdish insurgents on its own soil.
President Tayyip Erdogan said the bombing in Sirnak province would increase Turkey's determination as it fights terrorist groups at home and abroad. Yildirim said there was no doubt the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has waged a three-decade insurgency for Kurdish autonomy, was responsible.
"From the beginning we have been defending Turkey's territorial integrity. We are also defending Syria's territorial integrity. The aim of these terrorist organization is ... to form a state in these countries... They will never succeed," Yildirim told a news conference in Istanbul.
"We will continue our operations (in Syria) until we fully guarantee security of life and property for our citizens and the security of our border. We will continue until Daesh (Islamic State) and other terrorist elements are taken out."
After he spoke, the PKK claimed responsibility for the attack on the police headquarters, according to a website affiliated to the group.
Syria has condemned the Turkish operation, codenamed "Euphrates Shield", as a breach of its sovereignty. Turkish special forces, tanks and warplanes launched the incursion in support of Syrian rebels, mostly Turkmen and Arab, who quickly took the border town of Jarablus from Islamic State on Wednesday.
An alliance of 23 Kurdish parties in Syria also condemned the Turkish operation on Friday. In a joint statement, they called for a complete withdrawal of all Turkish forces from the country and accused Ankara of trying to occupy Syria under the pretence of fighting terrorism.
Turkish military vehicles shuttled in and out of Syria on Friday, Reuters witnesses said, including a construction machine that helped to flatten the route for a tank. Controlled explosions rang out around the Karkamis border crossing as Turkish security forces removed mines and booby traps left by Islamic State.
Ismail Metin, the commander of Turkey's second army responsible for the borders with Syria and Iraq, visited Jarablus on Friday, local sources said.
WEEKS OR MONTHS
Turkey has shown little sign so far of a quick withdrawal. U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, who met Erdogan in Ankara on Wednesday, said Turkey was ready to stay in Syria for as long as it takes to destroy Islamic State.
A Syrian rebel commander in charge of one of the main groups involved in the Turkish-backed operation told Reuters the forces now aimed to move westward after taking Jarablus, an advance that could take weeks or months to complete.
Colonel Ahmad Osman, speaking to Reuters from Jarablus, said the priority was now to advance about 70 km (40 miles) west to Marea, a town where rebels have long had a frontline with Islamic State.
Turkey has long lobbied for a "buffer zone" in northern Syria controlled by what it regards as moderate rebels, potentially in border territory currently held by Islamic State and stretching about 80 km (50 miles) west of Jarablus.
Sweeping out Islamic State would deprive the group of a smuggling route taken by foreign fighters joining its ranks, and could also create a safe area for displaced civilians and help to stem the flow of refugees, Turkish officials have said.
They argue the proposal has become all the more urgent since Ankara began implementing a deal with the European Union to stop illegal migration earlier this year.
"The situation in Syria and Iraq is getting worse," Yildirim told a joint news conference with the visiting prime minister of Bulgaria, which has also been struggling to slow migrant flows.
"We're cleansing Islamic State and other terrorist elements (in northern Syria) so people living there are not forced to leave their homes. But the problem has to be comprehensively handled at the EU level. Solutions are needed quickly."
Syria's five-year conflict has killed at least a quarter of a million people and forced almost five million to flee the country, many of them to Turkey. The United Nations estimates that 6.5 million are internally displaced.
An agreement was reached on Thursday to evacuate around 4,000 civilians and 700 fighters from the besieged Damascus suburb of Daraya, ending one of the conflict's longest stand-offs. Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) vehicles entered the area to prepare for the evacuation on Friday.
Syria's army has surrounded rebels and civilians and blocked food deliveries in Daraya since 2012, regularly bombing the area, one of the first places to see peaceful protests against President Bashar al-Assad.
OVERLAPPING INTERESTS
The suicide bombing in Turkey's southeastern town of Cizre is another reminder of the risks Ankara faces as its gets drawn ever more deeply into Syria's conflict, with the threat of reprisals from both Islamic State and Kurdish insurgents.
The provincial governor's office said 11 police officers were killed and 78 people, three of them civilians, wounded.
Large plumes of smoke billowed from the blast site.
Photographs showed a large three-storey building reduced to its concrete shell, with no walls or windows, surrounded by rubble.
Turkey views the PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the European Union, as closely linked to the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia. Washington, however, has backed the YPG in a separate campaign against Islamic State in northern Syria.
Turkish troops fired on YPG fighters south of Jarablus on Thursday, highlighting the cross-cutting of interests of two pivotal NATO allies.
The Cizre attack came as Turkey has been weakened by a failed July 15 military coup. More than 1,700 military personnel have been removed for their alleged role in the putsch, including some 40 percent of admirals and generals, raising concern about the NATO member's ability to protect itself.
Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said on Twitter that Islamic State, the PKK and the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia were all attacking to take advantage of the failed coup.
Last week Erdogan accused followers of a U.S.-based Islamic cleric he blames for the coup attempt of being complicit in attacks by Kurdish militants.
The cleric, Fethullah Gulen, has denied any involvement in and denounced the coup plot.
(Additional reporting by Asli Kandemir, David Dolan, Can Sezer, Cagan Uslu, Edmund Blair in Istanbul; Dasha Afanasieva and Orhan Coskun in Ankara; Lisa Barrington and Tom Perry in Beirut; Writing by Nick Tattersall; editing by David Stamp) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-idUSKCN1111F1?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Reuters%2FworldNews+%28Reuters+World+News%29 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/22f2feb000ecb0235084615012652c8d46a9b1e84f7f9cf4032140792c7f913e.json |
[
"Lisa Rapaport"
] | 2016-08-29T16:52:49 | null | 2016-08-29T16:04:16 | By Lisa Rapaport(Reuters Health) - Older adults with poorly controlled diabetes may struggle with what’s known as episodic memory, the ability to rec | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-health-memory-diabetes-idUSKCN1141RW%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DhealthNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FhealthNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BHealth%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources_v2/images/rcom-default.png | en | null | Diabetes linked to memory decline in older adults | null | null | www.reuters.com | (Reuters Health) - Older adults with poorly controlled diabetes may struggle with what’s known as episodic memory, the ability to recall specific events experienced recently or long ago, a study suggests.
Researchers examined results from a series of four memory tests done from 2006 to 2012 for 950 older adults with diabetes and 3,469 elderly people without the disease.
The participants who had diabetes and elevated blood sugar performed worse on the first round of memory tests at the start of the study and also experienced a bigger decline in memory function by the end of the study.
“We believe that the combination of diabetes and high blood sugar increases the chances of a number of health problems,” said lead study author Colleen Pappas, an Aging researcher at the University of South Florida in Tampa.
“Our study brings attention to the possibility that worsening memory may be one of them,” Pappas added by email.
While the study doesn’t explore why this might happen, it’s possible that elevated blood sugar damages brain cells that transmit messages in the hippocampus, a part of the brain involved in memory, Pappas said.
At the start of the study, when participants were about 73 years old on average, they all got blood tests that measure average blood sugar levels. This so-called hemoglobin A1c test measures the percentage of hemoglobin – the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen – that is coated with sugar, with readings of 6.5 percent or above signaling diabetes.
The people without diabetes had average A1c levels of 5.6, considered a normal or healthy range. But the diabetics had average A1c levels of 6.7, putting them at increased risk of complications from the disease.
Researchers also did memory tests using immediate and delayed word recall to assess changes in brain function over time.
Higher A1c levels were associated with lower scores on that first memory test and a steeper decline in scores over time, researchers report in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.
Higher A1c levels in the people with diabetes, however, explained most of that association.
One limitation of the study is that researchers only checked A1c once, at the start of the study, the authors note. That makes it hard to say how shifts in blood sugar over time might have influenced any changes in memory.
Researchers also lacked data on medications people took to control blood sugar, which makes it difficult to assess whether memory lapses might be averted in patients who took medications designed to manage diabetes, the authors also point out.
Even so, the findings suggest that keeping blood sugar levels in a healthy range may help maintain memory performance over time, said Dr. Joe Verghese, director of the Montefiore-Einstein Center for the Aging Brain in New York.
“Patients with diabetes can experience several brain changes that develop over time such as shrinkage of areas involved in memory and thinking as well as damage to blood vessels supplying the brain,” Verghese, who wasn’t involved in the study, said by email. “Higher blood sugar levels may be detrimental for brain health even in older adults who do not meet formal criteria for diabetes but are in the gray zone.”
People with diabetes also need to be aware that even if their blood sugar is well controlled, they’re still at increased risk for memory problems and impairments in cognitive function, said Mark Espeland, a researcher at Wake Forest School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
The best defense is avoiding diabetes in the first place, Espeland, who wasn’t involved in the study, said by email.
“Taking steps to reduce one’s risk for diabetes is important to maintaining a healthy brain,” Espeland said. “These steps include an active lifestyle and avoiding obesity.”
SOURCE: bit.ly/2bMYdLB Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, online July 20, 2016. | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-memory-diabetes-idUSKCN1141RW?feedType=RSS&feedName=healthNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FhealthNews+%28Reuters+Health+News%29 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/98a68e5daebd98cfdbc808fc9ffd5e8f7383bfc04c8c50899df4fe4dbea37942.json |
[
"Umberto Bacchi"
] | 2016-08-26T13:20:34 | null | 2016-08-24T18:11:17 | By Umberto BacchiLONDON (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - A test has been developed that could help diagnose bacterial infections including meningitis i | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-health-meningitis-idUSKCN10Z2F6%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DscienceNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FscienceNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BScience%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources_v2/images/rcom-default.png | en | null | Scientists hope new test could help contain meningitis outbreaks | null | null | www.reuters.com | LONDON (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - A test has been developed that could help diagnose bacterial infections including meningitis in minutes, but it could take several years before a cheap testing device is available to developing countries, scientists said on Wednesday.
The new test could save lives, allow treatment of disease - which is difficult to diagnose - to start much sooner and reduce the risk of life-changing after effects, an international team of researchers led by Imperial College London said.
"We would very much hope this could become something cheap enough to be applied even in resource poor regions," Imperial College Professor Michael Levin told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.
Currently the only test available for meningitis, whose symptoms include a high fever, headaches and vomiting, is expensive and takes more than 48 hours, Levin said.
A study led by the pediatrician shows that bacterial infections can be distinguished from other causes of fever.
The research revealed that two genes in white blood cells become active only in case of bacterial infections, according to the study published in the JAMA medical journal.
Researchers said a cheap pin-prick blood test able to accurately identify bacterial infections in less than one hour could be developed within five years.
"If this works... (we) could have an accurate test in situations such as in sub-Saharan Africa where there are epidemics of meningitis and accurate testing using the current methodologies is really difficult," study co-author Dr Jethro Herberg said.
Meningitis is common across Africa's so-called "meningitis belt" from Senegal to Ethiopia. An outbreak of meningitis killed at least 90 people in Niger this year, according to medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).
A 2009 outbreak caused more than 80,000 cases, while some 20,000 people died in another epidemic, in 1996–1997.
Meningitis, which is prevalent in children and elderly people, can be treated with antibiotics, but 10 percent to 15 percent of patients die and up to 19 percent of survivors have long-term disabilities, including brain damage and limb amputations.
(Reporting by Umberto Bacchi @UmbertoBacchi, Editing by Katie Nguyen.; Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, property rights and climate change. Visit news.trust.org) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-meningitis-idUSKCN10Z2F6?feedType=RSS&feedName=scienceNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FscienceNews+%28Reuters+Science+News%29 | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/e0e0cf708c673ff53321ba5309da351f98afaa3d6ad8b2e389f3ff49d22f7685.json |
[
"Katie Paul"
] | 2016-08-29T17:04:48 | null | 2016-08-29T17:02:05 | Yemeni Houthi forces are again firing rockets at this corner of southern Saudi Arabia, ending a lull of several weeks and complicating efforts to revive talks on ending Yemen's 18-month-old civil war. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-yemen-security-saudi-idUSKCN1141QG%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DworldNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2BReuters%252FworldNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BWorld%2BNews%2529.json | http://s2.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160829&t=2&i=1151469700&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7S124 | en | null | Rockets hit Saudi border town as Yemen war flares anew | null | null | www.reuters.com | Armed men loyal to the Houthi movement ride on a vehicle during a protest against the Saudi-backed exiled government deciding to cut off the Yemeni central bank from the outside world, in the capital Sanaa, Yemen August 25, 2016. REUTERS/Mohamed al-Sayaghi
A member of the Saudi security forces walks near the fire damaged Saudi Electricity Company plant in eastern Najran city, after a Houthi rocket attack, Saudi Arabia August 27, 2016. REUTERS/Katie Paul
A car sits next to a salvage yard hit by a Houthi rocket in an industrial area in eastern Najran city, Saudi Arabia August 27, 2016. REUTERS/Katie Paul
Mountains leading to the Yemeni border are seen beyond the downtown area in Najran city, which was hit by Houthi rocket fire, in southern Saudi Arabia August 27, 2016. REUTERS/Katie Paul
Diesel pools are seen in the street at an industrial area of Najran after a Houthi rocket hit tanks at a nearby Saudi Electricity Company plant, Saudi Arabia August 27, 2016. REUTERS/Katie Paul
A view shows the damage to a car salvage yard that was hit by a Houthi rocket in an industrial area in eastern Najran city, Saudi Arabia August 27, 2016. REUTERS/Katie Paul
NAJRAN, Saudi Arabia Yemeni Houthi forces are again firing rockets at this corner of southern Saudi Arabia, ending a lull of several weeks and complicating efforts to revive talks on ending Yemen's 18-month-old civil war.
This month's collapse of negotiations on the Yemen conflict - which like the Syrian civil war pits allies of Saudi Arabia against those of its regional rival Iran - is taking a toll in the Saudi city of Najran, albeit on a much smaller scale than in Yemen itself.
Last week, one rocket fired by the Iranian-allied Houthi movement from northern Yemen landed in Najran, which lies 30 km (20 miles) from the border. It hit a car scrap yard, killing five Saudis and two Yemenis as they were driving past.
Another hit a Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) power station in Najran on Friday, spilling diesel from a punctured tank into acrid black lakes coating the surrounding streets.
On Saturday, nine-year-old Mahdi Saleh Abbas sat lying in a hospital bed with bandages over his eyes and shrapnel wounds pockmarked on his face. His cousin Yehyia, 3, had died that morning after a Katyusha rocket landed outside their home.
"They were playing. They're kids. It was normal," said Mahdi's father, Saleh, standing over his son's bed.
ROCKETS
Saudi Arabia and its Sunni Muslim allies view the Houthis, who hail from a branch of Shi'ite Islam, as proxies of Iran. The Houthis deny this, saying the exiled Yemeni government and the Saudis are Western pawns bent on dominating Yemen and excluding them from power.
The Houthi attacks on Saudi territory started anew in early August, which is also when a Saudi-led coalition resumed air strikes in Yemen against the Houthis and their local allies.
Saudi authorities say the latest wave of shelling has killed 29 civilians and injured around 300 in Najran, a city framed by jagged brown mountains that separate Saudi Arabia from Yemen.
Those figures are much smaller than the number of civilians killed by the coalition air strikes in support of the internationally-recognised government, for which the Saudi military has come under increasing criticism.
The United Nations human rights office said on Thursday that the coalition was responsible for 60 percent of the 3,799 civilians killed in Yemen's war. The coalition says it does not target civilians.
Still, the Najran casualties point to the Saudis' difficulties in securing their border against the more mobile Houthi forces and allies loyal to former Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh, even as the Houthis lob mostly unsophisticated Katyusha rockets into their territory.
The shelling had trailed off for several months as the peace talks held in Kuwait pushed forward. But in the last three weeks, after the negotiations crumbled, the rockets resumed.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said last week he had agreed with Gulf Arab states and the U.N. on a plan to restart the talks.
However, he said the Houthis must cease shelling across the border, pull back from the Yemeni capital Sanaa which they took control of two years ago, cede their weapons and enter into a unity government with their domestic foes.
Yemen's Houthi-run governing council said on Sunday it was ready to restart the talks, provided the coalition stopped attacking and besieging Houthi-held territories.
That same night, another rocket fell in Najran and killed two young girls, said the civil defence department.
NO MILITARY SITES
On Saturday, the Saudi information ministry escorted foreign journalists on a tour of parts of Najran city directly affected by the shelling, highlighting civilian suffering.
"They've hit schools, hospitals, civilian government buildings, markets," said Colonel Ali Omeer al-Shahrani, a spokesman for Najran's Civil Defence department, showing reporters photos of damage caused by the about 10,000 rockets launched on Najran since the start of the war.
There were no military sites within the city of Najran, he said, "just civilian and residential areas".
Najran residents interviewed at the city's King Khaled Hospital likewise decried the attacks, using government-approved terminology to describe the Houthis and their allies.
"A Houthi is an untrustworthy person. He lies. He targets civilians," said Manea al-Ghobari, a 39-year-old teacher in Najran. "They can't hit our army or our soldiers at the border, so they're hitting civilians in their homes instead."
A Saudi government official followed the group of journalists throughout the day, filming the interviews.
STABLE SERVICES
Still, even as the attacks accelerate, life appears to carry on as normal for much of Najran. There were no signs of militarisation inside the city on Saturday: no checkpoints, no tanks, no heavily-guarded ammunition depots.
Instead, on the main road through town, the shops were open and active. Down the block from a man selling water melons off the back of a pickup truck, a Paris Hilton store advertised luxury handbags and accessories.
Although Houthi rockets have hit both water and electrical facilities, service provision to residents there was never interrupted, said Shahrani.
In the industrial eastern part of town, the most frequent target of attacks, the damage was more evident.
Pools of black diesel covered the streets, leaked from the SEC power station that had been struck the day before. Machines lay mangled and blackened by a fire that swept the plant after the strike.
An SEC spokesman said its service to the city was "solid and reliable". Asked about the financial effect of the damage to the facility, he said that neither the company nor its customers had experienced any impact.
(Reporting by Katie Paul, Editing by William Maclean and David Stamp) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-saudi-idUSKCN1141QG?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Reuters%2FworldNews+%28Reuters+World+News%29 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/5808fa62e115a12619a9d1a51e78b384c666b38df70f328b84da1c5022a51a4d.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-29T23:02:02 | null | 2016-08-29T22:02:01 | A former Chicago transportation official was sentenced on Monday to 10 years in prison for using his influence to expand contracts for the city's red light traffic camera program in a $2 million bribery scheme. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-chicago-corruption-idUSKCN1142DO%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DdomesticNews.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources_v2/images/rcom-default.png | en | null | Former Chicago official gets 10 years in red light camera bribe case | null | null | www.reuters.com | A former Chicago transportation official was sentenced on Monday to 10 years in prison for using his influence to expand contracts for the city's red light traffic camera program in a $2 million bribery scheme.
John Bills, 55, was convicted in January on every charge he faced connected to the scheme, including mail fraud, wire fraud, filing false tax returns and bribery.
In addition to the 10-year sentence, U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall ordered Bills to make more than $2 million in restitution payments, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois.
According to the Chicago Tribune newspaper, Bills told the judge before sentencing that he committed "immoral" acts and had a "broken moral compass," but denied being a power broker.
"I was a mid-level manager who was directed by my superiors and given a responsibility that I obviously wasn't prepared for," Bills told the court, according to the Tribune.
Bills, a former assistant transportation commissioner, helped obtain millions of dollars in contracts for Phoenix-based Redflex Traffic Systems, part of Redflex Holdings Ltd.
In exchange for his efforts that resulted in the installation of hundreds of red-light cameras at intersections, Bills received cash, golf outings, hotel rooms and airline tickets, the jury found.
The unpopular $100 tickets for red light camera violations became a hot issue in the 2015 mayoral election, which was won by incumbent Rahm Emanuel.
Some of the benefits were given directly to Bills, while some came through a friend, Martin O'Malley, a former Redflex contractor who testified against Bills at the two-week trial and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery.
O'Malley testified at trial that he often stuffed lavish bonuses into envelopes and gave them to Bills in Chicago restaurants.
A unit of Xerox Corp now runs the city's traffic camera system. Bills retired from his city job in 2011.
(Reporting by Curtis Skinner in San Francisco; Editing by Matthew Lewis) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-chicago-corruption-idUSKCN1142DO?feedType=RSS&feedName=domesticNews | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/90f6c7906562d3f830c016770c5700564de563f4724d5974147068b0b4608c1a.json |
[
"David Morgan",
"Jason Lange"
] | 2016-08-30T20:52:23 | null | 2016-08-30T20:41:10 | A European Commission order requiring Apple Inc (AAPL.O) to pay Ireland $13 billion euros ($14.5 billion) in unpaid taxes on Tuesday drew swift rebukes from the Obama administration and lawmakers in Congress, while reigniting calls for U.S. tax reform. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-eu-apple-usa-idUSKCN11529E.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160830&t=2&i=1151611639&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7T1AZ | en | null | EU ruling on Apple stirs calls for U.S. tax reform | null | null | www.reuters.com | WASHINGTON A European Commission order requiring Apple Inc (AAPL.O) to pay Ireland $13 billion euros ($14.5 billion) in unpaid taxes on Tuesday drew swift rebukes from the Obama administration and lawmakers in Congress, while reigniting calls for U.S. tax reform.
The White House and the Treasury Department, which enforces federal tax policy, warned that U.S.-EU economic relations could be affected by the European Commission's ruling that Apple had received illegal state aid under its agreement with Ireland.
Members of both parties in Congress pointed to the stunning decision as evidence that the U.S. tax code should be rewritten to give American companies an incentive to bring home some $2.1 trillion in U.S. corporate profits held abroad. But there was no sign that lawmakers were any closer to bridging the substantial divides that have prevented agreement up to now.
"Above all, this is yet another reason why we need to fix our tax code," House Speaker Paul Ryan, the highest-ranking elected Republican, said in a statement. "Today's decision should be a spur to action."
Apple was found to be holding over $181 billion offshore, more than any U.S. company, in a study published last year by two left-leaning nonprofit groups: Citizens for Tax Justice and the U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund.
Senator Charles Schumer, the chamber's No. 3 Democrat, called the move by European regulators a "cheap money grab."
"This is yet another example of why we need to reform the international tax system to ensure these revenues come home," Schumer said.
Even the European Commission voiced indirect criticism of the U.S. tax code, suggesting that Washington could require Apple's Irish operations to pay larger amounts of money to the U.S. parent to finance research and development, which would increase Apple's U.S. tax bill.
Republicans and Democrats in the Senate have discussed plans to encourage the repatriation of U.S. profits abroad.
But House Republicans hope to move broader legislation next year that would cut the U.S. corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 20 percent and adopt a "territorial" system that would exempt the overseas earnings of U.S. companies from U.S. taxation. Democrats have dismissed that as a massive tax giveaway.
Other critics in Washington warned that Tuesday's European Commission move would encroach on U.S. government jurisdiction and ultimately add to the federal deficit.
"We are concerned about a unilateral approach ... that threaten(s) to undermine progress that we have made collaboratively with the Europeans to make the international taxation system fair," White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters.
U.S. Representative Kevin Brady, Republican chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, called the decision "a predatory and naked tax grab," in a statement.
Apple and Ireland said they would appeal the EU decision. But some analysts said the ruling, if upheld, could change the calculus that has kept U.S. corporate money overseas if it means higher taxes in low-tax European countries like Ireland.
"The scheme of U.S. multinationals parking money offshore indefinitely, taxed at zero, may be coming to an end," said Steven Rosenthal of the Tax Policy Center research group.
Online retailer Amazon.com Inc (AMZN.O) and fast-food company McDonald's Corp (MCD.N) already face probes over taxes in Luxembourg, while coffee chain Starbucks Corp (SBUX.O) has been ordered to pay up to 30 million euros ($33 million) to the Dutch government.
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch, a Republican, said lawmakers would examine the EU decision but warned that it was inconsistent with international standards.
(Reporting by David Morgan and Jason Lange; additional reporting by Jeff Mason; Editing by Julia Edwards and Jonathan Oatis) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-eu-apple-usa-idUSKCN11529E | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/530e2923d0ca25888c1763a9a4bf91f1517e5086e53fa0e285090dea0c09be7a.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-30T16:52:43 | null | 2016-08-30T14:57:52 | Disgraced Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte is joining the "Dancing With the Stars" cast, ABC television announced on Tuesday, as the gold medalist said he thought reaction to his tale about being held up at a Rio de Janeiro gas station had been blown out of proportion. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-people-ryanlochte-idUSKCN1151X6%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DentertainmentNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252Fentertainment%2B%2528News%2B%252F%2BUS%2B%252F%2BEntertainment%2529.json | http://s2.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160830&t=2&i=1151592979&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7T13D | en | null | Ryan Lochte to dance with stars, says Rio scandal overblown | null | null | www.reuters.com | In this still image from video Olympic gold medallist swimmer Ryan Lochte of the U.S. gives an interview to Globo TV at their studios in New York City, August 20, 2016. Courtesy Globo TV via REUTERS
NEW YORK Disgraced Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte is joining the "Dancing With the Stars" cast, ABC television announced on Tuesday, as the gold medalist said he thought reaction to his tale about being held up at a Rio de Janeiro gas station had been blown out of proportion.
Lochte, 32, was dropped by four of his major sponsors after admitting he "overexaggerated" a tale about being robbed and held at gunpoint with three other swimmers after a party during the Rio Olympics. Brazilian authorities say the group destroyed a bathroom and urinated in public, and have recommended that Lochte be charged with falsely reporting a crime.
The swimmer, who was also vilified in the media over the incident, did not say whether he planned to return to Brazil to face the charges.
"I think it’s everyone blowing this way out of proportion. I think that’s what happened," Lochte told ABC television's "Good Morning America" on Tuesday, when asked whether he had embarrassed the United States with his actions.
"Like I said, I did lie about that one part," said Lochte, referring to his claim that a gun was held to his head. "I take full responsibility. I’m human. I made a mistake. A very big mistake."
"Everyone has got to be sick and tired about hearing about this. I just want to move forward," added Lochte, his silver-dyed hair now returned to a more natural brown.
The 12-time Olympic medalist said his appearance on the 23rd season of "Dancing With the Stars," was under discussion before he went to the Rio games. After the London Olympics in 2012 he was given his own, short-lived, TV reality show "What Would Ryan Lochte Do?"
Other "Dancing With the Stars" contestants in the season starting on Sept. 12 will include 16 year-old U.S. Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez, former Texas governor Rick Perry, and rapper Vanilla Ice.
"Dancing With the Stars," in which celebrities are paired with professional ballroom dancers and voted off by the public, has been a popular venue for those seeking a comeback or trying to change their public image. Past contestants have included Bristol Palin, daughter of the 2008 Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, singer Donny Osmond, and retired Olympic speed skater Apolo Ohno.
(Reporting by Jill Serjeant; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-people-ryanlochte-idUSKCN1151X6?feedType=RSS&feedName=entertainmentNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2Fentertainment+%28News+%2F+US+%2F+Entertainment%29 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/a09968500313c80796b565d2c28765574cd9551fc8e63abdea5bc9e459c2daa9.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-30T14:52:30 | null | 2016-08-30T14:42:32 | Brewer Anheuser-Busch InBev (ABI.BR) said on Tuesday that following its takeover of rival SABMiller (SAB.L) it plans to continue developing SAB's partnership with France's Castel Group. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-sabmiller-m-a-a-b-i-idUSKCN1151WO.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160830&t=2&i=1151592334&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7T12T | en | null | AB InBev lauds SAB's partnership with Castel Group | null | null | www.reuters.com | A glass with beer and a bottle of Corona are seen in this picture illustration November 5, 2015. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
LONDON Brewer Anheuser-Busch InBev (ABI.BR) said on Tuesday that following its takeover of rival SABMiller (SAB.L) it plans to continue developing SAB's partnership with France's Castel Group.
"It's a very important relationship that we intend to continue to develop and evolve," AB InBev Chief Executive Carlos Brito told an investor conference call. He said he would contact the group's owner Pierre Castel following the deal's closure.
AB InBev, maker of Budweiser, Stella Artois and Corona, has traditionally operated fewer joint ventures and partnerships than SABMiller, which it set to acquire for nearly 79 billion pounds ($104 billion).
SABMiller and privately owned Castel have an alliance whereby SAB owns 20 percent of Castel and Castel owns 38 percent of SAB's African business, excluding South Africa.
($1 = 0.7636 pounds)
(Reporting by Martinne Geller in London; editing by David Clarke) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-sabmiller-m-a-a-b-i-idUSKCN1151WO | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/2297b3e08a7fc4cbf4dd8f819c930b778fa88fb9b9de13736a276a19d9ae3b8c.json |
[
"Lisa Twaronite"
] | 2016-08-30T00:53:42 | null | 2016-08-29T23:05:58 | For generations, artisans and merchants in Japan's ancient capital of Kyoto lived in thousands of traditional "machiya" townhouses that are steadily disappearing or falling into disrepair. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-japan-heritage-machiya-idUSKCN1142GB%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DlifestyleMolt.json | http://s2.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160829&t=2&i=1151505403&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7S1DF | en | null | Old machiya houses in Japan's Kyoto given new lease of life by niche loans | null | null | www.reuters.com | The traditional Kyoto 'machiya' townhouse belonging to Sae Cardonnel and her French husband Sylvain, which was restored with a specialized loan from a Kyoto Shinkin Bank, is pictured in Kyoto, Japan, June 26, 2016. REUTERS/Lisa Twaronite
Kyoto native Yoshinori Murase's 'machiya' townhouse (R), which was restored with the help of a 'machiya' loan from Bank of Kyoto, is pictured with an empty 'machiya' townhouse in Kyoto, Japan, June 26, 2016. REUTERS/Lisa Twaronite
Sae Cardonnel and her French husband Sylvain stand in front of their traditional Kyoto 'machiya' townhouse, which was restored with a specialized loan from a Kyoto Shinkin Bank, in Kyoto, Japan, June 26, 2016. REUTERS/Lisa Twaronite
KYOTO For generations, artisans and merchants in Japan's ancient capital of Kyoto lived in thousands of traditional "machiya" townhouses that are steadily disappearing or falling into disrepair.
To help restore the wooden-and-tile-roof structures, banks in Kyoto have tailored loans to help contribute to the preservation of architecture in a city that was once Japan's ancient capital and boasts a number of World Heritage sites.
While borrowers are encouraged to preserve classic machiya features, such as latticed wood exteriors, they are allowed ample leeway in renovating their homes.
Thanks to a loan from Kyoto Shinkin Bank, Sae Cardonnel and her French husband Sylvain outfitted their machiya with a modern kitchen and heated floors, as well as ample open space inside for their family of five.
"We wanted to live in a home, not a history museum," she said. "The neighborhood children gather here to play on rainy days."
The Cardonnel's nearly century-old home is now flanked by modern structures. While Kyoto survived World War II bombings as the city was spared, many machiya were wiped out afterward by modernization and development.
Machiya were included in both the 2010 and the 2012 Watch lists of most at-risk assets compiled by the World Monuments Fund, a U.S. nonprofit organization aimed at preserving and protecting endangered architectural and cultural sites.
Derelict machiya are common in Kyoto neighborhoods. About 13 percent of Kyoto's machiya were destroyed between 1996 and 2003 alone, and the number has declined since then. Over 80 percent of the surviving buildings have lost at least some aspect of the their traditional appearances.
"There are more and more empty machiya in Kyoto. We'd like to preserve them, and the historic townscape," said Kazuhiro Waki, executive director of retail banking at Bank of Kyoto.
Putting money into old houses shows a change of thinking in a country where such homes are often torn down because they're worth little more than the land they're built on, and bankers have recognised the need for a niche lending product.
Bank of Kyoto, as well as rival Kyoto Chuo Shinkin Bank, began offering specialized loans last year. A third lender, Kyoto Shinkin Bank, pioneered machiya loans five years ago, and as of June, it had lent 2.9 billion yen ($28.87 million) for 112 restoration projects.
The banks' loans work like this: Rather than basing the loans on assessed value alone, the banks include an evaluation from the Machiya Machizukuri Fund, which certifies a property as a machiya and also documents how much restoration work would be necessary.
The Machiya Machizukuri, or "town-making," Fund is public-private cooperative agency set up in 2005 after the Kyoto government received a significant contribution from a private donor to support and subsidize renovation projects.
TIME TO COME HOME
Restoring old houses is relatively unusual in Japan because many people prefer newer residences. Most older buildings do not meet Japan's strict codes aimed at withstanding earthquakes.
The country's Building Standards Act of 1950 requires that all new wooden structures be built using modern construction methods, which essentially rendered older buildings obsolete, no matter how structurally sound they might be.
Already existing buildings are not required to meet modern standards, though many of their owners opt to reinforce them.
Bankers hope the loans draw more buyers to machiya restoration projects, and make it easier for local real estate companies to market them.
"For real estate companies, it would be easier to develop and promote machiya by using this program," said Bank of Kyoto's Waki.
Interest in restoring machiya is growing from potential buyers outside Japan as well.
Hachise Co, a Kyoto real estate agency, started a worldwide service in 2013 and an English-language website in 2014. The number of visitors to the site nearly doubled after attracting more than 30,000 in its first year, according to Shunsuke Bito from Hachise's global marketing team.
Some clients do ask about the availability of mortgages.
"There is certainly demand for them," Bito said. "We would prefer to sell to customers who love machiya and have the intention to preserve them."
With help from Bank of Kyoto, Yoshinori Murase was able to restore his family's machiya, built in 1918, to an airy refuge, with polished wooden beams above floors covered with pristine tatami mats.
"I really appreciated that such loans are now available," he said.
Murase said he hopes his restored home would inspire other owners to renovate theirs - including the one attached to his. It now sits empty, as its owner, a childhood friend, lives in another city.
"I hope he comes home to fix it someday," Murase said.
(Reporting by Lisa Twaronite; Editing by Malcolm Foster and Simon Cameron-Moore) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-heritage-machiya-idUSKCN1142GB?feedType=RSS&feedName=lifestyleMolt | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/b19327bba5f8394328bcccfac62ae0f0621753c5e8218dc05c916041723fb5a9.json |
[
"Se Young Lee"
] | 2016-08-31T13:02:43 | null | 2016-08-31T11:01:13 | Tech giant Samsung Electronics Co Ltd said on Wednesday shipments of the Galaxy Note 7 smartphone are being delayed as the firm conducts additional quality control testing for the premium device. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-samsung-elec-smartphones-idUSKCN1161BL%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DtechnologyNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FtechnologyNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BTechnology%2BNews%2529.json | http://s3.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160831&t=2&i=1151708038&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7U0N7 | en | null | Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 shipments delayed due to quality testing | null | null | www.reuters.com | A model poses for photographs with a Galaxy Note 7 new smartphone during its launching ceremony in Seoul, South Korea, August 11, 2016. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji/File Photo
SEOUL Tech giant Samsung Electronics Co Ltd said on Wednesday shipments of the Galaxy Note 7 smartphone are being delayed as the firm conducts additional quality control testing for the premium device.
"Shipments of the Galaxy Note 7 are being delayed due to additional tests being conducted for product quality," Samsung said in a statement to Reuters. The firm did not elaborate on what it is testing and to what markets shipments are being delayed.
Local media reports have said some users of the Galaxy Note 7, which launched in South Korea and other markets earlier this month, have claimed that the battery for their phones exploded.
Quality control problems, if confirmed, could deal a major blow to the world's top smartphone maker as the firm is counting on the sales of the new device to maintain sales momentum for the mobile business in the second half of this year.
Samsung has previously said demand for the new Galaxy Note phone is far exceeding demand, creating a supply shortage and forcing it to push back the launch of the phone in some markets. The firm has said it is utilizing all possible means to boost production.
Production problems for the curved displays for the Galaxy S6 edge phone resulted in disappointing sales last year, and some investors fear a repeat if Samsung does not move quickly to meet Note 7 demand.
The Galaxy Note 7 retails in South Korea for 988,900 won ($887.63) without subsidies.
Samsung's other premium smartphone models that launched in March, the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, have been huge hits with customers and helped boost its earnings in the first half of 2016.
(Reporting by Se Young Lee; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-samsung-elec-smartphones-idUSKCN1161BL?feedType=RSS&feedName=technologyNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FtechnologyNews+%28Reuters+Technology+News%29 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/f9774e385259f0a14e4499824674fc0d80a5be5c7012936099c0a83897bfe217.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-28T11:02:38 | null | 2016-08-28T10:49:39 | Rescuers believe they have located more bodies in the ruined town of Amatrice, five days after a devastating earthquake struck central Italy, killing at least 290 people. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-italy-quake-idUSKCN1130D2%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DtopNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FtopNews%2B%2528News%2B%252F%2BUS%2B%252F%2BTop%2BNews%2529.json | http://s2.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160828&t=2&i=1151339759&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7R06C | en | null | More bodies located beneath rubble in Italy quake zone | null | null | www.reuters.com | A rescue worker and a dog search among debris following an earthquake in Amatrice, central Italy, August 27, 2016. REUTERS/Ciro De Luca
AMATRICE, Italy Rescuers believe they have located more bodies in the ruined town of Amatrice, five days after a devastating earthquake struck central Italy, killing at least 290 people.
Residents of the hill town said up to 10 people were still missing and emergency services said they might have located three corpses in Amatrice's Hotel Roma, which, like much of the historic center, was wrecked by Wednesday's quake.
"I am certain there is one more person (in the hotel), because it is my uncle," said Deputy Mayor Gianluca Carloni.
"It is absolutely vital to finish as soon as possible this initial (search) phase to make sure that there are no more bodies under the rubble," he said.
The Civil Protection Department lowered the official death toll on Sunday to 290 from a previously given 291. A number of foreigners were among the dead, including 11 Romanians, the foreign ministry in Bucharest said.
Many Romanians work in Italy and Bucharest said 14 of its nationals were still unaccounted for.
Museums across Italy will donate proceeds from Sunday's ticket sales to help the rebuilding effort and soccer teams will hold a minute's silence before their weekend matches out of respect for the victims.
Pope Francis led prayers for the dead in his weekly address in Rome, saying he wanted to go to the earthquake zone to bring comfort to the survivors.
"Dear brothers and sisters, as soon as it is possible, I hope to come and visit you," he said.
Italy has promised to rebuild the shattered communities and has said it will learn from the mistakes of the reconstruction following a similar earthquake in the nearby city of L'Aquila in 2009, where much of the center is still out of bounds.
"The government isn't going to tell you what should be done. You will decide what needs doing," Prime Minister Matteo Renzi told relatives of the dead on Saturday at a state funeral for 35 of the victims.
(Reporting by Crispian Balmer; Editing by Robin Pomeroy) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-italy-quake-idUSKCN1130D2?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FtopNews+%28News+%2F+US+%2F+Top+News%29 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/1282e251dd4872330f6c654a11bd9f8716c7620e692ffdaca5bc05d1bc1f2252.json |
[
"Hilary Russ"
] | 2016-08-30T20:59:46 | null | 2016-08-30T19:02:20 | New Jersey Governor Chris Christie on Tuesday vetoed a bill to raise the state's minimum wage to $15 per hour over the next five years. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-new-jersey-wages-idUSKCN1152JA%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DpoliticsNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2BReuters%252FPoliticsNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BPolitics%2BNews%2529.json | http://s3.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160830&t=2&i=1151626261&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7T1HN | en | null | New Jersey Governor Christie vetoes minimum wage hike to $15/hr | null | null | www.reuters.com | Former Republican U.S. presidential candidate and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie waves as he departs after speaking during the second session at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. July 19, 2016. REUTERS/Jim Young
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie on Tuesday vetoed a bill to raise the state's minimum wage to $15 per hour over the next five years.
The legislation would have made New Jersey the third state to adopt a $15 per hour minimum wage, Christie said in a statement.
State voters agreed to a previous wage hike in 2013, to $8.25 from $7.25. New Jersey's rate is tied to the consumer price index and is now at $8.38, according to a database from the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).
"Despite having a constitutional mandate in place, the legislature now wants to increase the minimum wage by almost 80 percent just three years later," Christie said in a statement about his veto.
Christie, a close ally of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, said the wage bill passed by Democrats, who control both houses of state legislature, failed to consider the ability of businesses to absorb the increased labor costs.
Neighboring New York State, as well as California, became the first states to lift the minimum wage toward $15 earlier this year.
While California's higher rate will be in effect statewide by 2022, New York created a two-speed system, with different timetables for New York City and nearby counties, versus the "upstate" regions where incomes are lower and labor markets less robust.
Some cities are also stepping up to higher wage levels. Washington, D.C.'s minimum wage will reach $15 per hour by July 1, 2020, after it enacted a law this year. The city's current level is $10.50.
Washington and 29 states have set minimum wages above the federal rate of $7.25 an hour, according to the NCSL.
Michele Siekerka, president of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association, praised Christie's veto, saying the increase was "too much too fast."
"Had this bill been signed, it would not only have hurt the New Jersey economy, but it would have hurt the exact workers the proponents of this policy are trying to help," she said in a statement.
Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto, lead sponsor of the bill, said in a statement the wage increase is a key component to Democrats' strategy to combat poverty.
"A substantial minimum wage increase will help lift countless families out of poverty, decrease government dependency and boost commerce by pumping more dollars back into the economy," he said.
(Reporting by Hilary Russ in New York; Editing by Chris Reese) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-new-jersey-wages-idUSKCN1152JA?feedType=RSS&feedName=politicsNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Reuters%2FPoliticsNews+%28Reuters+Politics+News%29 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/8d3853f850f27efd302e3657478e95e301044d6e9ecd7c5f470f340c706ad0d6.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-29T20:50:54 | null | 2016-08-29T20:29:22 | The U.S. Commerce Department said on Monday truck and bus tires from China were being dumped in the United States at below-market prices, a potential step toward the imposition of duties. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-usa-trade-tires-idUSKCN1142AS%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DbusinessNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FbusinessNews%2B%2528Business%2BNews%2529.json | http://s1.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160829&t=2&i=1151490776&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7S1B0 | en | null | U.S. moves toward anti-dumping duties on truck and bus tires from China | null | null | www.reuters.com | WASHINGTON The U.S. Commerce Department said on Monday truck and bus tires from China were being dumped in the United States at below-market prices, a potential step toward the imposition of duties.
In a preliminary determination, the department said the tires were being dumped at margins ranging from 20.87 percent to 22.57 percent. In a related preliminary finding in June, it said China was also unfairly subsidizing the products.
The department said it would announce its final determination in the anti-dumping case no later than Jan. 17, 2017. It had previously said it would announce a final finding in the companion anti-subsidy case on or about Nov. 10.
Any duties would be contingent on a final determination by the U.S. International Trade Commission that the domestic industry was being harmed. An estimated $1.07 billion worth of truck and bus tires were imported from China in 2015.
(Reporting by Eric Beech; Editing by Mohammad Zargham) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trade-tires-idUSKCN1142AS?feedType=RSS&feedName=businessNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FbusinessNews+%28Business+News%29 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/f9bd324ccbe8107de83ab1d463772951192d2988a92451c1dcab12a785cca8d9.json |
[
"Larry Fine"
] | 2016-08-29T23:00:03 | null | 2016-08-29T22:37:53 | Rafa Nadal was worn out from his Rio Olympics exertions after emerging from an injury absence to win doubles gold, but the Spaniard perked back up with his trip to New York for the U.S. Open. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-tennis-open-nadal-idUSKCN1142F2%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DsportsNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FsportsNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BSports%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160829&t=2&i=1151503045&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7S1CW | en | null | Energized Nadal completes straight-sets win in opener | null | null | www.reuters.com | Aug 29, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Rafael Nadal of Spain hits to Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan on day one of the 2016 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 29, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Rafael Nadal of Spain hits to Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan on day one of the 2016 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 29, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Rafael Nadal of Spain hits to Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan on day one of the 2016 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 29, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Rafael Nadal of Spain after beating Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan on day one of the 2016 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
NEW YORK Rafa Nadal was worn out from his Rio Olympics exertions after emerging from an injury absence to win doubles gold, but the Spaniard perked back up with his trip to New York for the U.S. Open.
Nadal, who said his injured wrist is improving daily, beat Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan 6-1 6-4 6-2 in his first-round match on Monday's opening day of the year's last grand slam.
"I think I played a solid match for a lot of time, then was a tough moment in the middle of the second set but I think I resisted well and very happy for the victory," Nadal said on court.
"He's a really dangerous player, so I'm very happy to be through."
Nadal said he is re-energized being in New York after feeling fatigued two weeks ago in Cincinnati, where he lost his second match after flying in from Rio.
"The most important thing is I'm here in New York and that makes me happy," said Spain's 14-times grand slam winner, who could not continue through the French Open and also missed Wimbledon and the Toronto event due to his wrist injury.
"Is not easy to go two months-and-a-half out of competition in the middle of the season without hitting a forehand," Nadal told reporters.
"I need to have the confidence again with my wrist. That is coming ... every day (I) feel the wrist a little bit better. That's very important thing for me, the most important thing."
Nadal, a twice champion here, already has a memento from this trip to Flushing Meadows - a video recording of him hitting at Arthur Ashe Stadium under the new retractable roof.
"I have it recorded. I was the first player to hit the first ball under the roof covered. Important thing in the history of this tournament," he said.
"Thanks from the players' side, from the fans' side, from the television side, for everybody. Is so important to have a roof like this so then the program is never changed and people are not waiting for a rain delay."
Beyond the obvious benefit of keeping a rain-hit tournament going, the support structure of the moveable roof has cut down on swirling winds that often perplexed players.
"There is no wind," Nadal said. "One of these days that I was practicing in the center court, outside was very, very windy and in the center court was not wind at all.
"Is a beautiful court."
(Editing by Mark Lamport-Stokes) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-tennis-open-nadal-idUSKCN1142F2?feedType=RSS&feedName=sportsNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FsportsNews+%28Reuters+Sports+News%29 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/63fee1a13de95a7d7219bb9ba2d78f2c1fbf2cb43ef0e5c8453bc4950dfdca81.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-31T03:00:13 | null | 2016-08-31T01:28:29 | Ivo Karlovic set a U.S. Open record on Tuesday when he banged down 61 aces on his way to a first round victory over Taiwan's Lu Yen-Hsun. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-tennis-open-karlovic-idUSKCN11603Z%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DsportsNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FsportsNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BSports%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160831&t=2&i=1151659937&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7U01U | en | null | Karlovic sets U.S. Open record with 61 aces in win over Lu | null | null | www.reuters.com | Jul 28, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Ivo Karlovic of Croatia plays a shot against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria on day four of the Rogers Cup tennis tournament at Aviva Centre. Dimitrov won 6-3, 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
NEW YORK Ivo Karlovic set a U.S. Open record on Tuesday when he banged down 61 aces on his way to a first round victory over Taiwan's Lu Yen-Hsun.
The 37-year-old Croat, who has served the most aces in ATP Tour history with well over 11,000, hit 22 in the second set alone as he outgunned Lu 4-6 7-6(4) 6-7(4) 7-6(5) 7-5 . Tuesday's total beats the previous record of 49 set by the Dutchman, Richard Krajicek, in the quarter-finals in 1999.
"I knew there were a lot of aces because at one stage I was serving one on almost every point but I didn't know it was a record," 21st seed Karlovic told reporters.
Only 10 of the aces came in the final set but Karlovic broke to win the match.
"I'm getting old," he joked.
"I have to work a bit more on my serve, I guess."
(Reporting by Simon Cambers; Editing by Greg Stutchbury) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-tennis-open-karlovic-idUSKCN11603Z?feedType=RSS&feedName=sportsNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FsportsNews+%28Reuters+Sports+News%29 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/36508ee96640e33567668b63da53863597069316a85a30593cd44ed612262a1c.json |
[
"Ho Binh Minh"
] | 2016-08-30T10:52:43 | null | 2016-08-30T09:39:55 | Trading in Vietnamese coffee was lacklustre this week as buyers waited on the sidelines ahead of the arrival of the country's new crop, which is expected to begin in about two months, traders said on Tuesday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-vietnam-coffee-idUSKCN1150X7%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DenvironmentNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252Fenvironment%2B%2528News%2B%252F%2BUS%2B%252F%2BEnvironment%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources_v2/images/rcom-default.png | en | null | Trade lacklustre ahead of fresh crop arrival | null | null | www.reuters.com | HANOI Trading in Vietnamese coffee was lacklustre this week as buyers waited on the sidelines ahead of the arrival of the country's new crop, which is expected to begin in about two months, traders said on Tuesday.
Harvesting of the 2016/2017 crop in Vietnam, the world's largest robusta producer, will start late October in the Central Highlands, with fresh beans expected to load early November.
Robusta prices in Daklak, Vietnam's top growing province, eased to 38,400-38,800 dong ($1.72-$1.74) per kg on Tuesday, from 38,500-38,900 last Tuesday.
"There've been some transactions, but overall the market is still quiet," a trader at a foreign firm in Ho Chi Minh City said, adding Vietnamese robustas grade 2, 5 percent black and broken beans were traded at a discount of $20 a ton to the ICE November contract.
The ICE November robusta contract ended 1.2 percent higher at $1,819 a ton on Monday, but has dropped 0.66 percent in the week ended Aug. 29.
Other dealers said the variety traded at discounts of $5-$10 a ton, compared with prices that ranged from at par with London to a discount of $5 last Tuesday.
Vietnam's coffee crop year lasts between October and September, but the government uses calendar year figures for its statistics.
The government said on Friday that exports rose 38.7 percent from a year ago in the first eight months this year to an estimated 1.26 million tonnes.
A separate report over the weekend on a government website cited a projection by industry body Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association as saying exports in 2016 could reach 1.5 million tonnes, up from its forecast in April of 1 million tonnes exports. (baochinhphu.vn)
Coffee exports this year are expected to be 12 percent higher than the 1.34 million tonnes shipped in 2015.
Revenue from exports last year stood at $2.67 billion, down 25 percent from 2014, government data showed.
($1=22,270 dong)
(Reporting by Ho Binh Minh; Editing by Biju Dwarakanath) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-vietnam-coffee-idUSKCN1150X7?feedType=RSS&feedName=environmentNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2Fenvironment+%28News+%2F+US+%2F+Environment%29 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/cf79d1175e92b884c6e646c0c0a40c77d364a9cb27c7c5ecd8dc3fde020cb637.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-30T16:51:27 | null | 2016-08-30T15:31:24 | Alphabet Inc's Google is close to winning PayPal Holdings Inc as a client for its cloud business, potentially beating out Amazon.com Inc and Microsoft Corp, CNBC reported on Tuesday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-google-paypal-idUSKCN1151X0%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DbusinessNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FbusinessNews%2B%2528Business%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160830&t=2&i=1151592958&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7T138 | en | null | Google cloud unit close to winning PayPal business: CNBC | null | null | www.reuters.com | A Google search page is seen through a magnifying glass in this photo illustration taken in Berlin, August 11, 2015. A U.S. Jury handed Google a major victory May 26, 2016 in a long-running copyright battle with Oracle Corp over Android software to run most of the world's... REUTERS/Pawel Kopczynski/Files - RTX2EEFD
Alphabet Inc's Google is close to winning PayPal Holdings Inc as a client for its cloud business, potentially beating out Amazon.com Inc and Microsoft Corp, CNBC reported on Tuesday.
While Google is the front-runner, the online payments processor is evaluating the other providers and hasn't made any decision yet, CNBC reported, citing people familiar with the matter. (cnb.cx/2bGbowT)
However, PayPal may not move its technology infrastructure in the fourth quarter, the peak period for online commerce, CNBC said.
PayPal has some existing business with Amazon Web Services, according to the CNBC report.
Google has been trying to beef up its presence in cloud computing, a market dominated by Amazon and Microsoft.
Google landed Home Depot Inc as a client in March, highlighting the momentum its cloud business has gained under the leadership of Diane Greene, a co-founder of VMWare Inc. Greene joined Google late last year.
Google also counts popular messaging app Snapchat and the world's biggest paid music streaming service, Spotify, as clients.
Overall, Google was the No. 4 player in cloud infrastructure services last year with a 4 percent market share, according to Synergy Research.
Amazon's AWS cornered 31 percent of the market, while Microsoft's Azure had 9 percent and IBM 7 percent.
Google, PayPal, Amazon and Microsoft did not respond immediately to a request for comment.
(Reporting by Rishika Sadam in Bengaluru; Editing by Saumyadeb Chakrabarty) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-google-paypal-idUSKCN1151X0?feedType=RSS&feedName=businessNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FbusinessNews+%28Business+News%29 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/bb43daf6050324247e0dbd54f1dbae11797e02c6900e94b599ea9dfa0ec7091d.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-30T09:02:30 | null | 2016-08-30T07:19:36 | Digital maps company HERE, controlled by German carmakers BMW, Daimler and Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE), aims to find a new investor by the end of the year, HERE chief Edzard Overbeek told a German newspaper. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-here-equity-idUSKCN1150HX%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DtechnologyNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FtechnologyNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BTechnology%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources_v2/images/rcom-default.png | en | null | Digital mapping firm HERE wants new investor by year-end: Handelsblatt | null | null | www.reuters.com | FRANKFURT Digital maps company HERE, controlled by German carmakers BMW, Daimler and Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE), aims to find a new investor by the end of the year, HERE chief Edzard Overbeek told a German newspaper.
"The carmakers want to open the circle of shareholders. We are talking to dozens of parties interested in taking a stake," daily Handelsblatt quoted Overbeek as saying in an interview published on Tuesday.
Germany's luxury automotive groups including Daimler's Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen's Audi division and BMW bought HERE for 2.5 billion euros ($2.8 billion) from Nokia last year to create an alternative digital mapping business to Google.
Daimler confirmed in April it was in talks with Amazon.com and Microsoft about taking a minority stake in HERE. Auto supplier Bosch [ROBG.UL] has also said it was in talks with HERE.
"It is important to find the right mixture of owners... Partners from the IT sector, from logistics or retail are possible," Overbeek said, according to the newspaper, without naming any possible investors.
Intelligent mapping systems supply information to control self-driving cars, which are equipped with street-scanning sensors to measure traffic and road conditions. This location data can in turn be shared with other map users.
(Reporting by Maria Sheahan, editing by Louise Heavens) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-here-equity-idUSKCN1150HX?feedType=RSS&feedName=technologyNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FtechnologyNews+%28Reuters+Technology+News%29 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/88200ed954154f808f51af3a8f98420f60a815052991e671ae5a585f9d20b966.json |
[
"Marcelo Teixeira"
] | 2016-08-27T00:51:43 | null | 2016-08-26T23:15:22 | Biofuel and climate experts have questioned Brazil's commitment to a plan to cut carbon emissions by raising ethanol use after the country's government this week said it planned to scrap a tax break on the biofuel. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-brazil-ethanol-quarrel-idUSKCN1112HG%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DenvironmentNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252Fenvironment%2B%2528News%2B%252F%2BUS%2B%252F%2BEnvironment%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources_v2/images/rcom-default.png | en | null | Brazil climate pledge questioned after ethanol snub | null | null | www.reuters.com | SAO PAULO Biofuel and climate experts have questioned Brazil's commitment to a plan to cut carbon emissions by raising ethanol use after the country's government this week said it planned to scrap a tax break on the biofuel.
Brazil pledged under the 2015 Paris Climate Accord to increase cane-based ethanol and biodiesel in its energy mix to nearly 18 percent by 2030. That would require an increase in annual production to 50 billion liters of ethanol by 2030 from around 30 billion in 2015/16, experts said.
It was one of the marquee components of Brazil's proposed contributions to the agreement to wean the global economy off fossil fuels and arrest global warming.
But the government on Wednesday said it had no plans to extend a tax break on ethanol sales that expires in December, underscoring its desperation to boost revenues as Brazil suffers its worst recession since the 1930s.
The loss of the tax break would make the biofuel less competitive against gasoline at the pump, prompt drivers to flock back to the petroleum-based fuel, and jeopardize Brazil's flagship Paris proposal, experts said.
"Brazil's intended contributions are very pretty on paper, but so far it's just that: a declaration," said Andre Luis Ferreira, a director at the Institute of Energy and Environment, in Sao Paulo.
The Brazilian ethanol industry has long asked for preferential tax treatment on environmental grounds compared with carbon-rich gasoline.
Elizabeth Farina, head of cane industry association Unica, said the return of the ethanol tax would likely push cane mills to further switch from the biofuel to sugar production next year, as the sweetener already offers far better margins.
"The state doesn't have to spend a cent on us, it only needs to show it wants more biofuels and ... adopt policy recognizing all costs are not reflected in the pump price," Farina told Reuters, referring to the fact ethanol is considered carbon neutral due to the sequester of carbon dioxide by cane plants.
Brokers INTL FCStone on Friday projected Brazil's center-south, the top cane growing region, will produce 26.8 billion liters of ethanol in the 2016/17 crop, 4.7 percent less than in the previous one.
On Wednesday, in an apparent defense of the government's decision, Agriculture Minister Blairo Maggi suggested sugar mills reliant on government handouts were inefficient and should stop asking for subsidies.
"He (Maggi) showed that he does not understand the sector or the mechanisms behind fuel pricing," said Tarcilo Rodrigues, head of sugar and ethanol brokerage Bioagencia.
Brazil's environment ministry declined to comment.
If the government does not recognize the environmental and economic benefits of a strong biofuels industry, the alternative is to import gasoline, given the country's lack of refining capacity, Rodrigues said.
(Reporting by Marcelo Teixeira; Editing by Andrew Hay) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-brazil-ethanol-quarrel-idUSKCN1112HG?feedType=RSS&feedName=environmentNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2Fenvironment+%28News+%2F+US+%2F+Environment%29 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/95a7d2b65179d305ba594d9f64e14ee4a9cf830bab5b17cd3f7c1f96491e8d98.json |
[
"Lucia Mutikani"
] | 2016-08-29T14:50:42 | null | 2016-08-29T12:55:14 | U.S. consumer spending increased for a fourth straight month in July amid strong demand for automobiles, pointing to a pickup in economic growth that could pave the way for the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates this year. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-usa-economy-idUSKCN1141B4%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DbusinessNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FbusinessNews%2B%2528Business%2BNews%2529.json | http://s2.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160829&t=2&i=1151443467&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7S0O3 | en | null | Automobiles boost U.S. consumer spending; inflation still tame | null | null | www.reuters.com | Automobiles are shown for sale at a car dealership in Carlsbad, California, U.S. on May 2, 2016. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo
WASHINGTON U.S. consumer spending increased for a fourth straight month in July amid strong demand for automobiles, pointing to a pickup in economic growth that could pave the way for the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates this year.
The Commerce Department said on Monday that consumer spending, which accounts for more than two-thirds of U.S. economic activity, rose 0.3 percent last month after a 0.5 percent gain in June.
July's increase was in line with economists' expectations. When adjusted for inflation, consumer spending also rose 0.3 percent in July after advancing 0.4 percent in June.
Consumer spending appears to have retained some of its momentum from the second quarter, when it grew at a 4.4 percent annual rate, the fastest in nearly two years. That jump helped to mitigate some of the impact of a sharp inventory drop and prolonged business investment downturn.
The economy grew at a lackluster 1.1 percent annual rate in the second quarter.
U.S. stock futures rose after Monday's data, while prices for U.S. Treasuries held earlier gains. The dollar .DXY was trading higher against a basket of currencies. July's consumer spending data added to reports on the goods trade deficit, industrial production, durable goods orders and residential construction that have pointed to an acceleration in economic growth early in the third quarter.
The Atlanta Fed is currently estimating third-quarter GDP growth rising at a 3.4 percent annual pace.
Consumer spending is being driven by a tightening labor market, which is steadily lifting wages. Rising home values and stock market prices, which are boosting household wealth, are also supporting consumption.
Fed Chair Janet Yellen told a gathering of global central bankers on Friday that she believed the case for raising interest rates had been strengthened in recent months by the "solid performance of the labor market and our outlook for economic activity and inflation."
Last month, there was little sign of inflation pressures even as consumer spending firmed.
The personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index, excluding the volatile food and energy components, edged up 0.1 percent after a similar gain in June.
In the 12 months through July the core PCE increased 1.6 percent. It has risen by the same margin every month since March. The core PCE is the Fed's preferred inflation measure and is running below its 2 percent target.
Consumer spending last month was lifted by a 1.6 percent surge in purchases of long-lasting manufactured goods such as automobiles. Spending on services rose 0.4 percent, but outlays on non-durable goods slipped 0.5 percent.
Personal income increased 0.4 percent in July after rising 0.3 percent in June. Wages and salaries advanced 0.5 percent. Savings rose to $794.7 billion from $776.2 billion in June.
(Reporting by Lucia Mutikani; Editing by Paul Simao) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-economy-idUSKCN1141B4?feedType=RSS&feedName=businessNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FbusinessNews+%28Business+News%29 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/751d709cb9fd000b622d5d0bc481e39720535922743fb9537ea3cc8556341bf1.json |
[
"Roberta Rampton"
] | 2016-08-26T13:20:07 | null | 2016-08-26T04:35:17 | U.S. President Barack Obama will dramatically expand the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument off the coast of Hawaii on Friday, the White House said, an action that will ban commercial fishing from more than 582,500 sq miles (1.5 million sq km) of the Pacific Ocean. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-usa-obama-oceans-idUSKCN111083%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DpoliticsNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2BReuters%252FPoliticsNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BPolitics%2BNews%2529.json | http://s1.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160826&t=2&i=1151120303&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7P042 | en | null | Obama expands Hawaii marine reserve in final push on climate | null | null | www.reuters.com | U.S. President Barack Obama speaks about transportation infrastructure during a visit to the Port of Wilmington in Wilmington, Delaware, U.S. on July 17, 2014. TO MOVE WITH SPECIAL REPORT USA-DELAWARE/BULLOCK REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo
WASHINGTON U.S. President Barack Obama will dramatically expand the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument off the coast of Hawaii on Friday, the White House said, an action that will ban commercial fishing from more than 582,500 sq miles (1.5 million sq km) of the Pacific Ocean.
Obama will visit the protected area on Sept. 1 to draw attention to the threat that climate change poses to oceans, traveling to Midway Atoll - a remote coral reef that was the site of a pivotal World War Two battle and is now known for its sea turtles, monk seals, and millions of seabirds.
Obama, who was born in Hawaii and spent most of his childhood there, made curbing climate change a central part of his time in the White House, which draws to a close on Jan. 20.
Some of his efforts have been blocked by Congress or held up in court challenges. But preserving public space from development has been something Obama can do using his own power, and he had moved to permanently protect more than 265 million acres of land and water even before the expansion in Hawaii.
Obama has also sought to use the star power of his office to raise public concern about climate issues. Trailed by camera crews, he has hiked on an Alaska glacier and walked through the Florida Everglades.
His journey to Midway Atoll, a former naval base that is now a rarely visited refuge, is aimed at sending a hopeful message.
"The best science shows that the ocean can recover, if you allow it to," said Senator Brian Schatz, who worked with scientists, environmental groups and native Hawaiians to urge Obama to expand the monument.
"As daunting as the problem of climate change is, and as troubling as the situation is with respect to our oceans, they show remarkable resilience, if you give them a chance," Schatz told Reuters.
The monument was first established 10 years ago by former Republican President George W. Bush, who created the world's largest marine reserve at the time, protecting close to 140,000 sq miles of ocean around the Hawaiian archipelago and inspiring a series of similar projects around the world.
The four-fold boost in territory will cover an area with more than 7,000 marine species, including a coral that is the world's oldest-known living organism at 4,265 years old.
"We think of Papahānaumokuākea's original designation as a catalyst, and we're hoping it will be again," said Seth Horstmeyer, a director with Pew's Global Ocean Legacy project. Only about 3 percent of the world's oceans have similar protections, according to Pew.
Obama is set on Wednesday to address leaders of Pacific islands and a global conference of conservation officials and environmental groups in Honolulu.
"We would like the other nations to follow suit," said Sol Kaho'ohalahala, a seventh-generation native Hawaiian. In an interview, Kaho'ohalahala explained that Papahānaumokuākea, considered a sacred place, figures large in the creation myths of his people.
"We are part of this place, we're not the beginning of this place," he said. "Our responsibility is really as a people now how to care for this place."
Some Hawaiians had argued against the expansion. Longline commercial fishermen, who have been praised for sustainable fishing, have counted on the area for an estimated 3 to 13 percent of their annual catch of tuna, which is limited under quotas and governed by extensive conservation measures.
"Excluding American citizens from American waters and forcing in this case fishermen onto the high seas to do their business - something just doesn’t quite sit right," said Sean Martin, president of the Hawaii Longline Association, explaining the expansion could raise his costs.
But Hawaiian Senator Schatz, who worked on a compromise plan to accommodate certain types of fishing and more Native Hawaiian involvement in managing the preserve, said there would be plenty of fish left for longline fishermen in other areas.
"They will have very little difficulty fishing up to the limit under the tuna treaty, even with the new boundaries," Schatz said.
(Reporting by Roberta Rampton; Editing by Sandra Maler and Richard Pullin) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-obama-oceans-idUSKCN111083?feedType=RSS&feedName=politicsNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Reuters%2FPoliticsNews+%28Reuters+Politics+News%29 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/2112923f36a62c5fde88ab1f35d7476259e1b6ee95a546fd3ba8fbaa1560d299.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-30T17:02:08 | null | 2016-08-30T16:30:23 | The U.S. Department of Agriculture has closed six offices in five U.S. states after receiving anonymous threats, a USDA representative said on Tuesday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-usda-threats-idUSKCN11527G%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DdomesticNews.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources_v2/images/rcom-default.png | en | null | USDA closes offices in five U.S. states after threats | null | null | www.reuters.com | The U.S. Department of Agriculture has closed six offices in five U.S. states after receiving anonymous threats, a USDA representative said on Tuesday.
"Yesterday, USDA received several anonymous messages that are concerning for the safety of USDA personnel and its facilities. As a precaution, USDA has closed offices," USDA spokesman Matthew Herrick said in an emailed statement.
Herrick said offices were closed in Fort Collins, Colorado; Hamden, Connecticut; Beltsville, Maryland; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Kearneysville and Leetown, West Virginia.
White House spokesman Josh Earnest said USDA was working with the Department of Homeland Security to ensure the safety of their offices and personnel, but he declined to provide any details about the threats.
"In consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, USDA has taken some prudent steps to ensure the protection of their facilities and their personnel," he told a news conference.
(Reporting by Tim Ahmann in Washington and P.J. Huffstutter in Chicago; Writing by Michael Hirtzer; Editing by Matthew Lewis) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usda-threats-idUSKCN11527G?feedType=RSS&feedName=domesticNews | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/bb9d2fed16a6bcd331e183957e1b153ea28e051373ddcc46bb36589d0fe9d46c.json |
[
"Stephen Kalin"
] | 2016-08-27T12:49:53 | null | 2016-08-27T11:42:49 | Iraq's government would consider selling crude through Iran should talks with the autonomous Kurdish region on an oil revenue-sharing agreement fail, a senior oil ministry official in Baghdad told Reuters. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-mideast-crisis-iraq-oil-idUSKCN1120CE%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DbusinessNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FbusinessNews%2B%2528Business%2BNews%2529.json | http://s3.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160827&t=2&i=1151266021&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7Q07O | en | null | Exclusive: Iraq plans to sell oil through Iran if talks with Kurds fail | null | null | www.reuters.com | A general view at Turkey's Mediterranean port of Ceyhan, which is run by state-owned Petroleum Pipeline Corporation (BOTAS), some 70 km (43.5 miles) from Adana February 19, 2014. REUTERS/Umit Bektas
BAGHDAD Iraq's government would consider selling crude through Iran should talks with the autonomous Kurdish region on an oil revenue-sharing agreement fail, a senior oil ministry official in Baghdad told Reuters.
Iraq's State Oil Marketing Organisation (SOMO) plans to hold talks with the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG), possibly next week, about Iraqi oil exported through Turkey, Deputy Oil Minister Fayadh al-Nema said in an interview on Friday evening.
"If the negotiations come to a close" without an agreement "we will start to find a way in order to sell our oil because we need money, either to Iran or other countries", he said by telephone.
Iraq, OPEC's second-largest producer after Saudi Arabia, depends on oil sales for 95 percent of its public income. Its economy is reeling under the double impact of low oil prices and the war against Islamic State militants.
The Kurdistan region produces around 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) on its territory and exports those volumes via Turkey. Baghdad would not be able to reroute those volumes to Iran but could order shipments of some 150,000 bpd via Iran that are being produced in the nearby province of Kirkuk.
An agreement between Iran and Iraq could function in a similar fashion as oil-swap deals Tehran has had with Caspian Sea nations, according to an oil official who asked not to be identified.
Iran would import Iraqi oil to its refineries and export an equivalent amount of its own crude on behalf of Baghdad from Iranian ports on the Gulf. Iraq has ports on the Gulf but they are not linked to the northern Kirkuk fields by pipeline.
Iraq's state-run North Oil Company resumed pumping crude through the Kurdish-controlled pipeline to Turkey last week as "a sign of goodwill to invite them (the Kurds) to start negotiations," Nema said.
He said pumping had resumed on the instruction of Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi following "some understanding" between Baghdad and Erbil. Abadi said on Tuesday the decision had been made to avoid damage to reservoirs.
The flow of crude extracted from Kirkuk by North Oil and pumped in the pipeline has been running at about 75,000 bpd since last week, or half the rate before it was halted in March, Nema said.
Should there be an agreement with the Kurds, flow through the pipeline would be increased to more than 100,000 bpd, not to the previous level of 150,000 bpd, he added.
Nema said about 20,000 bpd would be supplied to the refinery of Suleimaniya, in the Kurdish region, and 30,000 bpd would be refined locally in Kirkuk.
The pipeline carries crude to the Mediterranean port of Ceyhan, where the Kurds have been selling it independently on the international market, along with oil produced in their northern region.
The Kurdish government has been calling on Baghdad since March to resume the pumping of Kirkuk crude in full to help Erbil fund its war against Islamic State. Sources in Erbil have said splitting the Kirkuk flows would divide the Kurds and complicate the task of fighting the ultra-hardline militants.
A KRG spokesman in June told Reuters the Kurds are ready to strike an agreement with Baghdad if it guarantees them monthly revenue of $1 billion, more than double what they make currently from selling their own oil.
The dispute revolves around Kurdish oil exports that Baghdad wants to bring under its control.
"If Baghdad comes and says 'OK, give me all the oil that you have and I'll give you the 17 percent as per the budget', which equals to 1 billion, I think, logically it should be the thing to accept," KRG spokesman Safeen Dizayee said in June.
"Whether this oil goes to the international market or first to Baghdad and then to the market, it doesn't make any difference," he added. "We are ready to enter dialogue with Baghdad."
The Kurdish government stopped delivering crude oil to the central government about a year ago, a decision taken when Baghdad's payment fell under $400 million a month, Dizayee said.
It is also in a dispute with the central government over Kirkuk, where North Oil produces its crude and which the Kurds claim as part of their territory. The Kurds took control of the region two years ago, after the Iraqi army disintegrated when Islamic State overran a third of the country.
(Additional reporting by Aref Mohammed in Basra; Writing by Maher Chmaytelli; Editing by Dale Hudson) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-iraq-oil-idUSKCN1120CE?feedType=RSS&feedName=businessNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FbusinessNews+%28Business+News%29 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/8f655f741d58e5c9437dc1a70505bc215c70215f42531699239f61aecfde3a35.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-30T23:02:14 | null | 2016-08-30T20:52:06 | A former Virginia politician who was jailed over a sex scandal involving a teenage girl leads a crowded field running for mayor of the state's capital city, a poll showed on Tuesday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-virginia-politics-idUSKCN1152OO%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DdomesticNews.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources_v2/images/rcom-default.png | en | null | Poll shows Virginia lawmaker jailed in sex scandal leading mayor's race | null | null | www.reuters.com | A former Virginia politician who was jailed over a sex scandal involving a teenage girl leads a crowded field running for mayor of the state's capital city, a poll showed on Tuesday.
Joe Morrissey, 58, holds a commanding lead in the Richmond mayor's race with 28 percent of the vote city-wide, according to the Christopher Newport University poll. The poll showed him about 12 points ahead of the nearest of his seven competitors.
Morrissey pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor in December 2014 for his relationship with a receptionist who began working in his office when she was 17. He is now married to the woman and they have two children.
Morrissey, who was first elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 2007, was sentenced to six months in jail and resigned from office. He switched from Democrat to run as an independent in the special election to fill his seat.
During a three-month stay in an area jail, Morrissey commuted to the state legislature on work release and also ran his re-election campaign.
Morrissey stunned political pundits when he won in January 2015 while serving his jail sentence. He gave up his most recent bid to serve in the state Senate last September, citing health problems.
The poll was based on 600 live interviews with registered voters Aug. 18 through- 24 and has a margin of error of 4.9 percentage points.
Morrissey also had his license to practice law revoked by the Virginia State Bar Disciplinary Board in 2003.
(Reporting by Curtis Skinner in San Francisco; Editing by Dan Grebler) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-virginia-politics-idUSKCN1152OO?feedType=RSS&feedName=domesticNews | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/c9424b4a9bf84386e827c1dfde22c11d629c40d3c1f8ec1d8b0ab434db03134c.json |
[
"Will Dunham"
] | 2016-08-26T13:20:41 | null | 2016-08-12T19:52:24 | The Greenland shark, a big and slow-moving deep-ocean predator that prowls the frigid waters of the Arctic and North Atlantic, can claim the distinction of being the planet's longest-living vertebrate, with a lifespan perhaps reaching about 400 years. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-science-shark-idUSKCN10M208%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DscienceNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FscienceNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BScience%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160811&t=2&i=1149298197&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7A13W | en | null | Long in the tooth: the Greenland shark may live four centuries | null | null | www.reuters.com | A Greenland shark swims away from a research boat, returning to the deep and cold waters of the Uummannaq Fjord in northwestern Greenland, in this undated handout picture from Julius Nielsen. Julius Nielsen/Handout via Reuters
A two-meter-long Greenland shark female is seen in the waters off southwestern Greenland, in this undated handout picture from Julius Nielsen. Julius Nielsen/Handout via Reuters
A Greenland shark swims near the surface after its release from the research vessel Sanna in northern Greenland, in this undated handout picture from Julius Nielsen. Julius Nielsen/Handout via Reuters
A Greenland shark is seen on the research vessel Pamiut in southwest Greenland, in this undated handout picture from Julius Nielsen. Julius Nielsen/Handout via Reuters
WASHINGTON The Greenland shark, a big and slow-moving deep-ocean predator that prowls the frigid waters of the Arctic and North Atlantic, can claim the distinction of being the planet's longest-living vertebrate, with a lifespan perhaps reaching about 400 years.
Its extremely sluggish growth rate, about four-tenths of a inch (1 cm) per year, had already tipped off scientists that it lived a very long time, and research published on Thursday calculated the Greenland shark's lifespan for the first time.
Danish marine biologist Julius Nielsen said radiocarbon dating that analyzed the shark's eye lens found that the oldest of 28 sharks studied was likely about 392 years old, with 95 percent certainty of an age range between 272 and 512 years.
Females astoundingly did not reach sexual maturation until they were at least 134 years old, Nielsen said.
The Greenland shark, up to about 18 feet (5.5 meters) long, is among the largest carnivorous sharks.
Nielsen, a University of Copenhagen doctoral student who led the study published in the journal Science, said the findings should bring this shark much-deserved respect.
"This species is completely overlooked, and only a few scientists in the world are working with this species," Nielsen said.
"Our findings show that even though the uncertainty is great that they should be considered the oldest vertebrate animal in the world," Nielsen added.
Nielsen said the vertebrate with the longest-known lifespan until now was the bowhead whale, topping 200 years.
Greenland sharks have a plump elongated body, round nose, relatively small dorsal fin, sandpaper-like skin and gray or blackish-brown coloration. They are slow swimmers and are nearly blind, but are capable hunters, eating fish, marine mammals and carrion.
They are known to be relatively abundant throughout the North Atlantic and Arctic, particularly from eastern Canada to western Russia. They occasionally are spotted by deep-sea robotic submarines at latitudes further south, such as in the Gulf of Mexico. They have been observed in depths down to 1.4 miles (2.2 km).
"They may widely inhabit the deep sea, potentially living anywhere water temperatures are below about 5 Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit)," said Australian Institute of Marine Science marine biologist Aaron MacNeil, who was not involved in the study.
MacNeil said the study did an admirable job of tackling a difficult matter but questioned an element of the dating analysis and said the estimate of a roughly 392-year-old shark "seems high to me."
(Reporting by Will Dunham; Editing by Sandra Maler) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-science-shark-idUSKCN10M208?feedType=RSS&feedName=scienceNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FscienceNews+%28Reuters+Science+News%29 | en | 2016-08-12T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/f6a29425eb8a27d1128aa98abd4cfd95774e4ae99f6b87292d444fbb2b4bfbe1.json |
[
"Kate Kelland"
] | 2016-08-26T13:20:35 | null | 2016-08-16T15:25:27 | Wild bees that forage from oilseed rape crops treated with insecticides known as neonicotinoids are more likely to undergo long-term population declines than bees that forage from other sources, according to the findings of an 18-year study. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-science-bees-neonicotinoids-idUSKCN10R1M5%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DscienceNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FscienceNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BScience%2BNews%2529.json | http://s2.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160816&t=2&i=1149890444&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7F0YB | en | null | Long-term study links neonicotinoids to wild bee declines | null | null | www.reuters.com | LONDON Wild bees that forage from oilseed rape crops treated with insecticides known as neonicotinoids are more likely to undergo long-term population declines than bees that forage from other sources, according to the findings of an 18-year study.
The new research covered 62 species of bee found in the wild in Britain and found a link between their shrinking populations and the use of neonicotinoid pesticides.
Neonicotinoids are used worldwide in a range of crops and have been shown in lab-based studies to be harmful to certain species of bee - notably commercial honeybees and bumblebees.
The European Union limited use of the chemicals - made and sold by various companies including Bayer CropScience and Syngenta - two years ago, after research pointed to risks for bees, which are crucial for pollinating crops.
Neonicotinoids were initially licensed for use as a pesticide in Britain in 2002. By 2011, the proportion of UK oilseed rape seeds treated with them was 83 percent, according to the researchers leading this latest study.
Going back to data from 1994 up to 2011, the scientists analyzed how large-scale applications of neonicotinoids to oilseed rape crops influenced bee population changes.
The results, published in the journal Nature Communications, found that bees foraging on treated oilseed rape were three times more likely to experience population declines than bees foraging from other crops or wild plants.
Giving details at a briefing in London, Ben Woodcock, who co-led the study, said the average decline in population across all 62 species was 7.0 percent, but the average decline among 34 species that forage on oilseed rape was higher, at 10 percent.
Five of the 62 species studied declined by 20 percent or more, he said, and the worst affected declined by 30 percent.
Woodcock, an ecological entomologist at the Natural Environmental Research Council Center for Ecology and Hydrology, said the findings showed the extent of the impact.
"Prior to this, people had an idea that something might be happening, but no-one had an idea of the scale," he told reporters. "(Our results show that) it's long-term, it's large scale, and it's many more species than we knew about before."
Woodcock's team said this should add to the body of evidence being considered in a review of neonicotinoid risks to bees being carried out by the European Food Standards Authority, expected to be completed by January 2017.
Christopher Connolly, a neurobiologist and bee expert at the University of Dundee, who was not directly involved in this research, said: "The evidence against neonicotinoids now exists in key bee brain cells involved in learning and memory, in whole bees, entire colonies and now at the level of whole populations of wild bees."
(Reporting by Kate Kelland; Editing by Janet Lawrence) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-science-bees-neonicotinoids-idUSKCN10R1M5?feedType=RSS&feedName=scienceNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FscienceNews+%28Reuters+Science+News%29 | en | 2016-08-16T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/f499c4f3d46c389fbfc9793508792cb2c78c610c52b5f28782d6bfb837f705fc.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-29T11:04:44 | null | 2016-08-29T10:50:22 | Iran's military detected a U.S. drone entering Iranian airspace on Monday and issued a warning for it to leave, which it subsequently did, Iran's Tasnim news agency reported. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-iran-usa-drones-idUSKCN1140ZJ%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DworldNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2BReuters%252FworldNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BWorld%2BNews%2529.json | http://s3.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160829&t=2&i=1151429837&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7S0G6 | en | null | U.S. drone enters Iran's airspace, leaves after warning: Tasnim | null | null | www.reuters.com | A model of a military drone is seen in front of an U.S. flag as protesters rally against climate change, ahead of the Democratic National Convention, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., July 24, 2016. REUTERS/Dominick Reuter
ANKARA Iran's military detected a U.S. drone entering Iranian airspace on Monday and issued a warning for it to leave, which it subsequently did, Iran's Tasnim news agency reported.
"Iran's army air defense detected and warned an American drone in the eastern airspace of the country. It was coming from Afghanistan. The drone left the area," Tasnim quoted the Iranian military as saying.
Tasnim gave no details on how the Iranian authorities had warned the unmanned drone to leave its airspace.
A U.S. defense official said last week that four of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) vessels 'harassed' a U.S. warship on Tuesday near the Strait of Hormuz.
Tehran said the ships had only been carrying out their regular duties monitoring foreign ships near Iranian waters.
(Reporting by Parisa Hafezi; Editing by William Maclean and Toby Chopra) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-usa-drones-idUSKCN1140ZJ?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Reuters%2FworldNews+%28Reuters+World+News%29 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/106a39be7cce3c65e002c10adf301c1b7a7670312d21a2abcbba5e58056082e7.json |
[
"Trevor Hunnicutt"
] | 2016-08-29T04:52:32 | null | 2016-08-29T02:53:02 | Nearly a third of U.S. counties will likely be served by only one insurer that participates in an Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace in 2017, according to an analysis published Sunday by the Kaiser Family Foundation. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-usa-healthcare-idUSKCN11406O%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DhealthNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FhealthNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BHealth%2BNews%2529.json | http://s3.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160829&t=2&i=1151394528&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7S036 | en | null | More U.S. counties to see Obamacare marketplace monopoly: analysis | null | null | www.reuters.com | U.S. President Barack Obama delivers remarks about health insurance marketplace enrollments and the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin March 3, 2016. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
NEW YORK Nearly a third of U.S. counties will likely be served by only one insurer that participates in an Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace in 2017, according to an analysis published Sunday by the Kaiser Family Foundation.
The 31 percent of U.S. counties that will have just a single option of insurers within the ACA's exchanges would represent an increase from 7 percent this year, the nonpartisan group found.
UnitedHealth Group Inc (UNH.N) and Aetna Inc (AET.N) have decided to largely exit government-run online marketplaces in 2017 that sell subsidized plans created under President Barack Obama's national healthcare reform law, citing low enrollment and high service costs.
The bulk of the decrease in counties with a choice of insurers is due to UnitedHealth's pullback, which was announced in April.
The data underscores the degree to which industry retrenchment is curtailing individual's options within the marketplaces. Insurer departures may lead to higher costs within that market, analysts have said.
One county - Pinal County, Arizona - risks having no insurer options at all within the marketplace, the analysis found.
However, the study's authors said another plan offered elsewhere in the state could expand to serve the county. The foundation also said it could take more months and more data for the full impact of the changes for 2017 to become clear.
A spokeswoman for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services was not immediately available for comment, but the agency has said that the ACA has helped increase the number of options available to individuals.
(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt; Editing by Paul Tait) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-healthcare-idUSKCN11406O?feedType=RSS&feedName=healthNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FhealthNews+%28Reuters+Health+News%29 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/198af4e0badff3d2aa3e5a3b503089adc6547557c9c77a8c09a97486cb9dc230.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-26T13:20:05 | null | 2016-08-24T06:52:08 | Standing in line for a special ceremony, uniformed soldiers of His Majesty the King of Norway's Guard are carefully inspected -- by a penguin. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-britain-penguin-medal-idUSKCN10Y1FK%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DoddlyEnoughNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FoddlyEnoughNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BOddly%2BEnough%2529.json | http://s3.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160824&t=2&i=1150825271&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7M0WK | en | null | Penguin promoted to brigadier at Edinburgh Zoo | null | null | www.reuters.com | A king penguin named Sir Nils Olav inspects uniformed soldiers of His Majesty the King of Norway's Guard at RZSS Edinburgh Zoo, in Edinburgh, Scotland in this handout photograph from August 22, 2016. RZSS/Katie Paton/Handout via REUTERS
A king penguin named Sir Nils Olav inspects uniformed soldiers of His Majesty the King of Norway's Guard at RZSS Edinburgh Zoo, in Edinburgh, Scotland in this handout photograph from August 22, 2016. RZSS/Katie Paton/Handout via REUTERS
LONDON Standing in line for a special ceremony, uniformed soldiers of His Majesty the King of Norway's Guard are carefully inspected -- by a penguin.
Sir Nils Olav, a resident king penguin at Edinburgh Zoo, was honored with the title of brigadier on Monday during a parade in the Scottish park. The bird is the mascot of His Majesty the King of Norway's Guard and was made a knight in 2008.
Under cloudy skies, Sir Nils Olav slowly made his way down the zoo's Penguin Walk, ending his inspection with a cry and a scratch of his head. A zoo keeper then bestowed the honor on his wing.
The penguinial link between Edinburgh Zoo and Norway goes back to 1914 when a Norwegian family presented the zoo with king penguins.
In 1972, one of the zoo's king penguins was named Nils Olav after Norwegian Major Nils Egelien, who arranged his adoption, and Norway's then King Olav. Two others have shared the name since.
More than 50 Norwegian soldiers are in Scotland to take part in The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and it has become a custom for them to promote the penguin when in the city.
(Reporting By George Sargent Editing by Jeremy Gaunt) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-penguin-medal-idUSKCN10Y1FK?feedType=RSS&feedName=oddlyEnoughNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FoddlyEnoughNews+%28Reuters+Oddly+Enough%29 | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/e02e6e97745c7e03f42b8d03812ab891c4459457f586494644f9991f334f6a3f.json |
[
"Dan Whitcomb"
] | 2016-08-30T00:59:37 | null | 2016-08-29T23:44:14 | California lawmakers, responding to outrage over the six-month jail term given to a former Stanford University swimmer after his conviction for sexually assaulting an unconscious woman, passed legislation on Monday closing a loophole that allowed the sentence. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-california-rape-bill-idUSKCN1142G9%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DpoliticsNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2BReuters%252FPoliticsNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BPolitics%2BNews%2529.json | http://s2.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160829&t=2&i=1151505418&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7S1DH | en | null | California lawmakers pass rape bill inspired by Stanford case | null | null | www.reuters.com | A hand-made sign referencing consent in relation to sexual assault lays on the ground at the Stanford University commencement ceremony in Palo Alto, California, U.S. June 12, 2016. REUTERS/Elijah Nouvelage
LOS ANGELES California lawmakers, responding to outrage over the six-month jail term given to a former Stanford University swimmer after his conviction for sexually assaulting an unconscious woman, passed legislation on Monday closing a loophole that allowed the sentence.
The bill now goes to Democratic Governor Jerry Brown for his approval. He has not indicated whether he will sign it into law.
The measure was introduced in response to the sentence given to 20-year-old Brock Turner by Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Aaron Persky in June, which was widely condemned as too lenient.
Prosecutors had asked that Turner be given six years in state prison. He is scheduled to be released on Friday from jail in Northern California.
"Sexually assaulting an unconscious or intoxicated victim is a terrible crime and our laws need to reflect that," Democratic Assemblyman Bill Dodd, a co-author of the legislation, said in a written statement following its passage.
Turner was convicted of assault with intent to commit rape, penetration of an intoxicated person and penetration of an unconscious person in the January 2015 attack. Under California law, those charges are not considered rape because they did not involve penile penetration.
The uproar over the sentence, fueled in part by the victim's harrowing letter in which she detailed the assault in graphic terms, comes amid growing outrage over sexual assault on U.S. college campuses.
“This bill is about more than sentencing, it’s about supporting victims and changing the culture on our college campuses to help prevent future crimes," Dodd said.
The case has also led to efforts to remove Persky from the bench. Earlier this month, the judge asked for a transfer to civil court.
According to the legislators, current California law calls for a mandatory prison term in cases of rape or sexual assault where force is used, but not when the victim is unconscious or severely intoxicated and thus unable to resist.
The bill, which faced no serious opposition in the Democratic-controlled legislature, would eliminate a judge's discretion to sentence defendants convicted of such crimes to probation. Under its provisions, Turner would have faced a minimum of three years behind bars.
(Reporting by Dan Whitcomb; Editing by Leslie Adler and Peter Cooney) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-california-rape-bill-idUSKCN1142G9?feedType=RSS&feedName=politicsNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Reuters%2FPoliticsNews+%28Reuters+Politics+News%29 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/6e2e4cf38790667a6b530d31cea38cac5b7dfefcf43048ced51d75f6421d2218.json |
[
"Tracy Rucinski"
] | 2016-08-26T22:49:35 | null | 2016-08-26T22:34:17 | Caesars Entertainment Corp (CZR.O) must face lawsuits from bondholders seeking some $11 billion in claims, a U.S. judge ruled on Friday in a decision the casino company had warned could plunge it into bankruptcy alongside its operating unit. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-caesars-bankruptcy-idUSKCN1112CD%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DbusinessNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FbusinessNews%2B%2528Business%2BNews%2529.json | http://s3.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160826&t=2&i=1151220833&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7P1FK | en | null | Caesars must face $11 billion in lawsuits: U.S. judge | null | null | www.reuters.com | Las Vegas Strip casinos are seen from the 550 foot-tall (167.6 m) High Roller observation wheel, the tallest in the world, in Las Vegas, Nevada April 9, 2014. REUTERS/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus
CHICAGO Caesars Entertainment Corp (CZR.O) must face lawsuits from bondholders seeking some $11 billion in claims, a U.S. judge ruled on Friday in a decision the casino company had warned could plunge it into bankruptcy alongside its operating unit.
Shares of the Nevada-based gaming company fell 12 percent after-hours.
Caesars Entertainment Operating Co (CEOC), which filed for Chapter 11 protection in January 2015, was asking for a third court shield from lawsuits against its parent to protect a multibillion-dollar contribution to its reorganization plan.
The high-stakes CEOC bankruptcy has been plagued by a complex web of litigation pitting some of the most aggressive investors on Wall Street against each other.
A current injunction expires on Aug. 29, a day before Caesars faces a potential ruling in New York on lawsuits from bondholders alleging it reneged on guarantees from bonds issued by CEOC prior to the unit's $18 billion bankruptcy.
CEOC had argued that another halt to a decision on those lawsuits was critical to securing a settlement with holdout creditors before its reorganization plan heads to a confirmation trial in January.
"I can't find that an injunction is likely to enhance the prospects for negotiation," U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Benjamin Goldgar in Chicago said in his courtroom ruling.
Bitter creditors accuse Caesars and its private equity sponsors Apollo Global Management LLC (APO.N) and TPG Capital Management LP [TPG.UL] of stripping the unit of choice assets such as the LINQ Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas and leaving it bankrupt.
Caesars, Apollo and TPG have denied any wrongdoing, though a court-appointed examiner found they could be on the hook for up to $5.1 billion in claims.
To settle the allegations Caesars has offered to pitch about $4 billion into CEOC's reorganization in exchange for releases from the claims. Goldgar asked on Friday why Apollo and TPG were not also contributing, saying the injunctions to date had provided them "a comfortable free ride" on CEOC's "coattails".
Both Caesars and CEOC said they were disappointed by the decision. The court's refusal to extend the shield puts Caesars' "substantial contribution" to CEOC's reorganization plan "at serious risk," a Caesars spokesman said in an email.
CEOC lawyers said they planned to appeal the ruling.
"It would be hard to reverse Goldgar without dramatically expanding the availability of third-party releases, something that would be out of step with the standards in other circuits," said Douglas Baird, a professor at the University of Chicago Law School.
(Editing by Meredith Mazzilli and Matthew Lewis) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-caesars-bankruptcy-idUSKCN1112CD?feedType=RSS&feedName=businessNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FbusinessNews+%28Business+News%29 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/031217a294d637543bcd057124b9cd17b8aa3f757932a32126d2a70f25be5657.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-31T08:52:53 | null | 2016-08-31T07:19:12 | South African furnitureretailer Steinhoff saw full-year revenue rise by athird as the company, which is buying the United States'Mattress Firm and Britain's Poundland, saidits European business had performed strongly. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fsteinhoff-intlnl-results-idUSL8N1BC0WT%3Ftype%3DcompanyNews%26feedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DcompanyNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FcompanyNews%2B%2528News%2B%252F%2BUS%2B%252F%2BCompany%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources_v2/images/rcom-default.png | en | null | UPDATE 1-S.Africa furniture retailer Steinhoff's sales rise by a third | null | null | www.reuters.com | (Adds details, estimates)
JOHANNESBURG Aug 31 South African furniture retailer Steinhoff saw full-year revenue rise by a third as the company, which is buying the United States' Mattress Firm and Britain's Poundland, said its European business had performed strongly.
The $25 billion company, which sells low-priced beds and cupboards in Europe, southern Africa and Asia, said revenue rose to 13.1 billion euros ($14.60 billion) in the 12 months ended June from 9.8 billion euros a year earlier.
That was broadly in line with a 13.2 billion euros estimate by Thomson Reuters StarMine's SmartEstimates, which puts more weight on recent forecasts and those from historically accurate analysts.
Operating profit increased 32 percent to 1.5 billion euros.
Steinhoff has been on an acquisition spree to offset exposure to a deteriorating home market with safer assets in markets such as Europe.
Its European businesses that include Conforama in France and Bensons Beds furniture chain in Britain boosted household goods' revenue by 15 percent to 7.2 billion euros, while its African furniture businesses' revenue dropped 18 percent as debt-laden consumers cut back on big-ticket items.
Steinhoff is due to report its full results next Tuesday. ($1 = 0.8973 euros) (Reporting by Tiisetso Motsoeneng; Editing by Mark Potter and Louise Heavens) | http://www.reuters.com/article/steinhoff-intlnl-results-idUSL8N1BC0WT?type=companyNews&feedType=RSS&feedName=companyNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FcompanyNews+%28News+%2F+US+%2F+Company+News%29 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/2acd4e1731cad0dfab06e0bc74badfcbf3c3ea8b26268145103dbfdc6bd66a5d.json |
[
"Tarek Amara"
] | 2016-08-27T03:04:18 | null | 2016-08-27T01:27:38 | Tunisia's new government won a confidence vote late on Friday after the Prime Minister Youssef Chahed warned in Parliament an austerity program will be inevitable with thousands of public sector job cuts and new taxes if Tunisia does not overcome its economic difficulties. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-tunisia-politics-premier-idUSKCN11112P%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DworldNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2BReuters%252FworldNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BWorld%2BNews%2529.json | http://s2.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160826&t=2&i=1151153651&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7P0KG | en | null | Tunisia's new government wins parliamentary approval, eyes austerity | null | null | www.reuters.com | Tunisia's Prime Minister designate Youssef Chahed speaks at the Assembly of People's Representatives in Tunis, Tunisia August 26, 2016. REUTERS/Zoubeir Souissi
Tunisia's Prime Minister designate Youssef Chahed speaks at the Assembly of People's Representatives in Tunis, Tunisia August 26, 2016. REUTERS/Zoubeir Souissi
Tunisia's Prime Minister designate Youssef Chahed speaks at the Assembly of People's Representatives in Tunis, Tunisia August 26, 2016. REUTERS/Zoubeir Souissi
Tunisia's Prime Minister designate Youssef Chahed (front 2nd L) arrives to deliver a speech at the Assembly of People's Representatives in Tunis, Tunisia August 26, 2016. REUTERS/Zoubeir Souissi
Tunisia's Prime Minister designate Youssef Chahed speaks at the Assembly of People's Representatives in Tunis, Tunisia August 26, 2016. REUTERS/Zoubeir Souissi
TUNIS Tunisia's new government won a confidence vote late on Friday after the Prime Minister Youssef Chahed warned in Parliament an austerity program will be inevitable with thousands of public sector job cuts and new taxes if Tunisia does not overcome its economic difficulties.
The Unity government was backed by 167 of the parliament's 217 members.
The North African state is struggling with lower tourism revenues after two Islamist militant attacks on foreign tourists last year hit what is one of its key industries. Strikes and protests for jobs have also hurt the country's phosphate production.
Chahed has promised his new government will take tough decisions to help the economy grow and create jobs as the country comes under pressure from international lenders to push through reforms and trim public spending.
Lawmakers were meeting on Friday to vote whether to approve Chahed's new government - a broad coalition of secular, Islamist and leftist parties, independents and trade union allies which he believes can deliver on economic reforms.
"If the situation continues like this then in 2017 we will need a policy of austerity, and dismiss thousands of public sector employees and impose new taxes," Chahed told lawmakers before the vote.
Chahed, an ally of President Beji Caid Essebsi, promised a tough line on the economy. But critics question whether he has the political clout to overcome the labor union opposition, strikes and party infighting that have dogged past governments.
He said economic growth this year would not surpass 1.5 percent, below the official target of 2.5 percent for the year.
Chahed said state production of phosphate - a major revenue earner - had declined in the past five years by 60 percent, while public wage payouts had more than doubled from 6.7 billion dinars ($3.06 billion) in 2010 to 13.4 billion dinars this year.
He also expected the budget deficit to widen by 2.9 billion dinars to 6.5 billion dinars by year-end.
Chahed, at 41 the youngest prime minister Tunisia has ever had, said his government would be tough on illegal strikes.
"We will not allow interruption of production at any factory and we will be firm and severe in dealing with illegal strikes and sit-ins."
He vowed to press ahead with economic reforms sought by international lenders such as the International Monetary Fund and World Bank.
At 13.5 percent of GDP, Tunisia's public sector wage bill is proportionately one of the highest in the world. But labor unions and other groups have resisted attempts to reform pensions and introduce more taxes.
An estimated $3 billion in debt service payments is due next year and the state is likely to struggle just to come up with the roughly $450 million it needs every month to pay employees.
(Reporting by Tarek Amara; writing by Patrick Markey; editing by Richard Balmforth, G Crosse) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-tunisia-politics-premier-idUSKCN11112P?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Reuters%2FworldNews+%28Reuters+World+News%29 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/a189b38e29d60ae6fc5aa8223150faefa97ad117b3c781281ce7293b3518e9ec.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-26T16:59:04 | null | 2016-08-26T16:31:04 | Paul Wolfowitz, a Republican adviser to former U.S. President George W. Bush, plans to vote for Democrat Hillary Clinton in the November presidential election despite his "serious reservations", Der Spiegel magazine reported on Friday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-usa-election-clinton-wolfowitz-idUSKCN1111XS%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DpoliticsNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2BReuters%252FPoliticsNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BPolitics%2BNews%2529.json | http://s1.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160826&t=2&i=1151194606&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7P170 | en | null | Former Bush adviser Wolfowitz to vote for Clinton: Spiegel | null | null | www.reuters.com | Former World Bank president Paul Wolfowitz leaves his house in the Washington suburb of Chevy Chase, Maryland, in this file photo dated May 17, 2007. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas
BERLIN Paul Wolfowitz, a Republican adviser to former U.S. President George W. Bush, plans to vote for Democrat Hillary Clinton in the November presidential election despite his "serious reservations", Der Spiegel magazine reported on Friday.
Wolfowitz, who served as deputy defense secretary under Bush and also as president of the World Bank, said he viewed Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump as a security risk because of his admiration of Russian President Putin and his views on China, the magazine reported.
"It's important to make it clear how unacceptable he is," the magazine quoted Wolfowitz as saying in an interview.
Wolfowitz joins a long list of Republicans who have said they will not vote for Trump.
"I wish there was a candidate whom I could support enthusiastically. I will have to vote for Hillary Clinton, although I have serious reservations about her," he said.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll this week showed that Clinton would win the key swing states of Florida, Ohio and Virginia, and have a 95 percent chance of beating Trump if the election were held now.
Wolfowitz rejected a common description of him as a key architect of the 2003 U.S. war against Iraq, saying that if he had truly been the architect many things would have gone differently, the magazine reported.
Wolfowitz said the goal had been to free the country, not occupy it, creating tensions with many Iraqis.
He also defended the decision to invade Iraq, saying it was based on intelligence that later turned out to be faulty.
"Of course we would have proceeded differently if we had known that Saddam Hussein was not stockpiling weapons of mass destruction, but was only planning to do so," he said. "We would not have invaded."
In an interview with Vanity Fair magazine in May 2003, several months after the invasion, he suggested there were multiple reasons for it, but the Bush administration highlighted Iraq’s supposed WMD as the justification for the war as the most politically convenient.
“For bureaucratic reasons, we settled on one issue, weapons of mass destruction, because it was the one reason everyone could agree on,” he said at the time.
(This version of the story has been refiled to correct typo in second paragraph)
(Reporting by Andrea Shalal; editing by Ralph Boulton) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-clinton-wolfowitz-idUSKCN1111XS?feedType=RSS&feedName=politicsNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Reuters%2FPoliticsNews+%28Reuters+Politics+News%29 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/fbaf78b1c7045f70b93274cf729564bf60e8be955ad3a39802a05feee076ea10.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-26T13:18:13 | null | 2016-08-19T21:55:50 | Muhammad Ali's 1974 WBC heavyweight championship boxing belt and a handwritten letter about his conversion to Islam are among items that will hit the auction block in September, in the biggest such sale since Ali's death in June. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-auction-muhammadali-idUSKCN10U27I%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DartsNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Bnews%252Fartsculture%2B%2528Reuters%2BArts%2B%2526%2BCulture%2B%2529.json | http://s2.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160819&t=2&i=1150365145&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7I1CD | en | null | Muhammad Ali auction items seen fetching heavyweight prices | null | null | www.reuters.com | Belongings and the iconic 'Rumble in the Jungle' belt of late boxing champion Muhammad Ali are displayed for auction at Heritage Auctions house in Manhattan, New York, U.S., August 19, 2016. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz
The iconic 'Rumble in the Jungle' belt of late boxing champion Muhammad Ali is displayed to the public at Heritage Auctions house in Manhattan, New York, U.S., August 19, 2016. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz
A woman arranges the short and the iconic 'Rumble in the Jungle' belt of late boxing champion Muhammad Ali at Heritage Auctions house in Manhattan, New York, U.S., August 19, 2016. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz
The iconic 'Rumble in the Jungle' belt of late boxing champion Muhammad Ali is displayed for auction at Heritage Auctions house in Manhattan, New York, U.S., August 19, 2016. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz
A woman arranges the Iconic 'Rumble in the Jungle' belt of late boxing champion Muhammad Ali at Heritage Auctions house in Manhattan, New York, U.S., August 19, 2016. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz
Belongings and the iconic 'Rumble in the Jungle' belt of late boxing champion Muhammad Ali are displayed for auction at Heritage Auctions house in Manhattan, New York, U.S., August 19, 2016. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz
NEW YORK Muhammad Ali's 1974 WBC heavyweight championship boxing belt and a handwritten letter about his conversion to Islam are among items that will hit the auction block in September, in the biggest such sale since Ali's death in June.
Heritage Auctions said on Friday that the auction will include the trunks Ali wore for his "Rumble in the Jungle" victory over George Foreman in Zaire in 1974. The gloves worn by Sonny Liston when he lost his title to Ali in 1964 are also among 79 lots in the Sept. 10 auction.
Ali's 1964 letter to Life magazine, in which he talks about his conversion to Islam and changing his Cassius Clay birth name, is expected to fetch upwards of $100,000, the Dallas-based auction house said.
The one-time Christian Baptist became the most famous convert to Islam in American history when he announced he had joined the Black Muslim movement under the guidance of Malcolm X.
Kathleen Guzman, managing director of Heritage Auctions, said the Feb. 18, 1964 letter followed an interview the boxer had done the same day with Life magazine announcing he was changing his name.
"The editors, especially Jack McDermott, were worried that he would disavow saying that when the actual Life magazine article came out. So he ripped off a piece of paper and had him (Ali) sign an affidavit that said clearly he was changing his name," Guzman said.
Heritage said the World Boxing Council belt is the first of those won by the three-time world heavyweight champion to come to auction, and is expected to sell for some $600,000.
Ali's death on June 4 at age 74, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease, prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes worldwide, culminating in an elaborate public funeral in his Louisville, Kentucky hometown.
"With the recent passing of Muhammad Ali, we have received telephone calls from collectors all over the world seeking important pieces from his life and career,” said Chris Ivy, director of Heritage Sports Collectibles.
Heritage Auctions said most of the items came from collectors, with nothing coming from Ali's family, who have a number of significant artifacts in their keeping.
Ali's "Rumble in the Jungle" trunks are expected to sell for $150,000, and Sonny Liston's gloves have an estimated sale price of $100,000, Heritage said.
Earlier this month, Ali’s fight-worn boxing gloves from his famed 1971 encounter with Joe Frazier sold for $606,000 at a different auction house.
(Reporting by Jill Serjeant and Reuters Television; Editing by Tom Brown) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-auction-muhammadali-idUSKCN10U27I?feedType=RSS&feedName=artsNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+news%2Fartsculture+%28Reuters+Arts+%26+Culture+%29 | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/f93180b6085f5823d3caa2a110860820f634f4d0bfdf874b9e01780342bfc9e4.json |
[
"David Dolan"
] | 2016-08-31T13:05:04 | null | 2016-08-31T12:34:18 | Turkey will not agree a truce with Kurdish militias in Syria as it considers them terrorists, officials said on Wednesday, after strains emerged with the United States over clashes between Turkish forces and the U.S.-backed Syrian fighters. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-idUSKCN1160Z1%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DworldNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2BReuters%252FworldNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BWorld%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160831&t=2&i=1151709970&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7U0NX | en | null | Turkey won't agree truce with Syrian Kurdish militia, despite U.S. unease | null | null | www.reuters.com | Turkey's Prime Minister Binali Yildirim (C), flanked by Chief of Staff General Hulusi Akar (L), Defense Minister Fikri Isik (R) and the country's top generals, leaves Anitkabir, the mausoleum of modern Turkey's founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, after a wreath-laying ceremony ahead of a High Military Council meeting in Ankara, Turkey, July 28, 2016. REUTERS/Umit Bektas
Turkish armoured personnel carriers drive towards the border in Karkamis on the Turkish-Syrian border in the southeastern Gaziantep province, Turkey, August 27, 2016. REUTERS/Umit Bektas
Turkish armoured personnel carriers drive towards the border in Karkamis on the Turkish-Syrian border in the southeastern Gaziantep province, Turkey, August 27, 2016. REUTERS/Umit Bektas
KARKAMIS, Turkey Turkey will not agree a truce with Kurdish militias in Syria as it considers them terrorists, officials said on Wednesday, after strains emerged with the United States over clashes between Turkish forces and the U.S.-backed Syrian fighters.
Washington has been alarmed by Turkey's week-long incursion into Syria, saying it was "unacceptable" for its NATO ally to hit militias loyal to Kurdish-aligned Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) that Washington supports to fight against Islamic State.
U.S. officials on Tuesday welcomed what appeared to be a pause in fighting between Turkish forces and rival militias, although Ankara denied assertions from Kurdish fighters in Syria that a temporary truce had been agreed.
"The Turkish Republic is a sovereign state, a legitimate state. It cannot be equated with a terrorist organization," EU Affairs Minister Omer Celik told state-run Anadolu news agency, adding this meant there could be no "agreement between the two."
His comments were echoed by President Tayyip Erdogan's spokesman, Ibrahim Kalin, who said Turkey would continue striking Kurdish militia until they withdrew from the region where Turkish forces are fighting.
Turkey's aim was to drive Islamic State out of a 90 km (56 miles) stretch of Syrian territory running along the border, Kalin said. Turkey has long said it wants a "buffer zone" in the area, although it has not used the term during this incursion.
After days when the border area reverberated with warplanes roaring overhead into Syria and artillery pounded Syrian sites, only the occasional thud of explosions in the distance was audible from the Turkish frontier town of Karkamis on Wednesday.
Karkamis lies just across the border from the northern Syrian town of Jarablus, which was swiftly captured from Islamic State by Turkish-backed forces when they launched the offensive dubbed "Euphrates Shield" on Aug. 24.
Since then, the Turkish army with its allies have pushed further south, seizing a string of villages in areas controlled by militias loyal to the Kurdish-backed SDF, which drove Islamic State out of the city of Manbij this month with U.S. help.
Turkey, which is battling a decades-long Kurdish insurgency at home, fears Kurdish-aligned forces will capture areas previously held by Islamic State, giving them control of an unbroken swathe of territory running along the Turkish border.
"UNACCEPTABLE"
Since the start of the campaign, the Turkish army has said it has bombarded dozens of targets that it says were held by the Kurdish YPG militia, a powerful force in the SDF. The YPG says its forces withdrew from the area long before Turkey's assault.
Turkey has demanded the YPG cross the Euphrates river into a Kurdish-controlled canton in Syria's northeast. U.S. officials have threatened to withdraw backing for the YPG if it did not meet that demand, but said this had mostly happened.
Turkey's EU affairs minister said some Kurdish fighters were still on the western side and called that "unacceptable."
Eager to avoid more clashes between Turkey and U.S.-backed Syrian fighters, the Pentagon said the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State was establishing communications channels to better coordinate in a "crowded battlespace" in Syria.
Turkey insists that it has not relented in the fight against Islamic State, which has been responsible for launching a spate of bombings inside Turkey.
Islamist militants bombed Istanbul international airport in June, killing 45 people and hammering Turkey's already struggling tourist industry. In July, the group was blamed for an attack on a wedding in southeast Turkey that killed 56.
Interior Minister Efkan Ala said Turkey had arrested 865 people since the start of 2016, more than half of the foreigners, in its crackdown on Islamic State and preventing the would-be jihadists crossing to join militants in Syria or Iraq.
As well as driving away Islamic State out of the border area, it is determined to ensure Kurdish forces do not link up two Kurdish-controlled cantons in north Syria - one east of the Euphrates and the other in the west near the Mediterranean.
Ankara fears that, if Kurdish militia control the entire area along Turkey's southern border with Syria, it could embolden the Kurdish militant PKK group which has fought a three-decade-long insurgency to demand autonomy on Turkish soil.
(Additional reporting by Asli Kandemir in Istanbul, Ercan Gurses in Ankara; Writing by Edmund Blair; Editing by Nick Tattersall and Anna Willard) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-idUSKCN1160Z1?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Reuters%2FworldNews+%28Reuters+World+News%29 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/35f134f916b1c4d7414ee157168a7032d0fe82bfbf325fb9f9161c4739b6d6d1.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-29T20:52:35 | null | 2016-08-29T19:32:02 | BHP Billiton on Monday said it had evacuated some non-essential personnel from the U.S. Gulf of Mexico as a precaution against Tropical Depression No. 9. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-usa-weather-gulfmexico-idUSKCN11427C%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DenvironmentNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252Fenvironment%2B%2528News%2B%252F%2BUS%2B%252F%2BEnvironment%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources_v2/images/rcom-default.png | en | null | BHP Billiton evacuates some staff on storm threat | null | null | www.reuters.com | HOUSTON BHP Billiton on Monday said it had evacuated some non-essential personnel from the U.S. Gulf of Mexico as a precaution against Tropical Depression No. 9.
Other operators in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, including Shell, BP and Anadarko, have also evacuated some staff members ahead of the storm threat.
(Reporting by Liz Hampton) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-weather-gulfmexico-idUSKCN11427C?feedType=RSS&feedName=environmentNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2Fenvironment+%28News+%2F+US+%2F+Environment%29 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/1609c3c83584a97205fd444bd7e83f12e0d7e66f924bec2e6506d9e4faceca47.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-30T07:02:29 | null | 2016-08-30T06:18:58 | Vivendi's pay-TV unit Canal Plus is holding talks with French telecoms firm Iliad about new distribution offers as it tries to stem subscription losses in the country, newspaper Les Echos reported on Tuesday, without citing a source. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-iliad-vivendi-idUSKCN1150FK%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DtechnologyNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FtechnologyNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BTechnology%2BNews%2529.json | http://s3.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160830&t=2&i=1151534312&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7T06O | en | null | Vivendi's pay-TV discusses distribution offers with Iliad in France: media | null | null | www.reuters.com | The logo of French TV channel 'Canal Plus' is seen on a microphone used by a TV journalist prior to a French league one soccer match at the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris, March 5, 2016. REUTERS/Christian Hartmann
PARIS Vivendi's pay-TV unit Canal Plus is holding talks with French telecoms firm Iliad about new distribution offers as it tries to stem subscription losses in the country, newspaper Les Echos reported on Tuesday, without citing a source.
Orange, France's number one telecoms operator, and Canal Plus said in July they would announce a new offer dedicated to Orange's premium customers by the end of the year.
Last week, Vivendi announced a 300 million-euro ($335 million) cost savings plan at Canal Plus in France with the aim of reaching breakeven in 2018 in the country.
The group, led by billionaire Vincent Bollore, has suffered from the competition of newcomers such as Netflix and Qatar-controlled beIN Sports channels.
Iliad and Vivendi were not immediately available for comment.
($1 = 0.8956 euros)
(Reporting by Mathieu Rosemain; Editing by Mark Potter) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-iliad-vivendi-idUSKCN1150FK?feedType=RSS&feedName=technologyNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FtechnologyNews+%28Reuters+Technology+News%29 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/e2a953832888f860ad622421f23592cf6ce71efc25d26eada68c42c742f20a1e.json |
[
"Emily Stephenson"
] | 2016-08-31T04:59:55 | null | 2016-08-31T04:17:23 | Republican Donald Trump on Tuesday night called Democrats the "party of slavery" and praised what he called the millions of African Americans with career success, as he tries to revamp his outreach to minority voters. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-usa-election-trump-minorities-idUSKCN1160C0%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DpoliticsNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2BReuters%252FPoliticsNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BPolitics%2BNews%2529.json | http://s3.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160831&t=2&i=1151672663&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7U066 | en | null | Trump calls Democrats 'party of slavery' in minority outreach effort | null | null | www.reuters.com | Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally in Everett, Washington, U.S., August 30, 2016. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri
EVERETT, Washington Republican Donald Trump on Tuesday night called Democrats the "party of slavery" and praised what he called the millions of African Americans with career success, as he tries to revamp his outreach to minority voters.
Trump has made much-maligned efforts to appeal to black and Hispanic voters, groups that generally support Democrats and are expected to vote heavily for Hillary Clinton in the Nov. 8 election.
"The Republican Party is the party of Abraham Lincoln," Trump said at a rally in Everett, Washington.
"It is the Democratic Party that is the party of slavery, the party of Jim Crow and the party of opposition," he said, referring to racial segregation laws that once existed in the American South.
The Republican nominee has said Democrats failed minority voters with economic policies that have not improved their job prospects, but his attempts have been criticized for painting a bleak view of the lives of all black and Hispanic Americans.
Clinton last week released an ad mocking Trump’s attempts to reach those groups and showing headlines about a racial discrimination lawsuit the New York real estate mogul faced in the 1970s.
A prominent supporter of Trump’s apologized on Tuesday for sending out a tweet that showed a cartoon image of Clinton in blackface.
Trump sought to correct course in Washington state on Tuesday, saying millions of black Americans "have succeeded greatly" in art, science, sports and other endeavors.
"But we must also talk about those who have been left behind, the millions suffering in disastrous conditions in so many of our inner cities," he said.
(Reporting by Emily Stephenson; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-trump-minorities-idUSKCN1160C0?feedType=RSS&feedName=politicsNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Reuters%2FPoliticsNews+%28Reuters+Politics+News%29 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/be9aff749ffb83c82e340cdd7b3486b716f1ed4d67d4c0687c27be5f30fc7d07.json |
[
"Nate Raymond"
] | 2016-08-26T20:49:45 | null | 2016-08-26T19:48:24 | PricewaterhouseCoopers has settled a lawsuit accusing the auditing firm of failing to detect the fraud that brought down Taylor, Bean & Whitaker Mortgage Corp in 2009, a lawyer for the mortgage lender's bankruptcy trustee said on Friday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-pricewaterhouse-trial-idUSKCN1111RF%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DbusinessNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FbusinessNews%2B%2528Business%2BNews%2529.json | http://s2.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160826&t=2&i=1151183494&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7P12D | en | null | PwC reaches mid-trial deal in lawsuit by Taylor Bean trustee | null | null | www.reuters.com | The logo of PricewaterhouseCoopers is seen on the local offices building of the company in Luxembourg, April 26, 2016. REUTERS/Vincent Kessler
PricewaterhouseCoopers has settled a lawsuit accusing the auditing firm of failing to detect the fraud that brought down Taylor, Bean & Whitaker Mortgage Corp in 2009, a lawyer for the mortgage lender's bankruptcy trustee said on Friday.
The settlement ends a civil trial in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court in Florida in which the trustee had sought more than $5.5 billion in damages from PwC. Terms are confidential, a lawyer for the trustee said.
"It was settled to the mutual satisfaction of the parties," said Steven Thomas, the trustee's lawyer.
PwC in a statement confirmed the settlement, using language similar to Thomas. It declined further comment.
The case stemmed from PwC's auditing work for Montgomery, Ala.-based Colonial BancGroup Inc, where Taylor Bean, among the nation's largest privately held mortgage lenders, was a major customer.
The lawsuit accused PwC of missing a massive fraud in which Taylor Bean Chairman Lee Farkas and others hid losses by shuffling money among Colonial accounts and by selling nonexistent or worthless mortgages.
Taylor Bean filed for bankruptcy in August 2009. Colonial filed for bankruptcy that same month, days after regulators seized its banking operations. It was the sixth-largest bank failure in U.S. history.
BB&T Corp (BBT.N) bought Colonial's assets. Farkas was convicted of federal fraud charges and sentenced in 2011 to 30 years in prison.
Taylor Bean's auditor, Deloitte & Touche, and the bankruptcy trustee reached a confidential settlement in 2013.
The case is Taylor, Bean & Whitaker Plan Trust v. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 11th Judicial Circuit for Miami-Dade County, Florida, No. 13-033964.
(Reporting by Nate Raymond in New York; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Dan Grebler and Bernard Orr) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-pricewaterhouse-trial-idUSKCN1111RF?feedType=RSS&feedName=businessNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FbusinessNews+%28Business+News%29 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/c4976db0a4b0bcf54c403a93c323f554a545111cd9baa1be2ce920a291f709dd.json |
[
"Jeremy Schultz"
] | 2016-08-26T13:21:35 | null | 2016-08-26T12:05:13 | A man carries a street sign as opposition party supporters clash with police in Harare, Zimbabwe. REUTERS/Philimon Bulawayo | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Fnews%2Fpicture%2Feditors-choice%3FarticleId%3DUSRTX2N5BK.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160826&t=2&i=1151164768&w=&fh=545&fw=810&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=2016-08-26T120513Z_23933_S1BETXQPHFAA_RTRMADP_0_ZIMBABWE-PROTEST | en | null | Editor's choice | null | null | www.reuters.com | Orthodox Christian nuns take part in an annual procession along the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem's Old City, during which an icon of the Virgin Mary is carried from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to a church at the foot of the Mount of Olives, the location believed by Christians to be that of the tomb of the Virgin Mary. REUTERS/Ammar Awad | http://www.reuters.com/news/picture/editors-choice?articleId=USRTX2N5BK | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/198cc3051e8161885690e1b6838fe992bed7604b815ef09e3b64996251c37872.json |
[
"Tanisha Heiberg"
] | 2016-08-26T13:21:46 | null | 2016-08-26T12:15:03 | A South African judge dismissed on Friday a request by state prosecutors to appeal Oscar Pistorius' six-year murder sentence, the latest twist in a trial that has captured global headlines. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-motor-f1-belgium-practice-idUSKCN11112N.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160826&t=2&i=1151153694&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7P0KV | en | null | Judge rejects prosecutor request to appeal Pistorius sentence | null | null | www.reuters.com | JOHANNESBURG A South African judge dismissed on Friday a request by state prosecutors to appeal Oscar Pistorius' six-year murder sentence, the latest twist in a trial that has captured global headlines.
The multiple gold medal-winning Paralympian, serving six years for murdering his girlfriend on Valentine's Day 2013, was not in court on Friday when the judge ruled that the state's petition had no reasonable prospects of success on appeal.
Women's rights groups in a country beset by high levels of violent crime against women say Pistorius has received preferential treatment compared to non-whites and those without his wealth or international celebrity status.
His backers say he did not intend to kill Steenkamp.
Judge Thokozile Masipa sentenced the Paralympic gold medalist to six years behind bars in July for murdering his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, in 2013, but the prosecution had said the decision was "shockingly lenient".
Pistorius' defense had earlier argued the state was prejudiced and had dragged the case on too long, adding in their court documents that "enough is enough".
"I'm not persuaded that there are reasonable prospects of success on appeal or that another court may find differently," Masipa said in her ruling, dismissing the state's application.
Masipa originally sentenced Pistorius in 2014 after he was found guilty of manslaughter, but that conviction was increased to murder by the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) in December. The subsequent six-year sentence she passed in July was also criticized by women's groups for being too lenient.
Prosecutor Gerrie Nel, who had sought 15 years for Pistorius for the murder conviction, told Reuters he could not comment. Nel has said Pistorius had not shown any remorse and had yet to explain why he fired the fatal shots.
"His remorse and or prospects of rehabilitating could not be tested," Nel argued before Masipa's ruling, referring to Pistorius' decision not to testify at the sentencing hearings.
It was unclear whether the state would appeal Friday's ruling. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesman was not available to comment.
'LIKELY TO APPEAL'
Both the Pistorius and Steenkamp families declined to comment following Masipa's ruling.
Pistorius, who had the lower part of his legs amputated when he was a baby, says he fired four shots into the toilet door at his luxury Pretoria home in the mistaken belief that an intruder was hiding behind it.
His defense has argued that his disability and mental stress that occurred in the aftermath of the killing should be considered as mitigating circumstances.
"This trial and this process has been exhausted beyond any conceivable exhaustive process," his main defense lawyer Barry Roux said in a brief rebuttal.
The track star was treated in hospital for wrist injuries earlier this month, but prison officials said Pistorius denied trying to kill himself. The incident coincided with the first day of competition in the Rio Olympic Games.
Friday's ruling raised further division, with South Africans taking opposite sides on the issue in social media.
Legal analysts were equally divided on whether prosecutors would appeal Masipa's ruling to the supreme court.
"In my experience over the years, the Supreme Court of Appeal has placed a lot of confidence in our High Courts, and I must say, I would be surprised if they had to accept the petition," said Johannesburg-based lawyer Ulrich Roux.
Criminal law attorney Zola Majavu said the state had a chance of success if they appealed to the supreme court.
"Remember it was the same SCA that overturned her conviction on culpable homicide. So if I were in Gerrie Nel's shoes I would persist so that the SCA can pronounce on the matter," he said.
(Additional reporting by Zimasa Mpemnyama; Writing by James Macharia; Editing by Dominic Evans) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-motor-f1-belgium-practice-idUSKCN11112N | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/a1525b10124fe75022e97ff28385b3acb2571e0ed5e1e003b2fb7f137c8eb593.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-30T20:52:24 | null | 2016-08-30T20:44:07 | The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday approved Novartis AG's biosimilar version of Amgen Inc's arthritis drug Enbrel. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-novartis-fda-approval-idUSKCN1152OE.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160830&t=2&i=1151635892&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7T1JW | en | null | U.S. FDA approves Novartis biosimilar to Amgen's Enbrel | null | null | www.reuters.com | A Novartis logo is pictured on its headquarters building in Mumbai April 1, 2013. REUTERS/Vivek Prakash
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday approved Novartis AG's biosimilar version of Amgen Inc's arthritis drug Enbrel.
The FDA approved the drug, Erelzi, known also as etanercept-szzs, for multiple inflammatory conditions including rheumatoid arthritis and plaque psoriasis, a skin condition.
The agency approved the drug as a biosimilar, meaning there is no clinically meaningful differences between Erelzi and Enbrel. However, the two drugs are not considered interchangeable and are therefore not called generics.
Enbrel is a biologic drug made from living cells. Biologics are more difficult to imitate with precision.
The FDA's ruling followed a unanimous vote by the agency's advisory panel in July in favor of approval.
(Reporting by Toni Clarke in Washington; Editing by Alan Crosby) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-novartis-fda-approval-idUSKCN1152OE | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/571cb7012e736e28ce454800bfcd5618e41ec8bc3d8207037735eaf465bee51c.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-27T16:59:38 | null | 2016-08-27T16:40:58 | Sergey Lagutin from Uzbekistan won stage eight of the Tour of Spain on Saturday while Colombian Nairo Quintana became the new overall leader, wresting the red jersey from compatriot Darwin Atapuma. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-cycling-spain-idUSKCN1120N6%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DsportsNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FsportsNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BSports%2BNews%2529.json | http://s2.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160827&t=2&i=1151287628&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7Q0HH | en | null | Quintana grabs red jersey after Lagutin wins stage eight | null | null | www.reuters.com | Cycling - Tour de France cycling race - Stage 18 from Sallanches to Megeve, France - 21/07/2016 - Movistar Team rider Nairo Quintana of Colombia cycles during the individual time trial. REUTERS/Jacques Clawey
BARCELONA Sergey Lagutin from Uzbekistan won stage eight of the Tour of Spain on Saturday while Colombian Nairo Quintana became the new overall leader, wresting the red jersey from compatriot Darwin Atapuma.
Team Katusha rider Lagutin attacked in the final 200 meters of the flat stage from Villalpando to La Camperona to claim his first ever stage win in a Grand Tour, finishing 10 seconds ahead of Frenchman Axel Domont.
Quintana finished 12th in the stage but took first place overall, leading Spaniard Alejandro Valverde by 19 seconds with Tour de France winner Chris Froome a further eight behind in third.
Three-time winner Alberto Contador finished 13th in the stage and is seventh overall.
"Finally my dream to win a stage at a Grand Tour has come true and I still can't believe it has happened," Lagutin told Spanish Television network TVE. "I'm 35 years old and I thought it might never happen but I hope it's just the start."
(Reporting by Richard Martin; Editing by Brian Homewood) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-cycling-spain-idUSKCN1120N6?feedType=RSS&feedName=sportsNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FsportsNews+%28Reuters+Sports+News%29 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/a56bed3d8185d63c7b283e18602697d27d4242edb6b8ea84acf7a4a4a1e8fdf6.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-30T11:03:04 | null | 2016-08-30T09:35:20 | The Kremlin said on Tuesday that media reports that Uzbek President Islam Karimov was dead had not been confirmed. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-uzbekistan-president-kremlin-idUSKCN1150W7%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DtopNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FtopNews%2B%2528News%2B%252F%2BUS%2B%252F%2BTop%2BNews%2529.json | http://s2.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160830&t=2&i=1151552147&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7T0EB | en | null | Kremlin says reports that Uzbek President is dead not confirmed | null | null | www.reuters.com | MOSCOW The Kremlin said on Tuesday that media reports that Uzbek President Islam Karimov was dead had not been confirmed.
"For the moment we do not have any fresh information. All we can say that ... media reports (about Karimov's death) have not been confirmed," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a conference call with journalists.
Karimov, the 78-year-old president, is in a stable condition in an intensive care ward after suffering a brain haemorrhage on Saturday, his daughter Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva wrote on her Instagram page on Monday
(Reporting by Denis Pinchuk; Editing by Maria Kiselyova) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-uzbekistan-president-kremlin-idUSKCN1150W7?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FtopNews+%28News+%2F+US+%2F+Top+News%29 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/2d4832f510287e933146dfa948f4a3857f70a58754a41bbb9ed8939f4e225546.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-26T13:21:26 | null | 2016-08-26T12:07:31 | Israeli soldiers on Friday shot and killed an apparently unarmed Palestinian who ran toward their position in a Palestinian village in the occupied West Bank, and the incident was under review, a military spokeswoman said. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-israel-palestinians-idUSKCN1111AP%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DworldNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2BReuters%252FworldNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BWorld%2BNews%2529.json | http://s2.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160826&t=2&i=1151164598&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7P0RI | en | null | Israeli troops kill Palestinian who ran toward them, army says | null | null | www.reuters.com | Israeli border policemen stand guard at the scene where a Palestinian was shot and killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank village of Silwad near Ramallah August 26, 2016. REUTERS/Mohamad Torokman
Israeli soldiers inspect the scene where a Palestinian was shot and killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank village of Silwad near Ramallah August 26, 2016. REUTERS/Mohamad Torokman
Israeli border policemen stand guard at the scene where a Palestinian was shot and killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank village of Silwad near Ramallah August 26, 2016. REUTERS/Mohamad Torokman
Israeli troops gather at the scene where a Palestinian was shot and killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank village of Silwad near Ramallah August 26, 2016. REUTERS/Mohamad Torokman
JERUSALEM Israeli soldiers on Friday shot and killed an apparently unarmed Palestinian who ran toward their position in a Palestinian village in the occupied West Bank, and the incident was under review, a military spokeswoman said.
A Palestinian official said the 38-year-old man suffered from mental illness, and several unsourced Israeli news websites reported that no weapons were found on his body.
"(Israeli) forces identified a suspect running toward an IDF (Israel Defence Forces) post in Silwad," the military spokeswoman said. "Upon the suspect's advance, the forces shot the suspect, resulting in his death. The incident is currently being reviewed."
Asked whether the Palestinian had been armed, she said that "the details are still being checked."
Since October, Palestinians, many of them acting alone and with rudimentary weapons, have killed at least 33 Israelis and two visiting Americans. At least 209 Palestinians have been killed, 141 of whom Israel said were assailants. Others died during clashes and protests.
Palestinian leaders say assailants have acted out of desperation over the collapse of peace talks in 2014 and Israeli settlement expansion in Israeli-occupied territory that Palestinians seek for an independent state. Most countries view the settlements as illegal. Israel disputes this.
Israel says incitement in the Palestinian media and personal problems at home have been important factors that have spurred assailants, often teenagers, to carry out attacks.
On Wednesday, an Israeli soldier fatally shot a Palestinian motorist who the army said had stabbed him and thrown rocks from his car at a military vehicle in the West Bank.
(Reporting by Jeffrey Heller and Ali Sawafta; Writing by Jeffrey Heller; Editing by Larry King) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-palestinians-idUSKCN1111AP?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Reuters%2FworldNews+%28Reuters+World+News%29 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/740bb46433c17cfb3a95e90b3aa6ce0f250c1d0513d6c7df0419f95ed6b69ff4.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-30T19:03:10 | null | 2016-08-30T18:59:29 | The U.S.-led coalition battling Islamic State, eager to avoid more clashes between Turkey and U.S.-backed Syrian fighters, is establishing communications channels to better coordinate in a "crowded battlespace," the Pentagon said on Tuesday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-mideast-crisis-syria-idUSKCN1152FN%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DtopNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FtopNews%2B%2528News%2B%252F%2BUS%2B%252F%2BTop%2BNews%2529.json | http://s3.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160830&t=2&i=1151625847&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7T1HJ | en | null | U.S. sets up 'communications channels' for crowded Syria war | null | null | www.reuters.com | A general view shows a damaged street with sandbags used as barriers in Aleppo's Saif al-Dawla district, Syria March 6, 2015. REUTERS/Hosam Katan
A boy eats yogurt near a girl selling cigarettes in the rebel held al-Shaar neighborhood of Aleppo, Syria, August 30, 2016. REUTERS/Abdalrhman Ismail
WASHINGTON The U.S.-led coalition battling Islamic State, eager to avoid more clashes between Turkey and U.S.-backed Syrian fighters, is establishing communications channels to better coordinate in a "crowded battlespace," the Pentagon said on Tuesday.
"The improved coordination of armed activities in Northern Syria will seek to assure the safety of all forces," said Pentagon spokesman Matthew Allen. "We will not discuss coordination and de-confliction procedures in detail in the interest of preserving operational security."
(Reporting by Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart; Editing by James Dalgleish) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-idUSKCN1152FN?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FtopNews+%28News+%2F+US+%2F+Top+News%29 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/beed3010f7d5f5ce7ee5a431c9ab00a5f653e51f2cd4c4c9c7bd1bbb69fd2b50.json |
[
"Gene Emery"
] | 2016-08-30T16:53:05 | null | 2016-08-30T16:16:15 | By Gene Emery(Reuters Health) - An experimental drug designed to quickly counteract blood-thinning medicines has demonstrated effectiveness, accordin | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-health-bloodthinners-andexxa-idUSKCN11525E%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DhealthNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FhealthNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BHealth%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources_v2/images/rcom-default.png | en | null | Drug quickly counteracts deadly bleeding in people on blood-thinners | null | null | www.reuters.com | (Reuters Health) - An experimental drug designed to quickly counteract blood-thinning medicines has demonstrated effectiveness, according to preliminary results of a new trial done under real-world conditions.
The drug is Portola Pharmaceuticals' AndexXa, known generically as andexanet alfa. Earlier this month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration decided not to approve this so-called reversal agent without more data. The new test, reported on Tuesday at a European Society of Cardiology Congress in Rome and released by the New England Journal of Medicine, offers more evidence. Portola financed the study.
The drug reversed episodes of major bleeding that couldn't be stopped because the patients were on drugs such as apixaban and rivaroxaban, which inhibit the body's natural blood clotting chemical known as factor Xa.
"There's a big need for a reversal agents for these drugs" that are being taken by about 2.6 million people, said coauthor Dr. Truman Milling Jr., an emergency medicine specialist with the Ascension Seton Dell Medical School Stroke Institute in Austin, Texas.
Such drugs are used by people with conditions such as atrial fibrillation, which increases the risk of stroke.
Perhaps 1 percent to 2 percent of them will spontaneously start to bleed somewhere in the body as a side effect of their anti-factor Xa medicine.
"However, if you didn't give them the anticoagulant, double that number would stroke. So right there the balance favors anticoagulation," Milling told Reuters Health in a telephone interview. "Once they develop a bleed in their brain or they're bleeding to death, the balance flips the other way."
"Now we need to make them clot again. But not for too long! Because then they're prone to have strokes and clots and things," he said. "It's like doing a touch-and-go landing on an aircraft carrier. You want to use the clotting mechanism just long enough to form a clot and then take them off again so they're back on the anticoagulant."
Earlier studies of andexanet were done on patients who weren't bleeding. Researchers looked at markers in the blood to see if factor Xa suppression was being countered.
"This study was done in patients who were coming to the emergency room bleeding to death - in hemorrhagic shock, bleeding in the brain, or bleeding into a critical organ." said Milling. "It's a much more fraught situation than it is with a normal controlled healthy population. It's seeing if the drug works on the front lines, where it can save lives."
The results reported on Tuesday involved 67 patients who had just received one of the factor Xa inhibitor drugs and had begun to bleed dangerously, usually in the brain or the gut. They were followed for 30 days after the episode.
Twelve hours after treatment with andexanet, 79 percent of the patients were judged to have good or excellent control over the bleeding. The success rates were comparable for both gastrointestinal and in-brain bleeding.
However, unwanted blood clots occurred in 18 percent of the patients, producing one heart attack, five strokes, one lung clot and seven cases of deep vein thrombosis.
In four of the patients, the clot appeared within three days of receiving andexanet. In the rest, it surfaced later.
"You can get into a very interesting debate about which complication is caused by the reversal agent and which is caused by having a patient on a blood thinner for a reason and then taking him off it," Milling said. "I tend to look at the thromboemboli during the first few days as potentially more likely to be related to the reversal agent, and there were very few of those."
Fifteen percent of the patients died during follow-up treatment.
Brain bleeding typically kills half the people who develop it, Milling said. "Any time you study those patients, a lot of them will die."
The trial, known as ANNEXA-4, is ongoing.
SOURCE: bit.ly/2bywXCs New England Journal of Medicine, online August 30, 2016. | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-bloodthinners-andexxa-idUSKCN11525E?feedType=RSS&feedName=healthNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FhealthNews+%28Reuters+Health+News%29 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/d3de50efb1f3871730adf73414d3ed185119f6f60d5c3f80f6100bf414b31edc.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-26T13:17:43 | null | 2016-08-26T11:19:50 | Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) said the impact of production stoppages on staff hours caused by a dispute with two parts suppliers has been significantly reduced thanks to internal remedies. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-volkswagen-suppliers-idUSKCN111173%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DbusinessNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FbusinessNews%2B%2528Business%2BNews%2529.json | http://s1.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160826&t=2&i=1151157512&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7P0O1 | en | null | VW says sees limited impact of production stoppages on staff hours | null | null | www.reuters.com | The logo of a Volkswagen Beetle car is seen at the so called ''Sunshinetour 2016'' in Travemuende at the Baltic Sea, August 20, 2016. REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer
BERLIN Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) said the impact of production stoppages on staff hours caused by a dispute with two parts suppliers has been significantly reduced thanks to internal remedies.
Volkswagen (VW) will take advantage of "internal flexibilisation measures" at five of six plants affected by supply chain problems to cushion the impact of output disruptions on working hours, it said on Friday.
VW applied for support under the government's "Kurzarbeit" short-time work programme only at its factory in Emden where production of Passat models was halted after one of the suppliers stopped delivering seat covers.
(Reporting by Andreas Cremer; Editing by Jonathan Gould) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-volkswagen-suppliers-idUSKCN111173?feedType=RSS&feedName=businessNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FbusinessNews+%28Business+News%29 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/d6a8250d96689df835e95fbbb8535a2087ef7ca3ddd41434ceeaef48f100694e.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-28T23:01:48 | null | 2016-08-28T21:22:29 | Two people died and 41 more were injured when a bus carrying volunteers to help with Louisiana flood relief spun out of control near New Orleans, local media reported Sunday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-louisiana-bus-crash-idUSKCN1130VD%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DdomesticNews.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources_v2/images/rcom-default.png | en | null | Two dead, 41 hurt in bus crash involving Louisiana flood-relief volunteers | null | null | www.reuters.com | Two people died and 41 more were injured when a bus carrying volunteers to help with Louisiana flood relief spun out of control near New Orleans, local media reported Sunday.
St. John the Baptist Fire District Chief Spencer Chauvin died Sunday morning after the charter bus slammed into him as he tried to help victims of another accident, television station WWLTV of New Orleans reported, citing police and parish President Natalie Robottom.
Two other firefighters were injured in the crash and a second person, who has not yet been identified, also died, the television station said.
"It is a sad day in the St. John the Baptist Parish as we lost one of the bravest and most dedicated firefighters that I know," Robottom said in a statement according to the television station.
The bus driver, identified as 37-year-old Denis Amaya Rodriguez, was in custody on suspicion of multiple violations, NBC News reported, citing Louisiana State Police spokeswoman Melissa Matey. Rodriguez, who is from Honduras, was in the U.S. illegally, the network reported, citing Matey.
Few details were available Sunday afternoon about the cause of the accident. Matey told NBC that 41 people on the bus suffered minor injuries.
A local ambulance company said on Twitter it had transported 38 people to hospitals from the scene of the accident on Interstate 10 near the community of Laplace, about 25 miles (40 km) northwest of New Orleans. The company, Acadian Ambulance Service, said that a second ambulance company had transported three additional people to hospitals.
The bus, filled with volunteers to help residents recover from massive flooding in Louisiana earlier this month, was traveling westbound on Interstate 10 when it crashed into the fire truck and another vehicle, the television station and other media reported.
As many as 60,600 homes were reported damaged or destroyed in flooding that ravaged 20 parishes, or counties, in the southern part of Louisiana. About 3,000 residents were still living in shelters as of Aug. 22, officials said last week.
(Reporting by Sharon Bernstein in Sacramento, California; Editing by Alan Crosby) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-louisiana-bus-crash-idUSKCN1130VD?feedType=RSS&feedName=domesticNews | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/27fd3b75ddc971a92a1e134f37d6d68f774db5419b0b90bd9a4bef9bea9e9943.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-26T16:52:11 | null | 2016-08-26T14:37:44 | The head of an alternative cancer treatment center in Germany is under investigation after three patients died there in suspicious circumstances, German prosecutors said on Friday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-germany-health-cancer-idUSKCN1111QC%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DhealthNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FhealthNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BHealth%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources_v2/images/rcom-default.png | en | null | German practitioner suspected of killing patients with experimental drug | null | null | www.reuters.com | BERLIN The head of an alternative cancer treatment center in Germany is under investigation after three patients died there in suspicious circumstances, German prosecutors said on Friday.
The non-medical practitioner, identified as Klaus R., is suspected of manslaughter in three cases and negligent injury in the case of two more patients who remain in serious condition, said Axel Stahl, senior prosecutor in the Krefeld prosecutor's office.
Investigators are looking into allegations that the suspect treated patients with 3BP, an experimental drug that has not been clinically tested or approved for use as a cancer treatment. It is, however, used in alternative medicine, and the suspect was authorized to administer the drug on that basis. He has denied any wrongdoing.
"These are people who received treatment shortly before July 19 ... and immediately following this treatment had a dramatic decline in health", Stahl said.
The investigation will mainly focus on whether a causal link existed between the deaths of the patients and their treatment, Stahl said. It will probably be several weeks until prosecutors had the first results, he said.
Investigators would look into whether the chemical composition of the drug was incorrect and whether the dosage could have been wrong, he said.
The alternative treatment center, located in the West German city of Brueggen near the Dutch border, was an outpatient practice. "The patients came mostly from Belgium and the Netherlands," Stahl said.
(Reporting by Reuters TV,; Writing by Michael Nienaber,; Editing by Larry King) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-health-cancer-idUSKCN1111QC?feedType=RSS&feedName=healthNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FhealthNews+%28Reuters+Health+News%29 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/a7309a1c8f62e658a48e078f2a903440e17c4e1ea0693fcc8db63e69bba0cb2a.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-31T02:59:48 | null | 2016-08-31T01:32:15 | U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida, who last month lost her job as head of the Democratic National Committee, won a bid on Tuesday to be her party's nominee for a seventh term in the U.S. House of Representatives, the Miami Herald reported. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-usa-election-wasserman-schultz-idUSKCN116045%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DpoliticsNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2BReuters%252FPoliticsNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BPolitics%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160831&t=2&i=1151660403&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7U01Y | en | null | Wasserman Schultz wins Florida Democratic nod in House race: Miami Herald | null | null | www.reuters.com | Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz speaks at a rally, before the arrival of Democratic U.S. presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and her vice presidential running mate U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, in Miami, Florida, U.S. July 23, 2016. REUTERS/Scott Audette
WASHINGTON U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida, who last month lost her job as head of the Democratic National Committee, won a bid on Tuesday to be her party's nominee for a seventh term in the U.S. House of Representatives, the Miami Herald reported.
The newspaper projected that Wasserman Schultz defeated Tim Canova, a law professor who is an outspoken Wall Street critic. He is aligned with U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, who lost the Democratic presidential nomination to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
(Reporting by Richard Cowan; Editing by Peter Cooney) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-wasserman-schultz-idUSKCN116045?feedType=RSS&feedName=politicsNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Reuters%2FPoliticsNews+%28Reuters+Politics+News%29 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/1769acb0c76cc3b95a4bb17a99ba03e2fdfc332951b4c4cb63738683f2f7c34c.json |
[
"Jim Finkle"
] | 2016-08-31T00:51:26 | null | 2016-08-31T00:07:23 | SWIFT, the global financial messaging system, on Tuesday disclosed new hacking attacks on its member banks as it pressured them to comply with security procedures instituted after February's high-profile $81 million heist at Bangladesh Bank. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-cyber-heist-swift-idUSKCN11600C%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DbusinessNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FbusinessNews%2B%2528Business%2BNews%2529.json | http://s2.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160831&t=2&i=1151653965&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7U003 | en | null | Exclusive: SWIFT discloses more cyber thefts, pressures banks on security | null | null | www.reuters.com | The SWIFT logo is pictured in this photo illustration taken April 26, 2016. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri/Illustration/File Photo
SWIFT, the global financial messaging system, on Tuesday disclosed new hacking attacks on its member banks as it pressured them to comply with security procedures instituted after February's high-profile $81 million heist at Bangladesh Bank.
In a private letter to clients, SWIFT said that new cyber-theft attempts - some of them successful - have surfaced since June, when it last updated customers on a string of attacks discovered after the attack on the Bangladesh central bank.
"Customers’ environments have been compromised, and subsequent attempts (were) made to send fraudulent payment instructions," according to a copy of the letter reviewed by Reuters. "The threat is persistent, adaptive and sophisticated - and it is here to stay."
The disclosure suggests that cyber thieves may have ramped up their efforts following the Bangladesh Bank heist, and that they specifically targeted banks with lax security procedures for SWIFT-enabled transfers.
The Brussels-based firm, a member-owned cooperative, indicated in Tuesday's letter that some victims in the new attacks lost money, but did not say how much was taken or how many of the attempted hacks succeeded. It did not identify specific victims, but said the banks varied in size and geography and used different methods for accessing SWIFT.
A SWIFT spokeswoman declined to elaborate on the recently uncovered incidents or the security issues detailed in the letter, saying the firm does not discuss affairs of specific customers.
All the victims shared one thing in common: Weaknesses in local security that attackers exploited to compromise local networks and send fraudulent messages requesting money transfers, according to the letter.
Accounts of the attack on Bangladesh Bank suggest that weak security procedures there made it easier to hack into computers used to send SWIFT messages requesting large money transfers. The bank lacked a firewall and used second-hand, $10 electronic switches to network those computers, according to the Bangladesh police.
SWIFT has repeatedly pushed banks to implement new security measures rolled out after the Bangladesh heist, including stronger systems for authenticating users and updates to its software for sending and receiving messages. But it has been difficult for SWIFT to force banks to comply because the nonprofit cooperative lacks regulatory authority over its members.
SWIFT told banks Tuesday that it might report them to regulators and banking partners if they failed to meet a November 19 deadline for installing the latest version of its software, which includes new security features designed to thwart the type of attacks described in its letter.
The security features include technology for verifying credentials of people accessing a bank's SWIFT system; stronger rules for password management; and better tools for identifying attempts to hack the software.
SWIFT is trying coerce members into prioritizing cyber-security by threatening to share confidential information about security lapses that banks want to keep private, said Shane Shook, an independent security consultant who advises central banks.
"That type of information sharing is something that no bank likes to see happen without their direct approval and involvement, because it can affect market confidence," Shook said.
SWIFT disclosed the new hacks after reports of previous incidents prompted regulators in Europe and the United States to urge banks to bolster cyber-security.
Other cases involving fraudulent transfer requests include the theft of more than $12 million from Ecuador's Banco del Austro and a failed attempt later in 2015 to steal money from Vietnam's Tien Phong Bank.
The attacks have prompted regulators globally to press banks to bolster defenses.
The Bank of England in April ordered UK firms to detail actions to secure computers connected to the SWIFT system, while the European Banking Authority in May said domestic authorities should stress test banks for cyber risks.
The Federal Reserve and other U.S. agencies told banks in June to review protections against fraudulent money transfers.
Six U.S. senators on Monday urged the G20 nations to agree when they meet at a summit this weekend on a “coordinated strategy to combat cyber-crime at critical financial institutions.”
(Reporting by Jim Finkle in Boston. Additional reporting by Jonathan Spicer in New York.; Editing by Brian Thevenot.) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-cyber-heist-swift-idUSKCN11600C?feedType=RSS&feedName=businessNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FbusinessNews+%28Business+News%29 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/541734f6b5c1ea8118d6945b305f318b9005a915c6967749fb29ad7d8ea50559.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-30T13:00:12 | null | 2016-08-30T12:00:31 | Belgian rookie Thomas Pieters and experienced duo Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer were named by Europe captain Darren Clarke as wildcard picks on Tuesday to complete his Ryder Cup team. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fuk-golf-rydercup-picks-idUSKCN1151BK%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DsportsNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FsportsNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BSports%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160830&t=2&i=1151567806&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7T0N9 | en | null | Pieters, Westwood, Kaymer named as Europe's Ryder Cup wildcards | null | null | www.reuters.com | Thomas Pieters of Belgium reacts during the Made in Denmark, European Tour golf tournament, final round in Farso, August 28, 2016. REUTERS/Henning Bagger/Scanpix Denmark
Men's Individual Stroke Play - Olympic Golf Course - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - 12/08/2016. Martin Kaymer (GER) of Germany chips on to the 18th green during the second round of the men's Olympic golf competition. REUTERS/Andrew Boyers
Jul 29, 2016; Springfield, NJ, USA; PGA golfer Lee Westwood tees off on the 16th hole during the second round of the 2016 PGA Championship golf tournament at Baltusrol GC - Lower Course. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
LONDON Belgian rookie Thomas Pieters and experienced duo Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer were named by Europe captain Darren Clarke as wildcard picks on Tuesday to complete his Ryder Cup team.
Clarke opted for the powerful 24-year-old Pieters over Scotland's Russell Knox and England's Luke Donald, bringing to six the number of rookies in the 12-man team who will defend the trophy against the United States in Hazeltine, Minnesota.
"Lee Westwood is one of the most experienced Ryder Cup players of all time and Martin is also a Ryder Cup stalwart," Clarke told reporters at Wentworth on Tuesday.
"The third choice came down to Russell Knox and Thomas Pieters. I had to phone Russell and tell him yesterday. It was probably one of the toughest calls I've had to make. But the way Thomas has played golf over the last four weeks has impressed me so much I found it impossible to leave him out."
Englishman Westwood, the former world number one, first played in the biennial team event in 1997 and will be representing Europe for the 10th successive time.
Twice major winner Kaymer of Germany has featured in the last three Ryder Cups, all won by Europe.
Belgium's Pieters has produced excellent form this month. He won the Made In Denmark event, was runner-up at the Czech Masters and finished fourth in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
Europe's nine automatic picks were confirmed earlier this month.
Danny Willett, Chris Wood, Rafael Cabrera-Bello, Andy Sullivan and Matt Fitzpatrick will also be new to the tournament. The other automatic selections, Rory McIlroy, Henrik Stenson, Sergio Garcia and Justin Rose, have all experienced the Ryder Cup before.
Europe are out to win the Ryder Cup for the ninth time in 11 editions when the competition starts at Hazeltine National Golf Club on Sept. 30 and Clarke said he was confident his team would thrive.
"It will be a very tough task," he said. "(The American) team is shaping up very strongly, but my players are world class in their own right. I am proud of this team and have no worries about them at all."
American captain Davis Love will name three of his wildcard selections a week on Sunday, with his final pick not being announced until five days before the tournament begins.
(Reporting by Neil Robinson, editing by Ed Osmond) | http://www.reuters.com/article/uk-golf-rydercup-picks-idUSKCN1151BK?feedType=RSS&feedName=sportsNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FsportsNews+%28Reuters+Sports+News%29 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/81b08ed368c6357c7856391f85f6cc107a33949fdda881707fb11c108d4f7f71.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-29T10:52:09 | null | 2016-08-29T10:15:53 | Mylan NV | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2FidUSASC094MW%3Ftype%3DcompanyNews%26feedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DcompanyNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FcompanyNews%2B%2528News%2B%252F%2BUS%2B%252F%2BCompany%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources_v2/images/rcom-default.png | en | null | BRIEF-Mylan to launch first generic to EpiPen auto-injector at a List Price of $300 per Two-Pack Carton | null | null | www.reuters.com | Aug 29 Mylan NV
* To launch first generic to EpiPen auto injector at a list price of $300 per two-pack carton, a more than 50% discount to the brand product
* Mylan also intends to continue to market and distribute branded epipen
* Mylan nv says intends to initiate a direct ship program in conjunction with launch of generic at $300 generic list price
* Expects to launch launch epipen auto-injector in several weeks, pending completion of labeling revisions
* Both augmented patient assistance program and $300 savings card announced last week will remain in place for brand product Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage: | http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSASC094MW?type=companyNews&feedType=RSS&feedName=companyNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FcompanyNews+%28News+%2F+US+%2F+Company+News%29 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/a8280130848815bb592b19acb172c8dcc4c6100a71e9109fe8c647ea8502886f.json |
[
"Dmitriy Rogovitskiy"
] | 2016-08-29T21:00:11 | null | 2016-08-29T20:03:22 | Russia, already suspended from next month's Rio Paralympics, have also been banned for the winter edition in Pyeongchang, South Korea in 2018 because of a state-sponsored sports doping program. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-paralympics-doping-russia-idUSKCN11424T%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DsportsNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FsportsNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BSports%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources_v2/images/rcom-default.png | en | null | Paralympics - Now Russia banned from 2018 Winter Games | null | null | www.reuters.com | MOSCOW Russia, already suspended from next month's Rio Paralympics, have also been banned for the winter edition in Pyeongchang, South Korea in 2018 because of a state-sponsored sports doping program.
The Russian Paralympic Committee (RPC) announced the latest punishment handed out by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) on Monday.
"The decision taken by the IPC, upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding Russian Paralympians being excluded from the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, has also been extended to include the Winter Games in 2018 in Pyeongchang," the RPC said on their website (www.paralymp.ru).
Last week the Lausanne-based CAS, sport's highest tribunal, rejected an RPC appeal against the Rio ban.
The decision to exclude Russia's team means at least 260 competitors from the country are now set to miss the Sept. 7-18 Paralympics.
Russia have appealed against the CAS ruling to the Swiss Federal Court and a result is expected later on Monday or on Tuesday.
The Federal Court can only overturn the CAS decision on the basis of a procedural mistake and not on the merits of the case.
The IPC went further than the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which stopped short of a blanket ban on Russia at this month's Rio Olympics and left the decision instead in the hands of international sports federations.
PUTIN CRITICISM
Last week Russian President Vladimir Putin called the Paralympic ban cynical and immoral but also said Moscow acknowledged mistakes it had made in tackling sports doping.
The country's track and field team were also excluded from the Olympics due to the sports doping program.
Putin said the decision to bar Russian athletes, including those who had not tested positive for any banned substances, was a vivid manifestation "of how the humanistic foundations of sport and Olympism are shamelessly flouted by politics".
"The decision to disqualify our Paralympic team is outside the law, outside morality and outside humanity," he added.
"It is simply cynical to vent one's anger on those for whom sport has become the meaning of their life ... I even feel pity for those taking such decisions because they must well understand that it is so demeaning for them."
The whole dispute centers on a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) report that found the Russian government and the FSB security service had, over years, covered up hundreds of doping cases across the majority of Olympic sports and Paralympic events.
Although not widely followed or celebrated in Russia, where rights campaigners say many disabled people are marginalized by regressive social attitudes and inadequate state support, the country's para-athletes are some of the best in the world.
Their team topped the medal table at the 2014 Winter Paralympics in the Russian city of Sochi after taking second place behind China at London 2012.
(Editing by Tony Jimenez) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-paralympics-doping-russia-idUSKCN11424T?feedType=RSS&feedName=sportsNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FsportsNews+%28Reuters+Sports+News%29 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/45b4fdf85cc5b30c7918d271eb31e70678e2a66658651dfb92218c6e4a1e0547.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-29T16:52:42 | null | 2016-08-29T14:54:15 | Anadarko Petroleum has evacuated all non-essential personnel from its production platforms in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, a company spokesman said on Monday by email, ahead of a storm threat from Tropical Depression Nine. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-usa-weather-gulfmexico-idUSKCN1141LU%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DenvironmentNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252Fenvironment%2B%2528News%2B%252F%2BUS%2B%252F%2BEnvironment%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources_v2/images/rcom-default.png | en | null | Anadarko evacuates eastern Gulf of Mexico platforms ahead of storm | null | null | www.reuters.com | HOUSTON Anadarko Petroleum has evacuated all non-essential personnel from its production platforms in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, a company spokesman said on Monday by email, ahead of a storm threat from Tropical Depression Nine.
The evacuations impacted the company's Constitution, Marco Polo, Independence Hub and Heidelberg facilities, the spokesman said.
Operations remain normal across Anadarko's platforms, but the company is monitoring the weather and is prepared to remove remaining personnel and shut in production if needed, he added.
(Reporting by Liz Hampton) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-weather-gulfmexico-idUSKCN1141LU?feedType=RSS&feedName=environmentNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2Fenvironment+%28News+%2F+US+%2F+Environment%29 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/7d9ee91345e9a3c83b923e998a9b1cbd7d93f1a3aabae3cf712784b057183442.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-26T20:49:39 | null | 2016-08-26T20:13:13 | French transport group Alstom (ALSO.PA) said on Friday it had signed a 1.8 billion euro ($2 billion) deal to design and build 28 new high-speed trains for U.S. rail operator Amtrak. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-alstom-usa-idUSKCN1112BH%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DbusinessNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FbusinessNews%2B%2528Business%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160826&t=2&i=1151217686&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7P1EU | en | null | Alstom says wins $2 billion U.S. train deal | null | null | www.reuters.com | The logo of Alstom Group is seen at the company's headquarters Saint-Ouen, near Paris, France, May 11, 2016. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/File Photo
PARIS French transport group Alstom (ALSO.PA) said on Friday it had signed a 1.8 billion euro ($2 billion) deal to design and build 28 new high-speed trains for U.S. rail operator Amtrak.
Under the deal, Alstom said it would also provide long-term technical support and spare parts.
The trains will run on the Northeast Corridor (NEC) between Boston and Washington D.C, the statement said.
(Reporting by Ingrid Melander) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-alstom-usa-idUSKCN1112BH?feedType=RSS&feedName=businessNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FbusinessNews+%28Business+News%29 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/f436951030cccae92c7713c68f2171844fc20f61fbe1369b687fd33c897aea74.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-26T13:16:20 | null | 2016-08-23T13:36:03 | Jason Statham, Jessica Alba and Tommy Lee Jones join forces for action movie "Mechanic: Resurrection", a sequel to the 2011 thriller about an elite hitman. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-film-mechanic-premiere-idUSKCN10Y0WI%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DpeopleNews.json | http://s3.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160823&t=2&i=1150737134&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7M0T5 | en | null | Jason Statham promises plenty of action in 'Mechanic: Resurrection' | null | null | www.reuters.com | Director of the movie Dennis Gansel (L) poses with cast members Jason Statham and Jessica Alba at the premiere for the movie 'Mechanic: Resurrection' in Los Angeles, California U.S., August 22, 2016. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
LOS ANGELES Jason Statham, Jessica Alba and Tommy Lee Jones join forces for action movie "Mechanic: Resurrection", a sequel to the 2011 thriller about an elite hitman.
Statham reprises his role as the lead character Arthur Bishop, and promised fans plenty of action.
"People pay their money and they want to be entertained," he said at the film's Los Angeles premiere on Monday. "...If you are a fan of action movies I think you will get your money's worth out of this. It has big set pieces, good locations."
The 2011 "Mechanic" attracted mixed audience reviews. But it grossed $62 million worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo website
"Mechanic: Resurrection" hits cinemas worldwide from Thursday.
(Reporting By Reuters Television Editing by Jeremy Gaunt) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-film-mechanic-premiere-idUSKCN10Y0WI?feedType=RSS&feedName=peopleNews | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/a094bdd2947dca04f0519c338a3350c1a0015dc2d49866d6dbffec0990248cc1.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-26T20:59:32 | null | 2016-08-26T20:44:16 | The Russian Paralympic Committee (RPC) will appeal in the Swiss Federal Court on Monday against the Court of Arbitration for Sport's (CAS) decision to uphold a blanket ban on their athletes for next month's Rio Games. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-paralympics-rio-russia-idUSKCN11128H%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DsportsNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FsportsNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BSports%2BNews%2529.json | http://s3.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160826&t=2&i=1151212353&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7P1DM | en | null | Russia to appeal against Rio ban in court | null | null | www.reuters.com | Vladimir Lukin, president of the Russian Paralympic Committee, attends a news conference after Russia was barred on August 7, 2016 from taking part in next month's Rio Paralympics, in Moscow, Russia, August 8, 2016. REUTERS/Maxim Zmeyev
MOSCOW The Russian Paralympic Committee (RPC) will appeal in the Swiss Federal Court on Monday against the Court of Arbitration for Sport's (CAS) decision to uphold a blanket ban on their athletes for next month's Rio Games.
"The appeal has been launched in the Swiss court," the Interfax news agency quoted RPC president Vladimir Lukin as saying on Friday.
Earlier this week the Lausanne-based CAS, sport's highest tribunal, rejected an RPC appeal against the suspension that was handed out by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) because of a state-sponsored sports doping program.
The Federal Court can only overturn the CAS ruling on the basis of a procedural mistake and not on the merits of the case.
The decision to exclude Russia's team means at least 260 competitors from the country are now set to miss the Sept. 7-18 Paralympics.
The IPC went further than the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which stopped short of a blanket ban on Russia at their Rio Games that ended on Sunday and left the decision instead in the hands of international sports federations.
On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin called the Paralympic ban cynical and immoral but also said Moscow acknowledged mistakes it had made in tackling sports doping.
The country's track and field team were also excluded from the Olympics that ended on Sunday due to the sports doping program.
Putin said the decision to bar Russian athletes, including those who had not tested positive for any banned substances, was a vivid manifestation "of how the humanistic foundations of sport and Olympism are shamelessly flouted by politics".
"The decision to disqualify our Paralympic team is outside the law, outside morality and outside humanity," he added.
"It is simply cynical to vent one's anger on those for whom sport has become the meaning of their life ... I even feel pity for those taking such decisions because they must well understand that it is so demeaning for them."
(Reporting by Dmitriy Rogovitskiy; Editing by Tony Jimenez) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-paralympics-rio-russia-idUSKCN11128H?feedType=RSS&feedName=sportsNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FsportsNews+%28Reuters+Sports+News%29 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/9ba457028d9dc3c6678899bab33a1302751145c84015c57674da54bf4a04591e.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-31T02:51:27 | null | 2016-08-31T00:47:07 | Asian shares eased on Wednesday following modest losses on Wall Street, but were still on track for a monthly rise as investors waited to see if upcoming job data could prod the Federal Reserve into raising interest rates as soon as September. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-global-markets-idUSKCN11602D%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DbusinessNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FbusinessNews%2B%2528Business%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160831&t=2&i=1151656808&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7U019 | en | null | Asian shares ease, taking cue from Wall Street, oil slips | null | null | www.reuters.com | A pedestrian looks at an electronic board showing the various stock prices outside a brokerage in Tokyo, Japan, September 4, 2015. REUTERS/Yuya Shino/File Photo
TOKYO Asian shares eased on Wednesday following modest losses on Wall Street, but were still on track for a monthly rise as investors waited to see if upcoming job data could prod the Federal Reserve into raising interest rates as soon as September.
MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan .MIAPJ0000PUS was down 0.1 percent as traders awaited Friday's job report, but looked set for a near 2 percent gain in August.
Japan's Nikkei stock index .N225 added 0.9 percent, poised to rise 1.8 percent for the month, as it got a boost from a weaker yen after upbeat U.S. data lifted the dollar overnight.
The dollar was steady at 102.93 yen JPY= after rising as high as 103.14 yen overnight, its strongest since July 29. It was up 0.9 percent for the month.
Data released earlier on Wednesday showed Japanese industrial output was flat in July from June, underscoring fragility in factory activity and falling short of economists' median forecast for a 0.8 percent rise.
Along with weak household spending data on Tuesday, Japan's latest gloomy data are reinforcing expectations the Bank of Japan will ease policy further in September even if many economists and businessmen think it won't do much good.
"While the latest string of Japanese data has been decent with the jobless rate improving and retail sales rising strongly in July, Japanese officials are clearly still frustrated with the weak growth in the economy," said Kathy Lien, managing director of FX strategy at BK Asset Management.
If the U.S. unit breaks 103.50 yen, its next stop would be 104, Lien wrote in a note.
The euro was steady at $1.1146 EUR=, down 0.2 percent for August.
The dollar index, which tracks the greenback against a basket of six major counterparts, edged down slightly on the day to 96.010 .DXY but remained not far from its overnight high of 96.143, its highest since early August. It was on track to rise 0.5 percent for the month.
On Wall Street overnight, markets logged losses, dragged down by shares of Apple Inc (AAPL.O) after antitrust regulators ordered the company to pay about $14.5 billion in back taxes to the Irish government.
The S&P 500 .SPX fell for the fourth time in five sessions, but was still within 1 percent of its record closing high set earlier this month.
Friday's jobs report is expected to show employers added 180,000 jobs in August, according to the median estimate of 89 economists polled by Reuters. [ECONUS]
Fed Vice Chairman Stanley Fischer said in a television interview on Tuesday that the U.S. job market is nearly at full strength and the pace of the central bank's interest rate increases will depend on how well the economy is doing.
Markets were pricing in a 27 percent chance of a U.S. rate hike next month as of Tuesday, according to CME Group's FedWatch tool. That probability would rise if the jobless figures were stronger than expected, showing U.S. employers continued their strong pace of hiring seen in recent months.
U.S. consumer confidence rose to an 11-month high in August, with households more upbeat about the labor market, data showed overnight.
Crude oil futures continued to slip after ending down for a second straight day on worries of oversupply and a strong dollar. [O/R]
Brent crude LCOc1 was down 0.1 percent at $48.31 per barrel after shedding 1.8 percent on Tuesday. U.S. crude CLc1 was down 0.2 percent at $46.24 after losing 1.3 percent overnight.
Spot gold XAU= edged up 0.1 percent to $1,311.66 an ounce after tumbling as low as $1,308.65 on Tuesday, its lowest since late June, pressured by the stronger dollar and growing expectations of higher U.S. interest rates.
(Reporting by Lisa Twaronite; Editing by Kim Coghill) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-global-markets-idUSKCN11602D?feedType=RSS&feedName=businessNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FbusinessNews+%28Business+News%29 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/9b165398269a0c77d5579cc4d694be50995c3001f2cec2039930d8059b533043.json |
[
"Scott Malone"
] | 2016-08-31T10:59:53 | null | 2016-08-31T10:19:57 | Years before Donald Trump dominated the news cycle with his angry style of politics, Maine Governor Paul LePage made headlines with a similarly brash approach. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-maine-lepage-trump-idUSKCN11616V%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DpoliticsNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2BReuters%252FPoliticsNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BPolitics%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160831&t=2&i=1151704081&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7U0LY | en | null | Maine governor's outburst tests limits of anger politics | null | null | www.reuters.com | Republican U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump shakes hands with Maine Governor Paul LePage (R) after LePage introduced him at a campaign rally in Portland, Maine March 3, 2016. REUTERS/Joel Page
BOSTON Years before Donald Trump dominated the news cycle with his angry style of politics, Maine Governor Paul LePage made headlines with a similarly brash approach.
Since he was elected in 2010, the Republican has told critics of his decision to skip a civil rights breakfast to "kiss my butt" and accused a Democratic rival of forcing budget measures on taxpayers "without Vaseline."
But when the second U.S. governor to endorse Trump recently left an obscenity-laced voicemail message for a lawmaker who he believed had called him a racist, he put his career in jeopardy.
LePage's widely circulated verbal attack, in which he called Democratic State Representative Drew Gattine a "little son-of-a-bitch, socialist cocksucker," sparked the most intense firestorm of criticism the second-term governor has seen. Even legislative leaders from his own party called him into a closed-door meeting to discuss his future.
The reaction shows that not all politicians can get away with the kind of bellicose approach that helped Trump wipe out his primary rivals and win the support of angry voters who feel U.S. politicians do not care about their problems.
"Trump is a master of media and LePage is not. They are very different at the end of the day," said Michael Franz, chairman of the government and legal studies department at Maine's Bowdoin College. "Trump says he hates the media, but he works it very well. LePage just hates it."
The governor infamously joked in 2013 that he would like to blow up the offices of the Portland Press Herald newspaper, which he felt treated him unfairly.
LePage early on Tuesday openly discussed the idea of stepping down in a regular monthly interview with a Maine radio station. He later backed away from that notion, paraphrasing Mark Twain in a Twitter post that read in part, "The reports of my political demise are greatly exaggerated."
Still his own party was not rallying around him.
"I have yet to see any Republican legislator come out on the record in his defense," said Mark Brewer, a professor of political science at the University of Maine, after LePage's voicemail incident.
TRUMP BEFORE TRUMP
LePage endorsed Trump's run in February, shortly after New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.
"I was Donald Trump before Donald Trump became popular," LePage said at the time, saying that the New York real estate mogul and reality TV star "could be one of the greatest presidents if he sits down and puts together a good team."
Trump has also praised LePage, saying that he would offer him a role in his administration "if he were available."
Both men describe their political styles as authentic and off-the-cuff and accuse more measured rivals of being career politicians who are out of touch with the needs of average voters.
LePage's brusqueness had played well in Maine until recently. He won re-election in a three-way 2014 race with the support of 48 percent of voters with a wider margin of victory than the 38 percent he commanded in his first run, also a three-way race.
Neil Levesque, executive director of the New Hampshire Institute of Politics said that success, coupled with Trump's rise, could have emboldened LePage to double down on attack politics.
"Almost anything goes now. You can call your opponents almost anything, you can threaten them," Levesque said. "This is the new norm in American politics."
(Reporting by Scott Malone; Editing by Andrew Hay) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-maine-lepage-trump-idUSKCN11616V?feedType=RSS&feedName=politicsNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Reuters%2FPoliticsNews+%28Reuters+Politics+News%29 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/cc584b962390e2c1af0719d401d16e6ed218ac4335eb37b053d6034091db5e14.json |
[
"Abhishek Takle"
] | 2016-08-26T20:59:35 | null | 2016-08-26T19:27:41 | FRANCORCHAMPS, BELGIUM (Reuters) - Max Verstappen is refusing to get carried away with thoughts of a 'home' win in Sunday's Belgian Formula One Grand Prix despite leading a Red Bull one-two on the opening day of practice. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-motor-f1-belgium-verstappen-idUSKCN111293%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DsportsNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FsportsNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BSports%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160826&t=2&i=1151213992&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7P1DW | en | null | Verstappen keeps feet on ground after setting pace | null | null | www.reuters.com | SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, BELGIUM Max Verstappen is refusing to get carried away with thoughts of a 'home' win in Sunday's Belgian Formula One Grand Prix despite leading a Red Bull one-two on the opening day of practice.
Verstappen went fastest in Friday's afternoon session, 0.256 seconds quicker than team mate Daniel Ricciardo of Australia, with a lap that surpassed Nico Rosberg's session-topping effort in the morning for Mercedes.
The two silver cars, who have won 43 of the last 50 races,were sixth and 13th respectively in the afternoon with Rosberg ahead of team mate Lewis Hamilton.
Red Bull, the only team other than Mercedes to win a race this year, have made significant gains of late, usurping Ferrari as the German outfit's closest challengers following the last race at Hockenheim.
But Mercedes' uncharacteristically low-key display on Friday had more to do with them focusing on race simulations, especially with Briton Hamilton set to start near the back of the grid due to engine-related penalties, than a sudden surge of Red Bull form.
"They are very competitive," said Verstappen. "For sure Mercedes will come back."
The Spa Grand Prix is the closest Verstappen has to a home race. The son of former driver Jos races under the Dutch flag but was born in Belgium to a Belgian mother.
Legions of his orange-clad supporters have arrived for the weekend and he could give them much to cheer especially if he is able to put his car on the front row in qualifying on Saturday.
"The fans were cheering me on which gives you a lot of motivation and it's great to see so many already on a Friday," said the 18-year-old who won on his Red Bull debut in Spain in May.
"We can definitely improve even more. We have to wait and see what they (Mercedes) do but so far I think we have a good car and a very good starting point."
(Editing by Tony Jimenez) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-motor-f1-belgium-verstappen-idUSKCN111293?feedType=RSS&feedName=sportsNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FsportsNews+%28Reuters+Sports+News%29 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/8d4b61365ba1a9200fcfa22e8deff15ec3bb88b8afd4a6dc6c9032787fc061df.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-30T16:51:33 | null | 2016-08-30T16:43:58 | Twitter Inc said it would share some of the advertising revenue on videos created by its individual users in the United States as part of an expanded video advertising program. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-twitter-video-idUSKCN11522S%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DbusinessNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FbusinessNews%2B%2528Business%2BNews%2529.json | http://s3.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160830&t=2&i=1151601332&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7T16Q | en | null | Twitter to share ad revenue on videos by U.S. individual users | null | null | www.reuters.com | A 3D-printed logo for Twitter is seen in this picture illustration made in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina on January 26, 2016. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
Twitter Inc said it would share some of the advertising revenue on videos created by its individual users in the United States as part of an expanded video advertising program.
The microblogging service provider's Amplify Publisher Program is currently restricted to large companies such as CBS Corp's CBS News and organizations such as the National Football League and Major League Baseball.
A user has to check a box prior to tweeting videos, after which ads will run on the video before it starts. "A portion of the ad revenue is then shared back with creator," Twitter said in a blog post on Tuesday. (bit.ly/2c8qoDx)
Twitter will share 70 percent of the revenue with the video creator, technology website Recode reported, citing a source familiar with the matter.
Google's YouTube shares 55 percent of the ad revenue, Recode said. Twitter's terms for individual video creators will be the same as those for its Amplify partners, the website reported. (on.recode.net/2coLtxB)
Twitter said individual users would also be allowed to share their videos on other platforms.
Under Chief Executive Jack Dorsey, the company has made a significant push into video, signing deals with several media companies and sports organizations to stream major events.
Twitter shares down slightly at $18.45 in noon trading.
(Reporting by Narottam Medhora in Bengaluru; Editing by Kirti Pandey) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-twitter-video-idUSKCN11522S?feedType=RSS&feedName=businessNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FbusinessNews+%28Business+News%29 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/b4a2098555ba27bc4e0204554eb285acfb75e3ddfa49b0599010cbdb53d364d4.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-27T15:02:31 | null | 2016-08-27T14:00:57 | The Vatican is hopeful it can improve ties with China after decades of tension, the Roman Catholic Church's highest-ranking diplomat said on Saturday, adding that warmer relations would benefit the whole world. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-pope-china-idUSKCN1120HG%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DtopNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FtopNews%2B%2528News%2B%252F%2BUS%2B%252F%2BTop%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160827&t=2&i=1151275367&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7Q0C8 | en | null | Vatican says it has high hopes of better ties with China | null | null | www.reuters.com | Cardinal Secretary of State of the Holy See Pietro Parolin gestures as he speaks during a news conference in Riga, Latvia, May 12, 2016. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins
Pope Francis waves as he leads the Angelus prayer in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican August 14, 2016. REUTERS/Max Rossi
VATICAN CITY The Vatican is hopeful it can improve ties with China after decades of tension, the Roman Catholic Church's highest-ranking diplomat said on Saturday, adding that warmer relations would benefit the whole world.
Beijing severed links with the Vatican in 1951 shortly after the Communist Party took power and launched a crackdown on organized religion, with China's new rulers setting up their own church and appointing bishops without the pope's backing.
After decades of mistrust, Pope Francis is pushing to improve relations and his secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, sounded upbeat about the chances of success.
"There is much hope and expectation that there will be new developments and a new season in relations between the Holy Sea and China," he said in a speech in the northern Italian city of Pordenone, which was released to reporters in the Vatican.
"(This) will benefit not just Catholics in the land of Confucius, but the whole country, which boasts one of the greatest civilisations on the planet," he said.
"Dare I say, it would also be of benefit to an ordered, peaceful and fruitful cohabitation of peoples of all nations in a world, such as ours, which is lacerated by so many tensions and so many conflicts."
For the Vatican, a thaw in relations with China would offer the prospect of easing the plight of Christians on the mainland, who have often been persecuted by the authorities.
For China, good relations could burnish its international image and soften criticism of its human rights record.
The Vatican is the only Western state that does not have diplomatic ties with Beijing, maintaining instead formal relations with the Republic of China, Taiwan, which Beijing views as a renegade province.
Parolin made clear the Vatican wanted formal ties. "The new and hoped-for good relations with China, including diplomatic relations, God willing, are not an end in themselves," he said, reiterating that they would be good for world peace.
A Reuters investigation this year suggested the Vatican and China were working on a deal that would fall short of full diplomatic ties but would address key issues at the heart of the divide between the two sides.
"One has to be realistic and accept that there are a number of problems that need resolving between the Holy See and China and that often, because of their complexity, they can generate different points of view," Parolin said.
(Reporting by Crispian Balmer; editing by Andrew Roche) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-pope-china-idUSKCN1120HG?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FtopNews+%28News+%2F+US+%2F+Top+News%29 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/0db2a9ea088e4b6e12446f7216bcc59ca5ea931fdd5fd4561354f6ee14518191.json |
[
"Renee Dudley",
"John Shiffman"
] | 2016-08-27T03:02:26 | null | 2016-08-27T00:52:11 | Federal agents searched the home of a former employee-turned-outspoken critic of the College Board, the standardized testing giant, as part of an investigation into the breach of hundreds of questions from the SAT college entrance exam. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-college-sat-fbi-idUSKCN112009%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DtopNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FtopNews%2B%2528News%2B%252F%2BUS%2B%252F%2BTop%2BNews%2529.json | http://s3.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160827&t=2&i=1151238408&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7Q005 | en | null | Exclusive: FBI raids home of ex-College Board official in probe of SAT leak | null | null | www.reuters.com | Thousands of tables are seen inside a hall at Asia-World Expo near Hong Kong Airport in Hong Kong, China October 2, 2015, one day before SAT examinations to be taken place. REUTERS/Bobby Yip
WASHINGTON Federal agents searched the home of a former employee-turned-outspoken critic of the College Board, the standardized testing giant, as part of an investigation into the breach of hundreds of questions from the SAT college entrance exam.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation seized computers and other material on Friday from Manuel Alfaro, who left his job as executive director of assessment design and development at the College Board in February 2015. The FBI is investigating alleged computer intrusion and theft against an unidentified “victim corporation” involving “confidential or proprietary information,” including tests, test forms and internal emails, according to a search warrant issued in the case.
Alfaro had contacted officials of seven state governments in recent months, accusing the College Board of making false claims about its tests when bidding for public contracts with the states. The College Board, he alleged, misled the states about the process it used to create questions for the new version of the SAT, resulting in an inferior exam. He also aired those allegations publicly, largely through postings on his LinkedIn account.
Lawyers for Alfaro could not be reached for comment. An FBI official confirmed that agents were present at Alfaro’s home in Maryland but declined to elaborate.
College Board spokesman Zach Goldberg said the leak of test questions constituted a crime. “We are pleased that this crime is being pursued aggressively,” he said. He dismissed Alfaro’s criticisms of the SAT test-making process as “patently false.”
The FBI raid comes after Reuters reported earlier this month (reut.rs/2b3gtyE) that the news agency had obtained about 400 unpublished questions from the newly redesigned SAT exam, which debuted in March. Some experts said the leak constituted one of the most serious breaches of security ever to come to light in the standardized testing industry.
Reuters reported previously that the SAT (reut.rs/1RL4ZSI) and its rival, the ACT, (reut.rs/2akY3uf) are being systematically gamed by test-prep operators in Asia. The SAT has proved particularly vulnerable to cheating because of its practice of reusing test questions. Test-preparation companies obtain previously administered questions that are scheduled for reuse and feed those questions to students, who can score higher by practicing on the exam items before the test.
BROADSIDES ON LINKEDIN
The SAT and ACT are taken by millions of students a year and are major criteria used by U.S. colleges in selecting applicants. The cheating rings and leaks, testing experts say, call into question the fairness and validity of the standardized exams.
Alfaro, who oversaw the development of parts of the new SAT, jolted the staid world of standardized testing in May with a barrage of criticism of the College Board.
In a series of posts on LinkedIn and Twitter, he charged the New York-based not-for-profit with skipping a crucial step in the test development process, which he says resulted in a lower-quality exam. He also alleged in a June 1 post that the shortcut may fail to comply with federal guidance on peer review for state testing programs.
Alfaro wrote to seven states that have granted public contracts to the College Board to use the SAT as an official tool for assessing high school students. In a May 7 email to the education chiefs for those states, Alfaro said that while he was a College Board employee, he "became aware of patterns of concealment, fabrication, and deception used by the College Board to misrepresent the SAT and PSAT.” He alleged that the College Board didn’t follow the process to develop the SAT and PSAT that it publicly says it uses.
The PSAT is a test primarily aimed at high school sophomores and juniors used as practice for the SAT and to screen applicants for tens of millions of dollars awarded by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
Alfaro emailed his complaints to the states of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Michigan and New Hampshire.
A spokesman for the Michigan Department of Education, Bill DiSessa, said the state “checked with the College Board” and decided not to look into Alfaro’s claims. Jeremy Meyer of the Colorado Department of Education said the state discussed Alfaro’s email with the College Board and was “satisfied with the response we received.”
Kelly Donnelly, spokesperson for the Connecticut State Department of Education, said the state considered Alfaro’s email to be “replete with hyperbole, but scant on actual facts. We did not take further action.” Donnelly said the state hadn’t reviewed Alfaro’s detailed posts on LinkedIn.
A New Hampshire official said the state had no immediate comment. Officials in Delaware, Illinois and Maine didn’t respond to requests for comment.
ALLEGATIONS OF SHORTCUTS
A member of Congress, meanwhile, has asked federal regulators to look into Alfaro's allegations. U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski, a Democrat from Maryland, has "been in touch with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau," according to a July 28 letter she wrote to Alfaro.
Asked Friday about Alfaro’s criticisms of the new exam, College Board spokesman Goldberg said: “Mr. Alfaro does not speak with any authority about our tests. With the new SAT, we have made an unprecedented commitment to transparency and have published our test specifications, which include the test development process. Any claims that counter the published information are patently false.”
The document cited by Goldberg contains a nine-step process for developing the new SAT and ensuring that exams contain fair and valid questions. It’s the fourth of those steps that Alfaro says the College Board routinely skipped, according to his posts on LinkedIn. That step, known as “external content & fairness reviews prior to pretesting,” relates to the checks that new questions are supposed to undergo before they are included on an actual test.
According to the College Board document, newly written SAT questions are scrutinized by external, independent reviewers, who look for mistakes and potential bias. After that initial review, the questions are field tested on actual test-takers in an unscored section of a regular SAT exam.
The field testing helps determine whether questions are statistically valid and whether they should be included on a future, scored portion of the exam. After the field test, questions once again go through external reviews before they’re put on a live, scored section of the test.
The external reviews before field testing didn’t always happen, Alfaro alleged.
“The Content Advisory Committee reviewed the items for the first time, not before they were pretested, but after the items were assembled into operational SAT forms,” he wrote in a May 27 post on LinkedIn. In a June 9 post, he added: "We first implemented Step 4 in August of 2014, after thousands of items had already been developed and pretested without this crucial step."
An internal document from 2014 describes what the College Board called the “rigorous process of vetting new test items that could potentially become part of the Math Test in the redesigned SAT.” The document says changing items after pretesting was “rare.”
Alfaro said such changes were actually common. “I’m not talking about adding a missing comma here, fixing a typo there,” he wrote in a May 20 post. “Sometimes the revised items,” or questions, “are completely different than the version that was pretested.”
An outside attorney for the College Board wrote to Alfaro on May 10, three days after Alfaro contacted the states with his allegations, and requested a meeting. Alfaro declined to see the attorney. But he said he would be open to explaining his concerns to the organization’s Board of Trustees and to lawyers for the seven states, according to an email he sent the states. No such sessions took place.
Inside the organization, the College Board’s top attorney has called Alfaro a “disgruntled former employee” and told staff to avoid him.
“I am writing to alert you that the College Board is dealing with a disgruntled former employee who has expressed anger at the College Board in a very public way,” College Board general counsel Peter Schwartz wrote in an email to staff. “Please be aware that he has no reason to visit our offices, and in the event that he does, he should not be allowed in.”
Reached by phone on Friday, Schwartz declined to comment.
(Edited by Michael Williams) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-college-sat-fbi-idUSKCN112009?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FtopNews+%28News+%2F+US+%2F+Top+News%29 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/44ba048bba3adf20b63f03d46845f64f8e36a5f3e7681e456a3d08016c0567ce.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-26T22:51:04 | null | 2016-08-26T21:57:15 | Greenfields Petroleum Corp : | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2FidUSASC094EL%3Ftype%3DcompanyNews%26feedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DcompanyNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FcompanyNews%2B%2528News%2B%252F%2BUS%2B%252F%2BCompany%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources_v2/images/rcom-default.png | en | null | BRIEF-Greenfields Petroleum Corp reports qtrly loss per share $0.12 | null | null | www.reuters.com | UPDATE 1-Facebook changes 'Trending' feature to rely less on human editors
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug 26 Facebook Inc changed its popular "Trending" feature, which shows users the most-talked about topics of the day, to make it more automated and further eliminate the potential for human bias, the company wrote in a blog post on Friday. | http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSASC094EL?type=companyNews&feedType=RSS&feedName=companyNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FcompanyNews+%28News+%2F+US+%2F+Company+News%29 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/c930a13d00324db981f2c0a115e7b5fa021b8f8decc3022f1dac83f4579b1def.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-31T02:52:14 | null | 2016-08-31T01:19:19 | Clubcorp Holdings Inc | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2FidUSFWN1BB0NU%3Ftype%3DcompanyNews%26feedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DcompanyNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FcompanyNews%2B%2528News%2B%252F%2BUS%2B%252F%2BCompany%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources_v2/images/rcom-default.png | en | null | BRIEF-Clubcorp holdings acquires heritage golf club | null | null | www.reuters.com | GLOBAL MARKETS-Asian shares ease, taking cue from Wall Street, oil slips
TOKYO, Aug 31 Asian shares eased on Wednesday following modest losses on Wall Street, but were still on track for a monthly rise as investors waited to see if upcoming job data could prod the Federal Reserve into raising interest rates as soon as September. | http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSFWN1BB0NU?type=companyNews&feedType=RSS&feedName=companyNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FcompanyNews+%28News+%2F+US+%2F+Company+News%29 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/c66a673ffbca569573b77cd4f2388b77fc03f7d4e9cbd530dd5226d2d8e85334.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-29T20:50:50 | null | 2016-08-29T20:15:20 | Southwest Airlines Co (LUV.N) and its pilots have agreed in principle on a new contract, the U.S. budget carrier's pilot union said on Monday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-southwest-workers-idUSKCN1142A2%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DbusinessNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FbusinessNews%2B%2528Business%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160829&t=2&i=1151489672&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7S1AR | en | null | Southwest Airlines, pilots agree in principle on new contract | null | null | www.reuters.com | Southwest Airlines planes are seen in front of the Las Vegas strip, Nevada, United States April 23, 2015. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson/File Photo
Southwest Airlines Co (LUV.N) and its pilots have agreed in principle on a new contract, the U.S. budget carrier's pilot union said on Monday.
The agreement, which runs through Aug. 31, 2020, includes future pay hikes as well as retrospective increases from 2013, Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA) said. (bit.ly/2c0ycrB)
"While a new contract is certainly not a done deal, this is the next step in the process," SWAPA President Jon Weaks said.
SWAPA's board will meet in mid-September to review the contract and decide if it should be put to a ratification vote, the union said.
(Reporting by Supantha Mukherjee in Bengaluru; Editing by Kirti Pandey) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-southwest-workers-idUSKCN1142A2?feedType=RSS&feedName=businessNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FbusinessNews+%28Business+News%29 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/6dd18f2b0e44d95488dc2d990db74dbf58d5cf0cd8ab12ba0c56c9f190aaacb7.json |
[
"Mamidipudi",
"Soumithri",
"Yashaswini Swamynathan"
] | 2016-08-31T14:51:41 | null | 2016-08-31T14:12:38 | Wall Street was slightly lower on Wednesday, the last trading day of August, as a stronger dollar weighed on oil prices and materials companies. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-usa-stocks-idUSKCN1161O0%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DbusinessNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FbusinessNews%2B%2528Business%2BNews%2529.json | http://s3.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160831&t=2&i=1151723818&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7U0YJ | en | null | Wall St falls as lower oil prices weigh on energy stocks | null | null | www.reuters.com | A monitor is pictured as a trader works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) shortly after the opening bell in New York, U.S., August 30, 2016. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson
Wall Street was slightly lower on Wednesday, the last trading day of August, as a stronger dollar weighed on oil prices and materials companies.
Oil prices dropped about 1 percent as the dollar traded at three-week highs. Exxon fell 0.6 percent and was the top drag on the S&P. [O/R]
The 0.74 percent drop in the S&P 500 energy index weighed on the benchmark.
Materials, which includes companies with large overseas operations, was off 0.62 percent.
Investors, however, are focused on the upcoming U.S. nonfarm payrolls data on Friday which could provide clues on the timing of the next interest rate hike.
The markets have been playing a guessing game on when the Federal Reserve would be able to raise rates after top Fed officials, including Chair Janet Yellen, turned hawkish on the back of slow but steady economic growth.
Boston Fed president and voting member Eric Rosengren, in a panel discussion in China on Wednesday, said the Fed was nearing its employment and inflation rate goals, adding that rate hikes could shield the economy.
A smaller-than-expected drop in private payrolls numbers boosted investors optimism about Friday's jobs report which includes both private and public sector employment.
The U.S. private sector added 177,000 jobs in August, compared with expectations of 175,000.
At 9:41 a.m. ET, the Dow Jones industrial average was down 34.18 points, or 0.19 percent, at 18,420.12.
The S&P 500 was down 4.18 points, or 0.19 percent, at 2,171.94.
The Nasdaq Composite was down 10.12 points, or 0.19 percent, at 5,212.87.
"I think today will be very quiet. It's all about Friday morning, it's late August and most risk managers aren't going to allow traders to comes in with large positions," said John Brady, senior vice president at R.J. O'Brien & Associates in Chicago.
The markets are still skeptical of the Fed raising rates in September, given the U.S. presidential elections in November and inflation rate that rides below the Fed's 2 percent target.
Traders have priced in a 27 percent chance of a rate increase in September and a 54.4 percent chance in December, according to CME Group's FedWatch tool.
Financials, which gain the most in a higher rate environment, was the only sector that was trading higher.
Palo Alto dropped 7.5 percent to $132.87 after the cyber security firm forecast current-quarter profit and revenue below analysts' estimates.
Juno Therapeutics fell 6.5 percent to $29.65 after BTIG initiated coverage with a "sell" rating.
Declining issues outnumbered advancing ones on the NYSE by 1,670 to 951. On the Nasdaq, 1,385 issues fell and 858 advanced.
The S&P 500 index showed 10 new 52-week highs and one new low, while the Nasdaq recorded 48 new highs and six new lows.
(Reporting by Yashaswini Swamynathan in Bengaluru; Editing by Don Sebastian) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-stocks-idUSKCN1161O0?feedType=RSS&feedName=businessNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FbusinessNews+%28Business+News%29 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/be604967e48e68334f118802cbf29d0e82e5b04da2564e60abe3ac5b90281685.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-29T01:04:39 | null | 2016-08-28T23:59:42 | The United States on Sunday condemned the Venezuelan government’s decision to move Daniel Ceballos, a former opposition mayor accused of fomenting protests, to prison from house arrest and called for his immediate release. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-venezuela-politics-usa-idUSKCN1130YE%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DworldNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2BReuters%252FworldNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BWorld%2BNews%2529.json | http://s2.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160828&t=2&i=1151383594&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7R0M4 | en | null | U.S. condemns move of Venezuela ex-mayor to prison from house arrest | null | null | www.reuters.com | Former mayor Daniel Ceballos (C), looks out from a window next to his wife Patricia Ceballos, mayor of San Cristobal and their children at their house in Caracas August 12, 2015. REUTERS/Christian Veron
WASHINGTON The United States on Sunday condemned the Venezuelan government’s decision to move Daniel Ceballos, a former opposition mayor accused of fomenting protests, to prison from house arrest and called for his immediate release.
State Department spokesman John Kirby said Ceballos’s transfer on Saturday “represents an effort to intimidate and impede the Venezuelan people's right to peacefully express their opinion Sept. 1,” when the opposition plans a major demonstration against the government of President Nicolas Maduro.
Ceballos was arrested in 2014 on accusations he helped lead violent unrest in the tumultuous western city of San Cristobal, where he was mayor. He denies the accusations.
Opposition leaders called his arrest an effort to quash dissent and describe Ceballos as a political prisoner. Maduro calls him a criminal who sought to destabilize the country, and denies Venezuela holds political prisoners.
Patricia de Ceballos said agents from the Sebin intelligence service arrived at their residence in the capital Caracas at around 3 a.m. on Saturday saying they were going to conduct a medical exam for her husband, who was granted house arrest in 2015 for health reasons.
The interior ministry said Ceballos' house arrest had been suspended because he had attempted to escape from his home and planned to stir up violence at the Sept. 1 demonstration.
“The United States is deeply disturbed by the Venezuelan government's decision to move opposition leader Daniel Ceballos from house arrest to prison,” Kirby said in a statement.
“The basic underpinnings of the rule of law in Venezuela have degraded to an alarming degree. There is no place in a democratic society for employing the instruments of the state to bully, intimidate and silence the political opposition,” he said.
Venezuela has faced intense international pressure to free jailed opposition leaders including Ceballos and Leopoldo Lopez, another former mayor who was also imprisoned in 2014 in connection with anti-government demonstrations.
The issue complicated a rapprochement effort last year between Caracas and Washington, which have been at ideological loggerheads since the 14-year rule of late socialist leader Hugo Chavez.
(Reporting By Matt Spetalnick; Editing by Andrea Ricci) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-usa-idUSKCN1130YE?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Reuters%2FworldNews+%28Reuters+World+News%29 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/b2d107289659ea5ba956b86c839163a26e51129d8726b2a28d712a7a26b18bc7.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-29T01:04:40 | null | 2016-08-28T23:30:22 | Jets believed to be Syrian planes hit the besieged Al-Waer neighborhood in the city of Homs on Sunday, a day after the evacuation of residents and fighters from rebel-held Daraya on the outskirts of the capital, residents and a monitor said. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-mideast-crisis-syria-homs-idUSKCN1130XP%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DworldNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2BReuters%252FworldNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BWorld%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources_v2/images/rcom-default.png | en | null | Jets hit rebel-held Homs area for first time in year: residents and monitor | null | null | www.reuters.com | AMMAN Jets believed to be Syrian planes hit the besieged Al-Waer neighborhood in the city of Homs on Sunday, a day after the evacuation of residents and fighters from rebel-held Daraya on the outskirts of the capital, residents and a monitor said.
They said over a dozen air strikes on the residential quarter caused at least seven deaths and dozens of civilian injuries in the last rebel-held area in Homs city, Syria's third largest city.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a woman and child were among the dead. Videos posted by social media showed children suffering burns from what activists said were incendiary bombs. Reuters could not independently verify the images.
It was the second day of air raids, the first such strikes since around a year ago in the rebel-held area where community leaders in December reached a U.N.-sponsored deal with authorities to evacuate fighters under a phased plan that would have shored up government control of the city.
But there has been no progress since the evacuation of hundreds of fighters in implementing later phases of the deal that stipulates that fighters still in the district must surrender heavy weapons while being allowed to keep their light arms.
Homs was a center of the uprising against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. A previous truce in Homs in 2014 allowed insurgents to withdraw from the Old City while Al-Waer remained in the hands of insurgents.
It has since been under a tight siege by Syrian army and pro-government militias. Aside from several U.N. humanitarian deliveries, the authorities have blocked supplies of most food and aid into the quarter.
Residents and local officials said the escalation came a day after former rebel-held Daraya, a Damascus suburb, was evacuated by rebels after relentless bombing and a tough siege. [L8N1B72XF]
They accuse the army of stepping up military pressure on Al-Waer to force a capitulation of the rebels who are estimated to number several thousand in a district with at least 50,000 civilians.
"The regime after succeeding in evicting the people of Daraya has begun to escalate its pressure on us," said Bebars Tilawi, an activist in the quarter.
Aid officials and Washington have decried what they call a "starve-or-surrender tactic" they say is used mainly by the Syrian government and other warring parties as a tool against besieged areas to regain government control.
(Reporting by Suleiman Al-Khalidi; Editing by Peter Cooney) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-homs-idUSKCN1130XP?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Reuters%2FworldNews+%28Reuters+World+News%29 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/9d87b22146ce3a6bb4ddb4468b652cdd5b707be20e6b58c0615ffc832c88d942.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-29T16:52:08 | null | 2016-08-29T16:23:55 | Prism Medical Ltd : | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2FidUSFWN1BA0F4%3Ftype%3DcompanyNews%26feedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DcompanyNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FcompanyNews%2B%2528News%2B%252F%2BUS%2B%252F%2BCompany%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources_v2/images/rcom-default.png | en | null | BRIEF-Prism medical says court approval granted for deal with Handicare Group AB | null | null | www.reuters.com | UPDATE 2-S.African rand weakens as U.S. rate hike expectations strengthen
JOHANNESBURG, Aug 29 South Africa's rand weakened against the dollar on Monday as the greenback rose on expectations that U.S. interest rates would rise soon, adding pressure on the currency which has been knocked by concerns over the finance minister's future. | http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSFWN1BA0F4?type=companyNews&feedType=RSS&feedName=companyNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FcompanyNews+%28News+%2F+US+%2F+Company+News%29 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/9c6348e3e76ebd3784c2ecfca03ddd5d7c6de7e8f8b8a82ee5e73dcb016a4d65.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-28T11:02:10 | null | 2016-08-28T10:31:31 | Israeli technology company Shellanoo is planning to raise at least 100 million shekels ($26.5 million) in an initial public offering (IPO) on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange in late September or October, it said on Sunday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-shellanoo-ipo-idUSKCN1130C7%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DtechnologyNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FtechnologyNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BTechnology%2BNews%2529.json | http://s2.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160828&t=2&i=1151338826&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7R05F | en | null | Israeli tech group Shellanoo plans Tel Aviv IPO | null | null | www.reuters.com | A billboard advertisement for Israeli app Blindspot, which allows people to send text messages anonymously, is seen in Tel Aviv January 25, 2016. REUTERS/Baz Ratner
JERUSALEM Israeli technology company Shellanoo is planning to raise at least 100 million shekels ($26.5 million) in an initial public offering (IPO) on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange in late September or October, it said on Sunday.
Shellanoo, founded in 2014 and whose backers include Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich and popstars will.i.am and Nicki Minaj, focuses on mobile applications, online services and interactive artificial intelligence.
The company said it has been valued at $177 million by consulting firm BDO.
By staying local, Shellanoo is bucking a trend of Israeli technology companies choosing to list on foreign markets such as Nasdaq.
Company spokesman David Strauss said that Shellanoo hopes its plans will encourage more technology businesses to stay in Tel Aviv.
Among Shellanoo's investments, its website lists about two dozen mobile apps and digital platforms, some available and some in development.
One of those programs is anonymous messaging app Blindspot, which has come under fire from some parents and politicians who say it is being used as a weapon for cyber-bullying.
The IPO is being underwritten by Israeli investment bank Poalim IBI (PIU.TA).
(Reporting by Ari Rabinovitch; Editing by David Goodman) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-shellanoo-ipo-idUSKCN1130C7?feedType=RSS&feedName=technologyNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FtechnologyNews+%28Reuters+Technology+News%29 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/ef42eda9dbd9f94b8eab7b6f96fc498e8eebd331e3f2485ca1c487f29d6bfbaf.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-29T00:59:52 | null | 2016-08-29T00:39:54 | Patrick Reed clinched a spot on the American Ryder Cup team when he won The Barclays on Sunday and immediately set his sights on gaining "sweet revenge" when the U.S. take on Europe in five weeks' time. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-golf-ryder-idUSKCN1130WV%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DsportsNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FsportsNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BSports%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160828&t=2&i=1151380437&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7R0L9 | en | null | Reed seeks 'sweet revenge' against Europe in Ryder Cup | null | null | www.reuters.com | Aug 28, 2016; Farmingdale, NY, USA; Patrick Reed watches his tee shot on the sixth hole during the final round of The Barclays golf tournament at Bethpage State Park - Black Course. Mandatory Credit: Eric Sucar-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2016; Farmingdale, NY, USA; Rickie Fowler watches his tee shot on the sixth hole during the final round of The Barclays golf tournament at Bethpage State Park - Black Course. Mandatory Credit: Eric Sucar-USA TODAY Sports
NEW YORK Patrick Reed clinched a spot on the American Ryder Cup team when he won The Barclays on Sunday and immediately set his sights on gaining "sweet revenge" when the U.S. take on Europe in five weeks' time.
Reed arrived in New York occupying eighth position on the points list for the biennial match against Europe and booked his place with victory at Bethpage Black, jumping to fourth in the standings.
Rickie Fowler did not fare as well. He needed to finish third or better to secure his position after starting the tournament 12th on the list but slumped over the closing stages, dropping three shots in the last four holes to finish joint seventh.
Fowler's loss was Zach Johnson's gain as the 2015 British Open champion claimed the eighth and final automatic spot.
Two-times Masters winner Bubba Watson finished ninth on the list, while Fowler came in 11th, behind J.B. Holmes.
Watson and Fowler will be among those hoping to be included as one of four wildcard picks next month when captain Davis Love completes his 12-man team for the three-day event at Hazeltine, Minnesota that starts on Sept. 30.
Europe have won three Cups in a row, and eight of the last 10.
"I want sweet revenge, just like our whole team does," said Reed, who has represented the United States in the Ryder Cup in Scotland, the Presidents Cup in South Korea and at the Olympic Games in Brazil.
"So now, I finally get to play for the United States in the United States and I cannot wait to see how the fans are, and just have the whole crowd on our side this time," added the 26-year-old.
Love will choose three of his wildcards after the BMW Championship on Sept. 11 and make his final selection two weeks later after the Tour Championship, only five days before the Ryder Cup starts.
A change in selection policy was made to ensure a player on a hot streak does not miss out on the team. Two years ago Billy Horschel won the BMW Championship and the Tour Championship but missed the Ryder Cup as the team had already been finalised.
Five of the eight automatic qualifiers this time also played on the losing 2014 team -- Jordan Spieth, Phil Mickelson, Jimmy Walker, Reed and Johnson.
"It's going to be so much fun. I know we're going to work so hard to keep that Cup back home," said Reed.
AUTOMATIC QUALIFIERS:
Dustin Johnson
Jordan Spieth
Phil Mickelson
Patrick Reed
Jimmy Walker
Brooks Koepka
Brandt Snedeker
Zach Johnson
(Reporting by Andrew Both; Editing by Tony Jimenez/Peter Rutherford) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-golf-ryder-idUSKCN1130WV?feedType=RSS&feedName=sportsNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FsportsNews+%28Reuters+Sports+News%29 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/9e0adf7cfd506f59db8c412ee211cf4ffb540be11ff3c78adfecdda0477c6458.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-29T18:57:54 | null | 2016-08-29T18:06:07 | One of the stars of "Ice Road Truckers," a reality TV show about the hazards of driving the frozen highways of northern Canada and Alaska, was killed in a plane crash in Montana over the weekend, a spokeswoman for the History channel said on Monday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-people-ward-idUSKCN11421F%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DpeopleNews.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources_v2/images/rcom-default.png | en | null | Star of reality TV's 'Ice Road Truckers' killed in plane crash | null | null | www.reuters.com | NEW YORK One of the stars of "Ice Road Truckers," a reality TV show about the hazards of driving the frozen highways of northern Canada and Alaska, was killed in a plane crash in Montana over the weekend, a spokeswoman for the History channel said on Monday.
Darrell Ward, 52, was flying to Missoula to begin filming a pilot episode about the recovery of plane wrecks for a new documentary-style show, according to his Facebook page.
"We are saddened by the tragic loss of Darrell Ward, a beloved member of the History family," the channel said in a statement. "He will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time."
The co-pilot of the Cessna 182, 56-year-old Mark Melotz, was also killed when the plane crashed on the shoulder of Interstate 90 while trying to land at a nearby airstrip, according to local media. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash.
Ward had finished filming the 10th season of "Ice Road Truckers," a show in which drivers haul cargo across dangerous frozen lakes and rivers to remote communities in Canada and Alaska.
(Reporting by Patricia Reaney; Editing by Frank McGurty and Paul Simao) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-people-ward-idUSKCN11421F?feedType=RSS&feedName=peopleNews | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/faade2099e3a26965adac1b2b56cfe45b8d94a8f1db0734283332a1295387ed6.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-29T04:51:45 | null | 2016-08-29T02:48:36 | traders | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fjapan-stocks-midday-idUSL3N1BA03L%3Ftype%3DcompanyNews%26feedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DcompanyNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FcompanyNews%2B%2528News%2B%252F%2BUS%2B%252F%2BCompany%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources_v2/images/rcom-default.png | en | null | Nikkei surges to 1-1/2 week high on Yellen effect, weak yen | null | null | www.reuters.com | * Market continues to stay cautious on U.S. data - traders
* Insurers, exporters gain ground
By Ayai Tomisawa
TOKYO, Aug 29 Japanese stocks surged to 1-1/2-week highs on Monday morning as the yen weakened after U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen signalled an interest rate hike remains on the cards this year, lifting insurers and exporters.
Speaking at the annual gathering of central bankers in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Yellen said the case for raising U.S. interest rates had strengthened thanks to improvements in the labour market and expectations for moderate economic growth.
The Nikkei share average soared 2.2 percent to 16,721.23 in midmorning trade, after rising as high as 16,737.95, the highest since August 17.
Insurers staged a rally as higher U.S. rates would allow them to reap yield gains from their investments in U.S. bonds, while their domestic stock portfolio would also benefit from Nikkei's uptick.
Dai-ichi Life Insurance jumped 6.3 percent, Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Holdings rose 5.1 percent and Japan Post Insurance advanced 2.2 percent.
Exporters also surged after the dollar rose 0.2 percent to 102.03 yen after earlier rising as high as 102.14, its best since Aug. 12.
Toyota Motor Corp jumped 4.0 percent, Honda Motor Co soared 3.5 percent and Nissan Motor Co gained 2.7 percent.
While Yellen did not indicate when the Fed might raise rates, her hawkish comments have got markets focused on higher U.S. rates before year-end, traders said.
In the longer run, however, investors remain on U.S. data-watch mode to see if they cement Yellen's view, the traders added.
"Sentiment has recovered and it's helping the market rebound, but it's too early to turn optimistic," said Yoshinori Shigemi, global market strategist at JPMorgan Asset Management.
"It's not too difficult for the Nikkei to trade above the current 16,500 level. What the market wants to see is whether the U.S. economy is strong enough to stimulate investor appetite and the Nikkei to stay above the 17,000 level."
The broader Topix gained 2.1 percent to 1,314.38 and the JPX-Nikkei Index 400 rose 2.2 percent to 11,823.22. (Editing by Shri Navaratnam) | http://www.reuters.com/article/japan-stocks-midday-idUSL3N1BA03L?type=companyNews&feedType=RSS&feedName=companyNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FcompanyNews+%28News+%2F+US+%2F+Company+News%29 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/3cb2bb82e266937961e778945e59903c4361836fa8b9e847735cc450aaed2501.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-30T18:52:16 | null | 2016-08-30T17:58:24 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2FidUSFWN1B70L2%3Ftype%3DcompanyNews%26feedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DcompanyNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FcompanyNews%2B%2528News%2B%252F%2BUS%2B%252F%2BCompany%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources_v2/images/rcom-default.png | en | null | Ferro says Antwerp Assets up for sale | null | null | www.reuters.com | null | http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSFWN1B70L2?type=companyNews&feedType=RSS&feedName=companyNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FcompanyNews+%28News+%2F+US+%2F+Company+News%29 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/c334d1b958b1680ce66397b16799cce9e6595bdd5e8d4dd3d74bec73bfb4a1aa.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-30T17:02:10 | null | 2016-08-30T15:46:24 | A 49-year-old Oklahoma woman has been charged with first-degree murder on suspicion of killing her daughter whom she thought was possessed by the devil by jamming a crucifix down her throat and beating her, court records released on Tuesday showed. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-oklahoma-murder-idUSKCN11522P%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DdomesticNews.json | http://s2.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160830&t=2&i=1151600228&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7T16F | en | null | Oklahoma mother charged with using crucifix to kill 'possessed' daughter | null | null | www.reuters.com | Juanita Gomez is shown in this undated booking photo in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma August 30, 2016. Courtesy Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office/Handout via REUTERS
A 49-year-old Oklahoma woman has been charged with first-degree murder on suspicion of killing her daughter whom she thought was possessed by the devil by jamming a crucifix down her throat and beating her, court records released on Tuesday showed.
Juanita Gomez was booked last week in the death of Geneva Gomez, whose body was found in an Oklahoma City home with a large cross on her chest, a probable cause affidavit said.
Local media said the daughter was 33 years old.
No lawyer was listed for Gomez in online jail records.
Police said Gomez confessed to the crime, telling officers she forced a crucifix and religious medallion down her daughter's throat until blood came out.
"Juanita saw her daughter die and then placed her body in the shape of a cross," the affidavit said.
Gomez was being held without bond at the Oklahoma County jail.
(Reporting by Jon Herskovitz in Austin, Texas; Editing by Matthew Lewis) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-oklahoma-murder-idUSKCN11522P?feedType=RSS&feedName=domesticNews | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/9089f13f5669cb6f6c944f37ff1d1682a9aa92bbd236dc316b833e7b5fae9525.json |
[
"Roslan Khasawneh"
] | 2016-08-30T02:50:49 | null | 2016-08-30T01:54:46 | Oil futures edged up on Tuesday as the U.S. dollar erased earlier gains, but doubts that producers would be able to agree to an output freeze continued to drag on prices. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-global-oil-idUSKCN11504T%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DbusinessNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FbusinessNews%2B%2528Business%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160830&t=2&i=1151516980&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7T01W | en | null | Oil prices rise as dollar retreats from two-week high | null | null | www.reuters.com | View of gasoline pumps at a petrol station in Paris in Paris, France, May 26, 2016. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
SINGAPORE Oil futures edged up on Tuesday as the U.S. dollar erased earlier gains, but doubts that producers would be able to agree to an output freeze continued to drag on prices.
International Brent crude oil futures LCOc1 were trading at $49.34 per barrel at 0125 GMT, up 8 cents from their previous close.
U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were up 15 cents at $47.13 a barrel.
The U.S. dollar retreated from Monday's two-week high as investors looked ahead to jobs data this week that Federal Reserve Vice Chair Stanley Fischer has said will be important to whether the U.S. central bank raises interest rates soon.
A weaker greenback makes oil purchases for countries with other currencies cheaper, potentially spurring demand for the fuel.
Yet concerns of a successful outcome to September talks among members of Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) about a production freeze continued to weigh on markets.
"There's a feeling that the OPEC production freeze talks might result in something positive, but it's just talk," said Robert Nunan, risk management director at Mitsubishi Corporation.
Saudi Arabian Energy Minister Khalid Al-Falih tempered expectations that the world's major oil producers would look to freeze production next month, telling Reuters on Thursday that the "market is moving in the right direction" already.
"Either way, despite some increases in Saudi Arabia and Iraq, OPEC production seems to be flattening with the outages in Libya, Nigeria and Venezuela, knocking out about some 3 million barrels of daily production and no one is holding their breath they'll return soon," said Nunan.
Nigerian rebels pledged to end hostilities against its oil and gas industry, which they repeatedly attacked earlier this year knocking reducing the OPEC member's output by 700,000 barrels a day to 1.56 million bpd.
"We promise to fight more for the Niger Delta, if this opportunity fails," the Niger Delta Avengers said in a statement received by Reuters on Sunday.
(Reporting by Roslan Khasawneh; Editing by Joseph Radford) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-global-oil-idUSKCN11504T?feedType=RSS&feedName=businessNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FbusinessNews+%28Business+News%29 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/da5271f913f718d47540a455b7815a2b1189db14fa4f93aa3950d2e65e8b0648.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-30T20:52:19 | null | 2016-08-30T20:42:01 | Carmanah Technologies Corp | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2FidUSASC094WS%3Ftype%3DcompanyNews%26feedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DcompanyNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FcompanyNews%2B%2528News%2B%252F%2BUS%2B%252F%2BCompany%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources_v2/images/rcom-default.png | en | null | BRIEF-Globalstar and Carmanah sign strategic agreement | null | null | www.reuters.com | Aug 30 Carmanah Technologies Corp
* Globalstar and Carmanah sign strategic agreement Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage: | http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSASC094WS?type=companyNews&feedType=RSS&feedName=companyNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FcompanyNews+%28News+%2F+US+%2F+Company+News%29 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/9373ea5a22b7adc7daa8a7887d186062afbabe4af6d5241bf8ac142bef15423f.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-29T22:52:12 | null | 2016-08-29T22:11:13 | Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Inc | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2FidUSFWN1BA0DC%3Ftype%3DcompanyNews%26feedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DcompanyNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FcompanyNews%2B%2528News%2B%252F%2BUS%2B%252F%2BCompany%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources_v2/images/rcom-default.png | en | null | BRIEF-Ritchie Bros Auctioneers to buy Ironplanet for about $758.5 mln | null | null | www.reuters.com | Aug 29 Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Inc
* Will acquire Ironplanet for approximately $758.5 million, subject to customary closing adjustments
* Intends to finance transaction through a combination of cash on hand and new debt
* Has bridge financing commitments from Goldman Sachs Bank USA
* Transaction is expected to be accretive to earnings within first year
* Following close and required financing, Ritchie Bros is expected to have a net debt to EBITDA ratio of no more than 3.0x
* Gregory Owens has agreed to join combined company's executive committee upon closing Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage: | http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSFWN1BA0DC?type=companyNews&feedType=RSS&feedName=companyNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FcompanyNews+%28News+%2F+US+%2F+Company+News%29 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/8a91dd6e5b9fb78f62e3b7945253b657f4167c835c5c1a9c96e508c21ff8ae19.json |
[
"Simon Cambers"
] | 2016-08-30T01:00:01 | null | 2016-08-29T23:53:26 | Serena Williams has been here before. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-tennis-open-preview-idUSKCN1142IH%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DsportsNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FsportsNews%2B%2528Reuters%2BSports%2BNews%2529.json | http://s3.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160829&t=2&i=1151508264&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7S1E5 | en | null | Relaxed Serena set to open quest for more history | null | null | www.reuters.com | Britain Tennis - Wimbledon - All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, Wimbledon, England - 9/7/16 USA's Serena Williams in action against Germany's Angelique Kerber during the womens singles final REUTERS/Toby Melville
NEW YORK Serena Williams has been here before.
Twelve months after her bid for the coveted calendar-year grand slam ended with a shock defeat to Roberta Vinci of Italy in the U.S. Open semi-finals, the world number one is back, chasing another piece of history.
Victory at this year's U.S. Open would give the American, who begins her quest on Tuesday versus Ekaterina Makarova, a 23rd grand slam singles title and break the professional era record she shares with Germany's Steffi Graf.
A year on, despite a niggling injury to her right shoulder and in danger of losing her world number one ranking, Williams claims things are easier to handle.
"At this point, I'm taking it a day at a time," said Williams. "(But) I think I just am more relaxed, for sure."
Williams will need to be at her best during her first-round match against Makarova, a Russian now ranked 29th but as high as eighth last year and who has beaten the American once in their five meetings.
"I'm OK with it," Williams said. "I try to look at it like we always have tough matches. I played her I think in the semis before. I know she's a good player. I've just got to do the best I can."
In other Day Two action, Agnieszka Radwanska, one of three women who could replace Williams atop the world rankings this fortnight, plays American Jessica Pegula while sixth seed Venus Williams opens against Kateryna Kozlova of Ukraine.
In the men's event, second seed Andy Murray begins his title bid with a first-round match against Czech Lukas Rosol.
Murray is bidding to complete a golden summer having added the Olympic title to his Wimbledon crown.
“He's a tough, tough opponent,” Murray said. “Big, strong guy, goes for his shots; takes a lot of risks.”
Former U.S. Open champion Juan Martin del Potro, back for the first time in three years after three operations on his left wrist, plays fellow Argentine Diego Schwartzman in round one.
(Editing by Frank Pingue) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-tennis-open-preview-idUSKCN1142IH?feedType=RSS&feedName=sportsNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FsportsNews+%28Reuters+Sports+News%29 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/af8e15db6de6f0a0f025b60a485ef916536543bcb22070e1536ac99d2fe8d621.json |
[
"Reuters Editorial"
] | 2016-08-30T12:52:16 | null | 2016-08-30T12:26:12 | Fred's Inc : | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2FidUSL8N1BB2UI%3Ftype%3DcompanyNews%26feedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DcompanyNews%26utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Breuters%252FcompanyNews%2B%2528News%2B%252F%2BUS%2B%252F%2BCompany%2BNews%2529.json | http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources_v2/images/rcom-default.png | en | null | BRIEF-Fred's Inc reports Q2 loss per share of $0.18 | null | null | www.reuters.com | Aug 30 Fred's Inc :
* August same store sales fell 3 percent
* Fred's announces second quarter 2016 results
* Q2 sales fell 3 percent
* Q2 loss per share $0.18
* August sales $159.6 million
* Q2 earnings per share view $-0.21 -- Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S
* Comparable store sales for Q2 declined 2.0% versus an increase of 0.9% in Q2 last year
* Fred's Inc says expect changes in both total sales and comparable store sales to range from negative 1% to a positive 1% for second half of year
* Says may see a loss per diluted share for second half of year in range of $0.18 to $0.23
* See Q3 loss per share deeper than Q4 loss per share
* Qtrly net sales $529.5 million versus $546.1 million Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage: | http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSL8N1BB2UI?type=companyNews&feedType=RSS&feedName=companyNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FcompanyNews+%28News+%2F+US+%2F+Company+News%29 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/7fbb5af11e19313ec7f5db78e338c33db0dcc083697c86065bb9ccd78c578277.json |
[
"Susan Cornwell"
] | 2016-08-30T23:02:12 | null | 2016-08-30T20:49:41 | U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley opened the door to holding a hearing on President Obama's Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland if a majority of senators wish to do so after the Nov. 8 election, in comments posted online Tuesday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-usa-court-garland-idUSKCN1152OK%3FfeedType%3DRSS%26feedName%3DdomesticNews.json | http://s1.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20160830&t=2&i=1151636422&w=&fh=545px&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=LYNXNPEC7T1K0 | en | null | Senator Grassley could be persuaded to hold hearing on Garland | null | null | www.reuters.com | U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) speaks before Republican nominee Donald Trump arrives at 'Joni's Roast and Ride' in Des Moines, Iowa, U.S., August 27, 2016. REUTERS/Carlo AllegriU.
WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley opened the door to holding a hearing on President Obama's Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland if a majority of senators wish to do so after the Nov. 8 election, in comments posted online Tuesday.
Grassley, an Iowa Republican, vowed months ago that the Senate Judiciary Committee he chairs would not act this year to consider Garland's nomination, saying the Republican-majority Senate should not act on a Court nominee until after the new president takes office early next year.
But in a town hall meeting Monday in Cherokee, Iowa, Grassley indicated he could be persuaded by a large number of senators to take action in a "lame duck" session between the Nov. 8 election and the inauguration of the new president in January.
"If we have the election, and there was a majority of the Senate changed their mind about doing it in the lame duck, as opposed to January 20, I don't feel that I could stand in the way of that. But I don't think I can promote that idea," he said in a video of his remarks posted online by the American Bridge 21st Century website, which says it is committed to "holding Republicans accountable."
Grassley made a similar point at the Sioux City Iowa Rotary Club, Iowa's Globe Gazette reported.
Garland, a federal appeals court judge, was nominated by Obama, a Democrat, on March 16 to fill the Supreme Court vacancy created by the Feb. 13 death of conservative Justice Antonin Scalia.
Republicans insist that the next president should fill the vacancy, hoping a Republican will win the White House and choose a conservative rather than the centrist Garland. But such an outcome is not assured, with Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton currently leading Republican candidate Donald Trump in public opinion polls.
A spokeswoman for Grassley, Beth Levine, denied he was shifting his position. She said that in Sioux City Grassley reiterated his stance "that a Supreme Court nominee wouldn’t be considered until after the next president is sworn in so the American people have an opportunity to weigh in on this important issue."
Senate Republican leaders have vowed not to hold confirmation hearings or an up-or-down vote on any Supreme Court nominee put forward by Obama. "The Leader has been clear: the next president will make this nomination," Don Stewart, spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, said in an email Tuesday.
(Reporting by Susan Cornwell; Editing by Julia Edwards and Andrew Hay) | http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-court-garland-idUSKCN1152OK?feedType=RSS&feedName=domesticNews | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.reuters.com/b14a4133c4febfeb456fcd5d12b75a39bfcf1fa78b79c6c9d789c54860180019.json |
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