Strauss-Kahn, Manhattan hotel maid agree to settle her lawsuit
NEW YORK, N.Y. – Former International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn and a hotel maid who accused him of trying to rape her have reached an agreement to settle her lawsuit, likely ending a legal saga that forced the onetime French presidential contender’s resignation and opened a floodgate of accusations against him, a person familiar with the case said.
Insight: Lawyers gain from "say-on-pay" suits targeting U.S. firms
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Since the Dodd-Frank law gave shareholders a say in executive pay in 2010, courts have routinely rebuffed efforts by shareholders to force companies to heed their voice. Now, lawyers have found a new way to bring lawsuits over executive pay, resulting in a handful of legal settlements. But the settlements to date have produced no changes in executive compensation and no money for investors. In fact, the main financial beneficiary so far has been a small New York law firm that brought the bulk of the cases. …
Kuwait election boycott shifts drama to streets
The drama of Kuwait’s parliamentary elections has nothing to do with the ballot count. It’s what may come afterward that has the country on edge as a broad coalition of conservative Islamists, liberal reformers and others vow to boycott Saturday’s vote.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
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Attorney says he expects Lindsay Lohan will be exonerated in NYC nightclub assault case
LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Lindsay Lohan was charged Thursday with crimes in New York and Los Angeles, marking her latest setbacks as she tries to revive her career and avoid a return to jail.
Suu Kyi decries crackdown that injured protesters
Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has publicly criticized the forcible crackdown on protesters at a mine in northwestern Myanmar, saying the public needs an explanation of the violence that injured dozens, including Buddhist monks.
Undefeated Lawton continues roll at Canada Cup with win over Team Jones
MOOSE JAW, Sask. – Stefanie Lawton can now count the defending champions among her victims at the Capital One Canada Cup curling competition.
Afghanistan wants Pakistan to free more Taliban
Afghanistan wants Pakistan to free more Taliban detainees to help coax the group into negotiations to end the 11-year-old war.
Falcons pick off Brees 5 times and finally beat Saints 23-13, closing in on division title
ATLANTA – The Atlanta Falcons moved to the brink of clinching a division championship.
Concussions in male, female varsity hockey players more common than reported: study
TORONTO – The occurrence of brain-rattling concussions among both elite male and female hockey players appears to be much higher than reported, suggests a study in which sports medicine doctors were behind the bench observing a season’s worth of games.
Ontario Teachers' fund plans Asia office, building 10-member team
HONG KONG (Reuters) – Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, a leading Canadian pension fund, plans to open its first Asia office next year in Hong Kong, with as many as 10 staff, a source with knowledge of the matter said, as it targets higher returns from direct investments in the region. Teachers’ is one of the world’s largest investors into private equity firms, and is increasingly active in direct investing in deals, and the move to set up only its second office outside Canada underscores the significance of Asia to influential pension fund managers. …
Shoppers' habits not changed by garment plant fire
Before purchasing a shirt, shoppers will run their hands over the fabric, look at the price tag and wonder how it will hold up in the washing machine. Some might even ask if it makes them look fat.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Lindsay Lohan was charged Thursday with crimes in New York and Los Angeles, marking her latest setbacks as she tries to revive her career and avoid a return to jail.
Suu Kyi decries crackdown that injured protesters
Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has publicly criticized the forcible crackdown on protesters at a mine in northwestern Myanmar, saying the public needs an explanation of the violence that injured dozens, including Buddhist monks. Undefeated Lawton continues roll at Canada Cup with win over Team Jones
MOOSE JAW, Sask. – Stefanie Lawton can now count the defending champions among her victims at the Capital One Canada Cup curling competition.
Afghanistan wants Pakistan to free more Taliban
Afghanistan wants Pakistan to free more Taliban detainees to help coax the group into negotiations to end the 11-year-old war.
Falcons pick off Brees 5 times and finally beat Saints 23-13, closing in on division title
ATLANTA – The Atlanta Falcons moved to the brink of clinching a division championship.
Concussions in male, female varsity hockey players more common than reported: study
TORONTO – The occurrence of brain-rattling concussions among both elite male and female hockey players appears to be much higher than reported, suggests a study in which sports medicine doctors were behind the bench observing a season’s worth of games.
Ontario Teachers' fund plans Asia office, building 10-member team
HONG KONG (Reuters) – Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, a leading Canadian pension fund, plans to open its first Asia office next year in Hong Kong, with as many as 10 staff, a source with knowledge of the matter said, as it targets higher returns from direct investments in the region. Teachers’ is one of the world’s largest investors into private equity firms, and is increasingly active in direct investing in deals, and the move to set up only its second office outside Canada underscores the significance of Asia to influential pension fund managers. …
Shoppers' habits not changed by garment plant fire
Before purchasing a shirt, shoppers will run their hands over the fabric, look at the price tag and wonder how it will hold up in the washing machine. Some might even ask if it makes them look fat.
seenewstoday.com : Top News updates
Australia's tobacco marketing laws give retailers a headache
SYDNEY (Reuters) – James Yu, who runs the King of the Pack tobacconist in central Sydney, is indignant about Australia’s stringent anti-tobacco laws making manufactures package cigarettes in drab olive green packs with pictures of ill babies and diseased body parts. The packages, mandatory from Saturday when the laws take effect, make it hard to tell brands apart, complicating deliveries and adding to costs in his cramped, dark booth. The legislation, the most Draconian in the world, strips packs of all branding, bright colors and logos, leaving only the name printed in identical small font. …
Cricket-Australia v South Africa - third test scoreboard
Nov 30 (Reuters) – Scoreboard at lunch on the opening day of the third and final test between Australia and South Africa at the WACA in Perth on Friday: South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first G. Smith c Clarke b Watson 16 A. Petersen b Starc 30 H. Amla not out 11 J. Kallis b Starc 2 AB de Villiers not out 0 Extras (lb-2, w-2) 4 Total (for three wickets, 25 overs) 63 Fall of wickets: 1-38 2-61 3-63 To bat: F. du Plessis, D. Elgar, R. Peterson, V. Philander, D. Steyn, M. Morkel. …
China bans TV game show after leaked clip of shouting, swearing was deemed vulgar
BEIJING, China – Regulators have cancelled a Chinese television game show they deemed vulgar after an unaired segment that showed shouting and swearing leaked online, markng the government’s latest attempt to rein in the increasingly freewheeling media sector.
Cricket-South Africa 63-3 v Australia, third test - lunch
PERTH, Nov 30 (Reuters) – South Africa were 63 for three wickets at lunch on the opening day of the third test against Australia at the WACA on Friday: Scores: South Africa 63-3 v Australia (Compiled by Nick Mulvenney, editing by Greg Stutchbury)
Egypt Islamists hurriedly approve new constitution
Islamists approved a draft constitution for Egypt early Friday without the participation of liberal and Christian members, seeking to pre-empt a court ruling that could dissolve their panel with a rushed, marathon vote that further inflames the clash between the opposition and President M ohammed Morsi.
Auto industry frets about more fuel mileage fiascos like Hyundai's
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Hyundai Motor Co's admission that it overstated fuel economy claims on several of its top-selling cars has the industry worried, with speculation rife among executives and analysts at the Los Angeles auto show that more automakers may have to do the same. Four weeks ago, Hyundai and its affiliate Kia Motors Corp conceded that they overstated the fuel economy by at least a mile per gallon on more than 1 million recently sold vehicles. "I think we might see more of this," said Jake Fisher, the head of automotive testing at Consumer Reports. …
SYDNEY (Reuters) – James Yu, who runs the King of the Pack tobacconist in central Sydney, is indignant about Australia’s stringent anti-tobacco laws making manufactures package cigarettes in drab olive green packs with pictures of ill babies and diseased body parts. The packages, mandatory from Saturday when the laws take effect, make it hard to tell brands apart, complicating deliveries and adding to costs in his cramped, dark booth. The legislation, the most Draconian in the world, strips packs of all branding, bright colors and logos, leaving only the name printed in identical small font. …
Cricket-Australia v South Africa - third test scoreboard
Nov 30 (Reuters) – Scoreboard at lunch on the opening day of the third and final test between Australia and South Africa at the WACA in Perth on Friday: South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first G. Smith c Clarke b Watson 16 A. Petersen b Starc 30 H. Amla not out 11 J. Kallis b Starc 2 AB de Villiers not out 0 Extras (lb-2, w-2) 4 Total (for three wickets, 25 overs) 63 Fall of wickets: 1-38 2-61 3-63 To bat: F. du Plessis, D. Elgar, R. Peterson, V. Philander, D. Steyn, M. Morkel. …
China bans TV game show after leaked clip of shouting, swearing was deemed vulgar
BEIJING, China – Regulators have cancelled a Chinese television game show they deemed vulgar after an unaired segment that showed shouting and swearing leaked online, markng the government’s latest attempt to rein in the increasingly freewheeling media sector.
Cricket-South Africa 63-3 v Australia, third test - lunch
PERTH, Nov 30 (Reuters) – South Africa were 63 for three wickets at lunch on the opening day of the third test against Australia at the WACA on Friday: Scores: South Africa 63-3 v Australia (Compiled by Nick Mulvenney, editing by Greg Stutchbury)
Egypt Islamists hurriedly approve new constitution
Islamists approved a draft constitution for Egypt early Friday without the participation of liberal and Christian members, seeking to pre-empt a court ruling that could dissolve their panel with a rushed, marathon vote that further inflames the clash between the opposition and President M ohammed Morsi. Auto industry frets about more fuel mileage fiascos like Hyundai's
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Hyundai Motor Co's admission that it overstated fuel economy claims on several of its top-selling cars has the industry worried, with speculation rife among executives and analysts at the Los Angeles auto show that more automakers may have to do the same. Four weeks ago, Hyundai and its affiliate Kia Motors Corp conceded that they overstated the fuel economy by at least a mile per gallon on more than 1 million recently sold vehicles. "I think we might see more of this," said Jake Fisher, the head of automotive testing at Consumer Reports. … seenewstoday.com : Top News updates
WikiLeaks' Assange downplays health concerns
LONDON (Reuters) – WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, holed up in London's Ecuadorian embassy for nearly six months, played down concerns about his health on Thursday, saying he enjoyed be ing at the centre of the legal and diplomatic storm. Assange, 41, whose website angered the United States by releasing thousands of secret diplomatic cables, took sanctuary in Ecuador's embassy in June, jumping bail after exhausting appeals in British courts against extradition to Sweden for sexual assault allegations. …
NKorea preps rocket launch that would irk China
Satellite photos indicate North Korea has moved two sections of a long-range rocket in preparation for a launch that would alarm both its adversaries and lone ally China.
LONDON (Reuters) – WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, holed up in London's Ecuadorian embassy for nearly six months, played down concerns about his health on Thursday, saying he enjoyed be ing at the centre of the legal and diplomatic storm. Assange, 41, whose website angered the United States by releasing thousands of secret diplomatic cables, took sanctuary in Ecuador's embassy in June, jumping bail after exhausting appeals in British courts against extradition to Sweden for sexual assault allegations. … NKorea preps rocket launch that would irk China
Satellite photos indicate North Korea has moved two sections of a long-range rocket in preparation for a launch that would alarm both its adversaries and lone ally China. seenewstoday.com : Top News updates
Mexico's President Calderon fell short of goals
When he came to power six years ago, President Felipe Calderon set goals to alleviate poverty, create jobs and increase public safety.
Rugby-All Blacks still a work in progress
LONDON, Nov 30 (Reuters) – Drawing on the wisdom derived from 92 tests for the New Zealand All Blacks, Sean Fitzpatrick’s praise for the 2012 team before the final match of the Rugby Championship carried a special authority. “This year they have shown they are one of the great sides,” the former New Zealand captain told television viewers. “They are trying to play the perfect game. They want to take it to a new level. …
Environmental activist long wanted in U.S. arson attacks surrenders
PORTLAND, Oregon (Reuters) – A Canadian environmentalist accused of taking part in a campaign of arson attacks across the U.S. West surrendered on Thursday after a decade on the run to face charges in what authorities call the “largest eco-terrorism case” in U.S. history. Rebecca Jeanette Rubin turned herself in to FBI agents at the Canadian border in Blaine, Washington, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a statement. …
U.S. gives Iran until March to cooperate with IAEA
VIENNA (Reuters) – The United States set a March deadline on Thursday for Iran to start cooperating in substance with a U.N. nuclear agency investigation, warning Tehran the is sue may otherwise be referred to the U.N. Security Council. The comments by U.S. diplomat Robert Wood to the board of the International Atomic Energy Agency signaled Washington's growing frustration at a lack of progress in the IAEA's inquiry into possible military dimensions to Tehran's nuclear program. Iran – which was first reported to the U.N. …
When he came to power six years ago, President Felipe Calderon set goals to alleviate poverty, create jobs and increase public safety. Rugby-All Blacks still a work in progress
LONDON, Nov 30 (Reuters) – Drawing on the wisdom derived from 92 tests for the New Zealand All Blacks, Sean Fitzpatrick’s praise for the 2012 team before the final match of the Rugby Championship carried a special authority. “This year they have shown they are one of the great sides,” the former New Zealand captain told television viewers. “They are trying to play the perfect game. They want to take it to a new level. …
Environmental activist long wanted in U.S. arson attacks surrenders
PORTLAND, Oregon (Reuters) – A Canadian environmentalist accused of taking part in a campaign of arson attacks across the U.S. West surrendered on Thursday after a decade on the run to face charges in what authorities call the “largest eco-terrorism case” in U.S. history. Rebecca Jeanette Rubin turned herself in to FBI agents at the Canadian border in Blaine, Washington, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a statement. …
U.S. gives Iran until March to cooperate with IAEA
VIENNA (Reuters) – The United States set a March deadline on Thursday for Iran to start cooperating in substance with a U.N. nuclear agency investigation, warning Tehran the is sue may otherwise be referred to the U.N. Security Council. The comments by U.S. diplomat Robert Wood to the board of the International Atomic Energy Agency signaled Washington's growing frustration at a lack of progress in the IAEA's inquiry into possible military dimensions to Tehran's nuclear program. Iran – which was first reported to the U.N. … seenewstoday.com : Top News updates
Thomson family company names Binet to succeed Beattie as CEO
(Reuters) – The Woodbridge Company Limited, the family company that controls Thomson Reuters Corp , announced that David Binet will succeed Geoff Beattie as president and chief executive, effective January 1. In a separate statement, Thomson Reuters said on Thursday that Beattie will remain its deputy board chairman and that Binet will join the company’s board. Binet is currently the chief operating officer of Woodbridge. Woodbridge is the investment company of Canada’s Thomson family and owns a 55 percent stake in Thomson Reuters. Thomson Corp acquired Reuters Group Plc in 2008. …
Palestinians win de facto U.N. recognition of sovereign state
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – The 193-nation U.N. General Assembly on Thursday overwhelmingly appro ved the de facto recognition of the sovereign state of Palestine after Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called on the world body to issue its long overdue "birth certificate." The U.N. victory for the Palestinians was a diplomatic setback for the United States and Israel, which were joined by only a handful of countries in voting against the move to upgrade the Palestinian Authority's observer status at the United Nations to "non-member state" from "entity," like the Vatican. …
Analysis: The next stop for Palestinians could be global courts
(Reuters) – The U.N. General Assembly's overwhelming vote to recognize Palestine as a non-member state offers little prospect for greater clout in world politics but it could make a difference in the i nternational courts. The formal recognition of statehood, even without full U.N. membership, could be enough for the Palestinians to achieve membership at the Hague-based International Criminal Court (ICC), where member states have the power to refer for investigation alleged war crimes or crimes against humanity. With its upgraded status at the U.N. …
Disputed articles in Egypt's draft constitution
An Islamist-dominated panel is voting on Egypt’s draft constitution, the country’s first charter after the uprising that toppled Hosni Mubarak. The draft largely reflects the conservative vision of the Islamists, with articles that rights activists, liberals and Christians fear will lead to restrictions on the rights of women and minorities and civil liberties in general.
Colombia, FARC wrap up first round of peace talks
HAVANA (Reuters) – Colombia's Marxist-led FARC rebels said their peace talks with the government were going well, but the lead negotiator for President Juan Manuel Santos was more reserved as the two sides finished the first round of meetings aimed at ending their protracted conflict. In separate sessions with the press, neither side spoke of breakthroughs in the talks, but nor was there any sign they had hit irresolvable obstacles as happened in previous peace attempts. They will reconvene in Havana on Wednesday. …
(Reuters) – The Woodbridge Company Limited, the family company that controls Thomson Reuters Corp , announced that David Binet will succeed Geoff Beattie as president and chief executive, effective January 1. In a separate statement, Thomson Reuters said on Thursday that Beattie will remain its deputy board chairman and that Binet will join the company’s board. Binet is currently the chief operating officer of Woodbridge. Woodbridge is the investment company of Canada’s Thomson family and owns a 55 percent stake in Thomson Reuters. Thomson Corp acquired Reuters Group Plc in 2008. …
Palestinians win de facto U.N. recognition of sovereign state
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – The 193-nation U.N. General Assembly on Thursday overwhelmingly appro ved the de facto recognition of the sovereign state of Palestine after Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called on the world body to issue its long overdue "birth certificate." The U.N. victory for the Palestinians was a diplomatic setback for the United States and Israel, which were joined by only a handful of countries in voting against the move to upgrade the Palestinian Authority's observer status at the United Nations to "non-member state" from "entity," like the Vatican. … Analysis: The next stop for Palestinians could be global courts
(Reuters) – The U.N. General Assembly's overwhelming vote to recognize Palestine as a non-member state offers little prospect for greater clout in world politics but it could make a difference in the i nternational courts. The formal recognition of statehood, even without full U.N. membership, could be enough for the Palestinians to achieve membership at the Hague-based International Criminal Court (ICC), where member states have the power to refer for investigation alleged war crimes or crimes against humanity. With its upgraded status at the U.N. … Disputed articles in Egypt's draft constitution
An Islamist-dominated panel is voting on Egypt’s draft constitution, the country’s first charter after the uprising that toppled Hosni Mubarak. The draft largely reflects the conservative vision of the Islamists, with articles that rights activists, liberals and Christians fear will lead to restrictions on the rights of women and minorities and civil liberties in general.
Colombia, FARC wrap up first round of peace talks
HAVANA (Reuters) – Colombia's Marxist-led FARC rebels said their peace talks with the government were going well, but the lead negotiator for President Juan Manuel Santos was more reserved as the two sides finished the first round of meetings aimed at ending their protracted conflict. In separate sessions with the press, neither side spoke of breakthroughs in the talks, but nor was there any sign they had hit irresolvable obstacles as happened in previous peace attempts. They will reconvene in Havana on Wednesday. … seenewstoday.com : Top News updates
Boeing proposes mediation in talks with engineers union
(Reuters) – In a move that ratchets up tensions in labor negotiations, Boeing Co on Thursday asked for federal mediators to help unstick talks with the union that represents its 23,000 engineers, saying the sides were far apart on pay and benefits. "We hope the expertise of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service can help move the two sides toward a resolution," Boeing said in a statement. The move halted discussions around mid-day in Seattle and no further meetings are scheduled, the two sides said. …
Former NHLPA president Linden says he would get involved in negotiations again
VANCOUVER – This time, Trevor Linden is just an interested observer.
Strauss-Kahn in preliminary deal with maid in civil case: source
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Former International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn and the hotel maid who accused him of sexually assaulting her last year have reached a preliminary agreement to settle the civil lawsuit she brought against him, a person familiar with the case said. The person, however, cautioned that the agreement could still fall apart. The development was first reported by the New York Times, which cited people with knowledge of the case. Lawyers for Strauss-Kahn and the maid, Nafissatou Diallo, will appear before a judge in New York next week, the Times reported. …
Al Qaeda battle in Afghanistan to stretch for years: U.S.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Al Qaeda fighters are still trying to make inroads into Afghanistan , U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said on Thursday, cautioning that battling the group would be a core U.S. mission there for years to come. Panetta made the comments as the United States weighs how large a military force to keep in Afghanistan when the NATO combat mission ends in 2014, ending a war that, at that point, will have stretched for over 13 years. There are approximately 66,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan, but the residual force may number less than 10,000. …
Fisker idles Karma production while waiting for A123 auction
(Reuters) – Fisker Automotive Inc said on Thursday that it has temporarily idled production of its Karma plug-in hybrid after its lithium-ion battery supplier A123 Systems Inc cut its output. A123, which is the sole battery supplier for the Karma, slowed production after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in October, Fisker spokesman Roger Ormisher said. Fisker has enough lithium-ion batteries on hand in case an owner needs a replacement, Ormisher said. The company expects to have clarity on its battery inventory after December 6, when an auction to sell A123 is scheduled. …
Opposition cries foul as Egypt constitution finalized
CAIRO (Reuters) – An Islamist-led assembly was expected to finalize a new constitution on Friday aimed at transforming Egypt and paving the way for an end to a crisis which eru pted when President Mohamed Mursi gave himself sweeping new powers last week. Mursi said his decree halting court challenges to his decisions, which provoked protests and violence from Egyptians fearing a new dictator was emerging less than two years after they ousted Hosni Mubarak, was "for an exceptional stage". "It will end as soon as the people vote on a constitution," he told state television on Thursday night. …
Chinese police plan to board vessels in disputed seas
BEIJING/MANILA (Reuters) – Police in the southern Chinese island province of Hainan will board and search ships which illegally enter what China considers its territory in the disputed South China Sea, state media said on Thursday, a move likely to add to tensions. The South China Sea is Asia’s biggest potential military trouble spot with several Asian countries claiming sovereignty over waters believed to be rich in oil and gas. The shortest route between the Pacific and Indian Oceans, it has some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. …
U.S. review will not affect Canada review of CNOOC's Nexen bid
CALGARY, Alberta (Reuters) – Canada's government said on Thursday that pending U.S. approvals for CNOOC Ltd's $15.1 billion bid for Nexen Inc will not affect its own review of the transaction. A spokeswoman for Industry Minister C hristian Paradis said that under the Investment Canada Act (ICA), the government's review of the bid is not altered by the two companies' decision earlier this week to refile their application to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. …
U.S. soldier in WikiLeaks case says he was held in a 'cage'
FORT MEADE, Maryland (Reuters) – A U.S. Army private facing court-martial on suspicion of leaking secret documents to the WikiLeaks website testified on T hursday he was confined to a "cage" in the early days after his arrest in 2010, and thought he would die there. Bradley Manning, in his first public comments since his arrest in Iraq, said his isolation led to a rapid decline in his awareness of his surroundings. He said that he was initially given little or no information about the charges against him. "My nights were my days and my days were my nights," Manning said. …
UK November consumer morale rallies to 18-month high
LONDON (Reuters) – British consumer confidence unexpectedly picked up to an 18-month high in November, according to a survey on Friday that offered Chancellor George Osborne some relief before he sets out his plans to revive a stagnant economy next week. The GfK NOP headline index rose to -22 from -30 in October, the strongest since May 2011 and better than forecasts for an unchanged reading. Although Britain's economy emerged from recession in the third quarter, policymakers have warned of a slow and drawn-out recovery. …
Britain's over-50s ignorant of retirement prospects - report
LONDON (Reuters) – Britain's over-50s are in blissful ignorance of how little their pension pots will pay out and need an urgent financial health check if their retirements are to be as comforta ble as they expect, an industry report said. Workers approaching retirement in the next 15 years need to see their pension pots grow by almost 80 percent to meet their expectations, the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) said on Friday. …
MMA women's star Ronda Rousey says she loads up on sex before she fights
and plenty of it -- are on her things to do list before she fights.
Turkey should boost Kurdish rights as violence grows: report
ISTANBUL (Reuters) – Turkey should offer Kurds equal rights in language use, local governance, identity and political representation as the mainly Kurdish southeast seeks to avoid a worsening of the militant conflict in the region, a think tank said on Friday. It said violence between the state and Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants has reached levels not seen since the 1990s, leading to the deaths of at least 870 people since June 2011. …
(Reuters) – In a move that ratchets up tensions in labor negotiations, Boeing Co on Thursday asked for federal mediators to help unstick talks with the union that represents its 23,000 engineers, saying the sides were far apart on pay and benefits. "We hope the expertise of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service can help move the two sides toward a resolution," Boeing said in a statement. The move halted discussions around mid-day in Seattle and no further meetings are scheduled, the two sides said. … Former NHLPA president Linden says he would get involved in negotiations again
VANCOUVER – This time, Trevor Linden is just an interested observer.
Strauss-Kahn in preliminary deal with maid in civil case: source
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Former International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn and the hotel maid who accused him of sexually assaulting her last year have reached a preliminary agreement to settle the civil lawsuit she brought against him, a person familiar with the case said. The person, however, cautioned that the agreement could still fall apart. The development was first reported by the New York Times, which cited people with knowledge of the case. Lawyers for Strauss-Kahn and the maid, Nafissatou Diallo, will appear before a judge in New York next week, the Times reported. … Al Qaeda battle in Afghanistan to stretch for years: U.S.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Al Qaeda fighters are still trying to make inroads into Afghanistan , U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said on Thursday, cautioning that battling the group would be a core U.S. mission there for years to come. Panetta made the comments as the United States weighs how large a military force to keep in Afghanistan when the NATO combat mission ends in 2014, ending a war that, at that point, will have stretched for over 13 years. There are approximately 66,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan, but the residual force may number less than 10,000. … Fisker idles Karma production while waiting for A123 auction
(Reuters) – Fisker Automotive Inc said on Thursday that it has temporarily idled production of its Karma plug-in hybrid after its lithium-ion battery supplier A123 Systems Inc cut its output. A123, which is the sole battery supplier for the Karma, slowed production after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in October, Fisker spokesman Roger Ormisher said. Fisker has enough lithium-ion batteries on hand in case an owner needs a replacement, Ormisher said. The company expects to have clarity on its battery inventory after December 6, when an auction to sell A123 is scheduled. … Opposition cries foul as Egypt constitution finalized
CAIRO (Reuters) – An Islamist-led assembly was expected to finalize a new constitution on Friday aimed at transforming Egypt and paving the way for an end to a crisis which eru pted when President Mohamed Mursi gave himself sweeping new powers last week. Mursi said his decree halting court challenges to his decisions, which provoked protests and violence from Egyptians fearing a new dictator was emerging less than two years after they ousted Hosni Mubarak, was "for an exceptional stage". "It will end as soon as the people vote on a constitution," he told state television on Thursday night. … Chinese police plan to board vessels in disputed seas
BEIJING/MANILA (Reuters) – Police in the southern Chinese island province of Hainan will board and search ships which illegally enter what China considers its territory in the disputed South China Sea, state media said on Thursday, a move likely to add to tensions. The South China Sea is Asia’s biggest potential military trouble spot with several Asian countries claiming sovereignty over waters believed to be rich in oil and gas. The shortest route between the Pacific and Indian Oceans, it has some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. …
U.S. review will not affect Canada review of CNOOC's Nexen bid
CALGARY, Alberta (Reuters) – Canada's government said on Thursday that pending U.S. approvals for CNOOC Ltd's $15.1 billion bid for Nexen Inc will not affect its own review of the transaction. A spokeswoman for Industry Minister C hristian Paradis said that under the Investment Canada Act (ICA), the government's review of the bid is not altered by the two companies' decision earlier this week to refile their application to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. … U.S. soldier in WikiLeaks case says he was held in a 'cage'
FORT MEADE, Maryland (Reuters) – A U.S. Army private facing court-martial on suspicion of leaking secret documents to the WikiLeaks website testified on T hursday he was confined to a "cage" in the early days after his arrest in 2010, and thought he would die there. Bradley Manning, in his first public comments since his arrest in Iraq, said his isolation led to a rapid decline in his awareness of his surroundings. He said that he was initially given little or no information about the charges against him. "My nights were my days and my days were my nights," Manning said. … UK November consumer morale rallies to 18-month high
LONDON (Reuters) – British consumer confidence unexpectedly picked up to an 18-month high in November, according to a survey on Friday that offered Chancellor George Osborne some relief before he sets out his plans to revive a stagnant economy next week. The GfK NOP headline index rose to -22 from -30 in October, the strongest since May 2011 and better than forecasts for an unchanged reading. Although Britain's economy emerged from recession in the third quarter, policymakers have warned of a slow and drawn-out recovery. … Britain's over-50s ignorant of retirement prospects - report
LONDON (Reuters) – Britain's over-50s are in blissful ignorance of how little their pension pots will pay out and need an urgent financial health check if their retirements are to be as comforta ble as they expect, an industry report said. Workers approaching retirement in the next 15 years need to see their pension pots grow by almost 80 percent to meet their expectations, the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) said on Friday. … MMA women's star Ronda Rousey says she loads up on sex before she fights
and plenty of it -- are on her things to do list before she fights.
Turkey should boost Kurdish rights as violence grows: report
ISTANBUL (Reuters) – Turkey should offer Kurds equal rights in language use, local governance, identity and political representation as the mainly Kurdish southeast seeks to avoid a worsening of the militant conflict in the region, a think tank said on Friday. It said violence between the state and Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants has reached levels not seen since the 1990s, leading to the deaths of at least 870 people since June 2011. …
seenewstoday.com : Top News updates
Strauss-Kahn to settle civil suit with hotel maid: NY Times
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Former International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn will settle the civil lawsuit brought by the hotel maid who accused him of sexually assaulting her last year, the New York Times reported on Thursday, citing people with knowledge of the matter. Lawyers for Strauss-Kahn and Nafissatou Diallo will appear before a judge in New York next week, the Times reported, though the newspaper said one person familiar with the details emphasized that a final agreement has not yet been signed. …
Honda tries to regain its stride with upgraded Civic
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Honda Motor Co introduced it s redesigned Civic sedan only a year-and-a-half after a major model change of the best-selling compact car in the United States. Even Honda admits that the 2012 Civic, introduced in the spring of 2011, missed the mark. For a company that prides itself on rock-solid reliability, it was a shock last summer when influential Consumer Reports ranked the Civic dead last in a field of 12 compact sedans it tested. Sales of the new Civic, a 2013 model, will start this week and the refreshed car was shown off on Thursday at the LA Auto Show. …
Colombia says won't apply U.N. court ruling until rights defended
BOGOTA (Reuters) – Colombia will not apply a U.N. court ruling shifting some of its resource-rich waters to Nicaragua until the Andean nation is sure that “the rights of Colombians are well defended,” President Juan Manuel Santos said on Thursday. The Hague-based International Court of Justice reduced a large expanse of sea belonging to Colombia last week, drawing the border in favor of Nicaragua while giving a small cluster of disputed islands to Bogota in a binding ruling. Both countries have warships in the area. …
Ford aims for record 11 percent share of electric vehicle market
DETROIT (Reuters) – Ford Motor Co , vying to challeng e Toyota Motor Corp's stronghold on the U.S. hybrid market, said it expects to wind up with 11 percent of the U.S. market for hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles this year. This target would be a record for the second-largest U.S. automaker and is more than double its current presence of 5.2 percent in the U.S. electrified vehicle market. Toyota, the maker of the popular Prius hybrid, held 70.4 percent share during the first 10 months of the year, according to auto information site Edmunds.com. Ford's larger U.S. …
65 years later, Palestinians celebrate a UN vote
The black-and-white photos show masses of people yearning for independence, celebrating a vote recognizing a state in Palestine. It was a day that generations of pupils would be taught to remember with reverence: Nov. 29.
Egypt's Islamists race to approve new constitution
Islamists on Thursday rushed to approve a draft constitution for Egypt without the participation of liberal and Christian members, aiming to pre-empt a court ruling that could dissolve their panel and further inflaming the clash between the opposition and President Mohammed Morsi.
Voting on second budget bill begins Tuesday, but unlikely MPs will need pyjamas
OTTAWA – Opposition parties’ efforts to throw another wrench into the machinery of the federal government over the budget are unlikely to end in the same pyjama party as last time.
US finds Guantanamo prisoner death was overdose
An autopsy has found that a Guantanamo Bay prisoner who died in September took an overdose of medication in an apparent suicide, a U.S. official said Thursday.
Ecuadoreans ask court to seize Chevron Canada assets
TORONTO (Reuters) – Lawyers for Chevron Corp asked an Ontario judge on Thursday to toss out a bid by Amazon villagers to seize its Canadian assets to help pay a $19 billion award granted by an Ecuadorean court in decades-old pollution case. The hearing marks the first time the plaintiffs, 47 Amazon villagers, have sought to persuade a foreign court to collect damages awarded to them for environmental contamination in the South American country dating back to the 1960s. Chevron Canada’s assets are worth more than $12 billion, the plaintiffs say. Chevron, the No. 2 U.S. …
Venezuela's Chavez doing well in Cuba: vice president
CARACAS (Reuters) – Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is doing well as he receives medical treatment in Cuba, Vice President Nic olas Maduro said on Thursday, despite a two-week absence from public view that has raised fresh doubts about his health. Chavez, 58, said in a letter to parliament on Tuesday he was returning to Havana for "hyperbaric oxygenation," which is used to treat bone decay caused by radiation therapy. The president has undergone three cancer operations in Cuba since mid-2011. …
UN vote recognizes state of Palestine; US objects
The United Nations voted overwhelmingly Thursday to recognize a Palestinian state, a long-sought victory for the Palestinians but an embarrassing diplomatic defeat for the United States.
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Former International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn will settle the civil lawsuit brought by the hotel maid who accused him of sexually assaulting her last year, the New York Times reported on Thursday, citing people with knowledge of the matter. Lawyers for Strauss-Kahn and Nafissatou Diallo will appear before a judge in New York next week, the Times reported, though the newspaper said one person familiar with the details emphasized that a final agreement has not yet been signed. … Honda tries to regain its stride with upgraded Civic
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Honda Motor Co introduced it s redesigned Civic sedan only a year-and-a-half after a major model change of the best-selling compact car in the United States. Even Honda admits that the 2012 Civic, introduced in the spring of 2011, missed the mark. For a company that prides itself on rock-solid reliability, it was a shock last summer when influential Consumer Reports ranked the Civic dead last in a field of 12 compact sedans it tested. Sales of the new Civic, a 2013 model, will start this week and the refreshed car was shown off on Thursday at the LA Auto Show. … Colombia says won't apply U.N. court ruling until rights defended
BOGOTA (Reuters) – Colombia will not apply a U.N. court ruling shifting some of its resource-rich waters to Nicaragua until the Andean nation is sure that “the rights of Colombians are well defended,” President Juan Manuel Santos said on Thursday. The Hague-based International Court of Justice reduced a large expanse of sea belonging to Colombia last week, drawing the border in favor of Nicaragua while giving a small cluster of disputed islands to Bogota in a binding ruling. Both countries have warships in the area. …
Ford aims for record 11 percent share of electric vehicle market
DETROIT (Reuters) – Ford Motor Co , vying to challeng e Toyota Motor Corp's stronghold on the U.S. hybrid market, said it expects to wind up with 11 percent of the U.S. market for hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles this year. This target would be a record for the second-largest U.S. automaker and is more than double its current presence of 5.2 percent in the U.S. electrified vehicle market. Toyota, the maker of the popular Prius hybrid, held 70.4 percent share during the first 10 months of the year, according to auto information site Edmunds.com. Ford's larger U.S. … 65 years later, Palestinians celebrate a UN vote
The black-and-white photos show masses of people yearning for independence, celebrating a vote recognizing a state in Palestine. It was a day that generations of pupils would be taught to remember with reverence: Nov. 29. Egypt's Islamists race to approve new constitution
Islamists on Thursday rushed to approve a draft constitution for Egypt without the participation of liberal and Christian members, aiming to pre-empt a court ruling that could dissolve their panel and further inflaming the clash between the opposition and President Mohammed Morsi. Voting on second budget bill begins Tuesday, but unlikely MPs will need pyjamas
OTTAWA – Opposition parties’ efforts to throw another wrench into the machinery of the federal government over the budget are unlikely to end in the same pyjama party as last time.
US finds Guantanamo prisoner death was overdose
An autopsy has found that a Guantanamo Bay prisoner who died in September took an overdose of medication in an apparent suicide, a U.S. official said Thursday.
Ecuadoreans ask court to seize Chevron Canada assets
TORONTO (Reuters) – Lawyers for Chevron Corp asked an Ontario judge on Thursday to toss out a bid by Amazon villagers to seize its Canadian assets to help pay a $19 billion award granted by an Ecuadorean court in decades-old pollution case. The hearing marks the first time the plaintiffs, 47 Amazon villagers, have sought to persuade a foreign court to collect damages awarded to them for environmental contamination in the South American country dating back to the 1960s. Chevron Canada’s assets are worth more than $12 billion, the plaintiffs say. Chevron, the No. 2 U.S. …
Venezuela's Chavez doing well in Cuba: vice president
CARACAS (Reuters) – Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is doing well as he receives medical treatment in Cuba, Vice President Nic olas Maduro said on Thursday, despite a two-week absence from public view that has raised fresh doubts about his health. Chavez, 58, said in a letter to parliament on Tuesday he was returning to Havana for "hyperbaric oxygenation," which is used to treat bone decay caused by radiation therapy. The president has undergone three cancer operations in Cuba since mid-2011. … UN vote recognizes state of Palestine; US objects
The United Nations voted overwhelmingly Thursday to recognize a Palestinian state, a long-sought victory for the Palestinians but an embarrassing diplomatic defeat for the United States. seenewstoday.com : Top News updates
Palestinians celebrate UN statehood vote
Palestinians have erupted in wild cheers, hugging each other and honking car horns after the United Nations voted to grant them, at least formally, what they have long yearned for -- a state of their own.
UN recognizes state of Palestine
The United Nations voted overwhelmingly Thursday to recognize a Palestinian state, a long-sought victory for the Palestinians but an embarrassing diplomatic defeat for the United States.
Mountie accused of sexual harassment tries to derail disciplinary hearing
OTTAWA – A veteran Mountie accused of sexual harassment, drinking in the office and operating a police car under the influence of alcohol has lost his court bid to derail a pending disciplinary hearing against him.
Review says Canadian controls hamper aerospace sales
(Reuters) – Canada’s aerospace industry is not selling as much as it could in countries such as Russia and China because of overly zealous government enforcement of controls designed to guard against leaks of sensitive technology, an industry review released on Thursday says. Companies in other North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries, which have more “balanced” controls, are picking up the slack, the report said. …
Israel: U.S. co-production of rocket shield not option "right now"
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Israel has agreed to give the United States the know-how needed to produce interceptors used by its vaunted Iron Dome rocket shield, but it is not interested in any proposed co-production yet, an Israeli official told Reuters on Thursday. Using radar-guided interceptor missiles, the Iron Dome system shot down 421 of some 1,500 rockets launched from the Gaza Strip between November 14 and an Egyptian-brokered truce on November 21, according to the Israeli military. …
Sri Lanka parliament speaker rebuffs Supreme Court summons
COLOMBO (Reuters) – Sri Lanka’s parliament speaker on Thursday rejected a supreme court summons to a parliamentary panel looking into a move to impeach the chief justice, deepening a crisis that has raised concern about the independence of the country’s judiciary. The stand-off in the south Asian state has raised the risk of a destabilizing clash between the judiciary and President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s government. …
Palestinians have erupted in wild cheers, hugging each other and honking car horns after the United Nations voted to grant them, at least formally, what they have long yearned for -- a state of their own. UN recognizes state of Palestine
The United Nations voted overwhelmingly Thursday to recognize a Palestinian state, a long-sought victory for the Palestinians but an embarrassing diplomatic defeat for the United States. Mountie accused of sexual harassment tries to derail disciplinary hearing
OTTAWA – A veteran Mountie accused of sexual harassment, drinking in the office and operating a police car under the influence of alcohol has lost his court bid to derail a pending disciplinary hearing against him.
Review says Canadian controls hamper aerospace sales
(Reuters) – Canada’s aerospace industry is not selling as much as it could in countries such as Russia and China because of overly zealous government enforcement of controls designed to guard against leaks of sensitive technology, an industry review released on Thursday says. Companies in other North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries, which have more “balanced” controls, are picking up the slack, the report said. …
Israel: U.S. co-production of rocket shield not option "right now"
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Israel has agreed to give the United States the know-how needed to produce interceptors used by its vaunted Iron Dome rocket shield, but it is not interested in any proposed co-production yet, an Israeli official told Reuters on Thursday. Using radar-guided interceptor missiles, the Iron Dome system shot down 421 of some 1,500 rockets launched from the Gaza Strip between November 14 and an Egyptian-brokered truce on November 21, according to the Israeli military. …
Sri Lanka parliament speaker rebuffs Supreme Court summons
COLOMBO (Reuters) – Sri Lanka’s parliament speaker on Thursday rejected a supreme court summons to a parliamentary panel looking into a move to impeach the chief justice, deepening a crisis that has raised concern about the independence of the country’s judiciary. The stand-off in the south Asian state has raised the risk of a destabilizing clash between the judiciary and President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s government. …
seenewstoday.com : Top News updates
Clinton urges due process in trials of Georgia ex-officials
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States warned Georgia on Thursday not to follow the path of Ukraine into an era of politic al witch-hunts as the country's new government prosecutes a raft of former officials following last month's parliamentary election. "We do hope that everything that is done with respect to prosecuting any potential wrongdoers is done transparently in accord with due process and the rule of law," Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in remarks with visiting Georgian Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze. …
Abbas: UN vote last chance on 2-state solution
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas told the U.N. General Assembly before a historic vote on Thursday that it "is being asked today to issue the birth certificate of Palestine."
Canada dollar ends weaker on U.S. budget fears, current account data
TORONTO (Reuters) – The Canadian dollar weakened against the U.S. dollar on Thursday, hurt by comments from a top Republican lawmaker that cooled hopes for a deal to resolve a looming U.S. fiscal crisis, as well as data showing a near-record current account deficit. The weakness in the currency, often a proxy for the prevailing appetite for riskier assets, was tempered by earlier data that showed U.S. housing starts hit a four-year high in October. …
Sharp young mayor, veteran party chief vie in Italy left vote
ROME (Reuters) – Italy's center left picks its leader for next year's election on Sunday in a primary where supporters will choose between a sharp young moder nizer and a veteran political operator as candidates to take over from Prime Minister Mario Monti. The run-off contest pits Florence Mayor Matteo Renzi, 37, who presents himself as a dynamic candidate for change, against Pier Luigi Bersani, 61, the dour, experienced leader of the Democratic Party (PD) which dominates on the Italian left. Bersani is strong favorite, having won 44. …
Security company makes no policy changes after three Edmonton guards shot dead
EDMONTON – Security company G4S hasn’t made any policy changes since one of its armoured car guards in Edmonton was charged with killing three colleagues during a heist.
Zombie mould returns to attack central organ of Canadian government
OTTAWA – Killer zombie mould is back from the dead and attacking a central organ of the Canadian government.
GM seeks to build excitement for Chevy brand with SS sedan
DETROIT (Reuters) – For the first time in nearly two decades, GM's Chevrolet brand will be back in the business of selling rear-wheel-drive sedans in the United States. General Motors Co expects the production version of the Chevrolet SS rear-wheel-drive sedan to act as a low-volume car meant to build excitement around the brand, the head of the automaker's North American operations said on Thursday. The car gives GM its first rear-wheel-drive sedan since it stopped selling the Pontiac G8 in 2009. …
Canada joins minority in saying no to Palestinian statehood at UN
OTTAWA – Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird is using the podium at the United Nations General Assembly to blast the world body for its “regrettable decision” to allow a historic vote on Palestinian statehood.
Children living in cult in Arizona arrive back in Quebec
MONTREAL – A group of young children who allegedly were living in Arizona with the followers of a self-styled guru have been returned to Quebec.
Internet service goes out across Syria
Internet service went down Thursday across Syria and international flights were canceled at the Damascus airport when a road near the facility was closed by heavy fighting in the country's civil war.
Tabloid breakup? Cameron and Clegg on the skids
A judge handed down his verdict on British press standards Thursday by calling for a new regulator to eliminate what he described as a "sub-culture" of unethical behaviour, accusing sections of the industry of wreaking havoc with innocent lives.
Gloves from 2 of Muhammad Ali's biggest fights among items auctioned by Angelo Dundee estate
Gloves from two of Muhammad Ali’s biggest fights are among items being auctioned off by the estate of his former trainer, Angelo Dundee.
Palestinian crowds watch UN statehood vote
Jubilant Palestinians crowded around outdoor screens and television sets at home Thursday to watch the United Nations vote on granting them, at least formally, what they have long yea rned for -- a state of their own.
Mexico President Calderon: failed to reach goals
When he came to power six years ago, President Felipe Calderon set goals to alleviate poverty, create jobs and increase public safety.
Colombia, FARC wrap up first round of peace talks
HAVANA (Reuters) – Colombia’s lead negotiator gave a muted assessment on Thursday of progress in talks aimed at ending a five-decade-long war with Marxist-led rebels, as negotiators wrapped up their initial round of meetings in the Cuban capital. Former Colombian Vice President Humberto de la Calle’s words contrasted with earlier, more exuberant rebel pronouncements that things were going well in a possible indication that nothing major has been agreed upon in the still-fledgling talks. “We have finished the first round of direct conversations. …
SAS sniper jailed for gun possession wins appeal
An elite British sniper jailed for illegally possessing a gun and ammunition won an appeal Thursday to suspend his sentence, after pleading that he forgot about having the gun as a result of a brain injury.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States warned Georgia on Thursday not to follow the path of Ukraine into an era of politic al witch-hunts as the country's new government prosecutes a raft of former officials following last month's parliamentary election. "We do hope that everything that is done with respect to prosecuting any potential wrongdoers is done transparently in accord with due process and the rule of law," Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in remarks with visiting Georgian Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze. … Abbas: UN vote last chance on 2-state solution
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas told the U.N. General Assembly before a historic vote on Thursday that it "is being asked today to issue the birth certificate of Palestine." Canada dollar ends weaker on U.S. budget fears, current account data
TORONTO (Reuters) – The Canadian dollar weakened against the U.S. dollar on Thursday, hurt by comments from a top Republican lawmaker that cooled hopes for a deal to resolve a looming U.S. fiscal crisis, as well as data showing a near-record current account deficit. The weakness in the currency, often a proxy for the prevailing appetite for riskier assets, was tempered by earlier data that showed U.S. housing starts hit a four-year high in October. …
Sharp young mayor, veteran party chief vie in Italy left vote
ROME (Reuters) – Italy's center left picks its leader for next year's election on Sunday in a primary where supporters will choose between a sharp young moder nizer and a veteran political operator as candidates to take over from Prime Minister Mario Monti. The run-off contest pits Florence Mayor Matteo Renzi, 37, who presents himself as a dynamic candidate for change, against Pier Luigi Bersani, 61, the dour, experienced leader of the Democratic Party (PD) which dominates on the Italian left. Bersani is strong favorite, having won 44. … Security company makes no policy changes after three Edmonton guards shot dead
EDMONTON – Security company G4S hasn’t made any policy changes since one of its armoured car guards in Edmonton was charged with killing three colleagues during a heist.
Zombie mould returns to attack central organ of Canadian government
OTTAWA – Killer zombie mould is back from the dead and attacking a central organ of the Canadian government.
GM seeks to build excitement for Chevy brand with SS sedan
DETROIT (Reuters) – For the first time in nearly two decades, GM's Chevrolet brand will be back in the business of selling rear-wheel-drive sedans in the United States. General Motors Co expects the production version of the Chevrolet SS rear-wheel-drive sedan to act as a low-volume car meant to build excitement around the brand, the head of the automaker's North American operations said on Thursday. The car gives GM its first rear-wheel-drive sedan since it stopped selling the Pontiac G8 in 2009. … Canada joins minority in saying no to Palestinian statehood at UN
OTTAWA – Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird is using the podium at the United Nations General Assembly to blast the world body for its “regrettable decision” to allow a historic vote on Palestinian statehood.
Children living in cult in Arizona arrive back in Quebec
MONTREAL – A group of young children who allegedly were living in Arizona with the followers of a self-styled guru have been returned to Quebec.
Internet service goes out across Syria
Internet service went down Thursday across Syria and international flights were canceled at the Damascus airport when a road near the facility was closed by heavy fighting in the country's civil war. Tabloid breakup? Cameron and Clegg on the skids
A judge handed down his verdict on British press standards Thursday by calling for a new regulator to eliminate what he described as a "sub-culture" of unethical behaviour, accusing sections of the industry of wreaking havoc with innocent lives.
Gloves from 2 of Muhammad Ali's biggest fights among items auctioned by Angelo Dundee estate
Gloves from two of Muhammad Ali’s biggest fights are among items being auctioned off by the estate of his former trainer, Angelo Dundee.
Palestinian crowds watch UN statehood vote
Jubilant Palestinians crowded around outdoor screens and television sets at home Thursday to watch the United Nations vote on granting them, at least formally, what they have long yea rned for -- a state of their own. Mexico President Calderon: failed to reach goals
When he came to power six years ago, President Felipe Calderon set goals to alleviate poverty, create jobs and increase public safety. Colombia, FARC wrap up first round of peace talks
HAVANA (Reuters) – Colombia’s lead negotiator gave a muted assessment on Thursday of progress in talks aimed at ending a five-decade-long war with Marxist-led rebels, as negotiators wrapped up their initial round of meetings in the Cuban capital. Former Colombian Vice President Humberto de la Calle’s words contrasted with earlier, more exuberant rebel pronouncements that things were going well in a possible indication that nothing major has been agreed upon in the still-fledgling talks. “We have finished the first round of direct conversations. …
SAS sniper jailed for gun possession wins appeal
An elite British sniper jailed for illegally possessing a gun and ammunition won an appeal Thursday to suspend his sentence, after pleading that he forgot about having the gun as a result of a brain injury. seenewstoday.com : Top News updates
Unruly British press may bow to regulation plans
LONDON (Reuters) – Lord Justice Brian Leveson produced plans for the toughest regulation of the British press in 300 years on Thursday after decades of misbehaviour, final warnings and universal acceptance that the current system had failed. Although rows lie ahead over whether a law will be required to underpin Leveson’s vision for a tough new regulator, the 63-year-old has shrewdly found a way forward which indicates that much of which he suggests is likely to be accepted by even his harshest critics. …
Quebec man gets 4 years for putting dirty syringes in clothes at mall
SHERBROOKE, Que. – A Quebec man who hid dirty syringes in clothing at a shopping mall has been sentenced to four years in jail.
Boeing proposes mediation in talks with engineers union
(Reuters) – Boeing Co said on Thursday it proposed engaging a federal mediator in contract ta lks with the union that represents its engineers, citing significant differences on pay and benefits. "We hope the expertise of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service can help move the two sides toward a resolution," Boeing said in a statement. Contracts with the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA) union, which represents professional engineers and technical workers at the plane maker, expired in October. (Reporting by Karen Jacobs)
AP Exclusive: Arafat's widow calls death a mystery
Yasser Arafat’s widow sees a spiritual significance in the timing of her late husband’s exhumation, which came just two days before a U.N. vote on whether to recognize a Palestinian state.
U.S. soldier in WikiLeaks case takes stand at hearing
FORT MEADE, Maryland (Reuters) – A U.S. Army private facing court-martial for allegedly leaking secret documents to the WikiLeaks website took the witness stand on Thursday at a pre-trial hearing to make his first public statements since his arrest in Iraq in 2010. Bradley Manning’s testimony came on the third day of a hearing to determine whether his case should proceed to a full court-martial. Manning has offered to plead guilty to less serious offenses than those with which he has been charged, according to his lawyer. …
Maple Leafs top draft pick shines with Warriors as world juniors approach
VANCOUVER – Mike Stothers is counting the days until he has to say goodbye to Morgan Rielly.
Security forces arrest Afghan accused of funding the Taliban
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) – Coalition and Afghan forces have arrested a currency dealer suspected of handling millions of dollars of Taliban cash as part of a widening campaign to block insurgent finances ahead of a security handover in 2014, officials said on Thursday. The U.S. Treasury has accused Haji Mohammed Qasim of using his network of money transfer shops to help Taliban commanders send funds to fighters in southern Helmand Province, scene of some of the heaviest fighting of the 11-year war. …
Famed French actor Depardieu briefly detained for drunk driving after motorcycle fall
PARIS – French actor Gerard Depardieu has been briefly detained by police for allegedly driving drunk on his motorcycle.
Lifting BP ban will be more than simple agreement: source
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. officials were surprised that BP Plc suggested an agreement would soon be ready to lift a suspension imposed this week on the company's obtaining new federal contracts, a government source said on Thursday. "It caught us off guard," the source said. "It's not the case that there is an administrative agreement that is ready to go out the door right now," the source said, adding that any administrative agreement will only be part of a several-step process that could take months. The Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday suspended BP from obtaining new U.S. …
Canada current account gap rises, spurs talk Canada dollar too high
OTTAWA (Reuters) – A drop in exports helped push Canada’s current account deficit close to a record high in the third quarter, a development that some analysts said adds to evidence the Canadian dollar is overvalued. The deficit rose 2.9 percent from the second quarter to C$18.91 billion ($19.10 billion), Statistics Canada said on Thursday. Though smaller than the C$19.20 billion gap expected by analysts, it was the second largest on record after the C$19.43 billion posted for the third quarter of 2010. BMO Capital Markets predicted the deficit would end up equaling around 4. …
Pessimism sees borrowing by small UK firms at near three-year low
LONDON (Reuters) – The proportion of Britain’s small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) borrowing money in the past quarter fell to its lowest level since at least early 2010, a survey showed on Wednesday. Of the SMEs surveyed by BDRC Continental, 57 percent had neither borrowed, nor intended to borrow money, whilst only 40 percent said they took out some form of external finance between July and September, the lowest since the survey began. …
Mexico President Calderon failed to reach goals
When he came to power six years ago, President Felipe Calderon set goals to alleviate poverty, create jobs and increase public safety.
Canada deficit projection too big by billions: watchdog
OTTAWA (Reuters) – Canada’s budget watchdog said the Conservative government appears to have overstated its budget deficit by an average of C$4.7 billion ($4.74 billion) a year for the current and next three fiscal years. A report by the parliamentary budget officer (PBO) on Thursday assessed Finance Minister Jim Flaherty’s revised budget outlook on November 13, which projected federal budget deficits for this year and the following three years that were on average C$5.8 billion bigger than the government estimated in its March budget. …
U.N. chief appeals for countries to take Iran dissidents
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon appealed on Thursday for countries to consider resettling several thousand Iranian dissidents living in Iraq who were recently moved to a former U.S. military base in Baghdad from a camp where they lived for decades. In a report to the Security Council, Ban said 3,112 members of the People's Mujahideen Organization of Iran have been transferred to Camp Hurriya, leaving about 100 still at Camp Ashraf – also know as Camp New Iraq – to help close it down. …
Vonn skips Lake Louise downhill training run, Rolland fastest a second day
LAKE LOUISE, Alta. – Marion Rolland of France was fastest in training for the second straight day at the Lake Louise Winterstart World Cup on Thursday.
Canada Lands to oversee Old Port of Montreal after expense scandal
OTTAWA – Public Works Minister Rona Ambrose is placing the Old Port of Montreal under the stewardship of the Canada Lands Co., a Crown property management firm.
Lawsuit patronage scandal threatens Redford's moral authority to lead: Wildrose
EDMONTON – Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith says Alberta Premier Alison Redford must admit she mislead the legislature on the selection of her ex-husband’s law firm to be part of a multibillion-dollar government lawsuit.
65 years later, Palestinians look toward a UN vote
The black-and-white photos show masses of people yearning for independence, celebrating a vote recognizing a state in Palestine. It was a day that generations of pupils would be taught to remember with reverence: Nov. 29.
Egypt's Islamists rush through new constitution
Islamists on Thursday rushed to approve a draft constitution for Egypt without the participation of liberal and Christian members, aiming to pre-empt a court ruling that could dissolve their panel and further inflaming the clash between the opposition and President Mohammed Morsi.
Polar Ice Loss Accelerating, Study Finds
Ice loss in Antarctica and Greenland has contributed nearly half an inch to the rise in sea levels in the past 20 years, according to an assessment of polar ice sheet melting that researchers are calling the most reliable yet.
LONDON (Reuters) – Lord Justice Brian Leveson produced plans for the toughest regulation of the British press in 300 years on Thursday after decades of misbehaviour, final warnings and universal acceptance that the current system had failed. Although rows lie ahead over whether a law will be required to underpin Leveson’s vision for a tough new regulator, the 63-year-old has shrewdly found a way forward which indicates that much of which he suggests is likely to be accepted by even his harshest critics. …
Quebec man gets 4 years for putting dirty syringes in clothes at mall
SHERBROOKE, Que. – A Quebec man who hid dirty syringes in clothing at a shopping mall has been sentenced to four years in jail.
Boeing proposes mediation in talks with engineers union
(Reuters) – Boeing Co said on Thursday it proposed engaging a federal mediator in contract ta lks with the union that represents its engineers, citing significant differences on pay and benefits. "We hope the expertise of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service can help move the two sides toward a resolution," Boeing said in a statement. Contracts with the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA) union, which represents professional engineers and technical workers at the plane maker, expired in October. (Reporting by Karen Jacobs) AP Exclusive: Arafat's widow calls death a mystery
Yasser Arafat’s widow sees a spiritual significance in the timing of her late husband’s exhumation, which came just two days before a U.N. vote on whether to recognize a Palestinian state.
U.S. soldier in WikiLeaks case takes stand at hearing
FORT MEADE, Maryland (Reuters) – A U.S. Army private facing court-martial for allegedly leaking secret documents to the WikiLeaks website took the witness stand on Thursday at a pre-trial hearing to make his first public statements since his arrest in Iraq in 2010. Bradley Manning’s testimony came on the third day of a hearing to determine whether his case should proceed to a full court-martial. Manning has offered to plead guilty to less serious offenses than those with which he has been charged, according to his lawyer. …
Maple Leafs top draft pick shines with Warriors as world juniors approach
VANCOUVER – Mike Stothers is counting the days until he has to say goodbye to Morgan Rielly.
Security forces arrest Afghan accused of funding the Taliban
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) – Coalition and Afghan forces have arrested a currency dealer suspected of handling millions of dollars of Taliban cash as part of a widening campaign to block insurgent finances ahead of a security handover in 2014, officials said on Thursday. The U.S. Treasury has accused Haji Mohammed Qasim of using his network of money transfer shops to help Taliban commanders send funds to fighters in southern Helmand Province, scene of some of the heaviest fighting of the 11-year war. …
Famed French actor Depardieu briefly detained for drunk driving after motorcycle fall
PARIS – French actor Gerard Depardieu has been briefly detained by police for allegedly driving drunk on his motorcycle.
Lifting BP ban will be more than simple agreement: source
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. officials were surprised that BP Plc suggested an agreement would soon be ready to lift a suspension imposed this week on the company's obtaining new federal contracts, a government source said on Thursday. "It caught us off guard," the source said. "It's not the case that there is an administrative agreement that is ready to go out the door right now," the source said, adding that any administrative agreement will only be part of a several-step process that could take months. The Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday suspended BP from obtaining new U.S. … Canada current account gap rises, spurs talk Canada dollar too high
OTTAWA (Reuters) – A drop in exports helped push Canada’s current account deficit close to a record high in the third quarter, a development that some analysts said adds to evidence the Canadian dollar is overvalued. The deficit rose 2.9 percent from the second quarter to C$18.91 billion ($19.10 billion), Statistics Canada said on Thursday. Though smaller than the C$19.20 billion gap expected by analysts, it was the second largest on record after the C$19.43 billion posted for the third quarter of 2010. BMO Capital Markets predicted the deficit would end up equaling around 4. …
Pessimism sees borrowing by small UK firms at near three-year low
LONDON (Reuters) – The proportion of Britain’s small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) borrowing money in the past quarter fell to its lowest level since at least early 2010, a survey showed on Wednesday. Of the SMEs surveyed by BDRC Continental, 57 percent had neither borrowed, nor intended to borrow money, whilst only 40 percent said they took out some form of external finance between July and September, the lowest since the survey began. …
Mexico President Calderon failed to reach goals
When he came to power six years ago, President Felipe Calderon set goals to alleviate poverty, create jobs and increase public safety. Canada deficit projection too big by billions: watchdog
OTTAWA (Reuters) – Canada’s budget watchdog said the Conservative government appears to have overstated its budget deficit by an average of C$4.7 billion ($4.74 billion) a year for the current and next three fiscal years. A report by the parliamentary budget officer (PBO) on Thursday assessed Finance Minister Jim Flaherty’s revised budget outlook on November 13, which projected federal budget deficits for this year and the following three years that were on average C$5.8 billion bigger than the government estimated in its March budget. …
U.N. chief appeals for countries to take Iran dissidents
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon appealed on Thursday for countries to consider resettling several thousand Iranian dissidents living in Iraq who were recently moved to a former U.S. military base in Baghdad from a camp where they lived for decades. In a report to the Security Council, Ban said 3,112 members of the People's Mujahideen Organization of Iran have been transferred to Camp Hurriya, leaving about 100 still at Camp Ashraf – also know as Camp New Iraq – to help close it down. … Vonn skips Lake Louise downhill training run, Rolland fastest a second day
LAKE LOUISE, Alta. – Marion Rolland of France was fastest in training for the second straight day at the Lake Louise Winterstart World Cup on Thursday.
Canada Lands to oversee Old Port of Montreal after expense scandal
OTTAWA – Public Works Minister Rona Ambrose is placing the Old Port of Montreal under the stewardship of the Canada Lands Co., a Crown property management firm.
Lawsuit patronage scandal threatens Redford's moral authority to lead: Wildrose
EDMONTON – Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith says Alberta Premier Alison Redford must admit she mislead the legislature on the selection of her ex-husband’s law firm to be part of a multibillion-dollar government lawsuit.
65 years later, Palestinians look toward a UN vote
The black-and-white photos show masses of people yearning for independence, celebrating a vote recognizing a state in Palestine. It was a day that generations of pupils would be taught to remember with reverence: Nov. 29. Egypt's Islamists rush through new constitution
Islamists on Thursday rushed to approve a draft constitution for Egypt without the participation of liberal and Christian members, aiming to pre-empt a court ruling that could dissolve their panel and further inflaming the clash between the opposition and President Mohammed Morsi. Polar Ice Loss Accelerating, Study Finds
Ice loss in Antarctica and Greenland has contributed nearly half an inch to the rise in sea levels in the past 20 years, according to an assessment of polar ice sheet melting that researchers are calling the most reliable yet.
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