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Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comSummaryCompaniesNonfarm payrolls beat expectations in JulyLyft surges after reporting record earningsIndexes close: S&P 500 -0.16%, Nasdaq -0.50%, Dow +0.23%Aug 5 (Reuters) - The S&P 500 ended lower on Friday, weighed down by Tesla and other technology-related stocks after a solid jobs report torpedoed recent optimism that the Federal Reserve might let up its aggressive campaign to reign in decades-high inflation.Data showed U.S. employers hired far more workers than expected in July, the 19th straight month of payrolls expansion, with the unemployment rate falling to a pre-pandemic low of 3.5%. read more The report added to recent data painting an upbeat picture of the world's largest economy after it contracted in the first half of the year. That deflated investors' expectations that the Fed might let up in its series of rate hikes aimed at cooling the economy.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com"This is all about the Fed. A very strong jobs report like we had puts pressure on the Fed to tighten for longer," said Adam Sarhan, chief executive of 50 Park Investments. "The market is scared the Fed is going to overshoot again. If they tighten too sharply and too long, that's going to cause a hard landing, a deep recession."Tesla (TSLA.O) tumbled 6.6% and weighed heavily on the S&P 500 and Nasdaq. Facebook-owner Meta Platforms (META.O) lost 2% and Amazon (AMZN.O) fell 1.2%, also pulling down the index.U.S. Treasury yields climbed as odds increased of a 75-basis-point interest rate hike in September. That helped bank stocks, with JPMorgan (JPM.N) rising 3%, and helping the Dow Jones Industrial Average stay in positive territory.Focus now shifts to inflation data due next week, with U.S. annual consumer prices expected to jump by 8.7% in July after a 9.1% rise in June.Several policymakers have this week stuck to an aggressive policy tightening stance until they see strong and long-lasting evidence that inflation was trending toward the Fed's 2% goal.A trader works on the trading floor at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., August 3, 2022. REUTERS/Andrew KellySurging inflation, the war in Ukraine, Europe's energy crisis and COVID-19 flare-ups in China have rattled investors this year.A largely upbeat second-quarter earnings season has helped the S&P 500 bounce back by about 13% from its mid-June lows after a rough first-half performance.The S&P 500 declined 0.16% to end the session at 4,145.19 points.The Nasdaq declined 0.50% to 12,657.56 points, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.23% to 32,803.47 points.For the week, the S&P 500 rose 0.4%, the Dow fell 0.1% and the Nasdaq added 2.2%.Lyft Inc (LYFT.O) surged almost 17% after the ride-hailing firm forecast an adjusted operating profit of $1 billion for 2024 after posting record quarterly earnings. read more Advancing issues outnumbered falling ones within the S&P 500 (.AD.SPX) by a 1.3-to-1 ratio.The S&P 500 posted four new highs and 30 new lows; the Nasdaq recorded 60 new highs and 38 new lows.Volume on U.S. exchanges was relatively light, with 10.6 billion shares traded, compared to an average of 10.8 billion shares over the previous 20 sessions.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comReporting by Devik Jain, Aniruddha Ghosh and Medha Singh in Bengaluru, and by Noel Randewich in Oakland, Calif.; Editing by Anil D'Silva, Aditya Soni and Cynthia OstermanOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

S&P 500 ends down as jobs data rekindles rate hike fear.

Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comSANTIAGO, Aug 5 (Reuters) - Chile's Easter Island received its first group of tourists on Thursday after closing its borders for more than two years due to the coronavirus pandemic.Easter Island, over 2,000 miles (3,219 km) from the coast of Chile, has over a thousand stone statues -- giant heads that were carved centuries ago by the island's inhabitants -- which have brought it fame and UNESCO World Heritage Site status."(Easter Island) is the biggest open air museum in the world," said Pedro Edmunds, the mayor of Easter Island, adding that it was time to open the island after it shut its borders 868 days ago.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comA local resident welcomes a tourist to Easter Island, as the first flight arrives, after closing its borders for more than two years due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in Rapa Nui, Easter Island, Chile, in this undated handout picture released on August 4, 2022. Rapa Nui Municipality/Handout via REUTERS "We've learned what the pandemic is about and know how to take care of ourselves," Edmunds said, adding that the focus was on keeping guests safe.Visitors must be fully vaccinated and present a negative PCR test taken no more than 24 hours before boarding a domestic flight to the island. Tourists aboard international flights to the island must take an antigen test once they arrive.LATAM airlines said it reopened the route from Santiago to Easter Island with flights on Thursdays and Saturdays and hopes to add more."LATAM will gradually increase frequency as health measures allow," said Constanza Pizarro, LATAM's communications manager. "We're coordinating with authorities."Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comReporting by Reuters TV; Writing by Alexander Villegas, editing by Deepa BabingtonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Chile's Easter Island reopens to tourists after pandemic shutdown.

Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comLONDON, Aug 5 (Reuters) - A self-proclaimed "old soul", U.S. jazz artist Judi Jackson has come a long way since she discovered her vocal talents singing in church in her home state of Virginia."From around the age of like 10 or 12, I started to really pick it up seriously and study with a vocal coach... and work with little bands in my community," the 29-year-old told Reuters in an interview."My biological parents are both very creative and very musical. They did separate and I was adopted, which kind of opened my world in a way to many different styles of music, many different walks of life. And I was able to connect with a lot of different people at a very young age," she said of her childhood.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comInspired by Billie Holiday and Nina Simone, as a teenager Jackson recorded a track for music ensemble Snarky Puppy and opened for Grammy award winning blues and gospel singer Mavis Staples.Now signed to Sony Music and based in London, she has played prestigious venues like Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club and is currently doing select festivals and gigs following the release of her new album "Grace" earlier this year.A handout image shows Judi Jackson's cover artwork for the album Grace. Zoe Zimmer/Handout via REUTERS"If the music doesn't have soul, what are you really doing? So all of my music has to come from that place initially," Jackson said.She describes "Grace" as a "bluesy, soulful rock n' roll, torch song experience" with lyrics exploring themes such as her relationship with her biological mother on the title track to the idea of letting go of "things that no longer serve you" in song "River"."Sometimes you have people in your life that help you. They make you strong. They're there for you. But it's only for a season... you realise you've either outgrown them or it's just not a right fit for you anymore. And the freedom of being able to let go of that and let it flow like a river," she said.Jackson says she would love to play at the Glastonbury music festival, having once seen the late Amy Winehouse perform there."It's just iconic... I'm sure it will happen," she said.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comReporting by Sarah Mills; Editing by Susan FentonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Rising jazz artist Judi Jackson uses music to bare her soul and let go.

Alex Jones attempts to answer questions about his emails asked by Mark Bankston, lawyer for Neil Heslin and Scarlett Lewis, during trial at the Travis County Courthouse, Austin, Texas, U.S., August 3, 2022. Briana Sanchez/Pool via REUTERS Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comAug 5 (Reuters) - Revelations that conspiracy theorist Alex Jones may have lied on the stand in a defamation lawsuit by parents of a child slain in the 2012 Sandy Hook mass shooting made for a dramatic moment in a high-profile trial, but it would be unusual for prosecutors to follow through with perjury charges, lawyers said.A jury in Austin, Texas, on Friday said Jones should pay $45.2 million in punitive damages - on top of the $4.1 million in compensatory damages it had already awarded to the plaintiffs - for falsely claiming the shooting was a hoax. read more During the final day of testimony on Wednesday, a lawyer for the parents made the unusual disclosure that Jones' lawyer had inadvertently sent him a file containing text messages from Jones' phone about the Sandy Hook shooting. read more Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comThe revelation was significant because Jones has maintained that he had searched his phone for such messages and never found any.The lawyer for the parents, Mark Bankston, in questioning Jones about the texts, asked him if he knew the definition of perjury.Jones replied that the suggestion he had lied was "ridiculous."Travis County Judge Maya Guerra Gamble on Thursday denied Jones' motion for a mistrial based on the disclosure. read more Perjury charges are rare in Texas, even when parties in civil lawsuits are caught giving false testimony, according to criminal defense lawyers who practice in the state.But prosecutors in liberal Travis County, where Jones' radio show and right-wing webcast InfoWars is based, could be more inclined to charge Jones because of his incendiary conservative views and his mockery of the legal system during the defamation case, said Lisa Shapiro Strauss, a lawyer in Houston.“The political motivation may be there to make an example of him,” Strauss said.Lawyers for Jones and the family that sued him, and the Travis County District Attorney's office, did not respond to requests for comment.If Jones were charged it would likely be for aggravated perjury, a felony punishable by two 10 years in prison, because his comments were made in court testimony, lawyers said. Lying under oath outside of court, such as in a deposition or police statement, is a misdemeanor in Texas.Prosecutors would have to closely review Jones’ testimony about the text messages before deciding whether to bring a perjury charge, according to Benson Varghese, a Fort Worth, Texas-based defense lawyer.Varghese said that if Jones has claimed only that he could not find the messages, prosecutors could have a difficult time proving that he intentionally lied about their existence.“The mere fact that the text messages exist does not necessarily mean he found them” and then lied about it, Varghese said.Gamble, the judge presiding over the defamation case, can refer the matter to local prosecutors, which would likely raise the chances that Jones is charged, lawyers said.Gamble has repeatedly admonished Jones and his legal team during four years of litigation in the case and has suggested that Jones lied under oath about complying with discovery requests and his company's financial situation.Earlier this week, the judge warned Jones against lying on the stand, telling him, "Just because you claim to think something is true does not make it true."But Gamble has refrained from imposing sanctions on Jones in the defamation case, suggesting his statements may be insufficiently serious to warrant perjury charges, said Nick Bunch, a white-collar defense lawyer in Dallas."It's very unlikely that it turns into a criminal prosecution," Bunch said.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comReporting by Daniel Wiessner in Albany, N.Y., and David Bario in Hopewell, N.M. Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Matthew LewisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.Daniel WiessnerThomson ReutersDan Wiessner (@danwiessner) reports on labor and employment and immigration law, including litigation and policy making. He can be reached at daniel.wiessner@thomsonreuters.com.

Alex Jones may have lied in court, but perjury charge would be unusual.

Politics Updated on: August 5, 2022 / 8:12 PM / CBS News Barr on Jan. 6 grand jury, future of GOP Barr calls Jan. 6 subpoenas "significant," says nominating Trump would be "really bad" for GOP 07:05 Former Attorney General Bill Barr called the newest federal grand jury subpoenas probing the Jan. 6, 202, Capitol riot "a significant event," one that suggests that government prosecutors are probing high-ranking Trump administration officials and allies, and even former President Donald Trump."This suggests to me that they're taking a hard look at the group at the top, including the president and the people immediately around him who were involved in this," Barr told CBS News' Catherine Herridge in an interview Friday. The grand jury has been meeting weekly; in late July, Marc Short, former Vice President Mike Pence's chief of staff, testified, and according to The Washington Post, Greg Jacob, Pence's chief counsel, was also interviewed by the grand jury. The Justice Department's criminal investigation into Jan. 6 now includes questions for witnesses about the communications of people close to Trump and his reelection campaign, though it is not evident from CBS News' reporting that Trump himself is a target of the investigation — only that that prosecutors have been asking questions related to him and his aides.Barr also surmises that it looks like prosecutors are "going to try to get a ruling on the issue of executive privilege," given reports by ABC News and other news outlets that former White House counsel Pat Cipollone has been subpoenaed to appear before the grand jury. The former attorney general noted that Cipollone, as then-counsel to the Office of the President, "has the strongest claim to executive privilege." "That's sort of the biggest mountain for them to climb, and the fact that they lead off with that to me suggests that they want a definitive resolution — not only on Cipollone — but you know, this would affect [former White House chief of staff Mark] Meadows and some of the other people, too," he said. While Barr thinks that Trump might be able to block some testimony with an executive privilege argument, he said, "I don't think it would block all the testimony." He ticked off a list of ways in which a privilege argument "is inapplicable here.""One argument," he said, "is that it was waived by Biden and it will have to be litigated — whether Biden can do it or whether Trump can do it." The former president's lawsuits to shield documents or testimony with privilege arguments have so far been rejected by the courts, on the grounds that the requests have been valid and the privilege was Mr. Biden's to waive.   Barr also pointed out that executive privilege does not apply in criminal cases."Another argument they have is that that the criminal justice process, as opposed to Congress — the criminal justice process — executive privilege has to give way — you can't hide behind it when a criminal grand jury's involved," Barr said. "And then they would have other arguments, like the crime-fraud exception," Barr told Herridge. "If it's part of the crime itself, it's not covered." That is, attorney-client privilege, the sworn secrecy between a lawyer, in this case, Cipollone, and his client, the president, would not apply to any communications involving obtaining advice about the commission of a crime."And and another argument they would have is that some of the particular things weren't really executive privilege," Barr said. "The president was acting in his capacity as a candidate, not not the president." Nonetheless, Barr suggested that if the case against Trump turns out to be essentially what the Jan. 6 committee has revealed, it's probably not enough to convict the former president.Though he thinks the evidence has been building, after the last Jan. 6 hearings, "if this is what there is, as attorney general, I still don't see that as a sufficient basis to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a crime was committed by the president." Barr said he believes the Justice Department is still "getting deeper and deeper into it," and if Attorney General Merrick Garland finds a crime, he'll prosecute.The former president has been strongly suggesting he'd like to run for president again in 2024. His 2016 campaign manager and former White House counselor Kellyanne Conway told Herridge last week that Trump is eager to announce he's running again and in fact would like to have been in the race "already." Barr feels optimistic about the future of the GOP. "I think the future's bright for the Republican Party," he said, suggesting that the GOP could even hold the presidency for the next 12 years."I view 2024 setting up another 1980, where when Reagan won two terms and then Bush won a third term," he said. It's what he believes is necessary "to make America great again, you know — decisive victory in reaction to the excesses of the progressive Democrats."But it's not Trump who would deliver that, says Barr. "I don't think he should be the nominee," he said of Trump. "I think it'd be really bad for the party, and I don't support him as the nominee." As the former attorney general put it, if Trump won, he'd be a "78-year-old lame duck who's obviously bent on revenge more than anything else." In: William Barr Donald Trump Thanks for reading CBS NEWS. Create your free account or log in for more features. Please enter email address to continue Please enter valid email address to continue

Former Attorney General Bill Barr says Jan. 6 grand jury activity suggests prosecutors "taking a hard look at the group at the top, including the president".

U.S. Updated on: August 5, 2022 / 8:09 PM / CBS News Two dead in Florida Keys water, Coast Guard crews search for other people 00:44 Two people died and eight others were rescued after a boat capsized off Florida's Lower Keys Friday, the U.S. Coast Guard reports. A search is ongoing for five more people who are missing.  A total of 15 people were reported in the water when a "rustic vessel on an illegal voyage to the United States" capsized 15 miles off Sugarloaf Key, the Coast Guard said. Of the eight rescued, six were taken to a hospital for evaluation. According to the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, a nearby cruise ship rescued one of the people.Two people were found dead by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation officers, the Coast Guard said.  — USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) August 5, 2022 The U.S. Coast Guard said that authorities are still looking for five people. It asked boaters in the area to give the responding agencies space to conduct their search."This situation highlights the risks these migrants face as they attempt to enter the United States illegally by sea," said Rear Adm. Brendan McPherson, commander of the Seventh Coast Guard District. "The Florida Straits and its approaches can be hazardous for even the best trained and equipped mariners. For people illegally migrating aboard unseaworthy or overloaded boats and homemade rafts, who lack basic lifesaving equipment like life jackets, those risks can often prove deadly." In: United States Coast Guard Florida Sophie Reardon Sophie Reardon is a News Editor at CBS News. Reach her at sophie.reardon@viacomcbs.com

2 dead, 8 rescued after boat capsizes off Florida's Lower Keys, Coast Guard says.

Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comAug 4 (Reuters) - Pop star and actress Lady Gaga appeared to confirm her casting in the upcoming motion picture sequel to the Oscar-winning psychological thriller "Joker" on Thursday by posting a musical teaser on Twitter.The musical clip depicts silhouettes dancing together to the tune of the song "Cheek to Cheek", originally written by Irving Berlin in 1935 for the Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers movie Top Hat, with the names Phoenix and Gaga flashing on the screen. (https://bit.ly/3zY9jc8)"Joker: Folie a Deux", which will see Joaquin Phoenix reprise his role as the titular character, is set for release in theatres on Oct. 4, 2024. read more Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comPhoenix had first played the role in the 2019 film "Joker", which earned him the Academy Award for best actor, depicted an origin story for the arch enemy of DC Comics' superhero Batman.Lady Gaga attends the 27th annual Critics Choice Awards at the Savoy Hotel in London, Britain March 13, 2022. REUTERS/Henry NichollsNo further details about the sequel have been immediately made available by Warner Bros. But Hollywood trade publication Variety has reported the new production will be a musical with Lady Gaga expected to play Joker's co-conspirator, Harley Quinn.If confirmed, Lady Gaga will be the newest in a long line of actresses who have played or voiced the iconic character of Harley Quinn. Most recently, Margot Robbie played the role of the 'Crime Queen of Gotham City' in the 2020 film "Birds of Prey" and in "The Suicide Squad" the following year.It is unclear if Robbie will continue as Harley Quinn. However, the Joker movies featuring Phoenix are set in a separate cinematic universe, which would likely mean Robbie can still reprise her role as the iconic villain in any future movies.Folie à deux is a rare psychiatric syndrome also known as shared psychosis, likely hinting at the traditionally co-dependent relationship between Joker and Harley Quinn.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comReporting by Mrinalika Roy in Bengaluru; Editing by Krishna Chandra EluriOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Lady Gaga appears to confirm casting in 'Joker' sequel.

Exterior view of the building in which boutique investment bank Centerview Partners has leased an office space in Paris, France January 24, 2020. REUTERS/Maya Nikolaeva/File PhotoRegister now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comAug 5 (Reuters) - David Handler, a veteran banker who had built Centerview Partners' technology advisory business, has filed a lawsuit against his former employer to obtain records that would help determine how much he should have earned.The lawsuit, filed this week in the Delaware Court of Chancery, came after Handler launched his own technology-focused mergers and acquisitions advisory firm in Silicon Valley.Handler is seeking access to Centerview's books and records, including the firm's financial statements from 2008 to 2022, so he can work out his fair compensation, according to the lawsuit.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comCenterview's co-founders, Blair Effron and Robert Pruzan, offered Handler an "oral" agreement in 2012 that changed how much he was entitled to as a partner, Handler's lawsuit states. Handler had received the terms of his employment in writing when he joined Centerview in 2008, according to the complaint.He started asking for financial information about Centerview earlier this year after Effron and Pruzan asked him to propose a new arrangement to replace their oral agreement, in a bid to "try to force Handler out," according to the complaint.Handler sued Centerview after it denied his partnership status and refused to hand over the information he sought, the complaint states."We respectfully disagree that David Handler has any entitlement to the books and records that he demands, and we will defend our position," a spokesperson for Centerview said in a statement.A spokesperson for Handler declined to comment.Handler joined Centerview in 2008 from UBS Group AG (UBSG.S) and had been leading its technology investment banking practice on the West Coast, advising high-profile clients including Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO.O) and Qualcomm Inc. .Earlier this week, Handler launched a new M&A advisory firm, Tidal Partners, based in Palo Alto, California, along with his former colleague at Centerview, David Neequaye.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comReporting by Krystal Hu in Los Angeles Editing by Matthew LewisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Former Centerview banker sues firm for records over pay clash.

CBS News August 3, 2022 / 9:56 PM / CBS/AP High temperatures cause heat death concern Record temperatures spark concern over extreme heat deaths 04:25 As Europeans this summer struggle with extreme heat and rising energy costs, Spain issued a decree this week requiring air conditioning in public spaces be set at or above 27 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit). The measure will apply to offices, shops, bars and restaurants, as well as public transport systems and transport centers.  The guidelines also include keeping heating at or below 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit) in the winter.   The decree was part of a bill passed by the Spanish government Monday in a bid to reduce the country's gas consumption by 7%, in line with the recent European Union energy agreements to limit dependency on Russian gas.   Shops will also be obliged to keep doors closed and heating systems must be checked more often to increase efficiency under the new measures, Spanish Ecological Transition Minister Teresa Ribera said.The measures include switching off store window lights after 10 p.m. Street lighting will not be affected. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the new package last week, saying, "You just need to walk into a shopping mall to realize that maybe the temperature is set too low."  Not all officials were on board with the changes. Isabel Diaz Ayuso, Community of Madrid president, wrote in a translated tweet Monday, "Madrid does not go out. This generates insecurity and scares away tourism and consumption."   Por parte de la Comunidad de Madrid no se aplicará. Madrid no se apaga.Esto genera inseguridad y espanta el turismo y el consumo. Provoca oscuridad, pobreza, tristeza, mientras el Gobierno tapa la pregunta: ¿qué ahorro se va a aplicar a sí mismo? https://t.co/3nDyfnwsxb— Isabel Díaz Ayuso (@IdiazAyuso) August 1, 2022 Spain is not the only European country trying to combat energy usage and cost. According to The Guardian, France has told businesses which use air conditioning to keep their doors closed or risk being fined. Germany has banned the use of mobile air conditioning and fan heaters.  During a heat wave last month, Spain recorded temperatures as high as 43 degrees Celsius (109 degrees Fahrenheit). According to Spain's Carlos III Institute, which records temperature-related fatalities daily, 360 deaths were attributed to high temperatures from July 10 to 15. That was compared with 27 temperature-related deaths the previous six days. Spain is one of the hottest European countries in the summer months. The country has already had two heat waves this year with temperatures often surpassing 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) for several days in a row. Temperatures are forecast to soar again in the first weeks of August.    Spain is one of several European nations which have contended with large wildfires this summer, including France, Italy Portugal, Greece, Germany and the Czech Republic. The fires have forced thousands of people to evacuate. Spain's decree will remain in place until at least November 2023.  In: Climate Change Russia Spain European Union oil and gas Thanks for reading CBS NEWS. Create your free account or log in for more features. Please enter email address to continue Please enter valid email address to continue

Spain bans offices, bars and shops from setting AC below 80 degrees.

The new GM logo is seen on the facade of the General Motors headquarters in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., March 16, 2021. REUTERS/Rebecca CookRegister now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comWASHINGTON, Aug 5 (Reuters) - Most electric-vehicle models would be ineligible for a $7,500 tax credit for U.S. buyers under a Democratic proposal in the U.S. Senate, a group of major automakers said on Friday.Automakers have been privately expressing concern about the proposal's increasing requirements for vehicles' batteries and critical-mineral contents to be sourced from the United States.John Bozzella, heads of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation that represents General Motors (GM.N), Toyota Motor (7203.T), and Ford Motor among others, said a July 27 proposal by Senators Chuck Schumer and Joe Manchin would make 70% of 72 U.S. electric, plug-in hybrid and fuel-cell EVs ineligible upon passage.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com"None would qualify for the full credit when additional sourcing requirements go into effect," he said.Car makers want significant changes to the proposal, which is part of a larger drug pricing, energy and tax bill.Without the tax credit, the vehicles become more costly for American consumers, and this could impact demand and sales. It could also slow progress toward President Joe Biden's target to have half of all new vehicles sold be electric or plug-in hybrid models in 2030.An analysis by the Congressional Budget Office on Wednesday suggested just 11,000 new EVs would use the credit in 2023. read more Manchin and Schumer's offices did not immediately comment. The Senate could vote as soon as Saturday on the bill."I don't believe that we should be building a transportation mode on the backs of foreign supply chains," Manchin said on Tuesday.The bill includes rising requirements for the percentage of battery components originating from North America based on value. After 2023, it would disallow batteries with any Chinese components."A more gradual phase-in of the battery component, critical mineral and final assembly requirements – that better reflect current geopolitical, sourcing and mineral extraction realities – will preserve the credit for millions of Americans," Bozzella wrote.Automakers want to expand countries from which batteries, battery components and critical minerals can be sourced to include NATO members, Japan and others.The new EV tax credits, which would expire at the end of 2032, would be limited to trucks, vans and SUVs with suggested retail prices of no more than $80,000 and to cars priced at no more than $55,000. They would be limited to families with adjusted gross incomes of up to $300,000 annually.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comReporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Cynthia OstermanOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

U.S. automakers say 70% of EV models would not qualify for tax credit under Senate bill.

Signage is seen outside the Moody's Corporation headquarters in Manhattan, New York, U.S., November 12, 2021. REUTERS/Andrew KellyRegister now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comAug 5 (Reuters) - Global ratings agency Moody's cut Italy's outlook to "negative" from "stable" on Friday, weeks after Prime Minister Mario Draghi's resignation shook the country's political landscape.Draghi, dubbed "Super Mario" due to his long career as a financial problem solver, had helped shape Europe's tough response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and had boosted the country's standing in financial markets during his tenure. read more "Risks to Italy's credit profile have been accumulating more recently because of the economic impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and domestic political developments, both of which could have material credit implications," Moody's said.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comThe agency affirmed Italy's sovereign rating at Baa3.Italy's credit situation has also stoked concerns, with a government debt pile larger than those of the other four countries in the euro zone combined.Moody's also noted higher funding costs, an increased risk that energy supply challenges would weaken economic prospects, and sluggish growth that may pressure Italy's fiscal strength.Italy's economy ministry said in a statement that Moody's decision was "questionable"."We remain confident that the implementation of Italy's recovery plan, of policies to relaunch investments and secure energy sources will promptly continue after the upcoming general elections," the Treasury said in a note.With snap elections planned on Sept. 25, Italy has approved a new aid package worth around 17 billion euros to help shield firms and families from surging energy costs and rising consumer prices. read more Despite the headwinds, preliminary data showed last month that Italy's economy grew 1.0% in the second quarter of the year from the previous three months, a stronger-than-expected reading. read more Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comReporting by Shreyaa Narayanan in Bengaluru; Editing by Devika SyamnathOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Moody's cuts Italy's outlook to 'negative' from 'stable'.

Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comSummaryKremlin warns U.S. against 'megaphone diplomacy'White House says swap proposal seriousBiden says Griner sentence 'unacceptable'This content was produced in Russia, where the law restricts coverage of Russian military operations in Ukraine.MOSCOW, Aug 5 (Reuters) - Russia said on Friday it was ready to discuss a prisoner swap with the United States in private, a day after a Russian court jailed U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner for nine years for a drugs offence.The case against Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) star, plunged her into the geopolitical maelstrom that followed Russia's sending of troops into Ukraine in February.Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Joe Biden had previously agreed on a diplomatic channel that should be used to discuss possible prisoner exchanges.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com"We are ready to discuss this topic, but within the framework of the channel that was agreed upon by presidents Putin and Biden," Lavrov said during a visit to Cambodia."If the Americans decide to once again resort to public diplomacy ... that is their business and I would even say that it is their problem."Biden told reporters at the White House that his administration was working to secure Griner's release."I'm hopeful. We're working hard," he said.U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington was prepared to engage with Moscow through the established diplomatic channels. He said Griner's conviction highlighted her wrongful detention by Russia and further compounded the injustice that had been done to her.The Kremlin has remained tight-lipped on the prospect of a swap, saying that if prisoner exchanges were discussed in the media, they would never happen."The Americans have already made that mistake, suddenly deciding to use megaphone diplomacy to resolve these issues," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said."This is not how they are resolved."Peskov declined to comment on the court's ruling on Griner. When asked if she could be pardoned, he said that the clemency procedure was coded in Russian laws.Griner's sentence - which Biden called "unacceptable" - could pave the way for a prisoner swap that would include the 31-year-old athlete and a prolific Russian arms dealer serving a 25-year prison term in the United States.U.S. basketball player Brittney Griner, who was detained at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport and later charged with illegal possession of cannabis, sits inside a defendants' cage after the court's verdict in Khimki outside Moscow, Russia August 4, 2022. REUTERS/Evgenia Novozhenina/PoolThe United States has already made what Blinken called a "substantial offer" to secure the release of Americans detained in Russia, including Griner and former Marine Paul Whelan.'A SERIOUS PROPOSAL'White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said after Griner's sentencing that the United States had made Russia a serious proposal."We urge them to accept it," he said. "They should have accepted it weeks ago when we first made it." read more Kirby did not provide further detail on the U.S. proposal.Washington has offered to exchange Russian arms trafficker Viktor Bout for Griner and Whelan, sources familiar with the situation have told Reuters. read more Russia had tried to add convicted murderer Vadim Krasikov, imprisoned in Germany, to the proposed swap, a source familiar with the proceedings also told Reuters.Russia and the United States staged a prisoner swap in April, trading former Marine Trevor Reed for Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko, who was serving a 20-year sentence in the United States. read more Griner was arrested on Feb. 17 at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport with vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage.The United States argued she was wrongly detained and being used as a political bargaining chip by Moscow. Russian officials dismissed the U.S. assertion, saying Griner had broken Russian law and should be judged accordingly.Griner, who had been prescribed medical cannabis in the United States to relieve pain from chronic injuries, said she had made an honest mistake by inadvertently packing her vape cartridges as she rushed to make her flight.She pled guilty to the changes against her but insisted that she did not intend to break Russian law.Cannabis is illegal in Russia for both medicinal and recreational purposes.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comReporting by Reuters; editing by Guy Faulconbridge, Mark Heinrich and Ros RussellOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

After Griner gets jail, Russia ready to discuss swap with U.S.

The 315-metre-long (1,033 ft.) "Celebrity Equinox" passenger ship sails on the Ems river between Papenburg and Leer in northern Germany June 20, 2009. The liner was built by German shipyard Meyer Werft in Papenburg for the "Celebrity Cruises" cruise line based in the United States. REUTERS/Morris Mac MatzenRegister now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comSummaryWorkers were fired but couldn't leave ship for two months during pandemicA judge sent the case to private arbitration, citing agreementsAppeals court said claims did not stem from workers' employment(Reuters) - A U.S. appeals court on Friday said two former Celebrity Cruises Inc crewmembers who claim they were fired and then forced to remain on a ship for two months during the COVID-19 pandemic can pursue a lawsuit against the company in court rather than private arbitration.A unanimous three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said arbitration agreements the workers had signed only covered claims stemming from their employment and not the plaintiffs' claims of intentional wrongdoing that arose after they were fired.Plaintiffs Ryan Maglana and Francis Bugayong, who are citizens of the Philippines, had already been on the ship for more than six weeks when Celebrity fired them in March 2020 for allegedly stealing a bottle of scotch, according to court filings.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comBut they claim that even though the ship docked several times, Celebrity did not allow them and 200 other Filipino workers to disembark until late May, after Maglana sued the company while still aboard the ship.Maglana and Bugayong accused Celebrity of false imprisonment and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The company has denied wrongdoing.Celebrity and its parent, Royal Caribbean Group, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.Philip Parrish, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, said his clients were pleased with the decision. He also said they deny stealing alcohol.Many cruise ships were stranded in the early days of the pandemic as the U.S. and other countries moved to close their borders to stem the spread of COVID-19. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ordered cruise ships to cease operations for several months after the pandemic began.Celebrity's Millennium cruise ship, where the plaintiffs worked stocking beverages, stopped carrying passengers in February 2020 and in the ensuing months sailed from the Philippines to Hawaii, Mexico and San Diego before ultimately allowing crewmembers to leave the ship in May, according to filings in Friday's case.U.S. District Judge Jose Martinez in October 2020 sent the lawsuit to arbitration, agreeing with Celebrity that the plaintiffs' arbitration agreements applied because their lawsuit stemmed from their employment.The 11th Circuit reversed, saying the claims fell outside the scope of the plaintiffs' employment. Maglana and Bugayong were not working once Celebrity stopped carrying passengers and were not even employed by Celebrity for most of the time they spent on the ship, the court said.The panel included Circuit Judges Jill Pryor, Elizabeth Branch and Frank Hull.The case is Maglana v. Celebrity Cruises Inc, 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 20-14206.For the plaintiffs: Philip ParrishFor Celebrity: Michael Dono of Hamilton Miller & BirthiselRead more:U.S. cruise operators suspend voyages until Oct. 31Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.Daniel WiessnerThomson ReutersDan Wiessner (@danwiessner) reports on labor and employment and immigration law, including litigation and policy making. He can be reached at daniel.wiessner@thomsonreuters.com.

Workers stranded on Celebrity Cruises ship can sue in court, panel rules.

Jun 28, 2022; London, United Kingdom; Serena Williams (USA) during her first round match against Harmony Tan (FRA) on day two at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports/File PhotoRegister now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comAug 5 (Reuters) - Serena Williams will have her work cut out for her when the Toronto Open kicks off next week as the 23-time Grand Slam champion begins her hardcourt preparations for the upcoming U.S. Open.If Williams can get past a qualifier in her first round match she will then face either Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Belinda Bencic or savvy veteran and former world number one Victoria Azarenka in the second round.Williams' brutal quarter of the draw released on Friday also includes current world number one Iga Swiatek, four-time major champion Naomi Osaka, and Canadian teen sensation Leylah Fernandez.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comA three-time winner of the event and a finalist as recently as 2019, she will be unseeded this time around.The American, who turns 41 next month, returned to action after a year away from the court at Wimbledon in June, where she suffered her second straight first round exit at the grass court major she has won seven times.The main draw of the National Bank Open in Toronto begins on Aug. 15 and Williams is then expected to compete at the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati before heading to New York for the U.S. Open, which begins on Aug. 29.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comReporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles Editing by Chris ReeseOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.Rory CarrollThomson ReutersLos Angeles-based sports reporter who interviews the most impactful athletes and executives in the world. Covers breaking news ranging from the highs of championship victories to the lows of abuse scandals. My work highlights the ways in which sports and the issues of race, gender, culture, finance, and technology intersect.

Serena Williams faces tough draw in first U.S. Open tune-up event.

MoneyWatch August 5, 2022 / 4:18 PM / MoneyWatch Air travel refund complaints soared Air travel refund complaints soared during the pandemic 05:49 Airlines have lost so much luggage of passengers this summer that travel pros are advising people against checking any bags at all. Indeed, when you hand over your luggage to airline personnel, you run the risk of being separated from your belongings for the entirety of your trip — or longer. Many airlines face a shortage of crew and airport staff, including baggage handlers, resulting in luggage pileups at airports across the globe. Airlines mishandled nearly 220,000 pieces of luggage in April, up 135% from the same month a year ago, according to the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection. Flights at London's Heathrow Airport were so backed up that Delta Air Lines flew 1,000 pieces of stranded luggage to the U.S. with no passengers aboard the aircraft.  Frequent fliers say they've come up with an effective — and high-tech — way of keeping track of their checked bags when airlines cannot: stuffing their checked luggage with Apple AirTags and other similar tracking devices. "Bags are being lost left, right and center, and more often than not the airline hasn't simply lost the bag, but is also unable to tell you whether the bag is at its origin, destination or somewhere else," said aviation analyst Alex Macheras, who has been using AirTags to track his belongings since Apple released the devices in April of 2021.  Uncollected suitcases are seen in a baggage reclaim area at Heathrow Airport, west of London, on July 8, 2022. PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images "This is a small area of air travel that people can take under their control when so much of the experience, like weather and delays, cannot be controlled," Macheras said. "Anything that can give you that sense of control helps you have a smoother experience." "The ground handling agents were amazed"Half the battle in retrieving missing luggage is, not surprisingly, locating it. While airlines track checked bags with luggage stickers bearing barcodes, the codes must be scanned and cannot be accessed by customers. "AirTags are great because you can track them yourself. You don't need anyone to scan a barcode," said Clint Henderson, an editor at The Points Guy, a travel resource for consumers. Macheras said he gifted an AirTag to a friend with whom he was traveling across Europe and whose luggage was missing when they arrived at the destination airport's baggage claim. "The baggage desk insisted the bags were at our arrival airport, but we were demonstrating to ground handling agents that we could see the bags were stuck in Paris," Macheras said.  Travel difficulties continue in Europe 03:44 That allowed the airline to load the luggage onto the next departing flight.  "The ground handling agents were amazed that we could actually tell the airline where the bag was," Macheras added. "We got the bag the next day and they assured us that would not have happened if an AirTag had not been in the bag." How AirTags workAirTags — small, round Bluetooth devices that can be placed on a keychain as well as in a pocket, purse or suitcase — are designed to help users keep track of everything from wallets, keys and backpacks to pets and children. Apple sells a single AirTag for $29, while a pack of four tags costs $99.Users pair the tags with a connected Apple device like an iPhone for constant tracking and the ability to locate lost items. AirTags send out Bluetooth signals that are read by nearby Apple devices, which in turn send you the location of your AirTag. Though the tags are designed to be used with Apple products, there are apps available that enable limited usage with Android devices.Similar tracking devices are rising in popularity, too. Tile, which makes competing products (compatible with both Apple and Android devices) that can be affixed or attached to one's belongings and paired with an app, said more people are using the tags amid the surge in mishandled luggage. In a more troubling development, however,  AirTags have also enabled stalkers to keep tabs on unsuspecting targets by placing the wireless tags in a victim's bag or inside their car's fuel tank, for example.  How Apple AirTags are being used to stalk people 07:25 When your bag is in Dusseldorf, but you're notHenderson of The Points Guy noted that even if you can tell an airline where in the world your luggage is, they might not have the manpower to physically track it down and send it to you.  "You can tell the airline, 'My bag is stuck in Amsterdam, I can see it there,' but they might say there's no one who can go and get it for you," he said. Henderson said one reader was so frustrated by an airline's inability to unite him with his luggage that when an AirTag located it in Dusseldorf, Germany, the passenger traveled there to retrieve the bag himself.Frequent flyer Jassim Al Kuwari said he was recently separated from his luggage when traveling from Italy to Spain via Paris, France. His layover at Charles de Gaulle Airport was so short — just 15 minutes — that he and his plane left without his luggage aboard.  Jassim Al Kuwari said AirTags helped him and his friends stay connected to their luggage while traveling. Jassim Al Kuwari "I ran to the lost-and-found desk to report my bag missing, and Air France had no idea where it was located. Thanks to the AirTags, I was able to tell them where my luggage was and I got my bag back," Al Kuwari told CBS MoneyWatch.Nowadays, AirTags spare Kuwari from having to wait around the baggage carousel not knowing if his luggage will appear or not. "Whenever I am at my destination, I open the app and I can tell if my bag is there or not. If it's not, I don't waste time waiting for my bag, I just go and report it," he said. AirTags haven't worked as well for everyone. Some users have complained that tracking is either delayed or inaccurate.  "All in all, they're fairly reliable," Henderson said. "We haven't heard any stories of people who have not been able to locate baggage. I'm leaning toward them as an investment."  Thanks for reading CBS NEWS. Create your free account or log in for more features. Please enter email address to continue Please enter valid email address to continue

How to use AirTags and other tracking devices to find lost luggage.

Hedge Fund Research (HFR) President Kenneth J. Heinz participates in a panel discussion during the Skybridge Alternatives (SALT) Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada May, 9, 2012. SALT brings together public policy officials, capital allocators, and hedge fund managers to discuss financial markets. REUTERS/Steve Marcus (UNITED STATES - Tags: BUSINESS)Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comNEW YORK, Aug 5 (Reuters) - Hedge funds posted a 1.65% gain in July, driven by a stock market rally which helped reduce their losses for the year to date, data provider HFR said on Friday."Led by high beta strategies, hedge funds posted the strongest gains in 15 months, as powerful risk-on sentiment drove a sharp reversal in equity markets, while the U.S. economy entered a recession and the US Federal Reserve raised interest rates again in an effort to slow generational inflation," said Kenneth J. Heinz, President of HFR.For the year to date, hedge funds remained down 4.1%, the fund weighted composite index showed.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comEquity hedge funds posted gains of 2.89%, underperforming the S&P 500, which went up 9.11% last month. For the year, equity hedge funds were down 9.2%.Macro hedge funds, which trade a broad range of assets, such as bonds, currencies, rates, stocks and commodities, were down 1.07%, their third consecutive month of losses. In the year they remained the best-performing category, with gains of 7.36%.Heinz said fund managers have positioned funds to preserve capital as well as to seize opportunities to take advantage of sudden shifts in macroeconomic conditions.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comReporting by Carolina Mandl in New York; Editing by David GregorioOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Hedge funds post July gain on stock market rally, still down for year.

U.S. Updated on: August 5, 2022 / 7:06 PM / CBS/AP 10 family members killed in house fire 10 family members killed in Pennsylvania house fire 00:20 Ten people, including three children, were killed when a house went up in flames in Pennsylvania early Friday morning, state police said. Three adults survived the fire, and a criminal investigation is ongoing.Authorities responded to the two-story home in Nescopeck at 2:42 a.m. local time and learned that although three people had made it out, there were others trapped inside, according to state police.Several responding agencies and K9 units located the victims inside of the home. State police identified them as: Dale Baker, 19; Star Baker, 22; David Daubert, 79; Brian Daubert, 42; Shannon Daubert, 45; Laura Daubert, 47; and Marian Slusser, 54. Three juveniles also died — they were identified as a 7-year-old girl, a 6-year-old boy and a 5-year-old boy.Nescopeck Volunteer Fire Co. firefighter Harold Baker told the Citizens' Voice newspaper of Wilkes-Barre that the 10 victims included his son, daughter, father-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, three grandchildren and two other relatives. Baker said that the address initially given for the call was a neighboring home, but that he realized it was his family's residence as the fire truck approached."When we turned the corner up here on Dewey (Street) I knew right away what house it was just by looking down the street," Baker told the Citizens' Voice. "I was on the first engine, and when we pulled up, the whole place was fully involved. We tried to get in to them."Neighbors reported hearing a loud popping sound or explosion, before seeing the front porch of the home rapidly consumed by flames. Some also reported hearing a young man screaming in front of the home, "They're all dead."Baker, who was relieved of his firefighting duties because of his relationship to the victims, said 14 people were living in the home. One of them was out delivering newspapers, and three others escaped, he said. The home was completely destroyed in the fire, state police said. In: Pennsylvania Fire Thanks for reading CBS NEWS. Create your free account or log in for more features. Please enter email address to continue Please enter valid email address to continue

10 people, including 3 children, killed in Pennsylvania house fire; firefighter identifies them as his family.

Signage is seen outside of the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 30, 2020. REUTERS/Andrew KellyRegister now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comNEW YORK, Aug 5 (Reuters) - Speculators' net long bets on the U.S. dollar fell in the latest week, according to calculations by Reuters and U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission data released on Friday.The value of the net long dollar position was $17.27 billion for the week ended Aug. 2, compared with a net long position of $18.46 billion last week.U.S. dollar positioning was derived from net contracts of International Monetary Market speculators in the Japanese yen, euro, British pound, Swiss franc, and Canadian and Australian dollars.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comJapanese Yen (Contracts of 12,500,000 yen)$4.013 billionEURO (Contracts of 125,000 euros)$4.931 billionPOUND STERLING (Contracts of 62,500 pounds sterling)$4.291 billionSWISS FRANC (Contracts of 125,000 Swiss francs)$1.738 billionCANADIAN DOLLAR (Contracts of 100,000 Canadian dollars)$-1.574 billionAUSTRALIAN DOLLAR (Contracts of 100,000 Aussie dollars)$3.871 billionMEXICAN PESO (Contracts of 500,000 pesos)$0.555 billionNEW ZEALAND DOLLAR (Contracts of 100,000 New Zealand dollars)$0.098 billionRegister now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comReporting by Saqib Iqbal Ahmed; Editing by Chris Reese and Diane CraftOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Speculators' net long bets on USD fall -CFTC, Reuters.

FILE PHOTO - Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida addresses the United Nations General Assembly during the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty review conference in New York City, New York, U.S., August 1, 2022. REUTERS/David 'Dee' DelgadoRegister now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comTOKYO, Aug 6 (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will replace Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi on consideration of his health conditions in the upcoming Cabinet and party leadership reshuffle on Wednesday, the Yomiuri daily reported on Saturday.Kishida moved the reshuffle, originally slated for early September, after a key memorial service for former premier Shinzo Abe who was fatally shot last month, earlier to solidify the leadership in the wake of a domestic COVID-19 resurgence and the intensifying Taiwan situation, the newspaper said.The reshuffle would come after Kishida's conservative coalition government increased its majority in the upper house of parliament in a July election held two days after Abe's death. read more Kishi, 63, a younger brother of the deceased Abe, has been serving as defence minister since September 2020.Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno in the Cabinet, as well as ruling Liberal Democratic Party Vice President Taro Aso and Secretary-General Toshimitsu Motegi will likely be retained at their positions, Yomiuri also reported.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comReporting by Kantaro Komiya; Editing by Leslie AdlerOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Japan PM Kishida to replace Defence Minister Kishi on Wednesday, Yomiuri reports.

Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson arrive at the In America: An Anthology of Fashion themed Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, New York, U.S., May 2, 2022. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File PhotoRegister now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comLOS ANGELES, Aug 5 (Reuters) - Reality TV star Kim Kardashian and "Saturday Night Live" comedian Pete Davidson have ended their romance after nine months of dating, media outlets reported on Friday.E! News, People magazine and others quoted anonymous sources as saying the pair split this week. A spokesperson for Kardashian had no comment, and a representative for Davidson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.The celebrities began dating after Kardashian, 41, hosted "SNL" in October 2021. Kardashian is in the midst of legal proceedings to finalize her divorce from rapper Kanye West and stars in a new reality show with her extended family on Hulu.Davidson, 28, was a cast member on comedy sketch show "SNL" for eight seasons before announcing his departure in May. He has recently been filming a movie called "Wizards!" in Australia.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comReporting by Lisa Richwine; Editing by Cynthia OstermanOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Hollywood couple Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson split, media reports say.

A sign is displayed on the Morgan Stanley building in New York U.S., July 16, 2018. REUTERS/Lucas JacksonRegister now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comCompaniesNEW YORK, Aug 5 (Reuters) - Morgan Stanley agreed to pay $200 million to U.S. regulators to resolve investigations into its record-keeping practices, it said on Friday.The bank will pay the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission $125 million and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission $75 million to resolve probes into employee communications on messaging platforms that had not been approved by the company, it said in a filing.Morgan Stanley had already set aside $200 million in its second quarter earnings to prepare for the penalty. Separately, Bank of America earmarked about $200 million for unauthorized electronic messaging by its employees, while Citigroup (C.N) and Barclays also put aside cash to cover similar expected fines. read more The SEC has been looking into whether Wall Street banks have been adequately logging employees' text messages and emails as bankers moved to remote working during the pandemic. Regulators require banks to keep records of their staff communications, and typically ban the use of personal email, texts and messaging applications for work purposes. read more Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comReporting by Saeed Azhar; Editing by David GregorioOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Morgan Stanley to pay $200 million to resolve U.S. record-keeping probe.

A boardroom is seen at the legal offices of the law firm Polsinelli in New York City. June 3, 2021. REUTERS/Andrew KellyRegister now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comSummaryRelocations accounted for 63% of firm leasing transactions by square footage in first half of 2022, survey saysTotal office leasing was at 1.6 million square feet in Q2, compared to 1.1 million in Q1(Reuters) - Law firms leasing office space chose relocations rather than renewals in the first half of the year at a level not seen since before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to commercial real estate brokerage Savills Inc.Relocations have made up 63% of law firm lease transactions by square footage through the end of the second quarter, compared to 51% in 2021 and 30% in 2020, a newly released Savills survey of firm leasing activity said. Savills tracks law firm leases over 20,000 square feet across major U.S. markets.The relocation decisions in 2022 look more similar to pre-pandemic figures, when 58% of transactions by square footage were relocations in 2019 and 67% in 2018, said Savills.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comThe shift comes as some law firm leaders are reconsidering their office spaces, after lawyers and staff have worked remotely for much of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many large firms started widespread return to office plans earlier this year, typically on a hybrid schedule.A separate Savills survey of the top 100 U.S. firms by revenue released this week found 61.9% of partners are expected to be in the office three to four days per week, while 4.8% are expected to be in one to two days per week and 33.3% can go in as often as they want.Tom Fulcher, chair of Savills' legal tenant practice group, said firms now feel "more of a sense of confidence" about how to accommodate a new balance of in-office versus remote work than they have in the previous two years. They at least know enough to "start being able to make long-term commitments" to new office spaces, he said."Soft" market conditions favorable to tenants are also contributing to relocations, the report said.The law firms in the Savills survey leased a total of 1.6 million square feet overall in the second quarter of 2022, picking up after a slower first quarter that saw a drop to 1.1 million square feet leased from over 1.5 million the previous two quarters.The total increased as seven transactions were over 100,000 square feet, a threshold that no deal met in the first quarter, Savills said.In the long term, legal leasing volume may drop as firms rethink their needs, and the number of "dedicated" offices decreases and shared spaces increase, the report said.Savills' survey of the top 100 U.S. firms on work flexibility found 42.9% of respondents are putting in place hoteling or a "shared approach" to using offices.Read more:Law firm leasing dips amid industry's revamped office plansRegister now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.Sara MerkenThomson ReutersSara Merken reports on privacy and data security, as well as the business of law, including legal innovation and key players in the legal services industry. Reach her at sara.merken@thomsonreuters.com

Law firms opt for office relocations as attorneys return to in-person work.

U.S Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, Philippines August 5, 2022. Andrew Harnik/Pool via REUTERSRegister now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comMANILA, Aug 6 (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday assured new Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr that relations between their two countries were extraordinary and said Washington was committed to their joint defence pact.Marcos, meeting Blinken at the presidential palace in Manila, said the current geopolitical environment showed how important their ties were, and U.S. speaker Nancy Pelosi's Taiwan visit highlighted how volatile the region was.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comReporting by David Brunnstrom; Writing by Martin Petty Editing by Shri NavaratnamOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Blinken says Philippines ties extraordinary, U.S. committed to defence pact.

A man walks through the street carrying a briefcase in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., August 19, 2020. REUTERS/Andrew KellyRegister now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comSummaryFirm represents shareholders suing TerraVia HoldingsJudge threatened sanctions over settlement delaysPomerantz said it will give up $625k in fees(Reuters) - Pomerantz has said that it will not seek payment for its work on a shareholder settlement with biotech company executives after a San Francisco federal judge threatened to sanction the plaintiffs' law firm for letting the case languish for nearly a year and a half.Pomerantz had proposed to take $625,000 in attorneys fees from the $2.5 million deal but said in court filings Thursday that it would recoup only expenses.The firm represents investors who sued TerraVia Holdings Inc and three of its executives for allegedly failing to disclose that its algae-based protein had prompted a product recall.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comAttorneys for Pomerantz and the executives did not immediately reply to requests for comment.The company filed for bankruptcy in 2017 and was acquired by Dutch food ingredients company Corbion.TerraVia executives agreed to settle the claims in September 2020, according to court documents, but the shareholders' attorneys did not ask the judge to approve the deal until March 2022.Last month, U.S. District Judge James Donato ordered Pomerantz to explain why it had not better supported the lead attorney on the case, who said at a hearing that family issues had caused the delays."The Pomerantz firm should have functioned as a team to carry out its fiduciary duties as class counsel," the judge wrote.Pomerantz is one of the most frequent filers of securities class actions, according to litigation consulting firm Cornerstone Research.The firm's managing partner Jeremy Lieberman said in a filing on Thursday that the attorney had not asked for assistance and that the delays were "an isolated lapse by an attorney under difficult personal circumstances."Shareholders sued TerraVia and the executives in 2016, alleging it concealed that its protein powder caused a recall of Honey Stinger brand protein chews tied to a spate of gastrointestinal illness.Donato administratively closed the case in December 2021 after there had been no filings for more than a year but reopened it in February to allow Pomerantz to file for approval of the settlement. The TerraVia executives did not admit wrongdoing.After a hearing on the deal, the judge said delays in the case raised "serious questions" and threatened sanctions such as dismissing the case or disqualifying Pomerantz from practicing in the Northern District of California, a major venue for shareholders suing companies.The firm said in court filings that the delay was due in part to the lead attorney not promptly replying to emails and that none of his other cases had been delayed. A former attorney for the TerraVia executives also went on leave and did not reply to emails for a time, Pomerantz said.The case is In re TerraVia Holdings Inc, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, No. 3:16-cv-06633.For shareholders: Patrick Dahlstrom and Louis Ludwig of PomerantzFor TerraVia: Jordan Eth and Mark Foster of Morrison FoersterRegister now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.Jody GodoyThomson ReutersJody Godoy reports on banking and securities law. Reach her at jody.godoy@thomsonreuters.com

Pomerantz set to forgo attorney fees after delaying settlement with biotech execs.

Mark Bankston, lawyer for Neil Heslin and Scarlett Lewis, asks Alex Jones questions about text messages during trial at the Travis County Courthouse, Austin, Texas, U.S., August 3, 2022. Briana Sanchez/Pool via REUTERSRegister now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comAug 5 (Reuters) - A jury in Austin, Texas, decided on Friday that U.S. conspiracy theorist Alex Jones must pay the parents of a child killed in the 2012 Sandy Hook massacre $45.2 million in punitive damages for falsely claiming the shooting was a hoax, on top of $4.1 million in compensatory damages. read more Here are some of the other legal challenges Jones and his company now face.TEXAS, CONNECTICUT LAWSUITSJones faces a separate trial over damages in the same Austin court for defaming the family of another victim of the Sandy Hook Elementary School mass shooting. His lawyer said Friday that the case is on pause due to his company's bankruptcy.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comJones is due to stand trial to decide damages in a different case in Waterbury, Connecticut, after he was found liable by default judgment for defaming families of several Sandy Hook victims with falsehoods about the shooting that killed 20 children and six staff in Newtown, Connecticut.Jones had called the shooting a hoax by the U.S. government, staged using crisis actors to serve as a pretext for taking away Americans' guns. He has since acknowledged that the massacre was real.The Connecticut trial, which had been set to begin in September, was put on hold after Jones' company, Free Speech Systems LLC, declared bankruptcy last week. Jones said during a Monday broadcast of his Infowars program that the filing will help the company stay on the air while it appeals.TEXAS BANKRUPTCYIn the bankruptcy case, Sandy Hook parents told a Houston judge this week that Jones might continue to draw money from Free Speech Systems, the parent company of his far-right Infowars website, while using its bankruptcy case to avoid paying court judgments in the defamation cases.The families have said Jones took $62 million from Free Speech Systems while burdening it with $65 million in "fabricated" debt owed to PQPR Holdings, a company owned by Jones and his parents. They asked the bankruptcy court not to allow Free Speech Systems to send money to Jones or his companies until they have an opportunity to get to the bottom of Infowars' finances.POSSIBLE PERJURY CHARGEA lawyer for the plaintiffs in the Texas trial on Wednesday disclosed that Federico Andino Reynal, a lawyer for Jones, had inadvertently sent him a file containing two years of Jones' text messages, along with trial strategy notes and medical records.Jones has maintained that he searched his phone for texts about Sandy Hook and never found any. He denied on the witness stand that he had lied, but the disclosure raised the possibility that Jones could be charged with perjury, a crime.Judge Maya Guerra Gamble on Tuesday admonished Jones for not being truthful during his testimony when he said he was bankrupt and had complied with plaintiffs' requests for information before the trial.Defense lawyers in Texas said perjury prosecutions are rare, particularly for conduct in a civil case.ATTORNEY REPERCUSSIONSThe judge in the Connecticut case on Thursday ordered Reynal and another lawyer for Jones to appear for hearings this month on whether they should face sanctions for the unauthorized release of the plaintiffs' medical information, apparently in reference to the disclosure of Jones' records in Texas. Reynal did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the matter.U.S. CAPITOL ATTACK FALLOUTThe disclosure could also have implications for the inquiry by a U.S. House of Representatives committee into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of former President Donald Trump. Mark Bankston, a lawyer for the parents in the Texas defamation case, said in court on Thursday that the committee asked him to hand over the text records he received.Jones marched with supporters to the Capitol on the day of the riot, but has not been charged with any criminal wrongdoing in connection with it.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comReporting by Jack Queen and Dietrich Knauth in New York; Editing by Will Dunham, David Bario and Leslie AdlerOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Explainer: What's next for conspiracy theorist Alex Jones.

There are "more intelligent ways" to support Taiwan than for U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to have visited the island, former permanent secretary at Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bilahari Kausikan told CNBC. The move could undermine efforts by the U.S. and other countries to support Taiwan in the future and has further complicated Taiwan's political relationship with China, he told CNBC's "Street Signs Asia" on Friday."I think Taiwan needs support and deserves support but has this achieved anything that is worthwhile? I don't think so. In fact, I think it has made things worse," Kausikan said.Ignoring weeks of warnings from Beijing, Pelosi visited Taiwan and met President Tsai Ing-wen on Wednesday. Taiwan is a self-ruled democracy, but Beijing considers the island a breakaway province and says it has no right to conduct foreign relations.Pelosi's visit makes her the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit Taiwan in 25 years.China launched military drills in the airspace and waters around Taiwan the next day. On Friday, Beijing announced sanctions against Pelosi and her immediate family members, though the content of those sanctions was unspecified.Speaker of the U.S. House Of Representatives Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), left, poses for photographs with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen, right, at the president's office on August 03, 2022 in Taipei, Taiwan.Handout | Getty Images"What Taiwan needs is certain capabilities … what Taiwan needs is diplomatic support. What Taiwan does not need is a visit, that may give you a feel-good moment … and after that, may deter other countries from visiting Taiwan, if they look at China's robust response," Kausikan said.Whether the visit was good or bad for Taiwan remains "at least an open question," he said. "There are many other ways, more intelligent ways, less risky ways of giving Taiwan the support it needs and deserves." Kausikan said the visit could upset the status quo in the region and that prompted China to react in a "semi-hysterical way," adding that it "gave China an excuse" to fire missiles close to Taiwan.You have an increasingly febrile, fractious relationship between the two countries. It simply takes off a match to light a flame, which then catches fire more or less.Kevin RuddFormer Australian Prime MinisterStill, the ex-diplomat maintained that a conflict between China and Taiwan is unlikely.China is not eager to attack Taiwan and broad military consensus has suggested that China does not yet have the capability to launch a full scale "amphibious" military operation, he said. "And don't forget, for all the bluster that China put out before — during and after the visit — it still failed to deter the visit," Kausikan said. But accidents happen and they have in the past, he added. Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said that it's the potential accidents that are most concerning.While an immediate war is not likely, Rudd is concerned the Chinese may see Pelosi's visit as a U.S. walk-back from its 1982 agreement to recognize the "one China policy.""Then I think we're in a whole new world," he said on CNBC's "Capital Connection.""You have an increasingly febrile, fractious relationship between the two countries," he said. "It simply takes off a match to light a flame, which then catches fire more or less." "That is what I'm concerned about — not tomorrow, not next month, but certainly in the years ahead, particularly as [Chinese President] Xi Jinping is likely to be re-elected or reappointed."A war down the line can't be completely ruled out, however, especially when U.S.-China relations are unlikely to recover in the next decade, Rudd said.

Ex-diplomat says there are 'more intelligent ways' for the U.S. to support Taiwan than to visit.

Cambodia's Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn attends a news conference after the conclusion of the ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, August 6, 2022. REUTERS/Soe Zeya TunRegister now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comPHNOM PENH, Aug 6 (Reuters) - Cambodia's foreign minister on Saturday said the Southeast Asian regional bloc ASEAN had decided that Myanmar's ruling generals would remain barred from any of its meetings until they show progress on a peace plan.Prak Sokhonn, a special envoy on Myanmar and chair of this week's Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings, told a news conference the junta "must act in a way that shows progress is made then we will be able to act on a decision to show progress."Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comReporting by Jiraporn Kuhakan; Writing by Martin Petty Editing by Shri NavaratnamOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

ASEAN decided no Myanmar junta at summits unless peace progress - chair Cambodia.

U.S. Updated on: August 5, 2022 / 2:13 PM / CBS News Griner's teammates speak out on her sentence Brittney Griner's teammates speak out on "devastating" 9-year prison sentence 01:35 WNBA star Brittney Griner's nine-year prison sentence in Russia on Thursday has sent shockwaves back to her loved ones in the U.S. After she sentenced for having vape cartridges filled with cannabis oil at a Moscow airport this year – which she says was an accident – her Phoenix Mercury teammates spoke out about the "devastating" situation. Following the Mercury's 77-64 loss to the Connecticut Sun on Thursday, guard Skylar Diggins-Smith told reporters "nobody wanted to even play today." "It's our sister," Diggins-Smith said. "...I don't expect everybody to give a damn, but we really do. And we come out here and we're still supposed to play this f---ing game. ... How are you supposed to approach the game, approach the court with a clear mind and the whole group is crying before the game?"  She went on to say that the team wants to honor Griner and play hard on her behalf, but that doing so can be difficult given the circumstances. Mercury guard Diamond DeShields shared the sentiment, saying she's proud to be a part of the team and how hard they played on Thursday. "We approached the game tonight with a heavy heart as we have every game this season," she said. "But obviously, devastating is the overall sentiment. ... I mean, it's like you're just waiting for a bomb to drop, you know? Just watching it, seeing her behind bars." "It's a helpless feeling," Diggins-Smith added.  Please listen to @SkyDigg4’s words. pic.twitter.com/ahDNMKrcSf— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) August 5, 2022 The two also questioned the press for persistently asking the team about Griner's situation. "It's heavy. It's just heavy, y'all," Diggins-Smith said. "Y'all asking these questions don't really take away from our trauma. You just add to our trauma, so we can break down in front of y'all, so you can see how we feel. I don't know what else to really say about it."  During Thursday's game, both teams embraced each other at half-court for 42 seconds of silence – Griner's jersey number – to honor the basketball star. The silence was followed by chants of "BG" and "bring her home."  Bring BG home. pic.twitter.com/8PJyst7Bll— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) August 4, 2022 Griner, 31, is a two-time U.S. Olympic champion and eight-time all-star with the Mercury, and in her WNBA off-season, she plays for Russia's Yekaterinburg team. She was arrested in February at a Moscow airport when workers found vape cartridges with cannabis oil in her luggage, which her legal team argued she had accidentally stowed while packing in haste. Griner was convicted on Thursday for drug possession and was sentenced to nine years in prison. She was also fined 1 million rubles, about $16,000. President Biden immediately called for Griner's release on Thursday, calling the conviction and sentence "unacceptable." Asked about Griner on Friday, the president said, "I'm hopeful. We're working hard."And on Friday, Russia said it is ready to discuss a prisoner swap. In recent days, the White House has offered a swap with the country, asking for both Griner and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan to be released. The U.S. has not confirmed who they would release as part of the swap.  In: WNBA Brittney Griner Russia Basketball Li Cohen Li Cohen is a social media producer and trending reporter for CBS News, focusing on social justice issues. Thanks for reading CBS NEWS. Create your free account or log in for more features. Please enter email address to continue Please enter valid email address to continue

Brittney Griner's teammates speak out about her "devastating" 9-year sentence in Russia: "It's a helpless feeling".

People pray in front of the cenotaph for the victims of the 1945 atomic bombing, on the 77th anniversary of the world's first atomic bombing, at Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, western Japan, August 6, 2022, in this photo taken by Kyodo. Mandatory credit Kyodo via REUTERSRegister now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comTOKYO, Aug 6 (Reuters) - Bells tolled in Hiroshima on Saturday as the city marked the 77th anniversary of the world's first atomic bombing, with officials including the United Nations Secretary General warning of a new arms race following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, and, shortly after, Russian President Vladimir Putin had obliquely raised the possibility of a nuclear strike. The conflict has also heightened concerns about the safety of Ukraine's nuclear plants.U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres joined the thousands packed into the Peace Park in the centre of the city to mark the anniversary of the bombing that killed 140,000 before the end of 1945, only the second time a U.N. Secretary General has taken part in the annual ceremony.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com"Nuclear weapons are nonsense. They guarantee no safety - only death and destruction," Guterres said."Three quarters of a century later, we must ask what we've learned from the mushroom cloud that swelled above this city in 1945."Guterres sidestepped a direct mention of Russia, which calls its invasion of Ukraine a "special military operation."Hiroshima mayor Kazumi Matsui, whose city this year did not invite the Russian ambassador to the ceremony, was more pointed and critical of Moscow's military actions in Ukraine."In invading Ukraine, the Russian leader, elected to protect the lives and property of his people, is using them as instruments of war, stealing the lives and livelihoods of civilians in a different country," Matsui said."Around the world, the notion that peace depends on nuclear deterrence gains momentum," Matsui added."These errors betray humanity's determination, born of our experiences of war, to achieve a peaceful world free from nuclear weapons. To accept the status quo and abandon the ideal of peace maintained without military force is to threaten the very survival of the human race."At 8:15 a.m. on Aug 6, 1945, the U.S. B-29 warplane Enola Gay dropped a bomb nicknamed "Little Boy" and obliterated the city with an estimated population of 350,000. Thousands more died later from injuries and radiation-related illnesses.On Saturday, as cicadas shrilled in the heavy summer air, the Peace Bell sounded and the crowd, including Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who is from Hiroshima, observed a moment of silence at the exact time the bomb exploded."At the start of this year, the five nuclear-weapon states issued a joint statement: 'Nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought,'" Matsui added."Why do they not attempt to fulfil their promises? Why do some even hint at using nuclear weapons?"On Thursday, Russian ambassador to Japan Mikhail Galuzin offered flowers at a memorial stone in the park and told reporters his nation would never use nuclear weapons. read more Kishida, who has chosen Hiroshima as the site of next year's Group of Seven summit, called on the world to abandon nuclear weapons.Earlier this week, he became the first Japanese leader to take part in the Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). read more "We will continue towards the ideal of nuclear disarmament even given the current tough security environment," he said.The Hiroshima catastrophe was followed by the U.S. military's atomic bombing of Nagasaki on Aug 9, instantly killing more than 75,000 people. Japan surrendered six days later, ending World War Two.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comReporting by Elaine Lies Editing by Shri NavaratnamOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Hiroshima prays for peace, fears new arms race on atomic bombing anniversary.

Nosystem Images | E+ | Getty ImagesStudent loan forgiveness could be coming as soon as this month.The Biden administration is considering a number of different ways to move forward with canceling education debt. The biggest uncertainty is how much of the debt it will relieve, if any. On the campaign trail, President Joe Biden came out in support of $10,000 in cancellation per borrower, but he's increasingly under pressure from other lawmakers and advocates to go further and wipe out $50,000 for all.But there's also the question of who would get the relief.In recent weeks, there have been hints on which borrowers may be included in the possible jubilee. Here's what we know so far.Income caps could applyIt's been reported by The Washington Post that the White House is considering setting an income cap for the loan forgiveness, likely in part to quell critics who say the policy would direct taxpayer resources to the well-off.Some of the ideas floated have been cutting off the relief to those who earned more than $125,000 or $150,000 as individual filers in the previous year, or $250,000 or $300,000 for couples who file their taxes jointly.According to an estimate by higher education expert Mark Kantrowitz, more than three-quarters of student loan borrowers would still get forgiveness with those rules.Graduate and Parent Plus loans may be includedPrivate loans likely will be excludedThere are around 6 million Americans who hold private student loans, according to Kantrowitz.Any forgiveness by the government is not likely to impact these loans, as that debt is picked up by private companies and outside the federal student loan system.How fast forgiveness could comeBorrowers whom the Education Department has income data on could see the cancellation automatically within several months, according to the agency's plan obtained by Politico. (The department would have that information for borrowers enrolled in income-driven repayment plans.)Others may have to self-certify their income, which could lead to a longer wait time.

Would you be included in student loan forgiveness? What we know so far.

Politics Updated on: August 5, 2022 / 8:38 PM / CBS News Barr on Jan. 6 grand jury, future of GOP Barr calls Jan. 6 subpoenas "significant," says nominating Trump would be "really bad" for GOP 07:05 Former Attorney General Bill Barr called the newest federal grand jury subpoenas probing the Jan. 6, 202, Capitol riot "a significant event," one that suggests that government prosecutors are probing high-ranking Trump administration officials and allies, and even former President Donald Trump."This suggests to me that they're taking a hard look at the group at the top, including the president and the people immediately around him who were involved in this," Barr told CBS News' Catherine Herridge in an interview Friday. The grand jury has been meeting weekly; in late July, Marc Short, former Vice President Mike Pence's chief of staff, testified, and according to The Washington Post, Greg Jacob, Pence's chief counsel, was also interviewed by the grand jury. The Justice Department's criminal investigation into Jan. 6 now includes questions for witnesses about the communications of people close to Trump and his reelection campaign, though it is not evident from CBS News' reporting that Trump himself is a target of the investigation — only that that prosecutors have been asking questions related to him and his aides.Barr also surmises that it looks like prosecutors are "going to try to get a ruling on the issue of executive privilege," given reports by ABC News and other news outlets that former White House counsel Pat Cipollone has been subpoenaed to appear before the grand jury. The former attorney general noted that Cipollone, as then-counsel to the Office of the President, "has the strongest claim to executive privilege." "That's sort of the biggest mountain for them to climb, and the fact that they lead off with that to me suggests that they want a definitive resolution — not only on Cipollone — but you know, this would affect [former White House chief of staff Mark] Meadows and some of the other people, too," he said. While Barr thinks that Trump might be able to block some testimony with an executive privilege argument, he said, "I don't think it would block all the testimony." He ticked off a list of ways in which a privilege argument "is inapplicable here.""One argument," he said, "is that it was waived by Biden and it will have to be litigated — whether Biden can do it or whether Trump can do it." The former president's lawsuits to shield documents or testimony with privilege arguments have so far been rejected by the courts, on the grounds that the requests have been valid and the privilege was Mr. Biden's to waive.   Barr also pointed out that executive privilege does not apply in criminal cases."Another argument they have is that that the criminal justice process, as opposed to Congress — the criminal justice process — executive privilege has to give way — you can't hide behind it when a criminal grand jury's involved," Barr said. "And then they would have other arguments, like the crime-fraud exception," Barr told Herridge. "If it's part of the crime itself, it's not covered." "And and another argument they would have is that some of the particular things weren't really executive privilege," Barr said. "The president was acting in his capacity as a candidate, not not the president." Nonetheless, Barr suggested that if the case against Trump turns out to be essentially what the Jan. 6 committee has revealed, it's probably not enough to convict the former president.Though he thinks the evidence has been building, after the last Jan. 6 hearings, "if this is what there is, as attorney general, I still don't see that as a sufficient basis to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a crime was committed by the president." Barr said he believes the Justice Department is still "getting deeper and deeper into it," and if Attorney General Merrick Garland finds a crime, he'll prosecute.The former president has been strongly suggesting he'd like to run for president again in 2024. His 2016 campaign manager and former White House counselor Kellyanne Conway told Herridge last week that Trump is eager to announce he's running again and in fact would like to have been in the race "already." Barr feels optimistic about the future of the GOP. "I think the future's bright for the Republican Party," he said, suggesting that the GOP could even hold the presidency for the next 12 years."I view 2024 setting up another 1980, where when Reagan won two terms and then Bush won a third term," he said. It's what he believes is necessary "to make America great again, you know — decisive victory in reaction to the excesses of the progressive Democrats."But it's not Trump who would deliver that, says Barr. "I don't think he should be the nominee," he said of Trump. "I think it'd be really bad for the party, and I don't support him as the nominee." As the former attorney general put it, if Trump won, he'd be a "78-year-old lame duck who's obviously bent on revenge more than anything else." In: William Barr Donald Trump Thanks for reading CBS NEWS. Create your free account or log in for more features. Please enter email address to continue Please enter valid email address to continue

Former Attorney General Bill Barr says Jan. 6 grand jury activity suggests prosecutors "taking a hard look at the group at the top, including the president".

A general view of the ASEAN Regional Forum during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting in Phnom Penh, Cambodia August 5, 2022. REUTERS/Soe Zeya TunRegister now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comPHNOM PENH, Aug 6 (Reuters) - The chair of this week's meetings of the regional bloc ASEAN said on Saturday that discussions among foreign ministers over Taiwan tensions were lively and included some strong arguments, but it was better disputes were handled with words.Prak Sokhonn, Cambodia's foreign minister, said he told a meeting of foreign ministers they must have calm, dignified, polite, and civilised discussions."The most important thing is that we continue to talk to each other," he told a news conference.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comReporting by Jiraporn Kuhakan; Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by Kim CoghillOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Strong arguments over Taiwan at 'lively' ASEAN meeting, chair says.

Vendors selling swimming accessories walk on Sanya Bay beach in Sanya, Hainan province, China November 26, 2020. Picture taken November 26, 2020. REUTERS/Tingshu WangRegister now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comSHANGHAI, Aug 6 (Reuters) - The southern Chinese beach holiday city of Sanya imposed a lockdown on Saturday and shut its public transport system to try to stop a COVID-19 outbreak during its peak tourist season.Authorities announced the curbs would start at 6 a.m. (2200 GMT), saying the COVID situation was "very severe" and people's movements were being restricted. It did not say when the measures might be lifted."We urge the general public and tourists to understand and give their support," authorities said in a statement on the city government's WeChat account.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comThe city on Hainan island reported 263 COVID cases for Friday. Authorities said they had detected the Omicron subvariant BA.5.1.3.The lockdown comes in the high tourist season for the city, which is also known for its duty-free shopping and is home to several high-end hotels run by international companies including IHG (IHG.L) and Marriott International (MAR.O).The deputy mayor, He Shigang, told state broadcaster CCTV there were about 80,000 tourists in the city. People must have two negative PCR tests taken within 48 hours to leave the Sanya.The city started imposing lockdown measures in some places on Thursday. More venues, including its duty-free malls which are popular with Chinese shoppers unable to travel abroad, were shut on Friday. read more Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comReporting by Brenda Goh; Editing by Robert BirselOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Chinese tourist hot spot imposes COVID lockdown, shuts public transport.

We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms. MoneyWatch: Managing Your Money August 5, 2022 / 5:45 PM / CBS News Georgeta Olaru / 500px With stocks dipping and inflation climbing, you might wonder if buying rental property is a good place to park your money.  It seems simple enough: buy a home, rent it out at a price to cover the mortgage and put some steady cash in your pocket - all while property values rise. Plus, rents are surging across the U.S.But there's a lot to consider, from rising mortgage interest rates to local markets to finding reliable tenants. There can also be surprise expenses. Here are some answers to common questions about buying rental property:Is it worth it to have a rental property?It can be - in the right circumstances, over time and depending on your financial position and goals. If you're able to take in even a few hundred dollars a month once all expenses, including taxes (income and local property) are paid and you've contributed to a reserve fund for emergency expenses, a rental property can provide a reliable return over time. "Assuming the property is profitable, having that cash flow come in offers you the opportunity to either buy more of the same kind of asset - buy more real estate - or buy other kinds of assets when [real estate] is out of favor," says Cynthia Meyer, a certified financial planner (CFP) with Real Life Planning in Gladstone, New Jersey who works with real estate investors. Are rental properties a good investment right now? If you have your financial house in order, especially as interest rates climb, rental properties can be a good long-term investment, Meyer says.  A rental property should generate income monthly, even if it's just a few dollars at first. Do the math to make sure the property you're considering is right for you. Consult a financial adviser or local real estate expert."One thing I've been asking people a lot is 'does the deal make financial sense?' Don't show me something, for example, that's losing 300 bucks a month and expect me to tell you that it's a good idea because it's probably not," Meyer says. "At a minimum, there should be no net carrying cost to the property."Is running a rental property a lot of work?A lot can go into setting up your rental property, including insurance, homeowners association fees, utilities, advertising, cleaning, repairs over time, rising mortgage payments and taxes are some critical factors, to name just a few. Some rental property owners hire management firms to take care of the property, with fees typically between 8% to 12% of the monthly rent collected.  As an investment, a rental property can be a slower - but reliable - source of income than flipping a home at the height of a booming real estate market. Though home values soared in the past two years, that frenetic pace is slowing. How much profit should you make on a rental property?Once you've done the math, and if you intend to hold the property for a number of years, even a small profit "per door" or unit can be a valuable source of income over time, Meyer says. For example, a $100 per month net profit (after everything is paid) can add up. If rents typically rise 3% to 5% a year, your profit should rise, too. "After 20 years, that's a pretty powerful rental return," Meyer says. "And that doesn't include appreciation."What kind of loan do you get for an investment property? Rental property owners can apply for mortgages like homeowners, but with very important differences. For one, the down payment is typically much larger.Most lenders require about 25% down for a rental property mortgage, experts say. That contrasts the 6% to 7% paid by homeowners in recent years.Lenders view a rental property mortgage as riskier than a regular mortgage because an investor's own home loan is likely to take priority in hard times. What is the best way to finance an investment property?Of course, if you can buy a property for all cash and still have funds left for a buffer, that's ideal. Keep in mind, real estate is considered an "illiquid" asset - one you can't quickly turn into cash in your pocket. Most property investors require or want a mortgage. Before you apply, make sure you've completed your budget, researched how to attract tenants and have a clear idea of property management costs. What credit score is needed for an investment property? Lenders tend to give the best rates to borrowers with credit scores of 760 or higher. "Could you get an investment property loan if your score was 680 or 700? Probably, but you would just pay more in interest," Meyer says.What percentage can you borrow on a rental property? It depends. In 2022, as interest rates rise, the strategy of buying a run-down property, fixing it up, raising the rent then borrowing against that property to buy another is getting more difficult, Meyer says. Lenders want assurances the mortgage will be paid in hard times and will scrutinize your property closely before granting a second loan. Rental property buyers "have to be even more careful about their numbers and their interest rate assumptions," Meyer noted. "Because they're not going to be able to refinance and take equity out and have that property still be cash-flow positive if rates are twice as high as they were a year and a half ago." Thanks for reading CBS NEWS. Create your free account or log in for more features. Please enter email address to continue Please enter valid email address to continue

Is rental property a good investment? Everything you need to know.

MoneyWatch August 5, 2022 / 5:34 PM / AP Two crashes involving Teslas apparently running on Autopilot are drawing scrutiny from federal regulators and point to a potential new hazard on U.S. freeways: The partially automated vehicles may not stop for motorcycles.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration sent investigation teams to two crashes last month in which Teslas collided with motorcycles on freeways in the darkness. Both were fatal. The agency suspects that Tesla's partially automated driver-assist system was in use in each. The agency says that once it gathers more information, it may include the crashes in a broader probe of Teslas striking emergency vehicles parked along freeways. NHTSA also is investigating over 750 complaints that Teslas can brake for no reason. The first crash involving a motorcyclist happened at 4:47 a.m. July 7 on State Route 91, a freeway in Riverside, California. A white Tesla Model Y SUV was traveling east in the high occupancy vehicle lane. Ahead of it was a rider on a green Yamaha V-Star motorcycle, the California Highway Patrol said in a statement. At some point, the vehicles collided, and the unidentified motorcyclist was ejected from the Yamaha. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Fire Department. Whether or not the Tesla was operating on Autopilot remains under investigation, a CHP spokesman said. The second crash happened about 1:09 a.m. July 24 on Interstate 15 near Draper, Utah. A Tesla Model 3 sedan was behind a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, also in an HOV lane. "The driver of the Tesla did not see the motorcyclist and collided with the back of the motorcycle, which threw the rider from the bike," the Utah Department of Public Safety said in a prepared statement. This photo provided by Utah Department of Public Safety shows the scene of an accident involving a Tesla and a motorcycle on July 24, 2022, near Draper, Utah.  Utah Department of Public Safety via AP The rider, identified as Landon Embry, 34, of Orem, Utah, died at the scene. The Tesla driver told authorities that he had the vehicle's Autopilot setting on, the statement said. "This stuff isn't working properly"Michael Brooks, acting executive director of the nonprofit Center for Auto Safety, called on NHTSA to recall Tesla's Autopilot because it is not recognizing motorcyclists, emergency vehicles or pedestrians. "It's pretty clear to me, and it should be to a lot of Tesla owners by now, this stuff isn't working properly and it's not going to live up to the expectations, and it is putting innocent peole in danger on the roads," Brooks said. Since 2016, NHTSA has sent teams to 39 crashes in which automated driving systems are suspected of being in use, according to agency documents. Of those, 30 involved Teslas, including crashes that caused 19 deaths. Brooks criticized the agency for continuing to investigate but not taking action. "What the Hell are they doing while these crashes continue to occur?" he asked. "Drivers are being lured into thinking this protects them and others on the roads, and it's just not working."Tesla CEO Elon Musk has eliminated use of radar from his systems and relies solely on cameras and computer memory. Brooks and other safety advocates say the lack of radar hurts vision in the darkness. Tesla catches fire weeks after being totaled 00:45 Messages were left seeking comment from Tesla, which has disbanded its media relations department. Tesla has said that Autopilot and "Full Self-Driving" cannot drive themselves, and that drivers should be ready to intervene at all times.The promise of autopilotIn a June interview, new NHTSA Administrator Steven Cliff said the agency is intensifying efforts to understand risks posed by automated vehicles so it can decide what regulations may be necessary to protect drivers, passengers and pedestrians. There are no federal regulations that directly cover either self-driving vehicles or those with partially automated driver-assist systems such as Autopilot. The agency also says the technology holds great promise of reducing traffic crashes. NHTSA also has ordered all automakers and tech companies with automated driving systems to report all crashes. The agency released the first batch of data in June showing that nearly 400 crashes were reported over a 10-month period, including 273 with Teslas. But it cautioned against making comparisons, saying that Tesla's telematics allow it to gather data in real time, much faster than other companies.Tesla's Autopilot keeps cars in their lane and a distance behind other vehicles. The company also is using selected owners to test "Full Self-Driving" software, which is designed to complete a route on its own with human supervision. Eventually, Musk says the cars will drive themselves, enabling a fleet of autonomous robotaxis that will boost Tesla's earnings. In 2019, Musk had pledged to have the robotaxis running in 2020.He said at the company's annual shareholders' meeting Thursday that "Full Self-Driving" is greatly improved, and he expects to make the software available by the end of the year to all owners who request it. In: Tesla Elon Musk California Thanks for reading CBS NEWS. Create your free account or log in for more features. Please enter email address to continue Please enter valid email address to continue

U.S. agency probes Tesla crashes that killed 2 motorcyclists.

World Updated on: August 5, 2022 / 7:07 PM / CBS/AP U.S. faces international crises with Russia, China U.S. faces international crises with Russia and China 02:06 China says it is canceling or suspending dialogue with the U.S. on issues from climate change to military relations and anti-drug efforts in retaliation for a visit this week to Taiwan by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Beijing also imposed sanctions on her.The measures announced Friday are the latest in a promised series of steps intended to punish Washington for allowing the visit to the island it claims as its own territory to be annexed by force if necessary. China opposes the self-governing island having its own engagements with foreign governments.For a second straight day, China dispatched warplanes and naval ships into the Taiwan Strait as part of its biggest live-fire military drills against Taiwan ever, CBS News' Ramy Inocencio reports. China will "suspend the China-US climate change talks," and cancel two security meetings and a call between military leaders because of Pelosi's "disregard of China's strong opposition and stern representations," the Chinese foreign ministry said Friday, according to Agence France-Presse.The official Xinhua News Agency said Friday that fighters, bombers, destroyers and frigates were all used in what it called "joint blockage operations" in six zones off the coast of Taiwan. On Thursday, state media said China's People's Liberation Army had deployed more than 100 warplanes, 10 warships and one nuclear-powered submarine.  Before the sanctions against Pelosi being announced, she told reporters in Japan that the Chinese government would not dictate who could travel to the island."They may try to keep Taiwan from visiting or participating in other places. But they will not isolate Taiwan by preventing us to travel there," Pelosi said.She later added, "We will not allow them to isolate Taiwan. They are not doing our travel schedule. The Chinese government is not doing that."  Following China's actions overnight, The White House summoned Chinese Ambassador Qin Gang to make it clear "that Beijing's actions are of concern to Taiwan, to us, and to our partners around the world," National Security Council strategic communications coordinator John Kirby said in a statement Friday.   "We condemned the PRC's military actions, which are irresponsible, at odds with our long-standing goal of maintaining peace and stability and across the Taiwan Strait," Kirby said. He added that the White House made it clear that "nothing has changed about our one China policy," and that the U.S. "is prepared for what Beijing chooses to do. We will not seek and do not want a crisis.""At the same time, we will not be deterred from operating in the seas and skies of the Western Pacific, consistent with international law, as we have for decades – supporting Taiwan and defending a free and open Indo-Pacific," Kirby added.Pelosi is the highest-ranking sitting U.S. politician to visit Taiwan in 25 years, since Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich visited in 1997, Inocencio reports.This week's military drills are seen by experts as a trial-run of a potential future invasion of Taiwan, with China encircling the island with precision-guided missiles in six areas around the coast, Inocencio says.Xinhua said Friday that fighters, bombers, destroyers and frigates were all used in what it called "joint blockage operations" in the six zones. The military's Eastern Theater Command also fired new versions of missiles it said hit unidentified targets in the Taiwan Strait "with precision." Those included projectiles fired over Taiwan into the Pacific, military officers told state media, in a major ratcheting up of China's threats to annex the island. A look at the ramifications of Pelosi's visit to Taiwan 06:02 On the sidelines of a meeting with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Cambodia on Friday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters that China's military exercises aimed at Taiwan, including missiles fired into Japan's exclusive economic zone, represent a "significant escalation" and that he has urged Beijing to back down. Blinken said Pelosi's visit was peaceful and did not represent a change in American policy - a "one-China" position of recognizing the government in Beijing, while allowing for informal relations and defense ties with Taipei - accusing China of using the visit as a "pretext to increase provocative military activity in and around the Taiwan Strait." He said the situation had led to a "vigorous communication" during East Asia Summit meetings in Phnom Penh in which both he and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi took part along with the ASEAN nations, Russia and others. "I reiterated the points that we made publicly as well as directly to Chinese counterparts in recent days, again, about the fact that they should not use the visit as a pretext for war, escalation, for provocative actions, that there is no possible justification for what they've done and urge them to cease these actions," he said. Blinken did not sit down one-on-one with Wang but said he had spoken with the Chinese foreign minister already about the possibility of a Pelosi visit to Taiwan before it had taken place during meetings in Bali, and had made the U.S. position clear. Pelosi received a euphoric welcome as the first U.S. House speaker, and highest ranking U.S. official, to visit Taiwan in more than 25 years. Despite the aggressive Chinese reaction to the visit, Blinken said the U.S. would also not change its "commitment to the security of our allies in the region," and that the Defense Department had ordered the U.S.S. Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier group "to remain on station in the general area to monitor the situation." "We will fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows," he said. "We'll continue to conduct standard air and maritime transits through the Taiwan Strait, consistent with our long-standing approach to working with allies and partners to uphold freedom of navigation and overflight." Haley Ott and Sara Cook contributed to this report. In: Taiwan Antony Blinken Fumio Kishida United States Congress War Nancy Pelosi civil rights China Asia United States House of Representatives Japan United States Navy Thanks for reading CBS NEWS. Create your free account or log in for more features. Please enter email address to continue Please enter valid email address to continue

China halts military, climate talks with U.S. after Pelosi's visit to Taiwan.

REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/Illustration/File PhotoRegister now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comSummaryLaw firmsCalifornia judge confirmed that arbitration award was valid despite partial invalidation of underlying retainer agreementLoeb & Loeb client's attempt to take professional negligence claims to court was rejected(Reuters) - A California state appeals court has affirmed a former Loeb & Loeb client's arbitration award against the law firm in spite of objections that the arbitration clause in their initial retainer agreement was invalid.The Second District Court of Appeal in California on Tuesday upheld a Los Angeles Superior Court ruling that the retainer agreement remained valid, even though one of the Loeb & Loeb attorneys who represented Mark Brawerman and his food company Turtle Mountain Inc. (TMI) was unlicensed to practice in California during the time the work was done.A three-judge panel of the state appeals court also rejected Braverman and TMI's argument that their $5.6 million professional negligence claims against Loeb & Loeb should go to court, instead of arbitration, where they had been awarded a lesser sum of around $232,000.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comAttorneys for TMI and Brawerman at the Law Office of Steven R. Friedman and for Loeb & Loeb at Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the Tuesday ruling. Contact information for TMI was not immediately available.The plaintiffs signed a retainer agreement in 2004 with Loeb & Loeb to represent them in a financing transaction with venture capital firm Wasserstein Ventures, according to the ruling.The lead Loeb & Loeb partner Thomas Rohlf asked associate Christopher Kelly to assist him, the ruling said. It said Kelly was then not yet admitted to the bar in California, where the work was taking place.Kelly did not immediately respond to a request for comment.A Loeb & Loeb spokesperson said there was a delay in the completion of Kelly's admissions paperwork, as well as his ultimate admission to the California Bar in July 2005. Loeb & Loeb has since refined its attorney relocation process, the spokesperson said.The Tuesday ruling said Brawerman and TMI pursued professional negligence claims against Loeb & Loeb in 2015, alleging the firm failed to protect Brawerman’s control over TMI during negotiations with Wasserstein. The dispute was referred to arbitration as per the retainer agreement.In 2019, before arbitration hearings began, the clients discovered Kelly had not been licensed in California, the ruling said.They then argued this meant the retainer agreement containing the arbitration clause was invalid, and so the negligence claims should go to court, it said.The arbitrator denied their request, saying the retainer agreement remained valid because other Loeb & Loeb attorneys who worked on the transaction were licensed in the state. The Los Angeles trial court reached the same conclusion.On the overall negligence matter, however, the arbitrator ruled in the client's favor, awarding TMI around $232,000.A spokesperson for Loeb & Loeb said the firm is pleased with the state appeals court's Tuesday ruling.The case is Mark Brawerman v. Loeb & Loeb, 2nd District Court of Appeal in California, B305802.For Brawerman: Steven R. Friedman and Michael E. Friedman of the Law Office of Steven R. FriedmanFor Loeb & Loeb: Robert E. Mangels and Andrew I. Shadoff of Jeffer Mangels Butler & MitchellRegister now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Ex-Loeb & Loeb client's arbitration award upheld despite attorney licensing issue.

Jun 28, 2022; London, United Kingdom; Serena Williams (USA) during her first round match against Harmony Tan (FRA) on day two at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports/File PhotoRegister now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comAug 5 (Reuters) - Serena Williams will have her work cut out for her when the Toronto Open kicks off next week as the 23-time Grand Slam champion begins her hardcourt preparations for the upcoming U.S. Open.If Williams can get past a qualifier in her first round match she will then face either Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Belinda Bencic or savvy veteran and former world number one Victoria Azarenka in the second round.Williams' brutal quarter of the draw released on Friday also includes current world number one Iga Swiatek, four-time major champion Naomi Osaka, and Canadian teen sensation Leylah Fernandez.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comA three-time winner of the event and a finalist as recently as 2019, she will be unseeded this time around.The American, who turns 41 next month, returned to action after a year away from the court at Wimbledon in June, where she suffered her second straight first round exit at the grass court major she has won seven times.The main draw of the National Bank Open in Toronto begins on Aug. 8 and Williams is then expected to compete at the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati before heading to New York for the U.S. Open, which begins on Aug. 29.(This story corrects main draw starting date to Aug. 8, not Aug. 15, in the last paragraph)Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comReporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles Editing by Chris ReeseOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.Rory CarrollThomson ReutersLos Angeles-based sports reporter who interviews the most impactful athletes and executives in the world. Covers breaking news ranging from the highs of championship victories to the lows of abuse scandals. My work highlights the ways in which sports and the issues of race, gender, culture, finance, and technology intersect.

Serena Williams faces tough draw in first U.S. Open tune-up event.

Soccer Football - Premier League - Liverpool v Watford - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - April 2, 2022 Liverpool's Mohamed Salah with manager Juergen Klopp after he was substituted REUTERS/Phil NobleRegister now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comAug 6 (Reuters) - Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp has backed Mohamed Salah to deliver in the new season after the Egypt forward ended speculation over his Anfield future by signing a new long-term contract at the Premier League club.Salah, who scored 31 times for Liverpool last season as they won the domestic cup double, put pen to paper on a three-year deal last month."He is in really good shape and of course he is happy to be here," Klopp told reporters ahead of their opener at promoted Fulham on Saturday.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com"As clear as it was for him, and I said we would get the deal over the line, it was still an open thing and everyone talks about it. We are humans, but I didn't see it distracting him a lot to be honest."Salah also featured in the Africa Cup of Nations in what was a long season for the 30-year-old, but Klopp insisted he was raring to go again."After a few weeks of holiday, Mo is always full of power and energy and he came back in a good shape," said the German. "He looked really sharp in the whole pre-season. Long may it continue."With Sadio Mane moving to Bayern Munich, there will be extra pressure on Salah to lead the front line, which has been bolstered by the addition of Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez.Liverpool finished second last season, with Manchester City beating them to the title by a point.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comReporting by Dhruv Munjal in New Delhi; Editing by Robert BirselOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Liverpool boss Klopp backs Salah to shine after signing new contract.

The logo for Eletrobras, a Brazilian electric utilities company, is displayed on a screen on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York, U.S., April 9, 2019. REUTERS/Brendan McDermidRegister now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comSAO PAULO/RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug 5 (Reuters) - Brazilian power company Eletrobras (ELET6.SA) on Friday elected its new board of directors, an 11-strong group that will set the firm's post-privatization strategy as markets expect it to become more flexible without the government's control.Among those elected, according to a securities filing, were former Petrobras chief executive Ivan Monteiro, ex-Mining and Energy Ministry official Marisete Pereira, Petrobras board member Marcelo Gasparino and former Equatorial Energia (EQTL3.SA) CEO Carlos Piani.Their terms will last until 2025.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comThe new directors were part of a single group of appointees presented by shareholders, including asset manager 3G Radar, Banco Classico, Maliko Investments, Navi Capital, SPX, Vinci and XP.The move marks a new beginning for Latin America's largest utility after the government cut its stake in the company to 45% from 72% of the voting capital through a 33.68 billion-real ($6.51 billion) privatization share offering. read more The process also set a voting right ceiling of 10% on individual stakes.The new board will be responsible for choosing a new chief executive and setting the company's strategy for the coming years."This is a key event for the company," analysts at Itau BBA said earlier this week."The company is no longer constrained by being a state-owned enterprise, and the management team will now have much more flexibility to implement the changes that could make it one of the best utilities in the world."According to Eletrobras' filing, 3G Radar's Pedro Batista was elected at the meeting to represent preferred shareholders. Carlos Eduardo Pereira retained his position as the representative of employees.Carlos Piani, the document added, must resign from his board seats at rivals Equatorial Energia and Vibra Energia (VBBR3.SA) to take his new position.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comReporting by Gabriel Araujo and Rodrigo Viga Gaier; Editing by Brendan O'BoyleOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Eletrobras shareholders elect new board in key post-privatization move.

FILE PHOTO - Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida addresses the United Nations General Assembly during the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty review conference in New York City, New York, U.S., August 1, 2022. REUTERS/David 'Dee' DelgadoRegister now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comTOKYO, Aug 6 (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will reshuffle his cabinet next week to address mounting issues including the coronavirus, inflation, Taiwan affairs and economic stimulus measures, he said on Saturday."We need to set off a new formation as soon as possible considering the various issues," he told a news conference in Hiroshima after attending a commemoration for the 77th anniversary of the world's first atomic bombing in the city. read more Kishida did not give any details of his cabinet changes but the Yomiuri daily reported earlier that he would likely replace Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi, given his health issues, in the reshuffle scheduled for Wednesday.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comDefence is in the spotlight with tension surging between self-ruled Taiwan and mainland China in recent days. read more A recent surge of COVID to record-high infection numbers poses another problem for the government. read more A reorganisation of the cabinet and ruling party officials was slated for early September, after a memorial service for former premier Shinzo Abe who was shot dead last month, but Kishida brought it forward to address falling approval for the cabinet in polls, the Yomiuri said.The reshuffle comes after Kishida's conservative coalition government increased its majority in the upper house of parliament in a July election held two days after Abe's death. read more Kishi, 63, the younger brother of the late Abe, has been defence minister since September 2020.Jiji news agency reported on Friday that Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki would be retained, and Industry Minister Koichi Hagiuda would either be kept or moved to another important post.Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno, as well as ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Vice President Taro Aso, and Secretary-General Toshimitsu Motegi would also likely retain their positions, the Yomiuri also reported.Kishida was also asked at the news conference about the Unification Church, a religious group to which the mother of the man who shot Abe belonged, and which has been reported to have had particularly close links with Abe's faction of the LDP. read more Kishida said he would order the cabinet to scrutinise any links between the church and cabinet members, including deputy ministers."As far as I know, I personally do not have any ties with the group," he said.In a July 30-31 poll by Kyodo news agency, more than 80% of respondents said the relationship between the Unification Church and politicians must be revealed, and 53% expressed opposition to a state funeral for Abe. read more Kishida said it was appropriate for the government to organise a state funeral given that Abe was modern Japan's longest-serving prime minister and given the circumstances of his death during "the very foundation of democracy", referring to the election campaign.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comReporting by Kantaro Komiya; Editing by Leslie Adler, Robert BirselOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Japan PM Kishida to reshuffle cabinet as COVID, Taiwan in focus.

A TV screen shows that China's People's Liberation Army has begun military exercises, including live firing in the waters and airspace near Taiwan, in Hong Kong, China, August 5, 2022. REUTERS/Tyrone SiuRegister now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comHONG KONG, Aug 6 (Reuters) - China's cutting of some of its few communication links with the U.S. military raises the risk of an accidental escalation of tension over Taiwan at a critical moment, according to security analysts, diplomats and U.S. officials.China called off planned formal talks involving theatre-level commands, defence policy co-ordination and military maritime consultations on Friday as part of its retaliation against U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan this week.In an editorial on Saturday, the Communist Party's People's Daily newspaper described the response, along with sanctions against Pelosi and her family, as "effective measures that fully demonstrates that China is fully determined and capable of safeguarding national unity and safeguarding ... sovereignty and territorial integrity".Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comChristopher Twomey, a security scholar at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in California, told Reuters the severing of the communication links was worrying, coming at what he believed was the beginning of a new Taiwan crisis.China fired ballistic missiles over Taipei as part of four days of unprecedented military drills around the island it claims as its own - exercises due to end at noon on Sunday."This increased density of forces, in the context of an intensifying crisis, raises the prospect for inadvertent escalation that neither side wants," Twomey said, speaking in a private capacity."That is precisely the time you would want to have more opportunities to talk to the other side ... Losing those channels greatly reduces the ability of the two sides to de-conflict military forces as various exercises and operations continue."As Chinese warships, fighter jets and drones manoeuvre around Taiwan, at least four powerful U.S. vessels, including the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli and the guided missile cruiser USS Antietam are east of Taiwan, Reuters has confirmed.NOT TAKING CALLSBonnie Glaser, a Washington-based security analyst with the German Marshall Fund of the United States, said, more broadly, prospects were "extremely low for holding talks on risk reduction measures or stability".Over time, she said she expected the specific talks called off this week would resume but "right now, China has to signal toughness and resolve".A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Chinese officials had not responded to calls from senior Pentagon officials this week but that was seen as China showing displeasure over Pelosi's trip rather than the severing of the channel between senior defence officials, including U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. read more Austin pushed for improved communication between the rival forces when met Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe on the sidelines of Shangri-la Dialogue security meeting in Singapore in June.Both Asian and Western diplomats said U.S. military chiefs had been pushing for more frequent theatre-level command talks for some time, given China's growing deployments across Asia, where the U.S. navy has traditionally been the dominant power.The Pentagon said on Friday that China was overreacting and the United States was still open to building crisis communication mechanisms."Part of this overreaction has been strictly limiting its defence engagements when any responsible state would recognise that we need them now the most," acting Pentagon spokesman Todd Breasseale said.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comReporting By Greg Torode; additional reporting by Michael Martina and Idrees Ali in Washington; Editing by Robert BirselOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Scrapping U.S.-China military talks deepens risk at dangerous time, analysts and officials say.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman speaks during a panel with the Friends of Europe in Brussels, Belgium, April 21, 2022. REUTERS/Johanna Geron/File PhotoRegister now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comSYDNEY, Aug 6 (Reuters) - Tonga should determine its future, not China or any other country, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman said during a multi-leg trip to Pacific nations amid growing geopolitical tension.At a televised event with university students in the Tonga capital Nuku'alofa on Saturday, Sherman noted the countries had fought alongside each other since World War Two, some three decades before establishing formal relations.She said while the countries shared values of religious freedom and concern for human rights, the U.S. also considered Tonga strategically important.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com"Why did the Japanese attack here? Because you were a strategic island that was key to who would rule the Pacific Ocean, who would own this area," she said, invoking the Pacific battle during World War Two."It is strategic today as well because, as you know, the People's Republic of China wants to be here, they want to invest here," Sherman added."What they can't do ... is decide your future for you. We want to work with you, we want to partner with you, and we want to make sure you get to choose your own future and that neither we nor anybody else decides it for you."Top U.S. officials have visited the South Pacific this year as geostrategic competition in the region heightens. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Samoa and Tonga in May, followed by Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in early June.A day earlier, Sherman met Tonga Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Siaosi Sovaleni, as well as King Tupou VI, marking 50 years of bilateral relations and to discuss establishing a U.S. embassy. read more Sherman's tour is scheduled to include World War Two commemorations in the Solomon Islands and visits to both Australia and New Zealand.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comReporting by Byron Kaye Editing by Shri NavaratnamOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Tonga, not China, must decide its future, says U.S. diplomat.

Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comSummaryMarcos: Situation volatile, Pelosi trip did not raise intensityBlinken says committed to defence pact with ManilaPhilippines foreign minister says can ill-afford Taiwan conflictMANILA, Aug 6 (Reuters) - The volatile geopolitical situation and fallout from U.S. House speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan underlines the importance of the U.S.-Philippines relationship, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Saturday.Marcos, meeting U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the presidential palace in Manila, said his visit was timely, but he believed Pelosi's trip "did not raise the intensity" of a situation that was already volatile.Blinken is the highest-ranking U.S. official to travel to the Philippines since the inauguration of Marcos, the son of the late strongman who Washington helped flee into exile in Hawaii after a 1986 "people power" uprising.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comHe assured Marcos the United States would honour its commitments to their decades-old joint defence pact."The alliance is strong and I believe can grow even stronger," Blinken told Marcos."We are committed to the mutual defense treaty we are committed to working with the Philippines on shared challenges."The Philippines is a fulcrum of the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China and Marcos faces a tricky challenging in balancing his country's ties between the two major economic powers.U.S.-Philippines ties were shaken by overtures towards China by Marcos' predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, his frequent outbursts over his disdain for the United States and his threats to downgrade their defence ties.Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken pose for a photo at the Malacanang Palace in Manila, Philippines, August 6, 2022. Ezra Acayan/Pool via REUTERSBlinken's visit to the Philippines came amid rising tensions, fierce rhetoric and a demonstration of Chinese military power around Taiwan stemming from Pelosi's visit to the self-governed island, which China regards as its sovereign territory.Marcos said Pelosi's trip "just demonstrated...the intensity of that conflict.""We have been at that level for a good while, but we have sort of got used to the idea," he told Blinken ahead of a closed-doors meeting.Blinken later held a virtual meeting with the Philippines foreign minister, Enrique Manalo, who is recovering from COVID-19.Manalo said Washington was "an important ally, partner and friend", but also stressed to Blinken the need for calm to prevail as tensions mount over Taiwan, an island just 260 km (161 miles) from the Philippines mainland."The Philippines continues of course to look at the big powers to help calm the waters and keep the peace," Manalo said."We can ill afford any further escalation of tensions in the region."Blinken said peace and security was a challenge the United States had to deal with everywhere, but it "determined to act responsibly, so that we avoid crisis, we avoid conflict."Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comReporting by David Brunnstrom; Writing by Karen Lema; Editing by Martin PettyOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Taiwan tension underscores importance of Philippines-U.S. ties, says Marcos.

A person walks past in front of the headquarters of Brazil's power company Eletrobras in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil January 3, 2019. REUTERS/Pilar OlivaresRegister now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comSAO PAULO, Aug 5 (Reuters) - The new board of directors of Brazilian power company Eletrobras (ELET6.SA) on Friday chose former CEO Wilson Ferreira Junior to return to the job and elected former Petrobras CEO Ivan Monteiro as chairman of the board of directors, the company said in a statement.Shareholders also appointed a new board of directors for the newly privatized utility on Friday. read more Ferreira will take office by Sept. 20, returning to the position after serving as Eletrobras' CEO from 2016 to 2021.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comOutgoing CEO Rodrigo Limp will stay in the company as regulations head.Ferreira had left Centrais Eletricas Brasileiras SA, as Eletrobras is formally known, in early 2021, after seeing the company's privatization bid lose traction, saying at the time that the process had been delayed by the pandemic and stalled in Congress.The government, however, did manage to privatize Latin America's largest utility earlier this year in a 33.68 billion-real ($6.5 billion) deal that paved the way for Ferreira's return to his old job.The move represents a new beginning for Ferreira, who first took the reins of Eletrobras in 2016, appointed by former President Michel Temer to overlook the privatization process from its first steps.He retained the position under President Jair Bolsonaro, but left the power giant last year to lead fuel distributor Vibra Energia SA (VBBR3.SA) as he felt the privatization bid would not be successful.Rumors of his return to Eletrobras had circulated since he resigned his position at Vibra last month. read more "Markets should see it as positive," Credit Suisse said last month. "(Ferreira) was CEO from 2016-2021 and started the turnaround of the company, so implementation of a new efficiency plan could be faster."Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comReporting by Gabriel Araujo; Writing by Gabriel Araujo and Brendan O'Boyle; Editing by Kim CoghillOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Brazil's Eletrobras brings back former CEO Ferreira, elects new chairman.