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Obama urges Democrats to wake up ahead of tough midterm elections Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 07:51 PM PST | Top |
China signals focus on reforms and leaner, cleaner growth Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 07:29 PM PST | Top |
China's Xi ramps up military spending in face of worried region Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 07:27 PM PST China will increase military spending by 12.2 percent this year to 808.23 billion yuan ($131.57 billion), the government said on Wednesday, partly to beef up coastal and air defenses and to develop more high-tech weapons. "We will comprehensively enhance the revolutionary nature of the Chinese armed forces, further modernize them and upgrade their performance, and continue to raise their deterrence and combat capabilities in the information age," Premier Li Keqiang told the largely rubber-stamp legislature. Li added that China would "strengthen research on national defense and the development of new- and high-technology weapons and equipment" and "enhance border, coastal and air defenses". China's military spending is now second only to that of the United States, allowing Beijing to create a modern force that is projecting power deep into the disputed waters of the East and South China Seas. Full Story | Top |
San Francisco moves closer to banning plastic water bottles Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 07:26 PM PST By Laila Kearney SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - San Francisco moved to restrict the sale of plastic water bottles on city property on Tuesday, the first such action by a major U.S. municipality and the latest in a string of waste-reduction measures that included a ban on plastic grocery bags. The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to begin phasing out the sale and distribution of water in single-use plastic bottles on city-owned or leased land next fall, and to ban future water bottle purchases with city funds. "There are incredible, enormous environmental costs of plastic water bottles," said Supervisor David Chiu, who introduced the measure. "It takes 1,000 years for a typical plastic water bottle to biodegrade." Numerous cities in California and other states, including Maui County and a number of Hawaiian municipalities, have made it illegal for grocery stores to pack consumer purchases in plastic bags, and a bill recently introduced in the state legislature would extend such bans statewide. Full Story | Top |
China to 'declare war' on pollution, premier says Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 07:20 PM PST | Top |
China services activity ticks up in January: HSBC PMI Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 07:06 PM PST | Top |
Big names set to win in Texas primaries shaken by Tea Party influence Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 06:59 PM PST | Top |
Japan concerned about lack of clarity in China's defense policy Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 06:44 PM PST China's lack of clarity in defence spending is a source of concern for the world and for Japan, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said on Wednesday. Suga also told a news conference that the jump in China's 2014 military budget, which China said earlier in the day would rise by 12.2 percent, is something that Japan is keeping an eye on and that Tokyo will stay in close contact with other nations. Full Story | Top |
Japan to set bitcoin rules, stop banks and brokerages from handling Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 06:34 PM PST | Top |
Alabama lawmakers weigh strict 'fetal heartbeat' abortion ban Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 06:23 PM PST By Verna Gates and Melinda Dickinson BIRMINGHAM, Alabama (Reuters) - Alabama lawmakers on Tuesday approved a bill that would ban abortions after a fetal heartbeat is heard, which will almost guarantee a legal challenge from opponents. The bill, along with three other abortion restriction bills, now goes to the Senate. The sponsor of the Alabama measure, Republican state Representative Mary Sue McClurkin, said it was needed to protect the lives of unborn children. Critics of the legislation say a fetal heartbeat can be detected as early as five or six weeks into a pregnancy, which is before many women even realize they are pregnant. Full Story | Top |
Japanese film "Homeland" tiptoes into Fukushima nuclear debate Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 06:22 PM PST By Ruairidh Villar and Elaine Lies TOKYO (Reuters) - A Japanese farming family is forced from their home by the Fukushima nuclear disaster, living in cramped temporary housing under stress as they wait for permission to return to land worked by their ancestors for generations. That is the all-too-real backdrop of "Homeland", the first Japanese mass-market film set in Fukushima since the world's worst nuclear crisis in 25 years made the area's name infamous. Despite an intense debate about whether to restart the rest of Japan's nuclear reactors that were idled after the disaster, director Nao Kubota said he opted to tell a human story. "That's what I want everyone to feel - and it's for that reason that it's not anti-nuclear." On March 11, 2011, a massive offshore earthquake sent tsunami tearing through villages in northeastern Japan, setting off meltdowns at the Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear plant that irradiated a wide swath of countryside and forced more than 150,000 people from their homes. Full Story | Top |
Judge keeps alive suit challenging California teacher tenure laws Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 06:10 PM PST By Dana Feldman LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A judge refused on Tuesday to dismiss a closely watched legal challenge to California's teacher tenure laws, which education reform advocates say inflict public schools that serve poor and minority students with a disproportionate share of the worst teachers. "These five statutes are violating the rights of California public school students each and every day," plaintiffs' attorney Theodore Boutrous said in court on Tuesday. "They inevitably put and keep grossly ineffective teachers in the classroom in front of students." The lawsuit, if successful, is seen by some education reform advocates as opening a new front in the battle over how best to improve a U.S. public school system that critics say is failing too many children, especially in low-income and urban districts. The suit was filed on behalf of nine California students in 2012 by the education advocacy group Students Matter and went to a non-jury trial in January before a Los Angeles Superior Court judge. Full Story | Top |
Obama eyes boost in space taxi spending, Jupiter moon mission Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 06:06 PM PST | Top |
NY's Cuomo marks turf as de Blasio visits Albany to tout pre-K plan Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 06:05 PM PST | Top |
U.S. Air Force to fund rescue helicopter in last-minute reversal Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 06:03 PM PST | Top |
Obama, Germany's Merkel discuss potential resolution to Ukraine crisis Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 05:59 PM PST | Top |
Los Angeles moves to ban e-cigarettes, joining NY, others Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 05:56 PM PST | Top |
Uighur leader fears China's 'iron fist' after knife attack Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 05:50 PM PST | Top |
Alabama House passes bill banning abortions after fetal heartbeat Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 05:30 PM PST BIRMINGHAM, Alabama (Reuters) - The Alabama House of Representatives passed a bill on Tuesday that would ban abortions after a fetal heartbeat can be detected, according to a state lawmaker. The bill passed by a vote of 73 to 29, according to State Rep. Paul Lee, a Republican, who spoke to Reuters from the house floor. The measure now goes to the Senate. (Reporting by Melinda Dickinson in Birmingham; Writing by Mary Wisniewski; Editing by Cynthia Johnston) Full Story | Top |
Instant View: China aims for 7.5 percent economic growth in 2014 Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 05:28 PM PST (Reuters) - China will maintain its economic growth target for 2014 at about 7.5 percent, as expected, signaling that its policy focus would be slanted in favor of reforms and rebalancing the economy. Premier Li Keqiang, in a report to the National People's Congress at the start of its annual session on Wednesday, also said military spending will increase by 12.2 percent. Key points - 2014 growth target set at about 7.5 percent - China to make domestic demand main growth engine - 2014 CPI target set at about 3.5 pct - Total trade expected to increase 7.5 pct in 2014 - 2014 Budget deficit seen at 2.1 pct of GDP - China to continue with exchange rate reform - China to extend yuan floating rate - Military spending to increase by 12.2 percent COMMENTARY: KEVIN LAI, ECONOMIST, DAIWA CAPITAL MARKETS, HONG KONG: "7.5 percent is in line with the target last year. Full Story | Top |
Arizona advances bill for surprise inspections of abortion clinics Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 05:04 PM PST By David Schwartz PHOENIX (Reuters) - Arizona lawmakers advanced a Republican-backed measure on Tuesday that would allow unannounced inspections of licensed abortion clinics in a state that has taken some of the country's toughest stances on abortion. The bill, which passed in the state House of Representatives 34-22, would delete a provision in state law mandating that an administrative warrant be obtained from a judge to inspect any of the nine licensed abortion clinics in Arizona. This is about the healthiness of a facility where a woman goes to get a procedure done," said Republican Representative Debbie Lesko, the bill's sponsor. "What is it that they have to hide?" The measure, which still must be approved by the state Senate and signed by Republican Governor Jan Brewer before it can become law, is the latest abortion-related restriction to be sought by conservatives in state legislatures across the United States. Full Story | Top |
Putin: military force would be 'last resort' in Ukraine Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 05:02 PM PST | Top |
Obama budget: a boon midterm narrative for Democrats? Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 04:55 PM PST | Top |
White House readies health insurance renewal extension: sources Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 04:53 PM PST | Top |
Oops, Congress asked to fix slip-up in Myanmar aid bill Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 04:47 PM PST By Anna Yukhananov WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Obama administration is asking Congress to fix a 2012 bill that left a World Bank agency out of a list of 12 international financial institutions that could receive U.S. support to promote development in Myanmar. The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) promotes foreign direct investment in emerging markets by protecting private investors from various forms of political risk. "Because of this technical problem, the United States is still required to oppose guarantees provided by MIGA for private investment in Burma," the Obama administration said in its budget request submitted on Tuesday to Congress for fiscal 2015, which begins October 1. Full Story | Top |
Arkansas lawmakers vote to fund state's alternative to Obamacare Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 04:37 PM PST By Steve Barnes LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (Reuters) - The Arkansas House of Representatives voted on Tuesday to fund the state's so-called "Private Option" medical insurance program that has drawn interest from lawmakers in other states as an alternative to Obamacare. The measure, which had earlier passed the state Senate, received 76 votes, one more than necessary in the 100-member House. This ended a more than week-long standoff over the health insurance program for lower-income residents. The Private Option uses $915 million in federal Medicaid funds from the Obama Administration's Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, to purchase health insurance for employed individuals whose earnings hover just above the federal poverty level. Full Story | Top |
U.S. calls for 'urgent' restraint to ease Japan, South Korea tensions Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 04:36 PM PST | Top |
U.N. warns of possible humanitarian disaster in South Sudan Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 04:34 PM PST | Top |
Netanyahu warns on Iran, no concessions for Palestinians Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 04:29 PM PST | Top |
China budgets 2014 fiscal deficit of 2.1 percent of GDP Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 04:26 PM PST China budgeted spending of 15.3 trillion yuan ($2.5 trillion) in 2014 and a deficit of about 2.1 percent of gross domestic produce (GDP), the Ministry of Finance said on Wednesday in its work plan unveiled at the annual parliament meeting. The ministry said it was raising the quota for bonds issued by local governments to 400 billion yuan in 2014, compared with 350 billion yuan in 2013. The budgeted deficit for 2013 is unchanged from its fiscal deficit of 2.1 percent of GDP recorded in 2013, which was slightly above the budgeted 2 percent of GDP. The budget does not give the full picture of China's government spending, however, as it excludes off-budget expenditure by local governments. Full Story | Top |
China premier says to target pollution, graft, terror Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 04:25 PM PST BEIJING (Reuters) - China will "declare war" on pollution, go after corruption "without mercy" and "crack down hard" on "violent crimes of terrorism", Premier Li Keqiang said on Wednesday as the country began its annual meeting of parliament. (Reporting by Michael Martina and Li Hui; Writing by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Robert Birsel) Full Story | Top |
Keystone XL pipeline will be built, TransCanada CEO predicts Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 04:24 PM PST | Top |
China targets 17.5 percent fixed-asset investment growth in 2014: NDRC Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 04:19 PM PST BEIJING (Reuters) - China will target 17.5 percent annual growth in fixed-asset investment and 14.5 percent in retail sales growth in 2014, the country's top economic planning agency said on Wednesday. In a report unveiled at the annual parliament meeting, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) also said it targeted 7.5 percent growth in total trade in 2014. It will also ensure that property market controls are properly implemented. China's fixed-asset investment - a main growth driver - grew an annual 19.6 percent in 2013, while retail sales rose 11.3 percent. ... Full Story | Top |
Sex crimes trial starts for U.S. Army brigadier general Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 04:17 PM PST | Top |
Bernanke enjoys 'fruits of free market' with first post-Fed speech Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 04:17 PM PST | Top |
NJ teen loses first legal battle to make parents pay for education Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 04:16 PM PST | Top |
U.S. Air Force sees Sikorsky helicopter award by end-June Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 04:14 PM PST The U.S. Air Force on Tuesday said it would take $430 million from other priorities to fund development of a new combat rescue helicopter by United Technologies Corp's Sikorsky Aircraft, the only company that bid for the work. The Air Force cited the importance of the rescue mission in a statement explaining its last-minute decision to proceed with the Combat Rescue Helicopter (CRH) program just hours after Pentagon budget documents showed the program was being delayed. "Moving forward with the CRH contract award protects a good competitive price and effectively uses the $334 million Congress appropriated for the program," Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James said in a statement. The Air Force said it expected to award a contract to Sikorsky by the end of June after a review by senior Pentagon officials and an independent cost estimate. Full Story | Top |
China aims for 7.5 percent economic growth in 2014: Premier Li Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 04:13 PM PST | Top |
Passive smoking causes irreversible damage to kids' arteries Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 04:10 PM PST | Top |
Flood insurance bill wins U.S. House passage Tuesday, Mar 04, 2014 04:00 PM PST By Thomas Ferraro WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. House of Representatives, in a rare act of bipartisanship, overwhelmingly passed a bill on Tuesday to protect millions of American homeowners and businesses from dramatic increases in their flood insurance premiums. On a vote of 306-91, the Republican-led House sent the measure - the Homeowners Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014 - to the Democratic-led Senate for likely final approval. With homeowners and businesses facing premiums hikes of up to 10-fold or more as result of a 2-year-old law, the bill would limit annual increases of any individual policy under the National Flood Insurance Program to no more than 18 percent. The legislation also instructs the Federal Emergency Management Agency to have "an affordability target" that would seek to limit the cost of a flood insurance policy to 1 percent of a home's total coverage amount. Full Story | Top |
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