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Friday, August 29, 2014

S&P sets new record despite rising Ukraine tensions

S&P sets new record despite rising Ukraine tensions

S&P sets new record despite rising Ukraine tensions

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 01:31 PM PDT

Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on August 13, 2014New York (AFP) - The S&P 500 closed August with another record Friday, continuing its slow climb even as tensions pick up in Ukraine and after Britain warned of a possible terror attack.

Senegal confirms Ebola case as outbreak hits 5th WAfrican country

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 01:28 PM PDT

Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) medical staff wearing protective clothing treat the body of an Ebola victim at their facility in Kailahun, on August 14, 2014The Ebola epidemic that has killed more than 1,500 people across West Africa spread to a fifth country in the region on Friday with the first confirmed case of the deadly virus in Senegal. The case marks the first time a new country has been hit by the outbreak since July and comes a day after the World Health Organization warned the number of infections is increasing rapidly. Senegal's health ministry said the patient is a young Guinean man who was immediately quarantined at a Dakar hospital, where he is in a "satisfactory condition". The man is believed to have been infected in Guinea's capital Conakry, and may have travelled to Senegal before Dakar closed its land border with Guinea on August 21.

49ers linebacker Aldon Smith suspended by NFL

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 01:27 PM PDT

FILE - In this Aug. 17, 2014, file photo, San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith (99) watches from the sideline during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Denver Broncos in Santa Clara, Calif. Aldon Smith has been suspended for nine games by the NFL after a series of off-field legal issues. A statement Friday, Aug. 29, 2014, from the league said Smith had violated the NFL's substance abuse and personal conduct policies. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith has been suspended for nine games by the NFL after a series of off-field legal issues.

NATO warns Russia over 'blatant violations' in Ukraine conflict

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 01:26 PM PDT

Military attaches examine a Russian weapons cache displayed in Kiev on August 29, 2014NATO warned Russia on Friday over what it described as a "blatant violation" of Ukraine's sovereignty after the West accused Moscow of direct involvement in the escalating conflict. Fears of a wider confrontation have spiralled after NATO said Russia had sent troops to fight in Ukraine and funnelled huge amounts of heavy weaponry to pro-Kremlin rebels in what Kiev branded an invasion. "This is not an isolated action, but part of a dangerous pattern over many months to destabilise Ukraine as a sovereign nation," NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen said, describing the massing of Russian troops on the border as a "blatant violation" of Ukrainian sovereignty.

Liberia to unseal slum cordoned off to stop Ebola

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 01:26 PM PDT

A man that was hired by the community sprays chemicals to try and prevent the spread of the Ebola virus is seen in Monrovia, Liberia, Friday, Aug. 29, 2014. The Ebola outbreak in West Africa eventually could exceed 20,000 cases, more than six times as many as are now known, the World Health Organization said Thursday. A new plan released by the U.N. health agency to stop Ebola also assumes that the actual number of cases in many hard-hit areas may be two to four times higher than currently reported.(AP Photo/Abbas Dulleh)DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Liberia says it will open up a slum in its capital where thousands of people were barricaded to contain the spread of Ebola.

At heart of Syria fears, extremists returning home

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 01:24 PM PDT

This March 23, 2008 photo provided by the Hennepin County, Minn. Sheriff's Office shows Douglas McAuthur McCain. The Obama administration has offered a wide range of assessments of the threat to U.S. national security posed by Islamic State extremists in an area straddling eastern Syrian and northern and western Iraq, and whose actions include last week's beheading of American journalist James Foley. Some officials say the group is more dangerous than al-Qaida. Yet intelligence assessments say it currently couldn't pull off a complex, 9-11-style attack on the U.S. or Europe. (AP Photo/Hennepin County, Minn. Sheriff's Office)WASHINGTON (AP) — The case of Mehdi Nemmouche haunts U.S. intelligence officials.

UK raises alert level as Syria refugees top 3 million

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 01:24 PM PDT

Rebel fighters from the Islamic Front, Syria's largest rebel coalition, hold a position on July 13, 2014 during clashes with militants of the Islamic State outside AleppoBritain raised its terror alert level Friday over fears of possible jihadist attacks as the United Nations said the number of refugees from the Syria conflict now tops three million. British Prime Minister David Cameron told reporters there was "no doubt in my mind" that jihadists from the Islamic State (IS) group in Iraq and Syria had their sights set on targets in Europe. Despite the move, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Washington had no plans to follow suit, but US national security officials had been in close contact with London on the issue. US President Barack Obama has admitted that he has no immediate strategy to tackle advancing IS jihadists.

Sara Errani outlasts Venus Williams at US Open

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 01:23 PM PDT

Venus Williams, of the United States, reacts after a shot against Sara Errani, of Italy, during the third round of the 2014 U.S. Open tennis tournament, Friday, Aug. 29, 2014, in New York. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)NEW YORK (AP) — Sara Errani wagged her finger and cupped her hand to her ear for the U.S. Open fans who tried to will Venus Williams to victory.

Ukraine seeks to join NATO; defiant Putin compares Kiev to Nazis

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 01:21 PM PDT

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen speaks during a news conference at the Alliance headquarters in BrusselsBy Alexei Anishchuk and Richard Balmforth LAKE SELIGER Russia/KIEV (Reuters) - Ukraine called on Friday for full membership in NATO, its strongest plea yet for Western military help, after accusing Russia of sending in armored columns that have driven back its forces on behalf of pro-Moscow rebels. Russian President Vladimir Putin, defiant as ever, compared Kiev's drive to regain control of its rebellious eastern cities to the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union in World War Two. Speaking to young people at a summer camp, Putin told his countrymen they must be "ready to repel any aggression towards Russia." He described Ukrainians and Russians as "practically one people," language that Ukrainians say dismisses the very existence of their thousand-year-old nation. Kiev and Western countries say the reversal was the result of the arrival of armored columns of Russian troops, sent by Putin to prop up a rebellion that would otherwise have been near collapse.

Sierra Leone dismisses health minister over handling of Ebola

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 01:19 PM PDT

FREETOWN (Reuters) - Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma dismissed his Health Minister Miatta Kargbo on Friday over her handling of the Ebola epidemic that has killed more than 400 people in the West African country. A presidency statement said that Kargbo was removed "to create a conducive environment for efficient and effective handling of the Ebola outbreak". She will be replaced by her deputy Dr Abubakarr Fofanah, the statement said. (Reporting by Umaru Fofana; Writing by Daniel Flynn; Editing by Alison Williams)

Stock market closes at record high

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 01:18 PM PDT

FILE - This July 15, 2013 file photo shows a sign for Wall Street outside the New York Stock Exchange, in New York. European and Asian stock markets were subdued Friday, Aug. 29, 2014, after data showed Japan's economy is struggling to recover from a sales tax hike and that inflation in the eurozone slipped again, a sign the recovery remains weak. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)The Standard & Poor's 500 is ending the week at a record high after a day of quiet trading.

Joan Rivers 'serious' in New York hospital

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 01:15 PM PDT

Joan Rivers on April 6, 2014 in New York CityJoan Rivers, the acerbic US stand-up comic and octogenarian television presenter, remained seriously ill in a New York hospital for a second day on Friday, her daughter said. Brooklyn-born Rivers, 81, reportedly stopped breathing while undergoing a medical procedure on her vocal cords at a clinic in New York on Thursday and was rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital. "Her condition remains serious but she is receiving the best treatment and care possible," said daughter Melissa Rivers in a statement released by the hospital. A long-time New York resident, Rivers has spared no one her razor-sharp wit and is considered one of the best at delivering a cutting one-liner with a well-timed zinger.

Community service eyed for Brooklyn Bridge stunt

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 01:11 PM PDT

NEW YORK (AP) — A judge is suggesting a Russian tourist who climbed the Brooklyn Bridge be sentenced to community service — like cleaning a bridge.

Former FBI director grateful for care after crash

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 01:07 PM PDT

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Former FBI Director Louis Freeh said Friday he was grateful for the care and support he has received since he was injured this week in a Vermont car crash.

Final arguments unfold at ex-governor's trial

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 01:06 PM PDT

Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell arrives at federal court in Richmond, Va., Thursday, Aug. 28, 2014. The prosecution in the McDonnell corruption case begins its rebuttal Thursday. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and his wife took bribes and used their political muscle to promote a sketchy nutritional supplement because they were in deeply in debt and couldn't refuse the more than $165,000 in loans and gifts, including designer dresses and a Rolex watch, prosecutors said Friday.

Mexico authorities stage midnight migrant raid

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 01:05 PM PDT

RESENDING RLB101 TO REPLACE CORRUPT FILE - Immigration officials remove Central American migrants from a northbound freight train during a raid by federal police in San Ramon, Mexico, just after midnight on the morning of Friday, Aug. 29, 2014. The largest crackdown by Mexican authorities on illegal migration in decades has decreased the flow of Central American migrants trying to reach the United States, and has dramatically cut the number of child migrants and families, according to officials and eyewitness accounts along the perilous route. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)SAN RAMON, Mexico (AP) — The lumbering freight train known as "The Beast," a key part of the route for migrants heading north to the United States, rolled to an abrupt, unscheduled stop in the black of midnight.

BRIC wall: Brazil's economy slips into a recession

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 01:03 PM PDT

FILE - In this July 2, 2014 file photo, a man works on the rooftop of a home at the Providencia slum of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Brazil has slipped into recession, with government figures released Friday, Aug. 29, 2014 showing gross domestic product contracting for a second consecutive quarter. Brazil last experienced a recession between October 2008 and February 2009. (AP Photo/Leo Correa, File)RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Brazil's formerly high-flying economy, once the darling of emerging markets, has fallen into recession, according to government data released Friday, as a legion of newly minted middle class citizens tightened their belts and halted a credit-driven spending spree.

Bradley off to a good start at a great time

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 01:02 PM PDT

Keegan Bradley hits off the tenth tee during the first round of the Deutsche Bank Championship golf tournament in Norton, Mass., Friday, Aug. 29, 2014. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)NORTON, Mass. (AP) — In the final tournament before Ryder Cup teams are set, Keegan Bradley did his best Friday to make an impression in the Deutsche Bank Championship.

EU ministers discuss firmer action on Russia over Ukraine

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 12:49 PM PDT

By Francesca Landini and Lisa Jucca MILAN (Reuters) - European Union foreign ministers considered on Friday the options for firmer action against Russia over the Ukraine crisis, discussing tougher sanctions but leaving any decision to their national leaders. Ministers attending the informal meeting in Milan spoke of possibly toughening an arms embargo, extending the list of individuals or sectors targeted by economic sanctions and sending military equipment to Ukraine. "Many ministers today have said that EU measures against Russia should be extended." French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius could not attend, but told France 24 television in Paris: "If Russia does not change its conduct, sanctions will probably be tightened even more." Italian Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini, tipped to become the new EU foreign policy chief, said the ministers were looking for a long-term strategy to solve the Ukrainian crisis rather than a quick reaction.

Penn State, UCF set for Ireland season opener

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 12:47 PM PDT

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The idea started with a phone call.

Chris Brown due back in DC court for plea hearing

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 12:46 PM PDT

FILE - This June 25, 2014 file photo shows singer Chris Brown arriving at the D.C. Superior Court in Washington. Brown is scheduled to appear in a District of Columbia court for what would be a third attempt at a plea deal to resolve an assault case that dates to October 2013. According to court filings, Brown was scheduled to appear in D.C. Superior Court on Friday for a plea hearing but was unable due to travel issues. The hearing was rescheduled for Tuesday. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)WASHINGTON (AP) — Singer Chris Brown is scheduled to appear in a District of Columbia court for what would be a third attempt at a plea deal to resolve an assault case that dates to October 2013.

NYC developer makes changes in 'poor door' design

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 12:43 PM PDT

NEW YORK (AP) — A plan for a luxury skyscraper with a so-called "poor door" is changing to extend more of a welcome to residents of its cluster of affordable apartments, officials and the developers said Friday.

Poland bars Russian plane from its airspace

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 12:42 PM PDT

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Poland prevented a plane carrying Russia's defense minister from traveling through its airspace Friday, drawing an angry response from Moscow.

Pilot in F-15 crash was decorated combat veteran

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 12:41 PM PDT

U.S. Air National Guard Col. James Keefe, commander of the 104th Fighter WingThe pilot of an F-15 jet that crashed this week in remote Virginia mountains was killed, military officials said Thursday.

Iraqi town holds out against militant onslaught

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 12:39 PM PDT

FILE - In this file photo taken Thursday, June 19, 2014, an al-Qaida-inspired militant stands guard at a checkpoint captured from the Iraqi Army outside Beiji refinery, some 250 kilometers (155 miles) north of Baghdad, Iraq. As Islamic militants rampaged across northern Iraq in June, seizing vast swaths of territory and driving hundreds of thousands of people from their homes, the Shiite Turkmens living in the hardscrabble town of Amirli decided to stay and fight. (AP Photo, File)BAGHDAD (AP) — As Islamic militants rampage across northern Iraq, seizing vast swaths of territory and driving hundreds of thousands of people from their homes, the Shiite Turkmens living in the hardscrabble town of Amirli have decided to stay and fight.

Pentagon says Iraq operations costing on average $7.5 million per day

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 12:34 PM PDT

Flight deck crew member confirms the deck is all clear before a F/A-18C Hornet take offs USS George H.W. Bush in the GulfRear Admiral John Kirby, the Pentagon press secretary, told a briefing the expense of U.S. He did not offer an estimate of the Pentagon's total costs so far, but an average cost of $7.5 million per day for 71 days would mean the department has spent roughly $532 million. By comparison, the Pentagon has been spending roughly $1.3 billion per week on Afghanistan, analysts said.

Russian-backed rebels aim to push west along coast

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 12:31 PM PDT

Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Novo-Ogaryovo residence outside MoscowNOVOAZOVSK, Ukraine (AP) — Their tanks bearing the flag of their would-be state, Russian-backed separatists held control Friday over this coastal town on the new front in the Ukraine conflict and announced their intention to keep pushing west toward a major port city.

Guest lineups for the Sunday news shows

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 12:31 PM PDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Guest lineups for the Sunday TV news shows:

US: Too soon to evaluate Pakistan offensive

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 12:31 PM PDT

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — U.S. military leaders say it's too soon to tell if Pakistan's offensive against militants in North Waziristan has been effective or simply symbolic, but they say the operations have temporarily disrupted the enemy and sent insurgents fleeing into Afghanistan.

Iceland raises volcano aviation alert briefly

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 12:28 PM PDT

FILE - This is a Aug. 19, 2014 file image taken from video of a sign is posted on the road next to Bardarbunga, a subglacial stratovolcano located under Iceland's largest glacier. Earthquakes are rocking Iceland's Bardarbunga volcano, adding to concerns that magma movements may trigger an eruption that could hinder air traffic. Iceland's Met Office says two earthquakes measuring over magnitude 5 shook the volcano under the vast Vatnajokull glacier on Wednesday Aug. 27 2014. Some 500 quakes have hit the area since midnight. (AP Photo/Courtesy Channel 2 Iceland, File) ICELAND OUTREYKJAVIK, Iceland (AP) — Icelandic authorities briefly raised the aviation warning code to red Friday after a small fissure eruption near Bardarbunga volcano, but no volcanic ash was detected by the radar system.

Families of Russian troops in Ukraine want answers

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 12:26 PM PDT

Captured Russian paratroopers are seen in this image taken from video in Kiev on Wednesday Aug. 27. 2014. Ten Russian paratroopers were captured this week in Ukraine, adding to a growing body of evidence that Russia, despite its denials, is sending regular troops and weapons to support the separatists in their increasingly deadly fight against Ukrainian forces. (AP Photo/Channel 5) UKRAINE OUT TV OUTMOSCOW (AP) — The last time Valeria Sokolova saw her husband, the 25-year-old paratrooper told her that he and his fellow soldiers were heading for military exercises in southern Russia, near the Ukrainian border.

'Ice Bucket Challenge' passes $100 mn mark

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 12:26 PM PDT

Manager Bruce Bochy of the San Francisco Giants takes the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge after the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on August 22, 2014 in WashingtonThe "Ice Bucket Challenge" viral craze has raised more than $100 million after sweeping the globe since its launch last month, organizers said Friday. The phenomenally popular stunt -- which sees participants being doused in a bucket of ice-cold water before challenging others to take part -- was set up to raise awareness and cash about Lou Gehrig's disease. A galaxy of celebrities and high-profile personalities have taken part in the challenge, including Tom Cruise, Steven Spielberg, Bill Gates and even former US president George W. Bush. The ALS Association, which combats Lou Gehrig's or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, said that between July 29 and August 29 $100.9 million had been raised in donations -- compared with $2.8 million during the same period last year.

Chelsea Clinton quits as NBC News reporter

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 12:19 PM PDT

Chelsea Clinton, from the Clinton FoundationNEW YORK (AP) — Chelsea Clinton said Friday she is quitting her job as a reporter at NBC News, citing increased work at the Clinton Foundation and the imminent birth of her first child.

Stewart says Ward's death will affect him forever

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 12:16 PM PDT

FILE - In this Feb. 23, 2014, file photo, Tony Stewart is introduced before the NASCAR Daytona 500 Sprint Cup series auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Stewart will return to Sprint Cup competition Sunday night at Atlanta Motor Speedway, ending a three-race hiatus taken after he struck and killed a fellow driver during a dirt-track race. (AP Photo/Terry Renna, File)HAMPTON, Ga. (AP) — Unshaven and with a quivering voice, NASCAR superstar Tony Stewart said the death of Kevin Ward Jr. will "affect my life forever" as he returned to the track Friday for the first time since his car struck and killed the fellow driver during a sprint race in New York three weeks ago.

Daughter: Joan Rivers is in 'serious condition

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 12:15 PM PDT

File photo of comedian Rivers arriving for gala honoring late stand-up comedian Carlin at Kennedy Center in WashingtonNEW YORK (AP) — Joan Rivers remained in serious condition in a New York City hospital Friday, one day after going into cardiac arrest at a doctor's office.

EU ministers call for new sanctions against Russia

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 12:12 PM PDT

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Tomasz Sikorski arrives holding a basket of apples to protest against Russia's ban on food imports, during an informal meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Ministers, in Milan, Italy, Friday, Aug. 29, 2014. European Union foreign ministers on Friday were set to weigh adopting a tougher stance on the Ukraine crisis amid increasing calls to beef up economic sanctions against Russia. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)MILAN (AP) — Several European Union foreign ministers on Friday accused Russia of invading eastern Ukraine and said Moscow should be punished with additional economic sanctions.

Actor arrested with Jackie Chan's son released

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 12:11 PM PDT

Kai Ko cries during a press conference held after his release from detention in Beijing Friday, Aug. 29, 2014. Ko, a Taiwanese actor arrested on drug charges along with the son of Hong Kong film star Jackie Chan, was released Friday after two weeks in detention, amid a broad anti-drug crackdown in China's capital that has ensnared several celebrities. (AP Photo/Peng Peng)BEIJING (AP) — A Taiwanese actor arrested on drug charges along with the son of Hong Kong film star Jackie Chan was released Friday after two weeks in detention, amid a broad anti-drug crackdown in China's capital that has ensnared several celebrities.

'Bama opens vs West Virginia with QB questions

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 12:10 PM PDT

Alabama quarterback Blake Sims (6) works through passing drills during Alabama football practice, Tuesday, August 26, 2014, at the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/AL.com, Vasha Hunt) MAGS OUT MANDATORY CREDITATLANTA (AP) — Time to get some answers about Alabama's quarterback competition.

Appalachian St, fab frosh & pace of play in Week 1

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 12:05 PM PDT

FILE - In this Sept. 1, 2007, file photo, Appalachian State coach Jerry Moore is carried off the field at Michigan Stadium by his players after they upset No. 5 Michigan 34-32 in an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich. Michigan is opening its 2014 season with Appalachian State this week, rekindling flashbacks to the day the Wolverines were on the wrong end of one of the biggest upsets in college football history. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson, File)Texas A&M's outburst, Boise State's flop and Temple's late-night surprise were just an appetizer.

3rd tourist cited for flying drone in Yellowstone

Posted: 29 Aug 2014 12:03 PM PDT

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. (AP) — For the third time this summer, Yellowstone National Park rangers have cited a tourist for illegally flying a drone in the park.
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