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The SEC in 2016 warned companies that non-GAAP measures that replace GAAP-based methods with individually tailored disclosure could violate its rules. That is up from 11 companies in letters released in January and February 2022. The SEC has long expressed concerns about companies placing too much emphasis on their non-GAAP disclosures compared with GAAP disclosures. Changing how certain non-GAAP measures are calculated can be embarrassing and even costly for companies, accountants said. Graham Holdings said it isn’t violating SEC guidance because it didn’t substitute an alternative recognition or measurement method for the related adjustments.

☆ No One Wants a Printer, but Everyone Wants to Print
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-27 | by ( Rachel Feintzeig | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

The apartment building had a 24-hour gym, a swimming pool flanked by grills and something called the Sky Lounge on the 12th floor, with an expansive view of downtown Minneapolis. But the amenity that Olga Lobasenko and her husband couldn’t get out of their minds as they sized up potential apartments last year was situated in the lobby, illuminated by the glow of a fireplace. People sometimes gathered around it.

☆ U.S. State Department sanctions target Russian cabinet ministers, nuclear arms firms
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-24 | by ( Jonathan Landay | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON, Feb 24 (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department on Friday marked the first anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine by sanctioning more than 60 top Russian officials, including cabinent ministers and regional leaders, and three enterprises that run the country's nuclear weapons program. The department said it also was imposing sanctions on scores of other Russian officials and entities and Russians involved in the theft of grain from Ukraine. Tens of thousands of Ukranian civilians and troops have died in the war ignited by Russia's invasion, millions have been driven from their homes and villages, towns and cities destroyed. All of those sanctioned were being targeted under an executive order authorizing "sanctions with respect to specified harmful foreign activities" of the Russian government, the department said. Under the sanctions, any U.S. property owned by those designated or controlled on their behalves by a U.S. citizen are blocked.

METALS AND MININGIn a significant widening of its Russia-related sanctions, Treasury announced a new determination by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) that allows sanctions on any individual or entity operating in Russia's metals and mining sector. On Friday, it hit four mining and metals sector companies, including TPZ-Rondol, a unit of Russia's largest ammunition maker, for producing weapons for the Russian military, including the navy, the Treasury said. Among other entities hit on Friday were more than a dozen Russian banks. Another bank hit was MTS Bank, which is located in Moscow and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Brian Nelson, Treasury's top sanctions official raised concerns about UAE's decision to license the Russian bank during a visit to the country the week of Jan. 30.

☆ Threatened by war, Ukrainian paintings find safe haven in Switzerland
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-23 | by ( Gabrielle Tétrault-Farber | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/5] Visitors look at paintings from the collection of the National Art Gallery of Kyiv during the "From Dusk To Dawn" exhibition at the Rath Museum in Geneva, Switzerland February 22, 2023. The museum in Geneva, which took in paintings from Madrid's Prado Museum during the Spanish civil war in the 1930s, sent packing materials to ensure safe transport. The Musee Rath, which hosts the Musee d'Art et d'Histoire's temporary exhibitions, is now showing "From Dusk to Dawn", showcasing works by Ukrainian painters from the Kyiv gallery. Vakulenko said it was impossible to insure the paintings crossing Ukraine, so the shipment was accompanied by security on its two-day journey to the Polish border. "The most important thing was keeping secrecy of the cargo's movement on the territory of Ukraine," Vakulenko said.

☆ Top brands pull out of Russia, but their goods remain easy to find
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-22 | by ( Alexander Marrow | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +8 min

Brands' continued availability shows the challenge companies face in controlling supply chains when exiting a market. Market leader Wildberries sells old stock from Inditex brands and has almost 17,000 goods in its Zara catalogue. Informal supply routes could lead to more poor-quality goods entering Russia, however, as regulators lose oversight, Ben Tzion said. IKEA brand owner Inter IKEA Group said it sold remaining stock for an undisclosed amount to Yandex as it down-scaled IKEA Retail Russia. IKEA said it was looking into goods being advertised as similar to IKEA online.

☆ Russia should have 'whacked' Biden when he was in Kyiv, one of its leading propagandists suggested
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-21 | by ( Sinéad Baker | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Russia should have killed Biden when he visited Ukraine, a Russian state media host suggested. She was critical of Russia potentially giving Biden security guarantees for the trip. Biden visited Kyiv in a surprise trip on Monday, where air sirens sounded but no threat was seen. Skabeeva criticized Russia for deciding not to take action against Biden, even though the US had notified Russia in advance that he was visiting the city. Russian state TV host Sergey Mardan called Biden's visit a "demonstrative humiliation of Russia" in a Telegram post.

☆ Analysis: Kremlin moves to rein in Russian mercenary boss Prigozhin
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-13 | by ( Andrew Osborn | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +7 min

"The position of the (Kremlin) political bloc is not to let him into politics. Prigozhin told a Russian interviewer on Friday that he had "zero" political ambitions. Markov, who described Prigozhin as extremely confrontational, said he believed Putin had told Prigozhin to halt public criticism of the top brass at a St Petersburg meeting around Jan. 14. It advised recipients to stop mentioning Prigozhin or Wagner and suggested generic phrases to describe his forces instead. After years of denials, Prigozhin stepped out of the shadows in September to admit he had founded Wagner in 2014.

☆ Russia can take Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odesa, Chechnya's Kadyrov says
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-13 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Feb 13 (Reuters) - Ramzan Kadyrov, leader of the Russian region of Chechnya, said in an interview aired on Monday that Russia would achieve its goals in Ukraine by the end of the year and it would be wrong to negotiate with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. "I believe that, by the end of the year, we will 100% complete the task set for us today," Kadyrov said. Nevertheless, Kadyrov told interviewer Olga Skabeyeva, who hosts a stridently pro-war chat show: "If we sit down at the negotiating table with Zelenskiy, yes, I think that's wrong." Kadyrov is a former Chechen separatist fighter who switched sides in the late 1990s, joining the pro-Russian administration in the restive Caucasus region along with his wider family. His father was assassinated by pro-independence militants in 2004, and Russian President Vladimir Putin personally installed him as leader of Chechnya in 2007.

☆ HarperCollins, Striking Workers Reach Tentative Deal After Three-Month Strike
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-10 | by ( Jeffrey A. Trachtenberg | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

HarperCollins Publishers and a union representing more than 200 staffers said the two sides have reached a tentative agreement on a new labor pact following a work stoppage of nearly three months. The deal must still be ratified by workers who went on strike on Nov. 10. Olga Brudastova, president of Local 2110 of the United Auto Workers, said on Thursday evening that the union won’t picket on Friday in front of the building in lower Manhattan where the publisher is based.

☆ Exclusive: The FBI's McGonigal labyrinth
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-08 | by ( Mattathias Schwartz | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +28 min

She never saw McGonigal pay. "The notion that Mr. Deripaska is some proxy for the Russian state is a blatant lie," Ruben Bunyatyan, a spokesperson for Deripaska, told Insider by email. McGonigal was not charged with espionage, and although there is currently no evidence that McGonigal committed espionage, an FBI source told Insider that the investigation is ongoing. At the FBI, McGonigal racked up a string of big cases and promotions. "He said he needed to make more money," Guerriero told Insider.

☆ Russian c.bank sees record $74 bln deposit auction as budget deficit widens
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The central bank set the auction limit at 5.95 trillion roubles. "Since December, we have observed a peak liquidity surplus in the system," said Denis Popov, chief macroeconomic analyst at Promsvyazbank. Russia's structural liquidity surplus has increased to 3.38 trillion roubles as of Feb. 7, from 0.57 trillion roubles at the start of the year. "In our view, the likelihood that they turn out higher than the 29 trillion roubles that is budgeted for is quite high." Extrapolating from current dynamics until the end of the year and assuming that non-oil and gas revenue targets are achievable, Belenkaya estimated that the budget deficit could reach 6.5 trillion roubles, well above the planned 2.9 trillion roubles.

☆ ATP finds 'insufficient evidence' on abuse allegations against Zverev
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Jan 31 (Reuters) - The ATP will not take any action against former world number two Alexander Zverev following allegations of domestic abuse against the German, the men's tennis governing body said on Tuesday. "A major independent investigation into Alexander Zverev has found insufficient evidence to substantiate published allegations of abuse. "LFG conducted extensive interviews with both Sharypova and Zverev, and 24 other individuals including family and friends, tennis players, and other parties involved with the ATP Tour." After the 15-month investigation, which involved going through material on Zverev's electronic devices, the ATP said they were unable to substantiate allegations of abuse or determine that any player offences took place. "Zverev has consistently denied all allegations and supported ATP's investigation."

☆ Russia recommends investors convert FX bonds amid asset freeze
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-31 | by ( Elena Fabrichnaya | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MOSCOW, Jan 31 (Reuters) - Russia's central bank recommended on Tuesday that retail investors convert their foreign currency Eurobonds into local "replacement bonds" as 5.7 trillion roubles ($81 billion) of investor holdings remain frozen by Western sanctions. Several major Russian companies, including state-run gas giant Gazprom (GAZP.MM) and oil firm Lukoil (LKOH.MM), have substituted their Eurobonds in this way. At the moment, investors who hold Eurobonds issued by Russian companies are blocked from receiving payments. By switching to replacement bonds, retail investors will be able to unlock these assets, Shishlyannikova said. Shishlyannikova added that 20% of the 5.7 trillion roubles of investor holdings blocked in foreign infrastructure belonged to retail investors.

☆ A Russian graveyard reveals Wagner’s prisoner army
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +18 min

The resting places were adorned with simple wooden crosses and brightly coloured wreaths that bore the insignia of Russia’s Wagner Group - a feared and secretive private army. The news agency matched the names of at least 39 of the dead here and at three other nearby cemeteries to Russian court records, publicly available databases and social media accounts. He said gravediggers told him the bodies had come from the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, close to Russia’s border with Donetsk region. According to Russian court documents, Kochas and another man burst into the apartment of an acquaintance while drunk in an attempted robbery. But he refused, so he’s a fool.”A Russian graveyard reveals Wagner’s prisoner army By Felix Light and Filipp Lebedev in Tbilisi and Reade Levinson in London Photo editing: Simon Newman Graphics: Fielding Cage Art direction: Eve Watling Edited by Janet McBride

South Africa has been struggling for years to overhaul its state-power company which is plagued by corruption and mismanagement and reeling under a 400 billion rand ($23.3 billion) debt pile. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana told Reuters last week he was "sharpening his pencil" to provide details, so far scarce, for taking on between one- and two-thirds of Eskom's debt in his Feb. 22 budget presentation. Eskom's debt pile is not just big, it is also complex. Another 15% is international bonds, held by global asset managers such as PIMCO, BlackRock and Fidelity, according to recent filings. Eskom's international bonds could rally if the government takes on two-thirds of the debt, Wolman said, while limiting that to one third or carrying out the debt transfer over a long period of time could be negative.

The play “Crystal City 1969,” first staged in 2009 in Dallas, was performed for the first time in San Antonio last weekend at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center. Student walkout in Crystal City, Texas, on Dec. 20, 1969. Growing up in a Mexican American household, he spoke no English. The effect of that sort of discrimination was to tell Mexican American and Mexican students that their language, their culture, was worthless, valueless and something to be ashamed of, Garcia said. Rodriquez attended one of the performances of "Crystal City 1969" over the weekend.

☆ Kenyan court convicts Venezuelan diplomat for envoy's murder
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

NAIROBI, Jan 25 (Reuters) - A Kenyan court on Wednesday found a Venezuelan diplomat guilty of murdering the Latin American nation's acting ambassador a decade ago at her home in an upmarket Nairobi neighbourhood. The court also convicted three Kenyan nationals who had been charged alongside Sagaray, saying they were involved in a common plan to carry out the murder. Another suspect who fled after the murder is still at large and the court said his arrest warrant should remain in force. Sagaray could be tried for the murder because he did not enjoy diplomatic immunity after Venezuela waived it following the crime, the court ruled. (This story has been corrected to change the date of the murder to July 2012, instead of May 2012, in the second paragraph.)

☆ This startup is helping brands like Dior and Lacoste build virtual stores. Check out the 11-slide pitch deck Emperia used to raise $10 million.
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-25 | by ( Riddhi Kanetkar | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

London-based Emperia has raised $10 million in Series A funding for its virtual retail platform. A startup that has created a virtual platform for immersive retail experiences has just raised $10 million from Base10 Partners. Its virtual store SaaS platform is deployed to companies, who can use customers to better enhance the retail experience. Emperia works with brands such as luxury fashion house Dior, clothing company Lacoste, and luxury department store chain Bloomingdale's. She added that Emperia's aim is to "make virtual experiences the future of brands' long-term e-commerce strategy."

☆ Boris Johnson visits Kyiv, pledges help
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

REUTERS/Nacho DoceKYIV, Jan 22 (Reuters) - Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited Kyiv on a surprise trip on Sunday, meeting President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and pledging that Britain would "stick by Ukraine as long as it takes". "I can tell you that the UK will be sticking by Ukraine for as long as it takes," Johnson told the mayor of Bucha. Johnson has dismissed suggestions that his activity in Ukraine could be seen as undermining British Prime Minister Rusni Sunak. While in office, Johnson visited Kyiv several times and called Zelenskiy frequently. In Bucha, Johnson took selfies with residents and laid flowers in tribute to victims of the war.

☆ In Peru, thousands march demanding president step down
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-13 | by ( ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

LIMA — Thousands took to the streets of Peru’s capital Lima on Thursday in a peaceful protest against the new government and president, after weeks of bloody clashes triggered by the ousting of former President Pedro Castillo left at least 42 dead. “Why are you turning your back on the people, there are so many deaths, for God’s sake, stop this massacre,” said protester Olga Espejo, calling on President Dina Boluarte, previously Castillo’s vice president, to resign. The march, organized by trade unions and leftist groups, took place without incident. Peru’s top prosecutor’s office on Tuesday launched an inquiry against Boluarte and some top ministers. The same day, Peru’s Congress — which fiercely opposed leftist former leader Castillo — passed a vote of confidence in the new government.

☆ Wounded Russians are being sent back to Ukraine with major injuries like punctured lungs and shrapnel still in their bodies, report says
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-13 | by ( Joshua Zitser | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Wounded Russian soldiers are being sent to Ukraine to fight despite their injuries, according to a report. Soldiers with damaged lungs and shrapnel wounds have been returned to the frontline. The presidential Human Rights Council in Russia is investigating the matter, a council member said. There have also been cases of soldiers receiving treatment for ulcers, heart attacks, and strokes being sent back to Ukraine, she said. In November, Army Gen. Mark Milley, the highest-ranking US military officer, estimated that "well over" 100,000 Russian soldiers had been killed or wounded in the war in Ukraine, according to The Washington Post.

☆ Thousands march in Peru capital demanding president step down
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-13 | by ( Marco Aquino | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/4] A demonstrator holds a flag as another demonstrator uses a speaker and security forces stand guard during a protest to demand the dissolution of Congress and democratic elections, rejecting Dina Boluarte as Peru's president, after the ouster of leftist President Pedro Castillo, in Lima, Peru January 12, 2023. REUTERS/Alessandro CinqueLIMA, Jan 12 (Reuters) - Thousands took to the streets of Peru's capital Lima on Thursday in a peaceful protest against the new government and president, after weeks of bloody clashes triggered by the ousting of former President Pedro Castillo left at least 42 dead. "Why are you turning your back on the people, there are so many deaths, for God's sake, stop this massacre," said protester Olga Espejo, calling on President Dina Boluarte, previously Castillo's vice president, to resign. The same day, Peru's Congress - which fiercely opposed leftist former leader Castillo - passed a vote of confidence in the new government. Reporting by Marco Aquino; Writing by Carolina Pulice and Sarah Morland; Editing by Tom HogueOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Italy's rhythmic gymnastics coach to keep job despite abuse claims
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MILAN, Jan 12 (Reuters) - The coach of Italy's female Olympic gymnastics team will keep her job in spite of ongoing investigations on the alleged psychological abuse and mistreatment of young athletes over their weight and eating habits. In a Thursday decision, sports authorities confirmed Emanuela Maccarani as coach, but stripped her of the added role of technical director of Italy's women national rhythmic gymnastics training centre in the northern city of Desio. Sports and civilian prosecutors are probing Maccarani and her assistant Olga Tishina on the back of former team athletes' allegations that they were bullied and mocked. "It's my own decision," Gherardo Tecchi, head of Italy's national gymnastic federation, said, adding it was made after consultation with the head of Italy's Olympic committee Giovanni Malago. Maccarani, who was indicted by the national gymnastics federation's judicial body this month, denied any wrongdoing in an interview on Tuesday with the Corriere della Sera newspaper.

☆ Agreement over IKEA's Russia sale could be reached in days, says Moscow
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] A view shows the logo of IKEA on a closed store in Kotelniki outside Moscow, Russia July 5, 2022. IKEA decided to close its shops in Russia after Moscow sent tens of thousands of troops to Ukraine in February in what it said was a 'special military operation'. Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov said negotiations were ongoing, but declined to do disclose who the potential buyers were. "The sales activities of our factories in Russia are proceeding according to plan," IKEA said in a statement. "We have agreed with potential buyers not to share any details with respect to them and the integrity of the sales process."

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