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Nov 14 (Reuters) - Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ.AX) on Monday said it would contribute A$42 million ($28.10 million) to settle a class action lawsuit brought by law firm Slater & Gordon (SGH.AX) in 2020 over the sale of three consumer credit insurance products. The class action was filed against ANZ, QBE Insurance Australia (QBE.AX), OnePath Life, and OnePath General Insurance alleging that the entities made customers believe their policy payments were "compulsory or provided value to them", according to the law firm's website. ANZ said the settlement contribution is covered by a provision held as of Sept. 30. QBE Insurance, and OnePath Life and OnePath General Insurance, which are indirectly held by Swiss firm Zurich Insurance Group (ZURN.S), did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. ($1 = 1.4948 Australian dollars)Reporting by Sameer Manekar in Bengaluru; editing by Diane CraftOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Nov 14 (Reuters) - Three of Australia's 'big four' banks settled separate class action lawsuits for A$126 million ($84.51 million) with Slater & Gordon (SGH.AX), who took the banks to court two years ago over sale of credit insurance products, the companies said on Monday. Law firm Slater & Gordon in 2020 filed class action lawsuits against Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA.AX), Westpac Banking Corp (WBC.AX), and Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ.AX) on behalf of around one million customers. ANZ, along with QBE Insurance, and OnePath Life and OnePath General Insurance, indirect units of Swiss firm Zurich Insurance Group (ZURN.S), will pay a total of A$47 million to their customers under the settlement, with ANZ contributing A$42 million, Slater & Gordon said. Westpac would pay A$29 million, subject to court's approval. ($1 = 1.4910 Australian dollars)Reporting by Sameer Manekar in Bengaluru; editing by Diane Craft and Rashmi AichOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Nov 11 (Reuters) - A federal judge in Texas ruled on Friday that President Joe Biden's administration had wrongly interpreted an Obamacare provision as barring health care providers from discriminating against gay and transgender people. U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk in Amarillo ruled that a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in 2020 holding that a law barring workplace discrimination protects gay and transgender employees did not apply to the healthcare law. "Title IX's ordinary public meaning remains intact until changed by Congress, or perhaps the Supreme Court," Kacsmaryk wrote. The Obama administration introduced rules in 2016 that made clear that LGBT people would be protected under the healthcare discrimination provision. In June, the Biden administration proposed a rule to once again enshrine such protections.

Law firms Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP FollowNov 11 (Reuters) - Actor Alec Baldwin filed a lawsuit on Friday against the armorer and three other crew members over the deadly shooting on the set of the Western movie "Rust," in which a gun that Baldwin was using during rehearsal killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Baldwin's cross complaint names armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, first assistant director Dave Halls, prop supplier Seth Kenney and prop master Sarah Zachry. Attorneys for Gutierrez-Reed, Halls and Kenney did not immediately respond to requests for statements in their clients' defense. Baldwin's cross complaint alleges negligence and seeks damages to be determined at trial for the "immense grief" he endures. Hutchins was killed when a revolver Baldwin was rehearsing with during filming in New Mexico fired a live round that hit her and movie director Joel Souza, who survived.

The House committee investigating the attack of Jan. 6, 2021 had unanimously issued a subpoena for the Republican former president to appear on or about Nov. 14. Lawmakers had also extended through this week their initial Nov. 4 deadline for Trump to turn over any related documentation. In a Nov. 9 letter to the panel attached to the lawsuit, Trump's attorneys said he would "consider" whether providing written responses "would be appropriate." The letter said Trump "voluntarily directed a reasonable search for documents in his possession" but it "found no documents responsive to this request." The panel has not said how it will proceed if Trump disregards the subpoena request.

FTX and about 130 of its companies entered voluntary bankruptcy proceedings in an abrupt fall from grace for a company that was once a darling of the crypto industry. In March 2021, FTX acquired the naming rights to the bayside arena for $135 million over 19 years. "The reports about FTX and its affiliates are extremely disappointing," the Heat said in a statement. "Miami-Dade County and the Miami Heat are immediately taking action to terminate our business relationships with FTX, and we will be working together to find a new naming rights partner for the area." "We are proud of the impact our Peace and Prosperity Plan... is already having in preventing violence and creating opportunity for young people across Miami-Dade," the Heat said.

☆ Nets' Irving is not anti-Semitic, says NBA Commissioner Silver
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Nov 10 (Reuters) - NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said he met with Kyrie Irving earlier this week and that he did not believe the Brooklyn Nets guard was anti-Semitic, Yahoo Sports reported on Thursday. Irving was heavily criticized for promoting a film that the seven-time All-Star has since said contained "false anti-Semitic statements". The Nets suspended him for at least five games after he "refused to unequivocally say he has no anti-Semitic beliefs". Silver added: "Whether or not he is anti-Semitic is not relevant to the damage caused by the posting of hateful content." If he serves a five-game suspension, Irving would be available to play Nov. 13 against the Lakers in Los Angeles.

☆ Swiss beat Canada, Czechs trounce Americans to reach BJK Cup semi-finals
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-11 | by ( Rory Carroll | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Golubic hit back to beat former U.S. Open champion Bianca Andreescu 2-6 6-3 6-4 before Bencic beat Leylah Fernandez 6-0 7-5 to give last year's runners-up an unassailable lead. Friday's clash between the Swiss and the Canadians was effectively a group decider after both teams beat Italy. Golubic replaced Jil Teichmann and initially the switch appeared to be backfiring for the Swiss as Andreescu ran away with the opening set. Bencic then came out all guns blazing against Fernandez to race through the opening set, but the Canadian dug deep in an absorbing second set before Bencic wrapped up victory. Gauff never quite found her form in the second set, putting up 19 unforced errors as a near-flawless Siniakova never faced a break and roared with triumph after closing the affair 7-6(1) 6-1 for the 2018 champions.

☆ Magnussen's stunning pole is soup for Steiner
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-11 | by ( Alan Baldwin | Rory Carroll | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Nov 11 (Reuters) - Haas team boss Guenther Steiner savoured a rare moment of success as his Formula One backmarkers pulled off an astonishing first pole position with Kevin Magnussen at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on Friday. "When it rains soup, you need to have a spoon ready," the Italian told Sky Sports television. Last year, with Schumacher and Magnussen's now-departed Russian predecessor Nikita Mazepin, Haas failed to score a point all season and ended last. "You will always have nay-sayers but welcome to our pole position, nay-sayers," said Steiner in response to those who questioned what his men could achieve. It was starting to rain so that was the crucial part today, just getting that best track for me.

☆ D.C. AG suing Commanders owner Snyder for false statements in workplace investigation
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Nov 10 (Reuters) - D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine on Thursday announced his office was suing Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder, the team, the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell for colluding to deceive residents about an investigation into a toxic workplace culture. "We allege Dan Snyder, the Commanders, Roger Goodell, and the NFL misled the public about what was being done to address the allegations of harassment and the toxic culture the Commanders maintained," Racine said. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 1 2 3"They did all of this to hide the truth, protect their images and let the profits roll." The Commanders and the NFL did not immediately respond to a request for comment. read moreReporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles, editing by Ed OsmondOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

[1/4] Nov 7, 2022; Forth Worth, TX, USA; Caroline Garcia (FRA) poses with the trophy in the confetti after winning the WTA Finals in singles after defeating Aryna Sabalenka on day eight of the WTA Finals at Dickies Arena. Nov 7 (Reuters) - France's Caroline Garcia put on a serving masterclass to claim the biggest title of her career on Monday by defeating Aryna Sabalenka 7-6(4) 6-4 to win the WTA Finals in Fort Worth, Texas. "Today was such an intense final," a smiling Garcia told Tennis Channel while donning a cowboy hat. Sabalenka, who will rise to world number five, looked forward to more title deciders against Garcia. "Caro, I really hate you right now but you played unbelievable tennis, not only tonight but this year," Sabalenka said.

[1/6] Nov 5, 2022; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela (10) celebrates with the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy after defeating the Philadelphia Union in the 2022 MLS Cup championship game at Banc of California Stadium. With the win LAFC have delivered on the high expectation that came when they joined MLS in 2018. "The reason why I came here was to try and help the club win the MLS Cup," said Bale, who will captain Wales in the Qatar 2022 World Cup that kicks off later this month. It's important for this club to go to the next level, and I think by winning this trophy, it shows that we are. Reporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Grant McCoolOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Astros edge Phillies for 3-2 World Series lead
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/5] Nov 3, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Jean Segura (2) hits a single against the Houston Astros during the eighth inning in game five of the 2022 World Series at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY SportsNov 3 (Reuters) - Houston rookie shortstop Jeremy Pena delivered two key early RBIs and the Astros emerged with a gritty 3-2 road victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday to move one win away from a World Series championship. The Phillies, who were no-hit for just the second time in World Series history the day before, immediately responded with a solo shot from Kyle Schwarber to tie the game. Astros veteran starter Justin Verlander pitched his way out of a bases-loaded jam in the second inning by striking out Rhys Hoskins and would go on to tally his first World Series victory. The Astros now lead the best-of-seven series 3-2 as it shifts back to Houston for Game Six on Saturday and, if necessary, a Game Seven on Sunday.

[1/5] Nov 2, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Bryan Abreu (52) strikes out Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Nick Castellanos (8) during the seventh inning in game four of the 2022 World Series at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY SportsNov 2 (Reuters) - Astros starting pitcher Cristian Javier and three relievers combined to throw just the second no-hitter in World Series history on Wednesday as Houston beat the Philadelphia Phillies 5-0 in Game Four to even up the 'Fall Classic'. Don Larsen threw a perfect game in the 1956 World Series and the Phillies' Roy Halladay tossed a no-hitter in the 2010 Division Series in a game that was also played at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Astros catcher Christian Vazquez said Wednesday's win was all the more special because it guarantees the series will return to Houston for a Game Six on Saturday and, if necessary, Game Seven on Sunday. Javier told reporters that he could return to the mound in Game Seven on three day's rest if needed.

☆ Phillies pound Astros to grab 2-1 World Series lead
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/5] Nov 1, 2022; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Houston Astros designated hitter David Hensley (17) strikes out against Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Kyle Gibson (44) during the seventh inning in game three of the 2022 World Series at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY SportsNov 1 (Reuters) - Philadelphia hit five home runs and Ranger Suarez pitched five scoreless innings as the Phillies crushed the Houston Astros 7-0 to take a 2-1 World Series lead on Tuesday. McCullers became the first pitcher in World Series history to give up five home runs in a game but Astros manager Dusty Baker said he did not believe the righty was inadvertently tipping his pitches. The Astros will look to avoid falling behind 3-1 in the best-of-seven series when they send Cristian Javier to the mound for Game Four on Wednesday in Philadelphia. The Phillies will counter with Game One starter Aaron Nola, who will be working on normal rest due to the postponement of Monday's game.

☆ Swiatek dominates Kasatkina at WTA Finals
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Nov 1 (Reuters) - Iga Swiatek showed why she is world number one and the hot favorite to win this year's WTA Finals in Forth Worth with a 6-2 6-3 dismantling of Daria Kasatkina on Tuesday. The 21-year-old Pole cruised from there on, dominating with her serve, including one on match point that Kasatkina could not handle, to improve her head-to-head record against Kasatkina to 5-0 this year. "I think I started pretty well and that gave me a lot of confidence," Swiatek told Tennis Channel. WTA Finals debutante Kasatkina has also raised her level this season, making the semi-finals of the French Open and returning to the top 10 for the first time since 2019. The WTA Finals features eight women split into two groups, with the top two finishers moving into the semi-finals.

☆ Rams' Donald, Celtics' Brown cut ties with Kanye West's sports marketing agency
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-26 | by ( Rory Carroll | Thomson Reuters | Los Angeles-Based Sports Reporter Who Interviews The Most Impactful Athletes | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

LOS ANGELES, Oct 25 (Reuters) - Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald and Celtics guard Jaylen Brown on Tuesday announced they were terminating their relationships with Kanye West's sports marketing agency in light of the musician's antisemitic remarks. "The recent comments and displays of hate and antisemitism are the exact opposite of how we choose to live our lives and raise our children." "I have always, and will always, continue to stand strongly against antisemitism, hate speech, misrepresentation, and oppressive rhetoric of any kind," he said in a statement. read more"Adidas does not tolerate antisemitism and any other sort of hate speech," the German company said. "Ye's recent comments and actions have been unacceptable, hateful and dangerous, and they violate the company's values of diversity and inclusion, mutual respect and fairness."

☆ 'I am not retired' Serena Williams says
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Oct 24 (Reuters) - Serena Williams on Monday said she has not retired from tennis and that the chances of her returning are "very high" after she previously indicated that she would step away from the sport after last month's U.S. Open. "I am not retired," Williams said at a conference in San Francisco while promoting her investment company, Serena Ventures. "I still haven't really thought about (retirement)," Williams said. "It was like the first day of the rest of my life and I'm enjoying it, but I'm still trying to find that balance." Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles Editing by Shri NavaratnamOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Losing scoring title to LeBron will be a 'bitter pill' for Kareem, says Magic
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-24 | by ( Rory Carroll | Thomson Reuters | Los Angeles-Based Sports Reporter Who Interviews The Most Impactful Athletes | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Oct 23, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) drives to the basket during the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Crypto.com Arena. "I don't think well," Johnson said when asked in a podcast how he thinks Abdul-Jabbar will handle losing the title he has held for nearly four decades. Johnson said Abdul-Jabbar probably never believed anyone would surpass his total of 38,387 regular season points. "No thoughts and no relationship," James said. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles; Editing by Muralikumar AnantharamanOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Gauff, Garcia into WTA Finals after Sabalenka defeat in Guadalajara
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Tennis - WTA 1000 - Guadalajara Open - Guadalajara, Mexico - October 19, 2022 Coco Gauff of the U.S. in action during her second round match against Italy's Elisabetta Cocciaretto REUTERS/Henry RomeroOct 19 (Reuters) - Coco Gauff and Caroline Garcia qualified for the eight-player WTA Finals after Aryna Sabalenka lost to Liudmila Samsonova in the Guadalajara Open second round on Wednesday. The WTA Finals featuring the world's top eight players start on Oct. 31. Despite the loss, Sabalenka has not been eliminated from making the elite eight, according to the WTA. Fifth seed Gauff was not at her best but was still good enough to see off Italy's Elisabetta Cocciaretto 7-6(1) 6-3. Danielle Collins and Jelena Ostapenko, who both have an outside shot of making the WTA Finals, won their second round matches on Wednesday, while other hopefuls including Madison Keys, Belinda Bencic and top seed Paula Badosa play later.

A Warriors team famous for its unity saw that tested when veteran forward Draymond Green punched Jordan Poole in the face at a practice earlier this month, an incident Green apologized for. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterGreen, a four-time All-Star, was fined but not suspended over the incident. Former Knicks and Rockets head coach Jeff Van Gundy told Reuters he thought the team could move past the episode. "He has defied age as well as anybody who has played for this long," Van Gundy said. "The season is going to be difficult for everybody," said Van Gundy.

LOS ANGELES, Oct 17 (Reuters) - The Los Angeles Dodgers' historically great season came to a heartbreaking end on Saturday when the title favorites crashed out of the playoffs in the Divisional Round and now face major personnel decisions this off-season. "It's hard to even think about it right now," Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman said after Saturday's game. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterThe Dodgers have made 10 consecutive post-season appearances with their lone title during that stretch coming in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. There is also the case of speedy shortstop Trea Turner, who is set to become a highly sought-after free agent this off-season. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles; Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Oct 16 (Reuters) - World number one Iga Swiatek collected her eighth title of the year with a 6-3 3-6 6-0 win over Croatia's Donna Vekic in the San Diego Open final on Sunday. "I wanted to go all in," Swiatek said of her approach going into the deciding set of the new WTA 500 event. Another backhand error handed Swiatek the first set, prompting Vekic to throw her racket to the court in frustration. However, Vekic refused to go down without a fight and leveled the match on the strength of her powerful serve and groundstrokes. Swiatek, who rose to world number one in April following Ash Barty's retirement, is now 64-8 on the season.

☆ Ex-Angels employee Kay sentenced to 22 years after overdose death of pitcher Skaggs
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-11 | by ( Rory Carroll | Thomson Reuters | Los Angeles-Based Sports Reporter Who Interviews The Most Impactful Athletes | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

LOS ANGELES, Oct 11 (Reuters) - Former Los Angeles Angels communications director Eric Kay, who in February was found guilty of distributing a controlled substance to late Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs, was sentenced to 22 years in prison on Tuesday, the Department of Justice said. Skaggs, 27, died on July 1, 2019 while on a team trip to Texas and an autopsy showed oxycodone, fentanyl, and alcohol in his system. In a statement, Skaggs' family said they were grateful to those who investigated and prosecuted Kay. "On behalf of the entire Angels Organization, our compassion goes out to the Skaggs family on this difficult day," Angels spokesperson Marie Garvey said in a statement. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles Editing by Toby DavisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

LOS ANGELES, Oct 10 (Reuters) - The Los Angeles Dodgers enter the 2022 MLB playoffs on Tuesday hoping their spectacular regular season success will translate into post-season glory and that they can officially open up a dynasty discussion. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Register"2020 was something incredible, but we get some criticism for the shortened season," Dodgers left-hander Julio Urias told MLB.com. The Astros won their lone title by beating the Dodgers in a seven-game dogfight in 2017. The bright lights of the World Series will only magnify passions on both sides. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles; Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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