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Change is afoot in the conservative city state with a softening of attitudes and growing tolerance of gay issues, which some members of the LGBT community and academics attribute to the November lifting of a ban on sex between men. But the historic lifting of the ban was not all welcomed by LGBT people. The repeal of the gay sex ban was not universally welcomed. LGBT issues are appearing in the typically conservative domestic media, known for toeing the government line. The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore this month advised teachers to "address socio-religious issues, including LGBT issues, with wisdom, kindness, compassion and mercy".

Persons: Yeo Sam Jo, Yeo, JoJo Sam Clair, Laavanya Kathiravelu, Carol, Dot, Nishanthiy Balasamy, Corinna Lim, Lim, Cally Chia, Ching Chia, Ching, Clement Tan, Pink Dot, We're, Tan, Xinghui Kok, Chen Lin, Robert Birsel, William Mallard Organizations: Nanyang Technological University, Institute of Policy, Islamic, Council of, Pink, Thomson Locations: SINGAPORE, Singapore, Council of Singapore, Instagram

☆ How a Classic English Garden Went Wild
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-24 | by ( John Tebbs | Photography Jo Metson Scott For Wsj. Magazine | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

By definition, gardens are thought of as green. In reality, though, the resources used to keep them looking pristine, in terms of water, fertilizers and fuel for the mower, are staggering. How can we garden in a way that’s better for biodiversity and sustainability?

☆ At Attractions About the Titanic, Pondering the Fate of the Titan
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-23 | by ( Christopher Kuo | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

“It just felt so eerie to be like we added five more to the tally,” said Sebastian, a 34-year-old musician who lives in New York City, as he took in “Titanic: The Exhibition,” in New York. Ever since the submersible, the Titan, disappeared in the ocean depths last Sunday, its fate had riveted the world. Many were fascinated by the search and rescue efforts, hoping the missing explorers would be found alive. Others wondered why wealthy people would spend so much money on a dangerous tour of a disaster site. And others were drawn by its connection to the Titanic, whose sinking in 1912 remains one of the most famous maritime disasters in history, still the subject of films, exhibits and shows.

Persons: Jo, Sebastian, ”, ” Sebastian, Stefan Hut Locations: New York City, New York

CNN —Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich lost his appeal against the extension of pre-trial detention in Moscow on Thursday on spying charges, which he denies. Gershkovich’s detention, at the notorious Lefortovo prison in Moscow, was extended last month to August 30. Gershkovich was in court for the decision, in a glass cage, wearing a dark t-shirt and jeans. The Wall Street Journal called Gershkovich’s continued detention “an outrage” in a statement released Thursday. “Our colleague Evan Gershkovich appeared in Moscow City Court today for an appeal against his ongoing pretrial detention.

Persons: Evan Gershkovich, Gershkovich, Lynne Tracy, Ella Milman, Mikhail Gershkovich, Tracy, ” Tracy, Evan, “, ”, ” “ Evan, Joe Biden Organizations: CNN, Wall Street, Moscow, Court, TASS, Russian Foreign Ministry, Moscow City Court, US State Department Locations: Moscow, Russia, United States, Moscow City, Washington

☆ Ukraine Recovery Conferece: War-torn economy needs private investors to rebuild
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-21 | by ( Hanna Ziady | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Ukraine faces an enormous fundraising challenge, and it’s one that governments and development finance institutions won’t be able to meet without help from private investors. The Ukraine Development Fund is still in the planning stages and is not expected to launch until the conflict ends. But it faces a crucial test Wednesday, when it will canvas support from governments and investors attending the London conference. Attracting private investmentThe Ukraine Development Fund aims to raise so-called concessionary capital from governments and development finance institutions, and then use that to attract private investment. Sunak also unveiled a “war-risk insurance” framework Wednesday, backed by Group of Seven countries, which will help limit potential losses faced by private investors in Ukraine.

Persons: London CNN —, Rishi Sunak’s, Antony Blinken, Sergei Chuzavkov, Volodymyr Zelensky, Stefan Weiler, JPMorgan’s, Weiler, It’s, ”, Brandon Hall, ” Hall, Yan Dobronosov, ” Zelensky, Sunak, ” Sunak, Lenna Koszarny, — Jo Shelley Organizations: London CNN, Conference, Citi, Sanofi, Philips, Bank, World Bank, BlackRock, JPMorgan, Ukraine Development Fund, CNN, Fund, London, BlackRock’s, Group of, Private, Horizon Locations: Russia, Ukraine, London, United States, Russian, Kyiv, Ukrainian, Europe, East, Africa, Kupiansk

☆ How startup owners can benefit from knowledge-sharing with large businesses
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-21 | by ( Sponsor Post | Created Insider Studios With Dell Technologies | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Members are offered expertise from their own personal Dell Technology Advisor and can also access exclusive discounts on new Dell tech. The Dell Women Entrepreneurs Cities Index lists 55 cities based on their ability to support high-potential businesswomen. In the autumn of 2022, Dell ran the DWEN Dream Tech Contest in the UK, offering four finalists £40,000 worth of Dell technology between them. Dogs no longer eat dogs in the business world — instead, big businesses help small businesses and empowered women empower women. Learn more about Dell's Small Business Communities here.

Persons: Dell, DWEN, Jo Goodall, Jas Schembri Organizations: Dell, Dell Technologies, Dell Technology, Dell Women's, DWEN, Dell Women, Cities, WE, Startup, Dell's Small, Insider Studios Locations: clichés, DWEN, London, Berlin, Copenhagen

☆ Goldman Sachs Asset Management head of healthcare investing to leave
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-20 | by ( Saeed Azhar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

NEW YORK, June 20 (Reuters) - The head of healthcare investing at Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GS.N), Jo Natauri, will leave the company at the end of the year to pursue other opportunities in the sector. "We're entering a pretty attractive period for healthcare private investing, which I think could be pretty interesting to explore," Natauri told Reuters, without giving details about her next move. Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GSAM) has invested $5 billion in healthcare assets over the last five years, she said. Natauri, who will step down from Goldman Sachs Group's elite partner ranks, spent 17 years at the U.S. banking group. "She's poised for success, and I'll be rooting for her," Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon said in a statement.

Persons: Jo Natauri, Natauri, Goldman, Goldman Sachs, She's, David Solomon, Nicole Agnew, Jeff Bernstein, Adam Dawson, Saeed Azhar, Lananh Nguyen, Susan Fenton Organizations: YORK, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Reuters, Asset Management, Thomson

LONDON, June 16 (Reuters) - Britain's ITV (ITV.L) is "actively exploring the possible acquisition" of production company All3Media, it said on Friday after Reuters reported the broadcaster's interest. One of Britain's leading independent production companies, All3Media is owned by Warner Bros Discovery (WBD.O) and Liberty Global (LBTYA.O). Sources told Reuters in a story released on Thursday that Warner Brothers could sell its All3Media holding while Liberty Global could retain a stake in a merged entity, which would comprise ITV Studios and All3Media. Speaking generally about its finances, ITV in March said that it had accessible funds of more than 1 billion pounds, comprising cash and undrawn debt facilities. In a potential deal, ITV would combine All3Media with the Studios business it has built to offset more volatile revenue from its advertising-dependent TV channels and new ITVX streaming service.

Persons: Kate Holton, William James, David Goodman Organizations: ITV, Reuters, Warner Bros Discovery, Liberty Global, Warner Brothers, ITV Studios, Thomson

☆ Vodafone and Three merger faces scrutiny from competition regulators
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-15 | by ( Paul Sandle | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

The $19 billion tie-up will be scrutinised by Britain's Competition and Markets Authority, the antitrust regulator which made global headlines in April when it blocked Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of "Call of Duty" maker Activision Blizzard. The long-awaited mobile deal reduces the number of networks from four to three, challenging a tenet long held by regulators that four help to keep prices low in major markets. "The government's desire to make the UK a 5G powerhouse requires a lot of investment," he said. One London-based investment banker, who declined to be named, said he put the chance of the deal receiving the green light from regulators at 50%. A major telecoms investor said the deal could be approved, but only with strong remedies, and that could risk undermining its rationale.

Persons: CK Hutchison, Activision Blizzard, Hutchison, Paolo Pescatore, Peter Broadhurst, Moring, James Gray, Sarah Cardell, Robert Finnegan, Gray, Paul Sandle, Amy, Jo Crowley, Sinead Cruise, Kate Holton, Emelia Organizations: Microsoft, Activision, Hutchison, O2, Vodafone, CK, HK, Britain's Competition, Markets Authority, Ofcom, European Commission, Foresight, Hutchison's, UK plc, Victoria, Crowell, CMA, Reuters, National Security and Investment, Britain's, Tesco Mobile, Telefonica, Thomson Locations: Hong Kong, Britain, Europe, China, London, Germany

☆ Exclusive: Manchester Utd negotiating exclusivity with Qatar's Sheikh Jassim in $6 billion-plus sale talks
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-15 | by ( Anirban Sen | Thomson Reuters | Anirban Sen Is The Editor In Charge For U.S. M A At Reuters In New York | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Manchester United is widely seen as one of the most prized assets in all of sport. Shares of Manchester United jumped nearly 15% on the news, before paring some gains. Manchester United would not be allowed to negotiate with any bidder other than Sheikh Jassim for the exclusivity period. The sources cautioned that the situation remained fluid and a new bid from Ratcliffe could prevent Sheikh Jassim from securing exclusivity. Representatives for Manchester United and Sheikh Jassim did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Persons: Qatar's Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad, Glazer, Jim Ratcliffe, INEOS, Sheikh Jassim, Anirban Sen, Amy, Jo Crowley, Greg Roumeliotis Organizations: Manchester United, Qatari, Manchester United . Manchester United, National Football League's Washington, Representatives, Deloitte, Thomson Locations: Thani, Ratcliffe, New York, London

Liberty Global could retain a stake in the merged entity, which would comprise ITV Studios and All3Media, the person said. Spokespeople for ITV, All3Media, Warner Bros. and Liberty Global declined to comment. Discovery and Liberty Global bought All3Media in 2014 for an enterprise value of about 550 million pounds. In a potential deal, ITV would combine All3Media with the Studios business it has built to offset more volatile revenue from its advertising-dependent TV channels and new ITVX streaming service. ITV Studios, which makes reality show "Love Island", grew revenue by 19% to 2.1 billion pounds and adjusted earnings by 22% to 259 million pounds in 2022.

Persons: Spokespeople, Amy, Jo Crowley, Paul Sandle, Elisa Martinuzzi, Hugh Lawson Organizations: ITV, Warner Bros Discovery Inc, Liberty Global, Warner Brothers, . Liberty Global, ITV Studios, All3Media, Reuters, Liberty, Warner Bros, JPMorgan, Discovery, Thomson

☆ Australia's AGL partners with BP to offer discounted charging to NSW customers
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

June 15 (Reuters) - Australia's AGL Energy (AGL.AX) said on Thursday it has partnered with energy giant BP (BP.L) for a three-year agreement to offer discounted charging to drivers of electric vehicles in New South Wales, as more companies look to pivot to green energy. Under the deal, the company and BP Pulse, the electric vehicle charging business of the London-based firm, will offer customers in New South Wales special charging rates and ultra-fast chargers when they sign up for AGL's existing Electric Vehicle (EV) at-home programme. BP said the agreement is in line with its strategy to roll out its network of 600 BP Pulse EV charging points across Australia by 2025. "As we transition to a low-carbon future, this agreement will empower our customers with innovative, sustainable and cost-effective EV charging solutions," AGL Chief Customer Officer Jo Egan said. The demand for electric vehicles has been on the rise recently, with multiple companies looking to expand their portfolios towards sustainable energy.

Persons: Jo Egan, Archishma Iyer, Pooja Desai Organizations: Energy, BP, Thomson Locations: New South Wales, London, Australia, Bengaluru

☆ Concrete Daisies? There’s a Fine for That.
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-12 | by ( Nicholas Casey | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Flowerlike concrete appendages rose to the sun, bejeweled with glass, marbles and shards of old pots. Broken tiles were cemented into intricate mosaics called trencadís — the stuff Antoni Gaudí once made famous in Barcelona. But unlike Gaudí, the creator of this construction had no training in architecture, art or engineering. The art world has long kept a place at the table for so-called “outsider art.” Works by painters with no formal training get special auctions at Christie’s. New York has had an art fair devoted to outsider artists since the 1990s, which welcomes art by children, prisoners and a wide variety of others.

Persons: Jo Farb Hernández, Antoni Gaudí, ”, Hernández Locations: Spain’s, France, Barcelona, . New York

☆ MLB roundup: Braves rally, win 10-inning slugfest vs. Mets
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +8 min

Marcell Ozuna went deep and Travis d'Arnaud hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning that closed the deficit to one run. After the Phillies coughed up the late lead to trail 2-1 in the ninth, they tied it on a sacrifice fly from Brandon Marsh before Clemens' RBI hit off Alex Lange (3-2). Jake Burger hit a two-run homer and Luis Robert and Yoan Moncada hit solo home runs for the White Sox. Mike Clevinger (3-4) allowed three runs on six hits in 5 2/3 innings for the White Sox. Yonny Chirinos (3-1), recalled from Triple-A Durham earlier in the day, allowed one run on five hits over 5 2/3 innings.

Persons: Ozzie Albies, Dale Zanine, Albies, Tommy Hunter, Austin Riley, Marcell Ozuna, Travis d'Arnaud, Orlando Arcia, David Robertson, Brandon Nimmo, Francisco Alvarez, Zack Wheeler, Kody Clemens, Wheeler, Brandon Marsh, Clemens, Alex Lange, Zack Short, Nick Maton, Jose Ramirez, Ramirez, Will Brennan, Andres Gimenez, Myles Straw's, Cleveland, Boston's Triston Casas, Enrique Hernandez, Jarren Duran, Jose Berrios, Alex Bregman, Framber Valdez, Ramon Urias, Gunnar Henderson's, Keegan Akin, Peter Strzelecki, Owen Miller, Jon Singleton, Jo Adell, Reid Detmers, Drew Smyly, Chicago's Trey Mancini, Michael Conforto, Thairo Estrada, Scott Alexander, Camilo Doval, Nolan Jones, Profar, Clayton Kershaw, David Peralta, Kershaw, Chris Taylor, Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, McLain, De La Cruz, Eloy Jimenez, Jake Burger, Luis Robert, Yoan Moncada, Robert, Jimenez, Michael King, Gregory Santos, Willie Calhoun, Billy McKinney, Aaron Judge, Kyle Higashioka, Randy Vasquez, Nestor Cortes, Vasquez, Gavin Sheets, Mike Clevinger, Harold Ramirez, Luke Raley, Josh Lowe, Yonny Chirinos, Carlos Correa, Michael A, Taylor, Alex Kirilloff Organizations: Atlanta Braves, New York Mets, Atlanta, New York, Phillies, Tigers, Philadelphia, Detroit, Red Sox, Cleveland, Boston, Blue Jays, Astros, Brandon Belt, Toronto, Houston . Blue Jays, Houston, Orioles, Brewers, Baltimore, Milwaukee, Angels, Cubs, Chicago, Triple, Giants, Rockies, Colorado, Coors Field, Dodgers, Reds, Los Angeles, Cincinnati, Kershaw ., Kershaw . White Sox, Yankees, New, White Sox, Rays, Twins, Tampa, American League Central, Thomson Locations: Cumberland , Georgia, USA, Truist, York, Brandon, Milwaukee, Los Angeles, Anaheim , Calif, San Francisco, Denver, Los, Kershaw . White, New York, Minnesota, St . Petersburg, Fla, Tampa Bay

LONDON, June 7 (Reuters) - Barclays (BARC.L) is studying options for its global payments activities as a part of broader review into how it allocates resources, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters. Barclays has already engaged at least one major consultancy firm and may hire others to split assignments, this person said. "Our three businesses continue to perform well and our business mix is robust - growing our global payments business is a priority for us," a Barclays spokesperson said. The payments study comes as Barclays had also drafted Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to conduct a strategy review of the entire banking group, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters. How the bank should allocate resources between more predictable retail business and volatile returns from the investment bank has attracted investor scrutiny.

Persons: Amy, Jo Crowley, Pablo Mayo, Stefania Spezzati, Lawrence White, Alexander Smith Organizations: Barclays, Reuters, Britain's, Barclaycard, Boston Consulting, Bloomberg, BNP, HSBC, Pablo Mayo Cerqueiro, Thomson Locations: London

The flooding has already killed 300 animals at the Nova Kakhovka zoo, according to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry. Satellite images show a close-up view of the Nova Kakhovka dam and hydroelectric power facility before and after the dam collapse on June 6, 2023. Satellite images show homes along the Dnipro River before and after the Nova Kakhovka dam collapsed. Several Ukrainian regions that receive some of their water supply from the reservoir of the Nova Kakhovka dam are making efforts to conserve water. Local residents carry their personal belongings on a flooded street after the Nova Kakhovka dam collapsed, in Kherson, Ukraine, on June 6.

Persons: Volodymyr Zelensky, ”, Ihor Syrota, ” Syrota, ” Olena, Alina Smutko, Ruslan Strilets, Strilets, António Guterres, Vladyslav Musiienko, Martin Griffiths, Griffiths, ” Griffiths, Zelensky, Oleksandr Prokudin, Maxar Technologies Griffiths, Mohammad Heidarzadeh, Heidarzadeh, Vladimir Saldo, Rafael Grossi, ” Grossi Organizations: CNN, Reuters, Reserve, Nova, Ukrainian Defense Ministry . United Nations, ”, UN Security, Dnipro, Maxar, Maxar Technologies, University of Bath, Science Media, Russian Foreign Ministry, International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, UN Locations: Nova, Ukraine, Russian, Kyiv, Moscow, Russia, Dnipro, Kherson, Reuters Ukrainian, Zaporizhzhia, England, Dnipropetrovsk, Kryvyi

ISTANBUL, June 6 (Reuters) - Global airlines called on Tuesday for broad co-operation to reach "very tough" emission targets and pledged to release interim climate targets next year as the industry aims for a goal of net-zero by 2050. Airlines are relying for 62% of their emissions reduction target on the fuel, which is currently between two to four times more expensive than kerosene. Walsh said airlines were not afraid to confront the fact that their share of total emissions will rise as other industries with fewer technological hurdles decarbonise. "Different parts of the world are moving at different paces and for us, representing global airlines, we've got to factor all of that into account." One thing airlines agreed on was frustration at aircraft delays, which have disrupted their schedules, with CEOs asking IATA to lobby planemakers.

Persons: Willie Walsh, Walsh, Jo Dardenne, Tim Clark, Clark, we've, Joanna Plucinska, Tim Hepher, Andrew Heavens, Sriraj Kalluvila, Alexander Smith Organizations: Aviation, International Air Transport Association, Sustainable Aviation Fuel, SAF, Transport, Environment, Dubai's Emirates, Reuters, Thomson Locations: ISTANBUL, Istanbul, planemakers, United States, Dubai

May 22 (Reuters) - German media group ProSiebenSat.1 (PSMGn.DE) and European pay-TV operator Sky have revived talks over a combination of their businesses in Germany, four sources familiar with the matter said Wednesday. Like other broadcasters across Europe, German broadcasters are struggling to reshape their business to compete with online streaming players such as Netflix (NFLX.O) and DAZN. Under a potential transaction, Sky would pay hundreds of million of euros to sell its operations in Germany to Prosiebensat.1, two of the sources said. Prosiebensat.1 declined to comment. Sky declined to comment Comcast did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

☆ Britain lowers stake in NatWest with $1.6 bln share sale
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

The lender returned to majority private ownership in March 2022 after a similar block sale. The government has a target of fully returning NatWest to private ownership by 2026. "Today's sale is another major milestone in returning NatWest to full private ownership as promised," Andrew Griffith, economic secretary to the Treasury, said in a statement. Britain owned 84% of NatWest at the peak of its ownership after it bailed out the bank in 2008. The sale announced on Monday is the government's sixth block sale of NatWest stock to date, the government said.

☆ South Korea aims to boost global display market share to 50% by 2027
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] A man walks out of the headquarters of LG Display in Seoul, October 20, 2011. REUTERS/Jo Yong-HakSEOUL, May 18 (Reuters) - South Korea aims to increase its share of the global display market to 50% by 2027, through private sector investment and government tax benefits and subsidies, the country's industry ministry said on Thursday. South Korea, home to major display panel makers such as Samsung Display and LG Display Co Ltd (034220.KS), currently has a 37% share of the global display market, according to the ministry. The ministry said the private sector planned to invest more than 65 trillion won ($49.21 billion) to expand production of advanced organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panels and display research through 2027 in South Korea, and the government planned to offer about 900 billion won in financing. In April, Samsung Electronics' (005930.KS) unit Samsung Display said it would invest 4.1 trillion won until 2026 in South Korea to make OLED display panels used in tablets and computers.

LONDON, May 17 (Reuters) - Planisware is working with investment bankers on strategic options, including a stock market listing of the French software group, four people familiar with the matter told Reuters. Rothschild (ROTH.PA) is acting as financial adviser to Planisware, two of the people, who declined to be named, said. BNP Paribas (BNPP.PA) and Citigroup (C.N) have been lined up to arrange a possible initial public offering (IPO), one person added. Private equity group Ardian, which holds an undisclosed stake in Planisware through its growth capital arm, declined to comment. In France, IPO volumes plunged in 2022 to levels similar to the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

☆ Penguin Random House and Florida parents sue school district over book bans
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-17 | by ( Jo Yurcaba | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

A selection of books including "The Bluest Eye," by Toni Morrison, that have been the subject of complaints from parentsPenguin Random House, authors, parents and an advocacy group filed a lawsuit Wednesday against a Florida school district for removing 10 books related to race and the LGBTQ community after a high school teacher complained. In addition to the publishing house, PEN America, a nonprofit group that advocates for free expression in literature, five authors whose books have been removed from the district, and two parents whose children go to school in the district filed the suit against the Escambia County School District and the Escambia County School Board in Pensacola, Florida. "The clear agenda behind the campaign to remove the books is to categorically remove all discussion of racial discrimination or LGBTQ issues from public school libraries. Neither the district nor the school board immediately returned requests for comment. More than 100 other titles are restricted and require parental approval for access.

☆ Gun-loving Texas, where most households own a firearm, has become an epicenter of mass shootings
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-17 | by ( Emma Tucker | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +23 min

CNN and the GVA define a mass shooting as a shooting that injures or kills four or more people, not including the shooter. They argue that more firearms and higher gun ownership increases public safety – a stance that continues to be at odds with gun violence experts and data. The area around the Robb Elementary School signs has become a memorial dedicated to the victims of the May 24 mass shooting. Mass shootings are just a piece of that, and the strategies that we’re laying out will impact mass shootings. They’ll also impact a lot of other types of gun violence and that’s absolutely critical to saving lives,” Horwitz said.

☆ Taco Bell is fighting to cancel the ‘Taco Tuesday’ trademark
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-16 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

New York CNN —Taco Bell wants to liberate the “Taco Tuesday” trademark from a smaller, rival chain. The taco chain filed a petition Tuesday (naturally) with the US Patent and Trademark office to cancel the trademark, owned by rival Taco John’s for 34 years, because Taco Bell claims the commonly used phrase “should be freely available to all who make, sell, eat and celebrate tacos.”Since Taco John’s owns the trademark, other restaurants and companies must seek permission to use “Taco Tuesday” in branding and advertising. Taco Bell added that “nobody should have exclusive rights in a common phrase.”Maggie Mettler, director of legal for Taco Bell’s parent company, Yum! And it may have a strong case, because “Taco Tuesday” has become a commonly used phrase, according to trademark attorney Josh Gerben. “Taco John’s would like to thank our worthy competitors at Taco Bell for reminding everyone that ‘Taco Tuesday’ is best celebrated at Taco John’s – the trademark owner of Taco Tuesday.”In response, Taco John’s is selling a “Taco Tuesday” deal of 2 tacos for $2 everyday until May 31.

Kevin Lambert grew up in North Carolina in the 1980s, and first visited his mother's native South Korea in 2000. Courtesy Kevin LambertIt might seem an odd desire given many have never set foot in South Korea. But life in South Korea brings its own challenges – and many eventually return to the US. For Kim, it’s a relief to be back in South Korea, where the safety is “100% better.”“I plan to live (in South Korea) until I die,” he said. “If South Korea today was as impoverished as it was when I left, why would I return?” he said.

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