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☆ Opinion | How Free Speech and Willful Blindness Will Play Out in the Trump Prosecution
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-28 | by ( Burt Neuborne | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

Since Mr. Trump is charged with, among other crimes, conspiracy to defraud the United States and to deprive people of the right to have their votes counted, Mr. Smith would clearly be right in arguing that the Alvarez decision doesn’t apply. Characterizing Mr. Trump’s words as “speech incident to criminal conduct” would neatly solve Mr. Smith’s First Amendment problem, but at a substantial cost to the prosecution. To win a conviction, the government must persuade 12 jurors to peer inside Mr. Trump’s head and find beyond a reasonable doubt that he knew he was lying when he claimed to be the winner of the 2020 election. If Mr. Trump actually believed his false assertions, his speech was not “incident to criminal conduct.”How can Mr. Smith persuade 12 jurors that no reasonable doubt exists that Mr. Trump knew he was lying? But there also will likely be evidence that fervent supporters of Mr. Trump’s efforts fed his narcissism with bizarre false tales of result-changing electoral fraud, and frivolous legal theories justifying interference with Mr. Biden’s certification as president-elect.

Persons: Smith, Mike Pence, Joe Biden, Trump, Alvarez, doesn’t, Smith’s, Trump’s, reams, Pence, Biden, Rudy Giuliani, Sidney Powell, Jeffrey Clark, John Eastman Organizations: Justice Department, Justice Locations: United States

☆ MLB roundup: Twins edge Rangers on bases-loaded walk in 13th
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +21 min

Mets 3, Angels 2Rafael Ortega collected the game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning as New York edged visiting Los Angeles. Assad (3-2) gave up one run and three hits in seven innings, with seven strikeouts and two walks. Kyle Tucker and Yainer Diaz hit two-run shots, while Mauricio Dubon and Martin Maldonado had solo blasts. Mets 3, Angels 2Rafael Ortega collected the game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning as New York edged visiting Los Angeles. Kyle Tucker and Yainer Diaz hit two-run shots, while Mauricio Dubon and Martin Maldonado had solo blasts.

Persons: Royce Lewis, Jeffrey Becker, Michael A, Taylor, Donovan Solano, Jorge Polanco, Max Kepler, Dylan Floro, Jonathan Hernandez, Lewis, Ryan Jeffers, Joey Gallo, Matt Wallner, Carlos Correa, Jonah Heim, Martinez, Marcus Semien, Rafael Ortega, Francisco Alvarez, Reynaldo Lopez, DJ Stewart, Mark Vientos, Ortega, Adam Ottavino, Alvarez, Pete Alonso, Alonso, Daniel Vogelbach, Luis Rengifo, Brandon Lowe, Randy Arozarena, Zack Littell, Jason Adam, Kyle Higashioka, DJ LeMahieu, Anthony Volpe, Jeimer Candelario, Cody Bellinger, Javier Assad, Bellinger, Nico Hoerner, Assad, Ke'Bryan Hayes, Bailey, Patrick Bailey, Rogers, Austin Slater, Tristan Beck, Scott Alexander, Jared Shuster, Marcell Ozuna, Elias Diaz's groundout, Ryan O'Hearn's, Jake Bird, Justin Lawrence, Yennier Cano, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Betts, James Outman, Gavin Stone, Caleb Ferguson, Justin Turner, Adam Duvall, Triston Casas, Aaron Nola, Louis, Craig, Kyle Schwarber, Drew Rom, Kole, Ramon Laureno's, Calhoun, Laureano, Emmanuel Clase, Jose Ramirez, Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Davis Schneider, George Springer, Jeremy Pena, Kyle Tucker, Yainer Diaz, Mauricio Dubon, Martin Maldonado, Justin Verlander, Miguel Cabrera, Alex Faedo, Jorge Soler slugged, would've, Soler, Rowdy Tellez, Sal Frelick, Adrian Houser, Bryse Wilson, Gary Sanchez, Matthew Batten, Steven Wilson, Teoscar Hernandez, Julio Rodriguez, Luis Castillo, Castillo, Andres Munoz, Nelson Velazquez, Alec Marsh, Mike Clevinger, Yoan Moncada, Tim Anderson, Andrew Benintendi, Andrew Vaughn, Moncada, Paul Blackburn, Media Teoscar Hernandez Organizations: Minnesota Twins, Texas Rangers, USA, Twins, Texas, The Rangers, Mets, New, Angels, Yankees, Tampa Bay, Rays, Cubs, Pirates, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Giants, Braves, Atlanta, Orioles, Baltimore, Rockies, Dodgers, Red Sox, Los, Boston, Phillies, Cardinals, Philadelphia, St, Blue Jays, Cleveland, Toronto, Guardians, Astros, Tigers, Detroit's Comerica, Detroit, Marlins, Nationals, Miami, Washington, The Marlins, National League East, Brewers, Padres, Milwaukee, National League Central, Mariners, Royals, Seattle, Kansas City, American League West, White Sox, Athletics, Oakland, Media, Thomson Locations: Minneapolis , Minnesota, USA, Minneapolis, Texas, Minnesota, York, Los Angeles, New York, St . Petersburg, Fla, Francisco, Colorado, Baltimore, Nola, Detroit, National League East . Washington, San Diego, Chicago

☆ Cava CFO Bets on Distinct Menu to Attract Consumers
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-25 | by ( Jennifer Williams-Alvarez | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com. https://www.wsj.com/articles/cava-cfo-bets-on-distinct-menu-to-attract-consumers-ae9480d2

Persons: Dow Jones

☆ Large US tech companies face new EU regulations
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-25 | by ( Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Although the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA) passed last year, companies have had until now to prepare for its enforcement. Friday marks the arrival of a key compliance deadline — after which tech platforms with more than 45 million EU users will have to meet the obligations laid out in the law. But the list finalized in April includes the most powerful tech companies in the world, and, for those firms, violations can be expensive. The DSA permits EU officials to issue fines worth up to 6% of a very large platform’s global annual revenue. In a statement, a Microsoft spokesperson told CNN the DSA deadline “is an important milestone in the fight against illegal content online.

Persons: “, TikTok, “ We’ve, ”, Nick Clegg, Meta, Snap, Apple, Pinterest, Robert Grosvenor, Alvarez, ” Grosvenor, Thierry Breton, Breton, X, Agustin Reyna, Court’s, ” TikTok Organizations: CNN, Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta, Microsoft, Union’s Digital Services, EU, DSA, Companies, Facebook, European Commission, X Locations: Europe, London, “, BEUC

☆ Spanish soccer president refuses to resign despite kissing a player on the lips at Women’s World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-25 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Facing his possible removal from office, the president of the Spanish soccer federation refused to resign Friday despite an uproar for kissing a player on the lips without her consent after the Women's World Cup final. The president of Spain's women's league, Beatriz Álvarez, told Spanish state broadcaster RTVE that she was not surprised because Rubiales' "ego is above his dignity." The only relevant institution to remain silent has been European soccer body UEFA, for which Rubiales is a vice president. Rubiales, who led the Spanish players' union for eight years before taking over as federation president in 2018, is currently heading the UEFA-backed bid to host the men's World Cup in 2030. "The speech by Mr. Rubiales before the general assembly of the Spanish soccer federation is absolutely incompatible with representing Spanish sports and with the values of an advanced society like Spain's," Spain's Higher Council for Sports said.

Persons: Luis Rubiales, Jorge Vilda, Rubiales, Jenni Hermoso, Luis de la, Hermoso, Relevo.com, Alexia Putellas, Ballon, Yolanda Díaz, Díaz, Spain's, Beatriz Álvarez, Álvarez, Pedro Sánchez, Queen Letizia, Sofía, Iker Casillas, Borja Iglesias Organizations: Spanish Royal Football Federation, Spain women's, football team's, La, —, Spanish, Spain, England, men's, Luis de la Fuente, Associated Press, RTVE, UEFA, FIFA, Higher, of Sports, Court, Sports, Council, Rubiales, Real Betis, Spain's Locations: Spain, Madrid, BARCELONA, Spanish, Sydney, Australia, Barcelona, Portugal, Morocco, Ukraine, Spain's, Netherlands, Vilda

☆ Citi buys stake in Peruvian foreign exchange fintech
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-24 | by ( Tatiana Bautzer | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

NEW YORK, Aug 24 (Reuters) - Citigroup has acquired a stake in Peruvian foreign exchange startup Rextie, its first fintech investment in Latin America. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Citi and Rextie executives said the bank is injecting cash into the company to finance its growth. Rextie, founded in 2016, has closed so far $4.5 billion in forex transactions and expects to reach $7 billion by the end of next year. Rextie provides forex transactions through digital channels to 12,000 mid-sized and small companies in Peru and 170,000 individuals. Aldo Alvarez, Head of Institutional Strategic and Fintech Investments for LATAM at Citi, said the deal creates opportunities to offer the bank's products to Rextie clients.

Persons: Rextie, Aldo Alvarez, Mateu Batle, Tatiana Bautzer, Miral Organizations: Citigroup, Citi, Institutional, Fintech Investments, LATAM, Thomson Locations: Latin America, Peru

☆ WeWork tapping advisers for restructuring help - Bloomberg News
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

The WeWork logo is displayed on a screen during the company's IPO on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York City, U.S., October 21, 2021. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsAug 23 (Reuters) - WeWork (WE.N) is tapping advisers for restructuring advice as it struggles with a heavy debt load and poor financial performance, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday citing people familiar with the matter. Shares of the Softbank Group-backed (9984.T) WeWork fell about 15% to 0.12 cents in afternoon trade. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) suspended trading in WeWork's warrants on Tuesday due to "abnormally low" trading price levels and said will initiate proceedings to delist them. WeWork, Hilco Global, Alvarez & Marsal and Kirkland & Ellis did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment.

Persons: Brendan McDermid, WeWork, Hilco, Alvarez, Kirkland, Ellis, Kannaki, Krishna Chandra Organizations: New York Stock Exchange, REUTERS, Bloomberg, Softbank, Marsal, Hilco Global, Kirkland, Thomson, & & ' Locations: New York City, U.S, Bengaluru

Donald Trump may not be on the stage for tonight’s Republican primary debate, but at least eight other candidates will still have to contend with his presence — and his lead in the polls. The Opinion columnist Michelle Goldberg argues that tonight is an opportunity for Trump’s opponents to convince Republican voters that they can be as dominant as the former president, but without the legal baggage. The question remains, though: Will the Republican base buy it? (A full transcript of this audio essay will be available midday on the Times website.)

Persons: Donald Trump, —, Michelle Goldberg, Will Organizations: Republican, Times

☆ New U.S. Buyback Tax Hits Companies With $3.5 Billion Burden
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-22 | by ( Jennifer Williams-Alvarez | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com. https://www.wsj.com/articles/new-u-s-buyback-tax-hits-companies-with-3-5-billion-burden-452c1f93

Persons: Dow Jones

☆ Neptune’s disappearing clouds linked to solar cycle
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-22 | by ( Kristen Rogers | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

The findings are “extremely exciting and unexpected, especially since Neptune’s previous period of low cloud activity was not nearly as dramatic and prolonged,” Chavez added. The findings also contradict the idea of the clouds being affected by Neptune’s four seasons, which each last about 40 years. Additionally, Neptune storms rising from the deep atmosphere do influence the planet’s cloud cover — but aren’t related to clouds formed in the upper atmosphere. That variable could interfere with studies looking at correlations between photochemically produced clouds and the solar cycle. More research could also suggest how long the near absence of clouds on Neptune might last.

Persons: ”, Imke de Pater, Neptune brightened, Erandi Chavez, ” Chavez, Neptune, Patrick Irwin, wasn’t, Irwin, Carlos Alvarez, ” Irwin, “ Organizations: CNN —, University of California, NASA, Hubble, Keck, Lick, Center for Astrophysics, Harvard & Smithsonian, JPL, Caltech, University of Oxford, Keck Observatory Locations: Berkeley, Hawaii, California

☆ Inside the White House response to the Maui wildfires
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-19 | by ( Priscilla Alvarez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

After the fires began, White House chief of staff Jeff Zients immediately briefed the president on what became a rapidly evolving situation, according to White House officials. Within the administration, a White House official told CNN, there have been multiple staff calls each day focused on response and recovery. Criswell, who surveyed the damage last weekend, regularly briefed Biden and will be traveling with the president to Maui on Monday. FEMA has also provided more than $2.3 million in assistance, according to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. While focus remains on search and rescue and later, debris removal, Cabinet and senior administration officials also met at the White House with Homeland Security Adviser Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall this week to chart a path forward on other issues like housing and the making the state’s energy grid more resilient with the help of the Department of Energy, according to a senior White House official directly involved.

Persons: Joe Biden’s, Jeff Zients, ”, Biden, “, I’ve, ” Biden, Biden’s, Donald Trump, they’ve, Deanne Criswell, ” Criswell, Karine Jean, Pierre, Elizabeth Sherwood, Randall, “ We’re Organizations: CNN, Hawaii, Federal Emergency Management Agency, White, White House, FEMA, Fire Management, US Coast Guard, Navy, Fleet, US Army, US Department of Defense, Small, Administration, Homeland, Department of Energy Locations: Houston, Hawaii, Maui, Milwaukee, “

Mortgage rates and home prices have spiked over the past couple of years, making homebuying more expensive than ever. High mortgage rates coupled with high home prices have made buying a house significantly more expensive than it's been in previous years. 5 advantages of buying a house when mortgage rates are highThere's no perfect time to buy a house. But mortgage rates are expected to drop throughout the next couple of years. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association's latest forecast, mortgage rates could drop below 5% by the end of 2024.

Persons: Freddie Mac, they're, Sarah Alvarez, You'll, Melissa Cohn, they've, Cohn, Alvarez, it's Organizations: Service, Privacy, Finance, Gallup, Census Bureau, Department of Housing, Urban, William, Mortgage Locations: Wall, Silicon

☆ Astros flex power in victory vs. Marlins
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-17 | by ( Field Level Media | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/51] Aug 16, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker Jr. (12) speaks to members of the press prior to a game against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park. Miami scored twice in the bottom of the first thanks to a rally that started with singles by Luis Arraez and Josh Bell. With two outs, Burger stroked a two-run double that rolled to the wall in left center. Miami cut its deficit to 6-5 in the fifth when Burger singled and scored on Bryan De La Cruz's double. But Houston broke the game open with a six-run seventh inning that included a two-run double by Bregman and a two-run single by Tucker.

Persons: Dusty Baker Jr, Rich Storry, Alex Bregman, Kyle Tucker, Chas McCormick, Bregman, Tucker, Justin Verlander, Verlander, Jake Burger, Jesus Luzardo, Yordan Alvarez, McCormick, Jon Singleton, Mauricio Dubon's, Dubon, Luis Arraez, Josh Bell, Burger, Alvarez, Jon Berti's, Jeremy Pena's, Jesus Sanchez, Nick Fortes, Berti, Pena, Bryan De La, Houston Organizations: Houston Astros, Miami Marlins, Astros, Miami, Marlins, Thomson Locations: Miami , Florida, USA, loanDepot, Miami, Houston

☆ UEFA Super Cup: Manchester City wins title for first time in its history after penalty shootout victory over Sevilla
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-17 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Manchester City struggled but ultimately won the UEFA Super Cup for first time in its history on Wednesday night after a penalty shootout victory over Spanish club Sevilla. The win continues the club’s remarkable success over the past 18 months, having won the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League last season. Manchester City players celebrate on the podium after winning the UEFA Super League. However, City was made to work for the Super Cup victory, struggling to break down a stout Sevilla defense. The manager made it so clear to us before the game how much he wants this trophy,” City midfielder Grealish said.

Persons: –, Youssef En, Nesyri, Cole Palmer, Sevilla’s Nemanja Gudelj, I’ve, Pep Guardiola, Palmer, Claudio Villa, Erling Haaland, Julian Álvarez, Mateo Kovačić, Jack Grealish, Kyle Walker, Grealish, “, They’ve, We’ve, ” City’s Organizations: CNN, Manchester City, UEFA, Spanish, Sevilla, The Premier League, League, Europa League, City, Premier League, FA, Arsenal, FIFA Club, UEFA Super League, Aris Messinis, Getty, Croatia, ”, Premier Leagues, Newcastle United, La Liga, Alavés Locations: Athens, Greece, Saudi Arabia, AFP, City, Sevilla, Rodri, ” City

☆ If automakers like Ford and GM want to catch Tesla, they'll have to offer fewer options on your new car
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-16 | by ( Alexa St. John | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Tesla and automakers in China have found ease and success in having fewer options. Car buyers like having options — but as the Tesla and Chinese automakers continue to find success in electric vehicles, old-guard automakers would do well to force buyers to compromise. Elon Musk's automaker has pared down the build options it gives customers to fewer color options and interior choices, limited trims, and many features that simply come standard. The lack of build complexity has been an advantage for Tesla, startup EV makers, and Chinese competitors, experts say. "A number of the traditional players have initiatives underway to benchmark the build complexity of their start-up competitors."

Persons: Elon, Brian Irwin, Alvarez, Irwin, Ford, Jim Farley, Farley, Mary Barra, Barra Organizations: Morning, Tesla, Elon Musk's, GM, Ford, Benz, Subaru Locations: China, Detroit, Germany

☆ Jose Altuve (knee) exits, but Astros edge Marlins
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-16 | by ( Field Level Media | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/28] Aug 15, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Cristian Javier (53) delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports Acquire Licensing RightsAugust 16 - Kyle Tucker blasted a tiebreaking, 422-foot homer in the seventh inning, leading the Houston Astros to a 6-5 win over the host Miami Marlins on Tuesday night. Astros second baseman Jose Altuve was removed from the game in the first inning due to a contusion on his left knee, where he fouled off a pitch. Chas McCormick and Yainer Diaz also homered for Houston, which overcame a 3-0 deficit to end a two-game skid. Hunter Brown (9-8) pitched two scoreless innings out of the Astros' bullpen to earn the victory, snapping Miami's three-game win streak.

Persons: Cristian Javier, Sam Navarro, Kyle Tucker, Jose Altuve, Tucker, A.J, Chas McCormick, Yainer Diaz, Hunter Brown, Ryan Pressley, Jesus Sanchez's, Avisail Garcia, Joey Wendle, Jorge Soler, Jazz Chisholm, Bryan De La, Wendle, Yordan Alvarez, Diaz, Chisholm, Houston, Jake Meyers, Mauricio Dubon, Alex Bregman, De La Cruz, Dubon, Altuve, Josh Bell's grounder, McCormick, Johnny Cueto, Javier Organizations: Houston Astros, Miami Marlins, USA, Astros, Miami, Houston, Marlins, Thomson Locations: Miami , Florida, USA, loanDepot, Miami

☆ Three straight home runs power Marlins past Astros
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-15 | by ( Field Level Media | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/48] Aug 14, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) and shortstop Jeremy Pena (3) warm up prior to a game against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY SportsAugust 15 - Jorge Soler, Luis Arraez and Josh Bell hit home runs in consecutive eighth-inning at-bats as the host Miami Marlins defeated the Houston Astros 5-1 on Monday night. The Marlins hit three straight homers for just the second time in franchise history. Miami won its third straight game, its longest streak since July 3-5. Houston lost its second game in a row.

Persons: Jose Altuve, Jeremy Pena, Rich Storry, Jorge Soler, Luis Arraez, Josh Bell, Braxton Garrett, banged, Bell, Framber Valdez, Yordan Alvarez, Chas McCormick, Garrett, Jake Meyers, Martin Maldonado, Nick Fortes, Jon Berti, Berti, Maldonado, Pena, Skip Schumaker, Tanner Scott, Scott, Altuve, Alex Bregman Organizations: Houston Astros, Miami Marlins, Marlins, Miami, Houston, Astros, Thomson Locations: Miami , Florida, USA, loanDepot

☆ CFOs Are More Optimistic on Side-Stepping a Recession
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-11 | by ( Jennifer Williams-Alvarez | Mark Maurer | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

The Federal Reserve is central to the U.S. economy today, but its power has been built over decades. Its decisions can lower inflation or spark a recession. WSJ explains how the Fed was formed and the role it plays. Photo illustration: Annie ZhaoFinance chiefs at companies from Chipotle Mexican Grill to Yelp have grown more encouraged throughout the year that the U.S. economy will skirt a full-blown downturn. Still, they are mixed on whether it is time to unwind some of their belt-tightening or pursue new avenues of growth.

Persons: Annie Zhao Organizations: Federal Locations: U.S

☆ Haaland back in the groove with double as Man City win at Burnley
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Haaland, who bagged a Premier League season-record 36 goals and a total of 52 in all competitions for treble winners City last season, slotted his side in front after four minutes. POACHER'S GOALHaaland's opening goal was a typical poacher's effort, pouncing to jab a shot past goalkeeper James Trafford after Rodri headed a De Bruyne cross back into the area. Burnley recovered from that early setback quite well and almost punished City for some sloppiness when Lyle Foster curled a shot past the far post. The second half was a lessen in game management by City who were content to run the legs out of Burnley. Haaland was substituted late on while City also offered a late cameo to new defensive signing Josko Gvardiol.

Persons: Erling Haaland, Haaland, Kevin de Bruyne, Rodri, Vincent Kompany, Anass Zaroury, Kyle Walker, Craig Pawson, Guardiola, James Trafford, Lyle Foster, De Bruyne, Mateo Kovacic, Julian Alvarez teeing, Josko Gvardiol, City's Rico Lewis, Martyn Herman, Ken Ferris Organizations: City Rodri, Turf Moor City, Premier League, BURNLEY, Manchester City, Burnley, Turf, City, Champions League, Thomson Locations: England, Norwegian, Burnley, City's

☆ Nicaragua freezes bank accounts of top university led by Jesuits - source
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-10 | by ( Ismael Lopez | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Aug 9 (Reuters) - Nicaraguan authorities froze the bank accounts of the country's top private university, a source from the institution told Reuters, marking the latest move against a Catholic-led institution in an ongoing crackdown by the government. The Jesuit-run Central American University (UCA) is the alma mater of many youth leaders who protested the government of President Daniel Ortega in 2018, which were initially triggered by old-age pension cuts. Earlier on Wednesday, digital news outlet Divergentes reported that UCA officials sent an email to staff and students advising that they were not receiving any payments due to reasons beyond their control. In May, authorities also froze bank accounts belonging to Catholic parishes across the country as prosecutors launched what they called a money laundering investigation. The university had already been singled out for budget cuts and its leaders targeted, including UCA rector and Jesuit priest Jose Idiaquez who last year was barred from returning to Nicaragua after traveling to Mexico.

Persons: Daniel Ortega, Bishop Rolando Alvarez, Ortega, Jose Idiaquez, Ismael Lopez, Sarah Morland, David Alire Garcia, Michael Perry Organizations: Nicaraguan, Reuters, Catholic, Central American University, UCA, Sandinista, Thomson Locations: Nicaragua, Mexico

☆ Cocaine cartels encroach on Unification Church’s Paraguayan paradise
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-10 | by ( Puerto Casado | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +20 min

Many of the runways are on land owned by the Unification Church of South Korea, founded by Rev. The Unification Church is a major power in this unruly region. Byun, the Unification Church lawyer, provided Reuters with an April 2022 document the church sent to Paraguayan anti-narcotics prosecutors, urging an investigation into potential illicit activity. Trouble in paradiseThe alleged drug-running on its land isn’t the only trouble the Unification Church has faced in the Chaco. Byun, the church lawyer, acknowledged the tensions with locals in Puerto Casado but declined to comment on the Myungs or the fire.

Persons: Sun Myung, Michelle Byun, ” Byun, “, Moon, God, ”, Miguel Ángel Servín, Servín, Rodrigo Alvarez, Elva Cáceres, Marco Alcaraz, Cynthia Tarrago, Tarrago, Raimundo Va, Rodrigo Alvarenga Paredes, Byun, Alvarenga, “ Alvarenga, Rodrigo Álvarez, Álvarez, Pedro Juan Caballero, ‘ Lawless, –, Marcelo Pecci, José Carlos Acevedo, ” Acevedo, Pecci, Acevedo, Mario Abdo Benítez, James Laverty, Hak Ja, ” –, Carlos Casado, Anger, Locals, Lorenzo Myung, Martin Rodriguez, Rodriguez, Dora Irrazábal, Irrazábal, Alberto David Gauto, Gauto, Emilio Camacho, Moon’s, Hyun Jin, Preston, Hak, Hyung Jin, Sean, Massimo Introvigne, Sean Moon, Preston Moon, Puerto Casado, Virgilio Chamorro, Gabriel Stargardter, Daniela Desantis, Feilding, Tomas Bravo, John Emerson, Brian Thevenot Organizations: Unification Church of, Rev, Authorities, Reuters, Unification Church, Holy Spirit Association, South Korea’s Unification, Belgian, Sting, South, International Association of Parliamentarians, Peace, U.S . Federal Bureau of Investigation, Colorado Party, Yorker, U.S, Attorney, FBI, Capital Command, PCC, United Nations Office, Drugs, U.S . Drug, Carlos Casado SA, Salesian, Supreme, FARC, Peace Foundation, Center for Studies, New, Iron Ministries, Preston, Tomas Bravo Graphics Locations: Paraguayan, Unification Church of South Korea, SENAD Paraguay, Chaco, Paraguay, Korea, Bolivian, Peruvian, Atlantic, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Europe, Argentine, Manhattan, “, Antwerp, Europe’s, Servín, Asunción, Seoul, New York City, United States, New Jersey, Tarrago, Va, U.S, Byun, Alvarenga, Chile, Ecuador, Colombian, Bolivia, American, South America, America, Puerto Casado, Gauto, Preston, Turin, Italy, Pennsylvania, Puerto

☆ MLB roundup: Blue Jays crush Red Sox for series sweep
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +11 min

Blue Jays starter Chris Bassitt (11-6) surrendered one run on seven hits in seven innings to earn the win. Chris Murphy (1-1) took the loss after allowing six runs on seven hits in 2 1/3 innings of relief. The Angels' Chase Silseth threw seven innings and gave up two runs on four hits, fanning a career-high 12 batters. That trio -- the top three batters in the Rays' order -- combined for seven hits, seven runs and five RBIs. Walker (13-4) threw 95 pitches over seven innings, giving up four runs on seven hits and a walk.

Persons: Alex Verdugo, Brandon Belt, Eric Canha, Davis Schneider, George Springer, Matt Chapman, Kevin Kiermaier, Triston Casas, Chris Bassitt, Chris Murphy, Andrew Heaney, Heaney, Nathaniel Lowe, Marcus Semien, Ezequiel Duran, Adolis Garcia, Sandy Alcantara, Yuli Gurriel, Elvis Andrus, Emmanuel Clase, Eloy Jimenez, Andrew Vaughn, Brayan Rocchio, Andrus, Jake Meyers, Meyers, Carlos Rodon, Wandy Peralta, Yordan Alvarez, Gleyber Torres, Matt Wallner, Wallner, Paul Sewald, Jorge Polanco, Max Kepler, Lourdes Gurriel Jr, Corbin Carroll, Kyle Bradish, Cionel Perez, Jose Quintana, Quintana, Mark Vientos, Felix Bautista, Daniel Vogelbach, Lane Thomas, CJ Abrams, Thomas, Lyon, Abrams, Joey Votto, TJ Friedl, Stuart Fairchild, Richardson, Ben Lively, Eugenio Suarez, J.P . Crawford, Teoscar Hernandez, Matt Thaiss, Chase Silseth, Bryce Miller, Miller, Yandy Diaz, Wander Franco, Brandon Lowe, Josh Lowe, Kerry Carpenter, Taijuan Walker, Walker, Justin Steele, Bryson Stott, Kyle Schwarber, Nick Castellanos, MJ Melendez, Zack Greinke, Johan Oviedo, Connor Joe, Endy Rodriguez, Bryan Reynolds, William Contreras, Brandon Woodruff, Justin Steele whiffed, Ian Happ, Jeimer Candelario, Cody Bellinger, Steele, Ozzie Albies, Ronald Acuna Jr, Matt Olson, Olson, Austin Gomber, Louis, Gomber, Tyler Kinley, Brent Suter, Justin Lawrence, Lawrence, Zack Thompson, Miles Mikolas, Thompson, Nick Allen, Shea Langeliers, Allen, Kirby Snead, LaMonte Wade Jr, Patrick Bailey, Luke Jackson, Amed Rosario, Freddie Freeman, Lance Lynn, Gary Sanchez, Mookie Betts, Enrique Hernandez, Rich Hill, Ji Man Choi, Jake Cronenworth Organizations: Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Fenway, Blue Jays, Boston, Rangers, Marlins, White Sox, Chicago, Cleveland, Astros, Yankees, Houston, Diamondbacks, The Twins, Orioles, Mets, Baltimore, The Orioles, Reds, Washington, Cincinnati, Lyon Richardson's, Mariners, Seattle, Angels, Tigers, Tampa Bay, Rays, Phillies, Royals, Philadelphia, Kansas City, Chicago Cubs, Royals . Kansas City, Pirates, Brewers, Milwaukee, Cubs, Braves, Atlanta, The Cubs, MLB, Cardinals, Colorado, Rockies, Athletics, Giants, Oakland, San, Dodgers, Padres, Los Angeles, Dodger, Thomson Locations: Boston , Massachusetts, USA, Brandon, Texas, Miami, Arlington , Texas, Cleveland, New York, Minnesota, Arizona, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Anaheim , Calif, J.P, Toronto, Detroit, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Oviedo, Milwaukee, San Francisco, San Diego

☆ Jake Meyers hits 2 HRs, carries Astros past Yankees
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-06 | by ( Field Level Media | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/49] Aug 6, 2023; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Carlos Rodon (55) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Yankee Stadium. Meyers became the first Astros player to drive in six runs against the Yankees with his career-best total and joined Chas McCormick as the second Houston player to record six RBIs this season. Martin Maldonado followed Meyers' second homer with a long drive into the second deck in left. It was the ninth time Houston hit back-to-back homers this year. Rodon allowed five runs on three hits in 2 2/3 innings.

Persons: Carlos Rodon, Vincent Carchietta, Jake Meyers, Meyers, Chas McCormick, McCormick, Wandy Peralta, Martin Maldonado, Yordan Alvarez, Rodon, Alvarez, Gleyber Torres, Harrison Bader, Anthony Volpe, Jake Bauers, Aaron Judge, Bader, Bryan Abreu, Volpe flied, Abreu, Giancarlo Stanton, Houston's Jose Urquidy, Phil Maton Organizations: New York Yankees, Houston Astros, Yankee, Astros, Yankees, Houston, Texas Rangers, American League, New, McCormick, Thomson Locations: Bronx , New York, USA, New York, J.P, France

☆ MLB roundup: Braves' Max Fried returns, tames Cubs
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +11 min

[1/5] Aug 4, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Max Fried (54) throws the ball against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Fried (3-1) allowed three hits, struck out eight and didn't walk a batter. Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks (4-6) allowed seven runs, all in the fourth inning, and eight hits over four innings. A two-run home run by Jarren Duran and a solo home run from Yu Chang accounted for Boston's scoring. Toronto starter Alek Manoah (3-8) gave up both homers and pitched 6 2/3 innings, giving up three runs on six hits.

Persons: Max Fried, David Banks, Sean Murphy, Marcell Ozuna, Austin Riley, Ronald Acuna Jr, Kyle Hendricks, Cody Bellinger, Fried, Bellinger, Chris Taylor, Yu Darvish, Robert Suarez, Tom Cosgrove, Eugenio Suarez, Ty France, Dylan Moore, Julio Rodriguez, Cal Raleigh, Luis Rengifo, Mike Moustakas, Mickey Moniak, Davis Schneider, Schneider, Whit Merrifield, Vladimir Guerrero Jr, James Paxton, Daulton Varsho, Matt Chapman, Jarren Duran, Yu Chang, Duran, Alek, Jordan Hicks, Jose Siri, Harold Ramirez, Isaac Paredes, Zack Littell, Reese Olson, James McCann, Jordan Westberg, Westberg's, homestand, McCann, Mike Baumann, Francisco Lindor, Rafael Ortega, Yainer Diaz, Luis Severino, Yordan Alvarez, Hunter Brown, Brown, Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman, Severino, Jake Bauers, Isiah Kiner, Giancarlo Stanton, Michael A, Taylor, Jorge Polanco, Max Kepler, Christian Vazquez, Caleb Thielbar, Jhoan Duran, Lourdes Gurriel Jr, Jake McCarthy, Scott McGough, Lane Thomas, Thomas, Alexis Diaz, Diaz, Jake Alu, Andres Machado, Kyle Finnegan, Matt McLain, Nick Senzel, Elly De La Cruz, Graham Ashcraft, Dairon Blanco, Blanco, Bobby Witt Jr, Philadelphia's Nick Castellanos, Johan Rojas, Trea Turner, Aaron Nola, Adolis Garcia, Corey Seager, Leody Taveres, Jordan Montgomery, Montgomery, Jon Berti, Josh Bell, Jesus Luzardo, Andres Gimenez, Gimenez, Oscar Gonzalez, Logan Allen, Alfonso Rivas, Rivas, Rich Hill, Ji Man Choi, Henry Davis, Colin Rea, Nolan Jones, Louis, Elias Diaz, Chris Flexen, Jake Bird, Matt Koch, Tyler Kinley, Adam Wainwright, Nolan Gorman, Nolan Arenado Organizations: Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs, Wrigley, USA, Braves, Cubs, Chicago, Dodgers, Padres, San Diego, Mariners, Angels, Seattle, Los Angeles, Cal, Jays, Red Sox, Toronto, Boston, Triple, Tigers, Detroit, Rays, Orioles, Mets, The Orioles, American League East, New York, Astros, Yankees, Houston, Diamondbacks, Minnesota, Nationals, Reds, Royals, Phillies, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Rangers, Marlins, Miami, Louis Cardinals, White Sox, Cleveland, Guardians, Pirates, Brewers, Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, San Diego Padres, Pirates . Pittsburgh, Cardinals, Colorado thumped, Rockies, Colorado, Thomson Locations: Chicago , Illinois, USA, Los Angeles, San, Anaheim , Calif, Baltimore, New York, New, Minnesota, Arizona, Minneapolis, Washington, Cincinnati, Texas, Arlington , Texas, Chicago

☆ The Recovery Left Nevada Behind. Can the State Change Its Luck?
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-04 | by ( Kurtis Lee | More About Kurtis Lee | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

Pedro Alvarez never imagined his high school job delivering filet mignon and sautéed lobster tail to rooms at the Tropicana Las Vegas would turn into a longtime career. “Movie stars and thousands of dollars in tips,” Mr. Alvarez, 53, said. “If it was up to me, I was never going to leave.”Yet when the Strip shut down for more than two months early in the coronavirus pandemic, Mr. Alvarez became one of tens of thousands of hospitality workers in Nevada to lose their jobs. After the hotel reopened, managers told him that they were discontinuing room service, at least for a while. Since then, he has bounced between jobs, working in concessions and banquets.

Persons: Pedro Alvarez, filet mignon, Mr, Alvarez Organizations: Tropicana Locations: Vegas, Nevada

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