News Archive - 29 January 2014

>LONDON Jan 30 (Reuters) - It seems counterintuitive but cash-hoarding criminals can be depended upon to uphold the international monetary order, or so a new book maintains. The vast quantity of $100 bills in hard currency held by drug dealers outside the United States is a key to America's global...

>By Patricia ZengerleWASHINGTON Jan 28 (Reuters) - President Barack Obama took his hard line against new sanctions over Iran's nuclear program directly to U.S. lawmakers on Tuesday by pledging in his annual State of the Union address to veto any legislation that threatens talks with Tehran.Obama said an...

>By Clyde RussellLAUNCESTON, Australia, Jan 30 (Reuters) - While it's probably going too far to say the China HSBC Purchasing Managers' Index can be discounted, there are good reasons to be cautious about the weak January reading.The final HSBC PMI dropped to 49.5 from December's 50.5, falling...

>Jan 29 (Reuters) - A group of shareholders suing Weatherford International Ltd for alleged securities law violations have notified a United States federal court that they have agreed on preliminary settlement terms with the oil services firm. Weatherford has agreed to pay $52.5 million to the American Federation of...

>INTERNATIONAL/REGIONAL* GLOBAL MARKETS-Asia shares in retreat from risk, yen gains* U.S. crude oil edges lower, heating demand supports; Brent firm* Gold holds gains as U.S. stimulus cut sends equities lower* MIDEAST STOCKS-Saudi shares rise; most Gulf mkts up on global cues* Syria has shipped out less than 5...

>* Politically connected Zanjani made enemies among moderates* Arrested while government investigates "violations" in oil deals* Analysts say his arrest is partly payback by moderatesBy Babak DehghanpishehBEIRUT, Jan 30 (Reuters) - While international sanctions have made life a struggle for many Iranians, they were a big break for businessman Babak...

After you set your trash bin on the curb, where does it all go? Tonight on TPL, cohost Jacob Soboroff premieres our latest "TPL Disrupt" doc on our daily waste, and where it all goes.

SINGAPORE, Jan 30 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures held above $97 a barrel in early Asian trade on Thursday, drawing support from a steep fall in distillate stocks in the world's top oil consumer as bitter cold boosts demand for heating oil. U.S. crude had gained 19 cents...

Joseph Pichhadze thought his life was over, but he wrote his grief into ‘Sweets,’ which opens this week.

Iran has dismissed media reports that it has held a round of clandestine talks with rival Syrian sides in Switzerland.

Raleigh and Washington Politics from a Tar Heel Perspective. Email tips and comments to dthviewfromthehill@gmail.com.

Becoming an astronaut is no longer something only scientists can do./9jalife.com HAVE you seen "Gravity"? The Hollywood movie that depicts the survival story of an astronaut (played by Sandra Bullock) whose adventure in space went terribly wrong.

President Obama has a knack for forcing people to choose between his policies and their convictions. It’s not just the contraceptive mandate he’s forcing on religious institutions. It’s also the...

Dynamo Kyiv forward Brown Ideye has described as rumours reports linking him with a return to France in the January transfer window, saying he is prepared to help the club. The Nigeria international, who featured in 52 games for Sochaux in the Ligue 1 in the 2010-2011 season before moving...

Tel Aviv. For Secretary of State John Kerry, diplomacy has centered on what might be called the art of the interim deal.

>* President aims to strengthen America's middle class* In response, Republicans criticize Obama's approachBy Steve HollandWASHINGTON, Jan 28 (Reuters) - President Barack Obama vowed on Tuesday to bypass a divided Congress and take action on his own to bolster America's middle class in a State of the Union address that...

>JOBS AND THE ECONOMYTo help Americans prepare for retirement, Obama will use executive authority to create a "starter" retirement savings account available through employers for workers who can afford to save only small amounts at a time. He also wants to drop retirement tax breaks that apply to wealthy Americans...

>In a statement, the Swiss Federal Council (cabinet) said it was following the lead of the European Union, which agreed on Jan. 20 to suspend some sanctions. The United States eased some sanctions last week, pausing efforts to reduce Iranian crude exports.The Swiss lifted a ban on precious metal...

>BOULOGNE-BILLANCOURT, France Jan 29 (Reuters) - Renault has resumed shipments to Iran and expects its car production in the country to pick up progressively throughout the first half of 2014, the French automaker said. A temporary easing of sanctions has begun to allow a "very low" volume of parts shipments...

>* Turkey capitalises on opening from moderate Iran president* Tensions over support for opposing sides in Syrian war* But common interest in countering al Qaeda in SyriaBy Parisa HafeziANKARA, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan has arrived in Iran to bolster trade and energy relations, state TV...