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Early budgets being considered for The Oakland Press 7/26
The following is the morning digests from the Associated Press.
The Oakland Press will consider these stories for the Tuesday 7/26 print edition and will post some of them on our website TheOaklandPress.com during the day.
Feel free to share you thoughts on what is important and what is not.
Nation/world at 11:40
NEW AND DEVELOPING
— OBAMA — President addresses National Council of La Raza at 12:50 p.m.
— DEBT SHOWDOWN — House GOP meeting planned for 2 p.m.
— NFL LABOR — Developments are expected throughout the day.
— SYRIA — Syrian government endorses draft bill to allow formation of political parties.
— AUTOS-CONTRACT TALKS — Autoworkers will press Detroit for bigger cut of profits in first contract talks since bailout.
— FILM-CHILEAN MINERS — Story of trapped Chilean miners coming to big screen; film set to begin production next year.
TOP STORIES
NORWAY-EXPLOSION
OSLO, Norway — Police announce that they dramatically overcounted the number of people slain in a shooting spree at a political youth group’s island retreat and were lowering the confirmed death toll from 86 to 68. Anders Behring Breivik, who has confessed to both assaults but denied crminial responsibility for them, pleads not guilty at his first hearing, telling the court he wanted to save Europe from Muslim immigration.
DEBT SHOWDOWN
WASHINGTON — Democratic and Republican congressional leaders shop competing debt-crisis solutions and President Barack Obama cancels fundraising appearances as a politically gridlocked capital lurches into a climactic last full week before the Aug. 2 default deadline.
AP photos, videos, audio. An interactive examining the U.S. debt is available.
STRAUSS-KAHN-ASSAULT-ACCUSER
NEW YORK — The maid accusing Dominique Strauss-Kahn of assaulting her in a Manhattan hotel room says she told her side of the story to Newsweek and ABC News because she had no choice; she wants Strauss-Kahn to pay for his actions. But as prosecutors are trying to decide whether to go forward with their case against the former International Monetary Fund Chief, it is unclear whether Nafissatou Diallo’ gamble will pay off. It is highly unusual and risky for an alleged victim to go public at this sensitive stage of the game, legal experts say.
AP photos, videos.
AFGHANISTAN
KABUL, Afghanistan — The new U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan says the United States is not rushing to leave the country and cautions that what happens in the months ahead will have far-reaching effects across the globe. AP photos.
WU-SEX SCANDAL
WASHINGTON — Oregon Democratic Rep. David Wu faces increased pressure after House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi calls for an ethics investigation over an 18-year-old woman’s claim of an “unwanted sexual encounter” with him. AP photos.
GENERICS BONANZA
The cost of prescription medicines used by millions of people every day is about to plummet. The next 14 months will bring generic versions of seven of the world’s 20 best-selling drugs, including the top two: cholesterol fighter Lipitor and blood thinner Plavix.The magnitude of this wave of expiring drug patents is unprecedented. By Business Writer Linda A. Johnson.
AP photos, graphic, video.
EAST AFRICA-FAMINE — Efforts to save starving Somalis and others suffering from drought in East Africa are ratcheted up, with U.N. agencies pitching for $1.6 billion from donor countries and private companies being urged to provide trucks, ships and other logistical aid to speed food to the malnourished. AP photos.
VATICAN-IRELAND — The Vatican recalls its ambassador to Ireland following accusations that the Vatican sabotaged efforts by Catholic bishops to report clerical sex abuse cases to police.
POLYGAMIST LEADER-TRIAL — His followers call him a prophet who is God’s spokesman on Earth. Prosecutors say he’s a bigamist who sexually assaulted two underage girls he duped into “spiritual marriages.” But whether he’s a holy man, a criminal or some charismatic if kooky alternative, it’s hard to find many people who don’t have an opinion on Warren Jeffs in this remote, cotton-growing corner of West Texas oil and gas country. AP photos planned.
PAKISTAN LOBBYING — Pakistan’s spy agency, Inter-Services Intelligence, directed a clandestine, multi-million dollar effort through a Washington nonprofit group to influence the U.S. position on Kashmir. Documents filed in federal court describe donations to political campaigns and meetings with White House and State Department officials. But there’s little to show for Pakistan’s hefty investment of money and time. photos.
BRITAIN-AMY WINEHOUSE
LONDON — Amy Winehouse’s devastated parents formally identify her body and visit mourners outside her north London home to thank them for their support, as examiners conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of the troubled singer’s death at the age of 27. AP photos.
ALSO GETTING ATTENTION
— CHINA-TRAIN CRASH — Doubts about China’s breakneck plans to expand high-speed rail across the country have been underscored by a bullet train wreck that killed at least 38 people. AP photos, videos.
— GAY MARRIAGE-NY — Forty-six gay couples have exchanged vows against the backdrop of Niagara Falls a day after New York became the sixth and largest state to recognize same-sex marriage.AP photos, interactive.
— MALTA-DIVORCE — Maltese lawmakers approve law allowing divorce on heavily Catholic island nation.
— TOUR DE FRANCE — Australia’s Cadel Evans claims historic Tour de France win; Schleck brothers take second and third. AP photos.
— ALASKA BEAR MAULINGS — A grizzly bear with cubs attacks a teenagers practicing survival skills in the Alaskan wilderness, badly mauling two in the group, authorities say.
— AIR TRAVEL-TAXES — Most US airlines are taking savings from expired taxes, leaving customers with no tax holiday. AP photo.
— BIG BANG MACHINE — Atom smasher closing in on energy level where elusive ‘Big Bang’ particle might exist.
— OBIT-CACOYANNIS — ‘Zorba the Greek’ director Michael Cacoyannis dies at 89.
— BOX OFFICE — ‘Captain America’ knocks ‘Harry Potter’ from top of box office, opening with nearly $66 million weekend.
— COMIC-CON — Storm troopers cavorted with zombies, Steven Spielberg chatted with Peter Jackson, and the stars of “Cowboys & Aliens” swooped into San Diego, making for an action-packed Comic-Con. The 42nd annual fan festival closed Sunday after four days of pop-culture indulgence. AP photos, video.
Business
TOP STORIES:
AUTOS-CONTRACT TALKS
DETROIT — To help American carmakers stay in business, autoworkers grudgingly gave up pay raises and benefits four years ago. Now that GM, Ford and Chrysler are making money again, workers want compensation for their sacrifice. Just how much they get is the central question hanging over contract talks that start this week between Detroit and one of the nation’s largest and most powerful unions. The talks will determine wages and benefits for 111,000 members of the United Auto Workers. But there’s more at stake than just pay. After the industry’s brush with financial ruin in 2008 and 2009, both sides know how quickly Detroit’s sales and profitability could vanish. By Dee-Ann Durbin and Tom Krisher.
With:
AUTOS-CONTRACT TALKS-GLANCE. AP Photos.
WALL STREET
NEW YORK — Stocks are falling after congressional leaders failed to agree on a deal to raise the nation’s debt limit to avoid default. Lawmakers hoped to reach a compromise Sunday, but those talks stalled. By AP Business Writer Chip Cutter.
— DEBT SHOWDOWN — Bickering in public yet bargaining in private, congressional leaders are struggling for a compromise debt limit deal that avoids a market-rattling default while cutting trillions in spending. By AP Writer Alan Fram.
— US-CLINTON — Clinton assures China on U.S. debt crisis, presses for help with North Korea talks.
RESEARCH IN MOTION-JOB CUTS
NEW YORK — BlackBerry maker Research In Motion Ltd. is cutting 2,000 jobs as part of a cost savings plan announced last month and is shuffling some senior executives. The job cuts amount to about 10 percent of the company’s work force.
AVIATION SHUTDOWN
WASHINGTON — Obama administration officials say contractors have been told to stop work on airport modernization projects across the country because Congress has failed to pass legislation necessary for the work to continue. By Joan Lowy.
MARKETS & ECONOMY:
— OIL PRICES —Oil prices are falling to near $99 a barrel amid investor concern that the lack of an agreement among U.S. lawmakers to raise the country’s debt limit could trigger a default and damage the global economy.
EARNINGS:
EARNS-KIMBERLY-CLARK
DALLAS —Consumer products maker Kimberly-Clark says its second-quarter profit fell 18 percent, dragged down by higher commodity costs and an increased tax rate.
EARNS-LORILLARD
RICHMOND, Va. — Cigarette maker Lorillard’s profit increased more than 10 percent in the second quarter as it sold more Newport and Maverick cigarettes at higher prices. By AP Tobacco Writer Michael Felberbaum.
INDUSTRY:
NFL-LABOR
WASHINGTON — NFL owners and players agree to the terms of a deal to end the lockout, and players were expected to begin the voting process later in the day, two people familiar with the negotiations tell The Associated Press.
CHINA-GENERAL ELECTRIC
BEIJING — GE Healthcare, a maker of diagnostic imaging equipment, says it is moving its X-ray global headquarters from the United States to Beijing as it seeks to tap China and other emerging markets.
SAUDI-DOW CHEMICAL
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Dow Chemical and the Saudi Arabian Oil Company have agreed to set up a joint venture to build a massive $20 billion chemical complex in the desert kingdom.
— NETHERLANDS-ING — ING Groep NV says it has agreed to sell most of its Latin American businesses to Gruposura for around $3.8 billion.
— JAPAN-AUTO PRODUCTION — Japan’s automakers reported mixed vehicle production figures as the industry works toward recovery from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. Some, like Nissan, are doing considerably better than others.
TECHNOLOGY AND MEDIA:
MURDOCH-US INVESTIGATION
WASHINGTON — The FBI is just cranking up a preliminary review of whether alleged phone hacking and bribery by Rupert Murdoch’s media empire violated U.S. laws, but any resolution may well have to await the outcome of British investigations. By AP Writer Pete Yost.
EARNS-NETFLIX
Netflix Inc. reports quarterly financial results after the market close. By Mike Liedtke.
— INDONESIA-HOLLYWOOD — An official says Hollywood studios have agreed to screen several summer blockbusters including the final “Harry Potter” movie in Indonesian theaters. The decision could signal a softening of major studios’ boycott of the country.
INTERNATIONAL:
GREECE-FINANCIAL CRISIS
ATHENS, Greece — Moody’s downgraded Greece’s bond ratings by a further three notches and warned that it is almost inevitable the country will be considered to be in default following last week’s new bailout package.
CHINA-TRAIN CRASH
BEIJING — Doubts about China’s breakneck plans to expand high-speed rail across the country have been underscored by a bullet train wreck that killed at least 38 people.
JAPAN-EARTHQUAKE
TOKYO — Japanese lawmakers have approved nearly $25.5 billion in extra funds to pay for reconstruction from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami and the nuclear crisis that followed.
— CHINA-APPLE — Chinese officials have found five fake Apple stores in the southwestern city of Kunming, and ordered two of them to suspend business while they’re investigated, a local government website said.
— IRAN-GAS — Iran on signed a preliminary $10 billion deal with Syria and Iraq to export its natural gas, its latest effort to boost its energy sector that has been targeted by international sanctions.
— HONG KONG-CHINA-NUCLEAR PLANT — Hong Kong utility CLP Holdings Ltd. said it has bought a 17 percent stake in a nuclear power plant in southern China for $11 billion.
Nation/world
DEVELOPING
— NORWAY-EXPLOSION — Arraignment for Anders Behring Breivik is set for about 7 a.m.
— STRAUSS-KAHN-ASSAULT-ACCUSER — Updates expected between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m.
— POLYGAMIST LEADER-TRIAL — Jury selection begins at 10 a.m.
— OBAMA — President addresses National Council of La Raza at 12:50 p.m.
— DEBT SHOWDOWN — House GOP meeting planned for 2 p.m.
— NFL LABOR — The NFL players’ executive committee meets Monday in Washington after lawyers work through the weekend on issues holding up an agreement with the owners; time uncertain.
TOP STORIES
DEBT SHOWDOWN
WASHINGTON — Bickering in public yet bargaining in private, congressional leaders are struggling for a compromise debt limit deal that avoids a market-rattling default while cutting trillions in spending. House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, planned to meet with his chamber’s Republicans on Monday, and there were widespread expectations that Boehner would unveil debt ceiling legislation by that session, if not earlier. By Alan Fram.
AP photos, videos, audio. An interactive examining the U.S. debt is available.
— US-CLINTON — Clinton assures China on U.S. debt crisis, presses for help with North Korea talks. AP photos.
— WORLD MARKETS — Asian stock markets fall after U.S. political leaders fail to reach a deal to raise Washington’s debt limit that is crucial to avoiding an impending default. AP photo.
NORWAY-EXPLOSION
OSLO, Norway — Anders Behring Breivik, the self-confessed murderer behind the bombing and shooting spree that killed 93 people, is to be arraigned for the first time. A spokesman for the Oslo district court says that a judge decided to hold the arraignment for the suspect in the twin attacks in Norway behind closed doors. By Ian Macdougall and Louise Nordstrom.
AP photos, graphic, video.
STRAUSS-KAHN-ASSAULT-ACCUSER
NEW YORK — The maid accusing Dominique Strauss-Kahn of assaulting her in a Manhattan hotel room says she told her side of the story to Newsweek and ABC News because she had no choice; she wants Strauss-Kahn to pay for his actions. But as prosecutors are trying to decide whether to go forward with their case against the former International Monetary Fund Chief, it is unclear whether Nafissatou Diallo’ gamble will pay off. It is highly unusual and risky for an alleged victim to go public at this sensitive stage of the game, legal experts say. By Jennifer Peltz.
AP photos, videos.
AFGHANISTAN
KABUL, Afghanistan — The new U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan says the United States is not rushing to leave the country and cautions that what happens in the months ahead will have far-reaching effects across the globe. By Deb Riechmann.
AP photos.
WU-SEX SCANDAL
PORTLAND, Ore. — House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi calls for an ethics panel investigation of Rep. David Wu following a published allegation that a young woman reported he’d engaged in “aggressive and unwanted sexual behavior.” By Tim Fought
AP photos.
GENERICS BONANZA
The cost of prescription medicines used by millions of people every day is about to plummet. The next 15 months will bring generic versions of seven of the world’s 20 best-selling drugs, including the top two: cholesterol fighter Lipitor and blood thinner Plavix. The flood of generics will continue for the next decade or so, bringing cheaper medicines for ailments from diabetes to asthma and seasonal allergies. Generic competition will lop tens of billions of dollars from drugmakers’ revenue and slash the costs patients, employers and taxpayers pay for medicines. By Business Writer Linda A. Johnson.
AP photos, graphic, video.
INTERNATIONAL
EAST AFRICA-FAMINE
ROME — The World Bank promises to provide more than $500 million to help drought victims in East Africa as a U.N. agency hosts an emergency meeting aimed at fighting famine in Somalia and nearby countries. By Frances D’emilio.
AP photos.
EGYPT
CAIRO — An Egyptian court decides to combine the trials of the country’s former interior minister and ousted President Hosni Mubarak for the killing of nearly 900 protesters during the 18-day uprising that toppled the longtime leader in February. By Hamza Hendawi.
AP photos.
VATICAN-IRELAND
VATICAN CITY — The Vatican recalls its ambassador to Ireland following accusations that the Vatican sabotaged efforts by Catholic bishops to report clerical sex abuse cases to police. By Victor Simpson.
CHINA-TRAIN CRASH
BEIJING — Doubts about China’s breakneck plans to expand high-speed rail across the country have been underscored by a bullet train wreck that killed at least 38 people. By Louise Watt.
AP photos, videos.
— JAPAN-EARTHQUAKE — IAEA chief visits crippled Japan nuclear plant, welcomes progress in effort to contain damage.
— SYRIA — Syrian government endorses draft bill to allow formation of political parties. AP photo.
NATIONAL
GAY MARRIAGE-NY
NEW YORK — From Niagara Falls to Long Island, hundreds of gay couples were married Sunday in joyous, long-awaited ceremonies as New York became the sixth and largest state to recognize same-sex marriage. In several cities around the state, however, thousands of protesters rallied, a signal that the long fight for recognition may not be over just yet.
AP photos.
An interactive about gay marriage, with a timeline, photos and a roundup of gay marriage laws across the U.S., is available.
SEATTLE SUBURBS-SHOOTINGS
SEATTLE — Two mass shootings in a span of just a few hours in suburban Seattle leave at least 20 people with gunshot wounds. “What’s unusual is that so many got shot and nobody got killed,” says anti-gun violence activist Ralph Fascitelli. By Phuong Le
AP photos.
POLYGAMIST LEADER-TRIAL
SAN ANGELO, Texas — His followers call him a prophet who is God’s spokesman on Earth. Prosecutors say he’s a bigamist who sexually assaulted two underage girls he duped into “spiritual marriages.” But whether he’s a holy man, a criminal or some charismatic if kooky alternative, it’s hard to find many people who don’t have an opinion on Warren Jeffs in this remote, cotton-growing corner of West Texas oil and gas country. By Will Weissert.
AP photos planned.
WASHINGTON
PAKISTAN LOBBYING
WASHINGTON — Pakistan’s spy agency, Inter-Services Intelligence, directed a clandestine, multi-million dollar effort through a Washington nonprofit group to influence the U.S. position on Kashmir. Documents filed in federal court describe donations to political campaigns and meetings with White House and State Department officials. But there’s little to show for Pakistan’s hefty investment of money and time. An Influence Game story by Richard Lardner.
AP photos.
ENTERTAINMENT
BRITAIN-AMY WINEHOUSE
LONDON — Amy Winehouse’s father greets mourners laying flowers outside her north London home on Monday, only hours before police promise to release a post mortem on her death.
AP photos.
COMIC-CON
SAN DIEGO — Storm troopers cavorted with zombies, Steven Spielberg chatted with Peter Jackson, and the stars of “Cowboys & Aliens” swooped into San Diego, making for an action-packed Comic-Con. The 42nd annual fan festival closed Sunday after four days of pop-culture indulgence. By Entertainment Writer Sandy Cohen.
AP photos, video.
ALSO GETTING ATTENTION
— TOUR DE FRANCE — Australia’s Cadel Evans claims historic Tour de France win; Schleck brothers take second and third. AP photos.
— ALASKA BEAR MAULINGS — A grizzly bear with cubs attacks a teenagers practicing survival skills in the Alaskan wilderness, badly mauling two in the group, authorities say.
— AIR TRAVEL-TAXES — Most US airlines are taking savings from expired taxes, leaving customers with no tax holiday. AP photo.
— OBIT-CACOYANNIS — ‘Zorba the Greek’ director Michael Cacoyannis dies at 89.
— BOX OFFICE — ‘Captain America’ knocks ‘Harry Potter’ from top of box office, opening with nearly $66 million weekend.
The Oakland Press will consider these stories for the Tuesday 7/26 print edition and will post some of them on our website TheOaklandPress.com during the day.
Feel free to share you thoughts on what is important and what is not.
Nation/world at 11:40
NEW AND DEVELOPING
— OBAMA — President addresses National Council of La Raza at 12:50 p.m.
— DEBT SHOWDOWN — House GOP meeting planned for 2 p.m.
— NFL LABOR — Developments are expected throughout the day.
— SYRIA — Syrian government endorses draft bill to allow formation of political parties.
— AUTOS-CONTRACT TALKS — Autoworkers will press Detroit for bigger cut of profits in first contract talks since bailout.
— FILM-CHILEAN MINERS — Story of trapped Chilean miners coming to big screen; film set to begin production next year.
TOP STORIES
NORWAY-EXPLOSION
OSLO, Norway — Police announce that they dramatically overcounted the number of people slain in a shooting spree at a political youth group’s island retreat and were lowering the confirmed death toll from 86 to 68. Anders Behring Breivik, who has confessed to both assaults but denied crminial responsibility for them, pleads not guilty at his first hearing, telling the court he wanted to save Europe from Muslim immigration.
DEBT SHOWDOWN
WASHINGTON — Democratic and Republican congressional leaders shop competing debt-crisis solutions and President Barack Obama cancels fundraising appearances as a politically gridlocked capital lurches into a climactic last full week before the Aug. 2 default deadline.
AP photos, videos, audio. An interactive examining the U.S. debt is available.
STRAUSS-KAHN-ASSAULT-ACCUSER
NEW YORK — The maid accusing Dominique Strauss-Kahn of assaulting her in a Manhattan hotel room says she told her side of the story to Newsweek and ABC News because she had no choice; she wants Strauss-Kahn to pay for his actions. But as prosecutors are trying to decide whether to go forward with their case against the former International Monetary Fund Chief, it is unclear whether Nafissatou Diallo’ gamble will pay off. It is highly unusual and risky for an alleged victim to go public at this sensitive stage of the game, legal experts say.
AP photos, videos.
AFGHANISTAN
KABUL, Afghanistan — The new U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan says the United States is not rushing to leave the country and cautions that what happens in the months ahead will have far-reaching effects across the globe. AP photos.
WU-SEX SCANDAL
WASHINGTON — Oregon Democratic Rep. David Wu faces increased pressure after House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi calls for an ethics investigation over an 18-year-old woman’s claim of an “unwanted sexual encounter” with him. AP photos.
GENERICS BONANZA
The cost of prescription medicines used by millions of people every day is about to plummet. The next 14 months will bring generic versions of seven of the world’s 20 best-selling drugs, including the top two: cholesterol fighter Lipitor and blood thinner Plavix.The magnitude of this wave of expiring drug patents is unprecedented. By Business Writer Linda A. Johnson.
AP photos, graphic, video.
EAST AFRICA-FAMINE — Efforts to save starving Somalis and others suffering from drought in East Africa are ratcheted up, with U.N. agencies pitching for $1.6 billion from donor countries and private companies being urged to provide trucks, ships and other logistical aid to speed food to the malnourished. AP photos.
VATICAN-IRELAND — The Vatican recalls its ambassador to Ireland following accusations that the Vatican sabotaged efforts by Catholic bishops to report clerical sex abuse cases to police.
POLYGAMIST LEADER-TRIAL — His followers call him a prophet who is God’s spokesman on Earth. Prosecutors say he’s a bigamist who sexually assaulted two underage girls he duped into “spiritual marriages.” But whether he’s a holy man, a criminal or some charismatic if kooky alternative, it’s hard to find many people who don’t have an opinion on Warren Jeffs in this remote, cotton-growing corner of West Texas oil and gas country. AP photos planned.
PAKISTAN LOBBYING — Pakistan’s spy agency, Inter-Services Intelligence, directed a clandestine, multi-million dollar effort through a Washington nonprofit group to influence the U.S. position on Kashmir. Documents filed in federal court describe donations to political campaigns and meetings with White House and State Department officials. But there’s little to show for Pakistan’s hefty investment of money and time. photos.
BRITAIN-AMY WINEHOUSE
LONDON — Amy Winehouse’s devastated parents formally identify her body and visit mourners outside her north London home to thank them for their support, as examiners conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of the troubled singer’s death at the age of 27. AP photos.
ALSO GETTING ATTENTION
— CHINA-TRAIN CRASH — Doubts about China’s breakneck plans to expand high-speed rail across the country have been underscored by a bullet train wreck that killed at least 38 people. AP photos, videos.
— GAY MARRIAGE-NY — Forty-six gay couples have exchanged vows against the backdrop of Niagara Falls a day after New York became the sixth and largest state to recognize same-sex marriage.AP photos, interactive.
— MALTA-DIVORCE — Maltese lawmakers approve law allowing divorce on heavily Catholic island nation.
— TOUR DE FRANCE — Australia’s Cadel Evans claims historic Tour de France win; Schleck brothers take second and third. AP photos.
— ALASKA BEAR MAULINGS — A grizzly bear with cubs attacks a teenagers practicing survival skills in the Alaskan wilderness, badly mauling two in the group, authorities say.
— AIR TRAVEL-TAXES — Most US airlines are taking savings from expired taxes, leaving customers with no tax holiday. AP photo.
— BIG BANG MACHINE — Atom smasher closing in on energy level where elusive ‘Big Bang’ particle might exist.
— OBIT-CACOYANNIS — ‘Zorba the Greek’ director Michael Cacoyannis dies at 89.
— BOX OFFICE — ‘Captain America’ knocks ‘Harry Potter’ from top of box office, opening with nearly $66 million weekend.
— COMIC-CON — Storm troopers cavorted with zombies, Steven Spielberg chatted with Peter Jackson, and the stars of “Cowboys & Aliens” swooped into San Diego, making for an action-packed Comic-Con. The 42nd annual fan festival closed Sunday after four days of pop-culture indulgence. AP photos, video.
Business
TOP STORIES:
AUTOS-CONTRACT TALKS
DETROIT — To help American carmakers stay in business, autoworkers grudgingly gave up pay raises and benefits four years ago. Now that GM, Ford and Chrysler are making money again, workers want compensation for their sacrifice. Just how much they get is the central question hanging over contract talks that start this week between Detroit and one of the nation’s largest and most powerful unions. The talks will determine wages and benefits for 111,000 members of the United Auto Workers. But there’s more at stake than just pay. After the industry’s brush with financial ruin in 2008 and 2009, both sides know how quickly Detroit’s sales and profitability could vanish. By Dee-Ann Durbin and Tom Krisher.
With:
AUTOS-CONTRACT TALKS-GLANCE. AP Photos.
WALL STREET
NEW YORK — Stocks are falling after congressional leaders failed to agree on a deal to raise the nation’s debt limit to avoid default. Lawmakers hoped to reach a compromise Sunday, but those talks stalled. By AP Business Writer Chip Cutter.
— DEBT SHOWDOWN — Bickering in public yet bargaining in private, congressional leaders are struggling for a compromise debt limit deal that avoids a market-rattling default while cutting trillions in spending. By AP Writer Alan Fram.
— US-CLINTON — Clinton assures China on U.S. debt crisis, presses for help with North Korea talks.
RESEARCH IN MOTION-JOB CUTS
NEW YORK — BlackBerry maker Research In Motion Ltd. is cutting 2,000 jobs as part of a cost savings plan announced last month and is shuffling some senior executives. The job cuts amount to about 10 percent of the company’s work force.
AVIATION SHUTDOWN
WASHINGTON — Obama administration officials say contractors have been told to stop work on airport modernization projects across the country because Congress has failed to pass legislation necessary for the work to continue. By Joan Lowy.
MARKETS & ECONOMY:
— OIL PRICES —Oil prices are falling to near $99 a barrel amid investor concern that the lack of an agreement among U.S. lawmakers to raise the country’s debt limit could trigger a default and damage the global economy.
EARNINGS:
EARNS-KIMBERLY-CLARK
DALLAS —Consumer products maker Kimberly-Clark says its second-quarter profit fell 18 percent, dragged down by higher commodity costs and an increased tax rate.
EARNS-LORILLARD
RICHMOND, Va. — Cigarette maker Lorillard’s profit increased more than 10 percent in the second quarter as it sold more Newport and Maverick cigarettes at higher prices. By AP Tobacco Writer Michael Felberbaum.
INDUSTRY:
NFL-LABOR
WASHINGTON — NFL owners and players agree to the terms of a deal to end the lockout, and players were expected to begin the voting process later in the day, two people familiar with the negotiations tell The Associated Press.
CHINA-GENERAL ELECTRIC
BEIJING — GE Healthcare, a maker of diagnostic imaging equipment, says it is moving its X-ray global headquarters from the United States to Beijing as it seeks to tap China and other emerging markets.
SAUDI-DOW CHEMICAL
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Dow Chemical and the Saudi Arabian Oil Company have agreed to set up a joint venture to build a massive $20 billion chemical complex in the desert kingdom.
— NETHERLANDS-ING — ING Groep NV says it has agreed to sell most of its Latin American businesses to Gruposura for around $3.8 billion.
— JAPAN-AUTO PRODUCTION — Japan’s automakers reported mixed vehicle production figures as the industry works toward recovery from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. Some, like Nissan, are doing considerably better than others.
TECHNOLOGY AND MEDIA:
MURDOCH-US INVESTIGATION
WASHINGTON — The FBI is just cranking up a preliminary review of whether alleged phone hacking and bribery by Rupert Murdoch’s media empire violated U.S. laws, but any resolution may well have to await the outcome of British investigations. By AP Writer Pete Yost.
EARNS-NETFLIX
Netflix Inc. reports quarterly financial results after the market close. By Mike Liedtke.
— INDONESIA-HOLLYWOOD — An official says Hollywood studios have agreed to screen several summer blockbusters including the final “Harry Potter” movie in Indonesian theaters. The decision could signal a softening of major studios’ boycott of the country.
INTERNATIONAL:
GREECE-FINANCIAL CRISIS
ATHENS, Greece — Moody’s downgraded Greece’s bond ratings by a further three notches and warned that it is almost inevitable the country will be considered to be in default following last week’s new bailout package.
CHINA-TRAIN CRASH
BEIJING — Doubts about China’s breakneck plans to expand high-speed rail across the country have been underscored by a bullet train wreck that killed at least 38 people.
JAPAN-EARTHQUAKE
TOKYO — Japanese lawmakers have approved nearly $25.5 billion in extra funds to pay for reconstruction from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami and the nuclear crisis that followed.
— CHINA-APPLE — Chinese officials have found five fake Apple stores in the southwestern city of Kunming, and ordered two of them to suspend business while they’re investigated, a local government website said.
— IRAN-GAS — Iran on signed a preliminary $10 billion deal with Syria and Iraq to export its natural gas, its latest effort to boost its energy sector that has been targeted by international sanctions.
— HONG KONG-CHINA-NUCLEAR PLANT — Hong Kong utility CLP Holdings Ltd. said it has bought a 17 percent stake in a nuclear power plant in southern China for $11 billion.
Nation/world
DEVELOPING
— NORWAY-EXPLOSION — Arraignment for Anders Behring Breivik is set for about 7 a.m.
— STRAUSS-KAHN-ASSAULT-ACCUSER — Updates expected between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m.
— POLYGAMIST LEADER-TRIAL — Jury selection begins at 10 a.m.
— OBAMA — President addresses National Council of La Raza at 12:50 p.m.
— DEBT SHOWDOWN — House GOP meeting planned for 2 p.m.
— NFL LABOR — The NFL players’ executive committee meets Monday in Washington after lawyers work through the weekend on issues holding up an agreement with the owners; time uncertain.
TOP STORIES
DEBT SHOWDOWN
WASHINGTON — Bickering in public yet bargaining in private, congressional leaders are struggling for a compromise debt limit deal that avoids a market-rattling default while cutting trillions in spending. House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, planned to meet with his chamber’s Republicans on Monday, and there were widespread expectations that Boehner would unveil debt ceiling legislation by that session, if not earlier. By Alan Fram.
AP photos, videos, audio. An interactive examining the U.S. debt is available.
— US-CLINTON — Clinton assures China on U.S. debt crisis, presses for help with North Korea talks. AP photos.
— WORLD MARKETS — Asian stock markets fall after U.S. political leaders fail to reach a deal to raise Washington’s debt limit that is crucial to avoiding an impending default. AP photo.
NORWAY-EXPLOSION
OSLO, Norway — Anders Behring Breivik, the self-confessed murderer behind the bombing and shooting spree that killed 93 people, is to be arraigned for the first time. A spokesman for the Oslo district court says that a judge decided to hold the arraignment for the suspect in the twin attacks in Norway behind closed doors. By Ian Macdougall and Louise Nordstrom.
AP photos, graphic, video.
STRAUSS-KAHN-ASSAULT-ACCUSER
NEW YORK — The maid accusing Dominique Strauss-Kahn of assaulting her in a Manhattan hotel room says she told her side of the story to Newsweek and ABC News because she had no choice; she wants Strauss-Kahn to pay for his actions. But as prosecutors are trying to decide whether to go forward with their case against the former International Monetary Fund Chief, it is unclear whether Nafissatou Diallo’ gamble will pay off. It is highly unusual and risky for an alleged victim to go public at this sensitive stage of the game, legal experts say. By Jennifer Peltz.
AP photos, videos.
AFGHANISTAN
KABUL, Afghanistan — The new U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan says the United States is not rushing to leave the country and cautions that what happens in the months ahead will have far-reaching effects across the globe. By Deb Riechmann.
AP photos.
WU-SEX SCANDAL
PORTLAND, Ore. — House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi calls for an ethics panel investigation of Rep. David Wu following a published allegation that a young woman reported he’d engaged in “aggressive and unwanted sexual behavior.” By Tim Fought
AP photos.
GENERICS BONANZA
The cost of prescription medicines used by millions of people every day is about to plummet. The next 15 months will bring generic versions of seven of the world’s 20 best-selling drugs, including the top two: cholesterol fighter Lipitor and blood thinner Plavix. The flood of generics will continue for the next decade or so, bringing cheaper medicines for ailments from diabetes to asthma and seasonal allergies. Generic competition will lop tens of billions of dollars from drugmakers’ revenue and slash the costs patients, employers and taxpayers pay for medicines. By Business Writer Linda A. Johnson.
AP photos, graphic, video.
INTERNATIONAL
EAST AFRICA-FAMINE
ROME — The World Bank promises to provide more than $500 million to help drought victims in East Africa as a U.N. agency hosts an emergency meeting aimed at fighting famine in Somalia and nearby countries. By Frances D’emilio.
AP photos.
EGYPT
CAIRO — An Egyptian court decides to combine the trials of the country’s former interior minister and ousted President Hosni Mubarak for the killing of nearly 900 protesters during the 18-day uprising that toppled the longtime leader in February. By Hamza Hendawi.
AP photos.
VATICAN-IRELAND
VATICAN CITY — The Vatican recalls its ambassador to Ireland following accusations that the Vatican sabotaged efforts by Catholic bishops to report clerical sex abuse cases to police. By Victor Simpson.
CHINA-TRAIN CRASH
BEIJING — Doubts about China’s breakneck plans to expand high-speed rail across the country have been underscored by a bullet train wreck that killed at least 38 people. By Louise Watt.
AP photos, videos.
— JAPAN-EARTHQUAKE — IAEA chief visits crippled Japan nuclear plant, welcomes progress in effort to contain damage.
— SYRIA — Syrian government endorses draft bill to allow formation of political parties. AP photo.
NATIONAL
GAY MARRIAGE-NY
NEW YORK — From Niagara Falls to Long Island, hundreds of gay couples were married Sunday in joyous, long-awaited ceremonies as New York became the sixth and largest state to recognize same-sex marriage. In several cities around the state, however, thousands of protesters rallied, a signal that the long fight for recognition may not be over just yet.
AP photos.
An interactive about gay marriage, with a timeline, photos and a roundup of gay marriage laws across the U.S., is available.
SEATTLE SUBURBS-SHOOTINGS
SEATTLE — Two mass shootings in a span of just a few hours in suburban Seattle leave at least 20 people with gunshot wounds. “What’s unusual is that so many got shot and nobody got killed,” says anti-gun violence activist Ralph Fascitelli. By Phuong Le
AP photos.
POLYGAMIST LEADER-TRIAL
SAN ANGELO, Texas — His followers call him a prophet who is God’s spokesman on Earth. Prosecutors say he’s a bigamist who sexually assaulted two underage girls he duped into “spiritual marriages.” But whether he’s a holy man, a criminal or some charismatic if kooky alternative, it’s hard to find many people who don’t have an opinion on Warren Jeffs in this remote, cotton-growing corner of West Texas oil and gas country. By Will Weissert.
AP photos planned.
WASHINGTON
PAKISTAN LOBBYING
WASHINGTON — Pakistan’s spy agency, Inter-Services Intelligence, directed a clandestine, multi-million dollar effort through a Washington nonprofit group to influence the U.S. position on Kashmir. Documents filed in federal court describe donations to political campaigns and meetings with White House and State Department officials. But there’s little to show for Pakistan’s hefty investment of money and time. An Influence Game story by Richard Lardner.
AP photos.
ENTERTAINMENT
BRITAIN-AMY WINEHOUSE
LONDON — Amy Winehouse’s father greets mourners laying flowers outside her north London home on Monday, only hours before police promise to release a post mortem on her death.
AP photos.
COMIC-CON
SAN DIEGO — Storm troopers cavorted with zombies, Steven Spielberg chatted with Peter Jackson, and the stars of “Cowboys & Aliens” swooped into San Diego, making for an action-packed Comic-Con. The 42nd annual fan festival closed Sunday after four days of pop-culture indulgence. By Entertainment Writer Sandy Cohen.
AP photos, video.
ALSO GETTING ATTENTION
— TOUR DE FRANCE — Australia’s Cadel Evans claims historic Tour de France win; Schleck brothers take second and third. AP photos.
— ALASKA BEAR MAULINGS — A grizzly bear with cubs attacks a teenagers practicing survival skills in the Alaskan wilderness, badly mauling two in the group, authorities say.
— AIR TRAVEL-TAXES — Most US airlines are taking savings from expired taxes, leaving customers with no tax holiday. AP photo.
— OBIT-CACOYANNIS — ‘Zorba the Greek’ director Michael Cacoyannis dies at 89.
— BOX OFFICE — ‘Captain America’ knocks ‘Harry Potter’ from top of box office, opening with nearly $66 million weekend.
posted by Roger Wingelaar at
7:20 AM
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