Meltdown 101: Diamonds in, aircraft out _ and other noteworthy tidbits in the trade reportWASHINGTON — The trade deficit crept up a bit in April, which might make you suspect that Americans are buying more stuff made overseas. But it’s not as simple as that — in fact, the country’s deep recession has further curbed Americans’ appetite for foreign goods. Budget deficit sets May record of $189.7 billion; total for year close to $1 trillionWASHINGTON — The federal budget deficit soared to a record for May of $189.7 billion, pushing the tide of red ink close to $1 trillion with four months left in the budget year. Obama promises to quicken economic recovery this summer, create or save more than 600,000 jobsWASHINGTON — Eager to show action on the ailing economy, President Barack Obama promised Monday to speed federal money into hundreds of public works projects this summer, vowing that 600,000 jobs would be created or saved. Bernanke: Groundwork must be laid now to curb record-high US budget deficitsWASHINGTON — Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke on Wednesday urged Congress and the administration to cut record-high budget deficits, warning that they could erode investor confidence and endanger the economy’s long-term health. Geithner says policy in US and China will be critical to repairing global economyBEIJING — Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said Monday that the global recession seemed to be losing force but that it will be critical for the United States and China to institute major economic reforms to put the world on a more sustained footing. After the crash, has the sun set on America’s ‘Sun Belt’?ORLANDO, Fla. — We first heard the term decades ago: The “Sun Belt” was just starting a run of phenomenal growth — and no wonder. It conjured a sunny state of mind as well as a balmy place on the map. CIA launches ambitious program to improve agency’s foreign language proficiencyWASHINGTON - The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has launched an ambitious program to double the number of analysts proficient in languages, which it deems critical in the fight against America’s enemies. No room left for another stimulus: Kamal NathNEW DELHI - The Congress-led coalition government at the centre may not offer any further fiscal stimulus as the mounting fiscal deficit has left little room for more such measures, a senior cabinet minister said here Monday. Mukherjee is point person again on matters economic (Profile)NEW DELHI - Veteran Congress party leader Pranab Mukherjee, who has been given the finance portfolio, will have his hands full in the coming weeks and months as he has the onerous task of lifting the Indian economy out of its current woes, presenting a national budget and get reforms back on track. Food insecurity looms large in Nepal: ReportKATHAMANDU - About 40 percent of the population in the mountain and hill districts in Nepal are facing a severe food crisis, a government report has said. Education Secretary Arne Duncan: Detroit schools are ‘ground zero’ for failing US educationDETROIT — Education Secretary Arne Duncan said Wednesday that Detroit’s troubled public schools are “ground zero” for education in the U.S. and promised federal help if leaders are willing to make necessary changes. Treasurys finish little changed after Fed buys $6B in debt, trade deficit widensNEW YORK — Treasurys ended little changed Tuesday after strong gains a day earlier, as the Federal Reserve bought more government debt and economic data came in better than expected. Willy Taveras has 5 hits to lead Reds past Diamondbacks 13-5PHOENIX — Willy Taveras matched a career high with five hits, Adam Rosales had a homer and two doubles, and the Cincinnati Reds routed Arizona 13-5 on Monday night. Mixed signals: China’s exports sink 22.6 percent but factory investment climbs 30.5 pctSHANGHAI — China’s exports slumped for the sixth straight month amid warnings that weak overseas demand was hindering a recovery, even as government spending helped boost factory investment. White House: Budget deficit to top $1.8 trillion, quadruple last year’s figureWASHINGTON — With the economy performing worse than hoped, revised White House figures point to deepening budget deficits, with the government borrowing 50 cents for every dollar it spends this year. Malkin scores in OT as Penguins beat Capitals 4-3, take 3-2 series leadWASHINGTON — When it comes to the Washington Capitals, the Pittsburgh Penguins excel at playing from behind. They’ve done it so well they finally have the lead. Dwight Howard powers Magic to 117-96 win and 2-1 series lead over CelticsORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Magic seem to be at their best when they’re shorthanded. Kobe Bryant scores 40 to lead Lakers to volatile 111-98 victory over Rockets, tying series 1-1LOS ANGELES — Two ejections. A handful of technical fouls. One bloody cut on Derek Fisher’s shaved head. Oh yeah, the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets actually played some basketball, too. Kobe Bryant scores 40 points in Lakers’ rough 111-98 playoff win over Rockets; series tied 1-1LOS ANGELES — Another rough-and-tumble game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets turned bloody. This time, though, the Lakers defended their home court. Kobe Bryant scored 40 points, Pau Gasol added 22 points and 14 rebounds and the Lakers won Game 2 111-98 on Wednesday night to even the Western Conference semifinal series. Jason Bay drives in four runs in record 12-run sixth inning as Boston beats Cleveland 13-3BOSTON — The Boston Red Sox tied a modern major league record with 12 runs in an inning before making an out and Tim Wakefield won his fourth straight decision, 13-3 over the Cleveland Indians on Thursday night. Ryan Braun hits grand slam and drives in six, Brewers rock Bronson Arroyo for win over RedsCINCINNATI — Ryan Braun hit his second career grand slam off Bronson Arroyo, who couldn’t make it through the second inning Wednesday night, and the Milwaukee Brewers rolled to their most lopsided victory of the season, 15-3 over the Cincinnati Reds. FIFA official says Asian soccer chief acting like lunatic crime boss ahead of key electionKUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — The enmity between the two most powerful men in Asian soccer plunged into new depths Thursday when FIFA’s vice president said his rival was suffering mental problems and acting like a criminal. `New Delhi to resume transit talks with Dhaka after polls’DHAKA - India has proposed ‘constructive talks’ on the contentious issue of transit facility through Bangladesh to reach its north-eastern region once a new government takes office in New Delhi after the general elections. Detroit Pistons great Dave Bing leads incumbent Cockrel in mayoral electionDETROIT — Former Detroit Pistons great Dave Bing led with 81 percent of the vote counted Tuesday in his bid to unseat incumbent Ken Cockrel Jr. in a special mayoral election. Wang Hao and Zhang Yining win singles, giving China a sweep of golds at table tennis worldsYOKOHAMA, Japan — Wang Hao defeated compatriot Wang Liqin in the men’s singles final Tuesday to give China an impressive sweep of the gold medals at the table tennis world championships. Chinese Olympic champion Zhang Yining wins women’s gold at table tennis worldsYOKOHAMA, Japan — Olympic champion Zhang Yining of China defeated defending champion and compatriot Guo Yue in six sets Tuesday to win the women’s singles title at the table tennis world championships. Adam Dunn hits 2-run single during 5-run rally, Nationals top Astros 9-4 for 2nd straight winWASHINGTON — Adam Dunn delivered a two-run single during a five-run sixth inning, Ryan Zimmerman matched a career high with four hits and the Washington Nationals rallied to beat the Houston Astros 9-4 on Monday night. EU predicts European Union and euro-zone to shrink by 4 percent this yearBRUSSELS — Europe is suffering “a deep and widespread recession,” the EU said Monday, estimating that unemployment will rise sharply over the next two years and that EU economies will shrink twice as much as it predicted only a few months ago. Pak to approach World Bank to resolve Kishanganga dispute with IndiaLAHORE - Pakistan will approach the World Bank (WB) for the appointment of an impartial expert to resolve the Kishanganga power project dispute with India. Kashima Antlers win 2-0 at JEF United to maintain J-League leadOITA, Japan — Kashima Antlers maintained top spot in Japan’s J-League with a 2-0 away win over JEF United Chiba on Saturday. |