Social Issues | GlobalPost

Britain's gay marriage bill set to pass major hurdle

Agence France-PresseMay 21, 2013 11:32

A bill to legalise gay marriage in Britain was set to pass a crucial hurdle in parliament on Tuesday, after Prime Minister David Cameron was forced to strike a last-minute deal with the opposition to stop members of his own party wrecking the plans. Lawmakers in the lower House of Commons were expected to approve the bill following a marathon debate on Monday, which saw Cameron join forces with Labour to defeat a "wrecking amendment" backed by dozens of rebellious right-wingers from his Conservative party.

Activist investor wants Alere to explore $2.5 billion unit sale: sources

Thomson ReutersMay 21, 2013 11:18

By Soyoung Kim NEW YORK (Reuters) - An activist investor in Alere Inc <ALR.N> wants the health diagnostics and services company to explore a sale of its drug testing business, which it believes could fetch as much as $2.5 billion and help Alere pay down debt, two people familiar with the matter said on Tuesday.

No 'active' U.S.-EU-China solar talks under way: USTR

Thomson ReutersMay 21, 2013 11:17

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States is not yet actively negotiating a solar trade deal with European Union and China, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Trade Representative's office said on Tuesday. "Our goal is to support a healthy global solar industry in conditions that foster the adoption of renewable energy and continued innovation and a level playing field for all," USTR spokeswoman Carol Guthrie said in an emailed statement.

Cannes: Carine Roitfeld organizes 'Cinema Against AIDS' fashion show

Agence France-PresseMay 21, 2013 11:00

The former Vogue Paris editor in chief and world-renowned fashionista Carine Roitfeld is organizing this year's Cinema Against AIDS event, set to celebrate the style of screen icon Elizabeth Taylor. Curated by Roitfeld, The Ultimate Gold Collection Fashion Show on May 23 in Cannes will feature supermodels Alessandra Ambrosio, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Lily Donaldson and Karlie Kloss among others in a glamorous feast of fashion, this year celebrating Elizabeth Taylor.

Cannes: Carine Roitfeld organizes 'Cinema Against AIDS' fashion show

Agence France-PresseMay 21, 2013 11:00

Cannes: Carine Roitfeld organizes 'Cinema Against AIDS' fashion show

Agence France-PresseMay 21, 2013 10:47

The Irish loophole behind Apple's low tax bill

Thomson ReutersMay 21, 2013 10:45

By Tom Bergin LONDON (Reuters) - Apple's ability to shelter billions of dollars of income from tax has hinged on an unusual loophole in the Irish tax code that helps the country compete with other countries for investment and jobs. A U.S. Senate investigation has revealed that Apple, maker of iPhones, iPads and Mac computers, had channelled profits into Irish-incorporated subsidiaries that had "no declared tax residency anywhere in the world".

Sprint raises Clearwire offer, not enough for some

Thomson ReutersMay 21, 2013 10:45

By Sinead Carew (Reuters) - Sprint Nextel Corp <S.N> raised its buyout offer for wireless service provider Clearwire Corp <CLWR.O> to $3.40 per share, but the new bid was not high enough to impress some investors. Clearwire shares almost immediately traded around the new offer price, having consistently traded well above the old $2.97-per-share bid. Sprint announced the revised price just hours before Clearwire was due to hold a special meeting for shareholders to vote on the original offer.

Sprint raises buyout offer for Clearwire by 14 per cent; still opposed by minority shareholder

The Canadian PressMay 21, 2013 10:16

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - Sprint Nextel Corp. has raised its buyout offer for the stake in wireless data network operator Clearwire Corp. it does not already own by 14 per cent, but a large shareholder said the offer was still inadequate. Sprint said Tuesday that it is offering $3.40 per share, or $2.5 billion, for the remainder of Clearwire Corp. Its previous offer, from December, was for $2.97 per share.

sex bribery scandal-third summons

Yonhap News AgencyMay 21, 2013 10:00

SEOUL, May 21 (Yonhap) -- A local construction contractor appeared before police Tuesday for the third time to face questioning over allegations that he hired women to provide sexual favors to a number of high-profile figures in refurn for business benefits. The 52-year-old construction contractor, surnamed Yoon, is suspected of offering lavish sexual entertainment between 2009 and 2011 to influential figures from all walks of life -- including former and incumbent ranking law enforcement officials and the head of a hospital -- at his vacation home in Wonju, Gangwon Province.