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U.S. stock indexes advanced on Friday as solid results from Microsoft lifted technology stocks and added to an upbeat mood following signs from New York Fed President John Williams that the central bank would lower interest rates this month. Microsoft Corp, America's most valuable company, gained 2.2% as strength in its cloud business helped it beat analysts' estimates at the end of a week of mixed corporate results. "Some optimism is being carried forward from New York Fed President John Williams' comments and largely better-than-expected corporate earnings so far, highlighted by Microsoft," said Art Hogan, chief market strategist at National Securities in New York.

Fri, 19 Jul 2019 10:11:44 -0400

Canada has offered a cash settlement for victims of sexual harassment, sexual assault and gender-based discrimination in the country's military in response to class action lawsuits filed by victims. In the settlement, announced late on Thursday, the federal government budgeted C$800 million ($611.3 million) in compensation for members of the armed forces, and an additional C$100 million for Department of National Defense workers. The agreement stems from class action lawsuits initiated by seven former members of the military, according to a statement, but claims can be filed by all current and former members.

Fri, 19 Jul 2019 10:11:28 -0400

Four protesters died of gunshot wounds suffered in clashes between Ethiopian security forces and activists seeking a new autonomous region for their Sidama ethnic group based in the southern city of Hawassa, hospital authorities said on Friday. The threat of large-scale violence in Hawassa was largely averted after a Sidama opposition party agreed on Thursday to delay declaring their own region and accept a government offer to hold a referendum in five months. Most shops and factories including the city's industrial park stayed closed in protest with some activists still in the streets, although the situation was quieter on Friday, residents told Reuters.

Fri, 19 Jul 2019 10:05:36 -0400

The U.S. Treasury on Friday placed sanctions on a senior Hezbollah operative it said coordinated the 1994 bombing of a Jewish community center in Argentina's capital Buenos Aires. "We are targeting Salman Raouf Salman, who coordinated a devastating attack in Buenos Aires, Argentina against the largest Jewish center in South America 25 years ago and has directed terrorist operations in the Western Hemisphere for Hezbollah ever since," said Sigal Mandelker, Treasury’s under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence.

Fri, 19 Jul 2019 09:56:06 -0400

One Action Against Hunger staff member, two drivers and three other health workers are missing after an attack on a convoy in northeast Nigeria in which one driver was killed, the aid organisation said in a statement on Friday. "We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident as these colleagues are dedicated to providing life-saving assistance to individuals and families," Action Against Hunger said of Thursday's attack.

Fri, 19 Jul 2019 09:54:44 -0400