Stress on economy as China holds annual meetings

China's top parliamentary adviser says 2010 will be critical for maintaining growth, creating jobs, and diversifying away from exports, underscoring the economy's central importance as the annual legislative session prepares to open.

Beijing declared that China had emerged from the global crisis after economic growth rebounded to 10.7 percent in the final quarter of 2009. But authorities say the global outlook is still uncertain, amid worries that a stimulus-driven torrent of lending is adding to inflation and fueling a dangerous bubble in stock and real estate prices.

"The year 2010 is a crucial year for China to respond to the impact of the global …

Stoitchkov, Matthaus lose marquee status

Major League Soccer expected today to be a highlight of its fifthregular season-a head-to-head duel on national television between Hristo Stoitchkov of the Fire and Lothar Matthaeus of the New York/New Jersey MetroStars at Soldier Field.

MLS had counted on Matthaeus and Stoitchkov, both legends inEurope, to build its popularity this season, but neither has been asmashing success.

Matthaeus was playing for Germany and Stoitchkov was injured whenthe teams played for the first time, a 4-1 MetroStars victory atGiants Stadium on May 27. Now Matthaeus has an injury, and Stoitchkovis barely recovered from one. Neither has had much impact on his teamthis season-though both …

Rose, Bulls get back on track vs. Timberwolves

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Derrick Rose had 23 points and 10 assists in three quarters and the Chicago Bulls blew out the Minnesota Timberwolves 108-91 on Wednesday night.

Carlos Boozer had 24 points and 14 rebounds and the Bulls recorded 31 assists on 41 field goals to stay 2½ games ahead of Boston and Miami in the race for the top seed in the Eastern Conference.

Kevin Love had 16 points and nine rebounds, but was limited to 27 minutes in his first game back from a strained left groin. The Timberwolves (17-58) lost their eighth straight game and have sunk to the bottom of the West.

The Bulls, who were missing starting center Joakim Noah because of a sprained right ankle, …

Ohio AG to hold summit over parishioner killings

CLEVELAND (AP) — Ohio's attorney general said Tuesday that his office plans to convene a community summit to address concerns about violence in a northeastern Ohio city where two members of a church were killed.

Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray said that he talked with the Rev. Gregory Maturi of St. Dominic Roman Catholic Church in Youngstown about their mutual concern over the violence that Maturi says is connected to dilapidated houses in the area attracting criminal activity.

An 80-year-old parishioner was killed in the church parking lot in January. Another member was shot and killed and his wife was wounded Saturday while driving home from the church. A suspect has …

Trimsaran

Alma Davies 72 Heol Llanelli,Trimsaran. 01554 810706 Fun dayFollowing a meeting held at Plas y Sarn, a village summer fun daywill be held on Saturday, June 25. Times, theme and programme tofollow.

Anyone wishing to hold a stall on the day should phone 810155.More volunteers are needed. If you can help in any way pleasecontact Maggie on 810155. What's on at Canolfan Plas y Sarn: Monday:kickboxing 5.30pm to 6.30pm; archery: 6.45pm to 7.45pm; basketball7.45pm to 9.15pm. Tuesday: netball 7pm to 8pm; football 8pm to 9pm.Wednesday: aikido 5.15pm to 9pm. Thursday: junior …

Search for Tornado Victims May Take Days

GREENSBURG, Kan. - Most of this southwest Kansas town was destroyed by a tornado, part of a violent storm system blamed for at least nine deaths, officials said Saturday amid warnings of more severe weather.

It may take days for emergency crews to remove all the victims - dead and alive - from the rubble of homes and businesses, the city administrator said Saturday.

The dead included eight in Kiowa County, where Greensburg is located, and one in nearby Stafford County, said Sharon Watson, a spokeswoman for the Kansas Adjutant General's Department.

The tornado that struck Greensburg late Friday damaged about 95 percent of the town about 110 miles west of Wichita, …

Bondholders appeal to GM, gov't for flexibility

Bondholders of General Motors Corp. are appealing to both the government and the Detroit automaker for more flexibility as they try to work through complicated discussions to reduce GM's massive amount of unsecured debt.

General Motors was required to reduce its $28 billion in unsecured debt by two-thirds under terms set by the Bush administration in December on the company's $13.4 billion loan.

Bondholders have talked with GM and the Obama administration's auto task force about a possible exchange of debt for equity. But they also are seeking changes to the proposed structure, said a person familiar with the discussions, who spoke on condition of anonymity …