BAGHDAD — Iraq's caretaker prime minister asked Washington to start working out a road map for an American troop withdrawal, but the U.S. State Department on Friday bluntly rejected the request, saying the two sides should instead talk about how to “recommit” to their partnership. Thousands of anti-government protesters gathered...
Home-State Skepticism of Kamala Harris Foretold Trouble
SACRAMENTO — When Sen. Kamala Harris entered the presidential race in January, her California roots were supposed to give her special access to the cash and delegates required to win the Democratic nomination. Instead, she faced headwinds in her home state that would become a microcosm for the trouble that ultimately forced her...
Perfect Storm of Change, Debt and Brexit Sank Thomas Cook
FRANKFURT, Germany — British tour operator Thomas Cook fell victim to multiple setbacks including shifting travel habits, the rise of online booking sites, the sinking pound and even unusually hot weather that encouraged fewer Northern Europeans to travel. Specific problems of its own, like a 1.6 billion-pound ($2 billion) debt...
Red Sox, Yankees Ready to Rumble Again in Playoffs
NEW YORK — Fans have been waiting for another one of these rumbles: baseball's most-bitter rivals set to tangle again, this time as 100-win heavyweights in the playoffs. Munson vs. Fisk, Pedro vs. Popeye , A-Rod vs. Varitek (shown) and earlier this year Brock Holt vs. Tyler Austin. The Boston Red Sox and New...