Pacific ministers commit to move ahead with pact without US

UNIONDALE, N.Y. — For some circus fans Saturday, it was a chance to say goodbye to beloved childhood memories. For others, it was a bucket list fulfillment.

Lions, tigers and clowns, no more. Oh my. It's curtains for the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

This weekend, the most famous American circus ends its 146-year reign as one of the world's biggest big tops.

Ringling's parent company, Feld Entertainment, announced in January it would take its final bow this year. On Saturday afternoon, under cloudy skies, fans streamed into the Nassau Coliseum in suburban New York to pay their last respects to the iconic show.

Saturday evening's circus was an extravaganza of big cats, motorcycle stunts, clowns performing deathdefying stunts, ice skaters, buckets of popcorn and Mongolian contortionists — and that was just the first half of the show.

Feld executives say declining attendance combined with high operating costs are among reasons for closing.

Ringling had two touring circuses this season, one ending its run earlier this month in Providence, Rhode Island.

The final shows of what was long promoted as “The Greatest Show on Earth” are being staged throughout the weekend, with three shows Saturday and three Sunday. The final circus show Sunday night will be streamed on Facebook Live and on the circus' website.

A circus spokesman says homes have been found for the animals that were owned by Ringling, including the tigers, horses and camels. HANOI, Vietnam — The Pacific Rim trade ministers meeting in Vietnam have committed to move ahead with the Trans Pacific Partnership trade pact without the United States, which pulled out of the deal.

Speaking to reporters Sunday, New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay says the remaining 11 TPP countries are open to others joining provided they accept the trade agreement's high standards. He says the door remains open to the U.S., even after President Donald Trump withdrew from the pact, saying he prefers bilateral free trade deals.

In a statement, McClay says the ministers have tasked their trade officials to prepare an assessment of options to bring TPP into force that will be presented to their leaders when they meet for a summit in Vietnam in November.