U.S. open to Taliban talks
WASHINGTON — The United States is open to holding direct talks with the Taliban to encourage negotiations between the militant group and the Afghan government to end 17 years of war, U.S. officials said Monday. That marks a tactical shift by the Trump administration, which has previously only appeared willing to participate in discussions with the Taliban if those talks also involve the Afghan government. The U.S. officials said that Afghan-to-Afghan negotiation remains the goal of any engagement with the militants.
Johnny Depp settles lawsuits
LOS ANGELES — Johnny Depp has settled lawsuits with his former business managers that put a spotlight on the actor’s spending. Depp’s representatives said on Monday that the “Pirates of the Caribbean” star had settled litigation filed against The Management Group, which he accused in January 2017 seeking more than $25 million over alleged financial abuse and negligence. No details of the settlement were released. The firm countersued and argued that Depp was solely to blame for his money troubles, spending more than $2 million a month.
Uber facing probe on pay structure
SAN FRANCISCO — Uber is facing a U.S. government investigation into allegations that the ride-hailing service set up a pay structure that discriminated against its female workers. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission opened the probe in August 2017, according to a person familiar with the investigation. The person insisted on not being identified because the inquiry is considered confidential.
Cooper to get Cronkite Award
PHOENIX — Arizona State University is awarding its 2018 Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism to CNN anchor Anderson Cooper. He will receive the award on Oct. 17 in Phoenix from the university’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.