Employees Banned From Commercial Flights

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ST. LOUIS: Airfield Gate.

The Associated Press Published: Oct 8, 2001

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - The publisher of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and the Chattanooga (Tenn.) Times Free Press banned his employees from commercial flights because of last month's terrorist attacks. "We are at war," Walter Hussman Jr. said.

The ban applies to employees of WEHCO Media, including five other dailies and cable television operations. Hussman has two company planes that employees can use, if necessary, to reach faraway news, sports events or business meetings.

"We're just probably being overly cautious, but it's prudent to do this," Hussman said Monday.

Hussman and his family were vacationing in Europe at the time of the Sept. 11 attacks. The family traveled on a commercial plane but returned to the United States on a private plane about 12 days later, Hussman said.

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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) - The LPGA Tour and title sponsor Sports Today said Monday they have canceled the tournament in South Korea next week because of the U.S.-led military action in Afghanistan.

"This was the most prudent action," commissioner Ty Votaw said.

The Sports Today CJ Nine Bridges Classic was to be played Oct. 19-21 in Jeju, South Korea. It is expected to resume next year.

"While we want to host the best women golfers in the world in Korea, we also want to have this event at a time when our fans and players can fully enjoy the experience," said Chun Sang Don, senior executive director of Sports Today.

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DEARBORN, Mich. (AP) - NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue on Monday encouraged football players at a largely Arab-American high school to stay focused on their game.

Tagliabue, joined by Detroit Lions President Matt Millen, visited with the players at Fordson High School to discuss the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and Afghanistan bombings.

"The big thing you have going for you is your leadership," Tagliabue said. "You can deal with challenges, you can deal with adversity."

About 1,800 of Fordson High School's 2,100 students and almost all the players are Arab-American, school officials say. The team has posted a .755 winning percentage since 1960.

Fordson students have dealt with prejudice in the past. Signs at gymnasiums or at football facilities have declared: "No Camels."

But Fordson Athletic Director Mark Shooshanian said reports of similar incidents have gone down since the attacks.

"We used to hear all of it before, but since that happened, everyone's been much more sensitive," he said. "It's really a tribute to all the other schools in the league."

AP-ES-10-08-01 2226EDT

-- Anonymous, October 08, 2001


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