Agreement

HONG KONG - HSBC says it's paying $1.9 billion in penalties to settle a U.S. money laundering probe. The investigation into HSBC has focused on the transfer of billions of dollars on behalf of nations such as Iran and the transfer of money from Mexican drug cartels. The British bank said in statement Tuesday that the settlement involves a deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice. The bank won't be prosecuted if it meets certain conditions, such as strengthening internal controls to prevent money laundering.

Re Cletus McBride's letter "A body query": Mr. McBride should've noticed at the Body Worlds exhibit the many signs explaining that the bodies on display were those of people who signed agreements before their deaths, allowing their remains to be put on display for the exhibit. So, to answer your question of why all the models were Caucasian, I assume that it's because only Caucasians signed the agreement. Thomas C. Clemens Philadelphia

The soon-to-be-renamed Big East Conference announced Tuesday that it has an agreement with longtime partner CBS Sports to televise men's basketball games through the 2019-20 season. Financial terms of the agreement were not announced. "We are delighted to be extending the historic and successful relationship that we have enjoyed with CBS Sports since 1983," Big East president Mike Aresco said in a statement. "This agreement further illustrates the excitement and anticipation that surround the reinvention of our conference, and it will provide our fans across the country the opportunity to watch our games on network television.

NEW ORLEANS - A political brawl has broken out between the mayor and a sheriff who runs the city jail, which has come under scrutiny for a video showing inmates using drugs, drinking beer, and handling a gun. Mayor Mitch Landrieu asked a judge last week to take the extraordinary step of placing the jail under federal oversight, effectively wresting control away from Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman. Landrieu is upset over an agreement Gusman reached with the U.S. Justice Department to reform the jail, saying the city, which funds the jail, can't afford the potential expense.

For the second time in four days, representatives from the NHL and the players union had a lengthy meeting as they attempted to end their labor feud and take a step toward a new collective bargaining agreement. The meeting in New York, attended by 13 players, including Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby, lasted more than seven hours Tuesday night. Neither side would disclose what occurred at the meeting. They planned to meet again Wednesday. "The players' view has always been that we ought to keep negotiating until we find a way to get an agreement," Donald Fehr, the NHL Players' Association's executive director, told reporters before the sides met. "You sort of stay at it day by day, so it's very good to be getting back to the table.

Members of the West Chester Area Educational Support Personnel Association demonstrate over their lack of a contract before Gov. Ridge's arrival at West Chester East High School for a land-use conference. Julie Hunter (left) and Joan Riviello (in plaid) led a group in the protest. The union, which represents about 150 secretaries, aides and technicians, has been without an agreement since July 1. District officials say a pay raise is the main outstanding issue, but the union also wants benefits paid.

WASHINGTON - The Pentagon announced Friday that it has reached a preliminary agreement on a complex $10 billion arms deal with Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, in what would represent the latest major weapons sale to U.S. allies in the Middle East. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel will attempt to finalize the arms package next week when he is scheduled to visit the three countries. Ultimately, the deal will need the assent of Congress. Defense officials said they have kept lawmakers apprised of the negotiations and revealed basics of the agreement to lawmakers on Thursday.

The road to Baughman Farm is shady and narrow, winding past country estates to an unspoiled tract in the heart of pastoral Charlestown Township. The farm is prime Chester County land - 59 acres so desirable that some of the area's most prominent residents are battling to control it. The fight has soured longstanding friendships and led to a lawsuit filled with allegations of chicanery and malice. On one side of the court battle are Arnold Bartschi, the elderly millionaire who owns the land, and Henriette Bumeder, his beautiful longtime companion, 36 years his junior.

As the result of a historic agreement between the New York Public Library and the State of Pennsylvania, the National Constitution Center will exhibit one of the original copies of the Bill of Rights that President George Washington dispatched to the states in 1789 for ratification. Pennsylvania and the library will jointly care for and display the document for the next century. Announcement of the agreement is set for a Wednesday news conference at the center on Independence Mall.

SEPTA may slightly reduce its fare hike and allow more rides on passes under changes offered to its planned overhaul of the fare-collection system. SEPTA plans sweeping changes that will start with fare hikes July 1. The cash fare will rise to $2.25 from $2, and a token will cost $1.80 instead of $1.55. Then, by the end of the year, electronic "smart" cards will replace tokens, passes, and transfers on subways, buses, and trolleys. And by mid-to-late 2014, Regional Rail travel is to be transformed by subway-style gates in Center City stations, electronic card-readers in the suburbs, and new fare zones everywhere.