1 day ago
Federal officials acknowledge that President Donald Trump’s planned triumphal arch will unavoidably harm historic sites if built as planned, but they say the project must move forward, according to a National Park Service document and emails obtained by The Washington Post.
Trump’s 250-foot-tall proposed arch would be built in Memorial Circle, a traffic roundabout tucked inside Washington’s boundaries near Arlington National Cemetery. Historic preservationists, veterans groups and others have called on the administration to shrink the monument’s planned size or build it elsewhere, warning that the towering structure would overshadow the cemetery, interrupt the solemn corridor that was intended between the cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial, and create other disruptions.
National Park Service officials agree that the arch would adversely affect the cemetery, the Lincoln Memorial and several dozen other historic sites.
The “adverse effects cannot be fully avoided,” Park Service officials wrote in a document circulated Tuesday and obtained by The Washington Post. But, they said, the project cannot be constructed somewhere else because “the proposed location at Memorial Circle is central to the undertaking,” according to the NPS document.
The document is a proposed agreement that the administration wants local historic-preservation officers to sign onto as part of a federally required process to offer feedback on the project.
#national #document
Trump’s 250-foot-tall proposed arch would be built in Memorial Circle, a traffic roundabout tucked inside Washington’s boundaries near Arlington National Cemetery. Historic preservationists, veterans groups and others have called on the administration to shrink the monument’s planned size or build it elsewhere, warning that the towering structure would overshadow the cemetery, interrupt the solemn corridor that was intended between the cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial, and create other disruptions.
National Park Service officials agree that the arch would adversely affect the cemetery, the Lincoln Memorial and several dozen other historic sites.
The “adverse effects cannot be fully avoided,” Park Service officials wrote in a document circulated Tuesday and obtained by The Washington Post. But, they said, the project cannot be constructed somewhere else because “the proposed location at Memorial Circle is central to the undertaking,” according to the NPS document.
The document is a proposed agreement that the administration wants local historic-preservation officers to sign onto as part of a federally required process to offer feedback on the project.
#national #document
2 days ago
By Lucia Mutikani
WASHINGTON, Sept 16 (Reuters) - U.S. retail sales rebounded sharply in August as households boosted purchases of a range of goods while also spending more at restaurants and bars, reinforcing the economy's resilience even as consumers grow more anxious about high inflation.
The stronger-than-expected report from the Commerce Department on Wednesday prompted economists to upgrade their gross domestic product growth estimates for the third quarter. Together with other data on Wednesday showing a surge in import prices last month, strong demand sealed the argument for a widely anticipated interest rate increase from the Federal Reserve later in the day, economists said.
The reports followed data this month showing producer and consumer prices accelerated in August, while the labor market regained its poise after wobbling through much of summer.
"This reaffirms that the economy is more than capable of handling higher interest rates, providing the Fed plenty of scope to hike to get inflation under control," said Bradley Saunders, North America economist at Capital Economics.
#economists #data #month
WASHINGTON, Sept 16 (Reuters) - U.S. retail sales rebounded sharply in August as households boosted purchases of a range of goods while also spending more at restaurants and bars, reinforcing the economy's resilience even as consumers grow more anxious about high inflation.
The stronger-than-expected report from the Commerce Department on Wednesday prompted economists to upgrade their gross domestic product growth estimates for the third quarter. Together with other data on Wednesday showing a surge in import prices last month, strong demand sealed the argument for a widely anticipated interest rate increase from the Federal Reserve later in the day, economists said.
The reports followed data this month showing producer and consumer prices accelerated in August, while the labor market regained its poise after wobbling through much of summer.
"This reaffirms that the economy is more than capable of handling higher interest rates, providing the Fed plenty of scope to hike to get inflation under control," said Bradley Saunders, North America economist at Capital Economics.
#economists #data #month
4 days ago
An Ohio congresswoman is facing major blowback online after suggesting that lynchings are on the rise in the United States, despite that claim being widely debunked last week.
"In the last year, there's been an alarming increase in Black Americans found dead hanging from trees. We know what that has meant throughout our history," said Rep. Shontel Brown, D-Ohio, on X. "That's why I've joined [Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass.] to demand a federal investigation into possible lynchings."
Fox News Digital reviewed some high-profile cases after Pressley's letter to the DOJ demanding "thorough, transparent, and comprehensive federal investigation into every hanging death of a Black individual across the United States." Last week, Pressley and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., posted about the letter on their X accounts, drawing blowback and widespread debunking of the suggestion that there has been an uptick in lynchings.
Rep. Shontel Brown, D-Ohio, takes her seat for the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing with "Sanctuary State Governors" in the Capitol Visitor Center on Thursday, June 12, 2025.
Governor Blames Activists In Nolan Wells Case For 'Stoking Division,' Official Says Fbi Probing Threats
#ohio #states
"In the last year, there's been an alarming increase in Black Americans found dead hanging from trees. We know what that has meant throughout our history," said Rep. Shontel Brown, D-Ohio, on X. "That's why I've joined [Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass.] to demand a federal investigation into possible lynchings."
Fox News Digital reviewed some high-profile cases after Pressley's letter to the DOJ demanding "thorough, transparent, and comprehensive federal investigation into every hanging death of a Black individual across the United States." Last week, Pressley and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., posted about the letter on their X accounts, drawing blowback and widespread debunking of the suggestion that there has been an uptick in lynchings.
Rep. Shontel Brown, D-Ohio, takes her seat for the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing with "Sanctuary State Governors" in the Capitol Visitor Center on Thursday, June 12, 2025.
Governor Blames Activists In Nolan Wells Case For 'Stoking Division,' Official Says Fbi Probing Threats
#ohio #states
4 days ago
A teenage girl has been arrested on charges including murder after Chicago police said she and several other people pushed a man off a moving transit train.
According to the Chicago Police Department, officers arrested a 15-year-old girl in connection to the Sept. 7 killing and confirmed that as of Sept. 14, two other suspects remained at large.
In a statement to USA TODAY, the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office identified the victim as Kyle T. Bickham.
Bickham, 29, died from multiple injuries due to a train striking a person, Meaghan Johnson, a spokesperson for the office, said. The medical examiner ruled Bickham's death a homicide.
Police said detectives arrested the 15-year-old girl on Sept. 11 after, according to a news release, she was identified as one of the suspects who allegedly "used force" to push Bickham from a moving CTA train.
#medical
According to the Chicago Police Department, officers arrested a 15-year-old girl in connection to the Sept. 7 killing and confirmed that as of Sept. 14, two other suspects remained at large.
In a statement to USA TODAY, the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office identified the victim as Kyle T. Bickham.
Bickham, 29, died from multiple injuries due to a train striking a person, Meaghan Johnson, a spokesperson for the office, said. The medical examiner ruled Bickham's death a homicide.
Police said detectives arrested the 15-year-old girl on Sept. 11 after, according to a news release, she was identified as one of the suspects who allegedly "used force" to push Bickham from a moving CTA train.
#medical
8 days ago
In a Fox News exclusive interview, Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico came out in favor of banning gender surgery for minors and opposed transgender-identifying men competing in women's sports.
Talarico also backtracked on several of his more controversial claims, including saying there are six genders and that "God is nonbinary."
This comes as the Texas Senate race, which is surprisingly close according to recent Fox News polling, enters its final months. The race is considered critical to both parties' chances of securing a Senate majority. Talarico is facing Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican who has faced controversies of his own. A Republican loss in Texas would significantly impact President Donald Trump's ability to implement his agenda.
Fox News spoke with Talarico at a food drive campaign event in Dallas on Tuesday. Talarico's event took place as the first-ever GOP midterm convention kicked off just miles away in downtown Dallas.
Talarico Campaigns With Surgeon Who Operated On Transgender Minors: 'Wolf In Sheep's Clothing'
#talarico #transgender #democratic
Talarico also backtracked on several of his more controversial claims, including saying there are six genders and that "God is nonbinary."
This comes as the Texas Senate race, which is surprisingly close according to recent Fox News polling, enters its final months. The race is considered critical to both parties' chances of securing a Senate majority. Talarico is facing Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican who has faced controversies of his own. A Republican loss in Texas would significantly impact President Donald Trump's ability to implement his agenda.
Fox News spoke with Talarico at a food drive campaign event in Dallas on Tuesday. Talarico's event took place as the first-ever GOP midterm convention kicked off just miles away in downtown Dallas.
Talarico Campaigns With Surgeon Who Operated On Transgender Minors: 'Wolf In Sheep's Clothing'
#talarico #transgender #democratic
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14 days ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court granted an emergency appeal from Republicans in a dispute over campaign ad prices on Friday, clearing a legal roadblock to political parties getting cheaper TV ad time ahead of the midterm elections.
The justices halted for now a lower-court ruling in favor of Democratic candidates who argued that cheaper broadcast ads should be limited to candidates. One justice publicly dissented from the unsigned order. It's the latest election-related appeal to come before the high court ahead of the pivotal November contests.
The Trump administration supported the emergency appeal from GOP campaign arms.
The decision comes on the heels of a June Supreme Court ruling that removed limits on parties spending money in coordination with candidates. It was seen as a boon to the GOP because the national party has a sizable cash advantage, and access to cheaper ad rates could boost that edge.
Among Democrats, meanwhile, some individual candidates have sizable fundraising advantages over their Republican opponents.
#emergency
The justices halted for now a lower-court ruling in favor of Democratic candidates who argued that cheaper broadcast ads should be limited to candidates. One justice publicly dissented from the unsigned order. It's the latest election-related appeal to come before the high court ahead of the pivotal November contests.
The Trump administration supported the emergency appeal from GOP campaign arms.
The decision comes on the heels of a June Supreme Court ruling that removed limits on parties spending money in coordination with candidates. It was seen as a boon to the GOP because the national party has a sizable cash advantage, and access to cheaper ad rates could boost that edge.
Among Democrats, meanwhile, some individual candidates have sizable fundraising advantages over their Republican opponents.
#emergency
18 days ago
A Nashville charter school has removed books featuring LGBT themes from its elementary school libraries months after a Christian teacher was disciplined for refusing to read one of the books to students, a decision the school later cleared from the teacher's record.
The Tennessee Star reported Friday that, according to the First Liberty Institute — a nonprofit legal organization — the Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) in Nashville has taken out books that promote same-sex marriage.
"We are thrilled that KIPP Nashville voluntarily removed books that could run afoul of parents' rights under the Constitution and Tennessee law," Cliff Martin, senior counsel at First Liberty Institute, said in a Thursday statement.
"It is paramount that religious views be respected in schools," Martin said.
Utah Library Confirms Lgbtq 'Pride' Book For Its 'Smallest Patrons' Is Kept Easily Accessible
#liberty
The Tennessee Star reported Friday that, according to the First Liberty Institute — a nonprofit legal organization — the Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) in Nashville has taken out books that promote same-sex marriage.
"We are thrilled that KIPP Nashville voluntarily removed books that could run afoul of parents' rights under the Constitution and Tennessee law," Cliff Martin, senior counsel at First Liberty Institute, said in a Thursday statement.
"It is paramount that religious views be respected in schools," Martin said.
Utah Library Confirms Lgbtq 'Pride' Book For Its 'Smallest Patrons' Is Kept Easily Accessible
#liberty
19 days ago
A father in Palo Alto, California, is declaring a victory in court after a federal judge allowed a civil rights lawsuit alleging anti-Asian bias in college admissions to move forward.
Nan Zhong and his son, Stanley Zhong, filed federal lawsuits against several elite institutions, including the University of California system, the University of Washington, the University of Michigan and Cornell University. The complaints allege the universities engaged in "racially discriminatory admissions practices that disadvantage highly qualified Asian-American applicants."
One of their cases will now proceed in part against the University of Washington after a federal judge granted the university defendants' motion to dismiss in part and denied it in part.
"We got an exciting ruling from the judge," Nan Zhong told Fox News Digital. "Effectively, the judge ruled in our favor by denying the university's motion to dismiss. So, this is a major development in the lawsuit. That means the judge found enough factual allegations to support our allegation."
Duke Law's Alleged Race-based Admissions Accused Of Defying Supreme Court Ruling: Doj
#university #zhong #admissions #court
Nan Zhong and his son, Stanley Zhong, filed federal lawsuits against several elite institutions, including the University of California system, the University of Washington, the University of Michigan and Cornell University. The complaints allege the universities engaged in "racially discriminatory admissions practices that disadvantage highly qualified Asian-American applicants."
One of their cases will now proceed in part against the University of Washington after a federal judge granted the university defendants' motion to dismiss in part and denied it in part.
"We got an exciting ruling from the judge," Nan Zhong told Fox News Digital. "Effectively, the judge ruled in our favor by denying the university's motion to dismiss. So, this is a major development in the lawsuit. That means the judge found enough factual allegations to support our allegation."
Duke Law's Alleged Race-based Admissions Accused Of Defying Supreme Court Ruling: Doj
#university #zhong #admissions #court
21 days ago
By Robin Respaut
Aug 27 (Reuters) - A U.S. advisory committee on autism is set to propose that federal agencies nearly double investment in research and initiatives focusing on medical care, housing, aging, and other priorities to support people with the condition and their families.
Members of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee, a federal advisory panel appointed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. this year, will meet on Thursday to discuss their new strategic plan to reshape federal priorities in autism.
The draft plan, made public on the IACC's website last month, suggests boosting investment by the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other agencies to $747.4 million annually from $390.4 million to address a sweeping array of issues impacting people with autism and their families.
Current federal spending, relative to the economic burden of autism, is less than other diseases, such as Alzheimer's and asthma, the draft plan says.
#plan #committee #people
Aug 27 (Reuters) - A U.S. advisory committee on autism is set to propose that federal agencies nearly double investment in research and initiatives focusing on medical care, housing, aging, and other priorities to support people with the condition and their families.
Members of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee, a federal advisory panel appointed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. this year, will meet on Thursday to discuss their new strategic plan to reshape federal priorities in autism.
The draft plan, made public on the IACC's website last month, suggests boosting investment by the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other agencies to $747.4 million annually from $390.4 million to address a sweeping array of issues impacting people with autism and their families.
Current federal spending, relative to the economic burden of autism, is less than other diseases, such as Alzheimer's and asthma, the draft plan says.
#plan #committee #people
21 days ago
NASA is preparing for the weekend launch of the most advanced deep ****** e telescope ever that will allow us to see thousands of planets, millions of galaxies and billions of stars. It's designed to help us learn more about the universe and whether humans are alone. NBC's Tom Costello reports for TODAY.
#preparing #advanced #deep
#preparing #advanced #deep
22 days ago
One of the most enduring principles of liberty is owning property. "America's Founders understood clearly that private property is the foundation not only of prosperity but of freedom itself," Roger Pilon, founder of the Cato Institute's Center for Constitutional Studies, wrote in 2017.
And yet all too often, bureaucrats put unnecessary rules and regulations on how we can use our property. One couple is fighting with their town over the right to just let people go for a walk on their land.*
Charles Copley met his wife, Elizabeth, at Oxford University, while they were each pursuing a Ph.D. After living a few years in his native South Africa, they moved with their children to Connecticut to be closer to Elizabeth's family.
Wanting to make the area their permanent home, they purchased two plots of rural land in Roxbury totaling 50 acres in 2022. They hoped not only to live on the land but to really make it their own: farming, planting, and otherwise tailoring the property to their family while protecting and preserving its natural beauty.
They hired a forester to draw up a 10-year forest management plan, which the town approved, and then began removing invasive species and cutting miles of walking trails throughout all 50 acres.
#founders
And yet all too often, bureaucrats put unnecessary rules and regulations on how we can use our property. One couple is fighting with their town over the right to just let people go for a walk on their land.*
Charles Copley met his wife, Elizabeth, at Oxford University, while they were each pursuing a Ph.D. After living a few years in his native South Africa, they moved with their children to Connecticut to be closer to Elizabeth's family.
Wanting to make the area their permanent home, they purchased two plots of rural land in Roxbury totaling 50 acres in 2022. They hoped not only to live on the land but to really make it their own: farming, planting, and otherwise tailoring the property to their family while protecting and preserving its natural beauty.
They hired a forester to draw up a 10-year forest management plan, which the town approved, and then began removing invasive species and cutting miles of walking trails throughout all 50 acres.
#founders
23 days ago
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) on Monday said "no one from the Trump Cartel is getting a pass" in a post on the social media platform X. The video comes after he faced backlash for meeting with Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law.
The New York Times reported Sunday that the two met privately ahead of November's midterms to discuss common ground on issues like housing, immigration and the high cost of living.
Jeffries said Kushner reached out to him first, and he accepted so the pair could discuss affordability. His post emphasized, however, that House Democrats have pushed the Trump administration on issues including tariffs, the Affordable Care Act, nutritional ****** istance and more.
"I shouldn't have to say it, but I am. No one is going to get a pass," he said. "We're going to follow the facts, apply the law, and be guided by the Constitution beginning on day one. And hold the crooks accountable."
Reactions to the meeting have been mixed. Tommy Vietor, a co-host of "Pod Save America" and former Obama aide, took to X on Sunday to criticize Kushner.
#Trump #issues
The New York Times reported Sunday that the two met privately ahead of November's midterms to discuss common ground on issues like housing, immigration and the high cost of living.
Jeffries said Kushner reached out to him first, and he accepted so the pair could discuss affordability. His post emphasized, however, that House Democrats have pushed the Trump administration on issues including tariffs, the Affordable Care Act, nutritional ****** istance and more.
"I shouldn't have to say it, but I am. No one is going to get a pass," he said. "We're going to follow the facts, apply the law, and be guided by the Constitution beginning on day one. And hold the crooks accountable."
Reactions to the meeting have been mixed. Tommy Vietor, a co-host of "Pod Save America" and former Obama aide, took to X on Sunday to criticize Kushner.
#Trump #issues
25 days ago
BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has promised to deport thousands of migrants who are in the country without residence permits, mainly Venezuelans, as he attempts to make significant changes to the nation's immigration policies that he says will reduce crime.
De la Espriella, who was sworn into office three weeks ago, said that he would order the country's national immigration service to conduct raids with Colombian police as early as this week. He announced the new policy in a video released on Sunday night in his X account where he spoke of multiple measures to reduce crime and confront criminal groups.
The ultra conservative leader, who is closely aligned with the U.S. President Donald Trump, said that law enforcement will first target migrants who are "committing crimes" and then, those who are living in the country without regular status.
"I will not accept any illegal immigrants, wherever they come from," de la Espriella said in the video. "They will have to leave and be deported. It is a political decision I am taking responsibility for."
Most migrants living in Colombia come from neighboring Venezuela, a nation that lost about a fifth of its population over the past decade as Venezuelans fled a repressive regime that oversaw years of economic turmoil, and a 75% contraction in the nation's GDP.
#without
De la Espriella, who was sworn into office three weeks ago, said that he would order the country's national immigration service to conduct raids with Colombian police as early as this week. He announced the new policy in a video released on Sunday night in his X account where he spoke of multiple measures to reduce crime and confront criminal groups.
The ultra conservative leader, who is closely aligned with the U.S. President Donald Trump, said that law enforcement will first target migrants who are "committing crimes" and then, those who are living in the country without regular status.
"I will not accept any illegal immigrants, wherever they come from," de la Espriella said in the video. "They will have to leave and be deported. It is a political decision I am taking responsibility for."
Most migrants living in Colombia come from neighboring Venezuela, a nation that lost about a fifth of its population over the past decade as Venezuelans fled a repressive regime that oversaw years of economic turmoil, and a 75% contraction in the nation's GDP.
#without
25 days ago
MOSCOW, Aug 24 (Reuters) - The Kremlin said on Monday that measures were being taken to minimise the impact of Ukrainian strikes on Russia's grain exports as global wheat importers brace for tighter supplies amid attacks on Black Sea grain infrastructure.
Tit-for-tat attacks by Russia and Ukraine, both major grain exporters, on ports and vessels in recent weeks have shuttered grain terminals and forced shippers to delay or cancel loadings for dozens of cargoes during the peak export season.
"Measures have been identified and will be further developed, ensuring that all grain intended for export is shipped on time and in full," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
President Vladimir Putin acknowledged last week that Russia was experiencing problems with its agricultural exports, but said it would resolve them. The Kremlin chief also pledged that there would be no shortages on global markets.
Russia would have about 60 million tons of grain for export in the current season, Putin estimated. Russian grain exports are expected to pick up to 2.2 million metric tons in August from 1.95 million in July, the Sovecon consultancy said.
#kremlin #Russia
Tit-for-tat attacks by Russia and Ukraine, both major grain exporters, on ports and vessels in recent weeks have shuttered grain terminals and forced shippers to delay or cancel loadings for dozens of cargoes during the peak export season.
"Measures have been identified and will be further developed, ensuring that all grain intended for export is shipped on time and in full," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
President Vladimir Putin acknowledged last week that Russia was experiencing problems with its agricultural exports, but said it would resolve them. The Kremlin chief also pledged that there would be no shortages on global markets.
Russia would have about 60 million tons of grain for export in the current season, Putin estimated. Russian grain exports are expected to pick up to 2.2 million metric tons in August from 1.95 million in July, the Sovecon consultancy said.
#kremlin #Russia
26 days ago
By Yasmine Ghania and Kanishka Singh
CAIRO/WASHINGTON, Aug 24 (Reuters) - The U.S. threatened Iran with what it called "the greatest financial offensive ever marshalled" as it prepared to roll out economic sanctions on Monday that target Iran's trade partners.
Iran in turn vowed to shut down all oil exports from the Gulf "if the economic war continues."
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will hold a press conference at 2 p.m. EDT (1800 GMT) on Monday amid promises to reveal even more severe measures on a country that has endured near-continuous economic sanctions since the Islamic Revolution of 1979.
"At dawn begins an economic D-Day — the single greatest financial offensive ever marshalled against an adversary," Bessent wrote in an opinion piece published in the Financial Times on Sunday.
#Iran #Monday #greatest #marshalled
CAIRO/WASHINGTON, Aug 24 (Reuters) - The U.S. threatened Iran with what it called "the greatest financial offensive ever marshalled" as it prepared to roll out economic sanctions on Monday that target Iran's trade partners.
Iran in turn vowed to shut down all oil exports from the Gulf "if the economic war continues."
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will hold a press conference at 2 p.m. EDT (1800 GMT) on Monday amid promises to reveal even more severe measures on a country that has endured near-continuous economic sanctions since the Islamic Revolution of 1979.
"At dawn begins an economic D-Day — the single greatest financial offensive ever marshalled against an adversary," Bessent wrote in an opinion piece published in the Financial Times on Sunday.
#Iran #Monday #greatest #marshalled
28 days ago
BRUSSELS, Aug 21 (Reuters) - NATO's top commander convened a videoconference earlier this week to facilitate possible contributions to support freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, his spokesperson told Reuters, adding that this is not a NATO mission.
"Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe hosted a meeting of interested Allies at the chief of defence level on Wednesday, 19 Aug 26, in order to facilitate their possible contributions to support freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz," a spokesperson for the alliance's top commander U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich said on Friday.
"To be clear, this is not a NATO mission. But given NATO's unique strengths in its ability to bring together Allies and understand the capabilities they bring to bear, it makes sense for NATO to facilitate in this way," the spokesperson added.
NATO allies have sought to avoid direct involvement in the Iran conflict, instead focusing on plans outside the alliance to reopen the strait, which before February carried about a fifth of all traded oil.
France and Britain have led efforts to build a coalition among roughly a dozen countries to guarantee safe passage through the strait once tensions ease or the conflict is resolved, though any long-term arrangement would ultimately require Iranian acquiescence.
#allies #reuters #hormuz #possible
"Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe hosted a meeting of interested Allies at the chief of defence level on Wednesday, 19 Aug 26, in order to facilitate their possible contributions to support freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz," a spokesperson for the alliance's top commander U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich said on Friday.
"To be clear, this is not a NATO mission. But given NATO's unique strengths in its ability to bring together Allies and understand the capabilities they bring to bear, it makes sense for NATO to facilitate in this way," the spokesperson added.
NATO allies have sought to avoid direct involvement in the Iran conflict, instead focusing on plans outside the alliance to reopen the strait, which before February carried about a fifth of all traded oil.
France and Britain have led efforts to build a coalition among roughly a dozen countries to guarantee safe passage through the strait once tensions ease or the conflict is resolved, though any long-term arrangement would ultimately require Iranian acquiescence.
#allies #reuters #hormuz #possible
28 days ago
By Siyi Liu and Chen Aizhu
SINGAPORE, Aug 21 (Reuters) - Offers of Iranian crude to Chinese buyers have declined and prices have jumped this week as the U.S. blockade has cut Tehran's shipments, according to trade sources, with the threat of more sanctions from Washington looming.
The U.S. re-imposed its blockade of Iran's shipping and ports on July 13 as a deal to halt the war between them broke down in an attempt to cut off oil sales — Tehran's primary source of hard currency — compounding earlier losses from wartime strikes on its energy infrastructure.
The number of offers for Iranian oil cargoes to China for September and October delivery has declined from July and August cargoes, four trade sources familiar with the matter said. The offers have declined as barrels already in ships on the water have been sold, they said.
Iran's oil exports have fallen since mid-July, with no visible crossings of the Strait of Hormuz by supertankers carrying Iranian crude since then, according to data from ship-tracking company Kpler, although many vessels turn off their location transponders, making them difficult to track.
#iranian #blockade #according #trade
SINGAPORE, Aug 21 (Reuters) - Offers of Iranian crude to Chinese buyers have declined and prices have jumped this week as the U.S. blockade has cut Tehran's shipments, according to trade sources, with the threat of more sanctions from Washington looming.
The U.S. re-imposed its blockade of Iran's shipping and ports on July 13 as a deal to halt the war between them broke down in an attempt to cut off oil sales — Tehran's primary source of hard currency — compounding earlier losses from wartime strikes on its energy infrastructure.
The number of offers for Iranian oil cargoes to China for September and October delivery has declined from July and August cargoes, four trade sources familiar with the matter said. The offers have declined as barrels already in ships on the water have been sold, they said.
Iran's oil exports have fallen since mid-July, with no visible crossings of the Strait of Hormuz by supertankers carrying Iranian crude since then, according to data from ship-tracking company Kpler, although many vessels turn off their location transponders, making them difficult to track.
#iranian #blockade #according #trade
30 days ago
A deputy with the Boulder County Sheriff's Office showed up at the University of Colorado campus last week to serve civil papers to Deion Sanders while the coach was at an open practice and inaccessible.
The officer was informed that the Buffaloes coach was "unavailable at the time to receive receipt of the papers," a spokesperson with the sheriff's office said Wednesday. Sanders is being subpoenaed to testify as part of a bankruptcy trial involving his son, Shilo, that begins on Aug. 31, according to USA Today.
The Colorado athletic department had no additional information. The Buffaloes open the season on Sept. 3 at Georgia Tech.
The deputy arrived on campus at 10:22 a.m. on Aug. 11 with civil papers. It was the day the Buffaloes held an open practice with specific rules in place that nothing observed could be reported, published or shared.
Carrie Haverfield, a senior communications specialist for the sheriff's office, wrote in an email to The **** ociated Press that it's not uncommon for civil papers to take several attempts to serve.
#campus #serve
The officer was informed that the Buffaloes coach was "unavailable at the time to receive receipt of the papers," a spokesperson with the sheriff's office said Wednesday. Sanders is being subpoenaed to testify as part of a bankruptcy trial involving his son, Shilo, that begins on Aug. 31, according to USA Today.
The Colorado athletic department had no additional information. The Buffaloes open the season on Sept. 3 at Georgia Tech.
The deputy arrived on campus at 10:22 a.m. on Aug. 11 with civil papers. It was the day the Buffaloes held an open practice with specific rules in place that nothing observed could be reported, published or shared.
Carrie Haverfield, a senior communications specialist for the sheriff's office, wrote in an email to The **** ociated Press that it's not uncommon for civil papers to take several attempts to serve.
#campus #serve
1 month ago
ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan's Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered authorities to take imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan to a private hospital in the capital for a medical examination, following months of concerns from his family and personal physicians about his health and access to medical care, his lawyers and party officials said.
A three-judge panel ordered that Khan be taken to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad in the coming days and examined by a medical board that will include specialists and one of his personal physicians, Faisal Sultan.
The court also ordered prison officials to allow Khan weekly meetings with family members and telephone calls with his sons. Khan's family has been struggling to secure access to him and have him examined by physicians of his choice.
Hours after the order, authorities allowed one of Khan's sisters to visit him. Pakistan had barred visitors earlier this year after receiving intelligence reports about a possible attack on the prison where he is being held.
The order came months after Khan petitioned the court, asking to be transferred from a high-security prison in the nearby garrison city of Rawalpindi to a hospital and to be allowed access to his personal physicians, family and lawyers.
#access
A three-judge panel ordered that Khan be taken to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad in the coming days and examined by a medical board that will include specialists and one of his personal physicians, Faisal Sultan.
The court also ordered prison officials to allow Khan weekly meetings with family members and telephone calls with his sons. Khan's family has been struggling to secure access to him and have him examined by physicians of his choice.
Hours after the order, authorities allowed one of Khan's sisters to visit him. Pakistan had barred visitors earlier this year after receiving intelligence reports about a possible attack on the prison where he is being held.
The order came months after Khan petitioned the court, asking to be transferred from a high-security prison in the nearby garrison city of Rawalpindi to a hospital and to be allowed access to his personal physicians, family and lawyers.
#access
1 month ago
Police are investigating the sudden death of Hayden Panettiere, star of TV and film, after being found unresponsive at her South Carolina home. NBC's Steve Patterson reports for TODAY.
#patterson
#patterson
1 month ago
A murder inquiry has begun after the death of a man who was bitten by a dog on a footpath in West Yorkshire.
The 55-year-old was injured in an altercation on a disused railway line off Blacker Lane in Calder Grove, Wakefield, at about 13:30 BST on Saturday. He was taken to hospital in a critical condition but died just after 19:00.
West Yorkshire Police has appealed for two people, one of whom is called Sophie, who stopped to help the injured man to come forward.
A force spokesperson said a 55-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and of being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control in a public place, causing injury. He remains in custody.
The dog believed to have been involved in the incident has been seized by officers.
#Yorkshire #blacker #calder #wakefield
The 55-year-old was injured in an altercation on a disused railway line off Blacker Lane in Calder Grove, Wakefield, at about 13:30 BST on Saturday. He was taken to hospital in a critical condition but died just after 19:00.
West Yorkshire Police has appealed for two people, one of whom is called Sophie, who stopped to help the injured man to come forward.
A force spokesperson said a 55-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and of being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control in a public place, causing injury. He remains in custody.
The dog believed to have been involved in the incident has been seized by officers.
#Yorkshire #blacker #calder #wakefield
1 month ago
Dr. Anthony Fauci on Friday declined a request to appear voluntarily before a second Senate panel after majority Republicans on the Homeland Security Committee voted along partisan lines last week to hold the longtime infectious disease expert in contempt.
In a pointed letter to Sen. Ron Johnson, a Wisconsin Republican, a lawyer for the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said any effort to compel him to appear before a Senate subcommittee, after a contentious July 29 hearing, would be to "impermissibly harass or degrade Dr. Fauci for political purposes."
During the July hearing on his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination 100 times, prompting the Aug. 6 contempt vote and setting up a referral to the Justice Department for potential investigation over whether he had properly exercised his constitutional rights.
Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, the committee chairman who pressed for the contempt finding, said the constitutional protection did not apply because Democratic President Joe Biden had issued a preemptive pardon to Fauci, and he did not need to be concerned about potential prosecution.
Paul has long accused Fauci of misleading the public during the pandemic and the July hearing was the latest episode in his highly publicized confrontations with him. Paul has repeatedly called for Fauci to be prosecuted and imprisoned.
#contempt #senate #republican
In a pointed letter to Sen. Ron Johnson, a Wisconsin Republican, a lawyer for the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said any effort to compel him to appear before a Senate subcommittee, after a contentious July 29 hearing, would be to "impermissibly harass or degrade Dr. Fauci for political purposes."
During the July hearing on his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination 100 times, prompting the Aug. 6 contempt vote and setting up a referral to the Justice Department for potential investigation over whether he had properly exercised his constitutional rights.
Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, the committee chairman who pressed for the contempt finding, said the constitutional protection did not apply because Democratic President Joe Biden had issued a preemptive pardon to Fauci, and he did not need to be concerned about potential prosecution.
Paul has long accused Fauci of misleading the public during the pandemic and the July hearing was the latest episode in his highly publicized confrontations with him. Paul has repeatedly called for Fauci to be prosecuted and imprisoned.
#contempt #senate #republican
1 month ago
By Pablo Sinha and Swati Verma
Aug 14 (Reuters) - Gold prices slipped on Friday and were headed for a weekly loss as investors locked in profits a day after bullion was propelled to its highest level in more than two months on mild U.S. inflation data that weakened the case for a near-term Federal Reserve rate hike.
Spot gold was down 0.5% at $4,330.70 per ounce, as of 0714 GMT. U.S. gold futures for December delivery slid 0.7% to $4,387.40.
Bullion climbed to its highest point since June 5 on Thursday, before settling lower, setting it on track for a weekly loss.
"There is some episodic and more speculative capital that's maybe taking a bit of profit in gold, because there's not a near-term catalyst quite so potent immediately in front of us," said Ilya Spivak, head of global macro at finance content network Tastylive.
#Gold #weekly #sinha
Aug 14 (Reuters) - Gold prices slipped on Friday and were headed for a weekly loss as investors locked in profits a day after bullion was propelled to its highest level in more than two months on mild U.S. inflation data that weakened the case for a near-term Federal Reserve rate hike.
Spot gold was down 0.5% at $4,330.70 per ounce, as of 0714 GMT. U.S. gold futures for December delivery slid 0.7% to $4,387.40.
Bullion climbed to its highest point since June 5 on Thursday, before settling lower, setting it on track for a weekly loss.
"There is some episodic and more speculative capital that's maybe taking a bit of profit in gold, because there's not a near-term catalyst quite so potent immediately in front of us," said Ilya Spivak, head of global macro at finance content network Tastylive.
#Gold #weekly #sinha
1 month ago
Communities across the country are debating whether or not they should keep using controversial Flock Safety cameras as a number of them are vandalized. Police say the cameras help them track down criminals, but critics say they're an invasion of privacy. NBC News' Dana Griffin reports.
#cameras #flock #dana
#cameras #flock #dana
1 month ago
BERLIN, Aug 5 (Reuters) - Germany's service sector contracted only marginally in July as demand picked up slightly and new business rose for the first time in five months, a business survey showed on Wednesday.
The final HCOB Germany services Purchasing Managers' Index, compiled by S&P Global, rose to 49.8 in July from 48.6 the month before, coming in slightly above an initial reading of 49.6.
A reading below 50.0 indicates contraction, and the closer it comes to that figure, the slower the rate of contraction.
"Business conditions have steadied across the service sector, with not only business activity coming close to stabilising in July, but employment too," said Phil Smith, economics ****** ociate director at S&P Global Market Intelligence.
Workforce numbers slipped only slightly, with the rate of job losses easing for a third straight month and the weakest since the current run of cuts began at the start of the year.
#business #service #sector #coming
The final HCOB Germany services Purchasing Managers' Index, compiled by S&P Global, rose to 49.8 in July from 48.6 the month before, coming in slightly above an initial reading of 49.6.
A reading below 50.0 indicates contraction, and the closer it comes to that figure, the slower the rate of contraction.
"Business conditions have steadied across the service sector, with not only business activity coming close to stabilising in July, but employment too," said Phil Smith, economics ****** ociate director at S&P Global Market Intelligence.
Workforce numbers slipped only slightly, with the rate of job losses easing for a third straight month and the weakest since the current run of cuts began at the start of the year.
#business #service #sector #coming
1 month ago
By Nolan D. McCaskill
WASHINGTON, Aug 3 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump's bid to install Lindsey Graham's sister as South Carolina's next senator has met unexpected resistance from Republican voters and rivals, setting up a crowded primary that will test the limits of Trump's political influence in one of his strongest states.
After Senator Lindsey Graham died on July 11 at age 71 from a heart ailment, Governor Henry McMaster appointed his sister, Darline Graham, to serve the remainder of his term, which expires in January.
Trump called the appointment a "fabulous tribute" and urged voters to elect her to a full six-year term in the August 11 special election, promising his "Complete and Total Endorsement."
Some Republicans say Darline Graham is a fitting caretaker for her brother's seat but oppose Trump's push to elect her to a full term, arguing voters should choose from a field that remains crowded despite the president's endorsement.
#graham #lindsey #darline #elect
WASHINGTON, Aug 3 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump's bid to install Lindsey Graham's sister as South Carolina's next senator has met unexpected resistance from Republican voters and rivals, setting up a crowded primary that will test the limits of Trump's political influence in one of his strongest states.
After Senator Lindsey Graham died on July 11 at age 71 from a heart ailment, Governor Henry McMaster appointed his sister, Darline Graham, to serve the remainder of his term, which expires in January.
Trump called the appointment a "fabulous tribute" and urged voters to elect her to a full six-year term in the August 11 special election, promising his "Complete and Total Endorsement."
Some Republicans say Darline Graham is a fitting caretaker for her brother's seat but oppose Trump's push to elect her to a full term, arguing voters should choose from a field that remains crowded despite the president's endorsement.
#graham #lindsey #darline #elect
2 months ago
Four people were arrested after authorities said hundreds of vehicles blocked all northbound lanes of Interstate 75 during an apparent street takeover in Hillsborough County, Florida early Saturday, prompting a high-speed chase that reached 140 mph.
The incident began around 1:30 a.m. near mile marker 266 in Thonotosassa, where Florida Highway Patrol traffic cameras captured a large gathering of vehicles stopping traffic while some drivers performed burnouts in the middle of the interstate, according to an arrest report.
As troopers responded to the scene, video showed vehicles rapidly dispersing as drivers and spectators rushed back to their cars, the report said. While most of those involved were allowed to leave without facing charges, one green BMW allegedly sped away from the scene, leading a trooper to initiate a pursuit.
Florida Man In Bunny Helmet Allegedly Led Police On 120 Mph Chase Before Surrendering To Troopers
According to FHP, the BMW accelerated to approximately 140 mph — about twice the posted speed limit — before exiting the interstate and eventually stopping in a parking lot.
#interstate #vehicles #chase #troopers
The incident began around 1:30 a.m. near mile marker 266 in Thonotosassa, where Florida Highway Patrol traffic cameras captured a large gathering of vehicles stopping traffic while some drivers performed burnouts in the middle of the interstate, according to an arrest report.
As troopers responded to the scene, video showed vehicles rapidly dispersing as drivers and spectators rushed back to their cars, the report said. While most of those involved were allowed to leave without facing charges, one green BMW allegedly sped away from the scene, leading a trooper to initiate a pursuit.
Florida Man In Bunny Helmet Allegedly Led Police On 120 Mph Chase Before Surrendering To Troopers
According to FHP, the BMW accelerated to approximately 140 mph — about twice the posted speed limit — before exiting the interstate and eventually stopping in a parking lot.
#interstate #vehicles #chase #troopers
2 months ago
By Nate Raymond
July 28 (Reuters) - EBay and three former top executives have agreed to pay $55.7 million to resolve a lawsuit by a Massachusetts couple who fell victim to a bizarre stalking and harassment campaign carried out by several of its employees in retaliation for their coverage of the e-commerce company in a newsletter they publish.
David and Ina Steiner announced the settlement late on Monday, bringing an end to a case they filed in 2021 in Boston federal court after several former eBay employees were prosecuted for targeting them in a cyber-stalking campaign that involved sending the couple **** roaches, fly larvae and a **** Halloween pig mask.
As part of the settlement, eBay agreed to pay $46.15 million to the couple; fund $6 million in charitable contributions to nonprofit organizations; and issue a "strongly-worded" statement about the conduct of three of its top former executives.
"We believe this resolution sends a clear message that corporations and their executives cannot engage in this type of misconduct without facing significant consequences," Christopher Murphy, the Steiners' attorney, said in a statement.
#million #couple #stalking #several
July 28 (Reuters) - EBay and three former top executives have agreed to pay $55.7 million to resolve a lawsuit by a Massachusetts couple who fell victim to a bizarre stalking and harassment campaign carried out by several of its employees in retaliation for their coverage of the e-commerce company in a newsletter they publish.
David and Ina Steiner announced the settlement late on Monday, bringing an end to a case they filed in 2021 in Boston federal court after several former eBay employees were prosecuted for targeting them in a cyber-stalking campaign that involved sending the couple **** roaches, fly larvae and a **** Halloween pig mask.
As part of the settlement, eBay agreed to pay $46.15 million to the couple; fund $6 million in charitable contributions to nonprofit organizations; and issue a "strongly-worded" statement about the conduct of three of its top former executives.
"We believe this resolution sends a clear message that corporations and their executives cannot engage in this type of misconduct without facing significant consequences," Christopher Murphy, the Steiners' attorney, said in a statement.
#million #couple #stalking #several
2 months ago
A decade ago, Seattle was the poster child of American tech prosperity. Amazon and Microsoft had turned a midsize Pacific Northwest city into a magnet for engineers, executives, and capital, adding roughly 40,000 jobs per year at the peak of the boom, according to the Puget Sound Regional Council.
Today, more than one-third of downtown Seattle's office **** e sits empty, its job postings have collapsed faster than almost any other U.S. metro, and even Starbucks—the coffee giant founded in the city in 1971—is shifting jobs south to Nashville, as it commits to a $100 million, 2,000-person new footprint in Music City. The story of Seattle's reversal unfolds in three overlapping arcs: an office market in free fall, a labor market that has gone from boom to bust, and a policy environment that has made survival harder for the small businesses left behind.
Seattle's downtown office vacancy rate hit 35.6% in the fourth quarter of 2025, up from 32.3% a year earlier, according to Cushman & Wakefield data. That marks a stunning reversal from the pre-pandemic era: As recently as early 2025, the central business district's availability rate—offices with departures pending—and vacancy rate were already hitting all-time highs based on CoStar data stretching back to 1982.
Some brokers put the number even higher, with Colliers reporting vacancy touching 39.1% in late 2024 as remote work, tech layoffs, and cautious leasing decisions compounded. Office building values in the district have plunged sharply as a result, with landlords struggling to fill **** e abandoned by major tenants.
The office crisis is inseparable from a broader collapse in hiring. Seattle metro job postings fell 35% between February 2020 and October 2025, the second-steepest drop of any major U.S. metro after San Francisco's 37% decline, according to Axios's **** ysis of Indeed data.
#city
Today, more than one-third of downtown Seattle's office **** e sits empty, its job postings have collapsed faster than almost any other U.S. metro, and even Starbucks—the coffee giant founded in the city in 1971—is shifting jobs south to Nashville, as it commits to a $100 million, 2,000-person new footprint in Music City. The story of Seattle's reversal unfolds in three overlapping arcs: an office market in free fall, a labor market that has gone from boom to bust, and a policy environment that has made survival harder for the small businesses left behind.
Seattle's downtown office vacancy rate hit 35.6% in the fourth quarter of 2025, up from 32.3% a year earlier, according to Cushman & Wakefield data. That marks a stunning reversal from the pre-pandemic era: As recently as early 2025, the central business district's availability rate—offices with departures pending—and vacancy rate were already hitting all-time highs based on CoStar data stretching back to 1982.
Some brokers put the number even higher, with Colliers reporting vacancy touching 39.1% in late 2024 as remote work, tech layoffs, and cautious leasing decisions compounded. Office building values in the district have plunged sharply as a result, with landlords struggling to fill **** e abandoned by major tenants.
The office crisis is inseparable from a broader collapse in hiring. Seattle metro job postings fell 35% between February 2020 and October 2025, the second-steepest drop of any major U.S. metro after San Francisco's 37% decline, according to Axios's **** ysis of Indeed data.
#city
