Showing posts with label la. Show all posts
Showing posts with label la. Show all posts
Nick Chubb returning to Browns 'increasingly unlikely,' says GM Andrew BerryNew Foto - Nick Chubb returning to Browns 'increasingly unlikely,' says GM Andrew Berry

Perhaps it was already clear theCleveland Brownshad moved on fromNick Chubbafter not offering the running back a contract after the 2024 season, then adding two players at the position during the 2025 NFL Draft. However, Browns general manager Andrew Berry made Chubb's status all but official, saying during a radio appearance it was "increasingly unlikely" the seven-year veteran would return to Cleveland. "I wouldn't rule anything out, but I would say it's probably increasingly unlikely," Berry told92.3 The Fan's Ken Carman and Anthony Limaon Friday morning. "I'd say maybe a return is less likely, at least in the short term, with us right now." According to Berry, the team has not been "in strong communication" with Chubb since the draft, when the Browns selected Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins in the second round and used a fourth-round selection on Tennessee's Dylan Sampson. Additionally,Jerome Fordis under contract for one more year after leading Cleveland with 565 yards rushing last season.He agreed to a pay cutwith the Browns last week, reducing his salary from $3.49 million to $1.75 million, making it even more likely there won't be a spot for Chubb on the roster. "I would says it's probably increasingly unlikely. I'd say maybe a return is less likely, at least in the short term, with us right now.""📞@BrownsGM Andrew Berry w/@KenCarmanand@SportsBoyTonyon a possible return for RB Nick Chubb 🏈⤵️🔊 Listen:https://t.co/jD2y8Eb9gXpic.twitter.com/D5kTzqb85g — 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan)May 9, 2025 Berry's reluctance to make a definitive statement on Chubb is likely an acknowledgement of his popularity with fans, who loved his bruising running style,awe-inspiring workoutsand efforts to return from serious injuries. Chubb suffereda season-ending injuryin 2023 during a Week 2 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers, tearing the left MCL in his left knee in addition to a partially torn ACL. He eventually required two surgeries to repair the injuries, which were so grisly ESPNdeclined to show a replayduring the broadcast. Yet Chubb returned seven games into last season and rushed for 332 yards and three TDs in eight games beforesustaining a broken footin a Week 15 game versus the Kansas City Chiefs. He became a free agent after the season and was not offered a new contract to return to Cleveland. There have been rumors of other NFL teamsshowing interest, but they surely have the same questions about Chubb's health and durability the Browns do. In seven seasons with the Browns, Chubb rushed for 6,843 yards and 51 touchdowns, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. He also compiled 1,042 yards receiving on 128 catches.

byAnio Baumeister
in , , ,
May 09, 2025

Nick Chubb returning to Browns 'increasingly unlikely,' says GM Andrew Berry

Nick Chubb returning to Browns 'increasingly unlikely,' says GM Andrew Berry Perhaps it was already clear theCleveland Brownshad mov...
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CeeDee Lamb might be biggest beneficiary in Cowboys' trade for George PickensNew Foto - CeeDee Lamb might be biggest beneficiary in Cowboys' trade for George Pickens

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.) TheDallas Cowboysmade one of the offseason's splashiest moves byacquiring wide receiver George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers. The trade sent a 2026 third-round draft pick and a 2027 fifth-rounder to Pittsburgh in exchange for Pickens and a 2027 sixth-rounder. Any time a franchise brings in a young, physically gifted, and at times mercurial receiver like Pickens, questions immediately swirl around how existing stars will be affected—especially the team's alpha,CeeDee Lamb. On an episode of "Football 301," Yahoo Sports' Matt Harmon, Nate Tice and Charles McDonald broke down the ripple effects of the move. Here's a look at how this trade could impact Lamb this season and beyond. The first point of agreement across the "Football 301" panel: CeeDee Lamb is firmly entrenched as Dallas' No. 1 receiver. As McDonald said, "CeeDee Lamb is going to be the No. 1 target, obviously ... he's a better receiver than George [Pickens]. He's more dialed in." There's zero doubt Lamb is "the guy," both in the huddle and on the stat sheet. That said, the Cowboys' passing attack has been missing a legitimate X receiver, someone who can line up outside, beat press coverage, and consistently win on challenging routes like stops and back-shoulders. SinceMichael Gallup's injuries, Dallas has scrambled to fill that void. Tice pointed out Dallas' reliance on Lamb for those isolation throws because, "CeeDee is good on those, but that's not the best skill set for CeeDee." Adding Pickens is Dallas' answer to finally freeing up Lamb, allowing him to attack defenses in the spots where he's truly elite. Harmon emphasized, "If you have CeeDee as that ISO guy ... it kind of limits the rest of your offense because you want CeeDee in the slot and you want him being a power slot and it can bump out to Z and do some flanker stuff." The Cowboys now have newfound flexibility to unleash Lamb on the inside, putting him in motion, in the slot, and in matchups that let him maximize his yards-after-catch ability. With Pickens drawing coverage and handling those demanding outside routes — including the stop routesDak Prescottloves to throw — Lamb can operate as a power slot while also moving around the formation. That means more mismatches, more opportunities to take advantage of slower linebackers or nickel corners and more creativity for Dallas' play designers. Some fantasy managers and fans might worry that Pickens will eat into Lamb's 2023-level target share. But as Harmon explained, the type of looks Lamb is likely to get will be higher quality: "Maybe they'll probably be higher quality opportunities, but will [Pickens] be engaged enough to make the most of them?" In essence, even if Lamb's raw target numbers dip slightly, the presence of Pickens should draw defensive attention and create more favorable alignments and coverage scenarios for Lamb. Playing the X is physically and mentally taxing. Last season, Lamb shouldered that load by necessity. By shifting those responsibilities to Pickens, the Cowboys not only maximize Lamb's skills but preserve his health for the long haul. Pickens is a big-play threat, ranking among the league leaders in yards per route run against man coverage. Teams will have to account for his ability to stretch the field vertically, while Lamb's quickness and versatility become even more dangerous underneath. Dallas' offense can achieve better balance, and defenses will have to pick their poison in coverage. The "Football 301" crew agrees: Adding Pickens is a risk for the Cowboys, but it's a "bet worth making" because of the way it complements Lamb. With Pickens handling the X role, Lamb is primed to be even more efficient and dangerous. His volume may see minor adjustments, but his fantasy and real-life ceiling becomes even higher with less attention from top cornerbacks and more ideal usage as a power slot/flanker hybrid. The Pickens trade doesn't threaten Lamb's status as Dallas' WR1. Instead, it allows Lamb to slide into a more valuable, versatile role that's tailor-made for his skills. If anything, expect more impact per touch —and a Cowboys offense with its most dangerous 1–2 punch since the days of Dez Bryant and prime DeMarco Murray. To hear more NFL discussions, tune into "Football 301" onApple,SpotifyorYouTube.

byAnio Baumeister
in , , ,
May 09, 2025

CeeDee Lamb might be biggest beneficiary in Cowboys' trade for George Pickens

CeeDee Lamb might be biggest beneficiary in Cowboys' trade for George Pickens (This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic...
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ESPN documentary offers insight on life, death of former Stanford goalie Katie MeyerNew Foto - ESPN documentary offers insight on life, death of former Stanford goalie Katie Meyer

A new ESPN documentary aboutKatie Meyer, the former Stanford soccer goaliewho died by suicide in 2022, brings chilling video to the surface. "Save – The Katie Meyer Story'' will air at 11 a.m. ET on ESPN Saturday and stream afterward on ESPN+. Directed by Jennifer Karson-Strauss, the film deftly weaves interviews, video and a wrongful death lawsuitfiled by Meyer's parents against Stanford.In 2022, she was found dead in her dorm room the day after learning she faced possible expulsion for accidentally or intentionally spilling hot coffee on a Stanford football player. The film opens with footage of Meyer, then captain of the soccer team, sitting next to her father, Steve. It was February 2022, and he had driven to Stanford from the family's home in Southern California. Katie Meyer had invited him to be the guest on the first episode of her podcast. "What do you think a lesson is that a person just has to learn on their own?'' Katie Meyer asks on the podcast, "Be The Mentality." "Life is not easy, right?'' her father replies. "… After some type of failure, whether it's in sports or in schoolwork or your career, then if you just keep grinding and remain open-minded, it may actually be an opportunity to do something else.'' Meyer died two weeks later. She was 22. Her parents say they were unaware of the disciplinary matter and, if they had been, that their daughter would be alive today. Dee Mostofi, Stanford's assistant vice president for external communications, told USA TODAY Sports the school has not seen ESPN's documentary so could not comment on it. "Katie's death was a tragedy,'' Mostofi said. "It was heartbreaking for her family, for everyone who knew her, and for our entire community. Though we continue to respond to the litigation brought by the family, that fact does not diminish our deep sympathy for her loss and our continuing support for everyone impacted in our community." The film captures Meyer's charisma, sheds light on her life and death and delves into her parents' civil lawsuit, which is set to go to trial in April 2026.The podcast episodewas the only one recorded by Meyer. Her parents fault Stanford in their lawsuit. Filed Nov. 23, 2022, with the Santa Clara Superior Court of California,it alleges the disciplinary matter against Meyer was conducted "negligently and recklessly.'' Stanford points to Meyer's parents. Six days before Meyer was found dead, according to a Stanford legal filing, she rehearsed in front of teachers an oral presentation she would make to the class about her family relationships before she came to Stanford. "The notes taken of what Katie said reveal Katie's struggles with her parents and their control and pressure to be perfect,'' according to Stanford's answer to the Meyers' amended complaint filed with the court July 28, 2023. The podcast offers a snapshot ofMeyer's relationship with her parents. At one point, Meyer recalls being a sophomore in high school when she was cut from the U.S. national team for players 17-and-under not long before the team competed in the World Cup. "I was so ashamed and terrified because my entire identity was being that soccer player,'' she says. Responds her father about Meyer's return home after being cut, "For you, your mom's still making you pancakes in the morning. I'm still giving you bad dad jokes. It is OK, because you don't want to let that necessarily at that age, at any age really, it's difficult to not let something like that define.'' Later, Meyer recalls not being good enough to play as a freshman at Stanford. Responds her father, "I actually thought it was a blessing in disguise,'' adding he thought it gave her time to get acclimated. The following year, Meyer's clutch play helped propel Stanford to the national championship. On the podcast, she recalls running across the field to celebrate with her father. "And mom,'' Steve Meyer says. "And mom,'' Katie Meyer says. "Mom was there, too.'' As the podcast wrapped up, Meyer checked her laptop screen to see who had posted questions and comments. Her mom had checked in, and Meyer read the words aloud. "Hi, my loves.'' Julie Foudy, a former Stanford soccer star, serves as the reporter and the face of ESPN in the documentary. "I am very vociferous about my connection to Stanford and always have been," Foudy, who played there from 1989 to 1991 and graduated from the university in 1993, told USA TODAY Sports this week. "Love my time there.'' Her connection to Stanford is not disclosed in the documentary. When asked by USA TODAY Sports whether doing so was discussed, Foudy replied, "We didn't talk about it.'' Andy Hall, a director of communications with ESPN, told USA TODAY Sports, "there was a discussion but she wasn't involved in it'' and ESPN decided Foudy's ties to Stanford "did not make a difference in her being the reporter on the story.'' In the documentary, Foudy asks tough but fair questions of Stanford. The school declined to have representatives appear on camera and responded to questions in writing, according to Foudy. Meyer's parents were interviewed extensively on camera. "I get why they didn't want to get on camera, and I knew that was probably going to be difficult,'' Foudy said of Stanford. "But yeah, I also knew it was a story that I think was important to tell. And as hard as it was, it's a story that definitely people needed to hear.'' The film documents the Meyers' efforts to push for the passage of AB 1575,Katie Meyer's Law. The law requires public California colleges and universities to allow students to have an adviser when facing an alleged violation of a student code of conduct. The bill passed unanimously in the California State Assembly, and Gov. Gavin Newsom signed it into law. Because Stanford is a private school, it does not have to adhere to the law. But a recent motion filed by the Meyers' legal team states Katie Meyer had discussed the disciplinary matter with Jennifer Zimbroff, then deputy general counsel for the school's office of general counsel and a resident fellow in the dorm where Katie Meyer was a resident advisor. The motion, which includes text messages the plaintiffs say were exchanged between Meyer and Zimbroff, states, "The documented pattern of Ms. Zimbroff's unethical conduct with Katie demonstrates that her dominant purpose was not providing legal advice to Stanford but rather acting as Katie's attorney" (on an unrelated matter) "and extracting information from her as an informant. The text messages reveal a calculated strategy of deceit spanning for months leading up to Katie's death.'' The Meyers want communications exchanged between Meyer and Zimbroff they say the school is withholding, according to the motion. Stanford's Mostofi told USA TODAY Sports there is no merit to the assertions made regarding Ms. Zimbroff. Mostofi said Zimbroff never acted as an attorney for Katie Meyer and as a resident fellow "cared deeply for Katie and was very supportive of her.'' "When Ms. Zimbroff learned that Katie was involved in an incident that might lead to a disciplinary proceeding, she informed colleagues in the legal office that she would not be involved in any legal counsel in those proceedings and would continue to support Katie in her resident fellow capacity,'' Mostofi added. "We believe the mischaracterizations made by the plaintiffs in the latest filing regarding Ms. Zimbroff are false and reckless and we continue to believe that there is no merit to these claims.'' The matter is scheduled to be ruled on later this year, as are other issues before the trial begins. If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call988any time day or night, or chat online.Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Katie Meyer's life, death focus of ESPN film on former Stanford goalie

byAnio Baumeister
in , , ,
May 09, 2025

ESPN documentary offers insight on life, death of former Stanford goalie Katie Meyer

ESPN documentary offers insight on life, death of former Stanford goalie Katie Meyer A new ESPN documentary aboutKatie Meyer, the former Sta...
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Jayden Higgins contract: Texans rookie WR makes history with his dealNew Foto - Jayden Higgins contract: Texans rookie WR makes history with his deal

TheHouston Texanstraded out of the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft as theNew York Giantsmoved up to secureOle MissquarterbackJaxson Dart. In return, theTexansreceived multiple picks, including the No. 34 overall selection, the second pick of Round 2. Houston used that pick on offense as they did for much of the draft, selectingIowa Statewide receiverJayden Higgins. He was the first of six draft picks the Texans spent on offense; Houston selected his former college teammateJaylin Noelin Round 3. Higgins signed his rookie contract with the Texans and, in doing so, made draft history: He is the first Round 2 pick to sign a fully guaranteed contract. It's for four years and $11.7 million, permultiplereports. Higgins and Noel were on-field on May 9 for the start of Texans rookie minicamp. Starving for football action shot. Rookie wide receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel tossing the ball before workout.pic.twitter.com/4bstrJrnNX — Landry Locker (@LandryLocker)May 9, 2025 The Texans have signed all of their draft picks but Higgins is the only one to receive a fully-guaranteed contract. Higgins started two full seasons for Iowa State after transferring from Eastern Kentucky. Here's how he did in 2023 and 2024: 2023 (13 games):53 catches, 983 yards, six touchdowns 2024 (13 games):87 catches, 1,183 yards, nine touchdowns The Texans have a lot of new faces in the wide receiver room after free agency and the draft. This is how things look entering minicamp: Nico Collins John Metchie III Christian Kirk Tank Dell Jayden Higgins Jaylin Noel Xavier Hutchinson Justin Watson Braxton Berrios Xavier Johnson Jared Wayne Johnny Johnson III Daniel Jackson This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Jayden Higgins signs historic contract with Houston Texans

byAnio Baumeister
in , , ,
May 09, 2025

Jayden Higgins contract: Texans rookie WR makes history with his deal

Jayden Higgins contract: Texans rookie WR makes history with his deal TheHouston Texanstraded out of the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft a...
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Reports: Women's World Cup expected to expand to 48 teamsNew Foto - Reports: Women's World Cup expected to expand to 48 teams

The Women's World Cup is expected to expand to 48 teams under a proposal approved Friday at a meeting of the FIFA Council, multiple media outlets reported. The full FIFA Congress is scheduled to vote on the motion on Thursday in Asuncion, Paraguay, where approval is expected to be a formality. Once given the go-ahead, the expansion from 32 countries would take effect with the 2031 tournament. While the host will not be awarded until next year, the United States is the only nation to have made a bid. The men's field also is set to expand to 48 countries at the 2026 World Cup, to be contested in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. The women's field increased to 32 teams for the 2023 event, played in Australia and New Zealand and won by Spain. The next Women's World Cup will take place in Brazil in summer 2027. --Field Level Media

byAnio Baumeister
in , , ,
May 09, 2025

Reports: Women's World Cup expected to expand to 48 teams

Reports: Women's World Cup expected to expand to 48 teams The Women's World Cup is expected to expand to 48 teams under a proposal a...
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Cardinal Prevost put his head in his hands as papacy loomedNew Foto - Cardinal Prevost put his head in his hands as papacy loomed

By Joshua McElwee VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - As U.S. Cardinal Robert Prevost realized during the secret conclave that he might be elected the next Catholic pope, he put his head in his hands at the daunting prospect of leading the 1.4-billion-member Church, a cardinal said on Friday. New Jersey Cardinal Joseph Tobin, one of the other 132 clerics locked inside the Sistine Chapel with Prevost for the conclave, said he looked at the future pope during one of the last ballots. "I took a look at Bob, because his name had been floating around and he had his head in his hands," Tobin said, using Prevost's nickname. "I was praying for him, because I couldn't imagine what happens to a human being when you're facing something like that." "And then when he accepted, it was like he was made for it," said Tobin. "Whatever anguish was resolved. I think … God had made something clear and he agreed with it." Tobin was speaking at a press conference with six other cardinals, in their first public comments since the election of Prevost as Pope Leo XIV on Thursday evening. Leo, a largely unknown figure on the world stage, is a former U.S. missionary in Peru who was a senior Vatican official for the past two years. The cardinals offered small insights into the secretive conclave process and even joked about the food. New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan called it a "good, good, good, good impetus to get this over with." They also speculated about how Leo, the first U.S. pope, might engage with President Donald Trump. Dolan said he did not think Prevost's nationality "had much weight" in the cardinals' decision. "It should not startle us that we should look to Pope Leo as a bridge builder," said Dolan. "Will he want to build bridges with Donald Trump? I suppose. But he will want to build bridges with the leader of every nation." The late Pope Francis was a sharp critic of Trump, saying earlier this year that the president's plan to deport millions of migrants in the U.S. was a "disgrace". Asked whether Leo will act like Francis and openly criticize the Trump administration's policies, the cardinals demurred. "We were looking for someone following the pathway of Francis, but we were not looking for a photocopy," said Washington, D.C. Cardinal Robert McElroy. Cardinal Wilton Gregory, McElroy's now retired predecessor in Washington, said it was important to give Leo "space to grow into the office." Gregory added a joke: "He's never been pope before." (Reporting by Joshua McElwee; Editing by Keith Weir)

byAnio Baumeister
in , , ,
May 09, 2025

Cardinal Prevost put his head in his hands as papacy loomed

Cardinal Prevost put his head in his hands as papacy loomed By Joshua McElwee VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - As U.S. Cardinal Robert Prevost reali...
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To keep millions alive after aid cuts, pull climate and other funding in richer nations, group saysNew Foto - To keep millions alive after aid cuts, pull climate and other funding in richer nations, group says

WASHINGTON (AP) — As the world's humanitarian organizations are triaging theirshrinking amount of funding, the head of the International Rescue Committee stresses that the choice is stark: Keeping millions alive in the most vulnerable countries will require pulling some assistance for programs in better-off countries that target everything fromclimate changeto refugee resettlement. Life-saving food, water and health programs already are shutting down in countries including Sudan, where the closing of 80% of communal kitchens hasended the only access to food for millions. That comes after the Trump administration dissolved thelead U.S. aid agencyandterminated thousands of foreign assistance programs. "There are lives on the line," David Miliband, president of the IRC, told The Associated Press in an interview this week in Washington, where he also was speaking to lawmakers and Trump administration officials. "Our point is there's no way you can keep the aid system as it was," said Miliband, a former U.K. foreign secretary. As it was, he notes, only 14% of total aid was going tohumanitarian efforts, while middle-income countries got more funding than low-income ones. The triage underway shows the impact of the Trump administration decision topull the U.S. back from being the world's single largest aid donor. The United States previously provided about a third of the more than $200 billion in foreign assistance given annually by governments worldwide. The White House last weekproposed a budget for next yearwith an 84% cut to such funding. Other important European donors, including Britain, say they also are cutting aid as they work to free up more money for defense spending,fearing U.S. changes in European defense commitments. Miliband and his International Rescue Committee are more explicit than some aid groups in offering their ideas for change in leaner funding times. Countries that are doing OK or are downright wealthy should have some of their donor funding redirected, so it can go to the range of needs of poor countries most affected by war and climate change. "If you're looking for a guideline, I would say at least half the global aid budget needs to go to conflict states," Miliband said. That's up from about a quarter of total aid now. Miliband points to climate mitigation in wealthier countries and help for newly arrived refugees to settle in wealthier countries as programs that should be lower priorities for donors in the current harsh aid environment. With thedust settling from the Trump cuts, aid organizations are looking at how to reorganize to focus on the most vital and strategic aid, said Kate Phillips-Barrasso, a vice president of Mercy Corps, another top humanitarian organization. "My fear is that we're going to end up in a world" where donors split their efforts between two poles: arranging financing for infrastructure and economic development in middle-income countries or paying for only the most basic aid "helping people not die" in poor countries, Phillips-Barrasso said. "I worry about pretty much everything in the middle disappearing," she said. That would leave the very poorest and most fragile countries never getting the help they need to get ahead of climate change and other threats. For Miliband and the IRC, donors should focus on getting humanitarian aid, climate help and other vital assistance to 13 poor countries struggling the most with conflicts and environmental damage. That includesAfghanistan, where the Trump administration has cut aidon the grounds that it could benefit the Taliban, and Yemen, where the U.S. recently reached aceasefire with Houthi militants, who have been targeting global shipping. The other countries that the IRC identifies as priorities for the shrinking pool of aid funding are Haiti, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Chad, Mali, Mozambique, Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan. The Trump administration's cuts already have forced top aid organizations to pull out of entire countries. Groups say that endangers the progress many countries in Africa and elsewhere have made and threatens further destabilization and extremist gains in volatile regions, including the southern edge of the Sahara.

byAnio Baumeister
in , , ,
May 09, 2025

To keep millions alive after aid cuts, pull climate and other funding in richer nations, group says

To keep millions alive after aid cuts, pull climate and other funding in richer nations, group says WASHINGTON (AP) — As the world's hum...
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FedEx board member tapped to lead U.S. Postal ServiceNew Foto - FedEx board member tapped to lead U.S. Postal Service

By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Postal Service Board on Friday said it named David Steiner, a FedEx board member and former CEO of Waste Management, as the new postmaster general after the White House pressured the prior leader to resign in March. Postal unions have raised sharp concerns about Steiner's selection to succeed Postmaster General Louis DeJoy because he sits on the board of a competitor to the Postal Service. The Postal Service reported a wider net loss of $3.3 billion for the three months ending March 31 as it continues to hike stamp prices and seek ways to cut costs. "I believe strongly in maintaining its role as an independent establishment of the executive branch," Steiner said in a statement released Friday. The board said it expects him to start in July, and that he will leave the Board at FedEx. USPS said on Friday its controllable loss was $848 million, up from $317 million in the same quarter last year as mail volume continued to fall. In February, President Donald Trump called the agency a "tremendous loser for this country" and has said is considering merging the Postal Service with the U.S. Commerce Department. Democratic lawmakers have said such a move would violate federal law. The White House did not immediately comment Friday. American Postal Workers Union President Mark Dimondstein told Reuters this week that Steiner was the wrong choice. "You don't put the fox in charge of guarding the hen house," Dimondstein said, adding it was "an abdication of their duty to remain independent of this administration." FedEx Executive Chairman Fred Smith praised Steiner's selection. "David's sharp business acumen will be key to addressing the significant challenges facing the United States Postal Service," Smith said, noting USPS has lost more than $108 billion since 2007. "The USPS must be reformed to improve service, to no longer rely on taxpayers to subsidize its operations, and to be held accountable to the same rules as private sector companies." Democratic lawmakers for years called for DeJoy to be fired but agreed to give USPS $50 billion in financial relief in 2022. DeJoy led an effort to dramatically restructure USPS over the last five years, including cutting forecast cumulative losses over a decade to $80 billion from $160 billion even as mail volumes fell to the lowest level since 1968. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by David Gregorio)

byAnio Baumeister
in , , ,
May 09, 2025

FedEx board member tapped to lead U.S. Postal Service

FedEx board member tapped to lead U.S. Postal Service By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Postal Service Board on Friday said...
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White House dismisses Democrats on Consumer Product Safety CommissionNew Foto - White House dismisses Democrats on Consumer Product Safety Commission

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Trump administration dismissed three Democrats on the five-member Consumer Product Safety Commission, a White House official confirmed Friday. The Washington Post reported the three Democratic commissioners plan to challenge the firings in court. The CPSC issues product recalls to address safety concerns across a wide range of areas. (Reporting by David Shepardson)

byAnio Baumeister
in , , ,
May 09, 2025

White House dismisses Democrats on Consumer Product Safety Commission

White House dismisses Democrats on Consumer Product Safety Commission WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Trump administration dismissed three Democra...
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The U.S. now has two world leaders. They could not be more different.New Foto - The U.S. now has two world leaders. They could not be more different.

VATICAN CITY — The U.S. now has twotop-level leaderson the global stage — and there is evidence to suggestPope Leo XIVwill cut a stark contrast to President Donald Trump. TheChicago-born pontiff, 69, is known as a humble moderate who used his first papal words to urge building "bridges." Seen as aspiritual successor to the late Pope Francis, Leo was echoing his predecessor's refrain of building "bridges not walls" — a themeFrancis used to openly criticizethe Trump administration. As Cardinal Robert Prevost, Leo also criticized both Trump and Vice President JD Vanceon social media. As recently as February, he shared a headline saying that Vance, who is Catholic, was "wrong" to suggest Christians should prioritize loving their countrymen over foreigners. And like Francis, Leo has expressed deep sympathy for migrants, the poor and those impacted by the climate crisis. He has shared the late pope's support for appointingwomen to senior Vatican roles— and his resistance against going all-out in support of female ordination. And he has similarly advocated for an inclusive church that reaches out to other faiths and cultures. On the other hand, he has not followed Francis' relative support for LGBTQ+ communities, lamenting in 2012 how TV shows "benignly and sympathetically portrayed" same-sex couples, according toa report by The Arlington Catholic Heraldat the time. The lock-in secrecy of the conclave means we don't know why the 133 cardinal electors voted for Leo by at least a two-thirds majority. And scholars are divided about how the decision should be interpreted. For Steven Millies, a professor of public theology at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, it's an unambiguous repudiation of the Trump administration. "The cardinals took a side: This new pope will stand against this 21st-century variety of authoritarianism we see getting underway in the U.S. and in too manyother parts of the globe," Millies told NBC News. "To choose an American while a second Trump administration isdeporting,disappearing[people] anddisruptingto such an alarming extent, again, is a message." Asked for comment about these criticisms, the White House directed NBC News toward a social media post by Trump in which he said it was a "great honor" to have an American pope and that he looked forward to meeting him, and one from Vance saying he was "sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the church." Millies likens the cardinals' choice to the conclave of 1978, when they selected a Polish pontiff in John Paul II, "from behind the Iron Curtain," he said. "The cardinals were taking a side — they aimed a new pope at the Soviet Union." Others are less sure about the conclave's intentions. "Either they've chosen an American because they think it sends a message that he stands up to Donald Trump and offers an alternative vision of American leadership, or they've chosen him despite the fact that he's American," said Miles Pattenden, a historian of the Catholic Church at Britain's University of Oxford. "It would seem to me to be rather sensational if they picked him just because he was American and could stand up to President Trump," he added, if nothing else because Trump's term is brief compared with a potential papal lifetime. Whatever the cardinals' reasoning, they have elected a pope whose personality is night and day to Trump's brusque persona. Leo is "a quietly confident person, not a flashy personality," Bishop Robert Barron of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, told NBC's "Nightly News" on Thursday. These are qualities that few, including Trump's most ardent supporters, would attribute to the president. Even the new pope's name carries hints he may oppose Trump's worldview. The last pontiff to take this name was Pope Leo XIII, who in his 25-year papacy from 1878 to 1903 advocated for social justice and workers rights against the nascent forces of capitalism. "The pope is not going to agree with anything Trump is saying," said Bill Ciotti, 63, from Boston, who before he retired was responsible for planning liturgy at his church. Ciotti was staying in Rome, a 10-minute walk from the Vatican, with his friend Bill Champlin, a priest at St. Leo Parish in Leominster, Massachusetts. When they saw white smoke billowing on TV while eating dinner, they got up and ran to St. Peter's Square. "He's already criticized Trump and Vance, so I think it's going to be a major clash," Ciotti said Friday. Politically, Leo is "not going to be real far left and he's not going to be real far right," his brother John Prevost said in an interview with The Associated Press on Thursday. But he is widely seen as continuing the program that Francis started, which was disliked by many conservative U.S. Catholics. "I do think one of the dark horses, and unfortunately one of the most progressive, is Cardinal Prevost," said former Trump adviser Steve Bannon, who is Catholic and strongly opposed Francis' platform. "I think it's pretty shocking given the contempt in which they hold the American church." He added that "my understanding is Prevost is one of the closest to Francis ideologically." Ultimately, believers and nonbelievers alike will have to wait and see how the Trump-Leo era plays out. "Our God is a God of surprises," said Cesar Jaramillo, 35, a canon lawyer from Paterson, New Jersey, who has lived in Rome for eight years. "The foresight that the Holy Spirit has shown in allowing Leo the opportunity to lead during a very turbulent time, that is a good sign."

byAnio Baumeister
in , , ,
May 09, 2025

The U.S. now has two world leaders. They could not be more different.

The U.S. now has two world leaders. They could not be more different. VATICAN CITY — The U.S. now has twotop-level leaderson the global stag...
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With Jordon Hudson drama still swirling, Bill Belichick's actual job as UNC coach feels like an afterthoughtNew Foto - With Jordon Hudson drama still swirling, Bill Belichick's actual job as UNC coach feels like an afterthought

As high-profile coaching debuts go, Bill Belichick's North Carolina tenure isn't yet reaching the heights — or depths — of Mike Price, who was fired from Alabama in 2003 before even coaching a single game. But Belichick — current record at Carolina: 0-0 — is generating some very un-Belichickian press for himself and the school, and it's worth considering exactly how long this whirlwind can last. The latest twist: a report via Pablo Torre'sPablo Finds Outpodcast thatBelichick's girlfriend Jordon Hudson isn't exactly welcome at the school's football facility. This, on the heels ofHudson halting a CBS interview several timesto take issue with the line of questioning; Belichick feuding with his own publisher about the marketing of his book; questions about how to position the role of Belichick's son on the UNC coaching staff; Hudson appearing at the Tar Heels' spring game in full influencer garb; and, according to Torre, a growing sense that this relationship has the potential to tarnish the reputations of both Belichick and UNC. All this, and we're stillfour monthsfrom Belichick's debut against TCU. On the heels of the Torre podcast,North Carolina's athletics department released a statement clarifying the situation, at least from the perspective of Hudson's presence at the school's football facilities: "While Jordon Hudson is not an employee at the University or Carolina Athletics, she is welcome to the Carolina Football facilities. Jordon will continue to manage all activities related to Coach Belichick's personal brand outside of his responsibilities for Carolina Football and the University." Look a little closer, and you can see the edges of the real issue here: Hudson "manag[ing] all activities related to Coach Belichick's personal brand." For all the two decades that Belichick was winning Super Bowl rings and terrorizing the NFL, his "brand" was pretty much "sleeveless grump," and that was it. The fact that, at age 73, he now apparently needs to have his brand "managed" is like a yellow flag at the beach: There's not a problem yet, but the waves are getting choppier. Price's grand-opening, grand-closing departure from Alabama two decades ago was entirely self-inflicted; the specifics vary based on who's doing the telling, but the Alabama administration determined over the course of the spring of 2003 that Price did not conduct himself in a manner befitting a coach of the Crimson Tide. Belichick's own actions haven't been the issue — he's beenworking the transfer portalto stock up a program that's coming off a 6-7 season and five straight bowl losses. It's what he's brought with him to Chapel Hill that's causing concern. North Carolina took a significant risk by handing the keys to its program to a 73-year-old first-time college coach. Yes, Belichick is one of the most successful coaches in NFL history. But the college game is an entirely different animal, particularly in this especially fraught moment in the sport's history. In the best of drama-free circumstances, it would be fair to wonder how Belichick could adapt his philosophies to the slippery, NIL-and-portal-infused college game. Introducing Hudson to the mix, however, injected a mainline dose of that which Belichick loathes the most: uncertainty and unpredictability. The five-decade age difference between the two isn't the main issue, although the TMZ-fodder element of it only adds to the swirling drama. No, the key here is how — regardless of what's happening behind the scenes, outside public view — Hudson is clearly and obviously entrenched in Belichick's personal and professional lives, which in turn forces Belichick to face the dreaded non-football questions. Perhaps this little bit of brinksmanship will force both Carolina and the Belichick camp to step back, take a breath and remember they're supposed to be on the same side. Perhaps the words of a range of "insiders" will only stoke the flames higher. Belichick can hold a hell of a grudge, and if he perceives that Hudson is being singled out, mistreated or disrespected, he won't hesitate to air his lacerating feelings … and he'll have a national audience listening closely. North Carolina didn't hire Belichick for drama; the school hired him for wins. If he can deliver the latter, Tar Heel nation will grit its teeth and put up with the former. But that's still an unknown "if," and there's a whole lot of time between now and that first potential win.

byAnio Baumeister
in , , ,
May 09, 2025

With Jordon Hudson drama still swirling, Bill Belichick's actual job as UNC coach feels like an afterthought

With Jordon Hudson drama still swirling, Bill Belichick's actual job as UNC coach feels like an afterthought As high-profile coaching de...
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Is Pope Leo XIV a Chicago Cubs or Chicago White Sox Fan? Teams Argue as Pope's Brother Disputes ReportNew Foto - Is Pope Leo XIV a Chicago Cubs or Chicago White Sox Fan? Teams Argue as Pope's Brother Disputes Report

Simone Risoluti - Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty; Chicago Cubs/X Are Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox fans fighting about something again? ...Is the pope Catholic? He sure is. But whether or not the newly electedPope Leo XIVis a fan of Chicago's northside or southsideMLBteam has the city — and its feistysports fans— in quite the uproar. In perhaps the biggest debate since Ms. O'Leary's Cow, Chicagoans have been picking sides since it was announced Thursday afternoon thatCardinal Robert Prevost, 69, would be named the new leader of the Catholic Church — the first U.S.-born pontiff in history. During ABC's live broadcast from outside the papal conclave, broadcasters offhandedly reported that Prevost — who later took the name Pope Leo XIV — was a "Cubs fan," while listing off facts about the Dolton, Ill., native. Smiling and waving to theestimated45,000 visitors below, Pope Leo XIV likely had no idea that he was about the become the hottest topic on Chicago sports radio for the next 24 hours. Simone Risoluti - Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty The Cubs marketing team swooped into action. Within hours, Wrigley Field changed its historic, giant red marquee to read: "Hey, Chicago. He's a Cubs fan!" The news –and memes– immediately spread throughout the city's 77 neighborhoods. Does the Pope know how to do the "Super Bowl Shuffle"? Will there be a Portillo's opening at the Vatican? And would this mean Pope Leo XIV will throw out the first pitch at Wrigley Field sometime soon?"Not only would we welcome Pope Leo XIV to Wrigley Field, he could sing 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame,' " Cubs Chairman Tom RickettstoldThe Chicago Tribune, just hours after Pope Leo XIV said his first "Hail Mary" as the new leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics. "Or, since three of his predecessors visited Yankee Stadium, including Pope Paul VI, who delivered the 1965 'Sermon on the Mound,' we would invite the Pontiff to do the same at the Friendly Confines." But "ope"! There's one little problem."He was never, ever a Cubs fan," the pope's brother, John Prevost, toldWGNfrom the recliner in the front room of his New Lenox, Ill., home. "So I don't know where that came from. He was always a Sox fan." Straight from the pope's brother's mouth. The Chicago Sun-Times found a photo of Pope Leo, Robert Prevost, at the 2005 World Series against the Astrospic.twitter.com/oNcqpRC5Ry — Michael Schwab (@michaelschwab13)May 9, 2025 And if you still don't believe it? TheChicago Sun-Timesdug up a photo of Pope Leo XIV in the stands during the 2005 World Series at U.S. Cellular Field, wearing a white pinstripe Sox jersey and chatting on the phone. "Might wanna delete this one," one fan wrote on the Cubs' Instagram page, responding to the team's proudly displayed marquee overlooking the corner of Clark and Addison streets. Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Nine miles south in Bridgeport, the White Sox — 12 games behind the Cubs in the standings — relished in getting one over on their crosstown rivals."Well, would you look at that…" the Sox wrote on social media, alongside their own scoreboard message that appears to be the final word. "Hey Chicago, he's a Sox fan!" Read the original article onPeople

byAnio Baumeister
in , , ,
May 09, 2025

Is Pope Leo XIV a Chicago Cubs or Chicago White Sox Fan? Teams Argue as Pope’s Brother Disputes Report

Is Pope Leo XIV a Chicago Cubs or Chicago White Sox Fan? Teams Argue as Pope's Brother Disputes Report Simone Risoluti - Vatican Media v...
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Tiger Woods Visits the White House After Going Public with Vanessa Trump RomanceNew Foto - Tiger Woods Visits the White House After Going Public with Vanessa Trump Romance

Senator Jim Banks/X; Tiger Woods/Instagram Tiger Woods was seen at the White House on Thursday, May 8 The golf icon was pictured alongside Sen. Jim Banks of Indiana Woods visited the White House in February to celebrate Black History Month with President Donald Trump Tiger Woodswas back at the White House this week, for the first time since going public with his relationship with Vanessa Trump. The golf icon, 49, was pictured alongside Sen. Jim Banks of Indiana in a photo shared to X on Thursday, May 8. "Met @TigerWoods at the White House today!"Banks wrote, and added the American flag and golf emojis. Woods' visit comestwo months after going Instagram official with Trump, 47, the ex-wife of PresidentDonald Trump's son,Donald Trump Jr., and roughly three months after he last appeared at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. In February, Woodswas on hand to celebrate Black History Monthand also attended meetings with President Trump, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and Public Investment Fund governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan regarding merging LIV Golf and the PGA Tour,Golfweekpreviously reported. Just weeks later, a source close to the Trump family confirmed to PEOPLE that Vanessa, 47, and Woods had been quietly dating for several months. It was not immediately clear why Woods made another trip to the White House this week, but the president confirmed that he had met with him,according toGolf Monthly. Woods and Vanessa share a connection through their golf-star kids — his son Charlie, 16, and her daughter Kai, who turns 18 on Monday. "Their kids are going places in golf and both are very disciplined about the sport. They have that in common," an insider told PEOPLE in March, and added that the relationship was at the time "very casual." A second source close to Trump told PEOPLE that her relationship with someone of Tiger's status is unsurprising. "Vanessa has always gone for guys who are either well known or have something big going for them," the source told PEOPLE. Woods' D.C. date comes as he continues to rehab a ruptured Achilles tendon, which kept him out of the Masters last month. Read the original article onPeople

byAnio Baumeister
in , , ,
May 09, 2025

Tiger Woods Visits the White House After Going Public with Vanessa Trump Romance

Tiger Woods Visits the White House After Going Public with Vanessa Trump Romance Senator Jim Banks/X; Tiger Woods/Instagram Tiger Woods was ...
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Frost forward Curl-Salemme to miss Game 2 of PWHL semis vs Toronto due to suspensionNew Foto - Frost forward Curl-Salemme to miss Game 2 of PWHL semis vs Toronto due to suspension

The PWHL assessed Minnesota Frost forward Britta Curl-Salemme a one-game suspension on Friday for an illegal check to the head of Toronto defenseman Renata Fast in Game 1 of their semifinal playoff series. It's the third one-game suspension for Curl-Salemme this season, and the rookie will miss Game 2 of the semifinals on Friday night. Toronto leads the best-of-five series following a 3-2 win on Wednesday. The PWHL's player safety committee ruledCurl-Salemme could have avoided making contact to Fast's head when leaning into the Toronto player along the boards while trying to break the puck out of the Frost zone during the second period. Curl-Salemme was issued a major penalty and game misconduct for the check. She was previously suspended for a high-sticking violation in January and an illegal hit to the head in March. ___ AP Women's Hockey:https://apnews.com/hub/womens-hockey

byAnio Baumeister
in , , ,
May 09, 2025

Frost forward Curl-Salemme to miss Game 2 of PWHL semis vs Toronto due to suspension

Frost forward Curl-Salemme to miss Game 2 of PWHL semis vs Toronto due to suspension The PWHL assessed Minnesota Frost forward Britta Curl-S...
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England's record six teams in next Champions League set to fuel wealth gap in European soccerNew Foto - England's record six teams in next Champions League set to fuel wealth gap in European soccer

GENEVA (AP) — England will send a record six teams into the Champions League next season, further fueling the wealthy Premier League's financial power over the rest of Europe. Manchester United and Tottenhamadvanced Thursdayto an all-English final of the second-tier Europa League, with the winner of that match earning a place in the next Champions League where the prize money is typically four times greater. Man United and Tottenham's good results in Europe — whilestruggling badlyin the Premier League — also contributed to English clubs' collectively strong season.Chelsea also advanced Thursdayto the final of the third-tier Conference League and will play Real Betis. "The weight of money in the Premier League means that even malfunctioning teams such as Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham have budgets that are multiples of those of the clubs with which they are competing," said Kieran Maguire, a soccer finance expert fromThe Price of Football podcast. Premier League teams had weeks ago sealed one of the two bonus Champions League entries which UEFA now awards to the best performing countries each year. England dominated the knockout phase in European seasons before in 2021, 2019 and 2008, though Spain in 2016 was perhaps best of all. Rising prize money England's surge is ideal timing. UEFA's prize money pot for the three competitions grew by 25% to more than 3.3 billion euros ($3.7 billion) this season thanks tonew commercial dealsfor theexpanded 36-team format. Advancing to the Champions League knockout phase should now earn an English club at least 100 million euros ($112 million) from UEFA. The title winner can get 160 million euros ($180 million),compared to Real Madrid's 139 million euros($156 million) last season. The highest Europa League earner last year, Bayer Leverkusen, got 41 million euros ($46 million) and that also should rise for Man United and Tottenham. It adds up to more money going to England this season, more big-earning chances next season — with nine teams overall in Europe, compared to just seven from Germany and Italy — and a virtuous financial circle in the Premier League already awash withmoney from global broadcast deals. English soccer's financial juggernaut helped push Real Madrid plus financially ailingBarcelonaand Juventus to launch the ultimatelyfailed European Super Leaguefour years ago. How did England get a record Champions League entry? Since 2018, four guaranteed Champions League spots go to the four countriesranked highest by UEFAbased on collective results by their clubs across five European seasons. They have been England, Spain, Italy and Germany since 2008. The Champions League growing this season to 36 teams from 32 let UEFA, in agreement with the European Club Association, award an extra entry to each of the two countries whose teams do best in the previous season. This season, England has a huge 28.892 ranking points total, or "coefficient" in UEFA jargon. That's five points, or 17%, more than Spain. The Europa League winner has had direct entry to the next Champions League since 2015. It is a last-chance option for Man United and Tottenham who are down in 15th and 16th places, respectively, in the Premier League. Spain was the first country to have five Champions League teams, in 2015-16. Now England has set a new level. Wenger's rebuke Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger suggested this week that Man United and Tottenham did not deserve being lifted up into the Champions League. "They should qualify automatically for the Europa League again, not necessarily for the Champions League," Wenger said on BeIN Sports. "Especially when you are in a league where you have already five teams that qualify." Path to Europa success Money helps explain, University of Liverpool academic Maguire suggested, why there is an all-English final on May 21 in Bilbao, Spain. Man United and Tottenham are top-10 clubs in Europe for overall revenue — at $867 million and $693 million,according to UEFA research— and can retain deep squads of players. "This means they can rotate players around the Sunday-Thursday-Sunday demands in terms of playing intensity and travel that opponents struggle to match," Maguire said. Their beaten semifinal opponents,Athletic Bilbaoand Bodo/Glimt of Norway, had combined income last year less than one-third of Tottenham alone. English ecosystem UEFA prize money flowing to English clubs often feeds less-wealthy Premier League rivals, who can outbid most of Europe to pay transfer fees and wages. Talent-rich teams like Bournemouth, Brighton and Crystal Palace can expect more offers for their best players this offseason, and use their money and smart scouting to re-stock squads. "Clubs seventh to 10th in the Premier League are far more wealthy than the equivalent elsewhere in Europe which helps explain why they have made more progress," Maguire said. These teams shape to be the next English contenders in UEFA competitions. ___ AP soccer:https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

byAnio Baumeister
in , , ,
May 09, 2025

England's record six teams in next Champions League set to fuel wealth gap in European soccer

England's record six teams in next Champions League set to fuel wealth gap in European soccer GENEVA (AP) — England will send a record s...
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US admits its new aid plan would initially only feed 60% of Gaza, as UN rejects proposalNew Foto - US admits its new aid plan would initially only feed 60% of Gaza, as UN rejects proposal

US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee outlinedan American-Israeli planto funnel humanitarian aid into parts of Gaza that he acknowledged will initially feed only about 60% of the population. Huckabee said the aid mechanism, which will be administered by a newly formed private foundation stood up by the US, will aim to distribute food in a way that "Hamas is not able to get their hands on it." Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of stealing and profiting off aid shipments to Gaza, but humanitarian aid organizations say the overwhelming majority of food aid reaches civilians in need. Under the US-Israeli plan, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, as it's called, would set up distribution sites that would be secured by private US military contractors and manned by aid workers. The Israeli military would "be involved in providing necessary military security" outside the immediate area of the distribution sites, Huckabee said, speaking at the US embassy in Jerusalem. The foundation will initially establish four distribution sites which will aim to provide "pre-packaged rations, hygiene kits, and medical supplies" to a total of 1.2 million Palestinians, or about 60% of Gaza's population, according to a foundation document obtained by CNN. Pressed by CNN what the remaining 40% of Gaza's population is expected to do, Huckabee said the mechanism will be "scaled up" over time. "You have to start somewhere and the somewhere feeds an enormous level of the people of Gaza," Huckabee said, before repeatedly blaming Hamas for rising hunger in Gaza. Aid groups have repeatedly attributed hunger in Gaza to Israel's total blockade of humanitarian relief. The planning has been going on for months but kicked into high gear in the last few weeks, said a source familiar with the matter, cautioning that there is still "a significant amount of planning and resourcing to be done." "The genuine intention is to develop a secure way to deliver aid that does not enable Hamas or (Palestinian Islamic Jihad) to get their hands on the aid before it reaches the point of need. In the hands of individual Palestinian families in Gaza," the source added, saying both the US and Israel have no confidence in the United Nations-based system that has been used in the past. There appear to have been some attempts to sway parties reluctant to join the mechanism. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff held an "informal briefing" with UN Security Council members on Wednesday, where Gaza was discussed, according to a source familiar with the matter. The United Nations and other primary aid groups in Gaza have rejected the US-Israeli plan, which they say would facilitate the forced displacement of Palestinians and fail to meet the needs of the population. "This mechanism appears practically unfeasible, incompatible with humanitarian principles and will create serious insecurity risks, all while failing to meet Israel's obligations under international law," the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs wrote this week in a document obtained by CNN. The UN also criticized the plan for a critically low number of distribution sites instead of the roughly 400 that operated in Gaza before Israel's total blockade. With only a handful of sites under the plan the Trump administration is pushing, displaced Palestinians could be forced to walk long distances carrying heavy packages of rations for large families. UN agencies have instead called on Israel to lift its nearly 10-week siege on Gaza and allow aid to flow in freely, which Israel has rejected. The main UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, said Friday that "basic humanitarian supplies, including food, fuel, medical aid and vaccines for children, are rapidly running out; UNRWA flour and food parcels have run out and over one third of essential medical supplies are already out of stock." "This is having a devastating impact on the population, particularly on vulnerable groups including children, women and the elderly," UNRWA said. Amjad Al-Shawa, director of the organization representing Palestinian aid groups working in Gaza, told CNN it had received no information about the proposal and said the organizations involved in the US plan would "not consider the basic humanitarian principle of our people." Huckabee acknowledged the deteriorating situation in Gaza, saying: "The greatest danger, the most important danger, people starving to death." "If there wasn't a humanitarian crisis, there wouldn't be an effort to try to deal with it. So the answer is, obviously yes, there is a humanitarian crisis," Huckabee told CNN. Huckabee said "several partners" have agreed to participate in the new mechanism, but he declined to name them "because some of the details of their participation are being worked out." He repeatedly said the plan is not yet finalized and said the initial implementation "will not be perfect, especially in the early days." Israeli officials continue to deny the extent of the crisis created by the military's blockade that began on March 2. On Wednesday, Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Heskel told CNN's Christiane Amanpour that "the situation in Gaza is very far from what the reports are actually saying" and called reports of starvation "complete lies." It will likely take at least two more weeks before the new mechanism can start bringing aid into Gaza, a source familiar with the plans said. And it will take several more weeks before the program can be scaled up to serve a larger share of Gaza's population. But the very launch of the mechanism is still in question amid opposition from the major humanitarian aid players. "Everyone who's been saying there's a crisis, I expect them to step up and to now join the effort to resolve it," Huckabee said. Some humanitarian aid players have signed up, according to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation document obtained by CNN. The former CEO of disaster response organization Team Rubicon is expected to serve as executive director; and the former chief executive of World Central Kitchen Nate Mook is expected to serve on the board of directors. But in a sign of how many aspects of the plan are still being finalized, the former executive director of the UN's World Food Programme, David Beasely is only one tentatively listed as joining the foundation's advisory board, with "to be finalized" appended to his name. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account atCNN.com

byAnio Baumeister
in , , ,
May 09, 2025

US admits its new aid plan would initially only feed 60% of Gaza, as UN rejects proposal

US admits its new aid plan would initially only feed 60% of Gaza, as UN rejects proposal US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee outlinedan Am...
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Ukraine says it has uncovered Hungarian spy network working in border regionNew Foto - Ukraine says it has uncovered Hungarian spy network working in border region

Ukraine said Friday it had exposed a network of Hungarian spies trying to obtain defense secrets in a border region ofUkraine– the first time it said such an operation has been discovered. The Security Services of Ukraine (SBU) said it had detained two Hungarian special services agents, whom it claims were reporting to a handler in Hungarian military intelligence and were looking for ground and air defense vulnerabilities in the southwestern Zakarpattia region, which borders Hungary. "Comprehensive measures are currently underway to bring all members of the Hungarian intelligence network to justice," said the statement. Hungary responded to the arrests by expelling two of the staff at the Ukrainian embassy in Budapest. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on his Facebook page that two spies who had been working "under diplomatic cover" at the embassy were ordered to leave. Ukraine and Hungary are at odds over the conflict between Ukraine and Russia and Ukrainian accession to the European Union. Hungary has also criticized European sanctions against Moscow. The Hungarian government has also frequently complained that the ethnic Hungarian minority in Zakarpattia is discriminated against. "The past three years have shown that the war in Ukraine is being fought not only on the battlefield, but also in the information space. Anti-Hungarian propaganda is often used without any factual basis," Szijjarto said in a post on X in response to the arrests. Speaking to reporters, Szijjarto said: "If we receive any details or official information, then we will be able to deal with this. Until then, I must classify this as propaganda that must be handled with caution." "We will not tolerate smear campaigns against Hungary and the Hungarian people," he said, before alleging that "anti-Hungarian propaganda has intensified," since the start of the war. "We haven't let Hungary be dragged into this war — and we won't. That's exactly why we keep being targeted," Szijjarto said. Ukraine's SBU said the Hungarian spies were tasked with gathering information about the military security and studying the views of residents and "behavior scenarios" if Hungarian troops entered Zakarpattia. The SBU alleged that one man from Berehove in Zakarpattia was recruited in 2021 and "activated" last September. It accused him of collecting information on the location of Ukrainian defense systems, including its S-300 anti-aircraft missile system in the region. It also alleged he had attempted to recruit two other men as he tried to establish a "network of informants." The second person detained, a woman who left her unit in Ukraine's Security and Defense Forces this year, had been tasked with informing the Hungarian special services about the defense systems of her unit and informing on the presence of aircraft and helicopters in the Zakarpattia region, the SBU claimed. The Zakarpattia region stayed part of Ukraine after the breakup of the Soviet Union. The region was once part of the former Kingdom of Hungary and later Czechoslovakia. According to a census in 2001, just over 150,000 ethnic Hungarians lived in the region, but the number is widely thought to have declined since then. Last year, representatives of the Hungarian-speaking community criticized a draft Ukrainian law that would have restricted the use of Hungarian in schools by allowing it to be used only in classroom activities and not outside classroom settings. The two countries had disagreements over Hungary's 2011 decision to relax its naturalization procedures and allow anyone who can speak Hungarian and has Hungarian ancestry to gain citizenship – even if they have never stepped a foot in the country. Tens of thousands of Ukrainians were granted Hungarian passports since then, despite Ukraine not allowing dual citizenship. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has opposed Ukraine's accession to the EU in part because of claims that ethnic Hungarians in western Ukraine face discrimination. Orban has remained on good terms with Moscow throughout the conflict and has opposed the growing raft of EU sanctions against Russia as well as EU aid packages for Ukraine. On Wednesday, Orban said EU President Ursula von der Leyen "wants to pour further billions into Ukraine, pull Europe further into a losing war, and rush a bankrupt state into the EU." "Hungary won't go along with this," he said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account atCNN.com

byAnio Baumeister
in , , ,
May 09, 2025

Ukraine says it has uncovered Hungarian spy network working in border region

Ukraine says it has uncovered Hungarian spy network working in border region Ukraine said Friday it had exposed a network of Hungarian spies...
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US, Europeans finalising 30-day Ukraine-Russia ceasefire proposal, says diplomatic sourceNew Foto - US, Europeans finalising 30-day Ukraine-Russia ceasefire proposal, says diplomatic source

By John Irish PARIS (Reuters) - The United States and its European allies are finalising a proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine that if refused would see them jointly impose new sanctions on Russia, a French diplomatic source said on Friday. U.S. President Donald Trump called on Thursday for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, warning that Washington and its partners would impose further sanctions if the ceasefire was not respected. Ukraine has expressed readiness to accept the U.S. proposal. Russia has unilaterally declared a three-day ceasefire running from May 8-10 to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two. "We're not completely with a finalised project, but we hope that we're at a moment of convergence," said the diplomatic source, speaking on condition of anonymity. "What could happen in the coming hours and days, there could be an announcement of a ceasefire either of 30 days or compartmentalized, which is still being discussed." The source said there were still discussions on whether to announce a unilateral ceasefire or to give a short response time to Russia, although if it refused then new American and EU sanctions would be imposed on Moscow. The two sides are coordinating on the sanctions packages. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, who was in Washington last week to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, will join President Emmanuel Macron in Kyiv on Saturday, where there will be a hybrid meeting of Ukraine's closest allies and discussions on the U.S.-European proposal. The source said political and technical talks between Europe and the U.S. had stepped up since last week. Trump and Macron spoke on Thursday to discuss the ceasefire proposal. "We felt in the discussions with the Americans a certain irritation towards the Russian posture, the lack of reactivity and seriousness in its responses to what was proposed before," the source said. "The decision is practically taken." (Reporting by John Irish; Editing by GV De Clercq and Alex Richardson)

byAnio Baumeister
in , , ,
May 09, 2025

US, Europeans finalising 30-day Ukraine-Russia ceasefire proposal, says diplomatic source

US, Europeans finalising 30-day Ukraine-Russia ceasefire proposal, says diplomatic source By John Irish PARIS (Reuters) - The United States...
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Fed officials, citing uncertainty, reiterate patient policy stanceNew Foto - Fed officials, citing uncertainty, reiterate patient policy stance

By Michael S. Derby (Reuters) -The first wave of Federal Reserve officials to weigh in after this week's policy meeting reiterated on Friday that the current economic uncertainty calls for monetary policy patience as Trump administration trade policy boosts risks to the outlook. When it comes to the current state of Fed policy, "we're in a good place," New York Fed President John Williams said in an interview with Bloomberg Television. Declining to speculate where monetary policy will go amid the uncertainty, he said, "let's collect more data, information about what's happening with trade policy" and its impact on the economy and then decide what that means for the Fed's next policy steps. Fed Governor Adriana Kugler, who spoke in a separate Bloomberg Television interview, said the healthy economy "gives us time" to make more progress lowering inflation pressures before needing to consider a next step. Both Williams and Kugler described the current state of interest rate policy as placing a modest amount of restraint on economic activity. The U.S. central bank held its benchmark interest rate steady in the 4.25%-4.50% range on Wednesday and flagged the rising economic uncertainty. Speaking in a press conference after the end of the two-day policy meeting, Fed Chair Jerome Powell said, "despite heightened uncertainty, the economy is still in a solid position," adding "we believe that the current stance of monetary policy leaves us well positioned to respond in a timely way to potential economic developments." President Donald Trump's trade policy is the key source of uncertainty for the Fed and broader economy. In a bid to bring back more manufacturing to the U.S., Trump has slammed nations around the world, particularly China, with very high tariffs. Many economists believe these import taxes will drive up inflation pressures from levels already above the Fed's 2% target. At the same time, they're likely to depress economic growth and boost unemployment. But there's little clarity on how this will all play out, with the outlook further complicated by Trump's constant tariff adjustments and assurances that a slew of trade deals are imminent. Williams, speaking at a conference in Iceland before his television interview on Friday, said "my own view is I expect growth this year to be ... considerably slower than it was last year, inflation to be higher, unemployment ... to move up over the year." TRICKY TRADE-OFFS The potential economic impact of tariffs presents substantial challenges for the U.S. central bank's rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee. With monetary policy charged with keeping inflation low and the job market strong, policymakers may face difficult trade-offs in which part of the mandate most needs addressing. Fed Governor Michael Barr, in the text of a speech to the same event in Iceland, concurred with the view that tariffs could push up inflation while depressing the job market. "The FOMC may be in a difficult position if we were to see both rising inflation and rising unemployment," he said. Like his colleagues, Barr said "given the economy's strong starting point and the progress we have made in bringing inflation back toward our 2% objective, monetary policy is in a good position to adjust as conditions unfold." The Fed may be on track to get its first taste of how tariffs are affecting inflation on Tuesday when the U.S. government releases its Consumer Price Index for April. "Tariffs should start to affect the inflation data in April, with clearer evidence likely in May and June," Bank of America economists said in a research note on Friday. "We expect tariff-driven inflation to be temporary, but our conviction is low as there are good reasons why it could be more persistent than we expect." Even as Fed officials have noted a difficult trade-off balancing both sides of their mandates, they've collectively agreed that keeping inflation pressures contained is critical. (Reporting by Michael S. Derby; Editing by Paul Simao)

byAnio Baumeister
in , , ,
May 09, 2025

Fed officials, citing uncertainty, reiterate patient policy stance

Fed officials, citing uncertainty, reiterate patient policy stance By Michael S. Derby (Reuters) -The first wave of Federal Reserve officia...
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Trump revives, then discards, then revives again the idea of taxing the rich in big GOP billNew Foto - Trump revives, then discards, then revives again the idea of taxing the rich in big GOP bill

WASHINGTON (AP) — After musing publicly and privately with the idea ofraising the top tax rate for wealthy millionairesas Republicans draft his big bill in Congress,President Donald Trumpearly Friday backed off that call — sort of. Trump posted on social media that hiking taxes on anyone, even the rich,could stir a political backlash, reviving the "Read my lips: No new taxes" warnings of the Bush-era that helped topple a president. The post came days after he floated the idea of higher taxes on those single filers earning $2.5 million and above. But this time, the president, didn't completely discourage GOP lawmakers from pursuing that option as they rush to finish theirmassive tax breaks and spending cuts packagethis weekend. "The problem with even a 'TINY' tax increase for the RICH, which I and all others would graciously accept in order to help the lower and middle income workers, is that the Radical Left Democrat Lunatics would go around screaming, 'Read my lips,'" Trump wrote. "In any event, Republicans should probably not do it, but I'm OK if they do!!!" Trump wrote Friday. The last ditch-push by the president comes as Republicans are laboring to push his "big, beautiful bill" toward public hearings next week, on track for a House vote by Memorial Day.Divisions run strongin the party, and the president's on-again, off-again push for millionaires taxes complicates the outcome. Over the past months, Trump has repeatedly brought up the idea of imposing a higher rate for millionaires and the president revived his request in private talks. Trump toldSpeaker Mike Johnsonagain this week he wants to see a higher rate on the wealthy in the big bill coming from Congress, according to a person familiar with the conversations and granted anonymity to discuss the private talks. The president sees higher taxes on millionaires as a way to clip the argument coming from Democrats that the GOP's big tax package only benefits his wealthy friends, including billionaire Elon Musk, the person said. Thanks to Trump's 2017 tax cuts bill, the top rate is now a 37% bracket that expires at the end of the year. That rate is for incomes beyond about $600,000 for single filers. Trump would like to see that rate expire, reverting back to 39.6%, or 40%. This week Trump pitched top rate on incomes of around $2.5 million for individuals and $5 million for couples. The debate over millionaires has been raging with a robust collection of anti-tax activists led by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Grover Norquist at Americans for Tax Reform and others working vigorously to prevent any tax hikes. Trump appeared Friday to have again heeded the message from Gingrich, who has warned that George H.W. Bush during the 1988 presidential campaign pledged to not to implement any new taxes as president. Bush then faced an onslaught of criticism during his unsuccessful 1992 reelection campaign for breaking that promise. Trump posted a few weeks ago that Gingrich was correct. But on Friday the president said independent candidate Ross Perot had caused Bush's loss that year. As the conversations swirl in public and private, they keep coming back to Trump's own politically-populist instincts, touching off the GOP divide. "I'm not excited about the proposal, but I have to say, there are a number of people in both the house and the Senate who are," said Sen. Mike Crapo, the GOP chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, said earlier this week on the Hugh Hewitt show, "and if the President weighs in in favor of it, then that's going to be a big factor that we have to take into consideration as well."

byAnio Baumeister
in , , ,
May 09, 2025

Trump revives, then discards, then revives again the idea of taxing the rich in big GOP bill

Trump revives, then discards, then revives again the idea of taxing the rich in big GOP bill WASHINGTON (AP) — After musing publicly and pri...
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