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Pilot of 'Miracle on the Hudson" has Alzheimer's in early stages
C.B. "Sully Sullenberger", the airline captain, who successfully landed a?Airbus A320 in New York's Hudson River after hitting a flock o geese in?2009, announced on Tuesday that he had been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Sullenberger revealed 'the diagnosis' in a website statement and stated that he is receiving treatment. "For the moment, this may mean that a name is not easy to remember, I might forget a recent story, or I do not sleep well. But I am at the beginning of this journey," said Sullenberger. Since he saved all 155 passengers aboard a US Airways plane in distress on the Hudson River - a feat that experts praised as a "masterful" job done under pressure, the veteran pilot has become a vocal advocate for aviation safety. Tom Hanks played him in Clint Eastwood's 2016 film, "Sully," which was a huge success. Sullenberger briefly served in 2022 as the U.S. Ambassador to the International Civil Aviation Organization, based in Montreal. He raised his concerns before he left about regional airlines' attempts to reduce the pilot requirements, which he said would compromise safety. He said that he was "deeply committed" to aviation security and safety - the safety and well-being of everyone who flies. This commitment, he added, predated the flight "Miracle on the Hudson". It would "remain my focus" as he returned into private life. Sullenberger gave a testimony in 2019 before the U.S. Congress voted in favor of requiring new simulator training for pilots before Boeing 737 MAX flight resumes following two fatal crashes. Sullenberger stated that "our current system for aircraft design and certification has failed us." Congress will pass sweeping legislation in 2020 to reform the way that the Federal Aviation Administration certifies new aircraft. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Alzheimer's will be the sixth leading cause of death in Americans aged 65 and over by 2024. (Reporting and editing by Jamie Freed; David Shepardson)
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US sanctions target Iran's shipping network
The U.S.imposed new sanctions on Tuesday to boost?efforts in disrupting a?Iranian?shipping?network that Washington claims helps Iran evade prior sanctions on oil sales, and other activities. Treasury Department: The latest U.S. effort to increase economic pressure on Tehran is the measures taken against the Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani network. Treasury stated that the?Shamkhani Network is "a major force behind Iran's crude oil exports, and has expanded into global containerized trading and commodities trade." Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said his department was "shutting down the financial infrastructure" that allows the regime to threaten U.S. security and global shipping. The Iranian mission at the United Nations has not responded to a comment request immediately. Treasury said that the measures are a continuation of sanctions issued by the U.S. in April last year and more than 200 individuals, companies, and vessels working under Shamkhani. Treasury said that sanctions were aimed at individuals, entities, and vessels. It also permitted wind-down operations, "limited safety and environment transactions," and the offloading cargo for certain people or vessels on Tuesday. Sanctions block the assets of those?designated and prevent Americans from doing business with them. The sanctions block the assets of those who are?designated, and prohibit Americans from doing business.
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US official: US supports efforts to revive Iraq-Syria crude pipeline
A State Department official stated on Tuesday that the United States is supporting Iraq and Syria in their efforts to revive an oil pipeline between the two countries. This could reduce Iran's ability to block oil through Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. is expecting American companies to be involved in the construction of the Kirkuk-Baniyas Pipeline, which has been largely out-of-service since it was damaged during the 2003 U.S. led invasion?of Iraq. The pipeline will run from the Iraqi oilfields in Kirkuk all the way to 'Syria’s western coast. This is just one of several attempts by oil producers to reduce their dependence on the Strait. Before the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran, 20% of world oil and gas passed through the strait. After Washington blamed Iran for strikes on ships that were in the strait, the United States reimposed a blockade on this chokepoint. Bloomberg reported on Tuesday that Chevron might play a role in re-building the pipeline. Chevron responded to a comment request by saying: "As a policy, we don't comment on statements made by?third parties or commercial matters."
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PJM auction prices reach cap and hold near record levels
PJM Interconnection held its 'latest annual capacity sale on Tuesday,' with power prices nearing record highs of $325 per'megawatt-day. This is the maximum price allowed by a temporary cap set by the U.S. largest grid operator in order to reduce rising bills for businesses and households. The auction is aimed at securing sufficient electricity to cover high-demand days in the PJM grid, which covers 13 states of the Mid-Atlantic region and Midwest. Prices have risen in recent years largely because demand from data centres has outstripped supply. PJM failed to meet its reliability requirements for the second time in a row. This means that it faces a higher risk of electricity shortages, which could lead blackouts at times of high demand. Due to this imbalance in supply and demand, the so-called "capacity" prices that were determined by auctions have increased by over 1,000% since 2024. This has increased energy bills for people who live in PJM's?regions, which is about one fifth of Americans. PJM temporarily capped 'prices' in its auction under pressure from a group of governors in the area. Consumers are struggling with high utility costs and energy prices. This price cap was also in place during the auction last year, so this year's prices are essentially unchanged. Prices will be updated in 2028. POWER SUPPLY CUSHION Power plant operators are compensated for capacity prices that are included in power bills of homes and businesses within the PJM area. This is to ensure they can provide electricity at the peak times and days on the grid. The incentives are also intended to encourage the construction of new plants. After nearly two decades with a?flat growth of power consumption in PJM the region suffered net losses of energy supplies as 'demand for energy-intensive?"data centers" began to emerge. PJM failed to secure the power supply cushion it needed in its capacity auction held in December. For reference, one gigawatt is enough electricity to power approximately?750,000 households. The capacity price increase is also due to PJM recalculating its available supplies in the winter, when the electricity generated by natural gas-fired 'plants' and solar resources are lower than during the summer. PJM has added new rules and policies in order to meet the new electricity demand of data centers, advanced manufacturers and other large energy consumers. (Reporting from Laila KEARNEY in New York, with additional reporting from Anjana Anil. Emelia Sithole Matarise edited the story.
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Cuba's national electrical grid collapses for a third time in July
The national power grid of Cuba collapsed Tuesday, according to the energy ministry. This is the third major blackout in nine days on the island of about 10,000,000 people. The ministry announced on social media that "there has been a complete disconnection of electrical system." A U.S. oil blockade is causing frequent power outages on the island, which has an already aging energy infrastructure. Donald Trump, the U.S. president, imposed a blockade on the Caribbean island following Washington's ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro?on?January 3rd. Venezuela was Cuba's main fuel supplier. U.S.-led pressure led Mexico to halt oil deliveries to the island. Traffic lights were out in Havana's capital and generators could be heard humming through the streets. Residents, who are accustomed to blackouts expressed frustration over their increasing frequency and duration. Julia Valdes, 70, said that because of the blackouts, she had to throw away all the meat and fish in her refrigerator, because they were spoiled. This is the third time this week that the national electricity system has collapsed. How long will this last? We can't continue?living this way anymore." Chronic power failures have led to frustration and anger with the government. Valdes said, "It is unfair that we are forced to deal with this situation."
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Britain and EU sign Gibraltar Treaty to ease border crossings
The United Kingdom and the European Union signed a formal treaty regarding the status of Gibraltar in Brussels on Tuesday. This follows an agreement reached last year to ease border crossings and end years of political uncertainty about the British overseas territory. The treaty was inked by the?European trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic along with British Minister of state for Europe Stephen Doughty and Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo. Gibraltar residents will be able to cross into Spain without having to stamp their passports, while Spanish nationals can use a government-issued ID card to cross. The agreement is intended to 'facilitate movement of goods and people, and to avoid long delays for the approximately 15,000 workers that cross the border each day. Albares said that the deal marked a new chapter in the history of Gibraltar, Spain and Britain, as well as the European Union. He said the deal would benefit 300,000 residents in the Campo de Gibraltar area by improving connectivity, encouraging investments and strengthening cross border cooperation. It would also replace centuries of mistrust and create a future based on coexistence and prosperity. Britain gained Gibraltar, a strategically significant enclave on the southern tip of Spain, in 1713's Treaty of Utrecht which ended the War of "Spanish Succession". Gibraltar and Spanish border officers will check passports of those arriving at Gibraltar Airport. Britain also wants to implement a similar system to the French police at London's St Pancras station, which operates Eurostar. Residents welcomed the removal of border controls. "It's good for the Spaniards and good for us." Elisabeth Tanino, a Gibraltar resident, said: "It's fantastic." Gibraltarian Lidia Mifsud said that Gibraltar, and the nearby Spanish town of La Linea, had long enjoyed close relations and?that removing border checks would make everyday life easier for residents and workers on both sides. Reporting by Sudip K. Gupta, with additional reporting from Jaime Lopez and Emma Pinedo. Editing by Phil Blenkinsop & Sharon Singleton.
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Crude oil shipments from Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu Port near maximum levels amid Houthi concerns
Data and industry sources indicate that daily crude loadings in Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Port of Yanbu are close to their maximum levels as tensions with Yemen's Houthi militants intensify. The kingdom also seeks to maximize oil exports. Since the U.S. - Israel conflict with Iran began February 28, Saudi?Aramco has increased its use of the Yanbu Terminal. Sources have said that Saudi Arabia also considers expanding its capacity of the oil pipeline to the western Red Sea Coast, which would enable the kingdom and?possibly?neighbours to transport more crude oil without having to cross the Strait of Hormuz. Aramco didn't immediately respond to an inquiry for comment Tuesday. According to Signal Ocean data, the number of barrels shipped from Yanbu increased from 3.36 million around July 10 to 4.7 million around July 13. This is a significant increase from 4.6 million around July 2. The data revealed that the average loadings since June have been above?4 million bpd, as opposed to 973,000 bpd in the same period of 2025. Kpler data shows that daily loadings have averaged around four million barrels over the past few weeks. OPEC’s largest producer relies increasingly on Yanbu for exporting crude oil as disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz during the conflict has curbed Gulf exports. This has prevented hundreds of millions of barrels of?oil from leaving the area and affected other?producers. Yemen's Houthis launched missiles against Saudi Arabia on Monday after accusing Riyadh of?bombing a?airport that they controlled. This broke a four-year-old truce between Riyadh, which is aligned with Iran, and the group. According to industry sources, there were concerns that Yanbu might become a Houthi-target. In March, a refinery near Yanbu was attacked. However, this incident was attributed to Iran and not the Houthis. One shipping industry source stated that "Yanbu is at its maximum capacity and there are fears the Houthis could open another front. However, there's little room to increase shipments." Reporting by Jonathan Saul & Ahmad Ghaddar. Mark Potter (Editing)
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Cameroon's major port resumes operation after vessel collision: Minister
Douala, the main port in Cameroon, has resumed its operations, said its transport minister?on a Tuesday. A collision between two cargo ships?at a weekend temporarily blocked?the navigational channel. The accident occurred early Sunday morning near buoy number 20. The collision occurred on 20 in the Douala - Bonaberi port canal when the cargo vessel MV Sea Honor, registered in Tuvalu, collided into the MV Black Rhino, flying the flag of Cyprus. The collision caused a temporary blockage of the channel and disrupted the maritime traffic in one of Central Africa’s busiest port. The impact of?disruption has not been disclosed. Port Douala-Bonaberi is the main seaport for Cameroon and it serves as a vital transit corridor for both imports and exports to and from the Central African Republic and Chad. Port Authority of Douala has launched a technical inquiry to determine the exact circumstances of this accident. Initial findings suggest that a loss in steering control aboard MV Black Rhino'may have caused the accident. In a press release, Minister Jean Ernest Massena Ngalle Bibehe stated that "MV Sea Honor has been cleared from the channel to the anchorage area and MV Black Rhino deliberately ran aground along the line of red buoys in order to facilitate the clearance operation and ensure safety of navigation." According to the Transport Ministry, all 15 crew members on board MV Black Rhino received help in accordance with national maritime rescue procedures. The ministry said that the channel was cleared, and that maritime traffic has returned to normal in standard safety conditions. Reporting by Amindeh Atabong, Editing by Susan Fenton
Ukraine increases grain exports regardless of intensified Russian attacks
Ukraine is rushing to ship as much grain as it can this summer season, making the most of military gains it has actually made in the Black Sea location to enhance exports even as Russia has assaulted its ports.
Ukraine is a significant international wheat and corn grower and in the past Russia's intrusion in 2022 the nation exported about 6 million lots of grain alone monthly through the Black Sea.
Grain sales are an essential earnings source and while global prices are weak, Ukraine's cash-strapped farmers have little option but to press ahead with exports since they require to money the next winter sowing season.
Ukraine doubled food exports in July to over 4.2 million metric loads from the very same month in 2015, according to information from Ukraine's UGA traders' union, regardless of intensified Russian attacks on Odesa, an essential Black Sea export center, and Izmail, a. major port along the Danube River taking grain into Europe.
Ukraine has actually not yet reported the destinations of its exports. in July, but last season it exported the majority of its wheat to Spain,. Egypt and Indonesia, with its corn primarily heading for Spain and. China.
The surge comes in spite of this season's drop in output triggered. by war-related disturbances, and there is no guarantee that Kyiv. can sustain the pattern into the complete 2024/25 season.
We are doing everything to make business feel comfy. even in wartime conditions, Dmytro Barinov, deputy head of. Ukraine's Seaport Authority, informed Reuters.
The exports are a mix of new season wheat plus corn. from stocks following in 2015's bumper harvest.
So far, Ukraine has exported 3.7 million tons of. farming products in July through Odesa and 569,000 heaps via. the Danube, export information showed. That compared with 291,000 lots. by means of Odesa and 2.07 million heaps through the Danube in July 2023.
There were 6 deliveries of corn from Ukraine's other 2. operational Black Sea ports of Chornomorsk and Pivdennyi in June. and July to Rotterdam, Europe's busiest port, and Spain's. Cartegna, separate LSEG shipping data revealed.
Given That July, Ukraine has also shipped cargoes to China, Egypt. and Turkey, separate information from Kpler showed.
In spite of last month's stronger sales, overall exports for the. 2024/25 season are anticipated to fall since of damaging. weather and the war's impact, the ASAP agricultural consultancy. stated.
We anticipate that grain exports from Ukraine might plunge by. 14.5 million heaps annually and touch nearly a decade low of 35. million heaps, ASAP stated.
PORTS TARGETED
Ukraine has actually managed to create a shipping passage after a. U.N.-backed Black Sea grain export initiative collapsed last. year. Russia's Black Sea Fleet has been required to move nearly. all its combat-ready warships from occupied Crimea to other. locations.
While the improved security circumstance has reduced insurance. and freight rates, making exports more competitive, Kyiv's. challenge is to guarantee its ports that are available can ship. out freights.
Ukraine has actually sustained several rocket and drone attacks in. recent weeks, some of which have actually targeted Odesa and Izmail.
Even as ships have actually so far avoided any major damage,. Ukrainian authorities state port infrastructure is being targeted.
The Russians are well aware of that and they're striking the. vulnerable points, stated Barinov with Ukraine's Seaport Authority.
They're striking with accuracy missiles, they're. deliberately ruining our ability to export, to process.
Barinov and other shipping officials stated Russia was. avoiding strikes at the global sea lanes outside of. Ukrainian port limits, keeping escalation consisted of.
Ukraine's military helps ships getting in and exiting ports,. with captains running under specific safety guidelines, the. nation's navy chief Vice-Admiral Oleksiy Neizhpapa informed. Reuters.
Ukrainian air defense forces cover these passages and. ports. All assets, from air defense groups to rocket systems. along the coast, add to this effort, Neizhpapa stated.
Nevertheless, Ukraine needs to manage a plethora of other. difficulties, consisting of energy blackouts that disrupt port. operations and exports.
Munro Anderson, head of operations at marine war threat and. insurance coverage professional Vessel Protect, part of Pen Underwriting,. said Russian strikes at targets inside Ukraine while less. frequent than earlier in the war, continued to push Kyiv.
Such attacks persist in applying pressure on the commercial. maritime environment in Ukraine and hence achieve the Russian. intent of deteriorating Ukrainian ability to completely take advantage of the. prospective output from these ports.
Additional war risk premiums for ships entering Ukrainian. ports have been quoted in current months at up to 1.2% of the. value of the ship with discount rates that could suggest a lower rate,. insurance coverage sources said. Those premiums surged to as much as 3%. in November after a missile strike damaged a ship in Pivdennyi.
This still exercises at hundreds of thousands of dollars in. extra approximated costs for a seven-day voyage and those. expenses might increase if security conditions degraded.
Market sources stated war underwriters were keeping the. situation under evaluation in the light of the current attacks.
Increased shelling of ships in passage ports might trigger. reinsurers to modify their war dangers insurance rates, stated. Maksym Dubovyi, handling partner with insurance broker Atria.
Throughout its year of operation, Ukraine's sea corridor has. enabled 2,059 ships to provide 57.7 million lots of cargoes to. 46 countries, including 39 million lots of farming. products, said Neil Roberts, head of marine and air travel at the. Lloyd's Market Association, which represents the interests of. all underwriting services in the Lloyd's of London insurance. market.
Private underwriters will decide the rate as appropriate. in the light of occasions and take their own view on the risk..
(source: Reuters)