Latest News
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Trump will build a Lincoln Memorial promenade in Washington as part of the Washington revamp
Donald Trump announced on Thursday that a promenade would be built onto the Lincoln Memorial, the latest of a number of construction projects Trump has undertaken in the U.S. Capital. Trump said to reporters at the White House that he didn't want it to be called the Trump Promenade. He did not elaborate on who asked to name it for him. Lincoln Memorial is one of Washington's iconic landmarks. It honors the president who led America through the Civil War. The Lincoln Memorial is located at the western end the National Mall overlooking the Reflecting pool, which Trump has also renovated. Trump's announcement is part of an overall effort by the former developer to reshape Washington. Trump also plans to build a 250-foot-long (76-meter-long) arch, and a 90,000.0-square-foot-large ballroom on the site of what was the?East Wing White House. His projects have been challenged in court, including his attempt to renovate a performing arts center named after President John F. Kennedy. A governing board made up of Trump appointees changed the name of the facility from the Kennedy Center to the Trump-Kennedy Center. Last week, a judge ordered that the name be changed to the Kennedy Center. Trump said that the pedestrian promenade will be built across two roads running alongside the memorial, allowing pedestrians to get to other tourist attractions and the Potomac River. He said, "It is a beautiful project and it will take the Lincoln Memorial all the way down to the Potomac as it was planned to do." The White House did not have any additional information on the project. Trump made his announcement?on the?same?day as water started flowing into the renovated Reflecting Pool at the Washington Mall. Trump was particularly interested in the pool, and had a new color installed that he called "American flag" blue. A U.S. Planning Commission on Thursday approved Trump's plans for a 250 foot Triumphal Arch to be built across the Potomac River, from the Lincoln Memorial. "It will, without question, be the greatest arch of all when completed!" In a tweet, Trump welcomed the news.
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Air Current reports that Boeing is weighing 737 production ramp-up in order to reach Airbus targets.
The 'Air Current' reported on Thursday that Boeing is looking at increasing production of its best-selling 737 jet beyond the publicly?stated goal of 63 aircraft a month. Reports citing sources familiar with the situation said that the planemaker was drafting plans and evaluating whether its suppliers would support a production increase of 70 narrowbody jets per month. The ambitious target would test Boeing's supply chain, and bring its production plans closer to Airbus's output goals for the 'competing narrowbody' family. The report stated that the studies were at an early stage, and the higher cadence might not be adopted. Boeing didn't?response immediately to a request for comment. After consulting with the U.S. federal aviation administration, the U.S. planemaker announced in May that it would increase production of its 737 MAX aircraft to 47 per monthly from 42. Kelly Ortberg, CEO of the company, had stated?at a conference in May that "we're on and rolling at a 47-percent rate and should be there within the next couple months." Airbus had long sought to produce 75 A320neo family jets per month, but was forced to push the goal back due to supply chain constraints. Airbus now plans to reach 70-75 jets per month by?end 2027. Production will then be stabilized at 75. The company produces an average of 60 narrowbody aircraft per month. Reporting by Shivansh Tiwary, Bengaluru. Editing by Shilpa Majumdar.
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United issues safety bulletin for pilots following plane collision with light pole near Newark Airport
United Airlines sent a safety bulletin to all pilots regarding approaches at Newark Airport after a Boeing 767 aircraft struck a light pole on the New Jersey Turnpike. A video shows debris from the lightpole, which was only 15 feet high above the ground, striking a tractor trailer traveling southbound along the turnpike. The flight crew, 220 passengers and 11 cabins deplaned safely at the gate. Only the driver of the tractor trailer sustained minor injuries. The plane suffered substantial damage. United informed?pilots following the incident that landings on short runways should be performed so that the touchdown occurs at least 1,500 feet (457.2m) away from the threshold of the runway, but no earlier than 1,000 feet. United didn't immediately comment. United Flight Operations issued an alert for Newark arrivals that was specific to this runway. United Flight Operations said that it had identified the fact that pilots "duking under" can lead to lower approach altitudes when entering certain airports and runways. The pilot said to the NTSB that he "got quick" as he turned his airplane into a headwind, pulled the power levers inwards to compensate, and heard the first-officer yell out "airspeed slow" on short final. The first officer reported that the captain said he heard "a thump", and the first officer felt a slight jolt. The NTSB stated that the aircraft?had three punctures in the lower left fuselage, and the tire of the main left landing gear showed evidence of slashing marks. (Reporting and editing by David Shepardson)
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Putin calls on Germany to decide whether or not it will buy Russian gas via Nord Stream again
On Thursday, President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia is ready to resume supplies of gas to 'Germany through the 'Nord Stream Pipeline which was heavily damaged by underwater explosions. Putin told reporters in St. Petersburg one of two lines of Nord Stream 2 was intact and could begin pumping gas "tomorrow." "I am not joking, just press the?button to start the gas flowing." "But for that, the German government must make a decision," he said. Putin did say that Nord Stream is under U.S. Sanctions and Germany would need to come up with an agreement in order to remove them. He said that Russia could provide?upto 28 billion cubic metres a year. "But we need a clear response from our German partners at Gazprom - whether they will take it or no." We'll sell it to others if we don't. Gazprom, the Russian gas company, produces and sells this gas. Putin spoke to foreign media at the St. Petersburg Economic Forum where a senior AfD member from Germany met with Russian officials and demanded a reopening for Nord Stream. Germany is still struggling to recover from the energy crisis caused by the explosions that crippled the pipelines in September 2022. This left Berlin scrambling for alternative sources. Russia has accused Ukraine of being behind the attack despite Kyiv's repeated denials.
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Sources say Qantas is considering ordering 20 wide-body aircraft from Boeing or Airbus.
Industry sources claim that Qantas has been in talks with aircraft manufacturers about a potential order for 20 wide-body Airbus or Boeing jets. Sources who declined to be identified as the discussions are confidential said that the 'Australian carrier is 'considering additional Boeing 787s, or the'main -variant?of Airbus A350. Airbus and Boeing declined comment. Qantas' spokesperson stated: "We are in regular contact with the aircraft manufacturers to plan our fleet and we always update the market when there is something new to announce." We have no orders or updates to announce at this time. Airlines have expanded their wide-body fleets despite geopolitical uncertainties to alleviate industry shortages. Singapore Airlines, which reported earlier on the matter, has begun discussions with Qantas about buying at least 50 of its largest jets in order to prepare for growth over the next decade. Qantas has a fleet of 128 jets, and it is currently undergoing a 200-aircraft fleet renewal program. The airline has orders outstanding for 12 Boeing 787s as well as 24 larger Airbus A350-1000s. This includes 12 of the new "Ultra-Long Range", which is designed to fly non-stop from Australia's East Coast to London or New York, under "Project Sunrise". Airbus and Boeing have been equally split in the options that are available to purchase more jets. Sources said that some of them could be exercised in the context of this latest study. Qantas is a "regular battleground" for Airbus and Boeing. Airbus' decision to abandon its less ambitious A350 design in favor of Boeing's composite 787 20 years ago was partly due to the airline's choice to choose Boeing. Qantas is yet to order its main A350-900 variant, but these lightweight jets are now at the core of the wide body market. Due to supply chain problems, the first A350-1000ULR specially adapted for 22-hour record "Project Sunrise", made its maiden flight Tuesday. However, due to the delay of about four months until April 2027, it will not be delivered until then. Reporting by Tim Hepher. (Editing by Hugh Lawson, Mark Potter and Hugh Lawson)
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Israeli strikes kill 10 Gazans, say medics
Health officials reported that Israeli strikes on Gaza Strip killed at least 10 Palestinians including five members of the same family. Nine people were killed and at least 15 injured when Israeli aircraft hit four apartments in Gaza before dawn. A separate airstrike near Wehda Street, Gaza City, killed and injured one person later on Thursday. The death toll for the day now stands at?at least 10?. The Israeli military has not yet commented. After the first strike, footage showed a building that was blown out with furniture and debris scattered across the road. In a video that circulated on Palestinian social media but which we couldn't verify immediately, people were seen entering an apartment to retrieve bodies with blankets. "We were awakened by the strike around 2:30 in the morning. We found pieces of flesh, and people were asleep. Khalil Battaran, a neighbour to the family that was killed, said: "They say the war has ended, but the 'war isn't over." The only person to survive the attack on the home of the family was a girl, according to medics. "There is no security in Gaza... They fire on us every day from there, and hit us with missiles. "It's futile," Batran continued. Negotiations are stalled The ceasefire brokered and signed by U.S. president Donald Trump failed to stop Israeli attacks. Israel now controls more than half of the enclave. The indirect talks about a second phase deal, including Hamas de-armament and Israeli troop withdrawls, have stagnated. Israel says its strikes are to stop imminent attacks, and it is allowing aid and goods in Gaza. Gaza's health officials have reported that 930 Palestinians were killed by Israeli airstrikes since the truce began. Hamas does not provide much information on the deaths of its fighters. Israel's military said that four Israeli soldiers were killed by militants in the same time period. Gaza's health authorities report that more than 72,000 people have died in Gaza since the beginning of the conflict, with most being civilians. Israel said that Hamas' attacks on October 7, 2023 killed 1,200 people, and they took 251 Israelis and foreigners hostage. Reporting by Nidal Al-Mughrabi from Cairo and Dawoud Ab Alkas from Gaza. Editing by Jacqueline Wong and Kate Mayberry. Mark Potter is the editor.
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Official: US Postal Service is not expected to run short of cash in the next year
?The U.S. Postal Regulatory Commission informed?lawmakers on Thursday that it did not believe that the financially troubled Postal Service would run out of money next year. However, it has significant issues to address. Robert Taub is the vice chair of the Postal Service oversight commission. He told a U.S. House Subcommittee recent actions taken to provide financial relief had extended the period before USPS "reported its insolvency". This would be by several more years if the Postal Service made key decisions regarding its expenditures. We as a nation must act, given the Postal Service’s dire financial condition. "I don't believe we can just leave it to the Postal Service," said?Taub in his testimony. USPS Postmaster David Steiner warned that the USPS may run out of money as soon as February. Taub said that the USPS reform plan adopted six years earlier has not stopped ongoing losses, and has "consistently slow mail delivery throughout the United States, especially in rural areas." The question that needs to be answered is whether USPS will continue to deliver mail to 170 millions addresses six days per week at a cost of $3.4 billion yearly. USPS reported net losses in the amount of $120 billion since 2007. First-class mail, the agency's most profitable product, fell sharply as the shift from traditional to digital communication occurred, even though the agency still had to maintain "costly" nationwide delivery operations. USPS announced last week that it would suspend non-essential expenditures on?travel?,?office supplies? and consultants. Steiner explained to officers that the move was made "to protect our core operations and continue meeting all essential obligations." The Postal Service announced last month that it would suspend temporarily?employer contributions to a federal pension plan and raise the cost of first-class stamps by 82 cents per stamp, starting July 12. By suspending employee pension contributions, you can save $2.5 billion by September 30, and up to $15 billion in 2030. Steiner stated in March that the Postal Service would be hiring restructuring advisors to address its financial problems and had asked Congress for further reforms.
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What is the Gripen fighter aircraft that Ukraine will purchase from Sweden?
In May, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced that Ukraine would buy 20 Saab Gripen E jet fighters. Sweden would gift a further 16 older models to Ukraine as a way of helping it in its war against Russia. Both countries signed a letter?last year that allowed Sweden to sell up to 150 jets. Ukraine allocated EUR2.5 billion from a EUR90 billion European Union Loan for the first 20 aircraft. What is the GRIPEN? Gripen, a supersonic single-engine fighter jet of the fourth generation, is a light aircraft. The aircraft is designed to perform missions like air-to-air warfare, aerial bombing, and reconnaissance. The F-35 is considered a low-cost, solid alternative to more expensive fifth-generation planes. Gripen is the Swedish name for Griffin, a mythical creature. It has been in service since 1996, but has undergone several upgrades. In October, the Swedish Air Force received the first Gripen E. More than 280 Gripens were?produced. Why did Ukraine choose GRIPEN as its aircraft? The Gripen is designed to be able to fight Russia in less than ideal circumstances. Gripens, unlike aircraft such as the F-35 that operate?from relative safety of an airbase, or carrier, can take off and landing on any straight road. Dispersing aircraft makes it harder for them to be attacked?on land. Ukraine claims that the ease of maintenance Gripens lead to a higher sortie rate. One trained technician, five conscripts and a crew of six can fuel, rearm and clear the aircraft for the next mission within 10 minutes. The Gripen can be equipped with munitions made by multiple NATO countries, such as the American JDAM, British Storm Shadow and French SCALP. This eliminates the need for a single nation. Where has the GRIPEN been used? Swedish media reported that Gripens had been used in direct conflict 'for the first-time this year, during Thailand's confrontations with Cambodia. Prior to this, the Gripen was primarily used for air policing. It was deployed to Poland in 2020 as part of a NATO airspace patrol mission. In 2014, it was used to enforce a 'NATO no-fly area in Libya. What other countries have bought the GRIPEN? Since World War Two, Sweden has relied on Saab for its air force. It was neutral until 1995, when it joined NATO, and unaligned militarily until then. In the 1980s, Sweden decided to develop the Gripen. The Gripen is a competitor with Lockheed Martin F-35s and F-16s, Dassault Aviation Rafales and Eurofighters. It has been sold to South 'Africa, Thailand and Brazil as well as the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Czech Republic. WHAT ARE THE JETS' Specifications? The Gripen is 15m long and weighs 16 tonnes. It can refuel and rearm in just 10 minutes. The Gripen E has a lower cost-per-flight-hour than rivals such as Lockheed's F-35. (Reporting and editing by Niklas pollard, Alison Williams, Toby Chopra and Toby Ahlander)
Greek probe finds that suspected Ukrainian sea drone lost its course after malfunctioning, sources say
Sources said that Greek investigators believed a military sea 'drone found on a Greek island last week had gone off course because of a 'technical failure. It may not have traveled far.
The explosive-laden drone, which Greece claims is "Ukrainian" but Kyiv denies it officially, was found by fishermen off the coast of Lefkada in May. This sparked diplomatic tensions between Athens & Kyiv.
Greek intelligence and military unit have analysed the drone. They dismantled it and used reverse engineering to determine their characteristics.
Investigators are also examining the metadata of this drone to determine its mission, and whether or not it was launched by a mother ship from shore - potentially from as far as Libya in the Mediterranean.
A source in the security industry said that it was likely the drone failed to reach its intended target due to a malfunctioning technical component.
This issue is very serious. This vessel... was armed with explosives and posed a danger to navigation safety. Nikos Dendias, Greek Defence Minister said that a drone could strike a ship.
A?security source' said preliminary findings suggested it had not traveled a great distance. This made a launch in Libya less likely. A second official confirmed that fuel levels were a major factor in the assessment, but refused to provide further details.
Source: The technical 'analysis is almost complete. Only some encrypted data remains to be decoded.
Ukraine has targeted Russian tankers, both in the Black Sea, and in other parts of the world, such as the Mediterranean Sea, over the last year. Kyiv claims that these vessels are helping Moscow escape sanctions, and export oil in order to fund the war effort against Ukraine.
Greece alerted European Union to the issue.
George Gerapetritis, speaking from Brussels this week, said that Athens was ready to file a formal complaint when the investigation is completed. (Reporting and editing by Ros Russell; Additional reporting by Daniel Flynn, Yannis Souliotis; Reporting by Renee Maltezou)
(source: Reuters)