Latest News
-
Kazakhstan President replaces Ministers of Defence and Transport
Kassym Jomart Tokayev, the president of Kazakhstan, replaced two ministers from his government on Sunday, including that of transport, whom he had previously criticised for delays in modernising infrastructure. According to the decrees posted on his website, he fired Defence Minister Ruslan Zhaksylykov. He replaced him with Zhaksylykov’s deputy and Air Defence Forces Chief Dauren Kosanov. Tokayev, who met Kosanov Sunday, gave him several orders, including enhancing the army's readiness for combat, increasing the capabilities of Special Operations Forces and modernising its infrastructure. Zhaksylykov was previously the deputy interior minister and the head of the National Guard. He was appointed Defence Minister after civil unrest in 2022, which had been triggered by the removal a fuel price cap. The authorities were forced to call troops from an alliance led by Russia of former Soviet countries to quell a protest that grew into a widespread protest against economic hardship and corruption. Tokayev has also dismissed Transport Minister Marat Karabayev, whom he had reprimanded for transport and logistical problems in May. Karabayev's successor is still unknown. The reasons for the reshuffle were not revealed by the president. (Reporting and writing by Tamara Vaal, editing by Alexandra Hudson).
-
After the presidential election, Poles march to demand equality for LGBTQ+ after fears are raised
On Saturday, thousands of Poles marched in Gdansk's northern port to show their support for the LGBTQ+ Community amid concerns for its future following the election of nationalist candidate Karol Nawarocki. Participants waved the rainbow flags as well as the blue, white, and pink banners that represent the transgender communities. Many participants carried placards with messages like "Love is Love" and "12 Years Together - When Civil Partnership?" Wroclaw, a western city, also hosted a parallel Pride event. Nawrocki's support by the conservative Law and Justice party (PiS), has caused alarm among LGBTQ+ activists. While in power between 2015 and 2023, PiS made opposition against what it called "LGBTQ+ ideologies" a key part of its program, framing them as a danger to traditional values in a predominantly Catholic country. Agata, a 23-year old student, said: "I was devastated. "I'm scared. "I don't know how our future will look." While LGBTQ+ issues were not as prominent in Nawrocki’s campaign as they were in the one of his PiS-backed successor Andrzej duda's in 2020, Nawrocki’s platform included promises to resist “ideology in school" and to oppose adopting same-sex couples. He stated that marriage is between a man a woman, and while rejecting civil partnership, he expressed his willingness to discuss the legal recognition of a "close" person, regardless of their sexual orientation. A pro-European coalition, which came to power in the year 2023, introduced a bill that would legalise civil partnership. The bill's fate is uncertain, however, as the presidency has veto powers. Agata expressed her hope that a civil partnership law could be implemented, but said it was unlikely to happen during Nawrocki’s presidency. She said, "I want to see more equality in society and in our country."
-
Horse racing-Lambourn wins Epsom Derby for O'Brien
The front-running Lambourn won the Epsom Derby in its 246th edition on Saturday. It was Aidan O'Brien's 11th victory in this race, which is a new record. Lambourn was 13-2 when he entered the race. He set off at a blazing gallop, and under Wayne Lordan he broke away from the rest of the field to stay unchallenged until the finish line. The Epsom Derby, which is run over a horseshoe-shaped course, is the ultimate test of speed and stamina for thoroughbreds. The Lion in Winter and Delacroix were not the favourites of O'Brien. Delacroix was ridden by Ryan Moore. O'Brien dismissed claims that the colt had been overlooked during the preparation for the race. He said: "Wayne was aggressive right out of the gate, he gained a good position." "I knew that Wayne was not going to give back any of the inches he had gained, and it would be difficult to beat him." O'Brien, the Derby's most-successful trainer, won the Oaks and Derby double after Minnie Hauk, the fillies' Classic winner on Friday, beat the previously unbeaten favorite Desert Flower to third place. Lambourn’s win was also the first British Classic victory for jockey Wayne Lordan, who has been working at Ballydoyle since around eight years. He said, "I knew that he'd had a good run, and his ears were pricked, but he still had plenty of energy left. I knew anyone who got to me had to be in great shape, or it would be a tough time for them." It is the best race for a jockey who wants to get started. All you want to do in life is win the Derby." Lazy Griff (50-1), who had been tracking the leaders along the inside rail of the track, finished second. Charlie Johnston, the trainer of the colt, said before the race that he hoped more rain would fall on the colt. He said, "We were delighted to see him in Chester. His preparation was interrupted and we knew that he would be ready for anything he did on that day. And he also had a smoother transition into this." Tennessee Stud, the 28-1 long shot for trainer Joseph O'Brien's son Aidan, came in third. Ruling Court, 2,000 Guineas champion, withdrew from the race because of the predicted rain. However, the rain held off until the Derby.
-
Trump signs an order to boost US drone defenses and boost supersonic flights
The White House announced that President Donald Trump signed executive orders on Friday to strengthen U.S. defences against drones, and to promote electric air taxis as well as supersonic commercial planes. Trump's three executive orders sought to allow drones to be used routinely beyond the sight of the operator - an important step in enabling commercial drone delivery - reduce U.S. dependence on Chinese drone companies, and advance test electric vertical takeoff-and-landing aircraft. The order will boost eVTOL companies such as Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation. Trump has established a federal taskforce to ensure U.S. sovereignty over the skies of America, to expand restrictions on sensitive sites, to expand federal technology to detect drones instantly, and to provide assistance to local and state law enforcement. Michael Kratsios is the director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. He said that Trump wants to deal with the "growing threats of criminal terrorists and the foreign misuse of drones" in U.S. Airspace. We are protecting our borders against national security threats in the air and with major public events like the Olympics and World Cup coming up. The National Football League said that the executive order was crucial to protect fans. Over the last few years, a growing number of drones has flown in restricted airspace at our games. The NFL stated that this executive order was the most important step taken to address this issue. Congress should also act. Sebastian Gorka is the senior director for counterterrorism in the National Security Council. He cited threats against major U.S. sports events and the use of drones by Russia in its war in Ukraine. Gorka stated that "we will increase our counter-drone capability and capacity." We will enforce the current laws more aggressively to deter evildoers as well as idiots. Last year, the issue of suspicious drones gained significant attention after a spate of sightings of drones in New Jersey. Each month, the Federal Aviation Administration receives over 100 reports of drone sightings near airports. Drone sightings can disrupt flights and sporting events. Trump has also ordered the FAA lift an old ban on supersonic flights over land, which was imposed in 1973. Environmentalists have criticized supersonic aircraft for burning more fuel than subsonic planes per passenger. Kratsios stated that "the reality is Americans should be able fly from New York City to Los Angeles in less than four hours." The advancements in material science, aerospace engineering and noise reduction have made supersonic overland flight possible. It is also safe, sustainable, and commercially viable. The order instructs FAA that supersonic speeds will be lifted as long as the aircraft does not create an audible boom on the ground. Boom Supersonic, a manufacturer of aircrafts, welcomed the decision. Blake Scholl said, "The race to supersonic speed is on, and a new age of commercial flights can begin." After 27 years, the Concorde was retired by Air France and British Airways in 2003, ending the era of commercial supersonic flight. Officials confirmed that the Trump orders did not ban any Chinese drone companies. Former President Joe Biden had signed legislation last year that would have banned DJI and Autel Robotics, both based in China, from selling drones to the U.S. DJI is the largest drone manufacturer in the United States, selling more than half of commercial drones. Reporting by David Shepardson, Washington Editing by Matthew Lewis
-
Sources: US considers giving millions of dollars to controversial Gaza Aid Foundation
According to two sources with knowledge and two former U.S. government officials, the State Department is considering giving $500 million to a new foundation that provides aid to Gaza after the war. This would further involve the U.S. in an aid effort that's been plagued by violence and chaos. Sources and former U.S. government officials who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the issue said that the money for Gaza Humanitarian Foundation would come from USAID, which is now part of the U.S. State Department. Two sources claim that the plan was met with resistance by some U.S. officials who were concerned about the shootings of Palestinians in the vicinity of aid distribution sites, and the GHF's competence. GHF has been criticized for its alleged lack neutrality by many humanitarian organizations including the United Nations. Last week, they began to distribute aid amid warnings from UN agencies that Gaza's population of 2.3 million is at risk of starvation after an 11-week Israeli blockade. This was lifted on 19 May when limited deliveries could resume. After crowds flooded its distribution hubs, the foundation had to stop handing out food twice in a week. GHF and the State Department did not respond immediately to comments. It has not been possible to determine who currently funds the GHF's operations in Gaza, which began last week. The GHF relies on private U.S. logistics and security companies to transport the aid into Gaza, where it is distributed at so-called secure sites. On Thursday, it was reported that McNally Capital, a Chicago-based firm of private equity, had an "economic stake" in a for-profit U.S. contractor who oversees the logistics and security at GHF's distribution hubs. Both the U.S. administration of Donald Trump and Israel, which denies funding the GHF operation and the international aid groups have pressed the United Nations to assist it. Israel and the U.S. claim that Hamas received aid from a U.N. network with a long history. Hamas denies that. USAID is all but gone. About 80 percent of USAID's programs have been cancelled and its staff faces termination in President Donald Trump’s effort to align U.S. Foreign Policy with his “America First” agenda. According to a source familiar with the matter, and a former senior official who helped oversee USAID's dismemberment, Ken Jackson has championed the idea of giving $500 million to GHF. Sources said Israel had requested funds to cover GHF's operation for 180 days. The Israeli government didn't immediately respond to an inquiry for comment. Two sources claim that the U.S. government is concerned about the plan due to the violence and overcrowding at the GHF contractor's aid distribution hubs. Sources said that if State Department approves funds for GHF they also want established non-governmental organisations experienced in running aid missions in Gaza and other places to be included in the operation. Israel will likely oppose this position, according to the sources. Gaza Hospital officials reported that more than 80 people were killed and hundreds injured near GHF distribution points between June 3 and 6. The GHF opened three hubs since it began its operation. However, in the last two days, two of these hubs have been operational. Israeli soldiers were blamed by witnesses for the deaths. On two days the Israeli military claimed that it had fired warning shots, but on Tuesday they said that soldiers fired at Palestinian'suspects' advancing toward their positions. (Reporting and editing by Don Durfee, Alistair Bell, Michelle Nichols)
-
The US Supreme Court has granted DOGE access to Social Security Data
The U.S. Supreme Court granted the Department of Government Efficiency (DGE), a key player behind President Donald Trump's plan to reduce the federal workforce by slashing the number of federal employees, access to millions of Americans' personal data in the Social Security Administration database while the legal case is being litigated. The Justice Department requested that the Justices suspend the order of U.S. District Court Judge Ellen Hollander, based in Maryland, which had blocked DOGE from accessing "personally identifiable data" such as financial and medical records. This is while the litigation in the lower court proceeds. Hollander determined that giving DOGE full access to data would likely violate federal privacy laws. The court's unsigned, brief order didn't provide any rationale to support DOGE. The court is conservatively majority 6-3. Three of the court's liberal justices were dissidents. DOGE was sweeping through federal agencies in the Republican President's effort spearheaded by Elon Musk to eliminate federal positions, downsize, reshape and reform the U.S. Government and root out wasteful spending. Musk officially ended his government job on May 30. Two labor unions, an advocacy group and the Social Security Administration (SSA) sued DOGE to prevent it from accessing sensitive information at the SSA. This includes Social Security numbers of Americans, bank data, tax data, earnings histories and immigration records. The agency provides government benefits to over 70 million people, including retired Americans and Americans with disabilities. The plaintiffs in their lawsuit alleged that the Social Security Administration was "ransacked", that DOGE members were installed without proper training or vetting, and demanded that they be given access to the most sensitive data systems of the agency. Hollander, in a ruling dated April 17, found that DOGE failed to explain its stated mission which required "unprecedented and unfettered access" to virtually the entire SSA data systems. Hollander wrote: "For about 90 years, SSA was guided by a foundational principle that an expectation of privacy in relation to its records." This case exposes an extensive crack in the foundation. Hollander issued an injunction prohibiting DOGE staffers, and anyone who worked with them, from accessing personal data. There were only a few exceptions. In the judge's decision, DOGE affiliates can access data stripped of personal information as long they have undergone training and cleared background checks. Hollander also ordered DOGE affiliated companies to "disgorge" and "erase" any personal data they already possess. Richmond, Virginia's 4th U.S. The Circuit Court of Appeals, in a vote of 9-6 on April 30, declined to pause Hollander’s block on DOGE’s unlimited access to Social Security Administration Records. In a filing to the Supreme Court, lawyers for Justice Department characterized Hollander’s order as judicial excess. The court ordered the executive branch not to allow employees who are responsible for modernizing government systems of information access the data stored in these systems, because in its opinion, the employees in question do not "need" such access. The six dissenting judge wrote that this case should have treated the same way as the 4th Circuit panel ruling 2-1 to allow DOGE access to data at the U.S. Treasury Department, Education Department and Office of Personnel Management. Seven judges who ruled against DOGE in a concurring decision wrote that the case regarding Social Security data had "vastly higher stakes" and "detailed Social Security records", such as school and family records for children, mental health records, and credit card details. (Reporting and editing by Diane Craft, Alistair Bell and John Kruzel)
-
Abrego Garcia, a man mistakenly deported to the US and facing charges, returns to the US
Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the man who was mistakenly sent from Maryland to El Salvador under the Trump administration has returned to the United States and will face criminal charges. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced this on Friday. Abrego Garcia has been charged with conspiracy to transport illegal immigrants in the United States in a federal court indictment in Tennessee. Court records show that the indictment was filed more than two months following Abrego Garcia’s deportation on March 15, according to court records. Andrew Rossman, Abrego Garcia’s lawyer, stated in a press release that it was now up to the U.S. judiciary system to ensure that he received a fair trial. "Today's actions prove what we knew all along -- the administration had the capability to bring him home and simply refused to do so," Rossman, a lawyer at Quinn Emanuel said. Court records reveal that Abrego Garcia was deported from El Salvador despite a 2019 order by an immigration judge granting him protection against deportation after finding that he would be persecuted if he returned to El Salvador. The erroneous removal was cited by critics of President Donald Trump as an example that the Republican president is overly aggressive in his approach to increasing deportations. The officials countered that Abrego was a MS-13 member. His lawyers denied that Abrego was a gang member and stated that he hadn't been charged or convicted for any crime. The case of Abrego Garcia has become a flashpoint for tensions between Trump's executive branch and judiciary. Both have ruled against some of Trump’s policies. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration must facilitate Abrego's Garcia's return. Liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor said the government did not have a basis for his "warrantless detention." U.S. District Court Judge Paula Xinis opened a probe to determine what the Trump administration did, if any, to facilitate Abrego Garcia's return after his attorneys accused officials of stonewalling them in their request for information. In addition, Abrego Garca and two other unidentified conspirators are charged with illegally transporting firearms purchased in Texas to Maryland for resale. According to the indictment, Abrego Garcia also transported illegal drugs purchased in Texas and resold in Maryland. He was sometimes accompanied by MS-13 members and associates on these trips. (Reporting from Ryan Patrick Jones, Sarah N. Lynch and Luc Cohen in Washington; additional reporting by Nate Raymond and Tom Hals in Wilmington; editing by Sandra Maler.)
-
Gol plans to expand its fleet and add new routes after exiting Chapter 11.
Celso Ferrer, the Chief executive officer of Brazilian airline Gol, said that the company had officially exited bankruptcy proceedings in the United States, paving the way for new routes and flights within Brazil as well as to other countries. Gol, the Brazilian airline after Latam, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States in 2024. The sector was struggling with heavy debts, a sharp decline in passenger numbers due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and delays in aircraft deliveries. Azul, Gol's competitor, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States last month. Ferrer stated that despite Azul's financial troubles, discussions over a possible partnership between the airline and Gol continue. A final deal will only be made if the partnership adds value, either through new routes or increased growth. "If it's better," he said. Abra Group is managing the discussions regarding the business merger, which was formalized by a memorandum last January. Abra Group is the majority shareholder in Colombia's Avianca and Gol. Luciana Magnalhaes, Luciana Andreoni and Manuela Andreoni contributed to this report.
United States drives worldwide natural gas need to brand-new highs in 2024: Maguire
Power manufacturers in the United States have actually raised natural gasfired generation to new highs over the first 9 months of 2024, sustaining the nation's position as the leading chauffeur of global natural gas usage.
Natural gas's share in the U.S. generation system likewise climbed to brand-new highs this year. Gas supplied a record 46% of total power since June, LSEG information shows, as power companies improved output from all sources to fulfill increasing power demand.
The fast growth rate of gas usage in the U.S. undermines the nation's credibility as a possible leader in energy shift efforts, and is at chances with specified ambitions to lower fossil fuel usage in power generation by 2030.
Yet most essential power systems within the U.S. - which is also the world's largest gas manufacturer - reveal no indications of reducing gas use over the near term, and look most likely to continue raising gas-fired output for years to come.
This expanding inconsistency between worldwide climate promises and national-level power generation trends leaves the U.S. available to fresh criticism from environment advocates, who might attempt to ratchet up pressure on the U.S. to curb gas use.
LEADING THE CHARGE
Through the very first 9 months of the year, total power generation from gas-fired power plants in the United States was 55.6 million megawatt hours (MWh), according to LSEG.
That overall was up almost 5% from the exact same months in 2023, and the highest because at least 2021.
Which growth rate was well above numerous other major gas-consuming nations, consisting of China, South Korea, Japan, Iran, Italy and Russia, information from energy think tank Cinder programs.
Indeed, of the 10 largest gas-fired electrical power producers, only Mexico, Qatar and Thailand grew gas usage much faster than the U.S. over the first half of 2024, Cinder information programs.
However as those 3 nations generate less than a quarter of the gas-fired electrical energy generated by the U.S., the United States' share of international gas-powered electrical energy hit a new high of 30% so far in 2024, from less than 29% in 2023.
HOME GROWN
The main chauffeurs of U.S. gas demand development are a handful of power systems that are taking actions to reduce output from coal-fired plants in order the cut contamination, but are struggling to meet increasing power demand without gas-fired output.
The PJM Interconnection system - covering Pennsylvania, New Jersey, North Carolina and big parts of the Midwest - has the biggest overall share of U.S. gas-fired output, at 21%.
The Midcontinent Independent System Operation (ISO), with a. service location extending from Arkansas to North Dakota, accounts. for around 13% of national gas-fired power output.
The Electric Dependability Council of Texas (ERCOT) power. system represent another 12%, while the Florida power system. represent around 11%.
Of those systems, Florida published the steepest year-to-date. rise in gas use, of 13.4% from the exact same months in 2023.
The Midcontinent and PJM systems grew gas usage by around 3%,. while ERCOT increased gas-fired generation by 1%, LSEG data. programs.
The main stand-out amongst large gas-fired power systems was. the SERC Dependability Corporation, which serves consumers throughout. the Carolinas, Tennessee, Georgia, Missouri and other states.
SERC gas-fired generation was 2.5% below the exact same months. in 2023, however was balanced out by greater output from system nuclear. plants and a 5% climb in coal-fired output.
Gas remains the single biggest source of power within the SERC. system, nevertheless, and so looks set to remain an integral power. fuel because system for the foreseeable future.
And gas looks set to end up being of increasing value in. other major U.S. power systems as well, especially in locations. where outdated coal-fired generation is being phased out and. requirements to be changed by other on-demand power plants.
And as long as that coal phase-out procedure continues, total. U.S. gas-fired generation looks set to keep climbing up, regardless. of any country-level objectives to curb power output from fossil. fuels.
Just as soon as U.S. generation capability of tidy power, including. renewables, is significantly greater, and is backed by a significant. battery storage network, will U.S. power manufacturers have the ability to. make substantial cuts to gas-based power.
<< The opinions revealed here are those of the author, a. writer .>
(source: Reuters)