Latest News
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The US FCC chairman wants to stop government subsidies for WiFi in school buses
The Federal Communications Commission chair proposed Wednesday to end subsidies for wireless technology on school buses, which were originally created as part of a COVID program. FCC chair Brendan Carr requested that the commission reverse policies implemented under former-President Joe Biden, allowing subsidies for WiFi on school buses as well as for wireless hotspots which could be borrowed from libraries to access online. Carr stated that the proposal would "end the FCC funding unsupervised screentime for young children." Carr also said that the FCC "failed to prove that these funding decisions will advance legitimate classroom or libraries purposes." In May, the U.S. Senate voted to repeal FCC subsidies for hot spots and internet on school buses. Ted Cruz, chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, said that the rule does not require schools obtain parental consent prior to distributing hotspots subsidized by FCC or set meaningful filtering requirements. The House hasn't taken up the measure. Jessica Rosenworcel, FCC chairperson at the time, said that by approving this program schoolchildren would be able to complete their homework on bus rides. She said that in rural areas, children spend up to an hour on the bus getting to and from sports events or school. Children without internet access at home also struggle to complete their nightly homework. Rosenworcel stated that the idea was "smart, creative and in line with the law." (Reporting and editing by Nick Zieminski, Les Adler and David Shepardson)
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Lisbon Funicular crash: At least 3 people dead, many injured
Authorities reported that around 20 people were injured in the crash of Lisbon's Gloria funicular, which is popular among tourists. Three people were gravely injured. The footage showed that the funicular-like tram, which transports people up and down the hillside of the Portuguese capital was destroyed and that emergency workers were pulling people from the wreckage. In a press release, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed his regret for the accident and expressed the hope that the authorities would quickly determine what caused it. It connects the downtown area of Lisbon, near Restauradores square, with Bairro Alto, a district famous for its vibrant and lively nightlife. The municipal public transport company Carris operates it. The two cars of the system are connected to opposite ends on a cable haulage. Traction is provided by the electric motors in each car. CNN Portugal reported that the car at the end of the line appeared to be unharmed, but passengers were forced to jump from its windows after the accident.
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US Judge questions DOJ's decision to drop Boeing Independent Monitor
On Wednesday, a U.S. Judge held a 3-hour hearing to hear objections against a deal reached between the Justice Department of the United States and Boeing. The agreement allows Boeing to avoid prosecution for a charge arising from two fatal crashes of the 737 MAX that resulted in the deaths 346 people. Judge Reed O'Connor, in Texas, questioned the decision of the government to hire a compliance expert instead of an independent monitor who would have overseen Boeing for three years. However, he did not issue a ruling immediately. The judge heard the anguished objections of the relatives of those who died in the crashes of Ethiopia and Indonesia in 2018. Around two dozen relatives, some of whom came from as far away as Indonesia, Africa and Europe, traveled to the Texas Courthouse to argue Boeing shouldn't be allowed to avoid admitting guilt after agreeing last year to do so. Ike Riffel is a Californian father who lost his two sons in the Ethiopia crash. Boeing will not be subject to oversight by an independent observer under the agreement, but will instead hire a compliance advisor. O'Connor questioned why the government does not think a monitor is necessary. A government lawyer stated that Boeing has made improvements and the Federal Aviation Administration provides enhanced oversight. Boeing and the federal government claim O'Connor is forced to dismiss the case, and cannot appoint a Special Prosecutor like some relatives had requested. 'Connor stated in 2023, "Boeing’s crime can be rightfully considered the most deadly corporate crime in U.S. history." Boeing has agreed to pay $444.5 in addition to the $243.6 million fine, plus $455 million for the improvement of safety and compliance programs. The world is watching to see if American will hold Boeing accountable, said Paul Cassell who represents some victims. Boeing is essentially trying to avoid accountability by bribing their way out of it. Boeing has not yet commented. (Reporting and editing by David Shepardson; Franklin Paul, Editor)
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Sources: US warns countries that if they reject UN deal on ship fuel emissions, they will face tariffs
U.S. officials and European sources have confirmed that the United States has warned countries not to accept a United Nations deal on cutting marine fuel emissions or else face tariffs and visa restrictions. The Trump administration wants to increase the economic power of the United States, which includes taking a larger role in global shipping. It has also used tariffs to force Washington's trading partners to offer better terms. In April, the International Maritime Organization of the U.N. (IMO) reached a draft agreement that would impose a charge on ships that violate global standards for carbon emissions. Washington withdrew from the April talks that led to the draft agreement, and announced in August that it would take retaliation against countries who supported the deal. The US has said that the measures will place an unnecessary burden on the shipping industry and won't help reduce emissions. Four sources who declined to identify themselves due to the sensitive nature of the issue said that the U.S. State Department contacted other IMO members in recent days to warn them against adopting the "Net-Zero Framework". A spokesperson for the State Department said that the U.S. "actively explored and prepared to act on remedies, including tariffs and visa restrictions and/or ports levies, should this effort be successful in the October IMO special session vote". The spokesperson stated that the department would be engaging "our allies and partners" to suggest they take similar steps, but refused to comment on "private discussions with other countries". A spokesperson for the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management said that the Dutch government was verbally warned by representatives of the U.S. Government, warning it of tariffs or retaliatory actions if they supported the adoption. Washington did not specify which other IMO nations it had contacted. The London-based IMO is responsible for regulating international shipping safety and security and preventing pollution. The IMO agreement was intended to accelerate decarbonisation. Global shipping is responsible for almost 3% of CO2 emissions. Around 90% of world trade is carried out by sea and without a mechanism, emissions will soar. An IMO spokesperson stated that the upcoming session of the (IMO) in October will provide the right platform for member states to voice their concerns before the adoption process. The deal was approved by 63 countries, with 16 states voting against it and 24 abstentions. If it is put to a vote it will require a majority. Sources said that it was unclear whether it would pass if there were more abstentions. (Reporting and editing by Jan Harvey; Jonathan Saul, Kate Abnett Nerijus Adomiaitis Valerie Volcovici Enes Tunagur Bart Meijer)
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Russia will cut crude oil exports to its western ports by Sept
The differential between Brent and Urals crudes held steady on Tuesday, but Russia intends to reduce crude oil exports out of its western ports in September to about 1.9 million barrels per day from around 2.0 million bpd. Calculations showed that daily shipments of Urals, KEBCO, and Siberian Light grades in Primorsk Ust-Luga, and Novorossiisk should fall by about 6% from month to month. Two sources familiar with shipping data said that Russia would deliver oil to Brunei for the first ever via the Northern Sea Route in September. This will expand its export reach by using the strategic Arctic route. PLATTS WINDOW On Thursday, no bids or offers for Urals BTC, Azeri BTC Blend or CPC blend were made in the Platts Window. Janaf's CEO said that Croatian pipeline operator Janaf can cover the needs of two refineries in Hungary and Slovakia of Hungarian oil company MOL, which currently rely on Russian oil via the Druzhba pipe. Calculations showed that the total tax revenue on Russia's crude oil production for August is expected to increase by approximately 3.5%, to 600 billion Russian roubles (roughly $7.42 billion) compared to 580 billion in July. Reporting by
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Janaf, a Croatian company, is ready to provide more crude oil to MOL refineries if Druzhba flow stops
Janaf's CEO said that Croatian pipeline operator Janaf can cover the needs of two refineries in Hungary and Slovakia of Hungarian oil company MOL, which currently rely on Russian oil via the Druzhba pipe to meet their requirements. MOL warned of possible fuel shortages last month in Central Europe after Ukrainian attacks on Druzhba, which caused a temporary suspension there. MOL, who signed a February contract with Janaf for the delivery of 2.1 millions tons of oil to the end of 2025 has expressed doubts that the Adriatic Pipeline could provide enough oil even if Druzhba shipments were stopped completely. MOL has two refineries with a total capacity of 14.2 million tons. Most of the crude oil they use comes from Druzhba. Stjepan Adanic said that the chairman of the Janaf management board, Stjepan Adanic replied to questions by email: "Janaf is able to meet the crude oil requirements of MOL Group Refineries (...),". He said that the pipeline was in good condition, and it could provide a stable supply. It would also be able to increase the quantity if the Druzhba Pipeline were to cease. Adanic stated that the pipeline system capacity of Janaf has been tested repeatedly, most recently in June last year with MOL. He said that the test showed the pipeline could carry 11.8 million tons per year of crude oil. This capacity can be increased by adding polymers to reduce friction. Adanic said that Janaf would be able to increase the transport volume for MOL immediately if needed. MOL is under increasing pressure from the European Union to diversify its supplies. However, the group said that both the Druzhba pipeline and the Adriatic were vital for the refineries, and Janaf transit fees made the Adriatic route prohibitively expensive. Adanic responded that Janaf offers a range of services, including shipping, unloading and transshipment as well as technological storage and handling in terminals, which other competitors don't offer. He said that the oil transport industry does not have benchmarks, and there are no comparable pipelines anywhere in the world. Reporting by Marek Stzelecki, Krisztina Thán and Tomasz Jánowski.
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Sources say that Russia will ship oil via the Arctic route to Brunei for the first ever.
Two sources familiar with shipping data said that Russia would deliver oil to Brunei for the first ever via the Northern Sea Route in September. This will expand its export reach by using the strategic Arctic route. NSR shipments were limited until now to China because of its proximity to Russia’s Far East. Moscow has actively promoted the route to partners such as India and the U.S., claiming that it is cheaper and quicker than shipping crude oil through the Suez Canal. One source confirmed that the tanker Latur was currently on its way to Muara, Brunei, carrying Arctic heavy ARCO Oil loaded in Murmansk by Gazprom and supplied by Gazprom. Gessi Marine of Seychelles owns the vessel, which was sanctioned in January 2025 by the U.S. Treasury. It sails under the Comoros Flag. Gazprom and Brunei Energy Ministry did not respond to our requests for comment. Gessi Marine could not be reached for comment. Brunei imports small quantities of Russian crude oil since 2022, when Western sanctions forced Moscow to look for new buyers. Brunei imported $15,6 million of Russian oil in 2023. This included its first Urals cargo, which was delivered to Hengyi Industries' Pulau Muara Refinery. The NSR is navigable during summer and fall, connecting Russia's western port to Asia via the Arctic. This route can reduce shipping times by up to ten days when compared with the Suez Canal. Over 12 million barrels of oil were transported to China last year via this route. Russia will likely increase NSR shipments in this year, despite the high costs and approval requirements from Rosatom. LSEG data indicates that around 4 million barrels are on their way to China through the NSR. Rosatom has said that it offers permits, icebreaker services and safe navigation, but refused to disclose the vessel's details. Reporting by journalists in Moscow and Gleb Stlyarov in Tblisi. Additional reporting by Ain Bandial, Bandar Seri Begawan. Editing by Jan Harvey.
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Sources say that Russia will cut oil exports to western ports in September by 6% compared to August
Two industry sources say that Russia will cut crude oil exports to its western ports, Primorsk Ust-Luga, and Novorossiisk, to 1.9 million barrels per day in September, down from 2.0 million barrels per day in August, as refinery runs increase in the country. Calculations showed that daily shipments of Urals, KEBCO, and Siberian Light grades will fall by approximately 6% from month to month. As a result of the completion of maintenance work at several Russian refineries, expected in late August or early September, domestic processing is expected to increase and crude exports to decrease. Sources said that delays in the completion of scheduled maintenance, as well as external factors like drone attacks on energy infrastructure and oil plants could cause Russia to adjust its crude lifting plans in September. After drone attacks, Russia increased its August export program sharply after additional crude volumes were available for export. The provisional plan for crude exports and transit through Russia's western port ports was exceeded by 200,000 barrels per day in August. Calculations based on data from the industry suggest that Russia's idle refining capacity could fall to around 5 million metric tonnes in September, down from a record-breaking 6.4 million tons recorded in August. (Reporting and Editing by Jan Harvey).
Canada's WestJet orders 67 Boeing aircraft as part of its fleet renewal plan
WestJet, a low-cost Canadian airline, announced on Wednesday that it had ordered 67 Boeing aircraft for a fleet upgrade, including seven Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and 60 Boeing 737-10 MAX narrowbodies.
The Calgary-based airline said that it has also acquired options to purchase 25 additional 737-10 MAXs and four Dreamliners with delivery dates extending through 2034.
WestJet operates 193 aircraft, and it has an order list of 123 jets with 40 options. The average age is 10 years.
Alexis von Hoensbroech, Chief Executive Officer of WestJet, said: "With these additions to our aircraft fleet, WestJet will double our Dreamliners."
The Boeing planes will be expected to improve fuel efficiency significantly, he said.
Boeing claims that the 737 MAX reduces fuel consumption and emissions by 20 percent and airframe maintenance costs are reduced by 14 percent.
(source: Reuters)