OPEC+ Gathers to Make Choice Between Patience and Preemption
OPEC+ gathered in Vienna to decide whether to give existing production cuts more time to take effect, or
2023-06-03 17:48
Charting the Global Economy: Business Activity Slows in China
China’s economic recovery is in danger of sputtering after figures this week showed a further contraction in manufacturing
2023-06-03 17:15
Feds announce 95 arrests in law enforcement operation targeting gang violence in Maryland
The US Marshals Service announced 95 people were arrested -- including more than a dozen wanted for homicide -- during an operation in Maryland that targeted areas impacted by gang-related violence.
2023-06-03 15:28
Eyewitnesses describe horror and agony of India crash
The BBC spoke to local villagers and a passenger, who witnessed the train crash in Odisha.
2023-06-03 15:17
In pictures: Deadly India Odisha train accident
More than 230 people have died and 900 injured in a train crash in the eastern Indian state of Odisha.
2023-06-03 14:47
Solar Beats Coal in Europe for First Time - But There’s a Glitch
The European Union’s transition to clean energy marked a milestone in May, when solar panels generated more electricity
2023-06-03 14:26
Donegal woman saving the songs 'at risk' of disappearing
Catriona Ní Ghribín is working to record at-risk traditional songs from north-west Donegal.
2023-06-03 13:59
French Anger Over Pension Law Tops Worldwide Protests in 2023
Protests worldwide over retirement rules and benefits have more than tripled this year as countries from France to
2023-06-03 13:22
Germany braces for far-left protests after activists are jailed over attacks on neo-Nazis
German police are preparing to mobilize in cities across the country on Saturday, with protests expected amid a mounting backlash after a court sent several left-wing militants to prison over attacks on neo-Nazis.
2023-06-03 12:59
Exclusive: Inside Ukraine's secretive drone program
Under the scorching summer sun at an undisclosed location in Ukraine, an almost invisible drone approaches in the distance. Difficult to spot, the remote-controlled aircraft is also nearly impossible to hear.
2023-06-03 12:47
'Keep Justin's uncle away from Alana': Mama June's in-laws slammed as Honey Boo Boo skips mom's bridal shower
Drama stirs up during June Shannon's bridal party in 'Mama June: Family Crisis' new episode
2023-06-03 12:18
Biden expected to sign budget deal to raise debt ceiling
President Joe Biden is expected to sign legislation on Saturday to raise the debt ceiling, just two days before the U.S. Treasury warned that the country would struggle to pay its bills. The bipartisan measure, which was approved this week by the House and Senate, eliminates the potential for an unprecedented government default. “Passing this budget agreement was critical. The stakes could not have been higher," Biden said from the Oval Office on Friday evening. “Nothing would have been more catastrophic,” he said, than defaulting on the country's debt. The agreement was hashed out by Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, giving Republicans some of their demanded federal spending cuts but holding the line on major Democratic priorities. It raises the debt limit until 2025 — after the 2024 presidential election — and gives legislators budget targets for the next two years in hopes of assuring fiscal stability as the political season heats up. “No one got everything they wanted but the American people got what they needed,” Biden said, highlighting the “compromise and consensus” in the deal. “We averted an economic crisis and an economic collapse.” Biden used the opportunity to itemize the achievements of his first term as he runs for reelection, including support for high-tech manufacturing, infrastructure investments and financial incentives for fighting climate change. He also highlighted ways he blunted Republican efforts to roll back his agenda and achieve deeper cuts. “We’re cutting spending and bringing deficits down at the same time,” Biden said. “We're protecting important priorities from Social Security to Medicare to Medicaid to veterans to our transformational investments in infrastructure and clean energy.” Even as he pledged to continue working with Republicans, Biden also drew contrasts with the opposing party, particularly when it comes to raising taxes on the wealthy, something the Democratic president has sought. It’s something he suggested may need to wait until a second term. “I’m going to be coming back,” he said. “With your help, I’m going to win.” Biden's remarks were the most detailed comments from the Democratic president on the compromise he and his staff negotiated. He largely remained quiet publicly during the high-stakes talks, a decision that frustrated some members of his party but was intended to give space for both sides to reach a deal and for lawmakers to vote it to his desk. Biden praised McCarthy and his negotiators for operating in good faith, and all congressional leaders for ensuring swift passage of the legislation. “They acted responsibly, and put the good of the country ahead of politics,” he said. Overall, the 99-page bill restricts spending for the next two years and changes some policies, including imposing new work requirements for older Americans receiving food aid and greenlighting an Appalachian natural gas pipeline that many Democrats oppose. Some environmental rules were modified to help streamline approvals for infrastructure and energy projects — a move long sought by moderates in Congress. The Congressional Budget Office estimates it could actually expand total eligibility for federal food assistance, with the elimination of work requirements for veterans, homeless people and young people leaving foster care. The legislation also bolsters funds for defense and veterans, cuts back some new money for the Internal Revenue Service and rejects Biden’s call to roll back Trump-era tax breaks on corporations and the wealthy to help cover the nation’s deficits. But the White House said the IRS' plans to step up enforcement of tax laws for high-income earners and corporations would continue. The agreement imposes an automatic overall 1% cut to spending programs if Congress fails to approve its annual spending bills — a measure designed to pressure lawmakers of both parties to reach consensus before the end of the fiscal year in September. In both chambers, more Democrats backed the legislation than Republicans, but both parties were critical to its passage. In the Senate the tally was 63-36 including 46 Democrats and independents and 17 Republicans in favor, 31 Republicans along with four Democrats and one independent who caucuses with the Democrats opposed. The vote in the House was 314-117. ___ AP Congressional Correspondent Lisa Mascaro contributed to this report. Read More Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide FBI offers to show GOP chairman document that purports to relate to Biden, his family Republicans schedule 1st presidential debate for Aug. 23, but there's no guarantee Trump will attend DeSantis wraps up 1st early states tour as candidate with more personal touch in South Carolina
2023-06-03 12:18