Press review · Friday, 20 June 2025
20 June 2025
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variety.com Top stories ·
Box Office: ’28 Years Later’ Debuts to $5.8 Million, ‘Elio’ Flies to $3 Million in Thursday Previews
'28 Years Later' opened to $5.8 Million and Pixar's 'Elio' grossed $3 million in Thursday previews.
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army.mil Top stories ·
Army plans to eliminate programs not contributing to lethality
WASHINGTON — The Army Transformation Initiative will reexamine all requirements and eliminate unnecessary ones, prioritize initiatives that contribute t...
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home.treasury.gov Top stories ·
Treasury Sanctions Houthi Illicit Oil Trading and Shipping
Largest Treasury Action Against the Iran-Backed GroupWASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is taking its single largest action to date against Iran-backed Ansarallah, commonly known as the Houthis, targeting four individuals, 12 entities, and two vessels that have imported oil and other illicit goods in support of the terrorist group. This action includes Houthi front companies, their owners, and other key Houthi operatives that generate significant revenue for the group through the sale of oil and other commodities on Yemen’s black market and by engaging in smuggling operations through Houthi-controlled ports. As part of this action, Treasury is also targeting two vessels, as well as their owners and operators, which violated U.S. sanctions by discharging oil derivatives to the Houthis. “The Houthis rely on a series of front companies and trusted facilitators to clandestinely generate revenue, procure weapons components, and advance their reign of terror in partnership with the Iranian regime,” said Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Michael Faulkender. “Today’s action—our most significant to date against the group—underscores our commitment to disrupting the Houthis’ financial and shipping pipelines that enable their reckless behavior in the Red Sea and the surrounding region.” Today’s action is being taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, as amended, and builds on OFAC’s June 17, 2024, July 31, 2024, October 2, 2024, December 19, 2024, March 5, 2025, April 2, 2025, and April 28, 2025 actions targeting Houthi leaders, weapons procurement operatives, and suppliers. The U.S. Department of State designated the Houthis as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) effective February 16, 2024, and subsequently re-designated the group as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) on March 5, 2025. Providing material support to the Houthis not only carries acute sanctions risk, but also exposes vessels and crew members to serious safety risk from potential Houthi attacks. HOUTHI OIL TRADERS AND SHIPPING FACILITATORSThe Houthis use a web of trusted companies headquartered in Sana’a and Hudaydah, Yemen to facilitate the sale of oil across Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen, many of which are directly linked to high-ranking Houthi operatives. Houthi leaders charge Yemenis exorbitant prices for oil and oil derivatives, pocketing the proceeds from these sales for personal gain and to fund the group’s militant operations. Black Diamond Petroleum Derivatives (Black Diamond) is a Sana’a-based company that facilitates oil sales and payments in support of the Houthis. Black Diamond is tied to key Houthi leaders and businessmen, including the U.S.-designated Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam (Abdulsalam), who manages Black Diamond’s operations. Black Diamond smuggled Iranian oil into Yemen, and the Houthi movement relied on the revenue from the sale of this oil for its operations. Houthi leaders have also showcased Black Diamond’s ability to import tens of thousands of tons of oil every month during negotiations with representatives from the Russian government over future oil deals between the Houthis and Moscow. Star Plus Yemen (Star Plus) is a Hudaydah-based company that operates under the direction of Abdulsalam and other prominent Houthi operatives. Star Plus acts as a broker between Houthi-aligned front companies and suppliers to extract revenue from oil sales within Yemen. In addition to supporting Houthi oil importation schemes, Star Plus has also facilitated Houthi efforts to purchase and smuggle dual-use components used to manufacture weapons from suppliers in Asia into Houthi-controlled ports.Tamco Establishment for Oil Derivatives (Tamco), headquartered in Sana’a, is a key front company in the Houthis’ oil smuggling network, enabling Houthi operatives to conceal the true beneficiaries and end-users of imported oil and other commodities. Tamco operates under the supervision of Houthi operatives and affiliates, including Abdulsalam.The Sana’a-based Royal Plus Shipping Services and Commercial Agencies (Royal Plus) is a front company that has enabled Houthi oil smuggling and sales. Royal Plus has facilitated the sale of oil sourced from the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), delivering the proceeds from these sales to Houthi leaders in exchange for a privileged position within the Houthis’ oil derivatives market. Royal Plus has also acted as a payments facilitator in support of Houthi procurement efforts, managing financial transfers between the Houthis, Russia, and Iran for the purchase and acquisition of weapons and other military equipment, including UAV engines. Yahya Al-Usaili Company for Import Limited (Al-Usaili Co) is a Houthi front company that coordinates with Houthi operatives in Sana’a to import oil in exchange for foreign currency. Al-Usaili Co makes and receives payments for oil sales using accounts held at banks located in Houthi-controlled territory, which enables Al-Usaili Co to hide the end-users and beneficiaries of these sales in support of Houthi smuggling efforts. Al-Usaili Co maintained connections with the IRGC, which it leveraged to facilitate the importation of petroleum products for the Houthis. Gasoline Aman Company for Oil Derivatives Imports (Gasoline Aman), headquartered in Sana’a, is a Houthi front company that facilitates Houthi oil smuggling operations. The Houthis allow Gasoline Aman and other front companies to receive a small percentage fee from each oil sale in exchange for hiding Houthi involvement in the transaction. Azzahra Establishment for Commerce and Agencies (Azzahra) is a Houthi front company that plays a key role in transferring funds from oil sales to Houthi operatives and Houthi-affiliated organizations. Azzahra has enabled the Houthis to extract revenue from oil sales by laundering hundreds of millions of dollars for Houthi leaders in Hudaydah. Yemen Elaph Petroleum Derivatives Import (Yemen Elaph) is a Sana’a-based oil import company owned by Houthi operative Abdullah Ahsan Abdullah Dabbash (Dabbash). Under Dabbash’s leadership, Yemen Elaph imports, sells, and distributes oil derivatives via the black market in Houthi-controlled areas and is one of only a few Houthi-controlled companies that has exclusive rights to import through the Houthi-controlled ports of Hudaydah and Al-Salif. Abbot Trading Co., Ltd. (Abbot) is a Sana’a-based shipping and logistics company that has generated revenue by facilitating oil and oil derivatives sales in Houthi-controlled areas. Abbot is one of the most important Houthi-affiliated front companies established by Houthi operatives within the past 10 years to control trade in oil derivatives, general trade, and other critical economic sectors. The Houthis funnel profits from Abbot’s activities to finance the group’s attacks and procurement of military-grade items. Prominent Houthi businessman Ali Ahmed Daghsan Talea (Talea) operates Abbot in coordination with his brother, Houthi smuggling operative Daghsan Ahmed Daghsan (Daghsan). Talea leverages Abbot to generate revenue in support of the Houthis from oil sales and smuggling efforts. Daghsan manages Abbot as one part of a broader network of front companies that funnel vast sums of money to the Houthis from key sectors of Yemen’s economy, including oil and gas, import and export, and general trade. Daghsan, Talea, and other Houthi leaders have coordinated to establish numerous companies registered under the names of Daghsan’s other family members. Black Diamond Petroleum Derivatives, Star Plus Yemen, Tamco Establishment for Oil Derivatives, Royal Plus Shipping Services and Commercial Agencies, Yahya Al-Usaili Company for Import Limited, Gasoline Aman Company for Oil Derivatives Imports, Azzahra Establishment for Commerce and Agencies, Yemen Elaph Petroleum Derivatives Import, Abbot Trading Co., Ltd., Ali Ahmed Daghsan Talea, and Daghsan Ahmed Daghsan are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, Ansarallah.Abdullah Ahsan Abdullah Dabbash is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for owning or controlling, directly or indirectly, Yemen Elaph Petroleum Derivatives Import. HOUTHI-ALIGNED MANAGER OF HUDAYDAH AND AL-SALIF PORTSZaid Al-Washli (Al-Washli) is the head of the Houthi-aligned port management company, which controls operations at key Houthi-controlled ports, including Hudaydah and Al-Salif. In his role, Al-Washli also coordinates weapons procurement and smuggling efforts on behalf of the Houthis, including of key dual-use components for use in UAV production. Al-Washli collaborates with Houthi procurement operatives to fill Houthi materiel needs and coordinates with Houthi political operatives to advance the Houthis’ position in negotiations with shipping companies.Zaid Al-Washli is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for being owned, controlled, or directed by, or for having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Ansarallah. CONTINUED DELIVERY OF REFINED PETROLEUM PRODUCTS TO HOUTHI-CONTROLLED PORTSOn April 28, 2025, OFAC identified three vessels and designated their owners pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for involvement in the discharge of refined petroleum products at Houthi-controlled ports after the expiration of Counter Terrorism General License (GL) 25A. GL 25A wound down a previous authorization enabling the offloading of refined petroleum products in Yemen involving the Houthis through April 4, 2025. The vessels targeted today continued to support the Houthis through the discharge of refined petroleum products at Houthi-controlled ports, including Ras Isa, after the expiration of GL 25A.Best Way Tanker Corp. (Best Way) and Ocean Voyage LLC (Ocean Voyage) facilitated the delivery of gasoline to the Houthi-controlled port of Ras Isa via the vessel Valente after the expiration of OFAC’s GL 25A. The Valente discharged over 60,000 metric tons of gasoline and departed Ras Isa port on May 17, 2025, over a month after the expiration of GL 25A.Atlantis M. Shipping Co facilitated the delivery of refined petroleum products into Ras Isa via the Atlantis MZ after the expiration of GL 25A. As of mid-June 2025, the Atlantis MZ had discharged almost 60,000 metric tons of gasoline at Ras Isa port in Yemen, almost two months after the expiration of GL 25A.The Sarah was identified as blocked property in April 2025 pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, under its former name, Tulip BZ, for facilitating the delivery of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) to Ras Isa after the expiration of GL 25A, and in June 2025 was again at berth in Ras Isa to discharge LPG. Best Way Tanker Corp., Ocean Voyage LLC, and Atlantis M. Shipping Co are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, Ansarallah. The Valente is being identified as property in which Best Way Tanker Corp. has an interest pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended.The Atlantis MZ is being identified as property in which Atlantis M. Shipping Co has an interest pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended.The SDN List entry for Tulip BZ is being updated to reflect the vessel’s current name, Sarah. SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONSAs a result of today’s action, all property and interests in property of the designated or blocked persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC’s regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of blocked persons. Violations of U.S. sanctions may result in the imposition of civil or criminal penalties on U.S. and foreign persons. OFAC may impose civil penalties for sanctions violations on a strict liability basis. OFAC’s Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC’s enforcement of U.S. economic sanctions. In addition, financial institutions and other persons may risk exposure to sanctions for engaging in certain transactions or activities involving designated or otherwise blocked persons. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated or blocked person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person. Furthermore, engaging in certain transactions involving the persons designated today may risk the imposition of secondary sanctions on participating foreign financial institutions. OFAC can prohibit or impose strict conditions on opening or maintaining, in the United States, a correspondent account or a payable-through account of a foreign financial institution that knowingly conducts or facilitates any significant transaction on behalf of a person who is designated pursuant to the relevant authority.The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC’s ability to designate and add persons to the SDN List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, or to submit a request, please refer to OFAC’s guidance on Filing a Petition for Removal from an OFAC List.Click here for more information on the persons designated and any property identified as blocked today.###
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people.com Top stories ·
Prosecutors in Diddy Trial Say They'll Likely Rest Their Case on Monday
The high-profile sex trafficking trial began in May and will likely last into July
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thestar.com Top stories ·
Banff National Park rockfall victim identified as retired university educator
LAKE LOUISE - One of the two people killed in a rockfall in Banff National Park has been identified as 70-year-old Jutta Hinrichs of Calgary.
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startribune.com Top stories ·
What the first day of summer looked like across Minnesota
Minnesota Star Tribune reporters took in the sunshine and a bit of nature on the longest day of the year.
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abc7.com Top stories ·
Federal judge puts off additional rulings in case against Trump's National Guard deployment in LA
California's challenge of the Trump administration's military deployment in Los Angeles returned to a federal courtroom in San Francisco.
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cnbc.com Top stories ·
Supreme Court rejects fast track of Trump tariff challenge by toy companies
Legal challenges to President Donald Trump’s April 2 tariffs have introduced uncertainty around a central piece of his trade agenda.
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economist.com Top stories ·
Trump v Iran: a negotiation made in hell
The president is unreliable. The Islamic Republic is inflexible
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thedailybeast.com Top stories ·
Judge Rebukes Trump With Order to Release Columbia Student
The federal judge called the student’s more than three-month ICE detention “highly unusual.”
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nhl.com Top stories ·
Penguins Add Todd Nelson, Nick Bonino, Rich Clune and Troy Paquette to Coaching Staff | Pittsburgh Penguins
Goaltending Coach Andy Chiodo to Remain with the Team
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Diddy's Assistant Makes Shocking Claims on the Witness Stand
Another of Sean "Diddy" Combs' former assistants took at the stand at his trial.
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Banff park rockfall victim identified as retired university educator
LAKE LOUISE - The University of Alberta confirms one of the two people killed in the rockfall in Banff National Park was retired educator Jutta Hinrichs, who was a leader
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eeas.europa.eu Top stories ·
Statement by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, together with the High Representative of the European Union
The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom (E3), together with the High Representative of the European Union, met with their Iranian counterpart in Geneva on Friday, 20 June 2025. They shared their grave concerns with regard to the escalation of tensions in the Middle East and reiterated their firm commitment to Israel’s security. They expressed their view that all sides should refrain from taking steps which lead to further escalation in the region, and urgently find a negotiated solution to ensure that Iran never obtains or acquires a nuclear weapon. E3 Ministers and the High Representative of the European Union reiterated their longstanding concerns about Iran’s expansion of its nuclear programme, which has no credible civilian purpose, in violation of almost all the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) provisions. They discussed avenues towards a negotiated solution to Iran’s nuclear programme, while emphasising the urgency of the matter. They expressed their willingness to continue discussing all questions relevant to Iran’s nuclear programme and broader issues. They expressed full support for the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and encouraged Iran to fully cooperate with the Agency in line with its legally binding commitments, and in light of the IAEA’s last report on the implementation of safeguards obligations in Iran. They shared their support for discussions to continue and welcomed ongoing US efforts to seek a negotiated solution. They expressed their willingness to meet again in the future.
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espn.com Top stories ·
'He can do anything': Why Liverpool spent big to sign Wirtz
Liverpool have broken their transfer record to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for an initial £100m, but what is so special about him?
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CP NewsAlert: Banff park rockfall victim identified as retired university educator
LAKE LOUISE - The University of Alberta confirms one of the two people killed in the rockfall in Banff National Park was retired educator Jutta Hinrichs, who was a leader
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nbcnews.com Top stories ·
Sara Burack, star of Netflix's 'Million Dollar Beach House,' killed in apparent Hamptons hit-and-run
Burack, 40, was one of the real estate agents on the Netflix reality television series, which aired for one season in 2020.
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espn.com Top stories ·
Zverev vomits, Medvedev bleeds to set up match
Despite a mid-match dash to vomit, Alexander Zverev rallied to advance to the Halle Open semifinals where he'll face Daniil Medvedev, who dealt with a nosebleed in his win.
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timesofindia.indiatimes.com Top stories ·
Israel-Iran News Live Updates: Second flight carrying Indians evacuated from Iran lands in Delhi - The Times of India
US President Donald Trump claimed that the United States had taken "complete and total control of the skies over Iran." He further warned Iran's Ayat
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independent.co.uk Top stories ·
Former assistant describes putting on gloves to clean up Diddy’s freak offs
‘It’s complicated,’ the former basketball player-turned-Diddy’s assistant said when asked about his feelings on the mogul now
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espn.com Top stories ·
Dodgers ask feds to leave; team delays initiatives
The Dodgers, who said they denied federal immigration agents access to the stadium's parking lot, have postponed plans to unveil initiatives to assist immigrant communities.
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Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert Mock Trump for Complaining on Juneteenth About ‘Too Many Non-Working Holidays’: ‘Juneteenth Is a Day of Joy — So Donald Trump Doesn’t Like It’
President Trump on Juneteenth complained about 'too many non-working holidays,' eliciting mockery from TV hosts Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert.
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nbcnews.com Top stories ·
In a scathing dissent, Justice Jackson says the Supreme Court gives the impression it favors 'moneyed interests'
In an environmental case, the liberal justice questioned whether the high court treats business interests differently from "less powerful litigants."
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usab.com Top stories ·
2025 USA Basketball Men’s U19 National Team Announced - USA Basketball
The U19 national team, chosen from 31 training camp participants, will compete at the 2025 FIBA U19 Men’s World Cup June 28-July 6 in Lausanne, Switzerland.
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nypost.com Top stories ·
Diddy’s ex-assistant denies being his ‘drug mule’ — while revealing he kept stock of ‘tusi,’ other narcotics
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ former personal assistant insisted Friday he was “absolutely not” a “drug mule” — even as he revealed the kaleidoscope of ketamin…
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espn.com Top stories ·
Pacers riding high, not celebrating Game 6 rout
The Pacers gave their home crowd plenty to cheer about in Thursday night's blowout win, including a highlight-reel dunk by Pascal Siakam, but they were in no mood to celebrate with Game 7 around the corner.
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syracuse.com Top stories ·
Why the coming heat and humidity wave will put much of Upstate NY at ‘extreme’ risk
Overnight temperatures won't bring much relief.
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bbc.com Top stories ·
US court allows Trump to keep control of National Guard in LA
Trump deployed the troops in response to protests in the city, despite objections from city officials and California's governor.
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foxnews.com Top stories ·
Judge orders anti-Israel ringleader Mahmoud Khalil to be released on bail
Anti-Israel activist Mahmoud Khalil was ordered released on bail while his immigration and civil cases proceed through court, with a federal judge citing the "extraordinary circumstances" of his case.
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alternet.org Top stories ·
'Undermines Congress': GOP lawmakers sound alarm over this new White House proposal
A new proposal from the White House budget office is drawing sharp criticism from Republican appropriators, who argue the plan sidesteps congressional authority over federal spending and threatens to upend delicate negotiations ahead of a possible fall shutdown, Politico reported Friday. At the cent...
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thehill.com Top stories ·
Supreme Court revives terror victim lawsuits against Palestinian groups
The Supreme Court on Friday upheld a law allowing Americans injured by acts of terror in the Middle East to take Palestinian leadership groups to U.S. courts for damages. In a unanimous decision, …
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time.com Top stories ·
European Leaders in Talks With Iran as Trump Weighs Strike
European ministers met with an Iranian delegation in Geneva amid Iran's ongoing conflict with Israel.
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foxnews.com Top stories ·
Fox News Entertainment Newsletter: Henry Winkler's kind move, 'Little House on the Prairie' alum's confession
The Fox News Entertainment Newsletter brings you the latest Hollywood headlines, celebrity interviews and stories from Los Angeles and beyond.
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vanityfair.com Top stories ·
The Assistant, The Mogul, and the Diddy Trial End Game
A side character in the overall saga, Brendan Paul found himself at the fore in the final days of the government’s case against Sean Combs.
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komonews.com Top stories ·
Trump's call to reduce holidays on Juneteenth stirs controversy over national observance
President Trump says we have “too many non-working holidays in America”, but it might be less about what he said then when he said it.On Thursday June 19th or J
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abcnews.go.com Top stories ·
Maido named World's Best Restaurant, 5 US spots shine in 2025 ranking
The World's 50 Best Restaurants ceremony honored the best global gastronomic talent from 22 territories across five continents, with Maido in Lima atop the list.
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bostonglobe.com Top stories ·
Cracks began to form in the Rafael Devers-Red Sox relationship in February. Here’s how the team decided to trade him. - The Boston Globe
The failed meeting between Devers and ownership on the road in May was the demarcation line. Multiple sources said the Sox had been in touch with the Padres, Mariners, Cubs, Blue Jays, and Braves.
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ft.com Top stories ·
Federal Reserve starts to split on when to begin cutting US interest rates
Pressure from Donald Trump and concerns over economic growth open schism among central bank’s officials
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highereddive.com Top stories ·
Week in review: Major federal policy changes loom over colleges
We’re rounding up recent stories, from a Senate panel’s plan to overhaul higher education to well-known universities facing large budget cuts.
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nbcsports.com Top stories ·
Ricky Williams fights effort to ban THC in Texas
Longhorns legend Ricky Williams is bringing a little Texas Fight to the effort to ban THC.
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Vice President JD Vance to visit LA today
Vance will tour a multi-agency federal joint operations center, a mobile command center and will meet with leadership and Marines.
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nbcnews.com Top stories ·
Suspect arrested after GOP Rep. Max Miller says he was 'run off the road' by a man waving a Palestinian flag
Police are investigating alleged threats an Ohio man made against Miller, who is Jewish, and his daughter.
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nbcnews.com Top stories ·
Pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil ordered released by federal judge
The Columbia graduate has been in the custody of immigration agents since March 8.
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England vs India: Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal make Headingley hundreds
India captain Shubman Gill and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal hit sublime centuries as England toil on day one of the first Test at Headingley.
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foxnews.com Top stories ·
Vance to meet with federal law enforcement, Marines in LA amid anti-ICE riots
Vice President JD Vance will travel to Los Angeles Friday morning to visit the city amid anti-ICE riots, Fox News Digital has learned.
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Record-shattering heat wave hitting wide swath of US: Latest forecast
A heat wave is moving in, with over 100 million people from the Midwest to the Northeast on alert for life-threatening heat this weekend and into next week.
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nytimes.com Top stories ·
As U.S. Considers Using Bunker-Buster Bombs, Here’s What It Takes to Hit Iran’s Deepest Nuclear Site
President Trump says he’s considering attacking Iran’s underground nuclear site. Here’s what that might look like.
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npr.org Top stories ·
At war with Israel, Iran urges new diplomacy in Geneva and the U.N. Security Council
Iran is engaging in diplomatic efforts on multiple fronts as its battle with Israel enters a second week.
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theguardian.com Top stories ·
Mike Lynch’s superyacht Bayesian raised from seabed off Sicily
UK tech tycoon Mike Lynch and his daughter were among seven killed when vessel sank during storm last August
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npr.org Top stories ·
A former DOGE employee gives his account of working for the operation
What did the Department of Government Efficiency actually accomplish under Elon Musk? And what might change now that Musk is out? One former DOGE worker is going public and sharing what he learned.