Author: Lester Holt

Allies work to tighten economic pressure on Moscow as attacks escalate WASHINGTON, Sept 9 — U.S. and European officials met in Washington this week to discuss expanded sanctions against Russia, following a surge in attacks on Ukraine. The talks focused on a coordinated approach to curtail Moscow’s financial and energy resources and to increase pressure on the Kremlin. The meeting, held at the U.S. Treasury Department, included Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and EU Sanctions Envoy David O’Sullivan. Participants explored further restrictions on Russian oil exports and refining operations, critical to funding Russia’s military campaigns, emphasizing the need for a unified…

Buffalo’s defensive struggles were on full display despite an electrifying comeback against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1. Josh Allen led the Bills to a stunning 41-40 victory, overcoming a 15-point deficit in the final four minutes. Matt Prater sealed the win with a 32-yard field goal as time expired, but the triumph did not hide serious concerns about Buffalo’s defense. For the first 48 minutes, Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry moved the ball almost at will. Baltimore scored on seven of its first eight possessions and put up 40 points. Such defensive lapses are not a winning formula. The…

Judge’s ruling put on holdThe U.S. Supreme Court has given the Trump administration approval to continue immigration raids in Southern California, reversing a lower court’s attempt to halt the practice. The decision pauses a July 11 order from District Judge Maame Frimpong, who found the government’s tactics likely in conflict with the Fourth Amendment’s protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. Lawsuit alleges unconstitutional practicesThe complaint described federal agents in masks and tactical gear carrying out sudden stops of people based on racial appearance or the way they spoke. Plaintiffs compared the detentions to public abductions. One man, Jason Gavidia, said…

Mitsotakis presents major family support package Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has unveiled a €1.6 billion initiative aimed at tackling Greece’s declining population. Speaking at the Thessaloniki International Fair, he said the program is intended to ease the financial pressures on households and encourage young citizens to stay in the country. The plan, which will take effect in 2026, includes broad income tax reductions, targeted benefits for large families, lower property taxes in rural and island areas, and additional support for pensioners and households facing high living costs. Demographic trends raise alarm The measures respond to persistent population challenges. According to…

EU Regulators Cite Unfair Advantage The European Commission has levied a €2.95 billion fine against Google, finding that the company exploited its dominant position in online advertising. Investigators said Google favored its own ad exchange and publisher platforms, restricting competition and limiting options for both advertisers and media companies. Company Must Propose Fix Within Two Months Brussels has given Google 60 days to submit a plan to correct the practices. Officials warned that if the measures are deemed inadequate, they could consider more severe actions, including breaking up parts of Google’s ad-tech operations. Google has confirmed it will contest the…

Statement at Eastern Economic Forum On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin cautioned that troops from Western countries entering Ukraine amid ongoing hostilities would be treated as legitimate targets.He delivered the warning at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, stressing that Moscow would act against any foreign military presence during active fighting. Response to Allied Security Plans The remarks came shortly after a meeting in Paris where French President Emmanuel Macron announced that 26 nations had pledged long-term security assistance to Ukraine.These commitments include financial aid, military training programs, and the possible deployment of an international reassurance force after the conflict.Putin…

Trump calls strike a message to drug traffickers President Donald Trump confirmed Tuesday that US military forces carried out a strike on a vessel reportedly linked to Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua cartel, resulting in 11 deaths. The operation took place in international waters in the southern Caribbean, according to officials. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the ship had departed from Venezuela and described the strike as a move to disrupt the cartel’s trafficking network in the region. Trump defends the operation On Truth Social, Trump stated: “Under my orders, US forces conducted a precision strike against identified Tren de…

Rescue operations hampered by rugged terrain and landslides A magnitude-6 earthquake shook eastern Afghanistan late Sunday, killing over 800 people and injuring roughly 2,500, according to Taliban authorities. Relief teams face significant challenges reaching affected mountain villages due to landslides and collapsed roads. The tremor struck near the Pakistan border, with Kunar province suffering the most severe impact. Its shallow depth increased the level of destruction, and aftershocks continued into Monday, shaking Kabul more than 100 miles away. Hospitals overwhelmed by victims Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that the death toll is expected to rise as many individuals remain trapped…

Court intervenes after last-minute legal challenge On Sunday, a federal judge in Washington, D.C., issued an emergency injunction stopping the Trump administration from deporting a group of Guatemalan minors. The decision came after attorneys warned that the planned removals were proceeding unlawfully. Ten children directly involved, ruling extends to all minors The legal case concerns 10 unaccompanied children, ages 10 to 17, who lawyers said were hours away from being flown to Guatemala late Saturday. Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan blocked their deportation for 14 days, directing that they remain in the care of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). She…

Washington, August 30, 2025 — Senator Bernie Sanders has publicly urged Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to resign from his position as health secretary, warning that his leadership poses serious risks to the nation’s health. Criticism of Kennedy’s Leadership In an op-ed for The New York Times, Sanders accused Kennedy of endangering Americans’ health and demanded his immediate departure from office. He criticized the Trump administration’s slogan “Make America Healthy Again,” asserting that Kennedy’s policies have undermined scientific authority and weakened public health systems. Sanders pointed to the recent firing of CDC director Susan Monarez and the resignation of four senior…