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☆ Kmart has all but disappeared from the US. But its Australian namesake is booming.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-09 | by ( Nathan Rennolds | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

AdvertisementThe closure of a Kmart store in Bridgehampton, New York, in October marked the end of an era for the iconic chain. Now, just one Kmart store remains in the mainland US, tucked away inside an At Home store in southwest Miami. "We see this in things such as Kmart hacks," where creators showcase how they use Kmart products in novel ways to help in their everyday lives, Lloyd-Wallis said. A race to the bottomSo far, Kmart Australia has weathered the e-commerce storm, in part thanks to the geographical challenges companies like Amazon face in Australia. It seems, then, that Kmart Australia could find itself in a price race to the bottom.

Persons: —, Gary Mortimer, Mortimer, They've, Ian Bailey, it's, Bailey, we've, Anastasia Lloyd, Wallis, news.com.au, Roy Morgan, Laura Demasi, Roy Morgan's Organizations: Kmart, Service, Walmart, Target, Kmart Group, Queensland University of Technology, National Retail Federation, Kmart Australia, Getty, Retail Doctor Group, Lloyd, Amazon Australia Locations: Australia, Bridgehampton , New York, Miami, Australian, Melbourne, New Zealand, Target Australia, Canada, Singapore, Philippines, Sydney, Kmart Australia

☆ You could face the 'survivor's penalty' after a spouse dies — here's how to avoid it
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-06 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Andrew Bret Wallis | The Image Bank | Getty ImagesAfter a spouse dies, some retirees face a costly surprise — higher taxes. The shift from married filing jointly to single on future tax returns can trigger a "survivor's penalty," depending on whether your income changes. After that, older survivors typically use the "single" filing status, which may have higher tax rates, with narrower tax brackets and a smaller standard deduction. The IRS recently unveiled higher tax brackets and standard deductions for 2025. The survivor's penalty affects American women more often than men, because women are more likely to outlive male spouses.

Persons: Andrew Bret Wallis, Judy Brown, Brown Organizations: Bank, Getty, SC, H Wealth Advisors, D.C, IRS, Centers for Disease Control Locations: Washington, Baltimore

☆ Opinion | The Christian Case Against Trump
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-02 | by ( Eliza Griswold | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Days later, at the Republican National Convention, the evangelist Franklin Graham endorsed Mr. Trump from the stage, saying that “God spared his life.”But the idea of Mr. Trump as chosen by God has infuriated those evangelicals who believe that he stands in direct opposition to their faith. Their existence highlights an often-overlooked fact about the American religious landscape: Evangelicals are not a monolith. The troubling ascendancy of white Christian nationalism has galvanized evangelicals for whom following Jesus demands speaking truth to power, as well as building the kingdom of heaven on earth in actionable ways. Although this broader evangelical movement is often referred to as the evangelical left, it adheres to no party. “This isn’t about being a Democrat or a Republican,” Jim Wallis, an evangelical Christian pastor, author and justice activist, told me.

Persons: Donald Trump, Jesus, Franklin Graham, Mr, Trump, God, ” Jim Wallis Organizations: Republican National Convention, Democrat, Republican

☆ OpenAI pulls ChatGPT AI voice over its resemblance to Scarlett Johansson in the movie 'Her'
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-20 | by ( Hayden Field | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

OpenAI announced it would pull one of the ChatGPT voices named "Sky" after it created controversy for its resemblance to the voice of actress Scarlett Johansson in "Her," a movie about artificial intelligence. "We've heard questions about how we chose the voices in ChatGPT, especially Sky," the Microsoft -backed company posted on X. The news comes one week after OpenAI debuted a range of audio voices for ChatGPT, its viral chatbot, a new AI model called GPT-4o, and a desktop version of ChatGPT. Users watching the live demonstration of ChatGPT's audio capabilities immediately began to post on social media that the "Sky" voice sounded like Johansson in the movie. "Sky's voice is not an imitation of Scarlett Johansson but belongs to a different professional actress using her own natural speaking voice," the company wrote.

Persons: Scarlett Johansson, Radhika Jones, We've, Samantha, Johansson, OpenAI, Sam Altman, —, Anthropic, Mark Chen Organizations: Wallis Annenberg Center, Performing Arts, OpenAI, Microsoft, ChatGPT, Google Locations: Beverly Hills , California, ChatGPT, Ember

☆ How evangelical leader Jim Wallis uses the Bible to expose the ‘False White Gospel’
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-28 | by ( John Blake | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +14 min

Some may already be tired of the debate over White Christian nationalism, whose followers blend sexism, racism and hostility to non-White immigrants in a quest to create a White Christian America. But Wallis has been warning people about the dangers of White Christian nationalist beliefs long before the term became popular. You write that White Christian nationalism is not new, and that it’s a form of heresy. This [White Christian nationalism] is an old idea from the Doctrine of Discovery, which says that this country was for people who were White Americans. Tom Brenner/ReutersWhat’s the difference between patriotism — believing that the US is an exceptional country — and White Christian nationalism?

Persons: Jim Wallis, Marx, Wallis, ” Wallis, “, Obama, White, ” Wallis ’, Jesus, You’ve, Donald Trump, Tom Brenner, Pete Seeger’s, It’s, Trump, that’s, it’s, don’t, they’re, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Adolf Hitler, Michael Gonzalez, haven’t, Let’s, I’ve, Martin Luther, King didn’t, he’s, King, Michael Nigro, Mark Twain, Hitler, —, didn’t, you’ll, John Blake, ” Organizations: CNN, ”, White, Christian America, New York Times, Macmillan “, MAGA, Faith, Justice, Georgetown University, Commission, White Americans, Reuters, Pastors, Candler, Emory University’s Candler, of Theology, Cornerstone, Justice Department Locations: Vietnam, Detroit, America, Washington, Circleville , Ohio, Atlanta , Georgia, German, Germany, Quemado , Texas, Southern, That’s, Pittsburgh, Blacks, White, Hungary, Turkey, Black

☆ Travel news: ‘World’s largest wildlife crossing’ being built in Los Angeles
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-20 | by ( Maureen O'Hare | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —In travel news this week: the world’s best and busiest airports, the European capital banning new hotels, the Hawaiian attraction being removed because of bad tourist behavior, plus the real-life animal crossing being built over a California freeway. Snakes will, however, be very welcome on “the world’s largest wildlife crossing,” under construction over the major 101 Freeway in Los Angeles. The Wallis Annenberg overpass will span 10 lanes and provide safe passage for mountain lions, coyotes, bobcats, toads and even ants. World’s best and busiest airportsThe world’s busiest airports were revealed in an annual ranking released Monday, with Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International holding strong in the No. US National Park Week starts April 20, kicking off with a free entry day on Saturday to all NPS sites.

Persons: Wallis, It’s, Alyssa Kopp, Mary Gomes Kopp, Doha’s, Florence’s, it’s, America’s Organizations: CNN, Aegean Airlines, Atlanta’s Hartsfield, Jackson International, UAE, Qatar, Doha’s Hamad international Airport Locations: California, Tokyo, Osaka, Los Angeles, Crete, Europe, Dubai, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Canary, Spanish, Africa, Italy, Ponte, Lake Mead, Hawaii

☆ Saying 'China Is Watching,' US Spy Chiefs Plead for Ukraine Aid
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-12 | by ( March | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

By Patricia Zengerle and Michael MartinaWASHINGTON (Reuters) - Leaders of U.S. intelligence agencies urgently pressed members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday to approve additional military assistance for Ukraine, saying it would not only boost Kyiv as it fights Russia but discourage Chinese aggression. "That has consequences for American interests that go ... directly to our interests in the Indo-Pacific," CIA Director William Burns told the House of Representatives' Intelligence committee's annual hearing on Worldwide Threats to U.S. security. The Latest Photos From Ukraine View All 96 ImagesThe measure has passed the Democratic-run Senate, and both Republicans and Democrats in the House say it would pass if the chamber's Republican leaders allowed a vote. Photos You Should See View All 60 ImagesRepresentative Mike Turner, chairman of the House intelligence committee, noted that some members of Congress support aid to Ukraine but "I believe, mistakenly," contend that Kyiv can afford a delay. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle and Michael Martina; Editing by Daniel Wallis)

Persons: Patricia Zengerle, Michael Martina WASHINGTON, William Burns, Burns, Mike Johnson, Donald Trump, Mike Turner, Michael Martina, Daniel Wallis Organizations: CIA, Representatives, stoke, Republican, Russian, Democratic, Republicans, Democrats Locations: Ukraine, Russia, Israel, Gaza, Pacific

☆ Vanity Fair Oscars Party: Billie Eilish, Christopher Nolan, Steven Spielberg, mix, dine on In-N-Out and dance the night away.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-11 | by ( Alli Rosenbloom | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Oscars celebrations were in full swing on Sunday night and no post-show event was more packed with the glittery crowd than the annual Vanity Fair party. By the dance floor, Cardi B greeted Bailey and asked the new mom how her baby was doing. Nearby, Lizzo and her boyfriend scoped out the dance floor and were later seen twisting their arms to take a shot together. Kardashian wore a beige, waist-cinching gown as she fluttered around the party with Baltimore Ravens wide receiver O’Dell Beckham Jr.Kim Kardashian arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscars party. Stefanie Keenan/VF24/WireImage for Vanity Fair/Getty ImagesSam Rockwell, Justin Theroux and Jason Bateman gathered on the dance floor and were greeted by Olympian Shawn White and Nina Dobrev.

Persons: Oscar, Billie Eilish, Christopher Nolan, Barbie ”, “ Oppenheimer, America Ferrera, Margot Robbie, Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Eilish, Phillip Faraone, Nancy Pelosi, Paul Pelosi, Sally Field, Pelosi, Paul Pelosi Stefanie Keenan, Usher, Ciara, Camila Cabello, Chloe, Cardi, Bailey, “ Barbie, Greta Gerwig, grooving, Barbie, Hari Nef, Lizzo, scoped, Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, Lindsay Lohan, Kim Kardashian, Kardashian, O’Dell Beckham, Amy Sussman, Jenner, Kris Jenner, Kendall, Kylie Jenner, Kris, Demi Moore, Scout Willis, Bruce Willis, Moore, Elizabeth Banks, “, Captain America, Chris Evans, Alba Baptista, Damon, Lucia, Chris Hemsworth, Elsa Pataky, Britney Spears, Mark Ruffalo, Sydney Sweeney, Jennifer Coolidge, Kevin Mazur, ”, Sweeney, Maude Apatow –, Judd Apatow, Coolidge, Catherine O’Hara, Barry Keoghan, Callum Turner, Sabrina Carpenter, Chelsea Handler, Sofia Vergara, Steven Spielberg, Stefanie Keenan, Sam Rockwell, Justin Theroux, Jason Bateman, Olympian Shawn White, Nina Dobrev, Theroux, Rita Moreno, nosh Organizations: CNN, Wallis Annenberg Center, Hollywood, Paris, Baltimore Ravens, Marvel, Air ” Locations: Beverly Hills, America, Halle, Dua Lipa, Tallulah

☆ The most daring looks celebrities wore to the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar after-party
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-11 | by ( Amanda Krause | Samantha Grindell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

The 2024 Oscars took place in Los Angeles on Sunday. Stars celebrated the awards at the Vanity Fair Oscar after-party in bold and daring ensembles. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. But stars also celebrated the awards show at the Vanity Fair Oscar after-party at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills. Many attendees rocked daring looks at the after-party, wearing gowns with sheer detailing or plunging necklines on the red carpet.

Persons: Chrissy Teigen, Quinta Brunson, — Organizations: Sunday, Service, Hollywood's, Dolby Theatre, Wallis Annenberg Center, Performing Arts Locations: Los Angeles, Beverly Hills

His celebration was limited to casually holding a best directing Oscar, his first, and one of seven on the night for his film. Nolan's wife, “Oppenheimer” producer Emma Thomas, held her own statuette, for best picture, and did most of the talking as waves of well-wishers descended on the couple. Photos You Should See View All 60 ImagesBillie Eilish soon strode by with two friends, her best original song Oscar slung in one arm. The Vanity Fair dress code might be called “loosened black tie.” Many still wear their tuxes and gowns from the ceremony. Near them, “Anyone but You” and “Euphoria” star Sydney Sweeney stood in a white gown with fiancé Jonathan Davino at her side.

Persons: — Christopher Nolan, Oscar, Oppenheimer, “ Oppenheimer, Emma Thomas, Nolan, Billie Eilish, strode, it's, Radhika Jones, Thomas, Usher, Barry Keoghan, ingratiated, Serena Williams, LeBron James, James, Anya Taylor, Joy, Matteo Bocelli, Andrea Bocelli, “, ”, Huy Quan, Robert Downey Jr, Michael Jackson, Jon Hamm, Brett Goldstein, Ted Lasso ”, Catherine O'Hara, Hamm, John Mulaney, Jeffrey Wright, intently, John Waters, Sydney Sweeney, fiancé Jonathan Davino, Ludwig Göransson Organizations: ANGELES, Vanity, Beverly Hills City Hall, Wallis Annenberg City Hall Locations: Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Italian

☆ UN Security Council Considering Call for Ramadan Truce in Sudan
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-06 | by ( March | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

By Michelle NicholsUNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United Nations Security Council is considering calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities ahead of Ramadan in the nearly year-long war between the Sudanese army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, diplomats said. The 15-member council is negotiating a British-drafted resolution that diplomats said could be put to a vote on Friday. Since war erupted on April 15, 2023, the council has only issued three press statements condemning the violence and expressing concern. The draft U.N. Security Council resolution urges all countries "to refrain from external interference which seeks to foment conflict and instability and instead to support efforts for a durable peace." A Security Council resolution needs at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes by the United States, Russia, Britain, China or France to be adopted.

Persons: Michelle Nichols UNITED, Ramadan, Linda Thomas, Greenfield, Michelle Nichols, Daniel Wallis Organizations: Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS, Reuters, United Nations Security, Rapid Support Forces, The, U.S, United Arab Emirates, Security Locations: British, The United States, Sudan's West Darfur, UAE, United States, Russia, Britain, China, France

☆ US Senate Faces New Test on Ukraine Aid Bill
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-11 | by ( Feb. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +3 min

The legislation needs 60 votes to overcome a procedural hurdle and continue toward Senate passage in the coming days. The Latest Photos From Ukraine View All 91 ImagesVoting is expected to begin around 1 p.m. EST (1800 GMT). Senate Republicans believe bipartisan passage would help stir support among Republicans in the House. The bill includes $61 billion for Ukraine, $14 billion for Israel in its war against Hamas, and $4.83 billion to support partners in the Indo-Pacific, including Taiwan, and deter aggression by China. "Nevertheless, the Senate will keep working on this bill until the job is done."

Persons: David Morgan WASHINGTON, Joe Biden, Mike Johnson, Johnson, Todd Young, Young, Chuck Schumer, Mitch McConnell, Schumer, David Morgan, Scott Malone, Daniel Wallis Organizations: Senate, Republicans, Republican, Representatives, Democratic, Friday, Indiana Republican, Israel, Hamas, West Bank Locations: U.S, Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, Gaza, Kyiv, China, Mexico

☆ Los Angeles Works to Build Its Dance Muscles
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-06 | by ( Robin Pogrebin | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Los Angeles may not be thought of as a dance town, but it has a rich legacy. It was here, in 1915, that the modern dance pioneers Ruth St. Denis and her husband Ted Shawn, established the Denishawn school and company, shaping and showcasing the first generation of American modern dancers, including Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey and Charles Weidman. Lester Horton, one of the first choreographers to insist on a racially integrated company, established the Lester Horton Dance Theater here in 1946, a pioneering stage dedicated to modern dance. But for all the talent Los Angeles has attracted over the years, and its success in founding other performing arts institutions, the city has struggled to establish lasting dance companies able to attract and maintain audiences and patronage. It has also just entered an agreement with the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, a larger theater, to perform there.

Persons: Ruth St, Denis, Ted Shawn, Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey, Charles Weidman, Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Busby Berkeley, Hermes Pan, Jack Cole, George Balanchine, Lester Horton, Benjamin Millepied Organizations: Hollywood, Lester Horton Dance, New York City Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet, Wallis Annenberg Center, Performing Arts Locations: Angeles, Beverly Hills

☆ Italy to Supply Admiral for EU Red Sea Naval Mission
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-02 | by ( Feb. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

ROME (Reuters) - Italy will provide the admiral in command of a European Union Red Sea naval mission to protect ships from attacks by Yemen's Houthi militia, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said on Friday. "The European Union today asked Italy to supply the Force Commander for the Aspides Operation in the Red Sea," Crosetto said in a statement. The EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Wednesday he hoped the mission, to be named Aspides - meaning "protector" in ancient Greek - could be launched on Feb. 17. Its mandate would be to protect commercial ships and intercept attacks, but not take part in strikes against the Houthis, Borrell said. (Reporting by Angelo Amante; Writing by Gavin Jones; Editing by Daniel Wallis)

Persons: Yemen's, Guido Crosetto, Crosetto, Josep Borrell, Borrell, Angelo Amante, Gavin Jones, Daniel Wallis Organizations: European, Red Sea, Defence Locations: ROME, Italy, Yemen, Gaza, Union, Red, Israel, Greece, Larissa

☆ Nine Injured in London Incident Involving 'Corrosive Substance', Police Say
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-31 | by ( Jan. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

(Reuters) -Nine people, including two children, were injured on Wednesday in an incident involving a "corrosive substance" in Clapham, in south London, the Metropolitan Police said. Three police officers were also taken to hospital with minor injuries, the statement said. "Firefighters were called to a chemical incident on Lessar Avenue in Clapham this evening," the London Fire Brigade said in an emailed statement to Reuters. Crews used specialist equipment to detect a corrosive substance that is believed to have been used in the incident, it added, without giving any further details. (Reporting by Gnaneshwar Rajan and Kanjyik Ghosh in Bengaluru; Editing by Daniel Wallis and Sandra Maler)

Persons: Crews, Gnaneshwar Rajan, Kanjyik Ghosh, Daniel Wallis, Sandra Maler Organizations: Reuters, Metropolitan Police, Firefighters, London Fire Brigade Locations: Clapham, London, Bengaluru

☆ State Dept Says US Actively Pursuing the Creation of a Palestinian State
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-31 | by ( Jan. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +3 min

By Simon Lewis and Humeyra PamukWASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States is actively pursuing the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with security guarantees for Israel and exploring options with partners in the region, the State Department spokesperson said on Wednesday. "We are actively pursuing the establishment as an independent Palestinian state, with real security guarantees for Israel, because we do believe that is the best way to bring about lasting peace and security for Israel, for Palestinians and for the region," Miller said. War in Israel and Gaza View All 194 ImagesAxios reported earlier on Wednesday that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had asked the State Department to conduct a review and present policy options on possible U.S. and international recognition of a Palestinian state after the war in Gaza. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron also told a group of UK lawmakers that the UK government and its allies "will look at the issue of recognizing a Palestinian state, including at the United Nations," the BBC reported on Tuesday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is at odds with the Biden administration over the creation of an independent Palestinian state, saying at the weekend that he would not compromise on "full Israeli security control of all territory west of the Jordan River".

Persons: Simon Lewis, Humeyra Pamuk, Matthew Miller, Joe Biden's, Miller, Antony Blinken, David Cameron, . Washington, Blinken, Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden, Daniel Wallis Organizations: Israel, State Department, United, United Nations, BBC, U.S Locations: Humeyra Pamuk WASHINGTON, United States, Israel, Gaza, Palestinian, Gaza . British, ., Saudi Arabia, Saudi, Davos, Israeli

☆ Pacific Islands Need to Boost Digital Security to Join Undersea Cable, Says US Official
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-30 | by ( Jan. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

By Kirsty NeedhamSYDNEY (Reuters) - Pacific Islands nations that want to connect to U.S.-funded undersea cables will need to secure their digital ecosystems to guard against data risks from China, a senior U.S. State Department official said. The United States pledged last year to jointly fund two undersea cables, to be built by Google, connecting the U.S. territory of Guam with hubs in Fiji and French Polynesia, and further branching out across remote Pacific Islands. The proposed intra-Pacific cable project has offered to branch out to Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tuvalu, Fiji, Nauru, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Cook Islands, Wallis and Futuna and the Federated States of Micronesia. China and the U.S. are jostling for influence in the Pacific Islands with competing offers for infrastructure. The Solomon Islands, which struck a security pact with Beijing, is rolling out a Chinese-funded mobile network built by Chinese telecommunications company Huawei.

Persons: Kirsty Needham SYDNEY, Nathaniel Fick, Kirsty Needham, Edwina Gibbs Organizations: Pacific, U.S . State Department, United, Google, Futuna, Federated, The U.S . Department of, Washington, Sydney, Huawei, Telstra, Microsoft, U.S Locations: U.S, China, Guam, Fiji, French Polynesia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tuvalu, Nauru, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Cook Islands, Wallis, Federated States, Micronesia, The, Solomon, Beijing, Australia, Asia, Pacific

☆ Exclusive-US Sets up Channel With Israel Seeking Answers on Civilian Casualties
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-25 | by ( Jan. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +5 min

The existence of this initiative has not been previously reported and the U.S. officials requested anonymity to discuss the sensitive details around it. The United States set up the process to drive accountability for Israel, one of the officials said. It was not clear what action, if any, Washington would take against Israel as a result of what it learns. The United States provides Israel $3.8 billion in annual military assistance. Israel unleashed its war to eradicate Hamas after militants from Gaza launched a shock incursion into southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and seizing around 240 hostages.

Persons: Humeyra Pamuk, Antony Blinken, Blinken, Benjamin Netanyahu, Yoav Gallant, Benny Gantz, Washington, Biden, Joe Biden's, David Satterfield, Israel, Vedant Patel, Don Durfee, Daniel Wallis Organizations: United, Reuters, Israeli, U.S, Hamas, Israel, State Department, State Department's, United Nations, Washington, . State Department, Urgent Locations: Humeyra Pamuk WASHINGTON, United States, Israel, Gaza, Washington, U.S, Jerusalem, Ukraine, Sudan, American

☆ US Determined to Remain Strong Security Partner for Nigeria -Blinken
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-23 | by ( Jan. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

ABUJA/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday said the United States is determined to remain a strong security partner for Nigeria, whose military is backed by the U.S., Britain and other allies in a long war against Islamist insurgents. "The United States is determined to be and remain a strong security partner for Nigeria," Blinken told reporters. Blinken added that he discussed how it is vitally important there be a focus on ensuring civilians are protected and humanitarian considerations. The coup in Niger was one of a series of military takeovers or attempted power grabs that occurred in West and Central Africa over the past three years. So far, about $2 billion of the backlog across sectors such as manufacturing, aviation, and petroleum have been paid, CBN spokesperson Hakama Sidi Ali said in a statement.

Persons: Antony Blinken, Blinken, Bola Tinubu, Mohamed Bazoum, Hakama Sidi Ali, Chijioke Ohuocha, Felix Onuah, Daphne Psaledakis, Humeyra Pamuk, Simon Lewis, Ismail Shakil, Mark Porter, Daniel Wallis Organizations: Islamist, European Union, France, Central Bank of Nigeria Locations: ABUJA, WASHINGTON, United States, Nigeria, U.S, Britain, Niger, West, Central Africa, Abuja, Africa, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Angola, Jan, Africa's, Washington

☆ Saudi Says Escalating Tensions Amid Houthi Attacks and US Strikes Are Dangerous
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-20 | by ( Jan. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

By Kanishka SinghWASHINGTON (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's foreign minister said the kingdom was "very worried" that tensions in the Red Sea amid attacks by Yemen's Houthis and U.S. strikes on Houthi targets could spiral out of control and escalate the conflict in the region. The Saudi foreign minister said the kingdom believed in freedom of navigation and wanted tensions in the region to be de-escalated. The Houthis, who control most of Yemen, say their attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians under attack from Israel in Gaza. Since last week, the United States has been launching strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, and this week returned the militia to a list of "terrorist" groups. President Joe Biden said on Thursday that air strikes would continue even as he acknowledged they may not be halting the Houthi attacks.

Persons: Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON, Yemen's Houthis, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Fareed Zakaria, Joe Biden, Kanishka Singh, Daniel Wallis Organizations: CNN Locations: Saudi, Red, Iran, Asia, Europe, Gaza, Yemen, Israel, United States, Hamas, Palestinian, Washington

☆ Cristóbal Balenciaga: Secrets of his success
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-19 | by ( Suyin Haynes | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Yet the label’s origins were rather more discreet; founder Cristóbal Balenciaga was renowned for his privacy, secrecy and need for control over every aspect of the design process. “Even though Balenciaga was born very near to where I live in Spain, I didn’t know how important his figure was,” said Lourdes Iglesias, creator of “Cristóbal Balenciaga,” in an interview with CNN via a translator. Cristóbal Balenciaga in 1927, before the war in Spain forced him to move his business to Paris. “He liked to control everything.”The Balenciaga Maison allowed series’ costume designers, Bina Daigeler and Pepo Ruiz Dorado, access to their archives and museum. It’s clearly a very different era now than the one in which Cristóbal Balenciaga was working in.

Persons: Cristóbal Balenciaga, Cristóbal, Balenciaga, —, “, ”, Lourdes Iglesias, David Herranz, Iglesias, Coco Chanel, Elsa Schiaparelli, Boris Lipnitzki, Roger Viollet, Balenciaga ”, Alberto San, Maison, couturiers, d’Attainville, Christian Dior, ” Coco Chanel, Hubert de Givenchy, Grace Kelly, Wallis Simpson, Marlene Dietrich, Carmel Snow, Diana Vreeland, Maison Balenciaga, Bina Daigeler, Pepo Ruiz, Daigeler, Victor Seco, ” Iglesias, Jacques Bogart, Nicolas Ghesquière, Demna, It’s Organizations: CNN, Disney, Jacques Bogart SA Locations: Spain, Paris, Getaria, Basque, Madrid, San Sebastian, Barcelona, French, Alberto San Juan ., Nazi, France, Pepo Ruiz Dorado, Belgian, Europe

☆ Hardline US Republicans Who Cried 'Wolf' Side-Lined by Spending Deal
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-19 | by ( Jan. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +6 min

"Those individuals have now overplayed their hand," said Republican Representative Greg Murphy, a member of the Republican Study Committee conservative caucus. They now find themselves boxed out on spending, at a time when the nation's debt has surpassed $34 trillion. "At the end of the day, we control one-half of one branch of government, and we're working against Senate Democrats, House Democrats -- to be honest, Senate Republicans -- and the White House," said Representative Kelly Armstrong. And in November, the number of Republican voting against reached 93 on Johnson's initial stopgap spending bill. "I have no doubt that our wonderful Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, will only make a deal that is PERFECT ON THE BORDER."

Persons: David Morgan WASHINGTON, Chuck Schumer, Mike Johnson, Johnson, Greg Murphy, Joe Biden, Kevin McCarthy, McCarthy, Bob Good, Dan Bishop, Kelly Armstrong, Schumer, Bishop, Andy Biggs, McCarthy's, Jared Moskowitz, Biggs, Donald Trump, Trump, David Morgan, Makini Brice, Scott Malone, Daniel Wallis Organizations: Republicans, U.S . House, Democratic, Republican, Caucus, North Carolina Republican, Senate, White, Senate Democrats, House Democrats, New York Democrat, Republican Party, Freedom Caucus Locations: Mexico, U.S, Ukraine, Israel, Gaza

☆ Ethnic Killings in One Sudan City Left up to 15,000 Dead - UN Report
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-19 | by ( Jan. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +5 min

A top Sudanese general accused the UAE in November of backing the RSF war effort. The United Nations says about 500,000 people have fled Sudan into eastern Chad, several hundred kilometers south of Amdjarass. The monitors' report included similar accounts. They said that between 14-17 June, some 12,000 people fled El Geneina on foot for Adre in Chad. The Masalit were the majority in El Geneina until the attacks forced their mass exodus.

Persons: Michelle Nichols, Maggie Michael UNITED, El Geneina, RSF, Madani, Maggie Michael, Don Durfee, Daniel Wallis Organizations: Rapid Support Forces, United, Reuters, . Security, United Arab Emirates, United Nations, Security Locations: CAIRO, Sudan's West Darfur, United Nations, El, Sudan, Amdjarass, Chad, UAE, West Darfur, Geneina, El Geneina, Adre, Darfur, Libya, South Sudan, Egypt, States

☆ Trump Is Warned He May Be Ejected From Carroll Trial
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-17 | by ( Jan. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +5 min

"Mr. Trump, I hope I don't have to consider excluding you from the trial," the judge told him. Following Kaplan's warning, Trump posted that Kaplan was a "seething and hostile" judge with "a major case of Trump Derangement Syndrome." Trump said he did not know Carroll and that she branded him a rapist to boost sales of her then-new memoir. "I am here because Donald Trump assaulted me, and when I wrote about it, he said it never happened," Carroll said. Trump did not attend Carroll's first trial, and in his Truth Social post said he would have won had he attended.

Persons: Jonathan Stempel, Luc Cohen NEW, Donald Trump, E, Jean Carroll's, District Judge Lewis, Carroll, Trump, Shawn Crowley, Kaplan, Democrat Joe Biden, Goodman, Roberta Kaplan, Alina Habba, It's, Habba, Luc Cohen, Noeleen Walder, Jonathan Oatis, Daniel Wallis Organizations: Luc Cohen NEW YORK, District, Trump, Democrat, Twitter Locations: Manhattan, New Hampshire, Florida, New York

☆ Biden: US Delivered Private Message to Iran About Houthi Attacks
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-13 | by ( Jan. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

By Steve Holland and Nandita BoseWASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Joe Biden said on Saturday the United States had delivered a private message to Iran about Iran-backed Houthis responsible for attacking commercial shipping in the Red Sea. "We delivered it privately and we're confident we're well-prepared," Biden told reporters at the White House before departing to the Camp David presidential retreat for the weekend. The Houthi movement threatened a "strong and effective response" after the United States carried out another strike in Yemen overnight, further ratcheting up tensions as Washington vows to protect shipping from attacks by the Iran-aligned group. The latest strike, which the U.S. said hit a radar site, came a day after dozens of American and British strikes on Houthi facilities in Yemen. Biden, whose administration removed the Houthis from a State Department list of "foreign terrorist organizations" in 2021, was asked by reporters on Friday whether he felt the term "terrorist" described the movement now.

Persons: Steve Holland, Nandita Bose WASHINGTON, Joe Biden, Biden, Camp David, John Kirby, Washington, Daniel Wallis Organizations: United, White, Camp, State Department Locations: United States, Iran, Red, Yemen

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