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NationalItaly's Political Class 'Outraged' with Trump: What Did the President Do?
ROME – The Italian political class unanimously criticized U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday after he claimed in a television interview that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni begged him for a photo together at the recent G7 summit, which she called a 'fabrication.' The Italian channel 'La 7' aired a transcript of a phone interview with Trump, where he stated: 'I'm sure she's happy I spoke with her! I didn't have to do it! I don't know what to say! She begged me to take a photo with her! She really wanted a photo with me. I wouldn't have accepted, but I felt sorry for her!' Meloni quickly responded, emphasizing in a social media message, 'Neither I nor Italy ever beg. Donald Trump's statements are completely made up. Honestly, I'm astonished.' She added, 'I don't know why the President of the United States behaves this way with his allies. Moreover, this is not the first time it has happened.' This incident adds to the tensions between Trump and Meloni that began last April when Trump harshly criticized Pope Leo XIV for his stance on the Iran war. The first reaction to this new friction came from Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who decided to cancel his planned visit to Miami on June 21 and 22 following Trump's 'serious and offensive words towards Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni,' which 'offend all of Italy.' Government Undersecretary Giovanbattista Fazzolari stated that 'Trump's tirades against Giorgia Meloni are just the latest episode of attacks and insults directed at European leaders' and added that 'it is unclear whether he does this intentionally or out of incompetence, ruining the historic relationship between the United States and Europe.' Meanwhile, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto wrote on social media: 'I cannot imagine Giorgia Meloni asking anyone for a photo, not even under threat. However, I can imagine the high price she paid by setting aside what Trump had said weeks ago to serve the interests of Italy, Europe, and the West.'
NationalThe Obama Presidential Center Opens to the Public, But Tickets Will Be Hard to Come By
After an extraordinary inauguration ceremony on Thursday featuring a star-studded lineup of artists and speakers, a crowd filled with top celebrities and three former presidents, the long-awaited Obama Presidential Center in Chicago's South Side officially opens on Friday, but visiting it may still be a challenge. 'I hope this center serves as a reminder of how special and valuable our democracy truly is, and that it reminds us of what we can achieve when we take on our shared responsibilities as citizens,' said former President Barack Obama, the country's first Black president, during his speech to the crowd. Tickets for the center's public opening, which coincides with Juneteenth, have been sold out for months. Earlier this week, the venue's ticketing website indicated that admission was booked through November, with only 17 dates available. By Friday morning, it appeared that the center was completely sold out for all future dates until new tickets are released.
NationalIranian National Team Files Complaint with FIFA Over U.S. Travel Restrictions for World Cup
The Iranian Football Federation (FFI) announced on Friday that it has filed a complaint with FIFA regarding the restrictions imposed on the national team for traveling to the United States ahead of their matches. The FFI requested to travel to Los Angeles two days before the Sunday match against Belgium, as the game is scheduled for noon, seeking time for players to acclimate and rest, but the request was denied. 'The Iranian Football Federation believes that these restrictions are incompatible with the principle of equal conditions for participating teams and could affect the teams' technical preparation,' the organization stated in a press release. 'Consequently, while expressing its dissatisfaction with this decision, the Federation has lodged its protest with FIFA through official channels,' it reported. A similar situation occurred last week during the match against New Zealand when U.S. authorities only allowed the Iranian team to travel one day prior.
NationalSwitzerland Confirms Postponement of Meeting Between the US, Iran, and Mediators
Bürgenstock (Switzerland), June 19 (EFE).- The Swiss government confirmed on Friday that the meeting scheduled between the United States, Iran, and the two mediators in the negotiations for a ceasefire, Qatar and Pakistan, has been postponed. The meeting was set to take place today in the alpine town of Bürgenstock, where significant security measures had already been deployed in anticipation of the delegations' arrival. The Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that, despite this setback, 'the relevant preparatory work in Bürgenstock continues' and that it remains fully committed to facilitating the talks. Journalists from various international media had arrived to cover the event, even though authorities had indicated that press access was not expected.
NationalUnbeatable: Bad Bunny Becomes First Latin Artist to Earn $1 Billion in Tours
SAN JUAN – Bad Bunny has become the first Latin artist to earn $1 billion from ticket sales on tours without singing in English, Billboard magazine reported on Thursday. According to data compiled by Billboard Boxscore, from performances between 2017 and 2019, the 2022 tour 'El Último Tour del Mundo,' and the current 'Debí Tirar Más Fotos,' Bad Bunny has amassed $1.08 billion and sold 6.4 million tickets across 260 reported concerts. Billboard notes that fewer than 25 artists have surpassed $1 billion in the 40-year history of Boxscore, with Bad Bunny being the first Latin artist to reach this milestone in ticket revenue. Additionally, he is the first artist to achieve this without performing music in English.
NationalSheinbaum: 'Don't get hooked' on Trump's messages about drug trafficking in Mexico
MEXICO CITY – President Claudia Sheinbaum urged on Thursday not to 'get hooked' on every statement made by Donald Trump after the U.S. president reiterated that Mexico is controlled by drug cartels during the G7 Summit in Évian, France. 'I have said that President Trump has his way of communicating, and we shouldn't get hooked on every statement, but the people of Mexico know that we are working, which is what matters to me,' the Mexican leader stated during her morning press conference at the National Palace. She also asserted that the U.S. president is 'not well informed' when making such accusations about Mexico being controlled by drug cartels. 'He is not well informed; I have told him personally, this is not something I say for the first time, the Mexican state exists,' she clarified. Sheinbaum noted that when she received U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin at the National Palace last May, the role of security institutions in Mexico was highlighted when discussing criminal groups.
NationalThese Are the Celebrities Who Attended the Inauguration of the Obama Presidential Center
Chicago resembled Hollywood as stars flocked to the grand inauguration ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center on Thursday. Celebrities, political figures, dignitaries, and more were seen in South Chicago, both in the stands and on stage, celebrating the long-awaited debut of the former President Barack Obama's presidential center. Beyond the Obamas and their daughters, here’s a look at some of the notable names spotted so far (this list will continue to be updated): Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, Justin Trudeau, Kamala Harris, Angela Merkel, Bill and Hillary Clinton, former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush, former President Joe Biden and former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Nancy Pelosi, Jennifer Hudson, Hakeem Jeffries, David Letterman, Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union, Stephen Colbert, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, Oprah Winfrey, Jon Batiste, Tyler Perry, Conan O’Brien, George Lucas, Quinta Brunson, Rahm Emanuel, Bill Daley, LL Cool J, Ayo Dosunmu, Tom Ricketts, Gabby Giffords, Al Sharpton, Pete Buttigieg, Josh Shapiro, Billie Jean King, Dave Chappelle, Christina Aguilera, Eddie Vedder, Derek Blasberg, Karlie Kloss, Anthony Blinken, Bill Foster, Danny Davis, Dick Durbin, Common, Gayle King. Artists who performed as part of the inauguration ceremony programming:
NationalU.S. Ends Maritime Blockade of Iran in the Strait of Hormuz
U.S. Armed Forces lifted the blockade on all commercial vessels bound for and originating from Iran on Thursday following the signing of a peace agreement by President Donald Trump to end the war, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which noted that 'large naval vessels' will remain in the area. 'Today, U.S. forces lifted the blockade on all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas, in accordance with the President's direction,' the military organization based in Florida stated on its social media. CENTCOM emphasized that 'U.S. forces are not impeding the transit of vessels to or from Iranian ports,' as outlined in the memorandum of understanding signed by Trump during a dinner at the Palace of Versailles in France. While it stressed that 'all U.S. military efforts to enforce the blockade have ceased,' the agency warned that 'large naval vessels will remain in the general area to ensure that all aspects of the agreement are met, respected, and fully in effect.' Since Trump ordered the blockade to pressure Iran on April 13, CENTCOM reported diverting 142 commercial vessels and disabling nine that did not comply with orders. The announcement from the U.S. military comes after the signing of the new agreement, which stipulates the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world's oil flows, and the end of the maritime blockade imposed by the U.S. It also establishes the cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon, where Israel is conducting an offensive against the Hezbollah militia, an ally of Tehran. According to the text of the memorandum, the U.S. and Iran have 60 days to finalize a definitive peace agreement, which would include nuclear issues, relief of sanctions on Tehran, and the release of billions of dollars in frozen Iranian funds.
NationalTitle IX Investigation Opened Following Complaints Against North Carolina District’s Bathroom Policy
The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights has initiated an investigation into Buncombe County Schools in North Carolina. This inquiry will assess whether the district's policy allowing biological men to use girls' restrooms violates Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. A concerned parent raised issues about girls being compelled to share restrooms with biological men, potentially compromising their safety and equal access to educational opportunities. The investigation aligns with the Trump Administration's commitment to uphold Title IX and protect female students from discrimination based on sex.
NationalRelief at the Pump: Gas Prices Fall Below $4 for First Time Since March
Gas prices in the United States dropped below $4 per gallon on average on Thursday, but just barely. This marks the first time since March that the average cost of a gallon of regular gasoline has been this low. Prices fell overnight after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an agreement with Iran requiring Tehran to dilute its highly enriched uranium reserves and lifting Washington-backed sanctions against the country. According to the AAA auto club, the average gas price is now $3.999 in the U.S. The drop below $4 comes after a 15% decline in U.S. crude oil prices this month. However, gas price fluctuations remain across the country. In California, prices average $5.64 per gallon, while in South Carolina, they are $3.58 per gallon. The agreement between Washington and Tehran includes a permanent end to hostilities and initiates a 60-day negotiation period to reach a final agreement on the future of Iran's nuclear program, although Trump left open the possibility of resuming attacks. Reportedly, the plan offers Iran several entry benefits while giving little in return. Oil prices fell on Monday to around $80 per barrel of U.S. benchmark crude, compared to $67 per barrel before the war and the more than $120 per barrel previously reached during the conflict. While gas prices are starting to drop, it is expected to take weeks or months for oil to flow again through the Strait of Hormuz. One-fifth of the world's crude passed through the strait before the war. Now, it will take time for hundreds of ships trapped in the Persian Gulf to exit through the narrow strait, and Gulf oil producers who reduced output will need time to bring oil back into circulation. Analysts also note that ship captains may take their time deciding whether the passage is safe and if the threat of an attack by Iran has truly diminished. Additionally, refineries typically pay for crude a month or more in advance, so even after oil prices drop, they will not be processing cheaper products immediately. Fighting over the Strait of Hormuz disrupted not only crude and refined fuel supplies but also supply chains for fertilizers, food, and even footwear. Businesses expect higher costs to persist, meaning their customers may also need to prepare for this.
NationalSupreme Court Limits Government Power to Disarm Drug Consumers
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of a Texas marijuana user seeking to legally possess a firearm, marking a significant expansion of gun rights. This decision is a setback for the Trump administration, which defended the 1968 law against other gun restrictions. The case involved Ali Danial Hemani, who argued that prohibiting gun ownership for illegal drug users violates the Second Amendment. The ruling comes amid changing cannabis laws across the U.S., with over half of the states legalizing it in some form. Unusual political alliances emerged, with support from both the ACLU and the NRA, alongside cannabis legalization advocates.
NationalTrump ramps up Education Department dismantling with changes on special education and civil rights
The Trump administration has intensified its efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, transferring responsibilities for civil rights enforcement and special education to the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services, respectively. This shift raises concerns among advocates about potential gaps in services for at-risk students, particularly those with disabilities and from marginalized communities. Critics argue that these changes could exacerbate inequities in education, as the new agencies may lack the expertise needed for effective oversight. The Education Department will still retain some functions, such as responding to audits and civil rights cases.
NationalThe Story Behind the US-Iran Agreement: A Corrected Tweet and an Injured Foreign Minister
The agreement reached between the United States and Iran to begin ending the war did not involve a handshake, a solemn photo, or a signature in a room filled with flags. It came with a remote memorandum, a ceremony in Switzerland that vanished from an official announcement, and a Pakistani foreign minister who continued negotiating after injuring himself during a diplomatic reception. Pakistan's mediation, which culminated this week in the remote signing of the 'Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding,' progressed over nearly three months amid urgent messages, uncertain meetings, and three Pakistani figures—Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Army Chief Asim Munir—carrying messages back and forth between Washington and Tehran.
NationalIran will reopen the Strait of Hormuz and can sell oil freely under deal with the US, officials say
Iran is set to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and sell oil freely under a tentative agreement with the U.S. The deal, expected to be signed in Switzerland, includes provisions for Iran to receive at least $300 billion for reconstruction and aims to lift U.S. and UN sanctions if a final nuclear agreement is reached. The interim agreement halts ongoing hostilities and initiates a 60-day negotiation period regarding Iran's nuclear program. While President Trump expressed uncertainty about the signing, the deal represents significant concessions to Iran, including the lifting of oil sanctions and a return to pre-war traffic levels in the Strait of Hormuz.
NationalTrump Administration Halts Offshore Wind Projects by Repurchasing Leases
The Trump administration announced on Wednesday that it is repurchasing offshore wind leases from another energy company in U.S. waters for four additional projects, as it seeks to discourage the expansion of wind energy in favor of fossil fuels. The latest agreement raises the total spending on these leases to nearly $2.6 billion. Chicago-based Invenergy has agreed to terminate its four offshore wind leases, which were in the very early stages of development, in exchange for lease fee reimbursements totaling $765 million. The company had already canceled the largest of the four, Leading Light Wind, off the coast of New Jersey, with the others located off the coasts of Maine and California. Instead, it will invest that money in natural gas and geothermal projects that can be built more quickly. By repurchasing the leases, the Republican government is stalling offshore wind farms that President Donald Trump does not support and redirecting funds to fossil fuel projects that he does. This strategy was adopted after federal courts thwarted Trump's attempts to halt offshore wind development through executive actions. Trump has frequently expressed his disdain for wind energy, calling the turbines ugly.
NationalStop it or face penalties: US warns states over unemployment fraud
The U.S. Department of Labor told states on Wednesday to take immediate action to combat fraud, waste, and abuse in their unemployment insurance programs, warning that administrative funds could be withheld if they do not comply. The letters, sent to governors of all states, are the latest in a series of actions by President Donald Trump's administration focused on fraud, waste, and abuse in state-administered programs that include federal funding. As with most similar announcements, the government highlighted issues in states controlled by Democrats. 'We are officially putting governors on notice,' said Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling in a statement on Wednesday. 'The American people will no longer tolerate the blatant waste, fraud, and abuse of their hard-earned tax dollars; no state should allow it either. If states permit it, they will face consequences.' The Department of Labor provided few details, stating that poor oversight, outdated technology, weak identity verification, and lax controls have 'allowed unprecedented fraud to flourish.' In its announcement, it cited problems in California, Illinois, and New York, three states with Democratic-controlled governments. California Governor Gavin Newsom's office criticized the measure, pointing to 'lax regulations and the rushed distribution' of unemployment benefits by the Trump administration during the COVID-19 pandemic.
NationalHere's How You Can Watch the Live Inauguration Ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center will hold a grand inauguration ceremony this week, featuring what organizers describe as 'legendary performances by global icons and impactful speeches from some of today's most prominent voices.' With tickets for the event already sold out, those who cannot attend in person will still be able to watch it live as it happens. The ceremony is scheduled for Thursday at the John Lewis Plaza in the city center. Telemundo Chicago will provide a live broadcast of the event in Spanish from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on its digital and streaming platforms, with coverage starting at 5 a.m. during its morning news show, Primera Edición. NBC Chicago will offer a live stream of the celebrations from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the NBC Chicago 24/7 streaming channel and its mobile app.
NationalBus Accident in Peru Leaves at Least 10 Dead and 16 Injured
An interprovincial bus veered off a road in the Amazon region of Peru, resulting in at least 10 deaths and 16 injuries, authorities reported on Wednesday. The accident occurred around midnight on Tuesday when the vehicle from the Real Chancas company left the roadway, crashed into a house, and overturned in the Leoncio Prado province of the Huánuco region. Medical authorities informed The Associated Press that they have counted 10 fatalities so far. The director of the local hospital, Ricardo Díaz, explained that the accident took place in a rural area called San Isidro, and they received patients with various injuries, including one with a severed limb, prompting emergency calls for surgeons and traumatologists from nearby hospitals. The bus had departed from the city of Pucallpa and was headed to the Peruvian capital.
NationalKash Patel's Post on Foiled Attack at UFC Event Could Impact Investigation, Sources Say
Over several days, federal law enforcement quietly made arrests in a foiled plot to attack UFC fights at the White House, but kept details under wraps as the investigation was ongoing, according to two law enforcement officials familiar with the case who spoke on condition of anonymity. Then, FBI Director Kash Patel posted details of the arrests online on Tuesday, taking credit for the investigation and mentioning 'law enforcement partners' who collaborated. The post surprised some federal law enforcement officials, partly because authorities were still working to apprehend suspects in the extensive investigation involving more than two dozen people in an encrypted chat, according to three officials. Some suspects in the alleged plot discussed flying drones loaded with explosives to the South Lawn and then shooting at fleeing attendees, law enforcement said. The Ultimate Fighting Championship event was held in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 80th birthday of President Donald Trump. Law enforcement officials feared that news of the arrests would alert the suspects, they said. On Monday, federal prosecutors asked a judge to seal the case.