Ted Cruz ensured Trump spending bill slashed weather forecasting funding

Senator on vacation abroad while Texas was hit by deadly floods, a disaster worsened by forecasting cuts, critics say

Ted Cruz has had quite a week. On Tuesday, the Texas senator ensured the Republican spending bill slashed funding for weather forecasting, only to then go on vacation to Greece while his state was hit by deadly flooding, a disaster critics say was worsened by cuts to forecasting.

Cruz, who infamously fled Texas for Cancun when a crippling winter storm ravaged his state in 2021, was seen visiting the Parthenon in Athens with his wife, Heidi, on Saturday, a day after a flash flood along the Guadalupe River in central Texas killed more than 100 people, including dozens of children and counselors at a camp.

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Jurors shown CCTV footage of brothers’ alleged assault of police officers at Manchester airport

Prosecutors allege ‘high level of violence’ used by Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 20, and Muhammad Amaad, 26, last July

CCTV footage of the alleged assault of three police officers at Manchester airport has been played to jurors.

Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 20, and his brother, Muhammad Amaad, 26, are said to have struck out after police were called to respond to an incident at the Starbucks cafe in Terminal 2 arrivals on 23 July last year, when Amaaz is said to have butted a customer.

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Continue ReadingJurors shown CCTV footage of brothers’ alleged assault of police officers at Manchester airport

Diana Gomes rescues Portugal dream with late equaliser to deny Italy victory

There was drama in Geneva as Diana Gomes struck late to salvage Portugal’s European Championship hopes. In a breathtaking conclusion to the match, Cristiana Girelli thought she had sent Italy through to the quarter-finals. Francisco Neto’s side piled on the pressure in the final stages, however, and equalised in the 89th minute to ensure their dreams of progress remained alive.

“We were solid, we were brave,” said a delighted Neto. “We played high, pressed our opponents, and played like a team in the European Championship. We’re a team with personality and ambition. It’s not easy when you’re losing, then you score but it’s disallowed again, and then score again! I’m very proud.”

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Continue ReadingDiana Gomes rescues Portugal dream with late equaliser to deny Italy victory

Trump delays tariff hikes again but announces new rates for some countries

US president sets new 1 August deadline and warns Japan of 25% tariff, 30% for South Africa and others as high as 40%

Donald Trump revealed plans to step up his trade wars on Monday but delayed tariffs hikes on goods from key economies until next month, amid widespread confusion over his controversial economic strategy.

The US president announced countries including Japan, South Korea and South Africa will face tariffs of up to 40% as part of a fresh wave of levies to kick in on 1 August. No increases will take place on Wednesday, however, after he extended a previous pause.

Goods from Bangladesh: 35% US tariff

Bosnia and Herzegovina: 30%

Cambodia: 36%

Indonesia: 32%

Japan: 25%

Kazakhstan: 25%

Laos: 40%

Malaysia: 25%

Myanmar: 40%

Serbia: 35%

South Africa: 30%

South Korea: 25%

Thailand: 36%

Tunisia: 25%

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Continue ReadingTrump delays tariff hikes again but announces new rates for some countries