International
Israel alleges Iran is smuggling suitcases of cash into Lebanon to fund Hezbollah
Listen
Israel has filed complaints alleging Iran is smuggling suitcases containing tens of millions of U.S. dollars into Lebanon. The money, Israel says, is being used to fund the militant group Hezbollah, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The complaints come as a ceasefire holds between Israel and Hezbollah. However, one condition of the agreement is that Lebanon’s government secure its ports of entry to prevent money and other supplies from reaching Hezbollah.
Point phone camera here
Israel and Hezbollah battled for months last year. The two sides traded rocket fire while Israeli troops entered southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah is based.
The two sides reached a ceasefire in November, following more than six weeks of fighting on the ground.
Although Israel had to withdraw from southern Lebanon 60 days after the ceasefire, that deadline passed last Sunday, Jan. 26, with Israeli troops not withdrawing.
The White House said, however, that the ceasefire will continue until at least Feb. 18.
But Iran providing Hezbollah with cash fits into Iran’s common patterns, as the country faces a wide array of sanctions from the U.S. and European countries.
In strikes last fall, Israel targeted sites where Hezbollah held money and gold, including branches of a bank facing U.S. sanctions.
Iran has committed to funding Hezbollah even as sanctions have drained its financial resources. The group also plays a major role in fighting Israel on Iran’s behalf.
The Wall Street Journal reported Iran had been funneling the money to Hezbollah through Syria. Still, it noted that the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar Assad last month could make it harder for Iranian money to reach the group.
Get up to speed on the stories leading the day every weekday morning. Sign up for the newsletter today!
By entering your email, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge the Privacy Policy.
Meanwhile, cash suitcases and briefcases played a role in facilitating the 2016 Iran nuclear deal. The Obama administration allowed Iran to receive an airplane delivery of $400 million in cash, predominantly held in foreign banks, as part of the terms of the deal the U.S. and Iran negotiated alongside France, Germany, the U.K., Russia, China and the European Union.
President Trump pulled the U.S. out of the deal in 2018, and despite making promises on the campaign trail to reenter it, President Joe Biden never did.
LAUREN TAYLOR: Israel has filed complaints alleging Iran is smuggling suitcases containing tens of millions of U.S. dollars into Lebanon to fund the militant group Hezbollah, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The complaints come as a ceasefire holds between Israel and Hezbollah but one condition of the agreement is that Lebanon’s government secure its ports of entry to prevent money and other supplies from reaching Hezbollah.
Israel and Hezbollah battled for months last year, with the two sides trading rocket fire and Israeli troops entering southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah is based.
The two sides reached a ceasefire in November after more than six weeks of fighting on the ground.
Although Israel had to withdraw from southern Lebanon 60 days after the ceasefire, that deadline passed last Sunday with Israeli troops not withdrawing.
The White House said, however, that the ceasefire will continue until at least February 18th.
But Iran providing Hezbollah cash fits into Iran’s common patterns, as the country faces a wide array of sanctions from the U.S. and European countries.
In strikes last fall, Israel targeted sites where Hezbollah held money and gold, including branches of a bank facing U.S. sanctions.
Iran has committed to funding Hezbollah even as sanctions have drained its financial resources, with it playing a major role in fighting Israel on Iran’s behalf.
The Wall Street Journal reported Iran had been funneling the money to Hezbollah through Syria but noted that the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar Assad last month could make it harder for Iranian money to reach the group.
And cash suitcases and briefcases played a role in facilitating the Iran nuclear deal in 2016. The Obama administration allowed Iran to receive an airplane delivery of $400 million in cash held mostly in foreign banks, as part of the terms of the deal the U.S. and Iran negotiated along with France, Germany, the U.K., Russia, China and the European Union.
President Trump pulled the U.S. out of the deal in 2018 and despite making promises on the campaign trail to reenter the deal, President Biden did not do so.
For Straight Arrow News, I’m Lauren Taylor.
And for all the latest updates on this and other top stories, download the Straight Arrow News app or visit SAN.com.
Straight to your inbox.
By entering your email, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge the Privacy Policy.
MOST POPULAR
-
Getty Images
Miami Heat trade disgruntled star Jimmy Butler to Golden State Warriors
-
Getty Images
American woman stranded in Pakistan after failed online romance goes viral
-
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
American citizens reportedly detained in ICE raids, Democrats want answers
-
Getty Images
DOGE cancels millions in government payments to left-leaning media outlet
Getty Images
A small plane reportedly crashed near northeast Philadelphia Friday evening, Jan. 31, igniting fires in nearby homes and vehicles. Police confirmed that two people were aboard the small plane, and emergency responders pulled one body from the wreck.
Media Landscape
See who else is reporting on this story and which side of the political spectrum they lean. To read other sources, click on the plus signs below. Learn more about this data
Left 23%
Center 56%
Right 22%
Bias Distribution Powered by Ground News™
According to reports, police believe the deceased was the pilot based on the clothing found at the scene.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that a Learjet 55 crashed around 6:30 p.m. local time after departing from the airport. The plane was bound for Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri.
Point phone camera here
Authorities also said multiple people on the ground suffered injuries.
In video footage, multiple row homes, vehicles and nearby businesses can be seen on fire, with Roosevelt Mall located near the crash site.
“It’s a densely residential neighborhood and packed with rows of rowhomes,” CBS News reported.
Eyewitnesses described hearing an explosion, feeling their homes shake, and then seeing a massive fireball.
It remains unclear how many people are injured or the exact number of casualties.
The crash occurred just two days after a military Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet collided midair near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Both aircraft landed in the Potomac River, resulting in the deaths of 67 people, with no survivors.
This is a developing story.
Media Landscape
See who else is reporting on this story and which side of the political spectrum they lean. To read other sources, click on the plus signs below. Learn more about this data
Left 23%
Center 56%
Right 22%
Bias Distribution
477 other sources covering this story
Total News Sources
477
Leaning Left
64
Center
157
Leaning Right
61
Last Updated
6 days ago
Bias Distribution Powered by Ground News™
Straight to your inbox.
By entering your email, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge the Privacy Policy.
MOST POPULAR
-
Getty Images
Miami Heat trade disgruntled star Jimmy Butler to Golden State Warriors
-
Getty Images
American woman stranded in Pakistan after failed online romance goes viral
-
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
American citizens reportedly detained in ICE raids, Democrats want answers
-
Getty Images
DOGE cancels millions in government payments to left-leaning media outlet
MEXICO’S PRESIDENT ISN’T READY TO COMPLY WITH TRUMP’S ORDER TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THE GULF OF MEXICO.
BUT THIS WEEK, GOOGLE ANNOUNCED THAT WHEN AMERICANS USE ITS NAVIGATION APP, THE BODY OF WATER, WILL NOW SHOW UP AS THE GULF OF AMERICA.
[TAKE VO]
PRESIDENT CLAUDIA SHEINBAUM SENT A LETTER TO GOOGLE, CALLING THE DECISION A VIOLATION OF THE LAW.
[Lauren Taylor]
SHE ARGUED THAT BOTH CUBA AND MEXICO SHARE THE GULF WITH THE U.S., AND THAT EACH NATION’S TERRITORY EXTENDS ONLY 12 NAUTICAL MILES FROM SHORE—AFTER WHICH THEIR AUTHORITY BEGINS TO FADE.
GOOGLE SAYS, AS A COMPANY, NAME CHANGES BY OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT SOURCES ARE ALWAYS FOLLOWED.
THEY TOLD THE MEXICAN PRESIDENT, DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU LIVE IS WHAT NAME YOU’LL SEE.
IN THE U-S AND OTHER PLACES, GOOGLE USERS WILL SEE GULF OF AMERICA WHILE MEXICO WILL SEE ITS ORIGINAL NAME AS SOON AS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MAKES THE SWITCH.
ON HIS FIRST DAY IN OFFICE, TRUMP SIGNED AN EXECUTIVE ORDER DECLARING THE BODY OF WATER A ‘CRUCIAL ARTERY FOR AMERICA’S EARLY TRADE AND GLOBAL COMMERCE,’ CALLING FOR ITS RENAMING TO HONOR THE COUNTRY’S HISTORY
THE U-S INTERIOR SECRETARY IS ORDERED TO MAKE THE CHANGE WITHIN 30 DAYS.
FOR STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS, I’M LAUREN TAYLOR.
Media Landscape
See who else is reporting on this story and which side of the political spectrum they lean. To read other sources, click on the plus signs below. Learn more about this data
Left 38%
Center 38%
Right 25%
Bias Distribution
75 other sources covering this story
Total News Sources
75
Leaning Left
9
Center
9
Leaning Right
6
Last Updated
7 days ago
Bias Distribution Powered by Ground News™
Straight to your inbox.
By entering your email, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge the Privacy Policy.
MOST POPULAR
-
Getty Images
Miami Heat trade disgruntled star Jimmy Butler to Golden State Warriors
-
Getty Images
American woman stranded in Pakistan after failed online romance goes viral
-
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
American citizens reportedly detained in ICE raids, Democrats want answers
-
Getty Images
DOGE cancels millions in government payments to left-leaning media outlet
The 2025 Super Bowl is nine days away, and security is ramping up in New Orleans. This year comes with heightened awareness because of the New Year’s Eve terrorist attack on Bourbon Street that killed 14 people and injured dozens more.
Media Landscape
This story is a Media Miss by the left as only 0% of the coverage is from left leaning media. Learn more about this data
Left 0%
Center 63%
Right 38%
Bias Distribution Powered by Ground News™
The NFL said Thursday, Jan. 30, that they have received “no credible threats” but have also reassessed their plan in the wake of the attack. Multiple reports say a congressional delegation will visit the city next week to check out the arrangements made by federal, state and local law enforcement. They will tour the site of the New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street, the New Orleans Convention Center and the Caesars Superdome.
Point phone camera here
Beginning Wednesday, Feb. 5, two “enhanced security zones” will be in place. One will encircle the Caesars Superdome and the NFL and the Department of Homeland Security will coordinate it. The other will secure the French Quarter and local law enforcement will coordinate it with the help of other agencies. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, R, said authorities will search bags bigger than a woman’s clutch when people enter the French Quarter.
“There will be checkpoints that are set up at each entry to prevent and deter the introduction of any destructive explosive materials; coolers and ice chests of any kind will be prohibited in our enhanced security zone,” Gov. Landry said.
New Orleans police say they are using an “all hands on deck” approach to the event. They admit it will strain resources; however, New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick believes they will be ready.
“We’re going to have an incredible Super Bowl. We’re going to have a great and fun time and then followed by Mardi Gras. This is a safe city. We’ve had a tragic event, and we will never forget what happened here,” Superintendent Kirkpatrick said. “But we know and are confident that our plans are good.”
The city is expecting more than 100,000 visitors to begin arriving next week.
Get up to speed on the stories leading the day every weekday morning. Sign up for the newsletter today!
By entering your email, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge the Privacy Policy.
NFL security chief Cathy Lanier also briefed reporters this week, saying, “Thousands of law enforcement officers will be deployed over Super Bowl weekend. I think the biggest thing that you’ll see that’s different following the attacks is just a lot more visible law enforcement presence.”
Additionally, the NFL plans to modify its plan if something changes between now and game day on Sunday, Feb. 9.
[Chris Francis]
Super Bowl security is ramping up just nine days from kick off. More so this year because of the New Year’s Eve terrorist attack on Bourbon Street. The NFL said Thursday they have received “no credible threats” to this point but have also reassessed their plan in the wake of the attack.
Axios reported that a congressional delegation will visit the city next week to check out the arrangements by federal, state and local law enforcement. They will tour the site of the New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon St., the New Orleans convention center and the Superdome.
Beginning February 5th, two Enhanced Security Zones will be in place. One around the Superdome coordinated by the NFL and the Department of Homeland Security and one
in the French Quarter coordinated by local law enforcement with help from other agencies.
“There will be checkpoints that are set up at each entry to prevent and deter the introduction of any destructive explosive materials coolers and ice chest of any kind will be prohibited in our enhanced security zone“
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry also said bags bigger than a women’s clutch will be searched when entering the French Quarter. New Orleans police are using an “all hands on deck” approach that they admit will strain resources but they believe they will be ready.
“We’re going to have an incredible Super Bowl we’re going to have a great and fun time and then followed by Marty Gras this is a safe city we’ve had a tragic event and we will never forget what happened here but we know and are confident that our plans are good”
NFL security chief Cathy Lanier also briefed reporters this week saying “Thousands of law enforcement officers will be deployed over Super Bowl weekend.. I think the biggest thing that you’ll see that’s different following the attacks is just a lot more visible law enforcement presence.”
The city is expecting more than 100,000 visitors to begin arriving next week. The NFL says they are still prepared to adapt their plan should something change between now and game day.
For Straight Arrow News, I’m Chris Francis.
Media Landscape
This story is a Media Miss by the left as only 0% of the coverage is from left leaning media. Learn more about this data
Left 0%
Center 63%
Right 38%
Bias Distribution
11 other sources covering this story
Total News Sources
11
Leaning Left
0
Center
5
Leaning Right
3
Last Updated
1 week ago
Bias Distribution Powered by Ground News™
Straight to your inbox.
By entering your email, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge the Privacy Policy.
MOST POPULAR
-
Getty Images
Miami Heat trade disgruntled star Jimmy Butler to Golden State Warriors
-
Getty Images
American woman stranded in Pakistan after failed online romance goes viral
-
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
American citizens reportedly detained in ICE raids, Democrats want answers
-
Getty Images
DOGE cancels millions in government payments to left-leaning media outlet
It’s been almost two years since a New York mother lost her 15-year-old son to a social media trend. Now she’s calling for social media platforms to be held accountable for their influence on kids and for his death.
Norma Nazario is suing Meta, ByteDance and TikTok in New York’s Supreme Court, claiming the companies contributed to her son Zackery’s death when he decided to subway surf on a Brooklyn train. She said his decision was influenced by what he saw on social media.
Point phone camera here
What is Nazario’s argument against the social media companies?
Nazario’s attorney argued the more teens scroll through these platforms, the more the algorithm changes, filling their feeds with posts they never sought out. The lawsuit claims some content actively encourages dangerous behaviors, like subway surfing, which ultimately led to Zackery’s death.
“They know that their products are addicting kids. They know their products are resulting in highly dangerous activities,” said Matthew Bergman, Nazario’s attorney.
Inside a Manhattan courtroom, lawyers representing the companies argued the lawsuit should be dismissed, citing an executive order granting them immunity from civil liability.
Under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, online service providers are generally not held responsible for content created and shared by users. However, the Department of Justice has argued the 30-year-old law, which was established in the early days of the internet, needs to be updated to reflect today’s evolving technology.
Why is Naziro also suing the MTA?
Nazario also said the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), which oversees New York City’s transit system, shares responsibility for Zackery’s death. She claims the agency shares part of the blame for allowing subway surfing to persist as an ongoing issue, especially on the city’s iconic number 7 train.
According to the NYPD, six people died from subway surfing in 2024 alone. Of those six, only one was not a child. That’s an increase of 20% from the year Zackery died.
In 2023, New York City launched a campaign aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of subway surfing. The initiative includes increasing arrests for those attempting the dangerous activity and efforts to educate students about the risks involved.
As the case moves forward, Nazario now awaits a decision from the judge. The next hearing is scheduled for February.
Tags: ByteDance, Eric Adams, Instagram, Kathy Hochul, Meta, New York, New York City, subway, TikTok, Trains
[Kennedy Felton]
IT’S BEEN ALMOST TWO YEARS SINCE A NEW YORK MOTHER LOST HER SON TO A SOCIAL MEDIA TREND—AND NOW, SHE’S DEMANDING THAT POPULAR PLATFORMS BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INFLUENCE THEY HAVE ON KIDS…AND FOR HIS DEATH.
NORMA NAZRIO IS TAKING ON META, BYTEDANCE, AND TIKTOK IN THE NEW YORK’S SUPREME COURT, CLAIMING HER 15-YEAR-OLD’S LIFE WAS CUT SHORT WHEN HE DECIDED TO SUBWAY SURF ON A BROOKLYN TRAIN—ALL BECAUSE HE SCROLLED ON SOCIAL MEDIA
(“I didn’t hear in there , taking any fault oN my loss or any other parents’ loss.”)
NAZRIO SAYS TEENS LIKE ZACKERY ARE TARGETED BY THESE COMPANIES—HER ATTORNEY ARGUED THE MORE THEY SCROLL, THE MORE THE ALGORITHM CHANGES, FILLING THEIR FEED WITH POSTS THEY NEVER SOUGHT
(“They know that their products are addicting kids. They know their products are resulting in highly dangerous activities.”)
INSIDE A MANHATTAN COURTROOM, REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE TECH COMPANIES ARGUED THE LAWSUIT SHOULD BE DISMISSED, CITING AN EXECUTIVE ORDER GRANTING THEM IMMUNITY FROM CIVIL LIABILITY.
(“They don’t value anybody’s life, children especially.)
UNDER SECTION 230 OF THE COMMUNICATIONS DECENCY ACT, ONLINE SERVICE PROVIDERS ARE PROTECTED FROM THE CONTENT OTHERS CREATE AND DISTRIBUTE—AND THEREFORE, THEY’RE NOT HELD RESPONSIBLE.
BUT THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ARGUES THAT THE 30-YEAR-OLD LAW, WHICH GOVERNED THE INTERNET’S EARLY DAYS, NEEDS AN UPDATE TO ALIGN WITH THE TECHNOLOGY AMERICANS RELY ON TODAY.
NAZRIO SAYS THE M-T-A SHARES PART OF THE BLAME, SAYING THE AGENCY OVERSEEING NEW YORK CITY’S TRANSIT HAS NOT DONE ENOUGH TO ADDRESS THE ONGOING ISSUE OF SUBWAY SURFING.
THE NYPD REPORTS SIX PEOPLE DIED FROM SUBWAY SURFING IN 2024—AND ONLY ONE WASN’T A CHILD–A 20 PERCENT INCREASE FROM THE YEAR ZACKERY DIED.
NEW YORK LAUNCHED A CAMPAIGN IN 2023 TO COMBAT THE DEADLY TREND—RAISING AWARENESS IN SCHOOLS AND INCREASING ARRESTS OF THOSE PARTICIPATING.
NAZRIO NOW AWAITS THE JUDGE’S DECISION—THE NEXT COURT DATE IS NEXT MONTH
FOR STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS, I’M KENNEDY FELTON.
Straight to your inbox.
By entering your email, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge the Privacy Policy.
MOST POPULAR
-
Getty Images
Miami Heat trade disgruntled star Jimmy Butler to Golden State Warriors
-
Getty Images
American woman stranded in Pakistan after failed online romance goes viral
-
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
American citizens reportedly detained in ICE raids, Democrats want answers
-
Getty Images
DOGE cancels millions in government payments to left-leaning media outlet
The Kansas City Chiefs are getting a lot of attention this week as their quest for a record third straight Super Bowl victory gets underway. Quietly, however, the Philadelphia Eagles are motivated to put an end to the Chiefs’ run and get a little payback after their loss to Kansas City in the 2023 Super Bowl.
“Every team is different, every year is different, but the motivation is definitely there and hopefully we use it to our advantage,” Eagles offensive lineman Lane Johnson said.
Can the Eagles stay focused on the task at hand? The Super Bowl hype machine is about to kick into high gear.
Point phone camera here
Both teams will leave for New Orleans the weekend of Feb. 1 and immediately be put into the media spotlight. Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown was asked about the additional distractions that come with being one of the final two teams left standing.
“Every writer is gonna hang on every word you say to get a headline to talk about, every writer, every media member, is gonna try to get you on their show to talk about the game, talk about this and that and it’s only a distraction.” Brown said. “It only takes away from what’s important and that’s the game”
While those media narratives seem to be all about the Chiefs right now, the Eagles are on an amazing run, having won 15 of their last 16 games.
Offensive lineman Jordan Mailata said Thursday, Jan. 30, when the Eagles watched the Chiefs beat Buffalo in the AFC Championship, they started mentally preparing for the rematch.
“It’s an opportunity to get back [at the Chiefs], but then it is the next game,” Mailata said. “Can’t lose focus of that, can’t let your emotions get the better of you because you want to get back but that’s the message.”
Mailata admitted losing the 2023 Super Bowl to the Chiefs still hurts but he believes this Eagles team is closer now and that will help them in the rematch next Sunday, Feb 9.
The Kansas City Chiefs may be getting a lot of Super Bowl attention this week as their quest for a “Three-peat” gets underway. But quietly the Philadelphia Eagles are motivated, not only to end that streak but to get a little payback after their loss to KC in the big game two years ago.
“Every team is different, every year is different but the motivation is definitely there and hopefully we use it to our advantage.”
Can the Eagles stay focused on the task at hand? The Super Bowl hype is about to kick into high gear. They will leave for New Orleans this weekend and immediately be put into the media spotlight. AJ Brown was asked about all the additional distractions that come with being one of the final two teams left standing.
“every writer is gonna hang on every word you say to get a headline to talk about, every writer, every media member, is gonna try to get you on their show to talk about the game, talk about this and that and it’s only a distraction, it only takes away from what’s important and that’s the game”
Only winning is important and while the narrative seems to be all about the Chiefs right now the Eagles are on an amazing run, having won 15 of their last 16 games. Offensive lineman Jordan Mailata said Thursday when the team watched the Chiefs beat Buffalo in the AFC Championship, they started mentally preparing for the rematch.
“It’s an opportunity to get back, but then it is the next game. Cant lose focus of that, can’t let your emotions get the better of you because you want to get back but that’s the message.”
Mailata also admitted losing Super Bowl 57 to the Chiefs does still hurt but believes this Eagles team is closer now – and that will help next Sunday.
For Straight Arrow News, I’m Chris Francis.
Straight to your inbox.
By entering your email, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge the Privacy Policy.
MOST POPULAR
-
Getty Images
Miami Heat trade disgruntled star Jimmy Butler to Golden State Warriors
-
Getty Images
American woman stranded in Pakistan after failed online romance goes viral
-
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
American citizens reportedly detained in ICE raids, Democrats want answers
-
Getty Images
DOGE cancels millions in government payments to left-leaning media outlet
Civil rights activists are pushing for a nationwide boycott of Target over its decision to phase out its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. DEI supporters gathered outside Target’s headquarters in Minneapolis Thursday, Jan. 30, urging people to start a boycott Saturday, Feb. 1, to coincide with the first day of Black History Month.
Media Landscape
See who else is reporting on this story and which side of the political spectrum they lean. To read other sources, click on the plus signs below. Learn more about this data
Left 35%
Center 48%
Right 17%
Bias Distribution Powered by Ground News™
The protest comes after the retail giant announced last week it would join Walmart and a number of other stores in scaling back its DEI initiatives. It did so after feeling pressure from conservative groups and President Donald Trump’s recent signing of executive orders ending DEI programs in the federal government.
Point phone camera here
“We thought that they would continue to stand for the values that we all hold dear,” Nekima Levy Armstrong, a civil rights attorney, said at Target’s headquarters. “But instead, they acted cowardly, and they made the decision to bow down to the Trump administration.”
Several Black-owned businesses that sell their products at Target, including the cosmetics company The Lip Bar, have expressed fear it will impact their bottom line if their customers stop shopping at Target stores.
However, supporters of the boycott are now encouraging people to shop directly from the websites of Black-owned companies instead of purchasing their products through Target.
Target, which has historically advocated for the rights of Black and LGBTQ+ people, hasn’t commented on the calls for a boycott.
In a memo to employees last week, Target’s chief community impact and equity officer, Kiera Fernandez, described the DEI decisions as a “next chapter” in the company’s strategy.
Tags: DEI, Donald Trump, Target, LGBTQ, Diversity and inclusion programs, Boycott, LGBTQ Rights, Minnesota, Black Lives Matter
[Kennedy]
CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVISTS ARE PUSHING FOR A NATIONWIDE BOYCOTT OF TARGET OVER ITS DECISION TO PHASE OUT ITS DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION INITIATIVES.
D-E-I SUPPORTERS GATHERED OUTSIDE OF TARGET’S HEADQUARTERS IN MINNEAPOLIS THURSDAY … URGING PEOPLE TO START A BOYCOTT SATURDAY – THE FIRST DAY OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH.
THE PROTEST COMES AFTER THE RETAIL GIANT ANNOUNCED LAST WEEK IT WOULD JOIN WALMART AND A NUMBER OF OTHER STORES IN SCALING BACK D-E-I INITIATIVES … FEELING THE PRESSURE FROM CONSERVATIVE GROUPS AND PRESIDENT TRUMP’S RECENT SIGNING OF EXECUTIVE ORDERS TO END D-E-I PROGRAMS IN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.
“We thought that they would hold the line. We thought that they would continue to stand for the values that we all hold dear. But instead, they acted cowardly, and they made the decision to bow down to the Trump administration. Well, we are here today saying we will not bow down. We will not step back and we will not turn around.”
SEVERAL BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES THAT SELL THEIR PRODUCTS AT TARGET … INCLUDING THE COSMETICS COMPANY LIP BAR … HAVE EXPRESSED FEAR THEIR BOTTOM LINE WILL BE IMPACTED IF THEIR CUSTOMERS STOP SHOPPING AT TARGET STORES.
BUT SUPPORTERS OF THE BOYCOTT ARE NOW ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO SHOP DIRECTLY FROM THE BLACK-OWNED COMPANIES’ WEBSITES … INSTEAD OF PURCHASING THEIR PRODUCTS FROM TARGET.
TARGET, WHICH HAS PREVIOUSLY BEEN A STRONG ADVOCATE FOR THE RIGHTS OF BLACK AND L-G-B-T-Q PLUS PEOPLE, HASN’T COMMENTED ON THE CALLS FOR A BOYCOTT.
IN A MEMO TO EMPLOYEES LAST WEEK, TARGET’S CHIEF COMMUNITY IMPACT AND EQUITY OFFICER, DESCRIBED THE D-E-I DECISIONS AS A “NEXT CHAPTER” IN THE COMPANY’S STRATEGY.
FOR SAN I’M KENNEDY FELTON.
FOR ALL YOUR LATEST NEWS HEADLINES – DOWNLOAD THE STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS APP TODAY.
Media Landscape
See who else is reporting on this story and which side of the political spectrum they lean. To read other sources, click on the plus signs below. Learn more about this data
Left 35%
Center 48%
Right 17%
Bias Distribution
38 other sources covering this story
Total News Sources
38
Leaning Left
8
Center
11
Leaning Right
4
Last Updated
6 days ago
Bias Distribution Powered by Ground News™
Straight to your inbox.
By entering your email, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge the Privacy Policy.
MOST POPULAR
-
Getty Images
Miami Heat trade disgruntled star Jimmy Butler to Golden State Warriors
-
Getty Images
American woman stranded in Pakistan after failed online romance goes viral
-
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
American citizens reportedly detained in ICE raids, Democrats want answers
-
Getty Images
DOGE cancels millions in government payments to left-leaning media outlet
As U.S. President Donald Trump works to roll back many Biden-era clean energy policies, Australia’s renewable industry is hoping to attract investments that were previously allocated for the American market. The opportunity comes as the nation looks to secure billions in funding to help meet its own climate goals.
Why does Australia want to attract clean energy investments previously meant for the U.S.?
The Australian Energy Market Operator estimates that $122 billion will be required to achieve the country’s net zero emissions target by 2050. With the shifting U.S. political landscape, officials in Australia hope that some of the tens of billions in potential investment now in flux will be directed toward their nation’s renewable energy sector.
Point phone camera here
What is the Australian renewable energy sector saying about this?
The CEO of the Melbourne-based Clean Energy Investor Group, Richie Merzian, described the opportunity as significant, noting that Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) had previously drawn global investment into the U.S. renewables market. However, with uncertainty surrounding the future of IRA funding under Trump, the group sees potential for Australia to attract some redirected investment.
Duncan Paterson, director of investor practice at the Investor Group on Climate Change, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that a U.S. pullback from renewable energy projects could make Australia a more appealing destination for energy development.
Despite this, the Australian Industry Group cautions that tax incentives supporting clean power in the IRA remain intact for now. As a result, major U.S. renewable projects may not experience immediate funding changes or a need for relocation.
Get up to speed on the stories leading the day every weekday morning. Sign up for the newsletter today!
By entering your email, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge the Privacy Policy.
What happens next?
Additionally, several investor groups warn that gaps in Australia’s domestic policy could limit its ability to compete for global renewable energy capital. Some experts have called for an overhaul of the National Electricity Market to create a more favorable environment for renewable energy investment.
Tags: Australia, Climate Activism, Climate Change, Donald Trump, Electricity, Energy, Inflation Reduction Act, Renewable energy
[Jack Aylmer]
AS U-S PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP WORKS TO ROLLBACK MANY BIDEN-ERA CLEAN ENERGY POLICIES-
AUSTRALIA’S RENEABLE POWER INDUSTRY IS HOPING THEIR NATION WILL NOW RECEIVE INVESTMENTS FROM POWER COMPANIES THAT WERE PREVIOUSLY MEANT FOR THE U.S.
THE AUSTRALIAN ENERGY MARKET OPERATOR ESTIMATES THAT 122 BILLION DOLLARS WILL BE REQUIRED TO MEET THE COUNTRY’S NET ZERO TARGET BY 2050.
WHICH IS WHY OFFICIALS ARE HOPING THE ESTIMATED TENS OF BILLIONS POTENTIALLY NOW AVAILABLE DUE TO THE SHIFTING U.S. POLITICAL LANDSCAPE ARE INVESTED IN THEIR COUNTRY.
THE CEO OF THE MELBOURNE-BASED CLEAN ENERGY INVESTOR GROUP DESCRIBED THE OPPORTUNITY AS SIGNIFICANT.
NOTING THAT BIDEN’S FLAGSHIP CLIMATE LAW, THE INFLATION REDUCTION ACT, HAD EFFECTIVELY ATTRACTED GLOBAL INVESTORS INTO THE AMERICAN RENEWABLES MARKET.
NOW WITH THE U.S. NOW FACING UNCERTAINTY OVER CONTINUED CLEAN ENERGY FUNDING FROM THE IRA UNDER TRUMP-
THE GROUP SEES POTENTIAL FOR AUSTRALIA TO CAPTURE SOME OF THIS REDIRECTED SPENDING.
THE DIRECTOR OF THE INVESTOR GROUP ON CLIMATE CHANGE SAID THE U.S. WITHDRAWAL FROM RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS MAY MAKE AUSTRALIA A MORE ATTRACTIVE OPTION FOR THESE DEVELOPMENTS.
HOWEVER, THE AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRY GROUP POINTS OUT CLEAN POWER TAX INCENTIVES IN THE IRA ARE STILL SECURE FOR NOW-
MEANING MAJOR US PROJECTS MIGHT NOT SEE IMMEDIATE CHANGES OR A NEED FOR RELOCATION.
SEVERAL INVESTOR GROUPS ALSO CAUTION THAT AUSTRALIA STILL HAS GAPS IN ITS DOMESTIC POLICIES THAT COULD HINDER ITS COMPETITIVENESS-
LEADING SOME TO CALL FOR A MAJOR OVERHAUL OF THE NATIONAL ELECTRICITY MARKET-
AIMED AT BETTER ACCOMMODATING RENEWABLE ENERGY INVESTMENTS.
FOR MORE NEWS FROM THE RENEWABLE ENERGY SECTOR, DOWNLOAD THE STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS APP AND SIGN UP FOR ALERTS FROM ME- JACK AYLMER.
Straight to your inbox.
By entering your email, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge the Privacy Policy.
MOST POPULAR
-
Getty Images
Miami Heat trade disgruntled star Jimmy Butler to Golden State Warriors
-
Getty Images
American woman stranded in Pakistan after failed online romance goes viral
-
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
American citizens reportedly detained in ICE raids, Democrats want answers
-
Getty Images
DOGE cancels millions in government payments to left-leaning media outlet
Senior FBI officials have been told they’ll be fired Monday, Feb. 3, if they don’t resign or retire first, according to a CNN report. The employees are either executive assistant directors or special agents in charge and were promoted to their current positions by former Director Christopher Wray.
Media Landscape
See who else is reporting on this story and which side of the political spectrum they lean. To read other sources, click on the plus signs below. Learn more about this data
Left 32%
Center 28%
Right 40%
Bias Distribution Powered by Ground News™
As The New York Times reported, senior FBI officials are bracing for significant changes as they await the arrival of Kash Patel, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the agency.
Point phone camera here
Patel had a contentious hearing on Capitol Hill Thursday, Jan. 30, as he works his way through the Senate confirmation process. Wray resigned earlier this month after President Trump announced he would be nominating a new director. The FBI is currently being led by acting Director Brian Driscoll.
The Times also reported that agents who participated in the Trump investigations have taken steps to retire or leave the agency. That includes an agent who worked on the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and the inquiry into the president’s handling of classified documents.
Trump has said he wants to weed out people who he believes weaponized the federal government against him. CNN reported that some agents say that ignores the fact agents are not allowed to choose which investigations they are assigned to.
During his confirmation hearing, Patel denied knowledge of plans to punish or fire those who have investigated Trump.
“Are you aware of any plans or discussions to punish in any way, including termination, FBI agents or personnel associated with Trump investigations?” Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., asked Patel.
“I am not aware of that senator,” Patel answered.
Some Republicans agree with President Trump and Patel’s statements that investigations into the president have been tainted by bias. But Patel was warned not to go too far.
Get up to speed on the stories leading the day every weekday morning. Sign up for the newsletter today!
By entering your email, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge the Privacy Policy.
“You’ve got to find out who the bad people are and get rid of them, in accordance with due process and the rule of law. And then you’ve got to lift up the good people,” Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., said. “Don’t go over there and burn that place down. Go over there and make it better.”
The Times is now reporting that the Trump administration plans to examine officers involved in investigations tied to the president and his supporters, which could lead to what the outlet described as a “purge.”
Senior FBI officials have been told they’ll be fired Monday if they don’t resign or retire first, according to a CNN report. The employees are either executive assistant directors or special agents in charge and were promoted to their current positions by former Director Christopher Wray.
As the New York Times reported, senior FBI officials are bracing for significant changes as they await the arrival of Kash Patel, President Trump’s nominee for director.
Patel had a contentious hearing on Capitol Hill Thursday as he works his way through the Senate confirmation process. Wray resigned earlier this month after President Trump announced he is nominating a new director. The FBI is currently being led by Acting Director Brian Driscoll.
The Times also reported that agents who participated in investigations into President Trump have taken steps to retire or leave the agency. That includes an agent who worked on the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and the inquiry into the president’s handling of classified documents.
Trump has said he wants to weed out people who he believes weaponized the federal government against him. CNN reported that some agents say that ignores the fact that agents are not allowed to choose what they are assigned to investigate.
During his confirmation hearing, Patel denied knowledge of plans to punish or fire those who have investigated Trump.
Sen. Cory Booker, D-NJ: “Are you aware of any plans or discussions to punish in any way, including termination, FBI agents or personnel associated with Trump investigations?”
Patel: I am not aware of that Senator.
Some Republicans agree with President Trump and Patel’s statements that investigations into the president have been tainted by bias. But Patel was warned not to go too far.
Sen. John Kennedy, R-La.: “You’ve got to find out who the bad people are and get rid of them, in accordance with due process and the rule of law. And then you’ve got to lift up the good people. Don’t go over there and burn that place down. Go over there and make it better.”
The Times is now reporting that the Trump administration plans to examine officers involved in investigations tied to the president and his supporters, which could lead to what the outlet described as a purge.
Media Landscape
See who else is reporting on this story and which side of the political spectrum they lean. To read other sources, click on the plus signs below. Learn more about this data
Left 32%
Center 28%
Right 40%
Bias Distribution
90 other sources covering this story
Total News Sources
90
Leaning Left
16
Center
14
Leaning Right
20
Last Updated
6 days ago
Bias Distribution Powered by Ground News™
Straight to your inbox.
By entering your email, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge the Privacy Policy.
MOST POPULAR
-
Getty Images
Miami Heat trade disgruntled star Jimmy Butler to Golden State Warriors
-
Getty Images
American woman stranded in Pakistan after failed online romance goes viral
-
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
American citizens reportedly detained in ICE raids, Democrats want answers
-
Getty Images
DOGE cancels millions in government payments to left-leaning media outlet
The family of one of the most infamous cryptocurrency convicts is reportedly seeking a presidential pardon for their son. FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried’s parents are in talks with lawyers and other people who have connections with President Donald Trump, Bloomberg reported, citing a “person familiar with the matter.”
Media Landscape
See who else is reporting on this story and which side of the political spectrum they lean. To read other sources, click on the plus signs below. Learn more about this data
Left 25%
Center 31%
Right 44%
Bias Distribution Powered by Ground News™
Stanford Law School professors Joseph Bankman and Barbara Fried are meeting about potentially securing clemency for their 32-year-old son. Sam Bankman-Fried was sentenced to 25 years in prison and ordered to pay $11 billion in restitution. He was found guilty of orchestrating a scheme that included illegally taking customer funds from his crypto exchange, FTX, to cover losses for its sister company.
Point phone camera here
What happened with SBF and FTX?
FTX filed for bankruptcy in 2022 after a tumultuous week that sent shockwaves through the crypto world. A surge of FTX customers tried withdrawing funds after stories dropped about shady accounting. FTX couldn’t meet the demand and collapsed.
Bankman-Fried, commonly referred to as SBF, lost control of the company. Corporate turnaround specialist John J. Ray III took over to shepherd the company through bankruptcy. Ray is famous for his role in recovering funds from the Enron scandal.
“This is really old-fashioned embezzlement,” Ray told Congress. “This is just taking money from customers and using it for your own purpose. Not sophisticated at all. Sophisticated, perhaps, in the way they were able to sort of hide it from people, frankly, right in front of their eyes.”
In August 2024, a U.S. court ordered FTX to pay $12.7 billion in relief funds to victims.
In October, a court approved its bankruptcy plan, which allows FTX to use as much as $16.5 billion in assets to repay customers.
In September, SBF filed an appeal to overturn his fraud conviction. In the appeal, his attorney blasted Judge Lewis Kaplan for not giving him a fair trial. He argued the judge hampered SBF’s defense by not allowing him to argue that FTX users didn’t actually lose money since they are set to recover funds from the bankruptcy process.
Which other crypto convict did Trump already pardon?
The president made a slew of pardons his first week in office, including one pushed by the crypto industry and libertarians.
At the Libertarian National Convention ahead of the election, Trump promised he would pardon Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the dark web black market site, Silk Road.
“If you vote for me, on day one, I will commute the sentence of Ross Ulbrich to a sentence of time served,” Trump said at the time. “He’s already served 11 years; we’re going to get them home.”
Ulbricht was convicted of drug trafficking, money laundering and computer hacking. The government said he also solicited six murder-for-hire schemes, including one against a former Silk Road employee.
However, Ulbricht had the strong support of the crypto community. Silk Road was an early marketplace to exclusively use Bitcoin. Bankman-Fried doesn’t seem to have the same type of advocacy movement behind him, but he may have common ground with Trump.
Get up to speed on the stories leading the day every weekday morning. Sign up for the newsletter today!
By entering your email, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge the Privacy Policy.
The judge who sentenced SBF is the same one who presided over the president’s sexual assault case brought by E. Jean Carroll. Trump previously called Kaplan a “bully” and “abusive.”
Trump’s use of pardons early in his term contrasts with what he did in his first term. Most of his clemency orders came toward the end of his presidency. The pardons seen so far mostly line up with campaign promises, like pardoning roughly 1,500 supporters connected to the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Tags: Bankruptcy, Cryptocurrency, Donald Trump, Fraud, FTX, John J. Ray III, Pardon, Sam Bankman-Fried
[Simone Del Rosario]
The family of one of the most infamous crypto convicts is hoping for a presidential pardon for their son, according to reports.
If it wasn’t clear, we’re talking about Sam Bankman-Fried, founder of FTX and former crypto prodigy.
SBF’s parents, who are both Stanford Law School professors, are reportedly in talks with lawyers and other folks who have connections with President Donald Trump. That’s according to a Bloomberg report citing “a person familiar with the matter.” Those meetings are about securing clemency for their 32-year-old son.
Bankman-Fried was sentenced to 25 years in prison and ordered to pay $11 billion in restitution. He was found guilty of orchestrating a scheme that included illegally taking customer funds from his crypto exchange FTX to cover losses for its sister company.
FTX filed for bankruptcy in 2022 after a tumultuous week that sent shockwaves through the crypto world. A surge of FTX customers tried withdrawing funds after stories dropped about shady accounting. FTX couldn’t meet the demand and collapsed. SBF lost control of the company and corporate turnaround specialist John J. Ray took over. Ray is famous for his role in recovering funds from the Enron scandal … and now, FTX.
John J. Ray: this is really old fashioned embezzlement. This is just taking money from customers and using it for your own purpose, not sophisticated at all. Sophisticated, perhaps in the way they were able to sort of hide it from people, frankly, right in front of their eyes.
Simone Del Rosario: In August of last year, a U.S. court ordered FTX to pay $12.7 billion in relief funds to victims.
And in October, a court approved its bankruptcy plan, which allows FTX to use as much as $16.5 billion in assets to repay customers.
In September, SBF filed an appeal to overturn his fraud conviction. In the appeal, his attorney blasted Judge Lewis Kaplan for not giving him a fair trial. He argued the judge hampered SBF’s defense by not allowing him to argue that FTX users didn’t actually lose money – since they are set to recover funds from the bankruptcy process.
The president made a slew of pardons his first week in office, including one pushed by the crypto industry and libertarians.
At the Libertarian national convention ahead of the election, Trump promised he would pardon Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the dark web black market site, Silk Road.
Donald Trump: If you vote for me, on day one, I will commute the sentence of Ross Ulbrich to a sentence of time served. He’s already served 11 years, we’re going to get them home.
Ulbricht was convicted of drug trafficking, money laundering, and computer hacking. The government said he also solicited six murder-for-hire schemes, including one against a former Silk Road employee.
But Ulbricht had the strong support of the crypto community. Silk Road was an early marketplace to exclusively use Bitcoin.
Bankman-Fried doesn’t seem to have the same type of advocacy movement behind him. But he may have common ground with Trump.
The judge who sentenced SBF is the same one who presided over the president’s sexual assault case brought by E. Jean Carroll. Trump previously called Judge Kaplan a “bully” and “abusive.”
Trump’s use of pardons early in his term contrasts with what he did in his first term. Most of his clemency orders came toward the end of his presidency. The pardons seen so far mostly line up with campaign promises. That includes pardoning roughly 1,500 supporters connected to the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. For SAN, I’m SDR.
Media Landscape
See who else is reporting on this story and which side of the political spectrum they lean. To read other sources, click on the plus signs below. Learn more about this data
Left 25%
Center 31%
Right 44%
Bias Distribution
55 other sources covering this story
Total News Sources
55
Leaning Left
4
Center
5
Leaning Right
7
Last Updated
7 days ago
Bias Distribution Powered by Ground News™
Straight to your inbox.
By entering your email, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge the Privacy Policy.
MOST POPULAR
-
Getty Images
Miami Heat trade disgruntled star Jimmy Butler to Golden State Warriors
-
Getty Images
American woman stranded in Pakistan after failed online romance goes viral
-
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
American citizens reportedly detained in ICE raids, Democrats want answers
-
Getty Images
DOGE cancels millions in government payments to left-leaning media outlet
