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Oil edges up on uncertainty over exports through Hormuz

Oil edges up on uncertainty over exports through Hormuz

Aug 19 (Reuters) - Oil prices ticked higher in early trade on Wednesday, climbing for a fourth straight day on supply uncertainty as investors weighed conflicting messages from Tehran and Washington on whether the Strait of Hormuz is open to ships. 
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Virginia Allocates Record $304 Million for Agricultural Conservation Practices

Virginia Allocates Record $304 Million for Agricultural Conservation Practices

Virginia has committed a record $304 million to its Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share Program (VACS) for the 2027 fiscal year, which began on July 1. This funding represents an $81 million increase over the previous fiscal year and marks the fifth consecutive year of record allocations for the program. The VACS program provides financial and technical assistance to farmers for implementing over 60 approved conservation practices. These practices are designed to protect water quality, improve soil health, and support the long-term sustainability of agricultural operations. Eligible measures include planting cover crops, developing nutrient-management plans, installing livestock stream-exclusion systems, and implementing rotational grazing. Farmers can qualify for up to $300,000 in state cost-share reimbursement, depending on the proposed practices and program requirements.
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Soil Bacteria Protect Wheat from Pathogenic Fungus, Offering New Agricultural Solutions

Soil Bacteria Protect Wheat from Pathogenic Fungus, Offering New Agricultural Solutions

Researchers from the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA) and the University of São Paulo (USP) have identified three bacterial species that can protect wheat plants from root rot caused by the fungus Bipolaris sorokiniana. Their study, published in NPJ Biofilms and Microbiomes, demonstrates that inoculating soil with these bacteria can reduce disease symptoms by up to 60%. The bacteria, specifically Streptomyces virginiae, Paenibacillus ottowii, and Pseudomonas inefficax, do not eliminate the pathogen but rather alter the soil microbiome to create a 'microbiological shield' that strengthens the plant's defenses. Pseudomonas inefficax was found to be the most effective, significantly increasing root biomass and restoring microbiome functions linked to plant protection. This research builds on previous studies that surveyed the soil microbiome of ancestral wheat varieties and commercial cultivars, with the selected bacteria originating from landrace wheat varieties from Turkey and Iran.
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Oil hovers near three-week high on uncertainty over Hormuz

Oil hovers near three-week high on uncertainty over Hormuz

By Anushree Mukherjee Aug 19 (Reuters) - Oil prices trimmed gains but  kept near a three-week high hit earlier on Wednesday on uncertainty over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and other ongoing supply disruptions in the market.
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Exclusive-Trump approval falls to 33%, lowest of his presidency, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds

Exclusive-Trump approval falls to 33%, lowest of his presidency, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds

By Jason Lange WASHINGTON, Aug 17 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump's approval rating fell to the lowest level of his presidency with an overwhelming majority of Americans concerned the U.S. war with Iran will last a long time, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll that concluded on Monday.
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Stocks, dollar fall after weak data; yields rise

Stocks, dollar fall after weak data; yields rise

By Karen Brettell NEW YORK, Aug 17 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks ended down on Monday and the dollar hit a two-month low against the euro as soft U.S. economic data, including an unexpected drop in retail sales, prompted markets to scale back bets on an imminent Federal Reserve interest rate move.
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US to announce steps to help refiners produce more fuel, energy chief Wright says

US to announce steps to help refiners produce more fuel, energy chief Wright says

By Sheila Dang MIDLAND, Texas, Aug 17 (Reuters) - U.S.
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Midterm Elections Highlight Divergent Visions for U.S. Future Amidst Economic Concerns and Political Polarization

Midterm Elections Highlight Divergent Visions for U.S. Future Amidst Economic Concerns and Political Polarization

As the midterm elections approach, two distinct visions for the United States are emerging, presented by President Trump and Democratic challengers. President Trump is campaigning on a platform that asserts his presidency as a historical success while labeling Democrats as an unacceptable option, accusing them of wanting to turn the U.S. into a 'communist country' and declaring war on law enforcement. He has also downplayed the economic impact of the war with Iran, suggesting that higher gas prices are a worthwhile trade-off to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Conversely, Democrats, led by figures like Senator Jon Ossoff, are framing the election as a referendum on corruption, rising costs, and perceived failures in global leadership under President Trump. Ossoff specifically criticized President Trump for the increased cost of living and his handling of the war, contrasting it with the sacrifices of military personnel. The political landscape is marked by deep polarization, with both sides emp...
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Canada's July annual inflation accelerates to 3% as gasoline rebounds

Canada's July annual inflation accelerates to 3% as gasoline rebounds

By Promit Mukherjee OTTAWA, Aug 17 (Reuters) - Canada's annual inflation rate accelerated to 3% in July, slightly more than expected, as renewed United States-Iran tensions drove gasoline prices, while the cost of travel tours also rose, data showed on Monday.
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Marjorie Taylor Greene claims Trump 'discussing' nuclear option in Iran

Marjorie Taylor Greene claims Trump 'discussing' nuclear option in Iran

Former Georgia congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene claims the Trump Administration is weighing nuclear options in Iran as war continues.
Rolling Stone Rolling Stone
Trump Scales Back Military Exercises to Please Kim Jong Un

Trump Scales Back Military Exercises to Please Kim Jong Un

The president ordered a last minute downgrade of the annual joint military training drills between South Korea and the U.S.