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US envoys Witkoff, Kushner arrive in Moscow for talks on peace in Ukraine, sources say

US envoys Witkoff, Kushner arrive in Moscow for talks on peace in Ukraine, sources say

MOSCOW, Sept 5 (Reuters) - U.S. special representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner landed in Moscow on Saturday for talks on the war in Ukraine, two people familiar with the visit told Reuters, adding that they were met by Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev.

Michigan Congressional Candidate William Lawrence Faces Scrutiny Over Past Calls to Abolish Police, Borders, and Family

Michigan Congressional Candidate William Lawrence Faces Scrutiny Over Past Calls to Abolish Police, Borders, and Family

William Lawrence, the Democratic nominee for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, is under scrutiny for past social media posts advocating for the abolition of police, prisons, borders, and the nuclear family. These views, highlighted by Daniel Greenfield of the David Horowitz Freedom Center, include praising the Minneapolis activist group Black Visions in 2021 for its 'defund the police' campaign, which Lawrence believed brought the country 'nearer to a world without police and prisons.' Lawrence also expressed strong opinions against the nuclear family, calling it an 'isolating, individualistic, violent way of organizing society' in 2021 and 2022. He further argued that the 'hetero-patriarchial nuclear family' is a 'MATERIAL foundation of wealth accumulation' due to inheritance patterns, suggesting 'Queer families create MATERIAL conditions for solidarity and wealth sharing.' Additionally, in 2020, he thanked indigenous writers for helping him 'imagine a world beyond the nation-state and capitalism' an...

International Education Sector Shifts Focus to Strategic Student Recruitment and Technology Integration

International Education Sector Shifts Focus to Strategic Student Recruitment and Technology Integration

The international education sector is undergoing a significant shift, moving away from simply recruiting more students to focusing on recruiting the 'right' students. This change is driven by evolving policies, increasing compliance expectations, and a demand for better student outcomes, alongside student expectations for faster, simpler, and more personalized experiences. The primary challenge is no longer attracting applications but making more informed admission decisions. Technology is seen as a key enabler in this transformation, not by replacing human judgment, but by supporting it to remove friction and build confidence in the decision-making process. An example of this approach is ANNIE, an AI-powered interview preparation platform developed by Unizportal. ANNIE aims to help students understand the interview process, build confidence, and present their genuine potential, leading to better conversations between universities and prospective students. The overarching vision is to create an intelligent...

49 Years Ago Today, Voyager 1 Began Its Historic Journey Into Deep Space

49 Years Ago Today, Voyager 1 Began Its Historic Journey Into Deep Space

Voyager 1, launched by NASA in 1977, is not just a space probe; it is a testament to enduring engineering and design. Built by the Jet Propulsion L...

U.S. State Department Urges Extensive Preparations for Travel to High-Risk Destinations, Including Wills and DNA Samples

U.S. State Department Urges Extensive Preparations for Travel to High-Risk Destinations, Including Wills and DNA Samples

The U.S. Department of State is significantly escalating its guidance for Americans traveling to high-risk destinations, particularly those classified as Level 4, or 'Do Not Travel' areas. The new recommendations urge travelers to prepare as if they are deploying to a war zone rather than taking a vacation. This includes completing wills, organizing financial affairs, and even leaving DNA samples with medical providers before departure. The guidance emphasizes that consular assistance in such areas may be severely limited. For destinations with volatile security conditions, the State Department's advice extends to contingency planning typically associated with military or humanitarian deployments, such as establishing 'proof of life' protocols and designating a primary family contact for emergencies. These measures are intended to ensure that travelers' affairs, family contacts, and identifying information are in order, as reliance on outside help may not be possible.

Today Marks the Anonymous Essay That Rocked the Trump Administration

Today Marks the Anonymous Essay That Rocked the Trump Administration

The anonymous op-ed, "I Am Part of the Resistance Inside the Trump Administration," published in The New York Times in September 2018, sent shockwa...

Jacksonville City Council President Flew on Billionaire's Jet for Political Fundraiser

Jacksonville City Council President Flew on Billionaire's Jet for Political Fundraiser

Jacksonville City Council President Nick Howland traveled on a private jet owned by billionaire real-estate developer Patrick Zalupski to attend a Tampa Bay Rays game at Tropicana Field. Howland stated that the trip was undertaken "to help raise funds for my political committee, Florida Freedom PAC." He declined to provide further specifics but indicated that all details would be disclosed in the committee's finance reports as required by Florida law. Zalupski, the founder and CEO of Dream Finders Homes, also owns the Tampa Bay Rays and has significant business interests in Jacksonville, employing several lobbyists registered with City Hall. Publicly available flight data confirms the jet's travel from Jacksonville to St. Petersburg and back on the day of the game.

Federal Government Pledges $4.25 Million to Rebuild Wildfire-Destroyed Lower Cibola Bridge

Federal Government Pledges $4.25 Million to Rebuild Wildfire-Destroyed Lower Cibola Bridge

The U.S. Department of Transportation has committed $4.25 million in emergency funding to rebuild the Lower Cibola Bridge in La Paz County, Arizona. This bridge, also known as the Hart Mine Road Bridge, collapsed in July after a wildfire compromised its supports. Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego announced the federal pledge, highlighting the bridge's critical role as a primary access point for local farmers, residents, federal workers, and emergency responders. Its destruction has forced significant detours, extending travel times from minutes to over an hour for local farmers, and forcing them to use unsuitable dirt roads for farm equipment.

House Committee Subpoenas Oracle Executives Over VA Electronic Health Records Project Cost Increase

House Committee Subpoenas Oracle Executives Over VA Electronic Health Records Project Cost Increase

The U.S. House Committee on Veterans Affairs has subpoenaed Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison and CEO Mike Sicilia to testify regarding the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) electronic health records (EHR) overhaul project. This action follows a new $27 billion contract for the project, which represents a $17 billion increase from its initial $10 billion budget. The project, which began in 2017 with Cerner as the initial vendor, aims to install a new EHR system and align it with Department of Defense systems. Despite being planned for 10 years, the rollout has faced significant delays due to the pandemic and operational issues, including an audit finding that early implementations caused 'multiple events of patient harm.' As of early 2026, only six VA Medical Centers had implemented the system. Ranking Member Mark Takano criticized Oracle for initially agreeing to appear before the committee but then withdrawing, citing 'time constraints.' Chairman Mike Bost indicated that voluntary attendance could not b...

Maryland Congressional Delegation Submits Historic Items for America's 250th Anniversary Time Capsule

Maryland Congressional Delegation Submits Historic Items for America's 250th Anniversary Time Capsule

The full Maryland Congressional Delegation, including Congressman Kweisi Mfume, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Andy Harris, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney, and Johnny Olszewski, has submitted significant historical items to the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule. This initiative celebrates America's 250th anniversary. The delegation contributed a Fort McHenry Flag replica and a Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) Railroad Centenary Souvenir Medal. The Fort McHenry Flag, a 15-star flag flown over the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House on July 4, 2026, represents the flag that inspired the national anthem. The B&O Railroad Centenary Souvenir Medal commemorates the first railroad to carry both passengers and freight for a toll, highlighting Maryland's pioneering role in industrial development. The time capsule, sealed and buried by the Architect of the Capitol, contains items from every state and territory and is scheduled...

Defense Contract Management Agency Employee Selected for Naval Postgraduate School Data Analytics Program

Defense Contract Management Agency Employee Selected for Naval Postgraduate School Data Analytics Program

Tyra Keys, an employee with the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) Financial and Business Operations, has been selected to attend the Data Analytics for Defense Management Certification Program at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS). Keys is only the second DCMA employee to be chosen for this highly competitive 12-month program. The curriculum at NPS is specifically tailored for defense management, covering programming logic, database management, and the transformation of complex datasets into digestible reports. According to Dr. Cherry Wilcoxon, FB comptroller, the program will equip Keys with advanced descriptive and prescriptive analytics capabilities, which are expected to significantly enhance the agency’s manpower, budgeting, and logistics processes. Keys expressed that this opportunity represents a significant career milestone, allowing her to upskill and expand technical capabilities directly aligned with DCMA and Department of War strategic missions.

Senator Mark Kelly Attends University of Arizona Program Renaming After $10 Million Donation

Senator Mark Kelly Attends University of Arizona Program Renaming After $10 Million Donation

Arizona Senator Mark Kelly attended an event at the University of Arizona where the Integrated Business and Engineering Program was formally renamed the Mary and Felipe M. Rodriguez Integrated Business and Engineering Program. This renaming recognizes a $10 million donation from Mary and Felipe M. Rodriguez, aimed at supporting workforce development, engineering education, and student opportunities. The program, a collaboration between the Eller College of Management and the College of Engineering, launched this year and is the only undergraduate program of its kind in Arizona. It is designed to equip students with both technical expertise and business leadership skills, blending engineering disciplines like AI and biomedical devices with business analytics and entrepreneurship. University leaders, including President Suresh Garimella, and Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs were also present at the ceremony to celebrate the significant contribution.

UA Foundation Appoints New Chief Data and Analytics Officer to Enhance Fundraising and Engagement

UA Foundation Appoints New Chief Data and Analytics Officer to Enhance Fundraising and Engagement

The University of Alaska (UA) Foundation has announced the appointment of Gwendolyn Gruenig as its new Chief Data and Analytics Officer. In this pivotal role, Gruenig will be responsible for overseeing the foundation’s enterprise data, analytics, and advancement information services functions. As a key member of the UA Foundation’s senior leadership team, her primary objective will be to strategically leverage data and analytics to bolster fundraising success, deepen donor engagement, and amplify the institutional impact across the entire UA system. Gruenig brings extensive experience to this position, having previously served as the director of data analysis and institutional research for the UA System. In that capacity, she was instrumental in leading statewide data strategy, governance, analytics, policy analysis, and reporting, providing crucial support to the board of regents, system leadership, and students.

Greenville County Deputy and Suspect Injured in Early Morning Shooting

Greenville County Deputy and Suspect Injured in Early Morning Shooting

A Greenville County deputy and a suspect, identified as Walter Jason Smith, 42, were injured in an early morning shooting incident on Friday. The event occurred around 3:40 a.m. near White Horse Road and Page Drive. According to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the deputy was concluding an unrelated traffic stop when he encountered Smith, who was armed. Authorities state that Smith pointed a gun at the deputy in the patrol car, leading to an exchange of gunfire. The deputy sustained a gunshot wound to the shoulder and was transported to a hospital, where he is expected to make a full recovery. Smith was also shot in the leg and taken to a hospital for treatment. He faces charges including two counts of Attempted Murder, Possession of Firearm or Ammunition by Person Convicted of Violent Offense, and Possession of Weapon During Violent Crime.

Representative Nancy Mace Introduces 100 Bills in Current Congressional Session

Representative Nancy Mace Introduces 100 Bills in Current Congressional Session

Representative Nancy Mace, a Republican from South Carolina, has announced that she has introduced 100 pieces of legislation during the current congressional session. This legislative output ranks her fifth among all House members and first within South Carolina's House delegation. According to a press release from her office, the bills cover a broad spectrum of issues, reflecting her policy priorities. These areas include affordability, fiscal responsibility, national security, immigration enforcement, veterans' care, women and children's issues, animal welfare, and concerns specific to coastal communities. The release provided examples of her proposed legislation, which encompass measures related to cybersecurity, housing, ethics, and social policy. Representative Mace views this milestone not as a conclusion but as an ongoing commitment to her legislative agenda.

Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks' Cultivar Recommended for Mid-Atlantic Gardens

Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks' Cultivar Recommended for Mid-Atlantic Gardens

The 'Fireworks' cultivar of Solidago rugosa, commonly known as Rough-stemmed Goldenrod, is being highlighted as a recommended native plant selection for the Mid-Atlantic region. This particular cultivar is noted for its more compact growth habit, ease of containment, and vigorous flowering compared to the species. Solidago rugosa itself is native to Eastern North America, with its golden flower sprays appearing from late summer until the first frost. It plays a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems by providing sustenance for various species of moths, butterflies, native bees, and other beneficial insects. The species is present in Washington D.C., common in Delaware and throughout Virginia, and also found in Maryland and Pennsylvania. Specifically, in Northern Virginia, Solidago rugosa var. aspera has been reported in Arlington and Fairfax counties, while Solidago rugosa var. rugosa is found in Fairfax and Loudoun Counties.

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree Opposes New ICE Facility in Central Maine

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree Opposes New ICE Facility in Central Maine

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree has voiced strong opposition to reports indicating that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to construct a new facility in central Maine. According to WGME, Pingree stated that the expansion is "deeply disturbing" and goes against the desired direction of reducing ICE activity within the state. The news follows a Facebook post by Republican State Representative Mike Soboleski, who announced that a new ICE facility would be built in Newport, at the former Newport courthouse located at 12 Water Street. The Town of Newport confirmed that any agreement for a federal agency to use the building is between the property owner and the lessee. Pingree highlighted existing widespread concern regarding ICE's presence in Maine, suggesting that an additional facility would exacerbate these issues. Soboleski's post also indicated that the new facility would "help the deportation process move even faster."

Jacksonville Defense Attorney Disputes JSO Statement on DUI Breath-Test Machine Repairs

Jacksonville Defense Attorney Disputes JSO Statement on DUI Breath-Test Machine Repairs

A Jacksonville defense attorney, David Robbins, is challenging a statement made by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) regarding repairs to Intoxilyzer 8000 breath-test machines. JSO asserted to News4JAX that the agency does not perform repairs on these instruments. However, Robbins contends that this statement contradicts testimony cited in a recent court order. A three-judge panel ruled that unauthorized repairs were indeed made to these machines, which are crucial for measuring alcohol levels in breath for DUI cases. The court order indicates that a JSO agency inspector testified to replacing O-rings on numerous occasions when they were found to be broken, damaged, or in need of repair. The inspector also stated that no records were kept detailing when these replacements occurred or which specific machines were repaired. The panel rejected the state's argument that this work constituted routine maintenance.

Judge Clears Path for Catalina Island Conservancy to Begin Mule Deer Removal, Opponents Seek Governor's Intervention

Judge Clears Path for Catalina Island Conservancy to Begin Mule Deer Removal, Opponents Seek Governor's Intervention

A Superior Court hearing on September 1 has tentatively granted the Catalina Island Conservancy the right to proceed with its plan to remove non-native mule deer from the island. Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Curtis A. Kin denied a request for a preliminary injunction, stating that no irreparable harm would occur as the process begins with a 'pre-removal assessment' and the 'actual eradication phase' is not immediate. The Conservancy announced that its 'limited deer removal assessment' work, scheduled throughout September and October, will commence, potentially affecting 200 to 400 deer. This action is part of the Conservancy’s 'Operation Protect Catalina Island' restoration plan, which aims to restore native flora and fauna and reduce wildfire threats by eliminating the entire mule deer population. Conservancy Interim President and CEO David Solomon stated that the organization is committed to protecting the island's ecosystem. However, opponents, including Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn...

Fort Smith Water Customers Urged to Conserve After Main Break Drains Reserves

Fort Smith Water Customers Urged to Conserve After Main Break Drains Reserves

Fort Smith water customers across the city and the River Valley are being asked to conserve water following a significant main water line break on Highway 45. The rupture, which occurred Thursday afternoon when contractors accidentally hit the line, caused storage tanks to run low. While the break has been fixed, refilling the storage tanks has been slow due to high demand exacerbated by hot temperatures. Mandatory conservation measures have been implemented for areas south of Zero Street, including prohibitions on watering lawns, using automatic irrigation systems, and washing vehicles outside of commercial car washes. All other Fort Smith water customers are requested to voluntarily conserve water.