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Diplomatic efforts seek to avert Trump split with UN refugee agency, sources say

Diplomatic efforts seek to avert Trump split with UN refugee agency, sources say

By Emma Farge, Olivia Le Poidevin, Simon Lewis and David Brunnstrom GENEVA/WASHINGTON, July 20 (Reuters) - The Trump administration has in recent weeks weighed cutting ties with the U.N. refugee agency, prompting a campaign by diplomats and U.N. officials to persuade the United States to maintain

Trump Administration Considers Cutting Ties with UNHCR Amid Diplomatic Concerns

Trump Administration Considers Cutting Ties with UNHCR Amid Diplomatic Concerns

The Trump administration is contemplating severing ties with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), a move that has prompted diplomatic efforts to maintain U.S. support. Historically the largest donor, the U.S. is considering disengagement due to disagreements over leadership appointments within the UNHCR. The potential withdrawal could significantly weaken the agency, which is already facing financial challenges amid global displacement crises. Diplomatic sources indicate that lobbying efforts may have delayed a final decision, highlighting the importance of U.S. involvement in international refugee protection.

Trump Administration Accuses Cuba of Promoting Left-Wing Terrorism and Subversion

Trump Administration Accuses Cuba of Promoting Left-Wing Terrorism and Subversion

The Trump administration has released a report accusing Cuba of promoting left-wing terrorism and subversion against the United States. The report alleges that Cuba has been a leading sponsor of radical leftism and has used spies to infiltrate the highest levels of the U.S. government. It also claims that Cuba has collaborated with Iran and Russia in intelligence operations and has supported extremist movements in the U.S. The report highlights Cuba's historical ties to American Black radicals and other left-wing groups, suggesting a long-standing influence on U.S. political life.

President Trump Rejects New York Mayor's Threat to Arrest Netanyahu Over ICC Warrant

President Trump Rejects New York Mayor's Threat to Arrest Netanyahu Over ICC Warrant

President Trump has dismissed threats from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits the city. Mamdani's threat is based on an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued in 2024, accusing Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders of war crimes related to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. Trump has stated that Netanyahu will not face arrest in the U.S., emphasizing his support for Israel and criticizing Iran's actions. The Trump administration, along with former President Joe Biden, has denounced the ICC's warrant, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing intentions to dismantle the court, viewing it as a threat to U.S. sovereignty.

US appeals court overturns order releasing pro-Palestinian advocate Mahdawi

US appeals court overturns order releasing pro-Palestinian advocate Mahdawi

By Luc Cohen NEW YORK, July 21 (Reuters) - A U.S. appeals court on Tuesday overturned a 2025 ruling that ordered the Trump administration to release pro-Palestinian advocate Mohsen Mahdawi from immigration detention, finding that the lower court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case.

Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' Sparks Controversy Over Filming in Disputed Western Sahara

Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' Sparks Controversy Over Filming in Disputed Western Sahara

Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' Sparks Controversy Over Filming in Disputed Western Sahara

Trump Administration Delays Signing Saudi Nuclear Enrichment Deal Amid Iran Conflict

Trump Administration Delays Signing Saudi Nuclear Enrichment Deal Amid Iran Conflict

The Trump administration is delaying the signing of a nuclear accord with Saudi Arabia that would allow uranium enrichment, pending President Trump's approval. The draft agreement, concluded in October 2025, supports Riyadh's civilian nuclear program but lacks international safeguards to prevent nuclear weapons development. The ongoing conflict with Iran, partly initiated to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons, is a factor in the delay. Concerns exist that the deal could enable Saudi Arabia to pursue nuclear weapons, especially given Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's previous threats to develop nuclear arms if Iran does. The agreement, which includes a 123 agreement and a nuclear safeguards agreement, has not yet been sent to Congress for review.

Spanish World Cup Winner Granted U.S. Entry After Initial Visa Denial

Spanish World Cup Winner Granted U.S. Entry After Initial Visa Denial

Former Spanish soccer player Joan Capdevila, a member of Spain's 2010 World Cup-winning team, was initially denied entry to the United States due to an ESTA ineligibility. This decision threatened his attendance at the FIFA World Cup final in the U.S. Capdevila's application for travel authorization under the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) was denied, reportedly due to his participation in a 2016 exhibition match in Iran. However, after appealing to President Trump on social media, Capdevila was granted a waiver and admitted into the U.S. just in time for the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. The incident highlights ongoing scrutiny of U.S. visa policies under the Trump administration, which have affected other individuals, including Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was also denied entry.

Justice Department activates untested court for "alien terrorist" deportations

Justice Department activates untested court for "alien terrorist" deportations

The Justice Department has filed a first-ever petition to a secretive and dormant court created 30 years ago to weigh government requests to deport so-called “alien terrorists” from the United States

Nebraska's Johnny Carson-Backed Fund Faces Uncertainty Amid State Budget Deficit

Nebraska's Johnny Carson-Backed Fund Faces Uncertainty Amid State Budget Deficit

The Nebraska Cultural Endowment, a unique public-private fund initially seeded by a donation from Johnny Carson, is facing potential cuts due to a significant state budget deficit. The endowment, which has grown to $30 million, supports arts and cultural programming across Nebraska by generating $1 million annually. This funding is crucial, especially as the Trump administration's proposed 2027 budget aims to eliminate the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has proposed reallocating $15 million of the endowment's taxpayer-funded portion to address the state's $471 million budget shortfall. This proposal has sparked concern among arts advocates who rely on state matching funds to attract private donations.

Trump Administration's USDA Lab Closures Threaten Cyclospora Research Amid Outbreak

Trump Administration's USDA Lab Closures Threaten Cyclospora Research Amid Outbreak

The Trump administration's decision to close a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) research facility is raising concerns among food-safety experts. The Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, located near Washington, D.C., is set to be closed as part of a restructuring plan, with its programs relocated across the country. This facility plays a crucial role in researching the cyclospora parasite, which is currently causing an outbreak across the U.S. The closure could hinder efforts to protect consumers from this foodborne threat. Representative April McClain Delaney, a Maryland Democrat, criticized the administration's decision, emphasizing the need for greater investment in food safety research. The USDA has not announced an official closure date, but employees expect to move by September. The cyclospora outbreak has already resulted in 1,645 confirmed cases across 34 states, with Michigan being the most affected.