Washington — The Trump administration announced this week that it will break up the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado, citing concerns of "climate alarmism," OMB Director Russ Vought said on social media. USA Today reported the plan could include closing NCAR’s Mesa Laboratory, while UCAR said...
Washington — Former special counsel Jack Smith defended his prosecutorial decisions in a closed-door deposition before Republican-led House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, saying his team developed proof beyond a reasonable doubt that President Donald Trump conspired to overturn the 2020 election and willfully retained classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. Smith said...
ATLANTA — Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis testified Wednesday before a Republican-dominated Georgia state Senate special committee investigating her prosecution of former President Donald Trump and others in the 2020 election interference case. The committee, formed in January 2024, has questioned Willis’s hiring of special prosecutor Nathan Wade amid...
PEMBROKE, N.C. — The U.S. Congress approved full federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe this week after the House passed the measure last Wednesday and the Senate included the Lumbee Fairness Act in the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act, passing it Wednesday. The legislation formally ends a 137-year effort and...
Omaha, Neb. — Two major rail unions representing over half of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern workers announced Wednesday they oppose the proposed $85 billion merger, citing increased safety risks, potential job losses, higher shipping rates and consumer prices, and operational disruptions. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen and...
Tampa, Fla. Postal and private carriers announced deadlines this week to ensure Christmas deliveries, with USPS first-class and Ground Advantage due Dec. 17 and Priority Mail Express by Dec. 20; FedEx and UPS extend two-day and overnight options to Dec. 22–23. Local post offices report higher volumes and longer lines,...
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump delivered a primetime address from the White House on Wednesday, previewing his 2026 agenda and recapping administration accomplishments while responding to public concern over rising costs and inflation. The White House emphasized plans on inflation reduction, immigration enforcement, and economic growth, though officials provided limited...
Bossier City, La. Mayor Tommy Chandler announced this week that Chief Blair Bockhaus will replace retiring Fire Chief Brad Zagone on Jan. 2, 2026, following Zagone’s more than 30 years with the department. Zagone began in 1994 and became chief in 2011, during which the department hired approximately 170 employees,...
Washington — House Republicans faced a revolt this week when four moderate GOP members signed a Democratic discharge petition to force a floor vote extending enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits set to expire Dec. 31. The signatures pushed the measure past the 218 threshold, obliging the House to...
Albuquerque, N.M. Airlines, drivers and fuel markets adjusted as holiday travel began this week, with AAA and EIA reporting national gasoline averages near $2.89 per gallon and analysts forecasting Christmas Day averages about $2.79. Airlines added seats for an expected 122 million travelers while winter storms caused over 10,000 flight...
