Simone Del Rosario Business Correspondent

Business

Stock market dips as Trump threatens EU with 200% tariffs

Mar 13

Simone Del Rosario Business Correspondent

By Simone Del Rosario (Business Correspondent), Brent Jabbour (Senior Producer), Emma Stoltzfus (Video Editor)

President Donald Trump threatened the EU with 200% tariffs. The move comes after the EU responded to U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum.
A new poll finds the majority of Americans believe Trump’s moves on the economy are “too erratic.”
The S&P 500 dipped into correction territory Thursday as some of America’s most prominent CEOs said uncertainty is bad for business.

Full Story

President Donald Trump threatened a 200% tariff on specific products from the European Union on Thursday, March 13. The president’s latest salvo in his trade regime hit as policy uncertainty weighs on markets.

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Trump’s 200% threat would apply to alcohol imports coming from the EU, according to a Truth Social post. He said the EU must remove its retaliatory tariffs on the U.S.

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What’s the latest on the tariff back-and-forth?

Trump officially implemented a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum on Wednesday, March 12. The EU responded by issuing duties on American items like motorcycles and whiskey.

“The European Union, one of the most hostile and abusive taxing and tariffing authorities in the World, which was formed for the sole purpose of taking advantage of the United States, has just put a nasty 50% Tariff on Whisky,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“If this Tariff is not removed immediately, the U.S. will shortly place a 200% Tariff on all WINES, CHAMPAGNES, & ALCOHOLIC PRODUCTS COMING OUT OF FRANCE AND OTHER E.U. REPRESENTED COUNTRIES,” he added in the post.

“The Entire World is RIPPING US OFF,” the president said in a separate post later Thursday.

Do Americans think Trump’s moves are “too erratic?”

This week, a new poll found the majority of Americans believe Trump’s economic policy moves have been “too erratic.”

A Reuters/Ipsos poll of 1,422 Americans taken this week found 57% believe “Trump’s moves to shake up the economy” are “too erratic.” Meanwhile, 60% of Republicans disagreed with the statement, while only 29% agreed.

Six in 10 Americans said they think the president should focus on inflation over anything else. Seven in 10 said they believe higher tariffs will lead to higher prices.

Inflation cooled more than expected during President Trump’s first full month in office. In February, consumer prices rose 0.2% for the month after rising 0.5% in January, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

A majority of Republicans support Trump’s tariff policies

More than half of Republicans surveyed agreed higher tariffs are a good idea even if prices increase and said that workers come out ahead when the U.S. charges tariffs. They disagreed that tariffs cause more harm than good.

When polling all adults, only around one-third agreed that higher tariffs are a good idea in the face of rising prices and that workers come out ahead. More than half said tariffs will do more harm than good.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll found 39% of voters approve of Trump’s handling of the economy. Trump’s numbers are still higher than what his predecessor President Joe Biden scored for the majority of his term in the White House. However, in Trump’s first term, he never scored below 44% in this category.

Some CEOs say uncertainty is bad for business, but others say wait and see

The stock market is sitting at a six-month low. After a post-election rally on Trump’s victory, stock market indexes have given up those gains. On Thursday, the S&P 500 dipped into correction territory as the major indexes slid more than a full percent by Thursday afternoon.

Some of the most prominent CEOs in the world are highlighting the uncertainty created by these tariffs. JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon notably changed his tune on trade duties.

“I don’t think the average American consumer who wakes up in the morning and goes to work changes what they’re going to do because they read about tariffs,” Dimon told Semafor at a summit on retirement hosted by BlackRock and the Bipartisan Policy Center. “But I do think companies might. Uncertainty is not a good thing.”

In January, Dimon claimed tariffs were good for national security and that critics need to “get over it” if they are a little inflationary.

“The collective impact in the short run is that people are pausing, they’re pulling back,” BlackRock CEO Larry Fink told CNN at the same event. ”Talking to CEOs throughout the economy, I hear that the economy is weakening as we speak.”

Meanwhile, the CEO of Goldman Sachs is taking a more patient approach on Trump’s policy.

“I think the business community understands what the president is trying to do with tariffs,” David Solomon said during an appearance on Fox Business’ “Mornings with Maria.” “Now, the business community is always going to want lower tariffs everywhere, everywhere in the world. At the moment, there is some uncertainty. The market is digesting that, but we’re going to have to watch and see how this all plays out.”

Tags: aluminum, BlackRock, Donald Trump, Dow Jones Industrial Average, Economy, European Union, Goldman Sachs, Inflation, Jamie Dimon, JPMorgan, Nasdaq, New York Stock Exchange, S&P 500, Steel, Stock Market, Tariffs, Trade, U.S. Economy

Donald Trump:

I always say Tariffs is the most beautiful word to me in the dictionary.

Simone Del Rosario:

Tariff certainly seems to be President Donald Trump’s favorite word lately.

The president threatened a 200% tariff on certain products coming out of the European Union. It’s the next escalation of the EU responding to Trump’s tariffs.

See, on Wednesday, President Trump officially implemented a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum. The EU swiftly responded with duties on American items like motorcycles and whiskey.

The president took issue with the retaliation. On Truth Social, he called the bloc “one of the most hostile and abusive taxing and tariffing authorities in the World, which was formed for the sole purpose of taking advantage of the United States.”

Trump added, if the “nasty 50% Tariff on Whisky,” isn’t removed, “The U.S. will shortly place a 200% Tariff on all WINES, CHAMPAGNES, & ALCOHOLIC PRODUCTS COMING OUT OF FRANCE AND OTHER E.U. REPRESENTED COUNTRIES.”

He said, “This will be great for the Wine and Champagne businesses in the U.S.”

Waynes World:

“Oh, actually all champagne is French. It’s named after the region. Otherwise, it’s sparkling white wine. Americans, of course, don’t recognize the convention so it becomes that thing of calling all of their sparkling whites, ‘champagne,’ even though by definition they’re not. ”

Simone Del Rosario:

Anyway. Overall, more Americans now say “Trump’s moves to shake up the economy” are “too erratic.”

A Reuters/Ipsos poll of 1,400 Americans taken this week says 57% agreed with this statement, while 60% of Republicans disagreed.

Six in 10 Americans think the president should focus on inflation over anything else. Seven in 10 believe higher tariffs will lead to higher prices.

However, more than half of Republicans agreed on the following: Higher tariffs are a good idea even if prices increase, and workers come out ahead when the U.S. charges tariffs. They disagreed that tariffs cause more harm than good.

The poll did not isolate independent voters.

Overall, Reuters/Ipsos says 39% of voters approve of Trump’s handling of the economy. That’s higher than what his predecessor President Joe Biden scored for the majority of his presidency. However, in Trump’s first term, he never scored below 44% in this category.

The stock market traded down again Thursday after a slight reprieve Wednesday from better-than-expected inflation results.

Some prominent CEOs are highlighting the uncertainty tariffs are causing. That includes JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, who seems to be changing his tune on tariffs.

He told Semafor, “I don’t think the average American consumer who wakes up in the morning and goes to work … changes what they’re going to do because they read about tariffs. But I do think companies might. Uncertainty is not a good thing.”

Dimon runs the largest bank in the U.S. Forbes says he’s worth about $2.3 billion. About a month and a half ago, he said this about Trump’s tariffs.

Jamie Dimon:

“If it’s a little inflationary, but it’s good for national security, so be it. I mean, get over it.”

Simone Del Rosario:

At the same event where Dimon made his latest remarks, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink had this to say to CNN.

Larry Fink:

“The collective impact in the short run is that people are pausing, they’re pulling back. Talking to CEOs throughout the economy, I hear that the economy is weakening as we speak.”

Simone Del Rosario:

Goldman Sachs’ CEO is taking a wait-and-see approach.

David Solomon:

“I think the business community understands what the president is trying to do with tariffs. Now, the business community is always going to want lower tariffs everywhere, everywhere in the world. At the moment, there is some uncertainty. The market is digesting that, but we’re going to have to watch and see how this all plays out.”

Simone Del Rosario:

The markets are now sitting at a six-month low. After a post-election rally on Trump’s victory, stock market indexes have given up those gains.

Trump has said he’s not looking to the stock market for validation. On Thursday, he posted, “The Entire World is RIPPING US OFF!!!” April 2 is when the Trump administration plans to implement reciprocal tariffs on any nation charging the U.S.

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Jack Aylmer Energy Correspondent

Energy

Missouri’s largest wind farm still largely inactive months after turbines collapse

Mar 13

Listen

Jack Aylmer Energy Correspondent

By Jack Aylmer (Energy Correspondent), Ian Kennedy (Video Editor), Ali Caldwell (Graphics)

Missouri’s largest wind farm has operated at limited capacity for over four months due to turbine collapse investigations. Three turbines fell last year, prompting precautionary measures from the facility’s owner, utility company Ameren, and the manufacturer of the turbines, Vestas.
The failures were linked to blade detachments, causing imbalances in the turbines, which led to the collapses.
Most of the 175 turbines remain shut down, with no confirmed timeline for full reactivation.

Full Story

Missouri’s largest wind farm, the High Prairie Renewable Energy Center, has been operating at limited capacity for over four months as investigations continue into multiple turbine collapses. The 400-megawatt facility, owned by utility company Ameren, has the potential to power approximately 120,000 homes. However, officials significantly reduced operations after three wind turbines fell to the ground last year.

Why did these turbines collapse?

Danish manufacturer Vestas created the turbines involved. According to Ameren’s director of renewable operations, David Meiners, the failures were linked to blade detachments, which led to an imbalance that caused the turbines to collapse.

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In response, Ameren and Vestas have implemented precautionary measures. These measures include shutting down most of the site’s 175 turbines while the investigation remains ongoing.

As of March 3, the company restarted about 15 unaffected turbines. However, local officials indicated the number of blade replacements required to restore full operations remains uncertain.

“We’ve been reaching out to Ameren to see what was going on for the plan for the wind farm,” local county presiding Commissioner Mark Shahan said. “We heard several rumors and we’ve reached out to them to say you know you have a plan, so basically it’s a pretty broad plan right now. It’s not precise but they are going to replace turbine blades based on data from inspections.”

What happens next?

Vestas has stated that no injuries resulted from the incidents and that the company remains committed to restoring operations safely. For now, the majority of the turbines remain inactive, with no confirmed timeline for full reactivation.

Tags: Missouri, Offshore wind farms, Renewable energy, Wind energy, Wind farms

[Jack]

THE LARGEST WIND FARM IN MISSOURI HAS REMAINED LARGELY INACTIVE FOR MORE THAN FOUR MONTHS-

AS INVESTIGATIONS CONTINUE INTO MULTIPLE TURBINE COLLAPSES AT THE SITE.

THE 400-MEGAWATT HIGH PRAIRIE RENEWABLE ENERGY CENTER-

OWNED BY UTILITY COMPANY AMEREN-

IS CAPABLE OF POWERING 120,000 HOMES.

BUT HAS BEEN OPERATING AT LIMITED CAPACITY SINCE THREE WIND TURBINES CAME CRASHING TO THE GROUND LAST YEAR.

THESE INCIDENTS INVOLVED TURBINES MANUFACTURED BY DANISH COMPANY VESTAS.

ACCORDING TO AMEREN’S DIRECTOR OF RENEWABLE OPERATIONS THE FAILURES WERE CAUSED BY BLADE DETACHMENTS-

WITH THE RESULTING IMBALANCE CAUSING THE TURBINES TO FALL.

IN RESPONSE, AMEREN AND VESTAS SAY PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES ARE BEING TAKEN-

SHUTTING DOWN MOST OF THE WIND FARM’S 175 TURBINES WHILE A PROBE INTO THE MATTER CONTINUES.

AS OF LAST WEEK, ABOUT 15 UNAFFECTED TURBINES HAVE BEEN RESTARTED-

HOWEVER, ACCORDING TO LOCAL OFFICIALS, THE EXTENT OF NECESSARY BLADE REPLACEMENTS THAT WILL BE NECESSARY TO GET THE OTHERS RUNNING REMAINS UNCLEAR.

VESTAS STATED NO INJURIES OCCURRED DUE TO THESE INCIDENTS AND IT REMAINS FOCUSED ON RESTORING OPERATIONS SAFELY.

FOR NOW THOUGH, THE MAJORITY OF THE TURBINES REMAIN IDLE, WITH NO CONFIRMED TIMELINE FOR FULL REACTIVATION.

FOR STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS, I’M JACK AYLMER.

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Kalé Carey Anchor

Business

iRobot has ‘substantial doubt’ on future amid largest Roomba product launch

Mar 13

Kalé Carey Anchor

By Kalé Carey (Anchor), Brock Koller (Senior Producer), Michael Edwards (Video Editor)

iRobot, the makers of the Roomba vacuum cleaner, said there is “substantial doubt” about the company’s future. The news came a day after the company announced its biggest product launch ever.
According to iRobot, the lineup includes eight Roombas that feature improved power-lifting suction, debris-compacting systems and dual-spinning mop pads.
iRobot warned there is no guarantee that the new Roombas will solve the company’s woes.

Full Story

On Wednesday, March 12, just a day after it announced a suite of new consumer robots, the makers of the Roomba vacuum laid out a possible bleak future for the Massachusetts-based company.

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What has happened since the Amazon-iRobot deal collapsed?

In January 2024, a proposed $1.7 billion iRobot merger with Amazon fell through over scrutiny from European Union regulators.

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In its fourth quarter financial report, iRobot said its board has initiated a formal strategic review of “alternatives for the business,” meaning refinancing the company’s debt or agreeing on a future potential sale, as its revenue fell 44% from the same period in 2024.

Roomba first entered the market in 2002, but in recent years, it has faced strong competition from rivals in the robotic vacuum cleaner department, fueling iRobot’s search for ways to stay competitive.

Since the demise of Amazon’s ill-fated acquisition, iRobot launched an operational restructuring plan that has seen a cut to over 50% of its workforce and a reinvention of its research and development lab.

What are the new Roombas that iRobot announced?

iRobot hopes its lineup of eight new Roomba robots — the biggest product launch in the company’s 30-year history — will navigate the company to renewed success.

According to iRobot, the lineup includes Roombas that feature improved power-lifting suction, debris-compacting systems and dual-spinning mop pads. The new Roombas become available on March 18.

iRobot CEO Gary Cohen said the new vacuums “underscore the return of iRobot as the category creator and our leadership position that was established more than three decades ago.”

What does the future hold for iRobot?

iRobot warned there is no guarantee that the eight new Roombas will solve the company’s woes.

“There can be no assurance that the new product launches will be successful due to potential factors, including, but not limited to consumer demand, competition, macroeconomic conditions, and tariff policies,” the company said in its report.

It added, “Given these uncertainties and the implication they may have on the Company’s financials, there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least 12 months.”

iRobot said there is no timetable for the board to conclude its review and that there is no assurance that an exploration for a possible sale will amount to one.

Tags: amazon, Layoffs, merger, Retail Sales, retailers, Robots

[KALÉ CAREY]

IT’S NEWS IROBOT WOULD HAVE LIKED TO HAVE SWEPT UNDER THE RUG.

JUST A DAY AFTER IT ANNOUNCED A SUITE OF NEW CONSUMER ROBOTS — ON WEDNESDAY THE MAKERS OF THE ROOMBA VACCUM LAID OUT A POSSIBLE BLEAK FUTURE FOR THE MASSACHUSETTS-BASED COMPANY.

IT WAS JUST OVER A YEAR AGO WHEN A PROPOSED 1 POINT 7 BILLION DOLLAR MERGER WITH AMAZON FELL THROUGH OVER SCRUTINY FROM EUROPEAN UNION REGULATORS. NOW, IROBOT SAYS ITS BOARD HAS INITIATED A FORMAL STRATEGIC REVIEW OF “ALTERNATIVES FOR THE BUSINESS” – MEANING REFINANCING THE COMPANY’S DEBT OR AGREEING ON A FUTURE POTENTIAL SALE.

THE WORD CAME DURING IROBOT’S FOURTH QUARTER FINANCIAL REPORT – WHICH SHOWED REVENUE FELL 44 PERCENT FROM THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.

ROOMBA FIRST CAME ON THE MARKET IN 2002 – BUT IN RECENT YEARS — HAS FACED STRONG COMPETITION FROM RIVALS IN THE ROBOTIC VACCUM CLEANER DEPARTMENT, FUELING IROBOT TO FIND WAYS TO STAY COMPETITIVE.

SINCE THE DEMISE OF AMAZON’S ILL-FATED ACQUISITION, IROBOT LAUNCHED AN OPERATIONAL RESTRUCTURING PLAN THAT HAS SEEN A CUT TO OVER 50 PERCENT OF ITS WORKFORCE AND A REINVENTION OF ITS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT LAB.

IROBOT IS HOPING ITS LINEUP OF 8 NEW ROOMBA ROBOTS – THE BIGGEST PRODUCT LAUNCH IN THE COMPANY’S 30-YEAR HISTORY – WILL NAVIGATE THE COMPANY TO RENEWED SUCCESS.

THE LINEUP — ACCORDING TO IROBOT — INCLUDES ROOMBAS THAT FEATURE IMPROVED POWER-LIFTING SUCTION, DEBRIS-COMPACTING SYSTEMS, AND DUAL-SPINNING MOP PADS. THE NEW ROOMBAS WILL BE AVAILABLE BEGINNING MARCH 18TH.

IROBOT CEO GARY COHEN SAID THE NEW VACUUMS “UNDERSCORE THE RETURN OF IROBOT AS THE CATEGORY CREATOR AND OUR LEADERSHIP POSITION THAT WAS ESTABLISHED MORE THAN THREE DECADES AGO.”

BUT LIKE A DARK CLOUD OF DUST HOVERING OVER THAT ENTHUSIASM, IROBOT WARNED THERE IS NO GUARENTEE THAT THE EIGHT NEW ROOMBAS WILL SOLVE THE COMPANY’S WOES.

SAYING IN ITS EARNINGS REPORT, “There can be no assurance that the new product launches will be successful due to potential factors, including, but not limited to consumer demand, competition, macroeconomic conditions, and tariff policies.”

ADDING, “Given these uncertainties and the implication they may have on the Company’s financials, there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least 12 months.”

IROBOT SAYS THERE IS NO TIMETABLE FOR THE BOARD TO CONCLUDE ITS REVIEW AND THAT THERE IS NO ASSURANCE THAT AN EXPLORATION FOR A POSSIBLE SALE WILL AMOUNT TO ONE.

SO AS THE COMPANY THAT MADE A NAME FOR ITS INNOVATIVE ROBOTIC VACUUM CLEANERS LOOKS FIND WAYS TO EVOLVE, IT’S NOW JUST HOPING IT DOESN’T GET SUCKED UP IN THE PROCESS.

FOR STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS, I’M KALÉ CAREY.

FOR MORE BUSINESS STORIES, DOWNLOAD THE STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS APP OR VISIT SAN DOT COM.

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Jack Aylmer Energy Correspondent

Energy

Amazon rainforest trees cut down to build road for COP30 climate summit

Mar 13

Listen

Jack Aylmer Energy Correspondent

By Jack Aylmer (Energy Correspondent), Bast Bramhall (Video Editor)

Trees in the Amazon rainforest are being cut down to build a road for the U.N. COP30 climate summit. The highway aims to ease traffic for over 50,000 attendees, including world leaders.
Conservationists and locals fear the road will fragment ecosystems, disrupt wildlife migration and increase deforestation, while supporters argue it will boost the economy in a neglected region.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva says the climate conference this highway is being built for will provide an opportunity to showcase the rainforest’s needs to the world.

Full Story

Trees in the Amazon rainforest are being cut down to construct a new road for an upcoming United Nations climate change conference. The project aims to ease traffic congestion as Brazil prepares to host more than 50,000 attendees, including world leaders, in the city of Belém for the annual COP30 summit in November.

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What impact will the road have on the rainforest?

Officials have dubbed the new four-lane highway the Avenida Liberdade. The road cuts through tens of thousands of acres of protected rainforest. This development had been previously proposed as early as 2012. However, officials repeatedly shelved the project due to environmental concerns.

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Regional government officials are attempting to ease these environmental fears. They claim the road will be “sustainable,” featuring wildlife crossings, bike lanes and solar lighting. However, its construction is sparking controversy among conservationists and nearby residents.

What do conservationists and locals say about the project?

Wildlife experts have expressed concerns about the environmental impact of the highway. They warned the road could fragment ecosystems and disrupt animal migration patterns.

Meanwhile, locals who harvest açai berries in the area said their livelihood has been destroyed as a result. They claimed to have received no compensation for the removal of the fruit-bearing trees they had relied on.

Some also worry that the highway will offer increased accessibility to the rainforest, which could lead to further deforestation.

However, there are residents who see the economic support this project provides. They believe the development will be beneficial for a region where almost half of the population lives below the poverty line and has long been neglected by the Brazilian government.

How is Brazil justifying this project?

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva emphasized the importance of the climate conference that this highway is being built for. He said hosting a COP summit in the Amazon will provide an opportunity to showcase the rainforest to the world, focus on its needs and present what the government has done to protect the area.

Yet scrutiny remains over whether flying thousands of world leaders across the globe and building the infrastructure required to host them is undermining this goal.

Tags: amazon, Brazil, Climate Activism, Climate Change, United Nations

[Jack Aylmer]

TREES IN THE AMAZON RAINFOREST ARE BEING CUT DOWN TO BUILD A NEW ROAD FOR AN UPCOMING CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE.

“This is going to be a highway, and this is where it’s being built. Slicing through the Amazon rainforest. Protected land until now.” -BBC

THIS PROJECT AIMS TO EASE TRAFFIC CONGESTION AS BRAZIL PREPARES TO HOST MORE THAN 50,000 ATTENDEES, INCLUDING WORLD LEADERS, AT THE ANNUAL COP30 CLIMATE SUMMIT IN NOVEMBER.

THE FOUR LANE HIGHWAY BEING BUILT CUTS THROUGH TENS OF THOUSANDS OF ACRES OF PROTECTED RAINFOREST.

ITS CONSTRUCTION HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY PROPOSED AS EARLY AS 2012, BUT REPEATEDLY SHELVED DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS.

REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ARE ATTEMPTING TO EASE THESE FEARS, SAYING THE ROAD WILL BE QUOTE “SUSTAINABLE”-

AS IT WILL INCLUDE WILDLIFE CROSSINGS, BIKE LANES, AND SOLAR LIGHTING.

HOWEVER, ITS CONSTRUCTION IS SPARKING CONTROVERSY AMONG CONSERVATIONISTS AND NEARBY RESIDENTS.

WILDLIFE EXPERTS EXPRESSED CONCERNS ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE HIGHWAY-

WARNING THAT THE ROAD COULD FRAGMENT ECOSYSTEMS AND DISRUPT ANIMAL MIGRATION PATTERNS.

MEANWHILE, LOCALS WHO HARVEST ACAI BERRIES IN THE AREA SAY THEIR LIVELIHOOD HAS BEEN DESTROYED AS A RESULT-

CLAIMING TO HAVE RECEIVED NO COMPENSATION FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE FRUIT BEARING TREES THEY HAD RELIED ON.

SOME ALSO WORRY THE HIGHWAY WILL OFFER INCREASED ACCESSIBILITY TO THE RAINFOREST, WHICH COULD LEAD TO FURTHER DEFORESTATION.

BUT, THERE ARE RESIDENTS WHO SEE THE ECONOMIC SUPPORT THIS PROJECT PROVIDES-

BELIEVING THE DEVELOPMENT WILL BE BENEFICIAL FOR A REGION WHERE ALMOST HALF THE POPULATION LIVES BELOW THE POVERTY LINE-

AND HAS LONG BEEN NEGLECTED BY THE BRAZILIAN GOVERNMENT.

BRAZIL’S PRESIDENT HAS EMPHASIZED THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CLIMATE CONFERENCE THIS HIGHWAY IS BEING BUILT FOR-

SAYING HOSTING A COP SUMMIT IN THE AMAZON WILL PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW THE RAINFOREST TO THE WORLD, FOCUS ON ITS NEEDS, AND PRESENT WHAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS DONE TO PROTECT THE AREA.

YET, SCRUTINY REMAINS OVER WHETHER FLYING THOUSANDS OF WORLD LEADERS ACROSS THE GLOBE, AND BUILDING THE INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIRED TO HOST THEM, IS UNDERMINING THIS GOAL.

FOR STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS, I’M JACK AYLMER.

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Former Texas megachurch pastor indicted on child sexual abuse charges

Mar 13

Kalé Carey Anchor

By Kalé Carey (Anchor), Jodie Hawkins (Senior Producer), Shianne DeLeon (Video Editor)

Robert Morris, a former Texas megachurch leader, has been indicted in Oklahoma on five counts of child sex crimes dating back to the 1980s. This followed accusations from Cindy Clemishire, who alleged she was abused starting in 1982.
Morris resigned from Gateway Church in 2024 after Clemishire publicly accused him, and it was revealed that church leaders had knowledge of the abuse but did nothing.
The former pastor faces up to 20 years in prison per charge.

Full Story

The founder of a Texas megachurch who resigned last year amid sexual abuse allegations has been indicted in Oklahoma on child sex crime charges dating back to the early 1980s. Robert Morris now faces five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child.

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Last year, Cindy Clemishire publicly accused Morris of sexually abusing her starting in 1982, when she was 12 years old and Morris was in his early 20s.

At the time, Morris was a traveling evangelist in Oklahoma who had become close to her family.

Days after Clemishire’s allegations, Morris resigned from his position at Dallas-based Gateway Church.

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What did Clemishire say about coming forward?

Clemishire told The Dallas Morning Post in October 2024 that it took her years to realize what had happened to her was abuse and a crime.

In 2014, Morris admitted in a sermon he was “sexually immoral” as a young man.

In a statement on Wednesday, March 12, Clemishire spoke out.

“After almost 43 years, the law has finally caught up with Robert Morris for the horrific crimes he committed against me,” she said in the statement. “My family and I are deeply grateful to the authorities who have worked tirelessly to make this day possible and remain hopeful that justice will ultimately prevail.”

What did Gateway Church say about the indictment?

Gateway Church released a statement Wednesday.

“We are aware of the actions being taken by the legal authorities in Oklahoma and are grateful for the work of the justice system in holding abusers accountable for their actions. We continue to pray for Cindy Clemishire and her family, for the members and staff of Gateway Church, and for all of those impacted by this terrible situation.”
Gateway Church

Last year, an investigation revealed that several people at Gateway Church knew about the abuse allegation against Morris but didn’t do anything about it.

As a result, four leaders in the church were fired.

Morris could face up to 20 years in prison for each of the five charges.

His lawyers have not commented on the indictment.

Morris’ ties to Trump

Morris gained political notoriety over the last 10 years, having served on a faith advisory council during President Donald Trump’s first term and hosted Trump at Gateway Church in June 2020.

A spokesperson for Trump said in 2024 that Morris had not played a role in his 2024 presidential campaign.

Tags: Church, Indictment, Oklahoma, Religion, Sexual Assault, Texas

[Kale Carey]

THE FOUNDING MEMBER OF A TEXAS MEGACHURCH WHO RESIGNED LAST YEAR AMID SEXUAL ABUSE ALLEGATIONS HAS BEEN INDICTED IN OKLAHOMA ON CHILD SEX CRIME CHARGES DATING BACK TO THE EARLY 1980’S.

ROBERT MORRIS NOW FACES FIVE COUNTS OF LEWD OR INDECENT ACTS WITH A CHILD.

LAST YEAR, CINDY CLEMISHIRE PUBLICLY ACCUSED MORRIS OF SEXUALLY ABUSING HER STARTING IN 19-82 WHEN SHE WAS 12 YEAR OLD – AND MORRIS WAS IN HIS EARLY 20’S

MORRIS AT THE TIME WAS A TRAVELING EVANGELIST IN OKLAHOMA WHO HAD BECOME CLOSE TO HER FAMILY.

DAYS AFTER CLEMISHIRE’S ALLEGATIONS … MORRIS RESIGNED FROM HIS POSITION AT DALLAS-BASED GATEWAY CHURCH.

CLEMISHIRE TOLD THE DALLAS MORNING POST IN OCTOBER IT TOOK HER YEARS TO REALIZE WHAT HAD HAPPENED TO HER WAS ABUSE.

my counselor used to say I can remember her asking me when I was 28 or 29 have you ever been angry about this .. even when I told her the first time I think she was surprised I didn’t know it was a crime.

BACK IN 2014, MORRIS ADMITTED IN A SERMON HE WAS “SEXUALLY IMMORAL” AS A YOUNG MAN.

IN A STATEMENT WEDNESDAY, CLEMISHIRE SAID:

“AFTER ALMOST 43 YEARS, THE LAW HAS FINALLY CAUGHT UP WITH ROBERT MORRIS FOR THE HORRIFIC CRIMES HE COMMITTED AGAINST ME” … ADDING … “MY FAMILY AND I ARE DEEPLY GRATEFUL TO THE AUTHORITIES WHO HAVE WORKED TIRELESSLY TO MAKE THIS DAY POSSIBLE AND REMAIN HOPEFUL THAT JUSTICE WILL ULTIMATELY PREVAIL.”

GATEWAY CHURCH ALSO RELEASED A STATEMENT SAYING THEY ARE “GRATEFUL FOR THE WORK OF THE JUSTICE SYSTEM IN HOLDING ABUSERS ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS. WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR CINDY CLEMISHIRE AND HER FAMILY,

BACK IN NOVEMBER WE REPORTED ON AN INVESTIGATION REVEALING SEVERAL PEOPLE AT GATEWAY CHURCH KNEW ABOUT THE ABUSE ALLEGATION AGAINST MORRIS, BUT DIDN’T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT.

AS A RESULT, FOUR LEADERS IN THE CHURCH WERE FIRED.

MORRIS COULD FACE UP TO 20 YEARS IN PRISON FOR EACH OF THE FIVE CHARGES.

HIS LAWYERS HAVE NOT COMMENTED ON THE INDICTMENT.

MORRIS GAINED POLITICAL NOTORIETY OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS, HAVING SERVED ON A FAITH ADVISORY COUNCIL DURING PRESIDENT TRUMP’S FIRST TERM AND HOSTING TRUMP AT GATEWAY IN JUNE 20-20.

A SPOKESPERSON FOR TRUMP SAID LAST YEAR THAT MORRIS HAD NOT PLAYED A ROLE IN HIS 2024 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN.

FOR SAN, I’M KALÉ CAREY.

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Craig Nigrelli Reporter

U.S.

ICE touts nearly 33,000 migrant arrests in less than 2 months of new Trump term

Mar 13

Listen

Craig Nigrelli Reporter

By Craig Nigrelli (Reporter), Jake Larsen (Video Editor), Alex Delia (Senior Managing Editor)

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement released specific numbers of migrant arrests. Those figures show there were nearly 33,000 arrests in the first 50 days of the new Trump administration.
Those numbers would just about equal the number of migrant arrests during all of fiscal 2024 under the Biden administration.
ICE and the Department of Homeland Security allege that the Biden administration “cooked the books” and misled the public when it came to such arrests.

Full Story

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) released recent arrest numbers of suspected immigrants illegally in the U.S. The agency said it made 32,809 migrant arrests between Jan. 20 and March 10.

The new data was collected during the first 50 days of President Donald Trump’s new administration. These figures would nearly match the Biden administration’s 33,300 arrests for all of fiscal 2024.

What is the breakdown of the number of arrests?

Of those arrested, ICE said 14,111 are convicted criminals, 9,980 have pending criminal charges and at least 8,000 have immigration violations, for being in the United States illegally.

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What does ICE allege that the Biden administration did?

ICE, along with the Department of Homeland Security, said a review of their records found the Biden administration “cooked the books,” and “falsely inflated ICE arrest data.” They also claim the previous administration purposely misled the American public.

Officials claim Biden did this by categorizing some migrants as “arrests.” They said the Biden administration would process those migrants and then release them into the public.

ICE states that it is now trying to locate those who were released. Officials said those released include thousands of violent criminals and gang members.

On a conference call with reporters, acting ICE Director Todd Lyons said their core mission is to arrest people who violate immigration laws and the culture is changing to one of action and accountability.

What is the current status of detainees?

“Border czar” Tom Homan told Fox Business that ICE currently has 46,000 people detained and they are running out of beds. He said Homeland Security is in dire need of funding from Congress.

Tags: Department of Homeland Security, Deportation, Donald Trump, ICE, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Joe Biden, migrants, U.S. Customs and Border Protection

[Craig]

U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT, COMMONLY KNOWN AS ICE, IS OUT WITH NUMBERS FROM RECENT ARRESTS OF SUSPECTED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. THE AGENCY SAYS IT MADE 32,809 MIGRANT ARRESTS BETWEEN JANUARY 20 AND MARCH 10, WHICH WAS DURING THE FIRST 50 DAYS OF DONALD TRUMP’S ADMINISTRATION. THAT FIGURE WOULD MATCH THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION’S 33,300 ARRESTS FOR ALL OF FISCAL 2024.
OF THOSE ARRESTED, ICE SAYS 14,111 ARE CONVICTED CRIMINALS, 9980 HAVE PENDING CRIMINAL CHARGES AND AT LEAST 8000 HAVE IMMIGRATION VIOLATIONS,, FOR BEING IN THE UNITED STATES ILLEGALLY.
ICE, ALONG WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY SAID A REVIEW OF THEIR RECORDS FOUND THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION QUOTE – “COOKED THE BOOKS” AND “ FALSELY INFLATED ICE ARREST DATA” AND PURPOSELY MISLEAD THE AMERICAN PUBLIC BY CATEGORIZING SOME MIGRANTS, WHO WERE PROCESSED THEN RELEASED INTO THE PUBLIC, AS “ARRESTS”. ICE SAYS IT IS NOW TRYING TO LOCATE, THOSE RELEASED, SAYING THEY INCLUDE THOUSANDS OF VIOLENT CRIMINALS AND GANG MEMBERS.
ON A CONFERENCE CALL WITH REPORTERS, ACTING ICE DIRECTOR TODD LYONS, SAID “ WE HAVE RETURNED ICE TO ITS CORE MISSION, WHICH IS ARRESTING PEOPLE WHO VIOLATE OUR IMMIGRATION LAW. SECRETARY HOMAN AND I ARE CHANGING THE CULTURE OF ICE TO ONE OF ACTION AND ACCOUNTABILITY. “
BORDER CZAR TOM HOMAN TOLD FOX BUSINESS THAT IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT CURRENTLY HAS 46,000 PEOPLE DETAINED AND THEY ARE ON TRACK TO RUN OUT OF BEDS TO HOUSE THEM. HE SAYS HOMELAND SECURITY IS IN DIRE NEED OF FUNDING FROM CONGRESS TO CARRY OUT DEPORTATION PLANS AND THE CURRENT FUNDING WILL RUN OUT IN MATTER OF WEEKS.
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Ryan Robertson Anchor

Military

Poland wants US nuclear weapons to deter Russia, will Trump grant request?

Mar 13

Listen

Ryan Robertson Anchor

By Ryan Robertson (Anchor), Evan Hummel (Producer), Jack Henry (Video Editor)

Poland’s president is asking the Trump administration to put some of the U.S. nuclear arsenal in his country. It’s a move Moscow sees as provocation but Poland’s leader said it’s necessary to protect the country.
President Andrzej Duda told the Financial Times that it’s “obvious” President Donald Trump could send American nuclear warheads currently in western Europe and the United States to Poland.
Duda’s request is in line with his attempts to convince Trump to restart a nuclear-sharing project rejected by the Biden administration in 2022.

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Poland’s president is asking the Trump administration to put some of the U.S. nuclear arsenal in his country.

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It’s a move Moscow will certainly see as provocation but Poland’s leader said it is necessary to protect his country.

What did Poland’s president say?

President Andrzej Duda told the Financial Times that it is “obvious” President Donald Trump could send American nuclear warheads currently in western Europe or the United States to Poland. He said the action is needed because NATO’s borders have moved eastward since 1999.

“I think it’s not only that the time has come,” Duda said. “But that it would be safer if those weapons were already here.”

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Duda’s request is in line with his attempts to convince Trump to restart a nuclear-sharing project rejected by the Biden administration in 2022.

Why does Poland want US nuclear weapons?

The Polish president said it is ultimately up to President Trump whether to deploy U.S. nuclear weapons. However, he pointed out that Russian President Vladimir Putin did move tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus, which is an ally of Moscow and shares a border with Poland.

Duda’s request for nuclear weapons comes as Poland and other NATO nations are fearful a potential ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine could embolden Moscow, making it a bigger threat to their borders.

Who else could Warsaw turn to?

If the Trump administration or France ultimately says no to Duda, the United Kingdom could be another option. The U.K. is the only other nuclear power in Europe.

Tags: Andrzej Duda, Donald Trump, Moscow, NATO, Nuclear War, Nuclear Warheads, Nuclear weapons, Poland, Russia, Russia-Ukraine War, tactical nuclear weapons, Ukraine, Ukraine aid, Ukraine Defense Ministry, Vladimir Putin, White House

[RYAN ROBERTSON]

NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS IN UKRAINE, POLAND DOESN’T WANT TO BE INVADED BY RUSSIA EVER AGAIN. SO, ITS PRESIDENT IS ASKING THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TO PUT SOME OF THE U-S NUCLEAR ARSENAL IN POLAND.

IT’S A MOVE MOSCOW WILL NO DOUBT CALL A PROVOCATION BUT POLAND’S LEADER SAYS IT’S ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY.

PRESIDENT ANDRZEJ DUDA TELLS THE FINANCIAL TIMES IT’S “OBVIOUS” PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP COULD SEND AMERICAN NUCLEAR WARHEADS CURRENTLY IN WESTERN EUROPE OR THE U-S TO POLAND. HE SAYS THE ACTION IS NEEDED

BECAUSE NATO’S BORDERS MOVED EASTWARD SINCE 1999.

“I THINK IT’S NOT ONLY THAT THE TIME HAS COME” SAYS DUDA…” BUT THAT IT WOULD BE SAFER IF THOSE WEAPONS WERE ALREADY HERE.”

DUDA’S REQUEST IS INLINE WITH HIS ATTEMPTS TO CONVINCE TRUMP TO RESTART A NUCLEAR SHARING PROJECT REJECTED BY THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION IN 2022.

THE POLISH PRESIDENT SAYS IT’S ULTIMATELY UP TO THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT WHETHER TO DEPLOY U-S NUKES– BUT POINTS OUT RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN DID MOVE TACTICAL NUCLEAR WEAPONS TO BELARUS–A FIERCE MOSCOW ALLY THAT SHARES A BORDER WITH POLAND.

DUDA’S REQUEST FOR NUKES COMES AS POLAND AND OTHER NATO NATIONS ARE FEARFUL A POTENTIAL CEASEFIRE BETWEEN RUSSIA AND UKRAINE COULD EMBOLDEN MOSCOW, MAKING IT A BIGGER THREAT TO THEIR BORDERS.

DUDA ALSO ENDORSED HIS PRIME MINISTER’S SUGGESTION THE COUNTRY COULD TURN TO FRANCE FOR NUCLEAR ASSISTANCE…BUT STOPPED SHORT OF SAYING POLAND SHOULD BUILD UP ITS OWN NUCLEAR ARSENAL BECAUSE DEVELOPING WARSAW’S NUCLEAR CAPACITY WOULD “TAKE DECADES.”

IF THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION AND/OR FRANCE ULTIMATELY SAYS NO TO DUDA THE UNITED KINGDOM COULD BE ANOTHER OPTION… AS IT’S THE ONLY OTHER NUCLEAR POWER IN EUROPE,

FOR MORE ON THIS DEVELOPING SITUATION

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Ryan Robertson Anchor/Reporter

Military

US-led ceasefire in Ukraine ‘gives nothing’ to Russia, won’t sign deal

Published Mar 13 Updated Mar 13

Ryan Robertson Anchor/Reporter

By Ryan Robertson (Anchor/Reporter)

Russian President Vladimir Putin did not outright reject U.S. President Donald Trump’s ceasefire plan for Ukraine but is not ready to sign it. He said while the “idea” is correct, further discussions are needed.
Ukraine agreed to a 30-day ceasefire while securing a minerals deal with the U.S., leading President Trump to lift aid and intelligence suspensions. However, the Kremlin argues that the ceasefire proposal “gives nothing” to Russia in return.
The Kremlin’s demands remain unclear, but past statements suggest Russia wants to keep occupied Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, and keep Ukraine out of NATO.

Full Story

Russian President Vladimir Putin isn’t outright rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan for a ceasefire in Ukraine — but he isn’t ready to sign anything right now.

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Ukraine’s agreement and US involvement

First, earlier during the week of March 10, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy agreed to a 30-day ceasefire with Russia while signing the much-discussed minerals deal with the United States.

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In exchange, Trump lifted the suspension on U.S. aid and intelligence sharing to Ukraine.

Immediately after Ukraine announced it was willing to adhere to a ceasefire, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the ball was now in Russia’s court.

But Yuri Ushakov, a former Russian ambassador to the U.S., told Russian state media that the ceasefire deal “gives us nothing,” speaking about the Russian side of negotiations.

Why won’t Russia sign the deal?

The Kremlin’s current demands for ending the war aren’t fully known, but in previous statements, Moscow indicated it wanted to keep all the land in Ukraine it’s currently occupying, as well as Crimea, which it illegally seized in 2014. Previous demands from Moscow also included keeping Ukraine out of NATO and foreign troops off Ukrainian soil.

After traveling to Kursk wearing green camouflage fatigues, a rarity for the Russian president, Putin appeared at a joint press conference with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

Putin said he backs the “idea” behind the ceasefire deal the United States is proposing, but the details need to be worked out, and the root cause of the conflict needs to be addressed.

“The idea itself is correct, and we certainly support it,” Putin said. “But there are issues that we need to discuss. And I think we need to talk to our American colleagues as well.”

As of the publishing of this report, the White House has not responded to Russia’s non-acceptance of the ceasefire proposal. In terms of leverage over the Kremlin, President Trump did say there were financial levers he could pull that would be very bad for Russia if it didn’t agree to the ceasefire.

Many analysts say Putin is now in a position he was trying to avoid — which is appearing to be the obstacle to Trump’s peace plan.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Tags: Alexander Lukashenko, ceasefire, Donald Trump, Kursk, Marco Rubio, rare earth minerals, Russia, Russia-Ukraine War, Ukraine, Ukraine aid, United States, Vladimir Putin, Volodymyr Zelenskyy

[Ryan Robertson]

RUSSIA’S VLADIMIR PUTIN ISN’T OUTRIGHT REJECTING U-S PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP’S PLAN FOR A CEASEFIRE IN UKRAINE–BUT HE ISN’T READY TO SIGN ANYTHING RIGHT NOW.

LET’S START WITH WHAT HAPPENED EARLIER IN THE WEEK–WHEN UKRAINE’S PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY AGREED TO A 30-DAY CEASEFIRE WITH RUSSIA WHILE SIGNING THE MUCH DISCUSSED MINERALS DEAL WITH THE UNITED STATES. IN EXCHANGE, PRESIDENT TRUMP LIFTED THE SUSPENSION ON U-S AID AND INTELLIGENCE SHARING TO UKRAINE.

IMMEDIATELY AFTER UKRAINE ANNOUNCED IT WAS WILLING ADHERE TO A CEASEFIRE–U-S SECRETARY OF STATE MARCO RUBIO SAID THE BALL WAS NOW IN RUSSIA’S COURT.

BUT YURI USHAKOV–A FORMER RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR TO THE THE U-S–TOLD RUSSIAN STATE MEDIA THE CEASEFIRE DEAL DOESN’T INCLUDE ANYTHING FOR RUSSIA.

THE KREMLIN’S CURRENT DEMANDS FOR ENDING THE WAR AREN’T FULLY KNOWN–BUT IN PREVIOUS STATEMENTS MOSCOW INDICATED IT WANTED TO KEEP ALL THE LAND IN UKRAINE IT’S CURRENTLY OCCUPYING AS WELL AS CRIMEA WHICH IT ILLEGALLY SEIZED IN 2014. PREVIOUS DEMANDS FROM MOSCOW ALSO INCLUDED KEEPING UKRAINE OUT OF NATO, AND FOREIGN TROOPS OFF UKRAINIAN SOIL.

AFTER TRAVELING TO KURSK WEARING GREEN CAMOUFLAGE FATIGUES–A RARITY FOR THE RUSSIAN PRESIDENT–PUTIN APPEARED AT A JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE WITH BELARUSIAN PRESIDENT ALEXANDER LUKASHENKO.

PUTIN SAYS HE BACKS THE IDEA BEHIND THE CEASEFIRE DEAL THE UNITED STATES IS PROPOSING–BUT THE DETAILS NEED TO BE WORKED OUT AND THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE CONFLICT ADDRESSED.

“The idea itself is correct, and we certainly support it,” Putin said. “But there are issues that we need to discuss. And I think we need to talk to our American colleagues as well.”

AS OF PUBLISH TIME, THE WHITE HOUSE HAS NOT RESPONDED TO RUSSIA’S NON-ACCEPTANCE OF THE CEASEFIRE PROPOSAL. IN TERMS OF LEVERAGE OVER THE KREMLIN, PRESIDENT TRUMP DID SAY THERE WERE FINANCIAL ACTIONS HE COULD PULL THAT WOULD BE VERY BAD FOR RUSSIA IF IT DIDN’T AGREE TO THE CEASEFIRE. AND MANY ANALYSTS SAY PUTIN IS NOW IN A POSITION HE WAS TRYING TO AVOID–WHICH IS APPEARING TO BE THE OBSTACLE TO TRUMP’S PEACE PLAN.

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Ryan Robertson Anchor

International

Swedish crime ring sanctioned by US for Iran-backed violence

Mar 13

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Ryan Robertson Anchor

By Ryan Robertson (Anchor), William Jackson (Producer), Jack Henry (Video Editor)

The U.S. Treasury Department has sanctioned the Sweden-based Foxtrot Network, led by Rawa Majid, for illicit drug trafficking and violent attacks on Israeli and Jewish targets. Majid allegedly collaborated with Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security.
The Foxtrot Network orchestrated a January 2024 attack on the Israeli Embassy in Stockholm, classified as a terrorist act by Swedish authorities.
The U.S. sanctions seek to freeze assets linked to the network and Majid, prohibiting U.S. citizens and businesses from engaging with the group.

Full Story

The U.S. Treasury Department has sanctioned the Foxtrot Network, a Sweden-based transnational criminal organization, for its involvement in illicit drug trafficking and attacks on Israeli and Jewish targets in Europe.

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The sanctions also target the network’s leader, Rawa Majid, who allegedly collaborated with Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS). The Treasury Department states that Iran has increasingly used criminal groups like the Foxtrot Network to conduct covert operations.

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What attack did the Foxtrot Network allegedly carry out?

In January 2024, the Foxtrot Network reportedly orchestrated an attack on the Israeli Embassy in Stockholm. Law enforcement agencies indicated that Majid acted under orders from Iranian intelligence.

Swedish authorities classified the attack as a terrorist act after finding a “dangerous object” at the embassy. Previous reports also linked Iranian operatives to Swedish gang members recruited for violent acts against Israeli interests.

Who is Rawa Majid, and what is his role?

Majid, known as the “Kurdish Fox,” is a Swedish-Turkish dual national accused of leading one of Sweden’s most violent criminal organizations. According to reports, Iranian authorities arrested Majid and gave him the option to cooperate with MOIS or face imprisonment.

Charges
Published as provided by requesting entity
Instigation of exceptionally gross narcotics offence, instigation of gross narcotics offence, Exceptionally gross narcotics offence and exceptionally gross narcotics smuggling., Primary request, and the offences on which the detention order is based: Instigating attempted murder and instigating murder. Alternative requests 1-4: Aiding attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, aiding preparation to commit murder, aiding murder, instigating exceptionally gross assault and gross unlawful threat, aiding exceptionally gross assault and gross unlawful threat., PREPARATION TO COMMIT MURDER comprising CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT MURDER and INSTIGATING MURDER, Exceptionally gross narcotics offence and exceptionally gross weapons offence., — INTERPOL

U.S. officials say Majid chose to work with Iranian intelligence, strengthening ties between the criminal network and Iran.

What other crimes is the Foxtrot Network accused of?

The Foxtrot Network is one of Sweden’s most notorious gangs, known for drug and weapons trafficking, contract killings and violent attacks.

Authorities say the group regularly uses teenagers to carry out attacks and has contributed to Sweden’s rising gang violence. The network also reportedly traffics arms and drugs across multiple European countries.

How do the U.S. sanctions impact the Foxtrot Network?

The sanctions freeze all U.S.-based assets linked to the Foxtrot Network and Majid, prohibiting U.S. citizens and businesses from engaging in transactions with the group.

The sanctions are part of the broader U.S. effort to disrupt criminal networks supporting Iran’s destabilizing activities.

How has Sweden responded to the Foxtrot Network?

Sweden has faced increasing challenges in controlling gang-related violence. In recent years, the country has seen a surge in shootings and bombings.

The Swedish intelligence service Sapo previously warned that Iranian operatives had attempted to recruit Swedish gang members to carry out targeted attacks.

Tags: antisemitism, Crime, Iran, Islamic Republic of Iran, organized crime, Sanctions, Sweden, Trafficking, Treasury Secretary, U.S. Treasury Department

[Ryan Robertson]

A VIOLENT EUROPEAN CRIMINAL NETWORK WITH TIES TO IRAN IS NOW FACING U.S. SANCTIONS. THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT IS TARGETING SWEDEN’S FOXTROT NETWORK, ACCUSING THE GANG OF TRAFFICKING DRUGS AND WEAPONS, CONTRACT KILLINGS, AND AN ATTACK ON THE ISRAELI EMBASSY IN STOCKHOLM LAST YEAR.

THE GROUP’S FUGITIVE LEADER, RAWA MAJID, IS ACCUSED OF COLLABORATING WITH IRANIAN INTELLIGENCE.WHICH FITS WITH TEHRAN’S TREND OF USING CRIMINAL ORGANIZATIONS TO FURTHER ITS AGENDA IN EUROPE. AS SWEDEN GRAPPLES WITH RISING GANG VIOLENCE, U.S. OFFICIALS SAY THESE SANCTIONS WILL CUT OFF FUNDING TO THE NETWORKS FUELING THE INSTABILITY.

MAJID, ALSO KNOWN AS THE “KURDISH FOX,” REPORTEDLY COOPERATED WITH IRAN’S MINISTRY OF INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY AFTER BEING ARRESTED IN IRAN. HE WAS GIVEN A CHOICE BETWEEN COLLABORATION OR IMPRISONMENT.

SWEDISH AUTHORITIES CALLED THE israeli embassy attack A TERRORIST ACT AFTER DISCOVERING AN “explosive device” . THE INCIDENT FOLLOWED REPORTS IRANIAN OPERATIVES RECRUITED GANG MEMBERS IN SWEDEN TO CARRY OUT VIOLENT ACTS.

THE FOXTROT NETWORK IS ONE OF SWEDEN’S MOST NOTORIOUS CRIMINAL GANGS. AUTHORITIES SAY IT IS ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S LEADING DRUG TRAFFICKING ORGANIZATIONS AND REGULARLY USES TEENAGERS TO CARRY OUT ATTACKS.

THE U.S. SANCTIONS FREEZE ANY ASSETS CONNECTED TO THE FOXTROT NETWORK OR MAJID UNDER U.S. JURISDICTION AND PROHIBIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS WITH THEM.

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Bias Summary

The United States imposed sanctions on the Foxtrot Network, a Sweden-based gang linked to Iran.
The U.S. Treasury and State Departments also sanctioned Rawa Majid, the leader of the Foxtrot Network.
Sweden's Sapo intelligence service reported that Iran recruited members of Swedish gangs to commit acts of violence against Israeli interests.
The Treasury Department stated that the Foxtrot Network is a major drug trafficking organization contributing to violence in Sweden.

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Bias Comparison

Media outlets on the left emphasize the sanctions’ alignment with President Donald Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran, framing it as a broader national security issue.

Media outlets in the center highlight the Foxtrot Network’s role in drug trafficking, emphasizing its impact on Sweden, which may overshadow the international concision of the sanctions.

Media outlets on the right discuss the recruitment of gang members specifically to target Israeli interests, stressing the violent implications of Iran’s influence.

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Left

Left

Lean
Left

US Hits Iran’s Oil Minister and Shadow Fleet with New Sanctions

Bloomberg

US imposes sanctions on Foxtrot Network and Rawa Majid

svt Nyheter

Targeted Israeli facilities: US sanctions notorious Swedish gang with links to Iran

Ynet News

US sanctions Sweden-based Kurdish gang leader…

Rudaw Media Network

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Untracked Bias

U.S Freezes Assets Of Swedish Gang Linked To Iranian Government – The Zambian Observer

The Zambian Observer

USA innfører sanksjoner mot Foxtrot-nettverket

US imposes sanctions on Swedish crime network Foxtrot for cooperation with Iran

hnonline.sk

USA innfører sanksjoner mot Foxtrot-nettverket

dagsavisen.no

Targeted Israeli facilities: US sanctions notorious Swedish gang with links to Iran – Ynetnews

Bible Prophecy In The Daily Headlines

US sanctions Swedish drug gang tied to Iran that has attacked Israelis, Jews in Europe

tjvnews.com

U.S. Treasury Sanctions Swedish Gang Foxtrot Network for Ties to Iran – Iran News Update

Iran News Update

U.S. Penalties a Swedish Criminal Gang Accused of Acting on behalf of Iran · Global Voices

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Craig Nigrelli Anchor

International

Mexican cartel may be operating mass extermination center

Mar 13

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Craig Nigrelli Anchor

By Craig Nigrelli (Anchor), Evan Hummel (Producer), Michael Edwards (Video Editor)

A private volunteer group discovered mass graves, hundreds of personal belongings and secret crematoriums on a ranch in Jalisco, Mexico. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that her administration’s prosecutor’s office will investigate the matter.
Jalisco Gov. Pablo Lemus also vowed that the Mexican National Search Commission will work with state and federal law enforcement to investigate the mass grave site.
The nonprofit discovered the site on March 5 while trying to locate missing persons.

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Mexican authorities confirmed a private volunteer group’s discovery of mass graves, hundreds of personal belongings and secret crematoriums on a ranch in Jalisco, Mexico.

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President Claudia Sheinbaum ordered an investigation into the site Wednesday, March 12. Her administration’s prosecutor’s office will investigate the matter.

Jalisco Gov. Pablo Lemus also vowed that the Mexican National Search Commission will work with state and federal law enforcement to investigate the mass graves.

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Who discovered the mass grave?

A nonprofit group known as Warrior Searchers of Jalisco, which attempts to locate missing persons, discovered the mass grave Wednesday, March 5.

The group said an anonymous tip alerted the group to the area. The collective initially searched the site before authorities took over.

What did investigators find?

Warrior Searchers of Jalisco said it discovered human remains, three clandestine crematoriums, farewell letters and shell casings at the ranch.

Jalisco state authorities announced they recovered nearly 500 items, including clothing, backpacks and more than 400 pairs of shoes.

Mexican media dubbed the site an “extermination camp”. They reported the site may be a recruitment center connected to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, which the Trump administration recently designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).

How many people allegedly died at the site?

A member of Warrior Searchers of Jalisco said a woman who survived the camp told them up to 1,500 people may have died at the site. The woman also alleged organ trafficking took place at the site.

Why are some angry with authorities?

In September 2024, the Mexican National Guard raided the complex and detained 10 people. The team rescued a pair of kidnapping victims and found a body.

However, the agency has taken no further action at the site until now, following the collective’s recent discovery. This has led critics to accuse local authorities of collusion with the criminal operation.

Mexico’s attorney general stated that it is “not credible” for local police to have overlooked the ovens and human remains during previous searches.

Sheinbaum agreed with the attorney general’s comments following the announcement of her administration’s probe into the site.

How many people remain missing in Jalisco?

Jalisco is reportedly the Mexican state with the most missing persons, estimated at nearly 15,000 people.

Tags: Claudia Sheinbaum, corruption, Crime, Death, Donald Trump, Drug cartels, Gang Violence, Gun violence, Guns, Homicide, Investigation, kidnapping, Mexico, Murder

[CRAIG NIGRELLI]

AN INVESTIGATION IS BEING ORDERED AFTER MEXICAN AUTHORITIES CONFIRMED A PRIVATE VOLUNTEER GROUP’S DISCOVERY OF MASS GRAVES, HUNDREDS OF PERSONAL BELONGINGS AND SECRET CREMATORIUMS ON A RANCH IN THE JALISCO STATE.

PRESIDENT CLAUDIA SHEINBAUM ANNOUNCED WEDNESDAY HER ADMINISTRATION’S PROSECUTORS OFFICE WILL NOW INVESTIGATE THE MATTER.

JALISCO’S GOVERNOR ALSO VOWED THE MEXICAN NATIONAL SEARCH COMMISSION WILL WORK WITH STATE AND FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TO INVESTIGATE THE MASS GRAVES.

THE DISCOVERY WAS MADE LAST WEEK BY A NONPROFIT GROUP KNOWN AS WARRIOR SEARCHERS OF JALISCO WHICH ATTEMPTS TO LOCATE MISSING PERSONS.

THE GROUP SAYS THEY WERE ALERTED TO THE AREA BY AN ANONYMOUS TIP.

THE COLLECTIVE INITIALLY SEARCHED THE SITE BEFORE AUTHORITIES TOOK OVER.

WARRIOR SEARCHERS OF JALISCO SAY HUMAN REMAINS, THREE CLANDESTINE CREMATORIUMS, FAREWELL LETTERS, AND SHELLCASINGS WERE FOUND AT THE RANCH.

STATE AUTHORITIES LATER ANNOUNCED IT FOUND NEARLY 500 ITEMS, INCLUDING CLOTHING, BACKPACKS, AND MORE THAN 400 PAIRS OF SHOES.

MEXICAN MEDIA DUBBED THE SITE AN “EXTERMINATION CAMP” AND REPORT IT MAY BE A RECRUITMENT CENTER CONNECTED TO THE CARTEL JALISCO NUEVA GENERACION, WHICH THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION RECENTLY DESIGNATED AS A FOREIGN TERRORIST ORGANIZATION.

A MEMBER OF WARRIOR SEARCHERS OF JALISCO SAYS A WOMAN WHO SURVIVED THE CAMP TOLD THEM UP TO 15-HUNDRED PEOPLE MAY HAVE DIED AT THE SITE AND ORGAN TRAFFICKING TOOK PLACE THERE.

IN SEPTEMBER OF LAST YEAR, THE MEXICAN NATIONAL GUARD RAIDED THE COMPLEX AND DETAINED 10 PEOPLE WHILE RESCUING A PAIR OF KIDNAPPING VICTIMS AND FINDING A BODY.

AUTHORITIES, HOWEVER, TOOK NO FURTHER ACTION AT THE SITE UNTIL NOW WITH THE COLLECTIVE’S RECENT DISCOVERY, WHICH HAS LED TO CRITICS ACCUSING LOCAL AUTHORITIES OF COLLUSION WITH THE CRIMINAL OPERATION.

MEXICO’S ATTORNEY GENERAL SAYS IT’S “NOT CREDIBLE” LOCAL POLICE MISSED THE OVENS AND HUMAN REMAINS DURING EARLIER SEARCHES.

SHEINBAUM AGREED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S REMARKS AFTER ANNOUNCING HER ADMINISTRATION’S PROBE.

JALISCO IS REPORTEDLY THE MEXICAN STATE WITH THE MOST MISSING PERSONS, ESTIMATED AT NEARLY 15-THOUSAND PEOPLE.

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