Steve Almasy

VFW commander blasts blocked Senate vote on key veterans bill as ‘procedural games’ Sen. Ron Johnson, who blocked the Major Richard Star Act from a full Senate vote, noted a sharp increase in the cost of veterans benefits since 2019.

Veterans advocacy groups expressed outrage over the Senate’s refusal for a second time to vote on the Major Richard Star Act, which would enable tens of thousands of medically retired wounded veterans to collect full retirement pay.

Epstein files: Howard Lutnick volunteers to testify to House committee Commerce Secretary Lutnick "has proactively agreed to appear voluntarily" before the House Oversight Committee, said Chairman James Comer, R-Ky.

Epstein files: Howard Lutnick volunteers to testify to House committee

Trump On Fence About Attending Ayatollah’s Funeral WASHINGTON—Carefully weighing the implications of his presence at a particularly tense moment in relations between Iran and the United States, President Trump told reporters Monday that he remained on...

“If I go, I think it’ll really make me look strong, like I’m fully in charge of this whole operation,” said President Donald Trump

BREAKING: OPEC+ announces production increase of 206,000bpd for April 2026 with next meeting April 5.

Average IRS tax refund is up 10.2%, based on early filing data The average IRS tax refund is up 10.2%, based on early filing data. Here's what filers need to know.

Average IRS tax refund is up 10.2%, based on early filing data

Core wholesale prices rose 0.8% in January, much more than expected

Core wholesale prices rose 0.8% in January, much more than expected

Oil at $67.83 highest level since August 1, 2025

@cnbc.com

Well, I hope he again scores in the Miami at Atlanta match.

Pam Bondi Dismissed Charges Against a Surgeon Who Falsified Vaccine Cards. It Emboldened Others With Similar Cases. A Utah surgeon’s victory in a vaccine fraud case has encouraged other “medical freedom” advocates to consider seeking leniency for similar charges. “This undermines every layer of the system that prot...

Dr. Kirk Moore did not deny giving fake COVID-19 vaccine cards and throwing out vaccine doses. “All that stuff is true,” he told @sltrib.com and ProPublica.

He also repeatedly made the unfounded claim that the vaccines were “bioweapons.”

(Published Dec. 2025)

Jeremy Carl, the Trump administration’s pick for a top State Department position, is unlikely to get the job after a bipartisan group of senators grilled him over his history of racist, sexist and reported antisemitic comments and posts. https://cnn.it/4bTErgb

“.. The increased struggle among low-income and young borrowers unable to pay their loans is consistent with elevated unemployment rates ..

“.. The jobless rate for workers 16 to 24 years old stood at 10.4% in December ..”

@bloomberg.com
www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...

Atlanta United Will Be Paid in Full After Winning Botafogo Almada Case Atlanta United has confirmed Botafogo will pay the full outstanding transfer fee, plus interest, for Thiago Almada’s 2024 move after the club prevailed in both FIFA Tribunal and CAS proceedings.

Atlanta United will be paid in full, plus interest, for Thiago Almada’s transfer after prevailing at FIFA and CAS.

Relief too for Botafogo fans, who can now see their club strengthen the roster with the ban lifted.

Story: www.soccerdownhere.net/post/atlanta...

Two CBP Agents Identified in Alex Pretti Shooting The two federal immigration agents who fired on Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti are identified in government records as Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa and Customs and Border Protection officer Raym...

BREAKING: The two federal immigration agents who fired on Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti are identified in government records as Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa and Customs and Border Protection officer Raymundo Gutierrez.

Artificial turf removed from Mercedes-Benz Stadium ahead of World Cup The artificial turf has been removed from Mercedes-Benz Stadium ahead of the World Cup. The installation of the grass is expected to be complete by March 7.

www.ajc.com/sports/2026/...

Jozy Altidore opening unique soccer training facility near Atlanta Former U.S. striker Jozy Altidore is opening Sogility, a tech‑driven soccer training center offering sessions for players of all ages and skill levels, in Fayetteville.

www.ajc.com/sports/2026/...

Atletico Nacional agree deal to sign San Jose's Chicho Arango: Sources

🇨🇴 BREAKING: Atletico Nacional has agreed deal to sign forward Chicho Arango from the San Jose Earthquakes, per sources

Arango wanted to leave for "personal reasons" despite signing new contract. Will be his 6th club since 2021.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...

Sources: USMNT, Orlando breakout talent Freeman seals move to Villarreal

💣🇺🇸 BREAKING: Villarreal has agreed to a deal to sign USMNT right back Alex Freeman from Orlando City, per sources.

Deal worth north of $4m plus another $3m in add-ons + sell-on clause.

Freeman was set to leave for free when contract expired end of year. www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...

Come work at The Athletic. We’re looking for a Braves beat writer. jobs.lever.co/theathletic/...

Mikaela Shiffrin wins last slalom before Olympics and locks up record ninth season discipline title Mikaela Shiffrin has locked up the World Cup slalom title with two races to spare and became the first skier with nine season titles in one discipline.

Mikaela Shiffrin has locked up the World Cup slalom title with two races to spare and became the first skier with nine season titles in one discipline.

In a stunning move, Duke filed a lawsuit against its own quarterback as college football's transfer portal breaks new ground. https://cnn.it/49WFeum

Judge tosses lines of NYC’s only Republican House seat, as state enters redistricting wars A judge has thrown out the boundaries of the only congressional district in New York City represented by a Republican, ordering the state to redraw the seat in what could result in a significant pickup for Democrats in the midterm elections.

A judge has thrown out the boundaries of the only congressional district in New York City represented by a Republican, ordering the state to redraw the seat in what could result in a significant pickup for Democrats in the midterm elections.

LA Galaxy in talks with St. Louis City over Klauss trade: Sources The pending move continues a busy offseason for the Galaxy and would open up a DP spot for St. Louis

🟡🚨 BREAKING: LA Galaxy in talks to acquire St. Louis City DP forward Joao Klauss, per sources.

Deal would be a cash trade around $2m.

Not done yet, still details to sort + green light from player needed, but talks ongoing.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...

Early retirees may be ‘cheating themselves,’ says 4% rule creator—they can likely withdraw more money each year Retirement researcher Bill Bengen has updated the classic 4% rule and says some retirees can safely plan to withdraw 4.7%, even in worst-case scenarios.

Retirement researcher Bill Bengen has updated the classic 4% rule and says some retirees can safely plan to withdraw 4.7%, even in worst-case scenarios.

The rule says it’s generally safe to withdraw 4% of a balanced portfolio annually, adjusted for inflation, for a 30-year retirement.

Food companies are targeting users of weight-loss drugs with 'GLP-1 Friendly' labels Meals and snacks with “GLP-1 Friendly” labels on the packaging are becoming more common as a growing number of Americans try obesity drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound to lose weight.

Meals and snacks with "GLP-1 Friendly" labels on the packaging are becoming more common as a growing number of Americans try obesity drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound to lose weight.

Netflix likely to adjust Warner Bros. Discovery offer to make it all-cash Netflix is likely to amend its offer for Warner Bros. Discovery's streaming and studio business after reaching an earlier agreement in December.

Netflix likely to adjust Warner Bros. Discovery offer to make it all-cash

D.C United near club-record deal for CFR Cluj forward Louis Munteanu The 23-year-old has two goals and five assists in 14 league appearances for the Romanian side.

🇷🇴 Sources: D.C. United is nearing a club-record deal to acquire Romania international forward Louis Munteanu from CFR Cluj.

Deal would be around $7m + add-ons to take total fee to $10m.

Not done but close.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...

D.C. United finalizing contract for Japanese left back/wing Keisuke Kurokawa, 28, from Gamba Osaka in J1 League, per sources. Deal through 2028-29, plus an option year.

Kurokawa's move to MLS/DCU first reported by Sponichi/Sports Nippon.

Done deal: Sean Johnson signs with D.C. United through June 2027 and becomes the starting keeper. Kim Joon Hong and Jordan Farr will battle for the No. 2 slot.

US inflation slowed to 2.7% in November, a welcome change for Americans weighed down by the persistently high cost of living.
https://cnn.it/4pK5Sgt

IRS releases health savings account expansion details under Trump's 'big beautiful bill' IRS releases health savings account expansion details under President Donald Trump's "big beautiful bill." What it means for ACA health plan enrollees.

IRS releases health savings account expansion details under Trump's 'big beautiful bill'