US announces $1 billion in funding for critical minerals, materials sectors

US announces $1 billion in funding for critical minerals, materials sectors

(Reuters) -The Trump administration will make available $1 billion in funding to accelerate the growth of the U.S. critical minerals and materials sectors, the Energy Department said in a statement on Wednesday. The department will issue notices of funding opportunities to advance and scale mining, processing and manufacturing technologies in the critical minerals and materials supply chains, the statement said. (Reporting by Bhargav Acharya and Ryan Patrick Jones in Toronto)

byMario Satorik

in

August 13, 2025

US announces $1 billion in funding for critical minerals, materials sectors

US announces $1 billion in funding for critical minerals, materials sectors (Reuters) -The Trump administration will make available $1 billi...

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Democrats who fled Texas to block the GOP's redistricting effort plot their exit strategy

Democrats who fled Texas to block the GOP's redistricting effort plot their exit strategy

With Texas expected to end its first special legislative session Friday and immediately begin a new one, the dozens of Democratic legislators who fled the state to block Republicans' redistricting proposal are hammering out a plan for their return home. Texas Democrats met late into the night Tuesday then again Wednesday, including breaking into smaller groups, to discuss their next steps and what their ultimate exit strategy looked like after spending the last 10 days out of the state, according to four sources close to the talks. But those sources said the lawmakers do not yet have full consensus on an exit plan. "It's hard to get folks on the same page," said one of the sources, who was granted anonymity to speak candidly about internal party strategy. Still, there does appear to be agreement on one point: The Democrats won't come back to Austin until Republicans officially bring the first special session to a close. They're beginning to describe their ability to block Republicans from passing their new map that could net the party as many as five seats in the U.S. House during the first special session as proof of victory. Republican leaders in Texas have promised to call "special session after special session," and they need just a handful of Democrats to relent in order to achieve a quorum so they can move forward with their redistricting plan. In a sign of Democrats' limited options, the GOP-led state Senate was still able to pass the plan this week because Senate Democrats couldn't get their entire 11-member delegation to break quorum. So while it appears likely that Democrats will succeed in delaying the process enough to force a second special session, there is an acknowledgement among the caucus that their protest will need to come to an end some point soon. "From the get-go, they knew they were never going to stay out of Texas forever. People didn't expect them to. The goal that the smartest among them set was: We need to bring national attention to this issue so other states are ready to counter if Republicans really do this," one aide to a Texas House Democrat breaking quorum told NBC News. "They've done that. That's as much as anyone could expect — they are a minority in a legislature, but the entire country turned their attention to this issue. And the fact that California and New York are now considering redrawing their maps [in response to Texas] is a win," the aide continued. The aide added that while it's "hard" to strike a victorious message if Republicans ultimately enact the new maps, as expected, it's incumbent on Democrats across the country to drive the point home. "This is a communications battle. When you're in the minority, what you have is a bullhorn and an ability to draw attention to issues. Eventually, the majority will vote. That's democracy," the aide said. More than 50 Texas Democratic lawmakers have beenout of the state since the beginning of August, depriving state Republicans of the minimum number of lawmakers needed to consider legislation. Republicans have been clear that their plan is strictly about politics. State Sen. Phil King, a Fort Worth-area Republican who helms the chamber's special redistricting committee, said Tuesday before the Senate passed the plan that while his first objective for a new map is "that it be legal, the second objective is to support a plan that, simply put, elects more Republicans to the U.S. Congress." President Donald Trump has been similarly blunt,telling CNBC last weekthat his party is "entitled to five more seats." Democrats have pointed to those comments to justify their decision to abscond, arguing that the plan is a naked power grab that will also harm the representation of minority communities. As the quorum break has stretched on, lawmakers and their aides have begun to telegraph that they're considering an off-ramp — and setting the stage for what a victory lap might look like. The state House Democratic delegationreleased a statementTuesday that lacked specifics, but acknowledged an exit plan is being discussed. A new statement Wednesday revealed how Democrats are defining victory: "In keeping with our original promise to Texans, the First Called Special session will never make quorum again," state Democratic Caucus Chairman Gene Wu declared, before applauding how "blue states nationwide are mobilized and ready to act if Abbott moves forward." "Texas House Democrats will issue our demands for a second special session on Friday. Abbott can choose to govern for Texas families, or he can keep serving Trump and face the consequences we've unleashed nationwide," Wu added. Republicans have pointed out that the state Legislature has not been able to consider any legislation without enough Democrats present, including a relief package for the July 4 floods outside of San Antonio that killed 130 people. "Every hour you remain away is time stolen from those Texans in need. Each one of you knows that eventually you will come back, and we will pass the priorities of the special session," House Speaker Dustin Burrows said last Friday. "But with each passing day, the political cost of your absence is rising, and it will be paid in full." But Democrats have criticized Republicans for prioritizing the redistricting legislation. They argue that GOP Gov. Greg Abbott could narrowly focus a special session on flood relief before turning to redistricting or could even take action unilaterally. Texas Democratic strategist Luke Warford told NBC News in an interview shortly before the quorum break began that the true measure of success for Democrats will be about forcing Republicans to pay political consequences since they are in control of the Legislature. "The job of Democrats is to tell the story to people about what is happening, about how craven the Republican actions are, and about how they are trying to rig the system," said Warford, who started a group called the Agave Democratic Infrastructure Fund to help fund the party's ecosystem in the state. "Our job here is to slow things down, and make it hurt, and to tell the story to Texas voters," he added.

byMario Satorik

in

August 13, 2025

Democrats who fled Texas to block the GOP's redistricting effort plot their exit strategy

Democrats who fled Texas to block the GOP's redistricting effort plot their exit strategy With Texas expected to end its first special l...

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Chop Robinson injury update: Dolphins pass rusher carted off in joint practice with Lions

Chop Robinson injury update: Dolphins pass rusher carted off in joint practice with Lions

TheMiami Dolphinshave been waiting to get their pass rush to full health for some time. The team received yet another scare on that front on Wednesday. Edge rusher Chop Robinson was carted off with theDetroit Lionswith an undisclosed injury. Robinson said on his Instagram story afterward, "I'm good yall (sic) nothing serious." According tothe Palm Beach Post, which is part of the USA TODAY Network, Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and fellow edge rusher Jaelan Phillips attended to Robinson before the cart arrived. Robinson was hurt on a play in which he forced a fumble by Lions running back David Montgomery. Last season saw Bradley Chubb miss the entire campaign due while recovering from a knee injury suffered in December 2023, while Phillips was sidelined after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in Week 4. The latter also suffered a torn Achilles in November 2023. Robinson started just one game as a rookie after being selected with the No. 21 overall pick in last year's NFL draft, but he came on strong to close out his debut season. The Penn State product recorded six sacks in the Dolphins' final 10 games and finished fifth in voting for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Chubb, among others, envisioned big things for Year 2. "He's lights-out, man," Chubb said in July, according tothe Post. "His motor, the way he bends the edge, the way he could play the run – I know a lot of people in here say he couldn't play the run, (but he's) nothing short of phenomenal, man, and I'm excited to see him keep growing." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Chop Robinson injury update: Dolphins defender carted off in practice

byMario Satorik

in

August 13, 2025

Chop Robinson injury update: Dolphins pass rusher carted off in joint practice with Lions

Chop Robinson injury update: Dolphins pass rusher carted off in joint practice with Lions TheMiami Dolphinshave been waiting to get their pa...

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Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he survived a stage 4 cancer battle that lasted more than a decade

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he survived a stage 4 cancer battle that lasted more than a decade

Jerry Jones sometimes says too much about his Dallas Cowboys. His cancer battle for more than a decade remained a secret though. Jonestold the Dallas Morning Newsthat he beat stage 4 melanoma. The Cowboys owner's battle lasted more than a decade, he said, and included four surgeries. "I now have no tumors," Jones, who is 82 years old, told the Dallas Morning News. Jones told the Dallas Morning News the initial diagnosis came in 2010. Over the next 10 years he had four surgeries, two on his lungs and two on his lymph nodes. He credited the experimental drug PD-1 — short for Programmed Cell Death Protein 1 — for his recovery. "I was saved by a fabulous treatment and great doctors and a real miracle [drug] called PD-1 [therapy]," Jones said, via the Morning News. "I went into trials for that PD-1 and it has been one of the great medicines." In an episode of the soon to be released Netflix series "America's Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys," Jones mentioned having cancer treatments, leading the Dallas Morning News to ask him about it in an interview. Jones is the NFL's most visible owner, and his Cowboys are the most valuable sports franchise in the world. They're the first sports team to pass the $10 billion mark inForbes' annual survey. In 2017 — when, according to Jones, he was still fighting stage 4 cancer — he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Jones has no problem seeking out the media for attention on practically any matters regarding his team. But his long battle against cancer was out of the spotlight, until now.

byMario Satorik

in

August 13, 2025

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he survived a stage 4 cancer battle that lasted more than a decade

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he survived a stage 4 cancer battle that lasted more than a decade Jerry Jones sometimes says too much about ...

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Trump says he will host the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony

Trump says he will host the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony

President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that he would host this year's Kennedy Center Honors ceremony, his latest move to revamp the Washington, D.C., cultural institution in his image. "It's going to be a big evening. I've been asked to host," he said Wednesday as he was announcing this year's Kennedy Center honorees. Trump, who appointed himself chair of the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees earlier this year, said that he was reluctant to host when he was first presented with the idea. "I said, 'I don't care. I'm president of the United States. I won't do it'. They said, 'please,'" he said. "I didn't want to do it? OK? They're going to say, 'He insisted.' I did not insist. But I think it will be quite successful," the president added. The White House did not respond to questions about what Trump's role in hosting will look like, including whether that means he'll emcee the ceremony. Past hosts of the Kennedy Center Honors include Queen Latifah, who hosted last year, and David Letterman, who hosted in 2021. On Wednesday, Trump announced this year's Kennedy Center honorees, who include singer George Strait, actor and comedian Michael Crawford, actor Sylvester Stallone, singer Gloria Gaynor and the band Kiss. Since the start of his second term, Trump has often spoken about the Kennedy Center and the changes he hopes to make there. In February, heabruptly firedseveral Kennedy Center board members and installed himself as chair of the board. Ina post on Truth Socialat the time, the president wrote, "At my direction, we are going to make the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., GREAT AGAIN." "Just last year, the Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth — THIS WILL STOP. The Kennedy Center is an American Jewel, and must reflect the brightest STARS on its stage from all across our Nation. For the Kennedy Center, THE BEST IS YET TO COME!," he added. On Wednesday, Trump spoke about his February decision, saying, "We ended the woke political programming, and we're restoring the Kennedy Center as the premier venue for performing arts anywhere in the country, anywhere in the world." The president also previewed forthcoming construction at the Kennedy Center, telling attendees at Wednesday's event that "with the help of Congress, we secured the critical funding necessary to rebuild the building," adding that the seats in the venue would be replaced. "All of the seats will be taken out. The room is being completely rebuilt," Trump added. Trump has also boosted an effort by a group of House Republicans to rename the Kennedy Center after first lady Melania Trump — a move thatcould potentially violate the lawthat created the center in the first place. In a Truth Socialpostearlier this week announcing his Wednesday visit to the Kennedy Center, the president joked about the potential renaming, writing, "GREAT Nominees for the TRUMP/KENNEDY CENTER, whoops, I mean, KENNEDY CENTER, AWARDS. They will be announced Wednesday." Trump has also sought changes at other Washington cultural institutions, including the Smithsonian Museum. On Tuesday, the White Houseconfirmedit was conducting a review of the Smithsonian's museum exhibitions to make sure they align with Trump's view of history. Trump is also overseeing major renovationsat the White House, including the Rose Garden and the White House ballroom.

byMario Satorik

in

August 13, 2025

Trump says he will host the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony

Trump says he will host the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that he would host this year's Kenne...

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Trump says he is willing to meet Democratic leadership ahead of September funding deadline

Trump says he is willing to meet Democratic leadership ahead of September funding deadline

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he would be willing to meet with Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic House Minority leader Hakeem Jeffries ahead of the funding deadline at the end of September. "I will, I guess, but it's almost a waste of time to meet, because they never approve anything," Trump said. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal and Ryan Patrick Jones; Writing by Bhargav Acharya; Editing by Mark Porter)

byMario Satorik

in

August 13, 2025

Trump says he is willing to meet Democratic leadership ahead of September funding deadline

Trump says he is willing to meet Democratic leadership ahead of September funding deadline WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump...

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U.S. sprinter Fred Kerley to contest anti-doping provisional suspension

U.S. sprinter Fred Kerley to contest anti-doping provisional suspension

American Olympic-medal winning sprinter Fred Kerley is fighting his provisional suspension for violating anti-doping whereabouts rules. The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced the suspension on Tuesday. Three missed drug tests or whereabouts failures over 12 months are deemed to be a violation. According to the organization, a whereabouts failure occurs when athletes fail to provide, or update, their location to be reached for out-of-competition testing. The sanction is two years of ineligibility or a reduction to at least 12 months, depending on their level of fault. "(Kerley) strongly believes that one (or) more of his alleged missed tests should be set aside either because he was not negligent or because the Doping Control Officer did not do what was reasonable under the circumstances to locate him at his designated location," read a statement from the office of Los Angeles-area attorney Howard L. Jacobs. "Fred will not comment further at this time out of respect for the process, and looks forward to presenting his case to the appointed hearing panel." The statement was posted to Kerley's X account on Tuesday. Kerley won the bronze medal in the 100-meter at the 2024 Paris Olympics and a silver in the event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He also has won five total medals at the past four world championships in either individual or relay events. A 30-year-old Texas native, Kerley pulled out of the USA Track and Field Championships last month, citing a difficult year. "The 100m should be a straight sprint. 2025 has presented many hurdles. Taking some time out to get back on track. No USATF Champs this year. Thanks to all my supporters," he posted. Kerley was arrested in Florida in May and charged with touch or strike battery after his former girlfriend alleged he struck her in the face with a closed fist. At the time, his attorney told The Athletic that Kerley was arrested without a "thorough investigation." "Fred never battered anyone," Richard L. Cooper said in a statement to The Athletic. "We are focused on working with prosecutors to show that this arrest was a mistake and no charges should be filed. I am confident in that goal." --Field Level Media

byMario Satorik

in

August 13, 2025

U.S. sprinter Fred Kerley to contest anti-doping provisional suspension

U.S. sprinter Fred Kerley to contest anti-doping provisional suspension American Olympic-medal winning sprinter Fred Kerley is fighting his ...

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