Facing pressure from investors concerned about lagging profits, BP announced a strategic shift, slashing renewable energy investments by over $5 billion and increasing oil and gas spending by approximately 20% to $10 billion annually. This decision, mirroring moves by competitors, prioritizes shareholder returns and increased oil and gas production, aiming for 2.3 to 2.5 million barrels per day by 2030. While BP maintains its net-zero ambition, critics argue this focus on short-term profits jeopardizes climate commitments and undermines the energy transition. The company plans to pursue capital-light partnerships in remaining renewable energy ventures.
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A Denver family was subjected to a SWAT raid in their apartment due to police error, resulting in the family being held at gunpoint and detained in a police car for an hour. The lawsuit alleges that officers, despite knowing the correct apartment number, wrongly raided the Shelton family’s home, violating their constitutional rights. The incident, captured on body camera footage, shows officers entering the family’s apartment while two young children were present, causing significant trauma. The family is suing under Colorado’s police reform law, seeking justice for the unlawful search and seizure and excessive force used against them.
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Following Russia’s invasion, President Macron stressed that any Ukrainian peace agreement cannot equate to surrender, a sentiment echoed by Ukrainian President Zelensky’s call for peace in 2024. Discussions between Macron and Trump centered on potential peacekeeping deployments, though disagreements remain regarding U.S. financial and military commitments. Trump expressed optimism for a swift resolution, potentially involving a deal granting the U.S. access to Ukrainian resources, while Putin showed increased openness to European involvement in negotiations. However, the U.S.’s recent alignment with Russia at the UN raises concerns about the future of Western support for Ukraine.
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In the early hours of February 26th, Ukrainian forces launched a coordinated drone strike targeting strategic Russian infrastructure. The operation, involving the AFU and HUR, successfully hit the Tuapse Oil Refinery in Krasnodar, causing significant damage and disrupting oil exports crucial to funding the Russian war effort. Simultaneously, military airfields in occupied Crimea were also attacked. These actions coincided with a large-scale Russian drone attack on Ukraine, resulting in civilian casualties.
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Oklahoma Senate Bill 364, seeking to ban corporal punishment for disabled students, faced opposition from Senator Shane Jett, who cited Proverbs 22:15 to argue against the bill’s alignment with scripture. Proponents, including Senator Dave Rader, countered that the bill ensures appropriate discipline for students with special needs, while prohibiting corporal punishment. Despite this opposition, the bill passed the Senate and now proceeds to the House. Currently, Oklahoma permits corporal punishment in schools, though a 2017 law and a 2020 Department of Education directive restricted its use on certain disabled students.
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President Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on European Union imports, citing the EU’s alleged intention to harm the United States. This action, targeting a wide range of goods including cars, follows similar threats against Canada and Mexico, though those tariffs have been repeatedly delayed. The EU, the US’s third largest trading partner, has vowed immediate retaliation if these tariffs are implemented. Economists and publications such as the Wall Street Journal have warned that such tariffs could negatively impact the US economy.
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A new hemorrhagic fever, causing rapid death (within 48 hours) from symptoms including fever, vomiting, and internal bleeding, has killed over 50 people in northwestern Democratic Republic of Congo since January 21st. The outbreak, with 419 cases recorded, started in Boloko village after three children consumed a bat. Tests have ruled out known viruses like Ebola and Marburg. Concerns remain regarding zoonotic diseases stemming from the consumption of wild animals.
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Rep. Maxwell Frost’s (D-FL) accusations that President Trump and Elon Musk are grifters led to a chaotic House hearing. Chairman James Comer (R-KY) threatened to have Frost forcibly removed for his repeated use of the term “grifter,” despite Frost’s attempts to rephrase his statements. The ensuing arguments involved multiple committee members and resulted in Comer barring Frost from further participation and ordering the offending remarks stricken from the record. Frost, however, continued to speak and was ultimately escorted from the hearing.
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Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is undertaking reforms at the FAA following recent air travel accidents, despite Musk’s apparent lack of understanding of basic flight operations. His recent questioning of a seemingly standard flight path highlights a potential lack of expertise in air traffic management. This comes after DOGE’s dismissal of numerous FAA employees, raising concerns about the safety implications of these personnel cuts. Simultaneously, SpaceX is poised to replace Verizon in upgrading the FAA’s IT systems, creating a conflict of interest. Experts caution against Musk’s approach, emphasizing the complexity and established safety protocols within the air traffic system.
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This article details the unique approach Melania Trump took to the role of First Lady. Rather than actively engaging in traditional first lady duties, she prioritized a more independent, less public-facing role. This unconventional approach sparked considerable debate and analysis regarding her responsibilities and public image. Her focus remained largely on personal initiatives and a limited set of public appearances. Consequently, her time as First Lady was characterized by a notable departure from the typical expectations of the role.
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John Q. Hosedrinker