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US pulls non-essential staff from Beirut embassy amid Iran tensions

The State Department is pulling out non-essential government personnel and their eligible family members from the U.S. embassy in Beirut, a senior State Department official said on Monday, amid growing concerns about the risk of a military conflict with Iran. "We continuously assess the security environment, and based on our latest review, we determined it prudent to reduce our footprint to essential personnel," said a senior State Department official, speaking on the condition of anonymity. "The Embassy remains operational with core staff in place. This is a temporary measure intended to ensure the safety of our personnel while maintaining our ability to operate and assist U.S. citizens," the official said. A source at the U.S. embassy said 50 people had been evacuated, while an official at Beirut airport said 32 embassy staff, along with family members, had flown out of Beirut airport on Monday. The U.S. has built up one of its biggest military deployments in the Middle East, with President Donald Trump warning on Thursday that "really bad things will happen" if no deal is reached to solve a longstanding dispute over Tehran's nuclear programme. Iran has threatened to strike U.S. bases in the region if it is attacked. "Should employees occupying emergency positions wish to depart post, please review alternative arrangements to fill the emergency position and consult with your regional bureau Executive Office as necessary," an internal State Department cable on the pullout seen by Reuters said. U.S. interests were repeatedly targeted in Lebanon in the 1980s during the 1975-90 civil war, during which the U.S. held the Iran-backed Hezbollah responsible for attacks including the 1983 suicide bombing against the U.S. Marines headquarters in Beirut that killed 241 servicemen and a 1983 suicide attack on the U.S. embassy in Beirut that killed 49 embassy staff. TALKS ON THURSDAY, DIVISIONS REMAIN Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is scheduled to travel to Israel on Saturday and meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was still planning to do that but "the schedule remains subject to change," the U.S. official said. The U.S. wants Iran to give up its nuclear program, but Iran has adamantly refused and denied it is trying to develop an atomic weapon. Washington views enrichment inside Iran as a potential pathway to nuclear weapons. Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Sunday that he expects to meet with Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff in Geneva on Thursday, adding that there was still "a good chance" of a diplomatic solution. Both sides remain sharply divided - even over the scope and sequencing of relief from crippling U.S. sanctions - following two rounds of talks, a senior Iranian official told Reuters. Citing officials on both sides and diplomats across the Gulf and Europe, Reuters reported on Friday that Tehran and Washington are sliding rapidly toward military conflict as hopes fade for a diplomatic settlement. On Sunday, Witkoff said the president was curious as to why Iran has not yet "capitulated" and agreed to curb its nuclear programme. It would be the second time the U.S. and Israel have attacked Iran in less than a year, following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes against military and nuclear facilities last June.

Mamdani Requires NYC Residents To Show ID To Shovel Snow

NYC Dems Require Residents To Show ID To Shovel Snow

Mondays With Maguire: Trump's Upcoming SOTU Address

Mondays With Maguire: Trump's Upcoming SOTU Address With Erin Maguire, Republican Strategist.

SCOTUS Ruling On Tariffs; Senate Rules, The Filibuster, & The 'Save America Act'

SCOTUS Ruling On Tariffs; Senate Rules, The Filibuster, & The 'Save America Act' With Mark Weaver, Constitutional Lawyer in PA and OH, former DOJ Spokesperson, author of the new children’s book God Bless America: 250 Years Strong (released 11/3/2025).

Trump Admin Pursues Other Legal Options To Continue Tariff Policy

Trump Admin Pursues Other Legal Options To Continue Tariff Policy With Shanker Singham, CEO of Competere, a former adviser to the British trade secretary and a former adviser to the U.S. Trade Representative.

Susan Rice Promises Agenda To Attack Those Who Worked With The Trump Administration

Trump says hospital ship headed to Greenland

President Donald Trump says he is working with Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry to send a hospital ship to Greenland. Trump made the announcement on social media, saying the vessel would help sick people who are “not being taken care of.” There has been no official confirmation from the White House, Denmark or Greenland on whether such assistance was requested or approved. The United States Navy operates two hospital ships, but it remains unclear which vessel could be deployed or when it might depart.

TSA suspends global entry amid government shutdown

The Transportation Security Administration says its Global Entry program has been suspended for the duration of the partial government shutdown. Officials cite staffing limitations as the funding stalemate over the Department of Homeland Security continues. The move comes as a major winter storm disrupts travel across the Northeast, with many Monday flights canceled and delays mounting at major airports. Global Entry allows pre-approved travelers to expedite the customs process when returning to the United States and includes TSA PreCheck benefits. Officials say TSA PreCheck remains in operation despite the suspension of Global Entry services.

Mexican Cartel Leader Killed In Military Raid

Mexico’s army says it has killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, better known as “El Mencho,” the alleged leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Troops targeted Oseguera during a military operation in the western state of Jalisco, triggering hours of violence across the region. Authorities reported roadblocks, burning vehicles and clashes as cartel members attempted to disrupt security forces. The U.S. Department of State had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his arrest. In February, the administration of President Donald Trump designated the cartel a foreign terrorist organization, intensifying pressure on the group. Officials say security operations remain ongoing as authorities work to stabilize the area.

US, Iran set third round of nuclear talks

The United States and Iran are scheduled to hold a third round of nuclear talks Thursday in Geneva, as tensions remain high over Tehran’s advancing nuclear program. The announcement comes as President Donald Trump warned that “really bad things” could happen if a new agreement is not reached. Iran has signaled it may be open to new concessions on its nuclear activities in exchange for relief from economic sanctions, while continuing to deny that it is seeking to build a nuclear weapon. U.S. officials say Iran has enriched uranium to near weapons-grade levels, raising concerns in Washington and among its allies. Key sticking points in the negotiations include uranium enrichment limits, Iran’s missile program and broader regional security issues.

Blizzard Slams East Coast, New York City At A Standstill

A powerful blizzard is hammering the East Coast, dumping heavy snow, unleashing strong winds and creating dangerous whiteout conditions across several states. Forecasters say some areas could see up to two feet of snow before the storm moves out. Coastal flooding is also a concern as high winds push water toward shorelines and batter vulnerable communities. In New York City, much of daily life has come to a halt. Roads are largely empty, public transportation has been disrupted and travel bans are in effect across parts of the region through noon Monday. Blizzard warnings remain in place as emergency crews work around the clock. Officials are urging residents to stay off the roads and remain indoors unless travel is absolutely necessary.

Trump says he'll raise tariffs to 15% after Supreme Court ruling

President Donald Trump said Saturday that he was raising the global tariff he wants to impose to 15%, up from 10% he had announced a day earlier. Trump said in a social media post on that he was making the decision “Based on a thorough, detailed, and complete review of the ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American decision on Tariffs issued yesterday,” by the U.S. Supreme Court. After the court ruled he didn’t have the emergency power to impose many sweeping tariffs, Trump signed an executive order hat enabled him to bypass Congress and impose a 10% tax on imports from around the world.

Law enforcement kills armed man seeking to enter Trump's Mar-a-Lago Resort

U.S. Secret Service and local police shot and killed a man armed with a shotgun early on Sunday after he breached a secure perimeter at President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, law enforcement officials said. Trump, who is currently in Washington, was not at the resort at the time. The man, who appeared to be in his early 20s, was carrying a shotgun and a fuel can, the U.S. Secret Service said, adding that he was observed at the resort's north gate around 1:30 a.m. EST (0630 GMT). Two U.S. Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County Sheriff's deputy confronted the man and ordered him to drop the two items, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said at a press conference on Sunday morning. The man put down the gas canister and raised the shotgun "to a shooting position," prompting law enforcement to open fire, Bradshaw said. The man was declared dead at the scene. No law enforcement officers were injured. Law enforcement officials did not reveal any information about the motive for the incident. The FBI has taken over the investigation and is collecting evidence from the scene, officials said. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The United States is facing a spike in political violence. In 2024, Trump faced two assassination attempts, including one at his golf course in West Palm Beach . Melissa Hortman, a Democratic state lawmaker in Minnesota, was shot and killed in June 2025 along with her husband. Months later, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was also assassinated.

U.S. Ice Hockey Team Claims Gold With Win Against Canada In Overtime

The United States ended their long wait for an Olympic men's ice hockey gold with a 2-1 overtime victory over Canada in a thrilling final on Sunday, with Jack Hughes' winning goal delivering their third title and first since 1980. The triumph comes exactly 46 years to the day of the famous U.S. 'Miracle on Ice' victory over the Soviet Union on the way to their last gold at the Games in Lake Placid. Almost inevitably, it came down to three-on-three play where Hughes collected a pass from Zach Werenski and coolly fired into the net one minute and 41 seconds into the extra period. The goal resulted in gloves, helmets and sticks flying over the ice as his teammates ran to smother the American hero. Billed as the showpiece match the ice hockey world wanted to see following the return of NHL players to the Games after a 12-year absence, the North American rivals did not disappoint, serving up a nerve-jangling classic. Matt Boldy put the U.S. ahead after six minutes with the Americans' first shot of the game and Canada levelled through Cale Makar to set up a nail-biting final period, after U.S. goalie Connor Hellebuyck made 40 saves over the 60 minutes. Finland, gold medalists four years ago, took bronze on Saturday with a 6-1 win over Slovakia.

Supreme Court vs. Trump

Supreme Court vs Trump

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