Thought of the Day Don’t cry over spilled milk.… Continue Reading
Yearly Archives: 2025
US-EU deal sets a 15% tariff on most goods and averts the threat of a trade war with a global shock
EDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) — The United States and the European Union have agreed to a trade framework setting a 15% tariff on most goods. President Donald Trump announced the agreement on Sunday after meeting with European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen in Scotland. This deal prevents higher import taxes that could have impacted global economies. Trump described the negotiation as beneficial for both parties. Von der Leyen noted the deal brings stability and predictability for businesses. The agreement includes major U.S. energy purchases and investments by the EU. Some strategic products will have zero tariffs, but details are still being finalized.… Continue Reading
Virginia Tech is reviewing claim that coach tried to lure NC Central player into transfer portal
BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) — Virginia Tech is looking into an allegation by North Carolina Central’s football coach that a Hokies assistant improperly tried to lure running back J’Mari Taylor into the transfer portal last season. Virginia Tech released a statement saying it was made aware of the allegation on Friday. ESPN reported that the allegation surfaced when N.C. Central coach Trei Oliver said he discovered a Virginia Tech assistant coach on the sideline for one of the Eagles’ 2024 games. Oliver said that assistant was trying to contact his running back. Taylor, a star RB, eventually transferred to Virginia.… Continue Reading
Renaming of military bases stirs debate over Confederate ties
More than half a dozen Army bases’ names were changed in 2023 because they honored Confederate leaders. Those same bases are reverting back to their original names, this time with different namesakes who share Confederate surnames. Critics of the latest name changes argue it undermines efforts to move away from Confederate associations. The issue has long split people who favor preserving an aspect of southern heritage and those who want slavery-supporting rebels stripped of valor. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s decision to restore the names is his latest move to align with Trump’s purging of diversity, equity and inclusion programs.… Continue Reading
Heat advisories and warnings issued for Southeast and Midwest as temperatures and humidity soars
The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories for the southeastern United States. The advisories cover areas from central Florida to Virginia through the weekend. Temperatures are expected to reach the upper 90s, with heat indexes between 105 and 110. Extreme heat warnings are in effect for eastern North Carolina and parts of South Carolina. Forecasters warn of dangerously hot conditions, with temperatures approaching 100 degrees in parts of the Carolinas. Over 30 million people could be affected. The Midwest is also experiencing extreme heat, with watches in place for Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota. Storms in Iowa have triggered flash flood warnings.… Continue Reading
Company involved in Coldplay KissCam drama hires Gwyneth Paltrow as spokesperson
BOSTON (AP) — A tech company whose CEO resigned after being caught on video at a Coldplay concert embracing another employee has hired Gwyneth Paltrow as a temporary spokesperson. The “Shakespeare in Love” and “Ironman,” star, who was previously married to the band’s frontman Chris Martin, appeared in a video on Astronomer’s X account Friday to announce her new role. The move follows the resignation of the company’s CEO Andy Byron and a human resources executive, Kristin Cabot, after they were caught cuddling on a KissCam at Coldplay concert in July. The video resulted in endless memes, parody videos and screenshots of the pair’s shocked faces.… Continue Reading
Comic-Con salutes James Gunn and gets first looks at ‘Coyote vs. Acme,’ and new ‘Star Trek’ forays
SAN DIEGO (AP) — The day three highlights at Comic-Con included a standing ovation from thousands for “Superman” director James Gunn, led by John Cena. Cena was in full costume at a panel on his HBO series “The Peacemaker,” part of Gunn’s take on the DC Comics screen universe. The day in Comic-Con’s vaunted Hall H also included a preview of Ryan Gosling’s forthcoming space adventure “Project Hail Mary.” And fans also get a sneak peek at “Coyote v. ACME,” a hybrid live-action and animated project featuring Cena. This film was shelved by Warner Bros., but it will now get a theatrical release.… Continue Reading
Crocosmia: From Sweet Melissa’s grandparents to your garden
We have enjoyed growing the very colorful Crocosmia-“montbretia” or “Coppertips”- a summer-blooming flower that reminds me of a miniature gladiola. Crocosmia grows from corms which are sort of like bulbs that store nutrients. Crocus, Dalias, Anemones, and Gladiolus do too. We have had them in our landscape for decades. This flower grew abundantly in Sweet Melissa’s grandparents’ landscape in Pittsboro and she transplanted a few bulbs to our yard. The few are now many. Melissa’s paternal grandparents, Marvin and Myrtle Reeves were special people. Everyone who knew them said so. That makes our crop of Crocosmia extra special.… Continue Reading
Crocosmia: From Sweet Melissa’s Grandparents to Your Garden
We have enjoyed growing the very colorful Crocosmia-“montbretia” or “Coppertips”- a summer-blooming flower that reminds me of a miniature gladiola. Crocosmia grows from corms which are sort of like bulbs that store nutrients. Crocus, Dalias, Anemones, and Gladiolus do too. We have had them in our landscape for decades. This flower grew abundantly in Sweet Melissa’s grandparents’ landscape in Pittsboro and she transplanted a few bulbs to our yard. The few are now many. Melissa’s paternal grandparents, Marvin and Myrtle Reeves were special people. Everyone who knew them said so. That makes our crop of Crocosmia extra special.… Continue Reading
Trump plays golf in Scotland while protesters take to the streets and decry his visit
EDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) — President Donald Trump has played golf at his course on Scotland’s coast while protesters around the country took to the streets to decry his visit and accuse United Kingdom leaders of pandering to the American. Trump and his son Eric played on Saturday near Turnberry, a historic course that the Trump family’s company took over in 2014. Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the U.S. Consulate about 100 miles away in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital. Protests were planned in other cities. While in Scotland, Trump is set to talk trade with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president.… Continue Reading