Biden administration

US military’s pier in Gaza to cost $320 million

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US military’s pier in Gaza to cost $320 million

The U.S. military’s cost estimate to build a pier off Gaza for humanitarian aid delivery has risen to 0 million, involving about 1,000 U.S. service members. Senator Roger Wicker expressed concerns about the high cost and potential risks for troops. Israel’s military campaign in response to Hamas’ attack has caused a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Biden has ordered U.S. forces to stay off the Gaza shore, and aid will need to pass through Israeli checkpoints on land. The United Nations has appealed for .5 billion to meet urgent needs in Gaza.

Some US officials say in internal memo Israel may be violating international law in Gaza

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Some US officials say in internal memo Israel may be violating international law in Gaza

Some senior U.S. officials do not find Israel’s assurances about using U.S.-supplied weapons in line with international humanitarian law credible or reliable. The State Department is divided on this issue, with some expressing concerns about Israel’s actions in Gaza. The department must report to Congress by May 8 on the credibility of Israel’s assurances. Israel’s military conduct in Gaza has raised questions about potential violations of international humanitarian law. Biden has the option to suspend or put conditions on U.S. weapons transfers to Israel if needed.

Trump trial tests his campaign strategy of embracing bad publicity

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Trump trial tests his campaign strategy of embracing bad publicity

Donald Trump is facing a hush money trial in New York and is using the media attention to amplify his claims of persecution. He is meeting with foreign dignitaries at Trump Tower, making staged visits to locations like a convenience store in Harlem, and posting on his Truth Social platform. Despite the trial, Trump has not had any campaign rallies but is planning some in battleground states. The trial could carry political risks for Trump, as opinion polls show some Republican voters may turn against him if he becomes a convicted felon. The Biden White House is seeking to draw a contrast between Trump and Biden, with Trump accusing the trial of being a witch hunt on his social media platform. Foreign dignitaries have visited Trump at Trump Tower, and he has made efforts to engage in major issues like the war in Ukraine.

INSIGHT-As solar capacity grows, some of America’s most productive farmland is at risk

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INSIGHT-As solar capacity grows, some of America’s most productive farmland is at risk

Dave Duttlinger leased 445 acres of his Indiana farm to Dunns Bridge Solar LLC for a solar development project, despite concerns about damage to his land. The solar panels were installed on some of the most productive cropland classified by the USDA, impacting future crop potential. Solar energy firms argue that the industry’s use of farmland is minimal compared to the need for renewable energy to combat climate change. Indiana farmer Norm Welker found leasing his land for a solar project more profitable than growing corn due to low prices.

Legislation round-up: taxes, housing, employment … and more – NH Business Review

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Legislation round-up: taxes, housing, employment ... and more - NH Business Review

Fact: The second legislative session in New Hampshire is tackling many business-related proposals on the House and Senate floors.

Blinken says Gaza protests a hallmark of democracy, decries ‘silence’ on Hamas

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Blinken says Gaza protests a hallmark of democracy, decries ‘silence’ on Hamas

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken supports the protests at U.S. universities over the war in Gaza as a hallmark of American democracy. He criticized the “silence” about Palestinian militant group Hamas, urging critics to focus on them as the ones who sparked the conflict. Blinken met with Chinese officials to discuss their role in global crises, including calming tensions in the Middle East and discouraging Iran and its proxies from escalating the conflict. China is the main buyer of oil from Iran, which is under sanctions. They agreed to remain in regular contact on this issue.

President Biden’s Budget Calls for Raising $4.3 Trillion in Revenues Over Ten Years — Here’s How

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President Biden’s Budget Calls for Raising $4.3 Trillion in Revenues Over Ten Years — Here’s How

The Biden Administration released a budget proposal for the 2025 fiscal year that includes tax proposals generating .3 trillion over the next decade. The most significant proposals include increasing taxes on corporations and high-income taxpayers.

K-Battery Companies Worried about OECD’s New Global Minimum Tax Policy

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K-Battery Companies Worried about OECD's New Global Minimum Tax Policy

The global minimum tax policy imposes a minimum corporate tax of 15 percent on multinational companies with annual global revenue exceeding 1 trillion won.

Columbia extends protest deadline after students agree to dismantle some tents

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Columbia extends protest deadline after students agree to dismantle some tents

Columbia University students agreed to take down a significant number of tents set up on the school’s main campus as part of a protest against Israel’s incursion into Gaza. The university agreed to extend the deadline for the encampment to be dismantled, citing significant progress in negotiations. The protesters had demanded disclosure and divestment of financial holdings supporting the war in Gaza and amnesty for suspended students. Columbia also required that non-affiliated individuals leave campus and that all activities comply with fire safety rules.

Trump uses hush money trial to squeeze small donors, court big spenders

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Trump uses hush money trial to squeeze small donors, court big spenders

A fundraising group run by Trump has spent more than million on legal bills since the start of 2023.