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by Lacey Pfalz Last updated: 11:35 AM ET, Thu June 26, 2025 WHY IT RATES: The nation’s marketing organization and its new America250 partnership will encourage travelers around the world to engage with the nation’s history and culture. — Lacey Pfalz, Associate Editor, TravelPulseAs the United States prepares to mark its 250th anniversary in 2026, Brand USA, the nation’s official destination marketing organization, and America250 today announced a strategic partnership to inspire international audiences to explore the nation’s rich history, heritage, and culture throughout the anniversary year. “Brand USA is proud to partner with America250 to showcase the significance of this historic…
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Professors and students at the University of Alabama testified on Thursday that a new an anti-diversity, equity and inclusion law has jeopardized funding and changed curriculum, as a federal judge weighs whether the legislation is constitutional before the new school year begins.The new state law, SB129, followed a slew of proposals from Republican lawmakers across the country taking aim at DEI programs on college campuses. Universities across the country have shuttered or rebranded student affinity groups and DEI offices. The law prohibits public schools and universities from using state funds for any curriculum that endorses or…
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized his former Fox News colleague Jennifer Griffin as “about the worst, the one who misrepresents the most intentionally what the president says” in a Pentagon news conference Thursday.Griffin, Fox’s chief national security correspondent, said that “I take issue with that” and defended her reporting on the U.S. bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities.Hegseth, a Fox News anchor before President Donald Trump appointed him defense secretary, repeatedly criticized the media and questioned its patriotism for its reporting on an initial assessment of the weekend’s bombing that questioned how much damage was done to Iran’s nuclear program.The attack…
Wind power has run into some headwinds, and not the kind that spin its turbines. Recently, President Trump has decided to wage war against the technology, an unwelcome bit of friction that coincides with rising costs in recent years. Onshore wind power went for $61 per megawatt-hour last year, according to Lazard, bucking a decade-long downward trend. “We have a lot of headwinds,” acknowledges Neal Rickner, CEO of wind startup Airloom Energy. But he also argues that his company, which takes a different tack, could emerge a winner if it can weather the next five years. “People are feeling the…
NEW YORK (AP) — Bill Moyers, the former White House press secretary who became one of television’s most honored journalists, masterfully using a visual medium to illuminate a world of ideas, died Thursday at age 91.Moyers died in a New York City hospital, according to longtime friend Tom Johnson, the former CEO of CNN and an assistant to Moyers during Lyndon B. Johnson’s administration. Moyers’ son William said his father died at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York after a “long illness.” Moyers’ career ranged from youthful Baptist minister to deputy director of the Peace Corps, from Johnson’s press secretary…
Flying with sustainable aviation fuel just became much more attainable for airlines. The International Air Transport Association (IATA), an industry group that represents 350 global airlines, has created a new online platform to match airlines with sustainable fuel companies. The new matchmaker platform is designed to streamline the complicated and expensive process airlines must endure in order to find a sustainable fuel provider that suits their needs. Air carriers can submit their requests on the platform, and fuel providers can then follow up with their supply details. When there’s a match, the companies can take their discussion offline to hammer out…
The Apple Sports app, launched last year, is introducing tennis coverage ahead of Wimbledon, along with a redesigned home screen experience, Apple announced on Wednesday. Users will now be able to access live tennis scores for Grand Slam and 1000-level tournaments and can track every point across all men’s and women’s singles matches. Fans can also stay updated on a player’s progress throughout tournaments and get results from every match from the first round through the finals. Apple says the revamped home screen experience is designed to make it easier for fans to follow their favorite teams and leagues. Events…
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The North Carolina legislature wrapped up the chief portion of its annual session Thursday, passing another Hurricane Helene aid package this week after Republican majorities pushed through divisive bills to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs and target transgender rights.Lawmakers in the ninth-largest state also fell short on completing their primary responsibility — enacting a two-year budget by July 1. There’s no risk of a government shutdown, and House and Senate negotiators will keep working to reach budget agreements. This and other legislation could be voted on when lawmakers return occasionally, possibly starting next month. More…
NEW YORK (AP) — The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences invited 534 new members to its organization on Thursday, adding recent Oscar nominees and many more to Hollywood’s most exclusive club. The newest class of Oscar voters includes a number of stars like Dave Bautista, Jason Momoa, Aubrey Plaza, Danielle Deadwyler and Andrew Scott. They, along with filmmakers, below-the-line professionals and executives will bring the film academy’s membership total to 11,120, with voting members numbering 10,143. That’s the largest membership ever for the academy. Since the #OscarsSoWhite backlash, the film academy has added thousands of members to swell…
by Sarah Kuta Last updated: 11:10 AM ET, Thu June 26, 2025 The new Viking Vesta has officially joined Viking’s fleet of sister ocean vessels.The company took delivery of its newest ocean ship at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona, Italy. The 499-stateroom ship, which can accommodate up to 998 guests, will spend her inaugural season sailing in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. “As we continue to expand around the world, we are pleased to offer curious travelers new options for exploring in Viking comfort,” says Torstein Hagen, chairman and chief executive officer of Viking. “We look forward to welcoming guests on…