Times Union

The U.S. has closed its southern border again to livestock imports, saying that a flesh-eating parasite has moved further north in Mexico than previously reported. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum was critical Thursday, suggesting that the U.S. is exaggerating the threat to its beef industry from the parasite. The pest is the New World screwworm fly, and females lay eggs in wounds on warm-blooded animals. The larvae that hatch are unusual among flies for feeding on live flesh and fluids instead of dead material. Читать дальше...

Texas state Sen. Angela Paxton has filed for divorce from her husband, Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, after 38 years of marriage. She announced the decision Thursday with a social media post that said she is seeking a divorce on “biblical grounds” and citing “recent discoveries.” Angela Paxton had stood by her husband through years of legal troubles, including corruption investigations and a 2023 state impeachment trial that revealed he had an extramarital affair. Ken Paxton is a vocal Trump... Читать дальше...

A retired nurse, her son and a family friend say they were lucky to survive last week's flash floods in Texas that killed more than 100 people, including many summer campers. Jane Towler says she got a call at around 4 a.m. last Friday from a friend in a neighboring cabin telling her the Guadalupe River was rising quickly and to get to safety. Towler ran next door to warn her son, their family friend and the woman's young daughter. Videos Towler shot show how quickly the cottage filled with water... Читать дальше...

White House budget director Russell Vought is suggesting that Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is in violation of government building rules in the renovation of the Fed’s headquarters. Vought wrote a letter to Powell on Thursday calling the renovation plans “ostentatious” and suggesting that Powell misled Congress. It appears part of a larger pressure campaign by the Trump administration to pressure the Fed chair into departing before his term ends in May 2026. Powell has declined to reduce interest... Читать дальше...

Senate Republicans are rejecting an attempt to reverse a provision from their new tax law that changes the taxation of gambling winnings. Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada on Thursday sought unanimous passage of a bill that would roll back the gambling provision. But Republican Sen. Todd Young of Indiana objected, stalling the proposal for now. Under the new tax law, starting in 2026 individuals can only deduct 90% of their gambling losses up to the amount of their winnings. That’s a change from the previous rule... Читать дальше...

A federal judge in New Hampshire says he will certify a class action lawsuit including all children who will be affected by President Donald Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship and issue a preliminary injunction blocking it. The judge announced his decision Thursday after an hour-long hearing and said a written order will follow. He says the order will include a seven-day stay to allow for appeal. Plaintiffs originally sought to include parents as plaintiffs.

Tesla has scheduled an annual shareholders meeting for November, one day after the electric vehicle company came under pressure from major shareholders to do so. Billionaire Elon Musk’s company said in a regulatory filing on Thursday that the meeting will be held on Nov. 6. A group of more than 20 Tesla shareholders said in a letter to the company a day earlier that it needed to provide public notice of the annual meeting within 13 months of its last annual meeting. Texas law states businesses must... Читать дальше...

The vigil was held Wednesday evening to remember of the at least 120 people who died in the catastrophic flash floods over the July Fourth holiday.

Millions of U.S. workers who earn tips and overtime pay may be eligible for a federal tax break when they file their 2025 income taxes next year. But which workers will qualify for the new deductions is among the details the government has to work out. Under a spending and policy bill President Donald Trump signed into law on July 4, the U.S. Treasury Department must publish a list by Oct. 2 of occupations that qualify for tax-free tips. Restaurant servers, bartenders and hairdressers are expected to be eligible. Читать дальше...

Sticking to healthy snacks during workdays can be tough, especially with busy schedules and tempting treats nearby. Experts suggest focusing on snacks high in protein, like Greek yogurt or hard-boiled eggs, to stay fuller longer. Pairing proteins with complex carbs, such as crackers or fruit, provides both quick and lasting energy. Crunchy options like veggies with hummus, roasted chickpeas, or unsalted nuts can satisfy cravings. Preparing snacks in advance, like pre-sliced veggies or homemade smoothies, makes healthy choices easier. Читать дальше...