Author: Lester Holt

Mitsotakis unveils comprehensive support for families and youth Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has revealed a €1.6 billion program aimed at countering Greece’s declining population. Addressing the Thessaloniki International Fair, he emphasized that the plan is designed to alleviate financial pressures on households and encourage young people to remain in the country. The package, set to take effect in 2026, includes broad income tax cuts, targeted assistance for larger families, reductions in property taxes in rural and island communities, and additional aid for pensioners and households facing high living expenses. Declining birth rates intensify demographic concerns The government’s move comes amid…

Regulators Say Google Skewed the Market The European Commission has levied a €2.95 billion fine against Google, concluding that the tech giant abused its leading position in online advertising. Authorities determined that Google gave priority to its own ad exchange and publisher platforms, limiting competition and narrowing options for advertisers and publishers. Company Has Two Months to Respond Brussels has required Google to submit a plan within 60 days detailing how it will end the anti-competitive practices. Officials warned that if the proposal falls short, they may pursue stronger measures, including the potential separation of parts of Google’s advertising business.…

September 4, 2025 — Washington, D.C. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was subjected to rigorous questioning Thursday during a Senate Finance Committee hearing. Lawmakers examined his vaccine policies, recent leadership changes at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and his history of controversial public health statements. Strong Opening Criticism The hearing began with forceful remarks. Committee Chair Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) criticized Kennedy’s persistent skepticism about vaccines, warning that such statements could jeopardize public trust. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) went further, calling for his resignation and describing his actions as a danger to public health. Senator…

Court Orders Grants Restored A Massachusetts federal judge has struck down the Trump administration’s move to eliminate more than $2.2 billion in federal research support for Harvard University. Judge Allison Burroughs issued the decision on September 3, requiring that the funds be reinstated and forbidding officials from cutting them off again. The frozen grants had placed crucial projects in science, health, and engineering at risk since the spring. Judge Points to Improper Interference In her 84-page ruling, Burroughs determined that the government’s action breached constitutional protections and administrative law. She found that the decision was politically motivated, tied to disputes…

Trump hails action as warning to drug traffickers President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that US forces had launched a lethal strike against a boat allegedly tied to Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua cartel, killing 11 people in the southern Caribbean. The incident took place in international waters, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio confirmed the vessel had sailed from Venezuela, describing the action as part of a broader campaign against cartel operations in the region. Trump outlines mission On Truth Social, Trump said: “This morning, under my direction, US forces carried out a kinetic operation targeting identified Tren de…

Rescue efforts slowed by landslides and damaged roads A powerful magnitude-6 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan late Sunday, killing over 800 people and injuring around 2,500, Taliban officials reported. Relief teams are struggling to reach remote mountain villages as landslides and collapsed roads block access. The quake’s epicenter was near the Pakistan border, with Kunar province sustaining the worst damage. Its shallow depth increased the intensity of destruction, while aftershocks continued into Monday, shaking areas as far away as Kabul, more than 100 miles from the epicenter. Hospitals overwhelmed by casualties Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the death toll is expected…

Court intervenes following urgent legal motion A federal judge in Washington, D.C., on Sunday issued an emergency order preventing the Trump administration from deporting a group of Guatemalan minors. The injunction was prompted by last-minute filings from attorneys who contended that the planned removals were unlawful. Ten minors involved, protections extend to all in custody The case centers on 10 unaccompanied children between the ages of 10 and 17, who lawyers said were hours from being flown to Guatemala late Saturday. Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan blocked the deportations for 14 days and directed that the children remain under the care…

Washington, August 30, 2025 — Senator Bernie Sanders has called on Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to resign from his post as U.S. health secretary, warning that his leadership is endangering the nation’s public health. Sanders Criticizes Kennedy’s Management In an op-ed for The New York Times, Sanders stated that Kennedy’s actions are putting Americans at risk and demanded his immediate resignation. He criticized the administration’s slogan, “Make America Healthy Again,” noting that Kennedy’s policies have undermined scientific guidance and weakened public health infrastructure. Sanders highlighted the recent firing of CDC director Susan Monarez and the resignation of four senior CDC…

Tesla Sees Sharp Drop Tesla’s European sales fell significantly in July, with registrations down 40% compared with the same month last year. The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) reported 8,837 Tesla vehicles registered across the EU, the UK, and the European Free Trade Association, down from 14,769 in July 2024. Despite updates to the Model Y, Tesla continues to face growing competition. BYD Experiences Rapid Growth BYD saw registrations climb to 13,503 last month, more than tripling the 4,151 units recorded a year earlier. Its market share rose to 1.2%, overtaking Tesla’s 0.8%. With competitively priced models and aggressive expansion…

Accelerated Delivery Boeing will provide 25 aircraft to the Irish budget airline ahead of the originally scheduled timeline. The 737 MAX jets, initially slated for delivery next spring, are now expected in October, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary announced on Wednesday. He praised the planes’ “high-quality construction” and said he anticipates quick certification from U.S. authorities. Boeing’s Persistent Challenges The manufacturer has faced ongoing scrutiny over safety and production issues. The 737 MAX was involved in several serious crashes due to technical faults, including one incident where a cabin door panel detached mid-flight. In response, U.S. regulators grounded the model and…