U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated on Wednesday that President-elect Donald Trump has a potential opportunity to negotiate with Iran, emphasizing that the development of a nuclear weapon by Tehran is not inevitable.
The Federal Reserve made its third consecutive interest rate cut on Wednesday, reducing its benchmark rate by a quarter of a percentage point. The move, widely anticipated by investors and financial markets, brings the federal funds rate to a target range of 4.25 percent to 4.50 percent. Since beginning its rate cuts in September, the Fed has now lowered rates by a total of 100 basis points, or one percentage point.
Congressional leaders revealed a stopgap funding bill on Tuesday to keep the government operational until March 14, setting off a race to pass the legislation by the end of the week.
With a federal shutdown looming on Friday, congressional leaders are in a race against time to pass a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government running. Key sticking points include farm aid and disaster assistance, with bipartisan negotiations at a standstill.
President-elect Donald Trump is looking to privatize the U.S. Postal Service, according to a report from The Washington Post. Sources familiar with the development told the publication that Trump discussed the matter with Commerce Secretary pick Howard Lutnick.
Travis Timmerman, an American detained in Syria for seven months, has been freed and flown out of the country by U.S. military forces. His release came after rebels overthrew President Bashar al-Assad’s regime and liberated thousands of prisoners, including Timmerman.
