US Embassy in Jerusalem to Close for Three Days as Tensions Rise
The US Embassy in Jerusalem will remain closed for the next three days, the State Department said, as speculation grows that the Trump administration may be on the verge of joining Israel's attack against Iran.
The decision includes consular sections in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, the Department said on X. It said there were no announcements to make about 'assisting private U.S. citizens to depart at this time,' suggesting that the US doesn't believe such a step is necessary for now.
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Yahoo
18 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Beloved American toy company sends harsh message to workers
Beloved American toy company sends harsh message to workers originally appeared on TheStreet. There's been considerable debate this year over tariffs. Proponents argue they're the best way to reinvigorate US manufacturing activity, while opponents say they're a costly tax that will push inflation higher and crimp profits, leading to job losses. The reality may wind up somewhere in the middle, but for increasingly more workers the tariff fallout is already taking a toll. The toymaker Hasbro, one of the largest U.S. toy companies, has announced it will lay off 150 workers in a cost-cutting move designed to offset some of the bite associated with increased import costs. Hasbro's decision continues an alarming trend of layoffs. Through May this year, over 696,000 people have been laid off, up 80% from last year. The move is the latest by Hasbro to keep its business in the black amid a host of challenges associated with tariffs impacting its bottom line. Many companies pulled some imports forward this year to avoid President Trump's tariff announcements. Still, that inventory is expected to have been mostly sold to customers soon, increasing the likelihood of layoffs and price increases. The President enacted 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico in February, but the tariffs placed on China have dealt the biggest blow to the toy industry in February, a 10% tariff was imposed on Chinese imports, which increased to 20% in March. In April, an additional 34% tariff was levied on China, kickstarting a trade war that, at its peak, lifted US-China tariffs to 145% and China tariffs on US goods to 125%; essentially shutting down trade between the two countries. In May, the tit-for-tat tariff tussle de-escalated to allow for trade negotiations. However, 30% tariffs remain on China, and coupled with tariffs enacted during Donald Trump's first term, Chinese tariffs exceed 50%. The tariffs will likely push costs higher on many items, given that the US has increasingly turned to low-cost China as a source of goods since China's admission into the World Trade Organization in 2001. Many industries, from clothing to car parts and electronics, have been hard hit, but toymakers are among those businesses that have suffered the most significant blow. According to S&P Global, Mattel and Hasbro source 50% and 40% of their toys from mainland China, despite moves in recent years to shift production elsewhere. Unsurprisingly, Hasbro discussed the impact of tariffs during their recent first-quarter earnings conference calls with shareholders.'Ultimately, tariffs translate into higher consumer prices, potential job losses as we adjust to absorb increased costs and reduced profits for our shareholders,' said Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks in April. S&P Global doesn't expect the toy industry to grow this year, so demand isn't likely to insulate Hasbro from the hit to its profit margin delivered by tariffs. Most companies have said that mitigating higher import taxes will require three major moves: supplier concessions, higher customer prices, and lower Q1, Hasbro said tariff impacts would range between $100 million and $300 million in 2025, with most of the effects felt during the final two quarters of 2025. After accounting for efforts to offset tariffs, Hasbro expects them to ding profits by $60 million to $180 million. Hasbro plans to shave $1 billion in costs over the next few years, including via job cuts. Since 2023, Hasbro has reduced its headcount by 1,900 workers. The latest round of cuts involves 150 workers, or roughly 3% of Hasbro's employees. However, the job losses aren't likely to fully absorb the tariffs hit. 'Targeted pricing actions remain likely,' said CEO Chris Cocks on Hasbro's conference call. 'Even with Hasbro's relative strength and flexibility, logistics are becoming more complex…Ultimately, tariffs translate into higher consumer prices, potential job losses as we adjust to absorb increased costs and reduced profits for our shareholders.' The layoff decision comes after Hasbro's consumer products revenue decreased 4% year over year to $398 million in the first quarter. The segment's adjusted operating loss totaled $31 million during the quarter. Among the bright spots helping Hasbro navigate the challenges are Magic: The Gathering, which saw sales soar 45% year over year in the quarter, and digital games. Most of Hasbro's Wizards products are produced in North Carolina and Texas, with the remainder from Kyoto, Japan. Monopoly Go! strength helped its Digital Gaming segment grow 56% in Q1. Net revenue in the first quarter was $887 million, up 17% from the prior year, while adjusted earnings per diluted share rose 70% to $ American toy company sends harsh message to workers first appeared on TheStreet on Jun 18, 2025 This story was originally reported by TheStreet on Jun 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
CBS News
18 minutes ago
- CBS News
Members of Maryland synagogue stuck in Israel as airstrikes continue
A group from a Baltimore County synagogue traveled to Israel hours before Iran airstrikes began. They remain stuck there amid ongoing tension between the countries. Nearly 50 people from Beth Tfiloh in Pikesville arrived just hours before the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv closed down due to "a special security situation" on Friday, June 13. Maryland rabbi in Israel during airstrikes "You're asleep at 3 o'clock in the morning, and you get an alarm. Just make sure you're near a shelter. Sometimes you hear the booms going on kind of around you," said Rabbi Chai Posner of Beth Tfiloh. "But then, like you get the all clear and you go, you go out. You go back to bed, or you go back to what you were doing. And today, outside, right in the courtyard of the hotel where we're staying, right outside our door, there was a wedding going on just really just beautiful and singing and dancing, and we've been doing our best to keep our group active and having fun." Tensions began to rise after Israel launched a wave of air strikes on Iran, targeting the country's military and nuclear infrastructure to try and rid it of weapons. Iran retaliated soon after, launching back-and-forth airstrikes that continued through the weekend. Officials confirmed Monday that 14 Israelis and 224 Iranians have died. Rabbi Posner said while it's scary and nerve-wracking, it's a trip he's thankful to be on. "We could do a tour of Israel anytime, and we'll do it again another time. But this was an opportunity to be a part of something historic, amazing," Rabbi Posner said. "They took care of some evil, evil people with some dangerous weapons. Nothing else was going to make it happen." President Trump would not comment on what it would take for the US to get involved in the conflict, but says he's hoping for a deal. However, he also said if any U.S. armed forces are hit by Iran, America will retaliate with "full strength and might."
Yahoo
19 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Washington waits on Trump's decision in Middle East conflict
Washington waited on edge Tuesday as President Donald Trump flew back to the White House and met with national security advisers to discuss the developing situation between Iran and Israel. Trump departed the G7 conference in Canada a day early as the conflict to rid Iran of its nuclear program intensified. Trump administration officials have insisted the U.S. is merely helping from a defensive standpoint at this time — even as evidence of a larger regional war, or potential U.S. involvement, continue. The president met with several top security officials in the Situation Room on Tuesday afternoon even as he continued to comment online about the conflict. His comments seemed to be making the case for more direct American involvement. On Monday evening, he criticized Iran for not signing a nuclear power deal, saying it was a shame and a 'waste of human life.' He declared Tehran should be evacuated 'immediately,' sparking panic in the Iranian city as millions tried to leave overnight. As of early Tuesday, he said he hasn't reached out to Iran to broker any 'Peace Talks,' and said that if Iran wanted to talk to him, they know how to reach him. The president later said that 'we' have 'complete and total control' of the skies over Iran. He said the country had good sky trackers and defense equipment, but it doesn't compare to American 'stuff.' He then said he knows where Iran's 'so-called 'Supreme Leader'' is hiding, calling him an 'easy target,' but said he won't be killed yet. 'Our patience is wearing thin,' Trump said with a warning about Iran targeting American soldiers. He later called for Iran's 'UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!' The series of posts come as questions grow over the U.S. getting involved in the conflict, with support for the move coming from some quarters and opposition from others. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said he ordered the deployment of additional defensive capabilities to the region, but didn't provide specifics. The military also moved a large number of refueling aircraft to Europe and the United States' Nimitz aircraft carrier, which can hold 5,000 people and more than 60 aircraft, Reuters reported. Vice President JD Vance backed Trump in a lengthy post of his own online. He said the president has been consistent in his view that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon and made it clear to the country that it could happen one of two ways: 'the easy way or the 'other' way.' He praised Trump for showing 'remarkable restraint' in keeping the military's focus on protecting U.S. troops and citizens. While Vance didn't explicitly say Trump would be taking the U.S. in a certain direction, his message signaled that he believes the president should be trusted. 'He may decide he needs to take further action to end Iranian enrichment. That decision ultimately belongs to the president. And of course, people are right to be worried about foreign entanglement after the last 25 years of idiotic foreign policy,' Vance wrote. 'But I believe the president has earned some trust on this issue. And having seen this up close and personal, I can assure you that he is only interested in using the American military to accomplish American people's goals.' 'Whatever he does, that is his focus.' Congress is divided over the possibility of the United States helping to target Iran's nuclear facilities, which Israel says can only be accessed using U.S. military equipment. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., filed a War Powers Resolution on Monday that would restrict President Donald Trump's ability to unilaterally authorize military assistance to the area without the consent of lawmakers. The resolution was filed as a privileged measure, meaning it must wait at least 10 calendar days before it can be brought to the floor. Kaine said on Tuesday morning he has not yet announced any co-sponsors for the resolution but 'I definitely have interest.' That action has been matched by the House after Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif, filed a bipartisan resolution to block U.S. involvement unless explicitly approved by Congress. 'This is not our war,' Massie said in a post on X. 'Even if it were, Congress must decide such matters according to our Constitution.' Meanwhile, the issue has divided Congress on whether the U.S. should get involved, with some lawmakers expressing support for Israel and for dismantling Iran's nuclear program while others are cautioning against any participation from the U.S. military. While many Democrats in the House — at least 14 have signed on to Massie and Khanna's resolution — support restricting Trump's war power, a handful are not so sure. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Penn., for example, who has positioned himself as a staunch ally of Israel, said the U.S. should engage in the conflict. 'Taking out Iran at this point, that's necessary if you ever have a chance to have any real peace in the Middle East,' he told Fox News on Tuesday. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., meanwhile, has maintained Israel's right to defend itself against attacks while arguing Iran cannot be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. On Tuesday, Schumer told reporters that Senate Democrats 'will not hesitate to exercise our authority' when it comes to approving military action if necessary. That sentiment is shared among several Republicans, especially among those who have praised Trump's leadership on the issue. Some lawmakers such as Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., have rejected arguments that the president needs congressional approval to authorize U.S. military involvement. But some aren't supportive, no matter what Trump and Vance have said. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., normally a staunch ally of Trump's, appeared to break with some of her Republican colleagues over the issue. 'War has bad consequences. We voted for America First,' she wrote.
