Latest news with #BrianHughes
The Hill
6 days ago
- Health
- The Hill
Texas Senate passes bill targeting makers of abortion-inducing drugs
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Senate Bill 6, which aims to 'protect unborn children,' passed the Texas Senate on Tuesday. SB 6 would prohibit the manufacture, distribution, mailing, transporting, delivery and prescribing of abortion-inducing pills, as well as allow private citizens in Texas to file suit against people or companies that manufacture or distribute abortion-inducing pills in the state. Abortion is already almost totally banned in Texas. The bill was filed by Sen. Brian Hughes, R-Tyler. A similar bill passed the Senate during the regular session; however, it died in the House. 'The moms are victims here,' Hughes said. 'What we will go after with SB 6 is the manufacturers and the distributors of these drugs that are making them for the purpose of illegal abortions.' In response to the bill's passage, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said protecting life was a priority of his and the Texas Senate. 'We passed SB 6 … to ensure that abortion-inducing drugs are not distributed in Texas for the purpose of obtaining an illegal abortion,' Patrick said. 'The Texas Senate will continue passing this pro-life protection each legislative session.'
Mint
04-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
Google's EU search results could soon feature competitors first to avoid DMA fines: Report
Alphabet Inc.'s Google could propose a major overhaul of its European search results by giving greater visibility to competitors' shopping and travel services, in a move aimed at aligning with the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), according to a Bloomberg report. As part of the proposed changes, Google intends to introduce a prominent box at the top of its search pages, displaying ranked offerings from rival price-comparison websites. This box will likely allow users to either proceed directly to third-party sites, such as Expedia or or click on individual listings that lead to hotel or airline pages, the people said, speaking on condition of anonymity as the plans are yet to be made public, reported Bloomberg. You may be interested in Importantly, the most relevant site, as determined by Google's ranking algorithm, could be featured in the box, while a drop-down menu will offer links to other platforms, including Google's own comparison tools. In an alternative version of the interface, the company would show a basic list of direct links to shopping or travel providers beneath the main results. The proposed revamp is Google's latest attempt to placate EU regulators after the European Commission warned the tech giant in March that it was at risk of violating the DMA by favouring its own services, such as Google Flights, over those of its competitors. The Commission's concern stems from longstanding complaints that the firm uses its market dominance to suppress competition. Last year, Google lost a legal battle over a €2.4 billion fine levied by the EU for similar behaviour related to its shopping services, a case that has come to symbolise Brussels' tougher stance on digital monopolies. The DMA, which took effect in 2024, aims to prevent dominant tech firms from abusing their position. It prohibits companies from giving preferential treatment to their own services and restricts the merging of personal data across platforms. Violations can result in fines of up to 10 per cent of global annual revenue, or 20 per cent for repeat offences. Google has previously attempted to address the EU's concerns by expanding the number of visible comparison site links within its results for users in the bloc. However, critics argue that the company's own services still occupy prime positions, often ahead of its competitors. The proposed adjustments come amid a broader crackdown by Brussels on major US tech firms. Apple was recently fined €500 million over alleged anti-competitive practices in its App Store, while Meta Platforms was penalised €200 million for its 'consent-or-pay' approach to advertising on Instagram and Facebook. The EU's assertive regulatory campaign has drawn criticism from the United States. Brian Hughes, spokesperson for the National Security Council, described the fines as a 'novel form of economic extortion,' signalling rising diplomatic tensions during delicate trade negotiations. Former President Donald Trump had previously threatened broad tariffs on US trading partners, adding to the strain.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Multnomah County DA lobbies hard for retail theft budget
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The Portland Police Bureau joined the Multnomah County District Attorney's office to share the results of a large-scale retail theft bust in Portland last Friday. The operation turned up Portland Police said this large mission stretched from the Eastport Plaza in Southeast Portland to downtown, and up to Jantzen Beach. Along with the thousands in stolen property recovered, police seized two guns and a stolen car. PPB's Central Precinct Commander Brian Hughes said operations like these are about more than just safety in the stores. 'It has a ripple effect on prices, public safety, and neighborhood quality of life,' he said. 'These missions are part of our broader strategy to address crime and restore a sense of safety across Portland. And I think that's one of the things we did last Friday.' A grant from the helps fund these operations in the city of Portland. Hughes said the real difference maker is having a prosecutor and investigator from the DA's office on-site with them for these missions. 'They work with us in real time on these cases as they're moving forward, which is so helpful when officers have legal questions,' he said. 'There's a DA front and center ready to answer those questions and enables us to be more effective in the work that we do.' Bend man who threatened mass shooting was armed with AR-15, police say Looming budget cuts means uncertainty for the District Attorney's office. DA Nathan Vasquez has said proposed cuts to his office would mean losing a prosecutor dedicated to focusing on retail theft. 'You're not going to see the very coordinated, organized effort, at least from our offices, ability to do that. You're going to see gaps, and there are going to be people that fall through the cracks,' Vasquez said. 'And that's what I'm fighting every day, is to make sure that we are holding people accountable, particularly the ones that are having a large impact on our community.' When the budget was first released in late April, Vasquez wasted no time voicing his displeasure. At the time, Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson said in a statement that cuts to his office were some of the smallest in the county, and that The cuts come from a decision to not renew one-time funding. But Vasquez said the programs the money has gone towards are not one-time projects. 'It's really a need for an ongoing effort,' he said. 'You can't just hope that you stand up something and organize it, which we've done a tremendous job in that short period of time. But there's a lot more work to be done. And now's not the time to take our foot off the gas. We really need to continue fighting.' Vasquez said the work his office has done has shown that funding should be permanent, and he has provided information to county commissioners. The deadline to approve the county budget is June 12. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Stord acquires UPS specialty warehouse business for e-commerce logistics
Omnichannel fulfillment provider Stord has acquired Ware2Go, an on-demand warehousing and fulfillment network, from UPS, the companies announced on Monday. The deal gives the Atlanta-based startup an additional 21 e-commerce warehouses, with a total capacity of 2.5 million square feet of storage space, allowing it to expand much more quickly into new markets to meet growing demand from e-commerce brands. Stord has an extensive network of fulfillment centers concentrated in 11 major metropolitan areas. Stord, founded in 2015, serves as a one-stop shop for e-tailers, managing more than $6 billion of transactions from customers' online checkout to last-mile delivery and inventory management with a suite of warehouse management, order management and parcel transportation software. The Ware2Go acquisition follows the acquisition in recent years of Fulfillment Works, ProPack and Pitney Bowes E-commerce. Last week, Stord announced it has raised more than $200 million in Series E funding from several banks and venture funds, which valued the company at $1.5 billion.'We are in a unique period for e-commerce and retail as brands struggle to manage through shifting global trade policies. Even with macro uncertainty, e-commerce end consumers still expect rapid delivery, perfect order accuracy, easy returns, and more,' said Sean Henry, CEO and co-founder of Stord. 'This acquisition of Ware2Go is a strategic investment that expands our U.S. domestic footprint and capabilities while strengthening our partnership with UPS. This partnership will allow us to deploy our technology across the Ware2Go network, enhance offerings for our joint customers, and combine our scale to be one of the largest fulfillment networks in North America.' UPS (NYSE: UPS) launched Ware2Go in mid-2018 as a platform that matches a diverse range of smaller B2B and B2C e-merchants with available warehouse space. The business aimed at positioning inventory as close to end-users as possible so they can meet guaranteed one-to-two-day deliveries. Through its technology, Ware2Go identifies warehouse capacity that is close to merchants' end customers and vets warehouse operators. The network can scale quickly to meet a merchant's expansion needs. Service offerings include direct-to-consumer shipping, seller fulfillment for sales on Amazon Prime and retail-compliant B2B shipments. UPS, which is in the midst of major network consolidation and cost-reduction initiatives, said the sale of Ware2Go will allow the company to concentrate on its primary express parcel delivery and supply chain management businesses. 'Along with initiatives such as Efficiency Reimagined and the optimization of our U.S. Network, UPS continues to look at ways to provide the most value to customers. The strategic decision to sell Ware2Go allows us to put even greater focus on our core business. We are being selective in the markets we want to serve and intend to serve them better than anyone else,' said Brian Hughes, director of financial and strategy communications, in an email response. 'We look forward to strengthening our relationship with Stord and providing their customers access to UPS's end-to-end services and broad product portfolio.'Stord says it enabled nearly 1% of all Black Friday and Cyber Monday online sales in the United States and achieved record profitability last year. Customers include shower filter-maker Jolie, nonalcoholic beverage retailer and wholesaler The Zero Proof, oral wellness company Quip, and sunglass retailer Goodr. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Click here for more FreightWaves/American Shipper stories by Eric Kulisch. UPS to eliminate 20K jobs as Amazon decoupling accelerates DHL cuts ties with cargo airlines as efficiency initiative ramps up The post Stord acquires UPS specialty warehouse business for e-commerce logistics appeared first on FreightWaves.
The Advertiser
10-05-2025
- Politics
- The Advertiser
India and Pakistan agree to a ceasefire
India and Pakistan have confirmed a ceasefire deal after US-led talks to end a conflict between the nuclear-armed rivals. It follows weeks of clashes that were triggered by a gun massacre on tourists in April that India blames Pakistan for. It was their most serious confrontation in decades and left dozens of civilian dead on both sides. Earlier, US President Donald Trump revealed the two sides had agreed to a truce. "Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" he posted on his Truth Social platform. Brian Hughes, a spokesman for the White House's National Security Council, posted on X: @POTUS is a force for peace" over a link to Trump's online statement about a ceasefire having been agreed to, but offered no more immediate details. Both India and Pakistan confirmed the news. Ishaq Dar, deputy prime minister and foreign minister of Pakistan, said in a post on X: "Pakistan and India have agreed to a ceasefire with immediate effect. Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region, without compromising on its sovereignty and territorial integrity!" The ceasefire comes after foreign ministers of the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the US, alongside the high representative of the European Union, said they "strongly condemn the egregious terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 and urge maximum restraint from both India and Pakistan". Violent clashes between the two countries were sparked after gunmen killed 26 people, mostly Hindu tourists, in Indian-controlled Kashmir in April. India accused Pakistan of being behind the murders, which Islamabad denies. Kashmir has been a contested territory between Pakistan and India since 1947 and the neighbours each run part of the region but claim ownership of it all. with PA India and Pakistan have confirmed a ceasefire deal after US-led talks to end a conflict between the nuclear-armed rivals. It follows weeks of clashes that were triggered by a gun massacre on tourists in April that India blames Pakistan for. It was their most serious confrontation in decades and left dozens of civilian dead on both sides. Earlier, US President Donald Trump revealed the two sides had agreed to a truce. "Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" he posted on his Truth Social platform. Brian Hughes, a spokesman for the White House's National Security Council, posted on X: @POTUS is a force for peace" over a link to Trump's online statement about a ceasefire having been agreed to, but offered no more immediate details. Both India and Pakistan confirmed the news. Ishaq Dar, deputy prime minister and foreign minister of Pakistan, said in a post on X: "Pakistan and India have agreed to a ceasefire with immediate effect. Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region, without compromising on its sovereignty and territorial integrity!" The ceasefire comes after foreign ministers of the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the US, alongside the high representative of the European Union, said they "strongly condemn the egregious terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 and urge maximum restraint from both India and Pakistan". Violent clashes between the two countries were sparked after gunmen killed 26 people, mostly Hindu tourists, in Indian-controlled Kashmir in April. India accused Pakistan of being behind the murders, which Islamabad denies. Kashmir has been a contested territory between Pakistan and India since 1947 and the neighbours each run part of the region but claim ownership of it all. with PA India and Pakistan have confirmed a ceasefire deal after US-led talks to end a conflict between the nuclear-armed rivals. It follows weeks of clashes that were triggered by a gun massacre on tourists in April that India blames Pakistan for. It was their most serious confrontation in decades and left dozens of civilian dead on both sides. Earlier, US President Donald Trump revealed the two sides had agreed to a truce. "Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" he posted on his Truth Social platform. Brian Hughes, a spokesman for the White House's National Security Council, posted on X: @POTUS is a force for peace" over a link to Trump's online statement about a ceasefire having been agreed to, but offered no more immediate details. Both India and Pakistan confirmed the news. Ishaq Dar, deputy prime minister and foreign minister of Pakistan, said in a post on X: "Pakistan and India have agreed to a ceasefire with immediate effect. Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region, without compromising on its sovereignty and territorial integrity!" The ceasefire comes after foreign ministers of the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the US, alongside the high representative of the European Union, said they "strongly condemn the egregious terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 and urge maximum restraint from both India and Pakistan". Violent clashes between the two countries were sparked after gunmen killed 26 people, mostly Hindu tourists, in Indian-controlled Kashmir in April. India accused Pakistan of being behind the murders, which Islamabad denies. Kashmir has been a contested territory between Pakistan and India since 1947 and the neighbours each run part of the region but claim ownership of it all. with PA India and Pakistan have confirmed a ceasefire deal after US-led talks to end a conflict between the nuclear-armed rivals. It follows weeks of clashes that were triggered by a gun massacre on tourists in April that India blames Pakistan for. It was their most serious confrontation in decades and left dozens of civilian dead on both sides. Earlier, US President Donald Trump revealed the two sides had agreed to a truce. "Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" he posted on his Truth Social platform. Brian Hughes, a spokesman for the White House's National Security Council, posted on X: @POTUS is a force for peace" over a link to Trump's online statement about a ceasefire having been agreed to, but offered no more immediate details. Both India and Pakistan confirmed the news. Ishaq Dar, deputy prime minister and foreign minister of Pakistan, said in a post on X: "Pakistan and India have agreed to a ceasefire with immediate effect. Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region, without compromising on its sovereignty and territorial integrity!" The ceasefire comes after foreign ministers of the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the US, alongside the high representative of the European Union, said they "strongly condemn the egregious terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 and urge maximum restraint from both India and Pakistan". Violent clashes between the two countries were sparked after gunmen killed 26 people, mostly Hindu tourists, in Indian-controlled Kashmir in April. India accused Pakistan of being behind the murders, which Islamabad denies. Kashmir has been a contested territory between Pakistan and India since 1947 and the neighbours each run part of the region but claim ownership of it all. with PA
