Latest news with #SanAntonioInternationalAirport
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
U.S. government accepts Qatar's gift of $400M luxury jet to use as Air Force One
May 21 (UPI) -- The United States on Wednesday formally accepted a luxury Boeing 747-8 jet valued $400 million from Qatar to convert as Air Force One, the Defense Department confirmed Wednesday. Afterward, President Donald Trump in the Oval Office called the gift "a great thing" and said Qatar handed over the plane "so they could help us out." Last week Trump announced plans for the gift from the Middle East nation to replace one of the 35-year-old Boeing jets used for the president. The Qatari royal family used the 13-year-old plane, and Trump examined it in February in West Palm Beach. It is now at San Antonio International Airport, the Express-News reported. Secretary of State Pete Hegseth "has accepted a Boeing 747 from Qatar in accordance with all federal rules and regulations," chief Pentagon spokesperson said in a statement to media, including The New York Times, The Hill and CNBC. "The Department of Defense will work to ensure proper security measures and functional-mission requirements are considered for an aircraft used to transport the President of the United States." The White House has said that the plane will be transferred to Trump's presidential library at the end of his term. The library hasn't been built yet, and Trump has denied plans to fly in the plane after leaving office. Democrats and some Republicans have said this amounts to bribery, and aerospace experts have said it would cost more than $1 billion to retrofit the plane for the president. The work, which will last a few years, would be done by Boeing. "Today marks a dark day in history: the President of the United States of America officially accepted the largest bribe from a foreign government in American history to the tune of a luxury $500 million 747 from Qatar," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said in a statement Wednesday. "This unprecedented action is a stain on the office of the presidency and cannot go unanswered." He has introduced legislation to bar any foreign aircraft from being used as Air Force One and to hold up political Department of Justice nominations. "The Constitution specifically says you can't take gifts from foreign leaders," Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., said on Fox Business Network on May 13. The U.S. Constitition's emoluments clause reads: "No Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State." But Trump has defended accepting the gift, saying it was not given to him. "I just want to say, it was a radical left story," Trump told Fox News in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, last week. "The people here, to show you how crazy it is, they would like me to pay a billion dollars." Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani on Tuesday said the gift was "done in full transparency and very legally." Last week while Trump was in Qatar, Boeing and GE Aerospace from Qatar Airways announced a $96 billion agreement to provide as many as 210 American-made Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777X aircraft, which are powered by GE Aerospace engines. In 2018 when Trump was president, the U.S. government signed a $3.9 billion contract with Boeing for two new Air Force One aircraft, VC-25B. Whenever the president flies on a jet, it is designated as Air Force One. Project overruns have hit $2.4 billion, and project is years behind schedule from a planned 2024 completion date. Boeing now says it can deliver them by 2027, which may been sooner than modifying the gift from Qatar. "We've also relieved some of the security requirements for the production facility for a period of time," Darlene Costello, the Air Force's acting acquisition chief, said during a House Armed Services subcommittee hearing earlier this month. "It will not be a permanent relief, but that has enabled Boeing to be more efficient and productive in assembling the aircraft and getting their mechanics to do the work."
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NBA》Popovich為聖安東尼奧貢獻良多 市議員提案機場以他為名
已經在馬刺隊連續擔任29個賽季總教練的帕波維奇(Gregg Popovich)，日前宣佈因為健康因素卸下職位，為了表揚這個為當地城市帶來無數榮耀的偉大教練，聖安東尼奧議員日前正式提案將當地國際機場以帕波維奇為名。 A City council member has filed a request to rename the San Antonio International Airport after Spurs president Gregg Popovich, calling his impact on the city "immeasurable." 👏 — NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 16, 2025 聖城議員培拉茲(Manny Pelaez)在提案中表示，波總對聖安東尼奧的影響力是難以估算的，將機場這個重要門戶以他為名，算是「恰如其分且具有永恆意義的致敬」。此外，還有議員提案將帕波維奇的生日1月28日訂為聖安東尼奧的「波總日(Coach Pop Day)」。 帕波維奇從1988年就成為馬刺隊助理教練，並於1996年正式接掌總教練，展開他長達29年的執教生涯，帕波維奇除了成為聯盟史上在單一球隊在位最久的總教練，例行賽累積1422勝也高居歷史之冠，馬刺隊在這段期間打下了5座總冠軍。 現年76歲的帕波維奇，在去年11月驚傳輕度中風，休養多月後在日前正式宣佈退位馬刺總教練，轉任球隊籃球營運總裁，日前他特別出席新任總教練強森(Mitch Johnson)的上任記者會，昔日子弟兵鄧肯(Tim Duncan)和吉諾比利(Manu Ginobili)也隨伺在惻，雖然帕波維奇的行動和言語不如以往俐落，還是不改幽默的表示：「我不再是球隊教練了，而是老大！」 'I'm no longer coach, I'm El Jefe'Señor Popovich, flanked by Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, passing the torch to Mitch Johnson today at the Rock #PorVida — Matt Roy (@MattRoy_TV) May 5, 2025
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Fitting tribute to Gregg Popovich: San Antonio Mayor proposes renaming airport in Coach Pop's honor
Image credit: Getty Images San Antonio Mayor Manny Pelaez has proposed renaming the San Antonio International Airport to Gregg Popovich International Airport as a fitting tribute to the longest-serving coach in NBA history. Gregg Popovich, popularly called Coach Pop, had been the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs for almost 30 years and finally retired this year due to health issues. The 76-year-old is known for his no-nonsense, military-style coaching and for delivering results few coaches have ever matched. San Antonio International Airport can be renamed Manny Pelaez said in a statement: "Coach Popovich's impact on San Antonio is immeasurable. He has not only brought unparalleled success and recognition to our city through his legendary coaching, but he has also become a deeply respected and admired figure within our community.' 'As our city continues to grow and welcome visitors from around the world through the San Antonio International Airport, we believe it would be a fitting and lasting tribute to dedicate this vital gateway in honor of Coach Gregg Popovich. Renaming the airport to 'Gregg Popovich International Airport' would serve as a constant reminder of his extraordinary legacy and the positive impact he has had on our city and beyond," he added. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Residents In South Carolina With Credit Card Debt Could Be In For A Big Surprise Weekly Financial Solutions Undo Popovich underwent extensive training in Air Force intelligence and was on track to join the CIA before taking a U-turn to pursue a coaching career in basketball. In a podcast with LeBron James, Steve Nash described the powerful influence of Coach Pop's presence during a game. Nash said during the Mind The Game podcast, "Was Pop a spy in the military? I'm serious. He spoke Russian. He came from the Air Force Academy. I think he was on his way to being an agent for the United States government—and you're trying to win a basketball game against him? I always felt like there was a little bit of a disadvantage, or a hill we were trying to climb, just Pop himself." Also Read: LeBron James, Steve Nash recall the effect San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich's presence had during a game Gregg Popovich continues to serve as President of Basketball Operations for the San Antonio Spurs. He stepped away from coaching recently after suffering a mild stroke last year and facing other health concerns. He led the Spurs to five NBA championships and achieved 1,422 career wins during his tenure. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Newsweek
15-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Qatar Speaks Out on Giving Plane to Trump
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A top Qatari official described the offer of a plane to President Donald Trump as a "government-to-government transaction" and not a personal gift as the US president visited the country in a high-profile Middle East tour. Newsweek has reached out to the White House for comment. Why It Matters Trump sparked ethical and legal criticism after considering whether to accept the offer of the Boeing 747-8 to serve as Air Force One. Qatar's proposal also adds a new twist to a $3.9 billion saga that began in 2018, when Boeing fell behind schedule on an agreed delivery of two new custom 747-8s—frustrating Trump. A Boeing 747 with the color scheme of planes used by the Qatari royal family is seen Friday, May 2, 2025 at San Antonio International Airport in San Antonio, Texas. A Boeing 747 with the color scheme of planes used by the Qatari royal family is seen Friday, May 2, 2025 at San Antonio International Airport in San Antonio, Texas. Brandon Lingle/The San Antonio Express-News/AP What To Know Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani told CNN's Becky Anderson there was no reason for uproar over the plane. The plane is estimated to be worth $400 million and the offer has drawn debate over whether it amounts to foreign influence, possibly violating constitutional restrictions on gifts to sitting presidents. The Qatari official dismissed accusations of buying influence, saying Qatar has been a reliable partner for the U.S. when needed, including in its war against terror, the evacuation in Afghanistan and releasing hostages from different countries in the world. Trump stated that the Boeing 747-8 would serve as the official presidential aircraft and, according to multiple reports, would be transferred to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation after he leaves office. Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have been selected as Trump's destinations for his first overseas trip since his presidential re-election with huge investments pledged from his Gulf partners. During the visit, Qatar signed a $200 billion deal to purchase 160 jets from Boeing. What People Are Saying U.S. President Donald Trump on Truth Social, Wednesday: "The Boeing 747 is being given to the United States Air Force/Department of Defense, NOT TO ME! It is a gift from a Nation, Qatar, that we have successfully defended for many years. It will be used by our Government as a temporary Air Force One, until such time as our new Boeings, which are very late on delivery, arrive." Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani told CNN's Becky Anderson in an interview: "I know there were a lot of speculation about this topic. I don't know what is the reason that instigates this. This is a very simple government-to-government dealing." What Happens Next With a decision yet to be made, potential investigations and legal challenges could be launched to the offer of the plane.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Wildfire ignites near San Antonio as powerful winds tear across Texas
ELMENDORF, Texas – A grass fire ignited southeast of San Antonio on Tuesday, as high winds and dry air coursed through Texas. Located in the San Antonio suburb of Elmendorf, the wildfire burned along Interstate 37, sending large plumes of smoke into the air. Videos shot Tuesday showed how much smoke the grass fire emitted, as it burned near homes. Nearby residents were evacuated Tuesday, as powerful winds in the area posed a high risk of the fire spreading. The National Weather Service reported wind gusts of at least 50 mph at the San Antonio International Airport. The agency noted that an extreme fire danger has been outlined for much of South-Central Texas. A Fire Weather Warning is in effect for the region, including San Antonio's home of Bexar County, until 9 p.m. local time. Sustained westerly winds of 25-35 mph are forecast with gusts of 45-60 mph. "Any fires that develop today will rapidly increase in size and intensity, will move quickly, and be very difficult to impossible control," the NWS said. How To Watch Fox Weather This is happening as the same powerful winds kicked up enough dust to make the skies over Dallas look more like article source: Wildfire ignites near San Antonio as powerful winds tear across Texas
