Iran said on Saturday that the Strait of Hormuz is again closed to traffic following threats of such action if the U.S. continued its blockade of the shipping channel. Why it matters: The closure could be a setback to efforts toward a new round of negotiations on a deal to end the war and will add pressure to an already tense situation between Iran and the U.S. The latest: Fars, Iran's semi-official state news agency, first reported the closure, citing the ongoing blockade and quoting an Iranian official as saying that the U.S. "continue to engage in banditry and maritime piracy." - "As long as the United States does not agree to the complete freedom of navigation for vessels .... the situation in the Strait of Hormuz will remain…
An upcoming executive order is intended to accelerate research into the compounds’ efficacy in treating PTSD, depression and other mental health problems, officials said.
The foreign ministers of Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia met Friday on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey to discuss the efforts to reach a deal to end the war between the U.S. and Iran . Why it matters: This was the third such "quad" meeting since the beginning of the war. While Pakistan has been the main mediator and hosted last weekend's peace talks, Egypt and Turkey have helped push the negotiations forward behind the scenes. - A source with knowledge said the "quad" meetings are aimed at maintaining coordination between the three mediators and Saudi Arabia — the most powerful country in the Gulf, with significant influence on the Trump administration, and a key stakeholder in any future peace deal. -…
The competitive landscape for U.S. airlines is confronting seismic turbulence as energy price spikes wreak havoc on the industry. Why it matters: Rising fuel and labor costs are squeezing airlines — and pushing higher fares and fees onto travelers already facing economic uncertainty. The big picture: Airlines are entering a shakeout — with consolidation talk rising, the financial divide widening between the haves and have nots, and profit decisions impacting fees and service. State of play: United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has reportedly pitched a controversial mega-merger with American Airlines. - Spirit Airlines may be on the verge of liquidation, according to multiple reports , after filing for its second bankruptcy in less than…
One of the beauty industry's biggest headaches today isn't split ends or bad blending: It's the influx of bridal parties and other clients seeking 'dos from an AI fantasy . Why it matters: AI-generated content has inundated digital platforms and social media, often leaving makeup artists, hair stylists and others in client-facing roles to serve as the industry's reality checkers. Case in point: "I have to really dive deep into the consultation [with clients] to really let them know the clarity about this. This is a digital fantasy," says Angelina Murphy, a celebrity hair extension specialist and TV personality. - The proliferation of AI content creates unrealistic expectations for clients and an unfair dynamic for artists. - "This is…