Less reliance on the Middle East allowed the Obama administration to freely pivot to Asia while, at the same time, be more selective in its engagement in Middle East conflicts. Like it or not, the oil industry now has handed the Trump administration a great hold card. Had U.S. producers not ramped up production, would the Trump administration be pushing so hard against Iran and risk the 1 million barrels of oil per day that country exports? Similarly, since the U.S. is less dependent on Canadian natural gas, President Donald Trump is able to be less constrained in NAFTA negotiations. In a resource-abundant world, U.S. companies don't care as much about Russia, given the risks to operate there and the availability of less-risky oil and gas resources at home. Clearly, if the U.S. were more invested in Russian energy, the decision to impose sanctions may have been different.As America opens up a global natural gas market, it is able to press Germany to halt the building of a … [Read more...] about How booming U.S. oil production dealt Trump a hold card in foreign policy
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These U.S. resorts will make your next family reunion memorable
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By Shivani Vora The New York Times Sat., Sept. 15, 2018 Hosting family reunions is big business for a growing number of hotels. These properties provide families with private spaces where they can meet to socialize and event planners who can create itineraries that are packed with entertaining group activities. Choosing a hotel for a family reunion isn’t always a straightforward proposition, according to Mike Heflin, senior vice-president of the hotels division at Travel Leaders Group. “Many hotels aren’t suited to reunions,” he said. “It’s important to choose one that has lots of gathering spaces and offers families the services of an employee who can oversee their reunion.” Special events and lots of space in Hudson Valley, N.Y. One such property, Mohonk Mountain House, in New Paltz, New York, expects to host 138 reunions this year. Jenna Pena, the property’s family reunions manager, said that they tend to range in … [Read more...] about These U.S. resorts will make your next family reunion memorable
U.S. midfielder Tobin Heath’s time is here with World Cup looming
By Anne M. Peterson Published 3:32 pm PDT, Friday, September 14, 2018 PORTLAND, Ore. — Less than a year ago, Tobin Heath lamented that being injured was the “worst thing in the whole entire world.” Now healthy, the midfielder for the Portland Thorns and the U.S. national team looks like she’s having the time of her life. “I feel like it’s been nice for me to be out on the field for a while now,” she said. “I always try to get better and better and improve my game. I never feel like I’ve reached it. I’m also in a great place to find my best form here in Portland. I’m supported by amazing people, so I get the freedom to be able to grow and improve as a player because of the people around me.” Heath and the Thorns host a National Women’s Soccer League semifinal match against the Seattle Reign on Saturday. Portland went 12-6-6 this season to capture second place in the nine-team league, behind the … [Read more...] about U.S. midfielder Tobin Heath’s time is here with World Cup looming
U.S. rig count up 7, while Texas loses 3
By Rye Druzin Published 12:01 pm CDT, Friday, September 14, 2018 A drilling rig sits in the Delaware Basin portion of West Texas on acreage produced by Lilis Energy, which moved its headquarters from San Antonio to Houston in June. A drilling rig sits in the Delaware Basin portion of West Texas on acreage produced by Lilis Energy, which moved its headquarters from San Antonio to Houston in June. Photo: Lilis Energy / Photo: Lilis Energy / Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Image 1 of 1 A drilling rig sits in the Delaware Basin portion of West Texas on acreage produced by Lilis Energy, which moved its headquarters from San Antonio to Houston in June. A drilling rig sits in the Delaware Basin portion of West Texas on acreage produced by Lilis Energy, which moved its headquarters from San Antonio to Houston in June. … [Read more...] about U.S. rig count up 7, while Texas loses 3
Costly lead problems taxing schools across the U.S.
Lori Higgins Detroit Free Press Published 9:00 AM EDT Sep 14, 2018 Across most Baltimore City Public Schools, students haven't been able to drink from water fountains for a decade, ever since elevated levels of lead were found. But at Hampstead Hill Academy, a special kind of water fountain is keeping kids hydrated and giving parents a sense of security about the water their youngsters drink. At all six of these water hydration stations — which the Detroit Public Schools Community District is considering installing amid its current water crisis — filters weed out contaminants like lead and copper. Students can get a cool sip of water. Four are also outfitted with water bottle fillers. "Our school is a big fan of the fountains," said Principal Matt Hornbeck, whose school was not among those with elevated levels, but made the switch soon after the districtwide shutdown of drinking water. Across the United States, where concerns about the safety of drinking … [Read more...] about Costly lead problems taxing schools across the U.S.