Having all but tamed inflation, the Federal Reserve is poised to do something Wednesday it hasn’t done in more than four years: Cut its benchmark interest rate, a step that should lead to lower borrowing costs for consumers and businesses just weeks before the presidential election.
And yet an unusual air of uncertainty overhangs this week’s meeting: It’s unclear just how large the Fed’s rate cut will be. Wall Street traders and some economists foresee a growing likelihood that the central bank will announce a larger-than-usual half-point cut. Many analysts foresee a more typical quarter-point rate cut.
With inflation barely above their target level, Fed officials have been shifting their focus toward supporting a weakening job market and achieving a rare “soft landing,” whereby it curbs inflation without causing a sharp recession. A half-point rate cut would signal that the Fed is as determined to sustain healthy economic growth as it is to conquer high inflation. This week’s move is expected to be only the first in a series of Fed rate cuts that will extend into 2025.
High interest rates and elevated prices for everything from groceries to gas to rent have fanned widespread public disillusionment with the economy and provided a line of attack for former President Donald Trump’s campaign. Vice President Kamala Harris, in turn, has charged that Trump’s promise to slap tariffs on all imports would raise prices for consumers much further.
Over time, Fed rate cuts should lower borrowing costs for mortgages, auto loans and credit cards, as well as for business loans. Business spending could grow, and so could stock prices. Companies and consumers could refinance loans into lower-rate debt.
Chair Jerome Powell made clear last month in a high-profile speech in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, that Fed officials feel confident that inflation has largely been defeated. It has plummeted from a peak of 9.1% in June 2022 to 2.5% last month, not far above the Fed’s 2% target. Central bank officials fought against spiking prices by raising their key interest rate 11 times in 2022 and 2023 to a two-decade high of 5.3% to try to slow borrowing and spending, ultimately cooling the economy.
Wage growth has since slowed, removing a potential source of inflationary pressure. And oil and gas prices are falling, a sign that inflation should continue to cool in the months ahead. Consumers are also pushing back against high prices, forcing such companies as Target and McDonald’s to dangle deals and discounts.
Yet after several years of strong job growth, employers have slowed hiring, and the unemployment rate has risen nearly a full percentage point from its half-century low in April 2023 to a still-low 4.2%. Once unemployment rises that much, it tends to keep climbing. But Fed officials and many economists note that the rise in unemployment largely reflects an increase in new workers seeking jobs – notably new immigrants and recent college graduates – rather than layoffs.
Still, Powell said in Jackson Hole that “we will do everything we can to support a strong labor market.” He added that any “further weakening” in the job market would be “unwelcome.”
Some analysts have said that such a sweeping declaration suggests that Powell would favor a half-point rate cut. Other economists still think a quarter-point reduction is more likely.
At issue is how fast the Fed wants to lower interest rates to a point where they’re no longer acting as a brake on the economy – nor as an accelerant. Where that so-called “neutral” level falls isn’t clear, though many analysts peg it at 3% to 3.5%. Economists who favor a half-point reduction argue that the Fed’s key rate is much higher than necessary now that inflation is in retreat.
But others note that the Fed typically cuts its rate by a half-point or more only in an emergency. The last time it made an equivalent cut was in March 2020, when the pandemic paralyzed the economy. With consumers still spending and the economy likely to grow at a healthy pace in the July-September quarter, more cautious Fed officials can argue that there’s no rush to cut.
One hopeful sign is that as Powell and other Fed officials have signaled that rate cuts are coming, many borrowing rates have already fallen in anticipation. The average 30-year mortgage rate, for example, dropped to 6.2% last week – the lowest level in about 18 months and down from a peak of nearly 7.8%, according to the mortgage giant Freddie Mac. Other rates, like the yield on the five-year Treasury note, which influences auto loan rates, have also tumbled.
A new full moon is arriving in September, also known as “harvest moon” as summer comes to a close and fall is making its entrance.
Celebrity astrologer Kyle Thomas, who is known for his cosmic guidance among celebrities, businesses and online influencers, spoke to “Good Morning America” about the best ways to take advantage of this powerful and emotional lunar event.
In collaboration with J. Paul Getty Museum, Thomas will be participating in Getty’s “Rising Signs: The Medieval Science of Astrology” exhibition during which he will be part of a panel in an online conversation on Oct. 3 to discuss the connection between medieval astrology and popular contemporary practice. Learn more about the event here.
But first, let’s break down the meaning of the harvest moon.
When can you see the full harvest moon?
The full moon will reach peak illumination in the United States on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 10:35 PM E.T., according to NASA.
The moon will appear full for about three days, from Monday evening through Thursday morning, the agency said, adding that this full moon will also feature a partial lunar eclipse.
What is lunar eclipse?
Lunar eclipse is a natural phenomenon that occurs when the Earth passes between the sun and the moon. This causes the Earth’s shadow to fall on the moon, making it appear darkened and reddish.
For this particular event that takes place during the harvest moon, the moon will start entering the Earth’s partial shadow at 8:41 PM E.T., and the full shadow at 10:13 PM, according to NASA.
The moon will finish exiting the full shadow at 11:16 PM and the partial shadow on Wednesday morning at 12:47 AM.
The harvest moon is also a supermoon
This year’s full moon in September is also referred to as a supermoon, which occurs when a moon is at or near the closest point in its orbit, causing the harvest moon to look dramatically more radiant and larger than usual.
Why is it called the harvest moon?
The Old Farmer’s Almanac, which first began publishing the names for the full moons in the 1930s, states the full moon was named the harvest moon because for several evenings, the moon rises shortly after sunset, resulting in an overflow of bright moonlight soon after dusk.
This period became a customary aid to farmers during crop gathering.
The harvest moon can take place in September or October depending on its proximity to the autumnal equinox.
Another full moon that could also occur in September is known as corn moon which represents the period for gathering main staple crops of corn, pumpkins, squash, beans, and wild rice, according to NASA.
What zodiac sign is harvest moon in September?
The zodiac sign for each full moon is determined by where the moon is positioned in the night sky relative to the different astrological signs. Each year, the moon will shift, resulting in different characteristics surrounding the moon, according to Thomas.
This year, the harvest moon is a lunar eclipse in Pisces, a water sign and the 12th and last zodiac on the wheel. It’s on the opposite Axis from the earth sign, Virgo.
“This means that both zodiac signs hold ties to our health – physical or mental – as well the physical or spiritual world,” Thomas said. “This duality grounds us in the practical while also opening us up to the divine, as well.”
Rituals and manifestations to try during the harvest moon
Many ancient cultures and religions celebrate celestial cycles, including finding ways to honor and harness the power of the full moon.
To make the best use of this intense energy, many astrologers believe that a full moon is a great time to manifest your dreams.
Thomas said it is never encouraged to manifest during an eclipse moon due to the energy being “incredibly chaotic, intense and high-powered.”
“Lunar eclipses are three times more powerful and emotional than full moons,” he added.
Thomas recommended asking questions of yourself and the universe to be an even more effective way of engaging this energy.
Potential meditations, mantras or journal prompts:
How can I surrender to the flow of the universe?
How can I trust the natural rhythm of life and move gracefully?
How can I release my fears, inhibitions, traumas, and addictions?
How can I lift my spirit to its highest vibration?
Astrology horoscope for the harvest moon for your zodiac sign
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Relax and recharge, Aries!
“This lunation could help you to truly tap into your innate psychic abilities and intuition,” Thomas said. “Listen to what the universe is telling you.”
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Get out and mingle, Taurus!
“You’ll likely be surrounded by many friends, fans or followers!” according to Thomas who added, “this lunation spotlights your social network and connections, so you could be attending a milestone event or even meeting many new people.”
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
The sky’s the limit, Gemini!
“Get ready to soar higher toward the stars!” Thomas explained. “This lunation spotlights your professional world and could bring a promotion, award, accolade or new job offer. Hustle hard at this time; you’ll get very far now.”
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Broaden your horizon, Cancer!
“As the lunation arrives, you could be propelled to swim into new territory,” Thomas said. “This may energize you to book a flight and venture out or plan a fun vacation in the year to come.”
Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)
A lucrative opportunity could be just around the corner, Leo!
“A big payout, bonus, scholarship, inheritance or benefits package could be swimming your way,” Thomas added. “This could also bring news around your assets or investments.”
Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)
Pay attention to your relationship, Virgo!
“A big turning point around a significant relationship could be at hand,” Thomas said. “You may move in, make a long-term promise, commit, get engaged or even be wed.”
Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)
Get busy and productive, Libra!
“The lunar eclipse is cranking your productivity up to hyper speed!” Thomas explained. “You may be polishing off a big project for your employer, taking on more responsibilities or even leaving one job to begin another.”
Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)
Dive into the magic, Scorpio.
According to Thomas, “the lunar eclipse will sing like angels from above. Romance, passion, pleasure, art, beauty and fertility all shine at this time.”
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)
A change is on the horizon, Sagittarius!
“The lunar eclipse could cause a shift around your home, real estate, family or parents,” Thomas said. “For instance, you may choose to move, redecorate or have a renovation.”
Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)
Embrace the win, Capricorn!
“With this lunation energizing your mind, you could be debuting or working on a major intellectual, writing, speaking, advertising, branding or communications-related project,” Thomas said.
Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)
A financial transition is underway, Aquarius!
“This lunar eclipse will likely not only bring money in – but also cause you to invest it in the right places, too,” Thomas explained. “A raise, new client, new job offer or side hustle may appear near this time.”
Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)
Own the spotlight, Pisces!
“A very important personal goal or dream may now be in reach – as well as a shift around a significant relationship,” Thomas added. “Now is the moment to step into your power, assert yourself and show everyone why you’re so beautiful, magical and unique.”
Washington — Senate Republicans voted Tuesday to block a bill that would guarantee access to in vitro fertilization nationwide — as Democrats spotlight the issue in the run-up to the November elections.
Democrats brought the bill back to the Senate floor after Republicans previously blocked the measure from advancing in June.
Many Republicans have criticized the Democrat-led legislation as unnecessary overreach and a political show vote, while saying they do support IVF.
The vote is part of a broader push by Senate Democrats to draw a contrast with Republicans over reproductive health care as the 2024 elections approach.
It also gave Democrats an opportunity to put Republicans on the spot after GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump said in August that, if elected, he would implement a policy to require either the government or insurance companies to pay for IVF treatment. Democrats have questioned the sincerity of the proposal.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Monday pressed for Republicans to join Democrats in voting to advance the IVF bill.
“We’re already beginning to hear the same tired and predictable and unconvincing excuses from our Republican colleagues looking for a way to vote against IVF protections,” Schumer said. “To my Republican colleagues, if you truly support IVF, then vote for a bill that actually protects IVF through the letter of the law. Republicans cannot claim to be pro-family on the one hand, while then voting against IVF protection bills on the other hand.”
Senate Republican Whip John Thune was asked last week if Trump’s comments on IVF coverage make things more difficult for GOP senators when they vote on the bill.
“I don’t know of any Republicans not favor of IVF,” he said. “The mandate part, that’s a challenging issue for lots of reasons, not the least of which is what it does to insurance costs. We put a lot of mandates on insurance companies as it is already.”
He called Schumer’s move a “show vote” and said he expects “robust conversation” in his conference.
The legislation the Senate took up – the Right to IVF Act – would enshrine into federal law a right for individuals to receive IVF treatment as well as for doctors to provide treatment, which would override any attempt at the state level to restrict access.
The bill seeks to make IVF treatment more affordable by mandating coverage for fertility treatments under employer-sponsored insurance and certain public insurance plans. It would also expand coverage of fertility treatments, including IVF, under US military service members and veterans’ health care.
The IVF legislative package was introduced by Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois along with Patty Murray of Washington state and Cory Booker of New Jersey.
Access to IVF came into the national spotlight after Alabama’s Supreme Court said, in a first-of-its-kind ruling earlier this year, that frozen embryos are children and those who destroy them can be held liable for wrongful death – a decision that reproductive rights advocates warned could have a chilling effect on infertility treatments.
While the state’s legislature took action aimed at protecting IVF in the wake of the ruling, Democrats argue that this is only one example of how access to reproductive health care is under threat across the nation.
Republicans put forward alternate proposals Senate Republicans have tried to put forward alternate proposals related to IVF.
GOP Sen. Rick Scott of Florida went to the floor on Monday night to attempt to pass a bill aimed at making IVF more affordable, by unanimous consent. Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon objected, and instead urged their colleagues to support Democrats’ bill during Tuesday’s vote.
The House version of Scott’s bill is sponsored by GOP Rep. Kat Cammack of Florida The legislation does not go as far as the Democrats’ plan to expand coverage of IVF, but it would double contribution limits for Health Savings Accounts and decouple those accounts from high deductible insurance plans in order to make it easier to afford the procedure.
Another Senate GOP bill aimed at addressing concerns about IVF was introduced earlier this year. Sens. Katie Britt and Ted Cruz’s legislation, called the IVF Protection Act, has been criticized by Democrats who argue that its language leaves the door open to possible restrictions in the future, though it does say that states who prohibit access to IVF would not be eligible for Medicaid funding.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A Harris County Grand Jury has indicted the two men charged with capital murder in the death of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, according to records.
The video above is from a previous report.
On Sept. 13, a jury formally indicted Franklin Pena and Johan Martinez-Rangel in the crime, with their bonds remaining at $10 million each.
THE CASE
On June 17, Jocelyn’s body was found in a creek in the 400 block of W. Rankin near Kuykendhal, which is just walking distance from where she lives.
Investigators believe the young girl had snuck out of her home the night before at about 10 p.m. As the investigation continued, police would later release images of the suspects wanted in connection with the case.
ABC13 had also obtained surveillance video showing what appeared to be her last moments alive, her whereabouts from that night, and her encounter with her accused killers.
Police said the two men started their evening at a Northborough-area restaurant together. They left the restaurant on foot and were walking southbound. Pena and Martinez-Rangel were later seen talking with Jocelyn for a few minutes on Kuykendahl Road. Later, they were seen walking with her to a convenience store.
After a few minutes, all three of them would walk to a bridge where Jocelyn was murdered, according to police.
In the days following the gruesome discovery, police would arrest Pena and Martinez-Rangel and charge them with capital murder.
Now, both suspects sit in jail, awaiting a trial date.
The case has drawn intense national coverage due to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirming the suspects from Venezuela were in the country illegally. Jocelyn’s death has been used in several political campaign advertisements, namely the Ted Cruz-Collin Allred Senate race in Texas.
In July, Sen. Cruz and U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls of Fort Bend County, both Republicans, introduced the Justice for Jocelyn Act that they say would “improve the detention and tracking of illegal aliens entering the United States.” The bill was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee but hasn’t gone any further than that.
One of the last messages sent from the doomed Titan submersible during its June 2023 voyage to the Titanic wreckage was “all good here,” according to a presentation from a U.S. Coast Guard hearing on the deadly implosion.
The Marine Board of Investigation for the U.S. Coast Guard’s two-week hearing into the incident began on Monday, 15 months after the OceanGate vessel catastrophically imploded during its deep-sea voyage, killing all five people aboard.https://amp.cntxcdm.com/amp-embed/index.html?playerId=ps_94a77ea9-06c2-4b60-a975-daa5b45dbe79&url=https%3A%2F%2Fabcnews.go.com%2Famp%2FUS%2Ftitan-submersible-implosion-coast-guard-hearing-last-messages%2Fstory%3Fid%3D113729878&isSafariOrIos=true
An animation created by the Coast Guard during the Monday hearing showed the text communications between the Titan and the surface vessel, Polar Prince, as the submersible descended toward the ocean floor on June 18, 2023. The short text messages were the only means of communication between the Titan crew and the personnel on the Polar Prince as the vessel attempted to reach the Titanic, which sits 3,800 meters below sea level.
This undated image provided by OceanGate Expeditions in June 2021 shows the company’s Titan submersible.OceanGate Expeditions via AP, FILE
At approximately 2,274 meters, the Titan sent the message, “All good here,” according to the animation.
The last communication from the submersible was sent at approximately 3,341 meters: “Dropped two wts,” meaning drop weights, according to the Coast Guard.
All communications and tracking from the submersible to Polar Prince were lost at 3,346 meters, according to the Coast Guard.
Debris from the Titan was found on the ocean floor four days later. All five crew members — including OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush — were determined to have died in a catastrophic implosion.
The Coast Guard released a new image during the hearing Monday that shows Titan debris, including the tail cone, at the bottom of the ocean.
Remotely operated vehicle image of the Titan submersible tail cone on the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean presented by the U.S. Coast Guard during a marine board formal hearing inside the Charleston County Council Chambers, Sept. 16, 2024, in North Charleston, S.C. Pelagic Research Services/U.S. Coast Guard
Tym Catterson, a former contractor for OceanGate, testified during Monday’s hearing that there were “no red flags” on the day of the incident. He said he believes the intention of shedding the two 35-pound weights was to slow the vessel down as it approached the ocean floor. He thought the weight was dropped a little early than is typical — not due to any emergency but to ensure a smooth landing, he said.
“Considering who was in the cab with Stockton at that particular time — there are two billionaires in there with him — I would absolutely guarantee that he’s trying to make sure that this just goes as absolutely perfect and spot-on as he can,” Catterson said.
He said when the tracking and communications were lost, the initial thought was that the transponder failed. When rescuers heard banging noises during their search for the vessel, he said they believed the vessel was drifting.
“This was all theories that were just flying around between people that were totally without sleep and very anxious,” he said. “It’s the worst thing that could be happening.”
2 witnesses say they wouldn’t go in the Titan
Some two dozen witnesses are scheduled to testify during the two-week hearing.
The hearing’s first witness — Tony Nissen, OceanGate’s former engineering director — testified that he was kept in the dark and didn’t know that OceanGate’s goal when he was initially hired was to go to the Titanic.
Asked whether he felt comfortable going down to the Titanic in the first prototype of the submersible, Nissen responded that Rush had asked him to be the pilot to run the Titanic missions, and he turned him down.
“I told him, I’m not getting in it,” Nissen said. “He asked me why, and I said, ‘Because the operations crew, I don’t trust them.'”
“He said, ‘Well, what if I’m mission director?'” Nissen continued. “I said, ‘You still have the same operations crew.’ But I didn’t trust Stockton either. Take a look at where we started and when I was hired, nothing that I got was the truth.”
Catterson also testified that he would not have felt comfortable going to the depths of the Titanic wreckage in the Titan, saying he had questions about the integrity of its carbon fiber and titanium construction.
“I don’t believe that the composites are the correct material for a pressure vessel that’s experiencing external compression,” he said. “I had my doubts.”
When asked if he ever voiced his concerns to OceanGate employees, he testified that he told Rush, Nissen and David Lochridge, the former OceanGate operations director — “pretty much anybody that would listen.”
Catterson said he had raised the issue about the integrity of the carbon fiber hull with Rush “no less than half a dozen” times. He said he thought the sub was “underbuilt” and that Rush responded to his concerns by saying, “I have several engineers working on this and they say otherwise.”
The company’s former finance director, Bonnie Carl, a former contractor for OceanGate, testified Monday that she was aware of a conversation between Lochridge and Renata Rojas, a mission specialist, when Lochridge told Rojas not to go on the Titan, warning that it was “unsafe.”
Titan not classified
It is common for submersibles to get classification, but both Catterson and Nissen testified that the Titan had not been classified. Catterson talked about recommending classification for it to Rush.
“The reason for the classification is basically that it’s proof of due diligence. It’s also primarily one of the ways that you can get insurance for the submersibles. That’s one of the very big things,” he said. “I had explained this to [Rush], and he, well, I guess that wasn’t as big of a worry for him as it would be for most people. I don’t know, I said my piece.”
According to a Coast Guard presentation during Monday’s hearing, the Titan was tested to 1.09 times its operating pressure — the industry standard is 1.25 times.
The Coast Guard and witnesses also detailed issues and concerns with the sub.
The vessel had 70 equipment issues in 2021 that needed correcting, and 48 more in 2022, according to the Coast Guard.
The Titan partially sank four weeks before the incident following a night of high seas and fog, according to the Coast Guard. Days before the implosion, passengers slammed against the vessel during resurfacing, the Coast Guard said.
Tony Nissen, left, head engineer for OceanGate, talks with the Coast Guard’s lead counsel Lars Okmark during a recess in a Coast Guard investigatory hearing on the causes of the implosion of an experimental submersible headed for the wreck of the Titanic, Sept. 16, 2024, in North Charleston, S.C. Mic Smith/AP
Nissen testified that he believes the Titan was struck by lightning in April 2018. Jason Neubauer, chair of the Marine Board of Investigation, clarified during the hearing on Tuesday that Nissen was referring to a prototype carbon-fiber hull that was not used on Titanic missions.
Nissen also testified that he wouldn’t sign off on a dive to the Titanic in July 2019 due to a crack in the sub’s hull, and said he was subsequently fired. Neubauer further clarified during the hearing on Tuesday that Nissen was referring again to the prototype hull, which the chair said was not used after 2019.
Carl said she was concerned about some of the employees working on OceanGate submersibles.
“There were some young engineers — and by young, I mean late teens, early 20s — without any experience, we were aware of, wrenching on the sub, and without supervision right there on them,” she said. “And that made me nervous.”
Hearing to last 2 weeks
The hearing is scheduled to run through Sept. 27. Former OceanGate employees scheduled to testify later in the hearing include Lochridge; co-founder Guillermo Sohnlein; and Steven Ross, former scientific director, according to a schedule released by the Coast Guard.
The main purpose of the hearing is to uncover the facts related to the implosion and to make recommendations, Neubauer.
“The Marine Board’s investigation will determine as closely as possible the factors that contributed to the incident, so that proper recommendations for the prevention of similar casualties may be made,” Neubauer said at the start of Monday’s hearing.
The investigation will also examine whether there is any evidence of misconduct or criminal acts in connection with the incident, he said.
The National Transportation Safety Board is also investigating the implosion and will make its own determination as to the probable cause, according to Marcel Muise, an investigator with the agency’s Office of Marine Safety.
Attorneys with the firm Debevoise & Plimpton, which represents OceanGate, are also attending the hearing.
“There are no words to ease the loss endured by the families impacted by this tragic incident, but we hope that this hearing will help shed light on the cause of the tragedy and prevent anything like this from happening again,” Jane Shvets with Debevoise & Plimpton said during opening remarks.
In addition to Rush, those killed in the implosion included French explorer Paul Henri Nargeolet, British businessman Hamish Harding, Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood and his 19-year-old son, Suleman.
The submersible company suspended all exploration and commercial operations after the deadly implosion.
PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 05: Jordan Chiles of Team USA looks on with her Bronze Medal from the Women’s Apparatus floor final on day ten of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 05, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Jordan Chiles filed an appeal of the decision that led to the US gymnast being stripped of an Olympic bronze medal, her attorneys announced Monday.
Chiles was stripped of her first individual Olympic medal after the Romanian gymnastics team challenged the decision to revise her final score in the floor exercise to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
CAS eventually upheld the challenge, meaning the US star’s bronze went to Romania’s Ana Brbosu.
Chiles has now opted to appeal CAS’ decision to the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland – where CAS is based.
“From start to finish, the procedures leading to the CAS panel’s decision were fundamentally unfair, and it is no surprise that they resulted in an unjust decision,” Chiles’s attorneys said in a press release.
Her attorneys argue CAS violated Chiles’s “right to be heard” by “refusing to consider the video evidence that showed her inquiry was submitted on time,” and that Chiles was not properly informed that the President of the CAS panel had a potential conflict of interest.
“Jordan Chiles’ appeals present the international community with an easy legal question-will everyone stand by while an Olympic athlete who has done only the right thing is stripped of her medal because of fundamental unfairness in an ad-hoc arbitration process? The answer to that question should be no,” Maurice M. Suh, counsel for Chiles, said.
“Every part of the Olympics, including the arbitration process, should stand for fair play,” Suh added.
CAS told CNN that it cannot comment as it has not yet been notified of the appeal by the Swiss Federal Tribunal.
The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) said they are determined to see Chiles receive the recognition she deserves.
“Due to the egregious errors and oversight by CAS in handling the case and overlooking clear evidence of Jordan’s rightful Bronze win, we are determined to ensure she receives the recognition she deserves. Our commitment to truth in this matter remains steadfast,” the USOPC told CNN Monday.
USA Gymnastics (USAG) told CNN it is not involved directly in the appeal at this stage but is supporting Chiles and her team.
“USAG is closely coordinating with Jordan and her legal team and will make supportive filings with the court in the continued pursuit of justice for Jordan,” the body said.
“Chiles believes in competing fairly and with integrity and holding these organizations to the standards and rules that were established to ensure fairness,” the gymnast’s attorneys added Monday.
Police preliminarily said that a motor vehicle crash may have caused the large pipeline fire that drove nearby residents out of their homes.
Harris County Judge Linda Hidalgo said once the fire is out, first responders will try to re-ignite the site to burn off any remaining product.
In an update on Tuesday morning, the Deer Park Office of Emergency Management said the fire is significantly smaller, but extended the expected burn-off timeline through later Tuesday.
Energy Transfer, the company that owns the pipeline, said air quality monitoring continues to show no impact to air quality.
Evacuees who were transported from the Walmart parking lot can now return to pick up their vehicles. Officials have asked all evacuees to travel southbound on East Boulevard to meet at the checkpoint. From there, you’ll be escorted to your vehicle and you can exit northbound from the parking lot.
SkyEye video showed the flames continuing to burn on Tuesday morning.
Officials said first responder crews worked all through the night, with the goal of isolating the fire and letting it burn itself out.
Authorities believe the driver of a white SUV drove through a fence on the west side of the nearby Walmart parking lot in the 9000 block of Spencer Highway, hitting the pipeline valve.
Witnesses told ABC13 that when the SUV hit the gas pipeline valve, it went airborne, then came the flames.
A couple looking for parking at a Deer Park Walmart witnessed a driver crashing into a pipeline valve, causing a vehicle to go airborne.
The resultant explosion started in Deer Park and then spread south under Spencer Highway to La Porte, as the highway separates Deer Park to the north and La Porte to the south.
Witnesses said they believe the woman driving the SUV was possibly experiencing some kind of medical emergency.
Further details about the driver and her condition have not been released.
Witness Hank Williams said he was at a nearby Discount Tire when he heard a loud boom.
“I stepped around the counter and I could see the vehicle and it was on fire,” Williams said. “He said when it went off, he saw that vehicle go about 8 or 10 feet in the air and then he saw it land.”
Officials said the area will have to cool down before residents can return to their homes. Around 50 homes near the fire had to be evacuated.
Energy Transfer identified the burning substance as liquid natural gas. In the wake of the event, the company set up a helpline for anyone displaced and/or impacted by the fire at 855-430-4491.
A Deer Park official told ABC13 that four people were injured from the event, including a firefighter for minor injuries. The four also includes two hospitalizations and two heat-related injuries.
Classes continued as usual on Tuesday morning in La Porte ISD after two elementary schools had to shelter in place on Monday.
The district asked parents who live in the evacuation zone to drive their kids to school on Tuesday, if possible. The district said its transportation department is working on other plans for kids who will need to ride the bus.
NEW YORK — Sean “Diddy” Combs has been charged with sex trafficking by force, transportation to engage in prostitution and racketeering conspiracy, alleging he ran an “enterprise that he engaged in sex trafficking, forced labor or, kidnapping, arson and other crimes,” according to the indictment unsealed on Tuesday.
A federal grand jury in Manhattan returned an indictment against Combs, which set in motion his arrest, sources told ABC News.
Combs “knew this was coming,” the music mogul’s lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, told reporters Tuesday on his way into federal court. “We brought him to New York two weeks ago because, sure, we knew this day would come and it’s here.”
He said Combs has anticipated federal charges ever since the March raids on his homes in Florida and California.
Combs’ spirits are good, Agnifilo said, adding, “He’s dealing with this head on the way he has dealt with every challenge in his life.”
Agnifilo said in an earlier statement, “We are disappointed with the decision to pursue what we believe is an unjust prosecution of Mr. Combs by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is a music icon, self-made entrepreneur, loving family man, and proven philanthropist who has spent the last 30 years building an empire, adoring his children, and working to uplift the Black community.”
“He is an imperfect person, but he is not a criminal,” Agnifilo said. “To his credit Mr. Combs has been nothing but cooperative with this investigation and he voluntarily relocated to New York last week in anticipation of these charges. Please reserve your judgment until you have all the facts. These are the acts of an innocent man with nothing to hide, and he looks forward to clearing his name in court.”
Combs has been under investigation for the better part of a year since his former, longtime girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, came forward with allegations in a civil lawsuit. At least 10 additional lawsuits followed. Combs has denied the allegations in all of them.
In March, when Combs’ Los Angeles and Miami homes were raided by federal agents, a Homeland Security Investigations spokesperson said the raid was executed as part of an “ongoing investigation.”
Law enforcement sources told ABC News in March that federal agents with Homeland Security Investigations seized a number of electronic devices as part of the court-authorized searches of Combs’ two properties.
The searches, carried out in Los Angeles and Miami, were part of a federal sex trafficking investigation into the hip-hop and liquor mogul, the sources said.
HSI agents flooded Combs’ mansions and gathered evidence as part of an investigation led by prosecutors in the Southern District of New York.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The last week of summer will feature more summer heat and humidity as a heat ridge builds.
We still have just enough moisture around for an isolated storm on Monday, mainly during the middle afternoon hours. Temperatures will get hot this afternoon with highs topping out in the low to middle 90s and heat indices exceeding 100.
Do you expect those summertime temperatures to continue?
Yep. A late summer heat ridge will keep us hot during the last week of summer. High temperatures should remain at or above 90 degrees for the next 10 days. Thankfully, we don’t foresee any 100-degree days, but the combination of heat and humidity could put the heat index into the triple digits. We also can’t rule out getting to heat advisory territory in the second half of the week.
How long will we have to wait for our first fall front?
At least 10 days…if not longer. There are hints that a “baby” fall front could roll in just after the start of astronomical fall on September 22, but we wouldn’t get too excited over those prospects just yet.
What are you tracking in the tropics?
Tropical Depression Gordon and Potential Storm 8 have developed in the Atlantic, but neither pose a threat to the Gulf. Head to our daily Tropical Update page for the latest on what’s happening in the tropics.
NEW YORK — Home Depot will pay nearly $2 million to settle a civil enforcement claim from California district attorneys that the home improvement company was engaging in false advertising and unfair competition.
The complaint filed in San Diego Superior Court said that when people at Home Depot brought an item to checkout, they would be charged more money than was written on the shelf tag or on the item itself. Such violations are called “scanner violations,” the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office said in a press release Thursday.
While the company admitted no wrongdoing, it must pay $1.7 million in civil penalties, as well as $277,251 to cover investigation costs as well as to “support future enforcement of consumer protection laws.”
The judgment ruled that Home Depot must implement a price accuracy program.
“False advertising and unfair competition are serious offenses that undermine consumer trust and distort the marketplace,” Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said in a statement.
Home Depot has not responded to CNN’s request for comment. The Los Angeles DA’s office said the company was cooperative in the investigation.
The civil penalties are a drop in the bucket for the nation’s fifth-largest retailer. In March, Home Depot announced it is buying SRS Distribution – a huge building-projects supplier that counts professional roofers, landscapers and pool contractors as its primary customers – for $18.3 billion.
CNN’s Nathaniel Meyersohn contributed to this report
