close Video US will no longer exempt any countries from sanctions for importing Iranian oil Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announces the Trump administration's new Iran crackdown targeting oil revenue. The Trump administration on Monday targeted Iran’s energy sector by announcing the U.S. would no longer exempt any countries from sanctions for importing Iranian oil. “This decision is intended to bring Iran’s oil exports to zero, denying the regime its principal source of revenue,” the White House said in a statement. TRUMP DESIGNATES IRGC A TERROR ORGANIZATION The decision means sanctions waivers for five nations, including China and India and U.S. treaty allies Japan, South Korea and Turkey, won't be renewed when they expire on May 2. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, in formally announcing the move, described it as part of the “pressure campaign” to choke off funding to the regime and incentivize Iran to act like a “normal … [Read more...] about Trump administration announces new Iran crackdown targeting oil revenue
Revenue
Voters OK Metro’s $3.5B bond request for regional transit plan
Carrin Patman, chairwoman of the Metropolitan Transit Authority board, addresses supporters of this election's Metro bond measure during a party at Biggio's in downtown Houston, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019. The Metro bond measure was showing a strong likelihood of passing after initial early voting results were released early Tuesday evening. less Carrin Patman, chairwoman of the Metropolitan Transit Authority board, addresses supporters of this election's Metro bond measure during a party at Biggio's in downtown Houston, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019. The Metro ... more Photo: Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer Photo: Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 5 Caption Close Image 1 of 5 Carrin Patman, chairwoman of the Metropolitan Transit Authority board, … [Read more...] about Voters OK Metro’s $3.5B bond request for regional transit plan
Drastic New Proposals Would Impact Massachusetts Drivers
Supporters of increasing fees on ride-hailing trips, expanding highway tolls, and charging drivers for every mile they travel made their cases to lawmakers Thursday, each pitching their respective proposal as a necessary source of revenue to address the state's growing transportation needs.Several key House members have hinted that they are likely to include an increase in the state's 24-cents-per-gallon gasoline tax in a transportation revenue bill that Speaker Robert DeLeo is eyeing for release next month, but other ideas put on the table during a Transportation Committee hearing on Thursday could supplement that revenue stream.Rep. Thomas Stanley warned his colleagues that over the long term the gas tax will be insufficient to meet roadway and public transit needs. Rising fuel efficiency in vehicles, he said, means that even the same frequency of driving will result in motorists purchasing less gas, generating less revenue for the state.Instead, Stanley suggested Massachusetts … [Read more...] about Drastic New Proposals Would Impact Massachusetts Drivers
Boston Main Streets’ “20 Districts in 20 Days” Arrives on 12/16
Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Mayor's Office of Economic Development are visiting West Roxbury Main Streets on Monday, December 16, as part of the "20 Districts in 20 Days" campaign. The goal of the campaign is to visit all Boston Main Streets districts to highlight small, locally-owned businesses and hidden treasures throughout our neighborhood commercial districts. Boston has over 40,000 small businesses which work to create, build and sustain healthy commercial districts throughout the City. "The holiday season is such a festive time in the City of Boston, and each year I look forward to exploring our Main Streets districts and supporting our small and local businesses throughout our neighborhoods," said Mayor Walsh. "Businesses in our local commercial districts employ our neighbors, give back to our communities and add to each neighborhood's vibrant and unique character. I encourage residents and visitors alike to join me in shopping small and supporting local businesses … [Read more...] about Boston Main Streets’ “20 Districts in 20 Days” Arrives on 12/16
Italy Report: ‘More Immigrants = More Crime’
There is a direct correlation between the number of immigrants entering the country and the rise in the crime rate, according to a report published Wednesday by the Italian daily, Il Giornale.In its front page report titled “More Immigrants = More Crime,” the newspaper cited results from a recent study conducted by the Confcommercio group on the statistical connection between crime and immigration. The report found that in a determined area, if the number of immigrants increases by 1 percent, the crime rate in the same area goes up by 0.4 percent. Moreover, the study revealed that among Italian citizens there are 4.3 convicted criminals per 1000, while among legal immigrants the rate is nearly double, at 8.5 criminals per 1000. More alarming still, among illegal immigrants the crime rate soars to more than 50 percent (148 criminals out of every 247 persons). One of the more troubling discoveries of the study was that for the first time, the crime rate in the north of Italy, … [Read more...] about Italy Report: ‘More Immigrants = More Crime’