TravelNews

Teen’s fatal brain-eating amoeba infection linked to water feature

A North Carolina teenager who died after contracting a rare brain infection caused by a microscopic amoeba was most likely exposed through contact with a water feature at a local community center, according to state health officials.
The teen, identified by his family as 17-year-old Moises Ponce Mendoza, died on Aug. 31, four days after health officials reported he was critically ill and undergoing treatment for the infection. The rare brain infection is caused by Naegleria fowleri, an amoeba that is commonly found in warm freshwater.
An investigation could not conclusively determine where the teen was exposed, according to a report released by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services on Sept. 15. But health officials said interviews and environmental testing indicated that a water feature at El Futuro, a community-based mental health care center in Durham County, was the most likely source.
The water feature was closed on Aug. 28 by the Durham County Department of Health and later tested positive for Naegleria fowleri at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The water feature remains closed to the public, according to health officials.
“NC Department of Health and Human Services and Durham County Public Health informed El Futuro that testing identified the presence of Naegleria fowleri in a water feature at our green space,” the mental health care center said in a statement.
“Our hearts are broken for the young boy who lost his life and for his family,” the statement continued. “We are committed to supporting his family and our community through this devastating loss. We will continue to fully cooperate with public health officials.”
Public health investigation trace possible exposure locations
According to the state health department’s report, investigators interviewed family members to trace possible exposure locations, including sites where he may have been swimming or in contact with warm freshwater.
The family told investigators that the teen had gone swimming with family and friends at an apartment complex pool on Aug. 11 and Aug. 17 and had planned visits to two ponds on Aug. 5 and Aug. 6, though it was unclear whether he actually visited or swam in the ponds, the report states.
During a follow-up interview, family members identified another potential exposure site at El Futuro, where the teen reportedly had contact with a garden water feature on Aug. 13, including splashing water on his face, according to the report.
On Aug. 28, the Durham County Health Department advised El Futuro to close the water feature while investigators examined all potential exposure sites. The water feature was subsequently drained “to ensure it would not be used,” the report states.
Health officials described the water feature as an interactive, manmade creek with a recirculating water system, multiple fountains, a play water pump, and a fire hydrant-style fountain. The mental health care center reported that the water feature was maintained through power washing and hand-fed chlorination.
During the inspection, investigators found algal growth throughout the creek as well as organic material and debris surrounding the pump system and covering the filter, according to the report. Testing later detected non-viable Naegleria fowleri DNA in the mental health care center’s fountain storage tank water.
“While this investigation does not allow us to conclusively determine the location of exposure, the epidemiologic, laboratory, and environmental findings suggest that the El Futuro water feature was the most likely source,” the report states. “The lack of effective disinfection, visible algal growth, and detection of non-viable N. fowleri from the water feature support this conclusion.”
What happened to the North Carolina teen?
Health officials said the teen initially went to an emergency room on Aug. 21 with a severe headache that had persisted for two days. He returned the following day as his condition worsened and was admitted to the hospital.
“Upon hospital admission, Naegleria infection was suspected due to reports of freshwater swimming exposure and neurological presentation,” the report states. Laboratory testing confirmed it was a Naegleria fowleri infection on Aug. 26, and the teen died on Aug. 31.
The teen’s mother, Monica Mendoza, said her son became severely ill after developing intense headaches, according to a GoFundMe page. She said she took her son to the hospital after his symptoms became severe and the family was sent home following a brief examination.
Monica Mendoza took her son to the University of North Carolina Hospital’s emergency department the next morning after his symptoms worsened, according to the GoFundMe page. She said her son was placed in a coma as doctors worked to treat the brain infection.
How does the brain-eating amoeba cause infection?
Naegleria fowleri is commonly found in warm freshwater, including lakes, ponds, and rivers. Health officials say it does not cause illness when swallowed.
The danger occurs when contaminated water enters the nose, allowing the amoeba to travel to the brain and cause primary amebic meningoencephalitis, or PAM, an extremely rare but often fatal disease, according to the CDC.
Symptoms typically begin about five days after exposure, though they can appear anywhere from one to 12 days later, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Early symptoms include severe headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
Symptoms can quickly worsen, progressing to a stiff neck, seizures, and coma before often leading to death within about five days.
“These rare infections usually occur when it is hot for prolonged periods of time, which results in higher water temperatures and lower water levels,” the state health department said in a news release. “Naegleria fowleri grows best at higher temperatures up to 115°F.”
The CDC says fewer than 10 cases are reported in the United States each year, and more than 97% of people who develop the infection die. Naegleria fowleri infections are “very rare, with only 167 cases reported nationally between 1962 and 2024,” according to the state health department.
The North Carolina case follows the death of an 8-year-old girl in Louisiana, who died on Aug. 22 after contracting a Naegleria fowleri infection. State health officials said she may have been exposed while swimming in a Louisiana lake.
Contributing: Anthony Thompson and Melina Khan

TravelNews

Measles case reported in Marathon County, a new location for Wisconsin

A case of measles has been reported in Marathon County, state health officials announced Sept. 15.
The case is not linked to an outbreak in southwest Wisconsin that has produced more than 160 cases. The person who became infected was exposed to the disease during out-of-state travel, according to a news release from the state health department.
There are currently no places where the public may have been exposed to the disease unknowingly, state health officials said. Beyond that, they would give no details about the new case.
Wisconsin’s measles cases are at levels not seen since 1990 as the virus continues to circulate around the U.S. Close to 3,300 people have become infected nationwide, and in Pennsylvania, where more than 600 people are sick, the state health department is reporting four deaths linked to the disease.
According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Wisconsin’s measles numbers are some of the highest in the country, behind outbreaks with hundreds of people involved in Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Utah.
Aside from the Marathon County case and two unrelated cases in southern Wisconsin early in the year, all of Wisconsin’s cases have been concentrated in Iowa, Lafayette and Grant counties. That outbreak expanded so quickly a a team from the CDC was sent in to help. It has since left, and the outbreak appears to be waning, with just a few new cases reported in the last week.
All but one of the people who contracted the virus in Wisconsin this year had not been vaccinated. Five have required hospitalization.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Measles symptoms typically start a week to two weeks after infection with a high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes.
A few days after the first symptoms arise, red spots or bumps appear on the face and near the hairline. That rash will spread to the rest of the body.
People may also get tiny white spots inside the mouth a few days after symptoms begin.
If you think you may have measles, avoid others and call a doctor’s office or clinic before showing up to receive medical attention.

TravelNews

NFL Week 2 expert picks, predictions and odds for every game

The 2026 NFL regular season began with an array of exciting games and eye-opening results, and Week 2 provides another chance for the contenders and pretenders to separate themselves.
The marquee matchup arrives early with the first “Thursday Night Football” game of the year. The Buffalo Bills open new Highmark Stadium by hosting the Detroit Lions in a showdown of explosive offenses. But the Week 2 slate is also littered with games featuring teams looking to get off to a 2-0 start or avoid an 0-2 start.
Though the Chicago Bears and Houston Texans each qualified for the postseason last year after losing their first two games, only 35 of 288 teams since 1990 had recovered from an 0-2 start to make the playoffs prior to the 2025 season, according to the NFL.
Here’s a look at the early expert picks, predictions and odds for every game during Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season:
NFL Week 2 game predictions, picks
Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 12:30 p.m. ET.
Detroit Lions vs Buffalo Bills
Date: Thursday, Sept. 17
Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
Location: Highmark Stadium (Orchard Park, New York)
TV: None
Streaming: Prime Video, NFL+
Spread: Bills (-5)
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CBS Sports: Bills 38, Lions 31
“The last time these two teams played came in 2024 in a game the Bills ended up winning 48-42. We got 90 total points. We might top that here. The Over/Under should be set at 104. The unfortunate part for the Lions is that their Week 1 game went to overtime, which means not only do they have to play on the road on a short week, but they have to do it after playing an extra 10 minutes on Sunday. That’s brutal.”
Sports Illustrated: Lions cover
“There’s no denying that Josh Allen is once again going to be an MVP candidate, but let’s not overlook the fact that their defense allowed the Texans to rack up yards and points against them last week. Their defensive roster is completely different from a year ago … Take the points with Detroit.”
Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears
Date: Sunday, Sept. 20
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: Soldier Field (Chicago)
TV: FOX
Streaming: FOX One, NFL+, Fubo
Spread: Bears (-5.5)
Sporting News: Bears 38, Vikings 24
“Keep rolling with the Bears who keep getting master motivated by Ben Johnson to step on the gas for four quarters. Caleb Williams and the running game came out firing and focused in Carolina. Brian Flores shouldn’t shy away from his blitzing but Williams is well equipped to beat it with his arm or his legs. Chicago’s defense will give up the yards again, but Minnesota won’t keep up with whoever it has at QB.”
Arizona Republic: Bears 35, Vikings 32
“These teams put up a combined 98 points in their Week 1 victories. Caleb Williams and Chicago will outscore the Vikings in this game.”
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New Orleans Saints vs Baltimore Ravens
Date: Sunday, Sept. 20
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: M&T Bank Stadium (Baltimore)
TV: CBS
Streaming: NFL Sunday Ticket (YouTube), Fubo
Spread: Ravens (-8.5)
Sports Betting Dime: Ravens are mismatch for Saints
“The Ravens’ offensive identity – built on multi-threat option volume between Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry behind a powerful interior line – forces opposing defenses to play assignment-sound football in heavy packages. New Orleans struggles to maintain gap integrity when forced out of nickel personnel, and asking them to travel for a second consecutive week against an elite rushing attack is a recipe for physical wear-and-tear.”
Sportsnaut: Ravens 20, Saints 17
“It’s worth noting ahead of this Week 2 matchup that the Ravens might be without both Zay Flowers (hamstring) and Ja’Kobi Lane (fractured wrist) in this game, putting real restraints on this passing game. That creates an avenue for New Orleans to win, but we think Jackson and Henry ultimately run their way to a 2-0 record against a defense that allowed 165 yards and 5 ypc in Week 1.”
Cincinnati Bengals vs Houston Texans
Date: Sunday, Sept. 20
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: Reliant Stadium (Houston)
TV: CBS
Streaming: NFL Sunday Ticket (YouTube), Fubo
Spread: Texans (-2.5)
Sports Illustrated: Back the Texans
“The Bengals’ Week 1 win … benefited from four turnovers, one of which was returned for a touchdown, but they can’t rely on that every week. Their offense gained only 5.6 yards per play at home against a Tampa Bay defense that certainly isn’t a top-10 unit in the NFL. Now, they have to hit the road to take on a Texans’ defense that matches up with them extremely well. Their one-two punch at cornerback may be one of the only tandems in the league that can slow down the likes of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.”
Sporting News: Texans 27, Bengals 20
“The Texans’ offense thought it would win by scoring 31 points on the Bills, but the defense couldn’t stop a red-hot Allen. The takeaway was C.J. Stroud’s great play with David Montgomery helping to stabilize the power running game. The vaunted pass rush will be eager to tee off on Joe Burrow to make amends.”
Pittsburgh Steelers vs New England Patriots
Date: Sunday, Sept. 20
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, Massachusetts)
TV: CBS
Streaming: NFL Sunday Ticket (YouTube), Fubo
Spread: Patriots (-5.5)
ESPN: Patriots win and cover
“The Patriots’ offense was stymied in Week 1 and lost A.J. Brown for at least four games due to his high ankle sprain. Not ideal! But anyone can be forgiven for failing to score on the Seahawks’ defense. And the Patriots were uncharacteristically run-heavy on first down in that game. This was an outrageously efficient pass-first team last year without Brown. It can be that again. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh struggled to pull away from the Cooper Rush-led Falcons. That’s far more bearish than a loss to the reigning champs.”
Sports Betting Dime: Bet on Steelers defense
“The betting market often overreacts to home-field status early in the season, discounting a Pittsburgh team whose defensive identity remains one of the most bankable commodities in football. With a ferocious edge-rushing rotation led by T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, Pittsburgh generates organic pass rush without needing to compromise backend coverage. That presents major schematic trouble for young quarterback Drake Maye and a New England offensive line that is still ironing out its communication in pass protection.”
Cleveland Browns vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Date: Sunday, Sept. 20
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, Florida)
TV: CBS
Streaming: NFL Sunday Ticket (YouTube), Fubo
Spread: Buccaneers (-8.5)
CBS Sports: Bucs 34, Browns 16
“The Browns’ defense got exposed by the Jaguars in Week 1, especially in the passing game with Trevor Lawrence throwing for 245 yards and four touchdowns. … Mayfield is going to want to double those numbers. That probably won’t happen, but … Baker finally gets revenge on his old team.”
Sporting News: Bucs 27, Browns 10
“The Buccaneers didn’t protect the ball well in Cincinnati with Baker Mayfield having a rough outing. Mayfield has the right opponent, his former team with a bad defense, to rip to shreds in Tampa’s home opener. Baker will burn the Browns … who don’t have much of anything to be competitive in another Florida game.”
Green Bay Packers vs New York Jets
Date: Sunday, Sept. 20
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, New Jersey)
TV: FOX
Streaming: NFL Sunday Ticket (YouTube), Fubo
Spread: Packers (-3.5)
Bleacher Report: Packers cover
“The Packers may not run away with this game on the road, but they’ll be motivated to put Week 1 behind them and get back in the NFC North race. As long as Jordan Love can protect the ball on Sunday, Green Bay should escape with a touchdown victory.”
Sportsnaut: Packers 27, Jets 24
“Aaron Glenn now has the guys on the defensive line … to take advantage of a woeful Packers offensive line. Just as important, Geno Smith is a better quarterback than Carson Wentz and he can make sure the likes of Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall and Kenyon Sadiq are put in position to make plays on Green Bay’s defense. With that said, it’s still going to take a lot for the Jets to win in Week 2, and it already feels like Green Bay is in must-win territory. Ultimately, we’ll bet on Jordan Love’s big-play ability.”
Philadelphia Eagles vs Tennessee Titans
Date: Sunday, Sept. 20
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: Nissan Stadium (Nashville, Tennessee)
TV: FOX
Streaming: NFL Sunday Ticket (YouTube), Fubo
Spread: Eagles (-7)
CBS Sports: Eagles win big
“Jalen Hurts threw three touchdown passes in Week 1 against the Commanders, but Philadelphia’s defense struggled against Jayden Daniels. That’s unlikely to be the case against Cam Ward and the Titans, who managed just 195 total yards against a Jets defense that failed to intercept a pass all of last season. Philadelphia’s offense showed what it can do under new coordinator Sean Mannion and the Eagles should continue rolling, even on the road.”
Bleacher Report: Take the Eagles
“Philly outlasted the Washington Commanders despite some early hiccups by the offense and new coordinator Sean Mannion. The Eagles defense wasn’t great, but it should rebound in Tennessee. Saquon Barkley, meanwhile, should feast against a defense that just surrendered 152 yards on the ground.”
Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons
Date: Sunday, Sept. 20
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)
TV: FOX
Streaming: NFL Sunday Ticket (YouTube), Fubo
Spread: Panthers (-2.5)
ESPN: Ride the Panthers
“It’s a bounce-back game for a Panthers team that showed explosive-play juice versus the Chicago Bears in Week 1. Bryce Young threw for 361 yards, and we saw the perimeter one-on-one ability of Jalen Coker. Sure, the Carolina defense gave up 59 points. That’s bad football. But the Atlanta quarterback situation (due to injuries) limits that offense. Let’s take Carolina to cover on the road.” (Note: Carolina opened as a 1.5-point underdog).
CBS Sports: Falcons are the pick
“This line could shift significantly depending on who starts at quarterback for Atlanta. Michael Penix Jr. is unlikely to be cleared to play but Tua Tagovailoa could return. Atlanta struggled to move the ball against a stout Steelers defense in Week 1 but the Panthers should offer less resistance after they surrendered 59 points to the Bears. Carolina gave up 291 rushing yards, and Bijan Robinson doesn’t need much space to tear up opposing defenses. The Falcons are the home side and they should be able to turn in a better offensive performance against this defense.”
Jacksonville Jaguars vs Denver Broncos
Date: Sunday, Sept. 20
Time: 4:05 p.m. ET
Location: Empower Field at Mile High (Denver)
TV: CBS
Streaming: Paramount+, NFL+, Fubo
Spread: Broncos (-2.5)
Sports Illustrated: Bet on the Jaguars
“The Jaguars finished the week as the second-best team in the NFL according to DVOA, behind only the 49ers. Their defense was dominant and Trevor Lawrence looked extremely comfortable in his second year in Liam Coen’s system. Meanwhile, Bo Nix and the Broncos offense has some work to do if they want to compete in the AFC this season.”
Arizona Republic: Broncos 27, Jaguars 24
“Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars impressed in Week 1, but it’s hard to win at Empower Field at Mile High.”
Las Vegas Raiders vs Los Angeles Chargers
Date: Sunday, Sept. 20
Time: 4:05 p.m. ET
Location: SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, California)
TV: CBS
Streaming: NFL Sunday Ticket (YouTube), Fubo
Spread: Chargers (-7)
Sporting News: Chargers 27, Raiders 24
“The Chargers don’t deserve this number at home after the debacle against the Cardinals, given the Raiders have the same kind of new offensive-minded head coach energy with Klint Kubiak. The Chargers’ run defense is worrisome and the Raiders have an improved defense overall to keep Justin Herbert slumping. Jim Harbaugh will need to get his team to win an ugly game to avoid 0-2.”
Sports Betting Dime: Pick the Raiders
“The Chargers enter as heavy home favorites, but the Raiders have the exact defensive blueprint to make Justin Herbert uncomfortable: an elite edge pass rush led by Maxx Crosby that can generate pressure without vacating coverage underneath. Offensively, rookie running back Ashton Jeanty provides Las Vegas with a high-floor ground game that sustains drives, moves the chains, and keeps Herbert on the sideline.”
Seattle Seahawks vs Arizona Cardinals
Date: Sunday, Sept. 20
Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
Location: State Farm Stadium (Glendale, Arizona)
TV: FOX
Streaming: NFL Sunday Ticket (YouTube), Fubo
Spread: Seahawks (-4.5)
Arizona Republic: Cardinals 24, Seahawks 23
“Arizona surprised a lot of people with its Week 1 upset of the Chargers. With Sam Darnold out for Seattle, the Cardinals could surprise again at home.”
CBS Sports: Cardinals 20, Seahawks 17
“One reason the Seahawks are so good is because Mike Macdonald is one of the smartest coaches in the NFL. He knows how to confuse opposing quarterbacks, but as crazy as it sounds, that’s not easy to do with Jacoby Brissett. He’s started 66 games over his 11-year career and there hasn’t been a single instance where he’s thrown three picks in a game. As a matter of fact, he only has five games ever where he’s even thrown two interceptions. He might not throw for 350 yards, but he doesn’t make mistakes, which is why the Cardinals should be able to keep this close.”
Washington Commanders vs Dallas Cowboys
Date: Sunday, Sept. 20
Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
Location: AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas)
TV: FOX
Streaming: FOX One, NFL+, Fubo
Spread: Cowboys (-3.5)
Sportsnaut: Cowboys 31, Commanders 24
“The good news for the Dallas Cowboys offense is that they won’t have to face a defensive line in Week 2 that can dominate like the one we saw on ‘Sunday Night Football.’ It helps even further that the Washington Commanders offensive line has some real vulnerabilities that Dallas can exploit. Jayden Daniels will have opportunities to hit Terry McLaurin, Stefon Diggs and Antonio Williams when given time, but those moments will be far more sporadic compared to Dak Prescott’s ability to pepper CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens with targets in a rebound performance for Dallas.”
Dimers: Cowboys 26, Commanders 23
The website’s simulations give the Cowboys a 61.1% chance of winning their Week 2 game against the Commanders and a 54.9% chance of covering the spread.
Miami Dolphins vs San Francisco 49ers
Date: Sunday, Sept. 20
Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
Location: Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara, California)
TV: FOX
Streaming: NFL Sunday Ticket (YouTube), Fubo
Spread: 49ers (-13.5)
CBS Sports: 49ers 38, Dolphins 16
“If (De’Von) Achane goes off, that’s about the only way the Dolphins might be able to win this game. If they can run the ball, that will keep the clock moving and keep the 49ers’ offense off the field, but that’s probably not going to happen.”
Sports Illustrated: Dolphins cover big spread
“A 13-point spread is a bit too much … in a Week 2 game against a 49ers team that was in Australia for a week before their game against the Rams. Sure, they have a mini-bye week, but fully recovering from that trip isn’t an easy feat. Meanwhile, the Dolphins looked better than expected against the Raiders. They lost, but they ranked 10th in Net Yards per play, and their defense was 12th in opponent EPA per play.”
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Indianapolis Colts vs Kansas City Chiefs
Date: Sunday, Sept. 20
Time: 8:20 p.m. ET
Location: Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, Missouri)
TV: NBC
Streaming: Peacock, Fubo, NFL+
Spread: Chiefs (-6.5)
BetMGM: Colts cover
These teams met last November with Indianapolis coming off its bye week. Odds closed with the Colts as a three-point road underdog. Are the Colts really 3.5 points worse than they were on November 23rd?”
Sporting News: Chiefs 31, Colts 17
“The Colts don’t have much working on offense beyond Jonathan Taylor with Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce getting back from injuries. This isn’t the best recovery game for them after being ripped by the Ravens. Expect them to get gashed by Kenneth Walker III as Kansas City can lean on the running game and big pass plays, too.”
New York Giants vs Los Angeles Rams
Date: Monday, Sept. 21
Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
Location: SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, California)
TV: ABC, ESPN
Streaming: ESPN Unlimited, Fubo, NFL+
Spread: Rams (-7)
New York Post: Take the Giants
The Giants have made things clear: ball control, time of possession, and limiting turnovers are the keys to victory. In their 28-20 win over the Cowboys, John Harbaugh’s group went back to playing old-school, hard-nosed football the way he has always wanted. And respect to Jaxson Dart, who starred for the Giants on Sunday night and had the top quarterback performance in Week 1 based on Expected Points Added per play and Win Probability Added per play. The Rams just lost Myles Garrett for the foreseeable future, and who knows if Aaron Donald will play. If Los Angeles can’t stay off the field … the Giants will keep this game within a field goal.”
BetMGM: Giants cover the TD spread
“Los Angeles will operate without Myles Garrett for at least four games. Key linebacker Nate Landman could miss the game as well. Finally, who knows what Aaron Donald’s role looks like? San Francisco blitzed the Rams defense by dominating on the ground. … If you’re optimistic about the Giants, the case rests on Cam Skattebo doing the exact same thing to L.A.’s defense.”

TravelNews

Houthis seize 2 strategic Red Sea islands, and other Mideast developments

Yemeni Houthi rebels have taken the strategically important islands of Greater Hanish and Lesser Hanish, in the southern Red Sea. This has boosted the ability of the Iran-backed rebellion to control an essential maritime shipping route.
Two regional officials have said that repairs on a Saudi Arabian pipeline, which was damaged in an attack the previous week, could take three to five months, rendering it largely out of commission.
Check out the most recent news from the Middle East. You can find the full coverage here.
Houthis gains ground when oil prices are under pressure
Houthi officials announced Monday that the rebels have taken control of the two islands, just as Saudi-backed forces are trying to claw back the territory lost to rebels who were advancing quickly around Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This is a vital shipping alternative to Strait of Hormuz.
In the early days of war, Iran closed down the Strait of Hormuz – through which one fifth of all oil and natural gas traded in the world transits during peacetime. Saudi Arabia has since exported crude oil through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait that leads from the Red Sea.
Following the recent seizure by the Houthis of a Red Sea port and an island strategic last week, the latest Houthis takeover puts further pressure on Saudi oil shipments, and in turn global prices and supplies.
The Iranians could use this to gain an additional advantage in their war against the United States.
Damaged lines may only allow oil to partially flow through
Saudi Arabia uses the East-West Pipeline for moving crude oil from Gulf ports to its ports along the western coast of Red Sea. The crude can then be loaded onto tankers and exported.
According to two officials who were briefed about the issue, repairing damages from an attack that occurred on September 10 may take several weeks. This includes at a large pumping station.
Officials spoke under condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak with the media. The line could be partially operational while the repair teams work.
China, which is a major Middle East importer of oil, has called the Houthi’s attacks on Saudi Arabian energy infrastructure as “unacceptable”, and expressed its “deep concern” over further escalated violence by rebels.
Samy Magdy, Cairo
Iran accuses Saudi Arabia of being behind the postponement of the meeting on Hormuz
Esmail Baghaei, a spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Monday that Saudi Arabia “demanded,” that a gathering of Iran and other countries in the region to discuss the Strait of Hormuz should be cancelled “for now.”
Baghaei said that the Oman-hosted meeting was a good opportunity to restore the security of the region.
A spokesman for the Iranian government said an agreement with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz had been reached and would be made public later.
Saudi Arabia submitted changes to the agreement citing concern that they could negatively impact other Gulf Cooperation Council nations.
Iran denounces Austria for refusing visa to its Nuclear Chief
Iran has denounced the Austrian refusal to grant visas to its nuclear chief, and to other members of the Iranian delegation for the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna. The decision was deemed “completely unreasonable.”
Baghaei claimed that Tehran summoned Austria’s charge d’affaires. Austria, as host country, was obliged to grant visas.
Baghaei said that the West was denying Iran the chance to defend itself, and blamed America for getting Austria to refuse visas.
This refusal was part of the U.N. sanction on Iran that were reinstated in 2011. The sanctions include travel restrictions for Iranian officials.
US official: Iran does not meet its nuclear commitments
Chris Wright, the U.S. Energy secretary, criticized Iran on Monday for its failure to work with U.N. Nuclear watchdog.
Wright criticized Tehran for refusing to allow U.N. inspections to access the nuclear sites in Iran that were affected by war. Wright said Iran “had ample time” to rectify its “egregious neglect” of its obligations, but “that time has passed.”
Wright, speaking at the IAEA General Conference in Vienna said that allowing Iran to “buy more time” only delays accountability.
U.S.-Saudi deal contains ‘rigorous’ clauses to prevent proliferation
Wright stated that the additional safeguards included in a U.S. – Saudi nuclear agreement include “absolutely strict” language against proliferation. The IAEA General Conference heard him say that “the U.N. Nuclear Agency was part of this all along.”
Signed in July by the United States and Saudi Arabia, the agreement could provide the Kingdom with the ability to enrich uranium as part of its civil nuclear program.
Wright responded to a media question about why it was the United States that asked Iran to sign the Additional Protocol, and not Saudi Arabia. It is a protocol between IAEA inspectors and the country to grant them greater access to their nuclear sites.
Yemenis are forced to flee their homes by rebels
The International Organization for Migration reported Monday that nearly 94,000 Yemenis have left their homes since the fighting escalated between Iran-backed Houthi Rebels and government forces this month.
U.N. said that the worst affected areas were Taiz and Lahj where 48, 000 people had been forced to flee. More than 2,000 have crossed the sea in Djibouti.
International Rescue Committee (IRC), an aid organization, reported that around 200 schools in southwest Yemen have been turned into shelters to accommodate an influx families.
Yemen’s civil war, which claimed 150,000 lives before the 2022 ceasefire, is edging closer. World Health Organization reported that more than 500 deaths occurred in the week ending on Saturday. This is a dramatic increase.
Israeli attacks in Gaza kill two
Hospital officials and the Health Ministry confirmed that Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip Monday resulted in the deaths of two and injuries to others.
According to Shifa Hospital and Nasser Hospital, one person died in Gaza City while another was killed by a bombing that hit tents near Muwasi.
Health ministry reported that the strikes injured people also in Khan Younis, in southern Gaza as well as Zawaida. Israeli forces confirmed that the attacks were carried out and claimed they were targeting militants.
According to Gaza’s health officials, the heaviest combat between Israel and Hamas, which lasted for months, has come to an end since last year’s ceasefire. However, Israeli gunfire has still killed over 1,360 Palestinians.
Israel accuses of destroying ‘Palestinian Existence’ in West Bank
B’Tselem, a human rights organization in Israel, said on Monday that Israel was accelerating and systematic project to “dismantle the foundations” of Palestinian existence.
In a recent report, the group stated that Israeli military and settlers actions in West Bank are intended to undercut the collective life of Palestinians “while establishing a permanent Jewish supremacy system” throughout the territory.
Under the ultranationalist Israeli government led by Benjamin Netanyahu, settlers have become more violent. The military is accused by rights groups of turning a blind-eye to violence and, when they do intervene, focusing on the protection of settlers.
B’Tselem’s report states that Israeli action is heavily dependent on the open collaboration between the state and the armed settlers attacking Palestinian communities. The military, however, either does not prevent violence or participates sometimes in it.
US sanctions Russian bank owned by Russian government as part of its efforts to shut down Iran’s financial system
As part of efforts to cut off Iran’s last financial lifeline, the U.S. Treasury Department issued sanctions against VTB Bank on Monday.
The impact of these sanctions is still unclear, as the Biden Administration had issued similar sanctions shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
U.S. officials accuse the bank of helping Iran evade sanction by setting up correspondent relationships with Iranian banks that are under sanctions. VTB Bank, which has opened branches in China and India, as well as Iran, for years, has expanded its global reach.

TravelNews

US Air Force colonel shot down over Iran recounts ‘modern-day miracle’

After turning to God, an Air Force Colonel shot down in Iran was able to survive a harrowing fall and three broken bones. He also survived two days of enemy pursuit after his parachute broke.
In a recent interview, CBS News “60 Minutes”, the colonel – identified by only his mission’s call sign Bravo – revealed how a prayer of desperation began a 50 hour fight to survive.
Bravo’s first account in public of his April ordeal said, “At one time when I turned around and I saw that there was no parachute I thought it to be the scariest thing I had ever seen.” Then I stopped and prayed – ‘Lord your will be done. If I am going to get through this I will need some help.
CBS News reported that the colonel, who was seated in the seat behind the F-15E Strike Eagle pilot operating with the callsign Dude 44 on April 2, had been the weapon systems officer.
According to U.S. Central Command commander Adm. Brad Cooper, the two-man team was assigned to target industrial sites tied to Iran’s drone and rocket program in a mountainous area south of Isfahan.
Cooper stated that “we had superior air power, but it was clear we were not flying over Kansas.”
The oil prices rose more than 3 percent on Monday, as fears grew that the Iran War could disrupt crude supply globally.
Brent crude climbed $3 to $107.61 per barrel, after reaching $108.65. U.S. West Texas Intermediate rose $2.48 at $102.53.
This latest leap followed a Saudi Arabian drone attack which temporarily closed the East-West Pipeline. The pipeline is a vital route for moving crude oil from the Persian Gulf into the Red Sea, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.
If the outage persists, it could affect up to 4% global oil supplies. The inventories in Yanbu on the Red Sea are only enough to cover five or seven days worth of exports.
Brent oil prices rose by 9% in the last week, as tensions in the Middle East escalated. The global benchmark now stands at $100 per barrel for the very first time.
This report was contributed by Reuters.
Iran and Moscow protested when the United States refused to allow Iran’s chief nuclear scientist to attend this week’s U.N. conference on atomic safety in Vienna.
The Iranian ambassador at the IAEA said that the cancellation of the agreement and the so-called “legal justification” for doing so were a clear indication of an act of political motivation and a formalization of the organization.
Mohammad Eslami was expected to attend the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency, but Austria has revoked its visa because a U.N. committee refused a travel waiver.
U.S. The application for exemption was rejected because the Ambassador Preston Wells Griffith III stated that his country objected to it being granted in New York.
He said that the United States had objected against the exemption request. According to the U.N. Security Council rules, the committee denied the request.
The Iranian government would not have been able to cooperate effectively if Eslami had participated. This could undermine the credibility of IAEA, which is charged with verifying Iran’s nuclear commitments.
This report was contributed by Reuters.
The U.S. Energy Sec. Chris Wright stated that oil shipments continue to increase through the Strait of Hormuz despite the conflict with Iran. This is a new sign from Washington that it has made progress in restoring the traffic through this critical energy choke point.
Wright told a press conference Monday at the U.N. Nuclear Watchdog that “the trend of that rolling seven-day average is going up” and that it will keep on rising. He added that the 17 million barrels he said he had sold in one day, Sept. 1, was actually higher because “one ship was not counted.” The actual number was 18 million barrels.
This report was contributed by Reuters.
Iran says 77 ships violated the rules it has set for the Strait of Hormuz. It threatens them with detention, fines or even confiscation, as the shipping in the crucial oil chokepoint is still severely affected by the conflict.
Reuters reports that Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority released the updated list on Monday, and advised insurers, P&I Clubs and Classification Societies against offering services to these vessels.
According to the authority, ships who comply with their requirements will be taken off of its list.
As concerns about global energy supply grow following recent attacks on major oil transport routes through the Strait of Hormuz, and Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the warning is timely.
According to preliminary data cited in Reuters by Reuters on ship tracking, the number of commodity vessels transiting Hormuz dropped to a single digit per day during the weekend. This is below Reuters’ 10-day average 14 transits.
These figures don’t include the ships who crossed the border with the Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponder turned off in order to avoid detection. This is what the U.S. Central Command, and Trump Administration have claimed for years.
This report was contributed by Reuters.
U.S. Energy Sec. Chris Wright stated Monday that there were no plans to enrich uranium in Saudi Arabia. This is a significant clarification, as regional security and nuclear cooperation remain under the spotlight during the Iran War.
Concerns over nuclear proliferation are intensifying in the Middle East, especially with the recent conflict between Iran and Israel.
Saudi Arabia is pursuing plans to develop its nuclear energy. However, domestic uranium enrichment has been one of Washington’s most controversial issues when it comes to any possible nuclear cooperation agreements.
This report was contributed by Reuters.

TravelNews

’60 Minutes’ Season Premiere Suggests a Limited Bari Weiss Effect

The changes to CBS 60 Minutes under the new CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss have been the subject of months-long controversy, anger and discussion. The venerable CBS newsmagazine, which is now in its 59th year of broadcasting, returned to the air Sunday with an episode that was likely to confirm the optimistic and pessimistic biases expressed by both left- and right-wing pundits.
The changes made to 60 Minutes should make me want to rip my clothes because, I believe, Weiss has rendered CBS News’ nightly broadcast unwatchable. Every quote by the new executive producer Nick Bilton was glib, and it has left a bad taste in the mouth. And, the circumstances around the departure of Scott Pelley and other respected talent were treated with little respect or consideration for professionalism.
It is a fact that 99.999 per cent of 60 Minutes’ viewers, whether they watched it out of habit, curiosity, or complacency or because of CBS’ NFL late game, did not notice anything different or even remotely notable in the premiere on Sunday. One could spend a few thousand words making up stories about how Sunday’s 60 Minutes was shocking, infuriating, or disgusting. But the reality is that it wasn’t.
The episode was a dull one with some clear problems. It would be easy to mock the third segment if I didn’t know about the turmoil behind the scenes. The 15-minute puff piece by Jon Wertheim about Sean McVeigh, the Los Angeles Rams and their presumptive Super Bowl favorite status was a celebration of the NFL’s most prestigious franchise. This came just a few days after the Rams were humiliated in the 49ers game. This segment was instantly dated and avoided the ongoing controversy surrounding Rams’ star Puka Ncua. It was just a piece that 60 Minutes always sprinkles in between more serious and provocative reporting. It was not different in any way.
Wertheim is a regular on 60 Minutes since 2017. Lesley Stahl has been with 60 Minutes since 1991. Norah O’Donnell began her tenure as a correspondent in 2015, when she was a part-timer. Weiss, Bilton and their new correspondents were lauded, and the show’s premiere featured a number of key reports, including Lesley Stahl, who has been with the show since 1991, and Norah O’Donnell, whose tenure began as a part-time reporter in 2015.
There have been periodic minor changes to the series’ famous ticking stopwatch. It’s not possible to make me say that the background is now red, and the orientation of the clock has changed. This was done 20 years ago. Again, the introduction of correspondents has been tweaked slightly. It was not done for any better or worse. Pre-season reports suggested that the use of establishing shots, behind-the scenes footage, and other visual elements during the reporting would be altered in a minor way. However, based on the first episode, it felt as if the changes were more a matter of preference by a segment producer than an order from the top.
There was a lot to dislike about the O’Donnell segment. It was a piece that parodied administration competency porn as a thriller. As a viewer I am not a journalist and cannot tell how the White House’s involvement in the telling of the story about a mission to save the crew of two fighter jets shot down above Iran was different than countless other 60 Minutes stories over the years.
60 Minutes has never been the same. There have always been reports which felt as if they matched the official account of events, and reports which felt that they pushed back on that version. This was not the first report of this type nor will it ever be the last. The report was lacking in depth, with only a few insights. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth attended because 60 Minutes thought it was cool. He did not attend because he had anything to say that was revealing. The story was not reported in a way that emphasized the heroism inherent to the rescue. It also wasn’t dynamically propaganda. This was a simple recounting of an extraordinary event.
Stahl’s segment about pardon brokers, on the other hand, was a bit bland. The “Shot Down Over Iran,” segment was low-key propaganda, but nobody could argue that the “Pardon Economy” highlighted that even though there has always been a whiff of quid-pro-quo or pay-for play when it comes the pardoning process. The optics are now much more obnoxious.
Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman, who are supposedly lobbyists for Trump’s pardon office at the DOJ, were described here as fraudsters and con artists before. Ed Martin, the former director of Trump’s Pardon Office at DOJ came off as a mix between dishonest and clueless. Stahl followed up with questions and the sense of injustice that was felt by all participants became palpable.
Stahl made a claim that was a clear example of bad journalism. He said, “We’ve learned that White House is sensitive to perceptions that President Obama sells pardons.” This statement came without any substantiation or evidence that this “sensitivity” actually meant. Weiss should be held responsible for that sloppy text. The new 60 Minutes program has nothing to do with that.
I watch 60 Minutes regularly, but I don’t consider myself a 60 Minutes devotee. I only pay attention to the segments I find interesting and skip the others, even if it means I appear intellectually inept. Pelley was someone I admired, and I’m sure his absence will reduce my viewing going forward. If you asked me if the Season 59 debut of 60 Minutes made it more likely or less likely for me to continue watching, I would say, “Yes. The Ross Douthat material did make me less inclined to watch. But otherwise?” The new 60 Minutes could get worse or better as its current leadership moves it forward. But pretending that this hour was different would be foolish.