U.S. Mayors Embrace Renewable Energy, Other Climate Issues
June 26, 2017
The nation's mayors joined a group of high-profile governors in embracing climate change, urging the U.S. Government to abide by the terms of the Paris Agreement. President Trump recently announced his intention to withdraw the nation from the agreement. At the annual meeting of the United States Conference of Mayors, this year in Miami Beach, the mayors, from both major political parties, united in adopting a series of resolutions that tackle the challenge of climate change. Primary among those resolutions was a pledge to move to 100 percent renewable energy by 2035. The mayors also called for a move toward making the nation's transportation sector electric and a move toward more fully embracing wind energy as a form of renewable energy.
Qatar Inks Fighter Planes Deal with U.S. as Gulf Crisis Deepens
June 17, 2017
Qatar will buy 36 F-15 fighter jets from the United States, at a cost of $12 billion, the Pentagon has reported. At the same time, two U.S. navy vessels arrived in Qatar, home to America's largest air base in the region, for a joint exercise with the Qatari Emiri navy. Just last month, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia agreed on a large arms deal that was reported as having a price tag of up to $500 million, for tanks, missile defense systems, and cybersecurity technology. Qatar and Saudi Arabia are on opposite sides of a diplomatic dispute that also involves, all on the Saudi side, Bahrain, Libya, the Maldives, and the United Arab Emirates. Qatar has refuted the other countries' assertions that it harbors terrorist organizations. Also at issue is Qatar's relationship with Iran, which Saudi Arabia and other nations would prefer is an adversarial one.
Salem Witch Trial Testimony Sets Auction Record
June 17, 2017
A record of court testimony from the Salem witch trials has set a record at auction, Christie's has reported. The New York auction house sold a deposition from the trial of Margaret Scott for $137,500, the most money ever paid for a Salem-related item. Pre-auction estimates of a purchase price ranged from $50,000 to $80,000. Teenager Mary Daniel gave the deposition, under oath, and the deposition was used as evidence in the witchcraft trial of Scott, who was convicted and later hanged in September 1692.
