‘If They Want to Talk, They Can Call US’: Trump Says Future Talks With Iran Can Happen Over the Phone

US Utilities Requested $9.2BN In Rate Hikes In Q2, Up 26% From Previous Year By Ethan Howland of UtilityDive Electric and gas utilities in the second quarter asked state regulators to approve $9.2 billion in rate hikes, up 26% from the $7.3 billion in rate increase proposals filed in the same period last year, according to an updated report released Tuesday by the advocacy group PowerLines. In the first half this year, utilities asked for $18.6 billion in rate hikes, down from about $25 billion in the same period last year, according to data...

UK Moves To Ban New North Sea Oil & Gas Licenses Permanently Via City AM, The UK government will introduce legislation banning new North Sea oil and gas exploration licences as part of its Energy Independence Bill. Critics argue the policy will increase Britain’s reliance on imported fossil fuels while damaging Scotland’s oil and gas industry. Rising oil prices and disruptions tied to the Iran conflict have intensified political pressure on Labour to reconsider the ban. The government will make it illegal to grant new oil and gas licences in the North Sea, the King...

NYC Congestion Toll Linked To Rising Subway Ridership A report from the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee suggests that congestion pricing in New York City is increasing subway use, according to Bloomberg. The policy charges most drivers a $9 toll to enter parts of Manhattan, encouraging some commuters and leisure travelers to shift from driving to public transit. Data from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority shows subway ridership reached 1.28 billion rides in 2025, a 7.7% increase from the previous year and more than double the 3.7% growth recorded in 2024. Even with the...