LOS ANGELES — After spending five weeks on the sidelines with an oblique strain, Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts made his return to the starting lineup Monday night.
The All-Star veteran, who has earned eight selections to the midsummer classic, was slated to bat in the second spot, sandwiched between Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman for the opening game against their division rivals, the San Francisco Giants.
“We just have to make sure we swing at good pitches,” Betts said before the game. “Those guys are good, too. They drive nice cars, too. We just have to control the zone, swing at good pitches.”
Los Angeles has struggled recently, losing seven contests out of their previous 11 outings, and team officials hope Betts can provide the spark needed to energize their lackluster offensive production. During that rough stretch, the club managed to score three runs or fewer in eight games.
“I know I’m not the hero,” said Betts, the 2018 AL MVP. “It’s important for everyone to know it’s going to take all of us and not just one guy getting through their struggles or whatever it is.”
Before landing on the injured list April 5 with the right oblique strain, Betts was struggling at the plate, posting a .179 average with five hits in 28 at-bats and two home runs across eight games.
“I just didn’t really realize how long it takes for it to really heal,” he said. “I felt pretty good pretty fast actually. But just some of the movements I couldn’t do kind of lingered for a long time. I was trying to hurry but obviously the doctors were saying it just takes a month for it to heal.”
Manager Dave Roberts outlined plans for Betts to play shortstop Monday and Tuesday nights, followed by a rest day Wednesday.
“After seven days, six days, I think he’s going to want to be in there regularly, but we’ll kind of see,” Roberts said.
The 33-year-old had been performing exceptionally well during spring training, recording a .357 batting average and .786 OPS over five games before temporarily leaving for his third child’s birth. His performance declined during the season’s first two weeks before the injury occurred.
Roberts remains cautiously optimistic about Betts’ offensive readiness. The shortstop collected two hits in five at-bats during a pair of minor league rehabilitation assignments.
“Certainly two games of rehab, taking batting practice, a day of live at-bats, is not ideal,” the manager said, “but I think with Mookie you just don’t know. The hope is that he can kind of hit the ground running.”
To make roster space for Betts’ activation, the organization sent infielder Alex Freeland to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Freeland had compiled a .235 batting average with two home runs and eight RBIs over 33 games.
Team management elected to retain second baseman Hyeseong Kim rather than Freeland.
“What it came down to is Hyeseong has performed better,” Roberts said.
KAMPALA, Uganda — After four decades leading Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni begins his eighth term in office Tuesday at age 81, in what many believe could be his final presidency.
However, the Museveni family’s grip on power may continue through his son, army chief Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who supervised extensive military parade preparations for his father’s inauguration ceremony. Russian-manufactured Sukhoi fighter aircraft roared above Kampala’s official ceremonial venues during the multi-day rehearsals.
Millions of Ugandans have never experienced leadership under anyone other than Museveni, and many now recognize his presidency is approaching its conclusion. The key questions revolve around how the transition will unfold and whether it will proceed peacefully during his remaining time in office.
Kainerugaba appears positioned to assume control and has publicly expressed his intention to follow his father as president, recently stating the mission cannot be stopped.
Political observers identify two potential routes for his ascension: either an unconstitutional military takeover led by Kainerugaba, or constitutional changes allowing the ruling party’s legislative supermajority to select him as Museveni’s replacement. Electoral victory seems unlikely for Kainerugaba, who would face opposition leader Bobi Wine, the former entertainer who challenged Museveni twice and disputed the January election results.
Parliamentary Speaker Anita Among pledged last month that legislators would support Kainerugaba’s presidential ambitions.
“For the sake of MK, just assure MK that we will do whatever it takes,” Among told lawmakers celebrating the general’s birthday, using Kainerugaba’s initials. “In the 11th parliament, opposition got swallowed. In the 12th parliament, it is going to be walloped.”
Beyond the speaker, numerous officials have rushed to demonstrate loyalty to Kainerugaba. While these actions reflect their desire for political survival, they also highlight Kainerugaba’s emergence as Uganda’s effective leader as his aging father increasingly depends on the army chief to wield authority.
“Many Ugandans close to power have learned this lesson. That the president is old and exhausted, both intellectually and physically,” wrote Andrew Mwenda, a close ally and friend of Kainerugaba, in The Independent online newspaper last month. “He has a limited ability to monitor many things across a large spectrum of sectors.”
The 52-year-old Kainerugaba enlisted in the military during the late 1990s, and his advancement to military leadership has sparked controversy, with opponents calling it the “Muhoozi Project” designed to prepare him for the presidency.
Both Museveni and Kainerugaba previously rejected claims of such a plan, but recent developments over the past two years suggest hereditary succession may be the president’s preferred option.
With Museveni refusing to announce retirement plans and facing no internal party opposition, many analysts believe the military will play a decisive role in selecting his replacement.
“While people are waiting for the legal transition from Museveni, the de facto transition has already happened,” said Angelo Izama, an analyst who runs the Uganda-based Fanaka Kwawote think tank. “Kainerugaba, more than the president, is the final voice on defense and security matters.”
Those close to Kainerugaba portray him as a committed military leader who avoids flashy displays of wealth. He completed military education in both the United States and Britain before commanding a presidential guard unit that later expanded into an elite special forces division.
Beyond his military responsibilities, he established a political organization called the Patriotic League of Uganda, attracting supporters from government ministers to business leaders.
Unlike his father, Kainerugaba lacks Museveni’s public appeal and down-to-earth approach that helped maintain power through political negotiations and even recruiting former opponents into government service. Kainerugaba adopts a more aggressive stance, frequently making inflammatory social media statements that cause controversy. He has authorized corruption arrests of several generals, including former personal friends.
Museveni originally seized power through force in 1986, leading guerrilla fighters committed to democratizing Uganda following years of turmoil and civil conflict. He initially argued that Africa’s main issue was leaders who refused to step down. Later, he modified his position, claiming his criticism targeted leaders who extended their rule without electoral approval.
While Museveni, a U.S. partner on regional security matters, receives credit for maintaining relative peace and stability, critics point to growing authoritarian tendencies that contradict his early democratic promises. Constitutional term and age restrictions have been eliminated, and political opponents have faced imprisonment or marginalization.
Recently, legislators approved controversial legislation ostensibly aimed at preventing foreign interference, though critics worry it will damage non-governmental organizations and opposition movements.
The new law prohibits “agents of foreigners” from receiving grants or financial assistance from external sources exceeding 400 million Ugandan shillings — approximately $110,000 currently — within twelve months without interior ministry approval.
Wine’s National Unity Platform party criticized the legislation as “unconstitutional, irrelevant and brought in bad faith to further persecute those with divergent views.”
SEOUL, South Korea — Wearing body cameras on his head, chest and hands, David Park expertly folds banquet napkins at the luxury Lotte Hotel Seoul, a skill he’s perfected over nine years of service. Every movement he makes gets recorded into a computer system designed to eventually train robots to perform the same tasks.
The hotel represents just one client for South Korean AI company RLWRLD (pronounced “real world”), which is building a massive collection of human work skills from experienced employees across multiple industries. This data will help create artificial intelligence systems for robots destined for factories and eventually households.
The startup also gathers information from warehouse workers at CJ, documenting their techniques for gripping, lifting and moving products, plus employees at Japanese convenience store chain Lawson, recording their methods for arranging food displays.
RLWRLD aims to develop AI software that can operate robots in various industrial locations over the next few years, with plans to later move into residential markets. Company engineers emphasize that copying human hand coordination remains their top focus, believing that human-like machines will lead the robotics industry forward.
“I’ve been doing this about once a month,” Park explained, noting he’s one of roughly 10 food and beverage team members at Lotte Hotel participating in the motion capture program.
Following his napkin-folding demonstration, Park cleaned wine glasses and silverware in a section of the banquet room while his coworkers set up for actual events nearby. He mentioned to an engineer that the hand-mounted cameras felt uncomfortably snug.
RLWRLD joins numerous South Korean technology companies and manufacturers entering the emerging global “physical AI” marketplace. This concept describes machines equipped with artificial intelligence and sensors capable of observing, making decisions and taking action in real environments with some independence, advancing beyond traditional factory robots built for repetitive operations.
Though uncertainty remains about whether these machines will fully deliver on promises to revolutionize industries, they’re essential to South Korea’s strategy of using its semiconductor and manufacturing expertise to become an AI leader. The competition is intense, with American tech corporations like Tesla and numerous Chinese companies investing billions in humanoid robots and other AI-powered machines.
Similar to how chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini learn from enormous amounts of internet text, AI robots need comprehensive data about human actions to master complex physical work. South Koreans may find it challenging to compete in chatbots, where English language skills give American companies significant advantages, but they believe they have better opportunities in physical AI due to their extensive base of skilled manufacturing and service workers who can help train robotic systems.
The government recently announced a $33 million initiative to record the “instinctive know-how and skills” of “master technicians” into a database for AI-powered manufacturing, hoping robots will increase productivity and compensate for an aging, declining workforce.
RLWRLD, which recently introduced its robotics foundation model — an AI system for robots — anticipates industrial AI robots will be widely deployed around 2028, a schedule that matches projections from major corporations.
Hyundai Motor intends to deploy humanoids created by its robotics division, Boston Dynamics, at manufacturing facilities worldwide in the coming years, beginning with its Georgia facility in 2028. Technology giant Samsung Electronics plans to transform all production sites into “AI-driven factories” by 2030, incorporating humanoids and specialized robots throughout assembly lines.
“South Korea has a highly developed manufacturing sector and the focus is squarely on humanoids tailored specifically for those industries,” explained Billy Choi, a professor at Korea University’s center for Human-Inspired AI Research.
South Korea’s AI initiative has concerned labor organizations, who worry robots might eliminate jobs and weaken the skilled workforce traditionally considered the country’s competitive advantage — the same resource it’s now relying on for its AI transformation.
Following warnings from Hyundai’s union in January that robots could create an “employment shock,” President Lee Jae Myung issued an unusual criticism, characterizing AI as an unstoppable “massive cart” and urging union members to adjust to changes “coming faster than expected.”
“Mastery of skills is ultimately a human achievement — even if AI can replicate existing abilities, the continuous development of craft will remain fundamentally human,” stated Kim Seok, policy director at the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions. He warned that widespread robot implementation could risk “severing the pipeline” for skilled labor and called on government and employers to work with employees on AI adoption to gain their support and address employment fears.
Humanoids created by American and Chinese companies have demonstrated remarkable physical capabilities, including long-distance running. However, Hyemin Cho, who manages business strategies at RLWRLD, emphasized that the capacity to execute delicate hand tasks will determine whether humanoids can function in varied industrial environments and homes.
“Capturing motion data in real-world settings is extremely important and the quality of that data matters greatly,” she noted.
After transforming worker recordings into computer-readable information, RLWRLD engineers add another dimension by performing those same tasks while wearing cameras, VR headsets and motion-tracking gloves. This information trains test robots, often controlled by RLWRLD “pilots” using wearable technology. The method records precise details including joint angles and force application, according to Song Hyun-ji from the company’s robotics division.
One RLWRLD laboratory fills a crowded 34th-floor suite at Lotte Hotel. Worn carpeting disappears under tangles of cables and computer equipment. Poles equipped with infrared laser scanners stand in corners. Under a chandelier — a rare reminder of the room’s previous elegance — a wheeled robot with black, human-like metal hands moves back and forth with a quiet mechanical hum.
During a recent presentation, the robot, controlled by engineers, carefully lifted and positioned cups at a minibar, occasionally knocking over a dish. The company’s newest test videos show a more sophisticated system: a humanoid cautiously opening a box, placing a computer mouse inside, closing it and positioning it on a conveyor belt.
Most robots, including Boston Dynamics’ Atlas, employ task-specific hands, such as two or three-fingered “grippers.” RLWRLD belongs to a smaller group of companies creating AI for five-fingered hands that replicate human touch.
While five-fingered designs may not always meet factory requirements, they could become essential as robots enter homes, where closer human interaction will be necessary, Choi explained.
Hospitality employees offer valuable training information for machines learning precise or subtle tasks — abilities that could also broaden their application in industrial environments, Cho said.
Even though current humanoids would require several hours to clean a guest room that human staff complete in approximately 40 minutes, Lotte Hotel expects robots will be prepared for cleaning and other behind-the-scenes duties by 2029. The hotel also plans robot rental services for hospitality and other service sectors, with possible expansion to residential use.
“If you look at the entire process of preparing for an event in back-of-house areas, we think humanoids might be able to take over about 30% to 40% of that workload,” Park said. “It will be difficult for them to replace the remaining 50%, 60% and 70%, which involves actual human-to-human interaction.”
BEIJING — President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are set to hold a crucial summit meeting as both nations describe their relationship as generally stable in recent months, with plans to maintain that stability moving forward.
However, numerous complex issues remain unresolved in what many consider the world’s most important bilateral relationship, with no clear resolution on the horizon.
Experts anticipate limited major progress on longstanding tensions between the two superpowers, which include technological competition and disputes over Taiwan, where the United States serves as the primary supporter. The ongoing conflict involving Iran is expected to join the discussion topics, as China has taken on an unofficial mediation role.
“Both nations agree that maintaining U.S.-China stability matters,” explained Henrietta Levin, a senior fellow for the Freeman Chair in China Studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. “Beyond maintaining stability, determining the relationship’s future direction becomes more challenging, which is why this meeting will likely produce minimal concrete results.”
Here are the key issues at stake:
The economic conflict between China and the United States began during Trump’s initial presidency but intensified significantly in April of last year on what Trump termed “Liberation Day,” when he imposed 34% tariffs on Chinese imports. China responded with retaliatory tariffs and additional restrictions, including limits on rare earth mineral exports. The escalating conflict saw tariffs climb as high as 145%.
Recognizing that such extreme tariffs were unsustainable, both countries agreed to a trade ceasefire, suspending many punitive economic actions. The leaders previously met in South Korea in October and extended their truce for an additional year. China agreed to buy soybeans from U.S. farmers, while America reduced tariffs by more than half.
“China’s approach involved promoting stability through pushback,” said Fudan University professor Zhao Minghao, who specializes in international relations. “Both nations could potentially announce a comprehensive trade deal this time. However, this wouldn’t end the conflict, and any agreement will include specific conditions.”
Last year’s ceasefire failed to address fundamental underlying issues and didn’t restore previous trade relationships. China has implemented new export permit requirements for rare earth materials that can be tightened whenever necessary.
Additionally, “there’s been insufficient intensive dialogue that has marked previous summits,” noted Wendy Cutler, Asia Society vice president and former U.S. trade negotiator.
China introduced new regulations in April establishing a framework for identifying and countering foreign actions targeting Chinese businesses. Under these rules, China’s Ministry of Commerce instructed affected companies, including a petroleum refinery purchasing Iranian crude oil, to disregard U.S. sanctions.
While some anticipate the sides might announce an extended trade truce, observers note continued targeted actions. “It’s a delicate ceasefire,” Cutler stated.
The White House announced Sunday plans to discuss establishing a new “Board of Trade” to maintain ongoing economic dialogue between the countries.
America implemented restrictions on advanced computer chip exports to China and related technology, including manufacturing equipment, during Trump’s first administration.
Nvidia, the California-based leading advanced chip designer, has urged Trump to permit exports to China. Company founder Jensen Huang argues that selling chips would create Chinese AI company dependence on American technology.
However, expanding chip export restrictions may drive China toward greater self-sufficiency. “China’s position has shifted somewhat, appearing more concentrated on developing its domestic chip sector rather than continuing dependence on advanced U.S. chips,” Zhao commented in written statements.
Two weeks prior to the meeting, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a phone call that bilateral relations have stayed generally stable, but Taiwan represents the “greatest risk” to their ties. China indicated again Thursday that Taiwan would be a primary discussion topic.
Few anticipate resolution of the Taiwan situation, which has persisted since China and Taiwan separated during a civil war in 1949. While Beijing claims Taiwan, the island operates as a self-governing democracy.
Tensions have escalated since Taiwan elected Tsai Ing-wen as president in 2016. Her Democratic Progressive Party maintains Taiwan is functionally independent and sovereign. Beijing has ceased communication with Taiwan’s government and recently began sending military aircraft and naval vessels near the island in nearly daily exercises.
Taiwan’s current President Lai Ching-te also belongs to the DPP. Beijing has repeatedly criticized Lai, even portraying him as a “parasite” in military exercise propaganda.
U.S. law requires ensuring Taiwan can defend itself, but America officially maintains “strategic ambiguity,” leaving unclear whether the U.S. would intervene militarily if China attempted to reclaim Taiwan by force. Trump recently mentioned discussing Taiwan arms sales with Xi, raising additional questions about American support for Taiwan.
“One option involves China and the U.S. adopting ‘reciprocal restraint,’ such as reducing American arms sales to Taiwan in exchange for fewer mainland military exercises targeting Taiwan,” Zhao suggested.
As the world seeks an end to the Iran war that has disrupted the global economy, this conflict will likely arise in discussions.
China has openly criticized both the United States and Israel regarding the war. Additionally, given its strong political and economic connections with Iran, some view it as an unofficial mediator capable of influencing Tehran. Beijing has remained cautious so far, preferring minimal deep involvement.
“I don’t believe China has any desire to resolve Middle East problems the U.S. has created for itself,” said Levin from the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Days before the summit, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged China to pressure Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, claiming Beijing’s Iranian oil purchases fund terrorism.
“Let’s see if China — let’s see them step up with some diplomacy and get the Iranians to open the strait,” Bessent said on Fox News. “Iran is the largest state sponsor of terrorism, and China has been buying 90% of their energy, so they are funding the largest state sponsor of terrorism.”
NEW ORLEANS — A dancer who disrupted this year’s Super Bowl halftime show by displaying a protest flag during Kendrick Lamar’s performance has been convicted of resisting an officer, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced Monday.
Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, 41, from New Orleans, was part of a group of dancers dressed in black during the hip-hop star’s February 9, 2025 show at the Caesars Superdome.
Though Nantambu had permission to be on the field as a performer, Louisiana State Police say he went off script when he displayed a Sudanese flag bearing the message “Sudan and Free Gaza” while standing atop a vehicle being used as a stage prop. Officials say he then leaped from the platform and began running across the field. When security officers and police pursued him and ordered him to stop, he ignored their commands, according to state police.
After an arrest warrant was issued, Nantambu turned himself in to authorities. He was charged with resisting an officer and disturbing the peace by disrupting a lawful assembly at the Orleans Parish Justice Center. Chief Judge Juana Marine-Lombard found him guilty only on the resisting an officer charge, which is classified as a misdemeanor.
“We appreciate the chief judge’s careful consideration of the evidence and the decision to hold this individual accountable for resisting law enforcement officers who work every day to protect our communities,” Murrill said.
Nantambu’s sentencing is scheduled for June 1, according to the attorney general’s office. The misdemeanor conviction carries potential penalties of up to $500 in fines and as much as six months behind bars under state law.
The NFL has also imposed a lifetime prohibition on Nantambu attending any league events.
In an unrelated incident, Nantambu was the target of a shooting at a celebrity boxing match in Miami this past May.
Former NFL player Antonio Brown is facing attempted murder charges after police say he took a gun from a security guard at the boxing event and fired two rounds at Nantambu. According to investigators, Nantambu reported that one bullet grazed his neck.
Brown has claimed he was acting in self-defense. His trial is scheduled to begin in January 2027.
Crude oil markets experienced upward movement during Tuesday’s early Asian trading session as diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran continue to face significant obstacles, maintaining concerns about global energy supply chains.
Brent crude futures climbed 30 cents to reach $104.51 per barrel, representing a 0.29% increase, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate rose 31 cents to $98.38, marking a 0.32% gain by 0002 GMT. Both oil benchmarks had already posted substantial gains of nearly 2.8% during Monday’s session.
President Donald Trump characterized the current ceasefire arrangements with Iran as being “on life support” during Monday remarks, citing fundamental disagreements on multiple critical issues including ending military operations across all theaters, lifting U.S. naval restrictions, allowing Iranian petroleum exports to resume, and providing financial restitution for conflict-related damages.
Iranian officials have also stressed their authority over the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway that facilitates approximately one-fifth of worldwide oil and liquefied natural gas transportation.
Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade, explained in an email statement: “As long as the US-Iran negotiations remain inconclusive and physical flows through the Strait of Hormuz stay restricted, we should see prices holding above $100.”
Waterer further predicted: “A genuine breakthrough toward a peace deal could trigger a sharp $8–12 correction, while any escalation or renewed blockade threats would quickly push Brent back toward $115+.”
Supply interruptions caused by the strait’s near-complete closure have forced petroleum producers to reduce their export operations, with a Monday Reuters survey revealing that OPEC’s April oil production dropped to its lowest point in more than twenty years.
Saudi Aramco’s chief executive Amin Nasser issued a warning Monday that export disruptions through the strategic waterway could postpone market stabilization until 2027, potentially eliminating approximately 100 million barrels of weekly oil production.
The Trump administration revealed plans Monday to release 53.3 million barrels from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve through lending arrangements, aimed at moderating volatile oil market conditions.
Maritime tracking information indicated that an SPR crude shipment is currently traveling toward Turkey, representing the first such delivery to that Mediterranean country.
Additionally, with Trump’s scheduled meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping approaching, Washington implemented sanctions targeting three individuals and nine entities, including businesses operating in Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman, for enabling Iranian petroleum shipments to China.
The Wall Street Journal reported Monday that UAE forces executed military operations against Iran, including an early April strike on a refinery facility located on Iran’s Lavan Island. According to the report, UAE officials have not publicly confirmed these military actions.
SINGAPORE, May 12 – Ultra-wealthy families across the Asia-Pacific region are seeking professional guidance for inheritance planning at significantly higher rates than wealthy families in Western countries, according to new research from Swiss banking giant UBS.
The study reveals that approximately 72% of Asia-Pacific heirs planning to receive family wealth are consulting with professional wealth managers and family officers for guidance. This stands in sharp contrast to just 42% in North America and only 19% in Europe who seek similar professional advice.
More than 40% of Asia-Pacific families are currently either in the midst of wealth transfers or actively developing plans to pass assets to younger generations, the bank’s research shows.
Young Jin Yee, who serves as co-head of UBS Global Wealth Management APAC, explained the trend: “We see APAC families adopting a more structured, deliberate approach to intergenerational transition.”
Yee also noted what the younger generation values most in these relationships: “The next generation is also telling us that access to a strong global network is what truly differentiates a wealth manager.”
The findings come as part of a massive global wealth transition expected to unfold over the coming 20 to 30 years, with an estimated $83 trillion in private assets set to move between generations worldwide, UBS reported.
The bank’s first-ever Global Next Generation Report drew from two separate surveys conducted between May 2025 and January 2026, gathering 175 responses from around the world. Asia-Pacific participants made up roughly 11% of the total responses.
Across all regions surveyed, nearly one-third of respondents indicated their families have already begun the wealth transfer process. In most cases, parents and senior family members are taking the initiative to begin discussions about succession planning, the study found.
MEXICO CITY – Educational leaders across Mexico have decided to maintain their traditional academic schedule for the 2025-2026 school year, backing down from a controversial proposal that would have cut the term short due to World Cup considerations.
On Monday, federal and state education officials reached a unanimous decision to stick with the standard 185-day academic calendar, according to Education Minister Mario Delgado. This means students will continue attending classes until the regularly planned conclusion date of July 15.
The reversal came after President Claudia Sheinbaum called for the change, while also addressing concerns from countless Mexican families who structure their daily lives around the established school schedule, Delgado explained.
While the main calendar remains intact, education officials noted that individual states retain flexibility to make localized modifications when facing exceptional situations, such as severe weather conditions or complications stemming from World Cup activities.
The education minister had initially suggested wrapping up the academic year on June 5 rather than the traditional July 15 date, pointing to rising temperatures and the desire to reduce logistical strain in cities hosting the international soccer tournament, which Mexico will jointly present alongside the United States and Canada.
A nonprofit advocacy group has taken legal action against the federal government to prevent proposed changes to one of Washington D.C.’s most recognizable landmarks.
The Cultural Landscape Foundation has filed a lawsuit in federal court requesting that a judge block President Trump’s initiative to alter the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool by painting it blue. The organization is seeking to halt the administration’s resurfacing project for the historic pool located on the National Mall.
The reflecting pool has served as an iconic backdrop for the Lincoln Memorial for decades, drawing millions of visitors annually to the nation’s capital. The proposed color change would mark a significant visual alteration to the landmark that has remained largely unchanged since its construction.
Details about the timeline for the proposed modifications and the specific reasoning behind the color change have not been disclosed. The lawsuit represents the latest challenge to federal plans affecting historic sites and monuments in Washington D.C.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is set to travel to Beijing Tuesday for discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, asserting that American trade relations with China have become more profitable while downplaying ongoing disputes over critical minerals, tariffs, and cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence that threaten to strain ties between the globe’s two economic powerhouses.
The upcoming Beijing meeting represents what could be the initial encounter of four planned discussions this year between the leaders.
“We’re doing a lot of business with China and making a lot of money,” Trump stated recently. “We’re making a lot of money — it’s different than it used to be.”
The gathering focuses mainly on maintaining economic relationship stability, with observers anticipating only minor policy revelations. The trade ceasefire established in October will likely receive an extension, while China may reveal intentions to purchase American soybeans, beef, and Boeing aircraft. American officials have also hinted at establishing a Board of Trade to maintain ongoing economic dialogue between the nations.
According to Brett Fetterly, a managing principal at consultancy The Asia Group specializing in China, some within the Trump administration believe “the outcome that matters more than any set of deliverables is stability and space for continued engagement, both to build domestic resilience and to facilitate future deal-making.”
However, continued engagement represents merely an initial move toward managing U.S.-China competition, as reciprocal tariffs, artificial intelligence and electric vehicle development, and the Iran conflict threaten to destabilize relations.
Contrary to Trump’s profit assertions, China purchased approximately $50 billion less in American goods last year compared to 2022, based on U.S. Census Bureau statistics.
Part of this decline stems from Beijing halting soybean purchases during the previous year’s trade dispute. The Trump administration has expressed clear intentions to support American agricultural and manufacturing sectors by increasing Chinese imports from the U.S., aiming to reduce a trade deficit that reached $202 billion last year.
The United States now imports more products from Taiwan than China, a shift partly driven by the AI competition that has American companies purchasing computer chips and servers from the self-governing territory.
Dating back to Trump’s initial presidency, China also started redirecting U.S.-bound merchandise through other Asian nations, while American businesses moved supply chains for computers and electronics to Vietnam and India.
China’s portion of U.S. goods imports has dropped from 22% when Trump first took office in 2017 to only 7.5% during the first quarter of this year, according to government information analyzed by Chad Bown, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics and co-author of “How to Win a Trade War.”
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated he “highlighted” during an April 30 conversation with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng the importance of a “new government-to-government Board of Trade.”
Greer suggested the board could enhance trade in products without national security implications. This might include agricultural items, for example, but exclude computer chips or other sensitive technologies.
The proposal could simplify trade dispute resolution and assist American efforts to increase sales to China. It might help avoid a repetition of last year when Trump increased tariff rates on Chinese products by 145% before reaching a truce during an October meeting with Xi in South Korea.
The board would also provide the Trump administration with an alternative to substantial tariff increases, which have created logistical and legal complications. The Supreme Court determined that Trump lacked authority to unilaterally impose many of last year’s tariffs, while his subsequent temporary replacement tariffs were ruled illegal by a federal court last week.
The Trump administration indicates both the U.S. and China would require domestic approval to establish the board that could oversee tens of billions in trade. Administration officials also seek to create an investment forum for discussing financing operations in each country.
The U.S. delegation to China includes approximately 17 CEOs, featuring Tesla’s Elon Musk, Apple’s Tim Cook, and Boeing’s Kelly Ortberg, according to the White House.
In certain respects, Trump’s and Xi’s administrations have been operating at cross-purposes. Trump believes America can maintain its AI advantage, viewing the trade imbalance as the primary challenge to address. However, Xi perceives a world disrupted by climate change and the Iran conflict, developments that could benefit Chinese technologies including solar panels and electric vehicles.
“Washington and Beijing are competing at different levels and different domains, with different theories of victory,” explained Michael Sobolik, a senior fellow focusing on U.S.-China relations at the Hudson Institute, a conservative think tank. “President Trump leveraged tariffs not as a weapon against China but as leverage to secure a trade deal. Xi Jinping is angling to win a cold war with the United States.”
The U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran is also creating an energy turning point, noted Ali Wyne, a senior research and advocacy adviser on U.S.-China relations at the International Crisis Group.
The Trump administration expects the world to continue depending on oil and natural gas, while China views price increases following energy shipment disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz as supporting a green energy shift that benefits its industrial approach.
“The structural frictions between the United States and China, they are growing in number and severity,” Wyne observed.
Multiple potential tensions could easily disrupt optimistic friendship discussions, questioning whether meaningful summit progress is possible on issues including:
— China’s control over most rare earth mining and nearly all processing for these minerals essential to electronics. The Trump administration is working to develop domestic rare earth production through new partnerships and company investments, a strategy requiring several years to implement.
— The U.S. effort to restrict China’s access to the most sophisticated computer chips. These processors, created by companies like Nvidia and AMD, possess the computational capability to advance AI development.
— China’s automotive manufacturing dominance. Its global vehicle exports rose 21% last year, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. China can offer EVs at significantly lower prices than manufacturers in the U.S., Germany, Italy, Japan, and South Korea.
— Tariffs. Following the Supreme Court’s rejection of Trump’s tariffs, the administration initiated national security investigations under Trade Act of 1974 provisions to impose new tariffs based on excessive industrial capacity and efforts to prevent forced labor that could potentially survive legal challenges.
— U.S. sanctions on a Chinese oil refinery and numerous tankers and shipping companies for participating in Iranian oil transportation. Beijing responded to the earlier this month action by demanding non-compliance with U.S. penalties against Chinese enterprises. The countries are also competing over Panama Canal management.
A district court judge in Montana has stopped the state from implementing new restrictions on Election Day voter registration, finding that the limitations would unfairly impact Native American and younger voters.
The court decision blocks enforcement of legislation passed by Montana’s Republican-led Legislature last year that would have prohibited people from voting in federal elections if they registered after 12 p.m. on Election Day. This marked the second attempt by state lawmakers in five years to eliminate same-day voter registration.
District Judge Adam Larsen issued the temporary order on Friday, which will stay in place until a full trial can be held on a lawsuit brought by the Montana Federation of Public Employees and several Native American tribes, including the Blackfeet and Northern Cheyenne. The trial is scheduled for late August, well after the state’s June 2 primary elections.
Writing from the county that includes Helena, the state capital, Larsen observed that same-day registration has become “wildly popular” among Montana voters. The state has permitted Election Day registration since 2006, and when given the chance to eliminate it through a ballot measure in 2014, 57% of voters chose to keep it.
“The undisputed record demonstrates that a substantial number of Montana voters rely on Election Day registration, including during afternoon hours,” Larsen wrote. “The record further establishes that some voters will be unable to register prior to noon due to work schedules, travel constraints, polling place hours or unforseen registration issues.”
Officials from Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen’s office said they were disappointed with the court’s decision.
“Unrestricted voter registration on Election Day puts a undue burden on Montana’s election administrators who have very important jobs ensuring our elections are secure and run smoothly,” spokesperson Chase Scheuer said in an email.
However, Judge Larsen dismissed the state’s claim that the new law would simplify election administration, pointing out that local officials would need to handle federal elections differently from state and local contests.
The judge noted that Montana requires polling locations serving at least 400 voters to operate from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, while smaller polling sites don’t have to open until noon.
Larsen determined that Native American voters encounter “unique barriers” when trying to vote, such as lengthy travel distances and limited transportation options. He also found that students and other young voters struggle with registration due to “scheduling constraints” and because they relocate more often.
Amanda Curtis, who leads the Montana public employees organization, said their legal challenge protected “the fundamental right of every voice to be heard” against “overreaching politicians.”
The lawsuit also contested changes to state law regarding which forms of identification students can present at polling places to register and vote, but Larsen ruled that the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate anyone had been denied voting rights because of these requirements. Scheuer stated that these ID changes “bolster the integrity of Montana elections.”
In 2021, the Legislature passed a law that would have ended voter registration at noon the day before Election Day, but the Montana Supreme Court overturned it in 2024, calling it a violation of an “unequivocal fundamental right” guaranteed by the state Constitution. The justices noted that more than 70,000 Montana residents had used Election Day registration since it began.
Prior to lawmakers passing the most recent legislation in 2025, legislative staff issued a memo warning that the proposal might conflict with the Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling.
Drivers using southbound DuPont Boulevard should expect delays as construction crews continue work that has closed the left lane in a busy stretch of the roadway.
According to DelDOT, the lane closure affects southbound US Route 113 between Shawnee Road and Fitzgeralds Road. The restriction will remain in place until 6 a.m.
Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and merge safely when approaching the work zone. Traffic is being maintained in the right lane during the construction period.
A contentious legislative proposal in Israel has reignited a long-standing national debate over a fundamental question: Who has the authority to determine which religious conversions qualify someone for Israeli citizenship?
The bill, championed by religious coalition members in the Israeli parliament, seeks to limit Law of Return citizenship recognition exclusively to conversions meeting Orthodox or halachic requirements. If passed, this change could potentially disqualify Reform and Conservative conversions that have previously gained acceptance through court decisions and government practice.
Supporters of the legislation deny targeting liberal Jewish denominations internationally. Instead, they characterize their effort as correcting what they view as a system that has strayed from its original intent and now permits conversion to serve as an improper pathway around standard immigration procedures.
Israeli lawmaker Simcha Rothman explained the rationale, stating: “The Law of Return was meant to help the Jewish people and Jewish communities in the diaspora.”
In a detailed interview with The Media Line, Rothman highlighted concerns about what he termed “conversion hopping” – situations where people allegedly seek out obscure religious communities overseas to complete simplified conversion processes before seeking Israeli citizenship.
“You have a person who cannot immigrate under normal Israeli immigration laws,” Rothman explained. “Then he goes to some community nobody has heard of, converts under an ‘everything goes’ process, comes back with a paper saying he’s Jewish, and the courts start recognizing it.”
While Rothman acknowledged the proposal might upset some American Jewish communities, he dismissed claims that it specifically targets liberal movements. He emphasized that only a small fraction of immigrants arrive through non-Orthodox conversions, limiting the practical impact.
“It’s clear to me there are communities abroad, especially in the United States, that will feel hurt by this,” Rothman admitted. “But in practice, it affects a very, very small percentage of immigrants.”
The conversion legislation emerges alongside a recent Supreme Court ruling addressing Law of Return issues. That decision determined that non-Jewish children of immigrants cannot receive automatic citizenship and must instead pursue standard naturalization procedures. Though unrelated to conversion questions, the ruling contributes to broader discussions about how extensively Israel’s immigration framework should reach beyond those deemed Jewish by religious authorities.
This tension between immigration and religious status has existed for decades in Israel. Many immigrants legally enter under the Law of Return and obtain citizenship, only to later discover the Rabbinate doesn’t recognize them as Jewish for marriage purposes. This issue became particularly prominent during the 1990s Soviet immigration wave, which brought many individuals with Jewish ancestry who didn’t satisfy Orthodox definitions of Jewish identity.
Bill supporters like Rothman argue this gap has evolved beyond a technical inconvenience into a source of legal confusion and potential system abuse.
Their position draws support from historical documentation. A January 1960 Interior Ministry document examined by The Media Line defines Jewish identity for registration as either “someone born to a Jewish mother” or “someone converted according to halacha.” Coalition lawmakers view this as evidence of Israel’s original administrative approach before subsequent court rulings expanded recognition to include non-Orthodox conversions.
Rothman contends that legislators shouldn’t determine religious doctrine, arguing instead that the state should defer to the Chief Rabbinate as the designated authority for establishing conversion standards.
“The legislator does not determine halacha,” Rothman stated. “The body authorized to determine halacha in the State of Israel is the Chief Rabbinate.”
To illustrate this principle, Rothman drew a parallel to Israel’s kosher certification system.
“The state does not decide what kosher is,” he said. “The Rabbinate decides. The law simply says you cannot call non-kosher food kosher.”
Opposition politicians and liberal Jewish organizations view the proposal quite differently.
“The attempt to paint the change to the Law of Return as ‘preventing abuse’ is nothing more than a smokescreen,” opposition lawmaker Efrat Rayten of The Democrats party told The Media Line. “The real goal here is strengthening the power, money, and control of the most hardline religious establishment.”
Rayten contends the legislation represents part of a broader political and ideological shift within the current coalition rather than an isolated legal modification.
“This proposal does not stand on its own,” she explained. “It is part of a much broader effort to change the face of the state.” She connected the initiative to controversies involving rabbinical courts, gender separation policies, and expanding religious influence in public institutions and military settings. “It is a coordinated effort to turn Israel into a de facto halachic state,” she warned.
Critics worry the implications extend beyond conversion procedures themselves, noting that citizenship policies directly impact Israel’s relationships with Jewish communities globally, including millions who affiliate with Reform and Conservative movements.
American Jewish responses will likely receive close attention. In the United States, where most Jews don’t identify as Orthodox, this issue highlights a recurring source of tension with Israel: decisions made by Israel’s religious establishment can affect Jews abroad who don’t live under that authority. Pew Research Center data shows Orthodox identification among American Jews at approximately 9%, a small portion compared to Reform, Conservative and unaffiliated populations.
This demographic difference explains why debates that may seem technical within Israel often generate very different reactions internationally.
The discussion carries particular significance across the Americas, where many organized Jewish communities identify as traditional or Masorti (Conservative) rather than strictly Orthodox. When asked about Masorti communities, Rothman maintained that many conversions associated with those groups already follow Orthodox standards to ensure broader recognition throughout the Jewish world.
“Most conversions done for traditional communities, both in Israel and abroad, are carried out according to halacha,” Rothman said. “Even many rabbis serving traditional communities are themselves Orthodox.”
Rayten cautioned that the proposal threatens to deepen divisions between Israel and significant portions of diaspora Jewry during a period when relationships already face strain.
“When you control the exclusive gate into the Jewish people, you also control enormous budgets, jobs, and the national identity of the state,” she said. “This turns Judaism from a broad national home into a closed club for whoever they believe belongs there.”
The legislation won’t advance immediately. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked the Ministerial Committee for Legislative Affairs to postpone consideration of Rothman’s proposal, along with a separate mortgage subsidy bill.
This delay doesn’t eliminate the proposal from consideration. It provides the coalition additional time to examine one of the most sensitive religion-and-state measures currently under review, while avoiding an immediate vote on legislation that has already generated concern from opposition lawmakers and Jewish communities internationally.
What started as a disagreement over conversion standards has rapidly evolved into a test of authority: determining whether Israel’s elected officials, courts, or religious establishment will define the legal meaning of Jewish identity, and what that decision will communicate to Jewish communities worldwide about their relationship to the state established in their name.
Professional golfer Jake Knapp will not compete in this week’s PGA Championship after pulling out due to a left thumb sprain injury.
The 31-year-old golfer officially withdrew on Monday from the year’s second major championship tournament. Tom Hoge has been selected from the alternate list to fill Knapp’s spot in the 156-player field at Aronimink Golf Club.
Knapp has been absent from professional tour competition since his 74th-place finish among 82 competitors at the RBC Heritage tournament. While he has not publicly discussed the injury, it appears the thumb problem likely developed during that Heritage event.
Following that tournament, Knapp has been forced to skip both the Cadillac Championship and Truist Championship, two high-stakes events worth $20 million each that served as preparation for the PGA Championship.
The injury setback comes at an unfortunate time for Knapp, who was experiencing a strong 2024 season with five top-10 tournament finishes from January through March, including an impressive 11th-place showing at the Masters.
Hoge, age 36, brings experience to the replacement role with his sole PGA Tour victory coming at the 2022 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Last year he failed to make the cut at three major championships, though he did achieve a ninth-place tie at the 2022 PGA Championship, marking his best major tournament performance to date.
With Hoge moving into the main field, Kevin Yu from Taiwan now moves up to become the tournament’s first alternate.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore called for sweeping changes to the country’s biggest electricity marketplace on Monday, targeting reforms that could impact power costs across Delaware and 12 other states served by the regional grid.
Speaking at the annual gathering of PJM Interconnection members, Moore advocated for extended power contracts and mandating that data centers fund the expensive infrastructure required to support their operations. The PJM network spans the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic areas and houses the globe’s highest concentration of data centers.
“For too long, affordability and reliability have been framed as somehow competing goals… that somehow keeping the lights on tomorrow requires working families to pay crushing prices today,” Moore told the audience. “That is a false choice.”
The regional electricity market has experienced severe supply shortages, driving residential power costs significantly higher and attracting increased political attention. PJM officials are considering substantial modifications to control data center energy demands and restore balance to regional power supplies following approximately two years where Big Tech companies’ server facility requirements have exceeded new grid capacity additions.
Capacity charges within PJM’s system, which function as insurance to maintain power during peak demand periods, have soared roughly 1,000% during the past two years. Moore joined other state leaders last year in successfully advocating for temporary limits on these costs.
A key component of PJM’s suggested changes involves establishing long-term, fixed-rate agreements between power suppliers and data centers.
Although Moore and PJM members reached consensus on the general framework of these reforms, they disagreed about what triggered the market instability.
During a panel conversation, PJM representatives cited inconsistent state policies, including clean energy initiatives favoring wind and solar over traditional gas and coal facilities, plus government market interference as factors deterring investors from making the long-term commitments necessary for constructing new regional power plants.
Moore and fellow governors within the PJM territory have contended that the grid operator has moved too slowly in adding new generation capacity while approving expensive transmission infrastructure projects they claim haven’t benefited their states.
PJM acknowledged the strain from rising electricity costs throughout the region and stated it was working to accelerate the introduction of additional power supplies to the grid.
“This is a generational challenge that no one organization, state or industry can solve alone. It will take coordination across policymakers, grid operators, utilities, generators, and large energy users to help evolve the grid at the speed and scale this moment demands,” PJM spokesman Jeff Shields said.
Moore plans to sign Maryland’s Utility RELIEF Act on Tuesday, legislation designed to deliver financial assistance to utility customers through dedicated funds and other provisions, including limits on utility executive compensation.
Kevin Warsh, President Donald Trump’s choice to head the Federal Reserve, successfully passed a critical Senate procedural vote on Monday, advancing his nomination to replace current Fed Chair Jerome Powell, whose term concludes this Friday.
Following Monday’s procedural vote, senators are anticipated to confirm Warsh for his 14-year Fed governor position as soon as Tuesday. After that confirmation, legislators will begin considering his concurrent four-year appointment as Fed chair, with that final vote potentially occurring by Wednesday.
The Republican-majority Senate is widely expected to approve Warsh’s nomination during a period when questions about the central bank’s independence have intensified.
Trump has taken extraordinary steps to influence Fed operations, including attempting to remove Fed Governor Lisa Cook in a matter now pending before the Supreme Court. He also backed a Department of Justice probe into Powell’s handling of a building renovation project, which a federal judge determined was a pretext for pressuring Powell to lower interest rates or step down.
Although the Justice Department discontinued its investigation, the lead prosecutor in Washington has indicated the possibility of reopening it. Powell has stated he will remain in his position until the matter is definitively resolved.
Powell has expressed concern “about the series of legal attacks on the Fed which threaten our ability to conduct monetary policy without considering political factors.” Warsh has remained silent regarding the Trump administration’s actions toward the Fed.
Warsh has announced plans for “regime change” at the Federal Reserve, including strengthening coordination with the Treasury Department and administration on non-monetary matters, while working toward reducing the Fed’s balance sheet.
While Trump has indicated his expectation that Warsh will reduce interest rates, Warsh has maintained that he has made no commitments to Trump regarding monetary policy decisions.
The Fed chair holds one vote among 12 on interest rate decisions and represents one voice among 19 at policy-making discussions.
During their most recent meeting last month, Fed officials voted to maintain the policy rate between 3.50% and 3.75%, with three central bankers dissenting to signal their willingness to consider a potential rate increase.
The Federal Reserve’s upcoming meeting, which would be Warsh’s first as chair if confirmed, is set for June 16-17.
Energy markets experienced significant volatility Monday as crude oil costs surged amid continued uncertainty surrounding the US-Iran conflict, though American stock exchanges managed to reach fresh record highs despite the ongoing tensions.
NEW YORK (AP) — Brent crude oil prices jumped 2.9% to exceed $104 per barrel following President Donald Trump’s announcement that the ceasefire between the United States and Iran remains precarious after he dismissed Iran’s most recent peace proposal. This development leaves both nations in an uncertain position, contributing to Brent crude’s rise from approximately $70 before hostilities began. Despite energy sector concerns, the S&P 500 managed a 0.2% gain beyond Friday’s record closing. The Dow Jones also advanced 0.2%, while the Nasdaq composite climbed 0.1% to establish its own new high.
BANGKOK (AP) — Asian nations are preparing for additional energy disruptions as their initial protective measures against the Iran conflict’s impact begin to weaken. Regional governments that anticipated a swift resolution to the war have relied on temporary solutions, including depleting strategic energy stockpiles, purchasing oil and gas on spot markets, and implementing power conservation measures. However, with peace negotiations remaining deadlocked, these interim approaches are rapidly becoming ineffective. The crisis has evolved beyond fuel shortages to affect broader economic sectors, inflating fertilizer prices and shipping costs while threatening national economic expansion. Millions of citizens with lower incomes face increasing financial pressure from escalating expenses and diminishing profit margins.
Recent polling data reveals that younger Americans express greater pessimism about employment opportunities compared to older generations, marking a dramatic shift from conditions just three years earlier when older workers held more negative views. Historically, both in the United States through 2023 and internationally, younger demographics have maintained more positive outlooks regarding job market conditions. Gallup research typically shows younger individuals worldwide are approximately 10 percentage points more likely than older counterparts to view their local employment situation favorably. Currently in America, younger people are 21 percentage points less inclined to express optimism about job prospects than older workers.
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump announced plans to eliminate the federal gasoline tax as a response to escalating fuel costs resulting from the Iran conflict. However, the president lacks unilateral authority to suspend this tax, requiring Congressional approval for implementation. Bipartisan lawmakers have advocated for gasoline tax suspension, arguing it would deliver essential financial relief to families and businesses dependent on vehicles for work, education, and daily activities. Current federal taxation stands at 18.4 cents per gallon for gasoline and 24.4 cents for diesel fuel, excluding state taxes which frequently exceed federal rates. AAA motor club data shows Monday’s national average gas price reached $4.52 per gallon, representing a 50% increase from pre-war levels.
NEW YORK (AP) — American businesses are experiencing mounting expenses during the US-Israel war against Iran, with economists forecasting additional economic pressures and potential reductions in employment and investment over the coming months. A National Association for Business Economics survey released Monday indicates nearly half of responding business economists report negative operational impacts from the conflict, with 54% citing effects from rising energy costs. More than two-thirds documented increased material expenses during the past three months. The war, which commenced February 28, has created global energy and supply chain disruptions.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Treasury Department has instructed American financial institutions to identify suspected Iranian money laundering operations that allegedly utilize funds for smuggling sanctioned oil through shell companies and cryptocurrency networks. This initiative seeks to undermine Iran’s sanctions-evasion infrastructure as the US and Iran reached a stalemate Monday regarding war termination, with ceasefire stability deteriorating. President Donald Trump characterized the ceasefire as being on “life support” following his rejection of Tehran’s latest proposal. The Trump administration is requesting banks to identify customers potentially laundering funds for Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, particularly those conducting unusually large transactions or maintaining connections to Iranian cryptocurrency firms.
Google announced Monday it successfully prevented a criminal organization’s attempt to weaponize artificial intelligence for exploiting a previously unknown digital security weakness at another company, intensifying concerns across government and private sectors about AI’s cybersecurity risks. While Google provided limited details about the attackers or their target, John Hultquist, chief analyst at the technology company’s threat intelligence division, described this as the realization of cybersecurity experts’ long-standing warnings about malicious hackers utilizing AI to enhance their computer infiltration capabilities.
April sales of existing American homes remained virtually unchanged, continuing the housing market’s sluggish performance during its typically most active period. The National Association of Realtors reported Monday that previously owned home sales increased marginally by 0.2% from March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.02 million units, with sales figures unchanged compared to the previous April. The latest sales data fell below economists’ expectations of approximately 4.12 million units, according to FactSet. The national median sales price rose 0.9% in April compared to the same month last year, reaching $417,700.
BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — The Interior Department has eliminated a regulation that established conservation as equal priority with development on public lands, supporting President Donald Trump’s initiative to increase drilling, logging, mining, and grazing activities on taxpayer-owned property. The land management rule represented a cornerstone of former President Joe Biden’s efforts to redirect the Interior Department’s Bureau of Land Management focus. This agency manages approximately 10% of all American land and has traditionally emphasized development activities. The cancelled regulation permitted public land leasing for restoration purposes using the same framework that allows oil companies to lease land for drilling operations.
The NBA has decided not to suspend San Antonio Spurs standout Victor Wembanyama following an incident where he elbowed Minnesota’s Naz Reid during Game 4 of their Western Conference semifinal matchup, a league source confirmed to The Associated Press. The individual requested anonymity since the NBA has not made public statements about their review process. Wembanyama will be available for Tuesday’s Game 5 in San Antonio, with the playoff series currently deadlocked at two victories each.
Looking ahead to the 2026 NFL season, the Dallas Cowboys continue to command premium television exposure despite recent on-field struggles. League officials revealed Monday that Dallas will travel to face the New York Giants for NBC’s season-opening “Sunday Night Football” broadcast on September 13, and will welcome the Philadelphia Eagles for their traditional Thanksgiving Day game on November 26 via Fox. The complete schedule drops Thursday, though additional matchups will be unveiled gradually. These announcements give Dallas the timing for three of their 17 contests, adding to their previously confirmed Week 3 international game against Baltimore in Rio de Janeiro on September 27.
In Kansas City, the Chiefs have completed extensive renovations to Arrowhead Stadium in preparation for hosting World Cup matches, realizing a longtime vision of the Hunt family ownership. Six group stage contests are scheduled at the venue beginning next month, culminating with a round of 32 clash and quarterfinal match. Argentina and Algeria will kick off the action on June 16. The 1972-built facility required substantial modifications to satisfy FIFA standards, including seating adjustments and playing surface improvements. Nearly ten years of planning went into this collaboration. Spectators will utilize shuttle services from remote parking locations due to space constraints, while existing signage has been removed to prevent sponsor conflicts.
At Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, early practice rounds for the PGA Championship have highlighted the course’s defining characteristics: expansive greens with dramatic undulations. Keegan Bradley, who captured the 2018 BMW Championship at this venue, emphasized that driving accuracy takes a backseat to navigating the challenging putting surfaces with their severe slopes. Matt Fitzpatrick expressed concern about finding suitable pin placements on some greens. Jordan Spieth completed nine practice holes as he prepares for his tenth attempt at achieving the career Grand Slam, with the PGA Championship remaining his only missing major.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards continues to showcase remarkable resilience during the NBA playoffs despite battling knee issues. Edwards logged over 40 minutes for consecutive games and played the entire final quarter while contributing 36 points in the Timberwolves’ Game 4 victory over San Antonio in their second-round series. The dynamic guard returned just nine days after suffering a hyperextended left knee and deep bone bruising to help secure a Game 1 triumph, while also managing ongoing right knee discomfort throughout the season.
Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey maintains his position favoring a 16-team College Football Playoff expansion, contrasting with the Big Ten’s preference for 24 teams. This disagreement means the playoff will proceed with 12 teams for now. Sankey outlined various logistical hurdles, including conference championship scheduling, non-conference commitments, and traditional games like Army-Navy.
Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy remains in stable condition following a shooting incident at a Mississippi concert venue. University officials confirmed Hardy sustained gunshot wounds early Sunday morning and underwent surgical treatment later that day. The first-team Associated Press All-American and Doak Walker Award finalist was injured at an outdoor concert at a motorcycle club in Laurel, Mississippi. Local police Sergeant Macon Davis characterized the scene as chaotic, with three suspects currently in custody according to the Laurel Leader-Call.
In Premier League action, Tottenham earned a crucial point in their relegation battle with a 1-1 home draw against Leeds United. The result creates a two-point cushion over West Ham in the standings, with one of these clubs destined for Championship football alongside already-relegated Wolves and Burnley. Both teams have two matches remaining, but Spurs control their own fate. Mathys Tels opened the scoring for Tottenham before Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s late penalty earned Leeds a valuable point. Championship news saw Hull defeat Millwall 2-0 to secure a playoff final berth against either Southampton or Middlesbrough, with promotion to the Premier League at stake.
United States midfielder Johnny Cardoso will miss the upcoming World Cup due to a right ankle injury requiring surgical intervention. His club team Atletico Madrid announced the procedure, which typically demands months of rehabilitation with the World Cup beginning in four weeks. The Spanish club has not provided a recovery timeline or surgery details. The 24-year-old Cardoso injured his ankle during Atletico training last week, having earned 23 caps for the national team since his 2020 debut.
Iron Honor enters as the 9-2 morning line favorite for this weekend’s Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park, though the wide-open field lacks Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo. The actual betting favorite may shift significantly before Saturday’s race. Taj Mahal (5-1), Chip Honcho (5-1), Incredibolt (5-1), and Ocelli (6-1) round out the early favorites in what could feature the largest Preakness field in 15 years. The last time 14 horses reached the starting gate was 2011.
Delaware Department of Transportation crews are conducting construction work that has forced the closure of the right lane and shoulder on southbound Silicato Parkway.
The lane restrictions are in effect along the stretch of roadway between Northeast 10th Street and South Silicato Parkway. DelDOT officials say the closures will remain in place until 5 a.m.
Drivers traveling through the area should plan for potential delays and consider alternate routes if possible. Traffic is being directed into the remaining open lanes during the construction period.
Delaware motorists should expect traffic delays on a busy stretch of US Route 13 due to ongoing construction activities.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that intermittent lane restrictions are affecting both northbound and southbound traffic between Bayview Road and Hyetts Corner Road. The construction-related closures are scheduled to conclude by 5:30 AM.
Drivers traveling through this corridor should plan for potential delays and consider alternate routes if possible during the construction period.
Drivers traveling on Route 13 should expect delays near Federal School Lane due to ongoing construction work affecting traffic flow in both directions.
According to DelDOT, the northbound right lane is currently blocked to traffic, along with the southbound left turn lane at the Federal School Lane intersection.
The lane restrictions will remain in place until 6 AM, when normal traffic patterns are expected to resume.
Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and use caution when navigating through the construction zone.
Motorists traveling on Route 13 should expect delays due to ongoing construction work that has closed left lanes in both directions of the major highway.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that left lane closures are currently in effect on both the northbound and southbound sides of South DuPont Highway (US Route 13). The affected stretch runs from Voshells Mill Star Hill Road to Shamrock Avenue.
Officials indicate the lane restrictions will remain in place until 6:00 AM as crews continue their construction activities. Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and exercise caution when passing through the work zone.
Motorists traveling through the intersection of South DuPont Highway (Route 13) and East Camden Wyoming Avenue (Route 10) will need to find alternate routes for left turns due to ongoing construction activities.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that left turn lanes at this busy intersection are temporarily closed while crews complete necessary roadwork. The lane closures are expected to remain in place until 6:00 AM.
Drivers should plan for possible delays and consider alternative routes if their travel plans require left turns at this location. DelDOT advises motorists to exercise caution when navigating through the construction zone.
The federal government is making a substantial financial commitment to a mining operation in Montana as part of a broader strategy to reduce America’s reliance on China for essential minerals needed for national security and economic interests.
The significant investment comes at a time when President Trump’s diplomatic visit to China has brought renewed attention to Beijing’s dominant position in the global market for critical and strategic mineral resources.
Officials view the Montana mining initiative as a key component in efforts to shift the balance of power in the strategic minerals sector, which has become increasingly important for national security considerations and technological advancement.
MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards continues to amaze teammates and coaches with his extraordinary ability to perform at an elite level while battling significant knee problems during this year’s NBA playoffs.
Edwards delivered a spectacular 36-point effort in Sunday’s Game 4 victory against the San Antonio Spurs, pouring in 16 of those points during the decisive fourth quarter to help Minnesota even their second-round playoff series at 2-2 with a 114-109 win.
“Honestly, I think he would just now be coming back if he was like a normal human being, but he’s not,” teammate Mike Conley said following the victory. “We’re thankful for what he’s sacrificing for us and putting us on his back. We expect it from him. He expects it. So we just try to keep him healthy, keep him going forward.”
The standout guard made his return just nine days after suffering a hyperextended left knee that resulted in a deep bone bruise. Edwards contributed 18 points off the bench in 25 minutes during the series opener on May 4, then returned to the starting five for Game 3 at home Friday, logging 41 minutes of action.
Sunday’s contest saw Edwards play 40 minutes, including the entire fourth quarter — a strategy coach Chris Finch employed only three times during the regular season. Edwards also played the final 12 minutes in the first-round series opener at Denver on April 18, just one week before his most recent injury.
“Man, I’ve been doing a lot of stuff to get in shape. I’ve got the best physical therapist in the world when it comes to my body, David Hines, so big shoutout to him,” Edwards said, crediting the team’s vice president of medical operations and performance. “He’s on a whole other level when it comes to that stuff.”
The young star was restricted to just 61 games during the regular season — a career low — primarily due to ongoing right knee discomfort. Prior to this season, Edwards had never missed more than three games in any campaign.
“We’re lucky to have him. He’s special, no doubt, especially given what he’s been fighting through over the last month and a half,” Finch commented.
Edwards shot an impressive 13-of-22 from the field Sunday, connecting on 3-of-5 three-point attempts. He capitalized on Victor Wembanyama’s surprising ejection by attacking the basket, including a critical finger-roll layup through traffic with 2:24 remaining that gave Minnesota a four-point advantage.
Despite his heroics, Edwards remained self-critical afterward, questioning his and the starting unit’s effort during a sluggish third quarter while admitting to physical fatigue.
“I was gassed a little bit,” Edwards said, “so I came out like super low on energy, just walking up and down the floor.”
However, Edwards’ performance transcended mere determination and physical toughness. Playing on Mother’s Day, the guard drew deep motivation from honoring his late mother, Yvette Edwards, who passed away from cancer in 2015 when he was only 13 years old. His grandmother also died later that same year.
“I couldn’t lose this game for her,” Edwards said before acknowledging the unwavering support he’s received from family and close friends in Atlanta throughout the decade since losing his mother and grandmother. “It’s not a bunch of people that’s just willing to do anything you say. These people really want to see me succeed, and they don’t let me take a day off. They stay on me.”
True to his private nature, Edwards quickly redirected attention away from personal matters during the postgame media session at Target Center.
“So I appreciate everybody that’s in my circle, but that’s enough about me,” he said. “Just ask about my team.”
WASHINGTON — Site preparation work commenced Monday for President Donald Trump’s proposed Triumphal Arch in the nation’s capital, marking another step forward for the disputed monument project.
Crews were observed conducting inspections at the planned location situated between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery, using specialized tools and equipment. Sections of the area were cordoned off with fencing, while pink survey markers were placed throughout the grassy terrain.
According to a Thursday court document filed in connection with a federal lawsuit opposing the monument, the current activities involve “surveys and geotechnical testing which are being used to generate information that will assist Defendant National Park Service (NPS) in completing procedural prerequisites” required for the approval process.
Standing at 250 feet tall, the controversial arch represents one of multiple initiatives the Republican president has launched to establish a permanent legacy in Washington. The massive structure could significantly alter the city’s historic skyline, prompting fierce resistance including legal action from military veterans and a historian.
Trump’s arch design has already received preliminary endorsement from the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, an agency staffed with Trump appointees.
The elaborate monument features four guardian lions at its foundation, topped by a Lady Liberty-inspired figure holding a torch and flanked by two eagles — all finished in gold. The inscriptions “One Nation Under God” and “Liberty and Justice for All” would appear in golden letters on opposite sides of the structure.
Neither the White House nor the Public Citizen Litigation Group, which represents the four lawsuit plaintiffs, provided immediate responses to requests for comment.
The legal challenge brought by the veterans and historian seeks to halt construction, arguing the arch would interfere with the visual corridor connecting the Lincoln Memorial to Arlington House at Arlington National Cemetery, along with other concerns.
Trump administration representatives stated in their court submission that the National Park Service has not issued final authorization for arch construction, and if such approval occurs, they would provide a minimum 14-day advance notice before beginning work.
The filing noted that plaintiffs received prior notification about the survey activities and clarified that this preliminary work does not represent “construction, or a demolition in preparation for construction, of an arch.”
The Interior Department has eliminated a regulation that elevated environmental protection to the same status as industrial development, as the Trump administration works to reduce barriers for companies seeking to drill, mine, log, and graze on federally-owned property.
The regulation, implemented in 2024 during the Biden presidency, aimed to reshape how the Interior Department’s Bureau of Land Management operates across roughly 10% of America’s territory. The policy enabled public lands to be designated for environmental restoration through the same leasing process used by petroleum companies for extraction rights.
However, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum contended the regulation could have restricted access to hundreds of thousands of acres, hampering energy and timber operations while damaging ranchers dependent on public grazing areas.
Advocates maintained that environmental protection had historically taken a backseat at the land management agency, undermining its responsibilities outlined in the 1976 Federal Lands Policy Management Act. Although the bureau had previously granted conservation leases in select instances, no formal program existed before the Biden era.
Corporate interests and their Congressional Republican supporters vigorously fought against the regulation and campaigned for its elimination. They claimed Biden’s modification violated the “multiple use” requirements for Interior Department properties by elevating the “non-use” of federal territory — referring to restoration leases — to a dominant role.
The government’s extensive land portfolio is primarily located in western regions including Alaska, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. Following his inauguration, Trump has launched numerous initiatives designed to increase fossil fuel extraction from these publicly-owned areas. The Republican leadership has also moved to diminish certain clean energy projects, alleging they received unfair government support during Biden’s tenure.
The formal elimination of the regulation was set for publication Tuesday in the Federal Register, with supporting documents released beforehand.
This development follows Congressional Republicans’ recent cancellation of land use strategies implemented during Biden’s final weeks that limited development across extensive portions of Alaska, Montana and North Dakota.
Beyond its surface territory, the Bureau of Land Management controls publicly-owned subsurface mineral deposits — including coal for electrical generation and lithium for clean energy applications — spanning over 1 million square miles. The agency has traditionally maintained industry-supportive policies and has distributed grazing rights and oil and gas permits for more than 100 years.
A Polish airline has become the first carrier to bring Boeing before a jury, alleging the aircraft manufacturer deliberately concealed dangerous flaws in its 737 MAX aircraft to secure lucrative contracts.
LOT Polish Airlines filed the lawsuit in Seattle federal court, claiming Boeing withheld crucial safety information when the airline selected the MAX jets in 2016 as part of a financial recovery strategy. The carrier’s expansion plans collapsed when aviation authorities worldwide banned the aircraft in 2019 following two fatal accidents.
“This case is about Boeing’s lies and deception and the devastating financial harm it caused,” stated Anthony Battista, representing the Polish national airline, during Monday’s opening arguments.
The legal battle centers on Boeing’s Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System, known as MCAS. While marketing the 737 MAX to LOT, Boeing engineers were secretly addressing the aircraft’s tendency to nose upward in certain flight conditions. They developed MCAS software to automatically correct this issue by pushing the plane’s nose downward.
Court documents reveal Boeing provided misleading information to the Federal Aviation Administration regarding MCAS capabilities and testing challenges. This deception allowed Boeing to avoid requiring extensive pilot retraining, which would have significantly increased costs for airlines and hurt competitiveness against Airbus’s A320 aircraft family.
Former LOT executive Maciej Wilk testified that switching to Airbus would have demanded costly and time-consuming simulator training. “And the key promise in all this was about pilot training” for the 737 MAX, Wilk explained to jurors.
Unaware of the hidden safety issues, LOT agreed to lease 15 aircraft over several years. The MCAS system later contributed to two catastrophic accidents: Lion Air Flight 610 in October 2018 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 in March 2019, resulting in 346 deaths combined.
Following the initial crash, Boeing officials publicly maintained the MAX’s safety record. Company sales representatives gave similar assurances to LOT, denying any safety concerns with the aircraft.
LOT continued operating the jets until global regulators grounded the entire MAX fleet after the second tragedy revealed MCAS’s role in both disasters. Aviation authorities permitted flights to resume 20 months later following comprehensive design modifications and enhanced pilot training requirements.
Airlines worldwide, including LOT, have since returned the updated aircraft to service. Boeing’s legal team questioned LOT’s credibility Monday, arguing the airline continues daily MAX operations while claiming fraud damages.
“Is that how the victim of a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme behaves?” Boeing’s attorney asked, noting LOT is “crying foul and fraud out of one side of their mouth in the courtroom” while operating the aircraft.
Boeing has previously paid billions in compensation to crash victims’ families and reached undisclosed settlements with numerous airlines affected by the grounding. LOT’s case marks the first time an airline has pursued Boeing through trial rather than private settlement negotiations.
The spotlight has shifted between two English golfing siblings, and the older brother couldn’t be happier about the change.
Matt Fitzpatrick, speaking Monday before this week’s PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club, acknowledged that the dynamics have changed significantly this year.
“I’m probably known as Alex’s brother now, as opposed to him being Matt’s brother,” the older Fitzpatrick explained.
This week near Philadelphia, Alex will compete in only his second major championship, while Matt pursues his second major victory in a setting that perfectly captures the spirit of the City of Brotherly Love.
The brothers’ journey together includes a memorable chapter from 2013, when Matt captured the U.S. Amateur at Brookline with Alex serving as his caddie. Nearly a decade later, Matt claimed his first major title at that same Massachusetts course, winning the 2022 U.S. Open.
During that earlier period, Alex’s professional career was still developing. He managed to make the cut in five of seven DP World Tour events, but it would take four years of persistent effort before he secured his breakthrough victory at the Hero Indian Open this past March.
The turning point came at the Zurich Classic in New Orleans. Competing as a team for the fourth consecutive year, both brothers performed at peak level and captured the championship, earning Alex his PGA Tour membership and qualification for this week’s major.
The rapid succession of victories has left little time for celebration, according to Matt, who also won the Valspar Championship and RBC Heritage this spring before the Zurich triumph.
“We’ve honestly not had much chance to kind of sit down and take it all in,” Matt said. “I think we are both off next week. So maybe we’ll do something next week. But neither of us are drinkers, so we won’t be doing anything crazy, I wouldn’t have thought.”
Alex has proven his PGA Tour credentials since the Zurich victory, finishing tied for ninth at the Cadillac Championship and placing fourth at Sunday’s Truist Championship after leading through three rounds.
Matt expressed genuine enthusiasm about discussing his brother’s success.
“Listen, I love talking about my brother,” Matt said. “It’s an amazing position to be in to have that privilege to talk about how well he’s doing. I’d so much rather have these questions, conversations, than the opposite of, you know, why is he not playing well and whatnot.”
“So it’s a fantastic position to be in, and I’ve said already, it’s his career. It’s his choice. I’ll be there to help him as much as I can, if he wants that. But at the same time, you know, I want him to be able to make his own decisions.”
The brothers’ parents had to adjust their travel arrangements following the Zurich victory. Originally planning to return to Europe, they decided to extend their U.S. stay through the PGA Championship to support both sons.
Matt indicated that his preparation routine will remain unchanged despite his brother’s presence.
“This is the second time we’ve shared a house at a major, when (Alex) qualified for The Open in ’23,” he explained. “It will be the same preparation for me. I’m going about it the same way. He’ll ask me when I’m playing and he’ll either join me or he’ll kind of fit in elsewhere.”
“I’m very strict on my routine. I want to do this and I need to see whoever at this time. If he wants to fit that in, that’s great, and obviously I always say, we want to play together. But yeah, I kind of, again, want him to be able to do his own thing.”
A medical equipment manufacturer announced Monday its fiscal 2027 earnings projections will surpass Wall Street analyst predictions, driven by robust demand for sterilization services, even though the company fell slightly short of fourth-quarter profit expectations.
The infection-prevention product maker, Steris, projects adjusted earnings per share between $11.10 and $11.30 for fiscal 2027, meeting or exceeding the average analyst estimate of $11.10 compiled by LSEG data. The company also anticipates yearly revenue growth ranging from 7% to 8%.
The Ohio-based company, which provides sterilization equipment and services to hospitals and laboratories, reported fourth-quarter revenue climbed 7% to reach $1.6 billion, surpassing analyst projections of $1.59 billion for the period ending March 31. The revenue increase stemmed from higher medical procedure volumes and an expanded customer portfolio.
Company leadership also announced approval for a new $1 billion stock buyback program.
However, Steris’ fourth-quarter adjusted earnings of $2.83 per share fell just short of Wall Street’s $2.85 per share prediction.
Breaking down quarterly performance by division, the Healthcare segment, which represents the company’s largest revenue source, generated $1.14 billion in sales, marking a 7% increase. The Applied Sterilization Technologies division saw revenue grow 6% to $289.2 million, while Life Sciences revenue jumped 9% to $162.9 million.
Motorists traveling southbound on Bay Road in New Castle should expect lane restrictions due to construction activity affecting the right shoulder of the roadway.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that the right shoulder closure is currently in place along southbound Route 1 (Bay Road) in the area stretching from NE 10th Street to NE Front Street.
Construction crews are working in the area, prompting officials to block access to the right shoulder for safety purposes. The restriction is expected to remain active until 5 AM.
Drivers are advised to use caution when traveling through the work zone and to expect possible delays during the construction period.
Morning commuters traveling through New Castle County should expect delays on southbound Route 72 due to ongoing construction work.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that the left lane is currently blocked between Bellevue Road and Brookhill Drive as crews continue their work. The lane closure is scheduled to remain in place until 6 AM.
Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and use caution when passing through the construction zone. Traffic may be backed up during peak morning hours as vehicles merge into the remaining open lanes.
Drivers traveling northbound on Route 72 should expect delays this evening as construction crews have shut down the right lane between Brookhill Drive and Bellevue Road.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports the lane closure will remain active until 6 a.m., affecting the morning commute for area residents.
Motorists are advised to use caution when approaching the work zone and allow extra travel time. Traffic is being directed into the remaining open lanes during the construction period.
Railway crossings have returned to normal operations after a temporary disruption caused by a halted locomotive.
The stationary train has resumed movement, allowing vehicle traffic to flow normally through all previously affected intersections. Officials indicate no additional information will be provided regarding this incident.
Cargo aircraft of the same model involved in a fatal Kentucky accident last autumn have been cleared to fly again after federal regulators approved safety modifications over the weekend.
Federal Aviation Administration officials announced they had given the green light to Boeing’s proposed repairs for the MD-11 aircraft “after extensive review.” FedEx immediately began operating the planes for package delivery services on Sunday.
The November 2025 UPS accident occurred when the aircraft’s left engine separated from the wing during takeoff at Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport. The incident claimed the lives of three crew members aboard the Hawaii-bound cargo flight, along with 12 individuals on the ground.
Boeing’s solution involved replacing a critical spherical bearing component and increasing inspection frequency for engine mounting hardware. The National Transportation Safety Board revealed that Boeing had recorded four similar bearing failures on three different MD-11 aircraft in 2011, though the manufacturer concluded at that time it would not create “a safety of flight condition.” McDonnell Douglas originally manufactured these planes before Boeing acquired the company.
Following the crash, aviation authorities grounded the entire MD-11 fleet due to safety concerns. UPS responded by retiring all of its MD-11 aircraft earlier this year, representing roughly 9% of the company’s total fleet. FedEx, however, maintained its commitment to returning the planes to operation despite them comprising only about 4% of its aircraft. Western Global Airlines, the third carrier operating MD-11s, has remained silent since the incident and did not respond to requests for comment regarding the FAA’s decision.
In a company statement, FedEx detailed its collaboration with Boeing, federal regulators, and internal specialists to examine and modify its aircraft, with government certification confirming compliance with Boeing’s guidelines. The company operates 46 of these planes, though more than two dozen were already in storage before the accident occurred.
“Safety is our highest priority at FedEx,” the company said.
Despite the return to service, FedEx intends to phase out its MD-11 fleet in favor of more fuel-efficient aircraft, a strategy announced prior to the Louisville crash.
Legal representatives for families pursuing lawsuits related to the Louisville accident expressed cautious optimism about the safety measures.
“We hope the FAA does a thorough job of investigating the fixes before the MD-11 fleet is allowed to return to flight,” lawyer Bradley Cosgrove said.
Aviation safety specialist Jeff Guzzetti expressed surprise at the lengthy grounding period, considering the NTSB’s rapid identification of probable causes for the engine separation. The NTSB has scheduled two days of investigative hearings next week to examine the crash in greater detail.
“I’m confident that the solution will work, and I would like to see the MD-11s back up in the air. It will be a safe airplane with regards to its engines after these corrective actions are made,” said Guzzetti, who used to investigate crashes for both the NTSB and FAA.
Industry analysts had questioned whether MD-11s would ever return to service if repair costs exceeded the economic value of the aging aircraft. However, Boeing successfully addressed safety issues through bearing replacement and enhanced inspection protocols.
Passengers from a cruise ship who may have been exposed to hantavirus have been taken to a specialized medical facility in Nebraska for monitoring and potential treatment.
The University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha was selected because it houses the United States’ sole federally-supported quarantine facility. The medical center also operates a distinct biocontainment unit specifically designed to care for individuals who have encountered infectious diseases.
This unique combination of quarantine and biocontainment capabilities makes the Nebraska facility the go-to destination for federal health officials when dealing with potential exposure to dangerous pathogens. The specialized units are equipped to safely isolate and treat patients while preventing the spread of infectious diseases to the broader community.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Over 30 years ago, team owner Lamar Hunt and his son Clark walked onto the turf at Arrowhead Stadium with a bold vision: convincing FIFA that their football venue could serve as a host site for the 1994 World Cup in America.
That 1990 proposal was unsuccessful, but the Hunt family’s ambition never faded.
Today, following a multi-million dollar transformation of the 53-year-old facility to meet international soccer field requirements, the Hunt family’s vision is finally becoming reality. Arrowhead will welcome six group stage matches next month, plus a round of 32 contest and a World Cup quarterfinal game.
“Clark has been keen on really living that legacy, finding a way for Kansas City and Arrowhead Stadium specifically to host World Cup matches,” said Matt Kenny, the Chiefs’ executive vice president of operations and events, during a Monday stadium walkthrough.
The opening match will showcase defending world champion Argentina taking on Algeria on June 16. Additional group stage games include Ecuador versus Curacao, Tunisia facing the Netherlands, and Algeria meeting Austria.
The elimination rounds are set for July 3 and July 11, after which the facility will return to its football configuration.
Kansas City’s first preseason game is expected approximately one month following the tournament’s conclusion.
While all American World Cup venues are NFL facilities — ranging from MetLife Stadium in New York to Levi’s Stadium near San Francisco and SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles — Arrowhead presents unique challenges. Constructed in 1972 during a different era of professional sports design, accommodating soccer was never part of the original blueprint.
To create space for the expanded playing field, multiple rows of fixed seating along the north sideline were eliminated and replaced with temporary seating units used during football season. These modular seats were subsequently removed as the venue prepared for its soccer transformation.
During World Cup competition, the facility will operate under the name Kansas City Stadium.
The most significant enhancement involved the playing surface itself. Team officials installed an underground air circulation system to improve the quality of the Bermuda grass field, which received new sod with modified crown shaping specifically for World Cup play.
“FIFA has some basic requirements in respect to playability. They want consistency with the way the ball bounces. Obviously, the width and the size of the pitch across venues,” Kenny explained. “It’s been the better part of 10 years from the bid to actually executing the matches here, and it’s been a massive collaboration.”
Construction activities continue despite teams arriving within weeks — Argentina, England, the Netherlands and Algeria will establish training bases locally. Crews worked Monday removing advertising displays to prevent sponsor conflicts while installing fan festival areas, pavilions and supporting infrastructure across the stadium’s extensive parking areas.
Traditional tailgating experiences will be limited during the tournament. Most spectators will arrive via shuttle buses from remote parking locations, with only several thousand on-site parking spaces available.
“The challenges were really tied to us understanding exactly what FIFA needed, what we could do to balance our unique situation,” Kenny noted. “We’re hosting a quarterfinal match, so that’s a testament to our planning and the work that’s been done.”
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s parliament unanimously passed legislation Monday establishing a specialized court system with power to impose death sentences on Palestinians found guilty of participating in the October 7, 2023 Hamas assault that sparked the ongoing Gaza conflict.
The Knesset voted 93-0 in favor of the measure, with 27 members either absent or choosing not to vote. The overwhelming support demonstrates broad consensus for holding accountable those responsible for what became Israel’s most devastating attack in its history.
Civil rights organizations have condemned the legislation, arguing it creates an easier pathway to capital punishment while eliminating important protections for fair legal proceedings. Under the new system, defendants may appeal their verdicts, but these appeals must go through a separate specialized appeals court instead of standard appellate channels.
The law allows a panel of judges to impose death sentences through majority decision and mandates that proceedings be broadcast live from a Jerusalem courthouse, drawing parallels to Adolf Eichmann’s 1962 war crimes trial, which was also televised.
Eichmann’s execution by hanging marked Israel’s last use of capital punishment, though the death penalty technically remains legal for genocide, wartime espionage, and specific terrorism charges.
Critics worry that broadcasting trials before establishing guilt could transform serious legal proceedings into public spectacles. They also question whether evidence presented might have been obtained through coercive interrogation techniques.
The conflict erupted when Hamas-led fighters invaded Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 people taken hostage. Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza has resulted in more than 72,628 Palestinian fatalities, including at least 846 deaths since the ceasefire began last October.
These casualty figures come from Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians but reports roughly half the victims were women and children. United Nations agencies and independent analysts generally consider the ministry’s data reliable, despite its connection to Hamas-controlled governance.
Israeli military operations also eliminated hundreds of militants during fighting in the coastal territory and captured numerous suspects now held in Israeli facilities awaiting trial.
Coalition member Simcha Rothman, who co-sponsored the bill, described the unanimous support as evidence that Israeli legislators can unite “around a common mission.”
Multiple Israeli human rights organizations, including Hamoked, Adalah, and the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel, acknowledged Monday that “justice for the victims of October 7 is a legitimate and urgent imperative,” but emphasized that accountability “must be pursued through a process which includes rather than abandons the principles of justice.”
This legislation differs from a March law that authorized death penalties for Palestinians convicted of killing Israelis, which drew international condemnation as discriminatory and inhumane.
The earlier law only applies to future cases and cannot be used retroactively against October 2023 suspects.
The Public Committee Against Torture in Israel reports that approximately 1,300 Palestinians from Gaza remain in Israeli detention without formal charges. Since October 2023, at least 7,000 Gaza Palestinians have been held in Israeli custody, with 5,000 subsequently released.
The 1,300 figure excludes those detained on suspicion of participating in the October 7 attack or involvement with hostage-taking.
WASHINGTON — In a Monday decision, the nation’s highest court opened the door for Alabama to eliminate one of its two congressional districts where Black voters make up the majority, potentially handing Republicans another House seat as both parties fight for control of the narrowly divided chamber ahead of November’s midterm elections.
The ruling comes after the Supreme Court decided in April to strike down Louisiana’s majority-Black House district, calling it an unconstitutional racial gerrymander and significantly undermining a key section of the federal Voting Rights Act.
Alabama state leaders referenced the Louisiana ruling when asking the Supreme Court to end a judicial mandate requiring the use of a court-ordered House map through the 2030 census. The justices granted that request and instructed a lower court to review the Alabama case considering the Louisiana precedent. This action may allow Alabama to implement a 2023 map created by its Republican-controlled legislature that contains just one district with a Black majority population.
Expecting this court reversal, Alabama lawmakers recently passed legislation permitting the state to cancel results from a May 19 primary in certain congressional districts and conduct a new primary using different district lines. Republican Governor Kay Ivey will determine when to schedule the special primary election, which must take place by August.
In her dissenting opinion to Monday’s brief decision, Justice Sonia Sotomayor noted that the Louisiana case only reversed one basis for the Alabama ruling. While the Voting Rights Act violation may be eliminated, Sotomayor argued that a lower court might still determine Alabama deliberately discriminated against Black voters, violating the 14th Amendment.
Alabama joins multiple states attempting to modify their congressional district maps before November’s elections in a nationwide redistricting fight that Republicans are currently winning.
Congressional districts are normally redrawn every ten years following the census to reflect population shifts. However, former President Donald Trump encouraged Texas Republicans last year to redraw districts in their favor to maintain a slim House majority in the midterms.
California Democrats responded with their own redistricting efforts, and many Republican-controlled states have followed suit. The Supreme Court’s Louisiana decision gave Republicans additional momentum for their redistricting campaigns.
Republicans believe they could secure up to 14 additional seats in November’s elections through new districts created in Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Florida, and Tennessee. Democrats estimate they could gain up to six extra seats from new districts in California and Utah. However, Democrats faced a significant blow when Virginia’s Supreme Court struck down a voter-approved redistricting amendment that might have delivered four more seats for their party.
Medical researchers have achieved promising results using a patient’s own modified immune cells to combat HIV infection in a groundbreaking early-stage clinical trial, though scientists emphasize more research is needed to validate these findings and identify the best candidates for treatment.
The initial human trial utilized CAR-T technology, a single-dose treatment where doctors remove a patient’s T-cells, modify and multiply them in laboratory conditions, then reintroduce them into the patient’s system. For this study, scientists programmed the CAR-T cells to target specific HIV binding locations called CD4 and CCR5.
Without medical intervention, HIV multiplies and eliminates the body’s disease-fighting cells, ultimately developing into AIDS. Approximately 41 million individuals worldwide currently live with HIV, and although modern antiretroviral medications have made the condition manageable, patients must take these drugs throughout their lives.
This approach differs significantly from earlier HIV treatment breakthroughs that involved cancer patients receiving bone marrow transplants from donors carrying a uncommon genetic variation that naturally resists HIV. Scientists believe CAR-T therapy could benefit many more patients.
“Our goal is to make these therapies affordable and accessible,” stated Dr. Boro Dropulić, executive director of the nonprofit organization Caring Cross, which partnered with researchers from University of California, San Francisco, University of California, Davis and Case Western Reserve University Hospital on this study.
Among three trial participants who received the standard CAR-T treatment dose, researchers reported that two have sustained undetectable or extremely low HIV levels since discontinuing antiretroviral medications – one patient for more than two years and another for almost one year. The third participant experienced an initial virus resurgence but subsequently managed to keep HIV at low yet detectable amounts.
The safety-focused trial included three additional patients who did not receive the preparatory chemotherapy typically used to ready bone marrow for cell reinfusion, while three others received reduced CAR-T doses.
“The two that have been off (HIV drugs) the longest and doing well were importantly diagnosed pretty quickly and put on therapy pretty quickly,” explained Dr. Steven Deeks, a medicine professor at the University of California, San Francisco and the study’s primary researcher.
He described how antiretroviral treatment “freezes the virus in place” to prevent mutations while also stopping the body’s immune system from getting “ravished by HIV.”
Deeks noted that ongoing research aims to understand why certain patients have shown better responses.
“The CAR-T cells disappeared after several weeks… so we’re really trying to come up with a mechanism to explain that,” he said.
CAR-T treatments are currently approved for various blood cancers and are being tested for autoimmune conditions including lupus and scleroderma.
“In the cancer settings, the overall burden of disease is much higher. Typically the CAR-T cells persist much longer,” Deeks noted.
He added that HIV trial participants did not experience the severe side effects commonly seen in cancer patients receiving CAR-T therapy, including a dangerous inflammatory reaction called cytokine release syndrome.
The research results were scheduled for presentation Tuesday at the American Society of Cell and Gene Therapy’s annual conference in Boston.
Washington has secured the top selection in the 2026 NBA Draft lottery, with BYU forward AJ Dybantsa emerging as the overwhelming favorite to be chosen first overall by the Wizards.
Following the lottery results, Field Level Media’s Ethan Ward immediately placed Dybantsa at the top of his draft rankings. Betting markets have responded accordingly, with BetMGM listing the forward at -450 odds to be selected first after initially opening at +360. Dybantsa has captured 38.8% of all wagers on the top pick and commands 74.1% of the total money wagered.
Despite his status as the betting favorite, Dybantsa ranks as only the third-largest potential loss for the sportsbook as of Monday. Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. holds the top liability position, with North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson in second place.
Acuff’s position stems from attracting 28.1% of all bets and 7.0% of the money despite long-shot +1000 odds. Wilson carries much shorter +5000 odds to go first overall and has drawn 13.5% of bets but only 4.0% of the total money.
Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, who initially opened as the -325 favorite for the top selection, now sits at +350 following the draft order announcement. Ward projects Peterson to be selected second overall by the Utah Jazz.
The 2026 draft class features multiple players with star potential, creating anticipation for the June 23-24 event in New York. Duke forward Cameron Boozer has attracted the second-highest amount of money wagered on the first pick with 13.8%.
Dybantsa’s emergence as the top choice for Washington stems from his perceived fit alongside the Wizards’ mix of young players and veterans Trae Young and Anthony Davis. The 19-year-old would not face immediate pressure to carry the team following his single collegiate season.
Utah would likely have strong interest in selecting the former BYU standout to keep him in the state. However, Peterson could provide an ideal complement to the Jazz’s large frontcourt with his versatility at both guard positions and ability to play without the ball.
Boozer represents one of the few top prospects whose odds have decreased since the market opened at BetMGM, moving from +875 to +1100 while receiving 11.8% of total wagers. He is commonly viewed as a potential selection for Memphis at third overall. The Grizzlies face decisions regarding Ja Morant, but Boozer is considered a safe prospect likely to become a reliable NBA scorer.
Beyond the top five selections, no other player has better than +25000 odds to be chosen first overall next month.
This marks Washington’s first time holding the top pick since 2010, when the franchise selected guard John Wall, who went on to become a five-time All-Star. The Wizards now own the first overall selection for the fifth time in team history.
The 6-foot-9 Dybantsa paced the nation in scoring at 25.5 points per game and appears positioned to become one of the NBA’s top offensive players. The 6-foot-6 Peterson dealt with injury issues at Kansas but still averaged 20.2 points and may have been college basketball’s most talented player.
A federal judge in Washington D.C. has thrown out criminal charges against British American Tobacco following the company’s completion of a three-year compliance agreement related to alleged North Korea sanctions violations.
The Justice Department confirmed in court documents filed Monday that BAT had “fully complied” with terms established in their April 2023 deferred prosecution deal. As part of the resolution, the tobacco manufacturer paid roughly $630 million in penalties and forfeiture fees while strengthening its internal compliance systems.
This settlement marked the Justice Department’s most significant financial penalty ever imposed for breaking U.S. sanctions targeting North Korea’s government. BAT’s subsidiary operation, BAT Marketing Singapore, entered a guilty plea to conspiracy charges as part of the arrangement.
The company, whose cigarette portfolio features well-known brands like Dunhill, Lucky Strike and Pall Mall, has not yet issued a public response to the case dismissal.
Federal prosecutors alleged that BAT continued selling tobacco products to North Korea from 2007 through 2017, even after publicly claiming it had ended all business operations there. According to the Justice Department, BAT had transferred its North Korean operations to a Singapore-based third-party company but maintained tobacco sales through this intermediary.
U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell approved the government’s motion to dismiss the charges.
The United States maintains extensive economic sanctions against North Korea as part of efforts to limit funding sources for the country’s nuclear weapons and missile development programs.
The University of Notre Dame and the University of Southern California are working to restore their historic football rivalry, though fans may have to wait until 2030 to see the teams clash again, according to a Monday report from the Los Angeles Times.
The Fighting Irish and Trojans announced in December that their 2026 matchup was canceled, putting a temporary halt to a storied rivalry that first began in 1925.
Sources close to the negotiations told the Times they remain hopeful that both universities will reach a new agreement.
According to the report, Notre Dame has shown willingness to schedule the USC game earlier in the football season, which had been a major sticking point in previous discussions. USC had pushed for moving the game date to align with their other non-conference games, while Notre Dame preferred maintaining the traditional late-season timing that has defined the rivalry.
Near the conclusion of the 2025 season, both schools appeared close to striking a deal, with USC ready to accept keeping the game in its customary late-season position for the following two years. However, USC officials were unaware that Notre Dame had secured a special arrangement with the College Football Playoff guaranteeing them a playoff spot if they finished in the top 12 of the final rankings, the Times reported.
This revelation prompted USC to withdraw their proposal, though athletic director Jennifer Cohen made one final attempt with a December counteroffer. Notre Dame rejected this last proposal and subsequently announced a new home-and-home agreement with BYU to fill USC’s former spot.
“The fact is very, very clear, and this can all be settled very quickly — had Notre Dame lived up to their word and played us anytime, anywhere, we would be playing them the next two years and looking ahead after that and hopefully continuing the series,” USC coach Lincoln Riley said following a bowl game defeat in December. “They did not follow through on it. Thus, we are not playing them the next couple years.”
WASHINGTON – The nation’s highest court gave Alabama Republicans the green light Monday to move forward with congressional district boundaries that favor their party for this November’s elections, marking another significant development following the court’s major decision on voting rights.
The Supreme Court justices overturned a federal court ruling that had prevented state GOP officials from implementing their preferred redistricting plan, which lower courts had determined discriminated against voters based on race and weakened the electoral influence of Black residents in Alabama.
Officials in the conservative Southern state are anticipated to return to their earlier proposed map, which would reduce districts where Black voters make up a majority or close to a majority from two down to just one among Alabama’s seven congressional seats.
Delaware Department of Transportation officials report that the left lane of southbound Interstate 95 is currently blocked due to a vehicle accident near the Salem Church Road area.
The crash has created traffic restrictions for drivers heading south on the major highway corridor. Motorists are advised to exercise caution and allow extra travel time when passing through this section of I-95.
DelDOT has not yet provided details about the severity of the accident or an estimated time for when the lane will reopen to normal traffic flow.
Texas officials are ramping up enforcement efforts to address a significant increase in organized criminal operations targeting the state’s oil industry. Law enforcement agencies report that thieves have stolen crude oil worth an estimated one billion dollars across Texas.
The theft operations have become increasingly sophisticated and pose growing safety concerns for workers and communities near drilling sites. State authorities are implementing new strategies to combat these criminal networks that are targeting valuable petroleum resources.
An increasing number of homeless individuals in New York City are facing court proceedings following arrests for transit violations in recent months. Police have been targeting those who occupy multiple seats on public transportation or sleep on station floors as part of an intensified enforcement effort.
The legal actions represent a significant uptick in prosecutions related to subway sleeping policies, with more homeless New Yorkers being processed through the court system for these transit-related infractions.
A stationary train is currently obstructing vehicle passage at two major Newark street intersections, causing significant traffic disruptions in the area.
The blocked crossings are located at North College Avenue and at the West Main Street/New London Road intersection. Railroad officials have been contacted about the situation.
Motorists should anticipate increased traffic congestion and are encouraged to use alternative routes while the train remains in position. Drivers are also warned against attempting to cross between rail cars.
Wall Street and international stock markets climbed to fresh record highs Monday, with investor enthusiasm for artificial intelligence technology continuing to overshadow the ongoing standoff between the United States and Iran.
Despite a fragile ceasefire and diminishing prospects for a long-term agreement in the Middle East, technology-driven earnings optimism maintained its grip on financial markets.
The market rally comes as stock concentration reaches near-record levels both in the U.S. and emerging markets worldwide. While this concentration may not immediately concern investors, analysts warn it could create volatility when markets eventually decline.
Multiple major indices posted record performances, including the S&P 500, Nasdaq, Japan’s Nikkei, South Korea’s KOSPI, and several global market measures. Chinese markets reached their highest levels in eleven years.
Within the S&P 500, six sectors advanced while five declined. Technology stocks gained 1% and energy climbed 2.6%, while communications services fell 2.3%. The Philadelphia semiconductor index jumped 2.6% to a new peak. Individual stock movements included Caterpillar rising 3%, Nvidia advancing 2%, and Nike dropping 4%.
Currency markets saw the dollar edge higher while the Japanese yen posted the largest decline among major developed-nation currencies. India’s rupee and South Korea’s won also fell sharply.
Bond markets experienced rising yields, with U.S. Treasury rates climbing 6 basis points at shorter maturities. A three-year Treasury auction attracted weak investor demand.
Commodity prices surged, with oil advancing 3% and silver jumping 7%.
Market analysts note that stocks continue reaching new heights even as oil prices and bond yields climb. While supply chain disruptions and rising energy costs typically dampen equity enthusiasm, the AI boom appears to be offsetting these concerns.
BlackRock analysts remain optimistic about market conditions. “We see no disconnect between record U.S. equities prices and elevated oil, commodities and yields. Markets are pricing both AI-driven growth and the impact of the Middle East supply shock. We stay pro-risk as a result,” they stated.
Attention now shifts to this week’s U.S.-China summit between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. Trump’s delegation includes executives from Tesla, Apple, BlackRock and other major American corporations.
Recent Chinese economic data revealed surging export growth, an expanding trade surplus and increasing price pressures in April, suggesting the economy is emerging from a period of declining prices. However, unemployment rose and retail sales disappointed expectations.
Major technology companies are expanding their borrowing efforts to fund AI development projects. Alphabet announced plans for its first bond sale in Japanese yen, while Amazon prepares its inaugural Swiss franc bond offering. These currencies traditionally offer lower borrowing costs, though the increased debt levels put growing pressure on AI investments to generate returns.
Looking ahead, markets will monitor Middle East developments, energy price movements, and various economic data releases including U.S. inflation figures and Federal Reserve officials’ comments.
Two Miami-Dade police sergeants have taken legal action against the production company owned by Hollywood stars Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, alleging their Netflix action film incorporated excessive real-world elements that damaged the officers’ standing both personally and professionally.
Sergeants Jason Smith and Jonathan Santana filed their defamation case in Miami’s federal courthouse this month, targeting Artists Equity, the film production business operated by the Academy Award-winning actors. While the court documents don’t specify a monetary amount being sought, the civil action requests compensatory and punitive damages, legal costs, and demands a public correction and retraction.
The Netflix thriller depicts Affleck and Damon portraying South Florida law enforcement officers who discover millions in cash during a house search. The movie draws inspiration from an actual 2016 incident where authorities uncovered more than $21 million connected to suspected marijuana trafficking operations at a Miami Lakes residence.
When contacted by The Associated Press on Monday, legal representation for Artists Equity refused to provide comment. However, in a March 19 letter responding to the officers’ initial demands, company attorney Leita Walker stated the movie doesn’t claim to represent the true events of that case or depict actual individuals, pointing to a disclaimer included in the film’s credits.
While the movie doesn’t specifically identify Smith and Santana by name, their lawsuit contends that Santana served as the primary detective handling the actual investigation, while Smith supervised the detective team. According to their legal filing, the movie’s use of authentic case details creates the false impression that the fictional characters represent the two plaintiffs.
The lawsuit argues this portrayal has led acquaintances, relatives, and professional colleagues to believe the officers engaged in the serious criminal behavior depicted on screen, including conspiring to steal confiscated drug proceeds, killing a supervising officer, coordinating with cartel operatives, setting fires in residential areas, putting civilians at risk, repeatedly breaking fundamental law enforcement procedures, and killing a federal agent instead of making an arrest.
In her March correspondence, Walker argued the plaintiffs failed to specify which movie character supposedly represents either Smith or Santana, meaning that even if the film actually portrayed a real narcotics unit, no connection could be established between any characters and the officers bringing the lawsuit.
Joe Carnahan directed the Netflix film, which launched in January and currently holds a 78% Fresh rating on the Rotten Tomatoes review aggregation website.
FLINT, Mich. — A Michigan man received a minimum 30-year prison sentence Monday for fatally striking his best friend with his car just hours after getting married following a dispute involving alcohol.
“The only thing I can do for the rest of my life is express my apology and remorse. … I will forever be sorry,” James Shirah told the Genesee County court.
The 24-year-old was behind the wheel when his car hit Terry Taylor Jr. in Flint, located roughly one hour northwest of Detroit, on August 30, 2024. Shirah had wed Savanah Collier earlier that same day, and the wedding party had gathered at a residence for the celebration.
Defense lawyers claimed the fatal collision was accidental. However, prosecutors maintained that Shirah had departed the scene initially and had opportunity to consider his actions before coming back and hitting Taylor, according to MLive.com.
“Mr. Shirah, I believe that you are not a criminal. You are, however, a killer,” stated Judge Khary Hanible during sentencing.
Back in April, Shirah entered a no contest plea to second-degree murder charges along with additional offenses. He becomes eligible for parole consideration after serving three decades.
“I hope that they throw the book at you,” Eren Taylor, the victim’s cousin, told Shirah prior to the judge announcing the sentence.
Shirah’s bride faces her own sentencing hearing scheduled for later in May on charges of serving as an accessory.
President Trump announced Monday his selection of David Cummins to lead the Transportation Security Administration following challenging months when the agency struggled with unpaid workers and extended wait times at airports nationwide.
The nominee previously served as a senior vice president with Serco, a contracting firm that partners with government agencies at various levels. If confirmed, Cummins would inherit leadership of an agency still recovering from the historic government shutdown that concluded in recent weeks.
Throughout the shutdown, TSA workers under current acting administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill faced periods without compensation, resulting in massive absenteeism and hundreds of resignations. The staffing crisis created significant delays for air travelers and sparked political debates over responsibility for the Department of Homeland Security closure.
According to what appeared to be his LinkedIn page before it was removed, Cummins brings transportation expertise from his time at Serco and claims co-ownership of “a dozen patents in transportation systems.” The profile also highlighted his role as operations director for the 2002 Winter Olympics held in Salt Lake City.
Serco representatives have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding Cummins.
President Donald Trump announced Monday his selection of Cameron Hamilton to head the Federal Emergency Management Agency, marking an unexpected return for the ex-Navy SEAL who lost his temporary leadership position last year for supporting the agency’s continued existence.
The nomination signals a shift in the Trump administration’s approach toward FEMA, moving away from earlier discussions about eliminating the disaster response agency that has faced sharp criticism from the president. Hamilton’s selection, particularly given his previous stance against dismantling FEMA, suggests this policy reversal is gaining momentum.
Should the Senate confirm Hamilton, he would serve as Trump’s primary emergency management advisor alongside Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, becoming FEMA’s first permanent director during Trump’s second presidency. The agency has cycled through three interim leaders, including Hamilton’s short stint from January through May 2025.
Hamilton would inherit an agency struggling under the aftermath of Kristi Noem’s controversial tenure leading the Department of Homeland Security, FEMA’s parent organization. The emergency management agency has been weakened by widespread employee departures, restrictive operational policies, and a 75-day government shutdown that concluded April 30.
With disaster season approaching rapidly, Hamilton faces the immediate challenge of preparing the agency while implementing the extensive reforms Trump expects, following recommendations from a presidential council released last Friday.
“Now is the opportunity to stabilize FEMA,” said Michael Coen, the agency’s chief of staff in the Obama and Biden administrations.
When Trump initially appointed Hamilton as interim director in January 2025, the choice sparked controversy given his lack of state or local emergency management experience and his previous public criticism of FEMA. The appointment came just days before Trump publicly considered “getting rid” of the agency entirely.
Hamilton’s conflict with DHS leadership emerged when he advocated for maintaining federal disaster assistance to states, tribes, and territories.
“Once the conversation shifted to, ‘Now we’re going to abolish,’ I immediately expressed concern,” he said last September on the “Disaster Tough” podcast with John Scardena, a former FEMA incident management team leader.
DHS officials even administered a polygraph examination to Hamilton, alleging he and other staff leaked confidential meeting information. Though he passed the test, Hamilton recognized his termination was approaching.
During a May 7 House Appropriations subcommittee hearing, Connecticut Democrat Rep. Rosa DeLauro questioned Hamilton about FEMA’s future.
“I do not believe it is in the best interest of the American people to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency,” he responded. His dismissal came the following day.
Hamilton’s willingness to defend FEMA despite knowing the personal cost earned him credibility among emergency management professionals, according to Scardena, who now leads the consulting firm Doberman Emergency Management Group.
“He won myself over and I think a lot of people by what he did,” Scardena said.
However, several current FEMA staff members, speaking anonymously due to fears of workplace retaliation, expressed concerns to The Associated Press about certain decisions made during Hamilton’s leadership.
In 2024, Hamilton amplified false information on social media platform X regarding FEMA’s Hurricane Helene spending.
Under his temporary leadership, FEMA eliminated door-to-door outreach efforts to connect with disaster survivors and terminated a multi-billion-dollar resilience grant program, later reinstated by court order. The Department of Government Efficiency received access to FEMA’s internal systems containing survivors’ personal data. Staff members faced termination for processing approved reimbursements to New York City for housing undocumented immigrants through FEMA’s Shelter and Services program.
Hamilton has advocated for significant FEMA restructuring, arguing the agency should operate more efficiently, shed responsibilities he considers beyond its scope, and reduce some states’ reliance on federal assistance. A Trump-appointed advisory council recently proposed comprehensive FEMA changes requiring congressional approval.
“I think he’s going to need to rebuild trust across the agency,” said Deanne Criswell, FEMA administrator under former President Joe Biden, adding that she believes Hamilton cares about FEMA and she appreciated his outreach to emergency management directors and former officials during and after his tenure.
Hamilton may encounter Senate confirmation challenges due to his lack of emergency management agency leadership experience, typically considered essential preparation for overseeing an organization with more than 21,000 employees.
Federal statute mandates the FEMA administrator possess “a demonstrated ability in and knowledge of emergency management and homeland security” plus at least five years of “executive leadership and management experience.”
Hamilton’s background includes training as a Navy hospital corpsman followed by a decade serving as a Navy SEAL with SEAL Team Eight. He subsequently worked as a State Department emergency management specialist handling international crisis response before directing emergency medical services at DHS.
Victoria’s Secret has publicly outlined the reasons behind its decision to reject Australian billionaire Brett Blundy’s bid for a board position, while announcing that one current director will step down amid the ongoing corporate dispute.
In a regulatory filing released Monday, the lingerie company revealed it had informed Blundy in November that his board candidacy posed “potential for significant reputational and legal risk” along with “conflict of interest and competition concerns.”
Blundy, through his investment company BBRC International, has been mounting a campaign to oust two current board members – Donna James and Mariam Naficy – by encouraging shareholders to withhold their votes at the upcoming annual meeting in June.
The pressure campaign has already claimed one casualty. Naficy announced she will not seek re-election next month, citing her professional obligations and the demands of responding to BBRC’s proxy fight.
Victoria’s Secret’s November letter to Blundy detailed several concerning issues that influenced their rejection. The company cited Blundy’s “pattern of hiring executives with a history of serious allegations of sexual harassment” and reported incidents of “harassment and highly inappropriate employee policies” at businesses under his control.
The retailer also raised competitive concerns, noting that Leays, a Blundy-controlled enterprise, markets itself as an international lingerie, sleepwear and beauty company, creating direct competition with Victoria’s Secret.
Additionally, the filing alleged that a BBRC representative visited Victoria’s Secret retail locations and “according to store personnel with whom he interacted, falsely presented himself as being affiliated with Victoria’s Secret to gain access to and misappropriate confidential sales information from the stores.”
BBRC currently holds a 13% ownership stake in Victoria’s Secret and has been working to implement changes since 2024. Blundy has argued that his retail industry experience makes him qualified for a board position.
A defensive mechanism known as a shareholder-rights plan, implemented after BBRC accumulated its significant stake, is set to expire this month.
Blundy was not available for immediate comment regarding the company’s allegations.
Investment powerhouse KKR announced Monday it will pump $300 million into its struggling private credit fund FS KKR Capital as the fund grapples with mounting losses and a steep decline in asset values.
The fund, known as FSK, has been hit hard along with similar investment vehicles as concerns grow about lending practices and the potential impact of artificial intelligence disruption on software companies that borrowed heavily. Investors have been pulling money from these funds while their stock market performance has deteriorated.
Over the past 12 months, FSK has seen its value plummet by 46%, and last month Fitch ratings agency downgraded the fund to junk status.
According to a company statement, KKR plans to purchase $150 million worth of convertible perpetual preferred stock and will launch a tender offer to buy up to $150 million in common stock at $11 per share. The company noted it “believes the intrinsic value of FSK’s common stock is in excess” of that offering price.
Additionally, the fund has approved a $300 million stock buyback program.
The fund’s financial troubles are evident in its rising non-accrual rate, which measures loans that have stopped generating interest or are unlikely to be repaid. This rate climbed to 4.2% of the portfolio’s fair value from 3.4% at the end of December. Raymond James analysts described this worsening trend as “exacerbating FSK’s concerning credit trends versus peers.”
FSK attributed the drop in asset values to investments that had already hurt performance in previous quarters, newly non-performing assets, and spread widening, where investors demand higher returns for taking on riskier debt investments.
The fund’s net asset value per share dropped to $18.83 from $20.89 at year-end, while losses per share expanded significantly to $1.57 from 41 cents.
Among the fund’s troubled investments are holdings in companies like software company Medallia, which sources say is expected to be handed back to creditors in a move that could eliminate $5.1 billion in equity value for owner Thoma Bravo and other investors.
Looking ahead, Raymond James analysts warned: “We believe the remaining portfolio quality … is likely to deteriorate through the remainder of 2026.”
A weekend agreement between the Trump administration and National Links Trust has resolved a contentious dispute that threatened to close Washington D.C.’s three public golf courses.
The controversy began when the administration ended a five-decade lease arrangement between the National Park Service and National Links Trust at the close of 2025. The nonprofit organization had been responsible for managing and operating the District’s municipal golf facilities.
The lease termination halted ongoing improvements at Rock Creek Park Golf Course and created uncertainty about the operations of Rock Creek, Langston Golf Course, and East Potomac Golf Links.
Under the new arrangement, National Links Trust will continue managing all three facilities through fresh long-term lease agreements for Langston and Rock Creek courses. Meanwhile, President Trump and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum will directly supervise a redesign project at East Potomac.
Construction work at Rock Creek will restart, and the National Links Trust confirmed in their announcement that all three facilities “will remain open, accessible and affordable for the residents and communities that depend on them.”
The resolution follows a federal court decision that blocked the Trump administration from unilaterally closing East Potomac or beginning renovations without adequate public notification.
“We thank President Trump for reaching an agreement that keeps Washington, D.C.’s three public golf courses open, welcoming and affordable community gathering places for DC residents and all golfers. We look forward to continuing to provide our expertise in operating and managing these beloved and historic courses and to making D.C. proud,” the organization stated.
Trump’s involvement in golf operations extends well beyond his presidency, with ownership of multiple high-profile facilities including Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in New Jersey, which hosted a U.S. Women’s Open, and Trump National Doral near Miami, which recently returned to PGA Tour competition with the Cadillac Championship. LIV Golf events have been held at these venues as well as Trump National Golf Club Washington, D.C., a private facility in Northern Virginia separate from the municipal courses.
Renowned golf course designer Tom Fazio, who has previously collaborated on four Trump golf properties, will lead the East Potomac redesign project. According to Golf Digest reporting, Trump envisions the renovated course as a potential host for major championships or Ryder Cup competition.
The Toronto Blue Jays have sidelined outfielder Addison Barger once again, placing him on the 10-day injured list Monday due to right elbow inflammation after he appeared in only one game following his recent return to action.
Toronto made several corresponding roster adjustments, bringing outfielder Yohendrick Pinango back up from Triple-A Buffalo while designating left-handed pitcher Eric Lauer for assignment and promoting right-hander Yariel Rodriguez from Triple-A.
Barger had just come back from bilateral ankle sprains and saw action Saturday versus the Los Angeles Angels, where he made a precise throw from deep right field during the second inning that helped nail Jorge Soler at home plate.
The outfielder has struggled offensively this season, managing just one hit in 22 at-bats across nine games, a stark contrast to his previous campaign when he launched 21 home runs and drove in 74 runs over 135 contests. During the 2025 playoffs, he posted impressive numbers with a .367 batting average, three homers, and nine RBIs in 17 games.
Since breaking into the majors in 2024, Barger has compiled a .223 batting average with 28 home runs and 104 RBIs across 213 games in a Blue Jays uniform.
The 24-year-old Pinango, who made his big league debut on April 26, had been performing well with a .423 batting average, one double, and four RBIs in 10 games for Toronto before his demotion.
Lauer, 30, posted a 1-5 record with a 6.69 ERA in eight outings this season, including six starts. The veteran pitcher carries a career 46-44 record with a 4.26 ERA over eight major league seasons with three different clubs, spending four years with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Rodriguez, 29, is preparing for his 2026 major league debut after compiling a 4-10 record with a 3.83 ERA in 87 appearances over the past two seasons with Toronto, including 22 starts.
According to a Wall Street Journal report published Monday, the United Arab Emirates has been conducting covert military operations against Iran, sources with knowledge of the situation told the publication.
The operations, which UAE officials have not publicly confirmed, reportedly included an assault on an oil refinery facility located on Iran’s Lavan Island in the Persian Gulf, the Journal reported. The publication indicated this particular operation occurred during the first week of April.
Reuters has not been able to independently confirm these claims at this time.
Drivers using southbound Interstate 95 should expect delays this morning as construction crews have closed the left lane between the Delaware Welcome Center and the Newark Toll Plaza.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports the lane restriction will continue until 7:00 AM today. Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and exercise caution when passing through the construction zone.
Traffic is being funneled into the remaining open lanes as work crews complete their overnight construction activities along this busy stretch of the interstate.
Delaware State University recently welcomed new students into two prestigious academic honor societies, celebrating outstanding scholastic achievement on campus.
The induction ceremonies highlighted the academic excellence demonstrated by DSU students who have met the rigorous standards required for membership in these distinguished organizations.
Honor society membership represents a significant academic milestone for students, recognizing their dedication to scholarly pursuits and maintaining high grade point averages throughout their university studies.
The new inductees join a network of accomplished students who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their educational goals at Delaware State University.
Drivers using Route 52 are encountering traffic delays today due to ongoing lane restrictions affecting both northbound and southbound travel.
The right lanes are currently closed in both directions along the Kennett Pike/Pennsylvania Avenue corridor between Brecks Lane and Delaware Avenue. DelDOT officials indicate these lane closures will remain in effect until 7 PM this evening.
Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and consider alternate routes if possible to avoid potential congestion in the affected area.
Motorists traveling through the Greenville area should plan for potential delays today as the Delaware Department of Transportation has implemented lane restrictions on a busy stretch of Kennett Pike.
DelDOT reports that the right lane on Route 52 (Kennett Pike) is currently closed in both the northbound and southbound directions. The closure affects the section of roadway between Brecks Lane and Delaware Avenue.
The lane restrictions are scheduled to remain in place until 7 PM this evening. Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and exercise caution when passing through the work zone.
No additional details about the reason for the closure were immediately available from DelDOT.
Alabama’s top prosecutor has launched a civil investigation into the Southern Poverty Law Center’s fundraising operations following federal criminal charges against the organization.
Attorney General Steve Marshall revealed Monday that his office has issued a subpoena to the civil rights organization, requesting details about its donation practices and payments made to informants. The investigation aims to determine whether the group violated Alabama laws governing charitable organizations or engaged in deceptive business practices.
“We look forward to learning more about the inner workings of an organization that we have long believed was rotten, but until recently, has been impervious,” Marshall stated in a news release.
The Southern Poverty Law Center provided a short response to the state action. “We have received notice of a subpoena and are currently reviewing,” a spokesperson wrote in an emailed statement.
This state-level probe follows the Justice Department’s announcement of criminal charges against the organization, alleging fraud through the use of donated funds to pay informants operating within extremist organizations. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has accused the group of “manufacturing racism to justify its existence.”
The SPLC has rejected these allegations as “provably wrong” and defended its informant operations as intelligence-gathering efforts designed to prevent attacks and disrupt hate group activities. The organization maintains that federal authorities have been aware of these programs and that gathered information has been shared with law enforcement agencies.
The Southern Poverty Law Center, widely recognized for its work monitoring hate groups, has frequently found itself in legal disputes with conservative organizations, the Trump administration, and Marshall’s office. The center has been an outspoken opponent of various Trump administration policies.
WASHINGTON — Democratic Party officials submitted an urgent petition to the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday, seeking to overturn a Virginia court decision that eliminated a ballot initiative potentially worth four additional congressional seats for their party.
The petition follows Friday’s Virginia Supreme Court ruling that invalidated a constitutional amendment voters approved by a narrow margin last month. The state’s highest court ruled 4-3 that the Democratic-led legislature violated proper procedures by initiating the amendment process while early voting was already in progress during Virginia’s fall general election.
Democratic attorneys contended without success that federal Supreme Court precedent establishes that elections don’t officially occur until Election Day, regardless of early voting activity.
This legal challenge represents another development in the ongoing nationwide redistricting battle that began last year when President Donald Trump encouraged GOP-controlled states to redraw their electoral maps. The situation intensified following a recent Supreme Court decision that significantly diminished Voting Rights Act protections.
The Democratic petition faces steep odds, as the Supreme Court typically avoids overruling state courts’ interpretations of their own state constitutions. In 2023, the justices rejected a similar request from North Carolina Republicans seeking to overturn a state court decision that blocked their congressional map.
From a political standpoint, this appeal could benefit a party that has struggled to keep pace with Republican redistricting efforts nationwide, potentially providing ammunition for campaign messaging about Supreme Court partisanship. The court recently permitted Louisiana Republicans to move forward with redistricting after striking down a majority-Black district as unconstitutional racial gerrymandering.
Democrats found themselves at a disadvantage when, shortly after the Virginia ballot measure succeeded, the Supreme Court’s conservative majority overturned decades of precedent and essentially weakened the Voting Rights Act. This decision enabled Southern states to eliminate certain majority-Black districts and strengthen Republican congressional advantages.
The Virginia constitutional amendment originated well before that Supreme Court ruling. It was designed to counter Republican redistricting victories in Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio, while offsetting a new Florida map that recently took effect. When the Virginia amendment initially passed, it temporarily balanced the national redistricting competition between both parties.
The Virginia Supreme Court’s decision disrupted that balance. Legislative appointments determine the court’s composition, with control alternating between parties over recent decades, and the court generally lacks a clear ideological reputation.
A 17-year-old suspect wanted in connection with a shooting that wounded five people near the University of Iowa campus has been taken into custody by federal authorities in Georgia, Iowa City officials announced Monday.
Damarian M. Jones of Cedar Rapids was apprehended by U.S. marshals in the Atlanta area and is now facing serious criminal charges including five counts of attempted murder and five counts of assault. The teenager is currently being held at Clayton County Jail in Georgia while awaiting an extradition hearing to return him to Iowa.
Authorities have not disclosed the specific details of how Jones was located and arrested, including the exact location of his capture or whether he offered any resistance during the arrest. It remains unclear at this time if Jones has secured legal representation.
Johnson County Attorney Rachel Zimmerman Smith, who would handle the prosecution if Jones is returned to Iowa, stated she had no additional information about the arrest circumstances and was unaware of whether Jones had obtained counsel. Attempts to reach the U.S. Marshals Office in Des Moines and Iowa City Police Department for comment were unsuccessful.
According to law enforcement, Jones was involved in a large altercation that erupted on a pedestrian walkway surrounded by shops, dining establishments, and bars close to the Iowa campus around 2 a.m. on April 19. Investigators allege that during a pause in the fighting, Jones discharged six rounds into the crowd before escaping the scene.
The shooting resulted in severe injuries to multiple victims. One individual sustained a gunshot wound to the head, while another was struck in both the arm and chest. Two additional victims were wounded in their legs, and a fifth person suffered a gunshot to the abdomen. Monday’s announcement indicated that one victim continues to receive hospital treatment, though officials did not identify which victim or provide details about their current medical status.
WASHINGTON — The nation’s highest court has issued a temporary order maintaining current access to mifepristone, a commonly prescribed abortion medication, while justices deliberate on potential new limitations set to begin this week.
Justice Samuel Alito issued Monday’s directive, which ensures women can continue receiving the medication through pharmacies or mail delivery without requiring face-to-face medical appointments. The order blocks federal appeals court restrictions from going into effect temporarily.
This latest reproductive rights battle comes four years following the conservative-majority court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, enabling more than a dozen states to implement near-total abortion bans.
The legal challenge originates from Louisiana’s lawsuit targeting Food and Drug Administration regulations governing mifepristone prescriptions. State officials argue these policies weaken their abortion ban and raise safety concerns about the medication, despite FDA approval in 2000 and repeated scientific validation of its safety and effectiveness.
Federal trial courts determined Louisiana would likely succeed in their challenge, leading a three-judge 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel to rule that mail delivery and remote medical consultations should be halted during ongoing litigation.
Mifepristone is typically combined with misoprostol for medication-based abortions. These procedures represented nearly two-thirds of all U.S. abortions during 2023, according to the most recent available data.
The current legal battle mirrors a similar case from three years prior.
Previous lower court decisions also attempted to limit mifepristone availability through litigation filed by anti-abortion physicians shortly after Roe’s reversal.
The Supreme Court previously prevented the 5th Circuit’s restrictions from taking effect, despite opposition from Alito and Justice Clarence Thomas. The high court later unanimously rejected the physicians’ lawsuit in 2024, determining they lacked proper legal standing to file suit.
Major medical organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and Congressional Democrats have urged the court against restricting drug access in the current case. Industry representatives warned that siding with abortion opponents could destabilize the entire drug approval system.
The FDA has gradually removed various initial restrictions on the medication, including prescriber qualifications, distribution methods, and mandatory safety reporting requirements.
Despite these regulatory determinations, abortion opponents have contested mifepristone’s safety for over 25 years through multiple petitions and lawsuits, consistently claiming the agency violated federal law by ignoring safety concerns.
President Donald Trump’s administration has maintained notable silence at the Supreme Court level, choosing not to submit written recommendations despite federal regulations being central to the case.
The situation creates challenges for Trump’s Republican administration, which depends on anti-abortion group support while facing ballot measures and polling data showing broad American support for abortion rights.
Both legal sides interpreted the administration’s silence as implicit support for the appeals court decision. Alito oversees emergency appeals from Louisiana and authored the 2022 ruling declaring abortion lacks constitutional protection, returning decisions to individual states.
Democratic officials in Virginia have filed an appeal with the nation’s highest court, seeking to restore a congressional redistricting plan that could shift political control in the upcoming midterm elections.
The appeal, submitted Monday, comes after Virginia’s Supreme Court rejected the new electoral boundaries in a narrow 4-3 ruling on May 8. The proposed map had been designed to convert four currently Republican-held congressional seats to Democratic ones, potentially impacting the balance of power in Washington where Republicans maintain slim majorities in both chambers of Congress.
This redistricting battle represents an uncommon mid-decade effort to redraw district lines, departing from the traditional practice of adjusting boundaries only after each ten-year census. The dispute highlights how closely divided Congress has become, with even small shifts in seat allocation carrying significant political weight.
Virginia’s state Supreme Court sided with Republican opponents who challenged the Democratic-supported ballot initiative that voters had approved in April. The court’s majority determined that Democratic legislators had failed to follow required procedures when they expedited the referendum process last year to meet election deadlines.
Don Scott, who serves as the Democratic speaker of Virginia’s House of Delegates, is leading the federal appeal effort. In their Supreme Court filing, the Democratic lawmakers argue that the state court’s decision has “deprived voters, candidates, and the Commonwealth of their right to the lawfully enacted congressional districts.”
The Virginia Democrats are invoking a 2023 Supreme Court precedent that cautioned state courts against overstepping “the ordinary bounds of judicial review” in ways that would undermine state legislatures’ constitutional authority over federal election regulations.
This mid-decade redistricting conflict gives Republicans a strategic edge in the broader national picture. The current fight traces back to efforts initiated by former President Donald Trump, who encouraged Texas Republicans to abandon their existing electoral map and create new district boundaries aimed at capturing up to five seats currently held by Democrats.
Democratic redistricting efforts nationwide have faced additional obstacles following a Supreme Court decision that weakened key protections in the 1965 Voting Rights Act. That ruling, decided by the court’s 6-3 conservative majority, has enabled Republican-controlled Southern states to eliminate districts where Black and Latino voters—who typically support Democratic candidates—held majorities.
The redistricting process typically occurs once per decade, with state legislatures redrawing district boundaries to account for population shifts revealed by the national census. However, this Virginia case represents part of an unusual wave of mid-decade redistricting efforts that could reshape congressional representation before the traditional timeline.
The nation’s highest court has prolonged a temporary freeze on a lower court decision that would have restricted how the abortion medication mifepristone can be obtained by patients across the country.
Justice Samuel Alito announced Monday that the hold will remain in place until May 14, allowing the medication to continue being delivered by mail while the court weighs its next steps.
The Supreme Court is reviewing appeals from two drug manufacturers seeking to overturn a May 1 decision by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans. That ruling would have brought back an older rule requiring patients to meet with a healthcare provider face-to-face before receiving mifepristone.
The appeals court had blocked a 2023 Food and Drug Administration regulation implemented during former President Joe Biden’s administration that allowed the medication to be prescribed via telemedicine and sent through the mail.
Pharmaceutical companies Danco Laboratories and GenBioPro challenged the 5th Circuit’s restrictions on mifepristone access. The Supreme Court initially stepped in on May 4 with a temporary hold to allow more time for deliberation.
Medical abortion procedures, which typically involve a combination of mifepristone and misoprostol, represent approximately two-thirds of all abortions performed in the United States. Any limitations on how these medications are distributed could substantially impact access across the nation.
This legal battle brings the divisive abortion issue before the Supreme Court again as November’s congressional elections approach and President Donald Trump’s Republican allies work to maintain their congressional majority.
In 2024, the Supreme Court unanimously turned down an earlier effort by anti-abortion organizations and physicians to reverse FDA policies that had made the drug more accessible.
These ongoing legal disputes stem from the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision that struck down the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling, which had established nationwide abortion rights. Following that reversal, 13 states have implemented nearly complete abortion prohibitions, while several others have imposed significant restrictions.
Louisiana filed suit against the Food and Drug Administration in 2025, arguing that the 2023 rule removing in-person dispensing requirements violated federal law and had led to a surge in medication abortions despite the state’s comprehensive abortion ban.
A former top scientist at artificial intelligence company OpenAI revealed Monday that his ownership share in the tech startup is valued at approximately $7 billion, during court testimony in an ongoing legal battle involving Elon Musk.
Ilya Sutskever, who previously served as OpenAI’s Chief Scientist, made the disclosure while testifying in a California courtroom as part of Musk’s lawsuit against the company behind the popular ChatGPT chatbot.
The legal proceedings could significantly impact OpenAI’s future, as the company has been securing massive funding from investors while preparing for what could become a trillion-dollar public stock offering. OpenAI revolutionized public access to artificial intelligence through its ChatGPT technology.
Musk’s lawsuit demands major changes to how OpenAI operates and seeks $150 billion in damages from both the AI company and Microsoft, which has invested heavily in the firm.
During his court appearance, Sutskever testified that he had been contemplating efforts to oust co-founder Sam Altman from his CEO position for at least twelve months before casting his board vote in November 2023.
According to Sutskever’s testimony, Altman’s leadership style involved “undermining and pitting executives against one another,” which he described as “not conducive to any grand goal,” including developing safe artificial general intelligence.
Sutskever was instrumental in the shocking removal and subsequent reinstatement of Altman in November 2023. As a board member at the time, he helped coordinate Altman’s initial dismissal.
After departing OpenAI in 2024, Sutskever established his own artificial intelligence company named Safe Superintelligence.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella also appeared in court Monday, describing his company’s financial backing of OpenAI as a “calculated risk.” Nadella testified that Microsoft viewed its early investments as valuable primarily for promotional advantages.
The trial has featured testimony from multiple current and former OpenAI leadership figures, including President Greg Brockman, Mira Murati, and Shivon Zilis.
Musk has stated under oath that while he was aware of early conversations about converting OpenAI into a profit-driven enterprise, Altman assured him the organization would maintain its nonprofit status.
WASHINGTON – Federal officials on Monday imposed financial penalties on a dozen individuals and businesses accused of facilitating Iran’s petroleum exports to China, the Treasury Department announced.
The sanctions target three individuals and nine companies operating across multiple countries, with four entities located in Hong Kong, four in the United Arab Emirates, and one in Oman.
Monday’s action follows similar penalties imposed Friday against people and organizations that helped Iran acquire weapons and components for manufacturing drones and ballistic missiles.
The timing comes just ahead of a scheduled meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, where Trump plans to urge China’s cooperation in resolving tensions with Iran and reopening the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
According to Treasury officials, the Office of Foreign Assets Control’s latest designations focus on individuals and organizations that assisted Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in selling and transporting Iranian petroleum to China through shell companies established in countries with lenient economic oversight.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated the Trump administration plans to intensify economic pressure on Tehran to cut off funding streams that support Iran’s weapons programs, nuclear activities, and regional proxy groups.
“Treasury will continue to cut the Iranian regime off from the financial networks it uses to carry out terrorist acts and to destabilize the global economy,” Bessent said.
WASHINGTON – Federal officials have quietly scrubbed their website of information regarding a newly announced security testing partnership with major technology companies and their artificial intelligence systems.
The U.S. Commerce Department has taken down details about an agreement requiring Google, Microsoft, and xAI to submit their AI models for government security evaluation, according to a website review. A link that formerly displayed the department’s announcement now shows an error message stating “Sorry, we cannot find that page.”
The webpage was later redirected to the Center for AI Standards and Innovation’s site, which is the federal organization overseeing these evaluations.
Just six days ago on May 5, the Commerce Department had publicly revealed that these technology firms would provide their newest AI systems to government researchers before releasing them to consumers. This arrangement was designed to allow federal scientists to examine the models for potential security weaknesses.
Federal authorities have expressed mounting concerns about national security threats from advanced artificial intelligence technology, including systems like Anthropic’s Mythos. Through early access to these cutting-edge models, government officials hoped to detect risks spanning from cyber threats to potential military exploitation.
The reason behind the website’s removal remains unclear. Representatives from both the Commerce Department and the Trump White House have not yet provided responses to requests for comment.
Motorists traveling on Route 1 southbound should expect delays near the Christiana Road intersection where a vehicle accident has blocked the left lane of traffic.
The Delaware Department of Transportation is reporting the crash at the Route 273 interchange, which has resulted in the closure of one lane while crews work to clear the scene.
Drivers are advised to use caution in the area and allow extra time for their commute while the incident is being addressed.
ROME — While world No. 1 players Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner have made headlines discussing potential boycotts, it’s Jessica Pegula working behind the scenes to unite tennis’s elite players in their fight for better compensation from Grand Slam tournaments.
The 2024 U.S. Open finalist brings unique perspective to the leadership role, having grown up in a family that owns both the Buffalo Bills NFL franchise and the Buffalo Sabres NHL team.
“I think it maybe does (come naturally) just because I feel like I’ve taken on a bit of a leadership role with it,” Pegula explained.
The world No. 5 player already heads a newly formed 13-member committee tasked with recommending changes to women’s tennis scheduling, ranking systems, and tournament participation requirements. Now she’s tackling the compensation disparity issue as well.
“I’m not afraid to go up to any type of player and go like, ‘Hey, are you interested in this or not?’” Pegula stated. “Some players, they don’t care, sometimes they’re not worried about it. Sometimes they’re like, ‘Yeah, for sure, I’m 100% in.’ I’ve been reaching out to players on the men’s and women’s side.”
Last week, Sabalenka suggested players might need to boycott tournaments to secure a larger portion of tournament revenues, while Sinner expressed frustration about the lack of respect shown to athletes.
“At the end of the day the players are the ones that have the big voices,” Pegula noted. “It’s been nice to see Aryna and Jannik kind of step out. I know a lot of other players feel the same way. But to have the two No. 1s very outspoken about it, that’s kind of what it takes to get them to listen.”
The compensation gap is striking when compared to other major sports. NFL and NHL athletes receive approximately 50% of total revenues, while tennis players at most tournaments earn less than half that percentage. According to a recent player protest statement, the upcoming French Open will allocate under 14.9% to competitors — a decrease from 15.5% in 2024.
French Open officials announced last month they were boosting total prize money by roughly 10% to 61.7 million euros ($72.1 million), representing a 5.3 million euro increase from the previous year. However, players argue the underlying financial data reveals a different reality.
“It’s crazy. It’s an insane difference. Obviously they’re different sports. They’re run differently,” Pegula said when comparing tennis compensation to the NFL. “But tennis has been a very old-school sport. I think it’s one of the things that needs to change. Sometimes change is good. Sometimes that means fighting for things.”
This same player coalition sent correspondence to all four Grand Slam tournament directors last year requesting increased prize money and greater input in tournament decisions. Wimbledon responded by raising its 2025 prize pool 7%, the U.S. Open increased theirs by 20%, and the Australian Open boosted compensation by 16% this past January.
Despite these improvements, players maintain that Grand Slam tournaments still fall short of the 22% revenue share offered at regular ATP and WTA Tour competitions.
“The slams have kind of just gotten away with paying not that much because we’re a very individual sport,” Pegula observed. “It’s hard to get players to come together. We’re not on a salary where football players or basketball players can afford not to play.”
French Open organizers, whose tournament begins in less than two weeks, have not responded to media inquiries about the compensation dispute.
Wimbledon is expected to reveal its prize money structure next month, and Pegula said players have yet to receive any communication from the All England Club.
“We’re just going to kind of continue to talk amongst ourselves,” she said.
Tennis governance complexity stems from having seven different organizing entities: the four Grand Slam tournaments, the ATP, the WTA, and the International Tennis Federation.
“That’s what makes it so hard is that our sport is super fragmented. Hard to get everybody on the same page,” Pegula explained. “That’s why it’s been huge to actually have the top 10 men and women really come together. I’m hoping that will get the Slams’ attention.”
While managing her activist efforts, Pegula continues competing at the Italian Open, where she advanced to the quarterfinals Monday with a 7-6 (6), 6-2 victory over Anastasia Potapova. She had previously dominated Rebeka Masarova 6-0, 6-0 in an earlier round.
Her next opponent will be either three-time Rome champion Iga Swiatek or four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka.
Between matches and organizing player protests, Pegula has been frustrated by her inability to watch the Sabres’ historic playoff run — their first postseason appearance in 15 years — due to the time difference between Europe and the United States.
The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Sabres 6-2 in Game 3 Sunday night, taking a 2-1 series lead in their second-round playoff matchup.
“My gosh, I am so upset that I have not been able to see any of the games,” Pegula said. “I would give anything to just be at a playoff game. … I love it so much. It’s my favorite thing.”
JERUSALEM (AP) — Military officials have sentenced two Israeli service members to prison time following an incident where they vandalized a statue of the Virgin Mary in southern Lebanon, with one soldier inserting a cigarette into the statue’s mouth while another captured the act on camera.
The image, showing the service member with a cigarette hanging from his own lips, spread rapidly across social media platforms and generated significant international criticism. This incident represents another example of actions by Israeli military personnel that have been characterized as anti-Christian behavior in southern Lebanon, where Israel conducted ground operations this year targeting the Iranian-supported Hezbollah organization.
Military authorities announced that the soldier who posed for the photograph will serve 21 days behind bars, while his counterpart who took the picture faces a 14-day sentence.
According to military spokesperson Lt. Col. Ariella Mazor, who posted on X, the armed forces “views the incident with great severity and respects freedom of religion and worship, as well as holy sites and religious symbols of all religions and communities.”
This controversy emerged just days following another incident where photographs showed an Israeli soldier attacking a fallen crucifix statue with an ax in the southern Lebanese community of Debel, drawing sharp criticism from international officials, religious authorities, and Israeli political figures. Military leadership also imposed prison sentences on personnel involved in that separate incident.
Israeli military units gained control over southern Lebanon during the recent Israel-Hezbollah conflict, which commenced on March 2 after the Iranian-backed Lebanese organization launched rockets across the border two days following the beginning of hostilities between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. Israeli forces have maintained their presence despite an ongoing ceasefire agreement.
Military officials also reported Monday that a soldier serving as a driver was killed during operations near the border region, bringing the total number of Israeli military deaths in the area to 18 since the Iran conflict began.
According to Israeli military statements, their operations focus exclusively on structures that served as Hezbollah strongholds. However, the extensive damage has raised concerns among Lebanese government officials and civilians that many people forced from their homes during the recent fighting may have no place to return to if the current fragile ceasefire continues.
DOVER — Drivers in Kent County should prepare for a major traffic change beginning Monday, May 18th, as state transportation officials close a busy intersection for construction.
DelDOT will shut down the intersection where Kenton Road meets Chestnut Grove Road, located between Burning Tree Road and Mapledale Road, to begin roundabout installation work.
Construction crews plan to tear out the current intersection completely before building the new circular traffic pattern in its place. The project timeline extends through the end of July, according to transportation officials.
Alternative routes will be marked with detour signs to help motorists navigate around the construction zone during the multi-month closure.
The National Agricultural Statistics Service has issued its most recent evaluation of crop development and agricultural conditions nationwide.
The federal agency’s latest assessment provides farmers, agricultural professionals, and industry stakeholders with current data on planting advancement and field conditions for key crops throughout the country.
These regular reports from NASS serve as important benchmarks for tracking seasonal agricultural progress and help inform decision-making across the farming sector.
NETHERLANDS — Venezuela’s acting leader Delcy Rodríguez firmly dismissed President Donald Trump’s suggestion that he might make Venezuela America’s 51st state, declaring her nation will remain independent.
Rodríguez made these statements Monday while speaking to reporters at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, where final arguments were being heard in Venezuela’s territorial dispute with Guyana over the resource-rich Essequibo region.
“We will continue to defend our integrity, our sovereignty, our independence, our history,” Rodríguez stated. She emphasized that Venezuela is “not a colony, but a free country.”
The Venezuelan leader’s response came after Trump told Fox News he was “seriously considering making Venezuela the 51st US state,” according to a social media post by Fox News co-anchor John Roberts. The White House has not yet commented on Trump’s statement.
Trump has previously made similar remarks regarding Canada.
Despite rejecting the statehood comments, Rodríguez noted that Venezuelan and American officials have maintained contact and are pursuing “cooperation and understanding.”
During the court proceedings, Rodríguez argued that political negotiations, rather than judicial decisions, should settle the longstanding territorial conflict with Guyana over Essequibo.
The disputed territory spans 62,000 square miles and represents two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass. The region contains valuable deposits of gold, diamonds, and timber, plus sits adjacent to offshore oil fields producing approximately 900,000 barrels daily.
This oil production rivals Venezuela’s own output of roughly 1 million barrels per day and has elevated tiny Guyana into a major energy player in South America.
Venezuela’s territorial claims date back to Spanish colonial times when the jungle region fell within its borders. However, an 1899 arbitration decision by British, Russian, and American officials established the current boundary along the Essequibo River, largely favoring Guyana.
Venezuela maintains that a 1966 Geneva agreement to resolve the dispute invalidated the 19th-century arbitration. But in 2018, three years after ExxonMobil discovered significant oil reserves off Essequibo’s coast, Guyana asked the International Court of Justice to confirm the 1899 boundary decision.
Tensions escalated in 2023 when Rodríguez’s predecessor, Nicolás Maduro, threatened military annexation of the region following a referendum on incorporating Essequibo as a Venezuelan state. Maduro was captured January 3 during a U.S. military operation in Caracas and transported to New York to face drug trafficking charges, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
While avoiding mention of the referendum, Rodríguez told the court that the 1966 Geneva agreement was designed to facilitate bilateral negotiations between Venezuela and Guyana. She criticized Guyana’s government for making an “opportunistic” decision to seek judicial resolution.
“At a time when the mechanisms established in the Geneva agreement were still fully in force, Guyana unilaterally chose to shift the dispute from the negotiating arena to a judicial resolution,” she explained. “This change was not accidental; it coincided with the discovery in 2015 of the oil field that would become world-renowned.”
Last week’s opening statements featured Guyana’s foreign minister, Hugh Hilton Todd, telling international judges that the dispute “has been a blight on our existence as a sovereign state from the very beginning.” He noted that 70% of Guyana’s territory hangs in the balance.
The court will likely require several months to issue its final, legally binding decision.
Venezuela has cautioned that its participation in the proceedings does not constitute acceptance or acknowledgment of the court’s authority over the matter.
Hundreds of displaced Haitians found themselves sleeping on streets near the capital’s main airport Monday after weekend gang battles forced them from their homes in Port-au-Prince.
Among those seeking refuge along the highway was 56-year-old Monique Verdieux, who escaped after witnessing armed groups setting fire to homes in her community. Her family members fled in separate directions, leaving her uncertain of their whereabouts.
“I am now sleeping in the street,” Verdieux explained, emphasizing that returning home remained too dangerous.
The violent confrontations between rival gangs broke out during the weekend throughout multiple northern districts of Haiti’s capital, forcing displaced residents onto the roadway that connects to Toussaint Louverture International Airport.
Criminal organizations have seized control of over 90% of Port-au-Prince following President Jovenal Moïse’s murder at his residence in July 2021. Law enforcement officials report these groups have broadened their criminal operations beyond the capital, engaging in theft, abductions, and sexual violence throughout rural areas. The country has remained without a president since the killing occurred.
During the past two weeks, Haiti’s Barbancourt rum company along with two major beverage bottling firms have raised alarms about worsening security near the Port-au-Prince airport, where flight operations face significant limitations.
The businesses issued a joint declaration Sunday criticizing the government’s crisis response as “largely insufficient,” while highlighting how deteriorated road conditions around the airport hinder Haitian security personnel from effectively patrolling the vicinity.
“You cannot secure an airport if you allow the roads around it to degrade,” their statement declared.
Initial international military personnel connected to a United Nations anti-gang mission reached Haiti in April to assist in combating persistent violence.
The U.N. Security Council granted approval in late September for deploying a 5,550-member peacekeeping force, though the complete contingent has yet to arrive on the Caribbean island.
Research published this year by the International Organization for Migration revealed that gang-related violence has uprooted more than 1.4 million Haitians, with roughly 200,000 currently residing in overcrowded and underfunded displacement camps throughout the nation’s capital.
WASHINGTON — A preservation organization based in the nation’s capital is seeking court intervention to stop the Trump administration from continuing work on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and to reverse historic modifications at one of America’s most recognizable landmarks on the National Mall.
The Cultural Landscape Foundation filed legal action on Monday, contending that the administration’s decision to paint the pool’s bottom blue without conducting required evaluations violates federal laws protecting historic locations. The organization maintains that these alterations to the Reflecting Pool represent part of President Donald Trump’s wider campaign to implement sweeping Washington renovations while bypassing proper review processes and altering the area’s character.
“The design intent, to create a reflective surface that is subordinate, is fundamental to the solemn and hallowed visual and spatial connection between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial,” stated Charles A. Birnbaum, the organization’s president and CEO. “A blue-tinted basin is more appropriate to a resort or theme park.”
The president has shown direct involvement in this initiative, previously describing the location as “filthy” before crews applied what he terms “American flag blue” paint to the pool. Trump’s presidential convoy traveled across the drained and freshly painted Reflecting Pool during the previous week, allowing him to personally inspect the work’s progress.
The legal challenge targets the Interior Department and National Park Service, agencies responsible for overseeing numerous renovation projects currently underway throughout Washington. Interior Department spokesperson Katie Martin responded that Trump “has done more to make our nation’s capital a shining beacon than any other president in the history of this country.”
“The Department is proud of the work being carried out by our Park Service to ensure this magical spot can be enjoyed for not only our 250th, but for many generations to come,” Martin stated.
During the previous year, Trump has demolished the East Wing to create space for a ballroom. His name has been placed on the exteriors of the U.S. Institute of Peace and Kennedy Center, which he intends to shut down for a two-year renovation period. His image appears on a banner at the Department of Justice headquarters, among other locations. He is advocating for a triumphal arch near Arlington Cemetery and has shut down parks, including Lafayette Square opposite the White House, for rehabilitation work.
Numerous other projects face similar legal challenges.
The Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families has selected Sarah Azevedo to lead its Division of Family Services as the new director.
Azevedo steps into the position following the retirement of Trenee Parker, who concluded her career after serving the department for 30 years. Parker’s departure marks the end of three decades of commitment to Delaware’s children and families.
The newly appointed director brings extensive experience to her new role, having worked within DFS for more than 27 years in various capacities throughout her career with the division.
Ocean City, Maryland will host a special ceremony this Memorial Day to pay tribute to military service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
The commemorative service is scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 2026, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the Firefighters Memorial on North Division Street.
The town’s annual tribute provides an opportunity for residents and visitors to gather and remember the brave individuals who gave their lives while serving in the armed forces.
GEORGETOWN – Delaware transportation officials have extended a road closure in Sussex County that will keep drivers off a section of Coverdale Road until mid-June.
The Delaware Department of Transportation has informed drivers that Coverdale Road will remain closed at the bridge location through June 15th. The affected area spans from Hastings Farm Road to Seashore Highway.
DelDOT has established alternate routes for motorists, with detour signs currently posted throughout the area to guide traffic around the closure.
Medical facilities in Port-au-Prince’s Cite Soleil district cleared out patients on Monday while the international aid organization Doctors Without Borders suspended operations as armed gang violence that started two weeks ago worsened during the weekend.
The humanitarian group, known internationally as MSF, reported that hundreds of local residents fled to their medical facility for safety, where a security guard was wounded by gunfire that entered the hospital grounds. A separate medical facility reported moving newborn babies from their intensive care ward to safety.
President Donald Trump plans to issue executive orders on Monday designed to tackle rising beef costs by increasing imports and helping rebuild America’s cattle population, according to a White House official.
The administration official did not reveal specific details about the two planned orders, which are being introduced as the nation’s cattle herd has declined to its smallest size in seven and a half decades while beef costs keep rising.
According to earlier reporting by The Wall Street Journal, Trump plans to temporarily lift tariff-rate quotas on imported beef, which would permit greater quantities of meat to enter the country with reduced tariff costs. The publication also indicated that the president would instruct the Small Business Administration to expand lending opportunities for cattle ranchers and decrease protections for gray wolves and Mexican wolves that attack livestock under current Endangered Species Act provisions.
A preservation organization filed a federal lawsuit Monday aimed at stopping President Donald Trump’s renovation project at the Lincoln Memorial’s reflecting pool in Washington D.C.
The Cultural Landscape Foundation claims the ongoing construction project breaks federal law under the National Historic Preservation Act, which Congress enacted in 1996 to establish guidelines for modifications to historically significant sites.
The organization is requesting an immediate court order to stop the Trump administration’s work, which involves changing the pool’s traditional “gray stone” look to an industrial coating that resembles a blue swimming pool.
According to the legal filing, “The dark grey, achromatic basin was not incidental to the design. It was the design.”
The Department of the Interior, which oversees the renovation work, faces the lawsuit. The agency defended the project in a statement, claiming Trump “has done more to make our nation’s capital a shining beacon than any other president in the history of this country.”
The former president revealed the renovation plans last month, describing the project as something that’s “going to be fantastic” and “really beautiful.” Trump made an unexpected visit to observe the construction progress via his motorcade.
According to Trump, a visiting German friend’s criticism of the reflecting pool’s condition inspired the renovation project.
“He said, ‘It’s filthy, dirty. The water is disgusting-looking. It’s not representative of the country,’” Trump explained to reporters during a White House gathering last month.
This legal challenge joins several others targeting Trump’s Washington D.C. improvement projects, including golf course renovations and a proposed White House ballroom addition.
A federal judge temporarily blocked the ballroom construction on March 31, stating that “unless and until Congress blesses this project through statutory authorization, construction has to stop!”
However, an appeals court subsequently removed that restriction, permitting ballroom construction to continue during ongoing legal proceedings.
A new national survey reveals that most Americans believe President Donald Trump has failed to provide clear justification for the ongoing military conflict with Iran, according to Reuters/Ipsos polling data released this week.
The nationwide poll, which wrapped up on Monday, found that 66% of respondents feel Trump has not adequately outlined the objectives behind U.S. military engagement in Iran. This sentiment crosses party lines, with roughly one-third of Republican voters and nearly all Democratic voters expressing this view.
The military action commenced on February 28 with coordinated U.S.-Israeli airstrikes and has now stretched beyond two months. While recent weeks have seen decreased hostilities as both nations have proposed potential peace agreements, the conflict has significantly impacted American consumers at the gas pump.
Fuel costs have surged approximately 50% nationwide as Iran successfully blocked the Strait of Hormuz, cutting off one-fifth of global oil supplies. Despite U.S. naval efforts to reopen this crucial shipping lane for oil tankers, Tehran maintains control over the waterway.
The economic impact on American families has been substantial. Survey results show 63% of households report that rising gasoline prices have negatively affected their personal finances, representing an increase from 55% when the same question was asked in mid-March.
Trump’s overall job performance rating has seen a modest uptick to 36%, climbing two points from his term-low of 34% recorded in late April polling. However, this figure remains below his 40% approval rating from before the Iranian conflict began. When Trump took office in January 2025 following his 2024 election victory on a platform promising to reduce costs for Americans, he enjoyed 47% approval.
Public opinion regarding responsibility for escalating fuel prices shows significant concern for the current administration. Three-quarters of those surveyed, including half of Republican respondents, believe Trump’s team bears considerable responsibility for the gas price surge. When asked to assign partisan blame, 65% pointed to Republicans while 27% blamed Democrats.
Looking ahead, four out of five Americans anticipate further increases at the pump. This expectation is already affecting summer plans, with roughly 30% of respondents indicating they may need to modify vacation arrangements if current prices persist. Many are considering trip cancellations or shorter travel distances.
The economic pressures could have significant political implications for Republicans, who currently hold slim majorities in both the House of Representatives and Senate heading into November’s midterm elections. Political analysts suggest the party’s chances of retaining control depend heavily on whether gasoline prices decline before voters head to the polls.
With no resolution visible between Washington and Tehran, the economic and political ramifications continue to unfold. The Reuters/Ipsos survey collected responses from 1,254 American adults through online polling methods, with results carrying a margin of error of three percentage points in either direction.
Drivers traveling through the intersection of Doncaster Road and East Edinburgh Road should prepare for potential delays as construction crews continue their work in the area.
According to DelDOT officials, motorists can expect intermittent lane restrictions at this location throughout the day. The construction-related traffic pattern changes are set to conclude by 6 PM this evening.
Commuters are advised to allow extra travel time when passing through this area and to exercise caution around construction workers and equipment.
A groundbreaking figure in baseball broadcasting has passed away. René Cárdenas, who made history as Major League Baseball’s first full-time Spanish-language announcer, died Sunday at his Houston residence at age 96, the Astros announced Monday.
Cárdenas began his historic career when the Dodgers relocated from Brooklyn to Los Angeles in 1958. His pioneering work included being part of the inaugural Spanish-language broadcast of the World Series in 1959 and calling the All-Star Game in Spanish two years after that.
“We mourn the passing of René Cárdenas, who in 1958 with the Dodgers became the first full-time Spanish-language broadcaster in MLB history and would ultimately spend 21 years behind the mic for Los Angeles,” the Dodgers said Sunday in a social media post.
The newly formed Houston Colt .45s brought Cárdenas aboard in 1961 for their debut 1962 season. He remained with the organization for 14 seasons, continuing his role when the team became the Astros in 1965 upon moving to the Astrodome.
“With yesterday’s passing of Rene Cardenas, we lost a true legend and pioneer in broadcasting,” the Astros wrote Monday in a statement on social media. “As the franchise first Spanish broadcaster, Rene had a tremendous impact on the success of the Colt .45s/Astros in Houston’s large Hispanic community and beyond. We send our heartfelt condolences to Rene’s family and loved ones.”
After returning to his homeland of Nicaragua in 1975, Cárdenas made his way back to Major League Baseball in 1981, becoming the Texas Rangers’ inaugural Spanish-language broadcaster, according to former Rangers public relations executive John Blake.
His second tenure with the Dodgers began in 1982 and spanned nearly 20 years. He also made another return to Houston, becoming the first broadcaster to call Astros games in Spanish on television in 2008.
Following his retirement from the booth, Cárdenas continued contributing to baseball through writing for the Astros’ Spanish-language website and La Prensa, a newspaper in Nicaragua.
Beyond baseball, Cárdenas covered major sporting events, including the 1971 heavyweight boxing bout between Muhammad Ali and Jimmy Ellis at the Astrodome.
His contributions to the sport earned him multiple honors: induction into the Nicaragua Baseball Hall of Fame in 2000, the Broadcasters Wing of the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame in 2002, and the Astros Baseball Media Wall of Honor in 2013.
NEW YORK — American companies are grappling with mounting expenses as the ongoing conflict involving the U.S. and Israel against Iran continues, with economic experts warning of potential challenges ahead including reduced hiring and business investment.
A survey conducted by the National Association for Business Economics reveals that approximately half of business economists report the conflict has harmed their company operations, according to findings released Monday. Additionally, 54% cite energy price increases as a major concern, while over two-thirds have experienced higher material costs during the past three months — marking the steepest increase NABE has recorded since July 2022.
The conflict, which started with U.S. and Israeli military actions on February 28, has triggered a global energy emergency. Oil prices continue climbing as Washington and Tehran remain locked in a standoff over the Strait of Hormuz, creating price pressures for companies and families worldwide. As fuel expenses mount, transportation costs are cutting deeper into business operations. Supply chain interruptions affecting essential items like fertilizer are adding additional pressure.
Companies are transferring these increased expenses to consumers through higher prices, extending beyond the immediate impact seen at gas stations.
According to NABE’s survey of economists from corporations, trade groups and universities, 48% indicated their companies are shifting at least some cost increases to customers — a decrease from 60% recorded in January. However, NABE discovered that more respondents (16%) anticipate raising prices within six months, while no companies plan price reductions.
Most survey participants report strong current sales and stable profit projections. This aligns with broader Wall Street sentiment, where impressive earnings across sectors from technology to oil have pushed markets near record levels recently.
However, only 13% of NABE survey participants anticipate profit growth in the near term — the smallest percentage since 2023, according to the organization.
Employment and spending may face additional impacts soon, with nearly 25% of survey respondents planning to reduce investment and hiring over the next six months.
“Sales over the past three months were steady, but materials costs increased and profit margins declined,” stated Martha Moore, chair of NABE’s survey, in a prepared statement. She noted that expectations had “softened” across multiple indicators while price outlook continues rising.
Moore, who serves as chief economist and managing director at the American Chemistry Council, highlighted growing recession worries. Half of survey participants see greater than a 25% probability that the U.S. enters recession within the coming year, up from 44% who projected such likelihood in January, NABE reported.
WASHINGTON — Federal officials are instructing American banks and financial institutions to keep watch for Iranian money laundering operations that utilize shell corporations and digital currency networks to illegally transport sanctioned petroleum products.
This directive essentially enlists the worldwide banking system to help dismantle Iran’s sanctions-dodging infrastructure, occurring as US-Iran relations have reached another deadlock regarding ending their conflict while their current truce becomes more fragile.
On Monday, President Donald Trump declared the Iranian ceasefire is on “life support” following his dismissal of Tehran’s most recent peace proposal.
The Trump administration is urging financial institutions to identify specific clients who might be washing money for Iran’s Revolutionary Guard — this includes recently established businesses transferring exceptionally large sums, organizations that channel payments through numerous middlemen, or deals linked to Iranian cryptocurrency companies, along with other warning signs.
Within the US effort to track Iranian petroleum sales, banks receive instructions to look for oil marked as “Malaysian blend” to hide its Iranian source, absent or fake transport paperwork, or vessel-to-vessel oil transfers that mask cargo origins.
A Monday report from Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network indicates that petroleum companies tied to Iran handled approximately $4 billion in deals during 2024.
Additionally, multiple shipping firms headquartered in Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and Hong Kong — all linked to moving sanctioned Iranian petroleum — moved roughly $707 million through American bank accounts in 2024.
Beyond conducting bombing operations in Iran, the Trump administration has shifted toward an economically-centered strategy designed to pressure Tehran into surrender through sanctions and threats of secondary penalties against Iran’s partners.
Last April, Treasury delivered correspondence to financial organizations in China, Hong Kong, the UAE, and Oman warning of potential secondary sanctions for conducting Iranian business and claiming these nations permit Iranian illegal operations to pass through their banking systems.
WASHINGTON — On Monday, President Donald Trump announced his intention to pursue a suspension of the federal gasoline tax as Americans face climbing fuel costs linked to the Iran conflict.
However, the president lacks the authority to eliminate the federal tax independently. Such action would require Congressional authorization.
Bipartisan legislators have advocated for eliminating the gas tax temporarily, arguing it would deliver essential financial relief to families and businesses depending on vehicles for commuting to work and school, as well as daily activities.
According to AAA data from Monday, national gas prices averaged $4.52 per gallon, representing a 50% increase from the roughly $3 per gallon average before the Iran war began under Trump’s administration.
Currently, the federal levy stands at 18.4 cents per gallon for gasoline and 24.4 cents per gallon for diesel, figures that exclude state taxes, which are typically higher.
When White House reporters questioned Trump about the duration of such a suspension, he responded, “Until it’s appropriate.” Although the tax adds approximately 18 cents per gallon to gas costs, “it’s still money,” Trump stated.
In response to escalating gas prices, the Trump administration has authorized the release of millions of barrels from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve and temporarily eased sanctions on certain Russian and Iranian oil shipments currently in transit. The U.S. is in discussions with nations dependent on Middle Eastern crude to form a coalition for monitoring the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil trade typically passes.
The gasoline tax generates over $23 billion annually in funding for federal highway and public transportation initiatives.
Missouri Republican Senator Josh Hawley announced on social media Monday his plans to propose legislation suspending the gas tax. Democratic lawmakers have previously backed comparable measures.
Florida Republican Representative Anna Paulina Luna also posted on X that she would introduce legislation “to suspend the federal gas tax in light of Trump’s recent remarks.”
The continuing surge in fuel prices has raised concerns among some Republicans about potential negative impacts on the party’s midterm election prospects. Trump has previously stated that higher fuel costs are acceptable to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
This firm stance appeared to moderate Sunday when Energy Secretary Chris Wright indicated the Trump administration was “open to all ideas,” including gas tax suspension, during his appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
Democratic Senators Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Mark Kelly of Arizona have sponsored legislation that would halt the federal tax until October 1. A comparable House measure was introduced by Democratic Representative Chris Pappas of New Hampshire.
“Trump’s war of choice with Iran is driving up gas prices across the country — and Americans shouldn’t have to bear the additional economic burden of Trump’s reckless decision making,” Blumenthal stated when introducing the legislation.
Several states, including Indiana and Georgia, have recently paused their taxes to reduce high prices during the conflict. Additional states are considering similar suspensions.
According to ESPN reports released Monday, the Milwaukee Bucks are willing to entertain trade discussions involving superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo as the NBA draft approaches this summer.
The franchise had previously considered moving the two-time Most Valuable Player before the regular season’s trade deadline but ultimately decided to keep their cornerstone player through at least the current offseason period.
Team co-owner Jimmy Haslam revealed to media members last week his desire to have Antetokounmpo’s future determined prior to the draft scheduled for June 23-24.
“Sometime over the next six or seven weeks we’ll decide whether Giannis is going to sign a max contract and stay with us or he’s going to play somewhere else,” Haslam stated to reporters last Wednesday. “(General manager) Jon (Horst) and (new coach) Taylor (Jenkins), along with (co-owner) Wes (Edens) and myself, will make that call and we understand the gravity of that call.”
Sources indicate Milwaukee would seek proven young players and potentially multiple draft selections in any potential deal involving Antetokounmpo.
The veteran forward has compiled impressive career statistics across 13 seasons and 895 total games (830 as a starter) with Milwaukee, posting averages of 24.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.1 steals per contest. His leadership helped deliver the organization’s first championship in five decades during the 2021 season. The 31-year-old has earned 10 All-Star selections and nine All-NBA team honors.
This past season proved challenging for Antetokounmpo, who appeared in just 36 games due to various injuries affecting his groin, calf and knee. His final appearance came on March 15, though he expressed frustration in early April about being healthy but unavailable to compete.
“I’m available to play, but I’m not in the game,” Antetokounmpo shared with reporters on April 3. “I’m available to play today. Right now. I’m available.”
He continued: “For somebody to come and tell me to not play or not to compete, it’s like a slap in my face. So I don’t know where the relationship goes from there.”
Antetokounmpo’s contract includes $58.46 million for the 2026-27 campaign and features a player option for the following season.
Sunday’s NBA draft lottery resulted in Washington securing the top selection, while Milwaukee received the 10th overall pick. The draft combine begins Monday in Chicago.
Officers with the Newark Police Department’s Patrol Division confiscated three weapons during separate vehicle stops over the weekend, spanning a period of less than 33 hours.
The series of traffic stops began early Saturday morning, May 9, 2026, around 4:21 AM and concluded Sunday afternoon, May 10, 2026, at approximately 1:01 PM, according to department officials.
During each of the three separate incidents, patrol officers discovered firearms while conducting routine traffic enforcement operations throughout the city.
The Newark Police Department has not yet released additional details regarding the circumstances of each stop or whether any arrests were made in connection with the weapon recoveries.
Northampton County, Virginia officials are encouraging residents to consider running for local municipal offices in the upcoming 2026 elections.
The county is actively seeking individuals interested in serving as mayor or town council members in various municipalities throughout the region. Those considering a run for local office must complete and submit their candidacy filing documents by the established deadline.
The filing period for prospective candidates closes on June 16, 2026, giving interested residents several months to prepare their campaigns and meet all necessary requirements for candidacy.
Municipal elections provide opportunities for community members to directly participate in local governance and help shape policy decisions that affect their neighborhoods and towns.
The NBA has decided not to impose additional penalties on San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama following his ejection from Sunday’s playoff matchup against Minnesota, according to a league source who requested anonymity.
The decision means Wembanyama will be available when the Spurs host the Timberwolves for Game 5 on Tuesday night, with their Western Conference semifinal series deadlocked at 2-2.
The incident occurred during Sunday evening’s contest when Wembanyama was thrown out of the game after striking Minnesota’s Naz Reid with his elbow. The contact happened early in the second quarter as players battled for a rebound, with Wembanyama becoming entangled with both Reid and Jaden McDaniels before swinging his arms and catching Reid in the face.
Game officials reviewed the incident and determined it warranted a Flagrant 2 foul, which automatically results in ejection. Television cameras captured Wembanyama on the sideline appearing confused about the ruling, seemingly asking his teammates to explain what a Flagrant 2 penalty meant.
Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson defended his star player following the game, stating that Wembanyama “gets hit on every play.”
“At some level, you have to protect yourself,” Johnson explained. “Every single play on every single part of the floor, people are trying to impose their physicality on him. I get it. We get it. That’s part of the game. At some stage, he should be protected and if not, he’s going to have to protect himself. And unfortunately, stuff like that happens.”
The ejection marked the first time in Wembanyama’s professional career that he had been thrown out of a game. Data from Sportradar indicates this was only the third flagrant foul assessed against the French big man, who earned unanimous recognition as this season’s Defensive Player of the Year and finished as a finalist for Most Valuable Player.
League protocol requires the NBA to examine all such incidents, with officials having the authority to modify, reduce, or eliminate flagrant and technical foul calls upon further review. However, the source indicated that Sunday’s ruling will remain unchanged.
LAREDO, Texas — Railroad workers made a grim discovery Sunday when they found six deceased individuals inside a freight train car at a Union Pacific facility near the Mexican border in Laredo, Texas, according to local law enforcement.
The bodies were discovered during a routine inspection of the rail cars, according to Jose Baeza, spokesperson for the Laredo Police Department. The individuals showed no signs of life when they were found, Baeza stated.
Emergency responders and police officers quickly arrived at the rail yard location. Officials verified that six people had died – five males and one female, Baeza informed the media. The identities of the deceased have not been released.
Medical examiners will conduct autopsies to determine how the individuals died, Baeza announced. He did not respond to follow-up inquiries on Monday.
Officials have not disclosed where the freight car had traveled before arriving at the facility.
“Union Pacific is saddened by this incident and is working closely with law enforcement to investigate,” the railroad company stated.
The border city of Laredo serves as a major commercial crossing point between the United States and Mexico and has become a frequent location for human trafficking activities, though investigators have not confirmed whether these fatalities are connected to smuggling operations.
In 2023, two human traffickers received life sentences for orchestrating the deadliest border smuggling tragedy in U.S. history. The convictions stemmed from the deaths of 53 migrants discovered in an overheated truck trailer in Texas during 2022.
During a comprehensive CBS 60 Minutes interview, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cautioned that Israel and the United States maintain their commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, suggesting military operations could restart if diplomatic approaches prove unsuccessful. He emphasized that the ongoing conflict has fundamentally altered Middle Eastern power dynamics.
When questioned about whether the conflict with Iran had concluded, Netanyahu responded: “I think it accomplished a great deal, but it’s not over because there’s still nuclear material, enriched uranium that has to be taken out of Iran.” He highlighted that uranium enrichment facilities require dismantling, Iran’s proxy network continues operating, and Tehran persists in ballistic missile development. “There are still enrichment sites that have to be dismantled. There are still proxies that Iran supports.”
The Israeli Prime Minister indicated that President Trump shares his position that Iran cannot be permitted to maintain nuclear weapons capabilities. Referencing discussions with President Trump during both 2016 and the 2024 campaign period, Netanyahu recalled the president consistently stating: “We cannot let Iran have nuclear weapons.”
According to Netanyahu, while sanctions and economic measures during Trump’s initial presidency temporarily slowed Iran’s nuclear advancement, they ultimately proved insufficient. “They went back to enrichment. They went back to full, their full efforts on nuclear, to develop a nuclear weapon,” he explained. Netanyahu claimed Iran was “very close” to acquiring nuclear weapons before Israeli and American operations struck their infrastructure.
When pressed about methods for removing enriched uranium from Iran, Netanyahu avoided detailing military strategies but mentioned President Trump’s belief that the material could be physically extracted through an agreement. “If you have an agreement and you go in and you take it out, why not?” he stated. He consistently declined to elaborate on potential military contingencies, noting only that both nations could “reengage them militarily” when necessary.
Netanyahu characterized Iran as experiencing its greatest weakness since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, citing economic damage, internal divisions, and public unrest that have destabilized the regime. “There are fissures in the regime,” he observed, noting that some officials worry about economic collapse and potential popular uprisings. He credited combined US-Israeli attacks on petrochemical facilities, steel plants, and missile infrastructure with substantially weakening Tehran.
However, Netanyahu avoided predicting regime change definitively. “Is it possible? Yes. Is it guaranteed? No,” he stated. Drawing parallels to the Soviet Union’s collapse and communist Romania’s fall, he noted that authoritarian governments often seem stable until experiencing sudden collapse.
The Prime Minister revealed that Israeli intelligence has extensively infiltrated Iran and conducted what he termed “surgical attacks” on scientists, commanders, and senior officials. Nevertheless, he dismissed suggestions that Israeli operations alone could spark a revolution. “One out of 100 Iranians is in the secret police,” he said, describing the regime as relying on terror and oppression.
Netanyahu also challenged New York Times reporting suggesting he privately assured President Trump that joint operations could guarantee regime change. He emphasized both leaders understood the risks and uncertainties involved. “There was danger in action,” he said, “but there’s greater danger in not taking action.”
Regarding the Strait of Hormuz situation, Netanyahu commended the United States’ blockade approach against Iran, describing it as “a brilliant move.” While acknowledging that Iran’s shipping threats created worldwide economic disruption, he said Tehran miscalculated the repercussions. “They should have understood that that would eventually cause … a reaction that was very powerful,” he commented.
Concerning Lebanon, Netanyahu claimed Israel had eliminated over 90% of Hezbollah’s missile and rocket arsenal, which he said previously totaled 150,000 projectiles targeted at Israeli cities. “Hezbollah is basically a proxy of Iran,” he stated, accusing the organization of controlling Lebanon. He reported Israel had created a security zone in southern Lebanon to prevent another large-scale infiltration similar to the October 7 Hamas attack.
Netanyahu dismissed the concept that any ceasefire with Iran should automatically include Hezbollah. “They want Hezbollah to stay there and continue to torture Lebanon,” he said regarding Tehran’s stance. When asked if he would accept such conditions even under President Trump’s pressure, Netanyahu answered: “No.”
The Israeli leader argued that weakening Iran would similarly weaken Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis. “The whole scaffolding of the terrorist proxy network that Iran built collapses if the regime in Iran collapses,” he said, while acknowledging the process would take time.
Addressing Gaza, Netanyahu admitted Hamas had failed to fulfill previous commitments to disarm and demilitarize under earlier agreements. “Hamas promised to do it, and they violated the deal,” he said. While weapons production and smuggling operations had been significantly curtailed, Netanyahu stated: “The disarmament and the demilitarization of Hamas has not been done.”
He pledged Israel would ultimately ensure Hamas could no longer endanger Israeli civilians. “We are not going to let Hamas ever threaten Israel again,” he declared, adding that Israel preferred achieving this objective “the easy way” if possible.
Netanyahu firmly rejected allegations that Israel was conducting indiscriminate attacks in Gaza and Lebanon. “We’re as discriminating and surgical as any army has ever been in history,” he asserted, claiming Israel had taken exceptional steps to warn civilians through phone calls, leaflets, and text messages. He blamed Hamas and Hezbollah for intentionally positioning themselves among civilian populations.
The Prime Minister also contended that Israel was losing the “social media war,” particularly among younger Americans. He alleged foreign governments and coordinated “bot farms” were manipulating online conversations to undermine Israel support and damage US-Israel relations. “While we were fighting the physical military battle on seven battlefields … we were completely exposed on the eighth front, the media war,” he said.
Netanyahu expressed his desire for Israel to eventually eliminate American military aid completely and replace it with joint defense and technology partnerships. “I want to draw down the American support for Israel to zero,” he said, proposing collaborative projects involving missile defense, intelligence, and advanced technologies. “We’ve come of age,” he added, citing Israel’s technology economy and expanding regional relationships.
The Prime Minister also suggested several Arab nations were pursuing closer strategic cooperation with Israel following the Iran conflict. “Let’s strengthen our alliance with Israel,” he said some regional leaders were privately communicating. Netanyahu connected these developments to the Abraham Accords and expressed belief that new partnerships involving energy, artificial intelligence, and defense cooperation were achievable.
Regarding Chinese and Russian support for Iran, Netanyahu said China had provided “a certain amount of support on particular components of missile manufacturing,” while characterizing Russian assistance during the conflict as limited and inconsistent.
Near the interview’s conclusion, Netanyahu rejected claims that he pursued war for political gain. Before October 7, he noted, he was often criticized for being too militarily restrained. However, after Hamas’ attack, he determined Israel faced a coordinated effort by Iran and its proxies to eliminate the Jewish state. “It’s not going to happen. Not on my watch,” he concluded.
Delaware transportation officials have announced upcoming lane restrictions for the Summit Bridge that will affect traffic patterns throughout the summer months.
The Delaware Department of Transportation will implement periodic lane closures on Route 896’s Summit Bridge, which crosses the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, to conduct essential maintenance work. The project encompasses steel repair work and painting operations on the bridge structure.
Transportation officials estimate the lane restrictions will commence in mid-May and continue intermittently through the summer season as crews complete the necessary bridge improvements. DelDOT plans to suspend the lane closures during holiday weekends and other periods when construction work is not actively taking place.
Motorists traveling through the area should expect potential delays and are advised to plan alternate routes when possible during active construction periods.
Former President Donald Trump is advocating for the temporary elimination of federal gasoline taxes as Americans face escalating fuel costs during the current conflict with Iran.
The proposal to halt federal gas tax collection would require legislative action from Congress to become reality.
Gas stations across the country, including locations in Los Angeles, California, are displaying prices exceeding $6 per gallon, highlighting the financial burden on consumers nationwide.
The federal gas tax suspension represents one potential approach to providing relief to drivers dealing with surging costs at the pump during this period of international tension.
